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Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry seeks new members

Members of the Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry cheese for the camera. Pictured are (from left) Lollipop (Ann Ericsson), Piper (Susan Miller), TidBit (Midge Decker), Lullaby (Johanna Lange) and BaLue (Mark Bickel). The group is holding classes for potential new members, beginning Feb. 17.
Members of the Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry cheese for the camera. Pictured are (from left) Lollipop (Ann Ericsson), Piper (Susan Miller), TidBit (Midge Decker), Lullaby (Johanna Lange) and BaLue (Mark Bickel). The group is holding classes for potential new members, beginning Feb. 17. Photo provided.

The Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry will be giving interested individuals an opportunity to join the group.

An informational meeting and workshop will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, at 9 a.m. at Heritage Pointe of Huntington. The event, open to males and females over the age of 16 years, will include a question and answer session as well as class time.

During the hands-on classes, the participants – or “joeys,” as new clowns are called – will learn about and apply the makeup for the four main clown characters: Whiteface, Auguste, and Bag Lady/Hobo. They will also learn clown character traits and movement, practice skits and master the basics of balloon sculpting.

Sessions will also include information on walk-around and visitation etiquette. Guidance will be given as wigs and noses are chosen and costumes are put together.

There is no charge for the classes, which are taught by members of the group, but there will be a fee for the supplies used during the classes. Makeup, brushes, balloons and a balloon pump will be supplied. There will be a few additional miscellaneous items that will need to be purchased and participants are responsible for their own wig, nose and costume.

The classes will culminate in a graduation ceremony on April 12, when the class members will be commissioned as clowns and bestowed with their chosen clown name. A skit program will precede the ceremony and the public is welcome to attend both.

The Joy Pleasers Clown Ministry is a non-denominational group with members representing several area churches. Clown ministry is a way to entertain and help people forget their problems through laughter and can be used in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, churches, private organizations and working with children.

Members may also be seen in many area parades. Meetings are held at The Heritage of Huntington on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
For more information about the Joy Pleasers or to sign up for classes contact Midge Decker at 356-3791 or Johanna Lange at 356-7919.