Note: The Calendar of Events now has its own page.  Click on Calendar in the Top Menu.

CONTENTS

• December Luncheon
• Message from President
• Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
• Events
• Book Club
• Cannon Circle

DECEMBER HOLIDAY LUNCHEON WAS HELD DECEMBER 9TH

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Hi to all of our Wonderful WEC Women!

Happy Holidays to all of our great WEC women. Tis the season for joy, hope, reflection, peace and goodwill. In this time of gratitude, I personally want to thank all of you who make this the premier women’s business organization in Broward County. Each and every one of you are the reason our lunches and events are so successful. With each year our friendship and connections grow deeper. Our members truly reach out to one another in the good times and the bad. It is a true honor for me to be a member and lead you through this year.

This special season allows us to get in touch with what is so important in our lives. It’s really not about the ribbons or bows, it’s about the love. It’s about the friend who shares with you the difficulties her aging mother is having and how time is the most precious gift the two can share. It’s about the babies and the children who share their joy and love for all to see. It’s about our sons and daughters serving in the military and the gift of freedom we all share because of them. It’s about times shared with friends old and new and the good fortune and blessings we are so lucky to have in our lives.

With this in mind, I wish everyone of you a joyful holiday season. May we share with others less fortunate the abundance that we possess. A very happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 to all. Cheers!

… Karen

EVENTS

We have a new “Events” tab at the top of this blog! Click on the “Events” tab to find out what events WEC is hosting, or to see where WEC members are inviting you to join them!

Click here to read about WEC’s other “Events” around town…

BOOK CLUB

Calling all Bookies . . . current and wannabes!

Please join us for the next WEC Book Club:

January 23, 2012

6:30 pm

Joni Rosenthal’s home:

333 Sunset Drive # 202

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

(Try to park on street; if street parking isn’t available talk with Joni’s doorman)

Please bring food to share and a bottle of wine.

We don’t want our gracious hostess to cook.

Joni has a surprise!

RSVP no later than January 20^th

jlovingly@aol.com

954-462-4620

Featured book: The Paris Wife

DECEMBER CANNON CIRCLE

A Very Special Thank you to Heidi Richards for hosting our Cannon Circle Holiday Party!

A beautiful evening spent with beautiful friends, a wonderful holiday buffet, and talented musician who kept the music flowing and the spirits light. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity Heidi. Thank you and your husband for your hospitality!

THE EXECUTIVE GRAPEVINE: NEWS AND NOTES ABOUT WEC MEMBERS

Read the Grapevine, news and notes about our members…

Florida Association of Computer User Groups (FACUG) has invited Geeks on Tour to be on their speakers’ bureau

Chris Guld is pleased to announce that the Florida Association of Computer User Groups (FACUG) has invited Geeks on Tour to be on their speakers’ bureau.  Geeks on Tour is Chris and Jim Guld’s business.   Their website: www.geeksontour.tv, offers computer training with tutorial videos from the road.  They teach topics like managing digital pictures with Picasa, using Facebook, and making Blogs.  Their first ‘gig’ with FACUG will be their annual technology conference held aboard the Norwegian Sky from January 23 – 27, 2012.  

Susan Kingsley & her husband Timothy Proksch attended The Turning Point Retreat in Toronto, Canada.

On November 28 & 29 Susan Kingsley & her husband Timothy Proksch attended The Turning Point Retreat in Toronto, Canada. The retreat was presented by Buffini and Company, the world’s largest coaching & training company. Susan brought her usual “Pop-By” gifts for some of the attendees, this time being boxing santas/reindeer and snowmen pens for the upcoming Boxing Day holiday on December 26^th and was recognized for her efforts by Brian Buffini, in front of 1150 attendees. For the remainder of the 2 day retreat, Susan was approached by attendees asking for her card, with the purpose of sending a referral for someone to buy in Florida. Hopefully, by sending a personal note and staying in contact with the agents, some Canadians will be purchasing real estate with Susan in 2012. Susan loves these retreats and attends 3 functions minimum on an annual basis. Anyone interesting in joining Susan, please let her know. The events are posted on www.buffiniandcompany.com website.

Susan Kingsley attended the classroom instruction for the Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation

On November 2^nd & 3^rd Susan Kingsley attended the classroom instruction for the Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation. With completion of the 2 day intensive training, Susan became a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Susan is now working towards her designation. Residential properties qualify with prices in the top 10% of the market place that the agents are serving. Susan’s market is Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade Counties. Susan is on her way to becoming certified. The more we learn, the more we can help others. Photo is of Susan with instructor/ Institute Founder Laurie Moore-MooreJ

Pam Dearden, Nora Weiss & Susan Kingsley invite you to Get your Jazz on with Sophie Milman

Join your Sistahs on Wednesday, February 8^th for wine, hors d’oeuvres & jazz.

Evening agenda;

5:30pm Arrive & Valet park @ Symphony Condo – Reception in Club Room on 2nd floor

7:00pm Jazz Talk with Stu Grant

7:45pm Performer begins @ Amaturo Theater/Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Members & Member Guest Event. Non refundable, as tickets must be purchased in advance. Please pay online via the Special Event area of the Reservations Page or mail a check to Laurel Hendrickson.

Event Cost $49.00. Wine & Hors D’oeuvres provided.

RSVP to Laurina Anderson, Laurina23@aol.com no later than Friday, January 6^th.

Event Hosts; Susan Kingsley & Nora Weiss

Sophie Milman, Jazz Vocalist

"The Norah Jones of the actual jazz world–Billboard charts and iTunes will confirm so."

New York Magazine

Milman, a native of Russia, who is fluent in Russian, Hebrew, French and English, was born in the Siberian town of Ufa and moved to the Israeli port city of Haifa when she was seven. At 16, her family moved to Canada and as a teenager she absorbed pop, jazz and gospel, her favorites being Mahalia Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Nat "King" Cole and, at the top of the list, Stevie Wonder. Her self-titled debut was released in 2004 and followed in 2007 by "Make Someone Happy" (Linus/Koch).  In 2008, the Canadian singer performed around the globe, hitting landmark venues like the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center and New York’s Blue Note club, sharing stages with the likes of Chick Corea, Chris Botti and the Manhattan Transfer. Her second album, "Make Someone Happy," won the Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year after it topped the iTunes jazz chart in the U.S. and Canada for months and cracked the top 5 on Billboard’s jazz chart.  JazzTimes referred to her as Canada’s hottest young jazz singer. NPR’s Weekend Edition praised her "classic jazz voice that evokes smoky lounges, softly clinking glasses and the cool of the night." DownBeat simply said, "she captivates."  The Los Angeles Times raved, "the sky’s the limit for this exceptional young talent."

Cheery greetings from the Cat cruise attendees

A BIG Thank You to all of you who had attended the 3^rd Annual Holiday Catamaran Cruise.  It was such a huge success!  The Holiday Lights again were spectacular, but could not outshine the beauty of our SisSTARhood as it just radiated through each smile and hug, through friends, family, and loved ones.  And even if you could not be there for the evening festivities, you were there in spirit as we are all ONE, all connected, and all LOVED!!

Thank you again all for your beauty and love in all that you do, all that you are, and for YOU just being YOU!!

Happy Holidays

Students from design schools all over South Florida gathered at DCOTA- Design Center of the America’s, for the annual Student Career Day. Going into its second decade, the gathering is the culmination of the ASID national Real World Design Week, where ASID students nationwide are paired with Allied, Professional, and Industry Partner Members to spend a day with a mentor in the Interior Design Profession to view first-hand what a typical day is like.

The guest panelist included, 4 Past Presidents of the Florida South chapter.

L. Maxine Corbett, ASID addressed the crowd about Historic Restoration, for which she recently won a 2011 Design Excellence Award.

Susan Morgan, ASID, CAPS, LEED AD spoke about her expertise in Aging in Place, for which she also won a 2011 Design Excellence Award.

Douglas Feldman, ASID spoke about his Interior Design Career and how Product Design has become a great tool for his clients both residential and commercial who have desired unique custom designed products.

ASID Industry Partner, Martin Hershbein of Duralee Fabrics and Fine Furniture and recent winner of the 2011 Industry Partner Merit Award addressed the up and coming designers on how to work with a showroom. Martin explained the importance of developing relationships, opening accounts, and all that is needed to create an ongoing relationship with those who cater to the Design Trade.

A warm Thank You to 2011 Student Career Day Sponsors:

Royal Partners in Design, www.RoyalPartnersInDesign.com and Mpengo, www.mpengo.com

Both Industry Partners were on hand to speak to each student directly about how to use technology to assist with each graduate who enters the design business. Ross Elwell and Rick Harz of Royal Partners In Design wanted to stress the importance to emerging professionals on to begin a business relationship. Not only were Royal Partners in Design the grand sponsor of this event, but they also donated an $850 iPad to be awarded at the next Design Contest. Keep watching for details in early 2012 for this next Contest. Many Thanks to the good folks at Royal Partners in Design for their ongoing dedication to the Interior Design trade!

A well, 2011 Student Career Day Sponsors: Mpengo: Mary Lawrence & Stewart Murphy handed out over 20 of heir new Mpengo Project & Mpengo Glove box Business Apps for the iPad and iPhone for students and Designer on the go to assist in keeping their business quotes, appointments, measurements, & more all on their mobile devise. They also are dedicated to the emerging professionals and have donated some of their top-of-the line Design Applications to accompany the winner of the iPad for the next Design Contest!

A Special Thanks to Peggy Oberlin, ASID who took part in the roundtable discussion group and reiterated the importance of LEED and Green technology, along with Douglas Feldman, Ross Elwell, & Rick Harz, Mary Lawrence & Stewart Murphy.

A special note of thanks to DCOTA for their constant dedication to the profession and helping to make this day a success. To Florida South Chapter Professional Development Director, Angela Colley, ASID, thank you for all the time and attention to details in organizing the 2011 Student Career Day.

Chris Guld is pleased to announce that the Florida Association of Computer User Groups (FACUG) has invited Geeks on Tour to be on their speakers’ bureau.  Geeks on Tour is Chris and Jim Guld’s business.   Their website: www.geeksontour.tv, offers computer training with tutorial videos from the road.  They teach topics like managing digital pictures with Picasa, using Facebook, and making Blogs.  Their first ‘gig’ with FACUG will be their annual technology conference held aboard the Norwegian Sky from January 23 – 27, 2012.  

On November 28 & 29 Susan Kingsley & her husband Timothy Proksch attended The Turning Point Retreat in Toronto, Canada. The retreat was presented by Buffini and Company, the world’s largest coaching & training company. Susan brought her usual “Pop-By” gifts for some of the attendees, this time being boxing santas/reindeer and snowmen pens for the upcoming Boxing Day holiday on December 26^th and was recognized for her efforts by Brian Buffini, in front of 1150 attendees. For the remainder of the 2 day retreat, Susan was approached by attendees asking for her card, with the purpose of sending a referral for someone to buy in Florida. Hopefully, by sending a personal note and staying in contact with the agents, some Canadians will be purchasing real estate with Susan in 2012. Susan loves these retreats and attends 3 functions minimum on an annual basis. Anyone interesting in joining Susan, please let her know. The events are posted on www.buffiniandcompany.com website.

On November 2^nd & 3^rd Susan Kingsley attended the classroom instruction for the Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Designation. With completion of the 2 day intensive training, Susan became a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Susan is now working towards her designation. Residential properties qualify with prices in the top 10% of the market place that the agents are serving. Susan’s market is Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade Counties. Susan is on her way to becoming certified. The more we learn, the more we can help others. Photo is of Susan with instructor/ Institute Founder Laurie Moore-MooreJ

CONTENTS

• November Luncheon
• Message from President
• Grapevine: News and Notes about WEC Members
• Events
• Book Club
• Cannon Circle
• GEM
• Attitude of Gratitude
• WEC Table and Reservation Policies
• Annual Dues
• Closing Thought
• WEC Board of Directors
• Attendance

NOVEMBER LUNCHEON:

Date: Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Time: 11:30 Networking; 12:00 Luncheon

Place: Tower Club, 28th floor

November is our month to be especially thankful.  Last month we had guest speaker, Russell Martin talk to us about LifeNet4Families.  In November we ask that you bring any canned goods you would like to donate (a really good time to clean out your cupboard).  We will also be collecting cash or checks at our next meeting to help the homeless and hungry.  For anyone that would like to take a tour of the facility on Broward Boulevard, please let me know and I can arrange that for you.  It can be a life changing experience.

Also, we will be meeting with the Sawgrass Mall and planning Black Friday.  This is a 24 hour event starting at l0 p.m. Thanksgiving evening and lasting for 24 hours.  We will have 4 hour shifts and work in pairs as a representative of the Sawgrass Mall telling people where their favorite stores are.  Everyone is in a party mood and this is a really fun experience for you, hubby, friends etc.  We will have sign-up sheets at our next meeting.  For our efforts, LifeNet4Families will get a check for $3500.  (This is one of the things that helped us to get qualified to be part of the l000+ Club this year).

Speaker:

Chef Jorge Montes will be speaking about Preparing Holiday Treats!

Business Showcase: Sherine Beshara

SPEAKER BIO

Born  in  Lima,  Peru,  and  raised  in  Miami,  Montes  shines  when  working  with  fresh herbs,  exotic  spices  and  seasonal  ingredients.  The  aromatic  and  flavorful  tastes  that emanate  from  his  creations  have  earned  him  the  nickname  Chef  Sazon,  referencing the  popular  Latin  term  for  “Good  Seasoning ”. 

As  a  high  school  student  in  1999,  Montes  began  an  apprenticeship  at  the  award-­-winning  Two  Chefs  Restaurant  in  South  Miami.  He  gives  his  mother  credit  for encouraging  him  to  take  a  leap  and  inspire  his  dream  to  become  a  chef.  With  a desire  to  learn  more,  Montes  enrolled  in  the  culinary  arts  program  at  the  Art Institute  of  Fort  Lauderdale,  where  he  graduated  top  of  his  class.  While  at  school,  he was  the  captain  of  the  Culinary  Competition  Team,  earning  two  state  championships, five  gold  medals  and  a  national  ranking.  Following  this  achievement,  he  continued  at Two  Chefs  and  became  one  of  the  cooking  class  instructors,  working  his  way  up  to Executive  Sous  Chef,  and  specializing  in  catering  and  special  events. 

With  a  career  that  started  at  early  age  of  17,  he  has  worked  alongside  acclaimed names  such  as  Todd  English,  Sam  Hazen,  Soren  Bredhal,  Jan  Jorgensen  and  Klaus Friedenreich,  now  enjoying  a  solid  reputation  in  his  own  right.  His  passion  and flavors  are  the  staple  of  Chef  George  Catering,  where  he  puts  his  mouthwatering touch  to  traditional  and  contemporary  dishes.  Though  his  food  is  influenced  from countries  around  the  world,  he  combines  a  love  for  Peruvian  cuisine  (his  native roots)  and  French  techniques  with  a  passion  for  Italian.  Sazon  is  also  the  instructor and  Co-­-Founder  of  Homemade  Chefs,  which  offers  weekly  hands-­-on,  interactive cooking  classes  highly  popular  for  their  relaxed  and  friendly  group  dynamic.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Joy is the best makeup.

- Anne Lamott

MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Hi to the wonderful ladies of WEC…!

The cornucopia of fall is overflowing with social and charitable events as we look forward to our November luncheon on Tuesday, November 15th.

Our speaker’s committee headed by Judith Kolva has another wonderful presenter in their series of speakers centered on mind/spirit/body topics. He is Chef Jorge Montes who will fill us in on all the tips and tricks to make our holiday celebrations extra special. Also presenting at this month’s meeting is Sherine Bichara, our FX member, who will be sharing with us her tips and tricks for natural skin and beauty enhancement. Also, please be sure to bring your canned goods or donation for LifeNet4Families to lunch as that we will be collecting for them at this time.

Our bookies will be meeting Ila Bennett’s home on November 14th at 6:30. Please be sure to RSVP by November 10th to ila@adamslaw4men.com. The featured book is “The Traveler’s Gift” an inspiring read to keep you focussed on the 7 keys of success. Eileen Cheng will be hosting the Cannon Circle on Tuesday, November 22nd at 6pm at Blossom Street Florist on Commercial Blvd. Come enjoy a glass of wine and the beautiful floral creations that Eileen and her staff are famous for.

As was mentioned at our last meeting, the board has created a Code of Ethics for our members. This code was created in response to the times and to bring our organization up another level of excellence. Please review the link at the end of this document. Any questions or comments can be mailed to me at drkaren1489@me.com. We will be voting on the adaption of this code into our by-laws at the November meeting.

Looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you on the 15th.

Karen

THE EXECUTIVE GRAPEVINE: NEWS AND NOTES ABOUT WEC MEMBERS

Read the Grapevine, news and notes about our members…

EVENTS

We have a new “Events” tab at the top of this blog! Click on the “Events” tab to find out what events WEC is hosting, or to see where WEC members are inviting you to join them!

Click here to read about WEC’s other “Events” around town…

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. Please contact Rose White at rosewhite@allstate.com for more information about WEC’s monthly book club meetings.

Calling all Bookies . . . current and wannabes!

Please join us for the next WEC Book Club:

November 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM

Ila Bennett’s home:

The Waverly

110 N Federal Hwy, Unit 506

Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301

Valet Parking Only

Please bring a dish to pass and/or a bottle of wine.

RSVP no later than November 10^th

ila@adamslaw4men.com

Featured book:

The Traveler’s Gift

Click here to see pictures from one of our last Cannon Circles.

GEMS: “GREET, EAT, MEET”

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. If you would like to be a part of GEMs, please contact Liz Mendel, GEM Coordinator at dolphintravelinc@aol.com or at her office, Dolphin Travel Inc., 954-351-2002.

This is a great opportunity to get to know each other on a more personal level.

Click here to see pictures of a recent GEM lunch held at the Global Grille in Fort Lauderdale.

Click here to find out restaurant recommendations for GEM lunches made by our WEC members…

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

We have designated this spot as an “Attitude of Gratitude” where WEC members can share business testimonials and words of thanks and praise for fellow WEC members.

Click here to read about which WEC members are profiled…it might be YOU!

WEC TABLE AND RESERVATION POLICIES

We have several club policies which we need to remind everyone:

Regarding items on the tables at the luncheons, the only things permitted are: official club business such as flyers about social events, items from the speaker, and items from the member doing the business showcase. Thank you for your cooperation.

RSVP to luncheons…Any member who fails to cancel a luncheon reservation within 48 hours or who fails to attend a reserved luncheon, will be billed at the current rate by VP of Finance. Each member will be entitled to one courtesy “no-show” per club year.

ANNUAL DUES

It’s that time of the year. You should be receiving an email invoice for your WEC dues for the upcoming year. You can mail in a check, or, if you prefer, you can pay with Paypal or any major Credit Card by clicking here…

WEC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!!

Karen L. Rowe, AP, DOM – President

Laurina Anderson – VP Events/President-Elect

Jan Bullard – Past-President

Marsha Broadwell – VP Membership

Kerrie Krutchik – VP Corporate Records

Laurel Hendrickson – VP Finance

Kathleen Ryan – VP Community Involvement

Judith Kolva – VP Internal Involvement

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).