WISCONSIN WAUSAU NEWS

“Locals on Stage” — is back!

August 14, 2009 

The 5th annual “Locals on Stage” variety show will be held on Saturday, September 12th, 2009.  The shows will feature all local, all volunteer talent and will benefit ODC (Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.) in Wisconsin Wausau.

There will be 2 shows—one at 3:30 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center.  Tickets for reserved seating are on sale now at Daly Drug and ODC--$12 in advance and $15 at the door.

By day, the performers are local business people, teachers, students and citizens of our community.  But they are prepared to show you their other side…as vocalists, dancers, comedians, jugglers and all-around talented entertainers.  More than 75 local performers will share their time and talent and grace the stage for 2 hours of fantastic entertainment.

“Locals on Stage” is a labor of love for me.  As President of ODC, I wanted to create an event that would involve the community and give community members a chance to support and learn more about ODC.  Outside of work, music is my hobby, and I knew that “Locals” would be a fun event, bringing together fellow musicians and performers.  The community has embraced this event, and many people tell me how much they look forward to attending every year!

Alex Quinnell, 11, on drums

The list of performers is long, and includes seasoned performers you might expect to see on stage, as well as some people with hidden talents that might surprise you!  The entire show is done in the spirit of fun and entertainment for a good cause, but I guarantee that you will see some outstanding talent.  For a listing of the performers and information about the show, go to ODC’s website at www.odcinc.com.

 ODC is a private, not for profit agency that provides vocational assistance to more than 600 people with disabilities or other barriers to employment on an annual basis.  We have been in existence since 1965, and our mission is to help people with disabilities to obtain and maintain jobs, either within ODC’s facility or out in the community.  Everyone that comes to ODC for assistance is a fellow member of our community, and we truly appreciate the support we have received from the community over the years.

Steve Martin and Mark Grundman in a Shakespeare skit

This year, the proceeds from the show will be utilized to develop our new BlendedVoc Day Services program.  BlendedVoc is a program that blends work and non-work components throughout the day.  We are making several changes to our facility to incorporate this new program, and plan to add a commercial grade kitchen.

Come and join us for 2009 “Locals on Stage”.  It is a great way to have fun while helping ODC!  

Pam Ross is President of Opportunity Development Centers, Inc.  ODC is a not for profit agency that provides employment assistance for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.  ODC has locations in Wisconsin Wausau, Marshfield and Stevens Point.  For more information, contact ODC at 424-2712.