‘Abracadabra’ joins literary festival

Reading can be a magical experience, so it seems natural for the Greenbrier County Public Library to host “Abra Live!” Aug. 6 as part of the Lewisburg Literary Festival.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this year’s Literary Festival,” said Michael Adelman, D.O., president of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and the creator of “Abracadabra,” a television show aired daily by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. “Reading skills are pivotal in life and in making healthy choices. We have a couple of Abracadabra episodes which focus on the importance of good reading skills and the enjoyment of reading.”
The 30-minute free show, scheduled for 11 a.m., targets four- to 10-year-olds, but is open to all ages. “Abracadabra” is part of WVSOM’s Healthy Children’s Initiative. Saturday’s show will use magic and ventriloquism to grab the audience’s attention. Messages about health and nutrition will be woven into the entertainment by cast members Adelman, Daisy and Joey, who always seems to be in conversation with Adelman. As a bonus, Professor Science will show the audience how to conduct a science experiment.
“The response from our Abra Live presentations is amazing,” said Jim Nemitz, Ph.D., who plays Professor Science. “The children are so excited and enthusiastic that we feel like rock stars. We’ve also received positive feedback from the Abracadabra shows on TV. Parents are sharing with us that their children ask to try vegetables after seeing the show.”
By partnering with WVPBS, CAMC Medical Center, Highmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and Brickstreet Insurance, WVSOM’s Health Children’s Inititiative has reached into thousands of homes daily through the television series and reached thousands more elementary-aged children through the live performances and the “Abra Classroom” programs.
The Greenbrier County Public Library is at 152 Robert W. McCormick Drive in downtown Lewisburg. More information about the Saturday event is available by calling the library at 304-647-7568.