'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' Comes To Ellensburg And CWU

March 17, 2004

Contact: Ethan Bergman (509-963-1975/fax 509-963-1049/e-mail: bergmane@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Divorce, terrorism, death, the influence of television and insecurity are among the problems that children face today. Everyday family life is full of stresses and pressures. Parents, teachers and child-care providers are looking for ideas about how to respond to children's anger and bolster their self-control.

In response to this need, Central Washington University's College of Education and Professional Studies and the university store are bringing Hedda Sharapan, associate producer for the children's show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," to Ellensburg for two presentations on Wednesday, April 14.

"What we can learn about life from Mister Rogers," will be the topic of a 2 p.m. address in the Samuelson Union Building Ballroom. The address, focusing on how the children's television program put human development theory into everyday language, is designed specifically for future teachers, psychologists, sociologists, media professionals, musicians, attorneys and parents.

Then, at 7 p.m. in the Ellensburg High School Little Theatre, Sharapan will make a second presentation on "Children's Anger and Learning about Life from Mister Rogers," which will provide strategies and activities for the home, child-care setting and classroom. While the focus is young children, the messages will apply to all ages.

Sharapan interest in children's television led her to WQED TV in Pittsburgh, the city's Public Broadcasting Station, and to Fred Rogers. When Mister Rogers' Neighborhood went on-the-air in 1966, Sharapan joined the staff, serving as assistant director, assistant producer and, finally, associate producer.

She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. At Rogers' suggestion, Sharapan also pursued a master's degree in child development, which she received in 1967.

She now presents keynote speeches and workshops nationwide for professional meetings, parenting organizations, business and religious organizations on a variety of topics, including communicating with children, managing angry feelings and developing self control, helping children who are dealing with death or divorce, understanding the influence of television, and inclusion of children with special needs.

Sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, the CWU Center for Teaching and Learning, College of Education and Professional Studies, university store, faculty senate, Phi Delta Kappa honor society and Ellensburg School District Education Foundation, both presentations are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted at the door to benefit the Ellensburg School District Education Foundation.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1975, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.