New York TV show films at local bistro

"The Kids Can Cook" television show, a program televised in New York City, recently filmed coverage for a documentary involving children with the eye disease Macular Degeneration at the Bayfront Bistro at 4761 Estero Blvd.

Local kid chefs with vision loss caused by macular degeneration from the surrounding communities displayed their cooking skills in front of a television camera, their parents and the Division of Blind Services, the organization that represents children who have vision loss. The children were aided by assistants throughout the filming.

Macular Degeneration is an eye disorder that makes it difficult to

see fine details. The condition affects the macula, the part of the

retina responsible for central vision.

Sylvia Garson, the executive producer of the show, has partial Macular Degeneration and is directly involved in the filming of the documentary due to her own family's history of the eye disease.

"It's important for kids to not be stereotyped and to be able to know what is good to do," she said. "In any situation, you need to get past it to do the best you can."

Garson said her work on the documentary concerning macular degeneration is very important. She has met with doctors researching this ailment and has learned that this and other related eye diseases causing blindness can start in childhood.

"Since my work as an independent producer is with children, I want to do what I can to help," said Garson.

Garson began "The Kids Can Cook" show 18 years ago to wedge a gap between countries and cultures. The show is seen by well over a million people in the New York City area and is a federal trademark, says Garson.

"I began the show in 1991 to work with children and to bring children of all countries and cultures together by cooking together," said Garson. "Our first show was at Martin Luther King High School in New York City."

KCC airs in New York City on channel 56 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

"The Kids Can Cook" television show is a vehicle to teach proper nutrition, build a social exchange and create a learning experience in an entertaining format," said Garson.

The show has helped such organizations as the Ronald McDonald House and the Children's Hospital.

Bayfront Bistro is located behind Publix Supermarket within Snook Bight Yacht Club and Marina. Other sponsors for the show include Edward Jones; Pastry Shoes of Immokalee; Frescos Seafood Trattoria of Cape May, N.J.; Six L's Packing Company of Immokalee; Sandpiper Gulf Resort of Fort Myers Beach; Baby Togs of New York City; and Victorian Lace Inn of Cape May, N.J.

Eric Tibbs of Edward Jones attended the filming and taught the children about financial matters as part of the program. He used a piggy bank called the Money Savvy Pig as a prop to help the kids learn."

"These piggy banks have four chambers so you can teach them about investing and donating and spending and saving," said Tibbs. "They can learn exactly what it means to put money aside for short-term goals, things you want to buy and long-term stuff."

Tibbs talked to Principal Wood at Beach Elementary School and plans on showing the local students his piggy bank teaching device.