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Sunday, August 08, 2010

Campers ready to do 'Godspell'


From left, Megan Goffin, Brielle Collands, Sydney Teagarden, Kaitlyn Goffin and Ileah Bonzi perform their dance steps during rehearsal of "Godspell" at musical theater camp.CORRESPONDENT PHOTO / KHARLI ROSE


Published: Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 5:32 p.m.

Tie-dyed shirts, top hats and loud music were all welcome at Seventh-day Adventist Church on Friday as messages from the Bible were taught through songs.



Kandi Griffin surrounds herself with supplies she needs to create her own special box during a recent art workshop offered to people 55 and older in the Juliano Room at the North Port Library. CORRESPONDENT PHOTO / BETSY WILLIAMS "Some of you are stomping, some of you are clapping," director Jeff Michaels said to his group of excited actors.


More than 10 children put their best feet forward, sometimes in a chorus line, practicing lines and sharpening moves for their performance of "Godspell."

"We all have to learn exactly the same dance moves, and if we do it separately it won't look good," Sadie Weisberg, 12, said.

The performance is a fundraiser for future youth missions and will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the church, 2036 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte.

"It's acting with the book of Matthew and all the parables and teaches them about love and acceptance," co-director Isabelle Michaels said. "It gives the kids hope and encouragement and teaches them the Bible in a very fun way."

Though the characters remain true to the text, the play is set in the 1960s. Modern twists bring color and humor to the stage.

Portraying Jesus, Wesley Taylor, 14, kneeled before Weisberg and took her sneaker in his hand.

"Look what the foot says. It says rejoice," he told her.

"It says Reebok," she replied, and snickers came from the crowd.

With new songs to support old stories, students in elementary and middle school will bring new connections of the Bible to center stage.

For more information call 979-8068.

-- Kharli Rose, correspondent


Florida's Blood Centers needs donors

Florida's Blood Centers is asking for donations of all blood types as soon as possible.

The most acute need is for type-O blood, especially the universal type O-negative. Type O-negative is routinely given to accident and trauma victims.

For more information, visit http://www.floridasbloodcenters.org/.

Area Florida's Blood Centers are at:

Venice: 333 Tamiami Trail S., Suite 169; call 492-9202.

North Port: 14820 Tamiami Trail; call 240-6565.

Port Charlotte: 23080 Harborview Road; call 625-1874.

Call each location for hours.

55-plus craft workshop keeping brains active

Whether making crafts for decoration or trying to tell a story, Connie Curtis encourages students to express themselves and be as creative as possible.

Her students are older than 55, and her workshops are an introduction to art.

"Creating helps the aging brain," said Curtis, who teaches the "Arts for Adults Plus 55" workshops in the Juliano Room at the North Port Library.

She tells students there is no right way. And, that's the secret to success in her workshops.

"I come to the workshops to see what others are making," veteran crafter Kandi Griffin said. "I also like to exercise my brain."

A recent workshop project was making and decorating boxes using recycled materials.

The workshops are free and open to anyone older than 55. All of the supplies are provided for the students.

"All they have to do is show up, bringing with them their imagination," Curtis said.

By sharing her ideas, Curtis said she is giving back to the community. At the same time, Curtis strives to give her students new insights about their own talents to help improve their self-confidence.

While the sessions attract mostly women, Curtis said she is looking forward to having men take part in the workshops.

"They bring a different dynamic to the class," she said.

Kathy Berencsi, who recently retired, is finally taking time for herself for the first time in 10 years. The workshop has helped her set goals.

"For me, I have so many ideas I need someone to help me get organized," she said.

The next art workshop is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. Registration is required by calling the library at 861-1307.

-- Betsy Williams, correspondent


This story appeared in print on page BN3 .

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