“Hairspray” Cuts It With Kids At GNAC
Written by Marc Katz Friday, 01 March 2013 00:00
Arts Center class introducing the arts to children with special needs
Children with learning disabilities meet regularly at The Great Neck Arts Center for a unique class designed to introduce them to ceramics, painting, jewelry making, dance, film and other creative projects, while socializing with peers. But, when the class watched a screening of the 2007 movie Hairspray recently, they had an unexpected surprise.
Film star and Great Neck native Nikki Blonsky, who plays heroine Tracy Tumblad in the award-winning picture, paid them a surprise visit to discuss the movie with them. Following the film showing, she signed autographs and took pictures with the students.
The weekly class for the 16 to 21 year old students, “Dinner, Music and Art,” was created by special education instructor Brooke Greiff and assistant teacher Cindy Zubli. “We wanted to give students an opportunity to explore their creative side outside of a school environment,” Ms. Greiff said. It is believed to be the only integrated arts-based program for children with learning disabilities in an on-site arts environment.
“This is the intersection between the arts and social services,” said Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil. “It is another demonstration of how integral the arts are to all. The arts simply have an application for everyone.”
For further information about Arts Center special education classes, as well as a full range of courses for all ages in art, film, drama, music, and early childhood education, call The Great Neck Arts Center at 829-2570 or visit www.greatneckarts. org. The Great Neck Arts Center is located at 113 Middle Neck Road, above the Clearview Squire Cinemas, with a main entrance facing the Maple Drive municipal parking lot.
News
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Great Neck’s little ones were the big winners in the Town of North Hempstead’s “Plastic Ain’t My Bag” Earth Day video contest! The youngsters in Robin Levine’s Parkville School Kindergarten class took first place in the contest’s early childhood division with their “Save Our Mascot” video entry. Using the theme of the school’s penguin mascot (one of the animals that plastic bags can “choke and hurt”), the children sang and acted out an original song written by Parkville custodian Robert Hoffmann.
Wednesday, 22 May 2013 08:08
Great Neck’s beautiful, majestic St. Aloysius Church celebrates its 100th birthday this year. On Sunday, June 23, the church hosts a centennial celebration, including a special mass and a dinner dance. The historic church is located at 592 Middle Neck Road in the Village of Great Neck.
“Even after 100 years, many people still consider St. Aloysius one of the most beautiful churches on Long Island,” said Monsignor Brendan Riordan, pastor of St. Aloysius. “This centennial celebration is a significant milestone for our parish and we are proud that St. Aloysius has been part of the Great Neck community for so many years.”
Sports
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
The North High School Relay for Life Committee, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and the Town of North Hempstead, will host the fourth annual Relay for Life event at the North High School football field (corner of Polo and Beach Roads), on Saturday, June 1, from 2 p.m. to midnight, rain or shine. This fundraiser aims to incorporate an element of solidarity for those touched by cancer; it is an opportunity to remember, reflect, and fight back.
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
The North Shore Kayak Club will hold its annual kayaking clinic, targeted to novice recreational kayakers and those interested in the sport, on Tuesday, May 28. It is scheduled for 7 p.m., at the Town Dock in Port Washington, by the kayak docks (to the left of the fishing pier when facing the water).
Calendar
Poetry At The Library - May 23
Library Station Branch Film - May 23
Town Ceremony And Fireworks - May 25
Columns
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Private Power Isn’t Our Only Option
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