The "Putting Air In The Art Of Balloons" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just turned the page in my LNP Sunday News when I saw a photograph of this woman trying to shape what looked like a six foot long balloon.  Well, that's exactly what it was!  It had to be close to 6 inches in diameter!  Headline across the top of the half-page article read..."Akron Woman becomes certified balloon artist in 1998!" I never knew you could become certified as a balloon artist!  Did you?  The large photograph of the woman holding the large balloon was on the page that features events, stories and happenings from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  The woman's name was Donna Smith who lived in nearby Akron, PA.  She received her very unusual certification in balloon artistry in the mid-1990s, according to the article.  Never saw an exact date, but then...does it matter?  Therefore...Donna is a Certified Balloon Artist.  She had been working for Balloon Central since 1995 after a few years working for The Mennonite Center Committee and as a local newspaper correspondent.   But, in balloon art she had found her niche.  She made giant balloon seahorses for the Ephrata High School prom 's "Under The Sea" theme, and decorated rooms from tiny fire halls to Lancaster County's Willow Valley Retirement Community's massive Palm Court.  She is proud of her CBA, Certified Balloon Artist, which was available to members of the Qualatex Balloon Network trade organization who paid $200 plus materials to take a course a pass written and practical exams.  Donna is one of just 15 CBAs in the state of Pennsylvania.  I am amazed at times watching how someone can take one of those long, skinny balloons and shape them into something that actually looks like something when they are finished.  And...not popping them in the process!  I'm sure she must be busy with all the events that take place in Lancaster city and county as well as all the surrounding communities such as birthday, weddings, graduations, etc.  I'm assuming that she uses some type of air compressor to fill the balloons with air.  If not, she must have one fantastic set of lungs!  I'm sorry I couldn't locate a phone number or an address for Donna, or I would have posted it so you could call her if you might need her to help you with a party or event.  Perhaps if she sees the story you are now reading, she could leave her phone number which I can then post in this story.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy,