Women's Conference at the Casa

Mother's Day Special Breakfast

2010-02-26T10:38:00.001-08:00

We are coming into the month of March and I was just thinking that we will be advertising and opening the Mother's Day Breakfast to the general public soon.
If you are planning on having your family join you here at the Casa on the morning of May 9th when the Women's Conference will be ending, I encourage you to get your reservations in now before we sell out.
We did the Sunday Brunches last summer and we sold out on a few of the dates. Since this is only one day for the special Mother's Day Breakfast, we will more than likely sell out so be sure to take advantage of this time before it gets announced to the general community.
Our chef, Elias Zamore and all the kitchen staff do an excellent and delicious breakfast. It can be a nice time to share the morning with your family and celebrate Mother's Day together. Go online to the Women's Conference page for all the details.
You can avoid the crowded restaurants and the long waits and be with those you love right here at the Casa.

The Concert Kicking Off the Women's Conference

2010-02-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard "Wings of My Own" by Lew Bakey, go to You Tube right now and check it out. Amazing.
So much feeling and depth to this recording by Lew. I will write more tomorrow but I was talking with Renee Morgan Brooks yesterday and she mentioned that Lew is working on the music for the conference. That is so exciting.
Our very own music for "A Gathering of Women." Ok, go check out Lew's music. I just know you will love it.

Exhibit Tables available for the 2010 Women's Conference

2010-02-19T14:17:00.000-08:00

The time seems to be moving quickly but there is still time to reserve your exhibit table at the 2010 Women's Conference, "A Gathering of Women."
Last year we were able to have the exhibit tables outside but because we are into the month of May and it can be a little toasty, we will have the exhibit tables indoors in the Owen Room. Space, of course is limited. Please try to reserve early so as not to be disappointed if we are sold out.
Call me at 480-948-7460, ext. 155 or send an email to bonnie@thecasa.org. Use "Exhibit tables" in your subject line which will help me respond to you.
It is really shaping up to be another great conference. Can't wait to see you all there.

Valentine's Gift Certificate

2010-01-22T16:19:00.000-08:00

On January 31, Sunday after all the morning Masses, we will have a table out in hospitality with Casa Gift Certificates for the Women's Conference 2010.
We will even gift wrap it for you.
What a lovely way to tell someone how special and loved they are!

This gift certificate is great for Moms, Wives, Daughters, Sisters, Aunties and even BFF's.....
I'll be at the table on Sunday and will look forward to seeing you.

Just Added...Another Surprise!

2010-01-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

Ladies, this Women's Conference 2010 is filled with opportunities to gather in this unique spiritual place and experience ways in which prayer, peace and harmony can become a part of your life.
Next week we are meeting with Renee Morgan Brooks and Lew Bakey to talk about the concert on May 7, Friday. I will have more details after next week. If you love music, you should come. If you are not familiar with Renee or Lew, you are in for a delightful evening.

One of my most favorite sayings hangs in a frame over my desk in my office. I think it is my favorite because when I was in grade school, (taught by the IBVM Sisters in Chicago) I remember being told that "singing is praying twice." I have always remembered that and when I saw this one saying, I knew it was meant for me...."God Respects Me When I Work....But He Loves Me When I Sing."
Oh, HE must really love Renee and Lew! I can't wait for the Friday night concert!

Now the newest tidbit of information is that Jan D'Atri who is a well-known restaurateur and cookbook author, newspaper columnist and long time Arizona television and radio personality, will be a part of the "Gathering of Women".

How blessed can we be?

After the dinner on Saturday, Jan and her mom, Livia will conduct a cooking demonstration right here at the Casa!! Mmmm. What a great weekend to look forward to in this Spring!!
Please call and register today. We are limited on space and I just know you won't want to miss this great weekend.

Moms, Sisters, Daughters, Wives, and BFF's....

2010-01-15T09:36:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is soon approaching and if you need to drop a HINT about something you would like to get on V Day....how about dropping a hint for the 2010 Women's Conference?

Or maybe you are looking to get something for YOUR Mom or Sister or BFF?? What a wonderful weekend to give to someone that you love!

If you need more details, please call Wendy at 480-948-7460, ext. 157.
I just thought I'd share this with you because I'm always looking to give something special to my sisters and my best friends and I just love this idea of giving them something different and that I know they would enjoy.
It's less than 4 months away.
Bye for now. Bonnie

Exhibit Tables at the Women's Conference 2010

2009-12-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

As we approach the beginning of the new year, 2010, plans are coming together for the Women's Conference, "A Gathering of Women".

We will once again, EAT PLAY PRAY together. I am so looking forward to seeing you all again. Please check the lobby for more information as we will be displaying the fliers and posters fairly soon.

If you are interested in an exhibit table, please contact me about a space. The exhibits will be indoors for this conference and as it will be May, it means the temperatures will be on the rise.
Since the exhibits will be indoors, space is definitely limited. Reserve your space early.
At least get your name on the list so you won't miss out. Last year, we had wonderful exhibits and we look forward to another successful year.
Call or email: Bonnie, 480-948-7460, ext. 155 and email: bonnie@thecasa.org

It Just Keeps Getting Better and Better....

2009-12-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Wow! The 2010 Women's Conference is scheduled for May 7, 8 and 9. The latest news is that we have our Keynote Speaker for the luncheon on Saturday, May 8th.
Ann Meyers Drysdale, General Manager of the Mercury and Vice President of the Phoenix Suns will be here at the Casa to talk about life in the fast lane and how do we live our lives with a good balance and time for everything we need to do.
You may already know that the Mercury has won the Championship and that it had been accomplished with the guidance of Ann Meyers Drysdale. An amazing accomplishment for a woman in today's world.
AND there's more! Our "Gathering of Women" jump starts with Renee Morgan Brooks and Lew Bakey at the Friday night concert after the fabulous and delicious get-acquainted dinner.

Can it get any better than this? Why, yes it can and it does.....
After the keynote talk, we will have a round table discussion with a Question and Answer period. Channel 12 news anchor, Lin Sue Cooney will be on hand to lead that discussion. What a delight for us all.
So what could possibly top all of this? Yes, there is one more special treat in store...because Sunday is Mother's Day and we have scheduled a wonderful Special Mother's Day Breakfast in the dining room. If you choose not to have the regular continental breakfast, you can consider inviting your family to join you in the Casa's dining room for a special Mother's Day breakfast. Just think....no preparing, no cooking, no long lines to wait in at a crowded restaurant.....just walk out of your comfortable sleeping room and meet your family in the dining room for a delicious breakfast prepared by our own Chef Elias Zamora.
This is going to be a truly wonderful weekend and I hope that you ladies who attended last year's gathering will be back for another exciting and amazing conference. I am looking forward to seeing you all again.
I will keep you informed with the details as they unfold. So long for now.

Women's Conference 2010 Update

2009-09-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Women's Conference 2010, "a gathering of women" is set for May 7 and May 8, 2010.

We read over the evaluations from last year and 3 things jumped out of the pages at us.....

There were many requests for....

1. Overnight lodging

2. More music

and last but certainly not least, as it was on almost every evaluation.....

3. Don't change too much as it was great as it was and be sure to have a Women's Conference 2010.

So we took it seriously what you all told us. Here's what we did....

1. The basic package will include lodging for Friday night, May 7 and Saturday night, May 8 and of course, all the meals. Oh and it doesn't stop just there.....

On Sunday morning, we've included a continental breakfast. HOWEVER, you will have an option of having a "Mother's Day" breakfast in the dining room where you can invite your family or friends to join you for breakfast!

2. We will open the Conference of "a gathering of women" with MUSIC....a concert on Friday night! Keep watching for information on the stars for the musical evening.

We are working on it right now and we will have some surprises for you so stay tuned!

In addition, we will have a Keynote Speaker at lunch on Saturday. You will surely love our speaker.....another surprise awaiting you. We will announce the Keynote Speaker soon. Keep watching for that information.

Last year we truly did: Eat Play Pray

This year, we will definitely: EAT PLAY PRAY & More......

I hope you will join us for another "gathering of women" at the Franciscan Renewal Center on May 7 and May 8. Can't wait to visit with you all again. Mark your calendars!

NEW dates for 2010 Women's Conference

2009-06-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

The dates for the 2010 Women's Conference have been changed due to a conflict within our scheduling for conference space. The new dates are May 7 and May 8. Mark your calendars!! Overnight lodging is now available.
Many new surprises for this year's conference are in the planning stages....Keep watching for updated details.

A Good Time Was Had By All

2009-03-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Women's Conference was a success! 80+ women gathered to EAT, PLAY, and PRAY at the Franciscan Renewal Center on March 17 and March 18.
The event started with time for a bite of breakfast and then all gathered in the Piper Hall to the soulful sounds of Renee Morgan Brooks. What an amazing voice from such an amazing woman! It was the perfect way to start on our woman's journey for these 2 days.
I was so moved by the opening that I felt I was entering a place where God was speaking just to me even though there were about 80 other women in the same room.
The programs and presenters were great and I am so thankful that I was able to participate and attend the programs. I met some of the most interesting and amazing women during these 2 days. Dena Patton's talk at lunch on Tuesday was so good on so many different levels. I had no idea that she witnessed the tragedy of 9/11. What a life changing experience that was for her. Valerie Preuss, our announcer, did a great job of giving us information about where and when to go as well as review the fashions in the fashion show. No wonder she's great at organizing, that's her business: "A Place In Time." Valerie and her business partner, Marlene Kopp did a fantastic program on "Getting Organized..." and they also were one of our exhibitors. Speaking of the exhibitors, what a fabulous group of women presented their services and organizations. Just to name a few: Pam Ferguson, American Heart Association; Sherry Vames, Flute Journey; Sr. Marilyn Bever, AEISD (AZ Ecumenical Institute for Spiritual Direction); Margie Camacho with Esperanza; Lori Landis with Landis Art; Karen Gridley who was also one of our presenters; Barbara Brown of Art of Recovery Expo; Judy Miranda and the fabulous items from Global Hands Artisans (handcrafted items and folk art from around the world) and Sergio's wonderful weavings; display of Dena Patton's, Chat, Chew and Chocolate; Susan Frisse and Jacque Rice who both brought beautiful jewelry for display (and what woman doesn't like to look at jewelry???).
The food was simply delicious and table talk was great fun. Again I have to say it was the best group of women that gathered and I had the privilege to meet.
Next year's dates are set. April 23 and 24, 2010. Because it is a weekend, lodging will also be available because so many of the women had asked for that to be made available.
Gather your girlfriends, sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmoms for the 2010 Women's Conference. Mark it on your calendars. Share the experience with them. I would love to see you all back again next year.
Stay tuned.

Update on Women's Conference Workshops

2009-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

Are you getting ready to EAT PLAY and PRAY with us on March 17 and 18??

The invitations are almost ready to go to the printers. If you are with a women's group and would like to have some invitations, please let me know and I can get them into your hands as soon as we get the invitations printed.

Some of the workshops that are already in program for the 2 days are and not limited to:

Discovering the Dancer Within
Money: Is that All There Is??
How To Create a Fun Social Circle
A Way To Discover Your Creative Self

We are encouraging all women that attend the conference to dress casual as you might be wanting to do some T'ai Chi or maybe even some dancing? We really want all to be comfortable and enjoy the experience.

Lori Landis, a well-known Scottsdale artist will be joining us and as soon as we have a title for her workshop, I will let you know. You will just love Lori's work and ideas. She is one neat lady.

Packets for the exhibit tables have just been mailed out. We have limited space and so it will be first come basis. Get them in to us as quickly as you can.

We had our meeting with Chico's and they are just as excited about being here as we are as excited on having them do the fashion show. Ladies, the spring/summer fashions are oh so lovely.

This is just a little update. If you have questions, I am always available to answer your questions. I will be looking forward to meeting you all at the "Gathering of Women" when we will all EAT PLAY and PRAY together on March 17 and 18.

Women's Conference 2009 "A Gathering of Women"

2008-12-29T10:32:00.000-08:00

EAT PLAY PRAY
on March 17 and March 18, 2009
Plans are moving along for this great event for women. If you have visited the Harkins Theater at the Camelview 5 or the Harkins 101, you might have seen the ad for the Conference.
Let me know if you have questions or if you have seen the ad.

For Tuesday, March 17, our keynote speaker, Dena Patton, founder and CEO of Chat, Chew & Chocolate is delightful and you will be amazed by her story and what she has to say to all women.

On Wednesday, you won't want to miss out on the Fashion Show presenting Chico's Fashions.

During the 2 days, you will have the opportunity to attend many wonderful presentations by women for and about women. Our program director, Pat Julian is working on the schedule of presenters and just as soon as it is ready, we will let you know. Keep checking back for more details.

Our Casa chef, Elias is working on some fabulous menus for our "Gathering of Women" and he truly is an expert in making beautiful and tastfully delicious meals. Check back to see what some of the menu items might be.

The exhibit booths have caused a great amount of interest. They are reasonably priced and with only 38 tables available, we hope you get your request in early. There are about 20 that are still available.

You can start to register now for the event. Just go over to the programs section on the website, www.thecasa.org and go to March, 2009, scroll down and click on the title, Women's Conference 2009, "A Gathering of Women". The information will be right there for you and you can immediately register on line.

It will be an exciting 2 days. I look forward to seeing you there.
Make it a great day with love, laughter and smiles, Bonnie Wasniewski

Women Helping Women Exhibit Tables

2008-08-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

Women Helping Women
We just had a planning session today about the 2009 Women's Conference.
Many exciting and wonderful ideas came about in today's meeting. I have attended quite a few gatherings and conferences for women but this will be like no other. It will have something for everyone. THAT is the exciting part. It will be for ALL women.
Pat Julian, our programs director here at the Franciscan Renewal Center, will be starting a blog on the Women's Conference soon, so be on the lookout for that.
We are working on the plans for the exhibit space and areas.
If you are thinking about an exhibit table, let me know and as soon as the details are completed, I will make sure that I contact you with all the information.

The Franciscan Renewal Center's Events Catalog should be out in about another 7 - 10 days. It does have a page on the Women's Conference. Be sure to check that out.
AND you will be able to see the catalog on line as well in a few days. http://www.thecasa.org/ I will post the info here when it is ready.

Women Helping Women

2008-07-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

Networking is a valuable skill and a tool in helping you connect with others to promote your business or organization.
The Franciscan Renewal Center is sponsoring the Women's Conference to help women on their journey. The Conference will provide an opportunity for women to let others know about their work.
This is only one element of the Conference. As plans unfold, for the keynote speakers and agenda for the 2 days, the information will be posted on the FRC's website, www.thecasa.org and in this blog.

If you are interested in a display table during the Conference for your business or organization , please contact me. Include your name, name of business and how to reach you.
Materials and information about the 2 day conference are in the final stages of being completed. Upon completion, you will be contacted with the information but sign up now as there is limited space available for the display tables.