"GIGI" Judy Carscadden President & Boss Clown also: Historian Clown Judy did not just get interested in clowning; she jumped in with both feet! Never having been exposed to them, she was intrigued when she learned that one of her acquaintances was a clown. Going to the library, she began to read about clowns and then attended the Clown Alley of London’s 2001 summer picnic. She was hooked! Joining the Alley that September, Judy volunteered right away to be the librarian (book clown) as that gave her access 24/7 to their books, magazines and videos. As the librarian, she attended executive meetings and contributed to the organizational components of the Alley. In June 2002, she became the semi-boss clown (vice president) and June 2004 became the boss clown (president). Being a believer in education and self improvement, Judy attended the Alley’s weekend clown school and also an 8 week course. She has attended many workshops and conferences in the past 3 years, learning various aspects of clowning and their different skills. She subscribes to magazines and newsletters and has developed her own library of books on clowning and humour. Since writing is also a passion of hers, she has written clown skits and had some of her articles published. Judy believes that there are 2 essentials for new clowns: (1) join an alley for fellowship and general education. (2) choose a mentor who will encourage, coach, and advise you on specifics. She follows her own advice and is a mentor herself for a few new clowns. At present Judy has 4 characters and is developing her 5th character as we speak! PowderPuff is her whiteface clown who is seen mainly at corporate Christmas parties and other posh events. Gigi is an auguste clown and because of her fun-loving personality appears at community events such as parades, charity walks and other places where there is a party-like atmosphere. Lemmie, also an auguste clown, was born to be a care clown because of her compassionate nature. MisQuote is more a character than a clown and worked as the "book clown" for 3 years. She is still the historian, dutifully recording all of the alley’s goings-on. Aunt Gertie is the newest personality, a "say-it-like-it-is" old woman who is making her debut at an upcoming retirement party. Judy is also interested in developing a hobo, nameless at this point, who will be mute so she can learn miming skills. Talk about multiple personalities! Hard pressed to pick a favourite funny person, any of the classic sitcoms (I Love Lucy, All In The Family, Everybody Loves Raymond, Mama’s Family) have all contributed to her love of wit and comedy. Facial expressions, development of character, and comic timing, including the predictable, have all been helpful in the development of her own characters. As her human character, Judy also has many faces. She is a registered nurse who worked in mental health for 28 years, 23 as a head nurse until her retirement in 2001. Her private business since 1995, "The Cutting Edge" offers consultations, workshops and conferences on issues of self harm as well as borderline personality disorders and relationship management. 5She has written 3 books on self harm and traveled throughout Canada giving professional workshops. Her speaking career has also encompassed many other topics to various audiences, the latest being therapeutic humour. She has always been involved as a volunteer in different community organizations and until recently, also ran a room and board business in her home. She has done belly dancing, jazz, and clogging as well as other types of artistic classes. Writing - poems, songs and stories - is another passion. She has 6 grandchildren and 2 furballs: Buddy, a golden retriever, and a black and white kitty-cat named K.C. Seeing faces light up and hearing welcoming voices makes care clowning special to Judy’s heart. She belongs to and coordinates 2 care clown troupes: The Clown Jewels (St Joseph’s Health Care, London) and The Giggle Gang (Clown Alley of London). She hopes to develop a course in the near future that is specific to care clowning. She is very excited about the possibility of a Shriners Hospital coming to London. As the new boss clown, Judy continues to be excited about all the possibilities for the Alley. She envisions a growing, active membership and a higher profile in the community. Her wish is for every clown to retain the excitement that they had as a new clown and to share their experience and knowledge with each other.
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