‘Ho, Ho…Uh Oh!’ Get Ready to Jingle with Junie B at DCT

Junie B Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells - Dallas Children's Theater

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

 

by Mina Frannea

We caught a recent performance of Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells at the Dallas Children’s Theater. It’s a light-hearted show that the whole family can enjoy and will make you laugh out loud!

The Performance

As the performance opens, it’s the last week before winter break and Junie B’s class in Room One is about to participate in a Holiday sing-along. The class has also been chosen to lead the entire auditorium in a chorus of “Jingle Bells.”  Nervous about the upcoming show, Junie B has a flashback to last year’s disastrous performance of a Columbus Day play when her arch rival May tries to take over and chaos ensues. The Columbus Day skit, a show within a show, is FUN and wonderfully portrayed by the cast. I especially liked the creative use of silk-like fabric to represent roiling ocean waves.

Special Needs Fall Carnival Saturday, Oct 27th

Special Needs Fall Carnival

A FREE Event for Individuals with Special Needs and Their Families

By Mina Frannea

Especially Needed is an organization based on a vision that a community can exist where individuals with special needs are valued, respected and included. A community made up of caring people who serve as a support system as well as mentors to this wonderful group of children and adults. Especiallyneeded.org provides special needs families with information regarding local services and resources. This non-profit organization also hosts seasonal events where families with special needs children can have an opportunity to have fun and relax, and simply focus on spending quality time with each other.

This Saturday, October 27th from 5-8pm is their 3rd Annual Special Needs Fall Carnival at The Ballfields at Craig Ranch in McKinney (6151 Alma Rd., McKinney, TX 75070). This is a FREE event!

Down Syndrome: Brooke’s Story

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month - Brooke Garbe

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

 

by Mina Frannea

Down Syndrome is a congenital disorder in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, both mentally and physically. This disorder affects about 1 in every 800 babies born in the United States. In an effort to bring awareness to this condition, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) established the “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” which is traditionally observed in the month of October. The purpose of Down Syndrome Awareness Month is to advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome and to continue to bring awareness for those who are affected by Down Syndrome and their families.

This year, four-year-old Brooke Garbe helped kick off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month as one of 200 people whose photo was selected to appear in the National Buddy Walk Video presented by NDSS in Times Square in New York City. Brooke’s photo (shown above) was selected from over 1,000 entries in the NDSS worldwide call for photos.