THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 2, 1994 TAG: 9409300211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: Mr. Roberts' Neighborhood
SOURCE: Frank Roberts
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
Children of America! We won't take it anymore -
We'll take those violent video games and throw them out the door!
We won't rent those scary movies and that garbage at the store!
Children of America! Now we know the score.''
The Clubhouse Kids scored with that song at a rally they held recently to put the kibosh - locally - on television violence.
``Rise Up'' was the name of the children's gathering, which featured singin', dancin' and drama.
Everyone seems to have a campaign going and the Chesapeake-based Clubhouse Kids decided to see what they could do to stem childish and adult-ish fascination with the maiming and bloodletting that seem to be a staple of many shows on the tube.
The kids in the audience liked the idea of divorcing themselves from all that, but what happens after the cheers?
Do they stick to Nickelodeon or return to the televised bloodbaths?
For the most part, the decision is up to the parents. If mom and dad see nothing wrong in the myriad acts of violence, then why should their youngsters?
Admittedly, the Clubhouse campaign is a drop in the local bucket, but it was still refreshing to see children fascinated with something so wholesome.
There was more to the rally at Trinity Christian Church - skits involving the talented Clubhouse youngsters and some video clips of their show, which is on WAVY-TV the last Saturday of each month.
Just about everything they do - on television or stage - is written and directed by Yvonne Rice and her son, David Cummings.
They began in Florida where their television presentations won some state awards and are continuing to work with children in Hampton Roads.
Their preference is boys and girls, up to about 15, who have not had much showbiz experience so Rice and Cummings can sort of break them in.
It is pleasantly surprising to watch the children move from awkward onstage to self-assured young performers.
One of the nice things about the Clubhouse Kids is the camaraderie of the children - no cliques, no snubs - just a lot of youngsters who enjoy acting, singing, dancing and being with one another.
Three of the Kids are from Suffolk - Caroline and Eleanor Kirk and Emily Stratton.
It is a good, healthy, atmosphere for youthful performers. If you want to know more about the non-profit group give 'em a call at 523-0342.
It's official. The Virginian-Pilot/Suffolk Sun is now at 157 North Main St. We had open house Tuesday, with all the visitors agreeing that the new digs are beautiful.
We didn't dig the old digs, and the difference is night and day. The Main Street office is bright and cheery.
Obviously, we will be able to write better.
If you want to check the fun and excitement of open-house day and you're a Falcon Cable subscriber, check MAC 13. It will be aired at 8:30 a.m. and 2 and 8:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
It is a fascinating presentation. That's why it is being run so often. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
The Clubhouse Kids protest TV violence in song at their ``Rise Up''
rally, which also featured dancin' and drama.
by CNB