Ring of Honor
The Ring of Honor is a new type of recognition presented by Clowns of America International to members who have passed away but have made a significant difference within our organization. The Ring is a tribute to those who have stood out undeniably as a member, guided our organization to new standards by their leadership, or have brought about a profound distinction in the world of clowning and COAI.
For more information, contact:
Kesha Beckley
Apartado Postal 6051
Fredericksburg, VA 22403
571-982-0875
ladylolafp@yahoo.com
RING OF HONOR RECOGNITION
The Ring of Honor is a new recognition presented by Clowns of America International (COAI) to members who have passed away. The recipients must have made a significant difference within COAI. The Ring of Honor is not simply an extension of the “last walk-around;” it is a tribute to those who have stood out undeniably as a member, guided our organization to new standards by their leadership, or have brought about a profound distinction in the world of clowning and COAI. Simply put, the Ring of Honor is a small group of very special people whom we have been lucky enough to have had as members and leaders of COAI.
Any COAI member can recommend a nominee for consideration. COAI will consider nominations for the Ring of Honor at the spring board meeting. All nominations should be sent to the COAI membership director to be reviewed by committee. The committee will recommend up to three (3) inductees per year, who are then presented to the COAI Board for ratification.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Ring of Honor criteria is very simple: The nominee must have been a member in good standing of COAI before passing. The nominee must have stood out undeniably as a member, made a significant difference within our organization, lead COAI to new standards or brought about a profound distinction in the world of clowning and COAI.
NOMINATION PROCEDURE
Nominations must be in the hands of the Membership Director by February 1 to be considered at the spring board meeting. Nominations can be sent by mail or e-mail. Must include a picture(s) of nominee either in clown, out of makeup or both. All questions should be referred to the Director of Membership:
Kesha Beckley
Apartado Postal 6051
Fredericksburg, VA 22403
571-982-0875
ladylolafp@yahoo.com
Inductees to date:
- Dennis “Dusty/Hoho” Phelps, Inducted 2012.
- Pat ‘Pitter-Pat’ Newton, Inducted 2012.
- Hal ‘Shorty’ Horton, Inducted 2013.
- Raymond (Lou) ‘Lou-Bo’ Walston, Inducted 2014.
- Cal “Calico” Olsen, Inducted 2015.
- Hunter ‘Mr. Boots’ Stevenson, Inducted 2016.
- Bob ‘Rags’ Stanek, Inducted 2017.
- Frank ‘Kelly’ Kelly, Inducted 2017.
- Betty “Pee Wee” Cash, Inducted 2018.
- Steven “Peachey Keene” Long, Inducted 2018.
- Bill “Snappy” Hart, Inducted 2018.
- Walt “Wally” Lee, Inducted 2019.
- Barbara “Sweet Thang” Cox, Inducted 2019.
- Keith “Toby” Stokes, Inducted 2019.
- Jeanne “Freckles” Woska
- Glenn “Clyde d Scope” Kohlberger
- Dorothy “Smiley the Clown” Petty
- Regina “Girlfriend” Onley
- Judy “Dear Heart” Quest
Dennis Phelps
Dennis “Dusty/Ho-Ho” Phelps
Inducted April 28, 2012
It is COAI’s honor to introduce the very first inductee to the COAI Ring of Honor.
His name is Dennis (Ho-Ho/Dusty) Phelps; nominated by Bob (Bunky) Gretton. Dennis was one of the founding members of COAI. He held various positions on the COAI Board; executive vice-president, directorships and was the third president of our organization. He was recognized as a master balloon artist, stage performer and a fantastic teacher, always willing to share his talents with other clowns. Dennis was an excellent mentor in the clowning world, taking the time at conventions to give a helping hand to anyone in need. Dennis had enjoyed participating in the Milwaukee’s Great Circus Parade.
During those years, he became friends with TV and movie star, Ernest Borgnine who himself is a lifetime COAI member #14306. Before the parade, he would help Mr. Borgnine apply his clown makeup and get in character. Dennis was an outstanding leader; he faced the challenge of trying to make COAI stronger by getting it financially sound, a feat he accomplished very quickly and very well. He then found ways of getting the membership involved and fulfilling their needs, through the use of education. To that end, he was accredited with doubling the membership during his two years as president, which is unprecedented.
Dennis was a mentor to many clowns including the nominator (Bob Gretton) who added the following wonderful remembrance of Dennis:
“Dennis had two clown characters, Ho-Ho (Auguste) and Dusty (Hobo). In 1988, COAI held its annual convention in Denver, CO. Giving the convention a different twist, the makeup competition was held at a local mall. The judges were not clowns; they were civic leaders including the mayor of Denver and the field goal kicker from the Denver Broncos. The day before the competition, Dennis asked me if I was going to compete. I told him I had not brought my costume or makeup. Seeing we were the same size, Dennis confided that he had always wanted to see how it would be if he could do both of his characters in competition. He suggested I dress as Dusty and he as Ho-Ho. Dennis had a straw broom that he used as his hobo prop. He had cut the center out of the straw so the broom would stand up straight by itself. I walked out in front of the judges and the crowd sweeping the stage. At the last second, I let go of the broom and did a double take as I looked back and saw it standing straight up by itself. I turned to the judges and walked off the stage. After completion of the competition, they announced the winners. When it came to third place, they called my name! “Ho-Ho” did not place. I was awarded the trophy. I will always look at that trophy and think of the kindness of Dennis Phelps.”
All of us at COAI would like to thank Dennis for all that he did for COAI and the art of clowning throughout his life. To that end, we award the inaugural induction of the Clowns of America International Ring of Honor to Dennis (Dusty / Ho-Ho) Phelps.