Fall Happenings at Variety 🍁

A SAFE & SUCCESSFUL FALL FEST!

Drum Roll for Nick, Please!

Variety alumni, Nick, is no stranger to the drums. He can often be seen on stage with Variety parent Maureen Stanko and her band, You, Me & Reenie, at various Variety fundraisers. Most recently, he made an appearance at our Fall Fest in early October. Last week, we caught up with Nick's mom to talk about his musical talent and where it came from.

"Nick just seemed to pick up drumming on his own. Individuals with Williams Syndrome are referred to as the ‘musical species.’ They have perfect pitch and the ‘brain of a musician.’ Even as a toddler, he would pick up on repetitive beats or sounds. For instance, he turned the sound of the washing machine into a beat! I took him for his 1st drum lesson when he was in middle school and he surprised us when he just sat down with a CD playing," said Nick's mom, Marybelle.

"Nick can’t read music and plays by ear. He can listen to a song and know what to play. He has had opportunities to play at open mics and with Maureen Stanko’s band a number of times where he showed that he can ‘jam’ or play along as they expand on a song. He is also able to pick up on when the music is about to stop and will end appropriately. It truly is his happy place," added Marybelle.

Methacton Community Theater Supports Variety

Since 2012, Methacton Community Theater (MCT) has supported Variety at various events and became a leasing partner in 2015. They developed a deep appreciation for Variety’s dedication to the community they serve. MCT's all-volunteer, non-profit theater has operated in the area for over forty years, and community is at the center of everything they do. They embrace Variety’s mission because they believe Variety programs make the entire community stronger. Over the years, MCT has leased event and storage space, provided volunteers to the annual Sesame Place event, staged performances on campus. and appeared at Variety events. At Fall Fest 2020, forty MCT members volunteered to make the event safe and fun for all! MCT actors read stories, held a dance party, and visited with a fantastic group of Variety kids. Their talented designers created beautiful costumes, effective sets, and innovative machines to safely distribute candy to our visitors.

Help One Lucky Family Win Our Spooktacular Virtual Halloween Costume Contest!

Voting is open for our Spooktacular Virtual Halloween Costume Contest & we have received some amazing submissions! Click the button below to visit our website & cast your vote! Voting ends November 13th!

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Variety's Holiday Lane

It's *ALMOST* the most wonderful time of the year! Mark your calendars and join us for Variety's Holiday Lane Decorated by Norristown Garden Club in early December!

Wreath Fundraiser

Get your live wreaths in time for the holidays! Order today through November 28th! Click the button below for a preview of wreaths and to place your order. 50% of proceeds go to Variety!

We have some exciting new programs coming your way in the next few weeks! Take a look below and reach out to reserve your spot!