Contents

October Luncheon

Program Speaker

From the President

New Members: Orly Amor

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Book Club

Cannon Circle

GEM

September Luncheon Photos

Closing Thought

WEC Board of Directors

Luncheons and Board Meetings

Membership Attendance

October Luncheon

Date: Time:	Wednesday, October 22, 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:	Carol Smith League of Women Voters
Guest Cost:	cost $30. Members are responsible for Guests.
Menu:	Broiled Tilapia with a Lime Gin Yogurt Sauce or Chicken Francaise (vegetarian selection upon request) Key Lime Pie
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Thursday, October 16 to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Suzie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line. To RSVP and pay by credit card or PayPal, use the following form. Menu Selection Chicken Fish Vegetarian
~ Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. ~ John Quincy Adams

Program Speaker- Carol Smith, League of Women Voters

Carol Smith is a past president of the League of Women Voters of Broward County and has been a League member and volunteer for over 40 years. She also is Treasurer of Kids Voting Broward and an Advocacy Trainer for AARP.  She has been a Broward resident for 20 years.  Carol's main interest has been encouraging an active and informed electorate.  She will discuss the Amendments to the Florida Constitution and the Amendments to the Broward County Charter that will appear on the November 4 ballot. Visit the website for the League of Women Voters of Broward County at http://www.lwvbcfl.org/.

From the President

Thank you for attending last month’s luncheon; it was fun to reconnect after a long summer hiatus.  I saw some seasoned members, which for me is always a great delight and testament to the depth and longevity of our club. I also saw some brand new faces, which I look forward to getting to know better, and encourage you to do the same.  

This month, we felt the most important use of our time together, is by becoming educated on the pertinent items and referendums we face at next month’s big election.  Joining us on October 22^nd will be Carol Smith from The League of Women Voters, to clarify our local election issues in a non-partisan, informative manner.

It was recently pointed out to me, that there are blatant incongruities between what I say I want (my desires) and my behavior (actions, or better yet, inactions).  Pointed out on at least three different fronts (although I could find more), disparities exist between what I say I wish for and my subsequent actions to get there.  Could it be that I don’t really want these things?  Or, am I just too lazy?  No, maybe… However, what is missing for me, what I need more of, to bridge the gap of wanting and having, is courage.

So, after waiting 37 years, I have come to realize that courage isn’t going to just one day appear at my door, and I can’t go out and pick some up at Costco.  Courage is a verb, not a noun, and occurs simultaneously when you take that leap forward into the unknown, into the direction of your dreams.  At my death bed I do believe that it will not be the falls I am going to regret, but my lack of taking the first step.  Knowing this now, I am moved (haunted) to face my life head on, and stop making it a dress rehearsal.  Where in your life are you being a cowardly lioness?  What action could you take right now, as the first step towards transforming your life from the ordinary into the extraordinary?

I had a terrific time at September’s Cannon Circle at the home of Michelle Case by the beach.  The food and wine were great, and definitely the company.  And, the event couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, to celebrate Michelle’s recent victory in passing her big test. Congratulations, Michelle!  October’s Cannon Circle will be co-hosted by Lee Sheffield and Lynda Amorello. Details will be emailed to you and are on the website.

I also want to thank Sande Kaskel and her Business Showcase for opening my eyes and underscoring the importance of long-term care  insurance.  Ideally, I would like to see the disease trend reverse and have more people living well and capable into their elder years, as in other parts of the world.  But judging by our current state of physical and financial health, every person owes it to themselves to at least consider if this makes sense for them or their families.

Helping to reverse that trend, this month’s Showcase will feature Dr. Donna Goldstein, who will shed some light on how she shed all those pounds and how she has been looking like a new woman!  Having helped many with her coaching, she will share with us her nutritional program and help you decide if it’s right for you.

Thank you for making the first WEC Social of the year a splendid success. We met at the Tower Club on Friday evening, October 3^rd, over wine and hors d’oeuvres. What a terrific time it was meeting with friends and loved ones! It was the perfect way to unwind together at the end of a long week. We hope to connect over more of these evening socials in the future.

Hope to see you soon,

Vanessa Koutalidis  

New Members Spotlight

Welcome Orly Amor! Orly is President and CEO of Executive One Property Management. 

Orly Amor tells us:

Executive One Property Management is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, and is comprised of people with over 35 years of experience. Orly Amor, who brings over 20 years of management experience, leads the company.

Orly started out in Montreal, Canada, managing a portfolio of 1600 commercial and residential properties. She quickly developed a name for herself as she increased revenues and reduced bad debts. She advanced her career at several big name companies, including Target Property Management Services as a partner. From there she branched off on her own with Executive One Property Management and is currently managing commercial and residential properties throughout Florida.

Her team is well equipped to manage small to medium-sized projects and is aggressively penetrating various markets in the state. The company provides full-service property management for their clients and is rapidly growing.

Executive One provides management services for a substantial variety of properties, including: Condominium and Homeowners Associations, Professional Condominium Office Building Associations, Individual and Investor properties, Office Buildings, Strip Malls, Warehouses, Office Parks and Freestanding Commercial Buildings.

The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Natalia Benda’s Great Business Experience with Chadia Meroueh!

I would like to give a testimonial to the great service Chadia Meroueh from Auto Tech and Body offered me. A gentleman from Canada reared my car. This man did not speak any English, I did not speak any French, and the police report turned out to not have all the information needed to file the claim. Chadia speaks fluent French and spent hours on the phone with his insurance company and they finally paid for my claim. She did this for my benefit only, because I had already paid her for the service on my car, which turned out excellent and was returned to me at the time promised. I did not realize auto-body services could be first class, but this really was a terrific experience. Thank you, Chadia!

Lenore Alpert is Making “Waves”!

I chaired a panel on Working Waterfronts at the recent annual meeting of the Florida chapter of the American Planning Association in Miami. I held a presentation on FAU’s recent marine workforce study at the Annual Marine Summit for the tri-county area on September 24th.

Congratulations, Gail Stremlo!

I just celebrated my 27th (yes, not a typo) year with IBM in September.  Amazing with all the changes in the computer industry and in South Florida! Along with this milestone was a revelation that I have worked for IBM more than the time working in any other venue.  

Jan Bullard is a Grandmother…the 8th Time is a Charm!:

Jan Bullard became a grandmother for the 8th time on September 10, 2008. Jan and Forrest have 6 children and now 8 grandchildren. The newest little boy is named Donovan Christian.

Geri Trodick is in the Keys!

In August, we opened a showroom located in Islamorada in the Keys. We are sharing space with a couple of local artists at “Keys to Life” studio at mile marker #84 on the Oceanside. We at American Trophy are showcasing our Sport Fishing line of awards, which we have created over the last 4 or 5 years. If you are in the area – stop in, or if you know someone who might be interested in these awards, let me know.

Jenette Mathai says, “Oh, Baby!”

Jenette Mathai has survived one year as a new mom. Happy First Birthday to her daughter, Chloe!

Terrific Business News from Carol Moroco!

Carol Moroco is now a Vice President of Commercial Banking with Bank of Florida – Southeast. Bank of Florida has placed over $15 Million of CD’s through its Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service. Please keep the program in mind for anyone you know who is concerned with FDIC insurance limits!  

Book Club

All WEC members are invited to become “Bookies”, where women meet ineach other's homes once a month to share in the love of books.

The BOOKIES will be sharing their potluck goodies with "Bookie", Joni Rosenthal, at her home in Fort Lauderdale, on Monday, November 10, 2008. 

The Book that they have chosen to read is: THE LACE READER, by a new author - Brinonia Barry.

Please bring your POT LUCK item that will always be loved no matter what you bring! The Bookies always have enough for an entire army, so to speak. Joni will provide the drinks, wine and paper goods, etc. 
Joni wants everyone to join the Bookie gals at “Joni Rosenthal's Zoo” (the dogs will not be in evidence, at least not the little ones, says Joni).

Kindly RSVP to jlovinly@aol.com if you can join us for the next book club on Monday, November 10, 2008, at 6:30.  

Below is more information about THE LACE READER, which is provided by our very own, Joni Rosenthal:

THE LACE READER, by new author Brunonia Barry, concerns Barry's own dream.  It is her vision about what life can become through the prism of something that she sees in her dream, which is a prophesy within a piece of lace--a vision so potent that she has spun it into a novel, THE LACE READER. "This book retains the magic of a vivid dream, through Barry's portrayal of modern-day Salem, Massachusetts."

Its eccentric cast of characters, includes many generations of Whitney women, who have a true gift of seeing the future. The main character, Towner Whitney, a descendent from a long line of mind readers and fortune tellers, returns home to Salem, to recover from various traumas she has had away from the tranquility of a life she recalls from her childhood.

This is short lived as her beloved great-Aunt Eva drowns under dire circumstances that seems evidenced by foul play. The “play” unravels with local cop John Rafferty, who has left the city cop beat to come home to the quiet life of Salem, and falls for Towner with a great thud!  He too, mourns Aunt Eva and in the process delves into the story of the Whitney clan.

This interesting story seems to be the kind of story that we wish to share with all our WEC members. Author Barry, excels at capturing the feel of small town life. She seems to portray and to balance action with close looks at the characters’ inner worlds.  Her pacing and use of different perspectives shows such innovative skill, providing a grand way that will keep us Bookies captivated all the way through the book.

Cannon Circle

Along with the monthly luncheons, members also get together in a more informal atmosphere during the year. These evening socials are called “Cannon Circles” and are hosted at members’ homes or businesses.  The Cannon Circle is named for Past President Shirley Cannon who was known for her gracious and uplifting spirit.

The next Cannon Circle will be held Thursday, October 16th, and it will be hosted by Lee Sheffield & Lynda Amorello.

Please RSVP to Lee (lsheffield@sterlingbankfl.com) or Lynda (l.amorello@comcast.net), if you can make it. We would love to see you there! 347 N. New River Dr. E, The Water Garden, Apt. 280 

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 Host 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 Host requesting your attendance; please contact your Host 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.

September Luncheon Pictures

Membership Dues

Just a reminder to all WEC members that membership dues of $275, for the 2008-2009 membership year, were due by August 31, 2008. If you have not submitted your dues, please become current by contacting Vanessa Koutalidis at vanessa@islandcitychiropractic.com.

Closing Thought

~ To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain. ~ Louis L'Amour

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	Carol Moroco , Bank of Florida 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, 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: