October 28, 1998

'Kids on the Block' needs you

By Jacquie Thomas
Herald Editor
     
      "On the outside-kids look differently; short & tall, fat & skinny, abled & disabled... but when you look inside, you'll see, they're just like you and me." -theme from the song ending all "Kid's on the Block" shows
      It's the lesson of acceptance, tolerance and understanding that "The Kids on the Block", a troupe of life-size disabled and non-disabled puppets, who speak openly and frankly about what it is like to be disabled or to have social differences, have been teaching to Traverse City area children since 1978.
      "Pig Slop" is one of the skits the troupe uses--it's central characters are Jimmy Randolf, an emotionally impaired fifth grader, and Melody James, a girl in his class who decides to befriend him. Jimmy misbehaves. He makes animal sounds at the table, makes fun of others and eats like a pig.
      By the end of the skit, everyone understands Jimmy, why he sees a counselor and how his classmates can help him with better behavior.
      "The Kids on the Block" program, puppets, scripts and classroom materials were created by Barbara Aiello, a Washington-based special educator, who developed the puppets for use in mainstreaming efforts in schools throughout the United States. Currently, they are in use nation-wide and in 15 countries around the world.
      Presently in Michigan, there are 90 active puppeteer troupes. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District has an active troupe which visits area elementary schools, targeting third grade students.
      "Puppets are magic to third graders," explained Gretchen Campbell, puppeteer and coordinator for the local group.
      "Younger children just think of it as a puppet show and older children sometimes think it's corny, but in third grade, they are perfect--we give them different, healthy ways to look at differences in people and situations and give them appropriate ways to express themselves."
      Currently, there are 8 puppet characters in the Traverse City troupe performing 11 programs, including divorce, learning disabled, spina bifida and severe burns.
      In addition to Jimmy and Melody, another favorite is Mark Riley, the original character who has cerebral palsy. "Mark Riley is my favorite, he's so humorous and factual," explained Rhonda Estes, who was first involved in "Kids on the Block" in Plymoth.
      "My son and I were in a serious accident that left my seven month old son brain damaged. Our social worker suggested I become involved, and I did--at first for therapy."
      "Now, almost 20 years later, I can honestly say that I wouldn't trade these years I've spent as a volunteer puppeteer for anything. It's been a mission for me--to educate the public about differences and how to react to them in a non-hurtful way."
      "People don't mean to be hurtful--if we give them the right script so they know what to say and do, that's all they need."
      "In addition to creating a comfort level for the children, working in this program has created a comfort level for me and for my life with my wheelchair-bound son, Vincent, 19."
      The local troupe has been in existence since 1979, when the Zonta club purchased the materials and puppets to start a local troupe. The volunteers have now dwindled down to five, with Rhonda and Judy set to retire in the Spring. A core group of 8-10 is required and new volunteers are being sought. "If we don't recruit new volunteers, the puppets will go into the closet and collect dust," explained Estes.
      It requires only a love for children, some free time on Tuesday or Thursday mornings (when the presentations are done in the schools) and the ability to learn a few lines. Please call Gretchen Campbell (volunteer coordinator) at 223-4404 or Joan Nadolski (TBA contact) at 922-6244. They will be happy to give you more information about becoming a "Kids on the Block" puppeteer.