Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008

Lovable character from TV show visits area library

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photo by Naomi Brookner⁄The Gazette
(Elise Ferkler (left), 7, of Mount Airy and Megan May (right), 19, of Damascus sing with the rest of the crowd gathered to meet Roscoe Orman, who plays Gordon Robinson on Sesame Street, during his visit to the Damascus Library on Saturday.
Adults and children pinched their noses, touched their toes and spun around together at Damascus Library on Saturday during a visit from an actor who frequently walks down ‘‘Sesame Street.”

Roscoe Orman, who plays Gordon Robinson on the show, sang songs, taught life lessons and read his new children’s book in front of more than 75 people in honor of Library Lovers Month.

More than 200 people greeted him at Rockville Library earlier the same day.

Orman has played a schoolteacher on ‘‘Sesame Street” since the mid-1970s and production on the next season of the show will begin later this month. ‘‘Sesame Street” premiered Nov. 10, 1969.

‘‘It really was a unique thing for that time to have such a diverse cast — multi-racial, ethnic and bilingual,” Orman said. ‘‘It was all-inclusive in terms of kids with different abilities. It really reached out to as many people as possible. It was also always from the very beginning a show that depended tremendously on research and development from an educational and psychological standpoint.”

Children sat on the carpeted floor of the library as Orman sang an alphabet song, told the children to hold hands with their parents as they cross the street, and let them know that ‘‘Sesame Street” characters Big Bird, Elmo and Snuffleupagus sent their best wishes.

Laughter and applause filled the room as Orman entertained the audience.

Colleen Walker of Damascus brought her son Skye, 4, a big fan of ‘‘Sesame Street,” to the event. She said she loved Orman’s performance because it was interactive.

‘‘We are thrilled because Damascus is such a small town,” Walker said. ‘‘It is monumental for us.”

Ari Brooks, the executive director of the Montgomery County Friends of the Library, said her organization worked with the Damascus chapter of the organization to schedule Orman’s visit.

‘‘He appeals to children, parents and families,” Brooks said. ‘‘We wanted to make sure that this was inclusive. Children of all ages and backgrounds will recognize and be able to appreciate what he has done for children all over the world.”

County Councilwoman Nancy Floreen (D-At large) of Garrett Park stressed the importance of reading before introducing Orman. More than 6.1 million visitors checked out 11.8 million books last year at libraries throughout the county, she said.

Tirsh Olin of Derwood brought her grandchildren Amber, 4, and Tristan Olin-Fixico, 8, of Derwood to the library for Orman’s visit. She said his personality reflects the character he portrays in the show and it was great for him to take the time out of his schedule to visit the children.

‘‘I think it is wonderful,” Olin said. ‘‘It shows the kind of man he is and what his priorities are.”

Orman’s book ‘‘Ricky and Mobo,” published by Ink Water Press and released in September, is based on an experience in his life growing up in the Bronx. He also illustrated the book, marking the first time he ever used his artistic talents professionally.

In the story, a young boy named Ricky races his mechanical horse named Mobo in a neighborhood block party and it creates a memorable experience.

‘‘One of the things I’m most proud of about the children’s book is that by finally utilizing my visual art skills in this way, I’m serving as an example that no matter how long it takes, as long as you continue doing what you love to do ... you might be able to use whatever skills you have in a very profound way,” Orman said.

Amy Alapati, the head of children’s services at the Damascus Library, said she was happy that Orman’s visit could help to demonstrate that the library appreciates the support of the local residents.

‘‘We were so thrilled with the turnout,” Alapati said. ‘‘He is just an amazing performer [and] he did a great job with the kids. I think they couldn’t believe he was really in the room.”

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