SeptOct_2013

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Page 2 

The New Calliope

Do You Have A Dream Clown Partner? 

by Ron“Toto” Johnson 

Is there a clown that you 

have always dreamed of 

performing with? I am not 

talking about an impossible 

or abstract scenario…such 

as “I wish I had worked 

with Grimaldi” or “I would 

have liked to have clowned 

with Lou Jacobs and the 

other clowns on the Ringling 

Brothers and Barnum and 

Bailey Circus back in the 

1940s.” I am talking about a 

completely possible dream… 

but a dream that just has not 

come true as of yet. 

I have such dreams…and 

one of them has now come 

true after 28 years of hoping 

and wishing. 

In 1985 at the age of 

18, I attended the Ringling 

Brothers and Barnum and 

Bailey Circus’ (RBBB) 

Clown College in Venice, 

Florida. For 10 ½ weeks, 6 

days per week, 14-16 hours 

per day my 48 classmates 

and I studied the art of circus 

clowning the RBBB way. 

The harsh truth is some 

of the folks in the class 

were just not cut out to be 

circus clowns. Some of the 

folks had some talent for 

it that showed to varying 

degrees. Some of the folks 

were “stars” right from the 

beginning. I guess that is the 

way it is in any profession. 

I saw myself most likely 

in the middle of my class 

somewhere. I had drive and 

ambition and desire and some 

talent…but I was also very 

young and was just starting 

to discover my path as “an 

adult.” 

name of Greg DeSanto. Greg 

was 22 and took to the RBBB 

style of clowning right away. 

He had great movement… 

incredible characterization… 

and could write fantastic 

gags (perhaps you call them 

skits or routines). While we 

had some classes together 

we never did get to work 

together in any gags other 

than the large ensemble 

acts such as The Clown 

Band, opening and finale 

numbers. We didn’t work 

directly together as a duo at 

any point during our 3-hour 

“graduation.” 

Our graduation was also 

our audition for a spot in 

a clown alley with one of 

the two touring units of the 

RBBB Circus. Producer 

Kenneth Feld and others took 

notes on each student during 

the performance. The next 

morning we found out who 

would get a contract…and 

who would simply go home. 

Greg was among the 10 

students who were offered 

contracts to tour with the 

RBBB Blue unit. Eventually 

13 from my class were 

offered contracts with the 

RBBB Red unit…including 

me. 

Greg and I both toured 

with RBBB for years…but 

being on different units, we 

never got to perform together. 

We did teach together at 

Clown College in 1988 and 

shared a rental house…but 

we did not perform together. 

Toto and Greg yuck it up for the camera. 

We would cross paths from 

time to time but we never 

performed together as we 

already had full-time clown 

partners. My dream to 

perform as a duo with Greg 

DeSanto had still not come 

true after more than 10 years. 

A few years later the 

closest I came to “clowning” 

with Greg was acting as a 

“stooge” (out of makeup) 

in the “Clown-A-Rama” 

show he and his wife Karen 

presented at the Milwaukee 

Circus Festival in July 2002. 

Close…but no cigar. 

This was the way it went 

for yet another 10 years. We 

performed at many events 

at the same time…including 

two clown festivals held 

in Hangzhou, China…but 

we never worked together. 

In China, Greg and Karen 

DeSanto presented their 

show on one stage and my 

partners and I presented ours 

on another. We would hang 

out a lot off stage but never 

clowned together on stage. 

2013 in the Palace Theatre 

at the “Adventureland” 

amusement park in Altoona, 

Iowa. Greg and I were 

both lecturing and holding 

workshops at the “Clown 

CORNvention” that week 

and were both booked to 

perform in the gala show. 

Greg sent me a message on 

Facebook wondering if I 

would be interested in doing 

a gag together rather than 

each of us doing a solo spot 

in the show. YES!!! I jumped 

at the chance! My dream was 

finally going to come true! 

It was like magic! The 

gag began with two fellows 

simply trying to wash and 

dry some dishes…but soon 

turned into a free-for-all of 

smacking each other silly 

with wet rags, breaking 

plates over each other’s 

heads, and much more! The 

laughter coming from the 700 

people in the audience was 

WONDERFUL! I was living 

a dream! 

Fast forward a few years. 

I had left RBBB with my 

Less than two weeks 

(now ex) wife/clown partner 

to perform overseas. Greg My dream of performing 

later I had the pleasure of 

One of the “stars” of my had married a clown and as a duo with Greg DeSanto 

clowning as a duo with Greg 

class was a fellow by the they had also left RBBB. finally came true on May 18, 

again, but this time it was in 

continued on page 5 

September/October 2013 Page 3

Your COAI Officers 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

President: 

Glenn Kohlberger 

4155 Torres Circle 

West Palm Beach, FL 33409 

646.210.2238 (C) 

561.687.1126 (H) 

soundsfunny2me@aol.com 

DIRECTORS 

Page 4 

Exec. Vice President: 

Michael B. Cox 

9415 Alameda Ave. 

Richmond, VA 23294 

804.270.1165 (H) 

804.337.6143(C) 

bonkerstc@aol.com 

Secretary: 

Catherine Hardebeck 

6027 Deerwood Dr. 

St. Louis, MO 63123 

314.481.6808 

catheoh@aol.com 

Treasurer: 

Paddee Embrey 

PO Box 632 

Stayton, OR 97383 

503.767.2503 (H) 

503.949.3077(C) 

molasses.clown@gmail.com 

Sergeant-at-Arms: 

Merilyn Barrett 

PO Box 574781 

Orlando, FL 32857 

630.222.3377 

Klownkop@prodigy.net 

Membership: 

Teresa Gretton 

3411 Lisa Circle 

Waldorf, MD 20601 

301.843.8212 

gretton@verizon.net 

Education: 

Sue Marranconi 

670 Cullum Street 

Meadville, PA 16335 

814.336.5213 

squeezeclown@yahoo.com 

Conventions: 

Jim Caffrey 

PO Box 833 

Colona, IL 61241 

309.314.6026 

jclownus@yahoo.com 

Alley, Region Support: 

Toni Dufrene 

1500 W Esplanade Ave, 6B 

Kenner, LA 70065 

504.812.9003 (C) 

(504.469.4740 (O) 

toni_dufrene@yahoo.com 

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS 

Northeast: 

Bill Le Blanc 

2 Dee Jay Road 

East Bridgewater, MA 02333 

508.378.1545 

bildabbles@aol.com 

North Central: 

Judy Quest 

715 North 36th Street 

Omaha, NE 68131-1906 

402.551.4185 

dearheart@cox.net 

Northwest: 

Pennie Smith 

6613 S. Prospect St. 

Tacoma, WA 98409 

253.241.1176 

253.475.9170 

penzfrmhvn@comcast.net 

Mideast: 

Willy McGinnis 

617 Revere Ct. 

Sykesville, MD 21784 

410.596.2644 

characterguy50@yahoo.com 

Midwest: 

Georgia Morris 

4234 Woodworth 

Holt, MI 48842 

517.694.7100 

clownshananigans@comcast.net 

Southeast: 

Kent Sheets 

4375 St. Clair Ave. W 

N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903 

239.995.8881 

SheetsKent@aol.com 

South Central: 

Kynisha Ducre 

9301 Amber Downs Dr. 

McKinney, TX 75070 

972.838.5489 

clowninaroundtown@msn.com 

Southwest: 

Bonita Love 

4916 W. Mountain View Dr. 

San Diego, CA 92116 

619.282.9668 

bonbonsandiego@yahoo.com 

Canada: 

Dale McKenzie 

867 Raynard Crescent SE 

Calgary, AB T2A 1X6 

403.273.9047 H 

403.606.7750 C 

funehappenings@shaw.ca 

Latin Countries: 

Angel Morales 

24 RR5 Jardines de 

Caparra, Bayamon, 

PR 00959 

787.565.3205 

jobolin@prtc.net 

International 

Lee James 

Amsel Weg 10 

49191 Belm, Germany 

004916096744317 

leejames1a@msn.com 

Audio Visual: Merilyn Barrett 

630.222.3377 • klownkop@prodigy.net 

Budget Committee: Mike Cox, 

Sandra Winstead 

804.337.6143 • bonkerstc@aol.com 

804.350.3687 • strawberry.red1@yahoo.com 

Pam Bacher, Paddee Embrey, 

Dan Langwell, Willy McGinnis, 

Dale McKenzie, Pennie Smith 

Bylaws and Rules: Mike Cox, 

804.337.6143 • bonkerstc@aol.com 

Cleon Babcock, Kent Sheets, 

Jeanne Wosaka 

Clown Week: Bob Gretton, 

301.843.8212 bunkytclown@comcast.net 

Competition: Cathy Mackey, 

(518) 784-2127 • ctots@aol.com, 

Pam Bacher, Bob Gretton, Cynthia Kella, 

John Kral, Bill Le Blanc, Walt Lee, 

Tim Laynor, Ann Sanders 

Ethics & Grievance: Paul Kleingberger 

518.489.2680 • fuddiduddy@aol.com 

Kent Sheets, Jeanne Woska 

Good Cheer: Fred Scholsshauer, 

973.887.2617 • oscarboj@aol.com 

STAFF 

Business Office 

Newton Studios, Inc. 

Tom Newton 

HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST 

P.O. Box 1171, Englewood FL 34295-1171 

(941) 474-4351 • 1-877-816-6941 

Fax (941) 474-8317 

Business@COAI.org 

STANDING COMMITTEES 

Historians: Walt Lee 

410.551.7830 • wally788@verizon.net 

Teresa Gretton, Jeanne Woska 

International Ambassador Program: 

Bob Gretton, 

301.843.8212 • bunkytclown@comcast.net 

Junior Joeys: Regina Wollrabe 

503.807.2584 • chachatheclown@comcast.net 

Kynisha Ducre, Paddee Embrey, 

Bob & Teresa Gretton, Willy McGinnis, 

Dale McKenzie, Cheri Venturi 

Membership: Teresa Gretton 

301.843.8212 • gretton@verizon.net 

Willy McGinnis, Doug Munsell, 

Judy Quest 

Merchandise: Merilyn Barrett 

630.222.3377 • klownkop@prodigy.net 

Parliamentary Procedure Advisor: 

Cleon Babcock 

515.266.6530 • ccbabcock@aol.com 

Public Relations: Bonnie Love, 

619.282.9668 • bonbonsandiego@yahoo.com 

Scholarship: Sue Marranconi, 

814.336.5213 • squeezeclown@yahoo.com 

Paddee Embrey, Judy Quest 

The New Calliope: 


Tom Newton 

HOURS: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM EST 

370 W. Dearborn St., Englewood FL 34223 

(941) 474-4351 • Fax (941) 474-8317 

NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net 

NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net 

COAI Website: www.coai.org 

Clowns of America International, Inc., 

Annual Membership Fees 

Active Members: $40 

Seniors (65+): $30 

Junior Joey: $30 

Family Membership $20 

Lifetime Membership: $1,000 

$20 of the COAI membership includes a 

one-year subscription to The New Calliope magazine. 

Subscriptions are not a benefit of the family memberships 

Send all membership fees to 

Clowns of America International, Inc. 

P.O. Box 1171 • Englewood, FL 34295-1171 USA. 

Make all checks payable to Clowns of America International, Inc. 

Questions regarding COAI membership concerns, including status of 

membership, change of address, failure to receive The New Calliope, 

should be referred to the COAI's business office. 

Mon thru Fri: 9 am to 5 pm (EST) 

877.816.6941 

941.474.4351 

The New Calliope

The New 

C u A u L u L u I u O u P u E 

The mission of Clowns of America International is to organize 

all members desiring to pursue the honorable profession or art 

of clowning and the dedication towards its advancement 

and the education of its members. 

l l l 

September/October 2013 

COAI NEWS 

The Choice Is Yours..................8 

President’s Comments..............9 

Move Over Disney..................12 

Convention Registration.........12 

Membership Director..............13 

American Clown Museum.......13 

New Members........................17 

Financial Report......................21 

COAI Application.....................23 

COAI Application (Spanish)....24 

Junior Joeys...........................29 

Meet Clydene 

“Lil'Darlin” Dyer..................30 

Editor's Comments.................31 

Ad Directory...........................31 

Deadline Dates........................31 

ARTICLES 

Do You Have A Dream 

Clown Partner.......................3 

Critique: Take It Or Leave It.....15 

Clowning With 

All Our Heart.......................16 

Safety Through Clowning.......19 

Clowning With A Message......20 

Do They Know Who You Are?...20 

FEATURES 

Good Cheer.............................14 

Calendar.................................21 

Clown Week............................26 

Look Who's Reading 

Members On The Move......28 

Meet Mr. Rainbow..................30 

SKILLS/IDEAS/TIPS 

Secret Signals.........................10 

Costume Upgrade Time..........11 

Finger Puppets.......................18 

Doing More With Letters........25 

The New CALLIOPE (ISSN 1072-1045) is published bimonthly: 

Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, 

by COAI, P.O. Box 1171, Englewood, FL 34295-1711 

Periodicals Postage Paid at Richeyville, PA 

and additional mailing offices. 

l l l 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: 

COAI, Bus. Mgr. • P.O. Box 1171 • Englewood FL 34295-1171. 

l l l 

The New Calliope articles are protected by U.S. copyright and international 

treaties and may not be copied without the express permission of 

Clowns of America International, 

which reserves all rights. 

Re-use of any of The New Calliope editorial content and graphics online, in 

print or any other medium for any purpose is strictly prohibited. 

For further information on copyright and use policies, 

contact Clowns of America International 

Business Office, P.O. Box 1171, Englewood FL 34295-1171. 

Photo by Andrey Minaev 

Toto smacks Greg in the face with a wet rag 

during the “Washer Woman” gag. 

Partner 

continued from page 3 

the circus ring. Karen is now the director of Boys and Girls 

Clubs in Wisconsin and could not get away to perform with 

Greg at the Tebala Shrine Circus in Loves Park, Illinois, so I 

got the gig! I met Greg at the arena on May 30 so we could 

unload all of the props, costumes, etc; get everything set up 

backstage and in our clown alley, and block out our two gags 

in the ring. The show opened the next day. 

We did nine circus performances in three days. Our first 

appearance in each show was the classic “washer woman” 

gag, but with all of the typical DeSanto style of extra-physical 

comedy! What a reaction from the audience! Our second 

appearance…and, by far, my favorite…was what we in the 

circus call a “Soap Gag.” We entered the ring as two fellows 

simply trying to hang some wallpaper…but it soon became 

continued on page 7 

ON OUR COVER 

The caricature is by Ray Matutes and depicts the 

Clown Education and Promotion, LLC (CEP) 

board in a camp environment. The CEP is the host 

for the 2014 convention, Camp CO-AI. Depicted 

here beginning at 12 o’clock and going clockwise: 

Albert “Clem” Alter, Pam “Bubbles” Bacher, 

Pat “Bashful” Roeser, Toni “Rickity Rack” 

Dufrene and Cheri “Cherri-Oats” Venturi. 


Page 6 

The New Calliope

Photos by Andrey Minaev 

Top left. 

During the Soap Gag, Toto 

antagonizes Greg. 

Above. 

As the scene escalates, 

Greg pours whipped soap 

into Toto's hat. 

Left. 

The huge blow off happens 

when 30 gallons of 

whipped soap explode to 

conclude the gag. 

Partner 

continued from page 5 

a physical comedy explosion of 50 

gallons of soapsuds everywhere! 

Both Greg and I were covered from 

head to foot in whipped shaving 

soapsuds by the end of the gag, and 

the audience absolutely roared with 

laughter! 

So…after 28 years of wishing, 

this dream has finally come true. I 

have now performed as a duo with 

not only a dear friend but with a 

clown I consider to be one of the true 

masters of our craft. It was an honor 

and a joy to share a stage and a circus 

ring with you Greg, and I cannot wait 

to do it again! 

Who do you dream of clowning 

with? I hope you can follow your 

dreams just as I have mine. 

● ● ● 


2014 Elections Are Just 

Around The Corner! 

by Michael Cox 

Executive Vice President 

coaiexecvp@aol.com 

Wow – can you believe 

it is ELECTION time again! 

Elections will take place 

during the spring of 2014. 

Now, are you interested in 

working on the COAI Board? 

All offices are open to the 

general membership except 

President, who according to 

our bylaws is nominated 

from among our current board 

members. Officers are elected 

by majority vote of the 

membership for a two-year 

commitment that runs from 

July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2016. 

Offices include: President, 

Executive Vice President, 

Secretary, Treasurer, and 

Sergeant at Arms; Directors 

of Membership, Education, 

Conventions and Alley/ 

Regional Support. Regional 

Vice Presidents must reside 

in and be nominated from 

the COAI region they aspire 

to represent. Qualifications 

are: you must be a member in 

good standing for at least two 

years and not immediately 

related to another aspiring 

board member running for a 

board office. 

If you decide to run for an 

office along with a relative, 

you may not serve on the 

board together. Additionally, 

a COAI member who is a 

voting board member of 

a national or 

international 

clown-oriented 

association is 

not eligible to be 

elected to a COAI office. 

If you are a member in 

good standing and meet the 

requirements established in 

the COAI Bylaws and the 

State of Minnesota nonprofit 

corporation law, you can 

declare your candidacy. All 

the criteria will be printed out 

in the November/December 

2013 edition of The New 

Calliope. If you would like 

more information about the 

process, you can email me at 

coaiexecvp@aol.com. 

Also, if you are interested, 

you can speak with any 

board member. They are 

available to give you support 

and knowledge about each 

position and its requirements. 

The board works hard all 

year long and you, the 

membership, are the ones 

who vote and elect board 

members. Members’ voices 

are heard through these board 

members. I urge you to call 

upon them and just chat about 

the COAI Board. 

Please make your vote 

count in this election! The 

process is easy and we need 

the membership to place his/ 

her vote and be heard in 2014. 

COAI Needs You 

And Your Alley To 

Tabulate Election 

Results! 

COAI is looking for an alley to 

tabulate the election results for the 

2014 elections. Is your alley the one 

that will roll up its sleeves and help 

us? 

Here are a few guidelines: 

• Your alley must be a 100% 

alley. 

• The alley may not have any 

individuals running for 

national office in COAI. 

• The alley must work closely 

and directly with the 

Executive Vice President 

(EVP). 

• The alley will work with 

the Calliope Editor/COAI 

Business Manager. 

The selected alley is responsible 

for all tabulations and confirming 

the results and reporting them 

directly to the EVP at the close of 

the election. Confidentiality is a 

key part of this job until all election 

results have been announced 

officially by the COAI EVP. COAI 

will donate $100 to the alley charity 

of choice. If you are interested, 

please contact Mike Cox, EVP 

before November 1, 2013. You can 

email Mike at: coaiexecvp@aol. 

com or you can phone him at 804- 

270-1165. 

Page 8 

The New Calliope

President’s Comments 

by Glenn “Clyde D Scope” Kohlberger 

soundsfunny2me@aol.com 

“Change has a considerable 

psychological impact on the human 

mind. To the fearful it is threatening 

because it means that things may get 

worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging 

because things may get better. To the 

confident it is inspiring because the 

challenge exists to make things better.” 

King Whitney Jr. 

In the world that we live in, change 

is inevitable. As we grow we change. 

Our appearances, ideals, knowledge, 

energy, even our bodies change as 

we move from one stage of life to 

another. Look back at your very first 

clown character and compare it to that 

clown now looking back at you in your 

mirror. There is no doubt that he/she 

has grown, developed, matured and yes 

changed. 

Sometimes there is a natural 

progression of change that guides 

us; high school, college, post-grad 

degrees, career, marriage, and children. 

Other times it involves adjusting the 

original plan of action. It could be an 

accident, financial difficulties or just an 

unexpected health concern that changes 

the course we plotted. 

COAI also makes changes in our 

rules to better serve the members who 

compete. We have changed the way we 

educate at conventions by bringing in 

different lecturers from year to year. 

By updating and revising the Clowning 

Basics, we have changed the tools we 

use to teach. We have changed our 

vendors, the sites of our conventions 

and we have even changed the structure 

of our dues. But in every case change 

has meant adjusting to something new. 

When COAI accepted the budget 

presented before the membership in 

Richmond, we accepted the challenge 

to follow that budget to the best of 

our abilities; which would inevitably 

mean more change. Business decisions 

involve cold hard facts. As clowns 

we tend to lead with our hearts which 

makes the facts seem even colder and 

harder; but it still needs to come back 

to the budget, the dollars and what 

makes the most sense. To that end, 

because of our budgetary restrictions, 

beginning with the November / 

December issue, the New Calliope will 

be changing editors. 

Over the last ten years we have had 

the pleasure of having three different 

editors run The New Calliope. Each 

editor has brought something unique to 

the magazine and the organization. Cal 

Olson was the old time newspaper man; 

Pat Newton brought an artistic flare 

and the heart of a clown. Tom Newton 

took over under the worst possible 

conditions (when Pat became ill) and 

successfully made the New Calliope his 

own. 

The Newtons will always be a large 

part of COAI history. I am sure each of 

us has very special memories directly 

related to Tom, Pat and their family. I 

am constantly reminded of Tom as I sit 

at my desk writing these reports. Just 

to the left on my wall is the Editor’s 

Choice Award that I received from him 

at the 2012 COAI convention in Kansas 

City when I was Sergeant-At-Arms. 

It was totally unexpected and caught 

me completely by surprise when he 

announced my name. It is one award 

that will always mean a lot to me as 

it is not something you shoot for, it 

is something you are honored with. I 

would like to thank Tom for all he has 

done for COAI. My hope is that one 

day those people from up north will 

“finally” and “officially” honor Tom by 

making him Canadian -eh. 

I am sure you all have noticed the 

COAI Calendar that was sent with 

this issue of the New Calliope. This 

calendar was the brainchild of Kent 

Sheets, the Southeast RVP, and the 

combined efforts of Tom Newton and 

the COAI Board. The best part of this 

calendar is that it is not only full of 

great dealers, clowny faces, important 

dates and fun conventions but it 

also needs no batteries, chargers or 

electrical hookups to keep you up-todate 

on the things important 

to YOU. Simply pin it to 

your wall, take a pen and write in 

whatever information you need and I 

will guarantee that it will never ‘crash’ 

and will still be there every time you 

look at it. 

Don’t forget too that for $10 

you can purchase extra calendars as 

stocking stuffers or gifts for family 

and friends. Contact Sergeant-at-Arms, 

Merilyn Barrett, at klownkop@prodigy. 

net. I have also heard, but don’t quote 

me, that if you wave it in front of your 

face on a really hot day, it just might 

cool you down as well. How are you 

going to use it? I would love to hear 

of any other ‘Out of the Clown Box’ 

uses you can come up with. Take 

some pictures showing how you are 

using your calendar and email me at 

soundsfunny2me@aol.com. We will 

put some of your unique uses for the 

calendar on our website www.coai.org. 

COAI would like to thank all the 

advertisers who helped sponsor it and 

those of you who purchased a month, 

a day or simply bought a single line 

because this calendar is a lot like COAI 

itself; without all of YOU there would 

be no calendar or COAI. 

Don’t forget the elections are right 

around the corner. We Want YOU to 

get involved. We need each and every 

member to think about running for 

an office on the COAI board. This is 

YOUR organization, You are the reason 

we exist, You are the most important 

asset, so why not be part of the system 

that makes it all work. We are always 

looking for a new perspective, new 

ideas and new ways to serve our 

membership. You might just have what 

we need, so read how to throw your hat 

into the ring on page 8. Thank you for 

using the ‘Ask the President’ feature 

on www.coai.org. Thank you for being 

a member and thank you for giving 

me the opportunity to serve as your 

president. 

l l l 


WORKING WITH A PARTNER: 

SECRET 

SIGNALS! 

Photographs: Tim “Sawdust” Laynor 

Feature: Ann “Tuttles” Sanders 

Position 1: Use your right hand to hold the card when the 

object is hidden under the container to your right. 

Position 2: Use both hands to indicate the object is hidden 

under the middle container. 

Position 3: Use your left hand to hold the card when the 

object is hidden under the container to your left. 

Page 10 

THE SET UP 

Prepare instructions for a hideand-seek 

bit of entertainment 

and print them on an index card 

or envelope. You will also want 

to include an introduction for 

your partner – revealing to your 

audience, in grand fashion, your 

partner’s ability to read minds. 

Position three (3) containers on a 

flat surface. 

Provide an object (i.e.: large 

pompom) that can be hidden 

under the containers. 

THE PERFORMANCE 

Read aloud the introduction of 

your partner. Have him/her make 

their grand entrance. 

Select a volunteer from the 

audience. 

Next read the guidelines your 

partner and the audience 

volunteer must follow in order to 

perform the trick. 

Ask your partner to turn their 

back to the containers or place a 

blindfold over their eyes or, if the 

location allows, wait in another 

room. 

Have the volunteer hide an object 

under one of the containers. 

Ask your partner to turn and face 

the containers or remove the 

blindfold or return to the room, 

whichever the case may be. 

As part of your rules you can 

include your partner to look at, 

but not touch, the containers. 

You may also wish to ask your 

partner to gaze into the eyes of 

the volunteer that hid the object. 

(This is the perfect opportunity 

to use lots of showmanship, in 

combination with mystical magical 

clown powers, to identify which 

container has the hidden object.) 

THE SECRET SIGNAL 

While written instructions are not 

necessary to perform the trick, 

it is essential to have a card or 

envelope as the signal prop. 

So as not to draw attention to 

the card or envelope, hold it in a 

relaxed fashion throughout the 

performance. To disclose which 

container has the concealed 

object, simply hold the card 

to match the position of the 

container where the object is 

hidden. 

(See photos of positions 1 – 3) 

For the example, a pompom is 

placed on top of the container 

to demonstrate which suggested 

signal you would give for the 

specific position. When the trick 

is performed remember to have 

the audience member place the 

object under the container. 

Ann “Tuttles” Sanders 

The New Calliope

Costume Upgrade Time 

by Pricilla Mooseburger 

Now is the time to start 

thinking about a new costume. 

For us Northerners, we are 

just finishing the parade, 

picnic and festival season. The 

Southerners are finally getting 

a break from the heat. Their 

season is just gearing up. NOW 

is the perfect time to assess 

your clown wardrobe. 

There are a few 

maintenance things that should 

be done every year. Clean, 

repair, renew, replace and 

budget. You may want to print 

out multiple copies of this list 

and tape one to your closet, 

hat box, wig bag, costume bin, 

shoe box, etc. 

1. Clean: Pretreat stains and 

wash your costume. Lestoil 

will take out grease paint 

stains. Gently rub stains and 

let them sit at least 15 minutes 

before you wash. This allows 

the detergent to break down 

the grease. Use a good liquid 

detergent, but not too much! 

People in general use twice 

as much detergent than is 

necessary. One of the reasons 

costumes look dingy is because 

people use too much detergent 

and pack their washers too full. 

When the soap does not rinse 

cleanly, the leftover residue 

attracts more dirt. I use half 

the recommended amount with 

great results. Turn everything 

inside out when you wash it. 

Zip the zippers and seal the 

Velcro. Put your costumes in 

the dryer for just five minutes 

to warm them and release 

the wrinkles. Then turn them 

rightside out and hang to dry 

overnight. 

Wash your wig! Use 

shampoo and /conditioner for 

the best results. Wash in the 

sink by gently squeezing the 

soap thoroughly through the 

fibers. Do not twist or ring 

them. Rinse well and roll up in 

a bath towel to get out excess 

water. Dry your wig on a wig 

head or a roll of paper towels. 

Use a wide-spaced pick comb 

to detangle the fibers. A brush 

just makes a mess of a wig. 

Dryer sheets keep a wig fresh 

while in storage. Does your 

wig need a trim? After a while 

curly wigs relax and seem to 

grow. Trim them up for a fresh 

look. Pull out the fuzz and trim 

it off. Let the curl spring back 

into place. It really is easy. For 

the best results have someone 

trim you wig while it is on your 

head. 

2. Repair: Do any mending 

necessary including loose 

buttons, split seams, torn 

pockets, or any little rips. If 

you are not handy with a needle 

and thread, take it to your local 

tailor or dry cleaner. Don’t put 

it off. Small frays and tears 

can become big ones in a blink 

of an eye and may be beyond 

repair later. 

3. Renew: Take a good hard 

look. Is your costume faded? 

Sometimes you can spruce up 

a gently faded costume with 

some fresh accessories. A new 

collar and tie can perk up a 

faded print on a dress, shirt or 

jacket. A new shirt will brighten 

up a vest or pants. Something 

as simple as a brightly colored 

pair of suspenders helps as 

well. Replace the trim on any 

costume and it will give it new 

life. Polish your clown shoes 

and see if they need a trip to 

your local shoe repairman. 

Worn heels affect your posture 

and make you feel tired. A little 

bit of polish can make a pair 

of shoes look like new. Store 

shoes with dryer sheets in them 

to keep them fresh. 

4. Replace: Go through your 

wardrobe and look at the items 

that need to be replaced. Make 

a list of “must haves” and a 

“wish list.” Remember, the 

holidays are coming. If you are 

hard to buy for, ask for a gift 

certificate from one of your 

favorite clown suppliers. 

Match up your socks and 

gloves. Toss the worn-out 

ones. If it doesn’t fit properly, 

well… the honest truth is that 

it probably never will. Plan 

to replace your costume with 

one that fits comfortably. Then 

if you do lose weight, it is a 

bonus! 

I am conservative by nature. 

It is hard for me to get rid of 

anything if it still functions. 

But you need to draw the line 

when it comes to dingy and 

faded costumes. Sometimes it 

takes a third eye if you can’t 

decide if something should 

go. If you can’t bear to see it 

go to a dump, give it away to 

your local 4H clown club or 

Jr. Joey program - kids who 

are just getting into clowning 

are thrilled to have anything. It 

may be old to you, but it’s new 

to them. Recycle those clown 

items! 

You don’t have to break 

the bank when it comes to new 

costume pieces. Plan ahead. Put 

costume replacement into your 

clown budget. Plan on buying 

one key piece a year. This way 

you can rotate your wardrobe 

and keep it looking fresh. When 

you only have one costume 

you run the risk of not having 

it clean or repaired in time if 

you clown more than one day 

in a row. Zippers bust, buttons 

fly off, face paints dribble, and 

markers leak. 

Ladies, you can add more 

pockets to a dress by adding 

a colorful apron. This also 

perks up a faded print dress. 

Aprons are a nice addition 

for face painters and balloon 

artists. More pockets are always 

a plus! I would much rather 

dribble face paints on an apron 

than my expensive pants or 

dress. 

5: Budget. 

A friend of mine commented 

that her friends can’t figure out 

how she has the money to go 

to convention every year and to 

buy new costumes. She laughed 

and said she tithes to herself! 

She takes 10% of her earnings 

from clowning and saves it 

religiously. That way she has 

the money to do what she wants 

to do when it comes to travel, 

supplies and fun! I belong to a 

great credit union out of state. 

I send a portion of my teaching 

fees to this account. Because it 

is out of state I am not tempted 

to withdraw from it! It works. 

Whether you are wrapping up 

your clowning season or getting 

ready to rev things up, a little 

planning and extra effort will 

ensure you look great all year 

round! 

● ● ● 

Pricilla Mooseburger, a.k.a. 

Tricia Manuel, started her 

clown career with Ringling 

Brothers, Barnum & Bailey 

Circus. While working 

at the Greatest Show on 

Earth, she learned the art 

of indestructible costume 

design. She is a long time 

member of COAI. 

pricilla@mooseburger.com 


Move Over Disney ... Move Over Universal 

The 2014 COAI Convention: 

Camp CO-AI Is Coming To Town 

Hosted by Clown Education Promotions, LLC 

by Cheri Venturi 

Did any of you catch the 

date in the last Calliope: 

1914? Well the good news 

is: you did not miss the 

convention. We actually 

are scheduled for 2014 in 

Orlando. The excitement is 

starting to build. The Clown 

Education Promotions, LLC 

(CEP) Board is designing 

a fun and more laid back 

convention. Our goal is to 

present COAI with a bevy 

of educational opportunities 

with instructors from 

all over, plenty of jam 

times, competitions of all 

kinds, and lots of bonding 

opportunities. 

Theme 

Come to Camp CO-AI 

Page 12 

(koe-eye) is being hosted 

by the CEP, which was 

developed to serve COAI 

in cases where a bid for the 

convention did not arrive. 

This relieves the Board of 

all the planning as well as 

the entire financial burden. 

We chose the camp idea 

for the fun of it. We are 

planning on running it 

just like the camps of old. 

Everyone will be sprinkled 

with magic dust so we can 

take complete advantage of 

all the fun. However we will 

not be in tents or cabins 

Location 

Wyndham Lake Buena 

Vista Resort in Lake Buena 

Vista, Florida. 

The fee for the room is 

Convention Registration 

by Toni Dufrene 

I’d like to remind all of you that we are now 

accepting registrations for the 2014 COAI Convention. 

The dates are April 29 - May 4. We will be staying at the 

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort, 1850 Hotel Plaza 

Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL. This hotel is on Disney 

grounds. The current registration fee is $170 but will go 

up on Nov. 1, so get your registration in soon. The theme 

for this convention is “Camp CO-AI.” Think back to 

your days at summer camp and all the fun you had and 

we’ll do our best to recreate that happy time for you. 

Lots of surprises in store! 

For a registration form go to the COAI website, 

www.coai.org, and click on the Conventions tab. Just 

print it out, fill it out and send it in along with your 

check or money order made payable to Clown Education 

Promotions, LLC. You can even pay with PayPal!! How 

easy is that!!? 

99.00 per night + tax. (The 

resort fee is included). What 

better way to start the spring 

off than with a visit to the 

South? 

Registration Rates: 

Until Oct. 31.........$170 

Nov. 1 - Dec. 30...$185 

Jan. 1 – Mar 30.....$200 

April 1 – 29.........$225 

What a wonderful 

present for the holidays! 

Birthdays! Valentine’s! 

Halloween! 

Entertainment: 

• Welcome party hosted by 

our Latin alleys. 

• A wonderful magic show 

• Fun games for the family 

and friends. 

• Competitions - the 

traditional COAI: make 

up, skits, face painting, 

balloons, paradeability 

in addition to daily 

competitions with lots of 

prizes. 

• Theme party (don’t 

forget to decorate your 

flashlights) 

• Auction (bring your 

treasures to donate or 

send in your contributions 

(mailing address will be 

posted in the next issue) 

• Lots of jam sessions 

Counselors 

Head: Cheri Venturi 

Comptroller: Pat Roeser 

Registrar and Staff Nurse 

Toni Dufrene 

Arts & Crafts: Pam Bacher 

Entertainment: Albert 

Alter 

Post cards will be 

furnished so you can send 

love and good wishes. Make 

sure to bring stamps. 

Remember: It’s not too 

early to write Santa for a 

gift registration. 

See you at Camp! 

l l l 

Specializing in gadgets for the caring clown 

Clown Stethoscopes • Bubble Toys • Stickers 

Juggling Supplies • Mehron & Wolfe Dealer 

www.clowngadgetstore.com 

Doc ICU & Nurse Sniggles or their staff 

Curt & Diana Patty can be contacted at: 

(314) 853-5912 

9335 Berry Ave. • St. Louis, MO 63144 

The New Calliope

From The Membership Director 

by Teresa Gretton, 

Director of Membership, 


Consider 

Sponsorships 

Would you consider 

a sponsorship in COAI? 

Perhaps you know 

someone who would 

like to help sponsor an 

award, program, idea? 

Your sponsorship can take 

the form of corporate, 

alley, and/or individual 

memberships. 

(Sponsorship is a cash 

and/or “in-kind” fee paid 

to an organization. To 

sponsor something is to 

support an event, activity, 

person, or organization 

financially or through 

the provision of products 

or services. A sponsor is 

the individual or group 

that provides the support, 

similar to a benefactor.) 

Perhaps you are the 

owner or CEO of a 

corporation or business or 

other nonprofit. Besides 

the joy of giving to a 

worthy cause, you as a 

sponsor could have your 

name or business included 

on the plaque or award as 

the sponsor for the life of 

the award. 

At the COAI 

convention banquet 

several members 

embraced the idea of 

assisting in the purchase 

of mentor badges, plaques, 

engraving of awards, etc. 

What a wonderful gift to 

give the membership as 

a whole! Expenses such 

as badges or plaques or 

engraving of the Clown 

of the Year or CHARLIE 

awards do not appear to 

cost much on an individual 

basis; but combined, they 

become a costly expense. 

Perhaps your 

alley would 

also consider 

sponsoring members. 

One alley is working to 

make their alley 100% 

and has decided to pay 

dues for those who are late 

or can no longer pay, in 

order to assist them while 

maintaining good standing 

as a 100% alley. What 

a wonderful gift to your 

membership! 

l l l 

American Clown Museum Tour 

by Teresa Gretton, 

Director of Membership, 

Tour Committee Co-Chair 


How would you like to 

support COAI by assisting 

in a fun, fundraising idea 

suggested by one of our 

lifetime achievement 

recipients, Keith “Toby” 

Stokes? A tour of the The 

American Clown Museum, 

located in Lake Placid, FL 

is in the planning stages. 

Lake Placid was named 

“The Most Interesting Town 

In America by Reader’s 

Digest in January 2013. If 

there is enough interest, the 

tour will be scheduled May 

4, 2014, the Sunday after 

the convention. It would not 

be a part of the convention 

itself but would begin and 

end at the convention hotel. 

Preliminary plans 

include a 2-hour bus trip 

each way from Orlando’s 

convention hotel. The trip 

will include a tour of the 

museum, lunch provided by 

Toby’s Clown Alley, a tour 

of the lovely 44 mural-town 

of Lake Placid, and possibly 

a quick trip to the caladium 

fields. Lake Placid is known 

as the Caladium Capital of 

the World. The cost is still 

being calculated and the 

trip is estimated to be eight 

hours. 

Many clowns in the 

past have expressed their 

interest in being able to 

tour the Museum, see the 

unique ceiling tiles, and 

view the awesome display 

of clown artifacts. Because 

Orlando is very close to 

the much-talked-about 

American Clown Museum, 

the committee feels it would 

be an excellent opportunity 

for convention. 

At this time, plans are 

underway for the tour. 

More information will be 

forthcoming in the next 

New Calliope. Stay tuned! 

For Additional 2014 COAI 

Calendars, See Page 2. 


Our Good Cheer List 

Please take a minute and spread a few words 

of cheer with a card or note to one of 

our less fortunate members. 

Dr. Dave “Sneezer” Hoffner 

13728 Greenwood Ave. N, #012 

Seattle, WA 98133 

Miriam “Senorita Soto” 

Kleinberger 

2 Maple Lane North 

Loudonville, NY 12211 

O.J. Meyer 

24 Germania Ct. 

Toms River, NJ 08755 

Barbara “Patches” Nichols 

504 College Place 

Kingsville, TX 78363-4901 

Frank “Famus Fumbles” Recor 

C/O Crystal River Health & Rehab 

136 N.E. 12th Ave., Room 19N 

Crystal River, FL 34429 

Sissy Womack 

2602 Maplewood Road 

Richmond, VA 23228 

Roland “Rolo the Clown” Wood 

60 River Road 

Edwards, NY 13635 

Fred Schlosshauer, 

Good Cheer Chairman 

8 Alanon Street 

Whippany, NJ 07981 

973-887-2617 

oscarboj@aol.com 

Page 14 

The New Calliope

Critique: Take It Or Leave It! 

by Julie Varholdt 

The open mic show was 

cute. The performers were 

happy with the applause and 

the smiles they received. 

The next morning a few of 

the participants gathered for 

breakfast and to discuss the 

acts that were in the show 

the night before. One of the 

newer performers who had 

done a bit the night before 

said, “I want you all to 

critique my gag, what did 

you think of my little bit? I 

can take it, tell me the truth.” 

… You could have heard a 

pin drop. 

Critique; an analysis or 

evaluation of a subject, 

situation, literary work, 

etc.; the act or art of 

criticizing; criticism. 

How could any good 

come out of criticizing 

someone’s work? How can 

you tell someone that their 

‘bit or gag’ was not funny 

even though the audience 

seemed to be laughing? How 

can you tell someone that the 

laughter was what we call 

‘pity laughter’? How can you 

tell them THE TRUTH? 

As a mentor and teacher 

and someone who is there to 

help, it is my job to do just 

that; TELL THE TRUTH, 

whether you want to hear it 

or not. If you ask me, I will 

tell you. I will be nice about 

it and professional, but it 

will be the truth as I see it. 

I want to see you get to the 

next level of entertaining 

and to get better as you go. It 

takes a lot of courage to get 

up in front of your peers and 

perform. I know, I do it all 

the time. 

Critiquing happens a lot 

in our industry, especially 

if you are in competition 

during a clown convention. 

You are critiqued and judged 

and then given that piece of 

paper that tells you exactly 

what you didn’t want to hear! 

It’s amazing to stand back 

and listen to the participants 

get mad at what they are 

reading on their scoring 

sheets. The judges are not 

there to rip you up, they are 

there to help you get to the 

next level and to help you 

succeed at what you are 

doing. It is their opinion, and 

you can do with it what you 

want. 

If you have a bit that 

you want to have critiqued 

and the answer is not what 

you were hoping for, either 

shrug it off and keep doing 

the same thing over and 

over, or take it with a grain 

of salt and improve your bit 

as suggested and move on to 

the next level. 

Our ego can often get in 

the way in this industry. Our 

ego can greatly enhance our 

personal development or 

it can become an obstacle. 

It can open the door to a 

fulfilling and rewarding life 

or it can shut the door on 

personal growth and confine 

us with self-imposed limits. 

The minute you give in 

for the sake of someone’s 

ego, that’s it, the game is 

over. They’re not going to 

grow, or get to that next 

level. They’re always going 

to be stuck in that same old 

rut doing the same old gag 

over and over, getting those 

groans and pity laughs. 

It’s good to believe in 

yourself and your strength, 

and to be open to other 

people’s views. If I did not 

believe in my strengths and 

my views I would not have 

gotten as far as I have in 

this industry. I would still 

be cowering under someone 

else’s wings doing the same 

thing and not being happy. 

My ego is responsible for 

my doing what I do! BUT ... 

I’ve listened to what people 

have told me over the years 

and have tried their ideas and 

have tweaked those ideas 

until they fit who I am as a 

clown and a person. I’m still 

tweaking and listening and 

will always be learning as 

long as I live. If you don’t 

learn, you don’t grow. If you 

don’t grow, you will become 

stale! 

Listen to what they 

have to say. 

Even with the best 

intentions, criticism can 

make you feel defensive. 

Our first response is to 

become defensive. As much 

as we would like to punch 

that person’s lights out, 

hearing the criticism all 

the way through will teach 

you something, guaranteed 

or your money back! Even 

though it may be painful, 

breathe and listen to what 

they have to say. 

Ask questions. 

You will want to make 

sure you understand what 

the person is telling you. If it 

does not make perfect sense 

ask them to clarify their 

comments. By asking you 

can create cooperation with 

this person and grow. 

Respond to what 

they are saying. 

If you don’t agree and it’s 

not just your ego getting in 

the way, tell them and talk to 

them about it. Thank them 

for sharing their opinion, and 

for being honest with you. 

If they are not happy with 

your response, refer them to 

someone else who you think 

they may listen to. 

Own up to it. 

It’s very hard to hear that 

you’re not perfect, so take 

responsibility as a mature 

adult and a performer and get 

better. Don’t blame someone 

else and make excuses. 

Change. 

The most important 

thing to do when receiving 

criticism is to do something 

for yourself. Be happy and 

proud that you took the time 

to try. Many people can’t 

even take that first step and 

try. You did, and you are 

improving because of that. 

Change can be a painful 

process, but it leads to 

improvement and growth in 

the end. 

Now that you understand 

a bit more about critiquing, 

go back over the stack of 

judges’ comments and try to 

see them in a new light. Call 

up the person who told you 

the truth about your bit and 

ask them more questions on 

how to improve. And look at 

yourself in the mirror then 

pat yourself on the back for 

having the guts to get out 

there and TRY! 

● ● ● 


Clowning With All Our Heart 

Aurora “Bebop” Krause 

Once we decide that we’re 

interested in the Art of Clowning 

we should certainly explore all the 

educational opportunities available to 

us at the local, state and international 

levels. However, let’s try to remember, 

was it our heart that first drew us to 

this adventure of clowning? 

We all know that ongoing 

education is important, but we 

must combine our sincere desire to 

bring joy to others, along with our 

striving to learn more. This concept 

reminds me of a quote I’ve always 

remembered by James Hinds; “People 

don’t care how much you know until 

they know how much you care.” I 

mention this in some of my classes 

because I know how eager we are 

when it comes to learning new and 

wonderful routines. However, let’s 

allow our hearts to be our driving 

force as we keep in sight our purpose 

for clowning and all our efforts to 

learn the art. 

We all hear a familiar question 

from time to time, either from 

“regular” people (non-clowns) or 

from our fellow clown buddies; ‘Why 

did you become a clown?’ For me, 

this is an easy question to answer. I 

discovered early on that when I’m 

in costume I create fun for others 

and for myself, and the great feeling 

of joy appears right on schedule. I 

consider my ability to clown and to 

teach clowning a blessing and a great 

adventure to enjoy and share. My 

approach to every clowning event is 

one of gratitude and generosity: I’m 

grateful for the opportunity to be here, 

and ask myself how can my clowning 

efforts create a joyful environment? 

There are 

certainly a lot 

of things we 

have to do in 

life; some we 

do for fun, 

obligation, 

responsibility 

or tradition. 

Now, think 

back. Isn’t it true that it’s those things 

that we do with all our heart that 

matter most and bring us the most 

joy? The point here is, before we 

dive into that next routine or impress 

everyone with our latest magic trick, 

let’s make sure we have the right 

perspective - Why did you become a 

clown, if not to clown with all your 

heart? 

Send me your thoughts on this 

topic: bebopclown@hotmail.com. 

Page 16 

The New Calliope

Joan M. Ankrom 

Boise, ID 

Buttons 

Eunice Aranda-Flores 

Norwalk, CA 

Pancake 

Dorothy Arnaud 

Katy, TX 

Squekey 

Deloris Bills 

Marysville, OH 

D 

Sally Robin Bowes 

Trafford, AL 

Loop-D 

Teresa Brown 

Bigfork, MT 

Snickerdoodle 

Susan Choma 

Rochester, NY 

Bubbles 

Crystal T. Davis 

Portland, OR 

Moxie 

CheryeAnn DeLong 

Houston, TX 

Happy Dance 

Philip Andrew Dubey 

Quincy, MA 

CAÐ˜-DU 

Sandy C. Duran 

Bethond, CO 

Pepper Doodle 

Dee Estes 

Terrell, NC 

DeeLiteFul 

Cathy Gibbons 

Syracuse, NY 

Sweetheart the Clown 

Betty Grim 

Erie, PA 

Pinky 

Don Grim 

Erie, PA 

Dinky 

Darrel Jingst 

Sebring, FL 

Stringbean 

Larry Klobertanz 

Vancouver, WA 

Papa Hoot 

David A. McCullough 

Chandler, TX 

Kornpop the Klown 

Malia McLaughlin 

North Potomac, MD 

Jolly Molly 

Brooke Melicher 

Kent, WA 

Kutie The Clown 

Carol L. Miller 

Lincoln, NE 

Cupcake 

Dan Miller 

Lincoln, NE 

Clyde 

Karen Miller 

Olivet, MI 

Toothic 

Charlie Nieves 

Toa Alta, PR 

Gabete 

Greg J. Seckora 

Plymouth, MN 

John South 

Blue Springs, MO 

Jocko 

Paula South 

Blue Springs, MO 

Frog-E 

Saydee May Swales 

Hanson, MA 

Peanut 

Marcia Swindel 

Tacoma, WA 

Stefan Topolski 

Shelburne Falls, MA 

Betty J. Wanamaker 

Laguna Woods, CA 

Betty Boop 

Barbara L. Widner 

Sioux City, IA 

G.G. 

Glenn Davis 

San Diego, CA 

Glenno 

Lawrence L. Kibbey 

Houston, TX 

Kibbey 

Mary B. O'Connor 

Dallas, TX 

Merry Bee O'Clowner 

Nathan Patrick King 

Bronson, MI 

Woody 

Tony Raynor 

Sweeny, TX 

Treble Clef 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Finger 

Puppets 

by Kent Sheets 

There are all types 

of puppets that can 

be used to entertain 

children. You can make 

a puppet from a lunch 

bag, or spend lots of 

money for a full hand puppet. Visit a 

toy store or puppet dealer at the next 

convention to see the variety that 

exists. Just do an Internet search on 

puppets and you’ll find everything, 

from puppets for sale, to instructions 

on how to make your own puppet. 

One of my favorite puppets is a 

small animal finger puppet. You 

can find a puppet for almost any 

animal or insect. My favorite is a 

ladybug puppet. I also have used 

a bee puppet and a small butterfly 

puppet. Why these and not others? 

Other types of puppets will work, but 

I have used the ladybug puppet the 

most. It is a great walk-a-round prop. 

It is small, lightweight and fits in any 

pocket. I have found the small insect 

puppet inexpensive, usually under 

$10. The ladybug finger puppet is 

very easy to use. When entertaining 

groups of various ages, I use several 

walk-a-round props. I save the 

ladybug finger puppet for the very 

small children, especially those who 

are a bit hesitant to see the clown. 

The child’s curiosity draws them to 

check out the ladybug. 

As the pictures show, just insert 

your ring finger (Pic 1). Note: I am 

right-handed, so I place the finger 

puppet on my right hand. With the 

puppet on your finger facing up, turn 

your hand over, palm up (Pic 2). 

Next, bend the finger with the puppet 

on it into your upturned palm while 

keeping all the other fingers extended 

(Pic 3). Next move the finger with 

the puppet on it towards your arm, 

then back to its original position. 

Cover your right hand (puppet) with 

your left hand, cupping it as you 

do, making a small cave or hiding 

location for your ladybug (Pic 4). 

As you move both of your hands 

below the child’s eye level, move the 

ladybug in and out (Pic 5). Try it. 

With just a little practice, it’s easy to 

do. 

You can actually insert you finger 

into the puppet when it’s in your 

pocket. When you withdraw your 

hand from your pocket, have the 

puppet finger folded into the palm of 

your hand. This will hide the puppet. 

As you turn your hand over, you 

can cover the move with your other 

hand. It looks like you are keeping 

the ladybug from escaping. 

From a slight distance, I greet the 

child, ask how they are, and ask them 

if they have seen the large ladybugs 

that are in the area. As I extend my 

hands, I move the puppet back and 

forth, just showing the head, or front 

of the puppet. I ask if they would 

like to pet the ladybug. The young 

children almost always approach 

the clown to get a closer look at the 

ladybug. 

I stopped using the bee puppet 

because of the possibility that if a 

child approached a real bee, they 

might get stung. 

Have fun 

entertaining! 

Page 18 

The New Calliope

Safety Through Clowning 

by Guy “Hector the Detector” Vander 

Wyst 

What ideas do you have for 

teaching children fire safety? 

This is the question that initiated 

my clowning career. It was asked by 

the new Appleton Fire Dept. public 

education officer who was hired in 

1991. My answer was, “While in 

school, we attended assemblies. All 

I ever remembered was … blah, 

blah, blah, blah unless the guest had 

a specific or special talent while 

presenting his or her message to the 

students.” I then added, “Why don’t 

you try teaching fire safety to children 

through clowning?” The officer said, 

“Great idea … want to help?” So our 

task began! 

We found a book and a video about 

clowning, wrote a skit about fire safety 

procedure and practiced and presented 

the skit at an open house. 

At the fire department, we also had 

a “Name the Clowns” contest. My 

partner and I were to select our clown 

name from a list submitted by children. 

The child who submitted the name 

we selected would receive a bicycle 

donated by a local bike shop. After 

going through the list and eliminating 

names, “Hector the Detector” and 

“Cinders” were born! 

After this event, I felt that there had 

to be more to this “clowning thing.” 

So after much research, I found an 

educational opportunity being held 

in Clown Camp in La Crosse, WI. In 

1992, my partner and I attended Clown 

Camp for a week and what an eyeopener! 

We learned so much about the 

art of clowning. We learned what our 

weaknesses were. We learned how to 

implement foam props in our skit, and 

ideas to revamp and improve our whole 

program. 

Now, we didn’t just use our 

clown character performances as 

entertainment. The skit was used as the 

final teaching tool in a packet given to 

all first and second grade teachers in 

the school district. 

We believed that by putting the 

packet together and offering it to 

the teachers, it would help make 

our program more successful. We all 

know how hard-pressed teachers can 

be for time, and to ask them to develop 

a quality fire safety program for their 

students could be difficult. The packet 

would give the teachers all the tools 

needed to teach fire safety to their 

students. 

The packet included a pre-test 

to see what the students knew about 

fire safety, a post-test to see what the 

students had learned, and subject 

packets which covered the fire 

safety lessons along with lesson plans. 

Teachers were asked to return the pretest 

and post-test results to us. These 

results were used to justify the cost of 

our fire safety clown program to the city 

administration. 

After the lesson plans the “bonus” 

part in the packet included a safety 

show by the fire safety clowns. As we 

all know, repetitive teaching promotes 

learning. The fire safety clowns’ 

performance would repeat and reinforce 

the fire safety lessons they learned in 

class. 

Also included in the packet was 

an evaluation form for the teachers to 

complete regarding the fire safety show. 

This feedback would help us improve 

our presentation and the effectiveness of 

our safety message. We received many 

positive comments, “Just right for this 

age group,” “Just the right amount of 

time,” “Wouldn’t change a thing” and 

more. 

This clown program was designed 

for fire safety, but it would also work 

for police departments and others. 

And you would not have to be a 

public servant to develop these safety 

programs. 

Clowns involved in presenting 

school programs, whether as a volunteer 

or professional, could incorporate safety 

messages with a clown’s character. 

We all know the importance of 

education. This is the reason our 

fire department became involved 

with the “Fire Safety Clown” venue. 

We as clowns are always reminded 

how important it is to continue 

our education. Since 1992, I have 

continued to attend schools and camps 

to update my knowledge and skills. 

I continue to use the excellent 

skills learned at Clown Camp in La 

Crosse. This has become so important 

to me that I became a co-director 

of an educational camp, California 

Clown Campin’. My co-director, 

a committee of five members and 

I believe so strongly in continuing 

education that we work all year to 

provide learning opportunities for 

interested people. In fact, California 

Clown Campin’ will be offering classes 

to develop safety programs this year. 

No matter when or how you choose 

to do it, it is important to strive to 

learn more. As always, HAPPY 

CLOWNING! 

● ● ● 


Clowning With A Message 

A Challenge To All Alleys 

by Merilyn Barrett 

Clowns are always looking for new 

and creative ways to market their clown. 

Birthday parties, grand openings and 

company picnics may be your norm but 

what else can you offer? Have you stepped 

outside the shadow of that big nose to see 

how you can challenge yourself and grow 

as a clown? 

As seasoned clowns we know our 

regimen of magic and entertainment, 

our balloons and face painting skills are 

honed to perhaps fill in our clowning. 

Our clowning, as entertaining as it is, 

becomes routine. Don’t get me wrong, 

our customers want that routine. That is 

why they request us year after year. In the 

beginning of your clowning career that is 

quite an achievement but there is much 

more out there that challenges your ability 

as a clown and contributes to society. 

As a grandmother, I have become aware 

of the challenges teachers, parents and 

children face every day. As a clown, I feel 

the clown world needs to recognize these 

needs and to cultivate programs that cater 

to these needs and in return offer solutions. 

The three specific areas that we need to 

address are bullying and cyber-bullying, 

literacy issues, and sexting. 

I am hoping that alleys will embrace 

the idea of developing programs to be 

presented to schools and libraries. Alleys 

provide the best environment to develop 

the programs because of the diversity that 

makes up an alley. 

Bullying and cyber-bullying are a major 

cause of suicide for teens and tweens. 

Bullying would be an easy skit to develop, 

for example, whiteface clowns could 

ridicule a tramp clown. An Auguste clown 

could be the diffuser. There are many 

websites about bullying that can be used to 

research a skit. 

Literacy is a growing concern. If we 

could gather some of our storytellers to use 

basic clown books to generate an interest 

in clowning, perhaps include a makeup 

and wardrobe presentation, I’m sure there 

would be an overwhelming response. For 

a recent assignment, my granddaughter 

Page 20 

was excited about taking a book and 

designing a cereal box for her book report. 

The “ingredients” were the characters, 

the “nutrition value” was a plot summary 

description and the name of the cereal was 

a play on the name of the book. Combine 

that with a presentation by either a Junior 

Joey or an animated clown and watch the 

enthusiasm grow. Acting out books and 

reaching for goals on word count are just 

more ways to encourage reading. 

Sexting and abuse of social media are 

also major concerns. The fact is, today’s 

kids are far more vulnerable to predators. 

Not enough is being done to educate and 

protect our youngsters from the threats 

of fast-changing technology and how it 

relates to school. 

The website uknowkids.com has 

valuable resources for material to inform 

and educate, including some very alarming 

facts. One out of three preteens participate 

in sexting and social media abuse, either 

via their smart phone, tablet or online 

gaming. What these children don’t realize 

is this practice can follow them the rest 

of their life, it can label them as a sex 

offender or predator just because of their 

childhood peer pressure or misjudgment. I 

believe that to present a program as serious 

as this by a clown takes away some of the 

nervousness of the topic. 

As a children’s entertainer, I can tell 

you I never thought of these things. My 

job was to clown and entertain. As a 

grandparent and a member of the PTA, 

I became aware of what kids face today. 

I previously advocated programs for 

Stranger Danger, Senior Citizen Safety and 

Scams, and Substance Abuse Prevention. 

That was the 90s! 

If every alley created a half-hour 

program to deal with these topics 

and possibly enlisted the local police 

department to have an officer at each 

program and encourage his or her input, 

imagine the impact clowning could have 

on the community. Imagine how much 

your clowning could challenge your 

growth. Any takers? 

● ● ● 

Do They 

Know Who 

You Are? 

by Harry “Harry the Ridiculous” Witt 

A few weeks ago I was 

wandering through the local 

Super Wal-Mart when I 

recognized a customer as one of 

the residents I visit at an assisted 

living facility where I do my 

caring clowning. “Hello Fred,” I 

said, and Fred looked at me and 

asked who I was and how I knew 

his name. “It’s me, Harry the 

Ridiculous, the clown. I see you 

every Thursday during lunch in 

your dining room.” 

“Sorry” he replied. “I never 

saw you out of character.” 

That’s when it hit me, many of 

the residents in the homes I visit 

don’t know who I really am and 

what I look like in my ‘civies’ 

(originally a military term that’s 

short for civilian attire). 

I decided to introduce the 

‘other me’ to my friends. Well 

there isn’t much difference other 

than the costume and makeup, so 

this particular morning I set out 

in my usual Southwest Floridian 

attire which is T-shirt, shorts and 

sandals, plus I took my signature 

red hat that was made for me 

by Karen Bell. The receptionist 

didn’t know who I was until 

I introduced myself but I was 

pleasantly surprised that some of 

the other staff did. 

That wasn’t what I was 

expecting. That came when I 

entered the room where I did 

my ‘One Clown, One Ring Mini 

Circus.’ 

The nursing home I visited 

is very special; it’s the Douglas 

(continued on page 22) 

The New Calliope

Calendar 

October 2-6, 2013 

Midwest Round-Up 

Livonia, MI 

www.midwestroundupwebsite. 

com 

248-426-0776 

October 18-19, 2013 

Kapitol Klowns Carnival 

College Park, MD 

www.kapitolklowns.org 

301-843-8212 

November 6-10, 2013 

Mid-Atlantic Clown Assoc. 

Harrisburg, PA 

www.midlanticclownassociation.com 

814-547-4939 


Kentucky Clown Derby 

Clarksville, IN 

www.KentuckyClownDerby.com 

757-423-3867 


WRCA 

Laughlin, NV 

www.westregionclowns.org 

928-533-0246 


FPBA Convention 

St. Louis, MO 

www.fpbaconvention.com 

636-734-7769 

January 22-26, 2014 

Clown Jamboree 

Mystic, CT 

www.clownjamboree.com 

757-423-3867 

February 7-8, 2014 

Joey To The World Gospel 

Clown Convention 

Hurst, TX 

www.joeytotheworld.org 

817-282-3339 

February 13-16, 2014 

Show Me Clowns For Jesus 

Springfield, MO 

www.showmeclownsforjesus.org 

757-423-3867 

February 19-22, 2014 

ISCA Mid-Winter Convention 

Fairview Heights, IL 

www.Ainadshriners.org/KrazyKlowns 

February 19-23, 2014 

Circus Magic 

Williamsburg, VA 

www.circusmagicconvention.com 

757-423-3867 

April 28-May 4 2014 

COAI Convention 

Orlando, FL 

cherioats@aol.com 

877-569-9447 

September 3-7, 2014 

SECA 

Jacksonville, FL 

www.southeastclownassoc.org 

September 10-14, 2014 

Clownfest 

Seaside Heights, NJ 

Clownfest@aol.com 

757-423-3867 

Financial Report 

Clowns of America International 

Income, expense and balance statement 

Revenue May/June 2013 Year To Date 

Membership $34,897 $89,638 

Lifetime Membership $0 $0 

Magazine Ads $1,090 $12,408 

Merchandise Sales $2,709 $3,523 

Junior Joey Merchandise $0 $0 

Education Merchandise $0 $70 

Convention Income $1,542 $3,705 

Interest Income $5 $237 

Lowe Collection $0 $0 

Miscellaneous Income $0 $104 

Web Page $0 $0 

Education Auction Revenue $0 $0 

Junior Joey Auction Revenue $0 $0 

TOTAL $40,242 $108,876 

Expenses 

Bank Chgs / Returned Checks $98 $265 

Deposit Errors $47 $47 

Checks $0 $0 

Credit Card Fees $529 $2,132 

New Calliope Editor Fees $5,300 $23,098 

New Calliope Postage $2,589 $11,336 

New Calliope Production $4,503 $33,235 

Other New Calliope Fees $0 $0 

New Calliope 2014 Calendar $0 $900 

Advertising Refund $0 $0 

National Office Bus Mgr $1,701 $8,224 

National Office Postage $133 $3,211 

National Office Bus Mgr Comm $179 $2,296 

National Office Petty Cash $0 $0 

National Office Printed Material $0 $0 

Board Expenses $0 $150 

Fall Board Meeting $0 $8,421 

Spring Board Meeting $292 $6,211 

Officer's Expenses $296 $4,986 

Board Expenses $588 $2,237 

State And Intern. Ambassadors $0 $0 

Educational Support $0 $500 

Educational Support Scholarships $900 $1,400 

Coai Educational Grants $0 $500 

Educational Support - Other $0 $1,017 

Merchandise $0 $0 

Merchandise Shipping $0 $424 

Merchandise Other $0 $360 

Convention Expense $1,679 $2,394 

Lowe Collection Expense $0 $1,513 

Shipping $0 $43 

Shipping - Other $0 $9 

Printed Material $0 $149 

Equipment Purchased $0 $61 

Trophies $0 $0 

Alley Support $0 $0 

Jr. Joey Scholarships $0 $0 

Special Projects $0 $0 

Audio Director $0 $0 

Promotion & Publicity $0 $0 

Miscellaneous Expense $0 $85 

Professional Services $250 $8,047 

Web Page Expense $0 $6,312 

Insurance $0 $1,478 

Organization Dues Expense $0 $0 

Media Liability Insurance $0 $0 

Federal Income Tax $0 $0 

TOTAL $19,083 $131,039 

Florida Shores Bank $33,751 

Money Market Accounts $91,179 

Florida Shores Bank CD $0 

Florida Shores Bank CD $0 

National Office Operating Fund $400 

Contingency Reserve $37,169 

Scholarship Account $28,244 

TOTAL $125,329.65 

All totals are to the nearest dollar. 

Respectfully submitted, Paddee Embrey, Treasurer 

The Financial report shown above meets the motion made by 

our general membership to provide a financial statement to 

the general membership every 6 months of its fiscal year. 

Based on the view of 3 CPA’S and legal counsel. 


Jacobson Florida State 

Veteran’s Home in Port 

Charlotte, FL. 

When I walked into 

the bingo room I was 

just another face in the 

crowd for most of the 

vets. Some knew who I 

was and others realized 

who I was when I let go 

with one of my standard 

openers. “Sorry I’m late, I 

got stuck in traffic, some 

clown put bubblegum on 

the bottom of my tires 

and I was really stuck in 

traffic.” 

Meanwhile Fred, who 

is a resident at another 

home, got a look at me 

in my Florida attire when 

I met him and other 

residents from his assisted 

living facility while they 

(continued from page 20) 

had a barbecue at our 

local beach. The other 

residents recognized 

who I was when I (YUP, 

you got it) opened my 

mouth and a joke came 

out. “Hey” I said, “Did 

you see what happened? 

I almost drowned. The 

lifeguard swam out to 

me and asked me to stop 

screaming because some 

of the beachgoers were 

trying to sleep.” 

So, the results of my 

experiment were mixed 

and non-conclusive. I 

guess I should have 

expected that. After all 

I’m not a scientist, I’m a 

Clown. 

● ● ● 

Why Not Give A Gift That 

Will Keep On Giving? 

Why Not Gift 

A COAI Membership? 

See the application 

or call the Business Office. 

USA Toll Free 877.816.6941 

941-474-4351 

Page 22 

The New Calliope

Clowns of America International 

Application and Renewal form 

Name: First Middle Initial Last 

Street: 

City: 

State: Zip: Country: 

Phone (required): 

E-mail: 

Date of Birth (required): Age: Male/Female 

Clown Name: 

Alley Affiliation: 

Your COAI Number(if renewing): 

Referring Sponsor (if any): Sponsor’s COAI Number: 

Gift A Membership 

Please gift a membership to the person on this form. 

I wish to remain anonymous. 

I wish for you to identify me to the recipient. 

I wish to write a note: ___________________________ 

________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________ 

Please give us your name and phone number so that we can 

contact you if necessary. If you wish to remain anonymous 

check the box above and we will not reveal your identity. 

___________________________________________________ 

Name Phone # 

Annual Membership Dues 

Active Membership: . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 

Senior Membership (65 +): . . . . . . . . $30 

Junior Joey Membership (age 8-15): . . . $30 

Family Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 

LIFETIME Membership: . . . . . . . . $1,000 

• Seniors must be age 65 or older within the enrollment or renewal year. Junior Joeys must be age 8 to 15 in the 

enrollment year. 

• Children ages 8 to 15 can choose to join as Family Member or Junior Joey. Family members can be any age. 

• Full Memberships receive The New Calliope magazine. Family Memberships do not receive The New Calliope. 

Check No. __________ 

Visa 

MasterCard 

Discover 

Payment Method 

Credit Card # __________________________________________________________________ 

Expiration Date: _______________________ CC Verification Code (3 digits) ______________ 

Signature 

Send Form To: 

Clowns of America Intl. Inc. • P.O. Box 1171 • Englewood FL 34295-1171 USA 

Phone: 877-816-6941 • 941-474-4351 • Fax: 941-474-8317 • Web site: www.coai.org 

All COAI memberships are on an annual basis. 


CLOWNS OF AMERICA INTERNATIONAL 

FORMULARIO DE APPLICACION Y RENOVACION 

Nombre: Primero Iniciales: Apellidos 

Calle: 

Ciudad: Urbanización / Barriada: Pueblo: Zona Postal: 

Regale Una Membresía 

Por favor regale la membresia a la persona indicado en esta forma. 

Deseo permanecer anónimo. 

Deseo que usted me identifique al recipiente.Deseo escribir 

Deseo escribir una nota.________________________________ 

Número de Teléfono: 

E-mail: 

_______________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________ 

Fecha de Nacimiento: Edad: Masculino/Femenino: 

Nombre de Payaso/a: Afiliado: Nombre del alley 

Número de COAI (renovación): 

Referido por: 

Numero de COAI del Referido: 

_______________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________ 

Por favor dénos su nombre y número de teléfono de modo que 

nosotros podamos ponernos en contacto con usted si fuera 

necesario. Si usted desea quedarse anónimo, haga una señal in la caja 

indicada arriba y no revelaremos su identidad. 

__________________________________________________________ 

Nombre 

#Teléfono 

Cuotas de Socios Anuales 

Membrecía Individual: . . . . . . . . . . . . $40 

Membrecía Mayores (65 +): . . . . . . . . . $30 

Membrecia Junior Joeys (jóvenes 8-15): . . . $30 

Membrecía Familia: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20 

Membrecia De por vida: . . . . . . . . . $1,000 

• Los seniors deben tener la edad 65 o más viejo dentro del año de renovación o la inscripción. Los Junior Joeys deben tener la edad de 8 a 15 

en el año de inscripción. 

• Los ninos de la edad 8 a 15 pueden decidir unirse como el Miembro de Familia o Junior Joey. Los miembros de familia pueden ser cualquier edad. 

• Socios DE LA VIDA reciben la revista New Calliope. Socios de Familia no reciben la revista New Calliope. 

Cheque a nombre de: __________ 

Método de Pago 

Visa 

MasterCard 

Discover 

Firma y Teléfono: (Se requiere para las tarjetas de crédito) Número de Teléfono:___________________________ 

Número de Tarjeta de Crédito __________________________________________________________________ 

Fecha de Expiración : _______________________ Código de Verificación (3 dígitos) ______________ 

Firma 

Enviar formulario a: 

Clowns Of America, International, Inc. (COAI), P.O. Box 1171, Englewood, FL 34295-1171 USA 

Teléfono 1-877-816-6941 • 941-474-4351 • Fax 941-474-8317 • Página Web: www.coai.org 

Clasificación de Membresía 

1. Todas las membresías a COAI se hacen en bases anuales. 

Page 24 

The New Calliope

Doing More With Letters 

by Ted “Twaddles” White 

Most of us could use letters 

of the alphabet to create 

more and better props and 

gags. Most of you have heard 

of the old “Free Bs,” “Green 

Ps,” “Brown Es,” “Grey V” and 

perhaps the “Iced T.” These 

have been well used and some 

clowns are still using them! 

By using our imagination and 

thinking laterally, we can come 

up with new ideas that are 

uniquely our own. To start the 

creative juices flowing here are 

a couple of suggestions: 

Paint a 'B' brown, and a 

couple of 'I's blue. (Have you 

ever seen a Brown Bee with Blue 

Eyes?) 

You can talk geography. 

Take a black C, a red C and a 

yellow C. You have The Black 

Sea, The Red Sea and the 

Yellow Sea. Using WordArt on 

you computer, print a C that 

is filled with a picture of coral 

and you have the Coral Sea. 

Then bash one of them and you 

can have the Dead Sea, and 

if it isn’t dead then at least you 

have made a C sore (seesaw). 

Drop some of them on the floor 

and stumble over them, you 

have taken a “Trip Overseas”. 

See how many seas you can 

see by just looking at Cs. 

Paint a C blue. Ask your 

audience “What color is the 

sea?” When they answer “Blue,” 

show them your blue C and ask 

them “Are you psychic? How 

did you know my C was blue?” 

Paint a P to look cold and icy 

(like the Iced T) and you have a 

“Frozen Pea.” 

A couple of Ps tied onto a 

cord can be whirled around. 

You have created Whirled Ps, or 

in other words, “World Peace.” 

Paint an I black. Just look at 

this, my fellow clown gave me 

a “Black Eye” or “You are asking 

for trouble, Do you want me to 

give you a black eye?” 

Are you getting the picture? 

Many low price shops 

and chain stores sell bags of 

inexpensive plastic or foam 

letters that can be used. 

If you buy the bags of 

assorted letters, the ones 

you can’t use in a gag can 

be handed out by saying 

something like “I met the 

postman outside, and I have a 

letter for you.” 

If the letter you hand out is 

black you can comment “It’s 

obviously blackmail!” You may 

even want to paint many of 

these extra letters black. 

Conversely some of those 

extra letters could be red, in 

which case “Somebody has 

interfered with my mail, this letter 

was read (red) before I got it” or 

“This really is a RED LETTER day,” 

Individual letters are often 

available singly at craft shops 

or places that sell scrapbooking 

supplies. These may be colored 

or bare wood and in many 

cases will need painting to 

make your gag work effectively. 

Be creative. 

Alternately you may be able 

to set up some large letters on 

the computer, print them, stick 

them onto cardboard, cut them 

out and perhaps even laminate 

them. 

When you have made your 

prop/gag, then you have to 

develop a presentation and 

patter that will give maximum 

laughter as well as taking up as 

much time as is practical. It is 

better to have just a couple of 

goodies that take a few minutes 

each rather than try for a quick 

succession of gags that flow like 

you were dealing cards. You 

need to introduce the topic 

and build up a bit of suspense 

before unveiling the punch line. 

The only limitation is your 

imagination so put on those 

thinking caps. 

The Coral Sea. 


clown week 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013, seven 

Magic Town Clown members 

participated in a back to 

school safety event put on by 

the Birmingham, AL Police 

Department including Chief 

Roper and members of the 

Birmingham Police Dept. The 

event was held at Children’s 

(hospital) of Alabama, where 

the children were met by 

policemen, McGruff the Crime 

Dog, face painting, pictures 

with the clowns, backpacks 

and school supplies, and 

police horses. Pictured here is 

Giggles with Officer Smith. 

The Magic Town Clown Alley, Alley #263 had 14 members participate 

in Red Nose Transplant at Children’s (hospital) of Alabama. Pictured 

here are (L-R) Ladybug; Snuggles; Jelly Bean; Whistler; Boo Boo; 

Sherry Scarborough, Director of Vol. Services; Philbert and Lil’ Darlin. 

San Diego All Star Clowns, Alley 56 took a carload of school supplies to the 

Sleep Train for Foster children on the last day of National Clown Week. 

Kneeling, Skppy and Grandma Huggs who organized our Clown Week 

events. In the middle row are Miss Checkers, Bo Willum and Bon Bon. In the 

back row are Miss Muddles, Dizzy Dave, Cappy and Poptart. 

In celebration of International Clown Week 2013, First 

United Methodist Church of Newport News, Virginia, 

hosted a Blessing of the Clowns on August 4th. During the 

Joys and Concerns portion of the morning worship, Alley 

President Tim “Sawdust” Laynor presented Rev. Robert L. 

Haley with a clown corsage. As part of the worship service 

Martha “Dr. Giggle” and Jerry “Dufus” Dodson, members 

of Kolonial Klowns of Williamsburg, presented a mime 

vignette in preparation for Communion. 

A Clown Blessing 

O blessed Lord, guide your servants in their practice of clowning, 

that each may be a vessel of our love. Endow them with your 

Spirit to persevere in exposing your Truth in ways accessible to all. 

Empower them to establish mercy by being fools for Christ and the 

blessing of God Almighty: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 

be with you and dwell with you always. Amen. 

Rev. Robert L Haley, Pastor, 

First United Methodist Church, 

Newport News, VA 

Page 26 

The New Calliope

Barbara “Sweet Thang” Cox wore her clown shoes to work 

and was caught comparing her shoes with a fellow workers. 

Wonder which one was the real clown. 

The 4 Ever Young Clowns, Alley 326, put on a face painting 

and had a Balloon Extravaganza Birthday Party at City 

Union Mission during Clown Week. It was wild and fun for 

every one. Pictured her is a group of satisfied customers 

with Smiley and Debbie “Sparky” Hjerpe 

The Sioux City 

Sillies, Alley 185 

hosted their 

second annual 

afternoon of 

hilarity and fun 

at the Sioux City 

Museum. Music, 

magic, skits 

and all-around 

good family fun were provided. The alley was featured for two minutes on “Around Siouxland,” a community 

calendar program on their local NBC affiliate. Pictured here: (L-R) Sara “Special K’z the Clown” Kreutz (COAI local 

ambassador), Jerry “Uncle Grandpa” Snyder, Linda “Sweet Pea” Snyder and Sarah Te Slaa-the program host. 

Sparky with 

two happy 

painted faces 

The Caloosa Clown, Alley 97, 

entertained at the North Fort Myers, 

FL library during Clown Week. 

Pictured here are William “Willace” 

Harris, Sally “Turkleberry” Scanlon, Joe 

“Buddy” Otto, Anetta “Jingles” Otto 

and Kent “KA-YO” Sheets. 


Look Who's Reading 

While vacationing in July, Roger “Be Bop” Brakebill stopped by 

Harlem, Georgia at the Laurel and Hardy Museum, to read his 

latest copy of the New Calliope. 

Kynisha “Daisy” Ducre had fun exploring, visiting villages, training and 

planning new goals in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 

This spring I led a Habitat for Humanity trip to Chengdu, China. 

One afternoon we entertained kids at a local school and look who 

started reading the New Calliope! New potential clowns. 

Jessie “Hokey Pokey” Strauss 

Members 

on the Move! 

Page 28 

The Good News Clowns, Alley 312, braved the extreme 

heat to entertain the crowds in Groton, CT at this year’s 

Fourth of July Parade. A generous couple let a few of the 

overheated clowns ride in their antique car. 

Pictured here (from L-R) 

Leona April “Cinnamon Heart” Britt, Debra “D.B.DO” Flemke, 

Soll “Kasper” Levine and Elizabeth “Lillibelle” Burdick. 

The New Calliope

HEY, 

KIDS! 

by Regina Wollrabe 

Are You Out There? 

Are You Reading This? 

I want a way to talk with you. Will you 

write to me??? 

Do you have clown pictures you want 

to share? If you would like to be on a 

Facebook group just for COAI Junior 

Joeys where you can share pictures 

and videos, please have an adult 

contact me through email or by 

phone. Let me know who you are, 

what state you live in, and your 

clown name. The Junior Joey 

Committee and I would like to help 

you grow as a clown in any way 

that we can. 

It would be great fun to 

see pictures of your efforts 

printed in The New Calliope as 

well as shared with each other 

through email, social media, or a 

YouTube channel. We could have 

you teach us your ideas about what 

is funny. 

We could have a video 

competition, or a contest for the 

funniest clown picture. You could 

show us the skills you are working 

on. Have you thought about holding 

a small clown camp at your house? 

It’s fun to get together with your 

friends and learn clown skits or 

make up songs or dances or 

take pictures and then use 

them to make fun cards to 

give away. What are some 

of the things you have done 

this summer? Email me at chachatheclown@ 

yahoo.com with your ideas and pictures so 

we can get to know you. I will share what 

you send me with our COAI Junior Joey 

Committee. Don’t forget to tell us what state 

you are from, your age, and your clown name. 

Thank you for reading our special article just 

for you!!! Tell your friends to join Junior 

Joeys. The more the merrier! 

Oh, yes! Just to let you know, in case you 

have not heard, next year’s COAI Convention 

is going to be right next door to Walt Disney 

World in Orlando, Florida! Think about going. 

Save your money, have fundraisers, get good 

grades, and don’t miss a day of school so 

you can take a few days off and come clown 

around with us in Orlando! 

● ● ● 

Regina Wollrabe 

chachatheclown@yahoo.com 

www.chachatheclown.com 


Meet Clydene “Lil' Darlin” Dyer - SE Regional Ambassador 

Clydene is currently 

newsletter editor for Magic 

Town Clown Alley #263 and is 

running for alley secretary next 

year. 

In 1995, Clydene completed 

a class in therapeutic humor 

at a local hospital. She began 

clowning at Children’s 

(hospital) of Alabama in 1999 

and is currently one of several 

clowns who clown weekly 

there. We do magic, sing, 

laugh and play throughout the 

hospital. Due to the generosity 

of many individuals, groups 

and the hospital auxiliary, they 

are able to give gift-cards for 

food and gas; small handmade 

quilts and other gifts to the sick 

children. 

In 2002, Clydene, along 

with Charlotte “Lot-Tee- 

Dah” Dismukes, formed The 

Magic City Clown School in 

Birmingham for the purpose 

of training individuals who 

wanted to become clowns. 

Several staff members 

from Volunteer Services of 

Children’s of Alabama attended 

the clown school, and soon 

invited us to move the school to 

the hospital campus, where they 

continue to conduct two clown 

school graduations each year. A 

school term consists of 12-14 

weeks of training, with 3-hour 

classes held on Monday nights. 

In addition to the weekly class, 

there are five to six 4-hour 

weekend workshops to teach 

face painting, balloon twisting, 

and magic. In order to complete 

the training, the clowns must 

practice for weeks and perform 

a 45-minute show for their 

family and friends. 

Following graduation, the 

clowns who finish the clown 

school are required to complete 

a mentoring process with 

veteran clowns of the hospital. 

Usually these mentors are 

school instructors. 

The driving force for the 

school was a need for hospital 

clowns. The school has 

graduated over 300 clowns, 

but only a small portion of 

these become volunteers at the 

hospital. Today we have 40- 

plus active clowns at this one 

hospital. 

To continue the training 

and education of our clowns, 

the alley and hospital have 

sponsored several clown 

workshops over the past few 

years with facilitators such as 

Mama Clown, Tom-E-Boy, 

Brenda Marshall, Junior the 

Clown, Gary Cole, David “Mr. 

Rainbow” Bartlett, and others 

For International Clown 

Week, the Magic Town Clowns 

and the Big Top Clowns held a 

“Red Nose Transplant” day on 

August 4, 2013 at the hospital. 

Clowns saturated the hospital 

floors to visit with children who 

could not 

get to the 

lobby. All 

the children 

got to “pick 

their noses” 

and received 

a picture of themselves with a 

clown. 

There are many 

opportunities for clowning in 

Birmingham and surrounding 

areas. The Magic Town Clown 

Alley is a very active alley 

and many of their members 

are busy with events of their 

own. If you live nearby or are 

just passing through, look up 

Ambassador Clydene “Lil’ 

Darlin” Dyer. 

Clydene Dyer 

1595 Simpson Road 

Branchville, AL 35120 

205-515-4751 • iyq2kitty@ 

yahoo.com 

● ● ● 

Meet 

Mr. Rainbow 

Turn Ons: 

Big red noses, grease paint, 

making people laugh and getting 

my picture in the New Calliope. 

The ultimate turn on: “To be a 

centerfold in the New Calliope.” 

Turn Offs: 

Clowns who aren't funny, people 

who don't laugh, losing weight, and 

never having my picture on the front 

cover of the New Calliope. 

Page 30 

The New Calliope

A Final Word from the Editor 

Mr. Rainbow, did 

you actually think that I’d 

seriously consider making you 

a “centerfold” clown? Get 

real!!! You really are “a big ole 

clown” aren't you? Maybe the 

next New Calliope editor will 

take pity on you. 

The time has come for 

me to exit my responsibilities 

as your New Calliope editor 

and COAI business manager. 

When Pat became ill in 2010 

I was forced to take on the 

responsibilities of COAI web 

master and New Calliope 

editor. Many of you may not 

know, but we also publish a 

bi-weekly news paper and so 

I also became editor of the 

Englewood Review, long with a 

number of other administrative 

jobs associated with Newton 

Studios, Inc. All this was in 

addition to my already full-time 

responsibilities to COAI and 

The New 

CALLIOPE ADVERTISING RATES 

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3X Contract $350 $205 $135 $75 

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OPEN $470 $275 $190 $110 

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6X Contract $420 $245 $160 $90 

SPECIAL PAGES (4 Color ONLY) 

Outside Back Cover: $550 

Inside Front & Inside Back: $500 (full) - $300 (1/2) 

All Alleys who have 100% COAI Membership may purchase ads at the lowest rate 

available less 10%. For more details, contact Tom. 


370 West Dearborn Street, Suite B, Englewood FL 34223 

941-474-4351 • Fax 941-474-8317 

editor: NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net 

production and ad sales: NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net 

the newspaper. Last November 

I requested the board find 

a replacement for business 

manager and webmaster. Quite 

simply after two and a half 

years I was exhausted and 

finding it difficult to accomplish 

all the responsibilities of COAI, 

my business and my personal 

life. 

In I June I found myself 

still the business manager and 

without a negotiated contract 

for the New Calliope. As I 

thought about my situation I 

decided that I really needed 

to focus on my core business, 

and my personal life, which 

have mostly been on hold since 

Pat’s illness and passing. And 

so I decided it was time for me 

to close my chapter as New 

Calliope editor as well. 

I’m going to miss many 

of you with whom I’ve had 

contact throughout the years. 

And yes, I’m going to miss 

the banter with Mr. Rainbow. 

We’ve had much fun together. 

As I step down I challenge 

the board to tackle the hard 

problems they face. The 

biggest of these is membership 

development and retention. 

Without a clear path, 

membership will not grow and 

the financial difficulties will 

continue. I also challenge you, 

the COAI membership, to get 

involved and take charge of 

your organization. Running 

for a board position is one way 

to get involved. Another way 

is for you to simply ask the 

board, “What can I do to help 

COAI. Each of you can make a 

difference. 

Bump a nose, I'll see you 

down the road. 

Tom Newton 

Note: All emailed items 

must have a resolution 

of not less than 300 

pixels per inch at 100% 

size). 

High resolution PDF files 

must had the photos and 

fonts embedded. 

Microsoft Publisher files 

can not be used. If you 

use Publisher contact us 

and we can send you 

instructions on how to 

convert your file to a 

jpeg. 

Any questions re: 

emailing files, 

call Tom Newton at 

941-474-4351 or 

email him at 

NewCalliopeAds 

@comcast.net 

The New 

C u A u L u L u I u O u P u E 

Please Support 

Our Advertisers 

Advertisers In This Issue! 

We appreciate your support!! 

Balloons To You......................... 7 

Bebop's World........................... 2 

Cherri-Oats & Company........... 16 

Clown Gadget Store................. 12 

Clown Supplies........................ 22 

COAI Membership Gift............. 22 

La Rock’s Fun & Magic............ 32 

Mooseburger........................... 13 

Rocky Five Badges................... 21 

Skiddles Shoemart.................. 14 

T. Myers Magic........................ 14 

EVENTS 

COAI 2014 Convention.............. 6 

Articles and advertising should be sent to 


370 W. Dearborn Street, Ste B, 

Englewood FL 34223 

941.474.4351 Fax 941.474.8317 

NewCalliopeEditor@comcast.net 

NewCalliopeAds@comcast.net 

Unsolicited articles or pictures must include 

return postage, self-addressed envelope. 

DEADLINES: 

Nov./Dec. 2013: Oct. 1 

Jan./Feb. 2014: Dec. 1 

March/April 2014: Feb 1 

May/June 2014: April 1 

July/Aug. 2014 June 1 

Sept./Oct. 2014: Aug. 1

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