Smiles for all of you, our Sistahs from the GEMS Host luncheon held on July 12th at the Global Grille in Fort Lauderdale. Lots of neat ideas were discussed. Something new to share is GEMS Talk, fun info. about GEMS and our Sistahs to bring us closer. Watch for GEMS Talk coming your way in our WEC website in the near future.

Thanks Laurina, Carol, Vanessa, Christy, Donna, Kerrie, Chadia, Anne, (Karen,  Suzie and Sue Meister not pictured), and most of all Liz for making GEMS such a treasure for us.

Relax and reflect. An unforgettable perfect day of sharing between friends. Thank you to all who helped. Jan, you are the best! Gail, we are humbled by your outstanding lyrics. Laurina, you brought us to new levels of understanding ourselves and others. Carol, your hospitality is once again appreciated. Rosana, what can we say…yummy!!!!!! Vanessa, Marsha, Pam, Karen, Kathleen and Laurina, you guys looked like a million $$$$$$$$$! Special thanks to Annette Gallin, (manager of Sondro Fashion Boutique, 3363 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-1002) for the fine fashion we were able to wear for the show. I, (Susan), purchased the long gown that I modeled and had the train of the dress altered to a wrap by Nelly, the alteration wizard of Sondro Fashion Boutique. Life is Grand!

Volunteers: what an essential component of our club. We thank all of you who have helped our organization…whether it’s serving on the board, helping on a committee, we appreciate everyone’s time and talent.

We had a wonderful October, starting with the Cannon Circle at Trina London’s. We enjoyed each other’s company and were treated to delicious food, and how about that view? At our October luncheon, we welcomed new member Ronnie Halpern, Beth Tobin of Starpack presented a business showcase, and Kim Stone, our speaker from the Miami Heat/American Airlines Arena, mesmerized us with her story.

We had a wonderful time at the Stranahan House Halloween tour. Several members were dressed in costume so please look for pictures on the website. Thanks to Carol Metevier, Susan Kingsley and her committee for organizing this event.

We have several events in November to look forward to: the luncheon on the 18^th, and a Cannon Circle at Barbara Moorman’s lovely store, Carroll’s Jewelers, on the 19th. At the luncheon, please don’t forget to bring food or cash for our annual food drive.

Somi Ali of No More Tears will be our speaker, discussing domestic violence. You won’t want to miss Linda Linder’s business showcase.

Two other big events on our calendar are the catamaran cruise on December 3^rd and the following day is the Pace Believing in Girls luncheon. WEC is an event sponsor of the Pace event so please attend if you can and show your support. You can rsvp to Melissa Rapkin or Chadia Meroueh.

There has been much discussion regarding our new website/blog (wecftl.com). The new format allows much more member interaction and we’ll be able to post articles at any time. If you have any questions regarding the new site, feel free to contact Chris Guld, our wonderful webmaster. Please continue to send in your news to Jenette Mathai.

As many of you know, attendance at our luncheons has grown tremendously, thanks to Jan Bullard and all of you who have invited guests. In order to have time for self introductions, the speaker and business showcase, we must start on time. I will be calling the meeting to order at noon sharp. If you would like to network, please feel free to come at 11:30 am. Also, be courteous during self introductions and limit your comments. Instead, please send them to Jenette Mathai to be included in the Grapevine. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Ladies,

Save the date! The great city of Fort Lauderdale is bringing back the Fort
Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. The fun begins on March
13, 2010 at 12:00 noon – 9:00 p.m. I am volunteering on the Board to
promote the event and am looking for more volunteers. If you have an
interest, please let me know.

As well, if you are unable to volunteer but would like to help us promote
the event, please consider joining our Facebook group and sharing with
friends:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=159579287689&ref=mf

Fort Lauderdale St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

Many thanks!
-Carolyn House, CFS/Crowe , carolyn.house@cfs-staffing.com