Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite Radio Crime Dramas

1. Dragnet (NBC, June 3, 1949-February 26, 1957)

2. Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (CBS, February 11, 1949-September 30, 1962)

3. Gangbusters (NBC, July 20-October 12, 1935; CBS, JANUARY 15, 1936-jUNE 15, 1940; Blue Network/ABC, October 11, 1940-December 25, 1948; CBS, January 8, 1949-June 25, 1955; Mutual, October 5, 1955-November 27, 1957)

4. The Lineup (CBS, July 6, 1950-February 20, 1953)

5. The FBI in Peace and War (CBS,November 25, 1944-September 28, 1958)

6. This is Your FBI (ABC, April 6, 1945-January 30, 1953)

7. Broadway Is My Beat (CBS, February 27, 1949-August 1, 1954)

8. Richard Diamond, Private Detective (NBC, April 24, 1949-December 6, 1950; ABC, January 5, 1951-June 27, 1952)

9. The Adventure of Philip Marlowe (NBC, June 17-September 9, 1947; CBS, September 26, 1948-September 15, 1951)

10. The Adventure of Sam Spade (ABC, July 12-October 4, 1946; CBS, September 29, 1946-September 18, 1949; NBC, September 25, 1949-April 27, 1951)

Tenacious, Hard Working and Loyal: OT Circus Founder Wears Many Hats

Victoria Van Dame, the founder and executive director of OT Circus, was born in Albuquerque and raised in Cuba, New Mexico. Her father was the mailman, a butcher, operated a tow truck and served as the mayor. Her mother was a teacher. She has lived in Albuquerque since moving back from Kauai, Hawaii, where she lived for nine years. She currently lives in a loft above the OT Circus gallery space with her fiancé, Lawrence, and her two pups, Arthur and Harlow. Her two kids are grown up. Vaughn lives in Phoenix where he is a teacher and head football coach at a junior college. Taeru attends the Parsons School of Fashion in Portland and designs clothing for her own line called With Reality. “My kids are my greatest accomplishment,” she says, “without them none of this would be possible.” She also shares two “bonus kids” with Lawrence: Lunati and Rocco.

Victoria became an occupational therapist, or OT, in 2001. “I love my job! My husband had a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and that’s how I learned about how much impact OT can have on people’s abilities and disabilities to be able to live a fulfilled life.” Victoria takes after her father and has many jobs, from working in a local ICU as an OT, to running her own OT practice, And Me Therapy, where she also supervises several COTAs (certified occupational therapy assistants). In addition, she manages several properties, including an Airbnb, is opening a coffee shop called Curious Toast, and has taken on the roll of “Mayor of Downtown.” Of course, she is also the executive director of OT Circus! “I always see a need and think outside the box to fill it. Artists needed space and I brought it,” she says of why she started the Circus in 2013. As for the future of OT Circus, “I see more circus all over our state, and then all over the nation...then the world!” 

A typical day at OT Circus features plenty of hustle and bustle. “There’s always something going on in the world of the Circus, from running online art classes to everyone getting back to ‘normal’ after Covid. People are starting to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel.”

Top Ten: Mark’s Favorite TV Shows of the 2000s

1.  Two and a Half Men (CBS, 2003-2015)

2.  The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 2007-2019)

3.  Gilmore Girls (WB, 2000-2006; CW, 2006-2007)

4.  The Office (NBC, 2005-2013)

5.  Parks and Recreation (NBC, 2009-2015)

6.  30 Rock (NBC, 2006-2013)

7.  Modern Family (ABC, 2009-2020)

8.  How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 2005-2014)

9.  Desperate Housewives (ABC, 2004-2012)

10.  CSI:  Crime Scene Investigation (CBS, 2000-2015)

Top Ten: Mark's Favorite Shows of the 90s

1. ER (NBC, 1994-2009)
2. Friends (NBC, 1994-2004)
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (WB, 1997-2001; UPN, 2001-2003)
4. Angel (WB, 1999-2004)
5. Seinfeld (NBC, 1990-1998)
6. Law and Order (NBC, 1990-2010)
7. Frasier (NBC, 1993-2004)
8. 7th Heaven (WB, 1996-2006; CW, 2006-2007)
9. Ally McBeal (Fox, 1997-2002)

10. Home Improvement (ABC, 1991-1999)

Our Favorite Easter Traditions

Easter is just a few days away, so we are talking about our favorite Easter related traditions. 

Dying Easter Eggs

To start off the Easter fun, the day before or a few days before, many enjoy dying eggs bright colors and patterns. We all remember buying special kits, some with stickers or other ways to decorate your eggs. You can create natural dyes with ingredients like beet powder and turmeric. If you weren’t into dying your eggs, you could always buy reusable plastic eggs and put candy or small toys in them.

Easter Basket

On Easter morning many children receive a basket full of candy, small gifts and other goodies from the Easter Bunny. A chocolate bunny is usually an essential part of any Easter basket. There are different camps of people who prefer a solid chocolate bunny versus a hollow bunny. Cadbury eggs and egg shaped Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are another favorite. Jelly beans are often found in a big nest of fake grass. Egg shaped malted milk balls and other egg shaped chocolates are usually included as well. Love them or hate them, Peeps are a cute addition to any Easter basket. Small toys are also sometimes a part of an Easter basket. Some of us received frisbees, bubbles, hair accessories, cute socks, slinkies and noise makers.

Egg Hunt

According to Easter mythology, the Easter Bunny hides the decorated eggs (usually outside) for the children to find. They carry their basket and look for hidden eggs in trees, bushes and behind rocks. The White House also has an annual egg roll.

Easter Dinner

Easter is a holiday that is often celebrated with a large meal. Some families eat lamb, and ham is very popular. Since it’s the beginning of spring, many people serve fruit salad. Cake and other desserts round off the meal. 

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