What’s new with the Champlain Valley Kids on the Block 

By Cybèle Elaine Werts  
CybeleW@aol.com

Originally published in the Champlain Business Journal, Burlington VT

PLUS CUTAWAY SPOKESPUPPET INTERVIEW AT BOTTOM

Education might not always be the funnest thing on a kid’s (or adult’s) list, but if it includes a visit from the Champlain Valley Kids on the Block (CVKOB), it’s sure to attract a crowd. The Kids on the Block is a very special troupe of puppets whose aim is to teach children about disabilities, cultural diversity, physical and sexual abuse, AIDS, and other issues challenging kids today. The puppets, each with her or his own unique personality, discuss the topic in a clear and non-threatening manner. They dispel myths through accurate information and allow children to accept individual differences and feel positive about themselves. The puppetry is so powerful that audiences readily express their feelings and concerns to the puppets during the question and answer session that follows each skit.

The CVKOB is dedicated to teaching children how to keep themselves safe and healthy, and to appreciate each other’s physical and cultural differences. They have so far reached 12,570 students, educators, parents, and community members. "There is a magic in puppets that lets kids feel comfortable asking their questions and expressing their concerns," says Mary K. Dennison, co-director. "In fact it is the question and answer session following each script that distinguishes the program."

CVKOB is a non-profit volunteer organization which has been active in Vermont since 1982. The programs are performed for children in grades Kindergarten through eight grade, with each performance typically consisting of two skits and a song. Follow-up activities and resource materials are provided. "One is never quite certain if a prepared skit will speak to the need of a particular child at a particular moment," adds Dennison. "But answering questions that children have on their minds allows us to do just that." The presentations can also be made available to middle, high school, and university students. Current performances available include: Celebrating Individual Differences, Children’s Mental Health, Physical and Sexual Abuse Awareness, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention, and AIDS Awareness.

This July, the CVKOB "Take The Plunge" event at Waterfront park in Burlington was a big hit with local celebrities like Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle getting all wet for a good cause, along with thirteen other well-known Vermonters. Each dunkee endured fifteen minutes of nerve-racking anticipation as family, friends, and foes gave it their best shot for an easy $1 per shot. Face and fingernail painting by area artists and students was also available to raise money, and was later followed by the popular City of Burlington Fireworks.

CVKOB recently initiated the Community Partners Program, which allows businesses to support CVKOB by "adopting" one of the puppet kids for a year. Adoptions entitled the business to have their logo displayed at each of the performances, receive a free performance for their business, and support an organization that improves the lives of children all over Vermont. Various sources of funding have included Community Service Organizations like the Rotary and Lions Clubs, Parent-Teachers Associations, Drug Free School Money, and individual school budgets. There are now eight Community Partners including General Dynamics, Bell Atlantic, Photo Garden, IBM, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Trinity College, Pearl Vision, and University Mall.

As a non-profit volunteer organization, supported only by a few small grants and donations, it is necessary to request a performance fee from those public and private organizations which have the resources, but the fees are very reasonable. Other major grant funding comes from the Vermont Department of Education, IDX, the United Way, and many other general givers.

Champlain Valley Kids on the Block is located at PO Box 5238, Burlington, VT 05402-5238. Co-director Mary K. Dennison can be reached at 879-8425, and Deb Lyons can be reached at 864-5657.

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The following is an excerpt from the Summer 1999 CVKOB newsletter, "Straight From The Kids" and interviewing spokespuppet Mark Riley who uses a wheelchair.

Q: Mark Riley is your name. Why does that sound so familiar. I haven’t interviewed you before have I?

M: No. You are probably getting me confused with my twin brother, Michael. You interviewed him four years ago. I never could figure out why you picked him first. I tell better jokes.

Q: I don’t remember either. I think it was because he was new. You have been with CVKOB for a long time, haven’t you?

M: I sure have been. I was the very first Kid on the Block, and the most famous! My picture is on the front of all the brochures!

Q: I’ve noticed that. Nice picture! Do you mind if I ask you why you don’t walk? Did you have an accident or something?

M: No, I was born with cerebral palsy, or CP as I call it. It doesn’t mean I’m paralyzed or anything. It just means that the messages from my brain to my muscles don’t work quite the way they’re supposed to. For me that means I don’t walk, and I don’t talk too clearly either, BUT I get around pretty good in this thing.

Q: Oh, your wheelchair, right?

M: Wrong! This is my souped up, faster than a speeding bullet, CRUISER!

Q: Wow! Still, it must be pretty hard for you not to be able to play with the other kids.

M: What do you mean? There are lots of things I can do. I’m in a wheelchair basketball league. I can swim and ride horses. I play street hockey with my brother and the other kids in our neighborhood. I’m the goalie. I’m Sports Editor for our school newspaper. And I’m a whiz at computer games!

Q: Sounds like you lead a pretty active life. But aren’t there ever times when you wish you could just get up and walk and run like the other kids?

M: Well, sure. Sometimes I even feel a bit sorry for myself. BUT then I remember all the stuff I CAN do and I just try to focus on that. You know the thing I enjoy the most about me?

Q: No, what?

M: I’ve got a great sense of humor and I know these really corny jokes. They make people laugh (or groan) and I love that. Everyone’s SO serious these days! Like, ask me what I’m up to.

Q: What are you up to Mark?

M: Oh, about four feet, eight inches in my cruiser! Get it?

Q: Yeah, I got it Mark. Hey, thanks for talking to me and thanks for visiting kids in schools and answering their questions about cerebral palsy and how you get around in a "cruiser."

M: No problem!

Copyright 2000