Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Page 11 Plant No. 2 Cloth Associate Clowning Brings Laughs for Kathy Lazzard's Audience "I think clowning is a natural talent,” says Kathy Lazzard as she carefully put on a varie ty of colorful make-up which transformed her into Rainbow the Clown. With an armful of balloons, a bigger-than- life smile, and big red shoes typical of a clown's wardrobe, Kathy discussed how she has brought laughter to age groups from 1 to 80. "Most people enjoy seeing a clown and I’ve tried to pattern "Rainbow’s” personality into one which is cheerful for everyone.” "Rainbow represents a colorful character who wants everything to be calm and peace ful,” noted Kathy as she sorted through a number of newspaper clippings and other keepsakes which recalled her appearances before United Way groups, the P.O.P. Jubilee, Whitten Center Fun Day and hun dreds of birthday, family and church gather ings. Clowning for the Plant No. 2 Cloth Room employes grew out of a need to be more active and to have extra income to support herself and a young daughter, Kathi Joe. “What started as a small business has turned itself into a major second career,” explained Kathy with a big smile. “I do sev eral appearances a week and turn down even more because of scheduling conflicts.” Her professional clown training came from a special clown school in Florida where she learned to apply make-up, gestures which an audience would like and the proper dress. Although a bit nervous when she began making public appearances four years ago, she has readily built the self-confidence needed to keep her audience pleased. Her special talent to make others laugh has led to numerous honors and recogni tions. Because of her unusual clown face and dress, she has been registered in the Clown’s Hall of Fame in Buchanan, Va. There visitors will find painted on a clown’s honored object—a goose egg—a portrait of Rainbow the Clown. This registry decrees that no one else can have the same name or distinctive face as Rainbow’s. Special Appearances Rainbow gives parties for every race and age. “I’m very flexible in the type programs available,” says Kathy. “I can make a 15- minute appearance or provide a full party which includes plates, cups, favors, cake, ice cream and rainbow-colored ice and punch.” After every paid appearance, Rainbow makes an additional visit on her own to bring some good cheer to a deserving individual. When asked why she did this, Rainbow was quick to point out that she wanted to get full use of her make-up and costume. “It takes about two hours to get ready for an appearance. When you’re all dressed and made-up, it’s just a good idea to get as many people to see you as possible,” she con tinued. Takes a Special Personality Kathy Lazzard has that unique personality necessary to perform as a clown. A happy clown must have a sincere and outgoing per sonality and, to some extent, have an incli nation to be a little mischievous. Kathy finds these attributes advantageous in making her audiences laugh and appreciate the true meaning of being Rainbow the Clown. TAKES A SPECIAL PERSONALITY—Kathy Lazzard has that unique person ality necessary to perform as a clown. A happy clown must have a sincere and outgoing personality and, to some extent, have an inclination to be a little mischievous. Kathy finds these attributes advantageous in making her audi ences laugh and appreciate the true meaning of being Rainbow the Clown. How’s Your Hearing? We Want to Know. How’s Your Hearing? Does your television or radio sound gar bled to you? Do you often have to ask others to speak up? If so, you may have a hearing problem. Clinton Mills Hearing Conservation Prog ram protects associates from excessive job- related noise. It does so through annual test ing at all plants and by requiring that associ ates wear protective devices such as ear plugs when working in high-noise areas. The tests are conducted by Cl inton’s certi fied audiometric technician. Subjects are asked to respond to a series of tones in both ears. A hearing threshold is determined, and results are compared with the baseline test given associates. Associates are advised of the results. A loud noise becomes dangerous when you are exposed to it, without protection, everydayovera longtime. Clinton measures the noise levels at work stations throughout the company. When those levels are too high, plant medical departments provide affected associates with personal hearing devices. However, some people think ear plugs or other devices are uncomfortable and incon venient and therefore not worth the effort. Some even believe they can block out or “ignore” their noisy surroundings. Not so. Constant exposure to loud noise may gra dually cause damage deep within the ear and, in some cases, result in permanent hearing loss. Plant supervisors have two major goals in the Hearing Conservation Programs. First, they make sure that associates correctly wear protection devices. Second, they have to stress the importance of wearing them. If they're issued but no one uses them, the program won’t work. Ear plugs are easy to maintain and should be inspected at least once a week, since minor damage can seriously affect their abil ity to reduce noise. Furthermore, ear plugs are fitted to the ear by a specialist, so never use another’s plugs. For maximum protec tion, the plugs should be seated fully into the ear canal. Clinton wants each associate to enjoy hearing now and in the future. If you are required to wear eag plugs, make sure they fit properly and replace them when they are no longer effective. It’s sound practice. It matters!