GJE meets on the briny sea

Less than two years ago in Coconut Grove, Florida, a juggler gave a lecture / demonstration at the local library , hoping to find others who shared his enthusiasm. It turned out that more than half of the 15 people who showed up already juggled. The next step was a decision to meet one night a week, and Peacock Park became the site of Thursday gatherings of 8-10 jugglers.

Before long, the park director offered the group the air-conditioned, high­ceilinged recreation center. This encouraged longer and more active gatherings, and the future of the group seemed assured.

A few jugglers were already IJA members, and suggested affiliation with that body. The name, "Grove Juggling Exchange," was chosen and Dave Dodd, the library demonstrator, was elected "self­appointed president for life." .

Dodd headed a delegation attending the IJA Purchase convention in 1983 that returned infused with energy. New members were sought via radio announcements and newspaper listings. Membership swelled from 20 to 50 within a few months. A newsletter was started, workshops and casual competitions were introduced at meetings and field trips were set up to see acts passing through.

Some members participated as a group in local parades, focusing on demonstration and teaching. One event netted $100, and through other donations Dodd was sent to the IJA Las Vegas convention as the Grove ambassador, charged to gather in­formation and literature for those back home.

During the last half of 1984 the GJE grew more with the help of a cover story in the Miami Herald and a televised news report that aired nationally on CNN.

The Exchange also hosted an unusual church service entitled "The Blessing of the Performers" at which the story "The Juggler of Notre Dame" was read and clowns presented an interpretation of the Lord's Prayer. About 25 jugglers, mimes, magicians and clowns silently performed their respective arts at the altar to conclude the service.

Late last year, monthly juggling pot-luck suppers were initiated by Tricia Allen of Rocky Mountain Juggling Supplies. These parties cemented the social side of GJE's collective activities. January's party was aboard a 60-foot yacht that cruised the coast for a few hours. Amazingly enough, only one bean bag was lost overboard!

The club marched as the Juggling Marching Militia in the Mango Strut Parade, a lighthearted Coconut Grove tradition. Parade viewers were treated to grenade juggling, knife juggling and the terrifying manipulation of an MX missile club, globe and rubber chicken. Nose glasses were worn to conceal true identities.