Puppeteering with a Purpose: A JLS Member Shares her Experience

Written By Julie Lanzone

I was new to the Junior League of Summit (JLS), I'd just moved to Summit and welcomed children #2 and #3. The first 24 months at the JLS were a blur for me. I was not sure where I could fit in volunteering with three kids under five at home. 

And then last spring I heard Lisa Zobel speak about Kids on the Block (KOTB) at a membership meeting. Lisa, who is the KOTB chair, described it as an educational program that uses life-sized puppets to represent children with a variety of physical and learning disabilities, medical conditions and social problems. Lisa spoke with such passion about how KOTB gives a fulfilling volunteer experience. She spoke about  having a direct  impact on children in the local community.  I had to try this committee.

I was given the puppet character "Melody"  who helps a friend struggling with a learning disability. I memorized a four minute performance (two minutes worth of lines as the other character performs the other half of the four minutes), and I attended several practices with fun women.    Was I ready to perform in front of second graders? Yes!

At my first performance, I was hooked. There was an eruption of laughter when my character, "Melody", said a funny line. There was such an enthusiastic reaction from the kids! I looked out onto 80 little faces as I was performing and all eyes were on Melody.  

At the end of the performance, the kids had an opportunity to ask the puppets questions.  The questions were powerful.  "Do you get teased for having a learning disability?" And, "Is it hard to be different from your friends?" After two of my fellow committee members performed the next skit about bullying, the questions kept coming. "Why are bullies mean?" And "What do you do if a bully will not leave you alone." Hearing these questions is how I knew the children were affected by the performance.  We were all trained to answer these brave questions, and in doing so, we provided an unforgettable educational experience. 

I just had my 4th performance as Melody. Performing these past few weeks has been incredibly rewarding. I am proud to have the opportunity to touch the lives of children through KOTB performances. I look forward to many more!

The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at www.jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349.