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July/August 2007 Volume 14, Issue 5
In This Issue
 

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

NAPO-Los Angeles
Who's Who

President:
John Trosko
johntrosko@napola.org
323-512-7039

Vice President:
Jodie Watson
jodiewatson@napola.org
818-590-7800

Treasurer:
Josef Csongei
josefcsongei@napola.org
213-422-0765

Secretary:
Claire Flannery
cflannery@napola.org
310-822-1820

Director of Administration:
Toni Scharff
tonischarff@napola.org
310-450-2633

Director of Communications & Technology:
Susan Culligan
sculligan@napola.org
661-713-3723

Director of Finance:
Dina Durrer
dinadurrer@napola.org
818-789-3555

Director of Marketing:
John Harris
johnharris@napola.org
626-795-0476

Director of Membership:
Chantale Bordonaro
cbordonaro@napola.org
310-600-2601

Director of Professional Development:
Dolores Kaytes
dkaytes@napola.org
310-798-8011

Immediate Past President:
Chris McKenry
chrismckenry@napola.org
323-525-0678

Coordinators &
Committee Chairs

Associate Members:
Barb Schmit
Database/Directory:
Jodi McDaniel
EDT Program:
Jean Furuya
Golden Circle:
Ann Gambrell
Greeter Coordinator:
Christie Gelsomino
Greeters:
Elizabeth Butler
Charlotte Mathews
Tina Parish
Barbara Ricketts
Historian:
Christie Gelsomino
Librarian:
Carlene Faerber
Meeting Assistant:
Toni Scharff
NAPO in the Schools:
Deborah Kawashima
New Member Orientation:
Jean Furuya
Ann Gambrell
Photographer:
Sara Getzkin
Public Relations & Media:
John Harris
Registration Assistant:

Silent Auction:
Dina Durrer
Volunteer Coordinator:
Abbey Keusch
Webmasters:
Susan Culligan
Laura Johnson
Rhoda Webster


The Los Angeles Organizer
Newsletter Staff

Editor:
Claire Flannery
cflannery@napola.org
310-822-1820

Publisher:
Laura Johnson
laurajohnson@napola.org
818-707-1225

Proofreaders:
Sheila McCurdy
Toni Scharff

Submission Guidelines: Published six times per year (January, March, May, July, September and November). All articles are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Submit text in Microsoft Word attachment or type directly into email message. Attach visuals as .jpg or .tif. Send to cflannery@napola.org.
Deadline: All articles must be received by the 25th of the month prior to publication.

Advertisements: Ads appear as icons on an html page and include a hyperlink to your website. Send camera-ready art in .jpg format at 72 dpi to laurajohnson@napola.org. All camera-ready art and payments must be received by the 25th of the month prior to publication. Payments to be arranged with Josef Csongei, Treasurer, at josefcsongei@napola.org.


Ad Size: 125x100 pixels
Ad Price: $25 Members,
$35 Non-NAPO Members
Coupon: This feature allows advertiser to provide a text of 50-75 words for a more detailed description than the sponsor link
Coupon Price: $35 Members,
$45 Non-NAPO Members

National Membership

Annual Dues:
$200 - Individual
$150 - Associate-Branch
$250 - Associate-Local
$550 - Associate-Corporate
$20 - New Member One-Time Processing Fee

Chapter Membership

  • NAPO National membership required.
  • Membership includes electronic newsletter.

    Annual Dues (Oct. to Sept.):

    Members
    $100 - Level 1 - Basic Member w/website listing
    $150 - Level 2 - Basic Member w/website listing and paid meeting fees (Available only with annual renewal in September.)
    $150 - Associate Member/Branch
    $250 - Associate Member/Local
    $25 - New/Lapsed Member Processing Fee
    $10 - Meeting Fee

    Non-Members
    $25 - Visitor Meeting Fee

    Membership Report

    April - No Chapter Meeting

    May Chapter Meeting
    40 Members
    13 Visitors (record-breaking number!)
    53 Total Attendance

    June Chapter Meeting
    39 Members
    4 Visitors
    43 Total Attendance

    Total Chapter Membership is 116

    Mini Board Minutes

    May 2007
  • Chapter purchased full set of 2007 National Conference CD's
  • Maria Parkinson resigned as Director of Finance
  • Task Force formed to decide direction of Organzing Expo

    June 2007
  • Policy and Procedures manuals will be put on the website.

    Assistant's List

    The Assistant's List is available as a resource connecting those available to serve as assistants to organizers who need them. To be included on the Assistant's List, send an email to assistant@napola.org. Include your name, phone number and email address. The list is only for members of NAPO-LA and does not guarantee work. The Assistant's List is found here in the newsletter and also under the "Members Only" section of the chapter's website.

    Marie Sooter
    310-893-4900
    emariesooter@hotmail.com

    Rhoda Webster
    818-281-0950
    theorganizingco@aol.com

    Laura Johnson
    818-707-1225
    letmerearrangeyou@earthlink.net

    Susan Eleftherakis
    323-662-3291
    susan@spatialclarity.com

    Justine Miceli
    310-980-7891
    micelico@earthlink.net

    Maria Parkinson
    213-926-4901
    maria.parkinson@yahoo.com

    Joanna Sletten
    310-975-9095
    joanna.sletten@gmail.com

    Robin Valdez
    818-886-9635
    expert_organizers@msn.com

    Wendy Cross
    818-259-7437
    wendylmc@aol.com

    Carol Hogg
    818-631-6362
    clhoggie7@adelphia.net

    Joan Chodorow
    310-396-6997
    yasmine@usinter.net

    Carlene Faerber
    805-816-2062
    carlene@sheorganizesstuff.com

    Nadine Levy
    818-585-4828
    nadine@management180.com

    Marion Logan
    661-803-2070
    millennium-1@sbcglobal.net

    Randy Sandiforth
    616-403-9052
    rsandi4th@aol.com

    Chantale Bordanaro
    310-600-2601
    chantale@simplicitysource.com

    John Harris
    626-795-0476
    getitorganized@hotmail.com

    Katherine Macey
    310-806-2580
    katherine@organizetoexcel.com

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    A professional organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. A professional organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefit.
    From the National Associaton of Professional Organizers

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NAPO-LA is not responsible for the products and/or services advertised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    For more information on becoming a NAPO member, click here.
  • Quick Links...





    Reminder:
    The Los Angeles Organizer is published bimonthly. Look for "Announcements from the Board" in between issues. Deadline for submissions for the September/October newsletter is August 25.

    NAPO-LA CALENDAR

    July
    20 NAPO-LA Newsletter is emailed
    23 NAPO-LA Board Meeting - 2:30 pm
    23 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting - 6:15 pm
    26 L.A.'s Largest Mixer IX

    August
    25 Deadline for submissions for September/October
    NAPO-LA newsletter
    27 NAPO-LA Board Meeting - 2:30 pm
    27 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting - 6:15 pm

    September
    20 NAPO-LA Newsletter is emailed
    24 NAPO-LA Board Meeting - 2:30 pm
    24 NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting - 6:15 pm


    President's Message

    NAPO-LA Turns Up the Heat This Summer

    By John Trosko
    OrganizingLA
    and NAPO-LA President



    July and August bring images of lazy, hazy summer days - vacations, family barbeques, and (of course) that dreaded garage clean-out. Living in sunny Southern California, we're fortunate to have pleasant organizing weather year-round. And that means you - as a NAPO-LA member - can be busy year-round, too. Not only with garages, but with other areas of the home and office as well.

    Summer or not, NAPO-LA isn't slowing down. Our programming and events continue to sizzle. Here's a paparazzi's snap-shot of what's bubbling:

    • Just this past month, the Educational Development Committee celebrated another successful program hosted by veteran organizer Esther Simon. Plans are already underway for an October 13 educational program featuring two topics: managing your own business and making the best use of your time.
    • Our professional development team has lined up hot summer programs beginning July 23 when Dr. Cal Caswell of the Small Business Development Center at Loyola Marymount will give our chapter meeting attendees insider tips on owning and operating a successful small business.
    • LA's Largest Mixer co-chairs Chris McKenry and Lenora Thomas have put together a large volunteer team to market our chapter and our directory of organizers and to promote the value of organization to Los Angeles businesses, city chambers and area business people. The big event takes place on July 26.
    • NAPO in the Schools continues to develop with a major push to set up web pages on the local and national level. Deborah Kawashima's teleconference (see related article) will provide protocol, step-by-step guidelines and a presentation how-to when the program is brought into local schools this fall.

    In fact, all departments of our volunteer leadership team are in full swing.

    Membership is gearing towards renewal planning. Marketing is working on several exciting press releases. Special Events is moving forward with a revamped Vendor Expo for October, and the 2008 Organizing Awards, our signature event, in January. The treasurer is executing the preliminary plan for the 2007-08 budgets. Golden Circle is meeting and planning for the fall. And fundraising is working in all areas to beef up revenue. Wow, I'm sure I forgot something!

    So as the weather heats up outside, why not continue to evolve your business this summer and all year round.


    NAPO-LA Chapter Meeting Information

    Upcoming Meetings

    By Dolores Kaytes
    Highly-Organized
    and NAPO-LA Director of
    Professional Development

    July 23
    Managing Your Small Business

    Dr. Cal Caswell of the Small Business Development Center at Loyola Marymount University will be our featured speaker and will inform us of the many services offered FREE by the SBDC to those of us who run small businesses. Dr. Caswell spent thirty years in aerospace in the area of acquisition of new business, is active in consulting, including work at SBDC and has been honored four times as the "Outstanding Staff Member" at El Camino College. He has also been honored for his work with training in the federal corrections program. He is the director of the El Camino College Business and Entrepreneurial Success Training Program (BEST).

    August 27
    The Chronically Disorganized Client

    How do you handle clients who hoard, shop excessively and generally have difficulty letting go? Our colleagues who specialize in working with the chronically disorganized will offer advice to those of us who encounter these difficulties, which may include referring the client to an NSGCD specialist.

    Kudos

    It was wonderful to have NAPO in The Schools co-creator, Deborah Kawashima, demonstrate the methods volunteers use to help elementary school students get organized. We now are so much better informed about the wonderful initiative she and Laurie Clark started.

    And, a great big thank you to Esther Simon for sharing her expertise on dealing with children's memorabilia and mementos. Her presentation was, as always, entertaining and enlightening.


    Silent Auction for July
    Tanya W 2

    She is Truly an Organizing Wonder


    Tanya Whitford


    Tanya Whitford, CPO® started her company, Organizing Wonders, in 1999, and specializes in residential organizing. She enjoys getting to know families and individuals and helping them achieve their goals. Her clients are predominantly creative types from actors to writers, but also include everything from rocket scientists to hoarders. In May, Tanya passed the certification exam for professional organizers and is happy to now hold the designation of an inaugural CPO®.

    Tanya has been an active volunteer since joining NAPO-LA. She has served on the Board of Directors as Secretary, Communications Director, President, and Past-President. She has volunteered as the newsletter editor and publisher, webmaster, and countless small jobs in between. She was honored with the President's Award at the 2005 NAPO National Conference along with the Chapter Relations Committee for their contributions to NAPO chapters and standardization. These volunteer experiences have been invaluable to her growth as an organizer and business owner.

    Also a member of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization where she is a Chronic Disorganization Specialist and an ADD Specialist, Tanya holds all eight Certificates of Study that are offered including "Basic Hoarding Issues with the CD Client" and "Understanding the Needs of the Student CD Client."

    Tanya was a speaker at the last three NAPO-LA Conferences giving workshops on both starting your organizing business and products every organizer should know about.

    She loves working on paper, personal finances, budgeting, computers, products, digital gadgets, and taking a day off from work to go to the movies. If you want to know about any - or all - of these areas, place your bid!

    NOTE: The Silent Auction is a regular fundraiser for our NAPO-LA chapter and is held at most chapter meetings. Bidding takes place by simply entering your bid on the sign-up sheet as the clipboard circulates the room. The "Winner" is annnounced at the end of the meeting and is entitled to a one-hour session with the Silent Auction volunteer either in person or on the phone.


    Silent Auction for August
    BeverlyC

    Bid on This Most Amazing "Dinosaur"


    Beverly Clower

    One of the founders of NAPO, Beverly Clower never misses an opportunity to speak on NAPO's behalf.

    She brought a long career of office administration to her business, Office Overhaul, which she founded in 1982. Beverly's specialty is office organization with an emphasis on paper management. Filing systems are her forte, and that aspect of organizing has only grown with the advent of computers.

    The abundance of home offices was a surprise in the beginning but became a pleasant adjunct to working with small businesses and large corporations. Organizing home offices led to accepting other home organization projects for her clients and that brought a welcome variety to her experience in the field of professional organizing.

    When talking with NAPO members, Beverly is candid and free with her answers, suggestions and advice. She calls herself a "dinosaur" in the field, being dazzled at the accomplishments of the upstarts who have taken NAPO to unimagined heights. She continues to give her time to new and aspiring professional organizers and her continuing experience and respect for the profession makes her a veritable wealth of information.

    Beverly moved to the South Bay in the fall of 2006 but still travels to the Westside of Los Angeles for new and continuing clientele.

    If you want answers to all the questions you don't even know how to ask, bid high for an hour of Beverly's time. You'll be glad you did.

    NOTE: The Silent Auction is a regular fundraiser for our NAPO-LA chapter and is held at most chapter meetings. Bidding takes place by simply entering your bid on the sign-up sheet as the clipboard circulates the room. The "Winner" is annnounced at the end of the meeting and is entitled to a one-hour session with the Silent Auction volunteer either in person or on the phone.


    A Major Networking Event


    For the third year in a row, NAPO-LA will join 30 Los Angeles County chambers and business organizations, plus hundreds of exhibitors, for the ultimate business networking event! Mix and mingle with business people representing hundreds of industries and companies in and around Los Angeles County. LA's Largest Mixer IX is a great opportunity to reach small to large companies, meet new clients, and learn how the different chambers of commerce and business organizations can make your business grow.

    Date:
    Thursday, July 26, 2007

    Time:
    5 - 9 PM

    Location:
    Shrine Auditorium Expo Center
    700 W 32nd Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90007

    Mixer admission:
    $20 at the door
    (no registration necessary)

    Parking: $5

    While you are networking, stop by the NAPO-LA booth and thank the following volunteers for promoting your chapter:

    Chantale Bordonaro
    David Cohen
    Josef Csongei
    Robin Davi
    Dina Durrer
    Sara Getzkin
    Leslie Harber
    John Harris
    Brenda Sue Jacobs
    Carol Keller
    Katherine Macey
    Chris McKenry
    Donna McMillan
    Barb Schmit
    Marie Sooter
    Lenora Thomas
    Jodie Watson

    Click here largestmixer.com for more information.


    Golden Circle Update
    Golden Circle mtg July 07

    Summer Circle




    by Ann Gambrell Creative Time-Plus and Golden Circle Liaison

    "Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy" was the theme of the July 14 Golden Circle gathering at the home of Ann Gambrell. Jean Furuya co-hosted the event.

    Ann brought updated information on Golden Circle activities as well as an update about members with physical/medical needs to the 17 members in attendance. Jean shared educational training information from the Educational Development Committee. Beverly Clower and Carol Keller volunteered to write articles for the Golden Circle column in upcoming chapter newsletters. Eight members volunteered to host Golden Circle meetings in 2008.

    The Tips project is still going strong. Wendy Cross offered to work on a possible chapter Tips booklet; Carolyn Strauss offered to help.

    The upcoming Golden Circle panel at the September NAPO-LA chapter meeting was discussed and several topics were offered for consideration.

    The meeting came to a close with a new twist. Everyone had been asked to bring a joke or cartoon to share with the group. This was a huge hit and some even received prizes!

    The next Golden Circle meeting will be on Sunday, October 21, with co-hosts Carolyn Strauss and Diana Ryan.

    For more information on Golden Circle,
    contact Ann Gambrell
    Email: gambrellann@aol.com


    Certified Professional Organizers
    Tanya W 2

    A Prestigious Study Group!




    By Tanya Whitford, CPO®
    Organizing Wonders

    We passed!

    It has been a busy and exciting year for some NAPO- LA members! Many of us were in a study group preparing ourselves for the BCPO Professional Organizer certification exam. It turned out to be a wonderful experience for those involved as we bonded, shared insights, and learned a lot from each other. Deborah Kawashima, CPO®, of creativeOrganizer said, "Just the studying alone was well worth the effort of taking the exam. I gained so much new insight from all the books I read, especially on the subject of transferring of skills." No matter how long you have been organizing, there is always something new to learn and this exam is the perfect excuse to challenge yourself a little.

    I like taking tests. I know that may sound crazy, but I like the challenge! Cramming in our hotel room the night before the exam reminded me of college and walking into the big room to take the test reminded me of the SAT's. It was exhilarating! When I left the exam room, I felt satisfied. It wasn't too hard - but it certainly wasn't too easy. It was just right! I was confident that I had passed but knew that I may have felt differently if I hadn't been in a study group and actually studied.

    The results came in a month later and emails were flying as we shared our good news with each other. Then certification packets arrived with the benefits we now receive as CPO®s and ways to help us market our new standing. Mishele Vieira, CPO®, of Away with Chaos said, "I'm really thankful that NAPO and the BCPO were able to make the dream of certification a reality. Our industry just keeps getting better and better."

    Congratulations to the following NAPO-LA members who passed the certification exam to become inaugural CPO®s and/or CPO-CD®s. They now hold a special place in NAPO history.

    Chantale Bordonaro, CPO®
    Robin Davi, CPO®
    Lynne Gilberg, CPO®, CPO-CD®
    Cindy Kamm, CPO®
    Deborah Kawashima, CPO®
    Sheila McCurdy, CPO®
    Marcy Melton, CPO®
    Barbara Ricketts, CPO®
    Mishele Vieira, CPO®
    Tanya Whitford, CPO®


    Golden Circle Column
    AnnGambrellNew

    Home Sweet Home Is Possible!


    By Ann Gambrell
    Creative-Time Plus and
    Golden Circle Liaison

    Here are some tips to turn your home into an inviting haven at the end of a busy day:

    1. Tackle the clutter by doing a little each day. Use a timer. Set up a maintenance plan with family members to keep it tidy. Delegate -- everyone benefits.

    2. Create easy cleaning techniques. Keep cleaning supplies in each room that has a a sink. Eliminate knick-knacks that require extra cleaning attention. Dust or vacuum one room a day, one cleaning task in the bathroom daily, wash one load of laundry daily, etc. Bit by bit makes it easier.

    3. Bring TV clutter (popcorn bowls, etc.) to the kitchen at bedtime to avoid facing it in the morning.

    4. Have all family members return personal items - clothing, shoes, toys, homework, etc. - to their rooms at bedtime. Place back packs at the door before bedtime as well.

    5. Plan slow-cooker meals to be ready when you get home. Make a double recipe and freeze one.

    6. Cook breakfast for dinner as a quick meal. Cook on the weekend, freeze in family size quantities for when time & energy are lacking.

    7. Have a routine homework time daily and before leisure time. All will benefit!

    8. Assign chores: set or clear the table, feed the pets, take out the newspapers/trash, etc. Weekly chores free up the weekends for family activities.

    9. Set aside one family evening routinely for movies, games, cooking together or ordering take out -- just having fun. No chores.

    10. Above all -- be flexible when your day doesn't go as planned. Reduce stress by switching to "Plan B" -- which is whatever it takes to get through it.

    Once you have some of these techniques in place, entering your home after a busy day will be a pleasure not a problem.

    © 2007 Ann Gambrell


    May 2007 Volunteer of the Month
    Charlotte Mathews

    Q&A with Charlotte Mathews



    Business Name?
    ExtraWife

    When did you start your business?
    2002

    Where do you do business?
    Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley and sometimes further afield.

    How did you get into organizing as a profession? Friends and I helped each other get organized and found that, lo and behold, we could do it for others - and get paid for it!

    How did you come to join NAPO-LA?
    We looked on the internet (great things, computers!), came to a meeting, were impressed, liked the people, and joined.

    What has been your experience volunteering in NAPO-LA, the benefits of volunteering?
    Meet people, learn more.

    What are your main organizing interests and areas of organizing?
    Residential organizing, including home offices. Also helping older people downsize (e.g., when moving to retirement facility) and helping "pack rats" look at their things differently (a lot of education there). We also work with the L. A. Department of Mental Health Taskforce on Hoarding and Cluttering under G.E.N.E.S.I.S., which works with older people in the Los Angeles area.

    Anything you would like to say about yourself?
    I've had four children, was divorced, then got an MBA from USC at the ripe old age of 47. Worked for First Interstate Bank for 17 years. Retired and then started this business at age 71 - it's fun! Lived for a year in England and a year in India. Fascinating!

    NOTE: Have you volunteered yet to help out NAPO-LA in some way? Then you, too, could be voted "Volunteer of the Month" or even "Volunteer of the Year." And when you are, it will be your turn to answer these questions so that all of us in NAPO-LA will get to know you just a little bit better!

    To find out about volunteer opportunities, contact Abbey Keusch
    Email: abbeyclaire@sbcglobal.net
    Phone: 323-461-9555


    One Organizer's Recommendation
    SusanCulligan.jpg

    A Low-Tech Approach to Dust & Allergens

    By Susan Culligan
    Got to Get Organized
    and NAPO-LA Director of Communications & Technology

    Some things just don't need high-tech solutions! As an organizer, I often work in dusty environments, and I hate to use a mask for many reasons, but I worried that I was exposing myself to dust and allergens. Well, I was watching Oprah one day when Dr. Oz was on (he's terrific - he wrote the book You-An Owner's Manual), and he was demonstrating something called a "neti pot." This is an age-old method of sinus cleansing used by yogis for centuries!

    It's a little pot that looks like a small teapot (see photo). You fill it with very warm water and either non-iodized table salt or one of the special neti pot salt mixtures, then you actually pour it into one nostril with your head tilted, and it runs out the other nostril. You do this on both sides (I actually bought two pots, so I can mix them at one time).

    It takes a little getting used to, but now I just love it and look forward to doing it every day. You'll feel a sense of lightness in your sinuses afterwards, and it washes out all the "yuck" you pick up during the day.

    I bought mine at Whole Foods, but you can get them in health food stores or online. One company I found that looks good is The Peaceful Company (nice name!). This link will take you to their neti pot page. peacefulcompany.com

    For anyone who has allergies or sinus headaches, it's pretty amazing. Try it out!


    Tips Program
    Remind resized

    A Website Is a Must

    One of the best ways to gain more business is to have a website. Without it, prospective clients will go to another organizer who does. In this technology world you will never convince someone that you're really in business without a website.

    Submitted by Sheila McCurdy
    clutterSTOP

    Keep that Silver Gleaming

    Wrap newly cleaned and polished silver in plastic wrap. Make sure there are no air openings and the silver will be ready for use when you need it, even after a few years.

    Submitted by Beverly Clower
    Office Overhaul

    About the TIPS Program:
    NAPO-LA's TIPS Program is managed by the chapter's Golden Circle members. Ann Gambrell is the chair and invites all chapter members to submit their organizing tips via email or on index cards that will be available at the monthly chapter meetings for deposit into the "Organizing Tips" box.

    TIPS are requested in two categories:

  • "Tips from Pros" are organzing tips for clients/the public.
  • "Tips of the Trade" are tips for organizers to use in their businesses.

    When submitting TIPS, you are invited (optional) to include your name, business name and contact information. This will serve to promote you when the client/public TIPS are posted on the NAPO-LA website's home page.

    Email your TIPS to: gambrellann@aol.com


  • NAPO in the Schools
    Deborah preferred

    NAPO in the Schools to Launch Nationally

    By Deborah Kawashima
    creativeOrganizer

    With the elementary school program all set to go, NAPO in the Schools will launch nationally in the Fall.

    The taskforce is busy putting together the final details. Web pages are being developed for the NAPO.net website to introduce NAPO in the Schools to the public as well as to NAPO members. The website will have a "members only" section to answer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and to sign up for teleconference training calls.

    The NAPO in the Schools middle school and high school programs are still in development. Donna Goldberg, author of The Organized Student, has honored us with her expertise on our taskforce calls to help us create the best possible programs. NAPO-LA and NAPO-Chicago will be part of the pilot program this coming school year. After completing a successful pilot program, the middle school and high school programs will be launched.

    NAPO in the Schools brings professional organizers into the schools to teach basic organizing principals and the benefits of being organized to students. The interactive presentation is a community program that can be done on either a chapter level or individually by a NAPO member. It can also be used as a marketing tool for members to get a foot in the door at a particular school and is an excellent way for you to volunteer and get involved with your chapter.

    We are currently looking for NAPO-LA members interested in either working with us or recommending elementary schools that might be interested in this program for the coming school year. In August, at a date, time and place to be announced, there will be a training session for NAPO-LA members interested in volunteering for NAPO in the Schools.

    For more information, or to volunteer for NAPO in the Schools,
    Email: deborah@creativeorganizer.com
    Phone: 323-656-9665


    New NAPO-LA Members

    A Warm Welcome to
    NAPO-LA's
    Newest Members!

    Sheila Byers
    Sun Valley





    Brenda Sue Jacobs
    At Your Service, Etc.
    Los Angeles



    Carol Keller
    Organizing Experts
    Venice



    Marie Sooter
    Santa Monica





    Lenora Thomas
    Nories Nice 'N Neat
    Los Angeles





    And A Warm Welcome Back to...

    Christine Cohen
    Christine Cohen Professional Organizing, Etc.
    Beverly Hills







    NOTE: "Warm Welcome" is a new feature of The Los Angeles Organizer. If you just joined NAPO-LA, be sure to get your photo taken at the next chapter meeting! Or email your photo to the Editor along with your name, your business name, where you live, and the date you joined.Send to cflannery@napola.org


    CD Clients -Support Group

    Hoarders and Families




    By Jean Furuya
    The Office Jeanie

    If you are a member of NAPO-LA working consistently and on an ongoing basis with chronically disorganized clients, you are invited to participate in an informal support group. Our topic of discussion will be "Hoarders and Families." Time will also be spent sharing individual issues.

    This meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 14, from 6 - 8:30 pm. Limited to 10 attendees.

    A simple potluck is planned.

    To RSVP or for more information, contact Jean Furuya
    Email: jean@theofficejeanie.com
    Phone: 310-316-1753


    Special Offer to NAPO-LA
    Cary Brazeman-headshot

    Garage Envy Offers 10% Referral Fee

    By Cary Brazeman
    Associate Member
    Garage Envy, Inc.

    Garage Envy, named "Best Garage Design Company" at the 2007 Los Angeles Organizing Awards, is now offering a 10% referral fee to NAPO members.

    If your client wants to organize a garage, Garage Envy's services could be the perfect complement. Our focus is on those dirty, messy add-on spaces to houses which are supposed to hold automobiles but often don't. What they do hold, however, is the potential for incredible storage and tremendous organization.

    Garage Envy works effectively with professional organizers by encouraging NAPO members to not just hand off business but to be involved in the design of a customer's garage storage project. If you know the client well and have worked together in other areas of their homes or lives, then you might just want to be involved in the garage venture as well. Or, if you prefer, refer customers directly to us and we will take good care of them. Either way, we'll reward you with a referral fee of 10% on all revenue generated, including labor and materials.

    Garage Envy designs and installs total garage makeovers. We use custom systems that may include heavy-duty premium cabinets (which are thicker and stronger than closet cabinets), slatwall, shelves and accessories. The company also is renowned for its garage floors, which come in a variety of finishes and surfaces. Click here www.garageenvy.com for more details.

    For more information about Garage Envy's referral program,
    contact Cary Brazeman
    Phone: 310-205-3592


    Product Spotlight

    Sheet Protectors in a Dispenser Box?


    By Barb Schmit
    Associate Member, Esselte

    Trying to carry a box of sheet protectors can be frustrating. The top of the box has a tendency to come off, scattering the sheets in all directions. And when you want to pick up just one, the static makes them stick together.

    Esselte has developed an efficient way to take care of those problems. Called the At Hand Sheet Protector Dispenser, it is designed to work much like a sandwich bag dispenser, allowing only one to pop up at a time. The box itself is quite small and can easily be carried along from client to client.

    The sheet protectors come 50 to a box and are available in two weights:

    (1) the standard weight with a crystal-clear finish

    (2) a lighter weight with a non-glare finish.

    What are you waiting for?


    Members in the News
    Newspaper

    Laura Johnson, Let Me Rearrange You, was featured in a the May 2 edition of Home Improvement Magazine - South Bay. In her redesign projects, Laura uses what the homeowners already have in their homes, so this fit in perfectly with the theme of "decorating on a dime".

    Gus Gougas of OrganizIT! let us know that in June, consumer advocate Allan Mendelson of KCAL Channel 9 recognized OrganizIT! as one of his "Best Deals" and ran a segment highlighting OrganizIT!'s garage organization products and services.

    John Trosko, OrganzingLA, was featured in the June 19 edition of Frontiers Magazine, Southern California's largest gay and lesbian magazine. Trosko gave away his secrets on clearing clutter in the home and office.

    Cary Brazeman of Garage Envy shared the fun fact about Garage Envy's sponsorship of the "Messiest Garage Makeover Contest" in May. The KTLA Morning Show ran the contest and aired the spectacular finished results.

    Evelyn Gray, a long-time NAPO-LA member, recently received her CPO-CD (Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization) designation and ADD Specialist and Chronic Disorganization Specialist Certificates from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD).


    NAPO-LA EDC Program

    Mentors and Coaches Directory

    The Educational Development Committee (formerly the Mentoring, Education and Training Committee) has provided a listing of organizing consultants in NAPO-LA who are available to provide guidance, advice and support to potential, new, and existing professional organizers.

    If you are interested, contact the consultants directly for information and fees. NAPO-LA provides the listings only and has no involvement with the consultant and/or the organizer or client. Click below for details:

    Mentors and Coaches Directory


    Mark Your Calendars

    EDC Plans Two October Training Sessions

    (1) Running a Successful
    Organizing Business

    We are pleased to have Lynn and Kevin Hall present a topic that has been requested by so many members in our recent survey. They will give thorough guidelines for organizers who want to improve their skills on the business side of the organizing business.


    (2) It's About Time...
    Time Management Strategies
    for You and Your Clients

    In the afternoon, our own Chris Reiter will teach us all about a subject with which she has had great experience. This class on time management will cover both personal and business issues, as well as how you can help your clients improve their own time management skills.

    The sessions will be offered on Saturday, October 13.

    For further details, contact Jean Furuya
    Email: jean@theofficejeanie.com
    Phone: 310-316-1753


     
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    Looking for guidance in your organizing business?
    This is the place!

    (advertisement)

    Mentors and Coaches Directory

    Organizers offering their services:
    Jean Furuya
    The Office Jeanie
    Dolores Kaytes
    Highly-Organized
    Sheila McCurdy
    clutter STOP
    Jodi McDaniel
    CSG by Design, Inc.
    Donna McMillan
    McMillan & Company

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    Luxury Closets

    (advertisement)

    Get It Together LA's award winning designs and custom construction will satisfy your wardrobe's organizing requirements and meet your discerning taste.

    Jewelry Drawers
    Built-in Hampers
    Tie, Belt, & Handbag Compartments
    Finest Finishes

    Call 323-525-0678 today and ask about our NAPO referral program.

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