1

2/2/09 Page 1 of 7

March 2009 Thank you to Amy Cole and her committees for putting together our Casino Night. I think everyone had a great time and I was very impressed with the attire. Once again AMS Entertainment did a great job with the tables and the 80’s music was fantastic. Congratulations to Cathy Lee, the winner of the $500.00. At our March General Meeting the nominating committee will present their slate of Officers and Board Members for the 2009/2010 term. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or being an Officer, please contact Barbara Thomas (Chair), Alison Holmes, or Karen Anderson. Voting will take place at our April General Meeting. Regional Conference is right around the corner. There are four of us attending and I look forward to sharing with all of you the new ideas and suggestions that we hear from our sister associations. At our March General meeting we will be assembling Easter Baskets for “Spirit of Children. Esmeralda will be letting us know what she needs, if anything. Our International President, Jenelle Duffy would like us to complete and return the “Challenge Your Direction” form. Deadline is May 1st. A copy of the form is attached. Our CA Council Director elect, Andi Fields-Gonzalez will be taking a new approach to the leadership workshop this year. A flyer is attached for your review. This sounds like a fun training event. Additional information to follow. Have a safe March and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In Fellowship, Kim Cameron, CISR, CPSR, CPIW President "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today”≈ Franklin D. Roosevelt

CCAALLEENNDDAARR OOFF EEVVEENNTTSS

Date Event Location March 19th IBA Fresno – CE Class State Fund Bldg - Fresno, CA

March 19th-21st, 2009 Region VIII Conference – A Time to Shine Sheraton – Salt Lake City March 26th IWOF General Meeting Meridian – Fresno, CA April 23, 2009 IICF Golf Tournament Fig Garden – Fresno, CA May 15th, 2009 IWOF Golf Tournament Madera Muncipal Golf Course May 20th, 2009 IWOF May Luncheon Pardini’s – Fresno, CA May 27th – 31st, 2009 NAIW (Int’l) 68th Annual Con New Orleans, LA July 17th-19th, 2009 Leadership Workshop & Retreat Camp Oakhurst – Coarsegold, CA September 11-12th, 2009 CA Council Conference Fresno, CA

DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT THAT NEEDS TO BE LISTED? PLEASE E-MAIL THE INFORMATION TO THE BULLETIN CHAIR BY THE LAST

THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH!

Page Fun Facts about St. Patrick’s Day 2

General Meeting 3

Board Meeting 3

Courtesy 4

Education 4

Scholarships 5

Membership 5

Community Action 6

Safety 7

Legistative 8

Casino Night 9

2

2/2/09 Page 2 of 7

FUN FACTS ABOUT ST. PATRICK’S

1. According to legend, St Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish.

2. “The Wearing of the Green” is an anonymously-penned Irish street ballad dating to 1798. The context of the song is the repression around the time of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. Wearing a shamrock in the “caubeen” (hat) was a sign of rebellion and green was the color of the Society of the United Irishmen, a republican revolutionary organization. During the period, displaying revolutionary insignia was punishable by hanging.

3. St Patrick’s Blue, not green was the color long-associated with St. Patrick. The change to Ireland’s association with green rather than blue probably began around the 1750’s, probably because Ireland is

known as “The Emerald Isle”.

4. The first recorded parade was New York’s City celebration, which began on 18 March 1762 when Irish soldiers in the English military marched through the city with their music.

* Exported from MasterCook *

Dublin Sunday Corned Beef and Cabbage

Serving Size: 8

5 pounds Corned beef brisket

1 large Onion stuck with -

6 Cloves (whole)

6 Carrots -- peeled and sliced

8 Potatoes -- peeled and cubed

1 teaspoon Dried Thyme

1 small Bunch Parsley

1 Cabbage (about 2 lbs) -- cut in quarters

===HORSERADISH SAUCE===

½ pint Whipping Cream

2 T to 3 T prepared horseradish

Put beef in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add all other ingredients except cabbage and

bring to a boil with the lid off the pot. Turn to simmer and cook for 3 hours. Skim fat from top as

it rises. Remove the thyme, parsley and onion. Add cabbage.

Simmer for 20 minutes until cabbage is cooked. Remove the meat and cut into pieces. Place on

center of a large platter. Strain the cabbage and season it heavily with black pepper. Surround

the beef with the cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Serve with horseradish sauce.

Horseradish Sauce: Whip cream until it stands in peaks. Fold in horseradish.

3

2/2/09 Page 3 of 7

General Meeting

WHEN: THURSDAY, MARCH 26TH

WHERE: MERIDIAN 2915 N. MAROA AVE, FRESNO CA TIME: 5:30PM NETWORKING 6:00PM DINNER

COST: $25.00 PER PERSON ****CHANCE DRAWING PRIZES WELCOME**** PROGRAM: (Assemble) Easter Baskets for Children RSVP: DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS: NOON MONDAY MARCH 23RD, 2009 E-MAIL: nancy@cambridgega.com PHONE: (559) 473-4660 thodge@lcisinc.com (559) 650-3555 Ext 517

STANDING RESERVATIONS APPLY THIS MONTH, A “NO SHOW” WILL BE INVOICED FOR DINNER

STANDING RESERVATIONS LIST KAREN ANDERSON, KIM CAMERON, CONNIE CARPENTER, AMY COLE, VELDA DUREE, CAROL FRIEDMAN, JUDY GRILL, TRACY HODGE ALISON HOLMES, NANCY JONES, LISA LESANDRO, MARIAN LANE, CATHY TEMPLE, CAROL RUSSELL, BARBARA THOMAS, MARY THONESON, NOELIA WEISSBROD

BOARD MEETING

DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2009 HIGH NOON PLACE: DICCICO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 5251 N BLACKSTONE AT BARSTOW

“A pre-set menu ” $8.70 Flat (includes tax & 15% tip.) Choice of drink w/refills family style salad – All you can eat pizza.

BOARD MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS. QUESTIONS? CALL NANCY JONES (559)

473-4660

Take Shields Ave, one block N of Blackstone to Maroa.

Turn Left onto Maroa, stay to the left lane & go under RR tunnel make the

very next left onto Princeton.

At the stop sign and RR tracks, make a hard left onto Maroa (a one way

street) turn left into private parking lot ½ block up.

4

2/2/09 Page 4 of 7

Courtesy

March Birthdays:

Judy Grill - 8th

Darla Ferriera – 21st

Get Well card went out to Laura Brown, surgery.

Congratulations to Kim Cameron a new grandson,

Colton Blake.

Quote of the Month:

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”

- Katherine Hepburn

If you know of an event that requires some attention,

please forward information.

In Fellowship, Noi Weissbrod, Courtesy Chairman

559-437-6688 nweissbrod@dibu.com

Education

* * Department of Insurance – New Licensing Laws * * *

On January 1, 2009 the California Continuing Education licensing laws are changing. If you have been licensed over 4 years, the CE requirement for other than Personal Lines Broker-Agents is reduced from 30 hours to 24 hours per license term. 4 hours of Ethics will still be required. Personal Lines Broker-Agents are still required to complete 20 hours during their license term. NAIW has partnered with WebCE, a nationwide provider of Continuing Education. Members of NAIW in good standing are eligible for a discount of up to 10%. Details are available on the NAIW website www.naiw.org. Upcoming Ethics classes through the National Alliance: 5/15/09 Fresno 7/16/09 Modesto The cost for this 4 CE class is $99. Please contact the National Alliance to register www.scic.com. Kathleen Soares, CIC, AAI, AIS, CPIW Education Chair

5

2/2/09 Page 5 of 7

Scholarships

It is that time of year to submit scholarship applications. If you know of any students that could use this scholarship please give them the attached criteria and application. Karen Anderson, AIS, ASLI, CPIW, DAE

INSURANCE WOMEN OF FRESNO SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATION CRITERIA

Applicant must be sponsored by a member of the Insurance Women of Fresno in good standing. The sponsoring member must submit a letter of recommendation. The essay should deal with your goals aspirations and achievements & you should discuss these areas as well as what is important to you and the reasons why, and your educational and career objectives. You may want to elaborate on your employment history as it has influenced your motivation, achievement, leadership and commitment • Must submit a completed application on the form provided by IWOF. • Must submit at least two letters of recommendation. • Must be a full time student with a minimum Grade Point Avenge of 3.O or better. Must submit a copy of Grade Transcript

Membership

Happy February! I will be the new Membership chair person for the duration of this term. We will miss Velda greatly and wish her the best. I would like to ask if you could please spread the word that until June of 2009 membership dues are cut in half. Now is the time to join! Regards, Kelly R. Manley, Account Manager Swett & Crawford 8365 N. Fresno Street, #210 Fresno CA 93720 (DL)559-261-3331 (Fax)559-261-3366 kelly_manley@swett.com

6

2/2/09 Page 6 of 7

Community Action

***Help Community Action on March 26th assemble Easter Baskets for Spirit of Children*** Spirit of Children: The Spirit of Children is an early intervention, comprehensive, holistic program that targets culturally diverse, high-risk women and their children. The objectives of this program are to improve the cognitive, emotional and physical development of children. Through a relationship based model that supports and nurtures parent-child interaction, Spirit of Children program seeks to make enduring changes that will break the cycle of family dysfunction and improve the quality of life in Fresno County. (Audrey Riley – founder, CEO)

The Spirit of Children has a total of 65 children. Please help us put together Easter Baskets and bring smiles to these children.

Thank you for your generosity & time

Your Community Action Committee Esmeralda Mendez (Chair) esmeraldamendez@sierraspecialty.com Stella Davis stella_davis@swett.com

7

2/2/09 Page 7 of 7

Safety

Safety Committee Heart Attack Warning Signs Some times heart attacks are sudden, very intense and everyone knows what is happening, but many times they are not. Most heart attacks are actually slow with mild pain or discomfort and people are not aware of what is going on. To often times people wait to long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: Chest discomfort – This involves discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing fullness or pain Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – These symptoms include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath – This can be either with or without chest discomfort. Other signs- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. And women are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Learn these signs, and remember even if you are not sure if it is a heart attack, have it check out. It may save your life. Lisa Lesandro and Karen Anderson – Co Chairs Safety Committee

8

2/2/09 Page 8 of 7

Legistative Committee Dona Shurtz, Chair In Case You Missed It: "Budget compromise tough, but it will get California back on track" Excerpts from "Budget compromise tough, but it will get California back on track," by Senator Dave Cogdill and Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines, as published in the Fresno Bee and Modesto Bee: "This budget compromise will finally put California government on a much-needed diet. It includes $15 billion in permanent cuts to big government programs adopted in recent years, and a strict spending limit that will force the Legislature to live within its means." "While the budget includes some tough choices, it also protects public safety in the Central Valley and communities across California by rejecting dangerous plans to grant the early release of tens of thousands of serious and repeat criminals before they have paid their debt to society. This compromise also includes common-sense reforms long championed by Republicans to reform state government and ensure our tax dollars are spent as wisely as possible. More importantly, it includes education reforms that will give local schools the ability to spend categorical dollars on the needs of their students, not on one-size-fits-all mandates imposed by the Legislature." "The budget compromise also addresses the most critical issue facing California today - an economy that is in turmoil and bleeding jobs. With the unemployment rate in Fresno now at 13%, we made it clear that jobs are a top budget priority for us. We successfully negotiated measures to help improve California's job environment, such as a new-hire tax credit for small business that creates a new jobs over the next two years." "There is no doubt that this budget is a true compromise. No one got everything they wanted and everyone will have to sacrifice to get us back on track. In the end, Democrats and Republicans came together to do what's right and finally get California on the road to recovery." To read this article in its entirety, please visit the Fresno Bee or Modesto Bee.

9

2/2/09 Page 9 of 7

Casino Night

Time After Time

Casino Night 2009

Thank you to all who attended and/or supported the organization through your donations. From what I

hear, the event went well and was enjoyed by all. I am sorry I had to miss it.

On a personal note, thank you to everyone that pitched in at the last minute when I was called out of

town for personal reasons. It is awesome to be in an organization filled with so many wonderful people

that are willing to jump in at a minutes’ notice and get things done. I really hated to miss the event, but

needed to be with my family.

Cheers to another great event and a wonderful group of women.

Amy Cole, CISR, CPIW

1st Vice-President

Phone: (559) 440-9330 x 204

Fax: (559) 440-9335

E-mail: Amy.Cole@FirstTeamIns.com

Challenge Your

DirectionCheck the items that apply to you from the dates July 1, 2008 through May 1, 2009. You will receive 5, 10 or 25 points for your

participation in the areas of growth and recognition. You will need a total of 45 points to qualify.

Participated in CWC Speak-off Competition at the Council or Regional level (5)

Helped charter a new association (10)

Served as a Member-At-Large delegate on the Council or Regional level (10)

Brought an inactive member to a meeting (5)

Collected 5 business cards at a meeting (5)

Brought a potential member to a meeting (5)

Recruited that guest to join (10)

Registered for Council, Regional or International Convention (10)

Served as a Committee Member or Chair at any level (10)

Attended at least 5 Local Association meetings (5)

Applied for an NAIW (International) award at any level (5)

Purchased $30 or more in NAIW (International) products (10)

Took an NAIW (International) University class (10)

Recruited a sponsor at the International level (25)

Recruited a Corporate Partner at the Local level (10)

Recruited a Corporate Partner at the International level (15)

Talked to the Industry about NAIW (International) (10)

Distributed a “Prospective Member,” “Corporate Partner” or “Employer” packet (5)

Donated to the Laura Bush Foundation Gulf Coast School Library Recovery Initiative (10)

Received CPIW/CPIM or DAE Designation (10)

Talked to an employer about NAIW (International) (5)

Recruited a sponsor at the Council or Regional level (10)

Participated in an NAIW (International) education class (5)

Recruited a non-renewing member (10)

Sat with someone new at a meeting (5)

Served as an Officer at any level (10)

Mentored a new member (10)

___________________________

Name (print)

Member # _______________

Region __________________

It is that time of year to submit scholarship applications. If you know of any

students that could use this scholarship please give them the attached criteria

and application.

Karen Anderson, AIS, ASLI, CPIW, DAE

INSURANCE WOMEN OF FRESNO SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATION CRITERIA Applicant must be sponsored by a member of the Insurance Women of Fresno in good

standing. The sponsoring member must submit a letter of recommendation.

The essay should deal with your goals aspirations and achievements & you should

discuss these areas as well as what is important to you and the reasons why, and your

educational and career objectives. You may want to elaborate on your employment

history as it has influenced your motivation, achievement, leadership and commitment

• Must submit a completed application on the form provided by IWOF.

• Must submit at least two letters of recommendation.

• Must be a full time student with a minimum Grade Point Avenge of 3.O or better. Must

submit a copy of Grade Transcript

INSURANCE WOMEN OF FRESNO

SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA AND APPLICATION

The Insurance Women of Fresno (IWOF) will again be awarding scholarships at our May

Luncheon.

The deadline to submit applications and required paperwork will be April 10th, 2009__.

The criteria are as follows:

1. Sponsored by a member in good standing of IWOF.

2. The sponsoring member must submit a letter of recommendation.

3. Submit an essay in Black Type of no more than two (2) sheets of 8 1/2 by 11WhitePaper.

The essay should deal with:

a. Your goals, aspirations and achievements. You should discuss these areas as

well as what is important to you and the reasons why.

b. Your educational and career objectives.

c. You may also want to elaborate on your employment history as it has

influenced your motivation, achievement, leadership and commitment.

4. Submit a completed application (below) on the form provided by IWOF.

5. Submit at least two letters of recommendation.

6. Submit a copy of your transcript showing you have a minimum of a 3.0 or better grade

point average along with verification that you are a full time student.

Name of Applicant _ ______________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

Present School: _______________________________________

Future School: __________________________________________

IWOF Sponsoring Member:

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS – APRIL 10, 2009

Please return the requested documentation to

IWOF Education Committee

P O Box 25276

Fresno CA 93729