Just Clowning Around
of Northern Virginia
Bringing Smiles to Children of all Ages in Northern Virginia
Bringing Smiles to Children of all Ages in Northern Virginia
Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia (JCA) is a not for profit organization that provides clowns, face painters, and balloon twisters for other nonprofit organizations in Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area. JCA members also participate in area parades and other special events. JCA asks organizations to make a donation to JCA in exchange for the services provided by its member clowns.
The purpose of JCA is to promote, preserve and present the time-honored profession of clowning. The alley will provide the opportunity for each member to study the art, history and philosophy of clowning; promote clowning as a clean, wholesome form of family entertainment; and is dedicated to bring smiles and laughter to persons of all ages.
JCA is part of Clowns of America International (COAI). JCA is COAI Alley #170 - Vienna, VA.
JCA members are clown volunteers who perform at functions in the name of JCA. All have been trained in some aspect of clowning and have passed a makeup and costume board. Many JCA members are also members of World Clown Association (WCA) and COAI. Thanks to JCA, our members have the opportunity to network with other area clowns, participate in monthly meetings, and gain experience performing with other clowns.
JCA operates exclusively within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations Exempt From Income Tax, Under section 501(C) (4), Section C. Exempt Organization Reference Chart; Social and Recreation Clubs 501 (C) (7).
The members of JCA aren't just clowning around... They are children's entertainers. In addition to being clowns, most members also do other things including face painting, balloon twisting, magic, and juggling. Several members become characters for the holidays including Santa and Mrs. Claus for Christmas.
President - Carol Kirsch – Big Red
(703) 913-5630; clowns@justclowningaround.org
VPresident – Mike Becvar - Sir Toony Van Dukes
(703) 327-0701
Secretary - Martha Ades - Daisy
(703) 591-3549
Treasurer - Violeta Peith - Sweet Pickle
(703) 818-3072
Newsletter Editor – Mike Becvar - Sir Toony Van Dukes
(703) 327-0701
The President shall be the chief officer of the alley. The President shall preside at all alley meetings and Executive Board meetings, appoint all committees in consultation with the Board, ensure they fill board and officer positions, and serve as a representative of the alley to outside functions. The President shall provide monthly input to the newsletter.
The Vice President shall preside at alley meetings in the absence of the President. If the President resigns or is unable to perform his/her duties, the Vice President automatically becomes President. The Vice President shall coordinate, organize, and assign Boss Clown for all sanctioned alley events. The Vice President shall be responsible for sending a letter of intent to the coordinator of the event and collecting money promised for the alley's participation in the event.
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of meetings. The Secretary shall keep the official membership list and a record of members at all meetings and shall perform other secretarial duties as assigned. The Secretary shall maintain required COAI membership documents and correspond accordingly with COAI.
The Treasurer shall collect dues; receive, deposit in the alley account and disburse all money received by the alley; shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements; shall reconcile the bank accounts with the bank statements on a monthly basis; and shall submit a monthly detailed Treasure's report to the newsletter editor for publication. The Treasurer shall close the books at year end and provide an annual financial report to the Executive Board prior to the June meeting each year. JCA's fiscal year shall be June 1 to May 31.
The Newsletter Editor shall collect, assemble, and edit articles, publish and mail the monthly newsletter.
Just Clowning Around has a long history of clowning around in Northern Virginia. JCA's first meeting was on Valentine's Day, 1985. The original members of JCA included President, Steve "Pungo" Jiron; Vice President, Cathy "Puddles" Henry; Secretary, Jan "Tiptoes" Peters Treasurer, Mark "Gordo" Keiser & Ed "Pistachio" Reed.
As an incentive for members to clown for community service, JCA receives fees for participating in various public and private events. These funds not only support the education and functioning of JCA, but also each year, JCA donates 75% of funds it recieves to local non-profit organizations. As a civic-minded group of individuals, dedicated to the Clown Code of Ethics including in part, bringing joy and happiness to others, members of JCA annually designate a favorite charity for the following purposes:
Criteria for Nomination (must meet at least 3 of the following):
Members of JCA can nominate their favorite local charity in January of each year. In April, the members vote to select a charity.
Some of the local charities that JCA has supported over the years include:
2005 – City of Fairfax 4th of July Parade Award Winners
Best Clowns 1st Place - Just Clowning Around of Northern Virginia
Membership in JCA shall be open to all clowns. Members must pay annual dues for membership. Members must be willing to abide by the Code of Ethics, Standards of Clowns of America International, Inc. (COAI) and all JCA rules. All members are encouraged to belong to COAI.
Each member who wishes to perform as a clown with JCA must be approved (critiqued) before participating in a sanctioned alley event. Members must appear at a regularly scheduled meeting in complete wardrobe and make-up to be critiqued.
Members are encouraged to participate in JCA events or volunteer services to promote the alley.
JCA is dedicated to providing its members with a social network and learning opportunities to grow their skills. New clowns are welcome to attend our monthly meetings and learn more about JCA. To become an official member and participate in JCA events, you will need to pass makeup and costume review.
Monthly Meetings
JCA holds its monthly meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm.
We meet at the Vienna Baptist Church. Several members meet at the PanAm Family
Restaurant around 6:00 pm for dinner before the meeting. Meetings start at 7:30 pm
and include a business meeting, snack time, and an educational or fun program.
Past topics of discussion have included storytelling, puppets, starting a Santa
business, and clown camps.
JCA Newsletter
JCA publishes a monthly newsletter which is sent via email to all of its members. The
newsletter includes information on the next Alley meeting, the Alley calendar, minutes
from the last JCA meeting, information on upcoming events that need clowns, and more
things of interest to our members.
Paul Morehead is the current editor of the newsletter. He is always looking for good news and pictures to include in the newsletter.