News 2003

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.  Check this page often for updates.  

You can also view news from

previous years including News 1999, News 2000, News 2001 and News 2002.  

You can click to go directly to the item, or scroll down the page.

S.M.I.L.E Wins Award!

The International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners awarded S.M.I.L.E. the Best Crime Prevention Program in 2003 at their annual Symposium in Orlando, Florida, November 5-8, 2003. 

Mark Ruffennach and Bruce Wall were on hand to accept the award and they presented on S.M.I.L.E. to the attendees.  Their presentation has resulted in interest in our organization from Canada and Singapore!  Congratulations to all members!

Mark also received the ISCPP's George B. Sunderland Award for lifetime achievement in crime prevention.  Way to go Mark!

Left to right: ISCPP President Marian Leck, CPS presents the award to

Little Billy and Bruce Wall after presenting on S.M.I.L.E. at the Symposium

(Posted 12/8/03)

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Quarles Presents S.M.I.L.E. Book

S.M.I.L.E. Director of Historical Hysteria Jerry Quarles presented the S.M.I.L.E. Organization with it's new historical book!  The book is a beauty!  Jerry made it with exotic wood!  Inside are pictures of Conferences, trainings, and events presented by S.M.I.L.E. over the last 5 years.  This ongoing Historical book will be a treasure to future members!  You'll be able to see the book at the 5th Annual S.M.I.L.E. Conference in November! 

S.M.I.L.E Director of Historical Hysteria Jerry Quarles (right) presents S.M.I.L.E. President Bruce Wall (left) the new Historical Book!

Posted 9/17/03

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S.M.I.L.E. In Best of Funny Paper

The Funny Paper Magazine released a "Best of the Funny Paper" CD-ROM that had the best routines and articles from the first few years.  One of the articles selected as "Best of the Funny Paper" was Scott Reed's "9-1-1 Wave" routine!  Congratulations to Scott for this honor!

The S.M.I.L.E. Brain Trust (Bruce, Mark, Scott, Sparky) have been writing articles for the Funny Paper since September, 2001.  Funny Paper is considered to be the best magazine for family entertainers on the market today and we appreciate their inclusion of safety concepts!  Posted 9/17/03.

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Comedifest 2004

Angel Ocasio has announced that the new Comedifest 2004 website is now up and running!  Comedifest is celebrating its 10th anniversary!  It will be held from April 2-4, 2004 in Portland, Oregon. 

Angel Ocasio and friend!

Comedifest Executive Director Angel Ocasio is one of the premiere clowns in the U.S.A.!  He is a graduate of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College and a former performer with the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus.  In addition, he was a Lead Instructor at the 2001 S.M.I.L.E. Conference.  He designed Comedifest to be a unique teaching conference that will improve the clown skills of every attendee in a friendly and cooperative way!  Comedifest would be a benefit to any S.M.I.L.E. Clown! (Posted 9/17/03)

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New Discount Program

Thanks to the hard work of Immediate Past President Mark Ruffennach and Director of Historical Hysteria Jerry Quarles, there's a new benefit to membership of S.M.I.L.E.!  They have arranged several companies that sell magic, puppets and clowning supplies to offer discounts to members of S.M.I.L.E.!  All you need is your membership card.

For a complete list of companies that offer the discount, go to the Members Area of this website.  (Posted 3/10/03)

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The Next Level Quarterly Training

On February 26, 2003, the 1st Quarterly Training was held in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The goal of the training was to take everyone to the next level of clowning, magic and puppetry.  

Left: President Bruce Wall demonstrates the magical effect "Run Rabbit Run"

Right: Newest S.M.I.L.E. Member Larry tries a "Rabbit In Hat" puppet from Samuel Patrick Smith.

Photos by Carrie Abts.

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S.M.I.L.E. At The Parada

There was a contingent of Clowns from the S.M.I.L.E. Organization at the City of Scottsdale's Parada del Sol Parade on February 1, 2003.  The parade is one of the largest horse drawn parades in North America!  

The group of intrepid clowns marched the 1 and 1/2 miles.  Below is a picture of the S.M.I.L.E. clowns from the day.

Pictured from Left to Right: Seat Belt Mama, Sheriff Dotty, Razz, Pogo, Mr. Star, Suzi Q, Captain Sparky, Buck L. Upp, Patty O'Patches, Scooter, Quenie, and Little Billy.

(Photo by Mary Jeffries.)

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MACC Conference Brochure

Pam "Sparky" Moody has announced the Mid America Characterization Conference will occur May 1-3, 2003, in Des Moines, Iowa.  Sparky has lined up a top notch list of instructors - including S.M.I.L.E. Immediate Past President Mark Ruffennach!

For more information, please download and print the following file.

CONFERENCE Brochure

Please note that you need the free program Adobe Acrobat 5.0 to view and print this file.

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Axtell Expressions has added Orangutan and Gorilla Puppets to it's line of incredible looking Ape Puppets!   These are available in the Professional Latex Apes size (32") for $399, and the Vinyl Amazing Apes in three sizes: Small (19") for $39.95, Medium (24") for $69.95, and Large (32") for $149.95!

The Professional Latex Chimp puppet has been a favorite of both Mark Ruffennach (Flower the Chimp) and Bruce Wall (Louie the Monkey) of the S.M.I.L.E. Organization since 1998.

When Axtell introduced the medium size 24" chimp in 1999, it sold out at that year's S.M.I.L.E. Conference in 2 hours!  (Posted 1/1/02)

Assorted News

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Last modified: August 15, 2008.