Last week, I brought my 7th and 8th grade students to the Riverview Psychiatric Hospital in Augusta.  We did a special service through the chaplain's office, as we do every October.  Our good friend Chaplain James Weathersbee hosted the event, and there were perhaps 20  to 25 people present.  It is a unique opportunity for 12, 13 and 14 year olds to visit such a facility, and the trip always leaves an impression and better understanding of mental illnesses on many of the students.

The show went well, better than our first show of the year.  We added two new routines to fill the program out more.   Erik and Amanda were hysterical in 'The Missionaries" skit, and Stephanie and Katy did an excellent job in "Mechanical Friend".   The quality of the juggling has improved dramatically for all the kids too.  Since Tyler was absent, we had to make a few substitutions.  Anna was perfect filling in with the linking rings illusion, as was Sam as he filled in with the rabbit production.

After the show, we visited the patients and staff and shared some refreshments.  One staff person in particular told me how inspiring the program was.  James, his ever joyful self, had good things to say to everyone,  and we all headed to McDonald's for lunch.