Age-Friendly and Eco-Friendly Spotlight on Rochester

As part of Rochester EarthFest 2019, AARP Minnesota has created the Age-Friendly, Eco-Friendly Spotlight on community features that make Rochester and Olmsted County an accessible and sustainable place to live for people of all ages. Read on to learn about these features, AARP’s work to create “Livable Communities” and how you may win a $100 gift card to People’s Food Co-op.

To participate and enter the prize drawing, visit (or at least visit these websites) and learn more about these age-friendly and eco-friendly destinations in your community. To enter the drawing for a $100 gift card to People's Food Co-op, visit and/or learn more about this local age-friendly and eco-friendly features listed below.

by 4:00 p.m. on April 27, 2019. Or, visit the AARP booth at Rochester EarthFest Expo, Rochester Community and Technical College Field House, College Pkwy SE, Rochester, MN 55904, Saturday, April 27 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to complete an entry form.

• Rochester Area ReStore Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity 
  • Donate and reuse household items and building materials to keep them out of the waste stream.
• Cascade Meadow Wetland & Environmental Science Center
  • Accessible trails, educational sustainability programs, and interactive exhibits.
• TerraLoco – Local Run Specialty & Active Lifestyle Boutique
  • Products, services, $5 5K program. Supporting the community & EarthFest 2019 Trail Cleanup.
• 125 Live Center for Active Adults
  • Physical, social and intellectual opportunities to engage the minds and bodies of our community.
• Advanced Walk Signal Prototypes Rochester Public Works 
  • Pedestrians can begin crossing before vehicles get the green light.
  • Located at 4th St. SE & 1^st Ave. and West Center St. & 1^st Ave.
• Family Service Rochester
  • Helping older adults live safely and comfortably in their own homes. Chores, rides, meals, home modifications and more!  
• Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility
  • Unlike power plants that burn natural gas or coal, OWEF burns residents’ garbage to create electricity. No visitors please, learn more online.
• Quarry Hill Nature Center
  • Opening eyes and minds through natural science discovery. Trails, programs, exhibits and more!  

There are many additional EarthFest activities planned during Earth Week, April 22-28, 2019. This fifth-annual celebration in Rochester is a 7-day, volunteer-led event at various locations including Assisi Heights, Quarry Hill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, RCTC, Olmsted Waste-to-Energy Facility, and downtown Rochester. Learn more at www.EarthFestRochesterMN.org.

AARP supports the efforts of neighborhoods, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. Learn more at  www.AARP.org/Livable