11 minute read
Kids Unlimited Reimagined
band of BROTHERS
KIDS UNLIMITED REIMAGINED
ANY KID CAN be a star through Kids Unlimited – take it from the program’s new producing executive directors, who spent their childhood summers as “KU kids” and grew up to perform around the world.
The summer performing arts program concluded after a 30-year run in 2017, but identical triplets and Redding natives Clayton, Kyle and Matthew Thurmond were so touched by their long-ago experience as participants that they decided to breathe new life into it. The nonprofit organization, now Kids Unlimited Institute of the Arts Summer Conservatory and Performance Encounter, is open to ages 7-20. The mission is to develop character and a sense of belonging through the performing arts.
Under the theme “Kids Unlimited Reimagined,” the experience includes a fiveweek camp from June 15 to July 21, where students can join dance and singing teams and enroll in enrichment classes, all in preparation for four shows from July 22-25 at Redding School of the Arts. Classes are instructed by professional teachers and choreographers from Broadway, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Disney. The brothers are aiming for Broadway-caliber shows, with professional lights, sets and costumes. Numerous pricing options are offered, and fundraising, payment plans and sibling discounts are available.
“We have been working around the clock to bring the KU magic back to the Redding community,” says Clayton, company manager and operations director. “KU has helped guide so many young people’s love for the visual and performing arts. The journey helps them build confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, respect and the opportunity to be proud of their accomplishments. KU is a positive, uplifting and magical organization where every student who participates is a star.” 4 continued on page 46
Photos courtesy of the Thurmond Brothers Kyle, who serves as artistic director and recently returned from an international Broadway tour of “Peter Pan,” worked for Kids Unlimited under Hess’ direction for several years. “It is more than just a company to me,” Kyle says. “I hope to sprinkle the seeds of musical theatre inspiration to people of all ages in this new generation of KU productions. My hope is that one day KU performers will feel confident to go out into the world and express themselves in a positive light with hard work ethic and true, loving character. In Kids Unlimited, we accept everyone.” Adds Matthew, the dance supervisor: “‘If a child can’t learn the way we teach them, maybe we should teach the way they learn.’ I feel that Kids Unlimited does just that with so many different types of learning abilities. Carrying on the legacy of Kids Unlimited to the next generation of kids means so much to me. This program gave me the tools to have the confidence and knowledge to further my performing career after high school and college. I have made a career from singing, dancing and acting around the world.”
With years of experience working for Walt Disney Entertainment in California and Japan, each of the triplets has a lengthy list of professional credits to his name. They all furthered their education in the performing arts field and have performed under the direction of professionals from New York City, Hollywood, Las Vegas and more. Clayton holds bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies and musical theater, along with a master’s degree in education and a teaching credential, and he teaches acting and musical theatre workshops in Southern California. He also teaches in several school districts. Kyle holds a degree in theater arts drama and stage management, and has taught musical theatre classes and private lessons for performing arts organizations in Orange County and Northern California, including Kids Unlimited, Harris Studios, The Broadway Experience and the Cascade Theatre. Matthew, a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, lives in New York and most recently performed off Broadway at Madison Square Garden in “Rudolph.” He has guest choreographed for Cascade Theatre musicals and was in “A Cascade Christmas.”
The brothers have earned the endorsement of Dawn Hess, who founded Kids Unlimited in 1988. “Over the 30 years that I directed Kids Unlimited, there are many wonderful students that stood out, that showed great passion for KU and for learning, performing and excelling in their art. But there are only a handful that eclipse all the others with their fervor and excitement for KU itself. Clayton, Kyle and Matt Thurmond are at the top of that short list,” Hess says. “They are the absolute best ones to reignite the program and infuse it with new energy and vitality.”•
KU Reimagined • (562) 217-7525 • KUReimagined2020@gmail.com For more information or to register, find them on Facebook and Instagram
Kerri Regan grew up in the North State and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Francisco State University. A freelance writer and editor, Kerri enjoys exploring the North State with her husband and three children.
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The only award that matters is SAVING LIVES
There is a misconception among some North State residents that the highest level of medical care available can only be achieved by leaving the area. Mercy Medical Center’s Cardiac Program is ushering in a change of hearts and minds where this notion is concerned. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in America. To meet a crucial need for cardiac care, Mercy Medical Center Redding (MMCR) offers 24/7 coverage to North State residents in varying stages of cardiac distress. The Cardiac Cath Lab was updated last year with the most advanced imaging technology available in Redding, aiding physicians in the most accurate navigation of the complex cardiac anatomy and assuring the best possible outcomes for patients. Dr. Eric Keyser, a fellowship-trained Cardiothoracic Surgeon with 20 years of surgery experience, was proudly welcomed to MMCR last year, as the Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery. Dr. Keyser, an Assistant Professor at Stanford University Medical Center, brings with him a roster of cardiac surgeries and a mastery of technologies that had not previously been available in Redding. Among the new offerings are Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
and Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation, a technology that can completely replace heart and lung function for a patient temporarily, buying them crucial time to receive the necessary care. Advanced Heart Valve Repair surgeries, often considered some of the most challenging, are the ones Dr. Keyser enjoys performing the most. “My greatest reward is seeing patients turn around quickly on what would otherwise have been a life-terminating disease. We treat each patient with a Heart Team approach and the services we offer are giving patients a new lease on life,” says Dr. Keyser. MMCR is a designated ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Receiving Center. STEMI cases are the most emergent cardiac cases, accounting for approximately 150 of the 350 heart attacks seen per year at MMCR. Dr. Nikita Gill is a fellowship-trained Interventional Cardiologist and Medical Director of Cardiology Services at MMCR. Dr. Gill performs 95% of all of her cardiac cases through the wrist, which allows patients to go home sooner and with less complications. “Some patients are too sick for open heart surgery. We
have the technology to get our patients through their most critical phases,” says Dr. Gill. Dr. Gill, recognized as one of the top five stent surgeons in the state of California, is firmly committed to caring for the North State community. “I love the place, the people and the life here. I knew right away that this was the place for me. I’ve never looked back,” says Dr. Gill. Dr. Alaeddin Ayyad and Dr. Emmanuel Papadakis, two additional fellowship trained Interventional Cardiologists, round out the MMCR Cardiology Call Team. Their support means that MMCR can offer a full range of treatments and care to its cardiac patients, day or night. “Having a program of this caliber requires a lot of commitment from a lot of people,” says Rosa Vicente-Soito, Director of the Cardiovascular Service Line at MMCR. “the cardiac surgeon, the cardiologists, the Cardiac Cath Lab staff, the Cardiovascular OR staff, the Cardiac ICU team, the hospital’s leadership, and so many other support services, all play an integral role in the success of the program,” says Vicente-Soito.
“The North State is a large geographic region and MMCR offers a vital service to our residents - many of whom could die while seeking medical services from hundreds of miles away. I see the absolute commitment of MMCR at the highest level, for the sickest patients,” says Dr. Keyser. This spring, Mercy Medical Center’s Cardiac Program will expand its service offerings to include Electro-Physiology Services, which will specifically address abnormal heart rhythms. It’s a service that has never been consistently available in Redding before.
With physicians and medical staff of this caliber, in a facility with technology this advanced, North State residents can put their hearts at ease, knowing that the best cardiac care available is to be found right here at home.
Dr. Eric Keyser Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Dr. Nikita Gill Cardiologist
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Cheers To 21 Years!
Disappearing Act is 21 years old! It is hard to believe, but 21 years ago I asked Jory if we could buy a hair removal laser (I had a goatee that I was sick of plucking). We were planning our wedding, I was in nursing school, and we wanted to have babies soon. Fortunately he said YES! So in January, 1999 we started Disappearing Act, literally by the hair of my chinny-chin chin! It has been an amazing ride full of ups and downs, good decisions and bad. Lots of education, and lots of connections. Thank you to the patients we have cherished over the years. We appreciate your trust and your loyalty. Thank you to the DA family, both current and past team members. What an ensemble we have! Jory and I couldn’t feel more proud and grateful. Much love to everyone! HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY DISAPPEARING ACT! - Love Jewlz & Jor Julie Bass Kaplan FNP-BC, MSN, RN, CANS, CPSN, HCMT, PHN Stephanie Moravec BSN, RN, ANS Wendy Van Kirk BSN, RN, CANS Ashlee Smith DO, FAAP Denise Pearson FNP, RN, CANS Cristie Vericker BSN, RN, CANS OUR EXPERT CREW: Jory N. Kaplan M.D., F.A.C.S. Rebecca McAbee Practice Manager Kayla Painter Marketing Coordinator Rory Terras MA RENT Allergy Candice Thomas Aesthetician Shawna Ferguson Patient Care Coordinator Raven Brown, Michaela Miller, Alyssa Boss and Melinda Holzer front desk specialists
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Medical Director: Jory N. Kaplan, M.D., F.A.C.S. GYN Medical Director, RejuVa: Sam Van Kirk, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., OB/GYN. Nursing Director & Certified Injection Trainer: Julie Bass Kaplan, FNP-BC, MSN, RN, CANS, CPSN, HCMT, PHN, AMI Speaker/Trainer Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse, P.A.L.E.T.T.E. Expert Faculty
Disappearing Act 2143 Airpark Drive Redding CA 96001 DisappearingActLaser.com 530.241.8772
