About Barbara:

Chicago resident with a son, Filip. Attended Clown College at Purdue University Calumet. Member of Calumet Clowns for 19 years. Bookkeeper at Central States Marketing in East Chicago. Member of St. Francis de Sales in Chicago.

Accomplishments: Barbara Syler brings smiles to many as Barboo the Clown. She is well-known in Northwest Indiana and Chicago's Southeast Side as the white-faced clown with orange bib overalls and orange Nike gym shoes, size 15. Syler entertains by making balloon animals and pulling magic out of her pockets. "I got the craziest stuff in my pockets," she said. Syler participates in community events and parades, most recently in Highland, Schererville, Griffith, Whiting and Lansing. She supports Camp Quality in Frankfort, Ill., and will take part in a clown car wash Aug. 23 at Old Country Buffet in Highland to benefit the camp. Syler recently entertained at a back-to-school rally for children of prisoners and a benefit for St. James Church in Highland. She visits patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago and in the past was active in a humor group that visited St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Centers. "It's the best thing I've ever done," she said. "I don't know how I got along

without it."

What is most rewarding about volunteering? "I love to see people happy. I love kids, and this is my way to get a bit closer to them."

Personal heroes: "My parents, especially my dad. He was always behind me. When I took up something, he was so proud of me."

What I read: "I don't read so much. I do a lot of sewing and crafting, card making and I make a lot of my clown props and magic bags."

Advice: "Take one day at a time and enjoy the day."

How to get involved: For more information, visit calumetclowns.com or barbootheclown.com.

-SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com