PLEADINGS
Issue No. 264
Published by NALS of Greater Kalamazoo
June 2012
www.nalsofgreaterkalamazoo.org
HOW TO QUIT WORKING ON VACATION
A
fter months without a
day off, it's official:
You need a vacation.
But you feel you just can't leave
the office for a long weekend,
much less five days or -- gasp! - two weeks.
You ask yourself: "Will the
office survive without me?"
"What if I'm replaceable?" or
"Will people resent me if I take
some time off?"
Instead of chancing it, you'll
just check your e-mail a few
times, leave your cell phone
number in case someone needs
to contact you, and dial into
your weekly conference call.
The E-Leash
Although an improvement from
27 percent in 2006, 20 percent
of workers say they plan to stay
in touch with the office during
their vacation this year,
according to the annual vacation
survey
sponsored
by
CareerBuilder.com, conducted
by Harris Interactive, of more
than 6,800 workers.
While only 9 percent of workers
say their employers expect them
to check voicemail or e-mail on
vacation, others may feel the
pressure to do so anyway.
Work can be demanding, but
taking it all with you just brings
the stress to a new location.
Cell phones, pagers and other
electronic devices can create an
e-leash of sorts. And then
there's good, old-fashioned
guilt: 14 percent of workers
report feeling guilty about
missing
work
while
on
vacation.
There are a host of reasons why
employees feel compelled to
forgo a vacation or obsessively
check in with work. Some may
fear if they are gone and things
go smoothly, it will send a
message that they aren't needed.
Others worry that business
won't be conducted properly or
key projects will fall apart.
Planning ahead, managing
expectations
and
setting
boundaries with your coworkers are key to making sure
you get the break you need.
To enjoy a stress-free and workfree vacation, try these tips:
1. Leave a roadmap.
A few weeks before you leave,
start
recording
important
information, key contacts and
any deadlines that will come up
while you are gone. If you leave
co-workers with a guide that
will
help
them
address
questions that arise and keep
things moving forward, they
will be less likely to contact you
on vacation and you will be less
likely to walk into a war zone
when you return.
2. Stick to an itinerary.
While it's best to leave the
office at the office, if you must
do work, set limits and
boundaries for yourself and
your co-workers. Don't let
activities on vacation
interrupted by work.
be
getaways -- hardly enough time
to recharge.
Instead set aside a half hour
each day to think about work
and stick to it. Instead of having
co-workers call you, tell them
when you are going to check in,
so you can control the time
allotted.
When it comes to time off,
more than 40 percent of
workers feel they don't get
enough paid vacation. The
majority (70 percent) get two
weeks or more of paid vacation;
nearly a quarter of workers
receive four weeks or more.
3. Think big.
If you have a big project and a
great vacation planned for the
same week, you can expect one
of the two to give. Schedule the
dates before and after the big
stuff to lighten your load and
enjoy your time off.
4. What if you're the boss?
If you're working for yourself,
make sure you anticipate your
busy seasons by reviewing your
previous sales and current
situation. Save vacation time for
slower periods and make sure to
notify customers in advance.
How Do You Compare?
According to the Families and
Work Institute, it takes up to
three days to relax when you go
on
vacation
and
longer
vacations (seven days or more)
are associated with better
psychological outcomes than
shorter
vacations.
Some
workers may not be able to get
away at all, according to the
CareerBuilder.com survey.
Twenty percent of workers
report they won't take a
vacation this year; one-in-four
will take five days or less; and
nearly one-in-ten will limit
themselves
to
weekend
But, 12 percent of the
workforce does not receive any
paid vacation.
If workers had their way, 69
percent say three weeks or more
of vacation is appropriate.
In
a
separate
survey,
Expedia.com analyzed the
vacation habits of employed
workers in the U.S., Great
Britain, Germany, France and
Spain.
Among the countries surveyed,
Americans receive the fewest
vacation days on average per
year, earning only 14 days,
compared to 24 days in Great
Britain, 26 days in Germany, 30
days in Spain, and 36 days in
France.
By Rosemary Haefner, Vice
President of Human Resources
for CareerBuilder.com. She is
an expert in recruitment trends
and tactics, job seeker behavior,
workplace issues, employee
attitudes and HR initiatives.
NALS OF GREATER
KALAMAZOO
Board of Directors
June 5, 2012
The treasurer’s report for May
2012 was tabled until next
general membership meeting.
The Minutes of the May Board
meeting were approved, as
corrected. Committee reports
were given and matters
discussed.
The next Board
meeting is scheduled for July 3,
2012 at noon at Miller Canfield.
PLANNING MEETING
A planning meeting for 20122013, including working on the
upcoming year's budget, will be
held on June 28, 2012, at 5:30
p.m. (change of date from
June 14), at the NEW offices of
Miller Johnson in the Radisson.
All members are invited to
participate. Please RSVP to
Tami Carl at 226-2966 if you
plan to attend. Pizza will be
served.
OLD FILES
If you have any old files related
to NALS of Greater Kalamazoo
that need to be stored, please
bring them to June 26, 2012,
general membership meeting to
give to Colleen VanSickle.
Colleen will see that they are
placed in our storage facility.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY'S REPORT
By Joyce Coker
Happy birthday to:
Momo Vincent (June 30)
I sent a sympathy card to Tammy Haley, Executive Director of NALS, for her father's death. A
thank you note was also sent to Kim Houtman at Miller Johnson, for speaking at the May 22
meeting.
NEW EMPLOYMENT CHAIR
As many of you know, Cindy Comer, our long-time employment committee chair, retired in May
from her job with the City of Kalamazoo. Tami Carl has agreed to take over this committee. So
if you are looking for a job, looking for an employee, or know of a job opening, please contact
Tami at 226-2966, or [email protected].
inf o@mor etti group.net
www .moretti gr oup .net
KALAMAZOO SPEEDWAY
FUNDRAISER
NALS of Greater Kalamazoo will be selling
50/50 raffle tickets at the KALAMAZOO
SPEEDWAY on Saturday, June 23, 2012
(note date change from May 26, 2012).
Here's how it works: We have a table near
the grandstand entryway and sell tickets
there. We also circulate in the grandstand
selling tickets there as well. Then about 9:00
or so, the drawing is held, and the rest of the
evening is yours to spend at the races!
This should be a great opportunity to raise
some funds for our group for a one-time,
one-day commitment. If you are interested
in volunteering (yourself, spouse, family
members, etc.), please contact Tami Carl at
226-2966 or via e-mail at:
[email protected]
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NALS OF GREATER KALAMAZOO
Minutes of May 22, 2012
General Membership Meeting
NALS of Greater Kalamazoo met on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at TGI-Friday’s, notice of the meeting
having been duly given to all members. Fifteen members and three guests were present.
Prior to the meeting, Kim Houtman presented on LinkedIn.
1.
The meeting was called to order by President Tami Carl at 7:49 p.m.
2.
Introduction of guests.
3.
It was moved by Peggy Boucher and seconded by Kathleen Hutchins to approve the minutes of
the April General Membership Meeting. Motion passed.
4.
It was moved by Nancy Thomas and seconded by Lucinda Broecker to approve the April
Treasurer’s Report subject to audit. Motion passed.
5.
Corresponding Secretary, Joyce Coker, reported that a “Get Well” card was sent to Carolyn
Schneider and a birthday card was sent to Nancy Gideon. It was also Joyce’s birthday within the
last month. A “Thank You” card was received from Cindy Comer re: retirement.
6.
Director, Nancy Thomas, stated that her report was in the Pleadings; however, reported that the
Region 3 meeting will be held in Plymouth, Michigan, in July if anyone is interested in
attending.
7.
Committee Reports:
a.
Membership – Lucinda Broecker deferred to Cindy Comer because the transfer of file
information had not taken place. A Davenport student, Bridgett Krank, will receive
membership information.
b.
Marketing – Karen Hare reported that she sends welcome letters to all new members.
Jenna Newman is a new student member.
c.
Scholarship – Nancy Thomas reported on behalf of Pam Wilcox that an email was sent
extending the deadline to May 31st for our second scholarship. To-date, no response.
d.
Speakers/Programs – Diane Berry reported that our speaker in June will be Joseph
Ammar, who will present on UCC filings, etc. July and August will be lunch meetings –
potential speakers to be a representative from the Law Library and KDPS. The
September speaker will be Becky Powers, a KVCC Wellness instructor and also Tim
Allen’s sister. Diane also reported on “Engage 5” – if you recruit five new members,
your dues are free. Our focus is on the student member – the future of our Association.
8.
9.
10.
e.
Student Liaison – Karen Hare had nothing additional to report.
f.
Diane Berry presented appreciation certificates to her Board members.
Pending Business:
a.
President Carl called for volunteers – needed for Employment, LPY and Reservations.
Lucinda Broecker agreed to head up the LPY Committee and Joyce Coker agreed to head
up Reservations.
b.
June 14th is the Budget/Planning Meeting at 5:30 p.m. to be held at Miller Johnson at the
Rose Street Market address. Contact President Carl if you plan to attend.
c.
June 23rd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is our 50/50 raffle fundraiser at the Kalamazoo
Speedway.
d.
NALS of Michigan 2013 Annual Conference – Diane Berry reported that we have four
speakers lined up with topics of bankruptcy, labor, and linguistic statement analysis.
New Business:
a.
NALS of Michigan Officer Visitation – We will request Teri Garber.
b.
NALS of Michigan Honors and Elects – press release.
c.
Member Spotlight – Diane Berry PLS.
Announcements:
a.
Next Board meeting on June 5th at noon at Miller Canfield.
b.
Next General Membership meeting on June 26th at Old Burdick’s at Wings West, Sports
Drive. Speaker – Attorney Joseph Ammar; topic – Secured Transactions under UCC.
There being no further business to come before the membership, it was moved by Peggy Boucher and
seconded by Nancy Thomas to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at
8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim L. Snow, PP, PLS
Recording Secretary
NALS OF GREATER KALAMAZOO
““The Association for Legal Professionals”
www.nalsofgreaterkalamazoo.org
www.nalsofmichigan.org
www.nals.org
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Old Burdick’s at Wings West
5076 Sports Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Telephone: 269.488.4500
5:30 p.m. – Networking
6:00 p.m. – Dinner
Program:
Joseph Ammar, Esq.
Plunkett Cooney
Topic:
Secured Transactions Under the UCC
Program to follow dinner;
followed by General Membership Meeting
Menu Selections
(all prices include tax, tip and gratuity)
Half Rack of Baby Back Ribs, served with Coleslaw, Sea Salt Seasoned Fries - $18.75**
Caprese Chicken: Grilled Chicken Breasts, Fresh Mozzarella, Oven Dried Tomato, Asparagus, Pearl Pasta -$16.25**
Michigan Whitefish: Grilled Great Lakes Caught Whitefish Filet, Chef’s Fresh Vegetable, Pearl Pasta - $17.50*
Street Tacos: Shredded Machaca Beef, Sliced Avocado, Queso Fresco Cheese, Shredded Lettuce, Pico De Gallo,
Chipotle Ranch, Charro Beans, Tamale Cake - $13.75**
Cherry Glazed Salmon: Grilled Salmon, Cherry Glaze, Mixed Greens, Dried Cherries, Candied Pecans, Red Onion,
Tomatoes, Bleu Cheese, Cherry Vinaigrette – $17.50**
Prime Rib: Slow Roasted, served with Mashed Potatoes and Chef’s Fresh Vegetable - $21.25**
**Note: please add $3.00 to your total for (unlimited refills) non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are also
available upon request at your cost.
PLEASE NOTE OUR RESERVATION PROCEDURE: Please reply to the email address below
with “NALS Reservation” in your subject line. Please give your selection in the body of the email,
as well as the names and selections of any guests. Please give your payment to Kathleen Hutchins
at the meeting. If you pay in cash, please bring the exact amount. Checks are welcome. Thank
you!
Please email your selection to Tami Carl at: [email protected] by noon on Monday,
June 25, 2012.
ONCE RESERVATIONS HAVE BEEN CALLED IN, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
PAYMENT FOR YOUR ORDER IF YOU CANCEL AND DO NOT FIND A REPLACEMENT.
KZ_DOCS 283355v1
2012-2013 Officers
Tami L. Carl, President
Phone: 226-2966; [email protected]
Lucinda Broecker, CAP, Vice President
Phone: 883-1709; [email protected]
Kim L. Snow, PP, PLS, Recording Secretary
Phone: 388-6060; [email protected]
Joyce Coker, Corresponding Secretary
Phone: 271-1989; [email protected]
Kathleen E. Hutchins, PLS, Treasurer
Phone: 226-2984; [email protected]
Nancy Thomas, PLS, Director
Phone: 381-7030; [email protected]
Nancy Thomas, PLS, Parliamentarian
Phone: 381-7030; [email protected]
*****
Karen Hare, Student Member Contact
[email protected]
Nancy Thomas, PLS, Pleadings Editor
Phone: 381-7030; [email protected]
NALS of Greater Kalamazoo
P.O. Box 50221
Kalamazoo MI 49005
CALENDAR
Next Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
12 noon
Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone
Next General Membership Meeting:
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
5:30 p.m.
Old Burdick's at Wing's West
Program: Joseph Ammar, Esq.
UCC
Planning Meeting
Thursday, June 28, 2012
5:30 p.m.
Miller Johnson (Radisson)
NALS Region 3 Retreat and
NALS of Michigan Board Meeting
July 20-21, 2012
Hilton Garden Inn
Plymouth, Michigan
NALS of Michigan PLS/ALS Cram
August 11, 2012
Miller Johnson