Contents

December Holiday Luncheon

Holiday Luncheon and Gift Exchange with Entertainment

From the President

Holiday Lights Cruise

Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members

Book Club

Cannon Circle

Photos from November

Pace Luncheon

Closing Thought

WEC Board of Directors

Luncheons and Board Meetings

Membership Attendance

December Holiday Luncheon

Date: Time:	Friday, December 12, 2008 11:30 Networking 12:00 Luncheon
Place:	Lauderdale Yacht Club 1725 Southeast 12th Street Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Click here for directions
Program   Speaker:	Vocalist Terry Barber and Pianist Gail Smith
Guest Cost:	cost $35. Members are responsible for Guests.
Holiday Menu:	Herb Infused Poached Salmon Or London Broil with Burgundy Butter Sauce Both served with Chicken Tortilla Soup Or Fresh Seasonal Vegetables with a Light Tomato Cream Sauce over Pasta with a Fruit Cup Flourless chocolate torte with coconut vanilla rum sauce
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Monday, December 8 to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Suzie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line. 72 hours notice is required for cancellations. Guests: To RSVP and pay by credit card, select a menu item below and click the 'Buy Now' button: Holiday Luncheon Guest Reservations Menu Selection Please Make Selection London Broil Salmon Vegetarian Guest of:
~ The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.  ~Walt Whitman

Holiday Luncheon and Gift Exchange

Please join your fellow WEC members for a festive holiday luncheon at the beautiful
Lauderdale Yacht Club
Presenting
Vocalist Terry Barber and Pianist Gail Smith

TERRY BARBER received his Masters of Music degree in England from Trinity College of Music London with a Distinction in Performance. After completing this degree in 1997, Terry immediately joined the staff at Trinity College of Music, teaching vocal jazz. Terry is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he completed the Musical Theater Certificate Program, and directed and produced Northwestern's premiere a cappella group.

Terry Barber joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera 2002 season for the opera, Sly, with Placido Domingo. Mr. Barber made his New York City Opera debut in 2001 in Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria. In summer of 2002 he performed at the International SpoletoFestival both the Spirit and Witch in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. While still at Northwestern, Terry was hired by Marriot Lincolnshire Theater for their production of Hello Dolly. A role was created with his extreme vocal range in mind for the musical A Robin Hood Tale, by Lawrence Rush and Kathy Phillis.

Recent highlights include Mr. Barber’s debut performances at Carnegie Hall in the role of Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus with the National Chorale under Martin Josman, at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall singing solos from Handel’s Messiah, and the Portland Baroque Orchestra in Handel’s Messiah under the direction of Nicholas Kramer. Recent performances with the New Trinity Baroque Orchestra of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater with Evellyn Tubb earned him the comment, ‘'...his grasp of the texts and elegant phrasing made for charismatic singing' -- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

GAIL SMITH received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Florida Atlantic University. She has taught piano students from the age of 3 to 99! Her blind student, Ivan, was seen on national TV. Giving musical lecture recitals by portraying the composer's wife has been an effective way to reach audiences with the history of music. Gail has portrayed Marian MacDowell and Anna Magdalena Bach. She gives many workshops and concerts throughout the United States, as well as in Germany, Japan and Sweden.
Smith's life has revolved around her family, church and music. For many years, she has been the pianist and teacher for the famed Coral Ridge Presbyterian church. She has been active in many organizations including being National Music Chairman of the National League of American Pen Women and is now president of the Broward County branch. Ms. Smith is also a member of The Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, National Music Teachers Association, and Federation of Music Clubs.
Ms. Smith's works include many piano solos, choral works, a piano
trio, a composition for four pianos and numerous vocal solos. She has
arranged hundreds of hymns, Indian melodies, and folk tunes from
many countries. Piano palindromes are her trademark, which can be
played forwards backwards and sound the same.

The WEC Holiday Luncheon Gift Exchange
 Please bring a wrapped gift (suggested $15 value) to the luncheon for our annual gift exchange.  Be sure to attach your name or business card
to your gift. 

Our holiday tradition of bringing items for PACE Center for Girls continues. Contributions can be made by check at the luncheon or bring a $20 gift card from one of the following retailers: Target, WalMart, K-Mart, Publix,
Winn-Dixie, Payless Shoes, CVS or Walgreens.
Monetary donations are also being accepted for Family Central.  Please check out their website at www.familycentral.org for donation suggestions.

From the President

Last month we were grateful to have Dr. Christina Mata and Dr. Marnie Santaniello join us and impart their vast expertise on women’s health.  In retrospect, each could have come on separate months, since there was so much to learn in such limited time.  I found them both to be extremely knowledgeable and accessible, and enjoyed hearing their journeys toward how they became successful women doctors.  

At November’s luncheon we also learned more about our two newest members, Randi Grant and Susan Kingsley.  Welcome to WEC ladies; we all hope to get to know you better.  And thanks to Margarethe Sorensen, whose Business Showcase highlighted the work she does as a professional make-up artist.  She told us about an amazing offer that features a makeover session with personal instruction, which would certainly make a great gift for you or a friend.

I am very excited about our annual Holiday Luncheon on Friday, December 12th at the Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club.  This is one of my favorite WEC events of the year, and this one promises to be extra special with musical guests, Terry Barber and Gail Smith.  There will be fine wine, food and frivolity, with a feisty gift exchange that may find your favorite new item unapologetically snatched away in front of your eyes.  

We will also honor our members who have reached certain club milestones, and as always, we welcome your family and friends to come join the fun.  In addition, this year’s suggested donations to PACE will focus on what each girl needs most, for instance an $18 check for a jacket or a $20 check or gift card to get the girl exactly what she needs.  We would also like to give our monetary support to Family Central, who desperately needs your help.  Please refer to the newsletter or luncheon announcement for details.

Kicking off the festivities this month, you won’t want to miss another WEC tradition- the Holiday Cannon Circle on Friday, December 5th at the decorative home of our ‘party girl’, Betsy Grant.  Each time, she goes all out with delicious food and drink, and this year the more the merrier, with your friends and loved ones invited to join the party later on.  Betsy lives right off Las Olas, so I plan on capping off the evening with a stroll down the beautifully adorned street. 

Earlier that day, PACE Broward will be hosting its 6th annual “Believing in Girls Society” Luncheon.  I was fortunate to attend last year and it was a heartwarming and inspirational experience that made me proud WEC had chosen to participate in PACE’s mission of helping young girls succeed.  Contact Ronnie Karlin if you would like to attend.

WEC also came out recently in support of PACE for the Wilton Manors ‘Island City’ 5K.  I really enjoyed walking and discovered a competitive vibe that I didn’t know I had- maybe next year I will even run a little to lower my time.  Michelle Case certainly did, placing third in her category with her son placing first!  Congratulations Michelle!  Other members who broke a sweat included Meryl Charnow, Melissa Rapkin and Karen Rowe.

Then, come sail away with us on our Holiday Lights Cruise up the New River and Intracoastal on Monday, December 8th on the Wild Hearts Catamaran.  Carol Metevier has been organizing what is sure to be a   delightful social, and no matter the weather or where we end up, I look forward to taking this adventure with you.  I love Fort Lauderdale, and being on the water epitomizes why I live here.

December is about giving, so take a guess what this month’s theme is.  We all know how rewarding and noble it is to give, and that giving is its own reward.  But giving doesn’t occur in a vacuum without a receiver on the other end.  They say the giver receives when they give, however this month, focus instead on the receiving.

How well do you receive?  Do you open your arms wide to embrace love and joy when it stands before you?  Can you receive a compliment, or know you are deserving of good fortune and happiness and so recognize it when it appears?  Dare to receive and fully receive, the love and blessings that come your way.

On behalf of the WEC board, I would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season, with plenty of peace and prosperity this New Year.  I hope to see you at the January luncheon on the 21st, which will feature Irv Lippman from The Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. 

Have a joyous season,
Vanessa Koutalidis

New Members

Randi Grant tells us:

An experienced accountant and financial planner with more than 25 years of experience, Randi Grant provides tax and financial planning strategies for individuals and closely-held companies. She has been quoted on various topics by publications including The Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, Fortune Magazine and Business Week. Her article entitled “Fiscal Year Non-Conformity” was voted Best Article of the Year (1988) by The Tax Advisor. Ms. Grant also lectures to professional, business and civic organizations regarding tax and personal financial planning matters. Ms. Grant is a Certified Public Accountant, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Personal Financial Specialist and a Certified College Savings Specialist. She holds a Life, Health and Variable Annuity License from the State of Florida. One of Ms. Grant's passions is the advancement of women in the accounting profession. To that end, she currently heads the Women's Initiative in her firm, Berkowitz Dick Pollack & Brant, which is designed to help address the myriad of issues faced by female professionals. Involved in the community, Ms. Grant is Co-Chair of Women's Executive Circle of the Jewish Federation of Broward County. She received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Management from Ithaca College and a Master of Science in Taxation from Florida International University.

Susan Kingsley tells us:

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Susan Kingsley is a prior member of the St. Louis Chef’s de Cuisine. She received a Certificate of Proficiency for the Chef’s and Cook’s Apprenticeship Program, specializing in Pastry. Her initial real estate career began with Century 21 Patio Realty in 1990. In June of 1990, Susan moved to Wisconsin and became licensed as a Sales Associate with Century 21 Exclusive Homes. After 5 years of working with Century 21, Susan moved to Coldwell Banker, and then on to RE/MAX. Susan mainly worked with relocation and transferring buyers, along with local buyers and home sellers.
Susan met the love of her life, Timothy Proksch, by co-worker referral in 2005, and had a whirlwind year-long romance. He resided at their current residence in Davie and Susan moved to Florida, where they were married in July of 2006. She obtained her real estate broker’s license in August and began working in September with RE/MAX Partners. She later joined the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and became a member of the Diplomat Committee & Concierge Committee, in addition to joining the Power Partners Networking Group. Susan’s interests include sailing, ballroom dancing, flower gardening, raising Monarch butterflies, inline skating, bicycling, hiking, traveling, jazz and more.

The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Geri Trodick’s Recent Testimonials About Doing Business With WEC Members:   

I want to thank Natalia Benda for taking one of my employees right away for an emergency dental visit. Also a thank you to Jan Herard and Lynda Amorello for their expertise regarding rental properties and property management. It is great to have these WEC members as resources!

Also, as a reminder…American Trophy will be offering FREE engraving on all gift items until the end of the year. Need some Holiday gift ideas for that special item for an employee, employer or client? Then check out our website – www.AmericanTrophy.net

Disaster Preparation Research by Lenore Alpert:

Dr. Lenore Alpert of FAU recently presented at the Coastal Cities Summit international conference on November 19 on a FEMA Mitigation Project she is principal investigator for, at the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions. The presentation was entitled “Preparing for Disasters: Developing a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan” and discussed the mitigation plan being developed for the FAU Main Campus as a way to manage the risk of losses from hurricanes and related natural disasters.

Barbara Moorman and the “Gem of Las Olas” Want YOU to VOTE this Holiday Season:

Carroll’s Jewelers, at 915 East Broward Boulevard, will once again host their popular ‘Table Setting’ fundraising event, offering six local charities an opportunity to create elegant table settings in the store. Visitors cast their votes, attaching some cash, so at the end of the contest, everyone is a winner, although the charity that gets the most votes is the ‘Grand Winner.’ Participating non-profits include: Goodwill Ambassadors, Hospice Care of Southeast Florida, Stranahan House, The Salvation Army, The Pantry of Broward and Symphony of the Americas. “The members of the charities really enjoy this project. They do a lot of pre-planning and then come to the store, making the actual set-up fun,” Barbara said. Each group chooses a theme and then goes all out to create an elegant table setting that offers ideas that resonate with those coming into vote. In addition to the cash from the votes, the winning table will get a gift-certificate from Carroll’s that can be used at their next silent auction. For information, call Carroll’s Jewelers at (954) 463-3711.

Martha Lord is Calling All Scrabble Players!

For all of you word-lovers, Martha Lord wants to plan a Scrabble night possibly once a month with anyone who may be interested. Similar to a book club, players would take turns hosting. If you love to play Scrabble, please contact Martha at msmlord@bellsouth.net .

Jan Bullard and the Cooperative Feeding Program Thank YOU:

The Cooperative Feeding Program would like to send a special thank you to all of the incredible women at WEC.  Your donations of food and money are always sincerely appreciated. The need in our community has gotten to be almost unmanageable.  Every little bit helps and your generosity has made the lives of families in our community a little bit better. For donations, or information on how you can get more involved, please contact Board Member, Jan Bullard at 954-448-4822.

A Special Invitation from Pam Dearden!

Did you know that Pam Dearden's hobby is singing? Pam currently sings for the Master Chorale of South Florida.  Come hear some fantastic holiday music on Friday, Dec. 12th at 1st Presbyterian Church of Pompano (the Pink Church).  Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets can be purchased on the chorale's website.   

Holiday Lights Cruise

See the Festive Lights Along the Intracoastal and Middle River!

Join Us On the 53’ Wild Hearts Catamaran Docked at the Pier 66 Hyatt Resort on Monday December 8th at 5:45pm – 8:00pm.

$40.00 per person (pre-paid); 49 total RSVPs are available (with only 10 spots currently open), so RSVP NOW!! Reservation is confirmed with receipt of payment.

Holiday Lights 2 hour Exclusive WEC Cruise
Members and Guests Welcome
Includes:  Bottled water, soda, wine and beer
Hors d’ oeuvres a plenty
Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverage of choice

Mail checks to Carol Metevier, 4280 Galt Ocean Drive, Apt. PHM, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308. Or pay with Credit card or PayPal by clicking the PayNow button below:

PACE Luncheon

Please contact Ronnie Karlin (rus_mom@bellsouth.net) immediately if you can attend:

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.

The WEC Book Club is currently reading "The Madonnas of Leningrad" by Debra Dean.  We will meet on Tuesday, December 16, at Jan Herard's to talk about it and to share a potluck supper.  Please let Jan know if you are going to come (jbherard@realtor.com). 

Here's a brief synopsis of the book's theme:
"Bit by bit, the ravages of age are eroding Marina's grip on the everyday. An elderly Russian woman now living in America, she cannot hold on to fresh memories—the details of her grown children's lives, the approaching wedding of her grandchild—yet her distant past is miraculously preserved in her mind's eye.
Vivid images of her youth in war-torn Leningrad arise unbidden, carrying her back to the terrible fall of 1941, when she was a tour guide at the Hermitage Museum and the German army's approach signaled the beginning of what would be a long, torturous siege on the city. As the people braved starvation, bitter cold, and a relentless German onslaught, Marina joined other staff members in removing the museum's priceless masterpieces for safekeeping, leaving the frames hanging empty on the walls to symbolize the artworks' eventual return. As the Luftwaffe's bombs pounded the proud, stricken city, Marina built a personal Hermitage in her mind—a refuge that would stay buried deep within her, until she needed it once more. . . . "  Barnes & Noble

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 last Cannon Circle was hosted by Rose Gershon-Schneider & Diane Hickey and turned out to be a relaxing way for members to reconnect over some food, wine and old-fashioned fun!

The next Cannon Circle will be held this Friday, December 5th in the home of Betsy Grant, our resident “Party Girl”. For more details about this “soiréeextraordinaire”, contact Betsy Grant at bentstems@aol.com.  

November Luncheon Photos

WEC 2008 Tower Club Social Photos

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

~ May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility. ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

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:

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: