league lines -- november/december 2012
DESCRIPTION
Promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communitiesTRANSCRIPT
L e a g u e L i n e s 2012/2013 Nov./Dec. 2012 Volume 3, Issue 3
The Junior League of Huntington
President’s Perspective
pg. 2
Inside this
issue:
Jenna Told Ya
pg. 11
World View
pg. 10
2
Executive Board President Amy Browning
President-Elect Katina Haught
Community Vice President Rebecca Crowder
Corresponding Secretary Missy McComas
Recording Secretary Ashley Corder
Treasurer Summer Haynes
Treasurer Elect Jessica Copeland
Committee Chairs Arrangements………………………..............Ashley Corder
……………………………………………….Natalie McCormick
Character BreJWfast……………………....…Tiffany Clark
…………………………………………………………...Leslie Culp
Community Center……………………………………..Vacant
Cookbook…………………………………………..Maria Aiello
………………………………………………………..Ashley Kacey
Done in a Day ………………………………….Kristi Henson
Education……………………………………….Ginny Morgan
Kids in the Kitchen…………………………....Darci Barger
………………………………………………………Rachel Messer
League Lines…………………………………...Anna Lafferre
Membership……………………………….........Erica Deligne
…………………………………………………….Denise Landers
Mistletoe Market……………………………..Amy Prestera
……………………………………………..……….Allison Subacz
Nominating/Placement……………….....Jamie Webster
Public Relations………………………………Anna Lafferre
……………………………………………………Meagan Shelton
Ways & Means………………………………....Darah Snyder
………………………………………………………Sarah Walling
JL of Huntington Meetings are held on the second Monday of
the month at 6 p.m.
617 9th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
304.523.4165
www.facebook.com/JLofHuntington
@JLofHuntington
Junior League Mission The Association of Junior Leagues
International, Inc. is an organization of
women committed to promoting
volunteerism, developing the potential of
women and improving communities
through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers. Its purpose is
exclusively education and charitable.
League Lines League Lines staff welcomes any
contributions from the members of Junior
League Huntington. Please contact
Editor-in-Chief Anna Lafferre at
[email protected]. Submissions are
due by the second Friday of every month.
3
President’s Perspective Simple Blessings
by Amy Browning
I pride myself on being like a camp counselor. Professionally I function most days as a resource for others. I have a Mary Poppins type purse filled with Band-Aids, post-it notes, keys, safety pins, some form of money, extra jewelry, my phone (with all of my contacts) and at least two lipstick choices. I strive to wear the appropriate “uniform” where needed. And I think the smell of a campfire is one of the most peaceful scents there is.
More often than not I find myself listening to the joys, excitement, sorrows, heartbreJWs, fears and anger of those around me. My role isn’t to interject my opinion, rather function as a sounding board for others. I just attract people that need to talk.
In one week I was invited to a baby shower and a wedding, informed of an infidelity and divorce, watched the mourning over a lost job and lost loved one, celebrated a new home and profession, and prayed as a friend’s family was ending. That’s just what was going on with some of my friends, it wasn’t even my life. To be honest in most of those situations it was better I was focusing on listening, because I was at a loss for words, a condition that rarely happens to me.
Over and over again I was reminded of my own blessings, as small as they may seem some days. Perhaps I get melancholy when thinking of Thanksgiving or sentimental when the leaves start to fall. Regardless, I am reminded that our roles in each other’s lives are important. As a League we depend on your creativity, passion, thoughtfulness, ingenuity, drive, determination, hospitality and compassion as we venture beyond our doors and into our community. As individuals we approach the world and its challenges in very different ways. We don’t always agree and sometimes we make mistakes. But we can always depend on one another.
When Junior League women are around, things just seem to get done. Tickets are sold, volunteers appear and projects are completed. There is always plenty of food (and drink). I see children cooking and exercising. I hear laughter and I know we are blessed.
I haven’t seen some of your faces this year. But I invite you home. We have missed you. Maybe you are working on a degree or a bigger family. Maybe work has been demanding or you’ve been traveling. The details don’t matter as much as you do.
I wonder about your stories and what blessings have come your way. I announced at the October GMM that we have at least four members who are now expecting little bundles. The challenge was for membership to figure out whom. But don’t worry, I didn’t share any secrets. That’s not my story to tell.
I encourage you to listen to one another and “be prepared” (yes, I was a Girl Scout). Because not every day is filled with balloons and presents, but every day is most certainly a blessing. And I count knowing you among mine.
4
League News and Events November Meeting Minutes
Amy Browning opened up the meeting by asking everyone to read the minutes from last month that were on the table,
minutes were approved.
Amy Browning introduced our speaker for the evening, Ellenda Ward from the Cabell County Board of Education
Communities in Schools. She spoke to us about dropout rates and what Communities in Schools does in partnership
with Cabell County.
Katina Haught went over the Redbook by law changes. She presented the changes as a motion and Summer Haynes
seconded it, the motion carried.
Summer Haynes went over the rent changes for the building.
Mistletoe Market committee was not present to discuss, some members had some questions. Amy Browning asked if
Ways and Means would send out a survey about Mistletoe Market so we could get everybody’s feedback. The board
will be looking at these results and also discussing what to do about the money for unsold tickets.
Cookbook committee was not present. Amy Browning asked what members thought about having a tasting
fundraiser in the spring. This will be discussed with the cookbook committee.
Leslie Culp talked about Character Breakfast. The date has been set for March 9, 2013 at the Big Sandy Arena. The committee will start meeting next month. McDonalds will supply treat bags, Ronald McDonald and maybe apples for breakfast. There will be a breakfast at 9am and 11am. Tickets are $15. Kristi Henson spoke about DIAD events for November. She passed around sign-up sheets for Christmas tree sales and
ringing bells at Wal-Mart. She asked that if anyone knows of a DIAD opportunity to give them her email and phone
number to contact her.
Amy Browning mentioned than Anna von Allmen is stepping down from chairing the community center and she
asked for anyone who is interested in helping to talk to her. Right now Amy is the contact for renting the building.
Amy Browning announced that the League has bought paint for the building and the painter will be starting soon. We
have a donor that is paying for the paint job.
Amy also announced that two bridge players have passed away and they want to donate money to the league to help
fix some things around the building.
Jamie Webster reminded everyone that in January we will be having our cottage meetings. She is sending out an
email to the new girls with their placement groups.
Natalie McCormick let the board know about the Christmas Party. It will be at the league building on December 14
from 7-11. The cost is $20/person for food, beer, wine and a DJ. You can RSVP to Ashley Corder preferably at least a
week before the event.
Erica Deligne introduced the new members that were voted into the league.
Amy Browning informed us that League Lines for November and December issues would be combined as one. She
reminded everyone that all chairs are required to send in a board report.
Ginny Morgan adjourned, Kristi Henson seconded.
5
League News and Events
Kids in the Kitchen "Kids in the Kitchen" is a part of Junior League's international initiative to educate people about nutrition and the effects of childhood obesity and Halloween is well-known for its candy comas... SO for this October event, we decided to partner up with Huntington's Kitchen to host "Healthy Halloween!" This free event held on October 19, 2012, was to give parents and children some fun, healthy alternatives to Halloween treats, as well as, stress the importance of health, nutrition, and exercise.
Local children came out and participated in an interactive power point, which included nutrition information. The kids got to shJWe it up with "What Up Warm Up" followed by physical education games and exercises. The children and parents browsed, tasted, and took home recipes from our spooky healthy snack demonstrations brought in by our very own volunteers! The display was outstanding and we could not have been more pleased with the variety and creativity of these snacks- everything from mummy strawberries, spooky jello jigglers, spider fruit snacks, a banana centipede to vegi-Cat's- and so much more!
The children and parents got a lesson in portion control and healthy eating as they prepared a healthy chicken salad wrap followed by mJWing their very own spooky spider PB&J. The children each left with a re-usable treat bag filled with great health information, measuring cups, and fun Halloween prizes. The children were able to get their faces painted and pick out their own miniature pumpkin placed throughout the Kitchen. At
the end we gave out great prizes, which included Halloween toys, bik es , a nd symphony tickets!
This event was so much fun and could not have turned out better thanks to our Junior League volunteers, Huntington's Kitchen for hosting and offering symphony tickets, Krogers and Foodfare for their gift certificates, and Linsey Lewis for face-painting!
Special thanks to our JLH Volunteers: Lauren Humphrey, Amanda Perdue, Ashley Corder, Audrey Dean, Ashley Casey, Jessica JWers, Amy Blankenship, Jamie Webster, Summer Haynes, Tiffany Clark, Melissa Dawson, Katie Fowler, Cheryl Sullivan, and the person who brought the rice-crispy treats, we didn't get your name, but thank you!
The Junior League's "Kids in the Kitchen" initiative is a response to statistics indicating that nearly one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, and that childhood obesity has been shown to be the leading cause of many health issues, including pediatric hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. This event is really fun for everyone involved and prizes are given at the end, but most of all it is for a great cause. Just a reminder that your KITK hours combine with your DIAD hours to fulfill your yearly requirement, so please don't hesitate to participate! [email protected].
6
A r o u n d T o w n What active JLH members have been up to this fall!
Rachel Messer and
Meagan Shelton at
ChiliFest.
Becca Hansen and
Summer Haynes at
an M.U. game.
Missy McComas with
Landau Eugene
Murphy and his wife.
7
A r o u n d T o w n What active JLH members have been up to this fall!
Sarah Walling
aboard a replication
of Christopher
Columbus’s Nina.
Missy McComas with
Landau Eugene
Murphy and his wife.
Jenna Cremeans and
Anna Lafferre dressed
up for Halloween.
8
Spotlight On…
Jamie Webster JL’s Nominating and Placement Chair
League Lines: What do you do at your job?
Jamie Webster: I work in Production Control as a Planner. I review supply
and demand and determine what product to schedule to the production floor
and where to ship it when it has completed the manufacturing process.
LL: Where are you most fulfilled?
JW: I am probably most fulfilled at the Elks Lodge. I truly believe in
philanthropic activities they support. We support our veterans. The Elks, at
the national level, is second to only the federal government in the amount of
scholarships they give out each year to graduating high school seniors. We
support and promote Americanism in our local schools. We are active
participants in the Hoop Shoot and Soccer Shoot programs that provide
children the opportunity to hone their skills and compete at the local level all
the way through to the national stage. We also have a large active drug
awareness program where information is provided to school age children
throughout our community. When I am working on behalf of the lodge I feel
that I have a vested interested. I am more than happy to volunteer and help
out other organization in supporting their cause, but the lodge is my cause.
LL: What is your favorite part of the Junior League?
JW: By far, I most enjoy playing Princess Fiona for the Character Breakfast
LL: What challenges do you see facing the League?
JW: I fear that the League could face problems with retaining long term
members. I think our dues are a little pricey. It costs me less to be a member
of both lodges than it does to belong to the League. I am willing to pay it
because I enjoy participating in all the things we do. However, it could be
perceived as paying a lot of money to volunteer, which could be done for free,
to work on fundraising projects, and to come to meetings. The League
requires a lot of money, time and effort, and it isn’t always clear as to why
someone would want to make that commitment. We need to tell our story
better so that prospective members and the community see the value of our
organization and all the good things we do in and for our community.
LL: Why do you volunteer for your community?
JW: I like staying busy and finding ways to occupy my time with fulfilling
activities such as volunteerism. There is a lot of need in our area and I want
to do my part to give back and help those less fortunate than myself.
Jamie-at-a-Glance
Education: B.A. in
Secondary Education, B.B.A.
in Economics, M.B.A. and
M.S. in Human Resource
Management
Early Years: Grew up in
Chesapeake with 2 brothers
Husband: David — she
describes his job as “like
Chandler Bing on ’Friends’”
Pets: Two cats: Rikki
and Lucy
Random: Loves “The
Wizard of Oz,” once tried
out to be on “The
Apprentice” and asked
directions from deaf people
while travelling in Spain.
9
Hall of Fame This section is intended to recognize outstanding accomplishments or exciting news of Junior League
members. If you have news to share about yourself or a fellow member, please email
League Lines Editor Anna Lafferre at [email protected].
Congratulations to Jamie Webster on the birth of her granddaughter! Mackenzie Anne Webster was born at 1:26a.m. on Sunday, October 7th in Pittsburgh. Her parents are James and Kim Webster. (James is Jamie’s stepson.) Mac weighed 9 lbs. 5 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. Proud grandparents are David and Jamie Webster.
We’re proud of Jenna Cremeans who
began a new job working as an attorney
for Valley Health Systems.
Congratulations to Anna
von Allmen who is
expecting her first child
in April. Congratulations to Anna Lafferre who
was hired as the managing editor of
Huntington Quarterly magazine.
10
World view This section is dedicated to learning about what other Leagues around the country and world are doing.
While the name of the event is “New
to You,” the goal of Junior League of Fort
Wayne remains the same: Helping develop
the potential of women through
volunteering and charitable efforts.
The annual “New to You” sale, now
in its seventh year, is Junior League's
primary fundraiser. The format of the sale
is simple: Donated goods are gathered for
resale, at extremely affordable prices, on
the second Saturday of November. The sale
was held today, as it has been in past
years, at the former Marshall Field's store
at Glenbrook Square.
Laura Antil, the president of the
board of directors for Junior League, said
the organization hopes to raise between
$14,000 and $16,000 through the sale.
With Saturday's pleasant weather, Antil
said that the organization appeared to be
on pace to meet that goal, but just as
importantly, the group's membership
continues to fulfill its mission.
“This is a lot of work -- it's a lot of
time and effort,” Antil said. “It's wonderful
to see it come together.”
Junior League members must
commit at least 12 hours of service time
for the event, which primarily benefits
Hope House and a women's transition
program. The importance of those types of
programs and support, as well as Junior
League's own training, should not be
understated.
Members prepare to sit on boards in
the community and some are also sent to
professional conferences for further
development.
“Look at it for my own personal
growth,” Antil said. “The friendships I've
made, the people I've met, have all helped
me to develop the confidence I need to be
successful.
“Volunteering -- it's necessary to
give back to your community. It helps
those who are in a position of need. It
doesn't have to be a huge production every
time,” Antil continued. “All things, small
things, add up, and at the end of it, we can
say, 'We've helped someone today.'”
“New to You” sale Maintains Focus on Women’s Development By Elbert Starks III of the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel
11
Jenna Told Ya Thoughts on life from JL Huntington’s funniest gal! Find her on Twitter at @Jenna_ToldYa
by Jenna Cremeans I have been blessed with the ability to fall asleep quickly. Rarely do I lie in bed hoping to fall asleep and stressing out because
I can't. Before you get too jealous of my narcoleptic capabilities, however, know that I often wake up throughout the night consumed by worry about complete and utter nonsense. About a month ago I woke up with an insatiable thirst for knowledge about the Concorde Jet. I couldn't believe that I knew so little about it, so I got out of bed, retrieved my computer, and consulted Wikipedia. The Concorde cut the flight time from New York to Paris from 8 hours to 3 1/2 hours. The Concorde's only fatal crash occurred in July 2000 in France. This crash coupled with economic concerns (the flights were hella expensive) are thought to have led to the Concorde's demise. Interesting factoid: The Concorde's first post-crash passenger flight occurred on September 11, 2001, landing right before the World Trade Center attacks. But, I digress...
Satisfied that I could now hold my own in a conversation about supersonic passenger aviation, I went back to sleep. But my eyes quickly popped back open. Concorde Jets were criticized for the loud noise they make while breaking the sound barrier. But...dare I admit....yes....it's true...I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT SONIC BOOM SOUNDS LIKE! I quickly got back out of bed and this time consulted YouTube. After watching multiple videos of jets breaking the sound barrier, I was finally able to fall asleep. A few nights ago it happened again. I was woken by what can only be described as gut-wrenching regret. I could feel my pulse racing as I realized that I am not... I repeat...not... a Delta SkyMiles member. I know what you're thinking. "Jenna, you've flown Delta quite often, so why had it never crossed your mind to sign up as a frequent flyer?" And you're right. There should be some sort of crime against this level of stupidity. I immediately grabbed my computer at 3 a.m. and signed up for Delta SkyMiles. This, naturally, made me reflect on all of the hotel rewards programs I have not joined. That is how on September 17, 2012, I also became a Hilton HHonors Rewards Member. My point is, the next time you have trouble falling asleep at night, soothe yourself with the thought that it could be worse. You could be completely and indisputably crazy.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Holiday Coffee at Dixie Wilson’s home
31 Beuhring Drive
Hostess; Mary Hanrahan
12
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Huntington, WV
Permit No. 90
Return service requested
The Junior League of Huntington
617 9th Avenue
Huntington, WV 25701
Happy Holidays! December and January events
Cottage Meetings
Don’t forget that
cottage meetings
take the place of
the monthly
meeting in January.
Check with your
placement advisor
for details.
Christmas Party
Join the Junior League for our annual Christmas
Party Friday, Dec. 14 from 7-11 p.m. at the
League building. The cost is $20 per person.
Please RSVP to:
Ashley Corder
304.634.8711
Mail checks by Dec. 7 to:
86 Palm Drive
Huntington, WV 25705