CLOWNING AROUND Some circus fun brings smiles to residents

PHOTOS PROVIDED
Mike, a retired clown from Barnum & Bailey Circus, had a circus-themed birthday in March at Barberton Post Acute.

BARBERTON  “Happy” was happy.

And so were his friends and staff members at Barberton Post Acute Care last month.

Mike, a retired clown from Barnum & Bailey Circus, whose clown name was “Happy,” celebrated his birthday last month and staff members wanted to bring some of the circus to the party. The Akron man is well-known around the facility “for his infectious laugh, beaming smile and his love of bright colors,” said Ashley Nickol, activities director at Barberton Post Acute.

He said his favorite thing about being in a circus was getting out of the small clown car.

He met many people in the circus, some of which he still keeps in touch with, Nickol said. He also was a professional clown at many events, mostly children’s birthday parties and, on occasion, even a baby shower.

“He really enjoyed going to the Children’s Hospital and visiting the kids,” Nickol said. “He even got teary eyed when he talked about spreading the joy to little ones.”

Last month it was Mike’s turn to feel some of that joy himself that he has spread for years and Nickol said Flower from Flower Entertainment Inc. was “top-tier entertainment.” He was “engaging, personable and funny” with the residents and made Mike the center of attention while including residents during the magic show.

Some residents had their faces painted and Nickol and a couple staff members got in on the action and dressed as clowns. Balloon animals and sculptures were handed out. Mike had been asking for clowns so Nickol and her team were determined to organize a full-on spectacle and “to make the magic happen for him” at the Barberton facility.

“That’s what we do here,” Nickol said.