THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 15, 1994 TAG: 9407130109
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02B EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SHARON LAROWE, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
It's magic when N.E. McHugh goes to work.
From the tips of her kingsize red and yellow shoes, to the faded red hat with an overgrown gold flower that sits atop her head, McHugh, otherwise known as ``Isabelle the Clown,'' makes quite a statement.
And that statement is not limited to her wardrobe.
Sponsored by the Golden Corral Family Restaurant on General Booth Boulevard, Isabelle brings a big ``thank you'' to the community each Wednesday as she visits nursing homes, detention centers and hospitals to spread a little joy.
Or maybe a lot of joy. From the moment she stepped into the Kindercare Learning Center on General Booth last Wednesday, the 3- to 12-year-old smiles grew wider, their tiny hands began waving uncontrollably.
``Can we honk your nose, please?'' a small boy asked politely as Isabelle began setting up.
Though she wouldn't let them play with her cherry red nose, Isabelle, a full-time clown with the professional entertainment troup, Joy Untold, brought untold joy in more creative ways.
Isabelle wowed the children and kept teachers and parents guessing as she performed comedy routines and tricks, like sticking a huge needle through a balloon without popping it and switching red, yellow, and green balls in a magic traffic light.
The motto of Joy Untold is ``excitement with purpose,'' and Isabelle included moral lessons in her program.
``Who here always tells the truth?'' she asked in her soft, childlike voice, as each child's hand was lifted high. Isabelle scolded adult on-lookers for not raising their hands.
Near the end of the program, as Isabelle was busy creating balloon animals for each one of the approximately 65 children, a special visitor appeared from the back room. Kids cheered and ran into the arms of the huge purple dinosaur as the opening chords of the song ``I Love You'' began to sound.
Twin boys, Jonathan and Justin Williams, 6, gave each other ``a great big hug'' as they sang along with the music.
``We'll do anything to see a kid's happy face,'' said Steve Knight, owner of the General Booth Golden Corral, who was on-hand for the festivities. ``We just try to do things for kids and we're a family-oriented place.''
After Isabelle performs in the community, she heads to Golden Corral from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday to continue her antics at the restaurant.
Knight said the popularity of the performer is leading the management to order more high chairs. ``We keep running out,'' he said, chuckling.
Kenny Newman, manager of the restaurant, said Golden Corral's ``We Care'' program, provided free-of-charge, is done in appreciation of the continued support of its customers.
Center director Tara Powell loved the show so much, she plans to schedule Isabelle at her son's Kindercare in Green Run.
As an educator, ``I like things that make children think,'' she said. That's why she enjoyed the magic show best of all. ``I looked at it as a big teaching tool. I thought it was great for adults, children, parents.''
To schedule your complimentary show, contact Joy Untold at 467-2700. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SHERRY LAROWE
Isabelle the clown makes balloon animals for children at Kindercare
on General Booth Boulevard.
by CNB