The Home for Humor & Laughter Professionals January 2017

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

Wow! How can it be 2017 already? With the beginning of each new year, Iseem to experience a bit of wonder on how the past year slipped by so quickly.As we reflect on the blessings of 2016, we are grateful for the commitment ofour many volunteers. Our board and volunteers have worked tirelessly toprovide these new benefits for our members and for our wider AATH humorfamily.

Induction of 30 Humor Academy graduates into our new CHP(Certified Humor Professional) Program by HA founders KarynBuxman and Mary Kay Morrison with directors Nila Nielsen andMelissa Mork.Launch, by editor Laurie Young, of our AATH Humor Voicenewsletter: a publication by members for members. Click here to seewhy we are so proud of this member-only benefit.Establishment of our first Regional Chapter of AATH in SouthernCalifornia, with chair Heidi Hanna.Resource Pages. We have almost 50 member authors who have theirbooks listed on our resource pages.Membership Drive resulted in a substantial increase in membershipswith optimistic budget projections for 2017. Special thanks to AmyRobbins, Nila Nielsen and our membership committee.

Thank you to all who have served on the committees who have facilitated ourcontinued progress as an organization.

I am personally looking forward to welcoming all of you to our AATHconference in April! I just cannot wait to see you. Please continue to shareyour ideas and insights with us. We are grateful to you as you assist us infurthering our mission to study, practice and promote healthy humor. 2017 isgoing to ROCK! Oh yeah!

Mary Kay MorrisonAATH President

"I was born to be wild, but only until around 9pmor so."

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AATH Conference

January 31st is Coming Fast!Don't Miss The Early BirdDeadline!

Anyone who has been to ourincredible past conferences willappreciate it when I say that I knowthis will be the BEST conferenceever! Sporty King and Heidi Hannahave an incredible line up for you thisyear. As we look forward to our 2017conference in Orlando, we areexcited about the future plans thatthe AATH board of directors has instore for this year.

Heidi Hanna and Sporty King arewaiting to welcome you to the 2017AATH conference in Disney Springs!

2017 Board Nominations

In accordance with board policy,Nomination Committee Chair, JaePierce Baba has submitted thefollowing names for board positionsto be elected at business meeting atthe 2017 conference:

Board Secretary: Deb PriceBoard Members: Beth Slazak andMegan Werner

Additional nominations may besubmitted to the nominationcommittee before January 31,2017.

Congratulations to the 2017AATH ScholarshipRecipients!

Book Review

You Can't Ruin My Day: 52Wake-Up Calls to Turn AnySituation Around

by Allen Klein(Reviewed by Diane Roosth)

We are told in the forward by KristineCarlson about the "good humor andessential wisdom of Klein's book." She concludes that this writing will"wake you up and show you how thisday may truly be the best day of yourlife - your speed bumps may slowyou down just long enough forhappiness to catch up." You Can'tRuin My Day: 52 Wake-Up Calls toTurn Any Situation Around presentsan approach to finding the dailymotivation we need to live a "happier,more inspired life."

Our Author and Joyologist Allen Kleinrecognizes that many spiritualleaders "know the value of humorand are lighthearted in their approachto life and learning." We havechapters that are moments of history,divided into the story, "Follow Up",and "Lighten Up." His book isorganized into Seven Sections,including "Start Up, Wake-Up, WiseUp, Grow UP (NOT!), Crack Up,Wrap-Up, and Wind-Up." He usesmany quotes from different sourcesto illustrate the importance ofembracing every day. As we read

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NOEL CAIRNEY - Esther & JackHyatt "Senior Care" ScholarshipOLUBUNMI DIALA - Covey HealthyHumor in Medicine ScholarshipFRANK CHINDAMO - William (Bill)Fry Humor Academy ScholarshipAMY OSTREICHER - Beth Usher"BE THe Happiest" Humor AcademyScholarshipROSA CARLISLE - Barb and DannyDonuts "Beam of L.I.G.H.T."ScholarshipWHITNEY GRANT - Joyce and SolSpecial Education Scholarship

Cancer Treatment Centers ofAmerica (CTCA) Scholarships

DEBBIE DERFLINGER - CTCA"Medical Classroom" ScholarshipKATHY KEATON - CTCA "MedicalClassroom" ScholarshipJENNIFER KEITH - CTCA "MedicalClassroom" ScholarshipYVONNE BREHAN - CTCA"Oncology Patient/Survivor"ScholarshipCYNTHIA KEELER - CTCA"Practitioner" ScholarshipROBERTA LYON - CTCA "StellarVolunteer" Scholarship

TABATHA MAULDIN - Patty WootenScholarshipMICHAEL ROUSELL - Margie Klein"Paper Plate" ScholarshipPAUL OSINCUP - Lenny Ravich"Shalom" ScholarshipBRON ROBERTS - Knox FamilyHumor for Peace ScholarshipAMY BEAUPRE - Enid SchwartzHumor Academy ScholarshipJUDY OLIVERIO - Enid SchwartzHumor Academy Scholarship

Thanks to chair Deb Price for herwonderful efforts in coordinating thiscommittee.

fifty-two Wake Up Calls that otherpeople have experienced, we areinvited to make our reading apersonal journey, to write our ownstory, and embrace our own positivejoy for life.

In Wake Up Call #5, "Learn to LetGo," we are told of the risks of clutter,holding on to past anger andresentment, and the impact ofholding onto past events "that havecaused us pain." This can impact ourability to "experience" the joy in ourown "life." In Wake Up Call #8,"Forgive Others," Allen teaches usthat "harboring hurts and grudges isdetrimental to having a great day." Hequotes Desmond Tutu and MphaTutu, from the The Book of Forgiving,who wrote that "Without forgiveness,we remain tethered to the personwho harmed us, bound by the chainof bitterness. We don't forgive to helpthe other person. We forgive forourselves."

Allen shares in Wake Up Call #16,"Stop Struggling," how while workingon Captain Kangaroo he discoveredVelcro which at the time it was anewly introduced product. He tells thestory as a metaphor because, likeVelcro, we "often get stuck to things,irritations, and refuse to let go." Hesays it is easier to let go if we think ofexperiences in relationship to anothernew invention, Teflon, the "non-sticksurface used in cookware." We arereminded in other sections to "patourselves on the back," "chill out" andtake "a vacation."

I have shared this book with people Iknow facing different types ofchallenges. I have been thanked forreferring them to this well writtenwork as an inspiration and source ofhope and humor. This book wascelebrated by our author in hispresentation at the 2015 AATHConference soon after it waspublished. I am grateful to havewitnessed his presentation then, andfor the opportunity here to sharetidbits of the joy and wisdom of ourauthor.

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We Need You!

Do help us to promote the AATHconference! Please share thisgraphic from our very own talentedKyle Edgell with your friends insocial media! You can post yourAATH conference badge on yourwebsite and on Facebook. Boardmember, Harald Ellingsen hascreated these "Show Your Support"stickers for you to share yourparticipation at our conference. Clickhere to find the best badge for YOUto repost!

We Love Our PlatinumSponsor: CTCA

We continue to be grateful to CTCAfor their continued support andenthusiasm for our mission. Here is arecent note from Peter Yesawich:"Many thanks for your recent letterand kind words. We applaud theimportant work AATH does, and aredelighted to support your educationalmission."

- Peter Yesawich, Chief GrowthOfficer, Cancer Treatment Centers ofAmerica

Humor Academy

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 Bobbe Lyon forreceiving the prestigious Power ofPositivity Award.

Wendy Singer is presenting firstever Living Laughter conference onJanuary 15, 2017. She will be sharingthe stage with Liliana De Leo,and Sylvie Dagenais-Douville!

Sympathy to the family on thepassing of one of our former AATHconference speakers - Cy Eberhart

Frank Chindamo won theDistinguished Service Award from theCaucus for Writers, Producers andDirectors.

Congratulations to Cynthia Keelerfor passing her National ClinicalMental Health Counseling Exam!!She proclaimed: "No more tests!"

Julie Ostrow will speak at IgniteChicago on Tuesday, January 31,2017 6:00 pm CST at Catalyst Ranchat 656 W Randolph Street, Chicago.Her topic is "Listening to-and Actingon-Voices of Encouragement."

Congratulations to John "Jack"Granato on receiving his PhD!

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News

Nila Nielsen, Director

Celebrating a new year is alwaysworth taking some reflective time toconsider all available options. Justthink of the possibilities. All may beworthy of your effort depending onyour needs.

Set a goal to lose weight.Organize your life.Redecorate your home.Take up a new activity.

However, I would like to suggest howall might be accomplished in onedynamic, awesome, powerful action:Become a Certified HumorProfessional!

C.H.P.s know how to celebratehumor profoundly! They lose weightby dumping those negative thoughtsand actions that had been weighingthem down and replacing them withlight-hearted humor. They organizetheir life so that joy and laughter takeprecedence. They redecorate theirhome with happiness and brightthoughts. Their new activities arefilled with fun and play no matter howbad the shot on the golf course, orhorrible their painting turned out!

The progression from beginning HAto becoming a C.H.P. is a celebrationin and of itself. From participating inLevel I to build a background inhumor theory and research, tocompleting a Level II project which isbased on the individual's topic, to

SEND YOUR MEMBER NEWS:info@aath.org

What AATH means to meby Judy Oliverio

I started the AATH mission yearsago. With little information, I hoppedon a plane to Texas and ended up ina room of 200 strangers that soonbecame family. I was not awkward orscared, but strangely motivated. Ifound my true self. I startedvolunteering years later formembership, then leading the HumorAcademy, even when I wasn't alwaysfeeling well. Fake it until you make it,laugh until you cry, or smile until ithurts. And many times, smiling hurts.It continues to hurt but I continue toteach my life saving mechanism toothers.

I started giving my speeches at work,"Keep Your Patient in Stitches." I triedstand up, but often felt like sittingdown. I tried submitting my humorproject ideas to Ellen. I have tried toteach nurses to lighten the load oftheir patients' heart and head throughlectures and skits. I continue to besome sort of humor gift to others. Ican make a dying man laugh, whichmay be the only true gift God hasbestowed on me. I have no ideawhere my humor journey will end, Ijust know I keep trying and trying.Trying to make my Veterans laugh,trying to bring national recognition toAATH, and trying to help others seethe lightness in their heavy lives.

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finally completing Level III, where theexperience of sharing humor withothers both in AATH and theworkplace all create the backgroundpermitting the designation as aCertified Humor Professional.THREE CHEERS FOR THAT!

January is the time to celebrate adoable resolution - make yours tojoin the Humor Academy andbecome a Certified HumorProfessional (C.H.P.).

Contact Nila Nielsen at:ninielsen@me.com

Certified Humor Professional(CHP) Recognition

Barbara GrapsteinWorld Healing Headband Project

Barbara Grapstein is the founderand CEO of Healing HeadbandsProject, Inc. with its tagline, "Wearyour happiness." As a GlobalLaughter Ambassador, CertifiedLaughter Leader and Laughter YogaInstructor, Barbara's passion ishelping others through philanthropycomplemented by herentrepreneurial spirit. Activelyinvolved in AATH, Steve Wilson'sWorld Laughter Tour and ComedyCures, Barbara is a corporateconsultant for holistic health, stressmanagement and serves to helpchildren and families living withcancer. Within AATH, she is known(among other volunteer works,) forher cheerful, unexpected,handwritten notes to new membersand old for their various milestones.

Fif Fernandes

I currently work at a VA nursing homewith 120 Veterans. Every day Iwitness the mental, emotional, andphysical pain they are in for selflesslyserving our county. I serve them up ahealthy dish of laughter in everyencounter. I want to be the femaleBob Hope of the VA, as a Veteranmyself.... I wish to educate allVeterans about the fact they deserveto laugh and will live brighter futureswhen they do. I continue to advertiseAATH for conventions andmembership. I am still praying Elleninvites me on her show to help with alifetime goal of sending humor boxesto Active Duty to increase moral andendorphins. The project is called"Keep the Boots in Hoots."

When humorous, humble mindscome together, there are no laughlimits. I have been funny as long as Ihave been depressed, which hasbeen my whole life. I can make mostpeople laugh, excluding myself. It ismy hope that one day I personallyfeel the laughter I find so easy to giveothers. I believe AATH will help mecomplete this lifelong goal.

AATH members' mission is to study,practice, and promote healthy healingand laughter...this is not only mymission but my antidepressant. Nodrug company can dose this sort ofnecessary medicine, but AATH does.

Kay Caskey with fellow AATHadvisor, Judy Oliverio

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Laughter Yoga and Broad-MindedCoping in the Homeless

Fif Fernandes, CLYT, CLYL, CLL,along with fellow Humor Academystudent, and husband, Hamish Boyd,co-founded Komali MeDi ClownAcademy in Auroville, anInternational Community in India.Indian by heritage, Tanzanian bybirth, Fif was raised, studied andworked in Canada, but has now"returned home, to India," where sheis also on the Faculty of SustainableLivelihood Institute. She and Hamishdesign and facilitate programs athospitals, educational institutionsand corporations in medicalclowning, therapeutic laughter andhumor, happiness and life balance,and more.

CHP's in Action

As part of her CHP project, MaiaAziz started "Morning Moments withMaia:" a weekly radio show. Do notmiss her interview with Cyn Keeler,Level II advisor. "Running on Empty-Humor and Compassion Fatigue withCynthia Keeler."

Maia Aziz

Chip Lutz AnnouncesAATH Grant

As part of his Humor Academyproject, Chip Lutz has written andreceived a grant to start an AATHpodcast and is looking for people tointerview. His focus is to start onhumor and healing - specifically, forthose who have gone through cancertreatment or have been a caregiver. Ifyou have a story on how humorand/or laughter helped you and cangive some strategies for others touse, schedule it with him on hiscalendar. The interviews will beconducted via Zoom.

Email Chip atchip@unconventionalleader.com withquestions.

Past presidents, Jill Knox andChip Lutz

ISHS (International Society forHumor Studies) has announced thattheir 2017 conference will be July10-14, 2017 in Montreal Canada.

This is a complimentary newsletterthat reaches far beyond our ownmembership and we thank you forsubscribing to our humor news. If youlike our newsletter, you will LOVE,LOVE, LOVE being a member.Check out our member benefits here.

DONATIONS TO AATH ARE TAXDEDUCTIBLE: Thank you for your

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Cyn Keeler

continued 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 have questions, 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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