Our Legacy of Blessing Continues

This is that time of the year when we look back over the previous and remember...

Skool ’07 was *So* Much Fun!

For the first time in FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains’ 16-year history, a ministry weekend was held, entitled “Establishing a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry.” The Friday evening "Pre-Skool Program" provided attendees with the nuts and bolts and inspiration to establish a hospital clown creative ministry. Saturday was our usual full-day intensive, complete with an afternoon filled with a 3-ring circus of elective classes and performances given by professionals sprinkled throughout the day. Skool '07 culminated with the traditional Charlie's Chaplains' awards and Skool graduation. Preceding the awards and graduation ceremony was a commissioning service for those participants who plan to start a hospital clown or creative ministry in their respective areas.



What's Right in Healthcare

FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains were honored to be included in a recently-published book, What's Right In Health Care 365 Stories of Purpose, Worthwhile Work, and Making a Difference, a 742-page book, offers up a year's supply of stories to uplift and encourage those on the frontline of healthcare today.

The feature chronicles how FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains share healing humor with patients, visitors and staff, tracing our auspicious beginnings to the new generation hospital creative ministry we are today. The story was submitted by our coordinator, Becky Cortino. This book is available through Amazon.com




The Hospital Clown Newsletter

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains are honored to be featured in the January, 2007 issue of The Hospital Clown Newsletter (Vol. 11, No.1). We thank Shobi Dobi for her interest in covering our adventures. Through The Hospital Clown Newsletter, Shobi Dobi offers a tremendous service as she informs and encourages all of us clowns out here in the world. It was real a privilege to work with this fine newsletter's Editor, Shobi Dobi. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity.



FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains participated in a hospital clown survey conducted by The Big Apple Circus.



Members Recognized, Have Special Performances or Contributions in the Field:

The Whistling Woman Phyllis Heil is the current 2007 International Whistling Entertainer of the Year, having also won this title in 2005 and 2006.

She was honored by the Hickory City Council presented a proclamation to Phyllis Heil, 2007 International Whistling Entertainer of the Year, proclaiming October 2, 2007 as "Phyllis Heil 'The Whistling Woman' Day" in the city.



On November 17, Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino and his dedicated crew took his expanded 90-minute illusion show to the gorgeous, new stage of the Robert & Miriam Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Entitled "Dimension Unknown with Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino," the show transports the audience on a journey to a Magical Destination. While exploring the unbelievable, this new show incorporates large-scale illusions, dazzling special effects and comedy.

In addition to large public performances, Sammy has been entertaining in smaller venues, and been a regular entertainer of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains since 1997. He has made monthly Rounds, and faithfully taught magic and improvisational classes at Charlie's Chaplains' now-infamous Skools.



During 2007, FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains were honored to be featured in two widely-distributed publications in special features detailing their hospital clowning adventures, all offered with the hope of encouraging more hospital clown creative ministries.

The year kicked off with a front page photo lead-in to a 2 ½ page spread in the January issue of The Hospital Clown Newsletter, an international publication. In June, Charlie’s Chaplains shared stories from their hearts were included in What's Right In Health Care 365 Stories of Purpose, Worthwhile Work, and Making a Difference.

In September, for the first time in FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains’ 16-year history, a ministry weekend was held in conjunction with Skool. For the “Pre-Skool” evening session on "Establishing a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry,” a book on this subject was written and published, as the official text in the program presented that night. All attendees of the weekend ministry program received advance pre-press copies of the book.

In addition to the regular “coordinating” aspect, planning and teaching Skool ’07, hundreds of hours were spent by coordinator Becky Cortino in devising, writing, and presenting these pieces. A professional writer for over 25 years, seeing these in print was a highlight in her career, an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to write them because she has a heart to inspire and encourage.



It is our heartfelt hope that sharing Charlie's Chaplains' story and adventures inspires others in the ever-present possibilities in hospital clown creative ministry work. It is a Joy!


NOTE:
In this first year of our Charlie's Chaplains' blog we had 2,965 visitors pop in.