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SNAP SHOT

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     Sierra Nevada Association of Paralegals						January 2007
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Visit our web site at www.snapreno.com 

Inside This Issue:

SNAP Calendar………. 3-4                               
Getting to Know You……….5                                                                     
NALA News……….6                                                                                             
Washoe County Law Library……….7                         Meeting Reservation Form……….8                                    
SNAP EC Meeting Minutes……….9-10	                   
SNAP Officers & Contact Info……….11
Job Bank..........12                                                
Treasury Reports..........13-14    

SNAP Calendar
(Details on Pages 3 & 4)

January 16             General Meeting
                               Darcy K. Houghton, Esq.
                               Estate Planning

February 20            Annual Paralegal Day
                               11:30 – 1:30
                               Airport Plaza Conf. Center
 
March 30                SNAP Annual Seminar
                               Mock Trial
                               9:00 – 4:30
	
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The holiday season has now officially come and gone and we’re all busy welcoming 2007.  However, before we move on, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our members who were able to join the Board for our enjoyable holiday event that was organized by Misty Taylor, our Social/Activities Chair.  And, of course, we are all very thankful for the contributions of Sierra Duplicating, Molezzo Reporting, and Reno-Carson Messenger Service.  They have been wonderful supporters of SNAP for many years.  We can’t thank them enough.

Our next general meeting will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at the Black Bear Diner.  Christi Saito, our Education Chair, has scheduled Darcy K. Houghton, Esq. to speak to our group about estate planning, with some tips  

                                                (Continued on Page 2) 

Get ready for PARALEGAL DAY, Tuesday, February 20, 2007!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE     (Continued from Page 1)

for our personal estate plans.  A very important topic for all of us, whether you are just beginning your paralegal career, are just starting your family, or are just around the corner from your retirement dreams.

Speaking of retirement – it is still a few years away for me, but as time flies, that’s just around the corner.  Acting on a suggestion from Kate Cline, I’m going to share with all of you a few of my secret websites, listed below.

Before you go off into retirement land checking out my sites, I just want to give you a quick reminder to take a look at our upcoming events and make sure you put the dates on your calendars.  Have fun surfing……..

www.findourspot.com  Definitely one of my favorites.  Complete their questionnaire and this site will print out about a four-page list of cities and towns that suit your retirement dreams.  My husband and I have each taken the questionnaire.  It appears we won’t be living together.  We may be doing the two-house thing and play like snowbirds.

www.vrbo.com This stands for “vacation rentals by owner.”  This one I heard of from our office assistant, who knows how to travel.  It really is wonderful.  She also recommends www.luxurylink.com At this site you actually bid on vacation packages.

www.retirementliving.com  This one is critical if you are thinking of leaving the area.  Among their many categories of information is a state-by-state presentation of tax assessments and implementations.  Definitely important for those who will be receiving a pension – you may not want to land where those funds will be taxed.
 https://flagship.vanguard.com/VGApp/hnw/planningeducation/general/PEdGPPlnToolsRetirementPlnContent.jsp This site will keep you busy.  All types of options – make sure you have the better part of the evening to work your way around this site.  Very informative.

The first two sites are quite fun.  The next two take some thought and, unless you’ve been a diligent saver, may not be an uplifting experience.

I’m off to the gym.  No, I’m not working out, I’ll be sitting in the bleachers.  It’s that time of year – and I’m the ultimate basketball mom (at least for two more years). Have fun surfing!
 
And, as always, feel free to email me at any time with thoughts or suggestions for SNAP activities.  I can be reached at:
lcarlson@mcdonaldcarano.com 

Laura A. Carlson, CP

SNAP CALENDAR

January 16, Tuesday	General Meeting
				Why Should I Pay an Attorney to Prepare My Estate Plan?
				Can’t I Just Do It Myself?
				Darcy K. Houghton, Esq. 
					
				Darcy, a Carson City attorney, will discuss the elements 					of a good estate plan and the legal pitfalls to avoid.		

				Also we will discuss the upcoming Paralegal 							Day in February, our Annual Seminar in March, and 						other chapter actions.  This will be an important meeting 					and we’d like your participation.  Hope to see you there!   
					
				Reservation form is on page 8

February 20, Tuesday       		Annual Paralegal Day celebration.  
									
		February 20, 2007
		11:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
		Airport Plaza Conference Center
		1981 Terminal Way, Reno, Nevada

        		You will receive a flyer soon
		Deadline to sign up is February 10, 2007 
		More info at www.snapreno.com
				
				Paralegal Day is a day the Governor proclaims each year to 				celebrate the profession and its continual growth.  This					year, February 20, 2007 has been designated as Paralegal Day.

				Start now (if you haven’t already) to assist your attorney in 				coming up with a brief narrative of how you, or another 					paralegal, “saved the day.”  Refer to our notice in the 					December Writ.  We will share submitted stories on 
				Paralegal Day.  This will be a fast-paced, fun program!   
				If you 	know of firms where none of the paralegals are SNAP 				members, please share this opportunity with them.