Twenty-two years ago, Janet had a decision to make. After spending a year being a caregiver for her husband, he passed away at a young age. She knew she didn’t want to go back to work and decided to follow her daughter’s advice and do something she’s always wanted to do. She did just that and became a clown.
After completing an online course through Ringling Brothers, her clown-persona, Dusty RAGZ was born. She wore an old lady apron and leaned into a grandma-theme to stay friendly because many children (and even some adults) are scared of clowns. She had music and other traditional clown accessories; but her signature talent was making balloon animals. She created her own schedule where Dusty RAGZ brought her fun and quirky personality to birthday parties and events. Now, as a resident of Country Meadows of West Shore, Janet focuses on using her balloon animal talents to bring joy to her neighbors, fellow residents and visitors.
“When I am feeling lonely or blue – which I try not to do – I go to another building and I make residents balloons,” explained Janet. “One particular lady in our Connections Memory Support Services Neighborhood always requests that I make her a dog. She tells me the colors of her dog and I try to match it. She always loves the dog!”
“Then, just the other day, I was at a doctor’s appointment and there was a little boy in the waiting room – so I made him a balloon animal,” added Janet. “He was just tickled!”
While her favorite balloon animals to make are penguins and monkeys, she does take requests and is up for learning new animals. Sometimes she also just notices things or learns something about a resident and makes a surprise.
For example, she made a cross for one of her neighbors. Her husband is living in a different building receiving a higher level of care. When Janet met the neighbor’s husband, she learned that he was a minister and was wearing a cross necklace. Later that day, Janet dropped off a balloon cross to the neighbor. At that time, she learned that the husband’s health was not doing well.
“That meant the world to her today,” smiled Janet. “What could be more beautiful!”
In addition to her balloon art, Janet is on her way to becoming a published children’s book author with “Oh, The Things You Would See If You Were a Little Frog Like Me!” This story of Kip the frog will take young readers on a journey to see things in a different way.
“I love it when children have curiosity,” said Janet. “I think that is the most important thing for children – be curious, get out there!”
Janet is a proud grandma and great-grandma, and her grandchildren are at the age where she wants them to see things in a different way. The frog is the first animal to take readers on an adventure in her children’s book series. Stay tuned for the next book in her series where we will meet a bird who will take us on new adventures!
Creative expressions of kindness and community have always been important to Janet. Which is why she also pours her time and talents into a resident newsletter she titles “Janet’s Jabbers.” In her monthly issues, she interviews neighbors, profiles co-workers and includes knock-knock jokes and cartoons. She also shares information about upcoming events or highlights recent happenings or holiday celebrations in Independent Living.
“I started the newsletter at the previous retirement community I lived and brought it to Country Meadows,” explained Janet. “It’s nice to know the people you live with and who work here. There is always somebody to talk to!”
To learn more about Country Meadows and meet future neighbors like Janet, speak with an advisor and schedule a personalized visit. Who knows, you may be featured in Janet’s Jabbers some day!