Marty Beller is the Grammy Award–winning drummer for the iconic alt-rock band They Might Be Giants, and a composer for Film, TV, dance, and educational media. He brings his 60-90 minute interactive, immersive lecture to music students, aspiring artists, and anyone passionate about the arts. Marty immerses attendees in a vibrant whirlwind of experiences and shared stories — from recording studios to live shows, the big break, creative meetings, surfing the sea of inquiry and beyond. Marty utilizes decades of experience to leave students with a clear understanding of what a working music career looks like, as well as the importance of finding your voice, collaborating, showing up hungry, and grabbing every opportunity. And the most important thing is to put every bit of energy you have into everything you do!

A inspirational/ motivational true story how I am overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury after a pedestrian car accident. Healing from a Traumatic Brain Injury isn't a straight line, it is a series of loops, setbacks, and hard-won victories. My story is one that shows that not giving up is not only an action, it shows sheer strength of the human spirit.

Kevin Kurtz is an award-winning nonfiction children's author (www.kevkurtz.com) of over 25 books for kids grades kindergarten to middle school about science, nature, and technology. Kevin can provide up to five 45-minute presentations during an all day school visit. He can do different presentations for each grade level. For assembly programs, Kevin can read and discuss one of his books or present highlights from more than one book. The highlights can be focused on specific science curriculum topics, on the process of writing nonfiction, or be a grade level-appropriate “greatest hits” selection from my books (You can see the list of highlight topics here: http://www.kevkurtz.com/school-visits.) The book reading and highlights presentations will also include sections on how Kevin became a children’s author, the process he uses to write nonfiction, and a Q&A session at the end. Kevin can also do writing workshops for smaller groups with a maximum of 30 students per program. Workshops are for grades 3 and up. Kevin will lead students through the process of researching, writing, and editing nonfiction and work as a group to produce informational texts. Writing workshops can be extended to a week-long residency where Kevin will lead groups of students through the steps of creating nonfiction texts in more detail.

Ryan's Story - Get ready to witness a life-changing assembly program that will leave a profound impact on students of grades 5 and higher. No other program can match the story of how one young life has the power to inspire positive change in the fight against bullying, cyberbullying, and teen suicides. This powerful true story will encourage students to turn their gaze inward, helping them examine how they treat others. Bystanders will be inspired to step up and stand with the victims, putting a stop to bullying in all its forms. At the same time, a message of forgiveness and love will be imparted to all present. As the creator of this transformative program, I firmly believe that depression was the root cause of my son's tragic passing. While bullying cannot be excused, we must also take note of the mental health issues that are often swept under the rug. I teach students how pivotal it is to seek help without delay if they or a friend are in crisis, reinforcing the importance of suicide prevention. This sensitive and age-appropriate program is tailored for students from grades 5-12 and lasts for a captivating 60 minutes. The story takes 45 minutes to narrate, following which the students will be engaged with powerful lessons learned from the story. These lessons include how forgiveness is healing and that self-advocacy paired with advocacy for others can prevent suicide. Students will leave the program inspired to become up-standers and to apologize when owed. Finally, they will know for certain that they are loved beyond belief. Book me for this life-transforming assembly and witness how one story can bring about a positive change in the world.

For schools, community organizations, and other large groups, Stone Quarry offers artist-led experiences of the grounds that include making activities for students and adults. Stone Quarry’s teaching artists design experiences that are responsive and specific to your group’s interests. For an artist-led experience, we suggest a $15 per person donation or a pay-what-you-can sliding scale.

I am a children’s book author and illustrator who loves to visit and interact with my readers! I talk about the book making process with a slides presentation of the making of my latest picture book, and hold a story brainstorming session where the students are the authors and I am the illustrator and we create a story together. You can read more about my school/library visits on my website. There’s also testimonials from teachers I’ve worked with!

We provide an exciting, motivating assembly that includes a group jump rope showcase, gymnastics and dancing with a jump rope, audience participation, and discussion on healthy lifestyle choices. Students and staff alike will leave with the desire to pick up a jump rope.

We are Company K, 67th NY Historical Association based in Sayville, Long Island, New York and we are Living Historians, bringing the Civil War era to life for the purposes of educating the public and preserving history. We strive to emulate the original soldiers that comprised the original Company K of the 67th New York Volunteer Infantry, a regiment that was also known as the First Long Island Volunteers. Our Mission as stated in our New York State Charter is to educate the public and preserve history. We are also fully insured and recognized as a public charity under 501c3 of the IRS code. Much of what we earn is donated for the preservation of battlefields and other historical sites.

Project MOVE is charged with the mission of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, while bringing communities together through the arts. Our pedagogy is taught through an SEL and Culturally Responsive and Sustainable lens. Our workshops are interactive, collaborative and involve the community learning and performing together, no matter the physical or intellectual ability.

Author visits are inspiring events that deepen students' enthusiasm for reading and writing. Lonni Lane Marketing works with hosts throughout the process to make author visits run seamlessly with all the details ironed out in advance of the event. Learn more about these authors and their unique programs, which can be customized for different audiences: R. W. Alley, Jonathon Auxier, Mary Casanova, Candace Fleming, Donna Gephart, Cyndi Giorgis, I.W.Gregorio, Greg Howard, Julie Leung (local author), Emma Otheguy (local author), Margi Preus, Caroline Tung Richmond, Eric Rohmann, Barb Rosenstock, Laura Shovan, Elly Swartz, Cat Winters, Dan Yaccarino

“Stand Up for Your Greatness!” In this inspirational program, Ed Gerety shares with his audience specific strategies, principles, and techniques to be resilient, embrace change, achieve goals, and step up as a leader. The social and emotional needs of students today are more important than ever. Ed delivers a powerful message that connects with the hearts and minds of his audience. He reminds students of the importance of taking care of themselves, taking care of one another, standing up for their greatness, and for the greatness of others. Areas of Focus in this assembly program include: • The power of respect and responsibility • The impact and consequences of our choices and decisions • The issues of bullying and peer pressure • Appreciation for our abilities and the people in our life • The courage to believe in oneself • The power we have to reach out and make a difference Ed speaks in the education industry specifically at middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and conferences. His primary audiences include students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and student-athletes. For 30 years Ed has spoken on character education topics that build and support a positive and inclusive school climate. His expertise is in teaching the skills that teens and young adults need to develop to become leaders in school and in life. Ed’s longevity as a paid-professional speaker is rooted in the excellence he brings to the platform, the relationships he forms with his clients, and the results produced in positive outcomes measured by schools. Clients say that there is authenticity and vulnerability in his presentations that distinguishes him from other speakers.

**Mr. Twisty Arts-in-Education Assembly Programs** For over three decades, Chad Currin has brought Mr. Twisty, his hilariously charming character, into schools, captivating young audiences with assemblies that blend laughter, magic, and meaningful lessons. As the son of a school librarian, storytelling runs deep in Mr. Twisty’s heart, and he has even penned seven children’s books. Currently, Mr. Twisty also stars in *Mr. Twisty's Storytime Adventures*, a popular YouTube show that’s a big hit with early readers! Every episode celebrates children’s stories by independent authors, packs in delightful (and groan-worthy!) dad jokes, and showcases balloon artistry. Mr. Twisty’s arts-in-education programs keep kids engaged and enrich the curriculum, making learning memorable and exciting. Each assembly offers valuable educational experiences with an infusion of creativity and joy, fostering a love of reading, a sense of empowerment, and an appreciation for our planet’s tiny helpers. --- **Assembly Programs and Classroom Visits:** ### 1. **Books & Beyond: The Magical Power of Stories** **For Grades K-5** Dive into the adventure of reading with Mr. Twisty as he shares his story of growing up in a library and the love of stories he learned from his librarian mom! This lively program encourages students to explore the magical world inside books, emphasizing the importance of reading in daily life and supporting themes aligned with the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program. With humor, magic, and interactive elements, Mr. Twisty makes reading cool and fun, motivating students to open a book and discover the worlds waiting inside. - **Themes Covered:** Storytelling, reading motivation, imagination, book discovery - **Takeaways:** Kids learn that books are gateways to endless adventures and knowledge, igniting excitement for independent reading. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can visit individual classrooms to work with smaller groups, sharing tips on creating their own “story magic.” --- ### 2. **The MAGIC of YOU! - Building Self-Esteem through Magic** **For Grades 3 and Up** In *The MAGIC of YOU!* assembly, Mr. Twisty uses magic as a metaphor for personal empowerment, helping students believe in their ability to make amazing things happen. This program is designed to boost self-confidence and encourage students to take pride in their unique qualities. Mr. Twisty shares inspirational stories and showcases illusions that remind students that they, too, have “hidden powers” within. After the assembly, students who attend the optional classroom sessions will learn a simple magic trick to take home, letting them experience the thrill of mastering something new and surprising their friends and family. - **Themes Covered:** Self-esteem, self-discovery, resilience, confidence-building - **Takeaways:** Students leave feeling empowered to face challenges and create “magic” in their own lives. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can teach students a beginner-friendly magic trick to keep the theme of empowerment going. --- ### 3. **Wiggle, Dig & Compost! - Magical Worms & the World of Soil Health** **For Grades K-5** *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* is a hands-on program where Mr. Twisty introduces his pet worms and teaches students all about the incredible role worms play in recycling and composting. This isn’t a typical assembly; it’s a special classroom experience where each class gets an up-close encounter with Mr. Twisty’s wriggling worm friends and a reading of his story *Little Lily and Eddie the Earthworm!* Kids will learn about worms, composting, soil health, and sustainability in a way that’s unforgettable—and they get to meet and greet Mr. Twisty’s worms for a fun, tactile experience. This program is ideal for teaching young students about the environment, helping them develop respect for our planet and its tiniest eco-heroes. - **Themes Covered:** Environmental science, composting, recycling, worm care - **Takeaways:** Students learn that even the smallest creatures play a big role in keeping our earth healthy and clean. - **Classroom Visit Experience:** A close-up meet-and-greet with real, live worms—a unique and memorable way to connect with nature’s recyclers. --- **What Teachers & Librarians Love About Mr. Twisty’s Programs:** - **Curriculum-Connected Learning:** Each program ties into key educational themes, providing a fun way to reinforce classroom topics. - **Interactive Elements:** Assemblies are highly engaging, often with student volunteers, humor, and age-appropriate magic tricks to make learning fun. - **Encouragement for Young Readers:** Mr. Twisty’s passion for storytelling inspires students to read more and discover the magic in books. - **Empowerment Focus:** Programs like *The MAGIC of YOU!* are designed to build self-esteem and encourage personal growth. - **Environmental Education:** Mr. Twisty’s hands-on approach in *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* offers a unique environmental science lesson. Each program is adaptable to meet the needs of your school and audience, and Mr. Twisty is happy to work with educators to create a memorable and impactful experience for students. Let Mr. Twisty’s magic bring laughter, learning, and lasting lessons to your school!