February 2010 Monthly Working Girls Lunch Quest

Wendy VanHatten

This month Wendy VanHatten (VanHatten Writing Services) and I (Anna Campbell a soon to be real estate agent in Pleasanton, CA), visited the charming and amazingly full town of Danville, CA.   Danville, CA is located in Northern California, south of Sacramento and north of San Jose.  The city of Danville, CA website boasts of a “Small town atmosphere, outstanding quality of life”.

Our quest started by finding our destination for lunch, The Peasant & The Pear located at 267 Hartz Avenue Danville, CA 94526.  When first entering this town our visual senses are immediately aroused by the colorful window coverings, antique doorways, and assortment of shops and eateries.  We had found a piece of heaven tucked away in the hills of Northern California.

The Peasant & The Pear

The Peasant & The Pear was slightly hidden behind the buildings of where we first entered, and after driving into town and around the corner we found a very nice free parking area that opened up to even more gift shops and delicatessens.  Wendy and I  like to meet at 11am so that we can enjoy a full two hours of  time together each month.

Since The Peasant & The Pear didn’t open until 11:30am we had ample time to stroll through town and select the few shops we would stop at after our lunch. The decision became increasingly harder as we continued to work our way around this very full small town.  Doors to exquisitely decorated shops were standing open to us, shop owners greeted us cheerily, and passerbys smiled friendly as we continued our stroll.

The Peasant & The Pear

It was getting close to 11:30 am and we headed back to our destination for lunch. We browsed the menu upon entering the warm and cozy restaurant. The selections included Nicoise Salad (Seared ahi tuna, potatoes, green beans, olives & hard-boiled eggs on organic baby greens with sherry-shallot vinaigrette), Harvest Flat Bread Pizza (Bacon, mozzarella, dried champagne grapes & rosemary), and a Grande-Mere Gourmet Sandwich (Grilled Fulton Valley Farms chicken breast, crisp granny smith apples, brie, lettuce & mayo on a ciabatta roll).  The air was filled with the scents of herbs, garlic, butter, and bread coming from the kitchen. We were seated within minutes and immediately felt at home.

The server arrived with a charming large bottle of water and glasses. She made us feel welcome, shared the daily specials and encouraged us to take our time to make the perfect selection for our lunch time get away!  We drank in every word of our menu and kept sharing our desired selections with each other until we had finally decided upon the perfect dishes!  Wendy selected the Pear Quesadilla (Fresh pears & brie in a grilled flour tortilla, served with spicy pear chutney) and I selected the Rodzilla Burger (Grilled certified Angus burger with cheddar, bacon, crispy fried onions, lettuce, tomato & barbeque sauce on an artisan bun). Basic lunch prices range from $7.95 to $13.95 and their large lunch entrees ranged from $12.95 to $23.95.

We slowly enjoyed our meals and chatted away as happy little birds feasting on our favorite delicacies.

It was now time to investigate the cute and charming shops we had selected to visit! We were off on a quest to find a superb little shop that we could share with our readers! Our favorite shop of this trip was the “Garden Seed” owned by Robyn Robertson located at 352 Hartz Avenue Danville, CA 94526.

Upon entering this shop our eyes explored the garden pots, flowers, and garden decorations. And then the entire world stopped!  We were enveloped into pink feathers, glittery stones, and sweet aromas. We had entered a brand new world. This world was full of keepsake cards, fun jewelry, yummy candies, and amazing art.

We knew that to truly enjoy this shop we would have to return and visit several times before seeing everything Robyn had carefully placed throughout this maze of creations and gifts.

Robyn Robertson

Wendy purchased the  prettiest ring from Robyn and I can’t wait to hear about when and where she wore it for the first time!  The Garden Seed brings together creations and treasures from today and years past. The quality of items was unsurpassed.

Every corner shared a new secret and new treasure.  We found a stuffed chicken decorated for the ball, a Christmas tree made from a mannequin’s body and a chandelier, beautiful umbrellas, and the most amazing glittering chandelier I have ever seen.

Garden Seed Chandelier

Robyn and her staff are truly creative spirits. They custom decorate lampshade and chandeliers for their clients. Unusual ribbons are sold by the yard in their back room, and watch out for the amazing assortment of candies.

I am excited about visiting again to select a different type of candy. It would probably takes us a several years of visiting Robyn’s store before tasting each of her chocolaty and candied treats.

Their treasures from the past include antique furniture, artwork, silver, and glass items. Robyn is always on the look out for antique items her clients are looking for.

Wendy and I will be exploring Danville, Ca again on Friday, March 12, 2010.  On that trip our quest is to visit Sideboard for lunch, the Garden Seed, and a new shop destination for exploration and conquest!

March Success Event ~

Strategic Social Media for Entrepreneurs and Small Business

Date: March 10, 2010

Time: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Lakewood Village, 5100 Randol Mill Road, Fort Worth, TX 76112

Register: http://www.c3forwomen.com/events?eventId=119328&EventViewMode=EventDetails

Strategic Social Media for Entrepreneurs and Small Business

Social Networking can be a great benefit to your brand. Knowing what “socnets” to use, how to use them and the critical elements to consider when creating a successful social brand for your business or non-profit. Discover how this free medium can help your business to connect with your target market, build client databases and cultivate relationships in just a few hours per week.

Move beyond the buzzwords and learn how to use Social Media to make a tangible difference in your marketing strategy.

In this seminar you will learn:

1. Types of social networks

2. Key elements in creating successful networks

3. Do’s and Don’t of business social networking.

4. Create an efficient system to integrate into your current marketing/PR plan.

5. How to increase your brands “socnet” worth.

Dawn Mann, personal brand expert, is the Founding Principal and President of the award-winning firm Break of Day Design AD & PR LLC (BOD) in Dallas, Texas. The firm was established in January of 2000 with several major clients on their roster.

BODD is a strategic branding and advertising agency specializing in creative for entrepreneurs and small businesses including the global arts, sports and entertainment industries. Earning two IABC Bronze Quill Awards for design and recognition from Girls Incorporated National, this award-winning firm is a leader in the branding industry.

With over a decade in the business, Dawn’s career path has included working as an art director for Magnolia Media, publishers of Ft. Worth Texas Magazine, PetLife, and Kitchens & Baths. Dawn concluded her corporate career in branding for the sports industry as a senior designer for Donruss/Playoff where she developed and designed sports trading cards, sales collateral and POP. Her skill set also includes photography, typography, and corporate identity development.

C³ for Women’s monthly Success Events feature a different business topic each month, delivered by a professional speaker. By attending regularly, you’ll become educated on a variety of topics related to your business, empowering and equipping you to create more success where you want it.

During our unique Success Events, you’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with a small group of women in business, receive encouraging feedback and gain much needed support. With C³ for Women on your side, you will be equipped to create a successful busines in 2010!

Success Events are FREE for Members, and guest registration is $35. You’ll meet new women business owners, and have the opportunity to collaborate on challenges, gain feedback on decisions, or brainstorm new ideas with a small group of women business owners.

Countryside Connection was founded by Heléne Leichter-Saxby, a former Country Innkeeper, Artists’ Representative and Author of  Cooking Inn Style. Today, alongside Countryside Connection, Heléne and her husband Alan run their own rural business, Once Upon a Pine www.onceuponapine.co.uk where they offer handcrafted reclaimed wood furniture and decorative items, cushions created from their vintage fabric collection, unique clocks and art combining selections from their vintage magazine collection with reclaimed wood to add history and warmth to your home.

Countryside Connection was born out of the desire to offer a new kind of  networking. Much is made of the term, but at its heart it simply means “getting the word out”. Making new contacts with other rural businesses, run by people who share your ideals; for local producers to supply local business and individual consumers and for local enterprise to benefit and strengthen the communities in which we live ~ our goals are the exactly the same as yours. In addition, with mail order and online availability members are able to expand their ties and networking to include members in other parts of the country as well as internationally.

Our monthly  ’News and Views’  category features information, experiences, networking, products and ideas from members of our ‘village’. Please return often as new input is added as it happens ~ on the farms, in their studios, bed and breakfast inns and  rural businesses. Enjoy what they have to share and please send an email with anything you would like to comment upon. We would LOVE to hear what is happening in and around your own home and in the villages, towns and cities you live in!

The combining of agriculture and tourism is a natural and rewarding one for everyone. Farmers describe “Agritourism” as a perfect marriage that benefits individuals pursuing both endeavours as well as the community as a whole. Please click here to learn more about Agritourism

Countryside Connection has a strong foundation and history of cooperative country enterprise. We know from firsthand experience as former owners of  Beckwood Pond: “An English Inn in the Vermont Countryside” the success one derives from sharing and supporting one another. Without creating a strong networking system we would never have achieved the success and international recognition we enjoyed. The connections forged are invaluable and enrich all aspects of one’s personal and professional life.

Farming communities in New England and England enjoy a proud and strong agricultural history. We are grateful to have lived as part of those towns and villages in both countries. Bonds forged with the important tourism industry enable many farmers to thrive in ways previously unimagined. Excerpts from some of the many Testimonials we have received attest to the benefits our Founding Members firmly believe resulted from their close ties with us and others in their rural business community.

Please take a few moments to read Heléne’s personal letter Letter from founder Our business combines our expertise and experience in the most fulfilling way possible ~ using our firsthand knowledge to help and support others to grow and prosper. Our goals reflect the very best of rural life and its people. We hope as consumers you will also choose to Join Us today through our Public Support Membership and in working together to support the offerings country living and its businesses have to offer. Please help us in our goal to keep country life and its history alive and thriving.

Founder Heléne Leichter-Saxby has spent more than thirty years living in England and America.  She is a former Country Innkeeper, Artists’ Representative and Author of  Cooking Inn Style:  A Collection of Country Inn Recipes from England,  Ireland, Wales and New England.

The first gender-focused small business development center in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Formed in July 1995 with the assistance of a matching grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women Business Ownership, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) fosters the development and retention of successful businesses by delivering resources that enable individuals to start new businesses and grow existing ones. While the center is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, the services are open to all individuals.

Our mission, aligned with the mission of the Greater Philadelphia Region, is to:

• foster economic development,
• advance small business initiatives, and
• create and retain jobs in low-and moderate-income areas.

WBDC offers a comprehensive menu of training, counseling, and networking programs and services. The Center continuously offers the following programs:

Programs are funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions, or services. All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Entrepreneurial Training
Offers a 10-week start-up business plan course, a 5-week start-up program, 2-hour workshops, a 10-week business growth series and a 1-day strategic planning session for established businesses.

Business Finance Program
Helps you evaluate your business’ current financial conditions, plan for growth, access loans from banks, government agencies, community organizations and provides loan packaging assistance and individualized financial counseling along with financial education programs.

Child Care Program
Offers an 8-week Family Child Care Entrepreneurial Program that teaches the basics of running a profitable family home-based child care business. Assists family, group and center-based child care businesses by providing training and counseling.

WBDC also facilitates the relationship between corporations, government and women-owned businesses to provide growth and sustainability through our Women’s Business Enterprise Council of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Southern New Jersey (WBEC PA-DE-sNJ).

Women’s Business Enterprise Council PA-DE-sNJ
A marketing, procurement and certification assistance council whose goal is to increase the growth of business between corporations, government and women-owned enterprises and to assist corporations and government agencies to open the door of opportunity for women-owned businesses by developing world class supplier diversity programs. As a partner with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEC certifies women owned businesses to do business with the Fortune 1000 corporations.

http://www.womensbdc.org

Let Virtual Author Assistant professionals turn your paperwork into something greater. We work closely with each one of our clients to provide all the services they need to succeed.

Editors, Designers, Author’s Assistants and Marketers play an important part in your manuscript-to-bestseller journey. When you hire Virtual-Author-Assistant professionals you have the advantage of a whole team working just for you and your manuscript. There is no need to search and search for a missing piece. We do it all for You.

Our Editor will do more than spell check…much more. She will offer advice on proper formatting and spacing, while systematically helping your piece flow better. All comments will appear on your manuscript for you to review. Press Releases, Author Bio and other Copy are part of our complete package.

Let our Typographer and Designer give your book the appearance it needs to fly off the shelves. She will add graphical treatments where necessary, pull quote boxes as appropriate, format the typography that by all appearances is invisible and put your Table of Contents together. The layout of your book, its copyright page, any welcomes, introductions, resource pages and its cover are all included in the services of Virtual-Author-Assistant.

We will handle the permission process, ask for reviews and testimonials, find a photographer, obtain necessary codes and bars…as well as all the many other items necessary for your book’s completion.

Quality books deserve all the quality marketing advantages. Someone who knows how, when and where to market your book is who you want working for you. Our Professional Marketer completes that process for you…the author.

Let the professionals prepare your book for greatness. http://www.virtual-author-assistant.com/

Meet our team ~

Cindy Clark received a gift from her last employer in 2000, and was laid off from her position in the corporate world. Not one for being “stuck” very long, Cindy decided this was a great time to start her own business, helping others in their businesses. Coming from a background in Marketing, this seemed like a logical path for her to follow into Entrepreneurship. Cindy has been helping authors and small business owners with their marketing and communication strategies for the past ten years. Cindy currently owns two businesses and is the National President of a women’s non-profit organization, the Women Business Owners organization http://www.womenbizowners.org. As a life-time learner, Cindy continuously pursues new knowledge through professional and personal development. Watch your book fly off the shelves – let Cindy’s marketing know-how show you how!

Wendy VanHatten left the corporate world to become a professional freelance writer and editor. In addition to her editing business she is an internationally published travel writer and photographer and an author. Wendy has written a how-to book for travel writers, a human interest book about her son and his time in Iraq and a book about women and success. Several times a week you can find travel tips and destination pieces on her blog, www.travelsandescapes.blogspot.com. She also blogs for The Reporter in Vacaville, CA. Her travel website, www.travelsandescapes.com, features sample articles, photos, and links. Her writing website, www.vanhattenwritingservices.com, details writing services offered. And her website, www.mylifethesequel.com is where you can find her success book. Wendy has taught courses at the college level regarding health care administration, career writing, effective communication, success for women, and goal setting

Delaine Ulmer left her career to stay-at-home with her young son…and became a “Mom-preneur” instead. By following her love for creativity and art, she launched a small graphic design company that became an instant success.

With an amazing 95% of her business coming from referrals, she built a virtual team for administrative support.

Delaine is a sought-after designer who has been in business for over 4 years. She has designed everything from logos to info products and along the way helped many businesses establish their company brand…but her first love is designing books. Delaine has worked with numerous different industries and truly understands how to take your vision and turn it into a reality.

Featuring Barb Craft, “Speaking Naturally”

Date: February 10, 2010

Time: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Location: Woodhaven Country Club; 913 Country Club Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76112

Register:

http://www.c3forwomen.com/events?eventId=109687&EventViewMode=EventDetails

Do you want to become a better communicator? This seminar is packed with several tips for you on the art of unique and balanced communication. You can put these tips to use right away – and you will speak with more poise and confidence while you are working, eating dinner, or just having fun with your friends!

Barb Craft is owner and CEO of Craft Training Center (CTC), a communication skills training company. Barb is a certified presentation skills expert that enjoys working with busy people to prepare a dynamic speech in minimal time. Barb’s clients include individuals with jitters about their first speech, along with organizations and corporations that need their staff trained and ready to present in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

CTC holds the exclusive position of being the only resource in North Texas that offers the proven SpeakersTrainingCamps®, which has been provided to companies such as British Airways, Owens Corning, and General Dynamics.  Barb is a member of the National Speakers Association, Toastmasters International, and the American Society of Training & Development.

Whether you are a customer service employee, a sales industry professional, an executive manager, or even in between life’s transitional phases; when you incorporate Barb’s speaking tips …you will be able to communicate better ~ naturally! Craft Your Communication & You Craft Your Success!

www.CraftTrainingCenter.com

C³ for Women’s monthly Success Events feature a different business topic each month, delivered by a professional speaker. By attending regularly, you’ll become educated on a variety of topics related to your business, empowering and equipping you to create more success where you want it.

During our unique Success Events, you’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with a small group of women in business, receive encouraging feedback and gain much needed support. With C³ for Women on your side, you will be equipped to create a successful busines in 2010!

Success Events are FREE for Members, and guest registration is $35. You’ll meet new women business owners, and have the opportunity to collaborate on challenges, gain feedback on decisions, or brainstorm new ideas with a small group of women business owners.

Our annual 5K/10K run to raise scholarship funds for college-bound youth. All Rotary Club of Pleasanton, CA members are expected to volunteer for this event. More information at: www.spiritrun.com

The Rotary Club of Pleasanton was founded July 17, 1965 and currently has about 100 members.  The Rotary Club of Pleasanton participates in a wide variety of local and internationally focused projects.  http://www.pleasantonrotary.org/

The Club has a special interest in community youth and dedicates much of its energy to helping local young people develop into caring, responsible citizens. We also have concern for our seniors and have several projects dedicated to helping improve the lives of those in their later years.

Student Achievement Awards – Each month, students from Pleasanton High Schools are selected for special recognition based on academic and other noteworthy achievements. Winners are invited to attend a Rotary lunch meeting where they are honored for their accomplishment.

Spirit Run (5K and 10K Race) – One of our primary fund raisers held each Father’s Day. Funds generated support educational scholarships for high school students from Pleasanton’s four high schools (Amador, Foothill, Village and Horizon).

Senior Holiday Dinner – The Club hosts an annual holiday dinner for over 350 seniors. Rotarians set-up the dining room, cook turkeys, prepare and serve the meal, and entertain the guests.

Club foundation – The Club Foundation provides the vehicle for high school scholarship distribution through the Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee. Typical applicants may not have the best academic record, but have experienced adversity, and have demonstrated a desire for continuing their education and the potential to succeed. Forms: 2008 Scholarship Information Sheet (PDF); 2008 Scholarship Application (PDF)

Wheelchair Project – A major international project. Over the past four years, working in partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation (founded by Ken Behring), the Club has provided nearly 3500 wheelchairs to those in need of mobility. Many Club members traveled to receiving locations in Mexico and South America to participate in the distribution process.

Rotary Gives Thanks – Once a year, Rotarians help Pleasanton seniors and shut-ins with cleaning and light home maintenance tasks.

Rotaplast Project – Another major international activity. Club raises funds to support medical teams dedicated to providing free reconstructive facial surgeries to underprivileged children. Several members serve as volunteers.

Interact – A Rotary sponsored club at Amador High School which introduces students to Rotary and involves in community service projects.

Community Projects – Recent past projects include enhancement of the Arroyo del Valle, lights for school tennis courts, fixing up the Pleasanton cemetery, and trees for the sports park. Club chartered and sponsors Boy Scout Troop 911.

SOCIAL EVENTS – Our Club holds a number of social events each year where good times and good fellowship prevail. Events include a Progressive Dinner, Christmas/Holiday Party, Golf Outing, Ski Trip, Bocce Ball Tournament and new ideas are always welcomed.

Curious about becoming a Rotarian?

Here’s how to join the Rotary Club of Pleasanton:

• Each new member of Rotary must be sponsored by an existing member of the club. If you do not know an existing member of the club, contact the President or Membership Director (available from home page of this website).  You can be their guest, they will make sure you are welcome and will find you a sponsor.
• Potential new members visit as guests to our lunch meetings several times in order to see what the club is all about.
• Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

Pleasanton Leo Club will be hosting a Valentine’s Dance for all junior high students on Friday February 12 from 7-11pm at the Lion’s Club Pavilion. Admission will be $5 and consessions will be available. There will also be drawings for door prizes throughout the dance. The dress code is not necessarily like the school’s, but we ask that clothes be modest or we will turn you away at the door.
Hope to see you there! For addition information, please contact an advisor.

The Pleasanton Leo club was established in 2002 by the Pleasanton Lions Club in Pleasanton, TX, which is known for being the Birthplace of the Cowboy. The Pleasanton Leos take part in many fundraisers and service projects with their fellow Lions. The biggest projects they help out with every year are Cowboy Homecoming, Skeeter Bass Tournaments, Jr. High Dances, feeding campers at the Texas Lions Camp, Wild Game Dinner and highway cleanups. They also take part in many leadership conferences in and out of the state.

What is Leo Club?

Participation in a LEO Club program enhances the lives of young people. Today, the Leo Club Program is stronger than ever. Community service remains the cornerstone of the program. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo club members enjoy serving their neighbors and watching positive results unfold.

As active community members, Leos learn the true meaning of the LEO Club motto: Leadership, Experience, Opportunity

Leadership– Leos develop skills as organizers, time managers, and motivators of their peers

Experience– Leos learn the importance of cooperation through community service

Opportunity– Membership in a LEO Club provides young people with a chance to excel, to develop character traits, and to receive recognition for their contributions to the community

The LEO Club objective is “to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national, and international community”.

What is the Rotary Leadership Institute?

The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world. It is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control. The RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in member districts identify those Rotarians who seem to have the POTENTIAL for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills for voluntary organizations.  For more information, please visit http://www.rotaryleadershipinstitute.org/

What is the cost, and who should attend?

Registration for each course is just $95. This fee includes breakfast, lunch, course material, and lots of Rotary fellowship.  Making this a good investment in your club’s future also, it is an honor and benefit of membership to your future leaders and tells them the present club leaders have faith in them.  We recommend you sponsor someone like your President Nominee, club directors,  committee chairs, etc.  However, any active member of your club may attend. For more information, please review the RLI Policies from this link.

What are the Member Districts served by the Sunshine Division?

Officially, Districts 6890, 6900, 6910, 6920, 6930, 6940, 6950, 6960, 6970, 6980, 6990, 7000 and 7020 representing all Rotary clubs in Florida and Georgia, Puerto Rico and a large area of the Caribbean Rotary clubs are the current active districts.

What does a course incorporate and how long are the courses?

The Institute offers a leadership development program in three full day sessions where each course requires approximately seven hours to complete. Courses must be taken in sequence - Part 1, Part 2 and then Part 3. Once you have taken Part 3, you are considered a RLI graduate and entitled to register for the more advanced graduate courses –  (currently Graduate  Membership) Our Discussion LeaderTraining courses are by invitation only.  The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge and to develop leadership skills for voluntary organizations such as Rotary.

When and Where are the next classes, What is available?

Click the COURSE SCHEDULE tab for a complete listing. View Course Schedule and Training Agenda and View Maps/Directions to Training Locations.

How can I find which courses I have taken and where?

Click the COURSES TAKEN tab above for a complete listing. They are listed alphabetically within district number.

What Time Do The Sessions Begin?

Unless otherwise noted on the Attendees Webpage, REGISTRATION AND BREAKFAST BEGIN AT 7:30 A.M. AND TRAINING SESSIONS START AT 8:00 A.M. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ARE INCLUDED AS PART OF YOUR REGISTRATION FEE.  SESSIONS END AT 3:30 P.M.

How Do I Tell If My Registration Has Been Processed And What Is The Status?

Click the ATTENDEE tab . The status of your registration can be determined by viewing the the Status where:

The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program of member districts organized into regional divisions in various parts of the world. It is not an official program of Rotary International and is not under its control. The RLI seeks to have Rotary Clubs in member districts identify those Rotarians who seem to have the POTENTIAL for future club leadership (not necessarily as club presidents) and provide those so identified with a quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills for voluntary organizations.  For more information, please visit http://www.rotaryleadershipinstitute.org/