Contents

February Luncheon

Program

President's Message

Welcome New Members

Future Executives (FX)

Women Empowering Women (WEW)

Book Club

Cannon Circle

Member Profile: Edie Hoppe

We Mean Business: Judith Schleifstein, Barbara Moorman

GEM: Greet, Eat, Meet

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Spirit Wishes

WEC Board of Directors

Luncheons and Board Meetings

Valentine's Day is a day meant for sharing.
a day for giving, for loving and caring,
a day for expressing the thoughts we hold
of people who mean so much all through the year.


Date:
Time:
February Luncheon
Tuesday February 15
11:30 Networking
12:00 Luncheon
Place:

Tower Club, 28TH floor
One Financial Plaza in the Union Planters’ Bank Building

Guest Cost:

Guest Cost: $25.00 Members are responsible for guest

Menu:

Garden salad with carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, Italian Vinaigrette
Sliced London Broil with Peppercorn Sauce
or
Herb-crusted Chicken Breast with Lemon Buerre Blanc

Steamed Vegetable plate with Mashed Potatoes

Double Chocolate Cake

RSVP to:
Please email your menu choice to Nancy Fischer at nfischer@pstcomputers.com at your earliest convenience. Or call her office and leave a message at 954-566-2523. Her friendly staff is ready to help you. Deadline for February's luncheon is Feb 10, 2005. See you at the lunch!

 

Program: Honoring past Presidents of WEC

We will be honoring past Presidents of WEC by inviting them to be our guests at the luncheon to thank them for their leadership of our Women's Executive Club over past years.

Speaker: Anne Hotte, Executive Director of Leadership Broward

She will speak about how this organization has contributed to our community since it was founded in 1982 and how it accomplishes its mission of "inspiring excellence in leadership in Broward County by developing leaders and encouraging community trusteeship".

You may be interested in visiting the Leadership Broward website before our meeting: LeadershipBroward.org

President’s Message

Dee MoustakasDeb McLaughlin and Donna Goldstein co-hosted the January Cannon Circle. We took a tour around the world via Donna’s extensive mask collection and music. Even the food was multicultural. We played exotic instruments from gourds and maracas to tambourines and rain sticks. Trust me, none of today’s bands has anything to worry about. Thank you both for an educational and entertaining evening.

Leigh Nickel suggested we honor our past presidents by inviting them to a lunch sometime this year. I chose February because that’s when the U.S. celebrates President’s Day. Emily Rushin created invitations using a copy of one of her lovely watercolors and tracked down 21 of our past presidents. Many are still members while some have moved out of the area. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll come. Please try to attend so you can meet and greet our presidents and thank them for their service.

Happy Valentine’s Day and I’ll see you on the 15th!

Dee

Welcome Three New Members!

Leticia Latino was born and raised in Venezuela by Italian parents. She has always been exposed to a multi-cultured approach to life and business. As the daughter of the founder of Neptuno , she decided in 2001, after gaining broad experience in the financial arena with Merrill Lynch and then in the Telecommunications industry with Nortel Networks, to lead the Company’s international sales strategy, with specific focus on increasing customer base, and on establishing strategic partnerships to help achieve Neptuno’s international growth objectives. Neptuno is a telecommunications company with over 35 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, installing and maintaining telecommunication towers and shelters for cellular and broadcasting networks.

Education: BS, Business; MBA, Investments; MS, International Business
Languages: Spanish, Italian, English, French
Affiliations: University of Miami Alumni Association ; Women’s Executive Club

Jennifer Kelly (Jenny) graduated from Cornell University and earned an MBA from FAU. She is active in Delta Delta Delta, her church and Leadership Fort Lauderdale. Jenny’s three year old daughter, Erin keeps her very busy. What little free time she does have is spent reading or working out.
She came to live in South Florida 16 years ago when her parents bought a printing company. Jenny is vice president of marketing and sales for Ritter’s Printing and Direct Mail. It is a real family business as her parents, sister, two brothers and husband all working there.

Joanne T. Dee moved to Coral Springs in 1972 where grew up. She now resides in Coconut Creek where she has lived for the past 12 years.

Her hobbies are bike riding, tennis and any outdoor activity. In her spare time she enjoys catching up on reading. Her favorite book is The Four Agreements by Luis Miguel. She also loves music and enjoys going to the movies. She has two beautiful cats, Angel and Cleo.

Joanne has been in the banking industry for more than 20 years in various capacities. She currently works at IronoStone Bank, which is the second largest privately controlled bank in the U.S. As a Relationship Banker she is responsible for making loans and gathering deposits for business professionals. The bank caters to the Medical Industry, specifically Physicians looking any type of commercial financing.

She likes working for IronStone Bank because of the flexibility and the support that goes along with making solid loan decisions and providing the best pricing and service for her clients.

Future Executive (FX) Mentor Program

WEC’s current participants are:

Tina Debord Raquel Rodriguez


We need your involvement to make our Mentorship Program a success! Thank you in advance to everyone who has already volunteered! We want to know what “gift” you have that you are willing to share with an FX (future executive). Your “gift” may be anything in life – something work related, socially or technically oriented, etc. Would you spend some time with an FX at our WEC functions? Lunch, GEM, Book Club, Cannon Circle, etc.? Ronnie Karlin

To learn more about this program, click here.

Women Empowering Women (WEW)

 

Our Current WEW participants:
Kim Stiles Patricia A. McCarthy

Patricia McCarthy: What a wonderful group of women this organization has. As part of the Women Empowering Women Program, I feel like a large loving family has adopted me. Everyone that I have met has been great. I have received much valuable support, advice and encouragement. For those of you that have not met me yet, I am a full time art student at Florida Atlantic University, Majoring in Fine Arts and minoring in Art History and hope to obtain my BFA by 2008.

Before returning to school, I worked for years in the print advertising field in both the TV and Radio markets. After loosing my long time job, it was a challenge for me to return to school at the age of 43. But I am very determined. My family keeps me determined and optimistic. I am also a single-mom. My son Thor is seven-years-old. He was diagnosed with autism about a year ago. However, the Broward County School that Thor attends in Pompano has a great program for children with his type of condition. You can say we are both going to school, learning and growing together.

In addition to being a fulltime mom and fulltime student, I also work on some weekends selling items at various flea markets and fairs. In January, my school schedule will allow me to work on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays too. So if you have any graphic design or art related positions available in your firm, please let me know. I have a lot of experience with computer programs, like Photoshop and Quark.

Thank you to all the members of this organization for all your help and acceptance!

Patricia A. McCarthy

WEC Book Club:

In 2002, members of WEC who had a common desire for reading and discussions formed the WEC Book Club. The book for discussion is select by the majority and the gathering is held in a member’s home (munchies are always welcome). The meeting schedule varies according to the book and other circumstances. All members are welcome to participate.

 

Cannon Circle

For new members, Cannon Circles are hosted at members’ homes and provide a more informal atmosphere for us to get to know each other. Please contact Leigh Nickel at 954-423-0006 if you would like to host a Cannon Circle.

The Cannon Circle is named for Past President Shirley Cannon who was known for her gracious and uplifting spirit.

February Cannon Circle:

COME SEE WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN MISSING

Ever wonder how you would look with blue eyes? Or violet? Jade?
What would it be like to see in the distance AND read without any glasses at all?
Wouldn’t it be great if you could take off your contacts in the morning and see well all day with no lenses?

Find out the answers to these and any other questions you have about eyes and vision at an interactive, hands-on Cannon Circle at the office of Dr. Cynthia Hardy and Dr. Robert Shepard.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 23, starting at 5:30 for an evening of fun and refreshments hosted by Cynthia Hardy and Edith Hoppe.

You can find us at 2161 E. Commercial Boulevard, 4th floor (brown building West of Topanga’s, Northwest corner of US1 and Commercial). There are parking lots on both sides of the building.

Questions and RSVP: 954-771-9120 or shepardhardy@bellsouth.net

Member Profile: Edie Hopie

Edie Hoppe Time passes so quickly; I treasure every moment. For a little over thirteen years it has been my pleasure to be a member of Women's Executive Club. Best friends share special gifts. Dee Moustakas introduced me to WEC where I enjoy the camaraderie and support of a group of bright, talented women. What a gift!

After a career spanning more than three decades in providing and administrating a wide range of human services, I chose to retire with my husband, Kurt. My work has always been challenging and rewarding, but I was delighted to be able to afford the opportunity to retire while I had the health and energy to enjoy it.

Often I hear that people want to "give back" when they retire. Having devoted a career to "giving back", Kurt and I agreed it was time to play. We started by buying a Ford 450 truck and a 32 foot long fifth-wheel. (For those of you who know as little about that as I did a couple of years ago, that is a huge truck that has a hitch on the bed of the truck to connect to a big travel trailer, making the trailer the fifth wheel). For about three months we work-camped in a park in Ft. Lauderdale to familiarize ourselves with the equipment and the recreational vehicle lifestyle. For a combined 32 hours a week, we did outdoor maintenance work at the park in exchange for a space and utilities. The friends and acquaintances we made were generous with their knowledge and tips.

In April of last year we set out for six months of travel taking us up the eastern side of the United States and Canada. What a luxury to go at your own pace and have your home and belongings travel with you! We soaked up the sights, visited with friends and relatives, enjoyed all kinds of entertainment and toured a number of factories to see how things are made. It was hard to believe how quickly the months passed.

We returned to Florida, just as Jeanne was threatening. Our reservations at the campground at Disney World could not have been better timed. We pulled in on Saturday and were advised that since the Fort Wilderness Campground was closed due to the impending hurricane, they had arranged accommodations for us at one of their hotels and we could park our rig (RV speak for our stuff) in the hotel parking lot. I do not believe there is any other campground in the world that could afford us that luxury.

Having escaped all the hurricanes of the season, we happily returned home to our condominium, put our fifth-wheel in storage and left our truck with our car mechanic. Our mechanic occasionally drives his daughter to middle school in it. We learned it has made quite an impression on some of the boys in her class that she comes to school in such a big "bad ass" truck. She had to spell what they said to her mother, as she is not allowed to use such language.

We have filled our lives with wonderful things since our return. I have been able to come back to WEC. We both volunteer at Kravis Center on Fridays and Sundays running their gift shop for an hour before opening and during intermissions. We get to see all the performances on the days we volunteer, a real treat! Twice a week we take tai chi classes with a wonderful instructor, teaching us techniques to stay relaxed and flexible. Monday mornings I volunteer at the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge greeting visitors or working outdoors. Although we plan to travel again from April to October, we are delighted that we can come back to these activities upon our return.

In April we will leave to travel across the country and visit Alaska for the summer, a whole new experience for us. We still pinch ourselves and ask if this is for real. Life is good!

 

We Mean Business

Judith Schleifstein

I have been a WEC member for just over a year although I attended the lunches as a guest for several years prior. It was only after moving from my position as a Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Weston office, to Vice President/Investments at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in the Las Olas branch, that I felt I could become involved on a regular basis.

As a Financial Consultant at Janney, one of the largest full-service regional financial services company in the USA, I help individual business owners, professionals and retirees meet their financial goals. With my 10+ years experience in financial planning, estate planning, retirement planning and college funding, I offer my clients a complete range of investment vehicles; from individual securities to mutual funds, life insurance, Long-Term Care insurance, annuities, tax-free bonds, professional money management and Trust services.

While living and working in Weston I founded a businesswomen’s networking group, serving as President for 2 years and more recently as Membership Committee Chair. I recognize the wonderful opportunities that WEC can offer a woman, and having been on the Board of several women’s organizations, also know the hard work that goes into keeping the group on track while growing the membership and satisfying the diverse interests of the members.

My interests include improving my golf game, classical music, watching cooking programs and testing out the recipes! On a personal note, I recently separated from my husband of 20 years, and am temporarily staying with my sister in Tamarac. I am originally from England, and I visit the UK at least twice a year to see the rest of my family and friends.

Judith Schleifstein
VP/Investments
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
515 E. Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1200
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-762-4400 or 888-558-2152
FAX 954-761-7810
www.jmsonline.com

 

Barbara Moorman Carroll Seghers founded Carroll’s Jewelers in 1937. It has been situated in the heart of Fort Lauderdale on the scenic and prestigious Las Olas Boulevard since 1962. Carroll’s has remained family owned and operated throughout the years and has now incorporated the fourth generation. In 1995 Barbara and Robert Moorman Jr. became CEO and President of the 915 East Las Olas Boulevard location, following in the footsteps of Jeanne Ann (Carroll’s daughter) and Robert Moorman Sr.
.
From the very beginning Carroll’s has maintained the highest standards in jewelry quality, ethics, product knowledge and customer service. As a member of the American Gem Society for over 60 years, yearly continued education courses keeps Carroll’s up to date with changes in the industry. As a Master IJO Jeweler, Carroll’s is privy to exclusive fashion jewelry you can’t find anywhere else.

A gift from Carroll’s speaks well of you even before the box is opened. Carroll’s has gift of distinction for all of life’s occasions. Carroll’s offers the highest quality jewelry for every budget. With one of the finest selections of china, crystal and sterling silver, Carroll’s has long been known as the Store for Brides. From repairing jewelry and watches, to bridal registry and estate appraisals, it is the best customer service that drives the family to continue the tradition. The newest project of the Carroll’s family is developing new and exciting services over the Internet at www.carrollsjewelry.com

 

GEM “Greet Eat Meet” Program

Formed in November 2002, members of WEC who choose to get together for an informal meeting are selected at random in small groups to greet, eat and meet. A Lead person is selected to set a time and place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or what ever. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level. It is great fun!

The GEM Team has been formed to assist with this program. The committee members are Joann Alderman, Marshia Durham, Christy Lambertus, Gayle Metcalf, and Joni Rosenthal.

The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members. (send them email by clicking on their name)

Lee Sheffield started in a new position on Tuesday, January 18th. She accepted a position with Sterling Bank and will be providing business development. Sterling Bank is headquartered in Palm Beach and this is their first office in Broward. They are opening a temporary office in 30 days which they will occupy for 90 days while their new office building is being built on the SW corner of Andrews Avenue and Davie Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

 

Virginia Forster writes: “I am happy to report that my life in January has been 100% boring....exactly what I welcome - and certainly needed - after all the holiday craziness.”

Shana Munden writes: I’m proud to say that I earned the highest award given by Remax International "The Chairmans Award”....I had 67 sales and $22 million in sales in volume for 2004..and proud to be a WEC member for 10 years...Bye now.Shana

 

Leigh Nickel and Jeanne Schwartz won the Ladies Member in December at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club where they are members. It was a 2-day event, match play. They won their flight and then won the playoff against the other flight winners! Leigh says, it was great fun.

Marshia Durham came in first place in a Mixed Doubles tournament in December at the Sunrise Country Club where she is a member. It was her first trophy and she hopes to continually improve her game.

Emily Rushin was featured in a Tropical Life cover story in the Miami Herald, Saturday, January 15, entitled "Following a Dream."

Tucked into the far reaches of your mind is a dream that once had vigor and verve but seems to have withered from benign neglect.

''Gee, I'd really like to write a book someday,'' it whispers. Or, ``One day, I'd like to go to the countryside and spend my time painting.''

That one day is here.

Since this is the time of year when we traditionally make Resolutions About Life, we found people in South Florida who have indeed realized their dreams. We asked them how they did it. Perhaps you will be inspired.

Emily Rushin, 65, watercolorist in Fort Lauderdale, realized her dream after selling the family business and retiring.

''I had begun painting about 25 years ago . . . but raising a child and being a businesswoman meant it got put on the back burner,'' she said.

Four years ago, at the suggestion of a friend, she tried watercolors. Because watercolors are transportable and the paint dries fast, unlike oil or acrylic, Rushin finds them ideal for travel, one of her passions.

Three years ago, she and two friends traveled throughout Arizona painting. She next took paints to Ireland and most recently to France.

The News Team

A TNT(dynamite) team has been formed to assist with gathering information for the monthly newsletter. The team consists of reporters Patti Archibaud and Amy (Arnold) Van Gent and photographer Joni Rosenthal.

Attention Members! If you haven’t had your picture taken for the directory and the newsletter, please see Joni at the luncheon meeting. She takes great pictures with her little tiny camera.

WEC Board of Directors
2004-2005

President
Dee Moustakas

Past President
Leigh Nickel

President Elect
Ronnie Karlin

VP Finance -
Jacqueline Powell

VP Corporate Records -
Emily Rushin

VP Internal Involvement
Vivien Godfrey

VP Community Involvement -
Joni Rosenthal

VP Membership -
Marilynn Obrig

All contact information is available for WEC members on our Members Only website. If you are a member and you don't have a name and password, you can contact Chris Guld for more information.

Upcoming Luncheons

11:30 am
Tower Club

Upcoming Board Meetings

at the Tower Club

Friday, February 4
Friday, March 4
Friday, April 1
Friday, May 6
Friday, June 3


The purpose of Women's Executive Club is to give executives the opportunity of fellowship with their peers in diverse fields; to promote the image of the woman executive; to further the interrelationships of such executives and to promote the general welfare of their businesses and community.

© 2004 Women's Executive Club | www.wecftl.com | Webmaster: Chris Guld