Laughter aids health, Maine humorist says

PRESQUE ISLE — “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” was the message presented by Gary F. Crocker, Maine humorist, on Wednesday.

Crocker was the speaker at a breakfast meeting attended by 70 people to recognize Presque Isle residents Mary J. Philbrook as citizen of the year, and Neil E. Michaud as the lifetime achievement award recipient.

The use of humor to improve leadership skills was emphasized by Crocker, director of state and federal programs for the Maine Technical College System.

“A message we all have to understand,” said Crocker, “is that we have to maintain a sense of humor throughout the day. We all have difficulties in life.”

Business leaders were encouraged to smile or laugh with their employees. “People respond to a kind word and support. It’s also real important to make fun of yourself a little,” said Crocker. “A sense of humor allows us to accept who we are, where we are.”

Laughter serves as a relaxing drug, releasing endorphins into the human system, according to Crocker.

“Humor can improve and expand your life and improve your leadership capacity and ability to do your job and make yourself more effective as a professional and as a human being,” said Crocker.

Modern management now understands that the old system of “talking down” to an employee is gone. “People don’t respond to that very well,” said Crocker.

Benton Cash of the Citizen of the Year Committee recognized Philbrook for her contributions to the community and for her accomplishments. She was named Small Business Person of 1992, has been featured in a Ladies’ Home Journal article on “American Heroines,” and was the first woman to be elected tribal chairman of the Aroostook Band of Micmacs. Her efforts to assist the Aroostook Band of Micmacs in receiving federal recognition in 1991 were noted.

She was instrumental in obtaining more than $1.7 million in grants for the local community, which were used to provide substance abuse counseling, replacement of substandard housing, installation of wells and septic systems, and other projects, according to Cash.

“Appropriately enough, our citizen of the year is seen as one of the spiritual leaders of her community,” said Cash. “She also teaches native songs and dances to instill pride among the Micmacs and promote understanding in the community.”

Michaud was recognized for his participation in community activities. He served as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce, Presque Isle Lions Club, corporate board member of The Aroostook Medical Center, and treasurer of the TAMC Endowment. Michaud was named to the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

He was instrumental in establishing the first truck brokerage firm in Aroostook County in 1957, the county’s first truck stop in 1961, and Presque Isle’s first campground in 1971, which provided water, electricity and a public bath house, according to Cash.

“Our lifetime achiever’s civic, social and community activities reflect not only his commitment to the economic welfare of Presque Isle’s citizens but also their social welfare,” said Cash.

The event was organized by the Presque Isle Citizen of the Year Committee, Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary, Elk and Kiwanis clubs.