African roots explored at KCMS

African roots explored at KCMS

Walking into Kate Collins Middle School is like walking into a night club or a music video. At least on the days that Dr. Sheila Ward is at the school.

Ward, an associate professor at Norfolk State University and executive director of the Eleone Dance Theatre in Philadelphia, has been introducing students at KCMS to the historical journey of black dance from its African roots to today's style of dance.

The exploration into dance and movement was made possible through a partnership with Waynesboro Public Schools and the Wayne Theatre Alliance. The 10-day experience was funded through a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

"We approached the school system last year about working together on a grant to bring an artist of some kind to the public school system," said Clair Myers, executive director of the Wayne Theatre Alliance. "We wanted to begin to build a partnership with the schools that will continue once the theatre is operational."

The Wayne Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Waynesboro, has plans to re-open in the Fall of 2009. Regional performances will be a big part of the success of the theatre.

Although the Wayne Theatre isn't available now, a performance is still planned as a culmination to the instruction that 270 students received from Ward. From the classrooms, a group of students were selected and have formed a group called The Celebration Dancers.

The dancers will present a public performance to showcase what they learned at the upcoming Celebration of the Arts 2008.

The event, to be held on March 4, will take place at Waynesboro High School and will feature artwork from all ages of students, kindergarten through 12th grade, displayed in the gym. The music portion of the evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the Spilman Auditorium at the high school.

"This is a wonderful way for the community to see these young students bring their creativity to the stage," said Myers. "It seems to me that it was an opportunity for students to explore all cultures, and I for one, cannot wait to see what the students learned from this experience."

SAW 2010

Friday, March 14th, SAW 2010 will be preparing to do a mailing of over 750 postcards to area businesses, community groups, schools, and civic groups. This will be taking place at Augusta Medical Center Educational Building Room 215 at 8 a.m. We invite you to come and see this event. Mailings are one way we are trying to get the word out about the SAW 2010 Community Rally on Friday, April 4th from 7-9pm at the Staunton Holiday Inn.

SAW 2010 monthly committee meeting:

At 9 a.m. we will break to have a SAW 2010 committee meeting. At this meeting, we will give updates on the rally and other announcements on what SAW 2010 is doing to impact the community. We also invite you to stay for this meeting, as you will find it very informative about the work of this group in preventing gang involvement among the youth in our community.

For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.

PRESS RELEASE SENT BY:

Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth


COMMUNITY RALLY

On Friday, April 4th, you’re invited to become a “Part of the big picture” of Gang Prevention by attending the SAW 2010 Community Rally from 7-9pm at the Staunton Holiday Inn off of Route 275 and I-81, Exit 225.

“SAW” stands for Staunton , Augusta County , and Waynesboro . In an effort to improve our community by the year 2010, we need your help! Gang prevention in a community only works if the community is involved! Make the investment in the lives of our young people! Be Involved! “Be a part of the big picture”

This evening will bring you into the depths of the gang activity in our community. A new Gang Awareness video will be unveiled that portrays actual local gang related activities with local inactive gang members sharing their gang-related stories. You will experience the impact and the reality of gangs in our community and will be inspired to ask yourself, “What can I do?”

FREE Refreshments & Childcare. Indoor Vendor Fair, Engaging Speakers, Gang Awareness Video, & Entertainment!

For more information contact Diane Kellogg at 942-6757.


PRESS RELEASE SENT BY…

Amber B. Ham
Program Manager
Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth

WTA Presents First Waynesboro St. Patricks Day Childrens Parade

For Immediate Release: The Wayne Theatre continues its Parade of Events with Waynesboros first St. Patricks Day Childrens Parade. The festivities will take place in the Willow Oak Plaza, with check in at noon. The parade will begin at 12:30pm, with prizes awarded for best costume and decorated tricycle, wagon, bicycle, walker and baby carriages. There will be a special dance performance by the Shenandoah Irish Dance Arts following the parade. Pony rides will be provided by Dixie Pony Rides for $4 each.

Entrance to the parade is $1, with all proceeds donated to the Wayne Theatre Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Other activities to include face painting and a craft table. The craft materials were generously donated by Ben Franklin Crafts.

Please call the Wayne Theatre Alliance office with any further questions, (540) 943-9999. Young children should not be left unattended at anytime. Childcare services will not be provided.