The Home for Humor & Laughter Professionals October 2016

Save the Date!

AATH Annual HumorConference & Humor Academy

April 27-30, 2017Orlando, Florida

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This complimentary Humor Connection newsletter is one of the many ways thatAATH fulfills our mission to study, practice and promote healthy humor. Youcan join our efforts by joining AATH at www.aath.org

Letter from the President

Your AATH Board of Directors was hard at work last month in Orlando for theannual Fall retreat. As part of our efforts to include members and betransparent in our work, we were pleased that Heidi Hanna, Cyn Keeler, JudithHenry and Wayne Fitzpatrick were able to join us for the weekend. Judith andWayne each wrote about their insights from being a part of planning and boarddevelopment process. I have included their observations in this newsletter. Wewere also pleased to welcome local members Pat Conklin, Bobbe Lyons andJudy Oliverio for an evening reception during the retreat.

Congratulations go out to Maia Aziz on her new job, although this isbittersweet news for AATH as Maia has had to resign from the position aspresident-elect on our board. She has promised to stay involved as timeallows. The nomination committee recommended that Nila Nielsen beappointed to take her place as president-elect and serve the remainder of herterm. We are delighted that Nila has the experience and enthusiasm to fill thisimportant position.

Do make your hotel reservations soon, especially if you are planning onmaking a vacation of your trip. Every year we hear from people who waitedand could not get into the room block. Use conference code AAT to get ourspecial rate of $119.00.

Scholarship applications are available now and due Nov. 15th. Do not missthis opportunity to take advantage of the generous sponsorships of our donors.

You can also apply to present a research poster at the conference by clickinghere.

It is such an honor to work with so many incredible AATH volunteers. Thanksto all of you who are making a difference in our world by following our missionto study, practice and promote healthy humor.

With humergy,Mary Kay MorrisonAATH President

Board Retreat

As part of our board efforts to be

Book Review

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Humor is SeriousBusiness by Judith Henry

As a guest, I wasn't sure what toexpect, when Mary Kay Morrisoninvited me to attend the Board ofDirector's Meeting and Retreatthis past Saturday at DisneySprings in Orlando FL. It's onething "meeting" everyone viaFace Book or Twitter or email, butface-to-face can be a differentstory.

What immediately captivated mewas how warm and genuineeveryone was. And over thecourse of that day and into theevening, I got to see them all inaction.

Make no mistake - this is aworking board, and for anyonewho has been part of amembership organization, youknow the word "working" is notalways a given. These people dotheir homework, and have a truegrasp of the issues - frommarketing to policy review tostrategic planning.

Combining a wide range ofpersonality traits, as we alldiscovered with the help ofCandace Fitzpatrick of CoreClarity Inc., the group is verycollaborative. Consensus-oriented and open to suggestions,they're passionate about makingthe organization useful andrelevant for all members.

Humor is serious business, and Ican't imagine a more skilled andcommitted body of individuals tohelp AATH reach its goals.

With that said, it takes a village tokeep any association strong andviable. We all bring special gifts tothe table. What's yours?

transparent and to invite memberinput, we invited several of ourFlorida members to participate in ourBoard Retreat in Orlando on theweekend of Sept. 23rd. They wereencouraged to share theirobservations. Wayne Fitzpatrickshares:

"I was invited to sit in with the AATHBoard of Directors during theirweekend planning sessions for theApril 27-30, 2017 AATH Orlandoconference. I am humbled to beamong some of the greatest peopleI've ever met. My vision and hope forwhat I wanted to commit my life to,being an entertainer focusing on thehealing power of humor, foundvalidation as I saw that being a partof this organization would drive andencourage me to the fulfillment of mygoals and dreams. I am lookingforward to growing with you. Thankyou for welcoming me."

Judith Henry's comments can befound in the sidebar.

Board goes to dinner

Jae Pierce-Baba, Nila Nielsen

Recharge: InvestmentStrategies for Your MostValuable Resource

by Heidi Hanna, PhD (Reviewed byDiane Roosth)

Author of Stressaholic and TheSHARP Solution, New York TimesBest Selling writer Heidi Hanna againpresents us an opportunity to learnabout self-care. She describes in herintroduction how "Symptoms ofimbalance are so typical these dayswe now consider them normal,brushing off another headache oranother restless night of sleep as justpart of life." She talks aboutredefining stress as being out of"rhythm" with ourselves. Her book isa recipe for food for recharging ourbatteries and taking "responsibility forthe energy we bring" into ourincreasingly technological world.

Dr. Hanna understands that "commonsense is not common practice." Sheunderstands from her own life therelationship between her hecticschedule and her emotions. Sheconnects the practices of mind andbody and spirit as important to createbalance.

Hanna identifies how "Sleepdeprivation is serious business andincredibly hazardous to your health."Our author describes "creating youroptimum performance pulse" through

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In addition to writing The DutifulDaughter's Guide to Caregiving, avery funny book about anot-so-funny subject, Judith offerstalks and workshops on caring foraging parents; dealing with griefand loss; the benefits ofexpressive writing; and how tocreate a legacy letter for familyand friends. She is also thecreator of a well-loved writer'sgroup for caregivers in the Tampaarea. She can be reached via herwebsite.

Deb Hart Named Chair ofAATH 2017 PresidentsTribute

Sporty King has invited Deb Hartto be the chair of ourorganization's 30-year celebrationat this year's conference with atribut to past presidents.

Karen Bayard, Melissa Mork

Nila Nielsen, Cynthia Keeler andMary Kay Morrison

Heidi Hanna, Sharon Fisher

Volunteer Spotlight

Linnea Heintz

"Nay" is an active part of our AATHmembership committee. If you forget

behaviors and daily habits ofunplugging ourselves fromtechnology and stress, plugging inwith positive thoughts and practicesincluding LAUGHTER, nourishing ourbodies and spirit with food andmental breaks, moving throughexercise and movement, resettingwith breathing and other mind bodyrelaxation techniques, and findingways to incorporate nature into ourlives more consistently. She talksabout "energy boosters" includingmindful movement, chocolate,gratitude journaling, acts of kindness,hugs, playing with kids, humor andlaughter. She encourages us to haverituals like meditation and deepbreathing "that require a bit moretime" "because they get deeper intothe brain and body to actually correctimbalances, repair damage, andrewire mental maps."

She emphasizes the importance of"being somewhere" and not beingdistracted by technology, multi-tasking or the next email or text. Sheencourages us to simplify, breathe,and avoid "second hand stress" fromothers. She encourages us to taketime for "personal recovery," includinga five minute break every hour,getting up to stretch or walk aroundfor a few minutes, deep breathingexercises. This is an easy fun andplayful serious read. Kudos to ourAATH 2015 conference speaker foranother great book!

Members who would like their bookto be considered for an upcomingHumor Connection book review,should contact info@aath.org. Pleaseuse Book Review Submission in thesubject line.

AATH Member News

Congratulations to Maia Aziz on hernew job as Administrative AssistantChief with Allied Health Service atThe Montreal Children's Hospital. Weare eager to hear about your newadventures.

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to pay your dues, you will probablyget a call and an email from thisvivacious and fun AATH member.Nay is a Level I Humor Academystudent and her wonderful spirit andenthusiasm are a huge benefit onour membership committee. ThanksNay for all you do for AATH!

Humor AcademyNews

Time to Open the "Not soScary" Door of H.A.

During October, we think of scarythings that tend to hold us back. Thefear of what's on the other side of thecreaking door, unfriendly faceshidden behind masks, or perhapssimply the unknown that lies ahead.

Well, fear not! There is one door youshould open this fall - the door of theHumor Academy!

There's nothing scary on the otherside - just the opportunity to learnand grow. Friendly faces ready togreet you with a smile and lookforward to your friendship. Theunknown is not something to fear -it's all about YOU. The HumorAcademy is designed to helpparticipants accomplish theirpersonal goals while gaining theknowledge, practice, and leadershipskills specific to humor.

In general, participants will:

develop a detailed knowledgeof therapeutic humor'sdefinition (as well asdefinitions for relatedterminology), models,benefits, and ethicalpractices. They will furthertheir own growth anddevelopment and learn howto improve their own humorpractice.

learn about humor therapy

Frank Chindamo was recentlyfeatured in the Los Angeles news inan article titled: Learn from the TopAuthority in "Advertainment"Professor Frank Chindamo.

"This is Judy Carter, a formerkeynoter for AATH. I want you toknow how important your newslettersare as your last one on NationalSuicide Prevention Month inspiredthis article I wrtoe for PsychologyToday. Please feel free to share withyour members - 12 Tips to RemedySeasonal Depression."

SEND YOUR MEMBER NEWS:info@aath.org

Conference News

Message from the Conference"Ear" - Sporty King

The Power, Purpose &"Puzzle" of Play!!

Life is about going from one puzzle toanother. You're either a small,medium or large piece of eachpuzzle. Right now you're in the AATHpuzzle. Next you may be in the meal,traffic or family puzzle.... yet, nomatter which puzzle you find yourselfin, and no matter what size youconsider yourself to be, without you

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applications in occupationallydiverse fields.belong to a study group withoccupationally diverseprofessionals who areinterested in supporting eachother and sharingexperiences as they improvetheir humor practice andwhere they will discusswide-ranging issues in thefield.learn about currenthumor/laughter research viasocial media, journals andthe AATH Humor Connection.review information about theemerging field of positivepsychology and brainresearch.have an advisor who willmentor and coach them intheir plan for humor practiceand skill development.be encouraged to becomemore involved in an AATHleadership role as theyprogress through the HumorAcademy.

Now is the time - Open the door tothe Humor Academy! You arewelcome here!

Contact Nila Nielsen at:ninielsen@me.com

Humor Academy CHPProgram ReceivesRecognition

AATH board member, Father PaulMoore has worked with the ArkansasBoard of Examiners in Counseling toinclude the AATH Humor Academy

that puzzle is called "incomplete!"See where this is going? You are animportant piece in every puzzle!

On Thursday-Sunday, April 27-30,2017 we'll be putting the pieces of theHumor puzzle together. We call themPower, Purpose and Play! Ourannual conference won't be completewithout you! Please come and expectto enjoy powerful keynote speeches,purposeful concurrent sessions, andplayful screams and shouts of loveand laughter in the rooms and hallsof the Holiday Inn Express DisneySprings Hotel.

Over the coming months "Co-Ear"Heidi Hanna and I will leak outinformation about who, what, where,why and how you can expect to be apart of our 30-Year Anniversarycelebration. Oh, didn't I mentionAATH will be the 'Big 3-Oh?' I'msecretly calling it our "Mirth-Aversary," and more important, I'mpublicly calling on you to get yourhotel and conference registration onand off of your 'To Do' list and meetus in Orlando.

There's also the opportunity to addand begin your trail toward earningyour Certified Humor Professional(CHP) designation through our 3-yearcollaborative study Humor Academyprogram. Check our website forscholarship options, CEU, CMEcredits, 'Early Mouse' registrationdiscounts and tee shirts... oh, can'tyou see where this is going? Thereare just so many pieces of thepuzzle, and each is as important asthe other. Now can you see whereyou should be going in April 2017?

You are an important piece of ourpuzzle!!! Come enjoy helping us put ittogether.

My Two Cents, from theCo-Ear Heidi Hanna

Last year while presenting for agroup of stellar entrepreneurs at MITin Boston, I tried out my play musclesin a new way with the help of a group

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CHP (Certified Humor Professional)program as an option forrecertification in the state ofArkansas. We are pleased that ourHumor Academy program has beenrecognized as meeting the ArkansasBoard of Examiners requirements. Ifyou are interested in providingcertification options for those in yourorganization, feel free to contactFather Paul. paul@clientfocused.orgCEU and CME as well as graduatecredit are optional for those attendingour AATH conference in OrlandoApril 27-30.

Certified Humor Professional(CHP) Recognition

Cheri CampbellInterpersonal & OrganizationalUses of Humor

Cheri Campell, PhD, is an instructorat Harper College in Palatine, ILwhere she has developed hersignature course: Humor inCommunication. It is the only courseof its kind, and she has nurtured itthrough accreditation at fouruniversities. The course, reflectingher lifelong (self-described)"obsession" with humor and writing,examines the effect of humor inspecific communication arenas:public speaking, interpersonal &organizational communication, andmass media. Within AATH, she hasserved on the Board of Directors, asconference co-chair, editor of theAATH.

Roberta GoldHumor in and With Leadership

called Play With a Purpose. Althoughmy "just for fun" strength andendurance have atrophied over thepast few years of busyness, knowingthe caliber of crew this particulargroup brings in each year to run thisevent I couldn't miss the opportunity.Well, actually, if I'm being honest Itried to sit on the sidelines and watchbut the facilitators wouldn't have itand I'm glad they didn't let me missanother opportunity to enjoy thepower of playful interactions with myfriends and colleagues. Infused witha dash of silliness, the Play With aPurpose group delivered a highlyinteractive, competitive and techsavvy experience that not only got usall into our right minds, but it kept usmoving and physically active,engaged us in our surroundings, andhelped us to truly appreciate theunique gifts and talents each personon our team contributed. And I knewright there and then that I had to finda way to share the adventure and thegenius mind behind it all with ourAATH family.

Meet Sharon Fisher, founder andCEO of Orlando based company PlayWith a Purpose! Sharon has createda unique space in the field of eventservices where play, connection,learning, physical activity, creativityand collaboration align. What's more,by using technology, many of thegaming experiences result in imagesand videos to keep the memoriesalive long after the event concludes.

Sharon was kind enough to join us onour recent board retreat to infusesome of her magic into ourexperience, and she shared somequick insights as to why it's soimportant to connect at meetings andconferences:

Please give Sharon a kind AATH

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Roberta Gold, keynote and breakoutspeaker, author, and humor andlaughter consultant, createdLaughter for the Health of it toempower everyone to have a morepositive outlook by seeing the humorinstead of the horror in our wonderfulworld. Her current passions arehelping women who have beenabused to laugh again, and throughher new program, "Laughter Rocks,"teaching children to be resilient, tosee strengths in themselves andothers, and to laugh and play more.

Within AATH, Roberta is a pastboard member, current conferencecommittee member, and an advisorfor the Humor Academy Graduates.

welcome by following her on socialmedia here:

FacebookLinked InTwitterInstgram

And join us in Orlando for our kickoffevent with Sharon where we'll learnhow to connect on purpose with thepower of play! Cheers - Heidi

DONATIONS TO AATH ARE TAXDEDUCTIBLE: Thank you for yourcontinued support of AATH!

You can write a check to AATH andsend to the office or you can:

1. AATH 2017 CONFERENCESPONSORSHIP: There are manyways that you can be a sponsor forour AATH conference for as little as$50.

2. SCHOLARSHIP DONATION: Youcan designate your gift to the WilliamFry, Patty Wooten or Ed Dunkelblauscholarship fund.

To make a tax-deductible gift toAATH, you may send checkdonations to the AATH office at:220 East State St., Floor GRockford, IL 61104

MEMBER ASSISTANCE: If you needhelp with renewing your membership,or if you forget your member websitelog-in information, reach out toMichele St. Clair and her team at815-708-6587.

REMINDER: AATH is officially recognized as a 501c3 and has been vetted by UNITED WAY. If you or anyone you knowmakes donations through United Way, please consider designating a portion of your generous gift to AATH and please

let others know of this opportunity.

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