What are we building? Check it out!

Haven't been by the Q lately? Don't worry -- we'll catch you up!

The playground, pavers, and shade structure were carefully removed.

Then the trees, and well, everything else!

Then it was time for the electrical, the plumbing, and the foundation.

The building is being framed.

And walls! We are getting walls.

Keep checking back. We will keep you posted on building progress here!

A Legacy of Dance

“The minute I walked in the dance area and saw kids dancing on hard tile, I knew this was it.” Denny Toll reflects on his first visit to Quality Life Center in 2012.

After his wife passed away in 2010, Denny was looking for a way to honor her. Barbara Toll loved to dance. In college, she studied education and dance.  She worked at Wheeling High School in Illinois where she was a P.E. teacher, a tennis coach and ran a successful dance program called Orchesis, then taught math.

It started with a dance floor. Not just any wood floor, but a beautiful bamboo dance floor.

With mirrors, ballet barres and an audio system, we had the Quality Life Center Dance Studio.

In memory of Barbara Braude Toll.

It doesn’t end there. Denny has facilitated other opportunities and exposures to the children of Quality Life Center. Including trying out and dancing with the Moscow Ballet for The Great Russian Nutcracker.

And most recently, exposing children to the jaw-dropping spectacle of The Lion King.

His wife inspired and encouraged the dreams of her students. Denny is carrying on her legacy. Asked if he is achieving his goal, Denny said it's not about him. "I’m not accomplishing this. They [the kids] are. They are working hard, and hopefully enjoying themselves. I KNOW they can achieve greatness. In dance and in life.”

We couldn't agree more.

"The Lion King" Cast Member on Dancing and Singing in Zulu

There are a lot of dancers and actors in the world. Only 52 of them have put in the time, hard work and developed the talent that allows them to be in Fort Myers right now, performing in Disney's The Lion King. Shacura Wade is one of them.

The Lion King's “Get Up and Go” campaign which promotes fun ways that kids can lead healthier lifestyles brought Lion King ensemble dancer Ms. Wade to Quality Life Center.

She talked to students about eating habits, and told them that eating a lot of vegetables makes her feel better and keeps her energized. Students could only imagine the energy and hard work needed to perform the choreography for multiple characters day after day while living on the road.

Ms. Wade plays different characters in the show, including a zebra, lioness, hyena and is part of the dance ensemble in "One by One." She led students through some stretches, and an activity that involved both movement and listening carefully to directions.

Then it was on to choreography!

As she taught children the dance moves for "He Lives in You," Ms. Wade talked about the meaning of the song, and how Simba used it to deal with the death of his father.

She let them in on some secrets such as how Scar's head moves, and how the actress playing the cheetah is able to get the puppet's feline movements to match hers. 

We also learned that six indigenous African languages are spoken throughout the musical. Ms. Wade gave us a demonstration of a song sung in Zulu.

Physical fitness and good nutrition have taken Ms. Wade far (a bachelor's degree in fine arts and lots of motivation and hard work didn't hurt either!). Thank you, Ms. Wade for your inspiration! 

Brown Girls Dance

When people see brown girls dance, they think hip hop. The performing arts program at Quality Life Center introduces students to multiple genres of dance, beginning with ballet. With the solid foundation of technique learned in ballet, students gain a strong base for learning other styles. Like most dance studios, Q students practice in leotards.

From the moment I saw a picture of ballerinas with brown leotards, I knew I wanted them for my dancers. I was excited opening the package, and began helping the girls find the shade of brown to match their skin.

“This looks like poop,” said one student.

It was time for a chat.

How to convince young brown girls to embrace their skin color? That everybody’s color is beautiful? That they are beautiful? While it is finally at least possible to find beautiful representations of women of color in magazines and movies, it is also true that the market for skin-lightening cream is still booming.

The performing arts program at the Q is meant to provide exposure and instruction in different types of dance to students of any shade and any body shape. But the goals also include confidence and self-esteem. So I sat with these children, and together we talked about their differences, their value, and what makes each of them unique and beautiful.

When the dancers put on their leotards and walked across the beach for their photo shoot, you could see the confidence in their posture, in the way they moved. They exhibited not just acceptance of the richness of their complexions, but strength and beauty.

THAT is the power of performing arts. You can catch Q dancers at various events throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Day at Centennial Park, ArtFest, and at the Q’s summer camp performance of Lion King in August.

Keesha Allen is the Performing Arts Director at Quality Life Center

Q Showcase Lets Children Take the Lead

Quality Life Center children spoke to parents and other visitors while showcasing the STEAM advances they made at the Q over the last year.

The STEAM showcase included demonstrations of 3-D printing, electronic snap circuits, slime creation, and Code 'N' Go Mouse systems which was led by Darnell Frazier and Se'Sean Shim.

The "Art" in STEAM was led by Alana Esaw and Zyna Blanks who guided parents and guests from NIKE through a gallery walk of QLC art, expression, and imagination for 2018.

Ethan Holloway manned the Earth Science exhibit, and explained volcano design, building, and eruptions.

IXL software program was presented by Rah'Myia Anderson and Neveah Royal who explained the standards-based skills they are able to target and use for projects.

Chess improves children's critical thinking and problem solving skills. Ky'Maris Jackson and Jamarree Hood discussed - and demonstrated - using chess as a critical thinking tool.

Rashean Smith provided details of his science project that was exhibited at the Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science and Inventors Fair.

Q kids did an excellent job of of presenting information to the parents and guests as they described the movement to push STEAM initiatives to the forefront of QLC activity.  We would like to thank our many partners such as Hodges University, FGCU, the Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science Fair Steering committee, and the Lee County School District for their continued support.

Nature Called. Q Kids Answered.

This summer two groups of Q children stepped out of their comfort zone to visit the beautiful Lovers Key Carl E. Johnson State Park, located in Fort Myers Beach.

Under a hearty dose of sunlight, our children were treated to an excellent array of environmental experiences. Volunteers from FGCU, together with employees of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Park Service and other entities gave our kids a great sense of nature as it pertains to Florida.

The kids were treated to a natural look at Florida mangroves (many for the first time), walked into the middle of a butterfly garden, and were taught how to find the age of a tree and forestry tips. They also experienced a water ecosystem and were guided through the importance of water conservation (which was also presented at the QLC by Toni Fonseca).

Many of the kids learned about native Florida species and their habitats for the first time in a park setting. STEM was a factor in the trip as well as the kids were tasked with a thinking project that required a team effort to complete (the girls won).

After moving through the stations, learning, and staying hydrated, the kids moved over to the pavilion on the Lovers Key beach for lunch. They were thrilled to drive over to the beach on the tram and enjoyed every minute of lunch in the shade.

We finally departed back for the QLC with tired bodies and minds full of new information as presented by a great team of experts and volunteers. We cannot thank the participants enough for the experience, and that includes the Director of Florida Park Services, Eric Draper, who happened to visit while our group was there. The hospitality, patience with our kids, expertise, and enthusiasm
was evident and definitely filtered down to our children.

Finally, note that many of our kids don’t get to go to parks like Lovers Key, don’t get out into nature often, and don’t experience the Florida habitats and wildlife that your team protects…..so this was a special treat! We hope to return again to the wonderful things that the Florida parks offer!

Through a Child's Eye: Wings of Peace

A couple of weeks ago, parents, community leaders, youth, children and other community members of all types came together at Quality Life Center. Greeted and guided by teens, there was time to get together, chat and eat breakfast.

During a groundbreaking ceremony, we celebrated a new wing which will be added on to the Q’s campus. We heard from Q alum and board members, the mayor, a councilman, supporters and folks involved in making the building a reality. They talked about progress that has been made, and what the new wing will mean for the area.

   

And in between, there was the opportunity for everyone to express their opinion about the challenges that remain, and the things we need or can do to make our community better. There were teens and Q parents on hand to help guests participate.

Quality Life Center students had already been thinking about and discussing these questions. Certain concerns were common in all of the classes, regardless of age: violence, especially gun violence, racism, bullying, hatred and injustice. After a discussion and brainstorming session, one class decided they had enough. They created a striking piece including a wreath made of crime scene tape and a tombstone listing the things they want laid to rest: hate, racism, violence.

Another class had an animated discussion about the environment they would like to be surrounded by: it would be safe and nice and supportive. Girls could come together and have fun and be safe at “Sisterhood House.”

Some younger classes thought everything would be easier if everyone could work a little hard on getting along, that nobody should have to live in fear of violence. They worked together to create the art installation “Wings of Peace.”

Another class focused on the positive with “We Rise Like the Sun.” These pieces depict the positive point of view they want people to have of the Dunbar community.

We needed a place for community members to share their thoughts. Students had recently been taught by art instructor Ms. Elizabeth about pop artist Keith Haring. Students learned Haring often used his art to generate activism and awareness about social themes. The decision to use Haring’s iconic figures as the vision boards for the event seemed destined. The result was a colorful visual representation of the hopes for the community, and actions leading to the changes they want to see. 

Teens explained to guests at the event that topics corresponded with different colored post-it notes, and included a write-in option. And the community spoke. The results:

This report compiling the results is being sent to elected officials who represent our area. We encourage everyone to take the action(s) they think is part of the solution, whether it is volunteering, voting or organizing. While children's main concern was violence, and the greatest focus for adults was education issues, it is clear that things will only be better with an educated, active public. And this is a good step toward making our children feel safer.