Baystate, Best Buddies showcase Artistic Ability

Avery worthwhile organization called Best Buddies is teaming up with Baystate Health to host the fourth annual Artistic Ability event on Nov. 5.

It is being held at CityStage in downtown Springfield from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The tickets are $30 each or $50 per couple with all proceeds benefiting the Western Massachusetts chapter of Best Buddies.

This is a nonprofit organization that strives to encourage friendships and networking among people with and without disabilities in all situations from education settings to community living.

The event will showcase artists working with an individual with a developmental disability. There will also be musical performances by indivuals with developmental disabilities partnered up with local musicians.

Musical performances will include members of the Springfield Youth Orchestra with their buddy pairs from Berkshire Hills Music Academy. In addition, Northampton Community Music Center faculty member and baritone Tom O'Toole will perform with soprano buddy Elca Maranzana of Berkshire Hills Music Academy accompanied by Tom Slowick, a faculty member at the academy, on the piano.

For the first time this year local chefs along with a developmental disabled individual will create a variety of food items from appetizers to deserts.

While looking at all of the creative displays, individuals can participate in a silent auction.

This event gives individuals the opportunity to express themselves through art, music and cooking. It is also a time to shift the focus to the talents and postive qualities of a person with special needs.

Sadly as a society we often focus too much on the negatives and limitations of a disability.

Instead we should get to know and recognize the person.

For more information, please contact Ilana Gerjuoy, deputy director for Western Massachusetts, at (413) 259-1714.

Carrie Barrepski, a native of Livonia, Mich., lives in Western Massachusetts. You can learn more about Carrie at her Web site, www.carrie writes.netShe can be reached at cbarrepski@ carriewrites.net