Contents
Membership Attendance Requirements
We Mean Business: Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro, Dorothy Eisenberg
Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
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Date: Time: |
March
Luncheon Tuesday March 15 11:30 Networking 12:00 Luncheon |
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Place:
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Tower Club, 28TH floor |
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Guest Cost:
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Guest Cost: $25.00 Members are responsible for guest |
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| Menu: |
Menu: Garden salad with carrots, tomatoes,
cucumbers, Italian Vinaigrette |
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| 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 March's luncheon is March 10,
2005. See you at the lunch! |
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Program: Marketing Ideas
WEC members Ronnie Karlin and Drazia Rubenstein will be presenting a table topic for each table to work on which can be helpful in our businesses. So come with your business mind and be prepared to present and receive input for Marketing your business.
President’s Message
Our
Past President’s luncheon was wonderful. Camie George, Kathy
Koch and Virginia Wasser joined us and caught us up on all they’ve
been doing. It was great fun to see so many who have served as president –– Nancy
Block, Ann Meacham, Leigh Nickel, Lee Sheffield, Joyce Shore, Bobbie Stanley –– still
active. I think that says a lot about the viability of our group. 
<note
from your webmaster - Chris Guld:
As many of you know I am a past president of WEC and I was really sorry
to miss this luncheon. I'm so pleased to stay connected thru working
on your monthly newsletters.
What a great club!>
If you didn’t make it to the February Cannon Circle, you missed a great time. It was co-hosted by Cynthia Hardy and Edie Hoppe, and they thought of everything to ensure we had fun. The food was scrumptious and cleverly positioned so that we had to wander through every part of the office. Cynthia showed a video on CRT, which is a wonderful new way for near-sighted people to improve their vision so that they don’t need glasses or contacts. We also got to try on colored contacts. Everyone was running around with two different colored eyes asking, “Which eye do you like better?”
Thank you both for your hard work and thoughtfulness.
We’ve been having wonderful turnouts for this year’s Cannon Circles. Our two newest members JoAnne Dee and Sherry Rudolph attended this one. I think they would agree, it’s a great way to get to know members.
Spring is just around the corner. Make it great!
Dee
Slate of Officers:
Come to the luncheon and cast your vote for the 2005-2006
WEC Board:
President Elect: Vivian Godfrey
VP Finance: Dorothy Eisenberg
VP Internal Involvement: Nancy Fischer
VP Community Involvement: Melissa Rapkin
VP Membership: Marilynn Obrig
VP Corporate Records: Cynthia Hardy
Ronnie Karlin is your incoming President as
Dee Moustakas becomes Past President
New Member Social, click here for flyer.
Tuesday, March 8 at Brasserie Las Olas
5:30 to 7:30pm (or whenever)
We’re having an after-work social and hope you can join us.
Socialize with our new members and reconnect with the rest of us.
Significant others and friends are welcome.
Your first drink is compliments of Brasserie Las Olas.
Welcome Three New Members!
Michelle
Verlaine, President
Home Trust Finance
2130 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, Florida 33020
Tel: 954-394-4741 Fax: 954-252-4156
Email: mverlaine@earthlink.net
Michelle has been originating residential mortgages since 1991. She began her career in her native Los Angeles, California. She relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2000. Michelle strives to provide progressive and superior financial solutions to the surrounding communities throughout Florida. While systems and processes have advanced with time, Michelle upholds values of honesty and top notch service. Her experience as a seasoned mortgage broker covers the gamut of financing options. She will cater to a borrower’s specific needs through detailed knowledge of hundreds of loan programs and solid relationships with lenders nationwide. Michelle combines a common-sense approach with state-of-the art mortgage technology to provide the best financing and service to all clients. When clients make application with Michelle, they can expect to receive a Written Loan Approval on the spot in many cases.
Michelle maintains a thorough knowledge of all automated underwriting systems, daily analysis of various loan programs and current economic trends, FNMA, FHA, Alt A, Subprime, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Purchase, Refinance, Debt Consolidation, Investment Purchase, Income Properties, Relcation, 2nd Homes, First Time Home Buyers, Foreign Nationals and Non Permanent Resident Aliens.
She is a member of Tower Club of Fort Lauderdale; Leadership Committee Florida Grand Opera; and Women’s Executive Club.
She holds a State of Florida Department of Financial Services Mortgage
Broker License and Home Trust Finance, Mortgage Brokerage Business License.
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. (webmaster
note: Jenny's information is repeated from last month in order to match
it with her photo)
Renee
Harrod, Associate Attorney with Berger Singerman which is a large
full-service law firm. Her specialty is in staffing and managing commercial
legal disputes for companies and business owners, including mediation,
arbitration and litigation. Renee is married,
no children, enjoys running, biking and reading. She is hospitality team
leader and special project volunteer for West Pines Community Church;
special
events volunteer
with Sheridan House Family Ministries, volunteer for Florida Bar Association,
and former Board member of Emerald Estates Community Association.
Membership Attendance:
The membership requirement is to attend a minimum of five (5) meetings
every year in order to maintain regular membership. This is calculated
on a fiscal year basis (i.e. August-June, not calendar year).
Future Executive (FX) Mentor Program
WEC’s current participants are:
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| 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: |
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| Kim Stiles | Patricia A. McCarthy |
Patricia McCarthy: In October 2004, I was selected to be part of the 2004 Women Empowering Women program. Quickly, I realized that this is the perfect name for the program since it is just that: women empowering women. The WEW program helps women like myself, who are on a quest to better their lives and become professional women. The program offers a scholarship for educational purposes and professional advice from the top professional women in the area.
Recently, I was awarded funds to purchase a laptop computer and software, not only to help me with my university education, but also to take me further in my career as an artist and graphic designer. For this I can’t thank WEC enough.
Receiving a scholarship for a laptop computer has been a highlight of my life. However, the WEW program goes much further than just educational funding. The WEW program builds confidence in its inductees. Confidence is built through the personal interaction with the WEC members. To me, most important part of the WEW program, is being part of the group as a whole. This is why I try to attend as many as the functions and luncheons as possible. Through my interaction with your members, I am building the confidence needed to be a successful professional woman.
For all of this, and for all of your help, I thank WEC very, very much.
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.
March Cannon Circle:
St. Patrick's Day
Thursday, March 17
at Emily Rushin's home
2636 Barbara Drive, 6-9
Wear GREEN! Emily says her soul is Irish! Come celebrate the land of saints
and scholars with her.
We Mean Business
Dr.
Dora Vilk-Shapiro DMD, FAGD is the owner of Dental Visions. She is
a family and cosmetic dentist with her own office in Coral Springs (954)
755-3131. She is also an Adjunct faculty member at Broward Community
College Dental Hygiene Program at Broward Dental Research Clinic. When
not busy in her Coral Springs office, she also works for TLC Dental Center
in their Oakland Park Blvd. office, (954) 566-7569. Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro
received her BA from the University of Florida in 1981. In 1986 she received
her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Medicine and Dentistry
of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School. She is also a Fellow of the Academy
of General Dentistry (2002) having completed over 500 hours in post-graduate
Continuing Education courses and passing a 6 hour fellowship certification
exam.
At Dental Visions: Dr. Vilk-Shapiro offers her patients all inclusive dental
care. From a regular check-up and "cleaning" to a complete extreme
makeover Dr. Dora sees kids from age 2 1/2 to Adults of all ages. She offers:
Preventive, Restorative, White fillings, no drill fillings, Bonding, Crowns,
Bridges, Custom dentures, extractions, root canals, Periodontal work, sports
mouthguards, night guards, migraine orthotics, whitening, retainers, etc...
But she is most known for her painless "shots" and her gentle
and caring way.
Focusing on patient comforts, she offers: pillows, blankets, fans, paraffin
hand spa treatments, even aromatherapy. And a decaf tea and coffee service.
Plus there's cable TV and over 100 music CD's or VHS movie or relaxation
tapes to choose from.
Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro is a long time member of WEC. Besides WEC, she is
a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association,
Florida Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American
Association of Women Dentists, National Association of Women Business Owners,
and American Business Women Association.
She is a past-president of NAWBO, and the recipient of many awards including
the Healthy-Mother's Healthy Babies, Mother of the Year Award, and National
NAWBO's Pioneer Leadership award. She is available as a public speaker
on Dental topics.
Dr. Dora lives in Coral Springs with husband Larry (phD in Pharmacy) and
son Jordan (15) and her Boston Terrier Mr. Peanut (2). She is originally
from Cuba, but has lived in Nassau, Bahamas; Milan, Italy; and Madrid,
Spain.
Dorothy
Eisenburg Moving from New York to Florida, with my husband Joel
and our two children in 1993, was one of the best decisions we have made.
Despite the daily commute from Plantation to Miami Beach, living in South
Florida has formed countless memorable experiences including new friendships
both personal and business, that we would never trade.
As a Partner at Gerson, Preston, Robinson & Co., PA, one of Florida’s leading certified public accounting firms with offices in Miami Beach, Boca Raton, and Aventura, I manage some of the largest and most complex tax and general accounting matters for high net-worth individuals and businesses. With my 18+ years of experience in the public accounting field, I help clients on all aspects of their business decisions in the areas of tax planning and consulting, accounting, partner compensation, compliance, mergers and acquisitions as well as operational and strategic planning services. In addition to serving clients, I also train and supervise the professional staff at the firm.
Grateful that my son is doing so well in his first year of college and my daughter is finalizing her college choices for next year, one of my passions is helping with educational programs. As a result, I aid in the advisement of the firms’ contribution program, ranging from scholarships to holding board positions with large, charitable organizations. I enjoy where I work and live, and believe strongly in giving back to our community.
Dorothy S. Eisenberg, CPA
Gerson, Preston, Robinson & Co., PA
666 71st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33141
Telephone: (305) 868-3600
Facsimile: (305) 864-6740
E-mail: dse@gprco-cpa.com
www.gprco-cpa.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.
Special Condolences
To Deborah McLaughlin whose husband, Mark McLaughlin, passed away February 18, at the age of 41. Memorials can be sent to St. John's Episcopal Church in Hollywood or the Everglades Restoration Project.
The
Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members. (send them email
by clicking on their name)
Vivien
Godfrey had the opportunity to do business with two WEC members
on the same day!
Vivien and her husband met with Christie Lambertus to sign their wills, health care directives and a couple of other legal documents that Christie had prepared for them. They began working with Christie on these documents last September right after she became a citizen. It was a pleasure working with Christie and it feels great to have these important documents completed and in the safe deposit box.
She and her husband also visited American Trophy to meet with Geri Trodick to pick up some personalized items that Jeri’s company had made for Vivien to present as 5 year service awards to four of their employees. The items turned out great and it was very nice to see Geri at her business.
Dora Vilk-Shapiro: Her husband Larry, son Jordan and Dora will celebrate
Jordan's 15th birthday over Spring Break on the Mariner of the Seas Eastern
Caribbean cruise.
Dr. Dora was a guest speaker on Dental Hygiene and Prevention on Feb. 16,
2005 at the W.O.S.O. (Woman Of Spanish Origin) General Meeting Tea. Dora,
originally from Cuba, joined WOSO, earlier this year to practice her Spanish!
Melissa
Rapkin I would like to let the membership know that I'm very proud
to be one of 8 minority/women owned businesses in Broward County to receive
a scholarship to the Broward Alliance. The mission of The Broward Alliance
is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diversified economy.
I am pleased to be able to help other small businesses succeed, at no cost
to them. If anyone would like more information, their website is www.browardalliance.org.
Joni
Rosenthal Last year she won an award of a gold medal with Ronald
Reagan's photo on it. It is in a form of a pin with red, white and blue
ribbon.
Joni also was elected President of the Power Speakers ToastMasters Club in our area. The meeting takes place at Unity of Fort Lauderdale. The officers of Power Speakers and all the Toastmaster Clubs elect new boards every six months, so holding a challenging position on the Board will be lots of fun.
I truly have a lot on my plate but decided that the officers and myself will be of ONE mind working together as in Team by creating a safe space for all of us to be. They all said that they would support me in this fashion, so upward and onward for the next six months.
This is a wonderful place to choose to learn the art of speaking in Public. What I have been told is that we humans are very afraid of two things; "death and speaking in public".
What people do NOT realize is that no one can understand anything until
they are doing what needs to be done. We can all complain about things
not being right in a club and yet when we come to find out all the hard
work that a Board does for their members, it becomes a different story
when one is totally involved!
If you feel like taking a look at what we offer, what we do and how we
play, come visit us on Tuesday evenings, 7PM. 1800 NE 6th Court, 33305.
954 462-4620.
Lee Sheffield won a mixed doubles tennis tournament in January at Jimmy Evert
Tennis Center. She was very thrilled to have a winners trophy!
Barbara
Ryan writes that Emily Rushin stayed at her bed and breakfast,
The Goodbread House in St. Marys, Georgia, on her way to an artist workshop.
They had a fun evening starting with cocktails at Seagle's Saloon, a quaint
waterfront historic establishment just a block from the B&B where the "meanest
bartender in the world" entertains. Then were joined by friends for
great conversation and a fine dining experience at Colonial Dinner House.
During her visit, Emily shared some insider watercolor knowledge with Barbara's
Liverpool boyfriend, John. Barbara looks forward to seeing more WEC members
make an "Escape to Yesteryear," at the Goodbread House. Visit
her at www.goodbreadhouse.com for details.
Nancy Fischer writes: Life is too short and we should learn to live by
those words everyday. I just found out today that a young friend of mine
has passed away in his sleep over the weekend and it just brings that expression
closer to home. He was a friend and an architect that I had the privilege
of working with 10 years ago. I think he was in his mid-40s. One of the
nicest and talented people I have ever met.
How sad that we must lose someone. How sad that our pain can’t stop the
passing of the day or the activities we continue to do. It is like a shroud
that engulfs our being and almost makes an intangible scar on our soul. Looking
at someone’s death is like looking at our own immortality. We start thinking
about how much longer we may have on this earth. We wonder where did he go?
Does he feel pain or joy where he is at now?
As a Christian, I believe that he has gone to be with the Lord in heaven and
that would be a better place. But for those he has left behind he has left
his mark on our hearts and I know that we will remember him forever.
Join me in raising a toast to my friend, Richard. And remember, not to take
for granted each and every day.
Roberta Stanley writes: My daughter Kendra is getting married on July 9th at the Boca Raton Resort and Hotel. We love her fiancée, Steve. She will finish law school in May of 2006 and will be living close by in Pompano Beach.
Ginny Forster is Second Vice President of the Stewardess Alumnae Association
(SAA) of South Florida. Recently she recruited Judith Schleifstein, who
is also a former flight attendant to join SAA - proof that WEC is an
outstanding networking opportunity! Though mostly a social organization
of current and former flight attendants, SAA undertook a very civic-minder
effort by participating in Operation ShoeBox.
ShoeBox endeavors to identify deployed soldiers who need a little something to lift their morale to help them get though a hospital recovery, or those that simply never receive anything in the mail. SAA members sent out 70 individual boxes of "goodies" in time for the holidays, plus a huge shipment of 50 Christmas trees with decorations to a Marine base of over 1,200 soldiers. Despite the deadline for Christmas mailings, contributions kept coming in, allowing the club to send off another 70 boxes in late JAN. The notes of appreciation we've received have been heartwarming.
If you'd like to create and mail a ShoeBox - which mostly consists of items you probably already have at home. Check on www.operationshoebox.com for more details, including a list of the 100 "most wished for" items. And if you need a soldier's address, please contact Ginny Forster @ (954) 308-6084 and she will get it to you right away.
Barbara Marx extends an invitation to join The Leagues of Women Voters
of Broward and Palm Beach Counties in celebrating 85 years of Voter Education
and Voter Service on Saturday, March 12th at 11:30 am at the Marriott Boca
Raton. Chief Justice Barbara Pariente, Florida Supreme Court will be the
Keynote Speaker. For additional information or reservations call 561-279-8804.
Marshia
Durham’s mother has been visiting her for the winter and
has been attending the WEC luncheons. Her mother has been enjoying the
warm weather and has stated how warm and friendly the WEC members are!
Marshia is not surprised that everyone welcomes her mother, but she thanks
you.
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 amTower Club
Upcoming Board Meetings
at the Tower Club
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.