March 24 Dinner Meeting Recap
On Wednesday, March 24, a smaller group of just 17 of us enjoyed a lovely dinner at Café Calamari, with the superb levels of food and service to which we’ve become accustomed. (Thank you La Croix family, Corey, and staff.) The major difference on this evening was the stunning beauty of the blue water reflecting the sunset, after months of ice and earlier darkness…
I suspect one of the reasons for our lighter attendance was the fact that some of our members may inadvertently think of our meetings being on the “last” Wednesday of the month, when they are actually on the fourth Wednesdays . Hence, an occasional fifth Wednesday can confuse things… I also hope some were spending well-deserved “spring break” time with their families and friends.
WE have always believed in “quality not quantity” and enjoyed a wonderful evening of discussing what will be fresh and new in our own lives this spring.
Nancy Waspi, owner of Golden Oaks Mansion – looking radiantly renewed and refreshed, shared that she has slightly surrendered control of her destiny and has put her faith in God. It certainly looks good on her, and we wish her continued success and happiness. (Nancy graciously hosted a wonderful event for the Network a few days later, documented elsewhere.)
Kathryn Loprino, owner/operator of the Williams Bay Public House – shared that in addition to taking charge of her personal wellness through a new fitness program, she and her husband have taken “spring cleaning” to a higher level by meeting with their entire staff and encouraging everyone to rid all negative attitudes and behaviors. A wonderful leader, Kathryn says with her gorgeous smile, “They don’t have to like me, but they do need to respect me.” Kudos for good management - which ultimately reflects in excellent service experiences.
Marlynne (MJ) Hodges, owner of Rainbow Heart Wellness – is awaiting her favorite sign of spring – the sound of her backyard frogs singing. MJ enjoys the soothing sound of the frog songs as much as her massage clients enjoy her therapeutic services.
Karen Conell, owner of The Bark Market LLC – loves all the blooming in her yard and invites all pet lovers and local businesses to support her and others at the Pet Wellness Expo April 17 at Burlington High School (www.petwellnessexpo.com) and at Bark For Life on June 12.
Linda Stevenson, owner of Stevenson’s Trendsetters – appreciates that business picks up with the warm weather, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to return to regular walks along the beautiful Geneva Lake shore path.
Alicia Nordwig, our faithful administrator - is ready to come out of hibernation and explore new spring opportunities! She credits Isagenix with her renewed energy and vitality.
Donna Stackpool, D.C. Stackpool Chiropractic – Donna too, has recently met with staff about spring renewal of positive attitudes and best practice standards. She is doing a lot of educational speaking this spring and invites us all to follow her offerings on the practice’s Facebook page.
Judy Adams, a representative of Pre-Paid Legal Services – will soon have pussy-willow cuttings available to share, and is following Hemingway’s advice of “Just WRITE!” by blogging and exercising her creativity. She shared that her husband Ed is very good at presenting the insurance coverage of Pre-Paid Legal in a private business reception setting, for those interested in learning more about it.
Kristina Ericson, fashion advisor with lia sophia jewelry – took a few minutes to share her shiny new “spring bling”, and a few words about how owning her own company through this opportunity has positively changed her life. Kris and Adam have confirmed their wedding date of September 25, 2010!
Jacque Gratz, and her guest Andrea Peterson, are busy planning a lakeside educational retreat for their Gold Canyon team members and peers, and are utilizing the experience of members of the network. We love collaboration! Jacque spends much of her springtime “sitting on bleachers” supporting her boys, but reminds us to bring the aroma of spring indoors with her candles … this girl is good!
Gretch Hladish, Executive Producer of Midwest Artist Network – is soon launching a dynamic and interactive web site – www.midwestartistnetwork.com – and reminded us of a very important mantra: “Actions tolerated are actions taught.” We had a very interesting discussion on boundaries and behaviors, proving that a more intimate group can more easily discuss important topics like this one. I look forward to more such discussions.
I end this recap with another important lesson, shared by Sharon Shelton, Senior Solutions Simplified:
It is what it is…
It will be what it will be.
Flexibility is the answer
Acceptance is the key…
Thank you Sharon and everyone who shares their words of wisdom with our Network.
Oh - what spring thought did I share? I am heading south for some much needed R&R with two of my favorite guys - Easter Blessings to all…
Denise ~ 3/30/10
Next monthly dinner meeting: Wednesday, April 28.