This Clown Is No Bozo

By day NRCS employee Ann Sanders is a serious, hardworking cartographic technician in the Virginia NRCS State Office.  Outside of the office she is ‘Tuttles the Clown' generating smiles and laughter at rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and community functions.  She works mostly with children and says she loves bringing a bit of joy into their lives.  She is actively involved with a number of charitable organizations including Rainy Day Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Sgt. Santa Inc., Virginia Living Museum, and the Virginia Home.  “It’s fun as well as challenging,” says Ann.  “If you can do something and make somebody smile or laugh and get them caught up in the magic of make believe, it is really satisfying.  What makes it so enchanting is the fact that it’s not me entertaining audiences, but rather my clown character ‘Tuttles.'

Recently, Ann was named the 2007 Clown of the Year by Clowns of America International (COAI), a 5,000-plus member international performing arts organization with members in 18 countries around the world. According to COAI President Paul Klienberger, “This is the most prestigious award granted by COAI.  It recognizes personal and professional excellence and achievement within the clown arts.”

Ann’s career with NRCS started almost ten years ago as a cartographic technician with the Virginia State University — Petersburg Water Quality Team.  In 1999, she joined a digitizing unit in the Virginia NRCS State office Soils Section.  Her work involves digitizing soil maps — one of the first steps in creating published soil surveys.  Ann enjoys the work noting that, “I am part of a team, but I work independently to help create a finished product that can help people make better land use decisions.”

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How did she get started in clowning?  “In 1968, I went to the circus and saw an advertisement in the program for the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College — that planted the seed.  However it wasn’t until years later when I saw an ad in a local newspaper for an Introduction to Clowning class at John Tyler Community College, that I actually got involved.  I took the class, joined a Richmond based clown alley (club), and my grease paint journey began.”

Ann is recognized as a clown arts instructor, performer, and author.  She has won many regional and international awards.  “You give of yourself when performing but you get so much more in return.  It is unbelievable the places you can go, the people you meet, and the things you can do.  It is truly an honor to be called a clown.”
Your contact is Pat Paul, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 804-287-1681.