Join the Women's Business Network of the Chamber for a luncheon on Thursday, April 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Columbus North, 6500 Doubletree Ave.

The featured speaker is Pat Carpenter, from Sequent and OAD Publishing, author of "The Caregiver's Roadmap."

Married to another financial planning professional, Pat thought her family was well prepared for terminal illness. Updated wills, advance directives and powers of attorney distributed, separate credit histories, personal life insurance in place: good basic planning, but not enough.

Caregiver's Roadmap is about what she and her late husband learned that wasn't obvious:

• How do you keep friends updated when you're exhausted?
• How do you find the right doctor?
• Where do you find resources?
• How do you protect your energy level?
• What is important to keep doing, and what can you let slide?
• And, oh, what about work?

Through the six years after diagnosis, they learned how to cope. They built a bridge over the barrier of illness. And they figured out how to say good bye. Pat will share the journey that led to her book and her expertise in helping others.

Support our scholarship fund by making announcements ($5/member; $10/guest), distributing promotional literature or samples ($10), and participating in door prize drawings ($1/member/guest).

Reservations are required; call 888-3040. Gentlemen are always welcome at programs conducted by the Women's Business Network.

Looking ahead: May 17 Women's Business Luncheon at Oakland Nursery. Save the date for the Progressive Power Luncheon on Oct. 13.