Tuesday, October 28, 2008

My husband just asked me to go on a chartered bus to LA for a business trip?

Me on a bus? I told him, "I don't think I can go on a long bus ride to Louisiana. This is to be fun?" He said, "Yes, when you get there you'll get a spa treatment." I'm thinking I might have to take a free pass on this one.

11 years of marriage?

Where does the time go? We survived the seven-year itch. Brett is a jewel. So sweet, kind and thoughtful. I don't deserve such a wonderful, perfect husband. What is the worst thing he does? Sometimes he snores and even then he moves to the other room!

Will be checking out The Vault in Fort Worth tomorrow night!

PRSA Members who are a part of the Master's SIG...

Get your tough questions ready for the
Presidential and other U.S. elections!


Joining us to answer them on Oct. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m.
at the Vault Mediterranean
Restaurant and V Lounge

will be Evita Neefs, foreign editor of the leading Belgian
newspaper De Standard,

a radio commentator on U.S. elections and politics,
and the author of several books.


Neefs is among several international journalists participating
in a program through

TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism to
"live in the environment they cover" for several months.

Involvement by the GFW PRSA Chapter is
being coordinated by Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA.



DATE/TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
5:30 - 8 p.m.


WHERE
The Vault Mediterranean Restaurant and V Lounge
At The Tower in Sundance Square
(525 Taylor at 4th Street)
Free Valet or enter Tower garage on 4th St.
just west of Taylor and exit free after 7 p.m.


5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Networking and Neefs Briefing & Q&A
Private room in V Lounge Wine & Martini Bar - downstairs
Complimentary - Light Appetizers and First Round of Wine/Beer

6:30 to 8 p.m.
Dinner with Neefs
(Dutch Treat)
PRSA-Reserved Tables - upstairs
The Vault Restaurant - one of Fort Worth's newest, hippest spots
Classic Mediterranean cuisine
Warm European ambiance with sophisticated yet casual elegance
www.thevaultdfw.com

Reservations Required
Event limited to first 20 people!
(Spouse or Guest Permitted)

RSVP to Joan Hunter at jhunter@the-t.com or 817-215-8973

Something from ANOTHER one of my talented friends!


Susan Langley from Lakewood in Dallas painted this desk for a teacher at Lakewood Elementary. How cute is this?


You can reach Susan here:
slangley@tx.rr.com

I need to find something in my house for Susan to paint! So cute!

GFW PRSA Blog

More information here:
http://fortworthprsa.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 27, 2008

PRSA National Assembly Update

A message from:
Susan Schoolfield, APR
Assembly Delegate
GFW PRSA Chapter
Dowden Custom Media
Susan.Schoolfield@dowdencustom.com


Thank you for this opportunity to serve as your assembly delegate while Heather Senter, APR, took a break to be with her growing family. It has been at least 10 years since I was an official delegate and during my participation in Detroit this weekend, I was reminded of the lasting vision of PRSA to unify, strengthen and advance the profession of public relations, and the important role that the Greater Fort Worth Chapter, and all chapters, play in achieving this vision.

Dan Kenney, APR, succinctly covered a good deal of assembly business conducted on Saturday earlier in the blog so I won’t repeat those areas, but will add my own observations of the day.

As Dan described, this year’s Assembly was different, and possibly the wave of the future for assemblies yet to come. The 300 assembly delegates were called on as a think tank to openly discuss industry issues and work on problem solving. To me one of the most significant outcomes from our table and much of the room is the need for each assembly delegate to serve not just in a short-term capacity as each individual prepares for and attends an international conference as a voting representative during the typical three-year stint, but performs every day as an ambassador between the chapter and the national organization.

News from the day:

First, I was proud to represent our chapter during the Assembly luncheon in accepting an Award of Honor, Chapter Diversity Award for the Greater Fort Worth Chapter, including a check for the chapter for $250. The Award was given to only three chapters nationwide. The Greater Fort Worth Chapter was chosen because it embodies and demonstrates key values in diversity as outlined by the PRSA mission statement and contributes to advancing diversity through best practices and case studies. We were also recognized as “Champions for PRSSA” for our ongoing support to area chapters and our scholarship program.

Many members may be aware that the national office has hired a web design firm, RDW out of Boston, and is working on the web site. Design work is due from the firm by the end of the year with 2009 being the year for construction. Stay tuned to National as to how this may alleviate the need and expense for individual local chapter sites or at least supplement existing chapter sites. Now’s your opportunity to view and comment on the site by going to Member Net on the PRSA website. You have until November 15. A number of other web developments from National, in addition to simplifying the look and usability of the site, include:

* A new feature called My PRSA that will be available to act as your individual source for important information to be pushed out to you;
* A couple of new blogs, including ComPRhension and a new leadership blog;
* A revamped job center;
* A new data collection procedure to help build support for individual members

Other announcements included:
* a health insurance program which will be available to interested members in February;
* More marketing and communications promoting the emotional aspect of joining PRSA;
* Ongoing exposure on Facebook, Linked In, Twitter and You Tube

Last, but certainly not least, our own Carolyn Bobo, APR, Fellow PRSA, was voted in as a national assembly delegate-at-large and will represent members who are not in chapter areas.

PRSA supports its members with a dedicated staff and volunteer board. Ongoing challenges continue to include promoting APR on a national basis to potential employers and members of the “C” team and keeping senior practitioners engaged.

Slides presented at conference will be available online on the PRSA site. If anyone is interested and has problems obtaining those, feel free to contact me.

Susan Schoolfield, APR
Dowden Custom Media
Susan.Schoolfield@dowdencustom.com

Friday, October 24, 2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Girls

The girls are staying SO BUSY with school, dance, tumbling, gymnastics and homework. Lots of reading, math and science project work this year.

Bryn has submitted her application and essay to be on Student Council! We are so proud of her.

Blaine is hoping for good news on the school play. Her teacher says she is "perfect, tops, and a wonderful student/teacher helper!"

Bella Boo is having a ball being a big girl. She is loving her school and learning so many wonderful Bible stories and lessons.

Political Season Update

The girls will be voting at their school come election day. Bryn had to interview her parents last night on who they were voting for so she could report back at school today. It was interesting dinner conversation let me tell you!

I love what our dear friend Le Moore shared with me this election season:

"Laura, David Brooks - my favorite conservative columnist - was asked what brought him around to Obama. In a moment of genuine candor, he replied, my wife and 2 daughters! I am pleased to hear that Brett is still the open and fair minded gentlemen that I met 10 years ago! 'Best, Le"


Monday, October 20, 2008

Miss Bella singing about how "Oh, the Lord is good to me"

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Non-Profit SIG to meet Oct. 28 - everyone welcome!

More info here:

http://fortworthprsa.org/pressroom.htm

Balcom Agency event this week! Oct. 23

RSVP to kim@balcomagency.com

GFW PRSA Master's SIG event Oct. 29



MASTER'S SIG HAPPY HOUR EVENT ~
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 29 WITH BELGIAN
EDITOR WHO COVERS U.S. POLITICS

* Option to Stay for Dinner for Lengthier Discussion at The Vault's Unique Mediterranean Restaurant

Get your tough questions ready for the Presidential and other U.S. elections!

Joining us to answer them on Oct. 29 starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Vault Mediterranean Restaurant and V Lounge
will be Evita Neefs, foreign editor of the leading Belgian newspaper De Standard,
a radio commentator on U.S. elections and politics, and the author of several books.

Neefs is among several international journalists participating in a program through
TCU's Schieffer School of Journalism to "live in the environment they cover" for several months.
Involvement by the GFW PRSA Chapter is being coordinated by Mary Dulle, APR, Fellow PRSA.


DATE/TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
5:30 - 8 p.m.


WHERE
The Vault Mediterranean Restaurant and V Lounge
At The Tower in Sundance Square
(525 Taylor at 4th Street)
Free Valet or enter Tower garage on 4th St. just west of Taylor and exit free after 7 p.m.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Networking and Neefs Briefing & Q&A
Private room in V Lounge Wine & Martini Bar - downstairs
Complimentary - Light Appetizers and First Round of Wine/Beer

6:30 to 8 p.m.
Dinner with Neefs
(Dutch Treat)
PRSA-Reserved Tables - upstairs
The Vault Restaurant - one of Fort Worth's newest, hippest spots
Classic Mediterranean cuisine
Warm European ambiance with sophisticated yet casual elegance
www.thevaultdfw.com

Reservations Required
Event limited to first 20 people!
(Spouse or Guest Permitted)

RSVP to Joan Hunter at jhunter@the-t.com or 817-215-8973

We hope you can join us for this unique opportunity to see U.S. politics from a foreign journalist's viewpoint.

FROM: Donna Darovich and Joan Hunter
Master's Special Interest Group co-chairs

Texas A&M

Gig 'em

Outdoor dinner at our house on a lovely fall evening






Sunday, October 19, 2008

Logan


The neighbor's son has adopted the girls and loves playing with them. This is the interaction today:

"Daddy's home." - as Brett drives into the driveway
"Moms, may I have some milk?" - to me

He looks like the little boy from Stuart Little!

In planning mode for our Halloween party at our house for the neighborhood kids

This year, here's what the girls will dress as:
Bryn - Pirate
Blaine - Fortune Teller
Bella - Pink Lady 50s girl

Beautiful Bryn!!!

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Bella as the Statue of Liberty

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Miss Blaine at the Scarecrow Festival! Happy Halloween!

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Big Girl Bryn at the Scarecrow Festival ! She is a great artist.

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Happy Halloween ~ a fun day at the Scarecrow Festival outside of Brenham

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A fun day at A&M, Oct. 18, 2008

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Blog Action Day 2008 - POVERTY

RE: An effort to end poverty and raise awareness of this global crisis.

Thank you, Richie, for sharing information about this effort.

Any individual or family could find themselves in a desperate situation due to these unique and difficult financial times. Let us look at the faces of those who are suffering and offer a helping hand, a kind word, an open mind and compassionate understanding.

Seek out agencies and organizations in your community who are working to end poverty, homelessness and serving those who are hurting, hungry and homeless. The Presbyterian Night Shelter in Tarrant County, the Tarrant Area Food Bank and countless other need volunteers, donations and more.

As the holiday seasons approach, consider how your family or organization can reach out and serve a family in need. "It does take a village" but one person after another can make an impact and a difference, too. Share the word and make a commitment and a plan for how you can be involved in helping to end poverty.

http://blogactionday.org/js/83ebb6e7d726f7406c8976d479c910ba09d884fc


Monday, October 13, 2008

From Wikipedia

In case you were wondering...

"Gray
or grey (see spelling differences) is the color of black and white mixed together. It is also the color of an elephant, cement, and pencil writing. Gray often looks like someone made white darker, but not so dark that it is black. In the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Ireland, and New Zealand, as well as a few other countries, this word is spelled grey. In the United States, it is spelled gray."

Feeling better today about the market!!

Hope things will take a turn for the better. I have good friends and family members who have been taking a beating in the stock market.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Congratulations to Linda Jacobson, APR!

She earned her APR this month! Very excited for her!

Three cheers to Richie for posting a live blog from our PRSA meeting today

Way to go, Richie, you social media guru!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Thanks to everyone who was a part of the Cowtown Brush Up on Saturday.

To Lauren Kwedar and all of the PRSA volunteers ~ Thank you!

Lisa Vannatter and Ryan Moore are married!

Congrats! The HMFW girls were all together. Lisa looked just like a princess ~ Grace Kelly is what people kept saying.

Friday, October 3, 2008

PRSA event at Balcom Agency

Save the date!

PRSA Mix and Mingle
WHERE: Balcom Agency
Fort Worth
Oct. 23
5-7 p.m.
RSVP to kim@balcomagency.com

Laugh a little (or a lot!)

Laugh a little (or a lot!)

Bryn

Bryn
Big sister, age 9

Blaine

Blaine
Middle Sister, age 7

Bella

Bella
Baby Girl, Age 4

Brett and the girls

Brett and the girls

Mom and the girls

Mom and the girls