TO YOUR HEALTH by ALISON MORRIS

Charlie's Chaplains bring smiles to the ill

If you pass by Frye Regional Medical Center on a Sunday afternoon, don't be surprised to see one or two odd-looking drivers scurrying around the halls pushing an unlicensed vehicle.

It's not Santa and his sled, but the whimsical entertaining interludes by Charlie's Chaplains and their new "Charlie's Chariots."

These drivers and their colorful carts are part of the hospital's creative ministry called Charlie's Chaplains -- a not-for-profit group of unpaid volunteers helping patients of all ages feel better through cheerful spirits, said Becky Cortino, Charlie's Chaplains' coordinator.

This hospital clown ministry began in 1991 under the guidance of Chaplain Robert Ford, and pastors Dana McKim and Danny Leonard. Since then, the group has evolved to include musicians, magicians and puppeteers, some of whom are professional performers who are donating their time, Cortino said.

Cortino said there have been a lot of touching moments with patients over the years.

"Sometimes, the patients will participate in the performance themselves," she said. "We visited someone who was an operatic singer who serenaded us. And we serenaded a patient who took out his harmonica. Other patients get involved in `nose transplants.' (The interaction) helps to lift patients' spirits."

Cortino said the chaplains' humor is healing and also relieves anxiety and stress, which is good for patients and staff alike.

Now numbering 20, these trained entertainers are looking to expand their group with Clown Skool twice a year.

The next Skool will be offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 11 at First Baptist Church in Hickory. The event will focus on "Entertaining through Creative Ministry & Clown Arts."

Registration is required and available until Feb. 8. For information and to receive Skool application materials, contact Cortino at (828) 326-0662. Open to public. Program fee is $45, but special family and student prices are offered as well as limited scholarships.

The training program focuses on clown arts and other creative expressions such as improvisation, puppetry, magic and juggling. Any volunteer is welcome although this Skool is geared for intermediate- to experienced-level clowns.

  Appeared on Sunday, December 25, 2005, in The Catawba Valley Neighbor edition.