Contents

February Luncheon

Program: Marilyn Mitzel

Luau Cancelled

Cannon Circle

Book Club

From the Board

New Members

Prospective Member Luncheon

New Member: Deborah Wiggin

Member profile: Lynda Amorello

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Programs Committee

WEC Sets the Pace Center for Girls

WEC Board of Directors

Luncheons and Board Meetings

Happy Valentines Day!

Date: Time:	February Luncheon Wednesday, 2/15/2006 11:30 Networking 12:00 Luncheon
Place:	Tower Club, 28TH floor One Financial Plaza in the Regions Bank Building Click here for directions
Program:	Marilyn Mitzel Channel 7 News
Guest Cost:	Guest Cost: $25.00 Members are responsible for guest
Menu:	Ceasar Salad with a choice of: 1. Sauteed Beast of Chicken Marsala 2. Teriyaki Marinated Tri-Tip 3. Grilled Lasagna w/ Marinara Sauce (Vegetarian) Dessert: Coconut Cake
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Friday, February 10th to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Susie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line.
	REMINDER: The 5th floor of the parking garage is still in disrepair, which is presenting a challenge. If the lot is full you can park in the Templeton building. The Tower Club dress code does not permit jeans or shorts.

Program: Marilyn Mitzel, Health Specialist with Channel 7 News

We are very excited to welcome Marilyn Mitzel as our speaker this month. We all know Marilyn as the Health Specialist who presents special segments for Channel 7. Some things you may not know about Marilyn include:

• She began her broadcasting career in Bismarck, North Dakota at KFYR-TV AM/FM as a general assignment reporter and was soon promoted to anchor.
• She broke the Ryan White story about a young man whose courage helped educate the world about Aids.
• She worked for the White House under the first Bush Administration doing press advance for about a year.
• Her medical series, "Cancer at the Pumps" changed Florida law, requiring vapor recovery systems on all gas pumps and "Dangerous Diets" triggered a congressional investigation into the diet industry.

Luau is now cancelled

Sorry, but the Luau which was scheduled for February 11 has been cancelled

Cannon Circle

Wednesday, February 22nd
5:30 pm
Hosted by Barbara Moorman
Held in Carroll’s Jewelers
915 East Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale
Local publicist Kevin Lane will be talking about Egyptian Women's Power, Fashion and Wigs starting at 6:00 PM.
Please RSVP to Luke Moorman at 954-463-3711 or email luke@carrollsjewelry.com

December Cannon Circle Puts WEC Members in Holiday Mode

Betsy Grant loves snowmen and they were peeking from every nook, corner and cranny when she opened her beautiful home to us in December. Everything from the Champagne and appetizers to the spaghetti dinner and dessert was absolutely scrumptious. (I know because I sampled everything!) We even received flowers as we left. But then what else would you expect from such a talented event planner and flower expert? Thanks Betsy! It was a special treat kicking off the holidays in your home surrounded by WEC friends.

BOOK CLUB

Date: February 2, 2006
Hour: 6:30 pm
Place: Nancy Fischer’s house
2000 NE 27th Street
Wilton Manors, FL 33306
The book we are reading is John Grisham's "A Painted House."

From the Board

January Luncheon
Marsha Elser, our speaker, wanted me to convey her absolute delight in being invited to join us. We were equally as delighted to have her!

I am honored by my appointment to the Board of Directors for Pace Center for Girls. I’ve been passionate about their cause since the day Melissa Rapkin invited me to join her for a tour. Thanks, Melissa. There’s been tremendous support from the club, as a whole. I’m excited by the number of you who ask me how you can individually contribute. Please, how you would like to help in an email rkarlin@globalresourcepartners.com and I’ll present it to Aggie Pappas, Executive Director.

Saturday, April 1st is the PACE Center for Girls Gala. SAVE THE DATE. Details to follow! We do need auction items and are particularly interested in “unique experiences” i.e.: helicopter rides, etc. If anyone has any contacts that can help make those things happen, please let me know.

New Members

Prospective Member Luncheon

At our last Board meeting, it was decided that a good time to recruit prospective members would be after the first of the calendar year. Since it’s a good (and somewhat less hectic) time of the year, and we will have a dynamic and interesting speaker (Ilene Lieberman, County Commissioner) in March, we chose the March 15th date.

Started thinking about the people you know who would make a positive contribution to our wonderful organization? Invite them to lunch…It’s on us!

Other suggestions??!! president@wecftl.com Ronnie

Please invite qualified women who you believe would be great for the Club. To make it easy for you, send me their names, addresses and e-mail addresses by February 10th. I will write again to remind you!

Thanks so much for helping to make this wonderful Club grow. Happy New Year!!

Best regards,
Marilyn Obrig
VP/Membership
954-600-6464

New Member Profile: Deborah Wiggin

Deborah F. Wiggin, CFPR, CDFA, serves as president of Miller, Wiggin & Associates, Inc. a fee-only financial planning firm based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Debbie provides clients with portfolio management, comprehensive financial life planning and pre-divorce financial planning.

Debbie partnered with George Z. Miller to launch Miller, Wiggin & Associates, Inc., in 1992 after developing an expertise in financial planning, insurance, sales, marketing and advertising over the course of her career.

Before becoming a founding partner of Miller, Wiggin & Associates, Debbie was an independent financial planner as president of Deborah F. Wiggin Financial Services, Inc., in Deerfield Beach.

She has received a bachelor's degree from University of New Hampshire and a master's degree in business administration from Nova Southeastern University.

She is currently a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Financial Planning Association of Miami, Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) and a current applicant for membership in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA-a fee-only financial planning association). In order to hone her skills and be on the cutting edge of the financial planning field, Debbie became one of the few people in her discipline to become registered in "Financial Life Planning", a process which helps her clients recognize their preconceived attitudes about money and wealth and how they affect their financial decisions. Recently, the Miami Herald interviewed her for their financial section on this topic. She has served on the board of directors of the Association of South Florida Mediators and Girl Scouts of Broward County and is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Certified Family Mediator.

Debbie's firm is committed to the Broward County community and has actively supported organizations such as Women in Distress, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the Girl Scouts of Broward County.

Debbie is a current resident of Ft Lauderdale, happily married to Ralph for 33 years and the very proud mom of Heather. Additionally, her loves include her two dogs, Chewbacca and Cleopatra, Junietta, the cockateil, ballet, jazz, poetry and art. During 2006 she looks forward to learning French and deepening her relationships with the fine members of the WEC.

Member Profile: Lynda Amorello

Lynda Amorello is a 10 year member of WEC and has been living in south Florida for over 20 years. She is married to Armand Yazejian has two sons and relocated here from her home in Massachusetts via Tampa. She has earned a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Reading as well as a Master’s in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Lynda also earned the Real Property Administration certification from BOMA, Building Owners and Managers Association.

Her career in property management began in earnest when she moved to Florida working for a large commercial real estate company in Tampa. She accepted a position as the Director of Real Estate Services for American Express and moved to the Fort Lauderdale area. After an early retirement from Amex she grew restless and when asked joined Grubb & Ellis acting in the capacity of General Manager Property Management Services overseeing the south Florida Citi Bank portfolio. Seeking to travel less she accepted a position as Operations Manager for Broward County and recently left that position to spend more time with family. During her career Lynda was voted Building Manager and then Facility Manager of the Year from BOMA South Florida.

Lynda had always aspired to own her own property management firm. Late last year Lynda thought the timing was right and formed her own company known as House Checks Property Management, Inc. Her husband, Armand, a seasoned real estate broker and a property manager himself is part of the team. The company aims to offer “one step” solutions for all single family, multi family and commercial properties seeking the services of highly trained professionals with a track record of superior property management. In addition to worry-free property management solutions House Checks Property Management, Inc. also provides a full suite of concierge services tailored to meet individual customers’ needs and requests. These “white glove” services include everything from stocking the refrigerator to airport pick- ups for clients returning to their homes. Lynda plans to carry over to her new business what made her past professional career a success: unquestionable integrity, professionalism and prompt and effective responsiveness to ALL issues relating to the management of properties. Her new office is located at 1580 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 130, Sunrise. She looks forward to hearing from WEC members who may need her services or know of anyone looking for a property management company that really knows the business of delivering outstanding customer service.

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

Donna Goldstein, (www.DrDonnaGo.com ) is delighted to invite all WEC members and their family and friends to a FREE public performance of “The African American Portrait Gallery: Discovering Timeless Heroes” on Thurs. Feb.16th at 7:00 PM at ArtServe1450 E. Sunrise Blvd . This dynamic one man, one act show, starring one of South Florida’s finest actors, Larry Robinson, (some of you may remember his gorgeous deep voice, or seen him in “Nephertiti”) has now toured four states and been seen by over 25,000 people. Come and experience “edutainment” at it’s best and see

“ Dr.Donna” in her producer hat! She promises it will be an hour well spent! (Come as early as 6:00 to see the art show/event in ArtServe’s gallery)

Do you keep a journal of your dreams? That was one of the recommendations Virginia Howard made when she was featured on the 11 o’clock news on Sunday, January 15th on Channel 10. www.virginiahoward.com

Deb McLaughlin sent in this photo of her work group at WMXJ radio.

Potsie, Deb and the Gang.
“ Now I know why I work at Majic 102.7 Radio!”

Jenny Kelly competed in her first 1/2 Marathon on January 22nd and finished fourth in her age group. Way to go Jenny!

Dee Moustakas writes “The WEC Connection”

When I received an invitation to my cousin’s wedding last October, I decided it was time to once again step outside my comfort zone and go. Ann Meacham took me to the airport, checked my bag and waited until I was escorted onto the plane. I was lifted by two handsome flight attendants onto an “aisle chair” and taken onto the plane where I was once again lifted into a bulkhead seat. They tagged my wheelchair and I nervously watched it go in the opposite direction, hoping we’d meet again in Atlanta. This was my first flight in 14 years and I must admit I had butterflies in my stomach.

As we took off, I peered out the window and congratulated myself on having the guts to fly solo. When I arrived in Atlanta, Lana Wingerson (a long-time WEC member who introduced me to WEC) picked me up and took me to her lovely home in Peachtree City. The next day we flew to D.C. for the wedding. We even got in a little sightseeing. On my return flight, Edie Hoppe and her husband Kurt picked me up and we went out for dinner. It was a wonderful ending to my 6-day adventure –– all made possible by my WEC connections! I am grateful to my wonderful friends for their encouragement and help along the way.

Traveling for me is truly a challenge, but I’m ready to go again. In fact, Ann mentioned Philadelphia recently. Springtime in the city of brotherly love…sounds positively liberating!

Programs Committee

My dear fellow programs committee members:

I wanted to take the time to thank all of you on this committee and let you know that the Board has commended your efforts. We have been successful in booking every month of our year; first time this has happened in 5 years! We have managed to book a diverse group of women (and man), that, I think, the group will love. There's a little something different in each month, and I know all of our members can find something they can like in one or all of the months.
I want to thank Dr. Donna Goldstein for the spectacular kick-off with Meredith Laser and our theatre outing! Ronnie Karlin brought us a jewel with Ron Miguel and his "friend" - great work Ronnie! After our devastating hurricane, Reverend Tita Calzada spoke in soothing tones and gave us the message of power within us, this thanks so much to Joni Rosenthal and her efforts. Pam Dearden, thank you for booking Commissioner Ilene Lieberman, who is coming in March, and Mary Becht in April. I also want to thank Virginia Howard her efforts in attempting to book Susie Levan. Bobbie Stanley, thank you so much for booking this month's guest speaker, Marsha Elser.

I'm thrilled that your support and teachings have enable me to book my three speakers; Journalist Marilyn Mitzel, Channel 7 News for February; Leigh Coulter (thanks Melissa, for the help) for May, and, U of Miami, Head Basketball Coach Katie Meier for June.

I have learned so much and have enjoyed working with all of you. Our club is lucky to have women like yourselves, give yourself a bow!

Nancy Fischer
Chair
Programs Committee
VP Internal Involvement

WEC sets the Pace for Girls

Tuesday Jan 10 10:00am
Wednesday Jan 18 10:00am
Tuesday Feb 8 10:00am
Wednesday Feb 15 10:00am

Located on North Andrews Avenue between Oakland Park and Sunrise
Please call Kathleen Ryan to schedule your tour 954-561-6939 x317

The PACE Mission

"PACE provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy."

*PACE Center for Girls Broward is an alternative educational and counseling program for at-risk girls ages 7– 17. For many of our girls, PACE is the last hope to avoid a life of conflict, despair and failure and instead embrace a life filled with achievement, dignity, serenity, and grace.
Two Fridays a month, the girls at PACE go “shopping” at the Incentive Store.
For currency they use points earned from completion of class work, good attendance and participation in special projects. Most of the 80 girls at PACE earn a trip to the store on Incentive Friday. In addition, girls with the highest points have their names entered into a special auction. The girls love Incentive Fridays and always know when there are new items on the shelves.

Thank you for believing in girls!

Women Empowering Women(WEW)

Once again I am the recipient of the Women Empowering Women Scholarship. This year, the scholarship funds will be used for books, art supplies, day-care expenses for my son and much needed auto repairs.

If it were not for the Women Empowering Women mentoring program, I would not be able to continue with my fine arts education. I am now working part-time in the art field and well on my way to achieving my education and graphic design career goals. In addition to this success, I am starting to feel a sense of professional and emotional maturity as well.

The WEC’s tremendous assistance and motivation is greatly appreciated.

Thank you again,
Patricia A. McCarthy

WEC Board of Directors
2005-2006

President Ronnie Karlin

Past President Dee Moustakas
Nominating Committee
Cannon Circles

President Elect Vivien Godfrey
Fun(d) Raising Committee

VP Finance Dorothy Eisenberg
Treasurer

VP Corporate Records Cynthia Hardy
Corporate Records
Historian
By-Laws Committee

VP Internal Involvement Nancy Fischer
Social Committee
Programs Committee
Greetings Committee
Newsletter

VP Community Involvement Melissa Rapkin
Mentorship (FX) Program
Women Empowering Women (WEW)
Community Outreach
Public Relations

VP Membership Marilynn Obrig
Membership Committee
Membership Luncheon
Directory
Webmaster

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 Events

Board Meetings

Friday, February 3
Friday, March 3
Friday, April 7
Friday, May 5
Friday, June 2

Membership Attendance:
The membership requirement is to attend a minimum of five (5) club events every year in order to maintain regular membership. This is calculated on a fiscal year basis (i.e. August-June, not calendar year).