August 2024 Newsletter
August 1st, 2024
Welcome to the Fun Enterprises Newsletter
August 2024
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Kids and Family
Here Are the 8 Biggest Dorm Decor Trends to Look Out for in 2024
Prioritizing Mental Health in Preparing for College
Free Outdoor Movies in Boston: Summer 2024
Anecdotes and Advice from AC
AC Anders, CMP.
VP of Corporate Events
Have a question for AC?
Please reach out to directly at [email protected] or
617-838-5691
Tips for Planning a Corporate Holiday Party
- Start Early to Avoid the Year-End Rush The end of the year is always a busy time for everyone, especially in the corporate world. Since most companies don’t have someone solely dedicated to planning the holiday party, the earlier you start, the less stressful it will be. Get ahead of the game and ensure your event is a smooth, joyful celebration!
- Choose a Date Early The holiday season fills up quickly, so pick your date early! This gives your guests plenty of advance notice, ensuring your event will be well attended and everyone can plan around it.
- Decide on Your Guest List Deciding who to invite can be a challenge. Should it be staff-only, or should families join in the fun? While budget often guides this decision, remember that holidays are best celebrated with loved ones. Including families can add an extra layer of joy to your event.
- Don’t Forget the Kids At FUN, we love seeing the joy on children’s faces year after year. Whether there’s a new baby on the team or kids growing from toddlers to teens, their excitement brings a special magic to holiday events. Make sure to include activities that will delight the little ones.
- Name Tags with a Twist Avoid the awkwardness of forgetting names by providing name tags. Add a festive touch by letting kids decorate their family’s tags. It’s a fun icebreaker and adds a personal touch to the celebration.
- Cherish Traditions Our traditional photo programs have become a cherished part of many holiday parties. Guests treasure these photos, whether they capture kids growing up or provide a memory of a loved one who’s no longer with us. These moments become a special part of family history.
- Bring on the Fun While securing a great venue and delicious food is crucial, don’t forget about the entertainment! There are plenty of budget-friendly options to keep the holiday spirit alive: holiday photos, music, live characters for the holidays, crafts like cookie decorating or making reindeer food, and festive games. The possibilities are endless!
- And Finally… Ask for Help - FUN Enterprises and I have been helping people celebrate the holiday season for more than 30 years. We are happy to have a conversation to see if we can help you too. Whether you just need someone to bounce ideas off of or a partner to help you plan and execute the entire event I am a phone call, email, or text away. Wishing you an amazing holiday season.
Sam's Picks
Fall is my favorite time of year, the changing leaves, the crisp autumn air, and my favorite – fall flavors!
Whether you prefer pumpkin or apple, here are some recipes to “spice” up your season.
Apple Strudel Muffins
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2 apples, chopped
Topping:
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp all purpose flour
2 Tbsp butter
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease or line muffin tin.
Beat oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in apples.
In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet and mix until incorporated.
Divide batter into muffin tins.
In a small bowl, mix topping ingredients by mixing flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cut butter
into the mixture until crumbly.
Sprinkle topping over muffins and bake 25-30 minutes.
Pumpkin Risotto
Ingredients:
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups pumpkin
8 slices of bacon, chopped
4 Tbsp butter
2 leeks, thinly sliced
4 tsp salt
2 tsp thyme
3 cups aborio rice
1 1/3 cups Pinot Grigio
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup parsley, chopped
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp group nutmeg
4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Directions:
Cook bacon and drain on paper towel. Set aside.
In a medium pan, whisk pumpkin and broth and bring to simmer over medium heat.
Cover and reduce temperature to low.
Melt butter in large pan over medium heat.
Add leeks and 2 tsp salt, cook until tender.
Mix in thyme and rice, brown for one minute.
Add wine and simmer 1-2 minutes until absorbed, stir constantly.
Add broth ad ½ cup intervals allowing it to be absorbed before adding the next.
Cook until done (tender, but firm) approximately 20-25 minutes.
Mix in Parmesan cheese, parsley, remaining salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Serve immediately and top with goat cheese and bacon.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/3 cup rolled oats
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 egg room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 15oz can pumpkin
1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg and vanilla.
Add in half of the flour, then half of the pumpkin. Repeat.
Drop by rounded tablespoon 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes, rotate the pan, and bake another 12 minutes.
Watch Amma's video blog about her Webinar
Developing Trauma-Informed Student Programming with Amma Marfo
On August 7th, join us for this live online event that explores how individual and collective trauma can affect college students, why it impacts their willingness to engage in campus programming, and what we as campus activities professionals can do to re imagine programs and events with this reality in mind.
Wednesday, August 7th, 2024
1pm ET/10am PT
Includes support materials and 90 day access to the event
Group viewing rates available upon request
Sign Up Here!
Ken Abrahams at 617-347-0720
or email [email protected]
The Importance of Feedback in Delivering Exceptional Customer Service
by Debra Holland
At Fun Enterprises, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service. Our dedication to ensuring every client has an outstanding experience is at the core of our business. We have established protocols to touch base with our clients throughout their journey with us, ensuring that we are meeting their needs and exceeding their expectations.
However, one of the challenges we face is gathering feedback. We've noticed that clients tend to share their thoughts only when prompted or when their experience was either exceptionally good or exceptionally bad. This pattern means we might miss out on valuable insights from those whose experiences fall somewhere in between.
Why Your Feedback Matters
Your feedback is crucial to us for several reasons:
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Continuous Improvement: Honest feedback helps us identify areas for improvement. Whether it's a suggestion for a minor tweak or a major overhaul, your insights guide us in making our services better.
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Customer Satisfaction: By understanding your needs and preferences, we can tailor our services to ensure you're not just satisfied but delighted. Your feedback allows us to customize our offerings to suit your unique requirements.
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Recognition and Motivation: Positive feedback boosts the morale of our team. Knowing that their hard work and dedication are appreciated motivates them to maintain high standards and strive for excellence.
How We Gather Feedback
At Fun Enterprises, we have several touch points to collect your feedback:
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Initial Consultation: During our first meeting, we discuss your expectations and preferences. This conversation sets the stage for a successful event. If you decide to go in a different direction at this stage, we would love to know why.
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Planning Stages: Throughout the planning process, we check in to ensure everything is on track and to address any concerns you might have.
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Post-Event Follow-Up: After your event, we reach out to gather your thoughts on what went well and what could be improved. This feedback is invaluable for our continuous improvement.
We Value Your Voice
We encourage all our clients to share their experiences with us, whether through our surveys, emails, or direct conversations. Your feedback, no matter how small it may seem, is a treasure trove of information that helps us serve you better.
Thank you for being a part of the Fun Enterprises family. Together, we can continue to create memorable and joyful experiences for everyone.
I'm a FUN Enterprises Employee...
Get in on the FUn! 
In Just a Few Weeks it Will be Off to College. Here is Some Advice from the Professionals
by Ken Abrahams
August is the time when things really begin to ramp up as students and their families prepare for that first semester in college. With that preparation comes a mountain of advice, both solicited and unsolicited. So, why not add to that pile? In order to prepare for this piece, I sent out a survey to a number of my clients who happen to work in Student Engagement at a number of institutions nationwide. Here are the questions that I asked them and some of the responses that they gave.
1. What is one piece of advice you would give to someone heading to college for the first time?
Overwhelmingly, the group felt that students need to try new things and be open to new adventures. Actions including going to an Involvement Fair or finding new groups to join. Some suggested a very specific course of action like seeking out one club or an activity that you really like, but also joining a club or organization that sounded interesting. It was also suggested to visit a group or club that, at the Involvement fair, had a short line so that you can talk to some of the members and truly learn about what their group does. If you sign up for one of these groups, go to at least one of their meetings and, if you like what you hear, volunteer for a task or a committee.
Others suggested making a real effort to meet people, whether it was at meals, in class, or in the residence halls. If you are a residential student, when you are in your room (other than sleeping or getting dressed) leave the door open, it provides new and returning students the opportunity to pop their heads in and say hi. Several people mentioned that new students need to remember that everyone is new, and everyone is just starting out. In other words, you are all in the same boat.
2. What is one piece of advice you would give to a parent sending a student off to college in the Fall of 2024? This can be valuable whether it is your first child or your fifth.
There was not a lot of surprises here. Over and over my panel of experts said to let your student experience failure. Not to the point that they were in harm’s way or that they risked flunking out, but let them learn how to advocate and fix things for themselves. Parents are often too anxious not to intervene on behalf of their student, but in the long run this does more harm than good. If there is a problem with registering for classes, for example, suggest that the student call the registrar and parents not call for them.
Make sure to set up times to connect with your child or children. Set this up in advance so you and the students are on the same page. Check ins may become less frequent as the semester gets busy and you all are more comfortable with the situation.
3. What is one thing that every student should bring with them if they are living on campus?
Our panel was all over the place on this. They recommended everything from Command Strips to hang things without damaging walls, to snacks, to a memento; photo, stuffed animal, or other reminder of home. Several people recommended shower shoes and a first aid kit. Games, fans, a favorite blanket, noise canceling headphones, and snacks to share were also on the list.
4. Granted every student is different but is there something that you can recommend to help them feel more comfortable in this new environment?
Many of the folks that I asked to weigh in talked about all the support available on campus. Whether it is help in your residence halls or academic support, or feeling overwhelmed and needing help navigating this situation, there are all kinds of support available on a college campus. As one person that responded to my questionnaire said, it is okay to not be okay. This is an entirely new situation and may take a bit of time to adjust to.
Remember that this is new for many of your peers as well, so you are probably not alone in how you are feeling. Keep an open mind and try new things came up in several responses that I got.
This is an exciting time in the lives of the students, the parents and their families. For many students it is the first time that they are away from family for an extended period of time. College also presents a lot of freedom and a lot of choices but that is a good thing. This will be a great time in the lives of students and their families, make sure to enjoy it. For more information on the responses we received here is a link to all of the responses. Wishing you all the best this year.
*Subject to Availability
Call 781-436-3187 or email
Ken Abrahams ([email protected]) for College/University Events
AC Anders ([email protected]) for Corporate/Private Events
Brainteasers
1. What has no hands but might knock on your door, and if it does you better open up?
2. I have no eyes, no legs, or ears, and I help move the earth. What am I?
3. What runs all around a backyard, yet never moves?
Math Riddles
1. The ages of a father and son add up to 66. The father's age is the son's age reversed. How old could they be? (3 possible solutions).
2. How do you make the number 7 even without addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?
3. 20+20+20=60. How can you make 60 again by using the same number 3 times, but it can’t be 20?
Kim's Corner
Click the links below for some great ideas, recipes, and FUN!
Summertime Trivia
1. When was the first rollercoaster built?
2. Which country is considered to be the birthplace of fireworks?
3. When did the first Drive-in movie open in the US?
Gardening
10 Things to Do in Your Garden in August
A Complete Guide to Seed Saving
15 Things You Should Plant in Your Garden This August, According to an Expert
11 Things to Do in August to Get Your Garden Ready for Fall
Have you viewed Ken's Tuesday@10 Video Blogs?
Puzzle Answers:
1. The first roller coaster in America opened on Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York in 1884.
2. Most historians credit China with the invention of fireworks around 800 AD. But it was in the 1830s that Italian inventors added trace amounts of metals to the mix and created the colorful displays that dazzle us now.
3. The Camden Drive-In in Camden, New Jersey opened in June of 1933. The price of admission was 25 cents for the car and 25 cents per person.
1. Opportunity
2. An Earth Worm
3. A Fence
1. 51 and 15. 42 and 24. 60 and 06.
2. Drop the S.
3. 55+5=60
Newsletter written and edited by
Debra Holland
August 2024
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