Just Clowning Around (JCA) Monthly Meeting Reminder
JCA will meet on Monday, May 18, 2015, at 7:30.
Note: This is one week early due to Memorial Day being May 25th.
We did not have quorum at our April 2015 meeting, so we still need to have the charity selection and officer elections. This month’s educational topic is: Marketing. Come share ideas on how to make sure people know your name at events and can find you on the Internet.
Education is an important event at each Alley meeting. This includes presentation, hands on sessions, and group discussion on topics related to being a clown and entertainer. JCA is a club where we all come together each month to share and learn from each other. New members are always welcome at any of our monthly meeting. The following are the currently proposed educational topics for the coming year. Schedule subject to change. We are working on the educational calendar for 2015, if you have a topic you would like to present or learn more about, please let us know.
JCA Meeting Schedule
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| Monday, May 18, 2015 | Marketing Charity Selection / Officer elections |
| Monday, June 22, 2015 | Designing a new clown face |
| Monday, July 27, 2015 | Clown Video |
| Monday, August 24, 2015 | TBD |
| Monday, September 28, 2015 | TBD |
| October 2015, TBD | Annual Potluck Picnic |
| Monday, November 23, 2015 | TBD |
| December 2015, TBD | Holiday Party |
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JCA Monthly Meetings
4th Monday of each month at 7:30 pm
Vienna Baptist Church
541 Marshall Rd SW
Vienna, VA 22180
Take I-66 to the Nutley Street exit heading north toward Vienna. Turn right at the first light onto Marshall Road. Drive approximately one-quarter mile to Ware Street and turn left. We meet in the Parlor. The door that is usually unlocked is around towards the back of the building.
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Several members meet at the PanAm Family Restaurant in Vienna around 6:00 pm for dinner before the monthly JCA meeting.
PanAm Family Restaurant
3051 Nutley St.
Fairfax, VA 22031
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JCA Membership Dues
It is time to pay your membership dues to JCA. Please bring a check to the meeting on Monday. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can mail your
check to JCA c/o Violeta Peith, 6323 South Springs Circle, Clifton, VA 20124.
Single – $20/year
Family – $30/year
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JCA Charity Selection
For the past several years, we have selected SafePlaces, but some thought it might be nice if we consider a different group this year. The following
are the JCA Charity Criteria:
As an incentive for members to clown for community service, JCA receives fees for participating in various public events. These funds not only support the education and functioning of JCA, but also support a favorite charity. As a civic-minded group of individual, dedicated to the Clown code of Ethics including, in part bring joy and happiness to others, members of JCA annually designate a favorite charity for the following purposes:
- To provide an opportunity to establish a relationship with another organization contributing, as does JCA, to the improvement of the human condition.
- To open additional opportunities for members to perform/clown.
- To give something back to the greater community that utilizes JCA’s talent throughout the year.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION (must meet at least 3 of the following):
- The agency is a non-profit provider of services of products to individuals in need.
- If the charity does not have an identifiable clientele that meets or gathers regularly to receive services, it must provide an avenue for performance/clowning.
- The climate served must be within a 50 mile radius of Vienna, VA.
- The recipient must not be funded by any government entity such as state or local government, the U. S. Government or any of its branches for over 50% of its revenue.
- Must be willing to submit an operating budget including government contributions.
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New Meeting Feature: 15 Minutes for Critique
Are you working on something new that you want to be able to use at parties and other events? Maybe you have a magic trick, puppet routine, or other activity that you would like to share and get suggestions from the other members. We will now include one, 15 minute (about 5 minutes to perform and 10 minutes for the critique) timeslot at our meetings for members to perform in front of the group. You must sign up in advance and get on our calendar. First come, first serve.
Send your request to be added to our calendar to Sir Toony at SirToony@SirToonyVanDukes.com
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Clown Alley #3 Lecture
“Puppets for Parades & Walk Around Events”
A Workshop by Christopher Hudert
May 20th 7:30 to 9:00
Weinstein JCC
5403 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA
Hello fellow regional clown friends,
Clown Alley #3 is hosting a 90 min program on May 20, 2015 that is free and open to clown alleys. The presenter is Christopher Hudert; once the” boss clown” for Ringling Bros and currently the owner of “Applause Unlimited” that provides family entertainment in this region. He is a wonderfully entertaining and a skillful instructor and puppeteer. The address is 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond VA. We will have a brief meeting at 7:30 and then the program. Please joins us. Further information is available and for seating arrangements, please let us know of your plans to attend.
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From parades to walk around events, there are many opportunities to use puppets without putting on a show. This workshop will introduce you to a variety of puppet types that you can use to interact with people while on the move. From basic marionettes and hand/mouth puppets to a few other simple types, we’ll cover how to work them so that they are alive and real; basic movements; a few do’s and don’ts; and tricks and tips on giving your puppet character, voice, and presence! We will explore what it takes to establish a connection between puppet and audience. All of that in an hour – give or take 30 minutes!
NOTE: Please bring your favorite puppet pal or two so the learning is more hands on, or hand in, as the case may be. But if you don’t have a puppet, that’s okay too.
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Entertainer’s Insurance
If you get your entertainer’s insurance through the World Clown Association, it is time once again to renew your membership. WCA Membership and Insurance is Effective May 1, 2015. The insurance they offer is a general Liability Policy which is for individuals.
New Members $40
Membership Renewal $35
Liability Insurance – $140
They do offer Additional Insurance for a client who requests being added
to your policy.
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Clowns of America International now has insurance available to their members. This policy is just $150 dollars. There is NO ADDITIONAL COST for Insurance Certificates. The certificates are free to add the name of the mall, festival, event or organization no matter how many events you do there is still no additional cost. This policy is not a group aggregate, it is an individual aggregate, yours and yours alone.
Use the 1-800-518-5047 toll free number beginning Tuesday 3-24-2015 to ask questions and sign up for the Best Insurance COAI has ever offered their membership. You can also email them at: COAI@bbofpa.com You have been asking for COAI Insurance for years and COAI is proud to offer a product to our membership that we can put our name on with confidence.
http://www.coai.org/?page=COAIInsurance
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Be sure to evaluate your insurance needs and pick the coverage that is right for you. Other companies that offer insurance include:
Specialty Insurance Agency
http://www.specialtyinsuranceagency.com/
K&K Insurance Group
http://www.kandkinsurance.com/Entertainment/Pages/Entertainers-Performers.aspx
Cossio Insurance Agency
http://entertainerinsurance.com/
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Do you have clown news to share via the news updates or newsletters? Send your ideas and news to Sir Toony at SirToony@SirToonyVanDukes.com
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Willard’s Parlour of Mystery
Willard’s Parlour of Mystery is DC’s “comedy club of magic.” Founded by Willard Royal and friends in the former Comedy Spot Arlington location, the Parlour brings the region’s best magical entertainers to you every Friday and Saturday.
Ballston Common Mall, 3rd Floor
4238 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, Virginia 22203
http://willardsparlour.com/
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Requests for Clowns – Local Events and Parades
If you are interested in marching in one of the upcoming local parades, contact Sir Toony at SirToony@SirToonyVanDukes.com
NOTE: Starting in January 2013, we will review and critique all members before they may represent JCA at events as a clown. Clowns must also have paid their annual dues to both JCA and COAI to participate in events. Clowns from neighboring clown alleys are welcome to join JCA in parades without being required to pay dues to JCA.
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Our next parade is the City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
City of Falls Church Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 2015
2:00 pm RAIN OR SHINE
We are line up number 38. Entries number 35-44 line up on N. Oak St between N. West St and Lincoln Ave. Participants will be required to line up no later than 1:00pm. Parade route travels down Park Ave. between West St. and Little Falls Street
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City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade – Pending Confirmation
Saturday, July 4, 2015
10:00 AM
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May Flower Jokes
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Q: What did the bee say to the flower?
A: Hello, honey!
Q: What kind of bean never grows in a garden?
A: Jelly bean!
Q: What did the flower say to the flower beside him?
A: Move over bud!
Q: What kind of socks does a gardener wear?
A: Garden hose.
Q: How do trees get onto the internet?
A: They just LOG on!
Q: Why is grass so dangerous?
A: Because it’s full of blades!
Q: What happened to the plant in math class?
A: It grew square roots!
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Upcoming Clown Events
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Face and Body Art International Convention – FABAIC
May 21-24th, 2015
The Bonaventure Resort and Spa
250 Racquet Club Road,
Ft. Lauderdale/Weston,
Florida, USA 33326
http://www.fabaic.com/
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Society of American Magicians 2015
July 1-4, 2015
Marriott Philadelphia Downtown
1201 Market Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
http://www.magicsam.com/events/event_details.asp?id=492646
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Mooseburger Clown Arts Camp
July 28 – August 2, 2015
Christ the King Retreat Center
621 First Ave. South
Buffalo MN 55313
http://mooseburger.com/camp/
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KIDabara Annual Conference
August 3-7, 2015
Williamsburg Double Tree by Hilton
Williamsburg, VA
http://www.kidabra.com/
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Find more upcoming events on Just For Clowns:
http://www.justforclowns.com/calendar-of-events/
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The Circus is Coming to Town
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UniverSoul Circus
June 24 – July 19, 2015
National Harbor
201 Harbourview Avenue
National Harbor, MD 20745
http://www.universoulcircus.com/
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Varekai – Cirque du Soleil
Opens July 22, 2015
Patriot Center
Fairfax, VA
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/varekai/tickets/fairfax.aspx
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WorldWide Circus Summit 2015
July 14th to July 18th, 2015
Big E Fairgrounds
West Springfield, Massachusetts
http://worldwidecircussummit2015.com/
Registration is now OPEN for the Worldwide Circus Summit 2015 at the Big E Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA on July 14-18, 2015 – the largest international gathering of circus friends ever assembled! An Early Bird Registration fee of only $65 is available through February 28. The fee increases in $20 increments through July 13. On-site registrants will pay $120 at the door. Attendees age 18 or under will pay a registration fee of only $15 at all times.
The Summit will be a unique and wonderful opportunity for a wide variety of circus-related organizations to join together at a world-class location at a common time to hold their conventions, meetings and/or activities and share their love for the circus. The theme of the Summit is: Celebrating the Circus … Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow!
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Balloon and Face Painting Jams
Each month, Mike Becvar hosts a face painting and balloon jam at the Cici’s Pizza in Chantilly. It is normally on the 2nd Monday of the month.
Mike tries to arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 and grab some food from the buffet. The actual jam portion of the night begins at 7:00 and continues until Cici’s closes at 9:00pm. You can come as early or late as you like. The manager lets anyone who comes to do balloons or face painting eat the buffet for free. The jam is open to face painters and balloon twisters of all skill levels. You may ask for tips, but you cannot set a price for the balloons or face painting.
Chantilly Face Painting and Balloon Jam
2nd Monday of each Month
Buffet from 6:00 – 7:00
Jam from 7:00 – Close
CiCi’s Pizza Buffet
14392 Chantilly Crossing Lane
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-961-9100
There are several other face painting and balloon jams in the area. Contact Mike Becvar aka Sir Toony for information about the other jams.
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Northern Virginia S.A.M. Assembly 252 Meetings
3rd Thursday of each month
7:30pm until 9:00pm
http://www.sam252.com/
The Knights of Columbus Hall
behind St. Leo’s Catholic Church
3700 Old Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22030
(go totally through church parking lot, make a right at baseball field, then a left, Knights of Columbus Hall is on the right)
Note: Youth meet 1/2 hour earlier at 7:00pm
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Fairfax Jugglers
Key Intermediate Cafeteria
Every Thursday * when school is in session
Thursdays, 7:30-10 PM
Key Intermediate School
6402 Franconia Road
Springfield, VA 22150
Contact bsperling@cox.net to get on their email list.
Enter the parking lot opposite Japonica Street, turn RIGHT at the front of the school and drive around to the far back and the end of the parking lot. Enter the cafeteria at entrance #6 (visible past the dumpster), along a sidewalk, and this may be the best way in (if you arrive first please prop open this door). Alternately, check the Handicapped Student’s Gym by Entrance #9 or use entrance #5 and turn left at the first cross-hall, then look for the cafeteria on the left. OR: check the handicapped student’s gym by Entrance #9 after your first left turn.
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The CIRCUS CLUB also meets at Key Intermediate School on Thursdays, but in the Handicapped Student’s Gym by Entrance #9. They teach many circus skills to children and perform in parades and other venues. If you know of a child or teenager who would be interested in learning or developing those kinds of skills then contact them at Circusclub@yahoo.com
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