Charlie's Chaplains' Hospital Clown Creative Ministry & Skool

NEW Book: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:31:00 +0000

A new book just published by FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' former coordinator Becky Cortino!

“I’ve written this book to encourage those in the trenches, wanting to dispense generous doses of Healing Humor through performance in the healthcare venue,” Becky said.

The third book in the AHeart4Clowning series, formatting of this guide is slightly different from the others. While topically-presented, versus traditional chapters, Becky describes it as “written like a conversation, inviting the reader’s participation. It is not intended to be an exhaustive resource of entertaining bits, but rather savvy solutions and ideas for active Healing Humor performers in healthcare wanting to be more effective.”

Written from the grassroots perspective of a volunteer and coordinator of what is believed to be one of the oldest all-volunteer hospital clown/family entertainer groups, this guide is based on Becky’s hands-on experience as a Hospital Clown and Applied Humor Therapist beginning in 1997. It is the second book in the “Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting” series.

This book includes material Becky has written and presented in 10 consecutive training programs since 2004, training 245 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers (at this writing) in service at other healthcare facilities as well as her own group, those performing in other states, regions and countries.

Included in this inspiring guide are:

Pointers and Tips for Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting
Inspirations and Ideas for Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Actionable Steps to be an Effective Healthcare Family Entertainer
Journaling and List-keeping Section
Special Reader BONUS Gifts ($45 Value)

For more information and to purchase: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting: Entertaining Effectively in the Healthcare Venue guide, click this linked text (here)

Miles of Smiles: Counting it All Joy!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0000

Becky Cortino

What Joy to share laughter and cheer with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains!

What a blessing and a privilege to work with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains since 1997, experiencing so many positive changes and developments! The ministry’s growth, ability to train, prepare and equip members, and eventually encourage others to take part in this work that looks like play, fulfills what we believe we were brought here and led to do.

Due to growing commitments, my family and I will no longer be involved with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains, effective January 1, 2011. The Cortino Family is preparing to launch out in new directions for all of us in 2011! We believe my/our mission is done, and so the end has come for our service with FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains.

Much has been accomplished, and the need remains great for the stress-busting healthy humor Charlie's Chaplains regularly injects in the healthcare setting. This ministry now has established policies, training, and is encouraging others worldwide to inject Healing Humor in the healthcare setting. After presenting at the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor international conference in Disneyland last April, publishing 2 books on the topic and providing hours of training, I believe I am leaving this ministry in good stead.

This blog was established by me in December, 2006 to chronicle the many adventures and special events in the Life 'n Rhymes of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains. At the close of my/our tenure with this ministry, my work here -- a labor of love -- is now complete. This blog will remain, serving as an archive illustrating growth and development of this group, the "Skool" concept I developed, and as a helpful, inspiring resource for those interested in hospital/caring clowning, injecting healing humor in the healthcare setting, or establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group.

Additionally, I leave a legacy comprised of an abundance of multimedia and books created based on my hands-on experience, presented from a unique grassroots perspective, compared to the majority of currently offered training and resources. As for continuing FRMC Clown Ed, I have offered to assist in providing future training for Charlie's Chaplains. I also remain available to train other hospital clowns/healthcare family entertainer groups, and book speaking engagements for humor programs, schedule permitting.

After nearly 14 years with this ministry, I pass the torch over to my team members, as I/we move on in a new direction. Rest assured, they will be carrying on uninterrupted Healing Humor Injections at Frye Regional Medical Center. In 2011, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains will celebrate 20 years of service!

As for my family and me, we sincerely appreciate the opportunity to work with each of the very dedicated Charlie's Chaplains (and so many others who have gone before) in this way; for the exceptional support by our hosting facility and home -- FRMC, and for their allowing us to follow what we all knew was the work we were led to do. AMEN.

God Bless. My heart to yours…

Becky Cortino, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Coordinator (2003-2010)

FRMC Pastoral Care Department Volunteer (1997-2010)

For more resources, visit our sister site:

AHeart4Clowning: To Encourage & Inspire Touching Hearts thru the Arts! http://www.AHeart4Clowning.com

...site inspired and supports the book originally written for our first Ministry Weekend:

How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry Guide

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Nose Transplant Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from FRMC Charlie's Chaplains!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:13:00 +0000

Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino's Guinness World Record still in the cards?

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Thanks for your interest and support for FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Assistant Coordinator Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino's recent World Record Setting Event.

Here is Sammy's Guinness World Record status update:

More: Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino update

Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MagicsRoyalDukeSammyCortino

Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino Facebook World Record Feedback Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158051100903683

Guinness World Records Facebook Community Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guinness-World-Records/109333242419825

Guinness World Records on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/GuinnessWorldRecords

Our Latest NewZ: Injecting Healing Humor at FRMC

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Special FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Awards Presented at Skool '10

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Skool Graduation including awards and recognitions is a traditional feature at day's end of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool Saturday Intensive. A special twist was added this year as mini-trophy awards were bestowed, in addition to framed recognition certificates.

"Charlie" and coordinator Becky Cortino at Skool '10 Graduation.

Trophies were presented to:

FRMC "Fearless Leader" for encouraging staff attendance for the new Healthcare Professionals track.
All of the out-of-state Skool attendees.
"Flutterby" and "Hammy" for continued support of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool.
JT "Bubba" Sikes was presented a trophy in addition to receiving the "Official Charlie's Chaplains" designation, the second such award in FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' 19-year history.

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Adventures with Bubba! LOL

Charlie's Chaplains' Vid Featured on World News Website

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Just ran across this link and we wanted to share it here -- FRMC Charlie's Chaplains is featured on the World News website!

You can view our vid right here: http://wn.com/Charlie's_Chaplains_Hospital_Clown_Creative_Ministry

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 Features Special Guest JT "Bubba" Sikes!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' coordinator Becky Cortino recently had the opportunity to interview JT "Bubba" Sikes on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio. We're very excited to have "Bubba" coming to Skool '10!

The show is entitled: "A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning"

Tune-in -- take a listen, and you'll see why...

Listen to internet radio with A Heart 4 Clowning on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: Attempted to embed the referenced show but not sure it's possible -- apologies! You can select the program by title in the above show player.

Anticipating FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Now-Infamous Skool '10

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Skool '10 registration has officially closed, and FRMC Charlie's Chaplains are preparing to roll out the Red Carpet for several out-of-state attendees who will be joining festivities and fun at the group's 9th consecutive Skool.

"Skool" was devised by coordinator Becky Cortino in 2003, when she first developed the concept -- to bring professionals in to share their passions as related to entertaining and cheering the patients at Frye Regional Medical Center.

Since it's inception, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool as of this year, will have trained 245 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers. The Skool opened it's doors to other ministries, groups, troupes and out-of-state guests in 2004.

"Each year's theme is totally different... the formatting and programming are based on FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' training needs," said Chief Skool Instigator and group coordinator Becky Cortino. Becky regularly shares her experienced insight on establishing, training, preparing and equipping hospital/caring clown and healthcare family entertainer groups on her blog: AHeart4Clowning.com

Next year marks the hospital ministry's 20th anniversary and a grand worldwide celebration is being planned!

12 Frye Regional Medical Center Staffers to Attend Skool '10

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:58:00 +0000

Exciting NewZ: 12 FRMC Team Members are attending Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 Saturday Intensive on September 25th!

The group will begin their Skool day by immersing themselves in a segment especially for Healthcare Professionals, presented by Applied Humor Therapist Becky Cortino, who serves as the hospital clown/family entertainer group coordinator. Their day's adventure will be further complemented by a full day of learning about Applied Humor Therapy and injecting humor in the healthcare setting.

"Since 1991, FRMC Charlie's Chaplains has been honored to serve as part of the Wellness Team at Frye Regional Medical Center. It's a real thrill to welcome FRMC Team Members to our Skool," said Becky.

This is the group's ninth consecutive Skool. Each year's theme and formatting varies, depending upon the group's training needs. This year's focus is "Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting."

Official Trailer: Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino Performs ‘Synthesis,’ Setting World Record

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 12:23:00 +0000

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Assistant Coordinator and professional Illusionist Sammy Cortino set the World Record for the fastest blindfolded and ambidextrous card manipulations (card sleight of hand), where he manipulates over 300 cards in 90 seconds…

Sammy is going to be a featured presenter at Skool '10 September 24-25, 2010 -- are you going to be at Skool '10?!

More Info about Skool '10:

http://charlieschaplains.blogspot.com/2010/06/charlies-chaplains-skool-10-applied.html

Charlie's Chaplains Work that Looks Like Play is Lauded

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Recently surfing the web, ran across this nice post, an excerpt from our submission to the collaborative book "What's Right in Healthcare," the piece written by coordinator Becky Cortino about FRMC Charlie's Chaplains.

You can read the excerpt here:
http://www.emtcity.com/index.php/topic/18752-clown-chaplains/

Thank you so much for sharing our story Ruffems!

Here is our original post about this book:
http://charlieschaplains.blogspot.com/2007/09/whats-right-in-healthcare.html

Charlie's Chaplains Cookie Shares Her True Clown Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Guest Blog Post by FRMC Charlie's Chaplain "Cookie:"

I have so many memories while clowing at Frye. I have been truly blessed by the patients. We go in thinking that we will cheer the patients and we come away feeling uplifted ourselves. I am always amazed at how everyone gladly accepts us into their room and asks us to remember them in our prayers.

In today's world of negative comments about God and Christianty, I still see that God is alive as we visit the patients!

I LOVE CLOWNING!

~ Kay Mosteller aka Cookie

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' now-infamous Nose Transplant Clinic Open for Funny Biz on August 5th!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Pop by our now-infamous 6th annual Nose Transplant Clinic Thurs August 5th 11AM-2PM (Main Lobby), as we celebrate International Clown Week at Frye Regional Medical Center! In recognition of our work (that looks like play), at 1PM FRMC Charlie's Chaplains will receive the Official International Clown Week Proclamation by the Honorable Mayor Rudy Wright!

Come for Laughter - Cheer - Healing Humor — and a FREE Nose Transplant!

Our trained Humor Therapists are happy to assist you! Check-out our wonder-full menu of services guaranteed to tickle any FunnyBone, and our FaceLifts are painless!

How will you celebrate International Clown Week? Please share your plans and events with us, by leaving a comment!

Smiles — and clown noses — all around!

Some Passing Thoughts on Humor and Health Care

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Guest Blog Post by one of FRMC Charlie's Chaplains founding pastors "Charlie Chaplain":

A favorite movie of mine is the “Wizard of Oz”, which I have seen more times than I can count. Dorothy of Kansas finds herself in a strange world, with a lot of strange looking creatures and folks. It is at its roots, a story of travel, much like the Biblical character Abraham, who is directed by God to leave his home, which he knows quite well, to a land that he knew very little about.

Life is a journey, and sometimes in that journey, a person finds him/herself in a strange land called “Hospital”. It is a place with strange looking people walking around, with strange looking instruments in hand. They speak a language that is not easily understood by those from the outside. It has rooms which contains some very strange looking equipment that either hooks up to or wraps around a person being tested or treated.

It is within this environment that the patient needs something to help them cope with the situation at hand, and it is times like this that a little injection of humor can make the person feel a little more at ease and a little less threatened.

The most basic form of humor is the “smile”. This is “body language” speaking its most basic message – “welcome to my world”. Receiving a smile in a forbidden place in the world is a most rewarding experience. In fact it is well known that a smile can be infectious, causing others to be caught up in its transforming presence. Before you know it, the whole room is full of this infectious gift.

Yes, the treatment process will go on as usual, but the ingredient of smile has taken away some of the rough edges of the procedure, which will produce some lingering thoughts of “this wasn’t so bad after all.”

~ "Charlie Chaplain" aka Chaplain Robert Ford, Director of Pastoral Care

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10: Work of Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:04:00 +0000

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10: "Work of Heart"

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 features 3 tracks of training:
1) Hospital/Caring Clowns & Healthcare Family Entertainers
2) Hospital Troupe, Groups & Ministries - New and Established
3) Healthcare Professionals

Our 9th consecutive Skool since February 2004, this year we're pleased to:

*Offer a Friday Pre-Skool Eve Dinner Program for those who want to establish a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Humor Program, or enhance an existing program.

*Feature internationally-known JT "Bubba" Sikes as Saturday's special presenter.

Join us for our now-infamous packed-to-the-max Skool September 24-25 in Hickory, NC!

For more information and to request a Skool Regstration Packet:
http://charlieschaplains_skool.bravehost.com/

You're invited! Come for FUN, learning and fellowship!

Charlie's Chaplains Silly Sally Kazoos Sweet Songs to Patients' Delight!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Guest Blog Post by FRMC Charlie's Chaplain "Silly Sally":

Silly Sally here, and I am excited - I have found my clowning passion! I totally LOVE my kazoo thingy-a-bob, and the patients really seem to brighten up when they hear it. The best times are when they and their visitors join in and sing along. They sound like an angelic choir, and there are times when I find myself having to brush away a tear as I leave the room. I am so glad I was able to attend our mid year clown get-together where we put the kazoos together - I had no idea then that I would have so much fun with it!

~ Patti Howell aka Silly Sally

NOTE: The pic shows "Silly Sally" and her wonderously-creative 'kazoo thingy-a-bob.' On Rounds, she plays song requests, and the patients absolutely love it! The very sight of the 'kazoo thingy-a-bob' first captivates their interest, but her sweet spirit and extensive music repertoire make the performance a real hit!

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Assistant Coordinator Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino to Set Card Manipulation World Record

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:41:00 +0000

On August 6, 2010 attempt: Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino will set the world record for manipulating the most cards in 90 seconds: 300. Cortino will be blindfolded and manipulate with both hands. This routine is inspired by Harry Houdini’s early sleight of hand work and performed in the style of the stunts that brought the illusionist international notoriety.

Join us in-person or streaming L-I-V-E on Facebook!

For More Details: Click this link (here)

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 Applied Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 focus this year is on Applied Humor Therapy, in a packed-to-the-max Weekend!

"Work of Heart: Injecting Humor in the Healthcare Setting"

Skool '10 is geared for Healthcare Professionals, as well as for volunteers, hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers wanting to learn effective ways to Apply Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.

Want to prepare and learn how to effectively Apply Humor Therapy in the Healthcare Setting?!
Skool '10 will indeed be a "3-Ring Circus" On-Stage, offering exceptional instruction in Applied Humor Therapy, Clown Arts and specialized instruction for healthcare professionals, and for establishing and training a hospital clown or healthcare entertainer group, in Hickory, NC September 24-25.

Skool '10 is specially geared to train 3 tracks simultaneously:

1) Healthcare Professionals interested in learning more about effective ways to Apply Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting.

2) Hospital Clown/Healthcare Entertainer Group Representatives (established, new or forming groups welcomed!).

3) Individual Clown/Family Entertainers interested in learning more about Hospital Clowning or entertaining in the Healthcare Setting; reviewing or finetuning skills and best practices. Exploring possibly setting up a group.

The Friday PreSkool Eve Program feature a delicious dinner and program on "Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group," presented by FRMC coordinator and published author and speaker Becky Cortino.

The full-day intensive on Saturday will include concurrent and joint programs for Healthcare Professionals. hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers presented by JT "Bubba" Sikes, Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino and Becky Cortino.

Registration is ongoing through September 10, 2010, with special Early Bird Benefits to those who register by August 10th. Weekend and Saturday Intensive Registration Packages are available (click on this link)

~~For more program details and to~~ request a Skool '10 Registration Packet (click on this link here)

Healthcare Professionals: Work of Heart - Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting at Skool '10

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:22:00 +0000

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 "Early Bird" Registrations Perks and Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:26:00 +0000

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 "Early Bird" Registrants have Exclusive Perks and Benefits!

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains recently announced a special perk for Skool '10 "Early Bird" Registrants...

All paid "Early Bird" Registrations fully-completed, submitted and approved for Skool '10 attendance received by Tuesday, August 10, 2010 (US Mail ONLY) qualify for great goodies -- FREE:

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Healing Humor "Early Bird" FREE Gift Pack:

VALUED AT $65.00 includes...

1) "Healing Humor: Live Happy - Be Healthy Audio CD ($15)

2) BONUS "Healing Humor" Self-study Course ($35):

Healing Humor Special EReport (18-pages)
"40 Fab FUN Ways to Add Humor to Everyday" EBook
33 pages of Course EMaterials are included

3) "Healing Humor" message button ($8)

4) "Healing Humor Grab Bag" (Priceless!)

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' now-infamous Skool '10 promises to offer a fabulous line-up this year:

Friday evening special dinner program:

For the second time in their 19-year history, FRMC Charlie’s Chaplains will be offering a Friday evening "Pre-Skool" dinner session on "How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group: To Train, Prepare and Equip!"

Saturday's all-day Intensive focuses on humor in the healthcare setting with:

A track for Applied Humor Therapy instruction for healthcare professionals
Feature JT "Bubba" Sikes as a featured presenter on hospital clowning

Interest in attending FRMC Charlie's Chaplains now-infamous "Skool" has increased over the years, drawing folks from out-of-state, and outside the region. To date, 220 hospital clowns and healthcare family entertainers have been trained at Skool, a concept developed by the group's coordinator Becky Cortino. "Each year has a slightly different focus, with a fun theme," said Cortino. "Skool offers multiple-track classes, taught simultaneously by experienced professional instructors who love to share their passion."

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10 theme is "Work of Heart: Injecting Humor in the Healthcare Setting," and promises to be a packed-to-the-max weekend of fellowship, learning and fun. Skool '10 will indeed be a "3-Ring Circus" On-Stage, offering exceptional instruction in Applied Humor Therapy, Clown Arts, with specialized instruction for healthcare professionals, and for those establishing and training a hospital clown, healthcare entertainer group or troupe.

This year's training program features instruction on Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, as well as aspects of the art of clowning and creative arts, presented for all levels of experience, with special tracks for healthcare professionals.

Special Two-or-More Ministry Training and local mission opportunities are offered to area churches and other ministries wanting to share their hearts in this way. Interested groups are invited to enroll members in Charlie's Chaplains' Skool '10, receiving additional training offered and adopting FRMC monthly visitations as a shared local missions focus for one calendar year, under the tutelage and coordination of the resident hospital creative ministry.

For More Skool '10 Info, click on this link (here)

To Receive a Skool '10 Registration Packet, click on this link (here)

Becky Cortino Presents Establishing a Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer Group at AATH 2010 Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Frye Regional Medical Center's Charlie's Chaplains' Coordinator Becky Cortino was a recently featured speaker-presenter at the 23rd annual Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) Conference in Disneyland April 22-25!

Becky's presentation topic was based on her AHeart4Clowning book: Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — with an add-on: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote!

About her experience, she said, "It was gratifying to present to a wonderful group of interested participants from all over the world, encouraging them in their efforts of applying healing humor in the healthcare setting. With my years (since 1997) in the aspect of Applied Humor Therapy in the healthcare setting, the Tribute to Norman Cousins, was especially meaningful. A true visionary, he is credited with being the forerunner in this aspect, first treating his painful health condition with doses of humor, long before contemporary thought recognized and embraced this powerful, effective therapy."

In addition, Becky and FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Assistant Coordinator Magic's Royal Duke Sammy Cortino, helped with the traditional AATH Clowning Outreach in tandem with Chicago-based entertainer talented, witty and way-fun Danny Donuts. You can see the group 'in action,' from the video linked here. A fabulous experience…

"The conference provides tremendous educational and networking opportunities. It was great to meet and share with others in this field! I really enjoyed hearing about their programs and the free-flow of shared ideas," Becky said.

Theory and application of humor in healthcare, education and business, is presented through continuing education, networking, and fun for professionals to enhance their work performance, support learning, and promote healing, is the focus of the AATH Conference. Held in April as part of the global celebration of Humor Month, the AATH Conference draws participants from around the world. For more information about AATH, click this link (here)

Becky Cortino will be presenting a special "Applied Humor Therapy" segment for Healthcare Professionals at FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' upcoming and now-infamous Skool '10, along with a Pre-Skool Friday evening segment on Establishing a Hospital Clown or Healthcare Family Entertainer Group — with an add-on: Train, Prepare, Equip and Promote!

For More information on Becky Cortino's articles, resources, books, multimedia and materials, click this link (here)

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' MidYear Gathering '10 Private Training Session

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie's Chaplains Hospital Creative Ministry) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:00:00 +0000

FRMC Charlie's Chaplains recently held their annual MidYear Gathering, a private active members-only enrichment/coaching session.

This year's program included a:

Kazzoo Band FUNshop creating fabulous instruments from recycled materials.
Jam Session followed -- !
Clown Roundtable discussion, with personal coaching and member questions.

This is yet another perk benefitting active FRMC Charlie's Chaplains, in addition to valuable, worthwhile ongoing training, and attending the group's now-infamous Skool free, as a thank you for dedicated service.

Are you interested in becoming involved with FRMC Charlie's Chaplains? Your first step is to attend Skool.

Click on this link, to learn more about FRMC Charlie's Chaplains' Skool