What is the source of all the laughter, noise, and hullabaloo coming from Good Shepherd and Sacred Heart Units? Why it’s a few of our most colorful friends – sporting bright yellow curly hair, giant polka dot and stripped hats, purple and orange socks and colossal shoes – as they aim to spread joy and laughter as a part of International Clown Week by engaging in some lighthearted tomfoolery with our Residents.
Residents’ faces fill with delight, as Dottie Dot, Toddles, and Stardust pull out their “box of tricks,” and literally, it is a box of Trix, cereal that is. Next, the clowns get busy and show-off their balloon twisting talents by turning long colorful balloons into giant flowers for Peggy, Tanchie and Mary, a bracelet for Antoinette and in their spirit of horseplay, a purple and orange pony.
Do you know that it took an Act of Congress and the signature of President Nixon in 1971 to turn a joint resolution into the law that proclaims August 1-7 as “National Clown Week,” which we now call International Clown Week?
These wonderful volunteers share that they stay super busy this time of year, each year, planning, organizing and performing volunteer shows and clowning events, all with a goal to celebrate clowning and to give back to the community by spreading joy and laughter!