Notes from June 26, 2019 Meeting
Dear Everybody,
We were a lively gathering, as usual, and had a lot of questions for Susan Riedel, our member speaker.
Susan gave us a summary of her background, and the path that led her through her career to Modern Woodmen. She said that it is important to note that Modern Woodmen has been around since 1883 and is an A+ rated company with no debt and 16 billion dollars in assets. Susan offers a wide variety of products both through Modern Woodmen, and others that she refers clients to when needed. We also talked about 529 plans, and other ways to save money for education and other expensive undertakings.
Susan also talked about the charitable efforts that she supports, including Eric’s House. More information is available at www.EricsHouse.org.
Susan will review your insurance and investment products if you aren’t working with somebody else, at no charge.
Judy Haenel has been selected as a Phoenix Hometown Hero. Susan Riedel hosted our beverages in honor of Judy, and will present Judy with her official certificate once it arrives from corporate. Judy is also being issued a check for $100 for Tulip Tree Charities, her new charity. We are pleased to see Judy honored, and finally being at the helm of a charity instead of just BEING a charity. As a side note, Judy told Jody that she is on her board of directors because she (Jody) was already listed on the official paperwork with the bank. Jody graciously accepted.
Judy announced that there will be a Wine and Design evening or evenings at The Tulip Tree, time and date to be announced. We will be putting together mugs for Make Someone Smile, an annual undertaking that Judy always swears is her last. Watch for details. And maybe a wine list.
Brooke Schiavone updated the group about the diamond dig going on at Z’s Fine Jewelry all week through Saturday. The dig is to benefit Valley View Community Food Bank. Details are included in social media from Z’s Fine Jewelry, Northwest Women’s Network, and Valley View Community Food Bank. Everybody associated with the food bank (including yours truly, who is on the executive board) thanks Brooke and Joe and the staff of Z’s for their incredible gesture on behalf of our food insecure community members and neighbors. (The grand prize at Z’s is a three-quarters carat drool-worthy diamond. Second prize is a beautiful pair of designer earrings.)
Robin McCord is a very popular person right now, in the midst of the summer heat. Being an AC expert is appealing to a lot of folks this time of year. She received accolades and thanks for her stellar service. She also told us that the coupons for Johnson’s Car Wash will continue to be available, and benefit veterans in the southwest Valley. There are no expiration dates, and each coupon is good for a $16 car wash. There are six coupons to a pack, and the entire pack is $25. This is a great deal that benefits a great cause. Robin said that 90 percent of the proceeds go to help the veterans. She will continue to bring the coupons with her for each meeting. Johnson’s Car Washes have multiple locations throughout the Valley.
On July 10, Lupe’s son Ulysses will be our child-of-member speaker. He is a young entrepreneur who is starting his own lizard breeding operation. So please feel free to invite your favorite short people, or anybody who wants to be a part of an enthusiastic and responsive audience for this burgeoning businessman.
A final reminder that we will NOT meet next week on July 3 because of the upcoming July 4 holiday. Please be careful if you venture out on the roads, and watch your pets who may be frightened of loud noises and bangs. But most of all, celebrate the independence of a country that has been through a lot, will continue to go through a lot for the rest of our lives, but will stand strong if we just figure out how to truly value each other.
Best wishes. And happy 4th of July!
Best wishes,
Jody Serey
SereyJones Publishers, Inc.
623-561-0240
623-451-0834 (cell)