Dolls and more at NECC

MILLERTON — Girl power was in full force at the North East Community Center (NECC) on Saturday, March 3, during the American Girl Reader’s Theatre Workshop.Lesley Gyorsk, children’s activities director at the Amenia Free Library, developed this program to help girls with self esteem and as a way to connect with her daughter, who she said is “very into the American Girl dolls and books.”The American Girl series offers dolls and books that highlight historical time periods. Each doll comes with a line of books for young readers that presents the unique challenges faced in different decades.“They are very popular and present great positive images and inspiration,” Gyorsk said. “The characters overcome obstacles and learn important lessons.” The workshop encourages girls to bring in their dolls, if they have them, and participate in a skit.At NECC, the girls rehearsed parts from their favorite stories and presented the skit at the end.“It’s not about the skit, per se. It’s about the process, working together, problem solving, that’s really what I think the girls gain the most from,” said Gyorsk.The girls also get to don period-specific costumes for a fun afternoon of dress up.“It’s nice because they get to meet new friends that share a common interest. It’s a fun day,” she said.Gyorsk will also be offering this program at the Amenia Free Library.For more information on NECC events and programs, visit www.neccmillerton.org.

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