November / December
2010
Volume 18, Issue 1
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Who's Who |
Board of Directors
Katherine Macey
(310) 806-2580
Donna Rosman
(310) 910-3268
(562) 235-1908
Regina Lark (818) 400-9592
Kim Rocke
(661) 294-0043
Cynthia A. Smith
(310) 827-3705
(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
Mishele Vieira, CPOŽ, Chair
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
Toni Scharff
Esther Simon
Tina Brooks
2011 Los Angeles Organizing Awards & Expo
Robyn Reynolds, Co-Chair
Donna Rosman, Co-Chair
Meeting Assistant
Open
Coordinator: Kathyrn Masci
Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena:
Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ
Orange County:
South Bay: Beverly Clower
Upland: Millie Hinkle
Ventura: Kathryn Masci
_______________________
Coordinators &
Committee Chairs
Robin Davi, CPOŽ
Photographers
Sara Getzkin
Donna Rosman
Professional Organizers Learning Academy
Jean Furuya
Dolores Kaytes
Donna D. McMillan
Registration Assistant
Kelly Erwin
Silent AuctionLisa Sucheck
Visitor Liaison
Lori Gersh
Website Coordinator
Webmasters
Heidi Chianta
Yahoo Group Moderator
Open
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Meeting Information
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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
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Board Meeting Mini-Minutes
AUGUST 2010 - CDs from April NAPO National Conference are now available in chapter's lending library for members to borrow
SEPTEMBER 2- Board appointed Robin Davi as Director-at-Large
- Chris McKenry will be assisting with the January Leadership Forum (stay tuned for exciting details)
- Dolores Kaytes will be assisting with nominations
OCTOBER 2010
- October is NAPO-LA membership renewal month.
- The Board approved a proposal for a Chapter Community Service Project to help organize the dresses for the "LA Prom Closet."
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Leading Edge Award
2009 - Robin Davi
2008 - John Trosko
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Dolores Kaytes
2005 - Jodi McDaniel
2004 - Chris McKenry
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Raising the Bar Award
2009 - Leslie Haber
2008 - Chantale Bordonaro
2007 - Jodie Watson
2006 - Chris McKenry
2005 - John Trosko
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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
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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
Professional Organizers Learning Academy
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| Associate Members | |
(310) 418-9297
(310) 205-3590
Go Junk Free America!
(800) GO JUNK FREE
(310) 527-6085, ext. 1332
Moving & Storage
(310) 451-7221
Custom Garage Systems
Email Gus Gougas
(818) 232-7683
 Office Organization Products
Custom Glide-Out Shelves for Cabinets & Pantries |
| 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.
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| Newsletter |
The Los Angeles Organizer
Editor
Claire Flannery, CPOŽ
 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 MembersSubmit ads to editor@napola.org
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NAPO-LA CALENDAR
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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
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President's Message
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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
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| NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Info |
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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
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!
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Los Angeles Organizing Awards
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In partnership
with
Presenting Sponsor
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.
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RAISE YOUR HAND
by Millie Hinkle
The Organized Estate
and Volunteer Liaison for
the Los Angeles Organizing Awards
 The
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.
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NAPO National Conference Dates
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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.
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| Silent Auction Volunteer for November |
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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.
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NSGCD Changes Its Name
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The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization
renamed
Institute for Challenging Disorganizati on
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."
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Organized Karma
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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
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Linda Levine-Quackenbush
Volunteer of the Month for August
 Linda
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'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
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)
 | Left to right: NAPO-LA Chapter President Katherine Macey with POLA Committee Members Donna D. McMillan, Dolores Kaytes and
Jean Furuya
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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.
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Welcome to Our Newest Member
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 David EverettEverett Organizing Services
Yucaipa
(909) 570-4814
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Harold Taylor Time Consultants
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Is the Internet Making Us Stupid?
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.
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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  of 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 |
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SECRETS
OF
THE ORGANIZER'S TOOLBOX
Products, Gadgets & Resources
Presented by Tanya Whitford, CPOŽ
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 |
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| Golden Circle World |
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Get Smart; Take Part
by Debra Frank, CPO-CDŽ Let's Get Organized
and a Golden Circle MemberI 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
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.
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 significant ly
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
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NAPO-LA Neighborhood Groups
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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 |
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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
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| 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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Director at Large
