aathhumorvoice September 2015 Our Philly Cheesesteak of a Conference Inside
By Cheri Campbell this issue
If you were with us in Philly, then you 3 Beth Usher’s know what a happy success Stayin’ Alive: Your Keynote brought Brain on Humor was at the Philadelphia Penn’s down the house Landing Hilton, May 28-30! If you weren’t able to join us, then you may additionally be eating 4 Member Spotlight your heart out as I elaborate on our feast of friends, fun, and fabulous ideas at 5 Joyce Saltman: our sumptuous yearly gathering. Lifetime Acheivement Yo . Honoree “We” (aka mostly, Herr Capitan (left) The Imperial Senior Chair Chipperoni Lutz AATH Remembers of all Lofty Chairs) started out months ago…well at least two, making plans 6 for the AATH Spectacular 2015. This hoagie roll of a foundation, potentially 7 Peace is a family tainted by some misdirection from our previous bakers, was miraculously affair risen to a golden toast by our new manager Kathy Velasco and her sous chef, Michele. Like Keebler elves, they managed every detail small and large 8 Research projects to perfection. And got up at three in the morning to make the donuts as well. presented at Though we blew our budget there, the happy-sized, facility rich, cheerful Hilton added ocean water and a Philly relaxfest next door to the recipe. conference
Nobody was heard to ask, “Where’s the beef.’ The juicy line-up of keynotes, breakouts and jammers was nutritious and delicious. Thursday evening’s appetizer with actual pre-appetizers (@ $6 each for those of you wondering, “Where the blazes does our registration fee go?”) was jam-packed with laughter yoga that ‘did the body good,’ stories, headbands, improv, and ’licious music-making that urged an operatic Amy Robbins to declare her love for Melissa Mork, “because you have teeth.” Not surprising, since at an AATH conference, love and laughs are always in the air, for so many reasons … I’m a sucker for red noses, myself. 9 Humor Starting out with Avish Parashar’s ‘Ding Happens’ we were tantalized from our first Academy Grads bite into asking, “Yes, and…?” while thinking “Better not Back,” laughing all the way. Our happy get a rap sandwich was piled high with lessons learned from cartoons, Humpty Dumpty, Energizer Bunny, the elephant ninja in the room and comedy warriors who taught us to tame our monkey mind, seize a Level II Projects miraculous life, not have our day ruined, enjoy 50 succulent shades of play and lose weight eating 10 our cheesesteak of hilarity while laughing. 11 Your glasses? On Our healthy mind platter was piled high, from our now jolly hippocampus; therapeutically your head! transcending adversity, age and sourpickle bosses through therapeutic humor into playful neural pathways all over our conscious and unconscious humor mind map. 12 Under new management Whew! Time to wash down this feast with a half glass full of Andrew Tarvin’s hilarious zombie koolaid and our poet extraordinaire’s flood of perfectly-seared clichés. Just when we felt like contestants Continued on page 2
Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (Continued from front page) in the Pat’s vs. Gino’s eat-off, our own Beth Usher (left), conference pièce de résistance, beloved scarecrow in the AATH humorland of Oz, filled us with perfect, satisfying closure to our family meal. Beth’s bountiful ‘tiny wafer’ of wisdom brought us to communal emotional overload bursting with the secret ingredients of laughter, hopefulness, endurance, thankfulness, community, more than a few tears of admiration…and the insight that maybe we don’t need that pesky left-brain anyway.
As all Philadelphians and AATH conference coordinators know, you can’t make a great cheesesteak without the cheese. Yes…And that’s what Philly ’15 had plenty of…cheesy fun; nobody was Prov-alone or Bleu…everybody had a gouda time! Our laughathon feast’s opening babybell rang in the Humor Jams Thursday evening. Perfect swiss-timing was observed by bouncer Father Paul Moore who manned the roquefort that had been artfully fon-done by Sporty King and Jae Pierce-Baba. What a joyful feata!
Friday’s poster lunch reminded us of the AATH family recipe that is a little bit Colby, and a little bit Marie. The luncheon special of serious research/cancer treatment a la CTCA that was Still(ton) focused on humor’s amazing therapeutic benefits is our trademark soufflé. In her afternoon session, Saranne Rothberg dished up Philly’s other fun treat, pretzels with a side of her hilarious Monterey Jack surprise.
Later at the banquet, we honored the always hilarious Joyce Saltz (Cheddar)man with the Doug Fletcher Lifetime Achievement award and the often surprisingly zany Cancer Treatment Centers of America(n) with the Wilde Humor Award. Then, with the signature taste of ‘YMCA,’ the disco cheeseball began to spin for an evening of laughs and dancing to the ’70’s cheesiest sounds from the platters spun by the grooviest Boss Groover. This disco queen wanna be, who looked a little bit more like era icon, Herman Munster, found her Mozz-erella lite, un-aged sista, princess in waiting, Maia Aziz, rocking the same outfit in a Friday Night Fever of white boots, platform shoes, tie-dye, fringe, hot colors, and wild prints. The BRICK (Being Really Into Crazy Klogging)-house award went to jumpin’ jammer, Sporty King whose moves kept on grooving while many others’ muscles turned to psychedelic green Jello.
Saturday found us Parmesing-on, honoring scholarship recipients at our business luncheon. I won’t even mention our financial report. That is never funny. Which is why those who arrived late after the CTCA tour were so joy & laughter-filled. Later, although no one actually Camembert, bawdy laughter filled the ballroom as sexologistEd Dunkelblau (right) gave us 50 shades of syntax, ribaldry, play and happy endings.
The evening continued with luscious options. Linda MacNeal hosted the film ‘Comedy Warriors,’ showing insights of the all-American bravery of our troops who have paid gravely to defend our country and how humor is key in their rehabilitation. In a surprise move, two of our own deliciously funny hot peppers, Beth Slazek (Comedy Sportz- Buffalo) and Andrew Tarvin (Comedy Sportz-NYC) arranged to join the Comedy Sportz- Philly teams for an evening of competitive, funny or die improv, a tasty fromage topping to the day. I’d report on which team won the match, but you’ll have to ask Beth or Andrew. I don’t have enough words left to make an omelet.
And so, after an all-consuming four days of ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ our feast came to an end. Our ‘for the good and farewell,’ was a sparkling toast to the fun, friendship, inspiration and motivation that oozed into hugs, smiles, laughs, filled bellies/ minds/spirits, promises to share our magic retreat next year, and hasty trips to the airport … where
2 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org some, at least one, of us was abandoned Beth Usher’s Keynote brought in Minneapolis, but miraculously rescued for the night by Elsagher & Co … thank down the house By Kathy Laurenhue you, Brenda! The young woman who learned by Before I left, I heard more than one person the age of five that telling Knock-Knock say, ‘This was the best cheesesteak I’ve jokes to medical personnel would make ever eaten!” I have to agree. It was the them look forward to seeing her — and perfect combination of a foundational treat her gently — made her audience coup of a roll from our conference bakers, both laugh and cry as she gave the piled high with the savory meat of the closing keynote at AATH’s Philadelphia wittiest and wisest (none of the wurst) conference. But the plentiful tears Beth wags in the world, permeated by the Usher instigated were based on the cheesy, creamy goodness of hearty laughs inspiring joy she emanated, as our cheers and uproarious fun, molded into lifelong in the midst of a raucous standing ovation Beth Usher (front) and her supportive family. friendships. clearly showed.
So, my dear AATH When Beth was just five years old, she began to have seizures. They started slowly, but friends, my challenge sometimes reached a hundred a day. Eventually her illness was identified as Rasmussen’s to those I dined with Encephalitis, a rare brain disease. Beth lost the right visual field in both eyes and the use in Philly, or have so of her entire right side. After an agonizing period of two years when multiple treatments enjoyed in previous failed, and scans showed the left side of her brain clearly deteriorating, her parents, Brian years: “Bet you and Kathy Usher, agreed to have that entire left side removed in a radical procedure called a can’t eat just one.” hemispherectomy. The surgery, performed in January 1987 by Dr. Ben Carson (Yes, the same Next course, next year, man now running as a Republican candidate for President and, according to Beth, her ticket we break bread together once again. I very to the Lincoln bedroom) is described in his book, Gifted Hands. (Chapter 16, “Little Beth”) much look forward to our special The surgery was initially successful, but lightening striking then Beth slipped into a coma, and even again, as we a visit from Mr. Rogers didn’t waken her. Get our Kicks on Here’s Beth on the back story: “In order to Route 66: Rev’ing get dressed for work when I was sick, my Up Your Humor mom would put me in front of the TV when in Phoenix (Mesa), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was on. She AZ, April 7-10, would surround me with pillows in case I 2016. had a seizure. Magically, I wouldn’t have
— Cheri Ellis Campbell one while Mister Rogers was on. Before my hemispherectomy, mom called the TV show Under-Assistant East Coast Jr. and explained my situation. Mr. Rogers Conference Sub-Chairhick Beth visited by Fred Rogers in the hospital. called that very night.” Although she didn’t Previous to her gig as AATH conference know it then, they would become lifelong friends. disco queen, Cheri Ellis Campbell, PhD was a career Communication When Mr. Rogers learned that Beth was in a coma, he came to her bedside with the Professor, designing and teaching her puppets she loved so much. He insisted on no publicity, but did want a photo taken, so groovy signature course, ‘Humor in that when she awoke, she would know he had been there. Communication’ at four universities to SRO What did awaken Beth was an itchy nose. More than a month after her surgery, as she lay crowds. Still in the groove but avoiding in her hospital bed and her father struggled to sleep beside her on a cot, she suddenly the ruts, she now resides in the oceanless flatlands of almost WI, Illinois as a political said, “Daddy, my nose itches.” Her father, startled by her voice, said, “What?” and when radical progressive and a spiritual eclectic. she repeated the line, he ecstatically ran into the hall to alert the nurses, oblivious to the fact that he was wearing only underwear. Continued on page 4
AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org • 3 Beth Usher (Continued from page 3)
Beth is one of very few people in the world who can literally claim to be “always in my right mind,” but what makes her Member Spotlight By Bobbe Lyon truly unique is her consistent approach to life. In her multi-media keynote, the young woman who became 2013’s recipient of Say hello to Cynthia Keeler, a.k.a., the Esther Hyatt Spirit of AATH Award. said, “This is just the Big Red the Clown. Cynthia is a returning AATH beginning of my story. I am not what happened to me. I am what member who has easily morphed into Level I I chose to become. I chose gratefulness. I chose happiness. I Humor Academy Advisor. Oh, she hasn’t given up chose humor. I chose love. I chose to say yes. Yes, I can!” Big Red; she is still a certified clown. She’s been clowning since 1986. She’s been on the board Since the surgery, Beth has lived a life surrounded by people of the 7,000 member World Clown Association who love and support her, especially her parents and beloved and even started her own Clown Alley. All of brother Brian. She has worked as a teaching assistant to this clown history is relevant to the person she kindergarteners for much of her adult life, with a particular focus is today. Obtaining first a Bachelor’s degree in on getting them interested in reading and teaching them to be Psychology and recently a Master’s degree in kind. She created a Facebook page called “The Kind Side,” Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on which was originally an anti-bullying site, but became a place positive psychology, this clown is the perfect where members are invited “to write about kindnesses they person to lead the Level I Humor Academy (HA) witnessed and spread ideas about kind deeds.” She teaches When asked what she’s most proud of, Cynthia mentions chairing Laughter Yoga at a local nursing home. a clown conference at Orlando’s Disney World. Yes, they have a It was the Laughter Yoga, yearly conference! The culmination was a clown parade down Main through the encouragement of Street of America’s #1 tourist destination; a feat never tried before, Barbara Grapstein, that led her and hasn’t been repeated. The media went wild and the public to AATH and what she calls her loved it. Of course, winning second place in a national clowning “posse.” Her Level II Humor competition with homemade costumes was another proud memory. Academy Graduation project But, the icing on the cake was recently earning a Master’s degree. was to develop a speech which All in all, quite a resumé for a budding Humor Academy advisor. would “show others struggling Cynthia was a member of AATH in the ’90s but let her membership with difficult situations, lapse when clowning took up so much time. The AATH conference illnesses, disappointments and Beth became a 2015 HA graduate. in Orlando recently renewed her interest. With Graduate school loss that laughter and humor behind her, she made application for a scholarship to the 2015 can lighten their burden and create pathways of understanding conference in Philadelphia — and won it. and support.” But do not suppose her serious purpose is delivered seriously. The reaction of anyone who has been at the Currently, a project dear to her heart is Base Camp Children’s receiving end of her swift wit tends to be startled, delighted, Cancer Foundation, Inc., “because kids can’t fight cancer alone.” and speechless. Since the conference, Beth has received other The camp provides a year-round base of support for children speaking invitations and this past summer spoke at the very and families facing the challenge of living with cancer and other life-threatening hematology diseases. What a perfect place for a first Cup of Karma Project on Martha’s Vineyard. She was asked Clown/HumorTherapist! The Humor Academy training will provide a to talk about Mister Rogers and another speaker spoke about wonderful healing foundation for Cynthia’s work in the Base Camp. the Dalai Lama. Her goal: “to be a blessing to attendees.” Here’s to the amazing young woman who signs her emails with The AATH HumorAcademy is already blessed. what her name stands for: Be The Happiest – BeTH.
Author Author Kathy Laurenhue created Wiser Now, www.wisernow. Bobbe Lyon is a speaker, writer, counselor and long-time com, which aims to promote healthy aging by using a member of AATH. She learned the value of humor after lighthearted touch—backed by science and fueled by fun. becoming a widow with 5 children at the age of 45.
4 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org Joyce Saltman 2015 Lifetime Achievement Honoree By Karyn Buxman
Joyce Saltman, surrounded by family and numerous appreciative friends and fans, was named the 2015 Doug Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Honoree at this year’s AATH annual conference. Joyce, who started teaching special education in 1965, found that the only way to reach the kids was through humor. In 1983 she gave her first presentation on humor, which was covered in three local newspapers, thus launching the birth of her speaking career. Since then Joyce has given around 100 programs a year, which has allowed her to donate more than a million dollars to charities.
Joyce is a now a professor Emeritus of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University. Demonstrating her sense of purpose, style, and priorities, she chose Columbia as the university where she would earn her PhD — because she loved the color of their doctoral gowns.
Through the years Joyce has given keynotes at AATH conferences, spoken on panels, and continues to teach for the Humor Academy. She believes that the mission of AATH is the most significant anywhere in Top, Karyn Buxman introducing Joyce the world and says it is the way we can repair the world. Saltman. Above, Joyce and husband Sol.
Here are some of Joyce’s thoughts about her award:
To begin with, I was in tears when Karyn called to tell me of their evenings. My bedroom was down the hall, and I clearly I had been given this Award because I was so in awe of all the remember leaning into the hallway, with my elbow on the linoleum, previous recipients — people like Bill Fry and Lee Berk, two of my holding up my head while straining unsuccessfully to hear what they great heroes, and Vera Robinson and Patty Wooten, nurses who were were saying. at the very beginning of the “laughter” movement. Folks like Allen, the This occurred over 60 years ago, and I had not recalled any of this Steves, Ed, Paul, Don and Alleen Nilsen, who actually started the through all these years, until Karyn asked that question. Suddenly, International Society for Humor Studies, and of course, Karyn — all the memory of those feelings of isolation came rushing back, and I leaders in the field I hold so close to my heart. recognized my vow to make sure I was never left out of a laughter- Of course, there is a joke that has as its punch-line, “But then provoking experience again. again, I also have arthritis and I didn’t deserve that either!” I have, of course, attempted to bring that environment into my own The fact is, though I truly do not feel as deserving as the others, (and do NOT have arthritis, either!) I couldn’t have been more home, and have raised some very funny kids — and married some thrilled to be recognized by AATH, the one organization that shares hilarious men. In addition, there is no question about my friends — my mission of wanting to spend a lifetime helping to create joy and I have believed in the premise that life is short, and should be spent laughter in the world. with people who make you laugh. Most importantly, I avoid “energy- suckers” at all costs! Karyn asked if there was anything that I thought contributed to becoming who I am as an adult. I did come from a loving family that Our Philadelphia conference was most special for me, not only often produced humor, and as “the baby” of the family by 11½ and because of this amazing honor, but because my kids, nieces and 15½ years, I was pretty much adored by my siblings and parents, so nephews, sister and brother-in-law and Writing Group all shlepped anything I did was cause for laughter. Thinking back to my childhood, from Vermont, NY, NJ, DC and Connecticut to celebrate with me. however, I suddenly recalled my feelings of being so left out when my My fortune cookie was so right: You are surrounded by true friends. sister and brother came home from their dates on the weekends, and I am more blessed than any one person could ask to be, and I am so sat at the kitchen table with Mom and Dad, laughing about the events grateful to AATH for embracing me in this life-affirming way!
Congratulations Joyce! You support us so generously on our humor paths and have become a source of laughter for thousands. None of us wants to be left out of your sphere. Author Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, DAIS, CSP, CPAE is an international speaker, successful author, and neurohumorist. Her mission: To improve global health and business through laughter—and heal the humor-impaired.
AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org • 5 AATH Remembers By Don Baird, PsyD
For years Don Baird has helped us remember some of the people who have passed on who blessed us with their humor. Here is a portion of that presentation he made at the conference in Philadelphia with the help of Bobbe Lyon:
ANN B. DAVIS: Ann Bradford Davis and her twin sister Harriet were born in Schenectady, New York — fortunately, her parents soon moved the family to Erie PA., which was much easier to spell. Ann’s first big break came as Schultzy in the comedy seriesLove That Bob.
But audiences remember her most often in her Emmy winning role as Alice, who provided lots of laughter and wisdom in The Brady Bunch. Later in her life, real parents would ask her for advice on raising children. She would usually answer that she had no advice on children whatsoever, saying “For that I need a writer!”
GARY OWENS: Gary Owens was the unforgettable droll voice of the tv comedy classic Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In. Gary got his first job in broadcasting at age 16, becoming news director at a small radio station.
In time, he provided the voice for thousands of animated cartoons, working for everyone from Jay Ward to Walt Disney. And he of course informed Laugh-In audiences weekly that the show was coming from “Beautiful Downtown Burbank.”
DON PARDO: Speaking of great voices, since October 11, 1975, Don Pardo has been the voice of NBC’s Saturday Night Live — a job he continued even into his 90s.
Even after retiring as an NBC staff announcer in 2004 and moving to Tucson, he continued to fly to New York to announceSaturday Night Live at the request of SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, who said he couldn’t imagine the show without Don Pardo.
ELLIE MAREK: She was a writer, a speaker and a member of the board of AATH. For many years, she also edited our newsletter. And she had a remarkable and warm spirit, and a dedicated to lifelong learning.
Seeking to learn more about humor and gender, she conducted a survey of 114 respondents, equally divided between women and men. On the basis of this survey, she proved once and for all that neither men nor women read directions.
ROBIN WILLIAMS: What can you say about Robin Williams? Comedian, Academy Award- winning actor, and one of the funniest people who ever lived. Whether as Mork from Ork, Mrs. Doubtfire, or the Genie from Aladdin, Robin always left us laughing.
Except this time. When he left us. Much too soon.
Author Don Baird is a speaker, writer, and adjunct professor in Clinical Psychology. He is a former AATH Board Member from Chicago, and has spoken on matters of humor and psychology locally, nationally and internationally (and even sometimes sensibly). www.sufferingishighlyoverrated.net
6 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org Peace is a family affair By Kay Caskey Jill
From giving peace symbol favors to Stephanie gave examples on how humor has AATH attendees to creating “Planting seeds of been vital as a tactic in nonviolent resistance Peace Through Humor” as her Humor Academy campaigns, for example the non-violent project, outgoing AATH President Jill Knox’s OTPOR movement in Serbia that helped serene, gracious and peaceful manner has overthrow Slobodan Milosevic using satirical skillfully guided AATH for the last two years. street theater to educate the public.
As president of AATH, her Board would often Stephanie reminded us that laughter is an preface divergent opinions with “I know you instant mood changer that erases fear, anxiety are all about peace,” and a more conciliatory and depression. Her mother told us that opinion would emerge. Jill says, “So often, six-year-old Stephanie smiled at line cutters disagreements are about NOT communicating at the playground and helped others to “just or NOT really hearing. Peace-making is learning let it go.” Does that mean she is a pushover? to really listen and consider others opinions.” Only if you think Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi couldn’t hold their own. Stephanie’s Peace is a family affair. Jill practices peace in mantra is “Peace begins with your lovely every aspect of her life and as a loving farewell smile” learned from Thich Nhat Hanh. gesture, asked her daughter, Stephanie Knox Cubbon, to talk on “Peace Is Every Laugh” at Stephanie reminded us that nearly everyone the Humor Academy luncheon at AATH’s annual reports feeling better after a good laugh. conference. Laughter, by its very nature, is uniting, and people use laughter to connect to one Stephanie Knox Cubbon learned early at her another, solidify relationships and bring others mother’s knee that laughter nourishes health, into the circle. She says that when we smile happiness and peace. She went on to become and laugh we are sending a message of a Peace Education professional and teaches peace. peace education courses at local universities. She is also Director of Education for the Metta Stephanie takes her work about peace very Center for Nonviolence Education. seriously but she has a lot of fun along the way. As this photo shows, a red nose goes a Stephanie and Jill are both members of each long way toward “monkey-wrenching the crap other’s fan clubs and are each other’s teachers. out of the system in every beautiful, artistic, In introducing Stephanie at the luncheon, Jill positive way we can think of.” recounted an experience from Stephanie’s Peace Corps time in Niger from 2003-05. Stephanie ended her talk with “May our path Jill visited Stephanie and while sitting on her to building a nonviolent future include much bed of sticks, in Nianfarde, Niger, listened to fun, laughter, humor, and joy!” Stephanie and a villager talking in one of the We are grateful to Stephanie, Charley and Jill tribal languages. Stephanie and her friend began Knox for bringing this peacemaker’s message laughing and laughing, and Jill joined right in. to us. At that moment, only the language of laughter was important. “It didn’t matter that I couldn’t Author understand the content.” Jill said that at that Kay Caskey, a long-time member of moment she truly understood that laughter AATH, spends her free time time raising connects and creates bonds. As Stephanie Monarch butterflies and keeping them said later in her talk, “Interculturally speaking, from predators. laughter is a universal language…” She quoted Ray Hanania of the Israeli/Palestinian comedy tour who said, “If we can laugh together, we can live together.”
AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org • 7 AATH conference presents four research poster projects By Cindy Miles
The recent AATH Conference in Philadelphia included presentations on four outstanding research projects. There was tremendous response to the call for research posters, and eleven proposals were submitted. The Research Poster Committee, comprised of Cindy Miles, Dr. Shirley Trout, Dr. Melissa Mork, and Mary Kay Morrison, had the challenging task of selecting only four. Here are two and we will highlight the others in a future newsletter.
“Impact of Therapeutic Laughter Interventions on Senior Citizens” William Andress, DrPH, MPH, MCHES. Dr. Andress presented the results of an intervention among self-selected seniors residing in independent living facilities in the greater Detroit, MI area, who completed a 10-week intervention program utilizing Dr. Paul McGhee’s Humor Habits Program. Significant improvement was detected in negative versus positive mood state, along with significant declinesin depression scale scores. This may indicate that brief therapeutic humor interventions among seniors may positively impact their perceptions regarding quality of life as well as being a highly effective, yet inexpensive mechanism for combating depression, a major health concern among older adults. Contact: [email protected].
“The Relationship between Principals’ Humor Style and School Climate in Wisconsin’s Public Middle Schools” Greg Matthias, PhD. Dr. Matthias studied the relationship between middle school principals’ humor style and teachers’ perceptions of the school climate in the state of Wisconsin. The major findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between principal humor style and school climate. It was concluded that principals that employed humor had schools with more open and healthy school climates. Contact: grmatthias@ milligan.edu.
Anyone currently involved in research around the topic of applied therapeutic humor is encouraged to consider submitting a research poster proposal for the 2016 AATH Conference next April.
2016 Conference and Humor Academy Scholarships Deb Price, scholarship chair at [email protected] has announced that scholarship applications will be online by Sept. 16 for the 2016 AATH conference in Phoenix April 7-10.
Thanks to our generous donors for their commitment to providing this life-changing opportunity. Many of our current leaders attended their first AATH conference as a result of a scholarship, including Maia Aziz, President-Elect; Chip Lutz, Past President; and Beth Slazak, Conference 2016 Co-Chair. Save the date! AATH Conference and Humor Academy Phoenix, April 7-10, 2016
8 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org Certified Humor Professional’s (affectionately known as Humor Academy Graduates — HAGS) Corner
By Roberta Gold, R.T.C., R.C., H.A.G. or C.H.P.
We did it – we spent 3 years learning to hone in on ways to use and aid others to use humor and laughter. This will be our place to promote what we are doing with our degrees and share new ideas with each other!
For those of you who were able to be in Philadelphia, you know that we premiered a half-day just for graduates of the Humor Academy. We networked for the initial hour and were wowed by the two Scotts for the next two hours. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, scientific director of the Imagination Institute in the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania, author of Ungifted, Intelligence Redefined, and the upcoming book, Wired to Create, charmed us with his work on positive psychology, creativity, imagination and humor. Dr. Scott Weems, cognitive neuroscientist and author of HA! The Science of When we Laugh and Why, captivated us with how our brain reacts when we laugh and much more. It was a treat to be able to have these two incredible researchers up close and personal! Introducing the new Humor Graduating is just the beginning! Academy graduates: Jae Pierce-Baba was chosen as the graduation speaker and this was her grad-rap address: (l to r) Kathy Laurenhue, Beth Usher, Laurie Young, My Name is Jae and I am doing okay, because I am with my AATH Hags today! If you think that Melissa Mork, and Jae Hags is a negative term, well my friend, you have a lot to learn: Pierce-Baba. Shirley Trout It takes 3 years, is fun but tough; you do research, a project and leadership stuff — not in picture. But through it all we stood tall and now we have the very best credentials of all…we are H.A.G.S!
Now I don’t want to be arrogant and I do hate to brag, but I am so freakin glad I’m a HAG! (we’re so glad that we’re HAGS!)
Play and Work \ Work and Play, just live your life the Humor Academy way… and everything will be OKAY — and that is the philosophy of life by our founder, Mary Kay!
Author Roberta Gold is a Recreation Therapist, motivational speaker, consultant, and author. Roberta is an active AATH member, Certified Humor Professional, graduate advisor for the Humor Academy former board member and all around promoter of laughter and humor! Graduation speaker, Jae Pierce-Baba rapped up the proceedings with her address. The AATH Humor Academy program is gaining serious credibility
Given the recognition of the Humor Academy by such organizations as the Arkansas State Board of Governors for counselor recertification, and the significant accomplishment represented by the completion of three full years of study in HA, the board voted on July 28, 2015 to designate graduates as Certified Humor Professionals (CHP), while HAG will continue to be the nickname.
AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org • 9 AATH 2015-2016 2015 Level II Humor Academy Projects Board of Directors The Level II Humor Academy Projects presented at the conference were superlative, outstanding and downright PRESIDENT excellent. The advisors were Kay Caskey and Judy Olivero, with help from the Board members and numerous Mary Kay Morrison other AATH members. Humor Quest Here is a brief description of the projects that involve both research and application of humor practice in an [email protected] individual’s chosen field of study. PRESIDENT-ELECT Maia Aziz Maia Aziz Judy Oliverio With Love and Laughter Maia is writing a book - It’s Really Judy developed the project “Humor [email protected] Not That Complicated - A Regular Heals Heroes,” a program to Gal’s Ramblings on Living a Life implement laughter therapy and SECRETARY of Love and Laughter. Maia says, humor with veterans; continuing Sporty King “What I know for sure? That love and her lifetime mission to increase R. King & Associates laughter might not cure what ails you but they sure awareness of Veterans and VA Staff on the importance [email protected] will go a long way to getting you through those tough of laughter in recovery for our brave Veterans with moments.” PTSD and other illnesses. TREASURER Dr. Gurinder Bains Katherine Puckett, Loma Linda University Barbara Best [email protected] Barbara’s Humor Project goals were PhD, LCSW to write and publish SMILES TO GO! Katherine created HAPI (Humor, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Take-out for the Hungry, co-authored Appreciation, Play and Inspiration) Jill Knox with Global Laughter Ambassador and will use “HAPI-ness” to promote The Sunny Side Barbara Grapstein, and to write stress relief, engagement, enhanced [email protected] FIND YOUR FUNNY: The LOL Survival Guide for well-being and self-care for the Cancer Treatment Teens...,written with Dr. Joanne Jackal, LCSW, PhD; Centers of America® in Zion, IL. DIRECTORS Pub date: October 2015. Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, Erika Ruiz CPAE Kay Caskey: What’s So Funny About...? Erika created Joy over Toys, an [email protected] Kay’s project was to write and interactive workshop for parents implement an on-line Health and focusing on playing without any toys Kathy Laurenhue Humor Class (3 hours graduate/ involved, so parents and children Wiser Now, Inc. undergraduate credit) for the have an opportunity to share silly [email protected] Integrative Holistic Health and moments that will help add more laughter/humor into Wellness Department at Western Michigan University. their lives. She incorporates Laughter Dynamics and Fr. Paul Moore, M.s., Lpc, Lmft The class was offered in the 2015 spring term and was Laughter Yoga but uses no physical toys. Client Focused Counseling filled to capacity. [email protected] Dr. Laura Sunn Brenda Elsagher Melissa Mork Dr. Sunn’s Project was How Initiating University of Northwestern Brenda wrote a book called Your a Study can result in Positive Change College Glasses are On Top of Your Head: in Standard of Care, i.e. The Effect [email protected] Tales of Life, Longevity, and Laughter. of Psychiatric Consultation on (See the review in this newsletter) Assessment of a Bowel Rehabilitation Jae Pierce-Baba Program on Patients after Hypothermic Peritoneal LipShtick Productions Chemotherapy (HIPEC). After initiating a feasibility [email protected] Barbara Grapstein pilot including Psychiatric and Pain Consultations, the surgeons elected to make Humor and Music Laurie Young Barbara founded Healing Headbands, Preferences a standard, rather than optional Laughter Works a nonprofit organization based in Sea intervention. [email protected] Cliff, NY, whose purpose is to use art and laughter to design and create Helen Stucky AATH Headquarters headbands with children who have 220 E. State St., FL G a life-threatening illness. The children’s designs are Risdon Weaver Rockford, IL 61104 printed on fabric and turned into headbands. Helen created Does Humor Work 4 815-708-6587 You? A Wholistic Model for Local C: 815-347-1139 Masako Kusakari 2 Global Community Health and [email protected] Wellness; a project to explore and Masako developed a motivational document how humor works as a Quality of Life talk, “Happy Lucky Me” with the goal improvement tool. to increase the number of smiles in Japan by 20% by 2020, when Japan For more information about their projects, please hosts the Olympics. Her talk has contact them directly. See AATH membership for earned her top honors in Toastmaster competitions. email addresses.
10 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org Book Review by Diane Roosth
Your Glasses Are on Top of Your Head: Tales of Life, Longevity, and Laughter by Brenda Elsagher
Author, Speaker, 2016 AATH Conference Chair Brenda Elsagher gathered a collection of amazing stories from middle aged women and men as her Humor Academy Level II Project. Author Brenda Elsagher Publication is pending the middle of September. She has written four other books that can be found on her website www.livingandlaughing.com. I was permitted a pre-publication sneak preview so I am able to comment in this article.
In her introduction, Brenda quotes a 102 year old woman; “Growing old is not for sissies.” She shares wisdom from her family; “Somehow early on in my life I found that humor could distract one from pain…physical…emotional…spiritual.” She identifies the importance of enjoying the present, of good friends and family, and “being willing to challenge our thinking and try new things.” She shares a quote from a poem that John Lennon used in a song: “Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be.”
Her book is divided into sections that touch on many important aspects of aging. Funny Observations, Memory Lapse Follies, Covert Body Changes, Family Wisdom, Learning Adventures, Intimacy Fun, and Health and Happiness individually sound like food for a stand-up comedy routine. Together the stories are upbeat, inspirational, honest and relatable for anyone who has a grey hair or is seeking their funny side after 50.
There are many highlights throughout the book. In Section 1: Funny Observations, Joyce Elsen writes in “I’m Laughing More These Days”: “I knew I was getting old when my kids were complaining about all their grey hair.” In Section 2: Memory Lapse Follies: our author Brenda Elsagher talks in “The Helicopter” about body changes with intentional weight loss after 50 and her humor in her awareness of her noisy flapping arm skin and the impact of gravity on other parts of her body. In “Got Game,” Barb Best talks about tennis and aging, “bladder unpredictability,” “arm jangles,” “sun visor required,” and how there are “special rules for tennis over 50.”
As an over 50 hiker and camper, I especially identified with the next two. In Section 5, Learning Adventures, Kay Caskey and Laurie Young share playfulness “Hiking in Chile” as “beautiful” older women. In Section 7 on Health and Happiness, Dan Van Oss writes about “We Have Liftoff: Getting a Colonoscopy,” a recommended procedure for men and women after 50. He talks with humor about what he identifies as three steps to this process: Fueling for the Launch, Liftoff, and Orbit.
Congratulations to Brenda on her ability to integrate play and joy with stories that are timely and relevant. She reminds us to laugh across the lifecycle alone and with our extended families and friends.
Author Diane Roosth is a medical social worker, graduate of the Humor Academy, a Certified Laughter Leader with World Laughter Tour, and a seasoned AATH member. She is a greying middle aged grandmother, and values smiles and laughter together with her husband, adult children and two young grandsons.
AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org • 11 First AATH Humor Voice Contest:
Baby captions!
Send us your baby photos with what you thing might be an appropriate caption. Laurie Young will provide the first with her incredibly adorable new grandson, who looks a bit like a grumpy old suburban man saying: “What are those kids doing on my lawn?” Fabulous prizes!
Laurie Young, Message to members Editor Laurie is the Welcome to our new AATH Humor Voice, a newsletter for members. Thank you to all who wrote, cofounder of rewrote, corrected, photographed and interviewed people for this newsletter…Now we need you! Laughter Works, and a professor We hope you enjoyed the first edition. It is a too-little-known secret that AATH is filled with some of at Western the most amazing, kind-hearted, giving, knowledgeable people on the planet. Michigan University teaching an on-line humor course. She has We’d like to hear about interesting members you would like to introduce, books you have written, taught over 100,000 people how research you are conducting, articles you have written about the use of therapeutic humor in work, to juggle. school, or play, or stories you have about how you have used humor to enhance your life. Sporty King, Board Please send your ideas to: [email protected] Secretary As president Next Issue of R. King & Associates, • Our next AATH Humor Voice will include a continuation of some of the things we wrote about here, Sporty is an like two more research poster sessions. inspiring keynote presenter who works with groups to promote • Don Baird has agreed to have an AATH Remembers column, so please keep him informed of leadership, creativity, humor and news of deaths and we want to make sure any AATH member is, well, remembered. Don’s email: the power of positive words. [email protected] He currently serves with the USA Military Yellow Ribbon • Member Spotlight will shine on another member, maybe more. Send us your ideas! Reintegration Program. • Your humor articles, humor strategies and humorous stories. Kay Caskey Kay is the NOTE: AATH, like most non-profit organizations, is always searching for support. Think about cofounder of volunteering with time or financial support (we’d like to bring our web site up-to-date, making it more Laughter Works supportive to our members and easier to find needed information, but everything has a cost). We are a and a professor at Western Michigan 501c corporation, which means you can deduct your donation on your taxes. University. She Thanks to all the authors who have helped make this newsletter a reality. has bungee jumped, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, and learned to swim after the age of 40. AATH under new management We are proud to introduce Kathy Velasco, the executive director of V-2 Marketing Communications, and our new AATH management company. We know you will enjoy working with the amazing V-2 team. Check out their photos and staff bios at marketingv2.com/staff/
Located in Rockford, Illinois, Kathy and her team enthusiastically provide our non-profit organization with the management services that we need as a growing organization. These invaluable services include membership and conference registration as well as all business and financial matters. Their expertise in marketing and web site design are an added benefit for us.
Many of you had the privilege of meeting Kathy and Michele St. Clair at our conference registration Kathy desk. Their business tag line says it all: “Imagine. What we can do together.” 12 • AATH Humor Voice • September 2015 • aath.org