Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/358103
territorial newS >> CAST performs 'Honk' at Kingston Citadel ROBERT MITCHELL Book honors SA officer's dad WARREN L. MAYE fter a week of practices at Territorial Head- quarters (THQ), the Eastern Territory's Creative Arts Services Team (CAST) traveled to Kingston, N.Y., on Sunday, June 22, to perform "Honk" at the Kingston, N.Y. (Citadel), Corps. CAST stayed in Kingston for the week to conduct a Vacation Bible School (VBS) and an Arts Camp, which was held from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. "This will be a great oppor- tunity for our kids and new kids to learn and be inspired by this team of 14 individuals from around the Eastern Terri- tory," said Major Rick Starkey, corps officer. CAST, led by Ian Evans and Sharon Jackson, includes Belen Baigorria, Paula Baigor- ria, Alivia Bender, Bradley Egan, Macaira Furman, Sarah George, Ryan Livingston, Oracia Morris, Olivia Renkel, Chelsea Rice, Zachary Smith, and Jonathon Shaffstall. CAST's performances of "Honk" will continue through- out the summer and will culminate at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 p.m. The production is under the direction of the Arts Ministries Bureau, led by Carol Jaudes. Anna Street is directing "Honk." Laura Danette is in charge of choreography, and Major Hollie Ruthberg is han- dling costumes. "Honk," based on Hans Christian Andersen's book The Ugly Duckling, is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrow- ing journey, he discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, and also finds love and acceptance in all of its forms. O n July 6, 1944, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus opened its "Big Top" to the residents of Hartford, Conn. Approximately 7,000 people attended that day, including a little kid named John Stewart. Suddenly, a fire ignited. It took only minutes for the huge tent—which had been waterproofed with a coating of paraffin wax and gasoline—to burn. The toxic blaze and smoke trapped hundreds of people, killing 167 and severely injuring 487 more. "I didn't know what to do," said Stewart, "I just ran home!" That incident was the defining moment for Hartford and for Stewart who, when he became 19, aspired to be a fireman. After years of racial struggle, he became the city's first black fireman and later overcame relentless opposition to ascend the ranks and become the first African–American fire chief in New Eng- land's history. "If it were not for Chief Stewart, I wouldn't be stand- ing here today as a retired firefighter," said Steve Harris, a retired captain of the Hartford, Conn., Fire Department. "He took me under his wing as he did most young blacks because he recruited most of us. Chief Stewart not only taught us how to be great firefighters, he also taught us how to be good men, to go back to our respective communities, and to be leaders." These words were echoed by people who attended a recent book launch for Hard Climb Up The Ladder (Ama- zon.com), the life story of Chief John B. Stewart Jr., who is the father of Major John B. Stewart III, corps officer at the Syracuse (Citadel), N.Y., Corps. The 420–page softcover book, which includes the founding of The International Association of Black Profes- sional Fire Fighters, is also co–authored by Ruben Tendai and offers an in–depth analy- sis of the history of Connecti- cut as well as of Hartford. "One thing that I've learned," said Stewart, "I made it because of many families, neighbors, friends, and—the good Lord!" 7 www.saconnects.org