18:00-01

1-News-Head

ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6p
WRITER=rjo
TAPE#
GRAPHIC=


Next on News Seven.
A Roanoke man is in intensive care this evening after his tractor flips on top of him.
And the missing Tech student who allegedly played hooky for three years shows up at a West Virginia Police Station.

Sports-Head


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=NONE


In sports, Michael Waltrip wins the Winston Select the Braves beat the Reds and Trenton State is the Division three softball champion.
(-------------)

WX-Head
TALENT=Kimberly
SS=None


Keep the iced tea handy--
The summer- like heat wave continues.
Sunny skies and high temperatures in the 90s today-- you can expect the same for tomorrow. open
SUPER=#D-50; NEWS-7 AT SIX BANNER
SUPER=@Ron1;
SUPER=@Roy1;
SUPER=@Kimberly1;
RUNS=:15



Boat-Ax


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=jmo
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=none


Rescue squad members from two counties have been at the scene of a boating accident in Botetourt County this afternoon.
Apparently, a boat with two passengers capsized in Arcadia.
One person was stuck in the river for more than hour before being rescued.
Officials say no one was injured.
The Glasgow Rescue Squad responded by boat and jet ski.
A News 7 crew is on the scene.
We'll have more on that story at 11pm.


TRACTOR-AX


ANCHOR=RON
NEWSCAST=SIX
WRITER=DAL
TAPE# 96-31
GRAPHIC=None


A Roanoke man is in intensive care after the tractor he was driving overturned and landed on top of him.
The accident happened around one this afternoon on Webster Road in Botetourt County.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Botetourt Co.;


Police say while 59-year-old Billy Franklin Richard was planting grass, he apparently backed up too far and the tractor rolled over an embankment.
Life Guard 10 airlifted Richard to Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Doctors are still evaluating his condition...but they say he suffered several broken bones.
(----------------)



Vinton-Ax


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=Six
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 96-33
GRAPHIC=None


Several people were injured in a car accident this morning in the Town of Vinton.
The accident happened around 11 at the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Poplar.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Vinton;


Police are not releasing the details of the accident or the identities of the victims.
But those who live near the accident scene say the intersection is a dangerous one.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=the traffic coming from

((TIM GONZALEZ: THE TRAFFIC COMING FROM THIS CORNER HERE WHERE THE FIRE HYDRANT IS, THEIR VISION IS BLOCKED DUE TO CARS PARKED IN AN AREA WHERE THERE'S A BUS STOP.))
SUPER=07-Tim Gonzalez; QUICK!!!
RUNS=:10
OUT Q=where there's a bus stop
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The injured were transported to a local hospital.
Rescue workers say their injuries did not appear to be life threatening.
(----------------)



County-Ax


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=jmo
TAPE# 96-40
GRAPHIC=None
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./Last Night;


The same is true for two people whose car went into a creek last night in Roanoke County.
It happened around 9:30 after their Dodge Neon ran off the street in the 51- hundred block of Bradshaw Road.
Nancy Gold was driving the vehicle and her fiance Stuart Tunstall was a passenger.
Gold was treated and released last night and Tunstall left the hospital today.
Gold has been charged with reckless driving.
(----------------)


Tech-Missing


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=rjo
TAPE# none
GRAPHIC=None


Yesterday we reported the story about a Virginia Tech student that played hooky from school for three years.
John Brad Wagner's family expected to see the young man graduate last Saturday only to learn that the tuition checks his father was sending were not going to the school.
Wagner had been missing for a week.
But today, Blacksburg Police report Wagner voluntarily turned himself in to a West Virginia police station late last night.
He's apparently in good health and his father is in route to pick him up.
Blacksburg Police Detectives say they also want to speak with him.

Heat


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=Six
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 96-43
GRAPHIC=None


The players at the N-C-Double-A Division Three Women's Softball Championship fared better than the fans.
The tournament took place all weekend at the Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, despite the extreme heat.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Salem;


As a precaution, each team was limited to playing two games per day.
Players were given a rest in between games and pumped full of water.
But for the spectators the high temperatures took their toll.
Several fans collapsed yesterday.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=what we've been

((NICK HOLMES/ATHLETIC TRAINER: WHAT WE'VE BEEN TELLING THEM IS STAY IN THE SHADE WHEN POSSIBLE. MAKE SURE THEY TAKE IN LOTS OF LIQUIDS. WE HAD A FEW PEOPLE WHO HAD PROBLEMS WE HAD TO TREAT THEM FOR AND THE BEST THING YOU CAN TELL ANYBODY OUT IN THE SUN, EVEN THOSE WHO ARE NOT PARTICIPATING IS TO BE PREPARED FOR THE HEAT.))
SUPER=01-Nick Holmes/Athletic Trainer;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=for the heat
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Nick Holmes says play it safe and take these precautions during your outside activities.
This is early in the season for such hot temperatures.
The normal high is 77-degrees. But today's temperatures were almost 20-degrees more than the norm.
(----------------)

wipe/wipe/wipe

Hollins-Graduation


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=Six
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 96-30
GRAPHIC=None
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


By the time Hollins College students received their diplomas they were well-done.
Even at 10 this morning temperatures had already climbed into the 80's.
More than 220 students took part in the 154th commencement at the college.
This is the last graduation for President Jane Margaret O'Brien.
O'Brien is leaving the school after five years to take a similar position at St. Mary's of Maryland.
She steps down as president June 30th.
Yesterday the selection committee named Janet Rasmussen (RAS-MUSS-sin) as O'Brien's successor.
(----------------)
Tease#1

HARD MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Ron
SS=NONE


Coming up on news-7,
Some Roanoke county parents band together to learn about parenting techniques.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


And,
New competition for OUR news department-- W-K-I-D's pint sized reporters are on the scene at Mount Pleasant Elementary School.
(----------------)
ANCHOR=Kimberly

Wx ad lib
Well, even though today was a scorcher-- it didn't turnout out to be the widespread record- breaker we though it would.
Blacksburg, however did set a record again this weekend, by reaching a high of 89 today.
High pressure's keeping us hot and dry-- but a few scattered showers will make their way into the extended forecast.
We'll tell you what that is-- as well as check the temperatures throughout the region.
Stay with us. MUSIC UP FULL
COMM#1


Business-Review


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=lbe
TAPE#=BIZ
GRAPHIC=Business Review


A Roanoke County company wins a big bid, and Botetourt County bags another new manufacturer.
Len Besthoff recaps the week's top economic stories in southwest and central Virginia with the News-7 Business Review.
(//////////////)
SOT
IN Q=NAT SOT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co./File Tape; :05
SUPER=03-Botetourt Co./Tuesday; :18
RUNS=1:13
OUT Q=NAT SOT

((
Nat Sot
RUNS=:05


Optical Cable of Roanoke County has scored another big contract.
The company will supply several million dollars worth of its fiber optic cable so it can hook up 95 buildings on the University of Rhode Island campus.
For the third time in six weeks, Botetourt County has hooked a new industrial prospect.
This time its the Dynax Corporation of Japan, which will put its first U-S auto parts plant here, with plans to eventually employ 100 people.
When it comes to creating new jobs and increasing capital investment, our part of the Commonwealth is doing quite well.
The Virginia Department of Economic Development says during the first quarter of this year, the Roanoke Valley had the highest total investment, while Southside Virginia is among the leaders in job creation.
And J-M Turner and Sons of Roanoke has won the construction contract for the new R-R Donnelley printing plant that will be built in Roanoke County.
Construction will begin immediately on a 276-thousand square foot building.
Checking the Dow Jones Industrial Average for the week, it rose 169.36 points, closing at 5687.50.
Len Besthoff, with the News-7 Business Review. Nat Sot
RUNS=:05

))

Parents-Rally


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=Six
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 96-46
GRAPHIC=None


A group of Roanoke County parents say they realize it takes a whole community to raise a child.
That's why Partners in Parenting invited representatives from many community service groups to their rally.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.;


A host of performers were on hand to entertain the crowd.
Former Globetrotter Spencer "Spinny" Johnson stopped by to talk with the children.
He says he tries show children how important a positive attitude is throughout life.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=just like starting

((SPENCER "SPINNY" JOHNSON/FORMER PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER: JUST LIKE STARTING THIS PROGRAM. A LOT OF PEOPLE WERE TELLING ME IT WASN'T GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL. JUST LIKE MY BASKETBALL CAREER PEOPLE WERE TELLING ME I WAS TOO SMALL. I KEPT BELIEVING AND NOW THIS IS MY 11TH YEAR DOING THIS PROGRAM ALL THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.))
SUPER=01-Spencer "Spinny" Johnson/Former Pro Basketball Player;
RUNS=:16
OUT Q=the united states
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The rally focused on children.
The school system, The Roanoke County Police Department, and the TRUST Hotline were among the organizations participating.
In addition to the rally, Partners in Parenting sponsors seminars throughout the school year.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=we present seminars

((JASON PERDUE/PARTNERS IN PARENTING: WE PRESENT SEMINARS ON GRIEF, ON POSITIVE DISCIPLINE, ON SELF ESTEEM, THESE KINDS IF ISSUES. WE INVITE LOCAL PROFESSIONALS TO COME IN AND ADDRESS OUR PARENT GROUPS.))
SUPER=01-Jason Perdue/Partners In Parenting;
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=parent groups
(----------------)
VO-NAT


This is the second year Roanoke County parents have staged this type of event.
(----------------)



Miller


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=jmo
TAPE# 96-29
GRAPHIC=Miller, Jim


Republican senate hopeful Jim Miller says he doesn't think Virginians can be bought.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=90-Political Ad; Hold up :09


That's in response to John Warner's recent television ads.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 17:59:56 SAT AIRCHECK
IN Q=Committed to restoring

((POLITICAL AD: COMMITTED TO RESTORING COMMON SENSE, CONSERVATIVE VALUES -- SENATOR JOHN WARNER.
JIM MILLER/R- U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE: WELL YOU KNOW INCUMBENTS HAVE THIS LOCK HOLD ON ALL THE MONEY. HE'S GOT DEEP POCKETS OF HIS OWN SO HE'LL PUT UP ON T-V WHATEVER HE WANTS. HE NEEDS A LOT BECAUSE HE HAS SO MUCH TO OVERCOME.))
SUPER=@Miller; :07
RUNS=:17
OUT Q=much to overcome
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Warner is seeking a fourth term in office.
Miller says he feels sure he or Warner could defeat Mark Warner.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 14:33:29
IN Q=Do you want

((MILLER: DO YOU WANT JOHN WARNER WHO HAS BEEN THERE THREE TERMS AND SO INEFFECTIVE IS SO MANY WAYS, NOT LOYAL TO THE PARTY, DOESN'T GIVE A DARN ABOUT MOST REPUBLICANS, OR JIM MILLER A CONSISTENT CONSERVATIVE UP THERE. ))
RUNS=:13
OUT Q=conservative up there.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


Miller says he'll hit the airwaves late in the campaign.
The G-O-P primary is June 11th.
(----------------)



Coast-Guard


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=rjo
TAPE#96-27
GRAPHIC=None


There was recogniton last week for those who distinguished themselves by serving their country.
The occasion was the opening of a new exhibit at the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington.
(----------------)
VO-NAT
SUPER=03-Lexington/Monday;


The ribbon cutting ceremony was in honor of those who served in the Coast Guard during World War Two.
The display features dozens of items of memorabilia-- from military medals to spoils taken from enemy soldiers.
A few of those who served during that time were on hand to share their experiences.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT 01:16:49
IN Q=As the Coast Guard

((ROBERT SAMS/COAST GUARD VETERAN: AS THE COAST GUARD NOW, NAVY, MARINES, AIR CORP-- AIR FORCE. IT WAS JOINT OPERATION. AND WE SAVED DEMOCRACY FOR THE WORLD.))
SUPER=01-Robert Sams/Coast Guard Veteran;
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=democracy for the world.
(----------------)
VO-NAT


The exhibit is on display seven days a week on the post of the Virginia Military Institute.
(----------------)
Tease#2

SOFT MUSIC UNDER
ANCHOR=Ron
SS=none


Coming up,
Kimberly will tell us about today's mini heat wave--
(----------------)
VO-NAT


And,
It's not halloween or the circus, but clown regalia is definitely the uniform of choice for the Clown-corp.
Stay tuned.
(----------------)

MUSIC UP FULL
COMM#2


WKID


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=six
WRITER=JoeD
TAPE# 96-28
GRAPHIC=None


You won't find W-K-I-D on your local cable system.
But when something interesting happens at Mount Pleasant Elementary School, that's exactly where the students and teachers tune in for their latest news.
Tonight, Joe Dashiell checks out their channel.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=They don't have the audience

(( ))
SUPER=03-Roanoke Co.; :00
SUPER=01-Matthew Smith/Mount Pleasant Fifth Grader; :28
SUPER=01-Rehanon Wood/Mount Pleasant Fifth Grader; :45
SUPER=01-Kirsten Carrell/Mount Pleasant Fifth Grader; :52 QUICK
SUPER=01-Julie Thomas/Teacher; 1:00
SUPER=@Joe2; 1:14
RUNS=1:17
OUT Q=JD News 7


((They don't have the audience or the equipment of a commercial television station.
But what the students of Mount Pleasant Elementary School may lack in technical expertise they make up in enthusiasm.
SOT NAT SOUND OF GROUP ANNOUNCING WKID
IN Q=THIS IS

(( ))
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=WKID.


With the help of teachers and volunteers... MORE NAT SOUND 15:18:26
SOT
IN Q=I want a close-up of that slate

(( ))
RUNS=:00
OUT Q=can you give it to me.


Forty two fifth graders operate the cameras, conduct the interviews, prepare the graphics, and deliver the news they've gathered in the halls of their school.
SOT 15:30:07
IN Q=We asked people

((MATTHEW SMITH/STUDENT: WE ASKED PEOPLE ABOUT WHAT THEY DID IN THE BLIZZARD OF '96 IF THEY WENT AND PLAYED AND EVERYTHING, SO WE GO AROUND AND COVER EVENTS THAT ARE AROUND THE SCHOOL.))
RUNS=:
OUT Q=around the school.


That's not say it's always been easy. At the start of the school year,
there was a lot to learn. (/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=It was really tough

((REHANNON WOOD: IT WAS REALLY TOUGH, LIKE DON'T DO THIS. DO THIS. DON'T DO THIS. BUT YOU'RE PRETTY COMFORTABLE WITH IT NOW? UH HUH!)) ((KIRSTEN CARRELL: WE'VE GOTTEN PRETTY GOOD AFTER A LOT OF PRACTICE.))
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=after a lot of practice.


Teachers say the practice HAS paid off. The program is a hit.
And while WKID may never appear in the Nielsen ratings, there is no question about who is number one at Mount Pleasant. NAT SOUND OF THIS IS WKID.
Joe Dashiell News 7))

Sports Tease


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#tease
GRAPHIC=NONE


And coming up, The Avalanche wrapped up a three game series with the Bulls this afternoon Trenton State wins the Division three softball championship.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#


And Michael Waltrip gets the Woods Brothers of Stuart Virginia back in Victory Lane at Charlotte.
(-------------)


S-Select


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#R-32
GRAPHIC=Charlotte Logo


The Woods Brothers of Stuart Virginia made it back to victory lane at Charlotte last night.
Michael Waltrip, who finished fifth in the Winston Open, won the Winston Select after starting in the back of the field.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Charlotte, NC/TNN SPORTS; :


The first 30 laps segment was run without a caution Bobby Labonte passes Ward Burton for second place with 2 laps to go in the race. Burton finished third.
Dale Jarrett pulled away from the field and he would take the Checkered flag winning the first segment.
The field was inverted for the start of the second segment.
Ward burton got lose in turn four and hit the wall on lap 38 ending his run at the big money.
That opened the door for Dale Earnhardt and he would take the checkered flag winning the segment.
The final 10 lap shoot out was clean except when Earnhardt and Terry Labonte touched allowing Michael Waltrip to get by. Waltrip would hold off the field winning the Winston Select the first driver to do so after advancing from the Winston Open.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=First audio

((EDDIE WOOD/CO CREW CHIEF: )) ((MICHAEL WALTRIP/WINSTON SELECT WINNER: ))
SUPER=01-Eddie Wood/Co Crew Chief; :03
SUPER=01-Michael Waltrip/Winston Select Winner; :13
RUNS=:24
OUT Q=......to say."
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Roy
SS=Hold Logo


Rusty Wallace was second Earnyardt third Mark Martin fourth and Terry Labonte fifth.
(-------------)



S-Indy


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=Indy Logo


Danny Ongais, who retired from Indy racing in 1986, will race in the 1996 Indy 500.
Ongais will drive the car designed for the late Scott Brayton, who was killed in a crash during practice for the race.
Brayton qualified for the pole but it's uncertain if Ongais will start the race from that position.
(-------------)


S-Avalanche


ANCHOR=roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=twe
TAPE#-CL-96
GRAPHIC=Avalanche


The Salem Avalanche broke out the brooms today, completing a 3 game sweep of 1st place Durham with a 5 to 3 win at Memorial Stadium.
(----------------)
VO-NAT #eng
SUPER=03-Salem/Avalanche vs. Bulls;


It was a hot and humid day at the yard--perfect weather for a 5 dollar haircut to benefit the Leukemia Society.
Salem caught fire in the 4th inning. Mike Higgins rips a 2-out double into the gap, scoring Chad Gambill and Pookie Jones to make it 2-nothing Salem.
The Bulls charged back in the 5th. Anton French bounces this pitch to the
right side of the infield, allowing SUPER=34-Salem/==5/Durham/==3;

Danny McGee to score--2-1 Salem. The Avalanche goes on to win it 5 to 3.
(-------------)


S-Carlson


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#S5-24
GRAPHIC=Softball Logo


Last year when Trenton State came to Salem to compete in the Division Three Softball tournament Michelle Carlson was a hard hitting third baseman.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Salem; :


Carlson is back this season but she's wearing a different uniform.
Instead of playing, Carlson is in her first season as an assistant coach for the Lions.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="you can teach

((MICHELLE CARLSON/LIONS ASSISTANT COACH: ))
SUPER=01-Michelle Carlson/Lions Assistant Coach; :
RUNS=:15
OUT Q=.....tough part."
(----------------)
VO-NAT (CONT)
SUPER=03-Salem/1995; :


Carlson ended her career as a player with a 569 batting average and she set a division three record with 18 home runs in a season.
And she regained the love of the game playing in the summer leagues around New Jersey.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q="I really
RUNS=:12
OUT Q=.....of fun here."
(-------------)



S-Softball


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#S6-5
GRAPHIC=NONE
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Salem/Lions vs Panthers; :


Trenton State had plenty of fun in Salem this weekend.
The Lions scored three runs in the third and 2 in the fourth to beat the defending champion Chapman Panthers 7 to 2.
The game was a rematch of last years championship game in which Chapman won 4 to 2.
(-------------)
ANCHOR=Roy
SS=Hold Logo


Trenton State becomes the only team in division three history to win six softball championships.

S-Braves


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#S6-6
GRAPHIC=MLB Logo


Fred McGriff went 4 for 4 including his 300-th homer to lead the Atlanta Braves to a 9 to 5 win over Cincinnati.
(----------------)
VO-NAT ENG#
SUPER=03-Atlanta, GA/WTBS; :


The Braves got on the board in the bottom of the first Marquis Grissom sending this pitch over the left field wall for a solo homer and a 1 to nothing lead.
Atlanta's Chipper Jones hits a shot to the wall in left centerfield Mark Lemke rounds the bases to score and the Braves padded their lead.
Cincinnati's Eric Davis gets the Reds offense going he belts this solo homer to deep centerfield cutting into the Brave lead.
But McGriff hits the homer to SUPER=35-Atlanta/==9/Cincinnati/==5; become

the 71-st major league player to reach the 300 mark as Atlanta beats cincinnati 9 to 5.
(-------------)


S-Scores


ANCHOR=Roy
NEWSCAST=6pm
WRITER=Roy
TAPE#NONE
GRAPHIC=Sports Logo


The Bulls and Magic opened the Eastern Conference finals this afternoon for that and all of today's pro scores lets check the boards.
(/////SOT/////)

CHRYON MOTION
IN Q=FIRST SCORE
RUNS=:40
OUT Q=.......DETROIT."
(-------------)


Clown-Corp


ANCHOR=Ron
NEWSCAST=Six
WRITER=Dal
TAPE# 96-47
GRAPHIC=None


These children are doing more that just clowning around.
It takes a lot of work to be in the Red Cross Clown Corp.
Denise Allen Introduces us to a couple of clowns.
(/////SOT/////)
SOT
IN Q=I can Juggle
SUPER=01-Justin Harris/Red Cross Clown Corps; :04 quick!
SUPER=03-Roanoke; :11
SUPER=01-Thomas Stokes/Clown Corps Coordinator; :20
SUPER=01-Kenny Landgraf/Red Cross Clown Corps; :31
SUPER=@Denise2; 1:08
RUNS=1:23
OUT Q=Denise Allen News 7

((((JUSTIN HARRIS/RED CROSS CLOWN CORPS: I CAN JUGGLE. MY NAME IS BUTTONS. I HAVE A LOT OF BUTTONS. ALL THE KIDS LIKE ME AND STUFF.))
Buttons or Justin as he's known at home is part of the Red Cross Clown Corps.
He and about 60 other children give smiles away to everyone they meet.
They're booked through July and they do their schtick anywhere a laugh is needed. ((THOMAS STOKES/CLOWN CORPS COORDINATOR: THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENTERTAIN AT HUNTING HILL COUNTRY CLUB AND THEN ENTERTAIN AT LOW INCOME HOUSING OR THE BATTER WOMEN'S SHELTER TO TALK AS WELL. SO MY KIDS ARE LEARNING ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE.)) ((KENNY LANDGRAF/RED CROSS CLOWN CORPS: I JUST WANTED TO HELP OUT PEOPLE THAT WERE LONELY, LIKE GOING TO HOSPITALS AND CHEERING KIDS UP, THAT WERE IN THERE.)) ((WHO WANTS TO TRY TO BE THE CHARACTER WITH ALL THE DISEASES.))
But there's more to the corp than a costume.
These children meet monthly, learning rescue techniques.
It also takes practice to perfect a skit or a magic trick.
Many of the clowns juggle and make animals out of balloons.
But all tricks aside, these children say at times they've been shocked by what they've seen. ((I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THERE WERE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT DIDN'T HAVE HOMES, WERE BATTERED AND SICK. IT SURPRISED ME A LOT.))
Coordinator Thomas Stokes says his children are young people who make a positive difference in the community.
Buttons says everyone should try making life happier for someone else by sharing a smile.
And a little clown make up doesn't hurt either. Denise Allen News 7.))
by SS