What to know about new pediatric RSV immunizations

Immunizations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now available for newborn infants and expectant mothers. How do these immunizations work, and are they safe and effective? UR Medicine infectious disease experts provide insight on how they will benefit newborns.

Prevent slips, trips, and falls this winter

As winter weather ramps up, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is calling on members of the University community to remember safe walking practices. The EHS website has numerous posters that can be printed out for your department, digital slides for TV displays, and general winter weather tips and articles. To summarize safe walking in snow and ice:

• Use sturdy footwear with textured soles
• Stay alert and put your phone away
• Take your time—walk slowly
• Avoid any spots that look icy
• Use handrails on stairs
• Call the snow removal hotline, (585) 275-0000, to report hazardous conditions 24/7 (Medical Center and River Campus only)
• File an employee incident report for any injuries resulting from slips, trips, or falls on University campus properties Share with your team, and remember to contact EHS with questions at (585) 275-3241.

Flags will be lowered for Joseph McDonald

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Tuesday, December 19, for Joseph McDonald, a professor emeritus in the Department of Neurosurgery, who died on November 25. McDonald joined the University faculty in 1975.

‘Night to Write’ for AS&E

At “Night to Write,” undergraduate and graduate students in AS&E can find snacks, coffee, and good company to help fuel productivity and fight end-of-semester procrastination. Drop in any time and write as long as you’d like today, December 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. Writing tutors and librarians will be available to help and answer questions.

Data visualization competition

If you recently used graphics—such as charts, maps, graphs, or animations—to represent data for a project, then you recently created a submission-worthy piece for the River Campus Libraries’ Data Visualization Competition, part of the Data Bloom series. Submissions will be accepted until Wednesday, December 22. The best visualizations from undergraduate and graduate students and the visualization that receives the “People’s Choice Award” will receive a prize worth $100. Full details and a link to submit can be found on the Data Bloom page. Questions? Contact Arjay Romanowski, the STEM librarian.

LGBTQ+ Safe Space sessions

Registration is now available for guided LGBTQ+ Safe Space courses in the first quarter of 2024 for all faculty and staff. Locate the sessions by searching within MyPath for the “Safe Space Playlist.” Begin with the first course, “Part 1: Gaining Knowledge.” Upon completion, employees are invited to register for “Part 2: Creating Safety,” paving the way to become a University LGBTQ+ Safe Space Champion. These classes are offered at no cost, with many remaining virtual. For inquiries, reach out to the Office of Learning and Development.

Research seminar: 'Methods for a Social Science of Social Media'

Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science and the Department of Political Science for “Methods for a Social Science of Social Media,” with Kevin Munger, an assistant professor of political science and social data analytics at Penn State University. The research seminar will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at 12:15 p.m.  in Harkness Hall, Room 329. A Zoom link is available to virtual attendees, link.

Presentation on the holidays and alcohol use disorders

Visit the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, December 14, any time after 11 a.m. to access a taped presentation by Strong Recovery staff members Reed Wojick, Abigail Walker, and Carrie Lefler on “Just the One: Why the Holidays Can Trigger Alcohol Use Disorders & How to Stay in Control.” Learn more about the role Strong Recovery’s Peer Team plays in guiding patients with alcohol use disorder on their journey to recovery. Find out why the holidays can be a difficult time, learn coping strategies, and discover the importance of their shared experience in developing patient relationships.

Eastman Community Music School's Winterfest is Saturday

Join Eastman Community Music School on Saturday, December 16, to celebrate the holiday season with its annual musical tradition, Winterfest. An all-day extravaganza of performances across the Eastman School of Music campus, Winterfest features ensembles and students ranging in age from elementary school to adults. Find the performance schedule here.

Staff art show closes December 17

Due to construction in Wilson Commons, the end date of The Artful Unwind staff art show in the Hartnett Gallery has been moved up to December 17. Get to the gallery this week to check out this first-of-its-kind juried art show featuring recent artwork from more than 40 employees across the University.

Finish the year ‘Strong’ with great holiday gifts

Whether you’re looking for gift cards, cozy UR Medicine apparel, or the 2024 Pet Therapy Calendar, the Friends of Strong Gift Shop has you covered. Did you know? Your purchase at the Gift Shop—big or small—helps benefit patient- and family-centered care initiatives throughout Strong Memorial Hospital.

PrimoHoagies coming to College Town this spring

College Town announces the spring 2024 arrival of PrimoHoagies, a national sandwich shop named “Best Sandwich in America 2023” by USA Today. “We’re very excited to welcome PrimoHoagies into our community early in 2024,” said Michael Zanghi, director of College Town Rochester. “I anticipate that their offerings will be very popular with students and employees on River Campus and at our Medical Center, as well as Mt. Hope community residents.”  Owned by the University, College Town is a destination to shop, dine, stay, and live—featuring restaurants, services, retail, and Class A office space.