October 2011 Pipeline

Brevard Paralegal Association Chapter

Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.

Can you believe October is already here? I can’t believe how this year flew by so rapidly. It will soon be Thanksgiving and Christmas. Soon we will feel the changes in the weather, as my favorite season of the year is already here: autumn. The sound of the leaves on a windy day and the coolness of the air make me happy!

October will be a busy month for both PAF and BPA.

On the education front, PAF’S Suncoast Chapter will be hosting the 2011 Fall Seminar on Saturday, October 15 at the Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota, FL. The Topic is "Smoothing Rough Waters - Probate, Trusts, Real Estate and Litigation." The Seminar is approved by NALA for 8.25 hours of CLE credit.

On the administrative front, PAF’s Board of Directors has selected a new management company and the change will take effect on November 1st. The name of the new company is CRG, Inc. The new Contact info is as follows:

[email protected] (Cheryl), [email protected] (Candace), and [email protected]. PAF’S new mailing address will be: The Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc., 466 94th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. PAF’s website will have all the information you may need. We ask for your patience and cooperation during this time of transition.

On the organizational front, both PAF and BPA will have another Board Meeting. I will be traveling to Sarasota to meet with PAF’s Board, and I will let you know the issues that were addressed at the meeting. As for BPA, we will be planning for the rest of the 2011-2012 years.

As advertised last month, BPA will be hosting a yard sale on October 15 to raise funds for scholarships. I remind you to bring your donations to this month’s meeting. If you would also like to volunteer your time, it will be highly appreciated. If you would like more information please contact Kim Nowakowski at [email protected].

Please attend the upcoming membership meeting, Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Suntree Country Club in Melbourne. Attorney Steve Charpentier is our guest speaker on the topic: “Five Critical Things about being a Paralegal that they Never Taught in School.”

I look forward to seeing each of you at the meeting.

All the best,

Silvia

October 2011

President’s Message I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

The Paralegal Pipeline

Technology Seminar Update 2

FRP Corner 2

BPA Yard Sale 2

Scholarships 2

Speaker’s Bio 3

Birthdays 3

2011-12 Board Listing 4

News/Mugshots 5

Sponsors 4, 6, 8

Community Service 7

Scholarship Applications 9-12

Halloween

October 31st

Inspiring professional growth…one paralegal at a time

Technology Seminar Update The Florida Alliance of Paralegal Association's upcoming Technology Seminar being held on October 16, 2011 at Edison College in Fort Myers, FL is fast approaching. In this digital age, we need to constantly stay on top of the emerging technology that can assist us in performing our jobs. While you are educating yourself, your family can enjoy all the local attractions that Fort Myers and the surrounding beaches have to offer! The rate for FAPA members is $95, non-FAPA members is $125, and students is $75. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. The registration form and the speaker schedule and other details can be found at FAPA’s website at: http://www.fapainc.org/TechnologySeminar2011.html

The Paralegal PipelinePage 2

Yom Kippur October 8th

Columbus Day October 10th

Florida Registered Paralegal

Last month we talked about some benefits available to FRPs through the Florida Bar. Did you know that insurance is offered for health and retirement, court and surety bonds, personal umbrella and auto? You can find more details on the Bar’s website, www.floridabar.org.

BPA Yard SaleBringing back a successful fundraising effort from years past, BPA will host a yard sale this October to raise funds for our scholarships. Please contact Kim Nowakowski at [email protected] if you are interested in donating or volunteering on the day. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 15, 2011. The location will be at Kim’s house in the Hammock Trace subdivision off Murrell Road from 8am to noon.

Scholarships It’s that time of year again! BPA is seeking applicants for its Cash Scholarship and the Roseann Nelson, CP Professional Development Scholarship. Please see applications at the end of The Pipeline for more details.

October Birthdays

Silvia Cowan

Yo-Yo Ma

Matt Damon

Lee Ann Kateb

Linda Lavin

Kristen Starcevich

Nandra Ramnarine

Tom Petty

The Paralegal Pipeline Page 3

Meeting Policy Reminder Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(6) if you RSVP for a dinner and do not cancel within 10 days of the meeting date or do not attend the meeting, you will be sent an invoice for the cost of the dinner.

Welcome New Members

Lisa D. Schmidt

Theresa Goddard, FRP

Speaker’s Bio Stephen G. Charpentier is a trial lawyer dedicated to helping victims recover from injury and mistreatment, particularly in cases involving wrong-doers and insurance companies. A seasoned personal injury attorney, he provides clients in Melbourne and other Central Florida areas with exceptional legal services.

After coming to Brevard County in 1965, Mr. Charpentier attended the University of Central Florida, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. Next, in 1981, he attained his Juris Doctor degree and graduated with honors from the Florida State University’s College of Law. He passed his bar exam immediately after graduation and became a member of the Florida Bar the same year. Mr. Charpentier worked for an established Brevard County civil litigation law firm for two years before moving to one of Brevard’s larger firms. There, he became a partner and primarily worked with plaintiff’s personal injury cases. He resigned from this firm in order to establish Charpentier Law Firm, P.A., in 1989, with Hubert Childress, Jr. Their personal injury attorney team provides victims in Melbourne and throughout Central Florida with outstanding legal representation.

Additional distinguishing accomplishments include:

• Granted the "Eagle Talon Award" by the Academy of the Florida Trial Lawyers (1990, 1994, 1997).

• Granted the "Silver Eagle Award" by the Academy of the Florida Trial Lawyers, acknowledging Mr.

Charpentier’s exceptional leadership (2000).

• Recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell® National Law Directory’s highest honor, an AV rating. This rating is awarded to individuals based on their professional reputation and extensive review by legal experts.

• Steve G. Charpentier is also involved with the People's Law School as one of its founders and co-moderators.

Stephen G. Charpentier is involved with the community in various philanthropic and civic organizations. He also enjoys spending time with his family, and, in his free time, playing water sports, motorcycling, and reading.

Page 4

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Silvia Cowan [email protected] Vice President Nandra Ramnarine, CP, FRP [email protected] Treasurer Renee Roche, FRP [email protected] Secretary Ashley King [email protected] Immediate Past President Kim Nowakowski, RP,FRP [email protected] Parliamentarian Toni-Marie D’Alessandro, CP, FCP, FRP [email protected] Director-at-Large Anne Cope [email protected] COMMITTEE CHAIRS Budget Jenny Lawton-Seal, CP, FRP [email protected] Bylaws and Standing Rules Maureen “Mo” Martens, CP, FRP [email protected] Community Service Toni-Marie D’Alessandro, CP, FCP, FRP [email protected] Education/Scholarship Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP, MLA [email protected] Student Liaisons Elizabeth A. Morrone [email protected] Debbie Gapsch [email protected]

Job Bank Coordinator Kim M. Dexter, ACP, FCP [email protected] Local Bar Liaison Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP [email protected] Meetings Sabine Martel for dinner reservations e-mail [email protected] Membership Nandra Ramnarine, CP, FRP [email protected] Newsletter Editor Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP kimberly.nowakowski@ health-first.org Publicity Jessica Pauley, CP [email protected] Ways and Means Linda Goettsche [email protected] OTHER POSITIONS Historian/Photographer Kim Nowakowski, RP, FRP kimberly.nowakowski@ health-first.org PAF Website Kim Nowakowski, RP,FRP [email protected]

BPA is on Facebook! Search “Brevard Paralegal Association” and join! We list useful links, information regarding upcoming meetings and events, and it’s an opportunity to network with fellow members!

We’re also on Twitter & Linked In!

2011-12 BPA Board of Directors & Committee ChairsNewsletter Advertising Half Page $100/Year Or $55/6 months Business Card $50/Year Or $30/6 months Special rates available for one-time ads Submit business card or ad artwork, preferably in .jpg or .bmp format to Kimberly. Nowakowski@ Health-First.Org or send it to: Kim Nowakowski c/o Health First, Inc. 6540 US Hwy 1 Rockledge FL 32955 The Paralegal Pipeline advertising reaches people throughout Florida. The publication’s revenue supports scholarships and various community service projects, which enables your costs associated to advertising here to be tax deductible. Please make your check payable to Brevard Paralegal Association. Thank you.


Membership 59 Active Members

19 Student Members

2 Honorary Members

Page 5 The Paralegal Pipeline

PAF Quick Reference

Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. 466 94th Avenue North

St. Petersburg, FL 33702 www.pafinc.org

Treasurer’s Report Savings $3,842.81 Checking $4,803.16

The Pipeline is seeking new sponsors for the 2011-12 year! See pricing information on page 4. Contact Kim Nowakowski for more information at [email protected].

In North Carolina, it is illegal to use elephants to plow fields.

In Rhode Island, no one may bite off another’s leg.

In Iowa, a man with a moustache may not kiss a woman in public.

In Maine, you may not step out of a plane in flight.

In Arizona, donkeys cannot sleep in bathtubs.

In Florida, it is illegal to sell your children.

Mugshots

Above, BPA President Silvia Cowan (right) with September’s guest speaker, Steve Allender.

World Handwashing Day October 15th

Order Flowers Online www.BudsEtc.net

"Big Flowers From a Little Shop"

Buds Etc... A Unique Floral Studio

Buds Etc... Owners Patti and Doug have opened their dream shop in Melbourne Florida!

A country cottage style setting under a huge Florida Oak tree is where this quaint shop brings a Fresh Idea to the floral industry. Patti, with 30 +years experience in the flower business brings Value and Quality to each

Unique Design using your choice of fresh or silk flowers.

Specializing in Wedding and Parties! Bring in your ideas and have them become a reality!

Make an appointment to see our many photo albums. Patti has created wedding flowers for thousands of brides!

She has first-hand knowledge of all the latest trends and fantastic items available for the modern or traditional bride.

Rentals also available: archways, pillars with huge arrangements, centerpiece stands and much more...

Silk designs and interior decorations for your home and office are always available!

Our owner/designer will create individual designs for

All occasions with Style and Class.

Come in and browse our large selection of affordable flowers. "Big Flowers from a Little Shop” We are committed to bring you the finest, freshest, highest quality flowers

from our shop to your home and office.

Buds Etc... Has a Home Staging Department! With so many homes on the market; we give sellers helpful advice and an affordable plan to get their home

ready. We’ll have your home Packed, Cleaned and Staged. So you can put your "Best foot forward" in this busy real estate market. Have your home ready for the potential Buyers, Be Clean, Organized and Uncluttered. Let

the experts at Buds Etc... Do it all.

Call in your order today (321) 254-0551

Page 5 The Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelinePage 6 The Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal PipelineThe Paralegal Pipeline

Page 7

Toni-Mari D’Alessandro

This month's community service will benefit breast cancer awareness and research for a cure.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society's premier event to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. Making Strides is your opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, educate women about breast cancer prevention and early detection, and raise funds and awareness to help achieve a day when no one will have to hear the words “You have breast cancer.”

When you support Making Strides, you are helping the Society seek better ways to prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer, as well as provide help and hope to people facing the disease.

Give a Donation Give in Memory Give in Honor

Every dollar you provide to the American Cancer Society goes toward eliminating cancer as a major health concern. Your donation is essential to supporting our mission, which fights cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy, and service.

Research: The American Cancer Society is the largest source of private, nonprofit cancer research funds in the United States, second only to the federal government. The Society has had a hand in virtually every major cancer breakthrough of the past half-century. With your help, we can continue on this path.

Education: The American Cancer Society provides free educational programs and support services to help improve the quality of life for all cancer patients and their families, including prevention and early detection initiatives like the Great American Health Challenge; our toll-free information line 1-800-ACS-2345, available any time, day or night; and this Web site, with the accurate information available to any Internet user 24 hours a day.

Advocacy: The American Cancer Society Action Network SM [ACS CAN] is the Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan sister organization that consists of a grassroots network of volunteers working on the local, state, and federal levels to pass meaningful legislation. ACS CAN advocates for stronger public health laws to fight cancer and achieve equal access to quality health care for all people.

Service: If you are diagnosed with cancer, where can you turn for help? The American Cancer Society offers many free programs for patients and survivors, including rides to and from treatment; the Cancer Survivors Network for support; beauty products for patients to help them restore their self-confidence after debilitating treatment; and more.


Page 8 The Paralegal Pipeline

LAW OFFICES

MICHAEL KAHN, P.A.

Office: (321) 242-2564 482 North Harbor City BoulevardFax: (321) 254-2127 Melbourne, Florida 32935Email: [email protected]

Are you Looking for a Business Opportunity?

Houston Based Company Launching in the

Following Counties:

Broward, Dade, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach & St. Lucie

Seeking Highly Motivated Individuals

Contact Ashley King

(321) 604-6257 [email protected]

BREVARD PARALEGAL ASSOCIATION a chapter of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc.

$500.00 CASH SCHOLARSHIP

Brevard Paralegal Association (“BPA”) awards an annual $500.00 Cash Scholarship to a qualified applicant for the specific purpose of encouraging students enrolled in paralegal programs in Brevard County to complete their degree. Scholarship funds will be awarded based on adherence to the rules, qualifications and need. Recognizing that students have expenses that surpass the boundaries of the classroom, BPA places no restriction on the way the funds will be used by the recipient.

RULES 1. Applicant/Recipient must be enrolled in and attending paralegal studies classes at

Brevard Community College and provide evidence of same with the Application. 2. Applicant must submit the $500.00 Cash Scholarship Application to the BPA

Education/Scholarship Committee (“Committee”) Chair no later than November 30, 2011.

3. Applicant must legibly complete the essay portion of the application, which will be

judged on originality, writing clarity, and content. 4. The Committee shall judge the applications and make a recommendation to the Board of

Directors. Upon ratification by the Board of Directors, the scholarship recipient will be notified in writing and the name will be published in the BPA newsletter. The cash award will be given at the December 2011 meeting.

5. By submitting this application, the applicant agrees that the winning essay may (but will

not necessarily) be published in the BPA Newsletter or publications of the Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. or the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.

6. No application received after November 30, 2011, will be considered. 7. BPA reserves the right to not award a $500.00 Cash Scholarship.. 8. A runner-up may be chosen, but will not be notified unless the winner forfeits the award.

$500.00 CASH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM


DEADLINE: November 30, 2011

(Please type or print legibly) NAME: _______________________________________________E: MAIL: _____________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________CITY: __________________ ZIP: _______________ HOME PHONE: ___________________ WORK/CELL PHONE: _________________ FAX:________________ EDUCATION: List name and address of the school you are currently attending, if applicable. Please include the name and phone number of the director of the paralegal studies department. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ESSAY: On a separate sheet of paper, tell us why you decided to enroll in a paralegal studies program, what goals you have for your future and your career, and how $500.00 in cash would be of help to you at this point in your studies. Your essay must be legibly printed or typed and not more than 500 words. It will be judged for clarity in writing, originality and content. Please remember to attach it to your completed application. TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP: I understand that my permission may be asked to publish my essay in a professional newsletter or magazine. I also understand there are no limitations on the way the $500.00 scholarship award can be used.

PLEASE REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION CAREFULLY TO BE CERTAIN IT IS COMPLETE DATE: ____________________, 2011 __________________________________________________ Signature

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT IS November 30, 2011 Mail completed application to: Brevard Paralegal Association

c/o Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP 482 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 242-2564

____________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE USE ONLY

Date Received: _________________, 2011 __ Scholarship Awarded in the Amount of $500.00 Date Awarded: ______________________


ROSEANN NELSON, CP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP Brevard Paralegal Association (ABPA@) awards an annual Professional Development Scholarship to a qualified applicant for the specific purpose of encouraging chapter members to attain the CP, ACP, or FCP designation. Scholarship funds are allocated upon the recipient=s presentation of proof of completion of the exam. The amount reimbursed to the recipient may include the following:

CP Application Fee, Study Guide

(OR) ACP (CP required) Application Fee, Study Guide (if available)

(OR) FCP (CP required) Application Fee, Study Guide, Review Course (if available)

RULES 1. Applicant must be a current active or student member in good standing with BPA and the Paralegal Association of

Florida, Inc. (APAF@), and meet the qualifications required to take the selected exam. 2. Applicant must submit the Professional Development Scholarship Application to the BPA Education/Scholarship

Committee (ACommittee@) Chair by US mail or hand delivery no later than November 30, 2011. 3. Applicant must legibly complete the essay portion of the application, which will be judged on originality, writing

clarity, and content. 4. The Committee shall judge the applications and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors. Upon

ratification by the Board of Directors, the scholarship recipient will be notified in writing and the name will be published in an issue of the BPA newsletter. The award will be given at the December 2011, BPA meeting.

5. The Scholarship recipient will be presented with a certificate for the examination application fee, study guide (if

applicable) and review course (if the CFLA exam is chosen and course is available). This certificate may be redeemed upon presentation of evidence that the recipient has taken the exam.

6. A runner-up will be chosen, but will not be notified unless the winner forfeits the award or does not meet the

requirements to sit for the exam. 7. Any certificate not redeemed within one (1) year will be forfeited. 8. The winning essay may, but will not necessarily be published in the BPA Newsletter or publications of PAF or the

National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc. 9. Applications received after November 30, 2011 will not be considered. 10. BPA reserves the right to not award a Professional Development Scholarship.


ROSEANN NELSON, CP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM

DEADLINE: November 30, 2011

(Please type or print legibly) I am applying for: ___________________________________________________________________________

(Exam/Date to be taken) (Amount) NAME: _______________________________________________E: MAIL: _____________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________CITY: __________________ ZIP: _______________ HOME PHONE: ___________________ CELL or WORK PHONE: __________________ FAX: _________________ EDUCATION: In chronological order, beginning with most recent, list the names and addresses of all schools you have attended, including high school, and any degrees/certificates/awards earned. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ESSAY: On a separate sheet of paper, tell us why you believe completing this exam is important to you. Your essay must be legibly printed or typed and not more than 300 words. It will be judged for clarity in writing, originality and content. Please remember to attach it to your completed application. TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP: I understand that, if I am awarded the Professional Development Scholarship, BPA may publish my essay in a professional newsletter or magazine but has no obligation to do so. I also understand that if I am awarded the Professional Development Scholarship, I shall be responsible for paying the exam and/or study material fees. Upon submission of proof that I have completed same, I will be reimbursed for the approved Professional Development Scholarship amount and certify that I will not seek reimbursement from any other source.

PLEASE REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION CAREFULLY TO BE CERTAIN IT IS COMPLETE DATE: , 2011 __________________________________________________

Signature

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT IS November 30, 2011

Mail completed application to: Brevard Paralegal Association c/o Roma Molinaro, CP, FCP, FRP 482 N. Harbor City Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32935 (321) 242-2564 [email protected]

____________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE USE ONLY Date Received: _________________, 2011 Scholarship Awarded in the Amount of $_______________________ Exam taken: __CP __ACP __FCP; Date Completed: _______________ Date Reimbursed: _______________

Documents

October 2011 Pipeline