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May/June 2010 Volume 17, Issue 4 |
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Who's Who | |
Board of Directors
Katherine Macey
(310) 806-2580
Donna Rosman
(310) 910-3268
 Treasurer
Nicole Ballard
(562) 235-1908
Secretary
Regina Lark
(818) 400-9592
Cynthia A. Smith
(310) 827-3705
 Director of
Professional Development
Leslie Haber
(323) 935-9235
 Immediate Past President
Chantale Bordonaro, CPOŽ, CRTS™
Coordinators &
Committee Chairs
Education Program Coordinator Jean Furuya
Database Coordinator
Sascha Escandon
Greeter Coordinator Christie Gelsomino Greeters Donna Rosman
Sasha Escandon
Kim Rocke
Historian Christie Gelsomino Cindy Duffy
Member Spotlight
Nadine Levy
NAPO in the Schools Deborah Kawashima Neighborhood Groups
Coordinator: Kathyrn Masci
Glendale/Pasadena: Orange County: Gail Gray
Newcomers: South Bay: Beverly Clower Inland Empire: Millie Hinkle Ventura: Kathryn Masci Westsiders: Toni Scharff
New Member Orientation
Online Ambassador
Master Cruz
Photographers Sara Getzkin
Donna Rosman
Visitor Liaison
Lori Gersh
Website Coordinator
Webmasters
Heidi Chianta
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
Millie Hinkle
Shari Richardson
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Meeting Information
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Meeting Attendance
MARCH 2010
44 members
4 visitors
3 VIP visitors
Total NAPO-LA Membership: 132
Board Meeting Mini-Minutes
MARCH 2010
1. New Board announced in March 29 press release
2. Board retreat scheduled for May 17
3. "Starting/Running an Organizing Business" is a new, inexpensive class which will run before our regular chapter meetings at the Olympic Collection. Stay tuned for details. |
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Leading Edge Award Winners
2009 - Robin Davi
2008 - John Trosko
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Dolores Kaytes
2005 - Jodi McDaniel
2004 - Chris McKenry
Raising the Bar Award Winners
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
2006 - Claire Flannery &
Kristine Oller
2005 - Deborah Kawashima
2004 - Laurie Clark & Dee Saar
2003 - Robin Davi |
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| Associate Members |
 Custom Closets Email to Kay Wade(310) 516-7000 x224 CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS SPECIALISTDocument Shredding
Jerry Scott
(310) 418-9297 
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| Membership |
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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 experiece.
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
 Publisher
Roxanne Hoerning
Proofreaders
Millie Hinkle
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 MembersSubmit ads to editor@napola.org
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NAPO-LA CALENDAR |
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May 2010
18 CD Support Group, 6 pm
24 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
24 New Member Orientation, 3:30 pm
24 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm
June 2010
5 EDC Workshop on Networking, 9 am
28 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
28 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm
July 2010
10 Neighborhood Group: South Bay, 8:30 am
11 Neighborhood Group: Westsiders, 1 pm
17 Golden Circle Summer Meeting, 12 noon
18 Neighborhood Group: Hollywood, 9 am
20 CD Support Group, 6 pm
26 Board Meeting, 2:45 pm
26 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting, 6:15 pm |
| Outgoing President's Message |
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 by Chantale Bordonaro, CPOŽ, CRTS
Simplicity Source
and NAPO-LA Immediate Past-President
THERE'S NO PRESENT LIKE THE FUTURE
As I look back on this past year, I am a little sad but a lot happy! I did not set out to re-invent the wheel but to help and guide our amazing chapter through some tumultuous economic times. My goal was for us to remain strong and healthy while focusing inward on our members and outward toward the future.
And to this I say, Goal Achieved!
- Our chapter is one of the strongest in NAPO with 132 Members including 12 Associate Members. National companies such as The Container Store and IKEA are strong partners of NAPO-LA.
- A successful Strategic Retreat was held to establish a membership-focused plan, with monthly follow-up, so that we could be proactive to any needed changes.
- Our budget was submitted a month before deadline with a strong and healthy positive balance; in addition, $20,000 has been invested in a CD (which we did without increasing the annual membership fees)!
- The 5th Annual Los Angeles Organizing Awards with presenting sponsor Avery Dennison was a huge success! More than 175 attendees from three countries and 12 US states applauded the 23 Awards given out to the best of the best.
- The 5th Annual NAPO-LA Awards brunch sponsored by Xambox had the greatest attendance ever -- 85 people -- all wanting to continue networking on the morning after the Awards.
- Implementing NAPO-LA's social media presence on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and MySpace was a special focus this year and was capped by the posting of the amazing Awards show video.
- NAPO-LA participated in the 2010 Closets Conference and Exposition in Long Beach by staffing NAPO-National's booth with organizers from our chapter.
- NAPO-LA was also represented at the NAPO-San Diego Expo.
- EDC presented three fabulous workshops to organizers eager to enhance their training and accumulate CEUs. In the works is a process for establishing a system to make it easier to track one's potentially eligible CEUs.
- The Associate Members Benefit was improved by permitting two representatives from each company.
- Nine press releases were sent out to PRWeb, (an online distribution agent) with each one averaging 20,000 impressions and 600 reads; in addition, the press releases went out to almost 1,000 newspapers, magazines and radio stations across the US.
- More then 90 conference calls were monitored by your Board members to share information with their national counterparts
- Neighborhood Groups now total nine - making it possible to get support from other professional organizers located in your area.
- We heard you and refreshments are now being served as often as possible at monthly meetings.
- The NAPO-LA Expo drew numerous vendors and broke even for the first time ever.
- Finally, we are in the process of preparing the next NAPO-LA members survey that will be posted within the first quarter of the new Board term.
The list could go on and on... As your outgoing President, I am proud of this year's accomplishments. Your departing NAPO-LA Board worked hard and stayed focused on our overall Strategic Plan. And, yes, I am a little sad as my term comes to a close. This once-in-a-lifetime experience was fantastic. I am grateful for the chance to serve you and to get to know so many of you so much better. I am so proud to be part of this chapter and leave my position knowing that you are in great hands with the NAPO-LA 2010-11 Board.
I assure you that I know: There's no present like the future!
Your proud NAPO-LA Immediate Past President,
Chantale |
| A Message from Our New President |
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by Katherine Macey, Organize to Excel
and NAPO-LA President
Katherine Macey | I am humbled to be following in the footsteps of so many industry innovators and visionary leaders, and I am thrilled and honored to be part of the leadership team taking NAPO-LA into the second decade of this millennium.
Now is time for the new Board to make its own footprints. About the time that this article is published, the Board will be conducting its annual Retreat and deciding the direction the Chapter will take. While I do not foresee any radical changes, this Board, too, will have the opportunity to direct, improve, and continue to innovate in its own way. This year we will be taking a longer view than has been the norm in at least the last few years and developing the strategic direction for the next three years.
We are also looking at how our Chapter might provide volunteer services to the community. To have the biggest impact possible, we would like offer our services to an organization that serves the community. We need your recommendations for a worthy cause, so please submit a Request For Action (RFA) at or before the June 28 meeting. (The RFA form is available on the NAPO-LA website under Chapter Documents - Chapter Documents.) We will consider all the RFA's at the July meeting. I look forward to your submissions.
Both regular and associate members will continue to receive excellent member benefits; and educational opportunities will be improved for our members throughout the year. In the spirit of partnership, we are always willing to listen to suggestions for change, and please, if you ever experience something that is less than what you expected, let us know; we can't change what we don't know about!
As the Board embarks on its new term, I'm inviting them - and you - to choose some area of business practice or leadership to improve. In the spirit of creativity and play, be adventurous and explore ways to make a change this year. I invite all of you to engage in supporting each other to expand our businesses and ourselves.
Next time you speak to a member, ask "How can I support you?" and see what happens!
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| NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Info |
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by  Leslie Haber
An Organized Life
and NAPO-LA Director of Professional Development
MAY 24 MEETING
Conference Re-cap & Goal Setting
Fresh from their fabulous foray at the NAPO National Conference in Columbus, Ohio, participating chapter members will enlighten us with updates and informative summaries of their experiences.
This annual meeting topic is a popular one and gives Conference attendees the chance to share their perspectives on Conference (voted "Most Valuable Educational Resource" at the 2010 Los Angeles Organizing Awards!). Whether or not you attended this year's Conference, please come to the May 24 meeting to hear about the national outlook and the latest trends in our industry.
It will also be the perfect time to refresh yourself and your business and to set goals for the remainder of this year and into the next. Are you only part-time but want to move into full-time work? Do you want to expand your business by 10%? 50%? Are you ready to specialize? Are your ready to eliminate whatever obstacles may be blocking you from moving forward and open yourself up to new possibilities? Join us on Monday, May 24, and prepare to lay the track for your own future!
March Chapter Meeting Kudos
An enthusiastic "thank you!" to the participants at our March chapter meeting, "Seniors: Special Needs & Resources." An abundance of interesting
information was not only provided by our panel of experts but also by our fabulous moderator and NAPO-LA member, Dolores Kaytes of Highly Organized. Dolores offered detailed facts and statistics about our ever-growing senior population. Her charity work with seniors added a sharp perspective to the topic, and we were delighted she participated in this special presentation. Our informative, experienced panel included:
NAPO-LA President, Chantale Bordonaro, CPOŽ, CRTS, Simplicity Source
NAPO-LA member Sara Getzin, Hands on Organizing
Jeanette Chasworth (Aging in Place - www.chasworthplace.com)
Lisa Dickenson (Pacifica Home Solutions - www.pacificainhome.com) Betsy Pastorio (A Place for Mom - www.aplaceformom.com)
Our panelists answered questions concerning retirement and nursing home facilities, home healthcare and general care, medical insurance, senior placement, moving and downsizing, home-updating and more. Many resources were mentioned, and for your reference, here are several websites to check out:
Additionally, you may find helpful information by contacting Leeza's Place/A Circle of Care, Jewish Family Services, NAG and SAGE networking groups, and the Los Angeles County Department of Aging.
Please send meeting topic suggestions to Leslie Haber at professionaldevelopment@napola.org.
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| An Educational Development Committee Workshop |
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ON-LINE AND ON-THE-GROUND:
The Art of Networking
Presented by Donna D. McMillan and Regina Lark
When: Saturday, June 5, 2010
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Where: Circle of Care Leeza's Place
5000 Van Nuys Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
Cost: $99 for NAPO-LA members
$119 for non-members
(After May 25, add $15)
In order to be profitable today, business owners must focus on marketing their services and products in "all the right places." In this motivating, interactive training session, NAPO-LA members Donna D. McMillan and Regina Lark will help you to refine the skills necessary for successful networking, both on-line and on-the-ground. Networking is an established way to promote your business and your areas of expertise and also allows you to be an excellent referral resource. Donna will teach you skills for confident face-to-face networking experiences; Regina will demonstrate how to use social media (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook) to its maximum advantage.
- What is networking? Understanding the mind-set of in-person meetings and social media
- Why do networking? To clarify your motivation and objectives
- How to find a good fit? Match what you offer with the right people
- Where do you find your target market? Make connections through groups on-the-ground and on-line
- When do "they" find you? Discover which of your power tools will get you noticed
- How do you do networking? Find out how to go to the right places and do the right things
- Where and how do you manage your new contacts?
Identify paper and electronic solutions that will work best for you
Learn successful skills and techniques for local and worldwide networking. Workshop combines lecture, roll-play and hands-on exercises. Bring business cards. You are also encouraged, but not required, to bring your laptop (MAC or PC). Before the workshop, create accounts on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. After registering for this workshop, you may contact Regina Lark for assistance. >>>First 15 people to register will be entered to win a 1/2 hour consultation with either
Donna or Regina<<<
 Donna D. McMillan, an organizing industry veteran, has been coaching and training professional organizers since 1993, both in the U.S. and abroad. Since 1984, she has developed marketing strategies from her own experiences while building her businesses, McMillan & Company Professional Organizing in West Los Angeles and Island Organizers in Hawaii.
 Regina Lark is the founder and CEO of A Clear Path, a Los Angeles-based professional organizing business. She works with "Boomers," seniors, college faculty and campus administrative offices. She credits her success as a business owner to the art and practice of social networking. When she is not organizing, Regina is teaching. She offers de-clutter and social media workshops to non-profits and private corporations. Regina holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Southern California. Regina's contact information:Phone (818) 400-9592 Email regina@AClearPath.net Website www.AClearPath.net _______________________________________________________ For more information and to register click here napola.org
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| Think Green |
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by Julie Naylon
No Wire Hangers
Working as professional organizers, we are at the frontlines of the battle against clutter. And if you think about it, that means we're also eco-activists of a sort. By helping our clients to reduce their accumulated stuff and to recycle the things they discard, we are directly helping to fight against climate change. That's pretty green, but could we do even more?
I'm a minimalist at heart, so it's hard for me to get excited about buying anything. When working with clients, however, we do need to purchase some things; e.g., file folders and drawer organizers. And it's increasingly easy to be a smart consumer. More and more supply companies are turning green or at least offering products that are more environmentally-friendly.
 When searching for any item, type the word "eco" in front of it, and many options should appear. Just the other day I was looking for a tea box organizer, and I found a beautiful bamboo box at a very reasonable price. Bamboo is an easily renewable source, making it a better choice than a box made from trees that have been cut down. (The tea box can be found at www.stacksandstacks.com)
Here is another tip: When shopping, look for products with a high post-consumer content. Post-consumer content is recovered materials or waste that is diverted from the landfill and used to make new products. Buying products with post-consumer content keeps landfills lean and saves virgin resources such as forests. Sometimes these products cost a little more; but if we all start buying them, we can increase demand, and eventually, lower the price.
Most organizers offer moving services. This is a process that can be very wasteful: cardboard boxes are expensive and not very eco-friendly. But more green options are becoming readily available. One resource is to check the free sections of sites like eBay's Classifieds for free used boxes and packing supplies. Then, after you use them, repost them for someone else to use. Green moving companies, like Rent a Green Box, are eliminating the cardboard box altogether. As their name indicates, customers can rent boxes made from 100% recycled content.
Whether you are buying products for a job, or helping your clients to move, take a second to think if there is a better, more environmentally-friendly option. Together, as organizers, we are already helping to create better homes. And, together, we can also help to create a better planet. |
| Volunteers Honored |
| CONGRATULATIONS TO
Beth Ziegler and Claire Flannery
Co-Volunteers for the Month of March
Beth was chosen as Co-Volunteer for the month of March because of her work garnering outside publicity for NAPO-LA in our two largest special events: The Los Angeles Organizing Awards and The Los Angeles Organizing Expo. Beth also writes for the Los Angeles edition of Apartment Therapy, a popular online blog and lifestyle website, and has pitched stories related to our chapter events, researched the content and images to enhance the stories, linked to our website pages, and even interviewed celebrity hosts. Thank you, Beth. Write on!
Beth Ziegler | What is your business name and website?
Bneato and my website is
Where do you live and where do you do business?
I live in Echo Park and have clients in the greater Los Angeles area. Also have virtual organizing clients on the East Coast.
How many years have you been in business?
Four
How did you get into organizing as a profession?
I was the salon coordinator in a very disorganized salon (and because I worked there, I whipped their systems, products, etc., into shape). Around the same time, a client came in telling me they had just joined NAPO. (I had not heard of a professional organizer up until that point). When I got home that day, I went online, did tons of research and joined NAPO and NAPO-LA that day.
Where are you from originally?
South Carolina
What are your main organizing interests or specialties?
Office spaces, paperwork, email, time management, workshops, organizing boot camp
What do you like to do when you aren't organizing? Hobbies? Interests?
Playing the drums, running, seeing movies and spending time with my boyfriend and our four animals
What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?
I highly recommend volunteering (whether it be for NAPO-LA or other community organizations). You reap the benefits immediately by getting to know folks behind the scenes (and in my experience, I've learned tons from these individuals). I wish I could do more for my LA chapter and hope to serve in a larger role/context in the future.
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
Claire was honored as Co-Volunteer for the Month of March for her work on NAPO-LA's newsletter, The Los Angeles Organizer. When the last Editor resigned and the Director of Communications moved away, the newsletter was in flux. Claire, who had done a stint as Editor of the newsletter for four years, stepped back up to the plate to help get the newsletter out. There was no Publisher at the time, so it was a one-person job and required a great deal of work. Claire also serves as Editor-at-Large of NAPO-LA and helps out with many of our Chapter communications. She is a former Board member and has volunteered in various capacities over the years. Her efforts are always appreciated.
What is your business name and website?
How many years have you been in business?
Seven
How did you get into organizing as a profession?
When I took early retirement from my corporate job of 31 years, I was wondering what to do next so I went online and found NAPO and NAPO-LA. At my first Chapter meeting, I met Dorothy Breininger and signed up to work as an assistant for her. Learned a lot, networked, went to every organizing class I could find, read every organizing book I could get my hands on, landed my first client, and here I am: a veteran and member of Golden Circle.
Where are you from originally?
Boston
What are your main organizing interests or specialties?
Paper is my specialty, making custom-made filing systems. Also, I do bill paying for clients using QuickBooks. I will organize your closets, your cupboards or your cake pans, but I won't do moves.
What do you like to do when you aren't organizing? Hobbies? Interests?
I'm a joiner and love people, so being part of a book group, a knitting group, a library Friends group, my NAPO-LA neighborhood group are all important. I knit for the troops once a week, volunteer at LAX for Travelers Aid, help run library book sales, love to take classes in painting, calligraphy, tap dancing, etc. I'm also a certified Home Stager and love interior design.
What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, and what do you see as the benefits of volunteering?
The benefits are numerous: you really feel like you're a part of the group, you can meet so many nice people, form new friendships, network, learn new skills and, most importantly, give back.
Anything else we should know about you?
I live in Culver City with my husband, Frank. We just bought a condo in Palm Springs to use as a weekend getaway and will be back and forth. Love to travel and have been to 82 countries! Rescued a little dog, Tucker, who melts my heart. Life is good.
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Welcome to Our Newest Members |
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(818) 577-3258
 Nonnahs Driskill
Get Organized AlreadyLos Angeles (323) 646-3694
 Sharon GreenthalOrganize/PrioritzeLos Alamitos (562) 244-5674
 Kirsten Hanson-PressLA Homeworks
Los Angeles (310) 234-1968
 John HarrisGet It OrganizedPasadena (626) 354-3902
 Lois Koch
Let Lois Do It
Agoura Hills (888) 888-8357
 Lisa Suchesk(562) 438-5650
(800) 930-2573
(310) 499-8174
(562) 997-0056
(310) 650-6050
Bonnie Tone
Tone and Troup Organizing
Los Angeles
(310) 821-0609
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| Golden Circle World |
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TIPS FOR LONG-TERM CLOTHING STORAGE
 By Lynne Gilberg, CPOŽ, CPO-CDŽ
Lynne Gilberg Organizing and a Golden Circle member
Why would anyone need to store clothes long-term, you ask? Well, here is the short list: they sold their home and are living in an interim situation with teeny-tiny closets; they will be traveling extensively and renting out their digs; the clothes are seasonal/pre-diet/maternity, but extra closets are non-existent. I can't think of any other justifiable reasons.
People who fail to regularly purge their closets or are unrealistic about their actual living space are prone to this "solution". They are not addressing the real problem.
Long-term storage might be in the garage, other parts of the home or a rented storage unit. One might also know someone who does have extra storage areas they are willing to share.
How you store depends on where you store. If clothes are going to a rental unit or garage, considerations will be different than for items stored in your spare bedroom. Think about odors, moisture, insects, dust and wrinkles.
Thoroughly clean all clothes: stains that get stored may take up permanent residency and odors may become more pervasive than you care to admit. Add one or two dryer sheets to each container. Pack shoes separately.
Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids provide the best protection against moisture and dust. Line other containers with heavy plastic bags before packing. If the storage location is damp, include some desiccants. Purchase them online or in hardware, camera, or shoe stores. They come with most pairs of new shoes and better handbags.
Lavender oil and dryer sheets will dissuade some bugs; eucalyptus has a good reputation, too. Mothballs or crystals will protect woolens.
Cotton or plastic bags and covers protect clothing from dust. If storing clothing in an extra closet, first hang all the clothes, then cover everything with an old sheet. Use heavier hangers and layer clothes so that the easiest to clean is on top as a dust cover.
To prevent wrinkles, store longer clothes in bags from the dry cleaner; layer the bagged items in flat boxes, alternately folding them at the halfway point, one over the other. Tightly rolled sweaters and tees use less space and avoid sharp creases. Or use jumbo zip bags.
Large plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids or extra suitcases are fine storage containers. Given a smaller budget, use heavy plastic bags, but don't make them too heavy. Cardboard boxes are too vulnerable to moisture and critters.
For insurance purposes, list everything going into storage and take photos of particularly expensive items.
Remember to add up the cost of long-term storage - cleaning, containers, rental - plus possible loss - deterioration, water damage, theft - against the price tag on a few nice new threads when it would be time for the boxes and bags of old clothing to come back home.
Frankly, my dears, I'd rather go shopping!
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Golden Circle Hosts a Spring Brunch
by Ann Gambrell
Creative Time-Plus
and NAPO-LA Chapter Area Golden Circle Liaison
In April, the Los Angeles Area Golden Circle gathered at the home of Nancy Rounds-Miller in Palos Verdes for a delicious gourmet brunch prepared by Nancy's personal chef and husband, Mike Rounds. Co-hosting with Nancy was Toni Scharff. Seventeen members attended, including four first-time Golden Circle attendees: Chantale Bordonaro, Sara Getzkin, Sandra Ateca and Tom Neverman. Welcome to all. And thank you to our hosts and to Mike.
The first item on the meeting agenda was my turning over the Golden Circle "torch" to Mishele Vieira. As I step down from my long-time position as chapter liaison, I am confident that Mishele will do an excellent job of moving our Golden Circle in a fresh and exciting direction. Best wishes to Mishele. We are all behind you.
Mishele began by discussing future meeting themes and ideas. Our hosts are encouraged to incorporate activities, field trips, discussion topics, games, etc., into our meeting agenda. Stay tuned, as I think we are in for some new and interesting get-togethers.
Robin Davi, our NAPO (national) Golden Circle Co-Chair encouraged those attending conference in Columbus, Ohio, to take advantage of the three programs specifically for Golden Circle members. Not to be missed!
Our next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 17th, co-hosted by Claire Flannery and Rosalind Lakomy. Mark your calendar and watch for the Evite.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Golden Circle members for all your support these past years and I look forward to seeing you at our next Golden Circle meeting
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Ann Gambrell Passes Golden Circle Torch to Mishele Vieira
Ann Gambrell
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Ann Gambrell, one of the original founders of NAPO, has passed the Golden
Mishele Vieira |
Circle torch to Mishele Vieira. Ann worked long and hard to bring Golden Circle to where it is today in the NAPO-LA chapter and she is a vital part of the group. She assures us she will still be attending meetings, though maybe not quite so often. We know you've been there, done that, Ann - just like Oprah with her daily TV show. So sit back and relax just a bit (if you can) before taking on something new. Thank you for all your hard work and expertise. You're the best! And, Mishele, great to have you as our new Golden Circle Leader!
NOTE: Qualifications for Golden Circle membership include five years in business as a professional organizer and one year as a NAPO member. Quarterly meetings are held in the homes of Golden Circle members where we share information, network and get to know each other on a more personal and professional level. All eligible Golden Circle members are invited to join our group. Chapter membership is not required. More information is available on the NAPO national website or by contacting Mishele Vieira (goldencircle@napola.org).
2010 GOLDEN CIRCLE SCHEDULE
- Saturday, July 17 - Host: Claire Flannery, CPOŽ; Co-Host: Rosalind Lakomy
- Sunday, October 17 - Host: Robin Davi, CPOŽ, Co-Host: Beverly Clower
Track Those Gift Certificates
If you donate Gift Certificates to a charity's Silent Auction, be sure to number them and track them on a spreadsheet. California state law states that Gift Certificates can never expire, so they can show up years later and you may not remember what they were for. Submitted by Mishele Vieira, Away with Chaos Simplify your "To Do" Lists
"To Do" Lists can be long and complicated. Simplify your lists by getting a spiral notebook and on each page write the date in the top corner and divide the page into three columns going down the page. On one column write "To Call," on the second, "To Do," and on the third, "To Buy." Divide your list into these columns and try to group your tasks accordingly. You will find that you are more ready to make all your calls together instead of seaching down your old list to group the tasks. Each day or week rewrite your columns and see if you can consolidate as you go along. Save each page for review or phone retrival.
Submitted by Esther Simon, MSW, The Traditional Home Organizer
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| Members in the News |
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Beth Ziegler of Bneato was quoted in the April issue of Ladies Home Journal. In the article, "15 Ways to De-Clutter Your Life," Beth gave a solution for clearing your car of clutter once and for all. In addition, Bneato and Bneato Organizing Boot Camp were featured in the Los Angeles edition of Daily Candy (April 2010).
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ, SimplifyLA, kicked off IKEA/Carson's new "Get Organized" speaker series in April when she talked about Kitchen Organizing.
Regina Lark, A Clear Path, was quoted in the Wall Street Journal on April 8 in a "Cranky Consumer" column titled, "How a Pro Helps Tackle Clutter." And don't forget that Regina is LA's "Organizing Examiner" on Examiner.com, an Insider Source for Everything Local. If you like to write about organizing and de-cluttering, email Regina at regina@aclearpath.com and she'll post your article, bio, and photographs in her weekly column.
Esther Simon, MSW, The Traditional Home
Organizer, continued IKEA'S speaker series in May when she spoke about organizing books and toys for the entire family. Esther Simon | Donna D. McMillan of McMillan & Company Professional Organizing had two articles appear in the LA Organizing Examiner: "Tax Time Is Here!" ran in April, and "February is National Archive Your Files Month" ran the end of January.
Katherine Macey of Organize to Excel has also written for the LA Organizing Examiner: In May, her article,"Los Angeles Organizers Get Top-of-the-Line Training in Their Craft" appeared.
Nadine Levy shown here with Senator Barbara Boxer | Nadine Levy of Managment 180 was photographed (with daughter Sarah at her side) talking to Senator Barbara Boxer at a luncheon with the Valley Industry & Commerce Association. Boxer was touting economic progress in advance of what could be a tough campaign. (Los Angeles Times / April 7, 2010)
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NAPO-LA Neighborhood Groups |
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Neighborhood Groups hold informal bimonthly meetings throughout the Los Angeles area. These offshoots of NAPO-LA offer education, networking and support, and are a benefit of chapter membership.
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.
Glendale/Pasadena: Facilitator (open)
Hollywood: John Trosko, Facilitator
New Organizers: Facilitator (open)
Orange County: Gail Gray, Facilitator - Next meeting to be held in June. Date TBD.
South Bay: Beverly Clower, Facilitator - Next meeting is a breakfast meeting scheduled for July 10 at 8:30am. No venue yet.
Upland: Millie Hinkle, Facilitator - This group does not yet meet formally but communicates informally by phone and email.
Ventura: (includes Agoura & Santa Clarita): Kathryn Masci, Facilitator - Next meeting to be held at Kathryn Masci's house on May 22 at 10 am.
Westsiders: Toni Scharff, Facilitator - Meetings scheduled for July 11, September 11 and November 14, all held at 1 pm at the Spitfire Grille in Santa Monica.
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| CD Support Group |
|  by Jean Furuya
The Office Jeanie and Educational Development Committee Coordinator
If you work consistently with chronically-disorganized clients, you are invited to participate in an informal support group.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 20, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
Topic for discussion: "CD Clients: Couples Dynamics"
We will also spend time sharing our individual issues and experiences with clients. 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 an organization dedicated to bringing Southern California area organizers together through networking, education, professional growth, industry updates, support and public awareness.
NAPO-Los Angeles
PMB 134, 10573 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Phone 213-486-4477
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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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President
Vice President
Director of Administration
Audra Cottrell
