Many Pittsburghers know that Fred Rogers used the numbers 1-4-3 as his unique way of saying “I love you.” Always blending love and teaching, he pointed out to children that 1, 4 and 3 are the number of letters in each word of this important phrase. And along the way he reminded all of us how important it is to let those around us know they are loved.
143 Day has become an official holiday in Pennsylvania. And this year, it feels more welcome than ever as we slowly emerge from the isolation of the pandemic. To make this year extra-special, Pittsburgh has two celebrations happening that put a spotlight on the kindness and groundbreaking child development work of Fred Rogers.
First, you can Meet the People Who Helped Mister Rogers Build the Neighborhood on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m.
Parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders are invited to this Q&A with Fred Rogers’ real-life colleagues. What was he like when he wasn’t on camera? How did he make Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood into the beloved program it became? And what can parents, educators, and everyone else learn from Fred Rogers today?
This conversation will be hosted by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, authors of “When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.”
Guests include Bill Isler, the former president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, Hedda Sharapan, who helped produce the Neighborhood for more than three decades, and Aisha White, who helped Rogers bring the lessons from the Neighborhood into classrooms and schools.
Everyone is invited. To RSVP for this free event, click here.
Then on Sunday, May 23 – the actual 143 Day – you can share in a sweet celebration with cookie activist Jasmine Cho and her special guests.
Food Network baking champion Jasmine Cho will teach everyone how to make heart-shaped linzer cookies in this virtual session. Click here for the Linzer Cookie Recipe, so you’ll be ready with the ingredients for this free event.
Once you register, the recipe and the Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. This event is great for kids (and adults!). To RSVP, click here.
