Kid's World East Edition • Hersam Acorn Newspapers

8/7/2019 Kid's World East Edition • Hersam Acorn Newspapers

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/kids-world-east-edition-hersam-acorn-newspapers 1/18

Special Section to: The Valley Gazette I The Stratford Star I The Milford Mirror I The Amity Observer I The Trumbull Times I Fair fi eld Sun I The Huntington Herald I The Monroe Courier I The Easton Courier

April 7, 2011

Kid sWORLDSpring 2011 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS



• 2 • • Kids World • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • April 7, 2011 •

Magical momentswith Melissa

ON STAGE AND OFF

Melissa Russo’s fascina-

tion with magic began

when her grandfather

gave her a magic set.

—Danny Riccio photo

by Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell

See Magical on page 14

A pretty little balloon can pack a pretty big punch. That’s the case

with most everything that lands in Melissa Russo’s 14-year-old

hands. When the multi-talented, award-winning magician appeared

in 2010 on “Lillian’s Corner,” a public-access television show, hostess

Lillian Andersen, who passed away last year, introduced her by pre-

senting a grocery bag that contained the cherished leftover scraps of

a balloon sculpture that Melissa had created for Lillian while she un-

derwent chemotherapy. This is just one example of what Melissa’s

mother, Michele, describes as “the power of a little tiny balloon.”

The balloon-fi lled creations are only one of Melissa’s many talents,

which are, well, magical. The Trumbull resident fell under the spell

of performing tricks after her grandfather gave her a magic set. Af-

terwards, her mother took the then 11-year-old Melissa to Stamford

to a September meeting of the Society of Young Magicians, Bill An-

drews Assembly #42, the younger arm of the Society of American

Magicians, the oldest magicians’ fraternity in the world.

Michele, who back then was a Connecticut Public Television pro-

ducer, was writing a story about the society. Once Melissa saw Stam-

ford resident and professional magician Graham Fishman, who was

16 years old at the time, perform, her mother, who is now also her

manager says, “She was mesmerized.”

“He had birds coming out of every part of his body, and he had

cards coming out of his hands ... and I was like, ‘I have to do that,’”

Melissa recalls.

“I had to sign her up that day,” Michele adds.

The “awe from the audience,” also inspired the budding magician,

who, ironically, admits that she is far from gregarious. In fact, she

who still dodges standing in front of a classroom initially took a back

seat at the society’s meetings.

The magic didn’t click until months later when Melissa and her



• April 7, 2011 • • Kids World • Hersam Acorn Newspapers • • 3 •

��

��

��

��

��




What could be cooler than checking out a brilliant

blue Poison Dart Frog, a majestic Siberian Tiger,

suiting up for a simulated space mission or gazing

up at distant planets and thousands of sparkling

stars?

Kids of every age have the opportunity to enjoy

a myriad of exciting and educational adventures

at two of Connecticut’s most diverse attractions

— the Beardsley Zoo and the Discovery Museum

and Planetarium.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo houses a fantastic ar-

ray of more than 300 live animals, including rare,exotic and endangered varieties. Beasts and birds,

insects and reptiles — both mighty and minute

— reside at this zoo, primarily from North and

South America.

Take a peek at two-toed

sloths, prickly porcupines,

stunning Canadian lynx,

black- tailed prairie dogs,

hypnotic gray wolves and

pale-faced Saki monkeys.

Pudgy pigs, inquisitive goats

and curly-haired sheep can

be found in the New Eng-

land Farmyard. Walk along

the Hoofstock Trail and dis-cover massive, mighty bi-

son, graceful pronghorn an-

telope and delicate deer.

Curious kids will also be able

to learn more about efforts

to conserve endangered and

threatened animals, such as

the gigantic Andean Condor,

Amazing adventuresRIGHT HERE IN CONNECTICUT

Naka, a Siberian tiger, joined the Beardsley Zoo family in 2009. At right, summer camp at the Discovery Museum is filled

with adventure.

by Robin E. Glowa

See Amazing on page 13

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��




by Karen Dydzuhn

Barely out of their teens themselves, Gary

and Fran Scarpa started to direct young

people in musicals and plays in 1976. A

recent graduate of Southern Connecticut

State University, Gary got a job as a teacher

at Shelton High School, his alma mater, and

was asked to stage “The Music Man” for the

school’s drama club. Although she was still

attending classes to complete her degree,

Fran, his then-fiancée, acted as the produc-

tion’s co-director.

The show was a success and, sealing their

professional and personal union, the couple

got married a month after Fran’s graduation

from college. “The whole cast came to our

wedding,” Gary recalled. “We’ve had a love

affair with teens ever since that first show.”

Gary and Fran continue to educate young

people about theater arts through Center

Stage Theatre and the Youth CONNection

Players. Coincidentally, John Spinetti, an ac-

tor appearing in Center Stage’s current pro-

duction of “Twelve Angry Men,” appeared

in a leading role in the 1976 production of

“The Music Man.”

The Scarpas’ two grown daughters, Gina

and Mia, teach musical theater, voice and

acting classes at Center Stage. They are at

the helm of a teen musical that’s staged ev-

ery fall.

Gary explained that he’d started the Shel-

ton Youth CONNection, a community the-

ater group for high school and college-age

students, in 1983 as a way to keep his hand

in theater arts. At that time, he made the

decision to leave the teaching profession

for a career in sales. As a young father and

husband, Gary was concerned about earn-

ing enough income to support his growing

family. However, Gary admitted that he was

“devastated” about leaving the Shelton High

School Drama Club.

The Youth CONNection’s first musical,

“West Side Story,” was staged in the formerHuntington School, which is now the Hun-

tington Community Center. Because the

building was vacant, Shelton’s mayor didn’t

charge the theater company any rent, said

Gary. Every summer since then, the Scarpas

have offered teens from New Haven and

Fairfield counties the opportunity to be part

of exciting musical theater productions.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is slated for this year’s

Youth CONNection production. Although

audition times have not been announced,

Gary said they usually take place on the Sat-

urday of Memorial Day weekend.

Though many teens enjoy performing in

front of the footlights, there are some who

are happy to take responsibility backstage.When Gary and Fran launched Center Stage

Theatre in 2005, young people were an inte-

gral part of the company’s success. Accord-

ing to Gary, six teens, including Shelton’s

Justin Zenchuk, assumed responsibility for

the shows’ lighting, costumes, sets and

sound.

“I just absolutely love being at Center Stage,

and it is seriously a second home to me,”

said Justin. “The best feeling of all is to

watch or be in a production and see the fin-

ished product and notice all of the accom-

plishments that I have made in such a short

amount of time. Every ounce of energy that

I put in is beyond worth it.”

Moreover, Justin has learned many les-sons from the couple. “The environment

that Gary and Fran create is just absolutely

phenomenal. I value their dedication to the

arts,” Justin said.

Gary and Fran appreciate the hard work ex-

hibited by the theater’s young people. “We

consider the teens to be the life blood of

Center Stage,” he said. “I don’t think Center

Stage would survive without them.”

For more information about Center Stage The-

atre: 203-225-6079; centerstageshelton.com.

THE RIGHT CONNECTION

For those who love theater arts

Kayla Giampaolo, Justin Zenchuk, Anna Shannon and Melissa Rampton shine in “The Boyfriend.”

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

� �

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� � � � � � � � �

� � � � �

� � ��

� �

��

��

��

�

�

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��




Many teens participate in community

service projects at their schools, church-

es and local organizations. However, it’s

rare to find those who are interested in

global issues affecting women and willing

to raise awareness and financially support

these causes.

Hannah Dighton, 15, of Ridgefield, said

that when she learned how many young,

poor girls in Cambodia are kidnapped

and forced into prostitution by human

traffickers, she was determined to make

changes.

At a program sponsored by the Connecti-cut Council of Vital Voices last fall, Hannah

met Mu Sochua, a human rights activist

who is helping victims of this crime return

to their parents to recover. A documentary

about her work was screened in Westport

last fall.

“It was so powerful,” Hannah said. “I

had honestly not seen anything like it

before. Seeing the girls in such poverty

made me appreciate what I have.” At this

event, Hannah was introduced to Alexis

Teixeira, a Westport teen who started the

first Teen Vital Voices club at Staples High

School. With Alexis’ encouragement and

assistance, Hannah plans to launch Fair-

field County’s second Teen Vital Voices at

Ridgefield High School.

Roberta Cooper, president of the Connect-

icut Council of Vital Voices, is happy to

see the organization’s mission embraced

by the state’s young people. “The enthu-

siasm of these young people speaks to

their need to assist and support others,”

Mr. Cooper said. “Vital Voices focuses

on identifying, training and empowering

emerging women leaders, and mentoring

is an important component of many Vital

Voices programs. The Connecticut Council

feels strongly that we must also nurture anew generation of aware, caring and ef-

fective young women and men who can

carry on the important work of Vital Voic-

es. This is our legacy.”

In its first year, the Westport Teen Vital

Voices, comprised of 40 young women

and men, raised more than $600 through

bake sales. Like Hannah, Alexis was also

motivated to make changes after hearing

Kakenya Ntaiya speak at the Connecticut

Council about opening the first school for

girls in her Maasai village in Kenya. “She

had a pretty powerful story that motivated

me to get involved,” Alexis said. “I didn’t

Teen Vital VoicesSPEAK TO WOMEN GLOBALLY

by Karen Dydzuhn

Alyse Nelson, CEO of Vital Voices Global Partnership, met with Alexia Teixeira, who started the first Teen Vital

Voices club, and Mu Sochua, a human rights activist.

Sessions starts June 28.Sound Scientists summer day programs for children ages 6-12.

Pick from one-day or one-week sessions. Extended care available.

Summer Science Fun!

MaritimeAquarium.org / 203.852.0700

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

B o u n c e s �

��

��

� � � �

cannot be combined.

cannot be combined.

carni val packag e!

carni val packag e!

Got A Truck?Pick It Up!Moon Bounces

One Day Rental

�cannot be combined.

carni val packag e!

Carnival Package!�

Includes: Bounce &1 Choice of: Popcorn, Snowcone

or Cotton Candy Machine.Product extra.

Spring Fling��

�

20x20 white canopy tent4 round tables and 24 chairs




know about the violation of women before.

Living in Westport, I live in a bubble. Look-

ing around me, everything seems great.”

Clearly committed to educating girls, Ntaiya

is currently enrolled in a doctorate program

at the University of Pittsburgh. All that she

learns will be brought back to her village

and reinvested in educating the young girls

there.

Jennifer Morris, manager of Outreach and

Engagement for Vital Voices Global Partner-

ship, works in the organization’s Washing-

ton, D.C., office and is also committed to

sharing information about strong female

leaders with young women, such as Alexis

and Hannah. “We need to build support

from the next generation of women who

will carry the torch,” she said. She also

pointed out that the Teen Vital Voices initia-

tive is “a great way to bring global issues to

the local level.”

Hannah attended last fall’s event featur-

ing Mu Sochua with her Girl Scout troop

because they had been discussing women

empowerment issues. As a candidate for

Scouting’s Gold Award, Hannah hopes to

design a project focusing on young girls’

self-esteem and body image. “I would also

like to discuss how women are portrayed in

the media,” Hannah said.

In the meantime, Hannah would like to

finalize plans for Ridgefield’s Teen Vital

Voices by finding a teacher advisor and se-

curing permission from the school’s admin-

istrators.

Now in its second year, the Westport club is

continuing to raise funds to support Ntaiya’s

students. In its first year, they donated $468

to provide tuition for four girls at the Kak-

enya Center for Excellence. The remaining

funds — about $125 — were used to pur-

chase T-shirts and fabric paint so the club

members could send personalized shirts to

every girl at the school. “They came out re-

ally cute,” Alexis said. “They wear uniforms

to school and a lot of these girls don’t have

any fun clothes to hang out in.”

This year, the Westport Teen Vital Voices

club raised $3,200. Though some of the

funding came from bake sales, the major-

ity came from donations made to Teen Vital

Voices in lieu of gifts to Alexis for her Sweet

Sixteen party. This will be used to provide

scholarships for 30 girls at Ntaiya’s school.

Also, club members recently shipped a DVD

series, sponsored by the Discovery Channel,

called “Life on Earth,” and a book published

by the American Girl Company, “The Care

and Keeping of You.”

The Westport club thought these would be

appropriate gifts since Ntaiya told Alexis

that the girls “have little knowledge about

themselves and their place in the world.”

One of the many nuggets of wisdom that

Alexis learned from Vital Voices is that

women are more likely than men to re-in-

vest in their community and, specifically,

in other women. “Women are most likely

to pass along the knowledge that they re-

ceive and reinvest in other women,” Alexis

pointed out.

She and her mother, Lisa, a member of the

Connecticut Council’s Steering Committee,

are currently working to create a “tool kit”

for Teen Vital Voices that could be used by

chapters launched at other high schools.

Hannah, too, agreed that it’s important for

people in the United States to use their abili-

ties to help other countries. “All around the

world there are teenage girls who don’t have

any opportunities of education, and that isscary to think about,” she said. “Although

there are exceptions, like Kakenya, most of

them won’t be able to escape the poverty

cycle. There are honestly so many people to

help and empower.

These girls are under-served; they are emo-

tionally and sexually abused. They need

help — and who better to help them than

more teenage girls their age?”

For more information, e-mail jennifermorris

@vitalvoices.org.

��

�

�

215 Bridgeport Ave. • Shelton, CT 06484

203-924-2737kidstopkids.com

16 Hickory Street • Trumbull, CT 06611

203-261-0499cornerstonekids.com

– AND –

��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

OF MONROE

PRESCHOOL��

��

��

�




If your child can’t put down a camera, has

a passion for music or sees the performing

arts as a way to express himself/herself, it’s

time to quit dreaming and start creating.

You don’t have to look very far to find a va-

riety of schools or camps where the arts are

seen not only as a career choice but a valu-

able opportunity to learn about contempo-

rary technology, the power of communica-

tion, artistic expression and self-assurance.

Besides all that, it’s fun.

Computers, smart phones and easy-to-

master video programs have allowed even

the youngest to try their hand at a creative

process. Mac’s Garage Band, MAGIX Music

Maker for PCs, iMovie and Photoshop are

only a few of the programs available to stu-

dents of all ages. But if your child wants to

delve deeper into photography, film-mak-

ing, song-writing or orchestration, there are

an abundance of ways to do this.

Apple runs a three-day iMovie workshop,

Creative artsfor all ages

EXPAND YOUR IMAGINATION

by Priscilla Whitley

��

��

��

��

K-12 OPEN HOUSE

May 16, 2011, 9:00 a.m.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

� ��

��

��

�

��

� ��

� ��

��

T L C K i n d e r g a r t e n

Trumbull Loves Children provides a half-day Kindergarten session in each

elementary school in Trumbull. Children may attend from 8:35 am to 12:05

��

��

www . t l c t r um b u l l . c om

� ��

��

� � � � �

��

�

��

your child than a traditional daycare. TLC

reinforces the Kindergarten curriculum and

provides your child an opportunity to make

��

in a nurturing and safe environment.

Give TLC a call today at 203-452-9626 or visit our website

for more informaton and to download TLC Kindergarten

registration forms:

��

��

��

� ��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

�

�

��

��

��

��

Two Locations:

Bridgeport Office 203.333.20/20

Stratford Office 203.377.20/20

www.FamilyVisionCenters.net

Eye Exams • Eyeglasses the Same Day • Treatment of Eye Diseases

Contact Lens Fittings • Complete Eyeglasses Starting at $90

Most Insurances Accepted • 10% Senior Citizen Discount

Family Vision Center

famvision.comYour family online store for contact lenses

Save Up To 50% OffReplacement Contact Lenses at Famvision.com or by calling 877.972.2020

Where Quality is Affordable!




where they teach the basics of movie-mak-

ing to children aged 8 to 12. These one-and-

half-hour sessions teach such techniques

as theme selection and story boarding. The

youngsters are encouraged to shoot their

own footage either by using their own cam-

eras or one of Apple’s, which they can use

in the store. On the third day, they showcase

their work during a film festival. Apple also

offers workshops for their Garage Band app

as well as other programs for those aged 6

to 13, and their camps and workshops are

free. This is an exciting way to learn not only

how best to use a Mac computer but also

finish with a short film or piece of original

music. Visit the Apple Web site, find dates

and sign up. Apple also publishes a blog for

more information. Parents are welcome to

accompany their child. Visit apple.com/re-

tail/youth.

Filmmakers Inc. offers one- and two-week

summer programs in film-making, act-

ing, screenwriting and editing, which are

geared to various ages. The courses are held

in towns throughout Connecticut, as well

as Westchester County. Here students will

experience creating movies from script to

screen by developing a script, creating light-

ing design and a shoot list. Students partici-

pating in the acting section will spend the

first week doing acting exercises designed

to sharpen their listening skills and learn-

ing to work in an improvisational format.

Concentration and team work are essential

for film acting and are employed in the day-

to-day cooperation needed to create a film.

The second week, the students will act in

films being produced by the film-making

program, allowing them to gain on-camera

experience. Information, dates and loca-

tions may be found at filmmakers-ink.com.

The New York Film Academy in New York

City offers a summer full of film-making,

acting classes and animation classes for

preteens 10 to 13. For those 14 to 17, film

making, acting classes, broadcast journal-

ism and acting for the musical theater are

some of the offerings. Classes range from

a weekend to three- and six-week courses

and are held at the Millennium High School

in downtown Manhattan. This is a serious

but fun-filled commitment. More informa-

tion is at nyfa.edu.

If performing — whether it be on stage, in

film or a musical — has captured your child’s

imagination, the Enchanted Garden and EG

Conservatory in Ridgefield hold classes in

acting, dance, instrumental lessons, vocal

studies and digital arts. From pre-k through

high school, the Enchanted Garden has

become one of Fairfield County’s premier

arts education centers. They offer a broad

selection of courses — including training in

See Creative on page 15

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

FREE��

��

��

�

��

� � � ��

��

��

��




For the thousands of youngsters who will be going off to camp

this summer, the call of the wild may include computers, and for

their parents it means another factor must be weighed in decid-

ing where a child can best experience a computer sleep-away

or day camp. The first computer camp was established in 1977

by Dr. Michael Zabinski Professor of Engineering at Fairfield

University. Now, 34 years later, Zabinski’s National Computer

Camps are offered at Fairfield University.

What are the keys to a good computer camp? There are many

important ingredients that differentiate computer camps, but

Choosing acomputer camp

STAFF & CURRICULUM ARE MOST IMPORTANT

by Michael Zabinski, Ph.D.

The curriculum caters to a wide range of campers’ interests and backgrounds.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

�

��

�

��

St. Jude School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Celebra�ng 50 Years of Academic Excellence!

St. Jude Students score an average of 2 years abovegrade level on standardized tests.

Nominated 3 mes for theU.S. Department of Educaon Blue Ribbon Awardfor Excellence—with scores in the top 10-15% of

students across the naon!

Call or stop in TODAY to find out why

Students and Parents LOVE St. Jude School

5 Day—Full or 1/2 Day PreK 4

Full Day Kindergarten

Before and A�er School Care

Saint Jude School707 Monroe Turnpike

Monroe, Connecticut 06468203-261-3619 www.stjudesmonroe.org

St. Jude School Hours

7:35 AM - 1:50 PM • Monday - Friday

A�er School Program: 1:50 PM - 6:00 PM

Enrichment Program Includes

Tennis, ArtSmart, Chorus, Basketball and Girls So�ball

St. Jude Pre-School Hours

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM • Monday - Friday

Extended Day: 12:00 PM - 1:45 PM

A�er School Program: 1:45 PM - 6:00 PM

Pediatric Healthcare Associates

Providing Care for Children & Adolescents!

203-452-8322www.pha4kids.com

We are now on Facebook: Pediatric Healthcare Associates, PHA, CT

Co mmerce Park Off ice Stratfor d Offic e So uthp ort Offic e4699 Main Street 2876 Main Street 2600 Post Road

Bridge port, CT 0 6606 St rat ford, CT 0 6614 Sout hport , CT 0 68 90

Shelton OfficeFairfield Office 4 Corporate D rive Tru mbull Off ice

525 Tunxis Hill Cut-Off Suite 290 15 Corporate DriveFairf ie ld , C T 0 6825 Shelto n, CT 06 484 Tru mbu ll, C T 06611

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

�

��

��

��

��

��




the most important are the staff and the

curriculum.

Instructors need to be passionate about com-

puter technology. National Computer Camp

selects outstanding ex-campers to join the

staff. These young men and women have

incredible knowledge, are enthusiastic and

provide continuity. They are excellent role

models for the campers. The staff skillfully

administers the camp’s philosophy of moti-

vating campers by presenting age-appropri-

ate lessons in exciting ways with examples

the campers can relate to and identify with.

The ideal camper-to-staff ratio is 6:1.

The curriculum needs to cater to a wide range

of campers’ interests and backgrounds. The

camp needs to provide instruction in a wide

range of subject matter, and campers then

select among various courses. For example,

at the National Computer Camp (NCC) at

Fairfield University instruction is offered in:

video game design, computer languages,

Web page design, software applications,

digital video production.

Video Game Design: A camper has a truly

amazing idea for a game but does he/she

know what to do with it? Transforming the

idea into an actual game is the challenge.

In this project-oriented course, campers be-

come familiar with game-design software

and learn the skills needed to turn a cool

idea into a really cool game by mastering

the techniques and elements that go into

creating games, such as action, adventure,

arcade and role playing games.

Computer Languages: Instruction is offered

in BASIC Visual Basic, C++, Java, Open-

GL, Assembler, HTML, XML, JavaScript.

Instruction is interactive at the computer

and campers “learn by doing.” Each week,

instruction in these computer languages

needs to be offered for all levels from be-

ginner to advanced. Campers select one of

these languages and study it for the week.

Web Page Design: The HTML language is

used to write Web pages and is appropriate

for campers of all ages. Once the camper

completes his/her personal Web page, it is

uploaded to the Internet. As the camper

progresses through the curriculum, he/she

learns Photoshop and Flash. These applica-

tions are used to enhance the graphics and

animations of Web pages.

Software Applications: At NCC, age-appro-

priate software applications are taught in

the afternoon during the creative-comput-

ing period. Each day campers select among

Photo Shop, 3-D Graphics, Flash, Web Ani-

mation, Networking, Power Point and Ex-

cel.

Digital Video Production: Want to be a film-

maker? A movie director? Campers have fun

as they write and shoot their movies and

then transfer their footage from the camera

to the hard drive. With the aid of video soft-

ware, the images are manipulated: Use the

razor tool, add transitions and filters, super-

impose graphic titles and add music. The

final version of each project is recorded on

CD for the campers to take home.

Other Considerations

Here are some specific things to look for,

ask about and beware of in looking for the

right computer camp.

Hardware: Be sure to ask what kind of com-

puters the camp uses, for example, PC or

Mac, and is the hardware state-of-the-art?

It is frustrating for campers to return from

camp and not be able practice on their own

computer what they learned at camp.

Computer/Camper ratio: Most experts agree

that working in pairs is very beneficial.

There is more interaction between campers

and they tend to share their ideas. However,

the camp needs to be flexible and accom-

modate campers who prefer to work alone.

A Typical Day: The camp day needs to be

balanced. In addition to computer instruc-

tion, the camp needs to offer recreational

and social activities. However, it is impor-

tant that these activities are optional and

that the computer room is always open dur-

ing these recreational periods. For example,

campers should not be required to partici-

See Computer on page 12

Join our professional staff for an 8 week program of arts &crafts, music, dramatic play, science and indoor/outdoor

games for children ages 3 through 5!(Children must be 3 Years Old by June 13, 2011 to Attend)

The first two weeks are: Monday-Friday 9:00AM - 12:00PM (A daily snack is provided)

$165.00 per week for the first two weeks,( If you sign up for both weeks you save $20! )

(A daily snack is provided)

$140.00 per week / Sign-up for 2 weeks save $20

Sign-up for 4 weeks save $40 / Sign-up for 8 weeks save $80

The next six weeks are: Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM

Susanna Wesley SchoolAnnounces

2011 Summer Day Camp

June 13 – August 4, 2011338 Walnut Tree Hill Road Shelton, CT

338 Walnut Tree Hill Road Shelton, CT For more information (203) 925-1076

��

��

� ��

�

��

��

�

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� � ��

� � ��

� � ��

��

� � ��

� � � � ��

�

�

�

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Fun and exciting! That’s what Trumbull’s

children love about Camp TLC and so will

yours. Parents love the convenience of a camp

so close to home and at such an affordable cost.

��

TLC Camp is ful l-time or part-t ime, 2, 3, 4

or 5 days a week, it’s your choice.

Field trips, creative arts and crafts, group

games, sports and visits to local beaches ar e

just some of the fun activities planned

for your children.

��

3-5, Kindergarten thru 3rd grade, 4th thru 5th grade and Fun Zone

Camp just for 6th thru 8th Grade. For campers who attend the Afternoon

Explorers Camp in July, TLC offers a half-day camp.

��

pages to learn more and download Camp registration

�www.tlctrumbull.com.��

��

��




regal red wolf and the Andean Spectacled

Bear.

A flock of assorted birds are here to be

contemplated, including colorful Gold and

Blue Macaws, Scarlet Ibis and mysterious

Eastern screech owls. Fans of insects, frogs

and snakes will be thrilled to see a Waxy

Monkey Frog, Emerald Tree Boa, Red-Foot-ed Tortoise and Giant Water Bugs.

Zoo director Gregg Dancho said, “The zoo

is closer than you think. Over the years, we

have worked hard to become a truly fam-

ily-oriented, educational experience that’s

lots of fun for everyone. In this wonderful

‘backyard’ location right here in Bridge-

port, the Beardsley Zoo is readily acces-

sible to all families.

“Our programs are planned around fami-

lies,” he added. “We want the entire fam-

ily to experience enjoying and learning all

about the animal world, while viewing ani-

mals like tigers, ocelots and bears, or spe-

cial exhibits like the vampire bats. There

is always something new and exciting hap-

pening here at the zoo.

“We installed an eagle exhibit last year that

has become one of our most popular ex-

hibits,” he said. “We are currently updating

the otter and alligator exhibits. We’re build-

ing a Woodland Discovery Area that will be

a great place for kids to play and investi-

gate. New animals and baby animals will

be coming and we have a terrific schedule

of summer programs!”

Open every day of the year except for

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s

Day, the Beardsley Zoo is a rich resource

for family interaction. The zoo is also ideal

for kids to enjoy during school vacation or

for birthday parties.

After exploring the animal kingdom, the

spectacular world of science awaits at the

Discovery Museum and Planetarium. Alan

Winick, director of education at the mu-

seum, said enthusiastically, “One of the

nice things about the Bridgeport/Fairfield

County area is the wide variety of experi-

ences and cultural advantages available for

kids and families.

“We like to mine the natural curiosity of

our younger visitors, as well as rekindling

the same curiosity for our other guests,” he

added. “Some of our older visitors feel that

science was not particularly well taught

when they were in school. The museum

combines interactive activities that helps

kids and adults discover science from theaspect of being part of the natural world.

We want visitors to leave with a different

perspective on the world. As we like to say

here at the museum, ‘If you’re not careful,

you might just learn something!’”

With more than 70 programs for school-

children and extra programs during the

summer, the Discovery Museum is a sig-

nificant source for scientific exploration.

School groups are able to participate in a

simulated mission to the moon at the Chal-

lenger Learning Center. They become sci-

entists, engineers and astronauts as they

experience the elements of both prepara-

tion and completion of the mission. The

amazing hands-on interaction with state

of the art technology gives youngsters the

chance to stretch their minds and imagi-

nations while developing problem-solving,

teamwork and decision-making skills.

When they come back down to earth,

would-be space explorers can further in-

vestigate the galaxy in the Henry B. duPont

III Planetarium. The planetarium features

a domed ceiling and surround-sound for

a completely absorbing and unique astro-

nomical experience.

When the room is darkened, an extraordi-

nary projector transforms the dome and

you are transported into an astonishing

world of stars and planets. The projector

can actually reproduce the night sky as seen

from Earth from any time period, whether

it be thousands of years in the past or in

the future. Now how cool is that?

You can also touch a 50,000-year-old me-

teorite, build a Lego race car powered by

solar energy, play a drum kit by remote

control with optical sensors, learn about

electricity, shoot hoops at a moving back-

board, or check out special exhibits such as

“Guitar —The instrument that Rocked the

World,” now being featured through May 5

... it’s all science!

Mr. Winick said, “The Discovery Museum

is one of the finest science museums in the

country, possibly because our workers still

have access to their own childhood won-

der. We’re here to engage and excite our

visitors, and share our passion for science,

space and the world.”

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is at 1875 Noble

Avenue, Bridgeport; beardsleyzoo.org; 203-

394-6565. The Discovery Museum and Plan-

etarium is at 4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport;

discoverymuseum.org; 203-372-352.

Amazing continued from page 4

��

��

��

�

��

��

�

�

�

�

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

SOLD OUT

April Adventures: April 19 – 21

Zoo Patrol: July 11 – August 12

Si n our kids u now!

www.beardsleyzoo.org

203-394-6563




mom met David Reid of Shelton, who has

been her magic instructor ever since. As

it turns out, he is also Graham Fishman’s,

who is now 21. David, who also owns a

Greenwich landscaping business, has one

rule: Melissa’s schoolwork and good grades

come first.

A lot has happened since the day she had to

“crash” study to make balloons for her firstgig because she did not want to risk having

her beloved pet doves fly away during her

school’s (Madison Middle School) end-of-

the-year party. For the event, she had taught

herself to create a dog, a flower and a sword.

“She was mobbed by the children,” Michele

recalls. (Meanwhile, her mother was franti-

cally blowing up balloons in the background

with a tiny air pump.)

The party encouraged Melissa to master

her craft. She studied instructional DVDs,

enrolled in classes and learned from the

pros. These days, in terms of the fine art

of manipulating balloons, her mother says,

“She looks at a picture and she can make

it. She definitely has a gift.” The menag-

erie includes a shark as big as the family

couch, a fire-eating dragon and a frying pan

with eggs and bacon.

After a stint of volunteer efforts, Melissa de-

veloped a passion for cancer-related causes.

Notable, too, is her enthusiasm to perform

for special needs audiences. Her devotion is

inspired by her 12-year-old brother, Mark,

who has a rare genetic disease called Ru-

binstein-Taybi syndrome. Melissa says,

“There’s someone inside of them so special

and sometimes they just can’t get that out

and across to people. When you hand them

a balloon, there’s a smile on their face, and

it’s amazing.”

So far in her short career, fans certainly

smile and applaud for the performer, who

has appeared at a variety of shows and con-

ventions, not to mention a gamut of private

parties. “I still get really nervous, but usually

when I step out and I face everybody, I’m

perfectly fine,” Melissa says.

She uses some of her performer’s profit

for props — thousands of balloons stored

in clear plastic boxes and buckets of magic

props fill the wall units in her bedroom —

while the majority of money goes to her col-

lege fund. In the future, she aspires to pur-

sue her “magical” career as well as become

a motivational speaker.

Melissa is among a handful of young female

magicians in the country. In fact, she is

probably the only one in the region to work

with live doves. Her stage “family” — which

she trains and helps care for — includes six

doves, three rabbits and two parakeets.

She also incorporates jazz, tap and hip-hop

routines in her performances and is cur-

rently learning the art of card manipulation.

Her latest show, two years in development,

which meets strict stage requirements and

is one of a few of its kind in the world, is

performing her magic inside a 72-inch la-

tex balloon. The act lasts only four min-

utes, although it takes her 10 to 15 minutes

to climb into the balloon. Fortunately, the

breathing time inside the balloon is over 30

minutes.

Show business has not gone to her head.

“I’m proud of her because she’s a good

person,” her mother says. “She has a really

good heart. We’re proud of her accomplish-

ment, but I never want her to base her self

worth on that.”

On or off stage, Melissa’s magic is some-

thing to be remembered and preserved ...

whether in a grocery bag or in the heart.

For more information on Melissa, visit

magicbymelissa.com and ballooncreationsct.

com or call 203-257-9662.

Magical continued from page 2

��5��

(less than 3��

MOVING

Open House

May 1st

•1 to 5 pm

��

��

Guiding Principles:• National Early Childhood Association Accreditation Standards• State Department of Education Preschool Framework• Hands on Learning

Flexible Schedule:• Two’s attend one or two days a week for two hours• Three’s attend two or three days a week for three hours• Four’s attend three, four or five days a week for four hours

Special Offerings:• After School and In School Enrichment• Kid friendly programs at Holidays and Special Events• Regular Music Instruction

423 Main Street ♥ Monroe ♥ (203) 261-4717

To schedule a visit call 203-261-4717Director: Barbara (Bambi) Clark, MS

★ Math Curriculum from High Scope

New Families... Registration Fee Waived With This Ad

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

�

��

��

��




dance, theater and voice — along with a

Shakespeare production in the summer.

The Enchanted Garden is committed to

offering students a well-rounded educa-

tion in the arts, giving them a lifetime of

learning and appreciation of the creative

process; thenchantedgarden.com.

The Ridgefield Theater Barn is another

wonderful venue with workshops for

young performers. For ages 8 to 18, a

youth musical-theater workshop holds

classes two days a week, culminating

in a student performance open to the

public. This community theater has

been operating for 45 years in their own

theater barn in Ridgefield; ridgefieldthe-

aterbarn.org.

The Studio in New Canaan is another

highly recognized professional cen-

ter for the performing arts, which also

welcomes pre-k through high-school

students, as well as adults. Their staff

consists of active professional artists

successfully pursuing a life in perfor-

mance, and they specialize in small, in-

teractive classes to maximize personal

attention. Classes can be taken in musi-

cal theater, vocal technique and dance,

including hip-hop, tap and ballet. High

schoolers are welcomed to their Studio

School of Rock, an opportunity to learn

about starting their own band by teach-

ing them how to choose appropriate mu-sic, delegate responsibilities within the

band, run a productive rehearsal and get

that band up and running. Classes can

be performance-based or practical, such

as an on-camera auditioning class for

those ready to start a career. All informa-

tion on classes may be found at thestu-

dionewcanaan.com.

Creativity, performance and self-expres-

sion are tools that foster individuality,

and Fairfield County, always known for

its quality in the arts, has some of the

best opportunities for children to take

their own imagination to a new level.

Creative continued from page 9

The theatrical arts help develop a child’s creativity and self-expression.

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

�

��




by Karen Dydzuhn

Let’s face it: Teens are more apt to listen

to one of their peers than to absorb well-

meaning advice or information from an

adult. Moreover, Catherine A. Hogan, ex-

ecutive director of Inclusion Teaming and

psychotherapist, firmly believes that ac-

quiring communication skills — and under-

standing the different the ways individuals

convey their messages — is best learned

in a reciprocal environment, where young

people teach each other through sharing

their experiences.

Since September, Ms. Hogan has brought

together a group of teens comprised of

students from Fairfield Preparatory School

who have “typical” communication skills

with those who have been diagnosed

with autism-spectrum disorders, such as

Asperger’s Syndrome. Ms. Hogan’s goal is

to give all students the tools and strategies

they need to communicate effectively and

to understand each other’s differences. It is

through this process that bullying could be

abated and children with disabilities could

receive support from their peers.

Ms. Hogan pointed out that “65 percent

of students are not involved with hassling

students with differences.” However, theydon’t know what to do when this negative

behavior occurs. By participating in weekly

groups, young people are trained in com-

munication diversity.

Fairfield Prep senior Sean Donaghue, 18,

of Darien said that the group, which meets

every Wednesday evening for 75 minutes,

has helped him to better understand his

classmates. “I realized that there are kids

whose brains work differently than my

own,” Sean explained. “I can definitely see

at school how kids are smart in different

ways.” Ms. Hogan said that young people,

INCLUSION TEAMING

Stepping into another’s mind“I can definitely see at school

how kids are smart in different ways.”Sean Donaghue, 18, of Darien

��Infants

Toddlers

Pre-School

Transition Kindergarten

Sign Up By June 1, 2011& We Will Waive the

Registration FeeWith this ad • New families only

��

• Educating and caring forchildren for over 40 years!

• Low staff turnover

• Hours 6:30am - 6pm

• Convenient location:Just off Exit 40, I-95

LITTLE WHITE HOUSE203-877-5167 69 Woodmont Rd, Milford

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�

��

��

��

UNPLUG AND

RECONNECTYMCA Camp Tepee

This summer, make new friends, experience new things andmake lasting memories! Camp Tepee offers 47 acres of

nature, adventure and fun. Campers ages 5-15 take part in

traditional camp programs like swimming, hiking, arts and

crafts, archery and more. Contact us to learn how we can

provide your child with a chance to unplug and reconnect.

YMCA CAMP TEPEE

Rt. 59, Monroe CT

Camp: 203 261 2566 Main: 203 445 9633

www.lakewoodtrumbullymca.org

Open House May 15, 12:00-2:00PM




YMCA CAMP HI-ROCKSummer Sleepaway Camping | Day Camp | Year-round Group Camping162 East Street Mount Washington, MA

P: 413.528.1227 F: 413.528.4234 camphirock.org

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock provides a safe “home away from home”environment for adventure filled overnight camping for today’s youth.Camp Hi-Rock continues to create those childhood experiences thatyou treasure. Our goal is to help boys and girls grow as individuals,building their self-esteem while instilling leadership, social and lifeskills - all while they have fun in our beautiful Berkshire Mountainsetting!

Campers and staff members from next door and around the worldcome to Hi-Rock to build friendships and memories that endure the

test of time. We offer a variety of traditional summer camp programsthat excite, stimulate and educate, stressing the values of caring,honesty, respect and responsibility.

This summer, send your kids outdoors to the wide open spaces ofYMCA Camp Hi-Rock. To find out more about our programs or how youcan help further camp’s mission, please visit our website:camphirock.org.

CAMPWITH CHARACTERPROGRAMSWITH PURPOSESleepaway Camp in the BerkshiresYMCA CAMP HI-ROCK

YMCA Camp Hi-Rock provides a safe “home away from home”environment for adventure filled overnight camping for today’s youth.Camp Hi-Rock continues to create those childhood experiences thatyou treasure. Our goal is to help boys and girls grow as individuals,building their self-esteem while instilling leadership, social and lifeskills - all while they have fun in our beautiful Berkshire Mountainsetting!

Campers and staff members from next door and around the worldcome to Hi-Rock to build friendships and memories that endure the

test of time. We offer a variety of traditional summer camp programsthat excite, stimulate and educate, stressing the values of caring,honesty, respect and responsibility.

This summer, send your kids outdoors to the wide open spaces ofYMCA Camp Hi-Rock. To find out more about our programs or how youcan help further camp’s mission, please visit our website:camphirock.org.

YMCA CAMP HI-ROCKSummer Sleepaway Camping | Day Camp | Year-round Group Camping162 East Street Mount Washington, MA

P: 413.528.1227 F: 413.528.4234 camphirock.org

Kid's World East Edition • Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Documents

Transcript of Kid's World East Edition • Hersam Acorn Newspapers