Page 1
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
Ventura County Professional Women’s Network
April - June 2008
Promoting the professional and personal growth of Ventura County women through education, mutual support, and sharing of resources
VCPWN
These dates are
closer than they
appear!
Meetings
Calendar
Location:
Wedgewood Banquet Center
5880 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura
Thursday, April 10
Let’s Network!
Spirit of Networking Award
Sponsor: Tea Silvestre
Thursday, May 8
Katy Santiago
Silent Auction - Island Theme
Thursday, June 5
Ronnell Wood
Sponsor: Barbara Marquis
New Board Installation
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m.
Dinner, with networking
continuing at 6:30
Program 7:15
Adjourn 8:45
VCPWN Board of Directors
Meetings
All members are welcome to
attend:
Tuesday, April 29
Tuesday, May 27
Tuesday, June 24
Location:
170 Dahlia Way (Buenaventura
Mobile Home Park)
6:00 p.m.
Alison Balter
Unveiled!
Most people know Alison as a computer consultant, but few know about
the additional career she’s recently begun.
She started her own computer consulting firm, InfoTechnology Partners,
Inc., in April of 1990. The firm, now
co-owned with her husband, Dan, has
been highly successful and provides networking services, Internet connectivity, spam protection, off-site backups, custom software programming, and much more. Their high-profile clients include
Shell Oil, Cisco, Southern California Edison, International Cinematographer’s
Guild, and many others. Probably the most notable thing about Alison’s computer consulting career is that she has written 14 books on topics such as
Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and computer programming. So, why
after almost 18 years of computer consulting did Alison consider taking on an
additional career as a life coach?
In order to understand this decision, it’s important to know what makes
Alison the person that she is.
She grew up in a very dysfunctional home, subjected to such abuse that by
the age of 14 she was severely anorexic, weighing only 59 pounds, and by 19
was hospitalized for major depression and drug abuse. For the next twenty
years Alison lived in what appeared to be a fairly normal life. She had difficulty
with relationships, and wasn’t very happy most of the time, but she functioned
at a “normal” level.
As she approached forty, however, things dramatically changed for Alison.
she would go weeks or months sleeping only 3-4 hours each night. During those
times she was very irritable, difficult to deal with, and often abusive. Then there
were months when she was almost unable to get out of bed, feeling as if there
was nothing worth living for. Even the simplest of daily tasks were almost impossible for her to perform. Finally, Alison went so deeply into depression that
she had to be hospitalized. There, she was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder.
You might wonder what this all has to do with life coaching. Well, in addition to getting on the right medications, Alison has really had to struggle to put
her life back together. She has had to learn many techniques to help her get
through difficult times. But although the medications help, they are not a panacea. It is only with hard work and perseverance that Alison has worked through
her experiences and come out the other side as a happy and productive
individual.
After getting her own life back together and soaring to the top in her career,
it became Alison’s dream to help other people to overcome their challenges,
Continued on page 11
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
From the President
As it is said… I truly can't believe
how fast this year has gone. Our
board of directors, a faithful and creative family of unrelated professionals, has put energy and enthusiasm
into implementing some changes this
year.
A primary change is that we have
invited our members to be guest
speakers. We have also had an emphasis on membership, which has increased our average number of
attending members by 40%.
Between the
Lines
It was with mixed feelings
that I edited, the last issue of Focal Points that I’ll be composing.
With the new board year I’ll be
moving into a different position
(assuming the slate is accepted).
In the three years I’ve served
as editor I’ve done my best to keep you up to date on
member news and informational articles, and ensure
that these pages promote VCPWN as professionally
as the professional organization it is.
I appreciate the support I’ve received, especially
from Carol Leish, who has undertaken the responsibility of reporting on most of our meetings, and lately,
Tessa Weeks, who has diligently followed up with
new members to make sure they have a chance to be
introduced in Focal Points with a new member spotlight. Pam DuBiel was a later addition, and while we
haven’t had much chance to work together, I know
she and the next editor will do splendidly.
As always, I encourage each of you to get involved
in some way. It’s your organization, and the way to
get the most out of it is to put something into it. You’ll
enjoy it much more, I promise.
Sheila Lowe
It is my hope that our members have
felt the genuine support that our board
feels for the organization, and will join us
this next year to encourage and mentor
our newer members.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this term,
and look forward to many years ahead
with VCPWN- and with you!
Lisa Ross
Who Did Business with
Whom?
Joyce Sherwood did business with Martha Jaffe Travel
Planners
Barbara Marquis did business with Jim Nicoll of Nicoll
Insurance
Sheila Lowe did business with Sue Gary of
Promotional Products USA and Martha Jaffe
Linda McCarthy did business with Martha Jaffe
Mary Ann Zinn did business with Gwenlyn Norton,
artist, and Tessa Weeks of Make Every Word Count
Laura Parson did business with Lisa Collier of Custom
Embroidery
Shirley Loraine did business with Susan MacRae of
Senegence
Carol Powell did business with Pam Vos of Forever Fit
Lisa Collier did business with Alecia Caine of Money
Chi, Laura Parson of Data Girl, and Denise Lawrence
of Domestics by D
Mary Gabriels did business with Lisa Collier
Charlotte Gesling did business with Susanne Lammot
of Nourish the Children
Susan Gary did business with Martha Jaffe
Martha Jaffe did business with Barbara Marquis of
Marquis Interiors & Mariah Ingram of Sareen
Aesthetics & Massage
Mariah Ingram did business with Shu Ping Li,
Acupuncture Speciality Clinic, and Sue Gary
Nancy Chaconas did business with Barbara Marquis
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
VCPWN Business Conference 2008
Session 1 Presenter
Nutrition on the Go
Self Talk: The Power of Positive Thinking
Finding Your Customers/Effective Marketing
Mary Ann Zinn
Alison Balter
Tea Silvestre
Session 2
The Power of Laughter
Spark Your Life: Attract perfect relationships
For your business & your life!
Investing for Beginners
Presenter
Caroline Corser
Mariaemma Willis
Ingrid Cabral Ward
Only $35 to register for this phenomenal program
Sponsorships available for only $100
Put your business card in the program $35
You won’t want to miss this educational, fun, affordable event
April 19
Space is limited – sign up Today!
Free Drawing!
Win a
conference
membership!
Advertise in
the program
Be a sponsor
www.vcpwn.org
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
ate their personal blueprints for work and life success.
Mariaemma is co-founder of the Power of You Now program and a licensed & certified Strategic Attraction™
Alison Balter is both a computer consultant and certified Coach. She is also the co-author of Midlife Crisis Begins in
life coach. After owning her own successful computer con- Kindergarten & Discover Your Child’s Learning Style.
sulting firm for 18 years, Alison decided that she wanted to Mariaemma’s passion is empowering others to be happy,
confident, and fulfilled!
help other people to achieve their own dreams. Alison has
Mary Ann Zinn knows what it takes to make the healthy
faced her own challenges, including being Bipolar, and has
choices
to a vibrant life. In 1977 after many tests and a very
learning how to be successful and happy despite those obhelp
ful
doc
tor saying her pain was in her head, she started
stacles. Much of her success is due to the power of positive
what has turned out to be a life long health quest for herself
thinking. Alison’s goal in life is to help others to overcome
and others. For the past 18 years she has actively studied
their own difficulties and to reach levels of success and
natural health. Making use of a teaching career, Mary Ann
happiness that they never dreamed possible.
Ingrid Cabral Ward is a Financial Center Manager with and her Holistic Health Practitioner husband, Roger, teach
a weekly health class. Through caring, education and natuCitibank, the world's largest financial organization. Ingrid
ral nutrition she is helping healthy people find optimal
has spent decades working in various areas of banking, finance and investments. Ingrid is keenly aware that knowl- health and those desiring health find a natural way to vitality. She knows first hand the challenges to staying healthy
edge is essential to making sound financial decisions. She
while balancing time for self, family and business. In "Nutakes great pride in sharing her expertise with others, so
that they develop the confidence needed to make sound fi- trition On the Go" Mary Ann will talk about making choices
(at many levels) and actions that will result in better nutrinancial decisions.
tion for a healthier you.
A retired college professor of English, Caroline
Corser calls herself a "Cheerleader for Positive Lifestyles." After extensive research on the amazing benefits of humor and creative play, she cheers audiences
on to recapture youthful enthusiasm through laughter
and joyful pursuit of their dreams. With a BA in Radio and Speech Communication, Caroline also has
earned two MA degrees: in Linguistics and in Latin
American Studies. Caroline is the author of a guidebook for maturing adults, Three Cheers for the Good
Years: You're Not an Antique, But That Rocking Chair
Is. She has also written a chapter titled "Balance Your
Life with Laughter and Play" for Insight Publishing
Company's anthology, Happiness Is a Decision of the
Heart. Caroline is now pursuing her lifelong dream,
launching a new career in voice-over acting for radio,
television, audio books, and corporate videos. Caroline's motto: "Life is precious. Make every day a
fun-filled adventure."
Tea {Tay’ah} Silvestre is the President and CEO of
Social Good Marketing & Design, a full-service marketing agency that assists socially conscious businesses and nonprofits create and implement strategic
marketing and PR plans. She is also the co-founder of
Meta-Roundtables; the founder of the Ventura County
Marketing Professionals Association; and has recently
launched an online directory for socially conscious organizations at SocialGoodDirectory.com. With nearly
20 years of experience in her field, she teaches marketing and public relations at various venues including
the Ventura College community education program
and WEV’s self-employment training programs. Tea
is also the winning designer of the 2007 California
Strawberry Festival poster.
For more than 20 years, Mariaemma Willis has
been sparking people's lives by coaching them to cre-
The Speakers
Get ready for summer with
the Island theme silent
auction on May 9 - come in
your best tropical attire
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VCPWN Focal Points
January
Goal Setting in the New Year Carol Leish
Did you consider setting new goals
for 2008? Do you know how to prioritize and simplify goals to make them
more attainable? January speaker,
Maura Raffensperger, discussed her
process for setting goals and making
them realistic.
A past president of both
VCPWN and the Santa
Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the
National Association of Professional Organizers, Maura has
been in business for 10 years. In
that time she has “dealt with
people with no goals, people
who have forgotten about goals,
and people whose there are in
their minds.”
According to Maura, A
Franklin Covey survey found the top
10 goals include getting out of debt,
saving money, losing weight, and getting organized.” She noted that author
Jack Canfield suggests setting a minimum of three goals in seven areas for
a minimum of twenty-one goals. That
was overwhelming for Maura, but
setting goals in general areas is important. These areas might include 1)
Money; 2) Career & Business Goals; 3)
Relationship/personal goals.” She
suggests not separating personal goals
from business ones, since goals can
overlap.
Maura said we need to prioritize
our goals, and setting smart goals,
which are specific, is important. We
got an example of a smart goal when a
member of the audience said she
wanted two date nights a month with
her husband.
When one table shared goals with
each other, we focused on specific
goals. One person wanted more free
time and to take one Friday off a
month. Another would like to make a
difference by helping people with
budgeting of their finances. I said that
I would like to sell 100 games this
year.
Maura also shared how she helped
one business owner in the room to
April - June, 2008
have her best sales month in seven
years. Breena Maggio was able to do
this by setting a specific goal: “Schedule
X number of Creative Memories events
per week.” She discovered that, with
her present average sales, she needed to
call three potential hosts daily, five days
a week.
With our goals set, hopefully we will
not be part of the 30% that will be
breaking their resolutions this year.
Good luck in reaching your goals!
February
Always have a good hair day
-MaryAnn Zinn,
Phyllis Brown, Carol Leish
February speaker Marilyn McGraw
of Viva DaVinci Design Center stressed
the importance of working with head
and body proportion. She used
VCPWN member, Phyllis Brown, as a
model.
What style works with hair, and
why? Marilyn explained that it varies
from individual to individual. “Play
with your hair,” She said, “try to control it if it rebels.”
She asked, “How much of a natural
wave is there?”According to Marilyn
there might be a soft wave and curl. She
also mentioned that the shape deals
with the measurements of the head and
stressed the importance of only washing ones’ hair twice a week.
Here’s what Phyllis Brown learned
from being Marilyn’s model for the
meeting:
Products: We may be using the
wrong products for our hair. We purchase what the bottle says the product
will do when it is not usually what our
hair really needs in order to make it do
what we want. Marilyn takes the time
with each client to analyze their hair
type and give them a list of what can
be done to get the hair to respond as
wished i.e. thicker, stronger, shinier,
straighter, curlier.
The Cut: She helped us to see that
the direction in which our hair grows
is everything. This predicts how it will
fall, lay, curl, and stand. Each of us has
our own special way of growing our
hair, and Marilyn finds the growth patterns of each clients hair to find the
better cut.
Her patented Da
Vinci program measures the parts of the
face to find the right
hair for each person.
We are not all the
same, so when we see a
movie star with hair
just like we want it,
that style may not work
for our face or the way
our hair grows.
Marilyn also patented her de Vinci
program for how to dress, which involves body measurements—not only
height and weight but arms, legs, neck.
We all measure differently and Marilyn uses those measurements to help
us dress our best.
March
Taking the mystery out of owning
fine jewelry—Carol Leish
Our speaker, Cindy Mulhollen, a
true master of design, discussed owning and caring for fine jewelry. Running Mulhollen Jewelry Design from a
studio in her residence since 1984, she
does custom work by appointment at
her studio or at the client’s residence.
Cindy described how jewelry denotes power and can stand for a religious symbol or reflect a beautiful
thing. “When you’re signing your
name,”Cindy says, “people will notice
a ring. Thus, we might wear a ring that
makes a statement.” The same goes for
earrings, since people will notice your
face and then your earrings.
She noted that Madeline Albright
made a statement by always wearing
an interesting pin. Likewise, Nancy
Pelosi makes her own statement by al-
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
ways wearing a strand of pearls around her neck.
It depends upon the situation, Cindy said, but usually in
business, less is viewed as more. She suggested that an understated pair of earrings, a pin, and a ring would be suitable. “Somebody dressed in the same black suit as someone
else would be remembered more for wearing an interesting
pin.”
Cindy asked, “How many of you have a jewelry box in
your bedroom?” She warned that the first place burglars
look for jewelry is in the bedroom, and suggested leaving
the jewelry box in the bedroom as a decoy, but remove the
good jewelry. Some pieces could go into a plastic bag in a
cereal box in the pantry and some could go in the laundry
room in an empty container—just remember where you put it!
When Cindy asked, “Do any of you have a jewelry rider
for special pieces of jewelry?” only a few hands went up.
Depending on the worth of your jewelry, she suggested
that, since home owner’s insurance only pays up to $5,000
for your entire collection, rather than for individual pieces,
it might be worth getting a rider, but first, your jewelry
would have to be appraised by a professional. Costs are
wide-ranging.
Reflecting on how to clean jewelry, Cindy mentioned
that it might be advantageous to have really fine pieces
checked once a year by a jeweler, for loose stones, etc. She
suggested soaking pieces in Dawn dishwashing liquid
overnight; then a soft toothbrush without toothpaste can be
used to clean it.
She uses an ultrasonic machine that should only run for
up to 4 or 5 minutes at a time, but opals, diamonds, turquoise and pearls are too delicate for the machine. She said
that if you a surface is scratched, use a polishing cloth. If silver becomes tarnished there is a chemical solution that can
UPCOMING
EVENTS
be used. Pearls that are not worn much may need to be
restrung. We learned that if you have trouble opening and
closing a clasp, you could get a bigger clasp.
“14 Karate gold or higher; real gemstones, or cultured
pearls are viewed as fine jewelry,” Cindy said. “Manufactured stones are more affordable because of being manmade.” Thus, she encouraged us to appreciate wearing,
consider storing and, enjoy collecting jewelry. „
Join the
Fluff
Party!
The VCPWN Board
needs your help to prepare baskets for the May
silent auction. April 27,
10-12. It’s potluck and
it’s fun.
for information Contact
Laura Parson at
805-642-8890 or
[email protected]
Call to make reservations: 656-6011
April — Let’s Network!
May - Katy Santiago
Now’s your chance to shine (and
win a prize!). There’s no speaker at our
special Networking meeting. Instead,
you’ll have an opportunity to give a 20
second commercial about your business. Be creative- Be poetic - Be musical - wear a costume, use props.
A prize will be given for the best
commercial, so start practicing now!
Restorative Exercise is a series of simple
exercises developed by biomechanist
Katy Santiago that she says are revolutionary in their ability to restore joint
function, ease or eliminate chronic pain,
and correct spinal alignment.
Katy Santiago
June - Ronnell Wood
Myofascial Release
Ronnell Wood has a Master’s Degree in
Speech/Language Pathology, and has
been a licensed massage therapist practicing since 1995. She brings to the practice of massage therapy a genuine caring
and intuitive skill.
Find out who won the Spirit of Networking Award and be there to congratulate the recipient!
Ronnell Wood
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VCPWN Focal Points
Meet our
newest
members . . .
Alison
Fischer
Alison
feels like
she made
the best
decision
ever when
she went
to work as
an Agent for New York Life Insurance
Company. Originally from New Jersey, she recently relocated to Ventura
County from Denver to be with her
boyfriend. Alison is finally ready to
settle down, build a career, and create
a life for herself here in Ventura
County after traveling around and
gaining life experience since graduating from UMASS Amherst in 2005.
Alison considers residents of
Ventura to be the luckiest people in
the world to live here. It’s so beautiful,
we are close to the beach, and just a
road trip away from any other kind of
place that we could desire to go.
Alison’s interests include skiing,
soccer, networking, spending time
with friends, anything outdoors, and
just enjoying life. She looks forward to
meeting everyone in VCPWN, and is
very happy to have the opportunity to
associate with strong business minded
women like herself.
April - June, 2008
and a collection of local authors while
she was still in high school.
Fiona moved out of the area to attend Bennington College in Vermont,
Pitzer College in Claremont, California,
and an institute in Paris, France before
settling in Santa Paula in 1999 with her
husband, Cameron Leggett. They now
have a five-year old daughter, Yma Ray
Leggett, who tirelessly cares for a small
village of fairies and animal friends.
Fiona’s family runs their letterpress
design studio, Lettre Sauvage, out of
her home. The machines, tools and
equipment needed to practice the
age-old craft of letterpress take up their
entire basement and garage and attract
many fascinated visitors. Fiona received
training in printing and book design at
Scripps College Press where she was assistant instructor in the letterpress studio, and at UCSB College of Creative
Studies and Art Department where she
furthered her formal studies with
printer and painter Harry Reese.
Fiona is currently a candidate for a
Masters in Education. She hopes to continue teaching in her design of letterpress workshops what she learned
about instructional design while serving as Assistant Director of Education at
Laurel Springs School. Reading, collecting, making, and teaching about books
are Fiona’s main interests in life. Other
passions are gardening, baking, and attending the UU Church of Santa Paula.
Rita Frayer
A California native, Rita was born in
Los Angeles County
and lived in
Inglewood, Sunland,
Glendale, and La
Crescenta before
Fiona Spring
mov
ing
to
Ventura
County. She and her
Fiona grew up in
hus
band,
Jim,
have
resided in
Ventura, as did her
Camarillo
for
the
past
35 years and can
mother and grandre
mem
ber
when
it
was
possible to drive
mother, and cherfrom
one
end
of
Camarillo
to the other
ishes fond memories
of body surfing and and only hit one stop light! Rita has two
roaming the foothills. As the oldest of pets, Lucy, a small sable Sheltie, aged
seven children, she learned a lot about four, and Candi, a toy Poodle, aged 13.
Rita and Jim have two children,
human nature and how to have good
Frank, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michirelationships. She was drawn to poetry and publishing during childhood, gan, with his wife, Michele, and their
twins; and Darlene, who lives in Austin,
producing a book of her own poems
Texas, with her husband, Ronald, and
four children.
When Rita was first married, she
worked for a seamstress helping sew
costumes for the movies. Later, she
learned to tailor, knit, crochet, tat, and
quilt. Then, she learned how to arrange
flowers, make corsages, and decorate
cakes. She made all of the draperies,
bed spreads, shams, bed skirts, pillows, and other home decorations for
her second home in Camarillo.
Rita worked for Sony Corporation
for 25 years as an office manager and
accountant before going to Law School.
During and after Law School, she was
employed with the Ventura County
Department of Child Support Services
where she worked with custodial and
non-custodial parents to resolve their
child support issues. Thereafter, she
was employed in the private sector doing criminal and family law. Rita decided to start her own business at the
beginning of 2008.
In her spare time Rita enjoys being
outside walking, running, or gardening. She also watches cooking shows so
she can expand her recipe box.
Susie Skillstad
Susie was born and raised in Germany and moved to the United States
at the age of 27. Two years later she got
married and had two children. Susie
and her family started out living in the
San Fernando Valley, then she lived in
Oceanside for 10 years, and finally settled in Ventura for the past nine years.
Today Susie is the single parent of a
14-year old daughter and a 19-year old
son who is in college. She raised her
children to be bilingual which benefits
them tremendously since the family
travels to Germany a lot.
While attending High School in Germany Susie’s two worst subjects were
English and bookkeeping. The irony is
today she lives in an English speaking
country and her profession is bookkeeping! Susie runs Integrity
Bookkeeping.
Susie is very energetic and enjoys
being with people. In her spare time
she enjoys reading, dancing, exercising, laughing, investing in the stock
market, and getting educated as a lay
counselor at her church.
Page 8
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VCPWN Focal Points
Come On, Get
Happy—it’s
Good For Your
Health!
By Pam Vos
A faint “Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!” came forcibly out of my mouth. Driving through
Los Angeles, I tried to muster up some
laughter. There was nothing at all
funny. No Joke I heard. No recollection of a fun memory. Nothing in my
life was even remotely happy at the
time. It was nearly 20 years ago and I
was a young gal trying to make a living as an entrepreneur. I knew that if I
wanted to survive, my attitude needed
to change. Knowing that laughter is
great medicine, (Proverbs 17:22) I began forcing myself to laugh. It was
awkward initially, but it made me really laugh. Within moments my demeanor had changed and the world
around me was much brighter.
Happiness can actually improve
your health. Rich Bay, PhD, CEO of
Upper Bay Counseling and Support
Services, Inc. writes, “Happiness is
good for us. It brings up physical,
mental and emotional health…People
who are happy do better in social relationships, use their intelligence more
efficiently, are more optimistic, have
better physical health, and are more
creative.” With Happiness having such
a terrific effect on us, why does it seem
to elude our grasp?
Many people walk around with
what I call a “grey cloud” hanging
over their head. I have my fair share of
melancholy days but know how draining it is to my vitality to remain in that
state. Then there are people that are always smiling and cheerful. They light
up the room. How about you? Are you
happy? Do you light up a room when
you enter or do you have that “grey
cloud” following you?
Well my friend, just blow that cloud
away because a bright sunny day
awaits you! Is it possible to make happiness a lifestyle? It sure is! Like any
April - June, 2008
habit, it will take effort. Here are some
ways to begin developing the habit of
happiness:
1. Mind your Mind! Thoughts and
feelings shape our attitude. Attitude can
be our best friend or worst enemy.
Rather than complaining, make a list of
all the positive things in each area of
your life. Review it often. Focusing on
what is positive and good will change
your perception of life. Attitude can be
described as“… an inward feeling expressed by outward behavior. It is seen
by all without you having to say a
word.”
hard time finding something to smile
about, try one of these:
• Jump on the bed
• Dance around the house
• Look at your baby pictures
• Visit a pet store
• Sing out loud\
• Read the comics
• Hug someone you love
Practicing positive attitudes such as
appreciation, forgiveness, love, joy,
and compassion will assist you in creating happiness as a habit. As the Partridge family sings… “Come on, get
happy!” The choice is yours. In your
pursuit of wellness, never give-up!
Pam Vos, CFT, Owner Forever Fit!
Fitness Studio in Port Hueneme.
As a fitness specialist and Motivational Speaker, Pam has developed a
12 week wellness program entitled
“Forever Fit Living” which she
teaches for small groups as well as
employees of corporations including
Pepperdine University.
www.ForeverFitStudio.com
www.ForeverFitLiving.com
2. Add Laughter
to Your Life. A good
hearty laugh can help
reduce stress, lower
blood pressure, elevate mood, boost immune system,
improve brain function, and protect the
heart. If you are
struggling with unhappiness, laughter
can be a powerful
way to unlock healing for your body
and mind. Look for
ways to add humor
to your life and laugh
daily.
3. Practice Smiling. Smiling is conta- Looking happy, hostess Sue Gary and friends at the
gious and will
International Gourmet Group’s Caribbean Dinner
elevate your mood.
If you are having a
Page 9
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
Page 10
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VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
Blow Your Horn!
qCarol Leish’s “Dear Capable Column” can be found in the Ventura
County Star or online at
www.venturacountystar.com
qThe International Gourmet Dinner
Group had a Caribbean feast at Sue
and Robert Gary’s home. The outstanding food and fabulous company made it truly and evening to
remember. Twenty five guests enjoyed food ranging from Jerk
Chicken to Cuban Style Guacamole.
The group meets on the first Saturday evening every other month. For
information, contact Sue Gary at
[email protected].
qTea Silvestre’s Social Good Marketing & Design, Inc. has instituted a
strict policy of “no fear-based messages” – which are a huge staple in
most marketer’s tool kits. “I felt
there was already enough
fear-mongering in the world that we
could safely and successfully eliminate that tactic from how we help
our clients do business.” Silvestre’s
newest project: is
SocialGoodDirectory.com. Listings
are free, but businesses and organizations must complete an application showing what specific actions
they take that categorize them “Socially Conscious.”
qJim Nicoll of Nicoll Insurance & Financial Services, has developed a
Reverse Mortgage Alternative to
help people who are ‘equity rich but
cash poor.’ He says, “Clients won’t
have the government caps and age
restrictions, high fees and ongoing
costs, and increased debt and low
payout with the new RMA Flex
Fund. Higher bonus rates of return
and larger lump-sum options could
help pay off other obligations, fund
Long Term Care needs, and provide
extra financial options for travel,
medical, etc, with no additional cost
or risk.”[email protected]
qLisa Collier and Custom Embroidery are having a Launch Party to
celebrate the addition
Crossing Borders: 15th Annual
of the Patagonia®
International Juried Exhibition in
corporate apparel
Texas, and several merchandise
line to its stores,
awards from Strathmore papers
They’ll start with a
and from Daniel Smith Artist MateCelebratory Breakfast
rials for the same two artworks entiand Preview of the
tled ‘Winter’s Blush’ and ‘Flame in
Spring Apparel on Saturthe Forest.’
day, April 5th from 10:00
Travel News
a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The
pu qSue Gary and family had a marvelblic is invited to attend this free event
ous 10 day vacation in Costa Rica
and will receive a complimentary emover the Christmas holiday, touring
broidered monogram on any
over 1200 miles. They visited nuPatagonia® purchase in the month of
merous wildlife preserves, rain forApril. One percent of all purchases
ests, cloud forests, and tropical
will be donated to the Surfrider Founbeaches. The highlights of the trip
dation – Ventura County Chapter. In
were sighting the endangered naaddition, an article by Lisa’ appears
tional bird, the Scarlet Macaw, and
in Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine’s
a 14 foot Boa Constrictor in the rain
April 2008 Edition.
forest.
www.venturaembroidery.com
www.promoproductsusa.com
Awards & Kudos
qShirley Lorraine and Mary Gabriels
attended the Weekenders’ national
conference in Anaheim in February.
Shirley was chosen to perform her
magic act in the Talent Showcase following the awards banquet. And apparently Shirley has conjured up a
beautiful bride for son Philip, who is
getting married at the Crowne Plaza
in Ventura on April 5. Lots of preparation for the happy families!
www.weekendersusa.com/shirleyscl
oset; www.weekenders.com/thelook
qPhyllis Kenton Brown traveled to
Morocco and had a great time. She
bought THE RUG. She learned that
someone has to buy “the rug” or
they keep you at the “rug store” for
the remainder of the trip! The food
was ok but it is the bargaining that
beats all. If you enjoy bargaining
this is your Utopia, Valhalla,
Heaven! Coffee doesn’t even have a
set price. Big money is coming to
Morocco via the Oil rich countries
of Africa. Everything made in Morocco is truly handmade and well
made. [email protected]
qGwenlyn Norton has been winning
more Art awards. A single glass piece qSheila Lowe went to Denver to appear on a panel of mystery authors
garnered 3 awards, including 1st
at the Left Coast Crime conference.
place in Mixed Media and Graphics
At a book signing event in Boulder,
in the 71st Annual Art and Photograshe got to see snow up close and
phy Exhibit in Santa Paula. She also
personal for the first time in nearly
received two honorable mentions at
twenty years. www.sheilalowe.com
this year’s Laredo Center for the Arts’
Send “Blow Your Horn” announcements to Focal Points Editor Sheila Lowe at
[email protected], or complete a Blow Your Horn form at one of the VCPWN meetings.
Remember, the articles are for interest items only. If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement to publicize your business or an event or place a classified ad, please let us know.
It will benefit you and help support Focal Points. Call Sheila Lowe at (805) 658-0109 or
email: [email protected]
Page 11
.
VCPWN Focal Points
April - June, 2008
Lisa Riss’
“Fluffing for the
Silent Auction”
Alison Balter, cont. from page 1
whatever they may be, and achieve their dreams.
That’s why she started Achieve Your Dreamz Coaching
Center. Although she continues to work as a computer
consultant, Alison has numerous life coaching clients
that she works with. She helps them define their goals,
and then works with them as a partner in achieving
them.
Not only does she help people with their goals, she
also acts as a sounding board, talking with them about
anything that they want to discuss. What she is the most
passionate about is to help people to help themselves to
be happy, healthy, and productive.
Alison greatly enjoys VCPWN and has served as President Elect, President, Immediate Past President, and Director of Networking. What she likes the most about
VCPWN is the relationships that she has developed. To
learn more about Alison, go to
www.achieveyourdreamz.com.
Jean Larson and Rita Freyer chat at the amazing boutique created by the
Silent Auction Fluff Committee, with Laura Parsons at the helm.
Ventura County Professional Women’s Network
Post Office Box 6329 l Oxnard, California 93031
(866)-275-4134 . www.vcpwn.org
A quarterly publication of
Ventura County Professional
Women’s Network
EDITOR
Sheila Lowe: 658-0109
[email protected]
MEETING REVIEWER
Carol Leish
NEW MEMBER PROFILES
Tessa Weeks
ADVERTISING
COORDINATOR
Pam DuBiel
VCPWN 2007-2008 Board of Directors
President
Lisa Ross
805-650-8000
[email protected]
Executive Secretary
Denise Lawrence
805-984-5142
[email protected]
Member-at-Large
Laureen Lazzaro
805-477-0441
[email protected]
Immediate Past President
Shirley Lorraine
805-659-5580
[email protected]
Director of Hospitality
Laura Parson
805-642-8890
[email protected]
Focal Points Editor
Sheila Lowe
805-658-0109
[email protected]
President-Elect
Carol Powell
805-443-5900
[email protected]
Director of Public Relations
Barbara Marquis
805-796-1946
[email protected]
Director of Special Events
Open Position
Director of Membership
Jim Nicoll
805-642-1775
[email protected]
Director of Mentoring
Pam Vos
805-382-4444
[email protected]
Director of Finance
Mary Sullivan
805-642-9706
[email protected]
Director of Networking
Alison Balter
805-491-0111
[email protected]
Recording Secretary
Open position