As we go through October 2001 it is so very difficult not to keep thinking of September 11 and how all of our lives were changed forever. The lives lost, the people left behind to mourn them, the over 15,000 children left without a parent is mind-boggling and heart breaking to all of us.

The country is uniting and as human beings we need to do this not just today but always. Reach out to that neighbor you never seem to get around to talking to, call a friend you might have had some words with and make amends, hug your kids, love yourself, be more patient, live each moment and enjoy your journey.

Some important ISES notes, all of you should be receiving your ISES Member Needs Assessment in the mail this week. Please take a few moments to complete it and return it by November 2. This is our tool to let ISES International know how to plan the future of our organization.

Locally, ISES LA is planning a full day special events education workshop in the spring. You've been asking for specific education in this field and we plan to offer you incredible topics and renowned industry speakers! Watch your email and our web site for details.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Jackie Korman, Abbey Event Services

President, Greater Los Angeles Chapter of ISES

Looking for a way to help? A way to respond? The challenge is really to get back to business, and more pointedly get business back to New York. Visit the ISES International site (Member Forum) and see what your industry peers are doing and saying. ISES Member Forum

REMEMBER - ISES LA will donate 100% of raffle proceeds from the monthly meetings in September, October and November to the NY State Fraternal Order of Police and the NY Firefighter's 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. ISES LA will be adding a contribution each month as well. Please attend and give generously.

ISES LA's September raffle generated over $450! Thank you.

Totally Bourbon Street!

Plan now to attend the October 24 Mixer at Verandas Manhattan Beach

Verandas, a private catering facility overlooking Santa Monica Bay, offers a fantastic setting for weddings and other special events. New York Food Company acquired and rebuilt the facility two years ago. You may know New York Food Company from other great venues throughout Los Angeles.

We'll meet at 6pm so be sure to wear your Mardi Gras attire and we'll provide the accessories! You'll be enjoying the company of another of our LA allied societies, the Association of Bridal Consultants Greater LA, along with your ISES LA peers at a fun, New Orleans style event designed by Randie Pellegrini of Cordially Invited. Showcasers this month include Verandas, New York Food Company, Collage Florals, Classic Party Rentals, CORT Furnishings, HM&P Photography, Bob Gail Entertainment, Digipix, and Creative Event Technology. Thank you to all of these special companies! We're offering a reduced registration price this month of $20 pre-registration and $30 at the door!

To get to Verandas from the San Diego Freeway, take the Rosecrans Avenue off ramp and go west. You'll drive past Sepulveda Boulevard to 401 Rosecrans Avenue. Turn right into their free parking lot, that Verandas' manager calls, "the best parking in all of Manhattan Beach."

ISES LA is conducting our Membership Drive. A tempting trip to Catalina & valuable prizes are just waiting to be awarded to the current member that helps us find the most new members before November 21.

This is a great time to have your peers consider ISES-LA membership! As a special incentive, any special events professional who is a guest of an ISES LA member, and who has not attended an ISES LA meeting in the past six months, may attend the next monthly mixer for ONLY $1! This is a great opportunity to add new resources and peers in the event industry, have fun, and win a nice gift!

For more information call Michelle Fox, Drago Catering, at (310) 315-5463 or the ISES LA office at (310) 732-2222.

The September mixer was held on a beautiful, warm evening overlooking our fair city. If you haven't been to an ISES LA mixer lately, we miss you! Please plan to join us October 24.

For general ISES-LA questions please contact our offices at (310) 732-2222 or iseslosangeles@aol.com Don't forget to visit our website to get the full scoop on chapter happenings at www.ises-la.com