Judith - "Reddy" -Conner wins Universal Clown of the Year Award Judy Conner of Delphi shows off a portrait of her "Reddy the Clown" presented to her along with "Clown of the Year for 2008" award and plaque. She also won third place in the makeup competition at the convention. Conner has been clowning around for 20 years as a member of Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministries. Photo provided

When Delphi resident and long-time clown Judy Conner of Delphi attended the annual Smiles Unlimited Clowning Convention in Indianapolis recently, she thought she was there to receive a life-time achievement award. She also thought her husband Bob attended with her to receive the award. However, there was a surprise in store for her.

Known as name "Reddy" for 20 years, Conner was named the Universal Clown of the Year for 2008.

"My insides were shaking," Conner said. "You never think it's going to be you. Then you start to cry. After that, it was just excitement, excitement, excitement!"

The award is given each year by Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministries that supports 17 chapters located in Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. Conner was nominated by her chapter of Smiles the "Laffy-ette" Chapter.

Several members of the Laffy-ette chapter, as well as many community members, wrote recommendation letters for Conner. Letters were also submitted from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis where Conner clowns in the adolescent psychiatric ward and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette. The nominee clown was required to submit two photographs of herself in costume and makeup.

Conner's volunteer clowning activities include working in nursing homes, hospitals and participating in walks for many causes and schools. She also visits a maximum security women's prison in Indianapolis. Smiles began a chapter inside the prison. Reddy enjoys performing balloon art, painting faces and just walking around greeting people and entertaining them with stickers and gags.

Conner said she always wanted to be a clown. She heard about Smiles in 1998 when she was a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center in Delphi. She discovered activities director Diane Hinkle was a clown. Conner began to attend clown classes in Cass County.

Conner credits the founder of Smiles Don "Ski" Berkoski and husband Bob for supporting her.

"I would not be here without him (Berkoski)," she said. "And my husband Bob is the wind beneath my wings."

Conner said she continues to volunteer her time because not only is it enjoyable, but it helps other people see a brighter side to their situations.

"When you make others happy you make yourself happy," she said.

Conner related one story of a hospital visit when she was stopped in the hallway by a woman's daughter who told her that her mother had been having a bad day. She said since Reddy visited the woman was smiling and laughing.

"The Good Lord must have sent you tonight," the daughter said.

A badge Reddy wears on her clown costumes sums up her dedication to her calling, but also pokes a little fun. It reads, "Always Reddy, but not always on time."

Smiles Unlimited

Smiles Unlimited Clown Ministries was established in 1981 by Don "Ski" Berkoski who, as a clown, volunteered at a prison. He decided he wanted to train others to do similar things so he started his first class in 1986. Berkoski passed away in 2001 but his family continues to grow the ministry.