When it comes to clubs, I believe in that old saying about not belonging to any one that will have me as a member. Associations, however, are a different story. I need them just as much as they need me. Okay, maybe this is one of those examples where I actually need them more than they need me, but don’t tell anyone I said that. And I’m not just talking about real estate associations. The Dill Pickle Club, the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and of course, the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts are a few associations you may not necessarily think of when it comes to Agent X.
Now that I’ve revealed some of my secret association memberships (there are a few more I am not allowed to mention; one of them sounds a lot like Lou Malnati…) let’s get on to the important gossip of the week. Looks like Jenny Ames is downsizing; she just listed her magnificent Lakeview mansion for a cool $3.8 million. Get it while it’s hot, folks!
Tommy Choi just announced that KW will be launching a new market center to join the North Star Group, which will be known as Keller Williams Chicago – River North. The announcement came my way via a pretty rad video that Tom posted on his Instagram. Certainly motivated me to sit up and take notice.
Speaking of associations, on Sept. 9 the North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors celebrated 100 years! The glamorous, black-tie optional (which means wear a black tie or be judged) gala took place at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Well-clad guests enjoyed a full open bar, in addition to elegant bites and desserts from a variety of food stations in “party zones” throughout the air-conditioned Regenstein Center. Also worth noting: free parking. That alone was worth putting on my fancy outfit. The invitation mentioned “other surprises,” but since there were three hours of open bar, I missed whatever those might have been, as I catnapped in one of the aforementioned party zones.
On Sept. 12, the young whippersnappers at YPN hosted a kickball fundraiser at Oz Park. Though proceeds went to charity, I didn’t think anyone wanted to see me tighten up my laces for sporting purposes. But I did my part on the sidelines and provided a lot of enthusiasm as an excellent cheerleader, if I do say so myself.
From Sept. 12 to 14, Coldwell Banker held their Leadership Summit conference at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Of course, I can’t report whether or not I attended, because that would reveal too much secret information about my identity. I did hear from a trusted source that the “office productivity” breakout session was quite productive.
Birthdays! Mo Dadkhah and Lori Wyatt share a Sept. 16 bday, so think about taking them both out at the same time to celebrate. Teresa Ryan and Evelyn Fred both have four-letter last names that could be first names, and they share a Sept. 19 birthday. Coinkydink? Julie Harron and our very own Anne Hartnett also have the same birthday, but I haven’t met a lot of folks running around with the first names Harron or Hartnett, so they might have to have a separate party. Jessica Kern and Bill Knapp will celebrate on Sept. 20, while Ian Schwartz and Cheena Chandra will get their birthday toasts on Sept. 23 and 24, respectively.