AN INSIDE LOOK INTO THE RANDY KAZANDY CANANDAIGUA SCHOOL VISIT
R. Fischer
October 01, 2010
Randy Kazandy changes the lives of children.
By Judith Gates, WP News
(Canandaigua, New York) I could feel the excitement in the air as I walked through the doors of the Canandaigua Elementary School with Giovanna Dibble, the mother of today´s author. Her daughter, Rhonda Fischer, is the author of the beautifully illustrated and hugely successful children's book, Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses? She was about to read the story in person in the auditorium, backed up by a huge screen, which magnified the story's wild, wonderful, whimsical illustrations.
At this time the children were still in their classrooms waiting for the magical time to come so they could meet the author Rhonda Fischer. Their teachers had read the book to them, and they loved it. The children were already involved by making their very own zany glasses to wear at this event. They were delighted because they knew that two of their classmates are in the book. Rhonda's nephews, Lucas and his brother Quinten are represented in the book. Randy's freckled face is that of Lucas, and Quinten's bright red hair were used to draw Randy Kazandy. Being part of something so big has made them feel like the shining stars they truly are.
I could feel the energy buzzing through the school. The teachers in the halls were talking with one another about how fantastic this was, and discussing how enlivened their students have been. As we entered, the warmth of the auditorium filled the air and its enchanting welcome wrapped around me. I knew I'd never forget this room from the past and the memories of the most wonderful event that was taking place here today. The seats were covered in red velvet, and there was a beautiful masterpiece of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Its twinkle and shimmering light was like the sun bursting through on a cloudy day. It made the huge room very warm and inviting.
The stage, the curtains and a beautiful nine-foot grand piano stood ready to fill the area with music. It was now going to be a part of Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses? Sights and sounds would be locked away forever in the memories of the children and adults alike.
The other reporters were interviewing Rhonda Fischer when the children started filling the seats. Now the time was finally here. They were enthusiastic about having a well-known author at the school, but their energy soared to a higher level when Rhonda shared with the children that she was born and raised in Canandaigua NY, and sat in the very seats that they were sitting in now. Glorious smiles were adorning the faces of the wee ones. The beautifully decorated hand made glasses that the children wore during the assembly seemed to illuminate the room as much as the chandelier, maybe it was their glowing faces.
When Lucas and Quinten came in, the other reporters were asking them questions. Some of their classmates were asking Luke if they could have his autograph. The bubbly joy of
local author Rhonda Fischer has affected the students in Canandaigua School. I took a closer look, to find out how. When Rhonda spoke to the children in her special way, they were awed by her presence. She has the ability to let a beauty shine from inside her that captivates, lifting minds and spirits to a higher realm, be they child or adult. With the children, she can magnify them and kiss their souls with her heavenly touch as her fingers started tickling the ivories. Karen, Ms. Fischer's sister and wife of the real Randy was playing the triangle. Lucas and Quinten dancing up and down the isle to the music made a big splash. The children loved learning the theme song to Randy Kazandy and also learned that Randy Kazandy has a motto: "I love being me." The children were singing loud and strong.
Now the story starts in an auditorium filled to the brim with excited children, yet when the story begins they are silent and still as the depth of night. There's not much sound, hardly a peep can be heard, just little giggles soft and sweet as the story unfolds. They were getting to know Randy Kazandy better. It was easy to see they loved what they heard and saw. The crowds of children were mesmerized the entire time they were being read the story.
Ms. Fischer shared with the children, "If someone says that you have too many freckles, doesn't like your hair, or you are being teased about anything, remember what Randy Kazandy says, 'I love being me." They loved this part and by following her instruction, hugged themselves as their little voices rang out like crystal bells, "I love being me." Ms. Fischer repeated this a number of times using different situations. This idea sparked something within the children, they will remember to love who they are, glasses, freckles, curly hair, whatever makes them different, they will say, "I love being me." Even the teachers watching were hugging themselves tightly with their eyes closed we also recited Randy's motto: "I love being me" with the utmost emotion. Something I have never seen an author do before.
Ms. Fischer also went into the audience to talk with various children after reading and singing with them the theme song, Randy Kazandy Time. One tiny girl was in the aisle while Rhonda was leaning over talking to some of the children. The precious little girl was holding out her hand trying to get Rhonda's attention, she was so small, Rhonda didn't see her, a couple of minutes passed and that wee-one just kept her hand out waiting. I asked her, "You really want to shake the author's hand don't you?"
The little doll said, "Ohhhh, yes I dooo." I got the impression she thought maybe the magic would rub off onto her. I got Rhonda's attention for this little girl. Her name is Debra and she is in the first grade, as precious as can be.
The time was coming for the visit to be over, that didn't stop the energy from flowing or cause the excitement to die down. Some of the teacher's realized the author Rhonda was their very own classmate that they graduated with. Hugs and old memories filled the air, the love of the book added new memories that will last a lifetime.
Just know, as I sat and watched, the precious children felt and returned real love. I feel rewarded to have been a part of something that was so good for the children. The children who were wearing glasses I noticed sat straight in their chairs and had big smiles on their faces when they found out the story was about a little boy who had to wear glasses just like them. They learned the importance of valuing themselves, through Randy Kazandy's motto, "I love being me." This is something we all need to be reminded of occasionally. We all need to focus on "I love being me," more in this world, whether we're young or old. As Ms. Fischer told the children, "Love being who you are, so that you can reach out and love others."
Sponsors:
Jobson Optical Research- To Purchase the book
Ooh la la-de Paris- Designer of Randy Kazandy Eye-wear
Essilor
WP News
By Judith Gates, WP News
(Canandaigua, New York) I could feel the excitement in the air as I walked through the doors of the Canandaigua Elementary School with Giovanna Dibble, the mother of today´s author. Her daughter, Rhonda Fischer, is the author of the beautifully illustrated and hugely successful children's book, Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses? She was about to read the story in person in the auditorium, backed up by a huge screen, which magnified the story's wild, wonderful, whimsical illustrations.
At this time the children were still in their classrooms waiting for the magical time to come so they could meet the author Rhonda Fischer. Their teachers had read the book to them, and they loved it. The children were already involved by making their very own zany glasses to wear at this event. They were delighted because they knew that two of their classmates are in the book. Rhonda's nephews, Lucas and his brother Quinten are represented in the book. Randy's freckled face is that of Lucas, and Quinten's bright red hair were used to draw Randy Kazandy. Being part of something so big has made them feel like the shining stars they truly are.
I could feel the energy buzzing through the school. The teachers in the halls were talking with one another about how fantastic this was, and discussing how enlivened their students have been. As we entered, the warmth of the auditorium filled the air and its enchanting welcome wrapped around me. I knew I'd never forget this room from the past and the memories of the most wonderful event that was taking place here today. The seats were covered in red velvet, and there was a beautiful masterpiece of a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Its twinkle and shimmering light was like the sun bursting through on a cloudy day. It made the huge room very warm and inviting.
The stage, the curtains and a beautiful nine-foot grand piano stood ready to fill the area with music. It was now going to be a part of Randy Kazandy Where Are Your Glasses? Sights and sounds would be locked away forever in the memories of the children and adults alike.
The other reporters were interviewing Rhonda Fischer when the children started filling the seats. Now the time was finally here. They were enthusiastic about having a well-known author at the school, but their energy soared to a higher level when Rhonda shared with the children that she was born and raised in Canandaigua NY, and sat in the very seats that they were sitting in now. Glorious smiles were adorning the faces of the wee ones. The beautifully decorated hand made glasses that the children wore during the assembly seemed to illuminate the room as much as the chandelier, maybe it was their glowing faces.
When Lucas and Quinten came in, the other reporters were asking them questions. Some of their classmates were asking Luke if they could have his autograph. The bubbly joy of
local author Rhonda Fischer has affected the students in Canandaigua School. I took a closer look, to find out how. When Rhonda spoke to the children in her special way, they were awed by her presence. She has the ability to let a beauty shine from inside her that captivates, lifting minds and spirits to a higher realm, be they child or adult. With the children, she can magnify them and kiss their souls with her heavenly touch as her fingers started tickling the ivories. Karen, Ms. Fischer's sister and wife of the real Randy was playing the triangle. Lucas and Quinten dancing up and down the isle to the music made a big splash. The children loved learning the theme song to Randy Kazandy and also learned that Randy Kazandy has a motto: "I love being me." The children were singing loud and strong.
Now the story starts in an auditorium filled to the brim with excited children, yet when the story begins they are silent and still as the depth of night. There's not much sound, hardly a peep can be heard, just little giggles soft and sweet as the story unfolds. They were getting to know Randy Kazandy better. It was easy to see they loved what they heard and saw. The crowds of children were mesmerized the entire time they were being read the story.
Ms. Fischer shared with the children, "If someone says that you have too many freckles, doesn't like your hair, or you are being teased about anything, remember what Randy Kazandy says, 'I love being me." They loved this part and by following her instruction, hugged themselves as their little voices rang out like crystal bells, "I love being me." Ms. Fischer repeated this a number of times using different situations. This idea sparked something within the children, they will remember to love who they are, glasses, freckles, curly hair, whatever makes them different, they will say, "I love being me." Even the teachers watching were hugging themselves tightly with their eyes closed we also recited Randy's motto: "I love being me" with the utmost emotion. Something I have never seen an author do before.
Ms. Fischer also went into the audience to talk with various children after reading and singing with them the theme song, Randy Kazandy Time. One tiny girl was in the aisle while Rhonda was leaning over talking to some of the children. The precious little girl was holding out her hand trying to get Rhonda's attention, she was so small, Rhonda didn't see her, a couple of minutes passed and that wee-one just kept her hand out waiting. I asked her, "You really want to shake the author's hand don't you?"
The little doll said, "Ohhhh, yes I dooo." I got the impression she thought maybe the magic would rub off onto her. I got Rhonda's attention for this little girl. Her name is Debra and she is in the first grade, as precious as can be.
The time was coming for the visit to be over, that didn't stop the energy from flowing or cause the excitement to die down. Some of the teacher's realized the author Rhonda was their very own classmate that they graduated with. Hugs and old memories filled the air, the love of the book added new memories that will last a lifetime.
Just know, as I sat and watched, the precious children felt and returned real love. I feel rewarded to have been a part of something that was so good for the children. The children who were wearing glasses I noticed sat straight in their chairs and had big smiles on their faces when they found out the story was about a little boy who had to wear glasses just like them. They learned the importance of valuing themselves, through Randy Kazandy's motto, "I love being me." This is something we all need to be reminded of occasionally. We all need to focus on "I love being me," more in this world, whether we're young or old. As Ms. Fischer told the children, "Love being who you are, so that you can reach out and love others."
Sponsors:
Jobson Optical Research- To Purchase the book
Ooh la la-de Paris- Designer of Randy Kazandy Eye-wear
Essilor
WP News
Print
Email
