Crown Jewels of Canada Society Newsletter
Newsletter # 78
February 15, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE:
President's Report
Membership Renewals
Admin. Asst.
Chapter Events
Valentine's Day
REPORT - Lynda Choquette
Recipes
Save The Date
2016 National Convention
Cruise
Facebook
CJCS Websites
Contact Information
Copyright & Trademark Info.
Congratulations to our member Margaret Williams of the Dazzling Dollies in Manitou MB who has recently celebrated her 100th birthday!
Remember, if you have someone with a 100th birthday upcoming, please let us know 1-2 mths in advance so we can post her address and have Jewels from across the country send congratulatory messages and cards.

This is it Jewels.... today the convention registration is OPEN! All you need to know is posted on the convention website: 
www.cjcsconventions.com
You will need a password to access the site and it is:   calgary

I hope you enjoyed some chocolate yesterday - it's good at any time of the year but on the 14th we have the license to eat ALL WE WANT!
(It's a CJCS rule!)

It's February the month of love... read on about something you might enjoy!

As we enter a new year, I wanted to share some information with all of you on planning chapter activities. This came about as the result of a chapter accidentally sending a copy of their yearly event planner to my husband. He showed it to me and we were very impressed with the C.R.O.W.N.S. chapter in Alberta and how well organized they are for 2016. Please read my article below on Planning Chapter Events.

Thanks to all who joined us on the recent CJCS cruise - already missing you all!

I'm looking forward to visiting cities across the country and meeting many Jewels this spring! Check below to see what's being planned in your province and if there's nothing happening, get your friends together and plan something with other chapters. Sue may also be working on plans to meet chapters in the lower mainland and  in Victoria B.C. Stay tuned!
 
 
2016 Membership Renewals
Are now past due.  Thank you for being a member of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society.
We hope by now you've renewed but for anyone who has not, please note that this is the last newsletter you will receive. Your name will be removed from our data base Feb 29th. Your membership expired at the end of December, 2015.  
Insurance 2016
Has been processed and forwarded to the insurance agent for processing through the underwriters. If you have a new member, or wish to add anyone to the policy:
Our office must have the application and payment no later than May 15th, August 15th or November 15th. The coverage will be effective one month later (June 15th, September 15th or December 15th) There is no pro-rating for late add-ons.   
Hola!    
Happy times were had in Cancun, Mexico with my family a week or so ago, I call it mental health week - the kids missed a few days of school but it was oh so wonderful to just enjoy each other with no schedule, few rules and great memories made.  And of course an escape of the snow and cold was just icing on the cake! 

Thanks for being patient while both Lynda and I were away, my inbox wasn't overflowing and in the mail just a few new members to be added to various chapters, I'll get to those this week.  Blessings to you all!

Warm wishes,
 
Planning Chapter Events
The other day instead of a dinner party, we hosted an "Appies & Dessert Pot-Luck" and we had many comments about what fun it was as people had the opportunity to "mingle" and not just talk to the person on either side of them as they would at a sit-down dinner. Besides, I didn't have to do much other than tidy the house and provide some wine! Entertaining doesn't have to be difficult and people don't care if your house is large or small, a mess or clean. They come to socialize. Please don't be afraid to invite friends into your home. Just make them feel welcome when they do come. On that note...
I thought I would share this with you. The C.R.O.W.N.S chapter fascinated me by how well organized they are a year in advance and by an event they were planning so I decided to share the information with all of you (hope they don't mind!) at the end of this article. 
 
At this time of year many women have embarked on diets. We overindulge at Christmas and soon its spring and then bathing suit season so this is when most diets are begun. The issue is, so many chapter events are based around FOOD. Well, it's not too exciting to commit to an event where everyone else can enjoy a wonderful meal and possibly luxurious desserts and there you are chomping away on a carrot. Not fun - so you decide to stay home and not be tempted. Well, that shouldn't be! Your sister Jewels should be supporting you and your efforts to get in shape and be healthy so let's explore alternative ideas for chapter events.
I would like to remind you that we have a list of over 80 ideas for chapters to plan, on the "Jewel Box" website. Go to the tab at the top of site "How To & Fun Stuff" and hover your mouse over the tab and then go to the sub-title "FUN CHAPTER ACTIVITIES" and explore the ideas.

Here are some things to consider for your chapter's next year:
  1. How about a Bingo or Bunko party?
  2. Gutsy or daring? ...Try a PJ Breakfast and yes, all go to a local pancake house or somewhere in your PJ costumes for breakfast! Several of you have done this as I've seen your photos posted on "The Jewel Box".
  3. What about a spa party, and do each other's nail polish and share ideas for make-up or have someone from Mary Kay or something come and treat you all to some spa treatments?
  4. Play mini-golf or go to a park for an old-fashioned picnic.
  5. Take a tour of the local fire-station or police station, a museum or the zoo.
  6. Get together and go in a group on your local Garden Tour or Christmas House Tour then head out to lunch together and talk about what you enjoyed on the tour.
  7. Have an Easter bonnet decorating party or a card-making party.
  8. Movie nights at home or the local theater are always fun but not so great for creating the atmosphere to socialize so how about lunch and a matinee or movies and popcorn in your PJ's at someone's home?
  9. Play dress-up. Bring your boas and hats and fancy jewels and play dress-up like you did as children and take photos of each other all glammed up? Always fun and good for a laugh!
  10. Do a thrift shop crawl. Car-pool and have a planned route and see who finds what. Meet up after at someone's home and have a show and tell sharing with the others your "best find of the day" then surprise them with a prize for the most outrageous find, or tackiest find, or the "find of the day" (everyone votes on the winners) Maybe the prize is a free year's membership in the chapter or CJCS paid for from the chapter's "kitty"
  11. Don't forget the idea of a cookie/recipe exchange in November or December
  12. Host your annual meeting/planning event in October when memberships are renewed, fees paid, and plans for the upcoming year are made. Maybe have a draw and the winner gets a free membership for the year? Combine it with a pot-luck.
This list above is more than enough activities for you for a full year! Here's one extra for you - compliments of the Alberta chapter mentioned above:
"Speed Friendshipping Event." This one fascinates me.
I assume you all move from chair to chair and face each other and ask the other to share with them things about their life that others may not know (kind of like speed-dating) Isn't that a great idea? Especially if you have some new members!

When you meet at a restaurant you really only get to talk to the person on each side of you and aren't able to socialize with everyone. It's not a great environment for getting to know the others in your chapter. That's why pot-lucks are so wonderful and popular.
Here are 2 bonus suggestions:
"Everybody's Birthday Party?" Have a small cake or cupcakes and celebrate everyone's birthday at once. Another chapter celebrates each month by having members bring a birthday card for everyone who is having a birthday that month.
Line Dancing Lessons - get ready for the Calgary Convention!

Print out the list above and you're set with pre-planned activities for the year. Just remember that each member of the chapter needs to step up and host and share in the responsibilities. Please don't expect your Queen to "do it all" as we've had a couple of chapters where the Queen felt so overwhelmed by "doing it all without help" she stepped down and no one else would take on the position of Queen as they thought it was too much work. It shouldn't have to be! Remember, it's supposed to be fun!

Our suggestion would be that the October event be the organizational meeting whereby everyone pays their upcoming fees and events are planned for the year with everyone making suggestions and members voting on what they would like to do and ladies then stepping up and taking responsibility for the planning/organization of the event. I am not a "crafty" type person and don't normally enjoy doing crafts yet when someone in our chapter planned a card making event in the party room of her condo, I found it was fun to all have time to converse with each other and I had a beautiful card to send to a friend! Find a scrapbooker who will come and bring the equipment you need and be there to help you out. Maybe there's one in your chapter? 
With all of the activities I've mentioned above, it doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a small town. You can do it. It just takes some team effort.
Attached is a sheet for you to use at your next planning meeting. Pass it around and here's a suggestion: For each person who signs up (without being asked to do so) put their name in a hat and then pull a winner and give her a little prize or maybe a free membership? Incentives often help.
 
P.S.
If you go into the Jewel Box and click on the tab "How To & Fun Stuff" there is a link to a list of over 60 costume ideas for a "Silly Fashion Show" (always fun!) Just one of the many ideas available in the Jewel Box. We also have lots of game ideas for you too in the pull-down tabs.
While there check out the information on "Caring For Your Rhinestone Jewels" - check it out!  
 
Remember - it's all about having fun and when one person shoulders ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES it's no longer fun for her. Please do your share.

Please click here to download a hard copy of a chapter yearly planner

Please click here to download a copy of this article to take to your chapter planning meeting 
Click here to download this article in PDF format
Valentine's Day - February the Month of Love
Do you know the history of Valentine Day? I once had to recite it in a school assembly 1961 (I remember the year as it was also the "upside down year and I had to recite something about that too and memorizing and public speaking were NOT my strengths!) There are many stories about the history of this special day in February but here is a very condensed version without the historical facts:
At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that Valentine's Day should be a day for romance.
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valoi
Lynda

Report From Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario
Two events are in the works for our region.
There will be a Royal Court on March 31 in Winnipeg. Details will be forthcoming. Queens, if neither you nor your vice queen can attend, please designate someone who is able to come, and who will report back to your group.
Secondly, an adhoc committee has been busy planning a Spring Luncheon for May 31. The luncheon will take place at Assiniboia Downs and we are really happy that we will have some special Royal Visitors. Our National President and Vice President (Lynda and Sue) have already made their travel arrangements and will be here to celebrate the event with us. We can promise a beautiful lunch and an afternoon of fun, fun fun, so please watch for the registration forms which should be emailed to all Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario members within the next few days. Registration is limited so don't delay sending yours in.
We've lined up some great vendors too so bring along some extra cash.
Lynda Choquette 
Recipes
Do you have a special recipe - hopefully one where the food is red, white or purple? Why not share it with us as we are working on a CJCS cookbook that will be available for you to download or print.
Some recipes are also posted on www.cjcsmembers.com website. Look for the link under the "more" tab. 
Save The Date -

Remember to check out the calendar on the website www.cjcsmembers.com  
If you send us the date(s) of your Royal Courts we will add them to the calendar. Our office would be happy to mail your invitations out for you as many internet providers limit the number of emails you can send in a day.

Calling All Jewels in Alberta - May 14-15, 2016 in Red Deer AB
Check out the Convention website for details on the Alberta Provincial Convention. Registration is open and filling quickly.
The Radisson Hotel is receiving reservation requests -space is limited. Get your room booked "PDQ" @ 1-800-661-4961, local- 403-342-6567. Don't forget to tell them it is for the CJCS Prov. Convention, hosted by the "Royal Rebelles"  If you have not (or cannot) download a copy of the registration, waiver, or itinerary; or if you have any questions: contact Q-Vee via email - vees@shaw.ca; or by phone 403-346-0785.
We're going to have a blast! Come and join in the fun. Information at: 
www.cjcsconvention.info
 
Calling all Jewels in Saskatchewan - Watch for an email with information on the 7th Annual Purple Hat Tea, May 30th in Regina 
 
Calling all Jewels in Manitoba - The Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Royal Court of Crown Jewels of Canada Society Invite you to attend our Spring Luncheon Tuesday May 31, 2016 at the Terrace Dining Room, Assiniboia Downs. Information and registration available for download by clicking here and will also be emailed to all members in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario

Calling all Jewels in Ontario - Save The Date!
June 1, 2016 - we are planning an event that is open to all Jewels no matter where you live, to be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario. If you are in the Toronto/Hamilton area there is a bus coming from the Dundas area. (Joy can provide the contact information.)
For information or to confirm your attendance, please notify Joy by clicking here   - Both CJCS V.P. Sue Schierer and President Lynda Millard will be in attendance and we look forward to meeting you!  We are hoping that Myrna might join us too from Montreal. All are welcome!
If you plan to stay overnight in the area on June 1st join Lynda and Sue for dinner.  We will explore the Falls on the 2nd before heading to Muskoka. Link to view the Notice is available by clicking on this link:
2016 National Convention/Sept. 23-25, 2016
Rhinestone Roundup in Calgary AB 
 
There are rumours that if you're seen at any time during convention not in our colours you just might be put in "JAIL"!!!) 
Well heck, that's easy! Don't pack anything that isn't red, white or purple.
Website for CJCS conventions. Password:  calgary
 
 * * * * REGISTRATION IS OPEN!  * * * * 
1st Formal Night
Half Moon Cay on Little San Salvador Island, The Bahamas.
Cruise 2016
Those who were able to join us on the cruise apparently had a wonderful time. We strutted our feathers and bling around the ship and were certainly noticed by many. As a result we've had quite a few women ask how they could join us and look forward to seeing them again in the future.
We were treated to three specialty dinners, a cocktail party, a PJ party, the Captains luncheon, a Tea Party and a Champagne Farewell. We look forward to seeing all your photos on Facebook and in the Jewel Box Photo Album. Plans are underway to explore the options of cruising in the Southern Caribbean or the Panama Canal in 2017. 
Congratulations to Sue Jenkins who won our CJCS Poker and also won a 1-week cruise! Also congratulations to all who won prizes for participating in our games and events. Dianne Foulkes & Rita Vermette won the door decorating prize. Marlene Dahl won a prize for not only climbing Dunns River Falls - but doing it in her clothes!  
FACEBOOK - Join one of our groups: 

CJCS Members: Chat with members from across Canada:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2cjcs/ 
Royal Court:  (you must be a Queen or VQ to join)
CJCS - Four Websites:  
www.crownjewelsofcanada.com
is for the public with general information about our Society.  
www.cjcsmembers.com is for our members. This site has links to our other sub-sites such as information on our cruises, the convention,  recipes, insurance,etc.
www.cdnjewels.ning.com
is our private, members only site which is password protected. We call this site "The Jewel Box". You must register for access to this site using the information supplied to you with your membership confirmation
when you joined. 
Instructions were sent to you with your membership confirmation. The link sent to you does expire so join as soon as possible or contact our office for a new link. You were sent easy step-by-step instructions on how to register for the web site.
www.cjcsconventions.com
Website for CJCS conventions. Password:  calgary
For the use of the National as well as any Provincial Conventions. 
The Jewel Box- How to change your email address, change your password or reset your password

Click here for step by step instructions complete with photo descriptions 

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK:  
It is an infringement of our intellectual property rights for any person/business to sell ANYTHING with our name or logos on them as they are legally protected by copyright & trademark. You may use them for items for your chapter/event. Our logo/name is not to be used on any item that is sold to another member or any other person