Contents

April Membership Luncheon
Program Speaker: Member Health Panel
From the President  
Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
Book Club
GEM Luncheons
Cannon Circle
Proposed Officers for 2009-10
Closing Thought
WEC Board of Directors
Luncheon Dates
Membership Attendance

April Luncheon

Date: Time:	Wednesday, April 22, 2009 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:	Member Health Panel Featuring: Dr. Karen Rowe, Acupuncture Physician                       Pamela Morgan, Body Centered Psychotherapist                 Dr. Suzie King, Optometric Physician Moderated by Dr. Vanessa Koutalidis, Chiropractor
Guest Cost:	cost $30. Members are responsible for Guests.
Menu:	Grilled Chicken Caesar  or  Asian Shrimp Salad with Oriental Greens and Ginger Soy Dressing  Save room for dessert:  Chocolate Mousse
RSVP to:	Please RSVP (including your menu choice) by Friday, April 17th to rsvp@wecftl.com We appreciate your RSVPs! To assist Suzie administratively, please put “WEC Lunch” in the subject line.
Guests can RSVP and pay for the luncheon by clicking the 'Buy Now' button below. You can pay with any major credit card, or paypal. Month April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 The power of love to change bodies is legendary, built into folklore, common sense, and everyday experience.  Love moves the flesh, it pushes matter around.... Throughout history, "tender loving care" has uniformly been recognized as a valuable element in healing.  ~Larry Dossey

Come Join Us For An Open and Honest Discussion About Women’s Health Issues

Featuring Our Very Own
WEC Member Health Panel

From the President

March’s Membership Luncheon was quite the event.  Not only did we have the largest gathering of women in one room that I recall, we also had a dynamic speaker, Judy Garmaise, on the merit and art of following up.  Although I know I definitely could be more persistent and proactive within my career, I naturally gravitate and do business with those that respond in kind.  If you refuse to get back to me after multiple attempts, you are probably doing me a favor.  I do recognize that in sales, however, it can be a numbers game and super vigilance often wins.  My main takeaways were: don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t get back to you- everyone is living their own lives, with their own demands and priorities; and thus, correspondingly, treat the tenth call as kindly as you would the first.

As you know, WEC is filled with successful, diverse members in exciting fields with lots to share.  However, we have a policy not to utilize our members as speakers, so as not to exclude anyone in particular.  On occasion we do feature a panel of members to speak on a chosen topic.  Last year was finances; this year is women’s health.  On Wednesday April 22nd, I am looking forward to learning from Dr. Suzie King, optometrist; Dr. Karen Rowe, acupuncture physician; and Pamela Morgan, body centered psychotherapist.  If you have an interest in participating in future panels, you can notify the board.  

I happened upon chiropractic accidentally.  I was in pre-med at Penn State when it first popped into my awareness.  My path then diverted and looking back I can clearly see how I was destined to pursue holistic healthcare.  Early on, I remember one of my professors stating that a headache is not caused by an aspirin deficiency, and it made sense that I needed to place my focus on finding the cause of the problem- not just medicating the symptoms.  Since then, my health has blossomed and I live empowered knowing that my actions do make a difference.

Generally speaking, great health is really quite simple.  We need a few basic things: clean air and water; pure, healthy food; a balance of activity and rest; a positive mental outlook and purpose; and close, loving connections with others.  But simple isn’t always easy, and many get derailed.  The present world we reside poses many challenges.  We arguably have more demands and stress than prior generations (in new ways) and our food supply is more processed than ever before in history- we are surrounded by tens of thousands of toxins in our everyday environment. 

Even so, our bodies are incredibly resilient; putting up with what we dish out, but ultimately wanting something better.  Our cells still retain the memory from when there was harmony and balance, and they desire to return to that state.  You can get younger, healthier, happier… depending on what you feed your mind, heart and body.  Choosing to place health as a value and being conscious about the choices you make are some of the greatest acts of self love, and happens to reap the most vital benefits.

If you attended last month’s Cannon Circle, you saw how beautiful and charming Lorah Carrie’s store was, Essentials Boutique.  If you didn’t, please make a trip over, it is well worth it.  Just ask Jan Bullard, who walked out with three new pairs of shoes.  Thank you Lorah, your boutique is as lovely as you!

We had a cancellation this month so I am stepping in to host the April Cannon Circle at my domicile in Knoll Ridge.  Yes, I never heard of Knoll Ridge either, but it is just south of Imperial Point.  Meryl Charnow will also be your hostess and we request the pleasure of your company on Thursday April 16th.  Details will follow.

Hope to see you in April.  We will also be voting on the new board for next year.  Please review the newsletter for details.

Vanessa Koutalidis
President of WEC

New Member Spotlights:

Please Welcome Marsha Broadwell!

My husband and I started First Trust Mortgage in 1996. We are a privately held mortgage planning firm handling all mortgage types, including small commercial properties.  In 2006, we formed the Education Institute of America and we are approved to conduct continuing education classes to Realtors, Financial Advisors and Insurance Agents.  I specialize in Reverse Mortgages and conduct workshops for the Lion's Club, Republican Women’s Club, various church organizations and the general public.  My husband and I are regulars on two talk radio shows and have done some TV spots.

I am the proud mother of a daughter and son, and step mom for 3 children (2 girls and a boy).  Recently, I became a grandma of Anna Lee and I am thrilled to death!  I can't forget that I am also the mom of my two dogs, Mr. Chiago and Ms. Gabriella.  Needless to say I am married to the man of my dreams (my second marriage) and feel like the luckiest woman alive!

Please Welcome Donna Drake!

Originally from Texas, I am a Senior Loan Officer with BB&T Bank. My husband and I originally moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1984. We just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. I am a graduate of Texas Tech University and an active member of the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. I have been with BB&T for 5 years, and was named top sales leader in South Florida in 2004 & 2005. My interests include cooking, bicycling, photography & traveling. I am so happy to be part of this group!

Please Welcome Nina DuBrock!

My Name is Nina DuBrock and a proud new member of WEC! I am originally from Chicago; my family moved to Pompano over 35 years ago. I am now 45 years old and married to a wonderful man, Randall DuBrock, who is a painter and just got a great new job with Broward County! I am a hairdresser for 27 years, and a Salon owner for 20 years. Before that I worked in the restaurant business. Growing up, my family owned an Italian restaurant. So, I have been in the public-customer service business for my whole life.

I have a Hair Salon here in Fort Lauderdale on the N.E. corner of Dixie Highway and Commercial Blvd. We are now celebrating the Salon’s 20th year Anniversary!! The Salon is very warm, friendly and comfortable. I take great pride in customer service and personalized care. My staff and I love to keep motivated and inspired by going to continuing education classes and hair shows to keep up with the latest in hairstyling, cutting and coloring techniques. We start out with a thorough consultation (and wonderful massaging shampoo!) about your lifestyle, profession and personality, and then design a great hairstyle especially for you and finish with styling tips and proper at-home maintenance!

Making people feel beautiful inside and out is still my passion and I hope I will be doing it for many years to come!! Thanks to WEC, I am looking forward to volunteering with PACE and to keep being involved with our community and fellow business owners. Other interests I have are Golf, Reading, Dancing, Biking, Walks on the beach, Continued Education, Networking, and Volunteering.

It will be a pleasure getting to know all of you, and remember ladies, I AM HAIR FOR YOU!!

Please Welcome Kerrie Krutchik!

I have been an attorney for more than 20 years and I am a partner in the Law Offices of Angela Kirk and Kerrie Krutchik.  The firm specializes in Personal Injury Accidents, Traffic Ticket Defense and Wills, Trusts and Estates.

I am on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Currently I am an adjunct professor at Keiser University Legal Studies Program. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Florida and my Juris Doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Originally from New York, but living in South Florida for 35 years, I enjoy the arts, theater, wine, racquetball and golf.

 The Executive Grapevine: news and notes about WEC members.

Come Visit Bobbie Stanley in Utah!

 
I am going to become the President of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). It is a great honor. I am having my retreat for the AAML Fellows in July in Park City Utah. I have recently purchased a new home there and am very excited to spend more time in Utah after my busy year is over.

Martha Lord is Looking for Scholarship Recipients!

As part of the Women’s Council of Commerce (WCC) of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Martha Lord needs your help in supporting women who are enhancing their careers/skills, so that they can find employment or become business owners. Through its WCC Scholarship program, WCC will award two $2,000 scholarships at the annual WCC Circle of Excellence/Scholarship Awards Luncheon on June 2, 2009, to two deserving women. Martha knows that many WEC members, through their community activities, probably know some women who could use these funds. Applicants must be Broward residents, be working toward a bachelor's degree, and demonstrate financial need. Scholarship applications are due by May 11th; please contact Martha Lord at Martha.Lord@ruden.com if you know of any deserving women, or for more information about the luncheon.

Martha would also like to call your attention to an initiative led by Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). WIPP is calling for a Nationwide Write-In to Bring Attention to Small Business Credit Problems.  If you are a woman business owner and are concerned about the plight of small businesses and their lack of access to operating and growth capital, click here to make your voice heard.

A Special Thank You from Margarethe Sorensen to Diane Hickey!

 
Margarethe Sorensen would like to thank Diane Hickey from Windows of Imagination for graciously lending her time and expertise in judging the annual Fort Lauderdale Women's Club Arts and Crafts Show! Thank you very much, Diane!

P.S. Diane will be cruising to the Galapagos Islands at the end of April--a great communing-with-nature, no make-up trip. We can’t wait to see her pictures in the next newsletter!

A “Gator Chomp” for Jan Mayer-Rodriguez’s daughters!

 Jan Mayer-Rodriguez is happy to share that her daughter Leah has been accepted at the University of Florida and will be joining her older sister Alex in August in Gainesville.  Both earned the Bright Future Scholarship which pays for their tuition.  Congrats to Leah (and Alex too) and Go Gators!

Meryl Charnow Needs Your Beanie Babies!

Meryl Charnow is collecting Beanie Babies for the Orphans of War Campaign through the American Health Association, whose mission is to save the lives of American soldiers while providing hope and love to the more than one million Orphans of Iraq, the babies and children of a nation whose children have only known war.

You can donate Beanie Babies and small stuffed animals to Meryl at the next WEC monthly meeting.  Her contact number is 561-417-8267.  And, thank you for all who have already generously made donations and parted with their loved teddies!

Meryl is also inviting you to attend the Soroptimist of Boca Scholarship Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Atrium office building in Boca Raton, Florida, in the 3rd floor conference room. The winners of the "2009 WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITY AWARDS" will be revealed, and Meryl, as the chairperson for this event, will present the awards. The finalists are female, heads of household, currently enrolled in continuing education post high school curriculums, who are demonstrating their ability to improve their economic situations and who are financially in need of assistance to fund their school-related expenses.  Meryl will share each woman's unique story and how each woman has earned this award from Soroptimist of Boca. Please contact Meryl if you are interested in attending and donating to this cause.

Help Dora Vilk-Shapiro Be A SmileMaker!

Please support my efforts to fight back against cancer by making a donation or joining my Relay For Life® team. I joined the SmileMakers relay team because I want to see an end to cancer during my lifetime.  Money goes to find a cure and give hope.   Relay gives me the unique opportunity to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer and won like my good friend, Diane Delgouffre, and my son's childhood friend who was like a 2nd son to me, David Nadle.  I also remember loved ones lost like my husband’s dad, Harry Shapiro, who I never had the pleasure of knowing and my grandfather, Jose Vilkas. I strongly believe in giving my support to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission by fighting back against a disease that has already taken too much, too soon from too many. Please contact me at DentalVisionS@msn.com for more information.

Jenny Kelly is “On Demand” and thanks Dee Moustakas!

Jenny Kelly was recently a speaker at the On Demand (digital printing) conference in Philadelphia, PA. She spoke about variable data printing and personalized URL’s. Thanks to Dee Moustakas for proofing her presentation!

20 Wonderful Years for Liz Mendel and Dolphin Travel!

Liz Mendel is celebrating her 20th year as owner of Dolphin Travel Inc.  She and her husband Alan bought the already established agency when it was located in Wilton Manors.  Ten years ago, they moved from 26th and Andrews Avenue to their current location at 44th and Andrews.     

Kudos to a Real Diamond--Diana Fairbanks!

I received the Coldwell Banker "International Diamond Society Award" for 2008 at our recent awards breakfast. This award recognizes exceptional sales performance in 2008 and ranks me among the top 3.8% of all Coldwell Banker real estate professionals nationwide.  It really is an honor to be recognized with this award since 2008 was only my second year in business!  My photo and name were published in the Sun Sentinel along with my colleagues in Broward on Sunday, March 8th.

Geri Trodick Wants You to Look at Your Name Badge!

Hi Ladies! If you have a change to your name badge (due to a company move, name or title change), just let me know. There may be a few members who are not aware that my company, American Trophy Co., creates all of the name badges for WEC.

Congratulations, Florida SBA Women in Business Champion: Sande Kaskel!

Our very own Sande Kaskel is the winner of the 2009 State of Florida SBA Women in Business Champion Award. She was nominated by the City of Hollywood and she will be receiving the award on May 20th from the Southern District Director of the SBA. More details about the award ceremony to follow in our next newsletter!

Lost and Found

A message from Patrice Maenza:

Somebody left a brown striped business jacket at my house at the February Cannon Circle.  I announced it at the luncheon.   The jacket is now in the hands of the WEC items, which are stored at the Tower Club.  You can contact Melissa Rapkin or Jenny Kelly to pick it up before the next luncheon.

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.
Here is a special note from Emily Rushin to her “Bookies” about the next Book Club meeting:

“Hey Bookies!

Chosen from a cast of thousands!  Presenting - ta-ta-ta-ta - the new BOOK!

"Winter in Madrid" by C. J. Sansom:

(from B&N's synopsis) "A mystery writer breaks out with this page-turning international bestseller set in post-Civil War Spain.  September 1940: the Spanish Civil War is over, Madrid lies in ruin, while the Germans contine their march through Europe, and General Franco evades Hitler's request that he lead his broken country into yet another war.  Into this uncertain world comes a reluctant spy for the British Secret Service, sent to gain the confidence of Sandy Forsyth, an old school friend turned shady Madrid businessman.  Meanwhile, an ex-Red Cross nurse is engaged in a secret mission of her own.  Through this dangerous game of intrigue, C. J. Sansom's riveting tale conjures a remarkable sense of history unfolding and the profound impact of impossible choices."

We will meet at Jan Bullard's home on Monday, May 18 at 6:30.  Not everyone finished reading the previous book, "Labyrinth" by Kate Mosse, and all present wanted to have a chance to discuss it, so we elected to discuss BOTH books at our next meeting on May 18.  We hope everyone is agreeable.  Our last discussion centered, therefore, on labyrinths, the Cathars, geographic and historical background for the book "Labyrinth."  

Several attendees Monday said Emily's announcement in the reminder that she was making a pot of soup made it easier for the other Bookies to choose what they would bring for the shared supper.  We'll try that to see if it works for the rest of us too, OK?

Looking forward to next time, Emily” 

RSVP to wisemily@bellsouth.net if you can join us for the next book club on Monday, May 18 at 6:30, at Jan Bullard's home; just bring a dish and share in some lively discussions!

“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. Of course, the scrumptious potluck dishes are an added bonus!

Cannon Circle

Dear WEC Members,

You are invited to attend the April Cannon Circle

Spring Fling 

Co-hosted by Meryl Charnow and Vanessa Koutalidis

When:   Thursday, April 16th,  6 to 9 pm
Where:  Home of Vanessa Koutalidis 
             2001 NE 52 Street                                                             
             Fort Lauderdale, 33308
What:    Food, Drinks, Fun!
RSVP:    To Vanessa at:
             vanessa@islandcitychiropractic.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 person 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.
Here is a special note from our very own Joni Rosenthal who was just glowing about her recent GEM experience!

“Hello Ladies!
These pictures were taken at STUDIO 52 on April 2, 2009, where WEC ladies came together to break bread at our monthly GEM LUNCHEON.  What fun we had by interacting with each other and sharing fantastic food!

Yes, some lively discourse!  This is such a fun time where we can let our hair down, explore each other from within, and strengthen our inner relationships, as in weaving a beautiful blanket. Some funny and some serious situations come to light, and a great time was had by all.  We bonded and woke each other up, with much laughter as you can see by the photos.Happy TIMES are part of our WEC GEM luncheons, which give our members a special time to just be who we are and to enjoy each other’s company in a smaller venue than our monthly meetings. We seem to look forward to this stretch every month.
 
A note of special thank you to EMILY RUSHIN who continually creates a puzzle out of mixing and matching all of our names together each month.  She provides a lovely situation, giving the members a fine time, during our lively month of work, to just be able to relax and play!

 

 
As we move into summer, please don't forget to bring a sweater because the places where we eat our lunches are always freezing.  I am glad I had my little orange jacket on at this past GEM lunch.

Love, your JONI

 

 

Proposed 2009-2010 Slate of WEC Officers

Below are the proposed WEC officers for the 2009-2010 membership year.
The vote will be taken at our April luncheon meeting.

President	Jenny Kelly, Ritter’s Printing
Past President	Vanessa Koutalidis Island City Chiropractic Ambassador Committee Canon Circles Business Showcases
President Elect/ VP Membership	Jan Bullard, JP Financial Services Membership Committee Membership Luncheon Directory Webmaster
VP Corporate Records	Diana Fairbanks Corporate Records Historian By-Laws Committee
VP Finance	Karen Rowe Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc. Budget Dues collection
VP Community Involvement	Chadia Meroueh Mentorship (FX) Program Women Empowering Women (WEW) Community Outreach Public Relations
VP Internal Involvement	Pam Morgan Programs Committee Greetings Committee Newsletter, Book Club
VP Events	Patrice Maenza Social Committee Fun raiser or Fund raiser GEM Events

Closing Thought

Only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty.  ~Sicilian Proverb

WEC Board of Directors
2008-2009

President	Vanessa Koutalidis, Island City Chiropractic
Past President	Melissa Rapkin, Documents2Disc Ambassador Committee Cannon Circles Business Showcases
President Elect/ VP Internal Involvement	Jenny Kelly, Ritter’s Printing              Programs Committee Greetings Committee Newsletter, Book Club
VP Corporate Records	Karen Rowe , Fort Lauderdale Acupuncture, Inc. 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.

2009 Luncheon Dates

Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009

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).

The purpose of Women's Executive Club is to give executives the opportunity of fellowship with their peers in diverse fields; to promote the image of the woman executive; to further the interrelationships of such executives and to promote the general welfare of their businesses and community.