Richard "Design-O” Smith: Jeanne assisted my Clown Alley #232 in getting started and was responsible for introducing our alley to COAI. She was an advocate and spoke on behalf of our alley to the NECC Board. Despite the fact Alley #232 was a young alley, Jeanne was instrumental in influencing the Board to award us the privilege of hosting a Regional Convention. Jeanne’s volunteer efforts include her clown appearances at local hospitals, convalescent homes and soup kitchens. She has also participated as a clown at Fire Department fund raisers and Burger King Charity fund raisers, as well as the "Blessing of the Clowns.”
J.T. "Bubba” Sikes: I don’t think I have met anyone with more passion for clowning. She has been a member of COAI from day one and is known for her passion as e-group monitor, ensuring quality information is being communicated in the internet group. Jeanne has been instrumental in promoting the Charlie Award and National Clown Week over email. I can not imagine a COAI Convention without seeing Jeanne busy helping greet people or serving as a competition judge. She truly has the heart of a clown who loves clowning and shares whenever she can.
Frank "Kelly the Clown” Kelly: Jeanne is good in everything she does. When asked to do something she is right there ready to go. She did such a wonderful job helping me with International Clown Week.Dot "Smiley” Petty: I met Jeanne through Alley 107. Through Jeanne’s help and encouragement I evolved into the clown I am today. She guided me and give me direction in the things I wanted to do and what kind of clown I wanted to become. When I was too shy to compete she encouraged me to do the best I could and have fun. Clowning from the heart is the only way that Jeanne knows how to clown. Pat "Bashful” Roeser: I love the way she gives a daily: "if you put away this much $” countdown to convention. Also, I like the disclaimer that she is not a part of the host alley. As COAI Director of Conventions, I feel indebted to Jeanne for letting the e-Alley know all the upcoming information about the conventions.
Cherie & Dave "Tumbles & Bobbles” Sinsilly: It is thanks to judges like Jeanne that my husband and I are able to take our clowning to the next level, performing full time with the circus! We also know that Jeanne is very giving of her time and energy and many charitable organizations have benefited from her expertise.
Bob "Bunky” Gretton: "Freckles” is dedicated to the art of clowning. She gives her heart and soul to clowning and to COAI. Jeanne is a wonderful spokesperson for Clowns of America, International. She is always taking that next step to grow as a clown, trying new things, and giving it her all. When you look up the word "clown” in Wikipedia, it states that clowns are comical performers, stereotypically characterized by their appearance: colored wigs, stylistic make-up, outlandish costumes, unusually large footwear, etc., who entertain spectators by acting in a hilarious fashion. Peter Berger writes that "it seems plausible that folly and fools, like religion and magic, meet some deeply rooted needs in human society.” There should be a picture of Jeanne "Freckle” Woska as the Wikipedia role model. She is a clown’s clown.
Pat "PitterPat” Newton: Long before I met Jeanne, I knew of her. Even as a convention attendee she stood out. Yes, she is a great competitor and yes her make-up and costuming is superb as reflected in her history of successful competition gigs, but for her passion is for the art of clowning. Her presence is one that doesn’t overpower a room, perhaps, but you knew she’s there and that her heart belongs to her passion.
Cathy "Cath-e-oh” Hardebeck: Even though she competes, she is willing to help her fellow competitors improve their look. For example, this year I wanted to improve my tramp costume that I wore during the convention. She worked with me, making suggestions. Jeanne went a step further by painting my costume for me. She is a very loving and social person.
Judith "JuJuBee” Johnson: If I must sum up the phrase "Ask not what COAI has done for you but, what have you done for COAI,” one of the persons who comes to mind is Jeanne "Freckles” Woska. Not just on a professional level, but on a personal level Jeanne has been one of the greatest sources for knowledge and encouragement to continue with the art of clowning and the rewards of carrying on a long line of truly gift entertainers in COAI including past, present and future.
Barbara "Sweet Thank” Cox: At the Richmond COAI convention a necklace made out of balloons she was wearing was admired by one of the Richmond clowns. She took it off and gave it to him. He wears it to every job and alley meeting that he attends. I have also seen her stop and have a prayer with a fellow clown who was facing rough times. To me this is the Heart of a True Clown.
Congratulations Jeanne.
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Few members of COAI do not recognize the name or the image of Jeanne "Freckles” Woska so it was no surprise to see her amongst the list of Clown of the Year nominees. Jeanne has been not only a member of COAI but a "doer” for COAI. From promoting the organization and its activities on the Web site, she is a mainstay at the conventions as a competitor, a supporter and a mentor.Believing in education and believing in being involved, Jeanne has demonstrated strengths and qualities that encompass the honor of being selected as the Clowns of America, International Clown of The Year for 2010.