February 2026 Newsletter
February 1st, 2026
Welcome to the Fun Enterprises Newsletter
February 2026
Get this bi-monthly newsletter directly in your inbox!
Kids and Family
Valentine's Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026
29 Romantic Stay-Home Date Ideas for a Cozy Night In
50 DIY VALENTINE CRAFTS FOR ADULTS
Valentine's Day Weekend Getaway: Romantic Destinations and Ideas to Celebrate Love
St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026
SOUTH BOSTON - ST. PATRICK'S DAY / EVACUATION DAY PARADE
Saint Patrick’s Day 2026: History, Folklore, Recipes, and Ideas
Easter, Sunday April 5, 2026
60 Simple Easter Egg Designs, From Cute to Beautiful
Easy DIY Easter Decorations to Welcome Spring
45 Cute Easter Basket Ideas to Surprise Every Bunny
11 Stunning Easter Egg Designs for 2026 to Inspire Your Crafts & Campaigns
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
Taking a Vacation = No Stress?
(Let’s Be Honest…)
I was recently having a conversation with some colleagues about vacation time. January has traditionally been a slower period after the busy fall and holiday season, which makes it the perfect time to talk about de-stressing. Ironically, the conversation quickly turned to something we all know too well—the stress that comes with going on vacation.
Every January after the busy season, my husband and I try to get away to relax and recharge. I’m incredibly thankful that we’re able to do this and don’t take it for granted. That said, we all know the time leading up to a vacation—even during a slower work period—can be stressful.
There’s the pressure of not wanting to leave anything undone or create extra work for colleagues just because your Out of Office is on. Here at FUN, we have an amazing team and everyone truly supports one another, but I still feel that familiar stress about stepping away and leaving things behind.
Then there’s the home front—specifically, my two older cats. The moment the suitcases come down from the attic, their stress levels spike. One immediately jumps into my suitcase while I’m packing, clearly hoping to come along. We’re lucky to have two wonderful cat sitters, so honestly, they get more attention than when we’re home. Still, as they get older, I can’t help but worry about them when we travel.
And of course, there’s packing. Whether you’re packing just for yourself or for the whole family, it’s rarely simple. Your destination determines your wardrobe, but figuring out how much to bring (and what will actually fit) takes planning. I’m a list-maker, and my list changes constantly. There are endless articles and videos on how to pack efficiently, but here’s one I found especially helpful:
https://daniellegervino.com/travel-packing-hacks/
Once you finally arrive, it usually takes a few days—but eventually the stress starts to fade. The middle of vacation is that sweet spot, when your body and mind finally relax. Of course, as we all know, it doesn’t last forever. As the end approaches, the stress creeps back in. Flights get checked (and rechecked), bags get repacked, and the anxiety of returning to reality—and playing catch-up—sets in. No matter how prepared you are, there’s always that nervous feeling about going back.
The toughest part is often those extra hours at the airport, trying to savor the last moments while also keeping those “back to work” thoughts at bay. One unexpected bright spot for me this trip was meeting a kitten on our flight. I got to spend a few minutes with a new furry friend, and it was an instant stress reliever. Animal interaction has a powerful calming effect, and for a brief moment, weather-related flight delays in Boston didn’t matter at all.
Some airports even offer programs where travelers can interact with therapy animals, like the therapy dogs at Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport: https://flyri.com/passengers/the-pvd-experience/
When we finally got home, one cat greeted us immediately. The other did what he always does—ignored us for a solid half hour, just to make a point—before deciding he loved us again. So in the end, they both got over their anxiety.
So… is it worth it? Absolutely. Stepping away from everyday life, even with all the stress before and after, is necessary—and completely worth it.
Vacations remind us how important it is to pause and reset. That same idea applies beyond time off. When people are given opportunities to recharge—through time away, wellness initiatives, or meaningful moments of connection—it helps reduce burnout and boost overall well-being.
At FUN, we see firsthand how powerful those moments can be. Whether it’s an employee event, a wellness program, or a simple break from routine, creating space to recharge shows people they’re valued. And when people feel valued, they return more energized, focused, and engaged.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next getaway, here’s TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice list: https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice
New Program Alert!
We have a new Mirror Photo Booth, and it's amazing! Look at these options.
Call us to book for your next event!
2026 NACA LIVE
February 13 - 16, 2026 -Columbus, OH
We are super excited about the 2026 NACA Live Conference!
We have so much happening in our booths #107 and #109.
Giveaways, contests, and lots of FUN all weekend long.
Stop by and say hello to Ken Abrahams, Samantha Drake and Dave Zamansky.
Don't miss Dave Zamansky's Ed Sessions
Listen. Reflect. Resolve - February 15th at 10am (Difficult Conversations for Professionals)
Together We Thrive - February 16th at 2pm for Students
Sam's Picks for the Big Game
We believe our speakers are incredibly impactful, but don’t take our word for it...
I am pleased to provide this letter of recommendation regarding Michael Miller’s outstanding keynote presentation delivered to the Connecticut Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (CTHFMA) at our annual meeting in October 2025. Michael’s contribution to our event was truly impactful, and I am confident his skills as a keynote speaker would be an asset to any organization or audience.
Michael’s session was one of the highlights of our meeting. His presentation was not only informative and relevant to our members, but also engaging and thought-provoking. He demonstrated a deep understanding of the current challenges facing healthcare financial professionals, and offered practical strategies, insightful analysis, and forward-thinking solutions that resonated strongly with our diverse group.
What set Michael apart was his dynamic speaking style and ability to connect with all attendees, regardless of their role or experience level. He used compelling storytelling, clear visuals, and interactive elements to keep the audience fully engaged (and laughing) from start to finish. Attendees repeatedly commented on how energized they felt after his session.
Michael’s professionalism, preparation, and willingness to tailor his presentation to our specific needs made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. He was responsive in advance of the meeting and showed genuine interest in understanding our chapter’s priorities and the challenges facing healthcare. His keynote was educational, inspiring, left an impression that elevated the overall quality of our event.
I highly recommend Michael Miller as a keynote speaker. His expertise, engaging delivery, and ability to make a meaningful impact on his audience are second to none. If you are seeking a speaker who can both inform and inspire, Michael will exceed your expectations.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like further information or specific feedback.
Sincerely,
Susan Prior, CHC
Past President, CT HFMA Chapter
Team Chemistry Isn’t an Accident
It’s Designed
by Debra Holland
February often brings a quieter moment in the year. The excitement of January has faded, calendars are full again, and teams are deep into the day-to-day work. It’s also when many leaders start to notice something harder to name, energy feels different, collaboration feels strained, or connection feels thinner than it did just weeks ago.
We often talk about “team chemistry” as if it’s something lucky teams are born with. As if the right mix of personalities will naturally click, or one good kickoff meeting will carry people through the year. But in reality, strong chemistry doesn’t happen by accident. It’s designed.
Great teams aren’t defined by constant agreement or endless enthusiasm. They’re defined by trust, clarity, and the ability to engage with one another honestly. That kind of chemistry grows when people understand each other, feel safe contributing, and share experiences that go beyond status updates and to-do lists.
This is where intentional design matters. Teams build chemistry through moments that create shared meaning, experiences that allow people to see one another differently, communicate more openly, and reconnect to a common purpose. These moments don’t need to be extravagant, but they do need to be thoughtful. When interaction is guided with intention, connection deepens faster and lasts longer.
Meaningful experiences also stick. Long after a presentation ends or a meeting blurs together, people remember how an experience made them feel. They remember when they laughed together, learned something new about a colleague, or felt genuinely included in the conversation. Those moments become reference points that teams return to when work gets hard.
This is why intentional experiences—whether through entertainment, speakers, or facilitated workshops—play such a powerful role in culture-building. They don’t just fill time; they shape how people relate to one another. When teams share moments that are purposeful and engaging, chemistry follows naturally.
Here at Fun Enterprises we are a small team that not only gets together often for employee outings, which are important and go a long way with feeling comfortable and getting to know your co-workers on a personal level. But we are also lucky enough to have Michael Miller on our team as well. Michael is a True Colors facilitator and did a presentation for our team a few years ago. True Colors is a personality type indicator and we learned so much about each others work styles, because no one ever tells you their preferred communication style or whether they value relationships, organization, or creative pursuits most, over a drink. Personally, I learned so much about our team that day and still refer back to peoples "colors" when approaching them for tasks. It not only gives me more confidence in the approach, but you land softer if you know and care about your co-workers preferences as well.
If team dynamics feel off right now, it’s not a failure. It’s feedback. Culture reflects what we prioritize, and connection is no exception. Designing for chemistry early creates momentum, reduces friction, and makes collaboration feel less like work and more like partnership.
As you look to the months ahead, this can be a meaningful time to think not just about what your team needs to accomplish, but how they come together while doing it. Because the strongest teams aren’t the ones that hope for chemistry—they’re the ones that design it.
There Is a Lot to Love About February
by Ken Abrahams
For many, February is not their favorite month. Days are still short, nights are long, and in many places it is still just too cold. Others don’t love February because of Valentine’s Day. It can be a stark reminder of a recently lost loved one, or of struggling with not being in a relationship at all. Stores filled with cards, chocolates, and flowers can bring sadness instead of joy.
And yet, there is a lot to love about February—especially if you’re someone who believes in possibility, learning, and fresh starts.
As a lifelong baseball fan—something I inherited from my dear old mom—February marks the beginning of Spring Training. Every team starts the season with, at least in theory, a chance to win it all. That sense of optimism resonates with me, and it’s something I think we all appreciate at FUN Enterprises. Yes, I’m one of those dopes in the Boston area who looks forward to the Globe photo of the equipment truck leaving Fenway Park for Fort Myers, Florida, and JetBlue Park—but it’s really about what that moment represents: hope, preparation, and the start of something new.
February is also when we can truly begin to look ahead to spring. In many places, January is the coldest month, so temperatures—and spirits—start to rise during the shortest month of the year. Schools in the Northeast (and elsewhere) take February vacation, giving families a chance to travel, recharge, or spend time together. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the first crocuses pushing through the ground, reaching for that ever-brightening sun. It’s a reminder that change is happening, even if it’s not always obvious.
February also invites us to learn. Black History Month is a powerful opportunity to explore the stories of people who built, shaped, and challenged this country. Curiosity about history is another gift I received from my mother, and it’s something we value deeply at FUN. If you ask Joel Christian Gill—one of the speakers we proudly represent—or my son Sam, we don’t always teach history particularly well in this country. But there are incredible articles, podcasts, books, and talks that highlight the vital contributions Black Americans have made since our nation’s very beginning. February is a great time to engage with those stories, though our curiosity shouldn’t stop when the month ends.
And yes, there’s Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or not, it’s a chance to focus on the people in your life who matter—family, friends, colleagues, and communities that support you and bring you joy. At FUN, we see every day how connection, empathy, and shared experiences can inspire and uplift. Love has many forms, and all of them deserve recognition.
There really is a lot to love about February. It may be short, but it’s full of meaning, momentum, and opportunity. And if you’re still not convinced, there’s always the added bonus that it is the shortest month—so March will be here before you know it.
Have a great month.
Book Review by Erica Lombardi
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Before diving into The Wedding People by Alison Espach, I would first like to address that while the novel is mostly lighthearted and even downright funny at times, it does touch on heavy topics including depression and suicide. If that isn’t for you, you may want to skip this one!*
Alison Espach’s third novel titled The Wedding People follows the story of Phoebe Stone, a woman who arrives alone at a luxurious seaside hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, during what turns out to be a lavish week long wedding celebration. However, Phoebe is not a guest, she’s a stranger carrying the quiet weight of a life that has recently fallen apart. Her presence at the hotel, initially rooted in grief and disorientation, places her in stark contrast to the surrounding joy and outward flamboyance of the wedding guests.
As Phoebe becomes entangled, sometimes reluctantly, sometimes tenderly, with the people attending the wedding, especially the bride, she finds herself pulled into conversations and moments that expose the gap between how lives appear and how they are actually lived. She realizes that what appeared picture perfect, was actually a meticulously crafted facade. Over the course of just the wedding weekend, the novel explores themes of loss, loneliness, reinvention and the serendipitous friendship that can arise between people who meet at pivotal moments.
Espach navigates these heavy themes through a playful lens, perfectly balancing the seriousness of Phoebe and other’s realities with the ridiculousness of such a lavish affair. While her writing prompted me to reflect, I was never overwhelmed by the weight of the world, instead I was reminded of the duality of life, that there would be no good without the bad.
As I read this book at the end of 2025, I couldn’t help but think that this was a wonderful book to read at the start of a new year, a time when we are all taking stock of our lives. We are inevitably faced with all the pitfalls of our last year, whether those be in our work, family life or personal life. The Wedding People serves as a reminder that those pitfalls are never the end, instead they often act as springboards for something new to arise.
As we move through Q1 and are faced with new challenges, I hope that we are able to allow room for reinvention and leave our minds open to new versions of ourselves, especially if we have recently been faced with mental health struggles, grief or heartbreak like Phoebe. No spoilers here, but after finishing The Wedding People I have a great feeling about the year ahead!
Looking for a great program our Bear Friends Forever never disappoints!
*Subject to Availability
Call 781-436-3187 or email
Ken Abrahams ([email protected]) for College/University Events
AC Anders ([email protected]) for Corporate
Samantha Drake ([email protected]) for private events
Brainteasers
1. First, I am dry, then I am wet. The longer I swim, the more taste you get. What am I?
2. I have four wings, but cannot fly, I never laugh and never cry; On the same spot I’m always found, toiling away with little sound. What am I?
3. What has no hands but might knock on your door, and if it does, you better open up?
Math Riddles
1. What did zero say to eight?
2. If you had 5 chocolate bars and gave away half, what do you have?
3. A train leaves at 5 PM going 60 mph. Another at 6 PM going 90 mph. When do they meet?
Kim's Corner
Click the links below for some great ideas, recipes, and FUN!
Random Trivia
1. The iconic “Hollywood” sign originally spelled out what word?
2. “Before He Cheats” is Billboard hit recorded by what former American Idol winner?
3. What president was a licensed bartender?
Gardening
What to Plant in February in Your Kitchen Garden
These Should Be Your Garden Resolutions in 2026
Have you viewed Ken's Tuesday@10 Video Blogs?
Sign Up to get Ken's Video Blogs sent directly to your inbox every Tuesday@10!
Puzzle Answers:
1. Hollywoodland
2. Carrie Underwood
3. Abraham Lincoln
1. Tea
2. A Windmill
3. Opportunity
1. Nice Belt!
2. Less chocolate and some regret.
3. In a complicated word problem.
Newsletter written and edited by
Debra Holland
February 2026
Dear Readers:
It was an absolute pleasure to begin the Funny Pages newsletter back in March of 2019. I love to write and it's always been a dream of mine to do it professionally, who knew it would come out in this form, but when I suggested it to Ken Abrahams, he was not only onboard, but gave me free creative license and I was off and running. We didn't know how it would go, but that first edition was read by 343 people and the last edition in November of 2025 was read by 2,223 people, which is amazing. I'm moving into another position here at FUN that will no longer include the newsletter. Although it's bittersweet to do so, I have every confidence in turning the reins over to Lexi Grabowski, a highly creative, super upbeat, and talented young woman who I know will bring engaging content and light up your inboxes every other month! Therefore, beginning in April 2026, you might notice a change as Lexi has an amazing artistic style all her own.
I wanted to say thank you and to express my gratitude for not only your loyal readership for the past 7 years, but for helping bring a dream to life. I've enjoyed it immensely!
Best Wishes in 2026,
Debi Holland
