FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains Receives Official “International Clown Week” Proclamation Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains received the official City of Hickory Proclamation establishing “International Clown Week,” August 1-7 from the city’s Mayor Rudy Wright on Monday, July 25. The proclamation was granted by the Mayor at the request of Charlie’s Chaplains, the hospital clown ministry at Frye Regional Medical Center, at 2 p.m. during an informal ceremony held outside of City Hall. Mayor Rudy Wright shown here with Frye’s Pastoral Care Director, Chaplain Robert Ford (left). Chaplain Ford was awarded the 2005 N.C. Chaplain of the Year award in April; and Becky Cortino, a.k.a CarroTop Rainbo, is Charlie’s Chaplains coordinator for Frye’s clown ministry program. Mayor Rudy Wright reads the International Clown Week proclamation surrounded by Charlie’s Chaplains on Monday. The purpose for instituting “International Clown Week” is to celebrate the important role clowns play as ambassadors of joy and good will, bringing happiness to children and adults. It is also to recognize the charitable activities of clowns and the wholesome entertainment they provide for all citizens. In celebration of International Clown Week, Charlie’s Chaplains is offering a complimentary “Nose Transplant” Clinic at Frye Regional Medical Center during the week of August 1-7, 2005. This special clinic will be held in the FRMC lobby Monday-Saturday 11AM - 2PM, and 1-3PM on Sunday. The public is encouraged to come to the clinic and receive a complimentary “Nose Transplant” by one of the trained clown technicians. Charlie’s Chaplains is a not-for-profit group comprised of unpaid volunteers sharing the heartfelt mission of helping Frye Regional Medical Center patients feel better through cheerful spirits, lightening hearts, and brightening patients’ days with a gentle presence since 1991. This specially-trained troupe of hospital clowns makes monthly clown rounds to cheer and entertain the patients. Often seen at FRMC special events, Charlie’s Chaplains is a part of the Pastoral Care Department at FRMC. For more information about Charlie’s Chaplains hospital clown ministry at Frye Regional Medical Center and program details or registration information for “The Gentle Art of Clowning” September 17, 2005 Clown Skool, a training program emphasizing clown arts held at FRMC, contact Becky Cortino, Charlie’s Chaplains Coordinator, (828) 326-0662. Frye Regional Medical Center is a 355-bed acute care facility located at 420 North Center Street in Hickory, NC. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of Catawba County since 1911. The hospital’s main campus includes a comprehensive heart center and cardiopulmonary rehab, skilled nursing unit, orthopedics, bariatric surgery, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, pediatrics, center for neurosciences, cancer center and women’s pavilion. Frye has several extended campuses to serve families throughout the area including: Frye Wellness and Education Center which houses the Center For Diabetes Self-Management Care, perinatal education and community wellness classes; South Campus for psychiatric services; Viewmont and Tate Surgery Centers; Vein and Wound Center/Infusion Care; Pain Center; Piedmont Therapy, offering sports and industrial rehabilitation; an urgent care facility; FryeCare, an outpatient diagnostic facility; Alexander Campus, which provides 24 hour emergency care along with diagnostic and laboratory services and infusion care; plus HealthPoint, which provides extensive industrial services and programs to employers. Frye Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.fryemedctr.com.