Hope Players going retro with 'Our Seventies Show'
Breast cancer benefit set to open July 28 at Kennedy Catholic High School

"The 70s was a decade of convenience," said Hope Players Musical Director George Croom reminiscing about Mod clothes and all the various electronic gadgets. "Bigger, better, faster." Funny, because those are the perfect words to describe this summer's upcoming Hope Show, conveniently being staged right here in northern Westchester.

Featuring the sights, fun and fashion of the 70s, Our Seventies Show is bringing together the best of the disco era-- from afro hair and bellbottoms with flair, to platforms and polyester-- for four nights and one afternoon that are sure to be far out.

"When you step in that theater, you'll be back in the 70s," Artistic Director Jason Summers assured, only without the wood paneling.

The Hope Players' 9th flagship show is a revue that includes three plays-- a "Fawlty Towers" episode (British comedy), a 70s sitcom and a game show-- along with six dance and musical numbers. Brought to you by 65 high school and college-age performers from across Westchester and Putnam counties, Our Seventies Show is sure to straighten your Jheri curl and put the funk back in on your turntables.

And while you're bound to see your share of imitation silk and pleather, there's no duplicating The Hope Players' charitable efforts for breast cancer. As with all the troupe's shows, 100 percent of the profits from the production will be put toward breast cancer research and awareness efforts via The Hope for Change Foundation.

Tickets for Our Seventies Show are a suggested $12 admission in advance and $15 at the door. Please call The Hope Players' ticket hotline at 914.206.9644, or e-mail info@thehopeplayers.com to reserve yours. Ticket Order Forms can also be downloaded at www.thehopeplayers.com and faxed or e-mailed to same number and address.

Show dates are July 28-29 and Aug. 4-5 at 8 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, July 30 at 3 p.m. All performances will take place in the Jennie Peters Auditorium at Kennedy Catholic High School, 54 Route 138 in Somers, N.Y. For directions or more information, please visit www.thehopeplayers.com.

Formed in the fall of 1997, The Hope Players is a community theater troupe comprised entirely of high school and college-age students who use their dramatic talents to fundraise for breast cancer research and awareness via the Hope for Change Foundation (HFC). Based out of New Rochelle, N.Y., HFC is a 501-c-3 nonprofit with all donations tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

It's been more than 25 years since the Children's Center was founded at Bedford Hills Correctional facility (BHCF) in an effort to transform the lives of the women and spare their children the pains that can accompany separation.

Today, the Children's Center exists as a community of women who share a deep attachment to their children and wish to take an active mothering role. The Center offers extensive programs and services to help mothers strengthen their roles as parents, reinforce their feelings of self-worth, improve their family ties, and support and nurture their children.

Summer Program: Since 1980, the Children's Center at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility has sponsored a summer visiting program for the children of incarcerated mothers. The program consists of five-day sessions, Sunday through Thursday, which run every week for nine weeks. The children visit their mothers from 9am to 3pm. This quality time affords the opportunity for participants to bond with one another through various activities, including breakfast and lunch. The children stay overnight with screened host families who drive them to and from the prison daily. The Summer Program runs from late June to late August. Children involved in the program range in age from 4 years to 14 years. Host Families are generally asked to host for a four-night period, beginning Sunday afternoon and ending Thursday morning. The Center is always looking for hosts families and would be glad to hear from interested parties.

Overnight Program: During the school year, children ages 4 to 12, who live locally (ie: the 5 boroughs and nearby counties) may take part in the overnight program one week-end per month. The program provides an opportunity for mothers and children to spend an extended period of time together participating in organized activities, having lunch, and enjoying each others' company. Children spend the night with host families and, as well as visiting with their mothers, get the chance to see how they can interact with other families, and get a chance to experience something new and different from their daily lives at home.

Story Corner: When a mother is incarcerated and separated from her child, neither can experience the joy that comes from a shared story. The Story Corner helps to bridge that gap by giving mothers access to donated children's books that they read onto a tape. The books and cassettes are mailed to the children so that they can listen to their mothers' voices and follow along. The Center is open to book donations as well as new or gently used toys for their nursery program and play room for visiting children.

For more information on the Children's Center or to get involved, call 914.241.3100, ext. 4050 or 4055.