Dear Friends,

I have decided to take on the challenge and am participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It is a 39.9 mile walk over 2 days.

Did you know that every three minutes, another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer? I didn't, and I was shocked to learn how prevalent this horrible disease has become in this country.

Last Saturday, past presidents Shirley Lorraine and Alison Balter, Navigator (with 26 years of membership) Tessa Weeks, and current leadership team members Rita Frayer and Lynn Ryder enjoyed scones, finger sandwiches, and trifle provided by new member Carrie Dishion of Ceremonial Teas at the home of current president Sheila Lowe.

We discussed the future of our organization and how we can best serve the current members and attract new ones, and we had fun getting to know each other better.

Hello again!!

I just wanted to let everyone know that last nights Gold Party was a big success!!! There were 9 people that brought their gold and made a total of $4850 for the evening. There was plenty of wine and appetizers and fun was had by all!!!

Imagine what we could do as a fundraiser for VCPWN! Jay is actually doing the Rubicon Theatre Company’s fundraiser this month. Just a thought…..

I wish the entire membership a fabulous Thanksgiving Holiday! Letting you all know that I am very thankful that I found VCPWN.

Claire

Hello Everyone!

I would like to let everyone know (I know it is short notice) but... I am having a Gold Party and would love to invite everyone. This isn't a get rich quick scheme or a party where you would come to buy jewelry. But, a party to sell your old jewelry to a person that buys it for a living in my home.

I was skeptical at first when I attended my Pilates teachers party at her studio and actually brought my husband to check Jay out (my Father-in-Law was a Gemologist) so he knew what to ask, and Jay is legit!

Our November meeting was a smashing success, with two big baskets of toys donated for the Spark of Love drive sponsored by the Fire Department. All the toys will stay in Ventura County.

We sold every wonderful item in our Silent Auction, and Dr. Bunny Vreeland was a fabulous speaker.

VCPWN is dark in November, but we'll welcome the new year with Suzy Prudden, talking about how to lose weight and get more business. Hope to see you there, January 14.

You are all invited to the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau on December 4 for Gwenlyn Norton's Artist reception from 5:00 to 8:00, otherwise known as the Discovery Gallery on the corner of California and Santa Clara. We plan live entertainment and refreshments. If you cannot make it, you may view her display for the entire month of December.

For anyone dining in the Ventura area, check out Jonathan's downtown on Main Street. Every single piece of artwork at that location was created by Gwenlyn Norton. They will adorn those walls throughout the holidays until the end of December.

What a joy to see new members popping up on the website. Some past members returning, some new to us. We're glad to have you! As a 6+ year member and past president, I am a bit biased, I'll admit. VCPWN is a wonderful organization - creating relationships without pressure to "sell". It's a night away to renew friendships and establish new ones. I hope you won't miss the November meeting - our last untili 2010 (my, it comes quickly) featuring our fabulous silent auction. They are always great and a wonderful way to support the organization while picking up some holiday gifts. See you there!!!

On November 14th 2009 from 11am-6pm, the inaugural Ventura Art Festival will take place in an elegant tent in Mission Park across from the historic San Buenaventura Mission. The idea for a fine art event in Ventura makes sense because the city's goal is to be Southern California's new art city. Wandering though the tent, you will see a blend of local artists and artists from other parts of Southern California.