Michigan Organizers

I am a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and also NAPO's Southeast Michigan Chapter. If you are looking for a Professional Organizer or an Organizing Consultant, such as myself, be sure they are a member of NAPO and have attended annual conferences for continuing eduation. I always enjoy these events and for the last three years have attended conferences in San Diego, Boston and Vancouver.

Outside of annual conferences, organizers that belong to a local chapter get together for education and networking. On May 8th, I was honored at a luncheon at Andiamo Novi for my past service as Director of Professional Development for the Southeast Michigan Chapter of NAPO. I am pictured above on the left along with fellow Michigan Organizers: Karen DeClark, Debbie Tebbie, Carol Seneker and Carrie Vance.

Why Organize?

Yesterday, I attended the Ann Arbor Book Festival's day long writer's conference. Some of the sessions were so-so, while others were really great. The best, in my opinion, was Lisa Garrigues' "Writing Motherhood" session, which takes a pragmatic approach to writing for busy mothers like myself. Ms. Garrigues also had great handouts and was well prepared, so it is no wonder her books sold out at the hallway table.

Another great session was on blogging. It was more of a Q&A session with Ron Hogan and Claudia Mair Francis Burney. I must admit that I am not really very literary. I love to read, but find time mainly for non-fiction, so I had never heard of either blogger. Interestingly enough, Mr. Hogan did a great interview with Peter Walsh of TLC's Clean Sweep and more recently, Oprah, fame. Mr. Walsh is so right when he says that organizing is "never about the stuff" and "you're organized because it makes your life easier." I couldn't have said it better.

Antique Appraisals

I have no clue how I got on their list, but I have been receiving e-mails lately from Brighton, Michigan based Insights Group, which to my understanding is a business networking group. At any rate, Insights Group is holding an antique appraisal fair in Brighton on Saturday, June 14th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is a great opportunity for those of you that have some antiques that you need appraised for resale or insurance purposes.

I always recommend my clients work with non-dealer appraisers to avoid a conflict of interest. A great way to find an appraiser in your area is through the Appraisers Association of America.

Tax Records

Hands down, the number one question I hear from seminar attendees is "What paperwork can I keep and what can I throw away?" I am always very reluctant to answer this question, as it really varies on the individual's situation. In addition, I am not a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or an attorney.

Ann Arbor based CPA, Ms. Holly Hall Polopolos, addressed the issue of tax records in her April 2008 e-newsletter. I hope my readers will find her information useful.

Shred Day in Ann Arbor

I was sorting out my junk mail yesterday, when I noticed something interesting. United Bank & Trust, a small regional bank, is hosting a shred day at their Ann Arbor (Scio Village) and Tecumseh (West Chicago) bank branches. This is a clever marketing technique and a way to help the public with their excess shredding, something that I wrote about in my March and April 2008 newsletters.

Both events will be held on Friday, May 16, 2008 from 3 to 7 p.m. You can bring up to three banker-type boxes of personal documents that will be shredded for free while you watch. You will also be provided a certificate of destruction. Please post a comment if you are able to attend this event.

Electronics Recycling

News of this Ann Arbor, Michigan event just came through to me from fellow organizer, Michael Ann Rose. Apple is sponsoring a public event to recycle electronic items such as computers, televisions, monitors and related equipment.

On Saturday, May 10th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can bring your old electronics to Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School parking lot. Last year, they had 700 cars and are looking to beat that record. You do not have to be an Ann Arbor resident to attend. For more information contact John McMahon of Apple, Inc. directly at 734-389-5525.

It is important that these items are recycled appropriately to keep harmful substances out of landfills.