E-Newsletter, Vol.5, No.9 Professional Women’s Network September 2003

SEPTEMBER 18 LUNCHEON -
SUCCESS WITH CONFIDENCE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Well, the back to school madness for those of you with kids has passed. The traveling with the family for summer vacation has passed. No more excuses for not getting involved. This September, the Professional Women’s Network needs your help … now more than ever.

The Trade Show needs you to buy booths and tickets (AND sell tickets and booths) to offset our costs for the event. Contact your clients, associates, friends and enemies to buy booths or tickets. That Auntie that bores you to tears with all her grandkid’s pictures at the family luau? The Trade Show is a perfect opportunity for her to shop for Christmas! Sell her a ticket!

Do you know someone who has a new product or service they are trying to introduce to the public? The Trade Show is the perfect venue to test that product or service.

Did you know it is costing your organization close to $5,000 to put on this event at the Hilton Hawaiian Village? If we sell 50 booths we will break even. If we sell more, we will have money to offer you expanded benefits in 2004, benefits that many members have requested. If we don’t meet this goal and it costs us, well – there goes any special programs you all want for next year.

And keep this in mind: the Silent Auction is the revenue generator for our Alex Memorial Scholarship. 2003 is the first year since 1999 that a member (instead of a child of a member) was granted a Scholarship Award. And not just one member; but three – myself included. And without that award I would not have been able to continue my computer training. The Scholarship is available to you as members, so if you contribute to the Silent Auction you could very well reap the benefits as a scholarship recipient in 2004.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village offers us the opportunity to have a fantastic trade show. With ease of parking, evening hours, good food & drink, the convenience for vendors to sell their products and services on the spot, and the affordability of booths all make this a great venue and an easy sell.

I encourage all of you to get involved. If you can’t buy a booth, please contact the Trade Show Committee to volunteer to make calls to other potential booth buyers, help with mailings and faxes, or help with PR.

If you can’t help out, I hope you will at least purchase a ticket for yourself to attend the event. Unless you have a very good excuse for not attending (no, the dog ate my homework won’t cut it this time), I expect to see all of you at the Trade Show to support PWN. And please make a donation for the Silent Auction and bid on all the great stuff as well. I’m still spanking my drives off the tee with a great golf club I got in 1994 donated by Mary Houghton’s hubby.

On to other “Bizness.” Elections for 2004 Board are coming up. Since the ballots will be passed out at the October luncheon and the new Board for 2004 presented at the November luncheon, September is the time to start thinking about our future. If you are interested in being on the Board, please fill in the Board application form. It is posted on our Web site on the events page where the Board meeting dates are listed.

Sit in as a committee member, or attend a Board meeting to see what is involved with the different roles we all have. It’s a great way to test the waters if you are up to the challenge of helping make this the primary Women’s Networking Organization in this great state of Hawaii.

To quote the title of one of my favorite songs by a group called The New Radicals,

“You Only Get What You Give.”

Aloha,

Biz

President

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

The Professional Women’s Network is dedicated to supporting professional and businesswomen in Hawaii, acting on the premise that mutual support is a necessary factor in bringing about personal growth and business success. The Network’s objectives are to promote the exchange of professional ideas and provide an opportunity to share experiences that will help women expand their business position in the Hawaii marketplace. We are committed to providing women in Hawaii with the opportunity to obtain support from other like-minded women in the pursuit of their professional and business goals. We are committed to challenging our members with new ideas and information that will help them attain their business and personal goals.

Membership Information can be obtained by visiting our Web site:

www.pwnhawaii.org or by calling 533-4800

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Biz Kellam	President info@webbabe.com	Audrey Hutton	Publicity InPowerLife@aol.com
Marie Massengale	Vice President/Programs mmasseng@honolulu.gannett.com	Carol Williams	Newsletter carol@440.com
Sharon Mujtabaa	Secretary/Historian captionlady@hawaii.rr.com	Kanani Iaea	Special Events kanani.iaea@snelling.com
Elaine Myers Hammond	Treasurer elainemyham@juno.com	Jeannie Shaw	Scholarship jeannie@hcc.hawaii.edu
Kelly Galvin	Arrangements galvinize@hotmail.com	Bonnie Lambing	Past President/Advisor russbonnie@hawaii.rr.com
Joann Seery	Membership joann@sbsfirm.com	Barbara Guss	Past President/Advisor perm@adecco-hawaii.com
Sue Kenwolf	Webmaster skenpwn@aol.com	Carol Williams	Past President/Advisor & Executive Director Carol@440.com

Summary of Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting held August 14, 2003 at the Pacific Club.

In attendance:

Kelly Galvin, Barbara Guss, Elaine Myers Hammond, Audrey Hutton, Biz Kellam, Marie Massengale, Jeannie Shaw, Joann Seery, Carol Williams

Absent: Kanani Iaea, Sue Kenwolf, Bonnie Lambing, Sharon Mujtabaa

President:

Hilton Hawaiian Village being uncooperative regarding pricing for phone lines and wi-fi service for trade show. A letter has been sent to HHV GM, Noel Trainor to solve these problems. We have also requested a special room rate for possible vendors coming from Neighbor Islands or those of us who might want to stay overnight in Waikiki.

Vice President:

At least 20 feelers out for each month for October and November speakers. Waiting for responses.

Treasurer:

Because deposit made to Hilton for Trade Show, this month’s balance is in the red, however we are still in the black for the year to date.

Arrangements:

Menu set for rest of 2003. Will start setting up Hale Koa arrangements for 2004.

Membership:

Letters sent out to ‘movers and shakers’ congratulating them and inviting them to luncheon.

A guest list will be at each meeting to gather guest names and contact #s.

Biz to send women’s organization list to Joann.

Publicity:

Luncheon announcement sent out to members for August luncheon. Press release going out to media tomorrow.

Special Events:

Rocky Agozzino and Waynella McNeil will be “manning” a PWN booth at Women’s Equality Day at Schofield Barracks.

Biz to contact Kanani to ask her to send out the list of possible holiday party venues and costs.

Scholarship:

Three applications, committee being formed to select awardee/s.

Old Business:

Trade Show: 9.5 booths sold to date. Early-bird prices to be extended to Sept. 1 and raised slightly: $85 members, $110 nonmembers. Kelly to prepare welcome letters to booth holders. Name tags to be made for vendors. Tickets to be sent to media – marked on back with initials to ID tickets. These should be sent out after Oct. 1.

Next board meeting:

Sept. 11, 2003 at Pacific Club.

Editor’s Notepad:

Communication is the key to success in all of our endeavors. Communication between parents and children, between siblings, between spouses, between friends, between bosses and employees, between fellow employees, between businesses and clients – even between PWN members -- is primary to successful relationships, marriages, business deals – and networking.

Every time you send a letter, a fax or an email, or pick up the phone and make a call, or you talk one-on-one with someone, you are communicating and making some type of impression.

To network effectively, we have to make as many impressions as possible. That’s why it’s so important for each PWN member to take advantage of our 20-second announcements, two-minute speeches, and newsletter member news. As a member of PWN, you have the ability to advertise yourself and your business. But you are not taking advantage of this very powerful means of communication if you don’t keep your online directory page up to date – and that includes your summary of services, a business resume and a personal resume. Fully 36% of our membership is remiss in this area. And that’s not even counting those without photos. How are we supposed to connect your face with your name with your occupation if we don’t have any information about you and no photo for instant recall? You are not taking advantage of the communication capabilities of PWN if you never volunteer to be a table facilitator, sit on a committee or apply for a Board position. Sometimes it’s as easy as asking a current Board member, “How can I help?” The more involved you get, the more you will be communicating with other PWN members, and the more you will be networking.

The biggest puzzle I haven’t been able to solve is why someone would join the Professional Women’s Network and never attend a luncheon, an event, or send an email responding to requests for RSVPs, member news, etc. Believe it or not, we have at least two members who this applies to. They don’t communicate at all. I wish someone would tell me how to network with these women. I’d like to sell them tickets to the trade show so that we can show them that we’re really a wonderful group of women. They really have nothing to fear and everything to gain!

Carol Williams – Newsletter Online Editor

PWN Executive Director and

Past-President Advisor

BRING a GUEST or a prospective MEMBER to the

SEPTEMBER LUNCHEON MEETING

Thursday, September 18

Mark your calendars now for the rest of 2003!

October 23, November 20

PWN Event Calendar

Thursday, September 11 – Regular scheduled Board meeting – Pacific Club, noon. Send email to carol@pwnhawaii.org to attend.

Thursday, September 18 – Regular Luncheon-Meeting – Dr. Suzanne Gelb, psychologist, columnist, talk-show host, is our speaker. See Luncheon information in this newsletter for all the details.

Wednesday, October 1 –DEADLINE FOR BOOTH information and SILENT AUCTION information to appear in trade show program. – Buy your booth by this deadline for maximum

marketing.

Wednesday, October 8 – Regular scheduled Board meeting – Pacific Club, noon. Send email to carol@pwnhawaii.org to attend.

Wednesday, October 15 – The revival of the big PWN pau hana trade show! “PWN CELEBRATES 25 YEARS!” Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Booths: Members - $100. Nonmembers: $125. Booth price includes admittance and heavy pupu for one person. Additional booth participants: $5. Regular admission including heavy pupu: $10. No-host bar. Fabulous silent auction with proceeds to benefit the PWN Alex Memorial Scholarship Fund. Spread the word! Tell your friends, family and business associates. Donate an item for the silent auction!

by Carol Williams

Congratulations to our Alex Memorial Scholarship winners for 2003: BIZ KELLAM (Webbabe Publishing), PATRICIA SHAPIRO (Images by Patricia) and KAREN WAGNER (Individual Spa Treatments by Karen). These three amazing women are going to improve their knowledge and, in so doing, will improve their businesses. Both Biz and Patricia will be heading to classes at CTA. Member HARRIET BLOOM (CTA) will be advising and assisting them in choosing their class schedules. Biz will be improving her Web site skills to better serve her clients, while Patricia will be improving her digital-computer skills to provide expanded photographic services. With the help of her scholarship award, Karen will complete her massage therapy training and will be able to treat her clients to professional massages including lomi lomi and Hawaiian hot stone massage.

SUSAN AIU (Susan Aiu Astrology) says, “Thanks to Mary Houghton, my partner in crime (we celebrate our birthdays the 9th & 10th of this month), my free weekly astrological newsletter goes out to over a 100 people all over the world. Read it for insights into situations about the world, the weather and perhaps even yourself. It's a quick read for the weather in our solar system. If you would like to be on the list, contact either me or Mary to have it sent automatically.” susanaiu@pixi.com or mhc.inc@att.net

ROCCHETTA ‘ROCKY’ AGOZZINO (Royal Systems Hawaii, Inc.) will be taking part in the Building Industry Association table-top displays/housing seminar at Mililani Town Center on Saturday, September 20th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This presentation is worthwhile for anyone planning to build or renovate their house.  Rocky also suggests that we all get out and support the Honolulu Symphony by participating in their 'Honolulu Symphony Fun Run & Walk' on Sunday, October 12, 2003. The cost is $25 with a start time of 8 a.m. at Fort Ruger Park (corner of Diamond Head Road & Kahala Avenue). Activities include live entertainment as you walk, party in the park, games and prizes. Rocky has taken part in this event for the past three years and she says it's been very enjoyable. Call 524-0815 for registration information.

JOANN SEERY (Serious Business Solutions, Inc.) is proud to announce that she has purchased the Business Network International franchise for Oahu and Kauai. BNI is a professional business referral organization whose primary focus is to facilitate the exchange of business referral between members. BNI has chapters in several locations throughout Oahu as well as worldwide. The organization allows for only one person per professional category to join a chapter. Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales professionals working for you. Members are educated on your particular business and recommend your services whenever possible. BNI is a natural extension of how Serious Business Solutions helps small business owners excel in today's market. For more information call Joann at 235-1612. Joann is also excited about the potential for bringing members to PWN from BNI as well.

KIM KUBO (Dress for Success) will be honored as one of Hawaii's forty best and brightest young businessmen and businesswomen (under age 40). The Pacific Business News’ 2004 FORTY Under 40 awards ceremony and reception is at the Honolulu Academy of Arts on Thurs, Sept 4, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Admission is $35. Read all about Kim and the other 39 in the September 5^th edition of the Pacific Business News.

NATALIE IWASA (Natalie Iwasa, CPA, Inc.) will be participating in the Honolulu Century Bike Ride on Sunday, September 28, at the very early hour of 6 a.m. She plans on taking both of her sons on the 25-mile segment of the ride. Natalie has been practicing for the event by riding around Hawaii Kai and up Mariner's Ridge several times a week. Let’s support her by stopping at one of the break stations (Maunalua Bay, Sandy Beach) and cheering her on. Here’s a shot of Natalie, Orion and Asa taken a few months ago practicing for the big event.

EVELYN SHEPARD (Questioned Document Examiner) is going to a questioned-document seminar in St. Louis, MO, this month, and will stop in California on her way back to visit her son and his wife and little girl.

BONNIE LAMBING (Young Living Essential Oils) is off to Seattle to attend her high school reunion, #45! She is the "class reporter" for the Alumni quarterly newspaper, so will be taking lots of digital photos and asking people to send her info on themselves to use in her articles. Bonnie will also spend time with her mom, getting things done that she can't do herself anymore; and she’ll be spending time with her daughter and beautiful granddaughters. The following week, Bonnie will fly to Salt Lake City to meet up with her husband, and then head to Park City, Utah to relax and check out the beautiful autumn foliage. 

DR. DIANA JOY OSTROFF (Center for Natural Healing) and her family are on their way to Maine to see her husband's family. Her Dad will drive up from New Jersey to see her and her husband and the children. Upon her return, Diana is, I am scheduled to give a talk on Naturopathic Solutions for P.M.S. It will be held at her Center for Natural Healing in Kahala, Thursday, September 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

BARBARA GUSS (Adecco) is in Oregon visiting her daughter, her son and his wife and two adorable grandsons. We’ll be expecting to see lots of photos of those darling little boys. In the better late than never category, here’s a photo of Barbara marching in the Kailua 4^th of July parade.

And, although it wasn’t in the plans, while Barbara is on the mainland, she has a house-sitter. Her former administrative assistant from many years ago will be staying at Barbara’s home for some healing time. She recently broke her back in a dive accident. She is very fortunate to not be paralyzed and will be recovering for about a year. The peace and quiet at Barbara’s Lanikai abode is sure to help.

AUDREY HUTTON (Honolulu Realty Inc.) is an Auntie again. Don't know what his name is yet ... but her brother has a 16 and 14 year-old, and another who is almost 11 ... and now, a new baby … 6 pounds, 13 ounces and 19 1/2" long... (Audrey’s mom says that’s about the same size Audrey was when she was born.) On another note, Audrey says networking really does pay off. She found a house for Carol Williams’ daughter and the deal will be closing at the end of this month. Good news for both Audrey & Carol and her family.

JANET REYES (WR Consulting, Inc.) was seen in a Midweek photo – July 30^th edition. Janet was at the Joy of Food and Wine benefit for the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific at the Halekulani Hotel.

KELLY GALVIN (Organized in Paradise) has been playing ‘visitor’ as she showed her mom and sister around Oahu and relaxed a little on the beach. Have no fear, she’s still hard at work and will be giving a talk on how to "Get and Stay Organized" at the Hawaii Women's Expo, Friday, September 19th at 8:30pm at the Neal Blaisdell Center.  Admission to the Expo is $3. Once inside you can check out the hundreds of booths and listen to any speakers. Although the Expo runs through Sunday, 9/21, be sure to come on Friday night to listen to Kelly's talk!

LISA CURRIE (The Pacific Club) is no longer with MetLife and has taken a new position with The Pacific Club. Her new work phone number is 536-0836 ext 241, fax is 537-2733 and new e-mail is: lcurrie@ThePacificClub.org Good luck, Lisa!

CAROL WILLIAMS (440 International Inc.) will be experiencing dog days at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, Saturday, Sept. 6^th and Sunday, Sept. 7th. She will be handling the announcing of winning dogs at the Hawaiian Kennel Club’s 137^th and 138^th AKC All-Breed Dog Shows. Carol says the dog shows are lots of fun and you can see 436 dogs representing 77 breeds if you stop by. Admission is $5. Judging begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. Best of Show immediately follows group judging (Sat., 3:15 p.m., Sun., 2:15 p.m.).

E-mail your member news item for next issue to Carol Williams: Carol@440.com

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NOTICES

MEMBER DISCOUNTS – If you offer special discounts to PWN members for your products, services, etc. please email Audrey Hutton at InPowerLife@aol.com with a description of your discount. Audrey is compiling an ongoing list of all the discounts available to members so you can take advantage of this benefit of membership. These discounts will soon be posted on our Web site.

……………………..

WELCOME NEW MEMBER

PAMELA HERRINGTON

Owner

Paradise America Mortgage

201 Merchant St., #1901B

Honolulu, HI 96813

Telephone: 521-776 Fax: 678-1371

cell: 284-6622

Email: pam@hi.net

Sponsor: Audrey Hutton

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Patricia Shapiro – Images by Patricia

by Carol Williams

PWN: Patricia, after talking to you over the years, I realized that you have famous people running through your life experiences. Could you elaborate a little on this?

PS: I’m sure it’s all coincidental but fun to talk about, nevertheless. I guess I’ll start at the very beginning. I was born and grew up in Detroit, Michigan, not far from the infamous 8 Mile Road made famous by M & M in his recent movie. When I lived there, though, all the communities bordering the broad east/west corridor were filled with solid working and middle-class citizens. When I was 12 my family moved to the suburbs, where I lived until I went away to college. Royal Oak, the community next door, was put on the map as the home of Madonna and of a high school acquaintance of
mine, Glen Frye (of The Eagles).

PWN: You mention famous performers. Were you ever in the limelight?

PS: Not exactly. Performing has always been a love of mine. I was given the opportunity to spend two summers studying acting at Interlochen, The National Music Camp (for gifted youth) in northern Michigan. It was a wonderful experience being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Great Lakes & studying with talented, musicians, dancers and actors. My main interest was acting but since we were required to be well-rounded and exposed to all the arts, I tried and had varying degrees of failure (ballet, violin, drums) and success (acting and playing the cornet). Sadly, I was in the infirmary, with the flu and laryngitis, during auditions for all the plays being performed during my first summer. The only role available upon my release was as the ancient apothecary in Romeo and Juliet. Oh well, as they say, “There are no small parts, only small actors."  I did manage to sink my teeth into the role of Emily from Our Town in acting class, so all was not totally lost.

PWN: Did you continue to study acting in college?

PS: At Michigan State University, I majored in Communications & TV and Radio production. This is where, during an announcing class, I saw myself on tape for the first time. This was long before every kid grew up with a video camera recording her every move, so it was awkward, kind of embarrassing and terrific fun. I loved it.  There was nothing more frightening and exciting than being up on stage or in front of a camera, making myself open and vulnerable, hoping to touch the audience in some profound way. It didn't happen often, but when I was performing and I could feel that the audience was with me 100%; it was magic.

PWN: Did you have any other interests as a young woman besides performing?

PS: Yes, another of my life-long loves has been traveling. My wanderlust was nurtured by my parents. They loaded my two brothers and me into the trusty station wagon every summer and hit the road. I remember
trips to the Wisconsin Dells, Yellowstone National Park (the bears and geysers), New Orleans, Bryce Canyon and many more. One of my favorites was the dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where we slept
in a log cabin, rode horses every day and watched the movie "Jubal," being made with Glenn Ford and Charles Bronson. I still have a photograph of me as a little girl with Charles Bronson's big, strong hands on my shoulders. It seems strange that he just passed away.

PWN: Your love of travel turned into a career, is that right?

PS: The need for security and a solid income won out over the lure to perform. As an adult I became an airline reservationist for Delta Airlines. I did that for 13 years, traveling and photographing the world.

PWN: What are some of your favorite places?

PS: Viet Nam, Israel, Macchu Picchu in Peru, the Algarve in Southern Portugal, and of course all the islands of Hawaii.

PWN: You just casually mentioned photographing the world in which you traveled. Is that how you became a talented photographer?

PS: Yes, it was out of my love of travel that my love of photography blossomed.  I wanted to capture every place I visited on film, just like my parents and grandparents had. I loved my Brownie camera; it was light weight, easy to use and took great photographs. I wish I still had it today.

PWN: OK. We know you love to travel, but home was Michigan. How did you end up living in Hawaii?

PS: My husband and I left the flat terrain and the frigid, snowy, seemingly endless winters of Michigan and moved to Hawaii in May of 1986. We took a chance and came with no jobs and no contacts other than a relative who we were able to bunk with for a few weeks. By October we had purchased and moved into a condo in Hawaii Kai and I was working with a local travel company. It took my husband another year, and lots of socializing, to find computer-consulting work. It really is who you know that makes a difference here, especially for the kind of work he did. He didn't mind, though, because unemployment left lots of time for golf and beach.

PWN: Somewhere along the way, you started your own photography business and joined Professional Women’s Network. How and when did that happen?

PS: I joined PWN in 1992 when I opened Images by Patricia, which specializes in photographing models, families and children. I also do business headshots and special events. I joined PWN because I wanted to
meet, socialize, inspire and be inspired by other professional women, and hopefully generate interest in my product.

PWN: Did that happen?

PS: For the first few years that I was a PWN member, I only attended luncheons, talked to the
people at my table, and then, didn't socialize with other members until the next meeting. Of course, I didn't generate a lot of business this way and, except for a few people, no one really knew me or what I was
about. PWN really became a part of my life when I started getting involved. I displayed my work, joined committees, gave two-minute talks, made 20-second announcements and eventually became a Board Member. That’s when things started happening. I got calls to photograph members' families, companies' executives, etc. What was most important to me, though, was that I started developing good friendships and developed a business and social support system.

PWN: Do you have any advice for new Professional Women’s Network members?

PS: There’s a moral to my story. And that is: get involved, make an effort, and network. It really makes a difference and is what PWN membership is all about. That’s what it’s been about for me and it works.

A member writes …

by Joann Seery – Serious Business Solutions

Networking is not about making money. It’s about developing relationships, obtaining information, and most importantly, it’s about T.L.C. (Teaching, Listening and Contributing).

There are many different organizations you may join depending on your time constraints. Remember not to over commit yourself. It takes time and effort to develop the necessary relationships that provide opportunities for business. But once you have selected your events or organizations, remember to be prepared!

Here are five networking tips – five more will appear in the October newsletter.

#1. HAVE YOUR NETWORKING TOOLS WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES

Networker’s tools include an information name badge, plenty of business cards, brochures about their business, and a pocket-sized business card file that has the business cards of the professionals they refer.

#2. SET A GOAL FOR THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE YOU’LL MEET

Some people go to a meeting with only one goal in mind: the time they plan on leaving! Set a goal regarding the number of contacts you want to make or the number of business cards you want to collect. Don’t leave until you meet your goal.

#3. ACT LIKE A HOST, NOT A GUEST

Pretend this is your party. You would want to meet people and then introduce them around. If you can, volunteer to be an Ambassador, or Greeter at the networking groups you belong to or attend.

#4. LISTEN, AND ASK THE FIVE “W” QUESTIONS: Who, What, Where, When, and Why

A networker has two ears and one mouth and uses both proportionately. Show a genuine interest in another’s business. Find out about their business. Ask them the “W” questions. The answer to each of these questions will give you a better grasp of the individual and the type of work he or she does. Thus, you are in better position to refer them to others or invite them to different networking groups.

#5. GIVE A LEAD OR REFERRAL WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Networkers believe in the “givers gain” philosophy. If you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking. You need to be creative in this area.

AUGUST LUNCHEON RECAP

by Carol Williams, 440 International Inc.

Christina Messner, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, fully explained the benefits available to women through the Social Security Administration. Ms. Messner took a very dry subject, added a little light-heartedness accompanied by a professional Powerpoint presentation, and turned it into an extremely educational presentation. We learned how our retirement benefits are calculated, and the different ages of retirement. Christina explained why some of us may take the earlier retirement benefit at age 62, rather than waiting for the full-retirement age, which continues to rise. There are benefit variables for women whose spouses die; or whose ex-spouses are deceased. And she explained how children can benefit; and what is available for the disabled. She gave us hints as to how to make sure we receive all of the benefits we are eligible for. And, she also assured us that our benefits will be there for us when we retire. For more information or any questions we might have, she urged us to call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit their Web site which also has a calculator for you to estimate what your retirement benefit will be: www.ssa.gov

Some Comments:

1. “One of the most informative, useful presentations we have had in a long, long time!”
2. “Good show.”
3. “It was helpful to have the Power Point.”
4. “Enjoyed all aspects. Sorry so few in attendance (August …).”
5. “It was good to hear a speaker with information relevant to our daily lives and future.”
6. “Excellent topic. I enjoy financial planning info, social security info, women-related topics toward growth, financial success, investments & budgeting.”
7. “Christina is very knowledgeable.”
8. “Very informational! Mahalo.”
9. “It was great!”
10. “Another delicious meal. Another excellent guest speaker.”
11. “Very good topic. Well presented and pertinent information.”
12. “Table topics and the guest speaker provided valuable information.”
13. “Nice job – glad I came.”
14. “Speaker a little boring – I generally don’t like ‘canned’ presentations.”
15. “Good information re: Social Security. Drilling noise was bothersome.”
16. “Very informative! Please tell speaker to respect the question. Mahi is my least favorite lunch at the Hale Koa. Drilling/hammering noise is a real distraction!
17. “What was the strange noise?”
18. “Thanks for the fruit plate.”
19. “Need more vegetables & a non-creamy salad dressing.”
20. “Good mahi!” (2)

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September 18, 2003 Luncheon

SPEAKER: DR. SUZANNE GELB

Dr. Suzanne Gelb is a Hawaii-licensed psychologist in private practice in Honolulu. She is also a registered psychologist in Saskatchewan, Canada, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and an Attorney At Law, receiving her J.D. magna cum laude from California Western School of Law with an area of concentration in Child, Family and Elder Law which was completed with Honors.

Dr. Gelb has put her experience and knowledge into writing a book, Welcome Home: A Book About Overcoming Addictions. She also is a contributing writer for Hawaii Parent, and writes a daily column, “Dr. Gelb Says,” answering questions e-mailed by readers on daily living issues. The column appears on www.hawaiireporter.com

Dr. Gelb Says is also the URL of her Web site: www.DrGelbSays.com

Come meet Suzanne Gelb at our September luncheon-meeting. Her presentation topic: “Success with Confidence.”

OCTOBER LUNCHEON-MEETING – Thursday, October 23
To Be Announced

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