Spreading Happiness | Seniors-Wanted, Needed and In Demand!

Spreading Happiness

By Barbara A. Killmeyer

Alot of people say that they work with a bunch of clowns, but for five lively ladies who reside at the Metowers Apartments in Avalon, this is a true statement. Known professionally as The Geriatric Buffoons, these ladies range in age from 64 to 82 years, and they all agree that what they do sure beats staying at home and watching life pass you by.

The head clown, “Aunt Sammi” Adams, has been clowning around for approximately 20 years, and at one time performed in the Washington, D.C., area where she was “clowning for God,” spreading God’s love through fun and laughter. Aunt Sammi and her friends “Babe” Wisniewski, “Happy Bottom” Reel, “I Moan” Carton and “Dizzy Lizzy” Foster use their skills to bring laughter to special needs people and to church functions.

“We consider ourselves to be Christian clowns. We are a group of ladies who enjoy life. We’re all very much ‘uppers.’ Much of that has to do with our faith in God and our belief in a positive attitude,” Aunt Sammi said.

She explained that there are three types of clowns: the French clown, who wears a white face and has a small nose; the German, or “Auguste” clown, who has a bulbous nose, wears big shoes and is clumsy; and the American clown, who is a tramp or character clown. The Geriatric Buffoons worked together to develop a wardrobe for each type.

“Once you are dressed in your wardrobe you remain in character until you are back in your non-clown clothing,” Aunt Sammi said. She also said that a true clown paints only the lower lip because if both lips are painted, it is likely to scare small children.

In addition to her years of experience, Aunt Sammi has taken a college credit course on clowning, and she discovered valuable information in a book by Floyd Schafer where he writes about clowning for God. She is available to teach clown classes to interested groups.

Although there are presently no men represented in the Geriatric Buffoons, they are not excluded. There are two men right now on the sidelines and more are welcome.

The group wholeheartedly agrees that: “You shouldn’t get out of bed if you aren’t in a good mood, and there’s no fool like an old fool.”

Because the Geriatric Buffoons limit their performances to one a month, anyone interested in contacting them to appear, needs to call six months to a year ahead. The group does not charge for their services, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

For more information or to arrange for the group to appear at your function, call Aunt Sammi at 412-766-1786.

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Seniors-Wanted, Needed and in Demand!

Years ago when the term senior citizen was applied to a person, it meant it was time to let the gray hair go, retire and take life easy. But in today’s world the senior population, in spite of its age, physical disability and skill level, is looking for new adventures as well as the opportunity to help other seniors and members of the community. Times have changed, so put all your thoughts aside that you can’t make a difference or you aren’t physically capable of volunteering. You are wanted, needed, and in demand. There is a place for you!

Animal Friends, home to abandoned, neglected or abused dogs, cats and rabbits, is looking for senior citizens to shower love and affection on its residents. Their beautiful new facility is located at 562 Camp Horne Road in the North Hills. Animal Friends, a nokill shelter, has more than 800 active volunteers who make enormous contributions to the animals and the daily operations of the shelter.

Animal Friends began in 1943 as an all-volunteer organization, providing housing and adoption services for animals. During World War II, the need for a solution to the abandonment and severe neglect of animals due to pet owners being called to active military service arose. At that time, Animal Friends began to depend heavily on the generosity and unselfishness of volunteers to help care for these stranded, innocent creatures. Animal Friends gave them shelter, food and medical care, while the volunteers gave them much needed love, attention, and a heart filled with compassion.

Senior volunteers at Animal Friends have a wide variety of opportunities in which to serve the animals and the organization. Walking the dogs, socializing and grooming the cats or providing a foster home for an especially needed animal are ways seniors can participate. If you prefer educational opportunities, Animal Friends volunteers make humane presentations to school and community groups, in addition to sharing their talents with fundraising, office work and special events.

For more information on how to become an Animal Friends volunteer, you may contact Joanne Moore, Outreach Director at (412) 847-7030.

RSVP: Retired and Senior Vounteer Program

Another volunteer opportunity for seniors to make difference in the community is RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) of Allegheny County. Established in 1972, RSVP is sponsored by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross, a United Way Agency since 1984. RSVP has provided persons 55 years of age and older with volunteer opportunities within the community. RSVP maintains nearly 800 diverse volunteers at more than 108 non-profit agencies, including consumer agencies, arts and cultural organizations, hospitals and schools. Their volunteers served nearly 117,000 hours in 2006, with an estimated value of $10 per hour. These figures equal over a million dollars worth of service.

RSVP volunteers help kindergarten children prepare for reading, assist the frail elderly with grocery shopping, volunteer at local museums or greet visitors to the greater-Pittsburgh community. Some volunteers work from their home and provide friendly and upbeat conversation to children aged 6 to 12 who may not have someone to talk to when they arrive home from school. An RSVP volunteer can provide a listening ear while offering praise, support and encouragement to the younger generation.

Volunteers receive benefits such as supplemental accident and personal liability insurance; transportation reimbursement in special cases; complimentary tickets to cultural events; recognition in the forms of pins, certificates and an annual luncheon; subscription to the RSVP newsletter, The Golden Echo; personal satisfaction and enhanced physical and mental well being.

For additional information on becoming an RSVP volunteer, please contact RSVP at (412) 263-3184.

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