Clowns on Rounds: Combining Humor and Pet Therapy in a Hospital Setting – Speaker: Nina Caires, DVM (aka Dr. Skittles.) April is National Humor Month, and Dr. Skittles (also known as Dr. Nina Caires, veterinarian) and her dog Lucky will show us how humor and specifically clowning around (seriously!) can be used to alleviate the constant awareness of illness and disease. As professional entertainers, they arrive at the hospital with props, giveaways and jokes to provide welcome relief from the anxiety that surrounds patients, parents and caregivers. Learn about how Clowns on Rounds got started, its mission, and how sponsorship and support are provided. The other aspect Dr. Skittles brings with her is pet therapy, which requires special certification, and peculiarities of dog humor. All women are welcome to attend. Bring your questions and comments—maybe you, too, have a hidden clown inside!

The Evening Branch of the Women’s Alliance (EBWA) offers beverages and conversation at 5:45 pm followed by a catered vegetarian supper at 6:15pm, and the program at 7:45pm. To make a reservation for the supper, email Gabrielle Reals at ellegr3@gmail.com by Monday, April 23 or call her at 382-5685 no later than 8pm Tuesday, April 24. Gluten-free meals are available if requested with your reservation. You may also bring your own food, or come for the program only (in which case you should plan to arrive by 7:30pm.) Cost of the evening is $15 or $3 without the meal. (If you need to hire a babysitter, inform us when you make your reservation and the cost will be only $7.50.) Our meals are catered so please honor your reservation.

Looking Ahead: On May 24 Robin Schnell, long-time UUSS member and chair of the Social Justice Action Team, will present a program titled “Incarcerated in New York State.”