I am really getting excited as I embrace the feelings of Fall all around me. Going back to my youthful days of childhood, Fall represented different types of events, especially as they related to themes around the holidays. Let's get excited about October and how it kicks off different types of parties and events.  As we look towards the end of October, some will celebrate Halloween, while others will reflect on what's referred to as "Harvest." Either way you look at it we tend to think of Fall colors as we anticipate decorating around the theme of pumpkins and the colors black, orange, brown & gold.

Many years ago I read an article by Shirley Dobson from Focus on Family where she talked about the importance of capturing memories within your family. She went on to state that memories will oftentimes get you through the tough times. So as we travel through this month, let's stop and look at the various opportunities that we have before us to create and capture memories through events that start right in our homes. You don't have to spend alot of money, just be inclusive and have everyone in your family participate by contributing something to the decor of your family home and then take photographs that you can put into a scrapbook.

Oh yes, and nothing touches our senses like food. So whoever is the "cook" in your family, make your family's favorite meal for this time of year and all of you will truly remember the occasion around the family table.

Give your all in all that you do. Then the PLUS won't just be more, it will be the difference.

Have an "Eventful" day!

Wendy is the founder and president of Personal Services Plus, Inc., an Event Management Company. To learn more visit www.personalservicesplus.com  or email her at Wendy@personalservicesplus.com

 

This week I would like to give a tip on something that will be simple and fun to close out the summer.

I have a dear friend who says an event  that doesn't raise money, isn't a fundraiser, it's just a party.  Well, I think right now that's exactly what we need....a party with no particular purpose but to have FUN.  Fun and laughter are very important to help us get through life.  Over time as we reflect over life, it's the positive memories that help us get through the tough times. Over the summer, many of us have been running crazy trying to fit in graduations, weddings, vacations, and possibly a fundraiser here or there.  As we go back to school and get back into the groove of things, think  about putting together a simple "block party" and get to know your neighbors all over again.  Unfortunately we oftentimes wait until a catastrophe hits before we reach out and just be kind to those around us.  

Keep things simple.  Be a committee of one and just reach out to those on your street, and even around the corner.  Create a flier on your computer and have your children put them on the doors.  Make it a potluck where everyone brings their favorite dish.  Keep cost down and have everyone bring enough paper products to feed their own family.  If you plan to hold this block party in the street, check with your Council District to see if you have to get a permit to close down the street.  Otherwise, just pull out the lawn chairs, turn up some music and go from yard to yard enjoying the early summer evening!

Oh and by the way, if you must have a party with a purpose, pass around a clipboard and have everyone print their family name, address, emergency number and email.  You can then create a neighborhood directory.  This way you can all be connected and if an emergency ever does hit your street you will all have a way to contact and help each other!

Let us know if you have a question or want us to discuss something in particular regarding the community and or an event.

Wendy is the founder and president of Personal Services Plus Event Management Company.  Go to www.personalservicesplus.com or email her at wendy@personalservicesplus.com.  

 

Hello Riverside!  I am so excited about the opportunity to join the Black Voice News family and write about the world of "Events" and what's going on in the Inland Empire!  I want to thank the Brown  family, and especially Paulette and Regina for this relationship.

I am truly a hometown girl that was born and raised in Riverside.  I am third generation coming from my grandmother, affectionately known as "Mother Dear," and my father, Johnny Harris.  I still live in the Inland Empire and have been in the Event Industry for over fifteen years.  Our company specializes in organizing Meetings, Conferences, Seminars & Special Events.  We also provide Consulting Services in the area of Community Relations.

You can also read our tips in the SAVE THE DATE Magazine, published by my sister Sarah Harris, also a native of Riverside, The Los Angeles Sentinel, and the Black Business Newspaper of Los Angeles.  You can also hear me on 102.3 KJLH Radio Friday Mornings at 5:00am on "Front Page with Dominique DiPrima."  When this relationship began to blossom back in Riverside, I had to jump on it and come back home!

Each week I plan to bring you information and tips that will give you information, direction and ideas on how to have an exceptional event.  We will also highlight from time to time what is happening around the Inland Empire to keep you informed and in touch.  If you have a question about event planning or if you plan to have any type of  event, including fundraising dinners, golf tournaments,  a social function or something at your church, feel free to email me at Wendy@personalservicesplus.com and we will try to give you helpful tips and let the community know about what you are doing.

Thank you again to the Brown  Family and I look forward to growing with all of you.  Remember to always give your best in all that you do!

Wendy

Wendy is the founder and president of Personal Services Plus, Inc., an Event Management Company.  To learn more visit www.personalservicesplus.com

SAN DIMAS

 

Omega Events is proud to announce the lineup for the 12th Annual JazzFest West, formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest, slated for July 21 & 22. The lineup will feature three hip, urban vocalists... Erykah Badu, Brian McKnight & KEM... as well as many jazz festival favorites including Stanley Clarke, Euge Groove and The Average White Band, amongst others.

The new home of the festival is Bonelli Park in San Dimas, a tree-lined venue that is adjacent to Raging Waters and Puddingstone Lake. After eleven years in the Pasadena area, Omega Events moved the festival to Bonelli Park in an effort to seek more room for the festival's growth.

The 12th Annual JAZZFEST WEST, formerly the Old Pasadena JazzFest will be held on July 21 & 22, 2007 Hours: 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Bonelli Park in San Dimas, located at the intersection of the 10 & 57 freeways (approximately 20 minutes from Disneyland and 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles). Street address: 120 Via Verde Park Road, San Dimas, CA, 91773.

On Saturday, July 21, JazzFest West will close the show with an artist that has never performed at the festival. This Mystery Headliner has sold millions of records, received Grammy nominations, and is always at the top of the "wish lists" of jazz fans. Contractually, Omega Events is forbidden from announcing the artist until the gates open on July 21.

An international food court will feature an eclectic array of menu items. Additionally, many original artists and vendors will be displaying their work at the Vendor Village. To beat the July heat, Cool Zones will be situated throughout the grounds with misting systems & shade structures. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Pasadena Kiwanis Club, a local nonprofit organization that supports youth group activities.

TICKETS: General admission tickets are $45 per day or $75 for a two-day pass. VIP tickets ($85 per day) and Gold Tickets ($165 per day) offer various amenities and reserved seats. Tickets can be purchased at OmegaEvents.com, the OE Box Office (949-360-7800), all Wahoos Fish Tacos and all Ticketmaster locations.