league lines -- october 2012
DESCRIPTION
The Junior League of Huntington is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.TRANSCRIPT
L e a g u e L i n e s 2012/2013 October 2012 Volume 3, Issue 2
The Junior League of Huntington
President’s Perspective
pg. 2
Inside this
issue:
Jenna Told Ya
pg. 11
Meet the Board
pg. 6-7
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 Breakfast………………………..…Tiffany Clark
…………………………………………………………...Leslie Culp
Community Center……………………..Anna von Allmen
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 What is Your Purpose?
by Amy Browning
Recently I was presented with the following question; what is your purpose? Although I believe it to have been intended as rhetorical, I couldn’t help but start crafting my answer. It’s one of those thought provoking questions designed to make us reevaluate who we are and where we are going.
Am I defined by my profession, my hobbies, and my friends? Yes. We have a loyalty to the groups we are associated with and in the community, we represent them. We are our places of business, churches, clubs, and families to those we come in contact with. That’s a huge responsibility. One I know our chairmen and board members are very aware of.
I speak in front of a lot of groups, but I was a bit nervous walking into our first GMM this year. It’s not that I was intimidated or uncertain about those in leadership positions. I just have big dreams and plans for this year. I was pleased by how smoothly the meeting seemed to flow. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm on the new faces of our provisionals. And I was impressed by the work our chairmen have already done to assure our success. The women of the Junior League of Huntington make me proud.
In October we’ll continue to look at our goals for this year and how we plan to get there. Ideas are welcome. Just because we have always done it that way, doesn’t mean we can’t try something new. I challenge you to think beyond this year. Where do you see the JLH in two, five or 10 years?
In the middle of an election year with campaign signs, commercials, speeches and a lot of photo ops our political hopefuls are spending a significant amount of money and energy trying to explain who they are and where they are going. I won’t begin to impose my personal political preferences on any of my fellow JLH members. What I will encourage, is a call for action. Your voice is important. Your opinions matter. You are role models in our communities, schools, board rooms and at the kitchen table. Let your voice be heard.
Beyond our mission statement, I don’t know what your purpose is. That’s often a private matter, one that evolves as the stages of our lives change. As for my own purpose, I know I’m supposed to help people. It may not sound like anything grand or flashy, but neither am I. My test for success is the quote often attributed to Emerson: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.”
Whether you already know your purpose or you hope to find it soon, I am certain that with this organization’s support you will grow into the person you are meant to be.
4
League News and Events September Meeting Minutes
Amy Browning opened the meeting with a discussion about old business. She reminded us about the changes in
the Community Center, and the redistribution of Margaret’s duties. She confirmed that we have a contract with
Goodwill for custodial duties. She stated that if you were not at the Board Retreat then your paperwork is in your
box in the office.
Amy discussed new business. Board meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month at 6:30. Chairmen
are welcome to attend but not required. She mentioned the Strategic Plan and stated it would come out in the
Redbook.
Missy McComas asked that if anyone had any changes to their email or addresses to let her know so she can
make the changes in the Redbook.
Ashley Corder and Natalie McCormick spoke about babysitter needs. They asked for feedback, and the group
wants to have a babysitter at every meeting. They are checking on sororities to see if they can get a volunteer, if
not then if you bring your child they are asking for you to bring $5 to cut down on costs for the league.
Erica Deligne and Denise Landers spoke about Membership. They have about 15 girls interested. They have
three training dates scheduled within the next week.
Jamie Webster, Nominating Placement is now keeping track of DIAD hours. She stated that we needed a co-chair
for Character Breakfast, and Tiffany Clark volunteered for the job. We also need co-chairs for Rummage Sale.
Summer Haynes talked about the budget, this year we had to combine Junior League and Community Center
budgets. She made a motion as finance chair to approve the budget and Rachel Messer seconded that motion,
and the motion carried. September 15 second half of dues are due. She also informed us that the building loan
has been paid off. She asked that if you are writing a check for multiple things within the league that you write a
separate check so we can track what they are for easier.
Jessica Copeland stated that fundraiser chairs need to have a proposed budget to the board by October 1. If you
plan to spend more than $300 on an item it must be board approved. She asked that chairs please let her know
when you are having a meeting so she can attend.
Amy Prestera spoke about Mistletoe Market; the committee is meeting next week to finalize the date.
Leslie Culp talked about Character Breakfast; they are looking for a new venue and possibly getting McDonald’s
to donate the food to cut costs.
Ashley Kasey and Maria Aiello discussed the cookbook; they are asking that every league member submit 5
recipes by the November meeting. They are looking for an artist to design the cover, a name and a printing
company.
Sarah Walling spoke for League Lines; she asked to have all submissions turned in to Anna Lafferre by the
Friday after each General Membership Meeting. Sarah also passed out a survey about education for Ways and
Means.
Kristi Henson discussed upcoming DIAD opportunities; Chilifest, Greekfest, and Path to the Cure are all coming up. She reminded us that we each need 12 hours of out of the league involvement and to send our hours to Jamie
at the end of each month.
Darci Barger and Rachel Messer spoke about their KITK event where they handed out fruit donated by Black
Diamond at Fit Fest in Ritter Park. They are collaborating with Huntington’s Kitchen and scheduling an October
event called Healthy Halloween. If you want to order a KITK t shirt please email them your size.
Anna von Allmen talked about painting and upgrades we are going to be doing to the building.
Amy Browning announced that we received an 80 years of service award.
Erica Deligne spoke about getting possible discount cards where members of the league can save money at local
places.
Summer Haynes made a motion to adjourn and Audrey Dean seconded that motion. The motion carried.
5
League News and Events
The Junior League will be publishing a cookbook
this year. Each active member of the League will be
required to submit five recipes to one of the
Cookbook Co-Chairs via email no later than
November 12. Submissions may also be brought to
the October or November General Membership
meetings. The categories for submissions are as
follows: Appetizers, Soup/Salad, Bread, Dessert,
Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Veggies/Side Dishes,
Breakfast and Kids in the Kitchen (fun kids recipes).
Please include number of servings and prep time
with submissions. Recipes may be submitted to
C o o k b o o k C o - C h a i r s M a r i a A i e l l o
([email protected]) or Ashley Kasey
Find Your Inner Julia Child
Kids in the Kitchen The 4th Annual PATH Fit Fest was held on Sunday Sept. 8, 2012 at
Ritter Park. This event helps raise money for the PATH bicycle and
pedestrian trail that, when complete, will travel through most of
Huntington. The trail is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Paul Ambrose
who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was a native of
Huntington and as a physician was very passionate about family healthy
and preventive medicine to help fight obesity. The Junior League
members have participated in this event in the past and were contacted
again this year to help volunteer in assisting with the children’s events.
The Fit Fest kicked off with the children’s dashes. After the races the
Junior League members handed out water and healthy snacks to the
children. Thanks to donations from Supervalu the kids had a variety of
apples, oranges, and bananas to choose from. The kids were eager to enjoy the fruit after all the
energy they put forth during the races. Overall, this was a great experience for the Jr. League
members. It was very rewarding to be a part of promoting healthy lifestyles for children. — Darci
Barger and Rachel Messer
6
M e e t t h e 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3 J L H B o a r d President — Amy Browning
President-Elect — Katina (Tina) Haught Community Vice-President — Rebecca Stanley
Previous JL Positions: PR,
KITK Co-chair, Sweet
Temptations Co-chair
How Long She’s Been in the
League: 6 years
What Made Her Want Her
Current Position: I was
nominated for it and after
much thought decided to accept
Favorite Thing About the League: The many
different women I get to meet and form
relationships with while giving back to our
community.
Occupation: Registered Nurse at St. Mary's
Favorite TV Show: Right now it is The Walking
Dead, Revenge and The Big Bang Theory.
Previous JL Positions Held: President-Elect, Corresponding Secretary, Character Breakfast co-
chair, Rummage Sale co-chair
How Long She’s Been in the League: Since the Fall of 2005
What Made Her Want Her Current Position: Although I never actively pursued this position, I
am honored to be trusted with it. I feel those who nominated me believed I had something to
offer the organization and I take their faith in me as a great responsibility. With the knowledge
that previous leaderships have left big shoes to fill and the women of the Junior League of
Huntington have been instrumental in shaping our community, I felt compelled to help in any
way I could.
Favorite Thing About the League: The opportunity to give back to my community in a way
that allows me to grow as a professional and develop friendships with women I might not have met otherwise.
Occupation: Staff Educator at St. Mary’s Medical Center
Favorite TV Show and Why: The Big Bang Theory – The writing is wonderfully witty. I love a smart comedy.
Previous JL Positions Held:
Character Breakfast Co-chair,
Rummage Sale Co-chair, Gala Chair,
Arrangements
How Long She’s Been in the
League: 6 years
What Made Her Want Her Current
Position: I really enjoy the
community outreach aspect of the league and wanted
to take a larger role in it.
Favorite Thing About the League: Getting to know
so many amazing women.
Occupation: Director of Development for The Healing
Place of Huntington
Favorite TV Show and Why: I don't have one. I do
not watch much television.
7
M e e t t h e 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3 J L H B o a r d Recording Secretary — Ashley Corder Corresponding Secretary — Missy McComas
Treasurer — Summer Haynes
Previous JL Positions Held: Co-Treasurer, Placement Advisor
How Long She’s Been in the League: 4 years
What Made Her Want Her Current Position: I was happy to join a
wonderful group of women on the board at the time and wanted to help in any way I could.
Favorite Thing About the League: My favorite thing is meeting people who truly care about the Huntington area and supporting other women and children.
Occupation: Preschool Teacher
Favorite TV Show: I love The Newsroom and Boardwalk Empire. Guilty pleasure? Teen Mom
Treasurer-Elect — Jessica Copeland
Previous JL Positions Held: KITK co-
chair
How Long She’s Been in the League:
Since fall 2009
What Made Her Want Her Current
Position: I love the league and welcomed
the opportunity to be more involved and
make a greater impact!
Favorite Thing About the League: The members - women
with a heart for service working together to make a
difference in our community, many while balancing careers,
families, and other community involvement - so inspiring!
Occupation: Forensic Scientist Specialist for the Kentucky
State Police Crime Lab
Favorite TV Show and Why: My favorite TV show right
now is probably Modern Family because it makes me laugh
out loud!
Previous JL Positions Held: This
is my first position I have held
within the JL
How Long She’s Been in the
League: I have been in the league
since Spring 2011.
What Made Her Want Her
Current Position: When my name was brought up by
my placement group to be on the board I was
surprised since I was new to the organization, but I
decided it would be a great way to learn more about
the League.
Occupation: I am a Billing Clerk for Cabell County
EMS
Favorite TV Show and Why: I love reality TV,
especially The Voice and The Bachelor.
Previous JL Positions Held:
Character Breakfast Co-Chair,
Rummage Sale Co-Chair, Mistletoe
Market Co-Chair (2 years), Done-in-a
-Day Co-Chair (2 years)
How Long She’s Been in the
League: 6 years
What Made Her Want Her Current
Position: I was actually nominated for the position and felt
that it was a great opportunity to learn more about how the
league works.
Favorite Thing About the League: I love to watch how
hard all the women work in order to pull off a successful
event. It is amazing what women can do!
Occupation: Preschool Teacher at St. Joseph Catholic
Favorite TV Show and Why: I love watching Keeping
Up With the Kardashians! I love to watch all of their “drama.”
8
Spotlight On…
Ashley Kasey JL’s Cookbook Co-Chair
League Lines: What do you do at your job?
Ashley Kasey: I worked at WOWK-TV for two years in marketing and
pharmaceutical sales for ten years. I decided to stay home with our son
when he was born. I see my job as making sure my kid doesn't hurt
himself. He keeps me very busy.
LL: Where are you most fulfilled?
AK: I enjoy working on projects that benefit people. Volunteering for
the Special Olympics was one of my favorite events.
LL: What made you join JL?
AK: My good friend Emily Watson suggested that I join. I had just
moved back to the area from North Carolina and wanted to meet new
people.
LL: What other organizations are you involved with?
AK: New Member Chair for The Boyd County Medical Alliance; I was
Vice President of Delta Zeta at EKU.
LL: Why are you so involved in your community?
AK: I want to be remembered for the good things that I did for people. I
think it's important to set a good example for my child.
LL: What made you agree to be Cookbook Chair?
AK: I wanted to be more involved in JL.
LL: What is your favorite part of the League?
AK: All of the new friends that I have met. It seems that every event that I work allows me to meet someone new.
LL: What are your hobbies?
AK: I’m currently running an ebay business...I call it imports and exports.
LL: What is your favorite movie?
AK: Grease....is the word!
Ashley-at-a-Glance
Education: Eastern
Kentucky University — B.A.
Broadcast Communications
Husband: Mike,
Nephrologist at KDMC in
Ashland
Early Years: Grew up in
Ashland, KY with one older
brother, Travis
Pets: 2 chocolate miniature
schnauzers, Paisley and
Marco. Yes he's named after
the Marshall mascot!
Random: Loves cooking,
‘80s music and would love
to see an Antropologie at
the Huntington Mall!
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 Rebecca (Stanley) Crowder, who
celebrated her marriage to Tim Crowder in August. Outstanding work Erica Deligne and Denise Landers on a great
New Member Social.
We’re proud of Audrey Dean
who was accepted to the Joan C.
Edwards School of Medicine at
Marshall University!
Congratulations to Leslie
Culp who was promoted
by the U.S. Probation
Department as a Federal
Probation Officer.
Best wishes to Maria Aiello, who committed
to her partner, Jamie White, on September 1.
They will host a celebration with friends and
family in October. Maria will also be starting
a new job as a Behavior Support Professional
at the end of October.
10
World view This section is dedicated to learning about what other Leagues around the country and world are doing.
by Shelly Banjo
New Jersey native Delly Beekman has one message
for female volunteers: This isn't your mother's
charity anymore.
The newly elected board president is trying to turn
the century-old Association of Junior Leagues
International from a pearls-and-white-glove social
organization into a powerful women's movement.
After losing a fifth of its members in a decade, the
organization has decided to retool to remain
financially viable and, perhaps more importantly,
relevant to the next generation of female volunteers.
It has reframed its mission to focus on encouraging
women to be civic leaders and have an impact on
their communities.
After 100 years, the group is planning to change the
way the organization recruits, retains and serves
members. "Members are our most important
resource, both in advocating for the issues the group
cares about and generating the bulk of the
organization's revenues," Ms. Beekman said.
Local chapter membership dues can range from $75
to several hundred dollars a year, including a $35 fee
for international dues.
The Junior Leagues began in 1901 in New York City
and today includes nearly 300 membership leagues
throughout America, Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. It
has been known for attracting influential women
such as former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme
Court Sandra Day O'Connor, first ladies Eleanor
Roosevelt, Barbara Bush and Betty Ford and actress
Katherine Hepburn. The organization helped create a
model for the Red Cross Motor Corps, helped pass
the first federal legislation to address domestic
violence, and encouraged early childhood
immunization.
Decades later, the association of leagues has faced a
fiercer competitive landscape for volunteering
organizations, declining membership and a lack of
new recruits, said Ms. Beekman, 60 years old, who
lives in Rumson, N.J., and joined the Junior League of
Monmouth County in 1977.
"The organization hasn't adapted to the changing
needs of women who are working more and have
less time to devote to civic service," she said. "We
also have an opportunity to tap into a younger
generation of women who have grown up as
volunteers."
The first step: "to change our image from what some
perceive as an outdated social club," said Ms.
Beekman, who added that she's received advice from
her own 24-year-old daughter, who is joining a local
club this year.
Ms. Beekman said she wants to transition the
Leagues from project-based organizations, where
members participate in singular volunteer activities,
to issue-based groups, rallying together on issues
such as sex-trafficking of women, childhood obesity
and education.
A number of local leagues have formed political
action groups to lobby local and national leaders on
these issues.
"We're a solid cadre of influential women and our
collective voice is our most powerful asset," Ms.
Beekman said.
From the Wall Street Journal online.
Junior League Takes the Gloves Off
11
Jenna Told Ya Thoughts on life from JL Huntington’s funniest gal! Find her on Twitter at @Jenna_ToldYa
The October meeting is Wednesday,
October 17 at 10 a.m. at the JL
Community Center, with Gabe Blatt
speaking about “Honeybees.” The
hostess is Julie Ferguson.
by Jenna Cremeans
Remodeling my bathroom has led me to learn about and purchase several new items. I finally broke
down and bought a caulk gun, I learned what aisle of Home Depot wood
putty is in, and bought my very own power sander. My most fascinating
purchase, however, was the new toilet.
I had no idea there are so many commode options are out there. It felt
like buying a car, only without the guidance of a Kelley Blue Book. Do I
want my toilet to be tricked out with a dual flushing system (one button
for #1s and another button for #2s)?
What about color? White? Ivory? Beige? Not to mention the age-old
elongated versus round debate! If you are environmentally sensitive
(like me), then you obviously will want a high-efficiency toilet to save
water. If you are handicapable, you might want to say "I do" to the taller
model. And, oh, the names! Here are just a few of my favorites: The
Cadet 3 Bone, The Stinson Biscuit, the Prelude, the Champion 4 MAX, and,
finally, the Value Toilet.
Anyway, after much deliberation, I settled for the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Complete Right
Height High Efficiency. I just hope it doesn’t let me down.
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
October Birthdays Wish a fellow member a happy birthday!
Active Members
Michele Bird October 3
Jessica Plymale October 22
Karen Horner October 27
Tiffany Clark October 29
Sustainers
Vera Rose October 2
Whitney Gesner October 5
Jennifer Ransbottom October 7
Rebecca McComas October 8
Kathryn Merry October 15
Brandy Roisman October 20
Eleanor Conaty October 25
Nancy Hanshaw October 26
Marilyn Murdock October 27
Berridge Copen October 28
Alicia Adams October 29
Mary Lind Zitter October 30