Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

Description

Send in the Clowns
As the CEO of a Rhode Island YMCA, he deals in the reality of budgets and program, but on stage he’s “The Sleepster” and it’s your imagination that becomes his reality.
Harold Hemberger, aka The Sleepster, has performed his mind magic for thousands across the country, from Rhode Island to California and fourteen other states.
Now he will put a local audience onstage at the Wood River Health Services spring gala fundraiser, a comedy night called “Laughter Really is the Best Medicine.”
The event, scheduled for April 30 at the Westerly Armory, will also feature a Pasta Challenge pitting six of Westerly’s best restaurants in a competition to be judged by a celebrity panel.
Harold has studied with some of the great stage hypnotists of our time, including Jerry Valley and Geoffrey Ronning, and the late Ormond McGill, author of the Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnosis. He is a certified hypnotist and is an active member of the National Guild of Hypnotist.
Harold's interest in hypnosis began at the age of six when his first grade teacher stated that he must have been in a trance when she explained how to do math. His interest remained dormant for forty years until he witnessed a stage show at a local fair. The performer on stage produced a trance in the show's volunteers and suggested they act like first graders. Although he still can't perform the math calculations he embarked on a five year study with America's top performers to produce hypnotic entertainment.
Harold's performances are rated family appropriate. His clients can be assured that the show theme and content will provide top notch entertainment, and not embarrass their guests. Whether you choose to join Harold on stage and experience a hypnotic trance or watch the magic from the audience, it will be a night to remember.
“Laughter Really is the Best Medicine”is designed to raise spirits as well as funds for Wood River Health Services, Southern Rhode Island’s Community Health Center, to pro­vide healthcare to the increasing numbers of uninsured and underinsured in South County and southeastern Connecticut. Needing healthcare without the resources to get it is not a laughing matter.
Last year, proceeds from the event were used to purchase a “barrier-free” exam table for the center, which allows those with mobility problems to be positioned for exams and treatment safely and comfortably.
Anyone wishing to take part in this event or to be a part of the planning team should call David Henley, Development Coordinator, at (401) 387-9628.
Wood River HealthServices is the Community Health Center for southwestern Rhode Island, providing medical and dental care and social services, including referrals, nutrition counseling, WIC program and a food pantry, to over 10,000 area residents.
The center also provides a nationally recognized chronic disease management program, as well as lab testing in cooperation with Westerly Hospital, including blood work, x-ray and mammography, and behavioral and mental health counseling.
Sliding scale payments are available to those who qualify.
Wood River Health Services is located at 823 Main St., Hope Valley (on Route 3 south of the village, just off Route I-95 at Exit 2). For more information, call (401) 539-2461.

 Celebrity judges for pasta challenge announced
Westerly’s favorite chocolatier, Rudi Hauser, owner of Hauser Chocolates and President of the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce, will join television’s Cooking with Class gourmet chef Frank Terranova and Dean of Cuisine Linda Musch, Director of Culinary Arts at the Chariho Career and Technical Center, to comprise the team of judges for this year’s Pasta Challenge at Westerly Armory.
In a town known for its authentic Italian restaurants, six of the area’s best will face off to impress the celebrity panel of judges. One will emerge as Westerly’s Best.
The contest is part of the Wood River Health Services fundraiser, Laughter Really is the Best Medicine, which will also feature Master Hypnotist Harold “The Sleepster” Hemberger, music by DJ Tony Nardo, host of “That’s Amore” on radio station WBLQ 1230am, as well as a wine tasting and live and silent auction.
The event is scheduled for April 30 at the Armory, starting at 6:30 pm. Tickets cost $45 each and can be purchesd at Wood River Health Center or by calling (401)387-9628. Tables of eight are available and cost $350.