A few years back I did a Fox Focus on a terrific gymnastics class for special needs kids offered at Dynamite Academy of Gymnastics in Waterbury. The young teachers were so in tune with what the children needed, and helped them progress at their own pace, having a lot of fun in the process. Parents exclaimed at how gymnastics was really making a difference in their child's behavior.

Now in Waterbury, funding for the autistic program in the school system has been cut, so parents are scrambling to put together a fundraiser. If you're interested in enjoying a concert for a good cause, head down to Kennedy High School in Waterbury on Friday, May 15th. The music starts at 7. What a nice way to kick off the weekend and help support the teachers and parents who reach out to autistic children.

Getting older was never so much fun. The West Hartford Art League www.whal.org turned 75 this month and is celebrating the occaision in style with a "Whet the Palette" Gala Fundraiser tonight. Over the years, I've profiled several of the organization's events in my Monday night Fox Focus report on the Fox 61 News at Ten. In December, it was the "Light the Night" fundaiser for Foodshare and the West Hartford Food Pantry. Luminaria were put up on the hillside outside the Art League's Salt Box Gallery in a fabulous community art installation.

Its was my pleasure to be the event's Honorary Chair. Here I am with Roxanne Stachelek, the Art League's Executive Director.

The Art League also runs Artwalk every year, where the works of local and regional artists are displayed in store windows in the Center. Its great exposure and adds to the visual appeal of the town.

Check out the Art League's many summer offerings, for kids of every age, and get creative Connecticut!

The music's pumping, hearts are racing and imaginations soaring at the Green Street Arts Center, a department of Weslyan University in Middletown.www.greenstreetartscenter.org

In 2005, a former brick schoolhouse opened to mark the beginning of a revitalization in the city's impoverished North End. Between partially renovated 3 story apartment houses and littered back lots, the Center offers a safe haven for children after school, and adults who want to pursue an artistic talent, or dream.

Children can learn how to break dance, play an instrument, manage peer pressure through theater, and cook healthy food. Adults can learn salsa, record a demo tape, or throw clay.

On May 31st, a giant mural, designed and painted by children at the Arts Center, will be put up on Green Street, to inspire the passing public and let them get a glimpse of the talent and creativity that's just down the block.

Check out their website for classes and mark your calendar for their fifth annual Arts Festival on Saturday, June 13th from 1-4pm. Be sure and watch my Fox Focus report on the Fox 61 News at Ten, Monday night, May 18th for a taste of all the action.