Charlie's Chaplains Returns to Making Twice-Monthly Rounds Schedule

Now in the 2009-2010 Skool Year, Frye Regional Medical Center's Charlie's Chaplains have resumed their twice-monthly Rounds schedule, for those months not having a major holiday.
This allows Charlie's Chaplains the opportunity to double the FUN by visiting patients twice as often, a long-held heartfelt dream of the group's coordinator Becky Cortino.

"For many years, I had hoped Charlie's Chaplains would be able to make Rounds more often than once a month. In 2008, this group of very dedicated entertainers unanimously agreed that we should plan twice monthly visitations, for greater coverage at Frye Regional Medical Center," she said. "It has worked well, and many Charlie's Chaplains are sure to participate in as many scheduled visits as possible -- often doubling their FUN in our new schedule!"

Smile by Charlie Chaplain

FRMC CEO Michael Blackburn Receives "Honorary Charlie's Chaplain" Award

Frye Regional Medical Center's CEO Michael Blackburn received the rare designation of "Honorary Charlie's Chaplain" at Charlie's Chaplains' now-infamous Skool held on September 19 in Hickory, NC. The award was presented to Blackburn at the traditional opening ceremonies of Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '09. He was given this special award for in recognition of his support for the hospital clown creative ministry's work as part of the Wellness Team at FRMC.

This is the third "Honorary Charlie's Chaplain" designation since the group's inception in 1991. The first was given in 2005 to Hickory's Mayor Rudy Wright. Roger Carr of Everyday Giving received the award in 2008.

Shown in the picture:

L-R: Becky Cortino, Coordinator; Michael Blackburn, FRMC CEO; Don Ingle, FRMC Staff Chaplain, representing FRMC Pastoral Care Departmenthttp://charlieschaplains_skool.blogspot.com/.

Special guest presenter JoAnn “Reddened” Narewski Returns for Third Year

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains Offers Skool September 19, 2009 - Full Day of Fun, Fellowship and Instruction Planned Focusing on Hospital Clown and Creative Arts in the Healthcare Setting


Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '09 "All the World’s a Stage" is a packed-to-the-max day of fellowship, learning and fun. Skool '09 will indeed be a "3-Ring Circus" On-Stage, offering exceptional instruction in varied creative ministry arts in Hickory, NC.

This year's training program is the 8th consecutive Skool held, and features sessions in the healthcare venue, to be explored by focusing on entertaining, aspects of the art of clowning and creative arts, presented for all levels of experience. Skool '09 offers multiple-level classes taught by professional instructors and experienced community volunteers who love to share their passion.

Special guest presenter JoAnn “Reddened” Narewski returns for a third year, to teach at FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '09. JoAnn’s background includes performing professionally, extensive training during the last 6 years, and recently began clowning at her local hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Special Two-or-More Ministry Training and local mission opportunities are offered to area churches and other ministries. Interested groups are invited to enroll members in Charlie's Chaplains' Skool, receiving additional training offered and adopting FRMC monthly visitations as a shared local missions focus for one calendar year, under the tutelage and coordination of the resident hospital creative ministry.

The fee for this day-long intensive training session is $50 including lunch and refreshments throughout the day on the premises. Limited Skool '09 Saturday session scholarships are available to seniors ages 70+. Beginner Skool students should preorder a clown makeup palette for the makeup lab available for $15.00.


Advance registration is required and must be received via U.S. Mail by 3PM September 9, 2009.


For more information and to request registration materials:
http://charlieschaplains_skool.bravehost.com/

Charlie's Chaplains Celebrates International Clown Week '09

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains celebrated International Clown Week '09 in traditional style, with their now-infamous Nose Transplant Clinic.

Set up in the lobby area, Charlie's Chaplains' trained Humor Therapists and Laughter Specialists performed many successful Nose Transplants, FaceLifts (smiles!), and Normality Screenings at their 5th annual Nose Transplant Clinic.

The Honorable Mayor Rudy Wright presented Charlie's Chaplains with the City of Hickory's official proclamation of International Clown Week. "It was passed by unanimous vote of the Hickory City Council," Mayor Wright said.

Charlie's Chaplains Celebrates International Clown Week on Rounds!

On regularly-scheduled Rounds, Frye Regional Medical Center's Charlie's Chaplains' officially kicked-off their traditional celebration of International Clown Week by performing Nose Transplants and FaceLifts (smiles!) throughout the hospital.

A great warm-up for the Nose Transplant Clinic slated for Thursday, August 6, 2009! Charlie's Chaplains' Nose Transplant Clinic will be held in the main lobby of FRMC in Hickory, North Carolina. This is the 5th anniversary of the Nose Transplant Clinic. Clinic hours are 11AM-2PM.