Contents

September Luncheon

Program Speaker

Tower Club Update

From the President

New Members: Sande Kaskel, Lenore Alpert, Chadia Meroueh, Lee Bell, Diana Fairbanks and Hillary Gurman

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Annual Retreat

Book Club

Cannon Circle

GEM

Past President's Letter

Membership Dues

Closing Thought

WEC Board of Directors

Next year's Board

Luncheons and Board Meetings

Membership Attendance

September Luncheon

Date: Time:	Wednesday, September 17, 2008 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:	Hal Axler Executive Director Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival/           Cinema Paradiso
Guest Cost:	cost $30. Members are responsible for Guests.
Menu:	Chicken Marsala or Char-Grilled Mahi-Mahi (vegetarian selection upon request) Chocolate Cake
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Thursday, September 11 to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Susie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line. *Also, our PACE girls will be going back to school this month! Please bring in school supplies to the luncheon, to help start their school year off with a bang!**
"Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery." ~ Dr. Joyce Brothers

Program Speaker- Hal Axler, Executive Director, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival/Cinema Paradiso

Hal Axler joined the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in 2005 after spending over 20 years in the Home Entertainment Industry.  Hal’s diverse background includes extensive experience in radio broadcasting and prior to joining the FLIFF, Hal was also the Executive Director of the Palm Beach Film Festival. Hal continues to consult organizations in the private and non-profit sectors. A graduate from the Florida State University School of Music, Hal is a published music arranger and continues to perform and conduct music ensembles in the South Florida area. Hal sits on the board of several animal-related and cultural non-profit organizations in South Florida and was appointed to the Town of Davie's Youth and Education Safety Advisory Board in 2007. See the website for the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival at http://www.fliff.com/.

Tower Club Update

Please note that the parking garage will only be accessible via Broward Boulevard. The crane has been moved and there will be no more access from SE 3rd Street.

From the President

For our August luncheon we had a surprise guest speaker, Tropical Storm Fay, who stole the show.  Too bad really, since I was looking forward to kicking off the year with all of you and had an interesting program planned.  Although, we will try to have Judy Garmaise come back and speak to us later in the year.  I appreciate your understanding with the last minute change of plans and hope it is smooth sailing from here on down.

Each month I have chosen a theme that involves an inner core value that I work on cultivating and incorporating in my life.  When I was 14, I made a resolution to be more compassionate to others, somehow sensing that my heart needed to open in that direction.  I believe compassion is key to dispelling hatred, for it reminds us of our shared humanity and how we are not alone in our suffering.  When loss of any form occurs, an opening is created, and we can use the pain to connect more deeply with all others who have experienced the same. 

Compassion not only expands our hearts but boosts our immunity.  A study of students watching compassionate acts had a dramatic increase in their immune response.  Of course it is easy to feel compassion for those we care about, but see if you can foster it for those you may deem unpleasant or undeserving- for they too desire greater peace and happiness in their lives.

I hope many of you turned out for last month’s Cannon Circle co-hosted by Dr. Suzie King and Carol McKeever at the Lighthouse of Broward.  Unfortunately, I had to miss it since I was away in Maine visiting my family, but it looked to be a fascinating and illuminating event.  More description will follow later in the newsletter.

Our September luncheon on Wednesday the 17th will feature Hal Axler from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.  Our own Jan Bullard, VP of Membership, sits on the board and knows Hal to be an engaging and dynamic speaker.  I love Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the fact that we have become a mini-mecca for the film industry and have our very own festival that kicks off mid-October.

We have three new members to introduce at the luncheon: Orly Amor, Lorah Carrie and Myriam Cohen.  Welcome aboard, ladies; we all look forward to learning more about you!

Our September Business Showcase will feature one of our newer members, Sande Kaskel.  Every member is welcome to sign up and use this opportunity to tell us more about yourself and your business.  Unlike most networking organizations in our community, WEC is unique in that we are foremost a social club, which happens to provide support and camaraderie for professional and executive women.  We do business the old-fashioned way, by fostering relationships over time, and I would never want that to change.  However, the Showcase is an excellent way to highlight your business, and for only $75, a great deal to boot.  Please contact Melissa Rapkin to sign up.

Our next Cannon Circle will be held on September 23rd and hosted by Michelle Case at her home.  For all of you newer members, Cannon Circles are truly special events and not to be missed.  Also, Emily Rushin has sent out the new GEM list.  GEM stands for Greet, Eat & Meet, and again involves a smaller group of members that get together for further bonding and kinship.  Review the list for your name and remember that it is your choice to opt in or out, but if you choose to participate, please be courteous to your hostess and respond accordingly.

I look forward to seeing you all at the luncheon!

Vanessa Koutalidis

New Members Spotlight

Welcome Lorah Carrie and Myriam Cohen! Please see their “spotlights” below for more information about these wonderful ladies!

WEC also welcomes Orly Amor, President and CEO of Executive One Property Management.  

Lorah Carrie tells us:

Hello!  I’m Lorah Carrie from Essentials Boutique!
My husband Andy and I moved to Florida 4 years ago from Pennsylvania (near Hershey) where I had a full-service jewelry store for 17 years (I am a Graduate Gemologist (GIA) 2nd generation jeweler).  Andy is from Aberdeen, Scotland and when we got married in 2002 and he moved to PA, it was too cold for him! So here we are, in sunny Florida where we opened a ladies boutique with sparkling Jewelry, fun Clothing (sizes 2-20), comfy Shoes, darling Handbags and Gifts that will bring a smile to the recipient!
(Oh, and we have a massage chair in case you bring the male species----AND we always have a complimentary glass of wine!)  Essentials Boutique is located near Blue Water Books and Charts in the Harbor Shops off of 17th St. (whose lovely owner Vivian Godfrey is the reason I am a new member!)
Andy works for Chevron, all over the world month on / month off. So when he is gone, you can find me in the store 7 days a week; but when he is home, it’s difficult to find me!  We don’t have any kids, but we do have 2 spoiled Chihuahuas who keep me company when he is gone.
In my spare time (what spare time?) I like to take long walks on the beach, play the piano and read (I used to do ballroom dancing prior to meeting Andy, but he needs to take some lessons!).
I am delighted to be a member and look forward to new friendships!

Myriam Cohen tells us:

As the founder of Equilibrix, Myriam Cohen has helped many businesses leverage the power of email marketing to grow their client base. Her innovative, patent-pending approach allows businesses to build strong customer loyalty while acquiring new customers through email communications. Myriam leverages her unique insights and experience as an entrepreneur, software engineer and email-marketing expert to help businesses reach their goals.

Prior to starting Equilibrix, Myriam was founder and President of SelectJOBS.com. SelectJOBS.com was a pioneer of on-line technical recruiting and was voted one of the “Top 50” employment websites. As she built the company, Myriam realized she could dramatically lower a corporation’s costs associated in hiring technical candidates while giving candidates access to resources that were previously beyond their reach. SelectJOBS.com grew from a start-up in 1995 to a thriving company with a national presence and client base including; ORACLE Corporation, CTG, AutoNation, Sports Authority, Rexall Sundown and Lexis Nexus.
Myriam’s entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit come from her family, which has a long history of founding and growing various manufacturing businesses. Myriam has successfully leveraged her family’s attention to detail and customer service to build successful organizations throughout her career. Myriam graduated with a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Texas and earned her MBA from Southern Methodist University. She is fluent in three languages.

The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

A special message from Dee Moustakas to fellow WEC member, Jenny Kelly, shows how much WEC members value their business connections with each other:

A BIG thank you to Jenny Kelly for helping with the design and printing of stationery and brochure for a client of mine. Her graphic designer, Yuri, came up with the perfect look. He was quick, creative and responsive to my client's needs. The printing was spot on and delivered within days of the client's approval. All in all, it was a great experience! Thanks, Jenny. It's a pleasure doing business with your firm.   

Congratulations to new member, Sande Kaskel:

Preparing Youth for Industry, a program I started 5 years ago in the high schools in Hollywood, has just been approved to go countywide by the School Board of Broward County.  PYI is an education-business partnership funded by business and in the past supported by the members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Our mission is to: raise the self confidence of the majority of high school students (considered to be “average”), increase the graduation rate through increasing students’ motivation for success and help these students achieve success with life after high school. Resume Writing, How to Be a Successful Employee, Goal Setting and Goal Achievement, Budgeting, Characters of Successful People and Self Esteem are examples of lessons and taught by business people. For more information, contact Sande at 954-981-6500 or email her at sande@kaskelcare.com.

Connie Chaney’s incredible summer:

I had quite an exciting and busy August spending some time in North Carolina, and my daughter Kristen married a wonderful man on 8/9/08 at The Addison in Boca.  She looked so beautiful and they are so happy.  I will be quite happy to show off the photos to anyone who wants to see them once I have the professional ones back from the photographer.  Life is good!

A special round of applause for Jan Bullard:

Jan Bullard has been selected to attend the 2008 Recognition Trip in Palm Desert, California from September l7-September 2l.  The trip is being sponsored by AARP, United Health Care and Aetna.  Her 5 day/4 night package includes airfare, resort accommodations, Welcome Reception, dinners, spa, golf, and activities.  This was a way to say thank you to Jan for her outstanding commitment to serving AARP members and their communities!  Way to go, Jan!

Great business news from Patrice Maenza:

I would like to announce that I have recently taken a full time position with Regions Bank as the Branch Assistant Manager for Deerfield Beach, FL.  Although My Mortgage Company remains open, I will focus mainly on consultations in this arena, with referrals sent to my business partner.  I look forward to continue servicing the needs of our community, with the added plus of having deposit account relationships, CD’s as well as mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit.

Introducing Pam Dearden’s new addition to the family:

Pam and Ralph Dearden became the proud grandparents of Aiden Miles Irvin, born on August 4, 2008. Aiden's parents are Heather and Brandon Irvin (Heather is Pam’s daughter). Congratulations, Pam!

Joni Rosenthal’s California adventure:

My son is not a shopper as his Mom is -- he is a GRAND  looker and from time to time will purchase an item. However, he purchased some lovely, thoughtful things for me as a surprise. I returned safe, sound and most satisfied to know that all is well! 

Kathleen Ryan invites you to SPAAAH Day, a fundraiser to benefit Pace Center for Girls, Broward:

How does a mini chair massage, a new hair style, a nail color change & hand massage and a 20 minute yoga session sound? Aaah!

If you can take a break from weekend errands on Saturday, September 20, please check out “SPAAAH DAY” at the Broward Center for Performing Arts from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. While waiting to visit the “Beauty Bar”, enjoy light food and beverages and browse the information on health and nutrition. 

This event is being sponsored by The She Market, Inc. to promote self-care and healthy lifestyles for women while supporting young women who are in transition. The She Market, a local nonprofit group whose mission is to assist women in need around the world, has named PACE Broward as the benefitting charity of “SPAAAH DAY.”

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (cash only).  RSVP required – rsvp@theshemarket.org.  For more information on The She Market visit www.theshemarket.org, or call Kathleen Ryan at PACE Broward at 954-561-6939 ext. 317. 

Our thoughts, prayers and warmest condolences are with Leigh Nickel whose mother passed away in July at the age of 87. If you would like to reach out to Leigh, please contact Vanessa Koutalidis at vanessa@islandcitychiropractic.com.

Book Club

All WEC members are invited to become “bookies”, where women meet in each other's homes once a month to share in the love of books. “Bookies” share a special bond as they come together to consistently uplift each other in an array of their own stories…stories of their children, long-lost secrets and the sadness of losing that special someone, like a cherished pet. Of course, the scrumptious potluck dishes are an added bonus!

RSVP to wisemily@bellsouth.net if you can join us for the next book club on September 8th at 6:30. We will be reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel; just bring a dish and share in some lively discussions!

Cannon Circle

In August, Suzie King and Carol McKeever hosted “Club Noir” at the Lighthouse of Broward County. WEC members awakened their senses of taste, smell, touch, hearing, and even, sight, through a distinctive bonding experience where members abandoned their busy, hectic lives for a special “Cannon Circle in the Dark”.
Members explored their senses in a dark, contemplative, yet stimulating setting, while also learning more about the Lighthouse of Broward County, whose mission is to enhance the independence, productivity and quality of life of children and adults who are blind or visually impaired.
The next Cannon Circle will be held September 23, at the home of Michelle Case. Please RSVP to Michelle at michelle.case@smithbarney.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 Hostess is selected to set a time and place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or whatever. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level.

WEC Members, you recently received an email from Emily Rushin and your Lead Hostess requesting your attendance; please contact your Lead Hostess to let her know if you will be late or absent. If you have not received this email, please contact Emily Rushin at wisemily@bellsouth.net.

June Luncheon Pictures

If you are interested in hosting a Cannon Circle or having a Showcase, please contact Melissa Rapkin to sign up.

Membership Dues

Just a reminder to all WEC members that membership dues of $275, for the 2008-2009 membership year, are due by August 31, 2008.

Closing Thought

"A faithful friend is the medicine of life." ~ Apocrypha

WEC Board of Directors
2008-2009

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	Mini Jewahar , Merrill Lynch 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	Carol Metevier Atlantic Properties International 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.

2008-09 Luncheon Dates

Luncheons:

Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009

Membership Attendance: