Contents

March Luncheon

Program Speaker

From the President

February Luncheon Photos

New Members: Mini Jewahar and France Karr

Members doing Business with Members

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Book Club

Cannon Circle

Women Empowering Women

Community News

Proposed WEC Board 2008-2009

Closing Thought

WEC Board of Directors

Luncheons and Board Meetings

March Luncheon

Date: Time:	Wednesday, March 19, 2007 11:30 Networking 12:00 Luncheon
Place:	Tower Club, 28th floor One Financial Plaza in the Regions Bank Building Click here for directions
Program: Speaker:	Prospective Member Luncheon - See attached invitation Ron Magill from Miami Metrozoo
Guest Cost:	Guests are free this month.
Menu:	Herb Crusted Chicken with a white wine beurre blanc sauce or Grilled Filet of Salmon with a Dijon mustard sauce Chocolate brownie drizzled with chocolate fudge sauce
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Thursday, March 13 to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Susie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line.

Program Speaker                                     
Ron Magill
Miami Metrozoo

Ron Magill is a very popular speaker. He has educated and entertained WEC on two prior occassions. These photos are from a WEC luncheon in October of 2005. Watch a video of Ron at Metrozoo.

Ron Magill has worked with wildlife for over 30 years and has had the privilege of having hands-on experience with a tremendous variety of animals ranging from crocodiles to eagles to cheetahs. He is an internationally recognized zoological authority who has appeared on a wide variety of local, national, and international programs including “National Geographic Explorer,” the “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” “NBC Nightly News,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “CBS’ The Early Show,” “Live with Regis,” “Dateline,” and CNN. Ron is also a frequent wildlife analyst for “MSNBC” and makes regular appearances on Spanish language television programs including international hits “Sabado Gigante” and “Despierta America.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO WEC

Marti Foreman sent WEC a wonderful letter, thanking us for raising $337.00 and over 300 lbs. of food for Cooperative Feeding. Thank you to all!

Tower Club Update

Please remember that the parking garage will only be accessible via SE 2nd Street.

From the President

Our February luncheon featured Marti Forman from the Cooperative Feeding Program. She explained how easy it can be to go from having everything to having nothing. I think everyone in the room felt blessed that we were the ones donating money, rather than asking for food. If anyone is interested in volunteering at CFP, please contact Marti and she’ll let you know how to get involved.

Thank you to Betsy Grant, our party girl, for bringing red roses for all of us. Our newest member, France Karr, introduced herself. She has a catering company. Welcome, France!
Diane Hickey, owner of Windows of Imagination, displayed an excellent business showcase. She showed us how creative her artists are and how she can create a work of art out of almost anything. She can turn a door into a window or make going to the dentist a serene experience. If you can imagine it, she can create it. And if you’re interested in having a business showcase, please contact Vivien Godfrey. Dates are filling up fast.

I can’t say enough about how pleased we are to partner with PACE Center for Girls. WEC donated money to PACE’s Life Launch program. We had an opportunity to tour the facility during January’s Cannon Circle. If you didn’t attend the Cannon Circle and would like to tour PACE, please contact Kathleen Ryan. If you would like to host a Cannon Circle, please contact Vivien Godfrey. At the February luncheon, one of the Life Launch participants explained how the program is helping her graduate high school and get a job. Some of us attended the annual PACE gala in February. Some of us even got great Valentine’s gifts because of items our husbands bid on!

Over 50 WEC members and guests will get a VIP tour of Miami Metrozoo on March 8th. We’ll get lunch, a tram tour and a metro-rail tour. Outings like this are a great way to get to know other members and their families. If you haven’t signed up and would like to attend, please contact Pam Dearden.

You do not want to miss our March 19th luncheon. This will be our annual prospective member luncheon when we will have the opportunity to show guests what a great group we have. All guests will receive a gift. Please contact Jan Bullard to invite your guests. (Note: Feel free to use the attached invitation to promote attendance). The best part of the March luncheon will be our speaker – Ron Magill from Miami Metrozoo. If you’ve never heard Ron speak, I guarantee you’ll have a great time. If you’ve heard him before, you know how dynamic he is. He is expected to bring a “friend” with him – always a treat.

Melissa Rapkin

February Luncheon Photos

Thanks to our photographer, Joni Rosenthal! More photos are posted on our WEC Web Album.

New Members Spotlight:

Mini Jewahar & France Karr

Mini Jewahar:

I am Mini Jewahar, a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch on the Global Wealth Management team. I focus on providing customized & comprehensive wealth management solutions to individuals & business owners. My comprehensive wealth management goal is to find simple solutions to client’s complex financial problems. At Merrill Lynch, the Wealth Management process is client centric which means that I will spend a great deal of time on the front end of my relationship in order to truly understand my client’s goals & resources without regard to where their assets and liabilities are held. My investment philosophy utilizes a tactical investment approach regarding the different asset categories (stocks, bonds, cash, and other). Based on the client’s risk tolerance and time horizon, I will create an asset allocation that strives to accomplish their goals with the least amount of risk.

I have been in the industry for the last ten years, six of which I spent at American Express Financial Advisors and four in the Private Banking division of Wachovia. My undergraduate degree was in Economics. I have also earned the advanced designation of Chartered Financial Consultant. Prior to coming to Florida in 1995, I spent four years in Santiago, Chile when my husband was sent for an overseas assignment by Eastman Kodak. I have two kids; a twenty two year old daughter and seventeen year old son. My hobbies are reading, tennis & boxing. I am also picking up some golf.

Welcome Mini!

France Karr

“Post World War II Memorabilia” is the phrase I often use to explain my birth in Le Cateau, France, resulting in the distinction of having dual citizenship; I cherish both. As for the name, well, not too many people know what to make of being named after a country, so, I am used to people questioning it. In 1944, my Italian-American father, a GI stationed in Marseilles, met my French born-and-bred mother, when the world was ripe for U.S. soldiers to fall in love with foreigners, whose soil they were defending. My Dad died in 1975, and my 92 year-old Maman resides in the South of France.

After residential transplants from France to New Jersey to Rhode Island, in 1985, I became a citizen of the glorious state of Florida, where my Chicago-born husband, John, and I settled in Fort Lauderdale, where he is Development Director for the S.P.C.A. Wildlife Care Center.

God blessed us with children who have married and given us the added blessings of a 5 year-old granddaughter from our son and his wife, as well as a 9 month-old baby boy from our daughter and her husband.

My passion for food began as a small child in the kitchen watching my mother create incredible meals from the simplest, but freshest ingredients. My professional background as a chef and caterer began in Newport, RI, when Ted Turner was King of the America’s Cup, and the city of Newport was a major party town. I am a former executive chef of Fort Lauderdale Country Club, and my culinary experience includes chef positions at Regalo, Carmine’s, The Village Zoo, and others.
My diversified memberships include Power Partners (Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce), Go Riverwalk Trust, 1000+ Club (American Cancer Society), and The Tower Club. I am a proud volunteer for Hospice Care of Southeast Florida, the S.P.C.A. Wildlife Care Center, and the Children’s Ministry at Calvary Chapel, Fort Lauderdale, our choice of inspiration and guidance for the glory of God.

Welcome France!

Members Doing Business with Members

Two items from Patricia Maenza:
Kudos to Carol Moroco, VP at Regions Bank for her great job in helping my customer with a commercial mortgage transaction which closed on 1/28/08.  We were successful in reducing the borrower’s interest rate 4% by refinancing his warehouse located in Oakland Park, Florida.  Carol, you are a true professional and I look forward to doing more business with you!

Thank you to Melissa Rapkin from Documents 2 Disc for another year of partnering with My Mortgage Company in taking care of our data storage needs.  Knowing that our client’s data is in safe hands makes me sleep better at night.  Melissa, you are wonderful!

From Jan Mayer-Rodriguez:
Thank-you Dr. Susie King. My daughter Alex loves her contact lenses and is especially thrilled that she can now read street signs. (Scary to think about her being on the road the past 2 years…!)

From Pamela Morgan:

I hired Marguerite Sorenson (who does professional make-up) to make me look as good as she could for professional pictures to be used for my business marketing materials and newsletter.  We met at the photo studio and she spent a little more than an hour to get me ready. The final results were fantastic. The pictures looked so good that I actually bought extra shots.  I only wish that I looked as good in real life.  But thanks to Marguerite for a great job with beautiful results!

The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Ronnie Karlin has been elected Vice President of PACE’s Board of Directors and will serve in this position for two years. Congratulations Ronnie!

Joni Rosenthal won the “Editor’s Choice Award” from the International Library Photography. Way to go Joni!

Emily Rushin will be part of the 3rd Annual Gore Art Show and Sale on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30 from 10 to 4 at Gore Nursery, 1611 SW 9 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.  Twenty or more award winning artists working mainly in watercolor will have framed and unframed pieces amongst the green leaves and pretty posies.  You'll probably find one or two sitting in the shade painting, too.  Look for straw hats amongst the lush foliage, and look for Emily who'll be there all weekend!  Here's a photo from last year's event. 

Deb McLaughlin is now the Director of Guest Relations at the Duncan Conference Center - the retreat center for the Episcopal Diocese.   It's a great place in Delray in a little stretch of woods, off Linton and Military Trail.  It has 50 suites, meeting rooms, a book store, and wonderful food. When Deb becomes a deacon she’ll be able to marry people and have wonderful celebrations of people's lives in the gorgeous chapel, with a marble labyrinth. Deb, it looks like you’re fulfilling your dreams!

Jenny Kelly ran the Disney ½ Marathon in January and finished 814th out of 16,500 with a time of 1 hour 51 minutes and just ran in the A1A ½ Marathon Feb. 17th. She’s now ready to take on a full marathon. Very impressive Jenny! (Makes me weary just thinking about it!).

Chris Guld is excited to tell you about 2 milestones reached by her company, Geeks on Tour. She's been published! The Family Motor Coach magazine, with a circulation of 300,000 each month, used her article as the cover story for March. She'd like to thank Dee Moustakas for her professional editing services. Chris knew she was submitting a polished article after Dee's review.

Chris and her husband, Jim, travel the country in their motorhome and offer computer education for RVers. Part of her business is to produce a subscription-only email newsletter with computer tips. This month they surpassed 1,000 subscribers! That, and the fact that they just presented their computer seminars to over 1,000 RVers in Pomona, CA makes her believe that her little company is on it's way.

Chris will be in Fort Lauderdale for April and May. She's looking forward to visiting with her WEC friends.

Quote of the Month

“When you like someone, you like them in spite of their faults. When you love someone, you love them with their faults.”
- Elizabeth Cameron

Book Club

Join the “bookies” April 7th at Jan Herard’s home starting at 6:30pm.
Featured book: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Please RSVP to Jan if you can come, bring a dish, and share in some lively discussions!

Cannon Circle

Nora Weiss hosted a delightful Cannon Circle on Tuesday Feb 26th in the Clubroom at the Symphony Condominium overlooking the New River in downtown Ft Lauderdale. 20 WEC members enjoyed celebrating the Chinese New Year with delicious oriental inspired food prepared by France (a new WEC member) and a presentation about Feng Shui by Jami Lin, an International Feng Shui Master. 

WEW Women Empowering Women

From our WEW member Patricia A. McCarthy:

Patricia McCarthy writes: I NEED YOUR HELP. Please! Please, pretty please!

As part of my Senior Seminar and BFA degree, the art students must coordinate a BFA art show on Wednesday, April 30th.

We need to raise approximately $2,000.00. Plus, we need to get donations of food (cold platters preferably), chips, dip, soda, wine (or beer), bottled water, table centerpieces, 20 posters and printing (we have a printer who will print our invitations for free), paper plates, plastic cups, napkins, toothpicks with that color plastic on top, 3-4 large disposable serving trays, trash bags and anything else you could think of for a gathering of approximately 120 people (we have 20 students in the class). Whatever we don't get for free we have to pay for, hopefully at a discount.

Organizations and individuals will get a mention for any donation of cash or supplies they give. Any person or organization donating over $50 cash or supplies will get special mention.

If you can help, please let me know. I will pick up any supplies. If you would like to donate money, please make the check payable to the FAU FOUNDATION.

Contact me at zmctheartist@yahoo.com or 954-785-5449.  I appreciate any help you could give me and my graduating class! Thank you.

Community News

The Women's Council of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber is calling for applications for their annual WCC Scholarship. The Scholarships are awarded in June to deserving women who are enrolled in post secondary programs in Broward. Please see Martha Lord for information and applications.

Proposed WEC Board 2008-2009

Here is the proposed board we will be voting on at the April meeting.

President	Vanessa Koutalidis Island City Chiropractic
Past President	Melissa Rapkin, Documents2Disc Ambassador Committee Canon Circles Business Showcases
President Elect/ VP Internal Involvement	Jenny Kelly, Ritter’s Printing Programs Committee Greetings Committee Newsletter, Book Club
VP Corporate Records	Michelle Case Citigroup Smith Barney Corporate Records Historian By-Laws Committee
VP Finance	Kim Serra-Rivera, Regent Bank Budget Dues collection
VP Community Involvement	Rose Gershon Pre Paid Legal Services Mentorship (FX) Program Women Empowering Women (WEW) Community Outreach Public Relations
VP Membership	Jan Bullard, JP Financial Services Membership Committee Membership Luncheon Directory Webmaster
VP Events	Virginia Howard MS/LMHC Social Committee Fun raiser or Fund raiser GEM Events

Closing Thought

“The pursuit of excellence is a continuous process through life. Enjoy the pursuit.”
– Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor

WEC Board of Directors
2007-2008

President	Melissa Rapkin, Documents2Disc
Past President	Vivien Godfrey Blue Water Books and Charts Ambassador Committee Canon Circles Business Showcases
President Elect/ VP Corporate Records	Vanessa Koutalidis Island City Chiropractic Corporate Records Historian By-Laws Committee
VP Finance	Kim Serra-Rivera, Regent Bank Budget Dues collection
VP Community Involvement	Ronnie Karlin, ComCorp, Consultant/Talent Acquisition Mentorship (FX) Program Women Empowering Women (WEW) Community Outreach Public Relations
VP Internal Involvement	Jenny Kelly, Ritter’s Printing Programs Committee Greetings Committee Newsletter Book Club
VP Membership	Jan Bullard, JP Financial Services Membership Committee Membership Luncheon Directory Webmaster
VP Events	Pam Dearden, Gold Coast Jazz Society Social Committee Fun raiser or Fund raiser GEM Events

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.

2007-08 Luncheon and Board Meeting Dates

Next Board Meeting:


Luncheons:

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Membership Attendance: