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November / December 2010                                                                          Volume 18, Issue 1
In This Issue
NAPO-LA Calendar
President's Message
NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Information
6th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards
NAPO National Conference Dates
November Silent Auction
NSGCD Changes Its Name
Organized Karma
Volunteers/Committee Honored
Welcome to our Newest Member
Harold Taylor Time Consultants
Members in the News
Next POLA Workshop
Golden Circle World
NAPO Neighborhood Groups
CD Support Group
Forward this issue to a Friend 

Quick Links

Who's Who


Board of Directors

Katherine Macey 
(310) 806-2580




Donna Rosman
(310) 910-3268 





 
Treasurer
Nicole Ballard
(562) 235-1908




 
Regina Lark

Regina Lark
(818) 400-9592
Erin Haas
(310) 339-5096




Kim Rocke
Kim Rocke
(661) 294-0043


Cynthia A. Smith
(310) 827-3705
 
Heather Furlong
(805) 577-8267 
Leslie Haber
(323) 935-9235


Robin Davi, CPOŽ 
(805) 657-0908






Coordinators & Committee Chairs


Associate Member Coordinator

CD Support Group
Jean Furuya

CPO Certification Liasions
Barbara Ricketts CPOŽ

Database Coordinator
Open

Fundraising
Wendy Hughes

Golden Circle    
Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ, Chair
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
Toni Scharff
Esther Simon
 
Greeter Coordinator
Lisa Suchesk

Historian
Christie Gelsomino

Librarian
Tina Brooks

2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards & Expo
Robyn Reynolds, Co-Chair
Donna Rosman, Co-Chair

Meeting Assistant
Open

Member Spotlight
Nadine Levy

Neighborhood Groups
Coordinator: Kathyrn Masci
Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena:
Tanya Whitford, CPO
Ž 
Hollywood: Beth Ziegler
Orange County:
South Bay: Beverly Clower
Upland: Millie Hinkle
Ventura: Kathryn Masci
Westsiders: Toni Scharff

New Member Orientation
Debra Frank, CPO-CDŽ
Toni Scharff 

Online Ambassador
Master Cruz
  
_______________________


Coordinators &
Committee Chairs
 
 
Associate Member Coordinator
Barb Schmit
associatemembership@napola.org
 
CD Support Group
Jean Furuya

CPO Certification Liasion
Barbara Ricketts, CPOŽ 

Database Coordinator
 
Robin Davi, CP

Photographers 
Sara Getzkin
Donna Rosman

Professional Organizers Learning Academy
Jean Furuya
Dolores Kaytes
Donna D. McMillan
 
Registration Assistant
Kelly Erwin

Silent Auction
Lisa Sucheck 

Visitor Liaison
Lori Gersh 

Website Coordinator

Webmasters
Heidi Chianta

Yahoo Group Moderator
Open
Meeting Information

Meeting Attendance 

AUGUST 2010
45 members
6 visitors
Chapter Membership: 144

SEPTEMBER 2010
50 members
4 visitors
Chapter Membership: 142

OCTOBER 2010
42 members
5 visitors
Chapter Membership: 142
 ___________

Board Meeting Mini-Minutes


AUGUST 2010
  1. CDs from April NAPO National Conference are now available in chapter's lending library for members to borrow

SEPTEMBER 2

  1. Board appointed Robin Davi as Director-at-Large 
  2. Chris McKenry will be assisting with the January Leadership Forum (stay tuned for exciting details)
  3. Dolores Kaytes will be assisting with nominations

OCTOBER 2010

 

  1. October is NAPO-LA membership renewal month.
  2. The Board approved a proposal for a Chapter Community Service Project to help organize the dresses for the "LA Prom Closet."

Chapter Award Winners
 Leading Edge Award
2009 - Robin Davi
2008 - John Trosko
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Dolores Kaytes
2005 - Jodi McDaniel
2004 - Chris McKenry
________________________

Raising the Bar Award
2009 - Leslie Haber
2008 - Chantale Bordonaro
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Chris McKenry
2005 - John Trosko
________________________

Volunteers of the Year


2009 

Linda Levine-Quackenbush
2008 - Heidi Chianta
2007 - Cary Brazeman
(Associate Member)
2006 - Claire Flannery and
Kristine Oller
2005 - Deborah Kawashima
2004 - Laurie Clark and
 Dee Saar
2003 - Robin Davi
_________________________

Volunteers of the Month
2010

February -
Lenora Thomas
March Co-Volunteers:
Beth Zeigler
and
 Claire Flannery
June - Jean Furuya
July - Barb Schmit,
 (Associate Member)
August - Debra Frank
September
 Linda Levine-Quackenbush
October Co-Volunteers:
Carla DeLaurie
and
 Shari RIchardson
__________________________

Committees of the Month
2010

February
Organizing Awards Task Force

July 
Golden Circle

October
Professional Organizers Learning Academy

Associate Members
 ClosetFactoryLogo.jpg
Custom Closets
Email Kay Wade
 (310) 516-7000 x224

Confidential  record specialist
Document Shredding
Email Jerry Scott
(310) 418-9297 

Container Store
napo@containerstore.com
(972) 538-2264
 

GarageEnvyLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Jaime Dietenhofer 
(310) 205-3590


Go Junk Free America 
Go Junk Free America!
 (800) GO JUNK FREE
 

Ikea logo from their website nov 2010
(310) 527-6085, ext. 1332 

northstar logo
Moving & Storage
(310) 451-7221
 
OrganizitLogo
Custom Garage Systems
Email Gus Gougas
(818) 232-7683


northstar logo
Office Organization Products
Email Barbara Schmit
(818) 232-7683

 ScanDigital
Photo Scanning Services

Email Anderson Schoenrock
(310) 683-0430 
Custom Glide-Out Shelves for Cabinets & Pantries
Email Michelle Smith 
(310) 980-4906
 
ClosetSolutionslogo
Onsite or Offsite Storage
Email Peter Given
(818) 365-3408

Membership

NAPO National Membership

Annual Dues
:
$200 - Active Member*
$150 - Associate-Branch
$250 - Associate-Local
$550 - Associate-Corporate
  $20 - Processing Fee


*Provisional member dues are $180 plus a one-time $20 processing fee. You are an active member* if you have completed your provisional membership year, or are a new NAPO member with more than one year of professional organizing experience.

NAPO National dues can be paid online. Proof of paid dues is required at time of joining NAPO-LA. NAPO National submits its renewal notices directly to members on their anniversary dates. NAPO-LA annual membership dues are renewed each September. You can also join NAPO-LA online.

NAPO-LA Chapter Membership

Regular Members:
Dues are prorated
25% quarterly.
$100 - Level 1
Yearly dues and Website Listing in the "Find an Organizer" section of our website.

$25 - One-Time Processing Fee
$25 - Lapsed Member Processing Fee


Associate Members:
Dues are prorated 25% quarterly.
$175 - Branch Associate Member - Local branch or regional office of a Corporate Associate Member
$300 - Local Associate Member - Locally-based, self-operating retailer, supplier, designer, or independent sales representative engaged primarily in the manufacture, distribution, and/or sale of organizational equipment, supplies, or organizing-industry related services.
 
NOTE: All members are required to sign a Code of Ethics as part of their membership.

 
Newsletter

The Los Angeles Organizer

Claire Flannery
Editor
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ 
          editor@napola.org

Roxanne Hoerning
 Publisher
Roxanne Hoerning
 
Newsletter Advertising
 Kenya Erving
 
 Proofreaders
Millie Hinkle
Kathryn Masci
Donna D. McMillan
Toni Scharff


The Los Angeles Organizer is published bimonthly (January, March, May, July, September and November). The newsletter is emailed to NAPO-LA members and associate members, NAPO national board members, and NAPO chapter presidents, and is available to the public on our website. All contents are copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Submission Guidelines

Articles:
 
NAPO-LA members are encouraged to contribute to this newsletter. Articles are not to exceed 500 words in length. Submissions must be received by the Editor no later than the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication. You may send your article as a Microsoft Word file attachment or directly in the body of an email. Photos should be .jpg, 72 dpi, sent with your article. All article topics and content must be approved by the Editor. Submit editorial to editor@napola.org

Advertising: Ads must be received by the 20th of the month preceding the month of publication. There are two types of ads available.

Website Link: This is a small ad containing a link to your website, located in the left side column of the newsletter. The ad can be your logo, a photo, or a short message. Format: .jpg, 72 dpi, 125 pixels w x 100 h.
$25 NAPO-LA Members
$35 Non NAPO-LA Members


Block Ad:  This is a large block located at the end of the newsletter providing  details about your company or service, along with a logo and/or photo. Format: Submit ad copy (100 words max) as a Word document and email with logo and photo as .jpg, 72 dpi.
$35 NAPO-LA Members
$45 Non NAPO-LA Members

Submit ads to editor@napola.org

NAPO-LA CALENDAR

November 2010
  22 NAPO-LA Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
  22 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm

December 2010
 
NO Chapter Meeting in December
  24 Voting Closes Today for Organizing Awards

January 2011
 
8 NAPO-LA Ventura Group, 10 am
 
9 NAPO-LA Burbank/Glendale Neighborhood Group, 9:30 am
  9 Golden Circle Quarterly Meeting
  11 5th Annual Leadership Forum - details to be announced
  22 NAPO-LA Westsiders Group, 1 pm
  29 6th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards
  30 Los Angeles Organizing Awards Brunch

February 2011
  26 POLA Workshop: Secrets of the Organizer's Toolbox, 9 am
President's Message

 Katherine Macey
  A TEAM EFFORT


    by Katherine Macey
    Organize to Excel
    and NAPO-LA President

    

"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful."                           

                                                      Mother Teresa                                      

                                       

It is difficult to imagine what we could accomplish on our own. We are a community-based species, and, despite the focus on individualism in this country, successful individuals are almost always surrounded by a team. I am reminded that I am surrounded by a fantastic team - when you see any of them, please remind them I say, "Thanks!"

I was honored to be able to visit the NAPO-San Francisco Bay Area Regional Conference last month. Their management company and team of volunteers put together a great one-day Conference with topics ranging from strategies to help with hoarders to contracts and using social media effectively. I encourage everyone to put this Conference on their calendars for next year. It was definitely a worthwhile trip.

NAPO-LA Vice-President Donna Rosman is also working with a fantastic team this year on the 6th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards. We are thrilled to have OfficeMax as this year's Presenting Sponsor. Not only does OfficeMax give us great discounts on essential office organizing supplies, but now they are part of our team supporting the Awards. 

If you are not already a part of the Awards Task Force and/or on a supporting committee, please take part by casting your vote before December 24 and purchasing your ticket for the January 29 event.

As our industry and our Association moves forward, let us continue to work together as a team. The vision the NAPO National Board has for our Association is exciting and will require us to move forward together. And together we, as both individual organizers and organizing companies, will be stronger.

"A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle."
                                                                 Japanese proverb


 
NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Info

Annual NAPO-LA Holiday Meeting

Monday, November 22

6:15 pm

 at The Olympic Collection

 

Feng Shui for the Professional Organizers' Clients

Presented by Elaine Wright

Owner & Founder, The Wright Way of Feng Shui

 Elaine Wright Nov 2010

What can Feng Shui do for your clients? for you?

  •  Improve your physical, mental and emotional health.
  •  Reduce stress in your home and workplace.
  •  Increase your financial wealth and business success.
  •  Help stop the flow of "money coming in, money going out."
  •  Heal troubled relationships and regain harmony with your spouse and/or children.
  •  Settle and bring a sense of calm to overactive children.
  •  Re-kindle romance and gain relationship satisfaction.
  •  Create career opportunities.
  •  Assist in attracting a suitable life partner.
  • Experience more abundance and enjoyment in life!

Elaine Giftos Wright is a nationally known Feng Shui expert, teacher, speaker and author.


She studied under some of the greatest masters in the world, including first and foremost teacher, Grand Master Professor Thomas Lin Yun. Under his tutelage, Elaine has become one of the most sought after and respected Feng Shui consultants in the country. 

 

Elaine works closely with her clients to achieve the ultimate desired effect without changing or altering the style or taste of the client. Sensitive to the needs of the client, she will never impose a Feng Shui "cure" that would seem obtrusive. With her sense of design and her expert knowledge of Feng Shui, Elaine will find a Feng Shui adjustment that fits the client's taste.  Many have called upon Elaine to bring balance and harmony into their environments often plagued by stress and tension. She uses a practical approach to the application of Feng Shui, which often results in positive changes within a short amount of time.

 

Elaine has successfully used Feng Shui to increase her clients' businesses and income, resolve family conflicts, help them find the perfect partner, and give their careers a needed boost. "My greatest joy is helping people achieve happier lives. I love the calls from clients who report all the positive changes in their lives after our Feng Shui work."

 

NOTE: CEU certificates will be distributed at this meeting.  Elaine will also have copies of her book available for sale. Holiday refreshments will be served!  Don't miss this fun and informative last meeting of 2010!

Los Angeles Organizing Awards

 

 

2011awardslogo_redcarpet 

In partnership

with

 Presenting Sponsor

 

 office max logo


 

NAPO-LA will proudly salute

the organizing industry as it hosts the

6th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards 

 at

the Sheraton Universal Hotel

on

Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 6:30 pm

 

 "Changing Lives - Touching Hearts"

 

Part One:

Plan to arrive early and relax in the hotel lobby lounge or bar. (Registration will begin at 5:45 pm.) As you register, you'll pick up your raffle tickets. Promptly at 6:30 pm, the evening will begin with the opportunity to mingle with the organizing industry's best organizers, retailers, product manufacturers, authors, innovators, and leaders. Pose for Red Carpet pictures; be interviewed by the media; participate in interactive exhibitor activities; enjoy a cocktail or two, and listen for your chance to win valuable prizes, which will be given away during this networking/industry exchange portion of the evening.


At 8 pm, we'll move to...

 

Part Two:

Dinner and Awards Ceremony in the Sheraton's Starview Room

As you step off the elevator into the beautiful glass-walled, top-floor Starview Room, you'll be met with a glorious night view of the surrounding Hollywood Hills and neighboring Universal Studios. 

 

As the ceremony begins with a celebrity host (to be announced), you will be wowed by the award presenters, entertainment, video clips and even more prizes. Applaud your favorites as they are recognized and receive their awards, and be inspired by the power of our industry to literally change people's lives and touch their hearts.

 

Part Three:

Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 10:30 am

The President's Sunday Brunch at the Hard Rock Café in Universal Citywalk

Join us to reconnect and relax over an informal and social brunch. Check out the Hard Rock Cafe Website 


STILL ACCEPTING VOLUNTEERS!

This monumental and exciting event is organized and coordinated by an all-volunteer task force of about 35 of your fellow NAPO-LA members. We need people to serve as home hosts for out-of-town colleagues, as well as people who may be able to help in small and various ways the night of the event. Visit the website to learn more about home-hosting, or send an email to Dina Newman, Volunteer Coordinator, at dina@organizingconceptsanddesigns.com.


Special thanks to Deborah Kawashima for her work in creating the Awards Logo and for coming on to the Task Force as Graphic Design Coordinator.

________________________________________________________

RAISE YOUR HAND

MillieHinkle

 

 

                                     
          

by Millie Hinkle

The Organized Estate

and Volunteer Liaison for

the Los Angeles Organizing Awards

 

Vol HandsThe band wagon is rolling and it's time for YOU to get on board.  Donna Rosman has assembled an extraordinary group of leaders who will march us all to the Red Carpet in January. 

 

The 6th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards, to be held on January 29, 2011, is an ambitious undertaking that will make a positive impact on each of our businesses, not to mention the industry as a whole. NAPO-LA is the Big Top that all other chapters look to for standards and inspiration. Let's demonstrate what other chapters can achieve just by following our lead. Let's live up to our reputation!

 

The Task Force has laid the groundwork for an outstanding event.  But they can't produce this event without each member's support and assistance.

 

Our profession is usually, but not always, performed independently of co-workers. We are self-starters and goal-oriented, and we get the job done. We may not be used to working with others, but that's where volunteering comes in:  Being a part of something bigger than ourselves. And guess what?  We are not just giving; we are receiving even more than our time and efforts combined. We are crossing that line between acquaintance and friend. We are networking with each other. We hear of opportunities. Our businesses become smarter.

 

This is the time to stand up and be counted.  Make the commitment to be on at least one committee, to buy at least one ticket, AND to invite at least one more person to this gala. (Think: chiropractor, accountant, banker, etc.)  Our dream:  Make the 2011 Awards the "ultimate professional mixer."

 

Our goal is 100% participation from our NAPO-LA Chapter. The volunteer commitment is a minimum of five to eight working hours between now and January 29. That's less than one hour per week!  The jobs are specific and closed-ended. Dina Newman is accepting names, and she will match you to the job you would like. Contact her online at info@organizingconceptsanddesigns.com.

 

Our pride as Professional Organizers will shine as we stand together in the glow of the NAPO-LA spotlight on January 29, 2011.

NAPO National Conference Dates

 
Save These Dates!

NAPO's 23rd Annual Conference

& Organizing Exposition
April 6 - April 9, 2011
Town and Country Resort and Convention Center

San Diego, California

 

2012 - Baltimore, MD
Hilton Baltimore

March 21-24, 2012

 

2013 - New Orleans, LA
Sheraton New Orleans

April 17-20, 2013

 

2014 - Phoenix, AZ
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

May 28-31, 2014

 

2015 - Los Angeles, CA
Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites

April 15-18, 2015

 

2016 - Atlanta, GA
Sheraton Atlanta

May 18-21, 2016

 

Please note that you will not be able to contact the hotel to reserve a room until one year prior to the conference.

 

Silent Auction Volunteer for November

Bid High on this Industry Veteran

  

Donna D. McMillan
McMillan & Company Professional Organizing
and Island Organizers

With 20 years of experience in insurance, property management and sales, Donna D. McMillan founded her organizing business 26 years ago on the basis of the "Golden Rule" and a commitment to taking clients "to the next level and beyond."  This veteran organizer's philosophy has always been:  "It's all about our clients; it's not about their stuff."  With a non-judgmental approach, Donna utilizes her creative and organizational talents, learned skills and years of experience to support and train clients in time-tested, hands-on organizing techniques.

 

This consultant/coach/trainer has a passion to make a difference and a goal to empower clients in both their workplaces and personal lives. She gently guides those who are anxious to change their situations and habits.  Her teachings include:  "Organizing is a 'process' ...  it's not a one-day project."Š  

 

As an Organizing and Productivity Consultant, Donna's specialties encompass the management of time, workspace and paperwork. Clients range from small businesses, entrepreneurs and executives to creative individuals. Since 1993, she has been a private coach and workshop trainer for Professional Organizers locally, nationally and internationally. She is a longtime member of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) and has earned the Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization.

 

Since 1991, Donna has been extremely active in and devoted to NAPO and NAPO-LA. Her distinguished services include:  NAPO-LA newsletter Editor/Publisher, chapter President (two terms), NAPO National Board of Directors, National Golden Circle Chair (five years), chapter education committee member and training session leader. Industry awards include: 1998 NAPO Founders Award and 2007 Best Organizing Coach or Mentor.

 

Check out Donna's websites:

www.organizer4me.com and www.islandorganizers.com


NOTE: The Silent Auction is a regular fundraiser for our NAPO-LA chapter and is held at most chapter meetings.  During the meeting, the Silent Auction Volunteer will be announced and a clipboard will be circulated. Anyone can bid by signing the sheet as it goes around.

NSGCD Changes Its Name


Pendaflex Logo



The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization
renamed
 Institute for Challenging Disorganizati on 

Debra Frank Oct 2010
by
  Debra Frank, CPO-CDŽ
Let 's Get Organized!
and Los Angeles NSGCD Ambassador

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, an 18-year-old professional association of organizing consultants and related professionals, announced a new name during its recent conference in Austin, Texas.

Beginning January 1, 2011, the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) will become the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). Their new web address will be www.challengingdisorganization.org; new tagline: "Education. Research. Strategies."
 
"'Institute for Challenging Disorganization" better reflects who we are as an organization: The premier resource for education, research, and strategies for overcoming challenging disorganization," said Katherine Trezise, CPO-CDŽ, CPOŽ President of NSGCD. "It also better reflects what we do: Benefit people whose lives are challenged by disorganization."
 
The NSGCD Board of Directors voted for the name change in order to reflect the fact that NSGCD was no longer national and its work extended beyond the mere study of chronic disorganization. It also recognized the awkwardness of the long name and the difficulty in pronouncing the acronym. 
 
In particular, the term "chronic disorganization" was considered negative and easily misunderstood while the term "challenging disorganization" is positive, more inclusive and less clinical.

"People are challenged by their lack of organization for many reasons. Our new name lets people know that we have strategies to help them overcome their disorganization regardless of whether they have been disorganized all their lives or if it has become a problem more recently."
Organized Karma

 
                                     
Medicated Karma, Part II
  

By Sara Getzkin

Hands On Organizing Services
 

In my last article (Medicated Karma, Part I), I shared the proper way to dispose of medications.  While many of you may never come across SHARPS while organizing, it is a medically-related item and it warrants some discussion.

 

Needle (SHARPS) Disposal

 

In one year, approximately nine million syringe users will administer at least three billion injections at home. Nearly 2/3 of these "at-home" injectors are people with diabetes and patients administering home-health treatment for allergies, infertility, arthritis, migraines, HIV, Hepatitis C, and other ailments. Many self-injectors are unaware of safe disposal methods available to them and simply throw their used needles in the trash or flush them down the toilet, posing a risk of injury or potential infection from diseases such as Hepatitis B or C and HIV to anyone who encounters them.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), each year 600,000 to 800,000 people are injured by SHARPS. In California, it is illegal to place SHARPS in the trash. 

 

At one time, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines suggested disposing all SHARPS (needles, lancets, syringes) in a household plastic container or coffee can, securing the lid, writing "do not recycle" on the outside, and then depositing it in the household trash.  Unfortunately, this does not take the needle out of the waste stream; it simply ends up in the general household trash, putting neighbors, children and waste workers at risk of needle stick injuries.  Now, the EPA has added a few more guidelines:

  • The proper way to dispose of SHARPS waste is to use only state-approved SHARPS containers. Check availability at the county designated distribution sites or ask your pharmacist or doctor about them.
  • When your SHARPS container is about 3/4 full, seal it securely.
  • Keep your SHARPS containers out of reach of children and pets.
  • Take your filled SHARPS waste container to a county designated collection site.

DO NOT

  • Flush your SHARPS waste or medications down the toilet or drain.
  • Place your SHARPS waste in the trash, green waste, or recycling bin.
  • Put needles into used plastic milk jugs, bleach bottles, or soda bottles.

Disposal Programs

 Here are a few easy options for disposal:

 

1.   Drop-Box and/or Supervised Collection Sites:  Filled SHARPS containers can be taken to collection sites such as doctors' offices, hospitals, health care clinics, pharmacies, health departments, community organizations, and police and fire stations. You might want to call first.

 

2.   Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites:  In Los Angeles County, the S.A.F.E. program will accept SHARPS containers at all of the S.A.F.E center locations.  In exchange, if you ask nicely, they will give you a new, empty SHARPS container.  This is a great service that I have personally used and found very user-friendly. These sites also accept hazardous materials such as cleaners, paints, motor oil, batteries, computers, etc. California is really progressive in household hazardous waste drop-off sites and most facilities should take used needles.

 

3.   Mail-back Programs: Before I realized I could get a SHARPS container for free, I used to buy them at drugstore pharmacies. The small container is about $5 and a large one is $25. When I heard the price for what I thought was just a red plastic bottle, I almost fell over. Then I was told, when you buy the large it also comes with a postage-paid cardboard box. The user simply fills the SHARPS container and mails it back. The box has been approved by the U.S.P.S. and, if directions are followed correctly, there is no risk of injury (sticks). 

 

4.   Residential Special Waste Pick-up Service: Just like weekly trash pick-up, home users can place SHARPS in a special "SHARPS" container (similar to a recycling container) and set it out for curbside collection. For more information on this service, call your local waste disposal company. I'm looking into this one for my Dad, and the jury is still out.

 

Resources:

www.cdc.gov/needledisposal/ca/index.htm
www.thinkgreenfromhome.com/SyringesAndLancets.cfm
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/other/medical/disposal.htm

www.safeneedledisposal.org

www.calrecycle.ca.gov/HomeHazWaste/HealthCare/Collection

Volunteers and Committees Honored 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! 
 
 
Linda Levine-Quackenbush
Volunteer of the Month for August

 

Linda Levine-QuackenbushLinda was chosen as Volunteer of the Month for August because of her commitment to our chapter by paying it forward. She is now in her third year of major involvement with the Los Angeles Organizing Awards:  The first year she assisted Jodie Watson; last year she was the Chair; and this year she has been teaching the ropes to the new Chairs and Task Force Members. Thank you, Linda, for all that you've done and all that you continue to do for NAPO-LA.

 

What is your business name and website?

Organize4Life.....www.organize4life.net

 

Where do you live and where do you do business?

I live in Calabasas and work mostly in Beverly Hills, Malibu and the West Valley.

How many years have you been in business?

A little more than three years.

How did you get into organizing as a profession?

I honed my organizing skills as a production manager, producer, and finally as the Head of Production for a commercial production company, all the while organizing my home and the homes of friends and family for fun. After retiring from commercial production, it seemed only natural to start my own organizing business, which has been very rewarding.
 

Where are you from originally?

I am an LA native.
 

What are your main organizing interests or specialties?

I really enjoy home and home-office organizing.  And since I served as the Event Chair for the 5th Los Angeles Organizing Awards in January of this year, I find I am also interested in Event Planning but haven't begun to explore that as yet.

What do you like to do when you aren't organizing? Hobbies? Interests?

Gardening and cooking when at home; sailing, skiing and hiking whenever I have the opportunity.
 

Tell us about your family. Are you married, single, kids, grandkids?

Married to Dean (great husband) with three adult stepdaughters (with me since they were very small) who are all really wonderful women. (Two of my stepdaughters assisted on stage at the last Organizing Awards handing out prizes to the winners.)
 

How did you come to join NAPO and/or NAPO-LA?

I found NAPO online when I started researching a career in organizing. I attended my first NAPO-LA Chapter meeting shortly after and joined immediately after that.
 

What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?

As a new member, I first decided to volunteer to get to know other organizers. Because of my production experience, I offered to assist Jodi Watson on the 2009 Organizing Awards, which I enjoyed so much that I then volunteered to Chair the 2010 Awards. Both experiences brought me new friendships which endure and are very rewarding both professionally and personally.
 

Anything else we should know about you?

Due to personal commitments, I have been unable to fully participate in the Chapter since April of this year but hopefully things will resolve and I will have more availability sometime soon. I miss seeing everyone.

________________________________________________________


Debra Frank, CPO-CDŽ 

Volunteer of the Month for September


Debra Frank was selected by the Board as Volunteer of the Month for August. She has been a member of NAPO for eight years and has volunteered as NAPO-LA's NSGCD Ambassador for the past two.  Debra has also volunteered her time to stuff goody bags for the Los Angeles Organizing Awards, has hosted the NSGCD table at the 2009 Expo, and recently she became the chapter's New Membership Co-Chair. 


What is your business name and website?Debra Frank Oct 2010

Debra Frank's Let's Get Organized! Having recently become certified as CPO-CD, I'm about to embark on creating a website that better reflects my specialties, including the development of a new address. Stay tuned....


Where do you live and where do you do business?

I live in Manhattan Beach. Most of my clients reside here as well; however I also work with people located in the South Bay cities of Hermosa and Redondo Beaches, Torrance and Palos Verdes.  It was part of my business plan to work locally after having commuted for over 25 years corporately. Clients I work with outside of my immediate area are strictly referral-based.


How many years have you been in business?

It will be ten years this coming January.


Where are you from originally?

I'm a native. I was born in Santa Monica and have lived on the Westside, in the San Fernando Valley, West Hollywood and Manhattan Beach. 


What are your hobbies and interests outside of NAPO?

I'm a huge fan of the NSGCD and continuous education, specifically in the field of chronic disorganization. Am also seriously into the arts, particularly contemporary art (all mediums), theatrical productions (theatre, opera, extravaganzas) and music (jazz, blues, classical). I took up the cello earlier this year, never having played an instrument before or even knowing how to read music.  I also love to travel and am just back from a three-week trip to Morocco.


Tell us about your family. Are you married, single, kids, grandkids, pets?

I'm divorced, do not have kids and do not have any living family members. I guess this qualifies me as an adult orphan, but I've actually created a wonderful "friends family."  I've been able to chose everyone I'm close to, and, looking on the bright side, I don't have any family drama to deal with! Pets, yes: three cats.


How did you come to join NAPO and/or NAPO-LA?

I joined NAPO and NAPO-LA in 2002 and was active in both for the first two to three years of my business.  NAPO, NAPO-LA and the NSGCD were (and remain) excellent educational and networking resources.  I took full advantage of everything each had to offer. Although I was inactive for a number of years after that, I maintained ongoing memberships in NAPO and the NSGCD.  It's been two years now since I've rejoined NAPO-LA and resumed studying with the NSGCD, both excellent decisions.


What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering is the best way to integrate quickly, give back to the profession, develop relationships and grow.  It's also good for business.  Not everyone is cut out to be a Board member or a committee chair and that's all right.  Smaller contributions are always appreciated, and its important not to devalue them.  

 

Anything else we should know about you?

I'm currently serving as the NAPO-LA New Membership Co-Chair with Toni Scharff. It's a position I really enjoy because it's important that  new members receive warm informed welcomes. Although we cover the same information in every orientation, each is unique based on the composition of the new members and the nature of their questions. This keeps my role both fresh and interesting. I'm also in my second year of serving as the Los Angeles NSGCD Ambassador. Other things I've participated in since returning to NAPO-LA were to stuff goody bags for the Awards Ceremony and to coordinate the NSGCD table at last year's chapter Expo.

________________________________________________________


Carla DeLaurie and Shari Richardson

Volunteers of the Month for October


carla delaurie dhari richardson with katherine macey

Recognized for their volunteer work in conjunction with this year's Los Angeles Organizing Awards, Carla DeLaurie and Shari Richardson are co-partners in an organizing business called Organized Outfitters. Both come from fast-paced corporate backgrounds and have incorporated their knowledge of project management into the largest sponsorship drive ever in support of the Organizing Awards.


 Carla DeLaurie

 

What is your business name and website?

Organized Outfitters (Co-Partner with Shari Richardson)

www.organizedoutfitters.com

 

Where do you live and where do you do business?  

I live in Pasadena and do business in Los Angeles County (mainly San Gabriel and San Fernando Valley).

 

How many years have you been in business?

Entering our third year.

 

How did you get into organizing as a profession? 

Realized three years ago that I had been doing this type of work for 20+ years and had not been paid.

 

Where are you from originally?

Born and raised in the Bakersfield / Shafter area.

 

What are your main organizing interests or specialties?

Corporate and Home Office.

 

What do you like to do when you aren't organizing? Hobbies? Interests?

Go to the movies, spend time with friends and rest.

 

Tell us about your family.  Are you married, single, kids, grandkids? 

Married for 16 years. No kids but we do have two dogs - Tobee, age 12 ~ Chihuahua / Jack Russell mix) and Chocolate (age 4 ~ Apple Head Chihuahua).

 

How did you come to join NAPO and/or NAPO-LA?

My business partner knew ALL about it.

 

What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?

It has been a mix of emotions (exciting, scary, frustrating, rewarding) and has been a true-life experience. I am glad I did volunteer. It is nice to walk into a room full of Professional Organizers where more than a few people recognize you. I hope to increase my business by some referrals from my fellow professionals. 

 

Anything else we should know about you?

I am

1. A leader

2. Honest

3. Positive 

4. Problem-solver

5. Reliable

6. Honest

7. Self-motivator / Self-starter

8. Strong willed

___________________________________________________


Shari Richardson

 

What is your business name and website?

Organized Outfitters (Co-partner with Carla DeLaurie)

www.organizedoutfitters.com

 

Where do you live and where do you do business?

I live in Shadow Hills and do business primarily in the tri-cities of Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank. I will, however, consider jobs throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.

 

How many years have you been in business?

Two years. 

 

How did you get into organizing as a profession?

My corporate background provided me with the tools for business organization, and my desire to start up my own business and expand upon my organizational skills was the segue to becoming a Professional Organizer.


Where are you from originally

Originally from the Midwest; I grew up on a farm in a small Nebraska town.

 

What are your main organizing interests or specialties?

Although most of my background is business organization, I prefer residential organizing. 


What do you like to do when you aren't organizing? Hobbies? Interests?

I love interior decorating, playing the piano, and traveling whenever I can.


Tell us about your family. Are you married, single, kids, grandkids?

I've been married to my husband, John, for 23 years. We have a 15-year-old daughter, Riley.


How did you come to join NAPO and/or NAPO-LA?

I joined NAPO and NAPO-LA to network with other Professional Organizers and to benefit from the education NAPO and NAPO-LA offer to help me run my business.

 

What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?

I'm currently the Co-Chair of the Sponsorship and Donation Task Force for the 2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards and Red Carpet Cocktail Reception. It's my first time to volunteer for NAPO-LA. I see exposure for me and my company as the biggest benefit; getting to know other Professional Organizers who could refer business my way and vice versa is another advantage. It's also a way of paying back NAPO-LA for numerous benefits received from membership.


Anything else we should know about you?

I work with a business partner, Carla DeLaurie. We are the co-owners and founders of Organized Outfitters. It's great to work with a partner to keep each other motivated and get the job done twice as fast for our clients.

________________________________________________________

 

Committee of the Month for October  

Professional Organizers Learning Academy
(POLA)

volunteer of the month sep
Left to right: NAPO-LA Chapter President Katherine Macey with POLA Committee Members Donna D. McMillan, Dolores Kaytes and
Jean Furuya
 Congratulations to the newly re-named Professional Organizers Learning Academy (POLA) for receiving October's Committee of the Month award!


The purpose of POLA, formerly EDC (Educational Development Committee), is to provide information to prospective and new organizers. Their programs offer valuable continuing education training sessions for all levels of professional organizers from the novice to the experienced. 

POLA was chosen by the Board as the Committee of the Month for its successful new Q&A session geared to those entering the organizing profession. 

 
  If you are interested in joining POLA, email jean@theofficejeanie.com and visit napola.org regularly for information on upcoming POLA programs.


  

Welcome to Our Newest Member

 
David Everett Sep 2010David Everett
Everett Organizing Services
Yucaipa
(909) 570-4814



Harold Taylor Time Consultants
 
Is the Internet Making Us Stupid?harold taylor

By Harold Taylor, CSP

We tend to ridicule those who print articles from the web instead of reading them in electronic format where they may be accompanied by links to supporting information, images and videos. But according to Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows:  What the Internet is Doing to our Brains (Norton, 2010), studies by psychologists, neurologists and educators find that when we go online, we enter an environment that promotes cursory reading, hurried and distracted thinking, and superficial learning.

 

Links are particularly distracting, and studies show that jumping between digital documents impedes understanding. Comprehension declines whether or not people actually click on them.

 

According to Carr's book, the depth of our intelligence hinges on our ability to transfer information from working memory (short-term memory) to long-term memory. But a bottleneck is created since working memory can only hold a relatively small amount at a time.

 

When we are swamped with information, links, images, and advertising, the information spills over, so to speak, and doesn't make it into our long-term storage. It's like watering a house plant by continuing to pour on more water without giving it a chance to soak in.

 

But when we read books for instance, we transfer information a little at a time into long-term memory and form associations essential to the creation of knowledge and wisdom.

 

Š 2010, Harold Taylor Time Consultants Ltd.

 

Harold Taylor is a time management consultant, speaker, and workshop leader. He can be contacted through his website at www.Taylorintime.com.



Members in the News




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John Trosko of OrganizingLA and a Past President of NAPO-LA, was featured in the September 27 issue JT black&whiteof Women's World magazine in an article entitled, "5 Easy Questions That Can Make Clutter Disappear!"


Chris McKenry
, owner of Get It Together LA!, a Past President of NAPO-LA, and a NAPO National Board member, was featured in the November 17 issue of Women's Day. The article, "The Well-Organized Pantry" by Arianne Cohen, provided information on how to make your pantry work for you and your family.

Next POLA Workshop
 

SECRETS

 OF

 THE ORGANIZER'S TOOLBOX

 Products, Gadgets & Resources

 

Presented by Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ

Tanya W 2 

 

Date:    Saturday, February 26, 2011

Time:    9 am - 1 pm

Place:   Circle of Care Leeza's Place

             5000 Van Nuys Blvd.

             Sherman Oaks

Cost:    $99, NAPO-LA members

             $119, non-members

  

It is not enough to just be a good organizer. You must also keep on top of products and resources that will work for your clients.

 

In this workshop given by Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ, you will learn which products might meet the needs of your clients and which ones might end up being a waste of time and money.

 

This will be a fun and interactive three-part workshop.

 

  • Part 1 - 25 products that have stood the test of time and passed Tanya's standards for usefulness in her 12 years as a Professional Organizer.

 

  • Part 2 - Demonstration of gadgets and software programs that can be the solution to your clients' problems as well as additional revenue streams for you.

 

  • Part 3 - Resources for your clients from donating out-of-the-ordinary items to recycling things you did not even know could be recycled.

This is a must-attend workshop for new and veteran organizers alike. Attendees will take away an increased knowledge of products and resources that will make them even more valuable to their clients. The handouts and the product samples alone will be worth the price of admission. Not only will this workshop be a lot of fun, but it will be one of the most informative and useful ones you could ever hope to attend!

 

NOTE: This always popular workshop is Limited to 25 Attendees. Sign up early before it sells out!

 

BONUS OFFER:  Attendees are invited to bring in a favorite product for the exciting "Show & Tell" portion of the workshop!

 

Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ, of Organizing Wonders, has been a NAPO-LA member for 12 years. Her passion for products, gadgets, software and resources has made her a tremendous asset to her clients. She has received rave reviews for her product workshops in the past.

 

Tanya's contact information

Phone:           (323) 377-1312

Email:            Tanya@organizingwonders.com

Website:      www.organizingwonders.com 

 

Click here to register
Golden Circle World
  Get Smart; Take Part
 
 by Debra Frank, CPO-CDŽ
 Let's Get Organized
 and a Golden Circle Member
Debra Frank Oct 2010I just spent the last 18 months of my life working, and I
mean working, on obtaining certification through the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. The process was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life.  Since this newsletter is a NAPO-LA publication, I am writing this column in the hopes of inspiring others to take advantage of the many educational opportunities offered through NAPO and NAPO-LA.

 

     "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - Confucius

 

My pre-organizing years in merchandising, sales, marketing and management provided me with a solid business foundation, and like most of you, organizing skills came naturally at a very early age.  I spent my first couple of years learning about  organizing by reading, attending NAPO conferences, NAPO-LA meetings and NSGCD teleclasses. My skill set, coupled with all I had learned from being involved in the organizing community, combined in a way that supported developing a successful business quickly. Feeling well informed, off I went.

 

Business continued to prosper and flourish.Unrealized until recently, one of the major reasons I was drawn to our profession was to resolve some of my own organizational challenges; CD people are my people. Intuition, creative problem solving and empathy carried me through the following five years, at the end of which I began questioning my effectiveness with two clients. Instead of continuing to feel frustrated and annoyed by them, I decided it was I who needed to change. In 2008, I attended a NAPO conference and rejoined NAPO-LA, amazed by how much our industry had matured and struck by how much I hadn't. 

 

     "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." - John Wooden

 

NAPO has developed a number of educational opportunities to help professional organizers deliver quality service and succeed in business. The core of the NAPO program is the professional organizer curriculum.  Additional educational opportunities include attending the NAPO Annual Conference and Organizing Exposition, listening to past conference recordings, staying abreast of NAPO News and/or embarking on certification through the BCPO.  This information is all available on the NAPO website www.napo.net under the "Our Profession" and "Annual Conference" tabs. One of the real gems is the "Resource" information.  It provides resource site links that assist with the many decisions and procedures involved in starting a new business, as well as group links that provide support and assistance in making choices about networking and marketing.

 

We are fortunate to be members of such a vital local chapter. NAPO-LA meetings always include an educational component and classes for new and veteran organizers are offered through the Professional Organizers Learning Academy. The classes help us become better professional organizers and business owners, thus bringing the profession of organizing to a higher level. Other resources consist of neighborhood groups, listening to recordings from our library and reading books from the recommended reading list.  All this information is contained on the website www.napola.org, either in our monthly newsletters or under the "About Us" and "Education Tabs."

 

"The desire of knowledge, like the thirst for riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it."

                                                                                                              - Laurence Stern

 

To conclude, it is in the spirit of advancing our profession as well as our professional selves that I challenge you to challenge yourselves - whether you've been in business one month, three years or 20 - to keep learning, always. I guarantee satisfaction and success will follow!

____________________________________________________________________________________

 Golden Circle Recycling Field Trip

 

Mishele Vieira new headshot

by Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ

Away with Chaos

and Golden Circle Liaison


 

Last month the Los Angeles Area Golden Circle joined the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena neighborhood group on a field trip to the Burbank Recycle Center.

GC Oct field trip

Kreigh Hampel, Public Works Department Recycling Coordinator gave a 90-minute presentation about recycling, trash, and the impact our consumption has on the planet. While enlightening, some of the information was downright alarming. Kreigh estimates that the average person in the Los Angeles area uses 2000-3000 plastic bags per year. (That includes the additional bags for the newspaper, paper towels, produce, etc.) We are in both a consumption crisis and a durability crisis, meaning that many of our products must be frequently replaced, either due to poor quality or because they have a minor blemish (e.g., a scratched piece of furniture).

 

There is some good news on the horizon... Trash rates are expected to increase significantGC Field Trip photo 2ly in the next couple of years. Recyclers feel this is a good thing since it will push many people to make more of an effort with recycling. New policies are being created that will force many manufacturers to package products in a more eco-friendly manner. In addition, manufacturers of products like paint and carpet will soon accept their products back from people replacing them. All in all it was a great morning. If you have the opportunity to visit the Burbank Recycle Center in the future, I highly recommend it.

 

Following the field trip, several us went to lunch where we engaged in a lively discussion about recyclying, NAPO and our businesses. 

 

Mark your calendars for the following 2011 Golden Circle meetings. Details will be sent out via Evite prior to each meeting.


The 2011 Golden Circle Schedule


Sunday, January 9 - Co-Hosts Robin Davi & Beverly Clower

Saturday, March 26 - Co-Hosts Mishele Vieira and Sara Getzkin

Sunday, July 17, Host Esther Simon

Saturday, October 15


    _______________________________________________________________________________
TIPS FROM THE PROS

Use a small address book to keep track of your million online log-ins and passwords.  Keep it at your computer and lock it up when you're away from your desk.

                                                                                Submitted by Erin Haas, Erin's Simple Solutions

 

Store extra cleaning supplies under each bathroom sink for easy clean ups. Also, if your bathrooms have room, keep extra towels there for bath and showers. Try to have everything you need where you are most likely to use it. Saves on wasting time looking for things.

                                                                 Submitted by Esther Simon, Traditional Home Organizer


                                     

NAPO-LA Neighborhood Groups


Many of the Neighborhood Groups hold informal bimonthly meetings throughout the Los Angeles area. A benefit of chapter membership, these offshoots of NAPO-LA offer education, networking and support. Check below for your nearest group, and contact the Facilitator for information on the next meeting. For more information, or if you'd like to volunteer as a Facilitator for one of the open groups, please contact Committee Chair Kathryn Masci by sending an email to her at neighborhoods@napola.org.  


Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena: Tanya Whitford, Facilitator
     -Meeting scheduled for January 9, 6:30 pm, in Pasadena
Hollywood: Beth Ziegler, Facilitator
      -Dates and Location to be announced
Orange County:
 
 Facilitator (open) 
South Bay:  Beverly Clower, Facilitator
Upland:  Millie Hinkle, Facilitator
        -No activity at this time
Ventura (includes Agoura & Santa Clarita):  Kathryn Masci, Facilitator
      -Meeting scheduled for January 8, 10 am, in Camarillo
Westsiders:
Toni Scharff, Facilitator
 -Meetings scheduled for
January 22 and March 13, 1 pm, at Spitfire Grill in Santa Monica
CD Support Group

NEXT TOPIC:
Dealing with Client Negativity

by Jean Furuya
The Office Jeanie 
 
If you have worked or are working with hoarding clients, you are invited to participate in an informal support group.
 
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 6 pm - 8:30 pm


We will also spend time on our individual issues. A simple pot luck is planned.

Limited to 12 attendees.
 
To RSVP or for more information, contact Jean Furuya.
Email:
 
cdsupport@napola.org
Phone: (310) 316-1753
NAPO Los Angeles 

Mission Statement: NAPO-LA is the organizing industry leader committed to providing the public with resources; providing professional organizers with education and support; and providing related industry professionals with unique channels for their products and services. 

NAPO-Los Angeles
PMB 134, 10573 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone 213-486-4477

The National Association of Professional Organizers, Los Angeles Chapter (NAPO-LA) is a legal entity separate and distinct from NAPO, Inc. (the National Association of Professional Organizers) and is not entitled to act on behalf of or to bind NAPO, contractually or otherwise.

For questions on our disclosure policy, please contact our Chapter President.

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NAPO-LA | PMB 134 | 10573 W. Pico Blvd. | Los Angeles | CA | 90064