News 2000

This page features items of interest to S.M.I.L.E. Clowns.  These can be resources, new products, or anything new to educational characterization.  

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New Board Elected at the Conference!

During the annual meeting of the SMILE Organization that takes place at the National Conference, the Board was elected for the years 2001 and 2002.  The new board will take office on January 1, 2001.

Elected (and re-elected) are:

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Clown Aid II is a HUGE Success!

To see a complete write-up on the event with pictures, click on CLOWN AID II.  To order a Clown Aid II T-shirt, click on BILLY'S BARGAIN BARN.

S.M.I.L.E. Board Elections for 2001-2002

The S.M.I.L.E. Board of Directors voted in the last meeting to increase the Board by four members - Regional Directors from the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest United States.  Eventually, we'd like to include Canada and the UK Regional Directors.

The purpose of the Regional Director will be a point of contact for new members in their region.  Also, they will represent their region at Board Meetings.  It is our hope (but NOT mandatory) that Regional Directors will attend the National Conference and participate in the annual Board meeting.  During the quarterly Board meetings, Regional Directors will receive advanced notice of the meetings with an agenda and be able to give input before or after. 

There will be an election during the Annual S.M.I.L.E. Meeting at the National Conference and we will elect the Board for 2001-2002.  This will include the election of the Regional Directors. 

The nominating committee will release their proposed slate in the next week or two.  The slate will be mailed to S.M.I.L.E. Members and posted on this page of the web site.

If you are interested in running for a Board position (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) or Regional Director of your region, please e-mail Bruce Wall. It would be appreciated if you would write a sentence or two about why you wish to serve and what you offer your region.

Jesse Koozer Fund Update

Here's an update on the Jesse Koozer Fund.  This fund was created to honor the life of Jesse Koozer, the daughter of Mesa Police Officer Hal Koozer who is a member of S.M.I.L.E. and one of our Board Members.  Many of you made contributions to this fund and it's greatly appreciated.

A $500 donation was made this week to the Arizona Spina Bifida Association (ASBA) to honor Jesse's life.  At the Koozer family's request, we asked that the funds be used to assist one or more children born with Spina Bifida that will be attending college in the 2000-2001 school year.  We were told by the Administrator of the ASBA that most children born with Spina Bifida have to miss school due to illness and find it hard to qualify for scholarships, awards, and bursaries.  The decision regarding the awarding of the money will be made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Arizona Spina Bifida Association. 

We would like to thank Patty O'Patches for the idea of a fund, all those of you who contributed to the fund, the Koozer family for their help and input, and the Arizona Spina Bifida Association for honoring our requests!

(Posted 8/1/00)

Safety Routine In Magic Magazine

The June 2000 issue of Magic Magazine - The Independent Magazine for Magicians - has an article by David Kaye a.k.a. Silly Billy the Clown from New York.  David explains a major difference between entertaining children and adults and then demonstrates it with his routine for the Pavel's "Crystal Tube."  His routine teaches traffic safety because there are green, yellow and red silks used.  He also describes a great gag that can be used in any trick that utilizes those colors (Stratospheres, Traffic Signal, or Grandmas Beads).  Check it out.  

If you are interested in Magic, check your local magic dealer or contact them directly:

Magic
6225 Harrison Dr, Suite 4
Las Vegas, NV 89120
Phone: (702) 798-0099 x103
Fax: (702) 798-0220
E-mail: circulation@magicmagazine.com
Web Site: www.magicmagazine.com

(Posted 6/30/00)

S.M.I.L.E. Members can get a Web Page on this Site!!

If you are a member of S.M.I.L.E., you or your troupe can get a web page on the S.M.I.L.E. web site for only $25 per year!  The cost includes design and posting, including corrections and monthly updates if needed.  If you'd like to see a demo, check out the web page of Buck L. Upp.   (Posted 5/20/00)

The Clown In Times

Do you know what the "Safe Cracker" routine is?

Did you know there are a lot of variations of the Safe Cracker routine that could be adapted to a police safety routine?

Did you know that Victor Borge (while not a clown) performed in a "clown like" manner in his musical presentations?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you undoubtedly read  the latest issue (Volume 6, Issue 3) of "THE CLOWN IN TIMES" by Bruce "Charlie" Johnson.  This quarterly journal is full of great ideas, biographies, history, routines, and variations of routines.  While this is not a safety newsletter, you can learn a lot about clowning and get ideas to turn into safety routines.  

To subscribe to THE CLOWN IN TIMES, mail your check for $22 to Charlie's Creative Comedy, PO Box 82165, Kenmore, WA 98028-2165, or e-mail clownjuglr@aol.com (Posted 4/4/00)

UPDATE: Bruce Johnson has just announced that he will cease publication of the Clown In Times after this four issue volume!  The good news is he will be dedicating himself to finishing a book.  The bad news is that his subscribers will miss one of the most informative publications in clowning!!  (Posted 5/19/00)

UPDATE #2: "The Clown In Times" newsletter (Volume 6, Issue 4) had a story on S.M.I.L.E. on page 100.  It was the last issue of the newsletter.  The write-up describes who we are and what we're about. He mentions President Ruffennach and how he started his first character "Officer Billy Club" back in 1997 (Mark has several other characters including "Little Billy," "Marky Mark," and "Pee Wee").  There is a description of our newsletter and a mention of the 1999 Conference. The article concludes with our mailing address in case anyone is interested in following up.  Considering the individuals and groups that have been mentioned in "The Clown In Times," we should feel honored that S.M.I.L.E. has been included in that publication! (Posted 6/5/00)

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COPTOOLS Now a Major Distributor of Clown Figures!

The Coptools website has been offering S.M.I.L.E. Clowns a very reasonable price for clown figurines.  Others have discovered one of the best bargains on the web!  Coptools is now a major distributor of clown, police and fire figurines.  

The clown sculptures are inspired by the work of Chuck Oberstein, one of the world's foremost clown painters.  The Police  Clown is 9.5 inches tall and Fire Clown is 8.5 inches tall.  Each figurine costs only $42.  Here are photos of the Police and Fire clown figurines:

The Police clown also comes in a music box version that plays the song "Rubber ducky, you're the one!"  Please check with Coptools, because the music box version costs more.  

(Posted 3/27/00)

Camp Mooseburger Arizona - Great Training

(reported by Bruce Wall)

Camp Mooseburger Arizona was this March 24-26, 2000 and it was outstanding! If it comes anywhere near your community, I'd highly recommend you attend. The highlights for me:

- Pricilla Mooseburger (former Ringling Brother's Clown) teaching how to do a kazoo band including making your own kazoo musical instrument and how to play like a marching band! EXCELLENT!!

- Dave Mitchell teaching magic and sharing an outstanding routine called "Tiny the Tiger" that uses the professor's nightmare rope trick (unequal to equal ropes) to teach self esteem. The finale was to change the ropes into one long rope. Easy to do and very clever!! 

- The absolute highlight for me was the class "How to work TO the Audience" by Master Clown Frosty Little (Frosty was the Boss Clown for Ringling Brothers for 23 years). Frosty asked for a volunteer who was new to clowning (she started in January) and proceeded to put her through the paces in the classic hot dog routine. As they went through the routine, he showed her (usually correcting her mistakes) how to get the most out of her body language, voice and reactions so the audience knows what's going on.  It was a lesson none of us in attendance (especially the volunteer) will forget! 

There was so much more that I could go on and on and on! Thanks to Terry Ricketts and the APS Clowns for hosting an outstanding event!!

(Posted on 3/27/00)

Interesting Items In Newsy Vents

The latest issue of Newsy Vents (Volume 52, Issue No. 1), published by Maher Ventriloquist Studios (www.maherstudios.com) for the North American Association of Ventriloquists, has two items of interest to S.M.I.L.E. clowns:

1. They mention that Special Deputy Robert Walsh was selected as the 1999 recipient of the Optimist International "Law Enforcement Award". He uses three ventriloquist figures in his presentations as "Deputy Bob" and performs in Virginia elementary and middle schools. His presentations focus on: drug free, non-violent, and to stay in school. He is a Crime Prevention Specialist with Norfolk Sheriff's Department.

2. There is a story on F.B.I. Special Agent Rick Berger from the Bureau's New York office. S.A. Berger is the Community Outreach Coordinator for that office. He uses a ventriloquist figure named "JED" (an acronym for J. Edgar Hoover) to teach children about the mission and workings of the F.B.I. and to stay drug free. He also encourages children to stay in school and consider careers in law enforcement!

They also list a few ventriloquist conventions this year:

Vegas Ventriloquist Festival 2000
June 14-18, 2000
International Ventriloquist Association
PO Box 17153, Las Vegas, NV 89114
FAX (702) 737-3846

International Ventriloquist ConVENTion
July 27-29, 2000, Ft. Mitchell Kentucky
For further details:
www.venthaven.com 
e-mail: kidshowvent@greenapple.com 
Telephone: (740) 862-9112

International Festival of Christian Puppetry and Ventriloquism
July 31 - August 5, 2000, Kankakee, Illinois
For more details: One Way Street Events, Dept MS
PO Box 5077
Englewood, CO 80155
Phone: (303) 799-6751
FAX: (303) 790-2159

Magic and Vent-E-Vent
October 14, 2000, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
For more details: Col. Bill Boley
2604 Florence St
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
(502) 885-5349

(Posted 3/17/00)

ProKNOWS Sells Great Clown Noses!

ProKNOWS, the company owned by Leon "Buttons" McBride (an inductee into the International Clown Hall of Fame), sells great clown noses, make-up and wigs!  Buttons is a creative dynamo that is a wealth of knowledge on clowning!  S.M.I.L.E. Clowns Patty O'Patches, Buck L. Upp and Marky Mark saw Buttons and Homer at a recent APS clown training.  If you get a chance to see either - do it!  In the mean time, check out the ProKNOWS site! (Posted 2/29/00)

Puppetry Journal Has Safety Related Articles

The latest issue (Volume 51, Number 2, Winter 1999) of the Puppetry Journal - the official publication of Puppeteers of America - has two items of note to safety educators!

On page 11, there is a story on "Professor Bodywise and the Traveling Menagerie" by Elizabeth Hilton and Wililam Simms. This is a touring safety show sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Health Care that travels throughout Southern California, Northern California, Colorado, Georgia, Ohio, and the Mid-Atlantic States. Kaiser Permanete has been sponsoring these shows since 1986. The show covers safety messages on: seatbelt safety, tobacco use prevention, exercise and physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, anger management, home safety and the dangers of alcohol and drugs.

The second article of interest is on page 14 and it's called "Building John Malkovich". It's by Lee Armstrong and Kamela Portugues from Images in Motion (Instructors at the Bullhead Conference) and how they built the puppets used in the movie "Being John Malkovich." 

The Puppetry Journal is not available in stores. You can only get it if you're a member of Puppeteers of America. Membership costs $40 per year. For more information, contact: The Puppeteers of America, Membership Office, #5 Cricklewood Path, Pasadena, CA 91107-1002. (Posted 2/23/00)

S.M.I.L.E. in MUM!

In the February, 2000 issue of MUM - Magic, Unity, Might, the publication to the 800+ members worldwide of the Society of American Magicians - there was a brief review of the Put A S.M.I.L.E. On Your Face newsletter! 

The review was based on issues two and three in Volume One. At that time, S.M.I.L.E. had not yet become it's own non-profit, and worked under the Arizona Crime Prevention Association. Also the fee was only $20 last year. Since the release of the issue, we've had an additional 30 hits to our website than usual. 

Here's what the review said:

"Do you do safety shows? You might be interested in "Put A S.M.I.L.E. On Your Face," a quarterly newsletter published by S.M.I.L.E. and the Arizona Crime Prevention Association. The two issues I read were six and eight pages long and included a couple of "how-to" articles as well as general news and brief reference reviews. There is a heavy emphasis on clowning, and several photos showed the ACPA officers in costume. Love the names: "Hans Cuff," "Captain Careful," and Misty Meanor," etc. $20 per year. Website: www.smileclowns.org.  Oh, yes. S.M.I.L.E. stands for Safety Magic In Law Enforcement.

Puppet Mania 2000 set for July 20-23, 2000

The Pacific Southwest Region of Puppeteers of America (P of A) has announced that Puppet Mania 2000 will occur July 20-23, 2000 at the Lickman Fine Arts Complex of California State University in Los Angeles, CA. 

They call it Puppet Mania for two reasons: "one, we have to be nuts to do this, and two, we wanted to express the non-stopped, jam-packed, fun-filled atmosphere of a puppet festival." 

The cost to attend:

P of A Members $145 ($170 after May 31, 2000)
Non-Members $190 ($215 after May 31, 2000)
Jr. P of A Members $115 ($140 after May 31, 2000)

For more information including accommodations and meals, contact the Festival Directors:

Joe Selph - hocuspocus@mail.mns.com 
Greg Paul Williams - Greg@thepuppetstudio.com 

Posted 2/14/00

S.M.I.L.E. at the 2000 Educational Characterization Conference!

The Arizona Fire and Burn Educator's Association (AFBEA) presented the 13th annual Educational Characterization Conference in Bullhead City, Arizona on February 3-7, 2000.  The Conference was attended by over 200 people - primarily fire prevention educators from all over the United States and Canada.  

There were 7 S.M.I.L.E. Members in attendance at the Conference this year.  Although the group did not perform, Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall instructed two classes called "The Art of Being Funny to Children" and "Safety Magic."

One of the highlights of the conference was a presentation by the Colorado Springs Fire Department.  The skit was called "Safe Trek" the group brought the full set of the bridge of the USS No Surprise - including Captain Safety Kirk's command chair!  Very funny skit and incredible attention to detail!

The other highlight for the S.M.I.L.E. group was going out to a karaoke bar and some people trying their hand singing a few songs.  Hal Koozer did a great job, and few who were there will forget Mark Ruffennach singing Neil Diamond's "Coming to America."  If you'd like, contact Mark about it TODAY??  TODAY!! (Posted 2/13/00)

Incredible Chimp Puppet from Axtell Expressions!

Axtell Expressions, makers of puppet used by many S.M.I.L.E. Clowns, has created a new incredibly life-like chimp puppet for only $69.95!  If you've seen Buck L Upp's friend Louie, or Little Billy's friend "Flower" then you've seen the incredible professional chimp that costs $399!   This new one looks similar, but is smaller and at almost 1/10th the price!  

At the 1999 National S.M.I.L.E. Conference, nine of these puppets sold out in an hour!  Those that purchased it said that it looked great, the price was fantastic, and it was easy to manipulate!  If you order, please mention that you are a S.M.I.L.E. Clown or you heard it from S.M.I.L.E.!  Check it out at the Axtell Expressions website. (Posted 2/10/00)

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Last modified: August 15, 2008.