THE KIDS ON THE BLOCK CELEBRATE 20 YEARS IN EDUCATION


Annapolis, MD  (July 14, 1997) – Kids on the Block puppeteering troupes from around the world join together to commemorate two decades of educating children at the 20th Anniversary Celebration and Conference held at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel, on July 17 - 19, 1997.  Members of the media are invited to attend the performances on Thursday, July 17 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m., in the Ballroom at Lowes Annapolis Hotel, 126 West Street in Annapolis, Maryland.

Thursday's performance includes presentations about hemophilia, gender differences and physical abuse.  Friday's performance features visual impairment, epilepsy and Down syndrome.  There will also be a special performance on Saturday, July 19, at 11:00 a.m. in Lowes' Power Conference Center featuring Kids on the Block puppeteers from Idaho, Washington and Hong Kong.

The Kids on the Block has been in operation since 1977 and educates children about disabilities, social concerns, educational and medical differences.  The puppet characters share important information with humor and sensitivity.  At the end of each script, children ask questions directly to the puppet characters, allowing for a positive, interactive experience. 

Some of the puppet characters appearing at the Celebration are Renaldo Rodriguez who is blind and uses a prescription cane to help him get around, Stephen Arthurs, who is in counseling with his family to help cope with their previously abusive situation, and Valerie Perkins and Daniel Cole who discuss the sensitive issue of gender stereotypes.

The Kids on the Block, Inc. has performed for schools, businesses, community groups and hospitals all over the United States and in 30 other countries.  The programs are also available as educational curricula to be used in local communities.  The Kids on the Block is implemented on the grass roots level by thousands of volunteers who are changing attitudes and making a difference in the lives of children.

This event is not open to the public.

Media Inquiries:
Diana Degnan (410)290-9095

The Kids on the Block, Inc. is an educational puppet company which uses live puppet theatre to educate children about sensitive topics, including disability awareness.  Over 1,600 associate troupes use curricula developed by The Kids on the Block, Inc. to deliver messages of sensitivity, acceptance, and responsible decision making to children around the world.