March_April_1992

March/April, 1992
••••
~ cal's comments
···•--------------------------------
It's time to conduct a little serious business . The aim: to
save some money, and to improve delivery of The New
Calliope. To that end, COAi is planning to apply for second
class mailing privileges for the magazine.
One of the big requirements for second class postage
is that a magazine like Calliope, that is issued to COAi
members only, must designate a certain portion of the
annual membership fee to a subscription for the magazine .
To that end, COAi will consider an amendment to its
By-Laws at the Annual Convention in Jacksonville.
By-laws can be amended by the COAi Board subject to
approval by a two-thirds vote of members in attendance at
the general membership meeting, provided the general
membership receives 15 days written notice of the vote.
So, this column is providing that necessary written notice.
Here is the resolution that will be considered by the
COAi Board and at,th:gene~al•m:mbership
meeting:
Thca.11( ...}ee
Be it hereby resolved that the By-Laws of
Clowns of America International, Inc., be altered
by the addition of the following section:
ARTICLE VII, Section 7
COAi shall produce a magazine called The
New Calliope every other month (six a year), to
be distributed only to full members of the
organization. $10 (ten dollars) of each full
member's dues annually shall be applied to a
yearly subscription to The New Calliope.
Passage of this resolution would be only the first step
in applying for second class mailing privileges. Given
approval, COAi hopes to make formal application early this
summer. Favorable action by the U.S. Postal Service then
could come in a couple of months. I'll keep you informed.
See you in Jcasonvile!
Cal Olson, Editor
THE NEW CALLIOPE is
published by Clowns of America
International, Inc., P.O. Box 570,
Lake Jackson, Texas 77566-0570
for members of Clowns of America
International, Inc. Entered as third
class mail in Bluffton, Ohio.
Articles and advertising for THE
NEW CALLIOPE should be sent to
the editorial office:
Cal Olson, Editor
THE NEW CALLIOPE
3107 Summit St.
Sioux City, Iowa 51104
We are not responsible for
unsolicited articles or pictures
unless accompanied by a selfaddressed
envelope and return
postage.
Clowns of America International,
Inc., annual membership fees:
U.S.: New members, $25.
Renewals: $20
Foreign: $25 (U.S. funds)
Family Membership: $10 for
second and additional members of
one family. (Foreign: $10.)
Late renewals: Add $3 late fee.
Send all membership fees
to Clowns of America
International, Inc., P.O. Box
570, Lake Jackson, Texas
77566-0570. Make all checks
payable to Clowns of America
International, Inc.
Advertising rates:
Full page: $175
Half page · 100
Quarter page 55
Eighth page 35
Camera-ready copy is
requested. There will be additional
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Send copy and payment to THE
NEW CALLIOPE, 3107 Summit St.,
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checks payable to Clowns of
America International, Inc. Only
prepaid advertising is accepted.
Deadline for the May/June,
1992 issue is April 15, 1992.
2 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
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Published for members of Clowns of America International, Inc.
MARCH/APRIL, 1992
CONTENTS
Cal's Comments................. ................ 2
COAi Clown of the Year. ............ ......... 4
Get ready to vote!.............................. 8
Meet your COAi candidates ................ 9
Latest word for Convention crowd ...... 18
Calendar ........................................... 22
Letters .......................................... ..... 22
Tips from a winner ............ ................. . 24
Just ask Aunt Clowney ....................... 28
Last walkaround .......... ....................... 32
Flea Market.. .................... .................. 32
How to put magic in your magic .......... 32
CHOF will induct 5 ........................... ... 33
Alrededor de le Region Latina ............. 33
Bolivian gig ........................................ 34
Alley update ....................................... 36
From the President.. .......................... 38
Treasurer's report ............................... 39
Minutes: '91 membership meeting ...... .40
Choo-Choo's complaint.. .................... 42
ON THE COVER-- Hundreds
of clowns across the country
will recognize this joey; he's
Hal "Shorty" Horton, of West
Hartford, Conn., who is
COAi's 1992 Clown of the
Year. Shorty's heart-warming
story starts on page 4. (Photo
by John Livernois, East
Hartford, Conn.)
VOLUME 9, NUMBER 2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT: Donald E. Berkoski, 4149 Golden Eagle Dr.,
Indianapolis, IN 46234. Home Phone: (317)
299-2816. Office: (317) 248-1408.
Fax: (317) 248-0587
EXEC.VICE PRESIDENT: Betty Cash, 2181 Edgerton St.,
St.Paul MN 55117. Ph. (612)771-8734
SECRETARY: Brenda Marshall, 7128 Oldham Place, North
Richland Hills, Texas 76180. Ph (817) 281-6610
TREASURER: Judy Quest, 906 S. 117th Court, Omaha,
NE 68154. Phone: (402) 334-4857. Fax: (402)
330-8783
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Walter R. Lee, 1347 Ava Road,
Severn, MD 21144. Phone: (410) 551-7830
DIRECTORS
Barbara (Maher) Amber: 10651 Steppington
Dr., Unit 2054, Dallas, Texas.Ph. (214) 691-7926 .
Dennis Phelps, 5340 So. 67th St., Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: ( 402) 421-2167
Patricia Roeser, 1720 Archibald Circle, Northfield, MN
55057. Phone (507) 645-5595
Hunter Stevens, 1342 Sylvan Way, West Bend, WI 53095.
Phone (414) 338-3569
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS
Northeast: Leo J. Desilets, 30 Roswell St., Milford,
Ct.06460 Phone (203) 877-3869
North Central: Dan Lake, 13005 Lakeridge Dr., St. Louis,
MO 63138 Phone (314) 355-0220
Northwest: Andi Rothweiler, E. 803 St. Thomas Moore
Way, Spokane, WA 99208 Ph.(509) 467-6216
Mideast: Paul C. Glaros, 3800 Pughsville Rd., No. 82,
Suffolk, VA 23435. Phone (804) 484-7230
Midwest: Freeman Smith Sr., 7225 W. Higgins, Apt. 103,
Chicago, IL 60656
Southeast: Jack Anderson, 4560 Sussex Ave.,
Jacksonville , FL 32210. Phone (904) 778-3977
South Central: Linda Williams, 18 Hackberry, Houston,
Texas 77027. Phone (713) 960-8228
Southwest: Allen Pearson, 5291 Ogden St., San Die,;;,o,
CA 92105. Phone (619) 582-7795
Canada: Thomas S. Oswald, RR#13, Lakeshore Dr.,
Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B, 5E4, Canada. Phone:
(807) 983-2032
Latin Countries: Pedro Santos, Box 3859, Bayamon
Gardens Station, Bayamon , Puerto Rico 00619.
Phone (809) 786-3759
Foreign: Blue Brattle, 30 Sandpiper Close, Marchwood,
Southampton SO4 4XN England.
The New Calliope 3

March/April, 1992
Shorty Horton at work (from
left): On the street, with a
patient in a Veterans hospital,
and in a pediatrics ward.
Hal 'Shorty' Horton
COAi Clown of the Year
By Cal Olson
When word got out that Hal "Shorty" Horton had been
named COAi's 1992 Clown of the Year, everyone who
knows this 74-year-old West Hartford, Conn., joey had the
same reaction: "YES!"
For Shorty Horton is a clown's clown: He's always up,
he's always on, he's got a hundred ways to make you
laugh, and -- most of all -- his love for people shines
through everything he does.
Horton was named COAi Clown of the Year by the
COAi Board of Directors at its 1991 fall meeting. He's the
second person to receive the honor; Betty Cash was the
first recipient.
Shorty's philosophy was summed up by a friend and
fellow clown, Mike Fixer, of Winsted, Conn. Says Fixer: "It's
just something inside of Shorty . Anybody can put on
makeup and dress like a clown, but not everyone can be a
great clown . Shorty clowns from the heart."
Shorty began clowning 32 years ago. He'd studied
drama and mime, and moved into clowning at the
suggestion of his boss. And he does it all. His paid work
includes things like parades, birthdays, weddings,
corporate and family picnics , TV commercials and holiday
events. His volunteer work involves Boy and Girl Scouts,
drug abuse programs, convalescent homes, hospitals,
church groups, alley functions, park programs, United Way,
Desert Storm, men's and women's clubs, senior citizens,
fire and police organizations, schools, Llttle League,
Parents Without Partners, the Lupus Society, and AARP.
He's been the official Leukemia Clown for the State of
Connecticut since 1983.
"I guess I just can't say no," Shorty admits ruefully.
Awards? Oh, yes: The Hartford Courant's 1991
Volunteer of the Year, Brownies 1988 Appreciation Award,
Boy Scouts 1986 Capitol District Community Service
Award, Leukemia Society 1983 Award of Recognition ,
Knights of Columbus 1979 Appreciation Award for
Outstanding and Dedicated Service. Plus more love and
laughter than you can possibly imagine.
Shorty was featured in a news story written by
Kathleen Gotta for the Hartford Courant last year. Among
other things, she reported:
"When Shorty isn't performing at area hospitals and
schools or marching in parades, he is busy creating props,
giving advice to other clowns and attending national clown
conventions as an official judge. Several times a year he
4 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
Laugh• Makers
Variety Arts •·'Ry \
. Q
M agaz1ne i ...
teaches children the art of clowning at the Elmwood
Community Center.
"In the basement of his Rockledge Drive home is his
workshop, Clown Alley . The walls are covered with three
decades of pictures, awards, and commemorative plaques
that track the career of Shorty the Clown.
"On a nearby workbench are boxes full of common,
everyday items such as medicine bottle caps and empty
detergent containers that he is turning into musical
instruments. With determined ingenuity, a few tools and
some glue, Shorty transforms the household items into
one-of-a-kind kazoo trumpets that he plans to give to other
clowns."
Shorty's had his share of ups and downs, but he keeps
on clowning through it all. Last spring, another newspaper
reporter told about it:
"On April 1, 1989, his wife died, and Shorty, who had
been clowning full time, suffered a massive heart attack.
During his recuperation, he received 200 cards from fellow
clowns. He decided to cut back on his gigs, but to go on
clowning.
"'I did a lot of grieving,' he said. 'But after her death,
when I put my clown face on, I wasn't Hal Horton. I was
Shorty the Clown.' "
Aside from his clowning, Shorty was an engineer and
model-maker in the research and development department
Continued next page
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March/April, 1992
'Shorty' Horton
From preceding page
of the Emhart Corporation, which manufactures hardware.
He retired from that work in 1980. He's got six children and
10 grandchildren scattered all over the country, which
gives him an excuse to travel.
He also keeps on the move attending clown
functions. He's a founder and.charter member of Greater
Hartford Clown Alley #117, and joined COA in 1978. He
holds COAi number 6411 , and has been attending
regional and national conventions since 1980.
Shorty's nomination for Clown of the Year honors was
supported by letters from fellow joeys. Some exerpts:
"His entertainment ability far surpasses most of his
peers because of the love of clowning that shines through
his makeup and costume. Hal is a clown who truly 'clowns
from the heart.' He is always willing to help out wherever
needed , from lecturing and teaching workshops to judging
regional and national competitions and offering
one-on-one advice to those who seek it": Michael J.
Fixer, Winsted, Conn.
"Shorty has missed many an opportunity to be in the
limelight, just because there was one more child to cheer,
one more unsighted adult that wanted to feel his face , his
hair, his nose. Although he does not practice clown
ministry overtly, he is always grateful for his God-given gift
and he shows this by clowning from the heart": Shi rley
"Bellibone" Snow, Canton Center, Conn.
"Knowing Shorty Horton has been one of the great
highlights of my life. As we have clowned together I have
seen the joy on the faces of the people he has touched":
Winifred "Bingo" Zembower, Tariffville, Conn.
Over the years , Shorty's philosophy of clowning has
been quoted by any number of writers, teachers , and
fellow clowns. Here are some snippets of that philosoph y:
"My pleasure comes from helping the sick and
suffering. But this can involve pain: Sometimes you go out
and cry in the car."
"I believe in the KISS method: Keep it simple and
stupid. This is the basis of clowning ."
"I like work ing with younger clowns because I can
instill the love of clowning and make sure there will be
clowns in the future."
"I do this because I love it. I let my work speak for
me."
"I don't worry about my age. Age is only important to
cheese and wine."
"One of these days I'm going to take a break. Well,
maybe. Sometimes it's hard to say no. Particularly when
you just love people."
(please type or print)
COAi Membership Application
NAME ................... ..................................... ................................................................................ ....... .
la5t Frst M~ lritial
ADDRESS ...................... .............................................. ....... ........... .................................................. .
Strea City State Zp Cede
DATE OF BIRTH ........... ................ AGE ............ .......... Sex: M ......... .......... F. .............. .
CLOWN NAMES USED .............. ........................ .................. .............. ......... ...... ......... ......... .......... .
DUES:
New Members ............... $25
Renewals ...................... $20
Foreign ......................... $25 (U.S.Funds)
Family membership ... $1 O (for second
and additional members of I family)
SIGNATURE ......................................................................................
Send applications and dues (check
or money order) to:
Clowns of America International
Box 570
Lake Jackson, TX 77566-0570
6 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
Increase your visibility ...
Get Published!
Build your identity while increasing your visibility by
getting your Clown name in print! The U.S. Clown
Registry is made available to clowns, circuses,
fans ... in fact just about anyone who wants
one! This year - get published!
·=
C:
.Q £
(.)

March/April, 1992
Get ready to vote!
By LaRetta Scown, Chair
COAi Elections Committee
Kansas City's Skidoo Alley #92 is pleased to bring you , on the
following nine pages, the resumes of the candidates for national and
regional office in Clowns of America International, Inc. These
candidates will be introduced to the membership at COAi's Annual
Convention in Jacksonville, Fla., Apr. 28-May 3.
Please take a few minutes to read these resumes so that you can
direct any questions you have to the appropriate candidate at the
convention. If you will be unable to attend the convention, we urge
you to either write to the candidate or send your questions or
comments along with a friend who will be at the convention .
Your official ballot will be sent to you by first class mail around May
10. All members in good standing through the end of June 1992 will
receive a ballot. We urge you to check your mailing label now. If your
expiration date is prior to 06-92, you will not receive a ballot unless
your membership is renewed promptly.
When you get the ballot, take time to fill it out immediately , so you
won't forget it. Please note that if there are no candidates for an office ,
that position will be filled by the Board of Directors. There can be no
write-in votes. Where more than one person is running for office , be
sure to vote for the appropriate number listed by the office.
A pre-addressed envelope will be included for you to use in
returning your ballot. Please be sure to put a first class stamp on the
envelope before you mail it. All ballots must be received by Kansas
City's Skidoo Alley #92 by June 6 in order to be counted in this
election.
New officers will take office in July. The election results will be
reported in the July/August 1992 issue of The New Calliope.
8 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
-- Meet your COAi candidates --
President: roNE CANDIDATE>
JACK E. ANDERSON
4560 Sussex Ave.
Jacksonville, FL 32210
For the past four years I have had the honor of serving
as the Southeastern Regional Vice President of COAi.
My clowning experience began in April 1955 with the
Shrine Clowns. I joined COA in 1974 and
was one of the original founders
and early presidents of the
Southeastern Clown Association.
In 1982 I was elected
President of the International
Shrine Clown Association,
covering all of North America.
Education is something
feel very strongly about,
believing it is one of the most
valued things we have to share
with our fellow clowns. I have
lectured, judged and competed
Anderson
in both national and regional conventions throughout the
country.
I 1989 I retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
after 29 years and currently own Freckles Theatrical and
Clown Supplies. Holding the office of COAi President
provides an opportunity to bring about sources of support
and education for the betterment of all clowns and will
continue our art by gaining higher and higher goals for
those seeking to join.
Exec. Vice President
(TWO CANDIDATES)
JIM ROBERTS
1019 Pawnee Drive
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
When clowning, I am known as "Strutter," a happy
hobo. I have been a member of COAi since it was founded
in 1984. Prior to that I was a member of COA.
I am a national lecturer, judge and teacher in the art of
c_lowning. I have performed in Europe as
well as throughout the USA,
including performances in the
Orange Bowl Parade, at the
White House Easter Egg Roll
and at the Moscow Circus. This
past year my book, "Strutter's
Complete Guide to Clown
Make-up," was published.
During the past two COAi
national conventions I have won
first place in tramp makeup, first
place in group skit and third
place in single skit competitions.
Roberts
I am a small businessman. My wife and I own and
operate a temporary employment service, I am president of
the local Chamber of Commerce and I sit on several boards,
including the local community college. Currently, I am a
candidate for the office of State Representative in
Kentucky.
One of the primary responsibilities of COAi is to
educate clowns everywhere. I certainly support that
concept and feel that in this office I can promote the
educational activities of the organization.
DENNIS PHELPS
5340 S. 67th
Lincoln, NE 68516
I have been a Director, Executive Vice President and
President of COAi, and wish to stay active
in the organization. As the
Executive Vice President is in
charge of education, I would
like to continue to improve the
quality of work on the
educational format and would
like to help COAi become a
quality educational organization.
I have been a clown for 25 years
and have clowned in all areas of
clowning, and have been
overseas to observe how others
Phelps
perform. When I was President of COAi, the membership
grew from 2,600 to more than 5,000 members in two years.
I feel it was due to the education being put out to its
members and alleys. I would appreciate your vote.
The New Calliope 9

March/April, 1992
Secretary (one candidate)
BRENDA "SAM" MARSHALL
(incumbent)
7128 Oldham Place.
N. Richland Hills, Texas 76180
As "Flower," I have been clowning around for almost
11 years and have been a member of COAi and Cowtown
Clowns Alley #135 for about seven of those years. I am
also a member of the Texas
Clown Association and the
Fellowship of Christian Magicians.
I am involved in alley
activities as well as clowning for
fun and profit on my own.
I have held several offices in
my local alley and have
thoroughly enjoyed the past two ~
years as Secretary of COAi. As
one of the "new kids" on the
Board, I feel that I'm just getting
the hang of it. I have attended all
Marshall
meetings of the Board since taking office, and I would really
like to continue as Secretary for another term.
LYNCH'S
We carry a complete
line of:
*Make Up (Stein's Bob Kelly,
Kryolan, Mehron, & Ben Nye}
*Make Up Books
& Instructional Videos
*Woochle & Other
Clown Noses
*Clown Wigs *Hats
*Clown Shoes *Gloves
*Clown Accessories
*Costume Fabrics
& Much, Much Morel
Please send $5.00 for our New 100 Page
Catalog. You will also get our
20 Page Make Up Catalog.
The cost of the catalog will be credited
to your first order of $25 or morel
LYNCH'S
939 Howard Dept. C.P.
Dearborn, Ml 48124
1-800-24-L YNCH
I am committed to this organization, and I would like to
see us continue to move forward in our efforts to support
each other in becoming the best that we can be. I would
appreciate the opportunity to continue to have a part in that
forward progress!
Treasurer (one candidate)
JUDY QUEST (incumbent)
906 S. 117th Court
Omaha, NE 68154
I am running for the office of COAi Treasurer for two
reasons. I have really enjoyed being
treasurer since I was appointed
1 1 /2 years ago. I feel I have
done a good job and enjoy the
feeling that COAi monies are
fully accounted for and
members have full access to that
information through The New
Calliope. Secondly, I am
running because I love
clowning. Since I have been on
the Board, I have pushed for
education of members and
better services to member
alleys.
Quest
I have been a very active clown and a member of
Omaha's Wild Clowndum for 1 O years. In my other life, I am
a guidance counselor, a mother and a small business
owner with my husband, who is an inventor.
Sgt.-at-Arms (one candidate)
WALTER R. LEE
(incumbent)
1347 Ava Road
Severn, MD 21144
I am running for a fifth term
as Sergeant-at-Arms for COAi. It
has been a pleasure for me to
serve under five presidents and
with such a diverse group of
officers.
-r
My clowning experience
began a little over 32 years ago
with the annual Christmas
program for work. In November
1969 I joined our predecessor Lee
group, COA, and was given
the number 788, which I still hold. In 1972, I became the
1 O The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
first President of Free State Clown Alley #30 in Baltimore,
MD, and am currently serving as Treasurer of same.
My other clown activities include serving as judge for the
Tall Cedars of Lebanon convention, Mid-Atlantic Shrine
Convention
and the Northwest Regional Convention. I have performed
with Alley #30 at the Big Three Convention and have part
of the makeup demonstration and class, and at the last
COAi convention in the "Bus Stop" skit during
competition. I am currently the person to whom all send
requests for COAi patches, pins and decals.
My clown name is "Wally," but probably am better
known as one of the bartenders at the Alley #19 hospitality
rooms, as I happen to be a member, and Big Three
hospitality rooms.
I am a career Federal Government employee with over
32 years of service. I have been married to Joanne, my
wife, for 28 years and have two sons that are finally out of
college.
I wish to thank you in advance for your support.
Director (5 candidates, vote for 3)
BETTY CASH
2181 Edgerton St.
St.Paul, MN 55117
I began clowning in 1966. I am a charter member of the
Powder Puff Clown Club and still active. I am also a member
of Minnesota Alley #19. I joined Clowns of America in
1972.
I was President of the Powder Puff Clown Club for five
years and Secretary for three years. I
then became Education Chair- ......-----..:=-:-----,
man and held that office for five
years.
I was co-chair of the annual
GOA Convention in Minneapolis
in 1974. I was chair of the alley
entertainment for the annual
convention held in St. Paul in
1983. In 1989 I chaired Education
for the annual COAi Convention.
Cash
I was appointed COAi Executive Vice President in
1988 and have served two terms in that office .
Continued next page
BARBARA "BA-BA" AMBER
(incumbent)
10651 Steppington Dr. #2054
Dallas, TX 75230
It's that time again! COAi is a big part of my life and I
enjoy being a part of this great organization.
I have competed in just about all rnn_......,...,.......,.,..,.,.....rTT""-rrn
events from skits, balloons,
makeup (Whiteface and
Auguste) over the 13-plus years
I've been with COAi. I have
served as judge in most all
events, participated in seminars,
and help Betty Cash in her
costume lectures as her
"dummy ."
I thank al! of you for the support Amber
over the past years and hope to have your support once
again. I will do my best to serve all of you and sure hope
these young whipper-snappers keep coming up with their
great ideas and fantastic looks -- gosh, you sure make it
tough!
Brass
Whistle
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Recordings, 3533 Stratford Drive, Vestal 115 NY or
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per ·order for shipping. (NY residents add 7% sales tax)
Best of all, I thank COAi for all my old friends and for the
new ones I hope to meet. I will continue to learn and spread
laughter and joy in whatever I do. Don1 forget to vote, and I
hope to see you down the road!
Ask for a copy of.our complete catalog of recordings
of carousel organ music, player pianos, music
boxes, saloon pianos, etc.
The New Calliope 11

March/April, 1992
Directors
From preceding page
Since 1984 I have been active in promoting COAi.
Because of my costume company, "Costumes By Betty," I
travel to Clown conventions all over the country. I meet
many, many clowns and am aware of their concerns for the
club and will speak for them on the COAi Board.
1 believe the purpose ot COAi is to educate clowns
everywhere, whatever the level.
EFRAIN "HAPPY DE KLOWN"
GUERRERO
3930 Capri Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
I am a full-time clown, and my interest in being an officer
is because I want to share my knowlege of this great
profession with the rest of my associates. I very much want
to be a part of making this
organization the biggest and the
best club in the world. 1 want to
represent the most caring,
hard-working and loving people
around: CLOWNS!
.
f
In 1982 I joined the
International Brotherhood of
Magicians, in 1984 the Texas
Clown Association and in 1985 •. -
COAi. 1 am still a member of all of • • ~
these organizations.
Guerrero
In 1987 1 was honored to win first place Tramp , first
PATCHES & PINS
with COAi logo
are available
to members
Patches, 4" diameter: $3.00 each
Pins, 1" diameter: $3.00 each
Decals: $1.00 each
Make check payable to Clowns of America,
International. Order from :
Walter R. Lee
1347 Ava Road
Severn, MD 21144
place Walkaround and Top Ten single skit categories at the
COAi Convention. In 1988 1 won first place Tramp, Top Ten
single skit, balloon sculpture and group skit. In 1990 I won
first place Tramp, Top Ten single skit, balloon sculpture
and group skit. In 1991 1 was honored to be featured in a
cover story for The New Calliope magazine.
PAT "BASHFUL" ROESER
1720 Archibald Circle
(incumbent)
Northfield, MN 55057
Friends in clowning, thank you for supporting me
during this past term as Director on the COAi Board. My
responsibilities have included the assembly of a
convention history, a convention criteria
and suggestions to future convention
hosts, so they need not
re-invent the wheel.
I am currently working with
the Jacksonville, FL, group on
the forthcoming 1992 COA i
Convention, and have communicated
with the St. Louis Alley on
their 1993 COAi Convention.
I have been a member of the
Powder Puff Clown Club for 23
Roeser
years, holding most offices. I have been a member of
Minnesota Clown Alley #19 for 14 years, and currently hold
the office of President. I joined COA in 1978, and have
won awards in makeup and skit competitions and am
currently active as a judge .
I am excited about the future of Clowns of America
International, Inc., and want to help reach goals proposed
for the benefit of the membership.
HUNTER STEVENS (incumbent)
1342 Sylvan Way
West Bend, WI 53095
Please consider me again for the office of Director. My
present assignment is COAi's
Representative and a Director of
the Clown Hall of Fame in
Delavan, WI.
As a CHOF Board member. I
am the instigator of the Clown
Hall of Fame and I am currently in
full charge of the Tile Wall ,
dedicated to Clowning and
Clowns only. I make sure COAi is
well represented on the CHOF
Board.
Stevens
I have been a member of COAi and COA for 20 years
and have held numerous national offices . Thanks for your
support now and in the past.
12 The New Calliope

--Regional Vice Presidents --
Norlheast (Maine , Vermont,
Rhode Island, New Hampshire,
Massachusetts , Connecticut, New York,
Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania ,
Maryland, Washington, D.C.) NO
NOMINATIONS. Since no nominations were
received for this office, this Vice President
will be appointed by the COAi Board.
NO rlh Central (North and
South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas,
Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas): ONE
CANDIDATE.
DAN "DANO" LAKE
(incumbent)
13005 Lakeridge Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138-3307
I've been clowning going on 12 years. I joined COA in
1980, and then COAi. I joined the St. Louis Clowns of
America Alley #128 in the spring of 1980, became
president of the club in 1984
and have been on the
Executive Board ever since. I
also took over as the editor of
the St. Louis Clowns Newsletter
in 1984 and still have that job
also.
In 1990 I was elected North
Central Regional Vice President
of COAi and was also appointed
COAi Alley Coordinator by
President Don Berkoski.
Lake
I would look forward to serving as North Central
Regional Vice President if elected. It has been a busy two
years as Vice President, and I look forward to meeting
manv of our reaional allevs in the future.
Northwest (Alaska, Washington ,
Oregon, Montana , Idaho, Wyoming): ONE
CANDIDATE
ANDI "ME-TOO" ROTHWEILER
(incumbent)
E. 803 St. Thomas Moore Way
Spokane, WA 99208
As an Auguste clown.I clown full time, which includes a
March/April, 1992
family restaurant, promotions, school shows, churches ,
hospice programs, TV spots and stand-up comedy
r.outines. My daughter, Julie
"Squirt," is my partner for many
of these engagements.
Here in Spokane, WA, we
are the official city clowns for the
Riverfront Park, site of Expo '74.
We have performed for two PBS
Sesame Street specials locally
and have traveled the Northwest
states, plus California and
Western Canaaa, teaching
seminars and performing. I also Rothweiler
am writing children's stories and
poetry. I have served three years as Alley #46 President
and Vice President. At the National COAi Convention I
have been a judge for all competition categories.
As Northwest Regional Vice President, I have had the
honor to help with some terrific regional conventions,
which have brought all aspects of clowning together. Our
growth is tremendous through COAi membership.
My clown character has won top three trophies in both
national and regional competitions.
I would be proud to serve a third term as COAi's
Northwest Regional Vice President. My goal is to promote
better clowning however you wish to clown:
Mideast (Kentucky, West Virginia,
Virginia , North Carolina, Tennessee): ONE
CANDIDATE
PAUL C. GLAROS (incumbent)
3800 Pughsville Rd., #82
Suffolk, VA 23435
I am at present COAi
Mideast Regional Vice President.
I have attended all COAi
Board meetings and have been
involved in the concepts of this
organization.
I have been a clown for over
20 years, full time for the past 16
years. I am a member of the
..'
Glaros
_,. ·\
.. /··
Clown Hall of Fame in the
Midwest Clown Association. I
was inducted Oct. 6, 1991.
I advocate comprehensive correct education in the
teachings of our craft. This is my goal.
Continued next page
Toe New Calliope 13

March/April, 1992
Vice Presidents
From preceding page
Midwest (Minnesota, Wisconsin,
Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa): TWO
CANDIDATES.
MERILYN "POCKETS" BARRETT
20561 Foster Drive
Mt. Clemens, Ml 48043
My clown career began with the Michigan Bell "Clowns
Galore." In 1978, I attended my first convention. Awed by
the professionalism of the competition and the quality of
the education, I quietly observed, took notes and asked
plenty of questions.
Over the past 24 years, I have attended several clown
camps at the University of Lacrosse-Wisconsin, actively
participated in Midwest Regional conventions. and
attended 13 national conventions. I have enjoyed lecturing
at various conventions, colleges and universities in the
Midwest. My credits include several first place awards in
makeup and skit competitions locally and internationally.
I enjoy clowning and find it especially rewarding when I
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A must for anyone doing kid · shows for pay."
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CLOWN CAPERS
P.O. BOX 945
BOWIE, MD 20718
(301) 262-5026
perform with my daughter,
Michelle. My primary clowning
focus is working with law
enforcement agencies developing
crime prevention awareness
programs that cater to
pre-schoolers, juveniles and the
elderly.
I strongly support COAi and
have benefitted greatly from the
educational seminars. I am
Barrett
impressed with the quality of the
makeup application and costuming of today's clown. I feel
we need to take a closer look at our "entertaining ability." I
believe any clown can look good, but the fantasy comes
alive when you provide entertainment and personalize
encounters by establishing eye contact. I have learned a
lot from COAi members and would like to give something
back to the organization by serving as an enthusiastic and
involved Vice President for the Midwest Region. Your vote
would be appreciated.
CHERI VENTURI
625 Bryn Mawr
Indianapolis, IN 46260
I am Cheri Venturi part of the time and "Cherri-Oates"
part of the time. Both of us would like to run for the office of
Midwest Regional Vice President!
Cherri-Oates has been clowning for the past four
years. Clowning full time in the Indianapolis area has
familiarized me with the rewards of clowning as well as the
problems that occasionally
develop. I would like to share
what I have learned and to
contribute to the art of clowning
through educational enrichment.
I have attended the past
three National COAi Conventions
, Clown Camps in Lacrosse,
several Clown Camps
on the Road, as well as local and
regional conferences. I have
contributed to these confer-
Venturi
ences by lecturing and judging both makeup and skit
competitions.
I have competed and placed in the Top Ten COAi
maJ(eup competition twice and won a first place in the
Midwest makeup competition for Whiteface.
Having grown up in the Midwest (Rockford, IL),
schooled in Wisconsin (Marquette), taught in the Chicago
area as well as in Indiana and vacationed in Michigan, I feel a
special closeness to the Midwest and would like to help
14 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
increase our enrollment in COAi, while continuing to
expand all avenues of communication.
Southeast (Florida, Georgia,
Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina): NO
CANDIDATES.Since no nominations were
received for this office, this Vice President
will be appointed by the COAi Board.
South Central (Colorado, New
Mexico, Texas, Louisiana): ONE
CANDIDATE.
LINDA "FRECKLES" WILLIAMS
(incumbent)
18 Hackberry
Houston, Texas 77027
joined Cheerful Clown
Alley in Houston in 1987. I have
served on the alley's Board and
was elected alley President in
1989.
Storytelling Conference, Western Reaional Clown
Associations conventions. I was
selected to be an alley leader at
Clown Camp in Lacrosse, WI.
Along with my husband,
"Sporty," I am editor of "Klown
Klatter" newspaper for the
WRCA, and we have a growing
clown ministry. This year, as in
the past , I will be traveling with
"Under the Big Top" as an instructor
and sales representative Hulet
at alleys and conventions across the country.
I feel I am qualified for the position of Southwest
Regional Vice President because of my contact with alleys
and the conventions I am fortunate to attend, and my
background working on educational and competition
staffs. So I know that I could do this job and do it well.
I love being a part of Clowns of America International,
Inc., and if elected I will put 11 O percent effort into
promoting COAi and accomplishing my position's duties.
Continued next page
I have received a number of
awards in skit and makeup
competition in Gulf Coast Clown
events, and from the Texas
Clown Association and COAi. I
was elected South Central
Regional Vice President in
1990.
Williams
I am an office manager for an attorney at law, am married
to an architect, and have a son, Dana Williams.
Southwest (California, Nevada,
Utah, Arizona, Hawaii): ONE CANDIDATE.
LINDA "SHYLO" HULET
3332 Stonybrook Drive.
Anaheim, CA 92804
My start as a clown began in 1972 and has really taken
off in the past five years. I joined COAi in 1988 and have
been blessed with winning several awards in competition,
including makeup and skits.
I am currently education director of our local clown
alley, and working as a full time clown the past
two years has given me the opportunity to teach clowning
at the Fellowship of Christian Magician's regional and
national conventions, and also at Music, Magic and
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The New Calliope 15

March/April, 1992
Vice Presidents --
From preceding page
Canada: oNE CANDIDATE
RON "C.C." DALEY
#408 - 13 Stanhope Ave.
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada T4N 0B7
I have been clowning over 10 years and do well over
300 hours of clowning a year.
I was the founding President of Let's Clown Around
Alley #191. We were honored at that time to be the first
alley in Canada. I have served as President, Past President
and currently as Treasurer.
Our alley newsletter,
"The Alley Echo," is published
monthly, and I am pleased to
have been the Editor since the
inception of the alley.
We started as a small group
of five clowns and presently
-
number over 30. I feel, to keep
the art of clowning alive, we
must promote and share.
Daley
Learning is one of my major
thrusts and we have sponsored three mini-conventions in
CARAVAN
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We are seeking:
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.IMMIDIA'ffi

March/April, 1992
Foreign: oNE cANDIDATE
BLUE "CLOWN BLUEY" BRATTLE
30 Sandpiper Close
Marchood, Southampton
Hants., S04 4XN
England
I have been clowning for over 15 years and before that
came from a theatrical background . ..--------
Although there are no alleys
as such in the Foreign Region at
this time , I am keen to promote
COAi to the European clowns ,
and I intend to continue to write
articles about European clowns
and clowning for The New
Calliope.
I would like to take this
opportunity to extend an
invitation to any of my COAi
clown colleagues who may be
Brattle
considering a trip to this side of the "pond" to contact me,
as I would be most happy to offer accommodation and
arrange accommodation wrrh other clowns in Great Brrrain.
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March/April, 1992
Latest word for Convention crowd
By Tom "JoJo" Davis
Convention Publicity Chairman
All of us on the COAi Convention Committee are
tooling up for a huge, fun-filled MASH Bash April 28-May 3
at the Holiday Inn East in Jacksonville. We're looking for a
r-r-r-e-a-I-I-y BIG registration, and have planned a
r-r-r-e-a-I-I-y BIG show for you.
The M.A.S.H. theme will run through the whole
convention, of course. We're planning a theme party, with
prizes for best costumes, and the best M.A.S.H.
lookalikes , so get your thinking caps on. There'll be
lectures, and competition, and a picnic, and professional
clown entertainment, and a continental breakfast and
Rosie's Bar to keep your spirits up. For details, check the
convention agenda on the opposite page . If you haven't
registered yet, use the blanks on the next page.
+ Gator City Taxi will be handling transportation from
the airport to the hotel. Dial 1 (800) 537-7195 and give
them your time of arrival so that they can give you the best
rate. One person costs $18 ; two people $9 each, and
three or more $6 each.
+ Avis will be the official car rental for the convention.
Call 1 (800) 331-1600. The discount number is 8103816 .
+ One day convention tickets will be available for $20
each. This cost does not include meals for that day.
+ Food package: $37. This includes the Bar B Q, the
Banquet, the Pizza Party and the hospitality room.
+ The stage for the skit competition measures 1 O by 20
feet, so prepare your performance accordingly.
Now, to some convention business. If you're planning
to attend, here are some things you'll want to know:
+ The first 500 clowns registered will receive a free
Army tee shirt and dog tags. Only 500 shirts will be
purchased for giveaways.
+ Banquet dress will be semi-formal. NO clown
costumes will be allowed! The banquet menu will feature
Beef Wellington.
See you soon!
Avis
Convention
Hotline:
1-800-331-1600
C.O.A.I. 1992 CONVENTION
Jacksonville, Florida
The first thing to do in planning convention travel is to call
Avis. Our special toll-free number is your connec!ion to Avis
quali!y, Avis service and special Avis convention rates too.
Call 1-800-331-1600 now lo reserve an Avis car for your
convention or meeting. To get your special savings. be sure 10
mention this Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number.
8103816
Avis fea1ures GM cars
Chevrole1 Cclcbr11y.
We're trying
harder than ever.""
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'
Convenciones
Avis
Linea Directa
Puerto Rico 1-800-874-3556
Mexico 95-800-882-8471
Lo primero que se debe hacer para planear su viaje a
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especial gratis es su conecci6n con la calidad y servicio
Avis y tarnbien las tarifas especiales para Convenciones.
Llame indistintarnente al 1-800-874-3556 en Puerto
Rico o al 95-800-882-8471 en Mexico para reservar autos
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~ -
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18 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
AGENDA
7@V
~ ~~~i©W!
Tuesday, April 28
12 noon - 6 p .m.
12 noon - 6 p.m.
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
8 p.m. - Midnight
Wednesday, April 29
7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m .
8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 11 :15 a.m.
9 a.m. - 1 :30 p.m.
12 noon - 1 :30 p .m.
1 :30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
8 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
10 p.m. - Midnight
12 Midnight~ 1 a.m.
Registration, hotel lobby
Dealer setup, Dealer Room
Dinner on your own
Puerto Rican Festival, Poolside
Continental Bkfst, Rosie's Bar
Lectures, Rooms 1 , 2, 3
Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
Dealers open
Lunch
COAi General Meeting
Bus Trip to Hannah Park
BBQ Dinner at Hannah Park
Dealer Show at Hannah Park
Bus trip back to Hotel
Dealers open
Rosie's Bar open
Midnight Lecture
Thursday, April 30
7:15 a.m. - 8:!5 a.m. Continental Bkfst, Rosie's Bar
9 a.m. - 1 :30 p.m. Dealers open
8:30 a.m.- 9:15 a.m. Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
9:30 a.m. - 10: 15 a.m. Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
10:30·a.m. - 11 :15 a.m. Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
12 Noon - 1 p .m. Lunch
1 :30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Individual Makeup Competition
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dealers open
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner on your own
8 p.m . - 12 Midnight M.A.S.H. Party
12 Midnight - 1 a.m. Midnight Lecture
Friday, May 1
7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. Continental Bkfst, Rosie's Bar
9 a.m. - 1 :30 p.m. Dealers open
8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
9 a.m. - 12 Noon Three bus trips
9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Lectures, Rooms 1, 2, 3
10:30 a.m. - 11 :30 a.m. Performance, Happy De Klown
12 Noon - 1 p.m. Lunch
1 :30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Single Skit Competition
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Balloon Competition
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dealers open
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dinner on your own
7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Group Skit Competition
10:30 p.m.-12 Midnight Dealers open
12 Midnight Pizza Party, Rosie's Bar
12 Midnight - 1 a.m. Lecture
12 Midnight - 2 a.m. Rosie's Bar open
Saturday, May 2
7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m .
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
10 a.m. - 11 :30 a.m .
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
12 Noon - 1 p.m.
1 :30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
4 p.m . - 5 p.m.
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
8 P.M. - 11 P.M.
11 P.M.
SUNDAY, MAY 3
7:15 A.M. - 8:15 A.M.
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Continental Bkfst, Rosie's Bar
Performance by Steve Smith
Proper Parading, Alley #19
Dealers open
Lunch
Paradeability Competition
Clown Auction for CHOF
Ringling Clown School auditions
Social Hour
Banquet
Rosie's Bar open
Continental Breakfast
Clown Church Serv ice
Depart for safe trip home
The New Calliope 19

March/April, 1992
1992
COAI CONVENTION
A
~
April 28-May 3, 1992
Jacksonville, Florida
Holiday Inn East
0
1
MASH
8
5
0
1
MASH
8
5
Don't miss all the fun
Make your reservations today!
20 The New Calliope

March/April , 1992
Registration COAi Convention 1992
Please type or print in ink
Name: .................................................................. Clown name ......................... .
Address: ............................................................................................................ .
City, State & Zip ............................................................................................
Early Registration: $65.00
Phone ................................................... After March 31, 1992: $70.00
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
At the Door: $75.00
First Coast Clowns
SENDTO:
INFORMATION, QUESTIONS:
Harriet "Tinkerbell " Brown
511 Hopkins St.
Neptune Beach, FL 32233
Phone (904) 246-3393
Tom "JoJo" Davis
1662 Flagler Ave .
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone (904) 398-3735
Clowns of America International Annual Convention
April 28-May 3, 1992
$50.00 single or double occupancy $60 triple or quad occupancy
_ King _2 Double Beds _ King with sofa bed _ Queen
(Please indicate preference. Room types subject to availability.)
Name ................................................................ ............. Phone ................... ............ .
Adress ............................ ........... ............ ................................ ......................... ........ .
City ..................... ........................... State ..... ....... ..................... .. Zip ............... ..... ......
Credit Card No ................................... ............... ........ Expiration date ........... ......... ....
Arrival Date ........ ..................... ......... Departure Date ............................. ...................
Number in Party .... ........................ Approximate Arrival Time ..................... .......... ..
Reservations are guaranteed only if a deposit equal to one night's room
rate is received or your credit card number and expiration date are given.
Deposit refundable if cancellation is received 24 hours prior to arrival.
RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED PRIOR TO APRIL 7, 1992
Check-in time 3:00 p.m. Check-out time 12:00 Noon
HOLIDAY INN EAST & CONFERENCE CENTER
5865 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville , Florida 32211
800-874-3000 Nationwide (904) 724-3410 800-342-2357 Florida
The New Calliope 21

March/April, 1992
April 22-26: 10th Annual World Clown
Association Convention. Hosted by Lucky 7/11
Clown Alley . Contact Ron "High Top" Kerfoot , 3342
S. Sandhill 9-100, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Ph. (702)
435-3243.
April 24-26: Christian Clown Connection
Retreat , sponsored by St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Clown Ministry, Lost River, WV. Contact Sally
"Burple" Dowdy, 7204 Jillspring Ct., Springfield, VA
22152. Ph. (703) 569-7726.
April 28-May 3: Clowns of America International
Annual Convention, Holiday Inn East &
Conference Center , 5865 Arlington Expressway ,
Jacksonville , FL 32211. Contact Tom "JoJo" Davis,
1662 Flagler Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Ph. (904)
398-3735.
May 8-9: Performing Arts Ministries Workshop,
Virginia Beach, VA. Contact Mirthworks, Inc., 1227
Manchester Ave., Norfolk, VA 23508-1122.
May 15-17: Clown Town, Newark, Ohio.
Contact (614) 345-0488.
MAY 22-24: Clown Fun '92, Black Knight Inn,
2929 50th Ave., Red Deer, Alberta. Sponsored by
Let's Clown Around Alley #191 , 408 - 13 Stanhope
Ave., Red Deer, Alberta, Canada T4N 087. Ph.
(403) 347-5681.
June 5-6: Performing Arts Ministry Workshop,
Virginia Beach, VA. Contact Steve Kissell (804)
423-3867.
Letters - -
He seeks whiskery advice
I would like my fellow joeys' advice on a "hairy"
problem. For a brief time I shaved my beard off and became
an Auguste. However, due to urging from family and
friends, I grew the beard back and ·went back to being a
Hobo. "Baz" is not the shabby, tattered, sad Tramp clown,
but a Happy Hobo with bright colors and patches.
Now I have heard recently that with the homeless
problem, the Tramp/Hobo clown could be considered in
June 8-13: Advanced Studies I in the
Performance Art of Clowning, Timber Ridge
Camp/Resort , West Virginia, with Frosty Little and
Leon McBryde.Contact Camp Office (301)
484-2233. June 17-20:
June 17-20 : School Show School,
Williamsburg , VA. Contact- Mark Daniel (919)
723-7894
June 19- 21: Fourth Annual Felix Adler Days,
Clinton, Iowa. Contact Phyllis Luckritz or Gwen Miller,
95 Main Ave. , Clinton , Iowa 52732. Ph. (319)
242-5412.
Aug . 13-15: International Festival of
Children's Magicians , Williambsurg, VA. Contact
Steve Kissell, (804) 423-3867 .
Sept. 11-13: Kentucky Magic & Clown Derby,
Louisville , KY. Contact Brad Sizemore (919)
881-0240 .
Sept. 24-27: Clownfest '92, Seaside Heights ,
N.J. Produced by the National Clown Arts Council,
Inc. Contact N.C.A.C. Inc., c/o 24 Germania Ct. Toms
River, NJ 08755.
Sept. 30-Oct. 4: 1992 South East Clown
Association Convention , Mission Valley Inn, Raleigh,
N.C. Contact Stephanie Richardson (919)
848-2371 .
Oct. 9-11: 4th Annual Northwest Festival of
Clowns, Embassy Suites, Bellevue, WA. For
information contact Cascade Clowns , PO Box 3422,
Kirkland, WA 98083. Ph. (206) 223-1551.
bad taste. They are fine with large groups of clowns, but for
one-on-ones, birthday parties , things like that, they are not
a good idea. I would like to hear from others on how they
feel about this situation.
Also, there !'lave to be more clowns out there with
beards. What do you guys do? I would love to hear some
ideas on how to become an Auguste clown and still keep
the beard.
Ron "Baz" Baseler
8602 S. 143rd Ave.
Omaha, NE 68138
22 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
AMERICAN AnillNES
Is PROUD 1b SPONSOR
CLOWNS OF AMERICA
INTERNATIONAL.
TuE
AmericanAirlines ®
Something special in the ab~®
Clowns of America Internat iona l and American Airlines are
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5 % on lowest published fare, or 45 % off coach.
•
Call 1-800-433-1790
Star Number SO242QC
· or call
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•
The New Calliope 23

March/April, 1992
Editor's Note: Agnes "Beep Beep"
Donnelly has been a full-time professional
clown for the past seven years. She
teaches clowning from her home in Texas,
and teaches ballooning and other courses
at Texas Clown Assn. state conventions.
She's particularly well known for her
outstanding makeup and costuming, which
have garnered her many awards, including
first in Whiteface Competition at the
International COAi Convention in 1990.
Tips from
•
a winner
By Agnes "Beep Beep" Donnelly
7939 Battlecreek
Houston, Texas 77040
You don't have to look like Miss America in order to win
a makeup/wardrobe competition. Competing
internationally and winning takes time and money and
definite planning ahead. Start planning at least one year
before the competition. Careful planning, step by step, can
make all the difference between winning and losing.
Here are seven steps to keep in mind as you prepare
for competition:
1. Set goals for yourself. If this is what you have to do,
go for it. Ask yourself, why? What will I gain from this? Now
take a good look at yourself and decide what category you
will enter.
2. Go to all the clown costuming lectures and makeup
lectures available in and around your area; i.e., Clown
Camp on the Road, conventions and seminars sponsored
by alleys and by your COAi region. You can usually find out
where they are in the clown publications -- COAi's New
Calliope, World Clown's Clowning Around , and Laugh
Makers. Once you get there ask questions of the pros and
take large amounts of pictures of people in their clown
costumes.
3. Flip through all of The New Calliope and Clowning
Around publications for the past five years and see what
the top winners have looked like in the past. Study
everyone you think may be tops, but do not copy them.
4. Time out to go to the fabric store. Choose fabric
according to the category you're entering: If Whiteface or
Auguste, choose bright, cheery fabric. Try to stick with the
printed basic colors, polyester-cotton materials. Make sure
vests and coats are lined. Make sure the material has been
24 The New Calliope

Marchi .April , 1992
pre-washed and soaked in salt water to set the colors
before taking to the dressmaker.
5. Look through pattern books for hours, or all day if
you have to . Keep in the back of your mind what you have
seen as winners in clown publications. Don't feel you need
to choose a pattern on this day; if you're not sure about it,
the best thing to do is leave and go back another day.
You can use regular people patterns and modify them
according to your character if you wish. Or look through
craft books at craft stores for great ideas; if you see a duck
wearing the costume you like, take the book to a dress
designer and have her make it for you. If the designer
knows what she/he is doing, .you won't even need a
pattern . Then use your own talents or get suggestions
from some craft pros on how you can detail it.
6. Accessories : After you have your costume
completed, you need accessories to complement it, such
as a clown nose, wig , hat, shoes, bow tie, socks , gloves,
etc. If Whiteface or Auguste , try a yak wig for competition ,
but be sure you order it way in advance of the competition.
Coordinate shoes with colors on costume . In other words ,
don't have a yellow and red costume with white clown
shoes . Don't have red clown shoes with a blue and white
costume. Your hat needs to coordinate with colors on your
costume. If you're into crafts , buy a skeleton hat and use a
hot glue gun and your imagination. If not, find a designer
hat shop and choose hat accordingly.
7. Makeup design: What makeup design will best suit
my character? For competition , try and stay away from large
comedy eyelashes. If you want to accent eyes , use regular
long ladies' false eyelashes instead . Make sure you make
eyebrows and eyes stand out and be dramatic. Emphasize
your eyes. When outlining use black, not brown or blue.
Don't use blue eye shadows or red around the eye area.
Do not make mouth very large in Whiteface ... go with a small
mouth . In Auguste , lip area should not be very large,
especially if using black on lips. When designing your face ,
stay inside your facial lines and work with what you have.
If you have a baby face, emphasize it. Study the lines
on your face and design it in a very happy, cartoon-like
fashion. If your eyes and mouth are droopy, don't put any
downward strokes on your face. Don't powder after every
color. In case you mess up, you can erase. Always accent
the cheek area.
Once you can honestly tell yourself you have really
done your makeup the very best you can, then put on your
wig and have someone take pictures. Get second and third
opinions from pro clowns who have judged clown
competit ions before, and not from non-clowns. Non-clown
people don't know what to look for .
After you have been critiqued by several pros about
your makeup, and you're satisfied , spend three hours
applying it. Put on your competition costume and have
someone take a 36-shot roll of pictures -- no less. Take
closeups , full lengths , three-quarter poses , side shots ,
back side shots and practice a pose. Side shots are very
important because your profile must show and hair cannot
cover it -- big points taken off on this one. Practice many
poses on camera , and choose the best one to use the day
of competition.
After the photo session , take the pictures to several
professional clowns and have them critique you. Change
what you feel needs to be changed and go through the
steps again until you get it right.
Once you really feel in your heart that everything is
right, that it is the absolutely very best you can do from
head to foot, you are ready for major competition.
Keep in mind that the top ten are usually the best in
the competition, but the top three is luck -- unless you
have an absolutely oustanding costume where you can get
a very large point spread between first and second place.
This is another good reason to study past winners .
The night before competition, don't go out partying.
Instead, go to your room, lay out everything and make sure
your costume is neat and well-pressed. Make sure you
Outfittinl America's
funniest Clowns!!!
Continued next page
NOTHING TO
WfARII
COSTUME
by Betty
1 ·812-nl-8734
• DRESSES
• SUITS
• MAKE-UP
• ACCESSORIES
• HATS
•WIGS
2181 Edgerton Street• St. Paul, MN 55117
The New Calliope 25

March/April, 1992
Clowns in Action
Engraving Company
Custom Made Name & Saying Badges,
Plaques & Trophies & Much More!
Custom Name Badges 3. 00 & up
Stock Saying Badge 4.00 & Up
Custom Card Cases 10.00 & up
Custom Trophies & Plaques 15.00 & up
Personalized License Plate Frames 10.00 & Up
Photo Buttons & Key Chains 3. 00 w/P'dn
(2 1/2 Surface or Picture Required)
More Than 25 Colors to Choose From (Neons)
Many Stock Pictures to Choose From.
We Will Customize Your Own Logo
Call Our 800 Number for
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(1-800-9-CLOWNS)
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1-800-9-CLOWNS
Shipping Charges
Up to 15 ***$1.50
15 & Up*** 10%
NY Residents Add Sales Tax
P.O. Box 78
Centerport, NY 11721-0078
Specializing In:
* Office
* Desk
* Wall
* Door Plaques
Available
Makeup--
From preceding page
bring along your own iron. If you wait until the last minute
for an iron from the hotel , you won 't get one. If you don't
have an iron when you check in, tell the hotel to loan you
one right then. If not, go buy one.
Day of competition: Allow three hours for makeup and
one hour for costume -- no less. If competition starts at 9
a.m., then get up at 4 and start out with shower and
preparation of your face with appropriate cleansers and
moisturizers, and then start your makeup. Pamper yourself.
Don't run late -- this is when your hand will start to shake.
Always allow yourself extra time.
When the time arrives , be positive , but do not ever go
out with the attitude that you are already the winner. Some
people may even come up to you and say you are , but take
it with a grain of salt. After all, they are not the judges , and
chances are they were not at the judges' briefing.
If you have the attitude you are the winner , then if you
don't win you will have major disappointment on your
hands , and will not enjoy the rest of the convention. Just
say to yourself -- I will be happy with top ten -- and believe it.
Don't care what anyone else looks like because you
have done your best and know down in your heart it is the
best that you yourself can do. Just go and have fun . When
you get up on that stage, open your eyes , look at the
audience and not the judges , think sweet thoughts and let
everyone see the twinkle in your eyes. And stay in
character!
IMPORT ANT TIPS
Make sure you bring a brush and mirror backstage -­
and a spare pair of gloves.
Use tissue paper in the collar area until you are ready to
go on, so your makeup will stay off your collar.
Make sure you have tacked your wig on with bobby
pins, because wigs have a tendency to ride up. Make sure
your hat is securely fastened to your head some way. It will
be points off if your hat falls off, because it's distracting.
Judges usually make written comments on how they
think you can improve. Always accept the critiques.
If you have difficulty choosing a clown nose, find out
which noses have won in the past, and buy several and
find which one suits your character and style.
Remember: Always be the best you can be, not only in
makeup but in character as well , and you will never be a
loser.
26 The New Calliope

March/April , 1992
19 9 .2 SOUTH EAST CLOWN TheSouthEastClown~ociation'a
AS SOC IAT I ON CONVENT I ON "Hidden Treasures of North Carolina"
presents
•HIDDEN TREASURES OF NORTH CAROLINA•
when: SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4, 1992
where:
how:
who:
what:
MISSION VALLEY INN, RALEIGH, NC
single $45 double/triple/quad $50
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J Ith Annul Ccmnnlion
Scp1,mb

March/April, 1992
Got a question for Aunt
Clowney? Write to her c/o:
Pat Lay Wilson
Books by Mail
P.O.Box 3128 Dept. COA
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Just ask
Aunt Clowney
Hi, Gang!
When you read this you'll be preparing for your trip to
the National COAi Convention in Jacksonville, Fla. I know
you'll be there because you want to learn more about
clowning, and compete with your very best skits, and show
off your new wardrobe and makeup (and maybe come
home with a trophy). I can't think of a better way to learn and
have fun with all of your other clown "cousins" than
attending a national convention. And if anybody comes by
my Books by Mail tables and says, "Hello , Aunt Clowney,"
they will receive a little gift from me .
Here are some letters that arrived recently:
Hi, Aunt Clowney:
I do clowning as a part-time hobby and enjoy
it. I am often overbooked, as I keep my rates low
($65 one hour, $100 two hours) . I give variety,
animal balloons, magic, face painting, also
games. I also have a Boy and a Clown Vent.
Clowns want me to raise my rates to $85 or
$100 per hour, but I feel great at my own rates.
Here's to great Clowning!
Balloon Man de Clown
PO Box 7003
Cut & Shoot, TX 77303
P.S. I would like to help any clown. I have an
Anti Drug and Abuse Program for schools. No
money, but other rewards are great.
Dear Balloon Man:
Thanks for the offer to share your Anti Drug Program
with other clowns. I hope you get lots of requests for you~
information.
Now ... please understand that what I am going to say
is my OWN opinion, and nobody else's. But I find it a
problem when one (or more) entertainers works
significantly cheaper than his or her contemporaries. If (and
a big IF) your clown performance is basically no better nor
no worse than others in your town, WHY would you want to
charge less than they do? Over the years, I have learned
that most people believe that "you get what you pay for,"
and if your show is that much cheaper, you may lose some
bookings because your clients think your show is not as
good as other clowns.
That's one reason why I have the largest ad in the
Yellow Pages. I have one customer tell me that she always
went for the biggest ad, because they had to be the best.
But this is an uncertain economy, and all of us are
scrambling for shows right now. And with more and more
clowns being trained, our competition is always growing. I
notice that our new Yellow Pages lists 26(!!!) Clowns. Are
there enough birthday parties to support them all?
Who knows! Anyway, as I begin my 20th year as a
kiddie performer, I have priced my shows right in the middle
of my competitions -- some cost more, some are cheaper.
And I continue to get about the number of shows I want (or
can handle).
How do you other clowns feel about people in your
area who are significantly cheaper than you are? Please
write and let me know.
Dear Aunt Clowney:
With the many connections you have, .
perhaps you can advise me where clown liability
insurance in the protection range of $200,000
can be obtained . World Clown Association was
offering at one time and perhaps they still are, a
million-dollar policy, but that was limited to
Continued page 30
28 Toe New Calliope

March/April, 1992
Ideal for:
Clowns
Jugglers
or Physical Comedians
Incline: at any point in your act, you can LEAN forward
well beyond your center of gravity, and recover, without
fumbling or falling. Incline has the visual impact of a
levitation and a suspension, all in one!
Inclination: picks up where the Incline leaves off. In
addition to the Incline's lean, Inclination allows you to
lean to the right, to the left, and in a circle without
moving your feet.
"Christopher Bell astounded observers as he leaned
forward, with feet planted and body rigid, until his head was
twelve inches from the floor, and recovered again without moving his feet."
- Pafriot Ledger, Boston
Incline $225.00
Inclination $325.00
$12.00 Postage and Handling within U.S.
Overseas Air and Federal Express Delivery Available
No Assistant Required
Perform Outside or Inside
Can be Performed Surrounded
Note: Pressure is placed on the ankles and lower legs.
Please specify shoe size when ordering; actual performance
footware can be customized at your request.
.falbra-J{fldabra Magic
14 Windsor Road• Medford, MA 02155
Phone orders 617 /391-6800
Pay by Check, Visa or Mastercard
The New Calliope 29

March/April, 1992
Aunt Clowney --
From page 28
members only . I only have membership in COAi.
I do not feel liability in that amount is necessary,
either. Perhaps you know of some company that
offers this protection (does not necessarily
have to be connected with a clown
organization). With the thousands of people I
come in contact with in just one year's time, I
would feel far more comfortable if I had liability
protection.
John "Bumblefoot" Moeller
Safety Harbor, Fla.
Dear Bumblefoot:
Well, this is certainly an easy question to answer. COAi
also offers group liability insurance for its members . and I
think it is a very reasonable price for the amount of
insurance provided. For just $90 a year, you can have $1
million of bodHy injury and property damage insurance.
That comes to just 2 1/2 cents a day. And you may opt for
April 1 or October 1 as your enrollment dates.
I know that a million dollars seems like a lot of money,
but in this day and age where people sue others at the
drop of a hat, I would rather be over-insured than
under-insured. Recently , for example , when a clown in
Baltimore did not show up at the birthday party, a Mad Dad
sued him for $52,000!
Application blanks are
carried in The New Calliope from
time to time. (See page 41 of
the January/February 1992
issue.) Or for more information,
write COAi Group Insurance
Program, 3556 Nicollet Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55408-4558 or
phone (612) 822-4243.
SERIOUS FUN
with Frosty and Buttons
June 8 thru June 13, 1992
TIMBER RIDGE 85 mlles West or Washington. DC
at the Mountain Top Camp/Resort
In West VlrgtnJa. Timber Ridge recreallonal facll_llles Include
Tenn is Court. Swimming Pool and Nature Tralls.
CLOWN HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
"FROS1Y" Little & Leon "BUTTONS" McBryde
present
ADVANCED STUDIES I
In the Performance Art of Clowning
featuring:
•Perfo rming• Entertaining• Character Development • Movement/Mime
• Writing - Show MalertaT • lmprov • Gymnastics• Phys ical Comedy• Drama - Sets. Lights. Sound
CIRCUS ----,
Clown Car • Clown Cann on
Walk Around, • Rin g Gags
Tra ck Gags, etc.
* Showcase pe,Jormance by Slaff & Students *
Your Choice of Afternoon Sessions:
REGISTER
CHRISTIAN
0lblc School
Church Services
Serving Community
NOW!
HOMETOWN
(ll.ccrcaU o nalJ
Olr lhday Parties• 1V
Grand Openings • Corp oral c
Balloon Scu lpUng
for the wccklon g mounlaln lop cxpcrtcnc c • Dorm Room $ 400 . Privat e Room $550, Couples $1000 (Private Room)
Send $ 100 .00 dep os it per pers on lo: Timber Rld gc Camp Offic e , 10 Old Co urt Road, Ilalllmorc, MD 2120 8
Nam e Tele hon e Aflcr noo n Ses s ion Ch oic e -
Addr ess
.. ____ _
2 . _____ _
3 . _____ _
For Mor e lnformaUon Ca ll Camp Offlce 301 -484 -2233 or Frosty Lillie a l 20 8 -532 -4164
Dear Aunt Clowney:
My clowning
experience consists of
about two years of putting
myself together and just
when I think I am ready to
put it into action ... oh,
well, need I say more? I
just can't seem to put it all
together. If you can give
me some insight in the
business area of clowning ,
I sure could use it.
Jim Hull
Tacoma, WA
Hi, Pal:
It ain't easy. Just the other
night I was watching Johnny
Carson on NBC, and he
bombed a comic skit. And
Johnny has been in show
business since the dinosaurs!
Maybe the first thing you
must do is determine just what
you enjoy doing and are good
at. Do you just love twisting
balloons? Putting a puppet on
your hand and delighting the
kids? Performing a slapstick skit,
and have everyone laugh when
you fall on your fanny? Painting
30 The New Calliope

designs on the kids' faces or hands?
For example, I have tried for years to learn to juggle,
and finally just gave up. (I blame it on my poor depth
perception, but it's probably my klutziness.) So I don't
juggle. But I do enjoy painting designs on the kids' faces,
so that's what I do.
If stilt walking comes naturally to you, feature that in
your act. But if you fall off curbs a lot, don't even try.
If you love to push pies into other clown's faces, be a
Whiteface clown . If you like pies smeared into your own
face, be an Auguste clown.
Go to conventions, read books, learn , practice, study.
Keep changing parts of your act to be fresh. (Although I
have performed the puppet show, Punch and Judy, for
many years, I change the other skits and magic a lot, for that
very reason.) Watch as many other performers as you can,
and adapt what they do to your own performances. (The
saying in puppetry is: "Amateurs borrow, professionals
steal." But take those bits and pieces you really enjoy, and
change and twist them around amd make them your own.)
Just get out there and do it. If you have a brand new act
you're unsure of, donate a free show to your local library or
Head Start. If they laugh -- keep it in. If they don't laugh -­
get rid of it.
________________
Enjoy your own performances. Keep 'em laughing.
_:;.
And if a show seems to be failing, go to the edge and do
things you'd never dream of 45 pa~! Ovt•r 12 short storit's of actual imipirntional
trying. What do you have to
t'xpt'rit'nc-t's shart'd to ht'lp install a prqH•r
lose?
AITITUDE t,'Brd CLO\\NING!
Best of luck. Write me in six
months with your success
story ,.
Well, gang, that's about it.
But before I'm outta here, let me
share with you the wonderful
weekend I recently had in
Phoenix , Ariz. Ed Kennedy and
his wonderful assistants put
together a First Annual Arizona
Clownarama in January , with Pat
Lay Wilson (that's me), sharing
her puppets, Earl Chaney
sharing his magic, skits and
improvizations , and Bobbi
Rubin, who did her
ventriloquism workshop. My
favorite part of the day was when
I taught 60 clowns to make their
very own clown hand puppets.
You should have seen the
March/April, 1992
wonderful variety of puppets they came up with -- each one
was different.
Lois (Popcorn) Horn accompanied me (and was so
helpful) at the Clownarama, and we were lucky to spend
the weekend at the home of Dennis and Barbara
McCormac. The best thing of all was chatting with Barbara
about her volunteer program with the Arizona Public
Service Volunteer Clowns.
They have over 60 volunteer clowns who all work for
APS. They appear at hospitals, day care centers, parades,
etc., spreading their special joy through the state.The
thing that caught my attention was the company's method
of keeping up interest in the volunteer program. After a
clown volunteers 100 hours, he or she receives a free pair
of clown shoes! They also receive photo sessions with.a
professional photographer, $25 gift certificates , wigs, etc.,
depending on the length of time they clown.
What a wonderful method to keep interest up for these
volunteers. The company gets publicity, the clowns get
incentive to volunteeer their time, and the community
gains from seeing some wonderful performances.
Everbody wins.
Well, clowns, that's all for this month. Again, be sure
and drop by my Books by Mail table at the National COAi
Convention in Jacksonville and say "HI." Have a wonderful
Springtime!
"CLOWNING
from the
HEART"
...,..
BY: BOB "B.B. " WIDDOP
___________
TO:
Clownirgtyyous,
Aurt ClcMrey
* • IT REVEALS THE TRUE HEART OF A CLOWN! •
--BETTY CASH ---
* • ONE OF TIIE GREATESf CLOWN BOOKS TO COME ALONG
IN 20 YEARS! ..
. WHAT"S IT ABOUT? •
--PEACHY KEENE ---
* • A GREAT CLOWNS" BOOK FOR CLOWNS, WRITfEN BY
A CLOWN"S CLOWN! •
- - HAL "SHORTY" HORTON --
The New Calliope 31

March/April, 1992
{~,st wa1karmmdl ...__ F_l_e_a_M_a_r._k_
RUTH "HOPELESS" SHEPPARD
Ruth "Hopeless" Sheppard, 68, of Andover, Mass., a
charter member of the South Shore Joeys Alley #159,
made her last walkaround in November 1991 .
She began as a clown with COAi in Salem and was a
founding member of the South Shore Joeys Alley. She
was also a member of the Greater Boston Alley #54.
"Hopeless" participated in clown activities at St.
Coletta's School, joined in the annual St. Patrick's Day
parade in South Boston, and was seen on television on
Channel S's "Program for Children" in sequences shot on
Boston Common. She worked as patient account manager
for Milton Hospital for 25 years until her retirement in 1988.
Ads in The New Calliope's Flea Market are offered free
of charge to all COAi members. Ads must include no more
than 25 words, plus name, address and/or phone number.
Please include COAi number as proof of membership.
Ads must be received by the 15th of the month
preceding month of publication. Ads for the
May/June 1992 issue must be received by April 15.
Send to: Cal Olson, The New Calliope, 3107 Summit
St., Sioux City, Iowa 51104. The New Calliope assumes no
responsibility for offerings made in the Flea Market.
FOR SALE: Back issues of Calliope (several years),
hand puppets, magic tricks, clown props, books., etc.
Send SASE for price list. C. Roventine, 228 Steere Farm
Road, Harrisville, RI 02830.
She is survived by a daughter, Gail E. Finn of North
Andover, and three grandchildren. She will be missed by
her family and her fellow Joeys.
LEE "CURLY" LLOYD
Lee "Curly" Lloyd, 74, of Las Vegas, Nev., made his
last walkaround Dec. 19, 1991.
An Army veteran, he was born Jan. 13, 1917, in
Lindsay Okla., and was a 64-year circus clown. He worked
with the Jerry Lewis Telethon for 25 years.
"Curly" is survived by his wife, Vivian of Las Vegas;
daughter Peggy Reyna of Long Beach; Calif.; son Arthur
of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by friends and family.
FOR SALE: Hermes engraving machine. I
M-31Pantagraph with supplies, 4 sizes of fonts. Asking
$1,500. Barbara A. Amber, 10651 Steppington Dr., Unit
2054, Dallas TX 75230. Ph (214) 233-8194.
FOR SALE: Alley Patches, Sioux City Sillies Alley
#185. 3" embroidered patch, $4 each prepaid. Cyndee
Dather, 4406 47th St., Sioux City, Iowa 51108 (712)
239-3132.
FOR SALE: T-shirt transfers, Laughing Whiteface or
Sleepy Tramp in six colors, two decals (one large, one
small) per sheet. $1.50 per sheet. O.G. Kitsmiller, 209
Scarsdale Dr., Riverdale, GA 30274.
FOR SALE: 3-inch photo buttons, your favorite
photo and $3 check or money order to Chet Cannon , 404
S. Anza #42, El Cajon.CA 92020.
How to put magic in your magic
By Chuck "Dr. Bugg" Rinkel
302 W. Park
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
Five fast rules for clown magic:
Keep it simple: "Packs small, plays big" is the key
when working one on one or in small groups. It is not so
important how it is done as whether you do it well.
Never tell the secret: If you tell the secret,
everyone becomes a magician. When they know the
mystery they are no longer mystified.
Never repeat a trick: This means, don't repeat it
32 The New Calliope
when they say, "Do it again," unless the routine calls for
you to repeat it.
Ask questions: When considering a trick for
purchase, ask, "Is it done mechanically or by sleight of
hand?" If it is mechanical, it works itself. All you have to do is
hide the gimmick, which can be tricky sometimes. If it is by
sleight of hand, ask how difficult a sleight it is. Even
ask,"Can you tell me what sleight is required?" The dealer
must might tell you.
Practice, practice, practice, practice: Practice
until you can do it standing in front of a mirror and fool
yourself.

March/April, 1992
Clown Hall of Fame will induct 5
Five inductees in the Clown Hall of Fame at Delavan,
Wis., were announced during an open house Feb. 2 at the
museum.
They are Gene "Cousin Otto" Lee, of Whitewater, Wis.;
an English clown, Arthur Pedlar; and the late Paul Jung,
Paul "Prince Paul" Albert and Adrian "Grock" Wettlach.
Lee is in his 51st year of clowning. His career included
stints with Cole Brothers, Cole Brothers-Clyde Beatty, and
Ringling Brothers. He is also editor of two national monthly
clown publications.
Pedlar began performing in 1953 with the Spider
Austin troupe. He appeared in circuses and on stage as a
tramp clown for 25 years before creating an Auguste
named Vercoe and the continental Whiteface Arturo. He is
president of England's Motley Clown Alley.
Jung performed first in a vaudeville acrobatic act with
his brothers, but at 16 joined RBB&B Circus. He met an
untimely death during a robbery in his hotel room.
Albert was a famous little person who began clowning
in 1933. He performed with RBB&B more than 50 years
and instructed at the circus's Clown College in Florida.
Grock, a native of Switzerland, was born in 1880 and
appeared with a series of partners throughout Europe in
the top circuses and the largest theaters and music halls.
This quintet will be inducted into CHOF during
festivities April 10-12 in Delavan.
"Chick" Kelman Honored
Charles "Chick" Kelman of Wallingford, Ct., was one of
five persons recently named Magicians of the Year by the
Society of American Magicians.
Por Pedro (Piruli) Santos
Bayamon, P.R.
A los companeros de la Region que interesen
parchos, calcomanias, botones de COAi se puede
comunicar al telefono 786-3759.
Nuestro companero Hiram (Cascarrilla) Suarez de
Mayaguez informa a todos sus companeros Payasos de
COAi que su hija Cherry (Lunarcito) se esta recuperando
de las dos operaciones que le realizaron en el cerebra en
el Hospital Pedriatico, Rio Piedras. A nombre de todos sus
companeros Payasos le deseamos un pronto
restablecimiento y mucha salud.
Jack Anderson, vice president, su esposa Andy, Jim
Roberts, su esposa Mary de Jacksonville, Fla., estuvieron
de visita en Puertro Rico en viaje de placer en un curcero el
Martes 4 de Febrero de 1992. Los companeros Tony
Vallecillo, Tere De Los Santos, Luiz Perez, Jorge Barreto y
Pedro Santos, organizamos una excursion por el area del
Condado, Isla Verde, El Castillo del Morro y por El Viejo
San Juan.
Este ano la convencion anual de COAi es en
Jacksonville. Esta es una opportunidad para los que nunca
han asistidfo a uno convencion, sera una experiencia para
aprender cosas nuevas, asistir a los diferentes seminarios,
comprar equipo y hacer nueva amistades para mas
informacion la recibiran en El Calliope.
Chick is a member of COAi who perform's and lectures
all over the Northeast. He is also the author of the book
"Chick's Tricks for Kids."
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The New Calliope 33

March/April, 1992
Bolivian gig
By Robert "Lefty" Gidley
9104 126th Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
You're two and a half miles in the air. Your costume and
props are 3,000 miles away. Your audience can't
understand a word you say. A bad clown dream?
-~r
••
' . i
I •.
---
For Norman "Gibby" Gibson these weren't problems,
they were opportunities.
Acting First Sergeant Norman Gibson of the
Washington Air National Guard was in La Paz, Bolivia, with
the rest of his unit in May, 1991. Their mission was to
renovate the local general hospital. For most people, this
would have been enough "good" to satisfy them. But not
for a clown.
"I'd been writing to the local US Embassy for over two
years," Gibby said. "We'd been scheduled to go down
there since 1989, but one thing or another kept delaying
us."
La Paz, a city of 3 million people, is the capital city of
Bolivia, and is the highest capital city in the world at an
elevation of 13,000 feet (2 1/2 miles above sea level).
Bolivia is in South America, in between Brazil, Peru, Chile,
Argentina, and Paraguay. The average Bolivian makes
$660 a year.
"The Embassy arranged for me to entertain at some
local orphanages and hospital," Gibby said. "The Embassy
people were great. They provided transportation, a
translator, and made all the arrangements. All I had to do
was show up in costume and makeup."
And that's where the problems started. Even the Air
National Guard is not immune to having its luggage lost,
and sitting somewhere in Florida was a clown trunk marked
"Gibby."
"I had to cancel the first show. I'd spent years
developing this character, and all my props, my costume,
my makeup were sitting on an airport tarmac somewhere,"
he said.
"Then I started thinking - is Gibby just a particular set
of clothes? Does he disappear without his props? Of
course not! The most important part of Gibby was in La Paz
- me! I just had to find a way to make him presentable.
One of Gibby's puppets charms children in
a Bolivian orphanage.
"I had some engineer's coveralls, a red shirt, and a
matching hat that said 'Gibby.' I had my combat boots for
shoes. All I needed was make-up, a wig to cover my military
brush cut, and something to do about those boots.
"And, of course, we don't speak Spanish, so my wife
Sally and I were wandering through these streets trying to
find what we wanted. By accident, we stumbled on the
Street of Fabrics and found a gorgeous 6-foot boa that I
could use for a wig. We also found some yellow shoelaces
that I put in the combat boots after shining them up really
good. Boy, did they look tacky!
"The makeup was the hard part. Finally, Sally
remembered that the stuff lifeguards put on their nose,
zinc oxide, is also the basis for Clown White. A doctor at
the hospital we were working at managed to understand
what we wanted and wrote out the Spanish spelling. We
bought a tube of the stuff and mixed it with zinc oxide
powder, and it worked great. Gibby was here!
"The first show I did was an orphanage in downtown La
Paz called 'Mixto.' We walked down through this little path
and there on the side of a cliff was the orphanage.
34 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
"The kids just came pouring out of the gate, all them
yelling 'payaso! payaso!' (Spanish for 'clown'). They knew
right away what I was. The first thing I had to do was to calm
them down so I could do my show. I rediscovered
something that was important - the clown within you is
more important than the clown without."
As Norman was getting into makeup for the second
show a few days later, he got a call from the airport- his
cargo had arrived. Now Gibby could appear in all his
splendor.
That day Gibby went to a second orphanage, the Hogai
Virgen de Fatima. And the reaction from the kids was just
as exuberant as the first orphanage.
Asked about the difficulties of working for an audience
you can't talk to, Gibby said, "It wasn't as hard as I thought. I
didn't try to speak the language, other than things like 'Ola'
(hello).
"I did a lot of pantomime , with big movements , like
circus clowns. I did a dove pan trick, where I put some
granola in the dove pan. I got the kids to say the magic
words ('Babing! Babang! Pow!') and out popped a little
mouse puppet.
"I let the kids pet the mouse, and then the mouse ran
up my sleeve and starting tickling me, which just delighted
the kids. And I did the whole routine without needing_ to
talk to the audience."
After finishing up at the orphanage, Gibby headed for
the Hospitale Generale , which is a hospital for the very
poor in La Paz.
"The first place I went was to the burn ward," he said. "I
had some balloons and a small lion marionette that the kids
loved. The marionette would climb up on their beds and sit
and walk around and the kids were just all smiles."
Gibby says he learned two things from this experience:
'The first thing is to always carry your clown character on
the plane with you. Put your underwear in your cargo if you
have to , but make sure you've got your character and
make-up.
"The other thing I learned is that orphanages are
incredibly rewarding places to go. This was the first time I
had ever done an orphanage, and in the future I'm going
to make opportunities to visit them. "
If you ask Gibby who got the most out of his visit, him or
the kids, he replies, 'The kids." Hmm. Don't be too sure
about that...
Norman "Gibby" Gibson and Robert "Lefty"
Gidley are members of Cascade Clowns in
Washington state, COAi Alley #201.
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clown Jewelry & watches
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Send $1!l2 for catalog
Don't flip your wig. Just call Cheri or Nicki
(317) 252-5696
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CLOWN ASSOCIATION
1992
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The New Calliope 35

March/April, 1992
Alley
Update
By Dan "Dano" Lake
COAi Alley Coordinator
Hey!Whathappened?
Well, I had this wonderful, informative, creative, special
article for the last issue of The New Calliope. I typed it out,
put it in an envelope, stamped it and dropped it in the
mailbox on the way to work. Oops. I was four days late for
the deadline. If you're reading this, then I got it there on
time.
The big news is that the deadline for the annual alley
report is past. March 1 was the deadline in the cover letter
that I sent along with the report form. Actually, Jan. 15 is
the deadline in the COAi By-laws, but for the Executive
Board to have an updated roster of who's who in the alleys,
we've kicked it back to March 1. This gives a lot of our
alleys, which end their fiscal year in December, a chance to
elect new officers and update their report.
Well, January is long over and for those alleys listed
below, as of March 1, you were late and have been put on
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the inactive list. What this means is that the late alleys are
put on a separate list because they haven't turned in their
annual report. Alleys on this list will not receive any future
educational materials until their report is turned in. If an alley
remains on that list for one year, it is permanently removed
from the roster. If this happens, an alley will have to
re-apply, including the $50 fee, and receive a new alley
number.
Here are alleys currently inactive:
Alley #3, Virginia Clowns, Richmond, VA; Alley #6,
Kapitol Klowns, Silver Spring, MD; Alley #30, Free State
Clowns, Baltimore, MD; Alley #39, Colorado Clowns,
Aurora, CO; Alley #40, Clown Alley, Lincoln, NE; Alley
#53, Vagabond Clowns, Chicago, IL; Alley #74,
Co-nola Clowns, Crescent, IA; Alley #76, The Roamers
Clowns, Northville, Ml; Alley #78, Calumet Clowns,
Hammond, IN; Alley #80, Golden Gate Clowns, San
Carlos, CA; Alley #83, Dobo's Clowns, New York, NY;
Alley #85, Texas Mid-cities Clowns, G.P., TX; Alley
#103, Funny Bone Clowns, Merrillville, IN; Alley #116,
Pal Clowns, Albuquerque, NM; Alley #127, Klassy
Klowns, Kingsville, TX; Alley #147, Omaha's Wild
Clowndum, Omaha, NE; Alley #159, Kracker Jack
Clowns, Boynton Beach, FL; Alley #166, Cheerful
Clowns, Houston, TX; Alley #168, Wacky Whalers
Clowns, Oakdale, CT; Alley #173, Billtown Clowns,
Mountoursville, PA; Alley #175, Rocky Mountain
Clowns, Aurora, CO; Alley #177, Central California
Clowns, Porterville, CA; Alley #178, Smiles Unlimited
Clowns, Indianapolis, IN; Alley #179, Jolly Raleigh
Klowns, Raleigh, NC;
Alley #180, Central Oklahoma Clowns, Oklahoma
City, OK; Alley #187, Tippecanoe Clowns, Lafayette, IN;
Alley #188, Bartlesville Fun-Addicts, Bartlesville, OK;
Alley #193, The Spotlight Clowns, Norwalk, CT; Alley
#195, 1st Coast Clowns, Jacksonville, FL; Alley #196,
Rose City Clowns, Sherwood, OR; Alley #198, Klown
Krew, Port Allen, LA; Alley #199, Capitol City Clowns,
Worthington, OH; Alley #200, Thunder Bay Clowns,
Thunder Bay, ONT; Alley #203, Jolly Jesters, Charlotte,
NC; Alley #204, Payasos lnternacionales, Bayamon,
Puerto Rico;
Alley #205, Cenla Fun-Alley Clowns, Tioga, LA;
Alley #208, Wise County Clowns, Bridgeport.TX; Alley
#209, Palmetto Clowns, Bamberg, SC; Alley #210,
Merry Hearts Clowns, Roanoke, VA; Alley #211, Festival
Clowns, Lodi, NY; Alley #212, Payasos
Latinoamericanos, Puerto Rico; Alley #215, Udderly
Heavenly Clowns, Brenham, TX; Alley #218, Clown
Valley Clowns, Turlock, CA; Alley #219, Old Town
Optimist Clowns, Albuquerque, NM; Alley #221, Circle
Continued page 38
36 The New Calliope

*******************************************
March/April, 1992
** A' **
f ~£t ~"-t
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/t1t,1t,u,e,/ td!t!o1t, ~ :
i CLiWHlllY~ti. i
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SEPT.24-27;92 :
SEASIDE HEIGHTS,. NEW JERSEY
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Once again training In "ministry downing• and "novice
clowning• wlll take place one day prior to the main events
on Sept 23, '92. Choose one of these subjects for a one
day Intensive study. These courses lndude lunch and are
limited to the first fifty people to sign up In each course.
Cancellations for this special day are non-refundable.
Register NOW for Sept. 23rd Extra $30.00
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Includes seminars, workshops, dealers, competitions, hospitality,
awards buffet, boardwalk parade, drct1s and more
for September 24 • 27, '92.
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* lodging once this motel Is filled. A deposit Is required. Make checks payable to: N.C.A.C., Inc. )(..
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Please Print -r
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The New Calliope 37

March/April, 1992
From the
President
By Donald E. Berkoski
COAi President
All roads lead to Jacksonville for the 1992 COAi
International Convention April 28-May 3. I hope many of
you are making plans to attend.
In this issue of The New Calliope , you will find the
slate of candidates nominated for election to two-year
terms of office beginning next July 1. You will receive a
ballot some time early in May. Please remember to vote.
This is your organization; the officers who serve you need
to know you support them. I will be introducing all the
nominees at the COAi General Membership Meeting in
Jacksonville.
As COAi continues to grow in the '90s, your input as
members becomes very important to the Board. Your
commitment to your alley and to COAi is needed now more
than ever, so I am asking everyone to be sure to vote when
you receive your ballot.
I would like to share with you the pride I have in the
professionalism and quality of The New Calliope. The cover
of the last issue , with our own David "Shorty" Barnett
standing in Red Square before St. Basil's Cathedral, was
remarkable. I am thrilled to have been a part of that historical
occasion, and very proud to be a member of COAi, an
organization that is truly international.
I look forward to seeing you and visiting with many of
you in sunny Florida.
Love, laughter and tears,
Ski
From "Sparky's" Bag ...
How many times do you want to
give a kiss but can't because of
makeup?
Now you can! With "Sparky's"
Red Kiss Stickers
Printed on clear film (all you see is the kiss)
Roll of 250 stickers $10 ~
Roll of 500 stickers, $18 (postpaid)~
Send check or money order to: ~
Irene "Sparky" Downing ~
402 Faddis Ave.
New Castle, PA 16105 ACTUAL SIZE
Alley Update
From page 36
of Clowns, Plano, TX.
I got a real nice card from Marie "Little Miss Muff"
Muffley, Cornhusker State Clown Alley #154. She wrote:
"I've been working double time as a clown in Nebraska.
Been real busy all year. I'll see that our annual report gets to
you in time. Why don't more alleys take the initiative and
get those reports to you on time? If I can do it then the
younger ones should be able." Thank you , Marie. Oh, by
the way, Marie is 80 years young.
A very common question I get from some alleys,
new and old, is: Do all of the members of our alley have to
be COAi members? The answer is YES. According to the
COAi By-laws , Article 5, Sec. 4, last sentence: All members
of the clown alley must be paid-up members of COAi.
Let's face it: Without the support of membership to
COAi this great international organization would fold. Our
clown alleys are very important and very supportive , but
they do not bring in the needed capital to produce the
bi-monthly magazine , the upkeep of the membership and
the backing for producing the educational materials.
Let's get out there and encourage some of our
non-member alley members to join and be a part of one of
the biggest clown organizations in the world. I carry my
COAi card and wear my patch proudly. If your alley has an
innovative way of encouraging your members to join COAi,
drop me a line and share with me your experiences.
Now, let me get off my soap box and welcome our new
alley:
CHUCKLE EXPRESS CLOWN ALLEY #222
2122 Lakeview Dr.
Waycross, GA 31501
Drop them a line and welcome them into the club .
Note this correction: In the November/December
1991 issue of The New Calliope, I made a typo . The
correct zip code number of St. Marks Clowns Alley #220 is
22150 .
Try, try again: Back at the end of January, my
answering machine ate my answering tape. The indicator
said I had six calls, but all I could salvage were two of the
calls. So if you called about then and I didn't answer back ,
please give me a call or drop me a line.
I hope I'll be seeing you in Jacksonville next month.
Clowningly yours,
Dano
38 The New Calliope

EXPENSES
Clowns of America
International
Income and Expense Statement
From Dec. 1, 1991 through Jan. 31, 1992
REVENUE
CURRENT
PERIOD
YEAR TO
DATE
Cash brought forward
Membership
Magazine ads
Pins & Patches
Convention
Interest
Miscellaneous
CD Maturity
TOTAL REVENUE
$51,140.57
5,029.24
2,605.00
0.00
250.00
331.71
50.00
0.00
$59,406.52
$52,507.41
40,127.03
6,470.00
823.00
250.00
1,331.43
115.00
0.00
$101,623.87
Returned checks
New Calliope production
New Calliope postage
Computer service
Postage
Printed matter
Pins & Patches
Clown Hall of Fame
Publicity
Convention
Education
Prorated Renewals
Miscellaneous
Fall Board meeting
Officers phone/postage
Trophies
Board meeting
Purchase of CDs
TOTAL EXPENSES
NET CASH BALANCE
CURRENT
PERIOD
$0.00
15,265.00
1,118.00
2,337.50
357.99
896.09
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
418.21
0.00
1,500.17
1,711.66
371.59
0.00
0.00
0.00
$23,976.21
$35,430.31
YEAR TO
DATE
$49.67
30,145.00
3,180.31
4,540.50
698.61
1,082.09
0.00
20,000 .00
0.00
0.00
2,416.21
0.00
1,568.98
1,711.66
800.53
0.00
0.00
0.00
$66,193.56
$35,430.31
BALLOON BOX, INC.
Jessi St. John
St. James's Park
2416 Ravendale Court
Kissimmee. FL 34758
r 407 J 933-8888
TYPE I
130
Zl6
2'5
280A
280E
2600
280EWH
280EBK
260SW
280U
280A
2110E
312
315
321
327
3'0
344
360
'3'
524
615
625
747
750
""° 1040
1848
•
4H
7
9
95
1IC
11
11C
l8C
11C
APPLES
ROCKETS
SAUCERS
MOUSES
MOUSES
MOUSEL
MOUSEL
NOSES
NOSEL
BIRO
BALLOON PRICES
Pencl , r • xr
Penel . 2"' • 3&·
Pencl , 'T ll 45"
P•ncl, 'Z' • 80"' Euy lo Blow
Pencil, 'T x 60" ProfN1bn&J
Pencil 2• x 60" OualalH
Pend. Z' l eo· Al White
Pencil, T x 6CY Al Black
Pen d. 2"' a 80" Sptnnert
Pencll , 2"' x 80" Uuhk:o4ored
Pend, 2'" x 80" Long. Euy Blow
Pencil, T z et:/' long . Pn:if .. ,lorw
Alr9h\, 3" I 12"'
Alt1h\'.) 3" x 15"
8N16 Par,011
Splral :r x 2T Knobby
Alf"lhb J 14(1'
Al'lhb :r x4'"
Al,.hb 3" x 9/j (Hunched Pac:tq
For Splked Saloon
For Tur1d1h Turrrol
HeAd I 8ocly Shaped r I Is·
Alrshb 8' • 25"
Je1•·x2,·
Circus Styte r 1158"
Head & 8ocly Shaped V 112.r ,e
The New Calliope 39

March/April, 1992
Minutes: '91 Membership meeting
(Note: Minutes of the 1991 COAi General Membership
meeting which was held at the COAi Convention in
Indianapolis, Ind., April 24, 1991, are being published in
this issue of The New Calliope so that members attending
the forthcoming 1992 General Membership meeting in
Jacksonville, Fla., can be current on the business affairs of
the organization .)
President Don Berkoski called the meeting to order
and welcomed everyone to Indianapolis. In remembrance
of fellow Joeys who passed away in the past year, the
Clown's Prayer was read.
Don introduced the officers of the organization. All
were present with the exception of Southwest Regional
Vice President Al Pearson. He also introduced the editor
of The New Calliope, Cal Olson, and the Compet ition
Director, French Harvey.
Dan Lake, Alley Coordinator, proceeded with the Alley
roll call. Thirty-one alleys were represented. Dan read the
lists of "removal" and "inactive" alleys. He announced that
we currently have 68 active alleys and 25 inactive. There
have been 13 new alleys since the last convention.
David Barnett moved to dispense with the reading of
the minutes since they were published in The New
Calliope. April Glaros seconded. Motion carried.
Judy Quest presented the Treasurer's report.
Revenue
Expenditures
Balance 3-31
CD's
$131,316.16
112,834.91
18,481.25
68,000.00
Paul Glaros moved to accept the Treasurer's report.
Arnie Firine seconded. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Hunter Stevens reported on the Clown Hall of Fame.
He introduced Betty Cash as the COAi Clown of the Year.
The grand opening and dedication of the CHOF was hel9
on April 7, 1991. He stated that it is a great facility for all
clowns to be proud of. He also encouraged all to visit and
also to donate any items of interest. The sign will arrive next
week and the name tiles will be going up soon. As of
12-31-90 the assets totaled $338,624. He reminded
everyone that this facility belongs to us. He also gave credit
to those who designed and built the COAi display.
David Barnett presented the projected income of the
organization, based on historical information, and the
proposed budget. After some discussion, David moved to
accept the budget. French Harvey seconded. Motion
carried.
Dan Lake asked each alley to submit a non-returnable
5x7 or 8x10 picture of alley members (group) for a COAi
alley album to be displayed at conventions.
French Harvey announced that the current
competition rules are printed in the convention program.
Each competition number will be generated by computer
and posted near the competition registration desk at least
one hour prior to competition .
Questions from the membership were answered as
follows:
The Paradeabililty Competition has been changed
from 1 to 2 p.m. with the People's Choice awards following.
The deadline for transportation sign-up is 10 Friday
morning, not 11.
There is a new certificate of participation, and a Top
Ten patch for those who qualify .
There are survey sheets on the competition desk for a
Character and a Senior division for future competitions.
Responses to this survey will be addressed at the fall
Board meeting.
There will be a Judges' Seminar at 1 O Friday morning in
the Terrace Room.
David announced that the names of all 21 COAi
members who used the American Airlines Star number will
be entered in a drawing for tickets to Hawaii at the banquet
on Saturday night.
Helen Bailey, wife of Bill Bailey, presented COAi with a
check for $185 from the proceeds of the sale of some of
Bill's memorabilia. Hunter Stevens was asked to explain to
new joeys who Bill Bailey was. He emphasized that Bill was
40 The New Cal~ope

March/April, 1992
very instrumental in establishing National Clown Week.
Al Cunard suggested that transportation to the
Paradeability Competition should be provided for all
convention registrants (not just participants) because it is
an interesting part of the convention.
He also suggested a CHOF display honoring those
who organized COA and those who brought order to
COAi. Hunter Stevens explained that COA left bills that we
would be liable for it we affiliate ourselves with them.
Hopefully, the statute of limitations will allow us to honor
them in the future.
Mary Ann Frences, "Granny Hug-a-Bug," complained
that the hospital visits were ·scheduled at the same time as
Paradeability Competition. There was also a question
about transportation of equipment or props for
Paradeability. Those will be taken care of.
Angel Morales complained that the joeys in Puerto
Rico are not receiving their Calliopes in a timely manner.
David Barnett explain~ that third class mail may sit up to
three weeks at the post office before delivery. He will try to
track delivery and verify mailing labels. There is a possibility
of upgrading to 2nd class mail, with a history of correct
mailing.
brought before the membership through the Calliope.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Kapitol Klowns have a signature shirt in the hall that will
be presented to a cancer patient.
Clowns that would like to visit an adult facility for
mentally retarded on Thursday should see Don.
It was announced that convention bids will be
considered. Only one has been received by the Board.
Don instructed the membership to rely on their
Regional Vice Presidents for information and for help.
Arnie Firine moved to adjourn. Barbara Amber
seconded. Motion carried.
SUMMARY OF MOTIONS PASSED:
David Barnett moved to dispense with the reading of
the minutes since they were published in the Calliope.
April Glaros seconded. Motion carried.
Paul Glaros moved to accept the Treasurer's report.
Arnie Firine seconded. Motion carried.
Cal Olson addressed distribution of the magazine. He
stated that it is in the mail by the 25th of the first month on
the cover.
David Barnett moved to accept the proposed budget.
French Harvey seconded. Motion carried.
Pedro Santos moved that for future conventions, the
India Smith moved to refund money to Puerto Rican host alley should provide a Spanish interpreter. Mareza
clowns because of late Calliopes. Motion failed for lack of a Laboy seconded. Motion carried .
second.
Respectfully sutmitted,
Brenda Marshall, Secretary
The suggestion was made that convention
information be sent to alley representatives .------ -- --------- ----- ----~
prior to the convention.
April Glaros suggested that Board
members report to Cal upon receipt of
Calliope, for tracking.
Pedro Santos moved that for future
conventions, the host alley should provide a
Spanish interpreter . Mareza Laboy
seconded. After much discussion and a
show of hands vote, the motion carried.
Don called on David Cain to present the
Children 's Organ Transplant Association to
the membership. Following Mr. Cain's
presentation, Danny Marshall moved that
COAi accept COTA as our official charity.
Howard Knox seconded. Following much
discussion, Danny withdrew his motion.
Al Cunard suggested major issues be
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The New Calliope 41

March/April, 1992
Bill "Choo-Choo" Hunt: A lot of
people do it all the time .... "
Choo-Choo 's
complaint
Editor's n.ote: William; "Choo Choo" Hunt, of Batavia,
N. Y., is a clown who doesn't like the way some people
insult the down's art. He talked about it with a friend of his,
who happens to be a newspaper columnist. Said Bill: "He
asked me if it was OK if he wrote it up. I agreed, as this was
one way to get the subject before the public."
By Dan Winegar
The Batavia, N.Y., Daily News
Bill Hunt wants to blow the whistle on some people
who use a couple of phrases in the English language
without thinking about what they are saying.
And it looks like he has a case.
For 22 years this retired railroader (New York
Central-Penn Central) has-masqueraded as Choo-Choo
the Clown.
Being a clown isn't always a barrel of fun. The funny
man spends at least an hour putting on his grease paint,
false nose, oversize shoes and his costume. His wardrobe
contains several variations although his makeup is usually
pretty much the same.
Then he goes out and performs, sometimes in nursing
homes and hospitals, for youngsters, oldsters and
everyone in between. He has a ball, or so it seems,
entertaining, making people laugh, lifting their spirits,
making their day.
Right.
He comes home, gets out of his show duds, washes
away the makeup and returns to b~ing a 74-year-old Ross
Street retiree whose hobby has been amateur radio for
years.
So what's the problem?
"I'll tell you what it is," Mr. Hunt said the other day.
"What really irks me are these people who spout phrases
on television, write letters to the editor or whatever and
disparage the ancient and honorable folks that we are:
Clowns."
Good grief, we said, what do they do?
"You've seen it and I've seen it and a lot of people do it
all the time," he went on. "Just the other day somebody
was mad at Congress so he called the members 'a bunch of
clowns.' Now I ask you, is that fair? Is it fair to us who know
that being a clown is serious business?"
Now he was warming up:
"Then there are those who use the term 'clowning
around' to describe something they disagree with or to
indicate poor behavior on someone's part. This, too, is
sometimes applied to elected officials, most of whom are a
long way from being clowns, and I refer to real clowns."
Choo-Choo has announced his retirement from
clowning around several times but seems to answer the call
as he did in the Independence Day parade honoring the
nation's serv icemen and servicewomen.
His color photos are prominent in the Batavia-Genesee
County Center for the Aging on Bank Street where he has
entertained on a number of occasions. Magic is part of his
repertoire.
All we can do for the cause is to please ask everyone
who reads this to avoid those terms -- bunch of clowns or
clowning around. The clowns will love you for it.
42 The New Calliope

March/April, 1992
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The New Calliope 43

March/April , 1992
"Servants 'R Us"
Performing Arts Ministry Workshop
June 5-6
Norfolk, Virginia
CLOWN STORYTELLING MIME
Featuring:
Marge Brown, brings Biblical humor to light, finding the gentle and surprising
heart of sacred stories, She is an artist in residence at Pacific School of
Religion and holds a PhD in Arts, Worship and Proclamation. Margie is
the author of many books guiding clowning in worship.
Reid Gilbert; (Methodist minister, professional mime, Asian Theatre PhD)
brings his eclectic background to this workshop . He will guide
participants in specific mime principles , enabling them to develop their
own sketches of Biblical themes.
Contact:
Phoenix on the Road, 1227 Manchester Ave., Norfolk, VA 23508-1122
Steve Kissell (804) 423-3867
Sponsored by Phoenix Power and Light Co ., Inc., Drawer 5665, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Clowns of America International, Inc.
P.O. Box 570
Lake Jackson , Texas 77566-0570
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44 The New Calliope