Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite TV Shows from the 80s

1.  Cheers (NBC, 1982-1993)
2.  Newhart (CBS, 1982-1990)
3.  St.  Elsewhere (NBC, 1982-1988)
4.  Full House (ABC, 1987-1995)
5.  Growing Pains (ABC, 1985-1992)
6.  Murder, She Wrote (CBS, 1984-1996)
7.  The Cosby Show (NBC, 1984-1992)
8.  Married...With Children (Fox, 1987-1997)
9.  The Wonder Years (ABC, 1988-1993)
10.  The A-Team (NBC, 1983-1987)

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite TV Shows from the 1970s

1.  The Waltons (CBS, 1972-1981)
2.  Eight is Enough (ABC, 1977-1981)
3.  Happy Days (ABC, 1974-1984)
4.  Laverne & Shirley (ABC, 1976-1983)
5.  Fantasy Island (ABC, 1978-1984)
6.  The Love Boat (ABC, 1977-1986)
7.  Taxi (ABC, 1978-1982; NBC, 1982-1983)
8.  M*A*S*H (CBS, 1972-1983)
9.  WKRP in Cincinnati (CBS, 1978-1982)
10.  Dallas (CBS, 1978-1991)

Don’t Pinch: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a Friendly Way

You know that person, the one who shows up to school, work or a celebration on St. Patrick’s Day and they aren’t wearing green! What do you do? You might feel the urge to give them a pinch, but please don’t. It may be tradition to pinch someone for not wearing green, but many do not appreciate it. Maybe they don’t like being touched, especially by strangers or someone they’re not close with. Maybe they’re embarrassed. Maybe they forgot to wear green, and they already feel like they stand out like a sore thumb. Maybe they’re just not in the mood for someone to pinch them, even if it’s all in good fun. 

Instead of pinching someone or embarrassing them for not wearing green, why not bring an assortment of green accessories with you to give to someone who isn’t wearing green? Or even St. Patrick's Day stickers. 

So just remember that celebrating St. Patrick’s Day should be fun. So spread some joy (and some luck), and don’t pinch!

Arts Connections: Our Program So Far

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year and day programs like the North 4th Arts Center and Adelante shut down, a group of concerned citizens got together on Zoom and brainstormed a way to keep individuals connected and engaged while things were shut down. Thus the Arts Connections program was born. It began with free sample classes in July 2020 on Zoom and just a handful of students. In less than a year the program has grown to offer 14 virtual classes a week, including Theater Circus, Recycled Music, Blog (of course), Cartooning, Life Skills and more. Arts Connections also offers free classes, like Move & Groove, Bingo Blast and Self Advocacy. In addition an informal drawing and conversation group and other workshops have just been added to the program.

As vaccines are becoming more and more available, we are starting to look forward to the end of the pandemic, but that’s not the end for Arts Connections. Virtual programming will continue, but there are also plans for small groups to meet in person at various locations in downtown Albuquerque. There will also be chances for participants to sell their art, and we plan on having a booth for students at art markets, like ArtWalk. We would also love to highlight our students with gallery shows in the future. 

We talked with some of our participants and asked what they like about Arts Connections. Joseph enjoys the opportunity to sing with peers in Sing Along, one of his favorite classes. He also enjoys socializing and using the skills he has gained through the program to use in his every day life. Crystal really loves People Drawing, when she works on her teamwork skills with Candice. She also likes the program, because it keeps her busy and connected, and she enjoys meeting new people. Mark likes to learn new things and keep busy while staying at home. Rachel loves Sing Along and ASL, and she also likes to make new friends. We’re all excited to see what the future holds for Arts Connections.

If you are interested in our program, check out our class offerings on the OT Circus website. For any question regarding Arts Connections, please contact Program Director, Margaret Govoni at otartsconnections@gmail.com or call 505-750-7146. 

“I’m a helper”: An Interview with Roni

Roni is a teacher with OT Circus’s new program, Arts Connections. She teaches Sing Along, which is one of our most popular classes, as well as Life Skills, which she co-teaches with Margaret. She is also the Program Assistant for Arts Connections. She does things like sending out class reminders and connecting with participants and their caregivers to make sure they have everything they need and to answer any questions. She even created a survey to get feedback about the program. Roni started as a volunteer in August, when Arts Connections was just getting started, and she became an employee in September. Many participants in our program know Roni from VSA/N 4th Arts Center, where she was the Direct Care Supervisor for several years until the day program shut down permanently due to COVID-19. “After working at VSA and all the day programs shut down, I didn’t do much aside from help my daughter at school and keep house,” Roni said. But after Arts Connections started up, she was eager to reconnect with former clients and to make new friends on Zoom. 

Roni has many interests and hobbies, like crocheting. “It keeps me busy, keeps my mind focused, and helps me relax,” she says. After she took a fashion design class, she became interested in sewing. She also loves to paint and collects bugs and curiosities. Her daughter, Stella, even gave her a dead lizard once! When asked whether she likes clowns, Roni said, “NO. They’re kind of a little creepy.” Her sister made her watch Killer Clowns From Outer Space as a kid, and she has been anti-clown ever since. As for TV shows, “Right now I’m really into Zoe’s Extraordinary Playlist,” which features the cast breaking into song. Speaking of music, Roni loves music and singing. “I do not have a favorite musician, because I can’t narrow it down. I enjoy so many different kinds of music, but one type of music I don’t vibe with is reggae.”

Roni grew up in Albuquerque, where she lived with her mom, dad, step dad, three sisters and four step brothers. She now lives on the Westside of Albuquerque with her husband, Casey, and five year old daughter, Stella. They also have three cats: Ebony (14), a grumpy old lady, Cupcake (almost 2), who is very snuggly, and Bruce Wayne Willis (9 months), who has SO much energy. 

Roni’s favorite part of working with OT Circus and the Arts Connections Program is teaching and connecting with people. When asked what drew her to this line of work, she said, “I’m a helper.” We love Roni for the good support she gives participants during the pandemic and for her outgoing nature and compassion. 

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Shows of the 1960s

1. My Three Sons (ABC, 1960-1965; CBS, 1965-1972)
2. Family Affair (CBS, 1966-1971)
3.  Petticoat Junction (CBS, 1963-1970)
4.  Green Acres (CBS, 1965-1971)
5.  Hawaii Five-O (CBS, 1968-1980)
6.  Adam-12, (NBC, 1968-1975)
7.  Mannix  (CBS, 1967-1975)
8.  Get Smart  (NBC, 1965-1969; CBS, 1969-1970)
9.  The Dick Van Dyke Show (CBS, 1961-1966)
10.  Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972)

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Television Shows From the 1950s

1. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (ABC, 1952-1966)
2.  Leave it to Beaver (CBS, 1957-1958; ABC, 1958-1963)
3.  I Love Lucy (CBS, 1951-1957)
4.  Make Room for Daddy/The Danny Thomas Show (ABC, 1953-1957; CBS, 1957-1964)
5.  Bachelor Father (CBS, 1957-1958; NBC, 1958-1961; ABC, 1961-1962)
6.  Bonanza (NBC, 1959-1973)
7.  77 Sunset Strip (ABC, 1958-1964)
8.  The Untouchables (ABC, 1959-1963)
9.  The Millionaire (CBS, 1955-1960)
10.  The Jack Benny Program (CBS, 1950-1964; NBC, 1964-1965)

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Female Characters from Dynasty (1981-1989) & The Colbys (1985-1987)

1. Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan (Joan Collins)

2. Krystle Grant Jennings Carrington (Linda Evans)
3. Monica Scott Colby (Tracy Scoggins)
4. Fallon Carrington Colby Colby Colby Colby (Pamela Sue Martin/Emma Samms)
5. Amanda Bedford Carrington (Catherine Oxenberg/Karen Cellini)
6. Samantha Josephine "Sammy Jo" Dean Carrington Reece Fallmont (Heather Locklear)
7. Sabella "Sable " Scott Colby (Stephanie Beacham)
8. Francesca Scott Colby Hamilton Langdon (Katharine Ross)
9. Kirby Alicia Anders Colby (Kathleen Beller)
10. Dominique Deveraux Lloyd (Diahann Carroll)

Happy Birthday Mark!

Our resident Top Ten guru, Mark has a birthday coming up on February 27th. He will be turning 45. Happy Birthday, and we hope you have a great day!

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Male Characters from Dynasty (1981-1989) & The Colbys (1985-1987)

1. Blake Carrington (John Forsythe)

2. Jason Colby (Charlton Heston)

3. Jeff  Broderick Colby (John James )

4. Steven Daniel Carrington (Al Corley/Jack Coleman)

5. Adam Alexander Carrington (Gordon Thomson/Robin Sachs)

6. Cecil Baldwin Colby (Lloyd Bochner)

7. Andrew Laird (Peter Mark Richman)

8. Farnsworth "Dex" Dexter (Michael Nader)

9. Zachery Powers (Ricardo Montalban)

10. Miles Colby (Maxwell Caulfield)

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Batman Episodes

10. Hi Diddle Riddle/Smack In The Middle (1/12 & 1/13/66)

9. The Joker Is Wild/Batman Is Riled (1/26 & 1/27/66)

8. The Purrfect Crime/Better Luck Next Time (3/16 & 3/17/66)

7. The Sandman Cometh/The Catwoman Goeth (12/28 & 12/29/66)

6. The Zodiac Crimes/The Jokers Hard Times/The Penguin Declines (1/11, 1/12 & 1/18/67)

5. A Piece of the Action/Batman’s Satisfaction (3/1 & 3/2/67)

4. Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin (9/14/67)

3. The Funny Feline Felonies/The Joke’s On Catwoman (12/28/67 & 1/4/68)

2. The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra (3/7/68)

1. Minerva, Mayhem And Millionaires (3/14/68) 

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

 

1. Candy or chocolates always a favorite. One of the best ways to the heart is through the stomach.

2. Balloons with a heartfelt message or even heart shaped are a whimsical way to express your love.

3. Flowers are a classic gift, but we have to pose the question: why don’t more men enjoy receiving flowers?

4. Baked goods: Cookies and cupcakes are a great way to show affection through your own love of baking. Another trendy item are hot chocolate bombs!

5. A homemade card is a wonderful way to show you care, and you can be sure to include something specific about your loved one. Like a quote or character from a favorite movie, a song lyric or even just by incorporating their favorite color.

6. Crafts or art are great ways to express your love and appreciation, all while showing off your creativity.

7. Random Acts of Kindness are little ways to show you care for your friends and family. Take out your sister’s trash or do the dishes for your mom. Tell your partner something meaningful about why you care for them.

8. Another way to get to your loved one’s stomach and heart is to make their favorite meal. Make it special with candlelight and fine china. You can even decorate the table with paper hearts.

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and we wanted to share some of the ways that we will be celebrating this year.

1. Watching movies and television shows that depict the Black experience, such as the first all-Black miniseries, Alex Haley’s Roots, which came out in 1977. You can check it out on HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video.

2. Reading books by Black authors is another great way to honor Black History. For example, our first Black president, Barack Obama wrote three books: Dreams from My Father (1995), The Audacity of Hope (2006) and A Promised Land (2020). Kids can check out picture book by Black authors, like The Snowy Day (1962) by Ezra Jack Keats.

3. Learning about Black history is also important. Read up on the Emancipation Proclamation, the Civil Right Movement, read Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” Speech from 1963 or watch a documentary, like Eyes on the Prize (1987) narrated by Julian Bond. 

4. Keeping up with current events, like the Black Lives Matter movement and criminal justice reform. 

  

Valentine’s Day Favorites

Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly, and we wanted to share some of our favorite things about the holiday. Gifts are certainly one of those things! Crystal loves receiving flowers, especially roses, though any flowers are great. Mark loves heart shaped cookies for Valentine’s Day. Cupcakes are nice, too. Joseph likes to give out candy, especially to his sister. It’s always nice to receive a handmade card or a cute store bought valentine from a friend. Many include stickers, temporary tattoos and even lollipops. Everyone enjoys conversation hearts, and Crystal even likes to draw them with little arms and legs. She is working on a drawing of cupcakes with funny faces on them. Margaret likes to celebrate by sharing a nice dinner with her husband. Candice likes to spend quality time with loved ones. Self care and checking in with yourself is especially important this year as we celebrate Valentine’s Day during the pandemic. For example, taking a bubble bath (with a bath bomb), getting your nails done, watching a movie or doing craft projects. No matter how you celebrate, we’re wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day! 

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Masterpiece (Theater)/Mystery! Shows

1.  Downton Abbey

2.  Upstairs Downstairs

3.  The Duchess of Duke Street

4.  The Jewel in the Crown

5.  Rumpole of the Bailey

6.  Agatha Christie's Poirot

7.  Lillie

8.  The Six Wives of Henry VIII

9.  Victoria

10. The First Churchills

Arts Connections Classes: How to Register

 

Happy Birthday Joseph!

 One of our bloggers, Joseph is turning 27 on January 30th. We wanted to give him a shout and say...

Happy Birthday, Joseph!

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Hill Street Blues Episodes

10. Hill Street Station (1/15/81)

9. Cranky Streets (12/10/81)

8. Requiem for a Hair Bag (11/18/82)

7. Moon Over Uranus, Moon Over Uranus: The Sequel, Moon Over Uranus: The Final Legacy (1/27, 2/3 & 2/10/83)

6. Goodbye, Mr. Scripps (11/24/83)

5. Grace Under Pressure (2/2/84)

4. Mayo, Hold the Pickle (9/27/84)

3. Iced Coffey (3/6/86)

2. A Wasted Weekend (1/13/87)

1. It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over (5/12/87)

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite All In the Family Episodes

10. Meet the Bunkers (1/12/71)

9. Sammy’s Visit (2/19/72)

8. Flashback: Mike and Gloria’s Wedding, Parts 1 & 2 (11/11 & 11/18/72)

7. The Bunkers and Inflation, Parts 1-4 (9/14, 9/21, 9/28 &10/5/74)

6. Birth of the Baby, Parts 1 & 2 (12/15 & 12/22/75)

5. Edith’s 50th Birthday (10/16/77)

4. The Stivics Go West (3/19/78)

3. Little Miss Bunker (9/24/78)

2. California Here We Are (12/17/78)

1. Too Good Edith (4/8/79) 

New Year, New Hopes

2020 was a doozy of a year for pretty much everyone! Early on in the year we started hearing about a new virus developing in China and it quickly spread around the world. The pandemic became the new normal, and pretty soon communities started to go on lock down. Instead of going to work or school, most people were asked to stay at home. For those in the DD (Developmental Disability) community, that meant that many day programs shut down, like the North Fourth Arts Center and Adelante in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Many in the DD community have preexisting conditions and/or live in group homes, and it is not safe for them to go out in the community at all. Sometimes a walk in the neighborhood or a drive in the mountains is the most we can do to get out of the house. 

Now that it’s 2021 several vaccines are being distributed and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully by spring or summer everyone who can take the vaccine will be able to do so and we can finally get back out in the community. With that in mind we wanted to share our resolutions and hopes for the new year.

Crystal is working on being more patient and to cut back on fast food. Mark is looking forward to getting a new job soon. Joseph would like to return to his day program at Adelante, though it may look a little different. The important thing is to maintain connections in our community. The biggest thing that everyone is looking forward to is to have more hope and in person interaction in 2021.