RozZi the Clown at library
Santa Paula Times
by SUSAN BRANHAM
Santa Paula community teens got to “Laugh Out Loud” with RozZi the Clown as they celebrated Teen Read Week 2007 at Blanchard Community Library in October. “This is a special event for teenagers,” Ilene Gavenman, Young Adult and Children’s Librarian, said as she introduced RozZi to the teens. “‘Laugh Out Loud’ at your library is a reminder that even though you’re older now, it’s really good to read for fun. How fun it is to bring joy and laughter to other people! We have a lot to learn; it’s going to be fun.”
The teens learned how to sculpt a balloon animal, saw a face-painting demonstration, enjoyed magic tricks and jokes and saw a rabbit being pulled from a hat. They also learned about the magic of reading. “Anything you can think of, anything you want, you can find books about it at the library,” RozZi said. She quoted her hero, her mother, an avid reader of books: “The more you know, the more you grow.”
Books teaching magic tricks, juggling, and make up art were available for the teens to check out and take home. Some of the books featured for check-out were “The New Calliope,” “Ambassadors of Joy,” and “Clowning Around.”
RozZi learned the art of clowning from clown college home study courses. She is a member of “The Clowns of America International” and the “World Clown Association.”
Teens also learned about the “Citrus Capital Clowns” Club. The group plans to participate in events and fundraisers in the Santa Paula community. “Citrus Capital Clowns” Club members will have the opportunity to learn magic, balloon animals, costuming and make-up, and props and skits as well. Their mission is to promote the art of clowning, spread cheer, make people happy, make them laugh and, hopefully, brighten their day.
RozZi and the “Citrus Capital Clowns” Club invite the teens to join them and participate in the Santa Paula Christmas Parade on November 24. “My goal is to have a dozen clowns in the Christmas Parade,” said RozZi. “We have some costumes available or you can come in PJ’s.” Those interested in learning more about the “Citrus Capital Clowns” or participating in clown costume in the Christmas Parade can call RozZi the Clown (Darlene Berry) at (805) 794-1030.
