Published: April 25, 2008 10:59 pm            

Geistown woman spreads ‘Sunshine’ to others

Gayle Lehman spreads sunshine wherever she goes.

The 64-year-old Geistown woman has been bringing smiles and laughs to people of all ages as “Sunshine,” the happy-go-lucky clown.

As a member of the Christian-based Classic Clowns, Lehman said she found her calling in life when she starting clowning.

“Giving joy to people is what it’s all about,” she said. “Laughter is the best medicine, and it just gives you a happy feeling inside.”

Lehman’s journey into the clown world began five years ago when she joined Classic Clowns, a local club that’s been around for 20 years and has about 40 members.

“At the time, I was working at Wal-Mart when two clowns came in and one was walking an invisible dog on a leash, and as a joke I bent down to pet it,” she said. “The one clown commented on how I’d be a good clown because I had the right attitude.”

A few years later, Lehman was at a craft show and struck up a conversation with a woman who turned out to be a clown. Again, Lehman was told she should consider getting into the business.

“That was the third person to tell me that,” she said.

“God may close a door but he always opens a window, so I decided maybe I should give this a try.”

Anyone who thinks you can become a clown with Classic Clowns just by snapping your fingers is laughably mistaken.

There is six-month training period in which the clown-to-be has to master the art of face painting, balloon-animal making and “walk arounds” – the clown’s repertoire of gags, props and jokes.

“You are asked why you want to be a clown, and then you are voted on,” Lehman said. “You can tell how comfortable someone is with this right from the start and who has the skills needed.”

Lehman said she got her name “Sunshine” following an activity with Sister Dorothy Kline, the troupe’s founder.

“She told me to close my eyes and think of a door and to picture myself going through that door,” she said. “I felt a peace and calm come over me and felt sun shining on me, and I have to say it really took me back.”

With that, “Sunshine” was born – and Lehman is proud to tell people that she is 5 years old when she is out clowning.

One of Lehman’s main clowning gigs is visiting with the residents of Arbutus Park Retirement Community in Richland Township. She goes every Wednesday and alternates between floors to ensure everyone gets a visit.

“Laughing and smiling is a part of having good health, and when I walk in there the residents all smile and I’ll sit and talk to them,” she said. “Nobody is grumpy when I’m there.”

As she makes her way from room to room, Lehman offers prayers and lots of jokes to the residents.

“I dearly love those people at Arbutus,” she said.

Prior to going into nursing homes or hospitals, clowns must complete a “Caring Clown” three-day course.

“You learn the do’s and don’ts and about respecting patients’ rights,” Lehman said.

She’s also been making trips to LaurelWood Convalescent Center with another clown. But in order for the center to become a permanent stop for Lehman, it must be approved by the club’s board.

“They are excited to see ‘Sunshine,’ and they know she’ll be back to visit,” Lehman said. “It gives the people something to talk about.”

Lehman also spends her time at events that involve children.

“I have such fun with the kids, and sometimes all it takes is a balloon animal to make them smile,” she said. “The kids will get so into what I’m doing, you can see it in their eyes.”

What makes Lehman continue clowning is simple: She says it’s what’s in her heart.

“Anyone can sit there and paint a face or make a balloon animal, but you need to feel it,” she said. “I really feel like I am giving something back to the community.”

As for Lehman’s family, they think it’s great and encourage her to continue doing what she loves.

“My husband, Paul, says I have the personality for it, and my son told me that I’ve been a clown all my life, so this is perfect,” she said.

Lehman said she’ll keep putting on her costumes and wigs and painting up her face as long as she is able.

“I’ll do this until I can’t move,” she said. “It’s a different type of life, but this is my purpose that God has given to me because there is enough pain in the world, and I’d like to think I help by adding some joy.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.