NEWSHEET .
VOLUME 90 NUMBER 1 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E
JUNIOR
LEAGUE
OF
FA L L 2 0 1 7 BIRMINGHAM
I AM THE JLB
For over 50 years, Baptist Health Foundation has been a leader in healthcare philanthropy and is committed to the health and well being of our community. We are proud to support the mission and members of the
October 18 - 20, 2017
Junior League of Birmingham.
To learn more about what we do to support health and wellness in our community visit us at www.baptisthealthfoundation.com
Helen Keller
Uncompromising
We believe the most significant investment made is the investment in a life of uncompromising commitment.
welchhornsby.com
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
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NEWSHEET T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
VOLUME 90 • NUMBER 1
FALL 2017
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ABOUT THE COVER: THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM CELEBRATES THE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS EVERY MEMBER ADDS TO THE UNIFIED MISSION OF IMPROVING THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE BIRMINGHAM AREA.
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IN EVERY ISSUE
FUNDRAISERS
4 The JLB Mission
26 Shop Save & Share Goes Digital
6 Letter from the Editor
36 Market Noel Makes a Move
8 Publications Staff 10 President’s Message 12 Corporate Sponsors
Newsheet, the magazine of The Junior League of Birmingham, Inc., is published two times per year, fall and spring. Contents of Newsheet may not be reprinted without permission from The Junior League of Birmingham, Inc. Inquiries may be sent by e-mail to: publications@jlbonline.com, by phone: 205.879.9861 or by mail: Newsheet The Junior League of Birmingham 2212 Twentieth Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35223
65 Community Projects
14 JLB Wins AJLI Awards 16 Executive Board Profiles
M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T S
32 In Memoriam: Carol Lacy
34 Active Member Timeline
42 JLB Grant to LJCC
40 Amy Jackson & Shannon Stewart
44 Member Donates Bone Marrow
43 Sustainer Statistics
46 JLB Scholarship Winners
51 Katherine Wood
48 Sadie’s Magic Moment
53 Sheryl Kimerling
49 Recipes
22 Feeding Our Community 33 Northstar Soccer Ministries NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E S
30 Advocacy Initiative
PROJECTS
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52 President’s Society 62 Photos 64 Thank You Notes
IN ALABAMA, FAMILY MATTERS. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama knows you depend on us to help take care of your family. From free tools & services to the largest network of doctors and hospitals in the state, we provide peace of mind. So you’re free to enjoy the moments that matter with the ones who depend on you.
AlabamaBlue.com/WhatMatters
Building a Bett
The Junior League of Birmingham is a to promoting voluntarism, developing th community through the effective action
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an organization of women committed he potential of women, and improving the n and leadership of trained volunteers.
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY: ??
ter Birmingham
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JLB leaders gather to kick off the 2017-2018 League year.
NEWSHEET JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINHGAM
VOLUME 90 • NUMBER 1
FALL 2017
NEWSHEET STAFF Editor
Anna Hartzog
Assistant Editor
Maria Rosales
Writers
Courtney Carson Alana Frederick Katherine Pockman Loren Spiller Rachel Wilson
Photography Chair Photographers
Megan Watson Nicole Alberson Anna Coreno Melissa Donaldson Sarah Gaskin Kelly Ireland Caroline Quick Stewart Richards Emily Ruzic
Layout Designer
June Clark
Food Stylists
Lizzie Holt Tate Maddox
Ad Sales Manager
Rukiya McClain
Ad Sales Team
Bebe Goodrich Sarah Simpler L’Tryce Slade
JLB EXECUTIVE BOARD President President-Elect Communications VP Community VP Finance VP Fund Development VP Membership VP
Whitney Poole Karen Grahn Heather Brewer Alice Jackson
Wendy Johnson
Volunteer VP
Lucy Anderson
Member Liason Governance/Bylaws Recording Secretary Sustainer Advisor
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
I
t’s so exciting to think that the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has been publishing our magazine, Newsheet, for 90 years. While it has changed tremendously throughout the years, going from a black-and-white typed two-page newsletter to a large full-color magazine, the purpose has remained the same: to inform our membership and community about all the wonderful things the League accomplishes throughout the city. One of the best things about being the editor of Newsheet is getting to learn so many behind-the-scenes details about our placements, fundraisers, and members. Looking at our League through the scope of the magazine allows me to simultaneously get a “big picture” view of all the League does and the enormous impact it has while also learning specific ways our members and community partners are shaping our city every day. Seeing in these pages all that our members are doing, from coaching little league soccer to donating bone marrow, has made me even prouder to be part of the League. The large fundraising projects and community placements are successful because of the hard work and dedication of our members. I am continually inspired by the selflessness and ingenuity of the women of the JLB. I hope that in reading through this magazine you’ll be encouraged by what the League is doing to step up and meet the needs of our community by tackling difficult issues, offering financial support, and actively volunteering with our partners.
Emily Jensen
Planning VP
Nominating Director
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Katy Eldridge Elizabeth Burgess
Letter from the Editor
Sincerely,
Lauren Hayes Martina Winston Angie Smith Julie Pearce Penney Hartline
Anna Hartzog Newsheet Editor
318 families
Your commitment to those you care about, your dedication to supporting local events, the way you enjoy life. You are the ones who make this community great, and we are honored to be a part of it. Every day, you inspire us to find ways to make banking easier, serve you better and help you keep life moving forward.
1.800.regions | regions.com
Š 2017 Regions Bank. Regions, the Regions logo and the LifeGreen bike are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.
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JLB Publications Staff
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COURTNEY CARSON Newsheet Writer
JUNE CLARK Director of Internal Communications
ANNA CORENO Photographer
VANESSA DANIEL Creative Committee Member
TAYLOR DAWSON Creative Committee Co-Chair
JENNIFER DOWDLE Between the Lines Writer
REBEKAH FITTS Director of External Communications
ALANA FREDERICK Newsheet Writer
KAREN GRINER Creative Committee Co-Chair
SHANNON HAMILTON Between the Lines Editor
ANNA HARTZOG Newsheet Editor
KELLY IRELAND Photographer
WHITNEY POOLE Communications VP
SARAH RIDGEWAY Creative Committee Member
LOREN SPILLER
Newsheet Writer
MEG LOVETT Between the Lines Writer
RUKIYA MCCLAIN Ad Sales Chair
CAROLINE QUICK Photographer
STEWART RICHARDS Photographer
MARIA ROSALES Newsheet Assistant Editor
L’TRYCE SLADE
Ad Sales Team Member
MEGAN WATSON Photography Chair
RACHEL WILSON Newsheet Writer
NOT PICTURED
MELISSA DONALDSON Photography
KATHERINE POCKMAN Newsheet Writer
SARAH SIMPLER Ad Sales Team Member
NICOLE ALBERSON Photographer
BEBE GOODRICH Ad Sales Team Member
KENDRA QUANDT BTL Writer
REBEKAH SMITH BTL Assistant Editor
LAUREN BURTON Creative Team Member
TIFFANY LINN Creative Committee Member
CAROLINE ROMANO Social Media Assistant Chair
CLAIRE CROSSER Creative Committee Member
CAMERON MOBLEY Creative Committee Member
EMILY RUZIC Photographer
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN WATSON
ASHLEY KAPPEL Social Media Chair
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President’s Message
“Together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
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opportunities. You’ll read about renewed advocacy efforts at the JLB to try and make important changes from a policy level. You’ll also read about the different ways the JLB, in conjunction with its community partners, is making strides to address hunger in our city. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support the JLB and our efforts to improve the community, we have some great features in this issue about exciting changes with two of our key fundraisers: Shop Save & Share and Market Noel. And of course, we have some incredible members featured in this issue that will inspire you. Making our community a better place and helping those in need are issues we can all unite around. Join us—whether as a member or a partner—in building a better Birmingham. Best,
Katy Eldridge JLB President
PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSIE KURZ
T
he Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) is a force to be reckoned with! But that force is a force for good and unity in our community. In this time of change in our world, where hate seems to be appearing in very astounding ways, the JLB stands strong. It is an organization of 2,300 diverse and incredible women united around a mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving our community. There is no question that, in following our vision of building partnerships for a better Birmingham, the League will be a POSITIVE influence for our community, that we have the power to inspire and encourage one another, and make some real change in our community for the better.
In helping us live up to our mission and vision, we are so grateful for YOU. We are grateful for those of you who are community partners who go hand in hand with us as we help our neighbors on some of their darkest days. We are so grateful for those of you who are our donor partners, both individuals and corporations, that believe in the work we are doing to make our world a better place and make our work a reality by helping to fund the good we do. And we are ever so grateful for those of you who are our members, the women who make up the Junior League of Birmingham, who are on the front lines fighting poverty, hunger, and other important issues impacting our community. It takes all of us, uniting together as a force for good, to move the needle in our community—to improve the lives of women and children in the greater Birmingham metro area. Helen Keller said “Together we can do so much.” The opportunity for community-minded individuals, corporations, and agencies to unite and collaborate to do good is needed today as much as it has ever been and we have the opportunity to TOGETHER be more impactful than ever before. Our Fall issue of Newsheet highlights those
2017-2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS AMBASSADORS
Baptist Health Foundation
PARTNERS
Blue Cross Blue Shield/The Caring Foundation Gigi’s/The Lili Pad PNC Regions Bank
PATRONS
Event Rentals Unlimited The Event Group Three Sheets
SUPPORTERS
Children’s of Alabama EBSCO Industries, Inc. iBERIABANK Publix Super Markets Charities
SPONSORS
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama Mobile Attic Western Supermarkets
CONTRIBUTORS Alabama Outdoors at Home Brasfield & Gorrie Burr and Forman LLP
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CharBar HealthSouth Corporation Medical Properties Trust ProAssurance Corporation Protective Life Corporation USAmeriBank Vulcan Materials Company Foundation
FRIENDS
Alabama Power Foundation Altec/Styslinger Foundation Angelica Rohner Pediatric Dentistry Avo + Dram Balch & Bingham LLP Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. CGI Group, Inc. Dent Moses, LLP Diamonds Direct Dunn-French Foundation Good Grit Magazine Learning Express Toys ServisFirst Bank Tacala, LLC Vulcan Value Partners Wells Fargo Waffle House
DONORS
American Family Care Ashley Mac’s, Inc. B&A Warehouse Baker Donelson Birmingham Business Journal Bromberg’s & Co., Inc. Children’s Harbor FlashBar Good People Brewing Company InSinkErator J and J Media Services Jemison Investment Company, Inc. Kendra Scott Lilly Pulitzer Local Taco Marigold Designs Mauldin & Jenkins O’Neal Steel, Inc. Otey’s Penske Truck Rental Plastic Surgery Specialists PropHouse Birmingham Raycom Media (WBRC) Shindigs Catering Sprout Flower Market Summit Media (93.7 and WZZK) Tonya Jones Salon Spa Walmart Foundation (Community Grant Store #3424) Your Carrier Zoës Kitchen
that serving the community today leads to a better tomorrow. PNC is proud to support the Junior League of Birmingham. We appreciate all you do for our community. pnc.com
Š2017 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC
JLB WINS BIG AT A N N UA L CONFERENCE B Y
R A C H E L
W I L S O N
AJLI Vision Award AJLI Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award
T
he evening of May 20, 2017 was a night of great anticipation and excitement as leaders from many of the more than 290 Junior Leagues from around the world gathered for the 2017 Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Annual Awards Banquet. The banquet was the finale of the 95th Annual AJLI Conference, held in St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota. AJLI’s awards program recognizes Leagues for excellence in League programming and operations as well as individual League members. AJLI awards eight league awards and two individual awards. The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) submitted applications for several of the annual awards. “All Leagues around the world can submit applications for any of the awards presented at the AJLI Annual Conference,” says President-Elect Elizabeth Burgess. “The application is extensive; we were required to provide measurement data, photos, financial information, impact statistics, etc.” Burgess, along with Planning Vice President Wendy Johnson, Lindsey Tanner, and past presidents Lauren Roberts and Leigh Haver prepared the application. JLB leaders were thrilled when it was announced that the League had won the Membership Recruitment and Engagement Award, which came with a grant of $2,000. The award recognizes a program that cultivates and responds to the diverse needs of future and current League members. Preference is given to submissions that demonstrate how membership was engaged or improved. The JLB received this award for the “Membership Matters” program. That program grew from a vision of past leaders who recognized that JLB members are critical to the organization and guided leaders to explore how to best serve members. JLB committees worked to reduce the age of admission to allow 16
NEWSHEET | FALL 2016
women interested in volunteering the opportunity to join sooner. Leaders also revamped member opportunities and obligations so members could have more flexibility in the ways they serve. Having won one award, it was doubly exciting when it was announced that JLB was also the winner of the Vision Award. This honor is awarded to a League for a program that furthers the Junior League Mission and came with an additional $2,000 grant. JLB received the award for its Community Roundtable program that focuses on tough issues in the community and provides a safe place for community discussion about pressing topics. “To our knowledge, this is the first time that a League has won more than one category in the same year,” says Johnson. “Not only are we one of the largest Leagues in the world, but we’re also one of the most innovative.” “It is so exciting to be formally recognized by AJLI for how forward-thinking and member-focused the JLB is,” says JLB Immediate Past President Lauren Roberts, who accepted the award with Burgess. Not only did the JLB win two awards at the conference, it was also given the honor of presenting to other members about its Community Roundtable program. Roberts spoke to other Leagues about the Community Roundtable in a presentation entitled “LGBTQ: Beyond the Stereotypes.” According to Burgess, the presentation was well-received and precipitated several questions during and after the session. JLB leaders are preparing to present a session on the “Membership Matters” program at the 2017 AJLI Fall Leadership Conference. Such sessions provide opportunities to share details about the programs that are making a positive difference for the League’s members and the community we serve. §
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White Collar & Criminal Defense
Governmental & Regulatory Affairs
Labor & Employment
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Probate & Elder Law
Appellate Advocacy
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PHOTOGRAPHY: DARLING&DEAR
Executive Board 2017-2018
Katy Eldridge President
Elizabeth Burgess President-Elect
Whitney Poole
Communications VP
Active since 2009
Active since 2010
Active since 2011
Securities Litigation Shareholder at Maynard, Cooper & Gale
Manager at CGI Group, Inc.
Network Administrator of Facility Contracting at Cigna HealthSpring
Husband, Jamey; children, Howie (12) and Barrett (10); dog, Adelaide Katy’s favorite past placement is Membership Vice President. “The JLB is an incredible group of women working together to make a truly impactful difference in our community. It is always exciting to see an individual member find her fit within our organization where she can flourish in making that impact. Being a member of the League has made me a better person—through both the experiences serving our community and the opportunity to learn from the inspiring women I have served alongside, I have grown tremendously.”
Elizabeth’s favorite past placements are Bargain Carousel and working with the Project Yummy Steering Committee, Provisional Leadership Team and Provisionals on Project Yummy. “I have been enriched and challenged by the JLB and use leadership skills I have learned from the League daily. The JLB is a place where I can try new things, fail, succeed, dream and make a difference, all while having fun, meeting new people and gaining a sense of purpose. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. Joining the JLB is one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Whitney’s favorite past placement is Photography because it allowed her to see the full extent of the League’s involvement in the community early in her League experience. “The JLB has provided me with both personal and professional growth—it even helped finance my Juris Doctor degree with a JLB scholarship. My proudest League moment is joining the executive board, but I am also proud of what the League has achieved in 96 years. To me, the JLB means connecting to something bigger to achieve a level of community impact I could not achieve on my own.”
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Karen Grahn
Heather Brewer
Alice Jackson
Community VP
Finance VP
Fund Development VP
Active since 2011
Active since 2013
Active since 2008
Vice President, Credit Card Division Manager at ServisFirst Bank
Part of the Investor Relations Group at Regions Bank
Husband, David; children Kendall (9), Hannah (7) and Jenna (5)
Husband, Joe Stephens
Adjunct Art History Instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Karen’s favorite past placement is working with Cornerstone Schools Literacy for Life. “I was looking for volunteer opportunities when I joined, but I also found something I wasn’t expecting—new friends I would not otherwise have met and opportunities for personal growth. I am proud of the example I can set for my daughters when I volunteer and include them in League events and Little Leaguers projects. They now ask to volunteer and want to help others, which I hope they continue into adulthood.”
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Heather’s favorite past placement is serving on the Finance Council. “The JLB has connected me with so many amazing women dedicated to using their individual skills and experiences to better the lives of those around them—this is a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. I also appreciate the diversity of the women drawn together through the League by the common desire to serve the community.”
Husband, Matthew; children, Ann Monroe (10) and Otto (7) My favorite past placements are working on Shop, Save & Share, Between the Lines and Bargain Carousel. “My proudest JLB moment was at Bargain Carousel 2017 when I helped shop for a family moving out of temporary housing. Knowing their new home would be filled, thanks in part to the JLB, was rewarding.”
Angie Smith
Governance Director
Martina Winston Member Liason
Emily Jensen Membership VP
Active since 2009
Active since 2011
Active since 2009
Attorney with Burr & Forman
2nd Vice President & Senior HR Partner for Protective Life
Private Banker with Iberia Bank
Husband, Milton “Milt” Angie’s favorite past community placement is Meals on Wheels; she also enjoyed chairing the JLB Leadership Institute. “To me, the League means impact—I see the impact of the JLB in the community and am proud to be part of giving back. Each placement and project on which I have worked has a different goal or focus, but I enjoy seeing how they all play a role in supporting Birmingham.”
Husband, Corey; children, Jada (12) and Jordan (9) Martina’s favorite past placements are working as Provisional Co-Director and with Bargain Carousel. “I am always proud to say I’m a member of the JLB because of the opportunities the League offers me to give back. I love to motivate and inspire women, keeping them engaged in the JLB’s mission and purpose. I call the League my home away from home—it’s a place where I can be myself and share my voice. It is a privilege to serve with the best volunteers in Birmingham.”
Husband, Jeffrey; sons, Wills (3) and John Thomas (4 months) Emily’s favorite past placements are Bargain Carousel Finance Chair and Admissions Co-Chair. “One of my proudest League moments is when the JLB was awarded a Wal-Mart Foundation grant I had written. I didn’t have experience in grant-writing and grew personally through the process. I appreciate the many faces of the JLB and the diversity that makes the League an asset to the community through members who bring experience, talent and heart to what they do.”
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Lauren Hayes Nominating Director
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Wendy Johnson Planning VP
Julie Pearce Recording Secretary
Active since 2009
Active since 2009
Active since 2007
Former Human Resources Professional, currently a Stayat-Home Mom
Director of Marketing & Outreach for Donohoo Auto/Executive Director of the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest Foundation
Partner/Shareholder at Gaines Gault Hendrix, P.C.
Husband, Robby; children, Maggie (9), Mary Allison (6) and John Andrew (4)
Husband, Michael; children, Maribel (11) and Celia “Ceci” (9)
Julie’s favorite past placement is Communications Vice President.
Lauren’s favorite past placement is working with provisional members.
Her favorite past placement is serving as Communications Vice President.
“My proudest League moment is when the JLB’s centennial anniversary Community of Lights Campaign was revealed—the success of the campaign’s inaugural year has inspired me. I am proud of the countless volunteer hours and dollars the League donates to the community every year, which are the result of members committing their greatest gifts of time and talent to the community.”
“The power of our membership is awe-inspring. Board service allows you to experience the League for the multi-million-dollar corporation it is. You realize that we accomplish as much or more than traditional for-profit corporations—but we do it all with the power of volunteers, many of whom are learning on the job. There are no unimportant roles to be had. It’s a unique situation, and it’s what makes us very, very special.”
“I enjoyed chairing Little Leaguers and seeing the program develop future volunteers, including my son. In a school essay, he recently wrote, “My mom and I are members of the Junior League.” Granted, he’s not technically a member, but I am proud to see him take ownership of some of the League’s work. The League has opened my eyes to how the JLB can lead change in the community at all levels.”
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Husband, Lee; son, Bennett (11)
FIND THE PERFECT GIFT! Jewelry, Baby Showers, Teachers, Kid & Tween Birthdays, Holiday Lucy Anderson Volunteer VP Active since 2009 Works at Needleworks in Homewood A favorite past placement for Lucy is Can You Dig It? at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. She says times when children would reach up to hold her hand were so memorable. “I value League membership because it provides opportunities for me to improve the lives of others. I believe it is a joy and an honor to be part of an organization that invests in its members so that they can invest in the community, and I am proud of how the League loves the community in such a hands-on way. I appreciate how well-run the JLB is, and I think it is an excellent example of what women are capable of when they work together.
Penney Hartline Sustainer Advisor Active since 1988, served in the Atlanta and Nashville Leagues prior to coming to Birmingham
WE’RE OPEN OPEN TO PUBLIC! TO THE PUBLIC!
Vice President of Development for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Monday - Friday 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Husband, Roger; children, Merrill Grace (24) and Parker (20)
Tuesday Nights st (1 & 2nd of the month)
One of Penney’s favorite past placements is serving as JLB President, which she did in 2005. “I love seeing shoppers at Bargain Carousel find what they need— from a washer to an interview suit. I see the JLB as “women on a mission” who make things happen— from discussing community issues and planning events to playing games with children in hospital beds, stocking empty bookshelves and so much more.”
All proceeds benefit the mission and projects of the Junior League of Birmingham.
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
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FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY
J L B P R O JECTS FOCUS O N F OOD NEED B Y
C O U R T N E Y
“F
ood insecurity and hunger damage the architecture of children’s brains, and that makes it extremely difficult for them to ever reach their full potential as effective workers and members of society,” says Dr. Jack P. Shonkoff of the Harvard University School of Public Health. “American business leaders have the means and ingenuity to prevent this from happening. By doing that, and ending child food insecurity and hunger, they can ensure a prosperous future for us all.” Food insecurity is a serious issue facing many members of our community. The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) is working to ensure children and their families in our area have access to healthy meal options. The League provides funding and volunteers
C A R S O N
for four community programs that focus on making food available to citizens in need. “Unfortunately, there are many areas within Birmingham and Jefferson and Shelby counties that are considered food deserts, meaning members of those communities do not have transportation or access to grocery stores that provide healthy and economical options,” says JLB Community VP Karen Grahn. “Often the only option is higher-priced, unhealthy food from convenience stores. By operating Second Servings as well as partnering with agencies like Vineyard Family Services, The Food Bank of Central Alabama and the United Way Meals on Wheels program, the JLB is able to distribute healthier alternatives to those most in need.”
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK—MOBILE PANTRY
Mobile food pantries are an important new way of getting food into the hands of people who need it. These pantries are particularly effective in areas where there is inadequate “hunger infrastructure,” including lack of food pantries or pantries that are very limited in hours of operation or refrigerated storage capacity. The League has partnered with the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to execute monthly mobile food distribution events at one elementary school in Jefferson County. “Through my JLB placement at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama Mobile Pantry, I have experienced the gratefulness and kindness of people in my community,” says JLB Mobile Pantry Chair Margaret Pate. “My first time volunteering at the mobile pantry was the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and people started lining up at 2:00 a.m. Seeing the hope on the faces of those in line and how grateful and joyful they were touched me in a way I never expected.” League members aren’t the only ones making a difference in this placement. The Mobile Food Pantry placement is open to anyone in the community who wishes to participate. Teachers from Tarrant Elementary, Superintendent of Tarrant City Schools Dr. Shelly Mize, Mario Dorsey from the Community Food Bank, and volunteers from churches come out to help pass out fresh produce to more than 160 people each month. In addition to the fundingBACKPACK and volunteers the JLB provides MO BILE FO O D PANTRY BUDD IEtoSthe Community Food Bank through the Mobile Food Pantry, the League donated money this year & T H E CO R N E R MAR KET through its Beeson Fund to help start The Corner Market, a mobile grocery store that launched in Nauvoo, Alabama in August. B AC K PAC K B Ucommunities D D I E S SUPPORTS The traveling store makes stops in rural that do not have a TH E JLB MOBILE F OOD PANT RY STUDtheir E N TS IN 2 8 C HO OinLtowns S full-service grocery store within borders. ForSresidents such as PROVIDES F RES H PRODUCE TO MOR E 1 UT nearest S HE LBY COUNTY. Nauvoo, with a populationTHRO of onlyUGHO 200, the grocery stores are 30 minutes TH AN 1 6 0 P EO P L E IN JEFFER SON away in Carbon Hill or Jasper. Because many residents lack reliable transportaCOUNTY EACH MONTH. tion, they are often unable to shop for fresh produce and other common grocery items. 8 % OF THE R U R AL The Corner Market, a 24-foot trailer designed as a one-aisle grocery store, POPULATION IN offers fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy and dry goods at affordable prices. TH E UNITED STAT ES All proceeds from the Corner Market are used to replenish food supplies and add LACKS ACCESS TO stops in other communities.70 0 + B UD D IE S A RE S ERVED E VE RY W E E K . 1
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NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
H EALTH Y FOOD. 2
70 0 +
BUDDIES ARE S ERVED EVERY WEEK. 1
MEALS ON WHEELS
The statistics on hunger among elderly people living in Alabama are alarming. At least one in six seniors does not have access to enough food. Meals on Wheels of Jefferson County steps in to prepare and deliver healthy meals to seniors who are living alone and need assistance. The JLB has joined forces with the United Way’s Community BACKPACK BUDDIE S Partnership MO B ILE FO O D PA NTRY ME A LS O N W H E EL S of Central Alabama as a part of their Meals on Wheels program. Meals on & T H E CO R N E R MA RKET Wheels provides hot, nutritious meals to hundreds of homebound senior citizens throughout Jefferson County, serving more than 187,000 meals per B AC K PAC K Bnot U Donly D I E deliver S S UP PORTS year. The members of this placement meals, but also proIN ALABAMA DOES 1 IN TH 6 ESENIORS JLB MOBILE F OOD PANT RY NOT 3 STUD E N TS IN 2 vide a social contact and a safety check for8these senior SCH O Ocitizens. LS H AVE ADEQUATE ACCESS TO FOOD. PROVIDES F RES H PRODUCE TO MOR E 1 UGHO S HE LBY UNTY. In February, the LittleTHRO Leaguers gotUT involved and CO created valentines that TH AN 1 6 0 P EO P L E IN JEF FER SON were delivered with the meals. In addition, the League worked with children COUNTY EACH MONTH . in several elementary schools across Birmingham to create placemats, mostly depicting healthy food and flowers. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver 600 meals each day, and it makes both the volunteers and the home8 % OF TH E RU R AL POPULATION IN bound happy when a little something special is added. TH E UNITED STAT ES “The cards are a great way to uplift homebound seniors in Jefferson MEALS ON WH EELS DELIVERS MOR E LACKS ACCESS TO D IE S A REfor SEUnited RVEDWay of CenCounty,” said Becky Wright, Nutrition 70 0 + B UDCoordinator TH AN 1 87,0 0 0 PREPARED MEAL S H EALTH Y FOOD. 2 E VE RY Wwith EEK . 1 Junior League, whose tral Alabama. “We have a great partnership the TO S ENIORS IN JEF F ERSON COU NT Y members volunteer to deliver meals in our Meals on Wheels program. We EVERY YEAR. 3 are really thankful for their kind service.”
SECOND SERVINGS MEA ON WHEELS Second Servings is a new foodLS rescue project developed and operated by
S E CO N D S E RVIN GS
the League that is designed to recover prepared food and deliver it to those in need. The initiative aims to reduce food waste and serve those who are food insecure. 1 IN 6 S E N IO RS IN A LA B A M A DOES NOT 3 Second Servings HAVE grew from suggested byTO League member Tarika A Dan E Qidea UATE ACC E SS FOOD. 1 IN 4 CH ILDREN Bhuta after hearing a story on NPR about solidarity refrigerators in Spain, IN ALABAMA where extra food could be stored and those in need could enjoy a meal free EXPERIENCES FOOD of charge. Bhuta saw the need in Birmingham and helped lead a JLB team 1 BackPack Buddies INSECURITY. 4 2 The Reinvestment Fund to develop a similar program. 3 Meals on Wheels “Around one in four children in America experiences food insecurity, and 4 Kids Count Alabama that number is mirrored in Alabama,” Bhuta says. “Combine that with the fact5 USDA AND YET that 40 percent of food in America gets thrown into landfills every year, and M E A LS O N W HE E LS D E LIVE RS MORE you have an illogical problem.” 4 0 % OF FO OD IN TH A N 87,0 0 0 P RE PA RE D MEALS In 2016, Second Servings1officially became a JLB pilot program. DurAMERICA IS THR OW N TO SE N IO RS IN JE FFE RS O N COUNTY ing the 2016-2017 League year, nine JLB volunteers worked together to AWAY EACH Y EAR . 5 E VE RY YE A R. 3 turn Bhuta’s plan into a reality. They deliberated where to put refrigerators, learned about guidelines for food safety, and conducted discussions with agencies in town serving the hungry to learn more about how to reach those in need. During those discussions, members of the placement discovered Project Hope, a day shelter for homeless teens. The League partnered with Project Hope, where they installed a refrigerator and have stocked it with leftovers from restaurants and events in order to give the teens access to cooked food. The goal of Second Servings was to provide 40 meals per week—a total of 2,000 meals a year—by the time the project officially launched in June, but by May, Second Servings had already delivered hundreds of meals to Project Hope that would have gone to waste. This year, members of the placement are focusing on developing more relationships in the community to ensure they have a network strong enough to support multiple community refrigerators. Since Second Servings is operated by the Junior League, it draws food from League events that result in leftovers or events held by members. Birmingham residents are also encouraged to reach out to the League if they have leftover food from events. “You may see poverty and hunger and ask yourself, ‘What can I do?’” Bhuta says. “You may not be a caterer, but you might know of 1 BackPack Buddies food that could recovered. 2 Thebe Reinvestment Fund You can help by keeping our name in your head and spreading the word.” 3 Meals on Wheels 4 Kids Count Alabama 5 USDA
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JLB and Little Leaguers volunteers serve healthy snacks at a BackPack Buddies event.
Vineyard Family Services (VFS) BackPack Buddies program provides bags of food for children on the weekends and during school breaks. The program provides these bags to children attending 28 schools in the Shelby County, Alabaster City and Pelham City school systems. Of those schools, 14 are fully sponsored—meaning the food is purchased, the bags are packed and the bags are distributed—by local churches. The other 14 are funded through grants and by local organizations. The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) has been one of those organizations, providing bags to three elementary schools, for the last eight years. “The League is a key reason our program has been able to expand,” VFS program coordinator Stephanie Grissom says. Since the program started in 2009, it has grown from just two to the current 28 schools. Shelby County Public School administrators identify students who have family situations that require assistance and those who are currently living in shelters or other temporary housing. These students are secretly given bags of nutritious snacks in their backpacks to help over the weekend because, as the BackPack Buddies moto says, “Hunger doesn’t take a break on the weekend.” The BackPack Buddies placement has nine JLB members this year. These B ACKPACK B U D DI ES members host “packing parties” throughout the year where they gather the needed food and put together the bags to be given to children who need them. The Little Leaguers also assist each year with putting bags together. “Food bags include shelf-stable, easy-to-open and prepared foods,” BAC KPAC K BU D D IES SUP P O RTS Grissom says, “which allows kids to take them from residence to residence if STUD ENTS IN 28 SCHOOLS needed and allows the children to open and prepare their own food if a parTH ROUGH OUT SH EL BY CO UN T Y. 1 ent is not at home.” In addition to providing the food and bags needed for their three partner schools with Vineyard Family Services, League members have started providing meals for children at a Birmingham City elementary school. When the JLB Executive Board learned in February that children at that school were hungry over the weekend without a backpack program in place, they stayed after a board meeting to pack 100 bags for those most in need. “The assistance from the JLB helps ensure that every child has a chance 700+ BUD D IES ARE SERVE D to thrive and have a great future,” Grissom says. § EVERY WEEK. 1
1 BackPack Buddies 2 The Reinvestment Fund 3 Meals on Wheels
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4 Kids Count Alabama 5 USDA
M E A L S ON WH E E L S
PHOTOGRAPHY: REBEKAH SMITH
BACKPACK BUDDIES
SH O P S AVE & SHARE G O E S DIGITAL
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fter more than a decade of supporting the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) community projects with proceeds from the sale of paper savings cards, the annual Shop Save & Share (SSS) fundraiser is going digital this year. Developed in 2006 by JLB Sustainers Lissa Tyson, Penney Hartline and Kelly Sorrells, SSS has steadily increased its profits and number of participating retailers each year. In order to maintain this progress, 2017 SSS Chair Cindy Bryan believes it is time for a change. “We were thrilled with the growth and success of this fundraiser and wanted to continue to improve and build on its success, but we knew this would be difficult to accomplish without making a change to the infrastructure.” According to Bryan, there are two beneficial components in SSS moving to a digital format. First, participating SSS retailers are now able to sign up online using a convenient, pre-populated form. This eliminates countless hours JLB members have previously spent preparing, delivering and sorting through hundreds of paper contracts. It also helps to minimize potential issues caused by employee turnover that frequently occurs in retail settings because the online form retains the prior year’s information for returning merchants. This change has been received well by participating SSS retailers. “The feedback has been very positive from the retail perspective,” says SSS Retailer Liaison Rosemary Alexander. “Most store managers cannot help but call or email me just to tell me how quick and easy it is to sign up.” Second, this year SSS is moving away from the paper savings card in favor of an electronic card available through the Planet Fundraiser app. Planet Fundraiser is a
Text SSS to 205-660-0030 to purchase & download your card 28
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Birmingham-based software company founded by Kasey Birdsong and Drew Honeycutt that streamlines charitable giving by connecting charitably-minded customers with a network of shops, restaurants and grocery stores to benefit their communities together. Through the Planet Fundraiser app, merchant partners give back a percentage of purchases to local schools or nonprofits of the customer’s choice. “Planet Fundraiser is extremely proud to be partnering with the Junior League of Birmingham,” says Birdsong. “The League’s commitment to improving the local community and empowering others through service strongly supports our mission at Planet Fundraiser.” The digital SSS cards went on sale in September. The link to purchase a card is available on the SSS website and has been distributed by email. This year, shoppers may also purchase a card by texting “SSS” to 205.660.0030. A link to purchase the card will immediately be sent by text. Bryan says Planet Fundraiser has been integral to the digital transformation of SSS. “We cannot thank Kasey, Drew, and the entire Planet Fundraiser team enough for their partnership,” she says. “Transitioning to a digital platform would not have been possible this year without their support, and their knowledge and guidance has been invaluable.” The move to digital SSS cards offers benefits to everyone involved. “By going digital, SSS is adapting to an audience that receives information digitally, immediately and easily,” says Fund
Kimee Duck enjoys the 2016 SSS Kickoff event at the Summit with JLB members Becky Holt and Meredith Husnik.
PHOTOGRAPHY: REBEKAH SMITH
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The Planet Fundraiser Team
1 $40 Shop Save & Share Card = necessities for 4 survivors of sexual violence through the Crisis Center of Birmingham
SSS Retailer Liason Holleigh Taylor agrees and says the Planet Fundraiser app makes selling cards easier than ever before. “When I email or text friends about buying cards, they can now buy online and download instantly.” SSS takes place Wednesday, October 18, 2017 through Sunday, October 29, 2017, with a kick-off party to mark the start of the event on October 18, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Summit. “SSS going digital is very exciting for our committee, as well as for the League,” says Whitney McDonald, SSS Marketing Steering Committee member. “We are thrilled that this may allow us to raise more funds for the League to help benefit the Birmingham community.” §
1 $40 Shop Save & Share Card = weekend meals & snacks for 3 hungry children through Vineyard Family Services
1 $40 Shop Save & Share Card = 10 meals for homeless women and children through Pathways FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN WATSON
Development VP Alice Jackson. “Having SSS in a digital platform will hopefully allow us to better serve our returning card buyers and reach a new audience as well.” The digital SSS cards will help the JLB improve efficiency and increase reach to both retailers and customers. In fact, as of July 2017, more than 100 new retailers have signed on to participate in SSS. This change also allows for the automation of numerous processes that have been performed manually, freeing up a significant amount of JLB volunteer hours to be reallocated toward improving and growing the fundraiser in other ways. JLB will also save money on the cost of printing so many paper SSS cards and eliminate the risk of selling out of paper cards, though some paper cards will still be available for customers who prefer paper to digital. Having a digital card offers increased convenience to customers as well. Not only can customers now download a digital SSS card anywhere, they no longer have to keep track of a paper card. “We believe going digital will increase the convenience of SSS by allowing participants to always have their card with them, on their phone,” says SSS Finance Steering Committee member Jennifer Hamrick.
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OCTOBER 18 29 SAVE 20% AT OVER 500 RETAILERS
Your $40 card purchase will help improve the lives of women and children served by the Junior League of Birmingham. English Ivy Errands by the Hour Etc… Evelyn Henson BluIvy Boutique Everly's Boutique Board and Batten Interiors 11th Thread Express Oil Change & Tire Bo's Boutique 2 Girls & a Dog Engineers, Cahaba Heights Bottega 3CROSSES by Misty Hughes fab'rik Birmingham Bottega Café A Clear View Pro Services, LLC fab'rik Homewood Brahmin a.k.a. Girl Stuff Favorite Laundry Children's Brandino Brass Co. Abbey Luxe Shoe Lounge Clothing Breakout Birmingham ABHI Filling Station Pizza Café and Bar brick & tin Adamsville Floral Co. The FlashBar | Photo Booth Co. Bromberg's Adrian Ward FLIP Burger Boutique Brooks Brothers Alabama Art Supply FlowerBuds By Lacey Alabama Goods Four Seasons Gallery Cahaba Cycles Alabama Outdoors Francesca's Alabama Wholesale Diamonds Cahaba Fitness Fried Green Tomato's Cahaba Heights Hardware, Inc. Alex and Ani Fulton Dental - W. Kane Fulton Calico Corners/Calico Home Alumni Hall D.M.D. Canterbury of Crestline A'Mano Fun Stuff Cantina Tortilla Grill American Threads Gallery Bar Cantley and Company, Inc. Annabelle's Gameday Girl Stuff Cards and Gift's on 6th Annabelle's Southern Boutique Gameday In Style Boutique Carriage House Weddings Another Broken Egg Café Gap Carroll Pharmacy Anthony's Full Service and GapBody Express Car Wash CharBar No. 7 GapKids Anthropologie Chez Fonfon Genesis Nail Spa ANTIQUITIES Chickadee Interiors giddy paperie Anytime Fitness Adamsville The Chocolate Biscuit GiGi's Tween Apricity Boutique Chuck's Fish The Gingerbread Lady Arden Photography Church Street Coffee and Books Ginni G Florist Argent Chuy's Glory Bound Gyro Co. Arhaus Circa Interiors and Antiques Good People Brewing Company Art Alley City bowls Gus Mayer Ashley Mac's Classic Home Décor Gus Mayer Shoe Salon Consignment Ashley McCullars ART Hairfolk The Clothes Tree by Deborah At Home Furnishings Halcyon Days Salon and Spa Club Pilates Avani Rupa Fine Jewelers Hamburger Heaven Collage Designer Consignment Happy Nail Salon Avo Complete Cleaners at Carrington Harbin Discount Pharmacy B Kids B. Bayer Monogramming & Gifts The Cook Store Heat-n-Eat Healthy Cookie Fix B. Prince High Point Climbing and Fitness Cotton & Quill babyGap Highland Shoe Company Backyard Adventures of Alabama Crestline Bagel Company Highlands Bar and Grill Cryotherapy of Birmingham Bagsy, LLC Home Accents Bailey Brother's Music Company The Dande'Lion Homewood Antiques & Davis Drug Gift Gallery The Bar Method Marketplace Details Barber Vintage Motorsports Homewood Sporting Goods Museum D'Evereux Foods Homewood Toy and Hobby The Barking Zone Dog Daycare Diamonds Direct Honey Bee Tees Barton-Clay Fine Jewelers Dish'n It Out Hoover Shipping Trade & Post Basil Gourmet Pizza & Bar The Ditsy Daisy Hunter's Cleaners Beanstalk Paperie DL Salon Icing on the Cookie Bella Bridesmaid Do It Yourself Crafts Image Arts Bella Nails The Dog House The Impeccable Pig Bergoch Boutique Doodle's Sorbets and Ices Inline Lighting Bernies on Main Street Dorm Decor Invisible Fence of Central bevello Dorothy McDaniel's Flower Market Alabama Big Spoon Creamery Irondale Café Dr. Ducts Billy's Sports Grill IronStone Pizza Dram Birmingham Boulders Isabelle's Dunn Dental Birmingham Zoo Dyron's Lowcountry Restaurant ISHI Luxe Bistro 218 Issis & Sons Flooring Gallery Earthborn Black Sheep Kitchen Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery Edgewood Creamery Blackjack Farms Issis & Sons Furniture Gallery at Edna K Design Greenbrier Blackjack Gardens Eighteenth Street Oriental Rugs Ivory and White Bridal Boutique Blackwells Pub & Eatery Elite Boutique Iz Café Blissful Boutique Elizabeth Nicole Boutique J. Crew Blowfish Elle J. Crew Factory The Blue Willow Emily Judith Art
J. Jill J. McLaughlin JA Collections at Jordan Alexander Jack N' Jill Shop Jackson's Bar and Bistro JaWanda's Sweet Potato Pies Jezebel's Junior League of Birmingham Community Dish Junior League of Birmingham Gift Shop K. Olis Photography kate spade new york Katie's Plates, LLC Kendra Scott Kendry Collection Kicks Shoes for Kids Kidz Closet & More Kings Lane Boutique Kismet Cosmetics Knockerball Trussville at Grand River La Paz Lamb's Ears, Ltd. Leaf & Petal Leah's Learning Express Toys Levite Jewish Community Center The Lili Pad Lilla Lilly Bella Jewelry Lilly Pulitzer Lily Rain Lindsay Kessler Designs Lindsey Culver Photography Studios Lindsey Kelly Pottery The Lingerie Shoppe Lisi Lerch, Inc. Little Hardware, Inc. Little Lang's Little Lavender Consignment Boutique Little Professor Book Center Little Soles Lizard Thicket Boutique L'Occitane en Provence Lotus Boutique Lou Lou's Lucky Brand Jeans Lucky Dog Grooming & Boutique Lucky Duck Gifts & More LuLaRoe Tara Strickland Lyons Electrolysis, LLC M. LAVENDER clothing Madewell Mafiaoza's Pizzeria and Neighborhood Pub Magic City Sweet Ice Main Street Florist Mainstreet Monograms Maki Fresh Manhattan South Mantooth Interiors Marella Marguerite's Conceits Market Table Marmi marthie & jane Mary Charles Doll House
MaryBlanMoore Photography Mary's Home Cooking & Catering Mason Music McWane Science Center Megan LaRussa MELT Merrell at The Shops of Grand River Mia Moda Boutique Mint & Moon Handmade Miss Dots MO:MO: Mobley & Sons Molly Green Mommy and Me Time Fitness Monkee's of Mountain Brook Monograms Plus Mooyah Burgers, Fries, & Shakes Mosquito Authority Mountain Brook Creamery Mountain Brook Sporting Goods Mountain High Outfitters MPower Pilates + Cycle Murphree's Market and Garden Center Nail Tek Salon & Spa Nail World II Naked Art Neighborhood Barre Bham New Balance Birmingham New Life Art New York Butcher Shoppe Newk's Eatery NOLA Ice Nona Ruth's Norton's Florist Nothing Bundt Cakes NX Nail Spa Old Navy Riverchase Galleria Olde World Acquisitions Olexa's Café Oli.O Omega Tire Pros Once Upon A Time Orvis Otey's Tavern Over the Moon Ozan Vineyard & Cellars The Pantry Park Boutique Party Art Studio Patina The Pawms Pearly White Dentistry Phone Restore The Pink Tulip Plain Jane's Plastic Surgery Specialists Dr. Robert Oliver, Jr. and Dr. Jason M. Jack Player's Choice Tennis Please Reply Podos Boutique PoppySeed Paper Post Office Pies Pottery Barn Pottery Barn Kids Premier Designs Prescription Aesthetic and Wellness Spa Pure Barre 280
Pure Barre Birmingham Pure Barre Riverchase Pure Bliss Salon Spa Red Mountain Park Regina Jewelry & Treasures at Gus Mayer Remon's Repicci's Italian Ice & Gelato The Retreat Day Spa RINGLY Rodan + Fields Sandy Dangel Independant Consultant Rogue Tavern Rosegate Design Royal Birkdale Boutique Ruby Ansley Interiors, Inc. Salon 150 Sam's Deli & Grill Sanders Jewelry Sash & Beau The Sassy Shopper Boutique Schaeffer Eye Center The Scribbler Seibels Serendipity Boutique Sew Precious Shannon Dale Photography Shiki Sakura SHMorganizing Shoefly Shoe Boutique Sikes Children's Shoes Silver Lining Boutique Simply Infused Olive Oil Shop Sky Castle Slice Pizza and Brewhouse Smart Skin Med Spa Smith's Variety Smocking Bird Snap Girls Snapper Grabber's Land & Sea Snoozy's Kids! Soca Clothing Soca Girl Soccer Post Birmingham Soft Surroundings SoHo Social Sols Deli and Sandwich Shop Soma Sophronia Hall South Southern Magnolia Gifts Southern Nannies Plus, Inc. SPIRO Salt Room & Massage Therapy St. Vincent's Spa One Nineteen State Traditions Steed's Jewelers Stella Blu Stevie E. Photography Stock & Trade Storkland Baby and Kid Furniture Sugar Sugarboo & Co. Suite Dreams Sur La Table Susan Gordon Pottery Swaddle The Swanky Stork Sweet Melissa's Cookie Co. Sweet Peas Garden Shop Swoon
Swoop Swoozie's T/U Landscape Services, Inc. Table Matters Taco Mama Taylor Bug's Kids Boutique & Consignment Terry Hall Hair Design, Inc. Theadora Then Again Consignment Boutique Thimbles Thompson's Frame Factory THREAD2911 Three Earred Rabbit Three Sheets Linens Three15 Studio The Tiny Closet Boutique Tonya Jones Salon Spa Tory Burch Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center Town and Country Clothes in Crestline TrainSmarter The Trak Shak Trocadero Trouvé True40 Birmingham Tula J Boutique Tumi Turquoise Twine and Twig Twisted Root Burger Company United Car Care Center Urban Cotton Boutique Valley Cleaners Veronica Hunter Vestavia Hills Pediatric Dentistry Village Firefly Village Framers & The Atchison Gallery Village Press Village Sportswear Villager Yoga vineyard vines Vinnie Baggs Vino The Vintage Wine Shoppe Vulcan Park and Museum Gift Shop Wallace-Burke Fine Jewelry and Collectibles Weepeat Boutique Weezie B. Designs Weezie's Candy Emporium west elm Westwood Appliance Whiskers & Wags Pet Boutique The Whole Dog Market The Whole Scoop Wholesome by Allie WigWag Dog Company Williams-Sonoma Wilsons Leather Outlet The Wine Loft Wrapsody Yellowhammer Creative Yogurt Mountain Your Pie Pizza Z Gallerie Zoës Kitchen
Text SSS to 205-660-0030 to purchase and download a card
List current as of August 15. For a complete listing of participating retailers visit
ShopSaveandShare.net.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 FROM 6 - 8 P.M. LOCATED ON THE KENDRA SCOTT TERRACE JOIN US FOR DRINKS, LIGHT BITES, MUSIC AND 20% OFF AT MANY OF THE SUMMIT’S EXCLUSIVE RETAILERS
Text SSS to 205-660-0030 to purchase and download a card
FIGHTING FOR CHANGE
TH E J L B RECOMMITS TO A DVOCACY B Y
K AT H E R I N E
F
rom the earliest days, Junior Leagues across the country have played an important role in educating communities about serious issues and advocating for needed change. In the early twentieth century, the Junior League of the City of New York supported the settlement movement, which helped improve conditions for immigrants and lobbied the Board of Education in Brooklyn to offer free lunches to school children. A number of Leagues were also involved in advocating for women’s voting rights through the suffrage movement and arguing for needed changes to the child welfare system. More recently, Junior Leagues have successfully lobbied for the first bill to tackle domestic violence. The Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) is no exception. Since its founding in 1922, the JLB has used its power to influence positive change and raise awareness on many issues affecting the women and children it serves. JLB’s History of Advocacy The JLB has had significant success with advocacy historically. In 1969, the JLB spearheaded a forum called Focus ’69 (A Forum To Observe the Challenge of Urban Society) to identify and address the problems affecting the city of Birmingham at the time. Carol Lacy, who served as JLB President then, felt very strongly about equal rights for minorities and was committed to opening the lines of communication between people in all areas
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of the city. “We must be aware of the viewpoints of others if we are truly to succeed in our Junior League objective of training for community service,” Lacy said. Speakers at the event included former President Nixon’s Special Advisor on Urban Affairs, Daniel Moynihan; Vice President of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Joseph F. Volker; and Executive Director of the United Community Funds and Councils of America, Lyman Ford. The event brought the people of Birmingham together to discuss how to go forward collectively and received national recognition. Lacy wrote, “This project did more than any other to make the Junior League and its purpose known to the community. For the first time, the community realized that the Junior League is not a white-gloved, tea-sipping, party-going and giving organization, but is a group of women who are truly concerned about their city and who can be a real force in it.” In the late 1970s, the JLB helped to found the Family Resource Center. Former Public Affairs Chair Gillian Goodrich says the idea to start the center developed when the League recognized how severely society was failing its children. Goodrich explains that the idea was if “we help the parents, then we will also be helping the children.” The center was created out of a need to help parents become better role models and providers for their children. In order to accomplish this endeavor, the center held classes several times a week at the Birmingham YMCA to teach parents about subjects like nutrition, finance and anger management. JLB volunteers taught the courses and provided childcare to make it more convenient for parents to attend classes. Eventually, management of the center was taken on completely by Gateway and is still in existence today. Another non-profit agency that the League played an integral role in starting is VOICES for Alabama’s Children, in 1992. VOICES is a children’s advocacy group whose mission is to ensure that all children in Alabama “have the best chance to succeed in life.” Their main project, Alabama Kids Count, provides research about the state of children’s affairs in Alabama in order to raise
awareness on crucial issues that are impacting the development of children across the state. Founded by the JLB along with other community organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Alabama Power Foundation, and Children’s of Alabama, the project provides a county-by-county assessment on the conditions of Alabama’s children. This assessment, done each year, has become a trusted resource that is used by other non-profits and government agencies. Ellen Jackson served as JLB public affairs chair when VOICES was founded and she is still very involved with the organization as a member of the board of directors. Jackson says that in addition to compiling accurate data, recent initiatives by VOICES include healthy food financing, fightSuffragists of the St. Louis Equal Suffrage League on their way to travel across Missouri ing human trafficking and funding for pre-K. to promote women’s suffrage in 1916. Photo courtesy Missouri History Museum, St. Louis In the 1930s, the Junior Leagues of Alabama collaborated to impact public policy by forming that could benefit from policy change with a focus on improving the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC), which included the conditions for children in the welfare system. Featheringill, Gopresident, president- elect, and public affairs chair from each of odrich and Jackson all recall learning about the legislative process the Leagues across the state. The idea to meet with the other during their time working with the SPAC. Additionally, Goodrich Leagues came about when former SPAC Chairman Carolyn recalls feeling that having a statewide presence made a big differFeatheringill attended a seminar sponsored by the AJLI. The ence in advancing the League’s position on issues. SPAC held meetings to share ideas and discuss areas of concern
1923
Founded Junior League Home (now part of Gateway)
1957
Founded Junior League Speech and Hearing Center (became Alabama Foundation for Hearing and Speech)
1988
Began Partnership Assistance to the Homeless (PATH, later merged to become Pathways Shelter)
1989
Developed Motivators of Reading Enrichment (M.O.R.E.), now called BetterBasics
1991
Founded Literacy Council of Central Alabama (in conjunction with United Way and Birmingham Chamber of Commerce)
1996
Participated on the original steering committee of the Nonprofit Resource Center (now Alabama Nonprofit Association)
1998
Developed Teen Court with the Alabama Center for Law and Civic Education
2005
Began Health Action Grant Program (in partnership with Jefferson County Department of Health)
Advocacy Efforts Today More recently, Leagues across the U.S. have again found success with advocacy. The Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) undertook a Maternal Mental Health Advocacy Project. The initiative began as an effort to bring awareness to mental disorders experienced by approximately a quarter of women throughout pregnancy or postpartum. Their efforts resulted in the passing of three pieces of legislation to further the cause. Similarly, the Junior League of Atlanta, Georgia united with the Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC to push for passage of the Safe Harbor Amendment to the state constitution. The Safe Harbor Amendment creates a “permanent fund to restore children who have been exploited by sex trafficking.” Due in large part to the work of the Junior Leagues of Georgia SPAC’s efforts, this important piece of legislation passed in November 2016. Seeing the impact of coordinated advocacy efforts by sister Leagues, as well as hearing an interest from JLB members, the advocacy spark was rekindled in the priorities of League leaders. “Projects are necessary, but they do not always solve the underlying issues,” explains JLB President Katy Eldridge. “Advocacy is a nice complement to our projects.” A revival of the League’s advocacy role is now underway. “Many members know the League is a powerful voice for change and felt the JLB was missing an opportunity to do advocacy at both the local and state level,” says Eldridge. “Of course, as a 501c (3), the League has to be extremely diligent and look carefully at any issues about which it may advocate. Many factors must be considered before the League will be able to pursue advocating for an issue. As an initial matter, the issue must align with our mission and it must be determined whether the issue at hand can benefit from increased education and legislation.”
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JLB Public Affairs Chair Shelley Gentle is spearheading the League’s advocacy efforts this year. Gentle has already begun work on efforts to re-form a SPAC among Alabama Leagues. In addition, the JLB recently advocated on the issue of diaper need at the national level on behalf of the JLB Diaper Bank. Specifically, Gentle arranged for a meeting of JLB members with Representative Gary Palmer to ask him to give consideration to a bill that recognizes the issue of diaper need and the important work of diaper banks across the county. Another issue that Gentle would like to see the League get more involved in is the fight against human trafficking. “The issue of human trafficking (especially along the I-20 corridor) is very real, so we definitely know that we want to get involved somehow. We are taking this year to start with a pilot program to figure out what kind of project makes sense that works for our volunteers and will impact the issue,” explains Gentle. Part of the anti-human trafficking pilot program will involve a member training to address the issue and go over the dangerous links to pornography and how best to protect children. The League is poised to make great strides with its revived commitment to advocacy. “We have a voice, and it’s time to start using it again. There’s so much more that we can do,” Gentle says. Jackson, Featheringill and Goodrich are all pleased that the JLB is getting back to its advocacy roots—fighting for change to continue improving the lives of women and children in the Birmingham area. §
The mission of the JLB Essentials Pantry is to serve as a resource for unmet daily essentials, providing basic toiletry items as well as school uniforms and other clothing. The Positive Behavior Incentive Program is a school-wide approach to discipline that is intended to focus disciplinary efforts toward positive behaviors. Students have the opportunity to earn Bush Bucks that may be redeemed for prizes provided by the JLB as well as a pizza party for monthly recognition recipients.
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In Memoriam Carol Jemison Lacy 1930-2017 Carol Jemison Lacy, Past President of the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), passed away on July 18, 2017. Friends and family remember her as gracious, charming, intelligent and driven. A life-long resident of Birmingham, she was a supporter of the arts, equal rights, and quality education. Mrs. Lacy graduated from Phillips High School and attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. She was married to Alexander Shelton Lacy for 57 years, and they had three children. The grandaughter of real estate developer, civic leader and Mountain Brook founder, Robert Jemison, Jr., Mrs. Lacy was devoted to community service. In addition to the JLB, she worked with the Birmingham Festival of Arts and the Junior Women’s Committee of the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Lacy was passionate about bringing better education options to Birmingham and was a founding trustee of Highlands Day School in 1958. She remained involved with the private school for 39 years, first as business manager and later as development director. She led the campaign that funded the Styslinger Learning Center and new playgrounds in 1996 and the Carol J. Lacy Endowment Fund was created upon her retirement in 2001. In 1967, Mrs. Lacy was voted Birmingham’s Woman of the Year. She was nominated by the National Secretaries Association and the Women’s Junior Chamber of Commerce for her “community service and dedication to the growth of Birmingham.” She chaired the 1967 Birmingham Festival of Arts’ Salute to Japan, which included hosting Japanese dignitaries and dedicating the Japanese Gardens and teahouse at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Mrs. Lacy’s longtime friend Henrietta Emack says, “The Junior League was very special to Carol. It broadened our horizons and gave us such a wonderful foundation for doing all we possibly could.” Mrs. Lacy served as JLB President from 1968 to 1969, when the city was at the center of the Civil Rights Movement. She was committed to equal rights and opening the lines of communication between the citizens of Birmingham. In 1969, League member Nancy Smith wrote to Mrs. Lacy, “You have been an excellent League president this year. You have guided the membership intelligently without pushing or pulling—and in a year fraught with change, your success is all the more admirable.” Mrs. Lacy helped organize the Birmingham Centennial event held in 1971. She was a member of the Reading Disability Board, Tremont Garden Club, Mountain Brook Club and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Mrs. Lacy believed strongly in Birmingham and was quoted in the Shades Valley Sun on October 26, 1967 as saying, “I don’t care about being the largest city, but I do want us to be the best. The potential is there.” §
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ane Simons enrolled her son, Nick, in NorthStar Soccer Ministries when he started attending Cornerstone School in the first grade. He was diagnosed with ADHD at seven years old and had trouble both academically and socially. Today, thanks to the program, he has not only improved his soccer skills, but also his academic and social skills. In addition, his self-confidence has blossomed, and he no longer needs ADHD medicine. He is now in his second year of being on a travel soccer team. NorthStar Soccer Ministries is a new Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) community project. It was founded to provide holistic opportunities for urban youth by providing them with a convenient and low-cost soccer program. In this placement, League members volunteer as coaches for the U6 age group, the youngest in the program. Volunteers lead the players in weekly soccer practice and Saturday games. The purpose of having volunteer coaches is to keep club fees low, allowing more children the opportunity to participate. League members will also educate children on the importance of nutrition and exercise so they can learn healthy habits at a young age. In addition, the League will provide money for uniforms and gear so there will not be any out-of-pocket expense for the children. “The League has had sports-related placements like tennis and running in the past, but there haven’t been many others. We’re excited to give our members a chance to volunteer with children in an athletically-focused way,” says JLB Community Research Committee Member Bragan Petrey. “I’m looking forward to seeing kids happy and playing outside but also being able to mentor kids,” says JLB NorthStar Soccer Chair, Trenika Blevins, “In today’s society, kids deal with so much in school and home, and NorthStar Soccer will allow them to have an outlet to release and just be a kid.”
Paul Neville, Northstar Soccer Executive Director, founded the program in 1996. It began under a broader name as a neighborhood outreach program. After a short time, he decided to focus his efforts on developing the young people in his area and found that sports programs were the most effective way to do this. With the help of volunteers, he hosted athletic summer camps and eventually decided to focus on soccer full-time. Neville says, “Our program offers an opportunity to introduce kids to the game of soccer but also to encourage physical activity and emotional growth.” Northstar focuses on providing character development and teaching children about different virtues, like conflict resolution. Jane Simons has seen this first-hand with her son’s team. “Being on a travel team, things can get pretty heated and aggressive, so the coaches talk with the children about how to manage conflict.” NorthStar Soccer also provides tutoring for the older age groups in order to help them succeed in school. The program focuses on developing skills that players can use beyond the soccer field. “Helping a child to learn a skill well can build confidence, and that confidence can translate into other activities,” Neville says. “What drew me to NorthStar Soccer was being able to work with kids and help develop their character at a young age,” Blevins says, “Sports, no matter what kind, also helps to provide discipline. I think JLB members will benefit from NorthStar Soccer as a placement because it will allow them to step out of their comfort zones. Soccer is an underdog sport when you’re in the ‘Football Capital of the South.’ This will allow us to learn and become more engaged in a sport while encouraging kids in our communities to have healthy lifestyles.” § To protect and respect the privacy of certain individuals, the names of the participants have been changed.
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY NORTHSTAR SOCCER
Northstar soccer players take to the field
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WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AS A JLB VOLUNTEER? 1ST
2ND
YEAR AC T I V E
YEAR AC T I V E
TaChandra “Shun” Bell
Miracle Reese
Current Placement: Page to Stage
Current Placement: Essentials Pantry Positive Behavior Program
Even as a newer League member, I already have two moments that stand out to me. During my provisional year, Allison Black Cornelius spoke to us about how the JLB makes a difference, reminding us that doing little things every day has an impact. I also enjoyed watching the Exceptional Foundation perform their Christmas program.
Alexis Barton
Megan Watson
Melissa Goggans
Current Placement: Meals on Wheels
Current Placement: Photography Committee, Chair
Current Placement: Every Moment Matters, Chair
As a photographer, I get to be a small part of many amazing Junior League events, like The Exceptional Foundation Prom, watching the Little Leaguers learn about volunteering, seeing kids who are first in their families to go to college get supplies to set them up for success, hearing people talk about the impact of Mother’s Milk Bank, seeing the Community of Lights be such a wild success and all the fundraisers that pull off these massive undertakings that help fund the League’s mission. Ultimately, my most memorable moment is joining the Junior League to begin with. That one action set me on a path of immense fulfillment and ignited a desire to always do more.
I have a memory for every single patient and family that I’ve met during my placement with Every Moment Matters. Each year I think I should try something new, but the gifts I receive when I encounter these families just draw me closer each year!
Being able to deliver a healthy meal through Meals on Wheels to combat food insecurity, to offer companionship, and to provide a safety check on our older community members meets a critical need in Birmingham. Being part of this placement also fills a personal void for me as I get the opportunity to interact with and help care for aging members of our community.
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My placement with Pathways Invest in You has been the most memorable experience I’ve had so far. I bumped into one of the clients within the community, and she remembered my name and began to tell me how much our group’s efforts had changed her life in a positive direction. What she did not realize was that I gained a lot more insight into my own life and an even deeper desire to help women because of connecting with her and the other program participants.
6TH
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8TH
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NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
J U N I O R L E A G U E O F B I R M I N G H A M M E M B E R S A R E A S K E D T O D E D I C AT E 1 0 Y E A R S O F T H E I R L I V E S TO AC T I V E S E RV I C E I N T H E CO M M U N I T Y T H R O U G H T H E L E AG U E . W E
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Amanda Dunn Williamson Current Placement: Youth Leadership Forum Chair I love volunteering for any activity with Youth Leadership Forum, but the annual graduation is by far my favorite! Being able to witness the amazing talent of our local students as they showcase all the things they have learned about Birmingham is extremely inspiring and never ceases to teach me something new about our great city.
Ovuke’ Emonina
Susan Shields
Current Placement: Research and Development
Current Placement: Community Assistant VP
My most memorable experience is being selected for JLBeconnected as a mentee. Around the end of the second year, I was experiencing some health challenges and was unsure if I could continue my service in the League. But everything changed when I connected with an awesome mentor, Amy Jackson, who gave me encouragement and a newfound excitement and appreciation for our organization.
My most memorable moment was in my placement with Community Roundtables last year. The first Roundtable we hosted was on race relations in Birmingham, and the turnout and feedback was phenomenal. It was inspiring to see the League leading in providing safe, open forums for difficult conversations.
Leslie Cooper
Emily West Bynum
Current Placement: Family Fun Times at Children’s Hospital
Current Placement: Community Research Volunteer
Family Fun Times is filled with special, memorable moments. I will always remember the look of pure joy, relief, gratitude and surprise on the face of a parent when she realized that our Sugar Plum Shop would not only allow her to pick out Christmas gifts for her hospitalized child at no cost, but she could also select gifts for her three other children wrapped and ready to go for Christmas morning.
My experience tutoring women at the Lovelady Center has been my most memorable League experience. I was part of a placement that tutored women studying to get their GEDs so they could provide a better future for themselves and their families. Helping these women learn the skills to pass their GED test made me feel as though I was helping to change a life.
9TH
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PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN WATSON AND MARIA ROSALES
AS K E D A N AC T I V E M E M B E R I N E AC H Y E A R O F S E RV I C E TO A N SW E R T H I S Q U E ST I O N .
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET 35
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arket Noel 2017 marks the 27th year that the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) will hold its annual fall holiday market event. While the event has evolved over the years—and continues to this year with a new location—it remains one of the JLB’s largest fundraisers. What isn’t changing this year is the unique holiday shopping experience Market Noel will offer and the support it gives to the League’s community projects. Market Noel raises more than $160,000 each year. In addition to helping meet JLB fundraising goals, Market Noel helps raise awareness of the League in the community, especially among vendors and shoppers, says Fund Development VP Alice Jackson. “We hope the new location and our unique shopping opportunity will attract crowds that might not have been to Market Noel before, and possibly have not been exposed to all that the JLB does. Anytime a fundraiser can raise the profile of the League, it’s so valuable in the long-run. It helps us establish long-time attendees and possible donors.” This year, Market Noel is moving to the Finley Center at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. The Finley Center offers ample, convenient parking and an onsite café. Vendors will have plenty of display space, while shoppers will have room to walk the wide aisles, even with strollers and bags, in the center’s 89,000 square feet of continuous event space. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to move the event to a brand new facility,” says Market Noel Chair Sally McKay. “Many of the
Market Noel shoppers Kim Shoemaker, Leann Cates and Jennifer Brooks. 38
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLINE QUICK
M ARKE T NO E L M AKE S A MO VE
same merchants from years past are returning, but we also have new merchants, and attendees will find some surprises for 2017.” “We hope to see new shoppers with our new location, as well as returning shoppers who are curious about the venue,” says Jackson. The center was named for Robert “Bob” Finley, longtime coach at Hoover’s W. A. Berry High School, and held its grand opening in June. JLB members were on hand this summer to celebrate during a ribbon cutting ceremony with Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato. Market Noel Personnel Chair Hilary Beason says the event is great for families, too, which broadens its appeal. “My mom, aunt and grandmother always come, and now I bring my girls to shop, too. It’s a family shopping experience, and moving to the Finley Center makes it convenient for so many people.” In addition to its new location, Market Noel is returning to an earlier weekend it formerly occupied in mid-November. It will kick off November 15 and run through November 18. “We are excited to move Market Noel back to mid-November,” says McKay, “because it’s a great chance for shoppers to kick off the holiday season while supporting the Leauge’s efforts to make our city a better place.” In addition to a great shopping experience at a convenient location, Market Noel Special Events Chair Haley Scallions says attendees can also look forward to several exciting special events. “We are making our special events holiday-oriented and fun for everyone. With our new venue comes opportunities to try new things with Preview Noel, Rock the Runway and Market Bliss and highlight our amazing vendors as well.” This year’s Rock the Runway fashion show, sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer, will feature young women from the greater Birmingham area. Market Bliss, which offers shoppers a night of pampering, is made possible by repeat sponsors including Diamonds Direct. “While Market Noel fundraising comes from vendor booth rentals, daily ticket sales and special event ticket sales, our special events also raise money through unique activities, such as the Diamond Drop at Preview Noel,” says Jackson. “Diversifying the ways we raise money within one large fundraiser allows us to establish a balance, and the Market Noel committee can be creative in coming up with a variety of avenues to raise funds.” McKay says the support of the Market Noel committee and other JLB volunteers makes the event a success, allowing it to impact the League’s community partners. Market Noel Chair-Elect Becky Graham says attendees will do more than enjoy a fun weekend of shopping and special events— they will support the League’s community projects. “I love volunteering with this wonderful group of women,” says Graham. “Being part of the Market Noel committee is an opportunity to surround myself with positive, talented, smart and committed women who are working together for the good of our community.” From its roots in the early 1980s to the unique shopping experience and events that make up Market Noel today, the fundraiser’s purpose remains firm. Thanks to the dedication of League volunteers, community sponsors and loyal shoppers, Market Noel continues to support the mission and work of the JLB through decades of change. Follow Market Noel on Instagram @jlbmarketnoel and Facebook for details and information on special events. §
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM PRESENTS
SPONSORED BY
N OV E M B E R 1 5 -1 8 , 2 01 7 T H E F I N L E Y C E N T E R AT T H E H O OV E R M E T With more than 100 exclusive merchants and daily special events, the Junior League of Birmingham invites shoppers to enjoy the magic of Market Noel!
FIND OUT MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT
MARKETNOEL.NET #shopthemagic
Market Noel THANK YOU MARKET NOEL COMMITTEE 2017!
We encourage you to get your shopping done before the Thanksgiving holiday and plan to find something special for everyone on your holiday list at Market Noel. Enjoy the MAGIC of Market Noel! —Sally McKay, Chair
PHOTOGRAPHY: NICOLE ALBERSON
With a new location and new dates, the 2017 Market Noel committee has been hard at work to bring Birmingham shoppers an even more unique shopping experience than they have ever had in the past.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Preview Noel
$48 admission
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 11:45 a.m. 6 p.m. to 7p.m. 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Shopping Hours $12 admission True40 Pop Up Class A Wine-derful Evening * A Wine-derful Evening * *JLB MEMBER TRAINING EVENTS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Shopping Hours $12 admission Market Bliss $36 admission A NIGHT OF BEAUTY & BUBBLES
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shopping Hours Rock the Runway COUTURE FOR A CAUSE
$12 admission $24 admission
SPONSORED BY
NOW!
MARKETNOEL.NET
EXTENDED ACTIVES
A D E CADE O F S ERVICE AND BE Y O ND B Y
L O R E N
H A W K I N S
S
hannon Stewart and Amy Jackson didn’t know much
For Stewart, in her thirteenth active year, and Jackson, in her
about the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) when
twelfth, the decision to hang on to their JLB nametags was easy.
they joined in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Neither
Both say the League’s mission and their League relationships—
one thought far past their first years of membership, much less what ten+ years of membership would hold. But today, the call to serve continues for both. Joining the JLB means committing to at least ten years of ac-
old and new—keep them coming back. Stewart says she joined the League to become more involved in the community, but quickly realized there was more to membership than just women volunteering together. She was sur-
tive service before being eligible to sustain. There are currently
prised to meet such a variety of women and so many who work
42 League members who have chosen to delay sustaining and
outside the home. She says sharing the same passion and com-
continue their active service beyond ten years.
munity commitment—regardless of other differences—made it
Extended Actives have two options for membership. Some
easy to build life-long friendships with other members. She says
choose to complete their selected community placements for the
her League friends have been part of some of the best times of
year, but have no other member obligations. They also pay sus-
her life, like her wedding, and have supported her through some
tainer dues, which are less than active member dues. Extending
of the worst, such as losing her father.
active service in this way allows members to continue the volun-
Stewart took on leadership roles in the League right away and
teer work they love, while providing the flexibility to participate
has worked on a variety of placements through the years. She
in additional JLB opportunities, such as General Membership
chaired the Bargain Carousel auction committee, which she calls
Meetings and training events as they choose. Other extended
one of her hardest but most rewarding positions.
Actives choose to retain full membership status so that they will
“I don’t think I ever worked as many hours on one placement
be eligible for certain leadership positions and can support the
as Bargain Carousel, but the joy of pulling off an incredible pre-
League at a high level of involvement. They continue to pay full
view party event and sale, especially right after the tornadoes of
membership dues and fulfill other active member requirements.
2011, was exhilarating,” Stewart says.
JLB President Katy Eldridge sees how the commitment Ex-
She served as assistant to the JLB President and says she
tended Actives bring to the League inspires newer members to
benefited from learning about how the League operates. She
get involved and build relationships.
also worked as Placement Director, helping members navigate
“The League benefits significantly from extended active
their time and volunteer projects. She calls Youth Leadership
members,” says Eldridge. “Extended Actives bring invaluable
Forum a “hidden gem” in placements based on her time helping
experience to the table and show other members how much the
with the program and working with local high school students. As
League means to our community and how much individual mem-
a former membership vice president, Stewart loves sharing her
bers can gain personally from their League experience.”
passion for the League, and one of the areas where she has felt
Membership Vice President Emily Jensen says Extended Actives recognize how League membership benefits them both personally through leadership and development opportunities and as trained volunteers. “The impact of Extended Actives is tremendous because they have embraced being servant leaders for life. Amy and Shannon’s enthusiasm for the JLB is contagious,” Jensen said. 42
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most impactful is working with the provisional team as an advisor to new members during their provisional year. “Mentoring and sharing my excitement for the League helps energize me and reminds me of the commitment our organization makes to the community,” Stewart says. A native of Birmingham, Stewart graduated from Vestavia Hills High School and Birmingham-Southern College. She worked as
community placements, she says she’s a stronger member for having been a League leader. “It’s important to see how hard members work raising funds, but it’s equally important for members to see what that money is doing for our community,” says Jackson. Jackson appreciates changes that have made it easier to stay involved. For example, meetings that used to be during the day are now mostly in the evenings or held via conference call. “I appreciate the JLB changing and embracing technology to make sure everyone can be included,” says Jackson. “Just because a member can’t get to a meeting doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to serve.” As Jackson drew near the ten-year mark, she saw friends extending their active status, and she was glad to follow the trend. While she says everyone should know when to leave a good party, sustaining will be hard when this chapter ends. Stewart sells her line of Poppyseed Paper stationery at Market Noel a recruiter with the Birmingham-Southern admissions office before moving on to work as a corporate recruiter. While she still recruits part-time, she also has owned PoppySeed Paper, an online custom stationery and invitation company, for over two years. Stewart lives in Vestavia with her husband, Art. “I can’t imagine not being involved with the League,” Stewart says. “Not only have I met life-long friends, but the organization has strengthened my skills as a colleague, wife, friend and community leader. The energy and excitement the League puts out is contagious, and I don’t want to miss that.” Serving the community was not new to Jackson when she joined the League, and she did not shy away from multiple community commitments. She was already a member of the Service Guild and president of the Cherokee Bend Elementary
Jackson and her husband, Steve, have three children—daughters Tully and Tatum, and son Yates. After 25 years of working at her husband’s law firm, Jackson recently started what she calls her second career as a client administrator with Warren Averett Workplace. Jackson says balancing family and work with League membership has been worthwhile. “There’s never any doubt that what we’re doing matters in Birmingham, and I have met some of the most incredible people. I’ve never thought my time at the JLB didn’t matter.” “Whether they decide to sustain next year or in ten more years, Amy and Shannon have left their marks on the League,” says Eldridge. “I know they will always be great advocates for the League because they have invested so much in our organization and see the impact of their work on so many of our members and on the community as a whole. It’s hard to walk away from that.” §
PTO when she began her JLB provisional year. She served as Service Guild president and on the Bell Center board during her first active year. She joined the Mountain Brook City Schools Foundation board in 2007 and was president of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce in 2012. Jackson, who has an identical twin, grew up in Homewood. Her mother is Australian and did not understand the Junior League, sororities or SEC football. “All I knew was that I had a ton of friends who were members—there must be something pretty amazing about the ents major events and does serious work for the community.” The first placement Jackson chose was the JLB/Dollywood Foundation Imagination Library committee, which she later chaired. She also chaired the JLBeConnected mentor program and served as community vice president, Youth Leadership Forum chair, member liaison and governance director. She sees being asked to serve as an honor, and while she loves
Jackson and her daughter, Tully, at a JLB playground build in 2011
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLINE QUICKPHOTOGRWAPHY: TOM GARDNER
League,” Jackson said. “I soon understood. Our League pres-
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WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT THE COMMUNITY
JLB C O M MUNITY FUND PR O V I D E S GRANT TO LJCC
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magine dropping your child off at preschool only to find out a short time later that a bomb threat has been called in to your child’s school. This is the exact situation that parents whose children attend the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School and the preschool at the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) found themselves in on four separate occasions this year. Over the course of three months, the LJCC was the target of four bomb threats that were called into the center and specifically targeted the school. On these days, the LJCC was one of dozens of Jewish institutions that received similar threats across the country. Even though two arrests have been made in connection with these threats, police have encouraged the LJCC to continue to focus on enhancing their security measures due to an alarming increase in anti-Semitic incidents nationwide. As Ruth Nomberg, LJCC Grants and Research Director, explains, these incidents in addition to the bomb threats are what prompted the need for a Campaign for Jewish Community Security to be created by the center. These acts, intended to cause fear and intimidation, have actually done quite the opposite. The Birmingham community has come together and rallied behind the center with many groups, including the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB), offering their support in helping the LJCC enhance security. Nomberg says, “Through the support and generosity of our community and especially the Junior League of Birmingham’s Community Assistance Fund, we are able to add to the security of the Levite Jewish Community Center.” The JLB Community Assistance Fund is designed to provide short-term, immediate funding to agencies and organizations that need assistance after unexpected or emergency circumstances arise. Former JLB Community Vice President Whitney Saunders explains that the Community Council voted unanimously to approve the LJCC’s request for funding. “The unforeseen cost of the additional security measures that the LJCC faced is exactly the type of situation that the
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P O C K M A N
Community Assistance Fund is designed to support,” Saunders says. “Through this fund, the League is able to help the LJCC financially, but hopefully, it is also indicative of the tremendous amount of support we feel for the LJCC as they are facing increasing security threats.” Parents whose children attend the preschool say they are grateful for the community support and financial assistance in securing the center. LJCC preschool parent Annie Damsky says parents initially found themselves discouraged after the continuing threats and concerned about the emotional toll these threats were taking on the LJCC teachers and administrators. “Through the training, support and extra resources they received from the LJCC leadership, the preschool parents and the entire community bolstered their courage and confidence, and we trusted our daughter was in the most caring and capable hands,” she says. Elizabeth Milne, a member of the LJCC and a JLB provisional member says, “Of all the worries that a mother has when sending her child to daycare, bomb threats were not one I could have imagined. However, I was amazed by the action the LJCC took to ensure my son’s safety and to keep me informed of everything going on. I always felt comfortable with my son being there because of the incredible staff who were prepared to protect my son no matter what. I am proud to see the JLB and LJCC working together to ensure the safety of children in our community.” Nomberg says some of the security enhancements being implemented include hiring off-duty police officers when the LJCC is open, adding security film on windows and doors, and installing a new camera surveillance system and access control doors. “We are truly appreciative of our partnership with the Junior League. We are proud to be associated with and a recipient of the JLB Community Assistance Fund as the League’s reputation for supporting the Birmingham community is well-known,” says Nomberg. §
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY LJCC
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OUR SUSTAINERS After Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) members serve 10 active years, they can choose to become sustaining members. Sustainers are encouraged to continue to volunteer, sponsor new members, and participate in meetings and events with JLB. We have a committed and diverse group of sustainers who recently shared some interesting facts with us!
TOTAL NUMBE R OF SU STA IN E R S = 1 2 33
OUR SUSTA INE R S L I V E IN 72 D I F F ERE N T ZIP CO DE S .
2 O F O U R S U STAINE RS T U R NE D 10 0 T H IS YE AR!
“ I T RAV E L E D WI T H U P W I T H PEO PLE FOR 3. 5 Y E ARS .”
WORLD TRAVELS “ I ZIP - L IN E D THR OUGH THE R A IN FO R E ST I N COSTA R ICA.”
1 S U STAI NE R I S T H E GREAT GRANDDAU GH T E R OF T H E U NI V E R S IT Y OF AL AB AMA’ S F I RST Q UA RT E R B AC K.
C E LE BR IT Y IN T E R AC T ION S “ I RU S H E D B AC KSTAGE AT A PO LI C E CONC E RT AN D GRAB B E D H OL D OF ST I N G! ” “ I ’ V E ME T RI C H A RD G ER E AND JO H N DAV I DS O N.” “RA DA R O ’REI LLY ( F RO M M*A* S * H ) KI SS E D ME O N T H E C H E E K DU RI NG A MARDI GRAS PARADE .”
Our sustainers have worked for the following nonprofits and non-profit partners in our community:
“ I RODE ON AN E L E VATO R WI T H PRI N C E. I ’ M S H ORT AND H E WAS T I NY.”
THE E XC E P TIO N A L FOUNDATI ON
YMCA
YOU T H L E ADE RS H I P FORU M
THE WO ME N ’S F UND OF GREATER
ALABAM A P U B L I C T E L E V I S I ON
OP E RA B I RMI NGH AM
THE BI R MI NGH AM ZOO
E Y E S I GH T FOU NDAT I ON OF AL AB A M A
ALABAM A SY MP H ONY ORC H E ST RA
T H E B I RMI NGH AM MU S E U M OF A RT
B IR M IN G HA M UN ITE D WAY O F CENTRAL ALABAMA
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B E T H E M AT C H
J L B M E M BER’S BONE M A R R O W SAVES A LIFE B Y
A N N A
A
t a general membership meeting last fall, Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) seventh-year active member Rosemary Alexander decided to participate in a bone marrow registry drive being held at the League building in memory of Kendyl Lowe. “Kendyl seemed just like me. She was a wife and mother, had a job and lived in Homewood,” says Alexander. “Her husband Chuck was at the drive, and I was moved by their story.” Lowe, an involved JLB member, lost her battle to Leukemia in July 2016, less than a month after being diagnosed. Alexander registered as a bone marrow donor and gave a sample swabbed from the inside of her cheek. She provided her contact information and signed a consent form to have the sample tested. Be the Match, an organization run by the National Bone Marrow Registry, contacted Alexander in February to inform her that she was a possible match for a patient in need of a transplant. “When I read the email, I immediately clicked ‘not now’ and went about my day. I was thinking of myself and the poor timing for me as a wife, mother and attorney. I woke up the next day
JLB Community VP Whitney Saunders Kendyl Lowe before her death with husband, and Bush K-8 Principal Genita Abby and Kate. Chuck, and daughters,
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H A R T Z O G
and knew I had made a huge mistake. I called Be the Match and told them to change my answer to yes.” Because of an autoimmune disease, Alexander was not able to give bone marrow in the traditional way. Ordinarily, the process is similar to donating blood or plasma. Doctors determined that due to Alexander’s condition, it would be safest to perform a surgical removal of her bone marrow. This was a scary revelation for Alexander, a mom of three. “Initially, I felt reckless when I thought of my three kids, who are all under four years old, and the idea of leaving my husband widowed should something go wrong,” says Alexander. “But through prayer, my focus shifted off of me and onto the recipient. God provided the comfort and confidence I needed to proceed. The recipient was the same age and gender as a family member who I cannot image life without. I thought, ‘What if this was my family?’ I would beg everyone to donate for my family.” The concept of donation was not new to Alexander. “My sister previously donated a kidney to my stepdad. We had the gift of a successful donation, good health again and more time with my stepdad.” Alexander explains the process of her donation was extensive. “Be the Match gives each donor a liaison, and mine was Andrea. We spent about an hour on the phone going over my medical history to see if I was a fit. I then did my first round of blood work and waited six weeks. The recipient had matched with about five people and they needed to find the best match among us. After six weeks, I was determined to be the best match. I then went to UAB where Dr. Di Stasi and his nurses, Melinda and Diana, took good care of me and worked with my recipient’s doctors. I did a few more blood tests, a physical exam, and pre-op workup. The surgery was at the end of May at UAB and took two hours. I went home the same day, though the recovery lasted several weeks. A courier flew my bone marrow to the recipient.” Sadie Wootten, also a seventh-year JLB Active, met Alexander during their provisional year. The two quickly found they had much in common and have been close friends ever since. “When I learned that Rosemary decided to become a bone marrow donor, was matched and participated in the surgery, I was not surprised one bit! As one of the busiest people I know, she still constantly finds the time to care for others in so many ways. The impact that Rosemary had on this individual’s life is a true testament to her selfless and loving character.”
When asked why donations are important, Alexander replies, “Bone marrow donation saves lives. It replaces the recipient’s diseased blood-forming cells with healthy cells. Only thirty percent of recipients find matches within their family and most need the registry to survive. 13.5 million people are on the registry worldwide. My recipient is not in the United States and would have died without a donation; this is another shot at life.” Rachel Harris, who works for Be the Match, says there is a constant need for donors. “Every three minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma. For many patients with these life-threatening diseases, a cure exists. Be the Match is a community of patients, donors, volunteers, health care professionals and researchers who deliver cures by helping patients get a life-saving bone marrow donation. Eighty different types of blood cancers or blood-related diseases are treated by a bone marrow transplant. Only two percent of the U.S. population is currently on the national registry (around 14 million people). This number is not big enough, and many patients, especially those who are ethnically diverse, struggle to find a donor since they need a match who is genetically identical to them.” “Our passion to save lives drives us to help more patients survive each year,” Harris says. “Be the Match hosts bone marrow events across the country every day to add more potential donors to the registry who would be willing to save a life if called.” JLB Sustainer Liz Edwards is pleased the League was able to host a bone marrow drive last year in her friend’s honor. “Kendyl was always looking out for others. She connected people in her community who didn’t know each other and volunteered to do jobs no one else wanted. I remember her sitting and counting change after Bargain Carousel one year. She was never one to look for the limelight or credit, and she stepped up to help whenever she could.” Lowe served the League in roles like business manager for Shop Save & Share and Bargain Carousel, governance director, and finance vice president. “It was under her leadership that JLB made a crucial budget cycle flip in recent years,” Edwards shares. “She spent several years studying, planning, analyzing and executing this flip that has helped the League better plan how our resources are given to the community. Our partners are now better able to plan their own annual budgets based on our giving that can be forecasted in advance. We’ve also seen that through this more careful planning, we are able to pledge and give more in total dollars than we did before.” In addition to her many hours of service to the League, Lowe was also devoted to her family and had a successful career as CFO of BioHorizons. She loved spending time with her two daughters and helping at their schools. Lowe faced two rounds of cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer several years before finding out about her leukemia. “After undergoing treatment and getting a clean bill of health from the first round of cancer, she started feeling sick again,” Edwards explains. “She went to UAB and then was sent straight to Houston to begin treatment. The JLB memorial drive came about because her friends felt helpless. They wanted to donate for Kendyl. I had contacted the League leadership in Texas and asked them to donate for Kendyl, and many did. Our League wanted to participate and give something back in Kendyl’s honor to show her family and our community how much she meant to us.”
Rosemary Alexander with husband, Tripp, and children, Emaline, John, and Ford. Raegan Bellenger, a sustaining League member, coordinated the registry drive. “I served with Kendyl on the executive board and wanted to honor her quiet and steady confidence. It was my privilege to coordinate the drive, and I am so thankful to Rosemary for taking part.” Alexander is glad she participated in Kendyl’s memorial drive and sees a connection between her involvement in the JLB and with Be the Match. “JLB works to make our community better, and Be the Match works to make the world better. It is so wonderful to be a part of two great organizations that make such a major impact here at home and all over the world.” JLB Immediate Past President Lauren Roberts spoke of both Alexander and Lowe in her final address to the League members in May. Reiterating her sentiments, she says, “So often at the Junior League, we focus on the big numbers, the large impacts we have on the community—$1 million dollars, 55,000 volunteer hours, 2,500 members—but the real change we create in our community often comes much more quietly, when one individual member significantly impacts the life of another. That’s what made me cry when I received Rosemary’s email telling me that she was the best bone marrow match for someone and would be donating in order to potentially save his or her life. As I said at the May GMM, we hear all the time that Birmingham is the Magic City, but the truth is the magic, the miracle, the shining light—that is each one of our members. They are the ones making the difference every day.” §
BECOME A DONOR To join the bone marrow registry, visit https://join.bethematch.org/alabama to answer a few medical questions and provide contact informtion. A swab kit will be mailed to you. Simply swab the inside of your cheeks and return.
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
J L B S CHOLARSHIP R E C I P I ENT UPDATE B Y
C O U R T N E Y
C A R S O N
For 95 years, the Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) mission has been to develop the potential of women. The League strives to improve the lives of women and children in the Birmingham community, specifically in the areas of education and financial stability. One way it is accomplishing that goal is through scholarships given to qualified women who demonstrate a true willingness to better themselves and their community. The JLB Academic Scholarship program was originally established in the 1950s to open the doors of opportunity for teachers in the area of speech and language development, and hopefully provide future leaders for the Junior League School of Speech Correction. Through the years this program has expanded, providing scholarships to women in all areas of study, seeking both undergraduate and graduate degrees. We followed up with several recent recipients to see how their Brandy Gentry studies have gone since receiving the scholarship. Brandy Gentry, a December graduate of the Birmingham School of Law, received a JLB
Kenecia Russell Russell, who attended Woodlawn High School in Jefferson County, remained on the Dean’s list through her final semester in college. She graduated from Montevallo in May 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in biology and began graduate school at the University of Alabama only two weeks later. Russell is studying rural community health, epidemiology, and disease control with plans to become an epidemiologist. “I hope that one day I will work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Pentagon where I can specialize in biological warfare and bioterrorism,” Russell says. “I want to help people and know I am doing something worthwhile.”
continuing education scholarship in 2016. Gentry not only earned her Juris Doctor, but she also passed the Alabama State Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination on her first attempts. Gentry is currently the Specialty Court Coordinator for Shelby County Community Corrections, a position she held full-time while earning her degree, raising two children, and pursuing a career as a criminal defense attorney. “Because of the scholarship I was awarded from the Junior League of Birmingham, I was afforded the opportunity to focus on my studies instead of worrying about tuition. Thank you again for the scholarship,” Gentry says.
Amica Rapadas Born in the Philippines, Amica Rapadas moved to the U.S. when she was eight years old. She received a JLB scholarship in 2015 as a senior at Homewood High School. “The Junior League scholarship was a way for me to take advantage of opportunities that I otherwise could not have,” Rapadas says. “It allowed me to be able to cover basic costs of college, such as books and housing.” Now a junior at the University of Alabama, Rapadas studies international relations, communications, and Chinese. She serves as the president of the Chinese Culture Club and is an English Language Learner tutor for local schools. Rapadas will spend her junior year studying abroad at Minzu University of China where she plans to strengthen her proficiency in Mandarin and to learn more about Chinese culture and politics. Upon graduation, she plans to work for the government as either an analyst with the Department of Defense or in foreign service with the State Department. “Eventually I want to work in nonprofits,” Rapadas says. “I have been afforded so many opportunities, and I want to bring that full circle by helping others.” § 48
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
We are proud to support those who nourish
Nourishing communities.
because the inspired become the inspiration.
FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
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SADIE’S MAGIC MOMENT Sadie Ford, a 12-year old Oakman Middle School student, was diagnosed with Lymphoma in June 2016. She participated in the Rock the Runway fashion show at Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) Market Noel fundraiser last year. The high point of the fashion show was when Sadie learned that her Magic Moments wish to go to Disney World was being granted. Magic Moments is a partner agency of JLB that grants wishes to children all over Alabama. Newsheet ran a story on Sadie, who is now in remission, and her experiences in our spring issue before she traveled. We followed up to get these wonderful photos of Sadie and her family on her Magic Moments spring break trip to Disney World. SADIE AND HER FA M I LY
FROM THE LEFT: Brother Wyatt Pennington, Sadie, mother Beckey Ford, and brother Eli Ford. NOT PICTURED: Father James Ford.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH GASKIN
BUTTERMILK RANCH MASHED POTATOES
SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE
You can mash the potatoes or leave cubed. It is a great recipe to serve when you need a starch to round out the meal.
My sister-in-law, Mary Harmon Moman, makes this casserole every Christmas. It is a favorite with my family, and children love it too.
Serves 8-10
Serves 6 to 8
5 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup buttermilk ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1 envelope buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix ¼ cup chopped fresh chives 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 (10-ouncce) packages frozen chopped spinach 8 ounces light cream cheese ½ cup (1 stick) butter 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon salt
Combine the potatoes and ½ teaspoon salt with enough water to cover in a Dutch oven and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender; drain. Return the potatoes to the Dutch oven and cook over low heat for 1 minute or until any remaining moisture evaporates. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or hand mixer until the desired consistency. Stir in the buttermilk, butter, salad dressing mix, chives, salt and the pepper until blended. Serve immediately.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cook the spinach using the package directions. Drain and press any excess moisture from the spinach. Heat the cream cheese and ½ cup butter in a saucepan until blended, stirring constantly. Add the spinach, lemon juice, salt and pepper and mix well. Arrange the artichokes in the bottom of a greased 2-quart baking dish and spoon the spinach mixture over the top. Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and dot with 3 tablespoons butter. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Elissa Handley Tyson
Lydia Helen Jones
© Tables of Content, page 268
© Tables of Content, page 266
OUR FAVORITE TOFFEE
BEST-EVER GOURMET MEATLOAF
Buttering the sides of your bowl prevents the mixture from sticking when it bubbles up in the microwave.
Serves 4
Makes 1 pound
1 pound ground round 1 cup soft fresh bread crumbs ¾ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup ketchup ½ cup oil-pack sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ½ cup finely chopped onion
¾ cup finely chopped pecans ½ cup (1 stick) butter 1 cup sugar ¼ cup water 1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels ½ cup finely chopped pecans
Sprinkle ¾ cup pecans over the bottom of a greased 9-inch round baking dish. Coat 2 inches of the side of a microwave-safe 2 1/2-quart glass bowl with some of the butter and place the remaining butter in the bowl. Add the sugar, water and salt; do not stir. Microwave on high for 9 to 11 minutes or until the mixture just begins to turn light brown and pour over the pecans. Sprinkle with the chocolate morsels and spread evenly with a knife. Top with ½ cup pecans and press lightly if needed. Chill until firm. Break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
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½ cup (2 ounces) shredded provolone cheese 2 eggs, beaten 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/3 cup ketchup
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 5x9-inch loaf pan with foil. Combine the ground round, bread crumbs, basil, ½ cup ketchup, the sun-dried tomatoes, onion, cheese, eggs and garlic in a bowl and mix well. Shape the ground round mixture into a loaf in the prepared loaf pan and spread with 1/3 cup ketchup. Bake for 1 hour. Virginia Baxley Winn
© Tables of Content , page 190 © Tables of Content, page 302
¼ teaspoon pepper 1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into quarters 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs 3 tablespoons butter, softened
PROVISIONAL PROFILE
LEAGUE PART NE R BEC OMES V O L UNT E ER B Y
P
A L A N A
C R O W E
rovisional Katherine Wood’s decision to join the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) shows first-hand the impact of the League’s passionate and dedicated volunteers. As the former Executive Director of Mother’s Milk Bank of Alabama (MMBAL), Alabama’s first breast milk bank, Wood credits JLB and MMBAL volunteers as her inspiration for joining the League. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Wood attended Saint Louis University and earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing. After graduation, she and her fiancé, Dylan, relocated to Birmingham with their two poodles so Wood could pursue her graduate degree in Public Health at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Wood was involved with MMBAL when it was just an idea in the mind of JLB Active, Mary Michael Kelley, who turned her own personal tragedy into inspiration to establish Alabama’s first breast milk bank while serving as Executive Director of the Community Food Bank. Today, MMBAL serves as a center for collecting, pasteurizing and distributing donor breast milk to ill and pre-term infants across the state of Alabama. Starting as an intern, Wood later became the first Executive Director of MMBAL when it split from the Community Food Bank in 2014. Wood was responsible for ensuring that the bank had the supplies necessary for pasteurization and distribution of the donor milk as well as budgeting, grant-writing, recruiting donor moms and volunteers. “MMBAL would not be the success it is today without Katherine,” says JLB MMBAL Assistant Chair Sarah Killian Harris. “Her ability and hard work helped launch this much-needed resource in our community. I’m excited to see Katherine join the League. I know her positive attitude and dedication to serve will leave a lasting impact on the Magic City.” Wood emphasized that early JLB involvement with MMBAL was vital in launching the program. Not only did the League provide some of MMBAL’s initial funding, Wood says JLB volunteers were the ones who “made it happen.” “You can never underestimate the power of volunteers,” she says, “especially when the organization has such a small staff.” Wood says her exposure to JLB was so tremendously inspiring that when she graduated and had time to volunteer, she was anxious to join the League. “Being on the other side and seeing the impact of JLB volunteers made me want to be involved,” says Wood. Since its establishment, MMBAL has made a huge impact in the entire state of Alabama. In 2016, MMBAL distributed more
F R E D E R I C K
than 32,200 ounces of donor milk to several hospitals across the state. JLB volunteers alone pasteurized over 10,000 ounces of milk, saving the organization $6,000. JLB funding allowed MMBAL to purchase a new deep freezer that stored 20,000 ounces of donor milk in 2016. “JLB is proud to partner with and support MMBAL with volunteers and funding that will help to distribute pasteurized breast milk to babies in area hospitals who need it the most,” says JLB Community VP Karen Grahn. “We are so proud of the work they are doing and the difference they are making in Birmingham.” Wood describes working with Kelley on a grant that helped fund MMBAL as one of her most memorable and impactful experiences with the JLB. She also views JLB Sustainer and Past President Alison Scott, who she came to know through Scott’s service on MMBAL’s board of directors, as a mentor and role model. Wood joined JLB’s 2017 provisional class in August and is excited about becoming part of the organization that, according to her, is largely responsible for getting MMBAL off the ground. §
JLB Provisional Katherine Wood
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Presidents Society 2016—2017
President’s Society Steering Committee: (Front) Anne Lary, Sheryl Kimerling, Alison Lassiter; (Back)Lauren Roberts, Becky Holt
President’s Society is a Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) annual giving campaign that exists to cultivate, advance and acknowledge the significant value of promoting voluntarism, community service and personal giving at a leadership level. President’s Society includes individuals and private foundations that donate The 2016 - 2017 President’s Society included over 100 members who provided more than $120,000--funds that provide crucial support to advancing JLB’s mission throughout the community.
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PHOTOGRAPHY: STEWART RICHARDS
$750 as a first time donation and $1,000 or more annually after the first year.
J
Sheryl and Jon Kimerling
P R E S I D ESheryl N Tand ’ SJon Kimerling SOCIETY HONORARY CHAIR
S H E RYL KI MER LING B Y
M A R I A
R O S A L E S
ACTIVE YEAR: 1998 ALMA MATER: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA FAMILY: HUSBAND, JON KIMERLING; RESCUE DOG, TESSA
unior League of Birmingham (JLB) Sustainer Sheryl Kimerling graciously agreed to support the League by accepting the position of Honorary Chair of President’s Society for the 2016-2017 League year. The honorary chair is critical to the success of the fundraiser because she is tasked with hosting the President’s Society reception and assisting with raising funds. The reception is an evening dedicated to honor the President’s Society members. This year, the President’s Society exceeded their goal, thanks to all of the gracious donors. Kimerling was responsible for sending out invitations, planning, catering and entertaining. President’s Society Chair Anne Lary says, “It was a wonderful evening. The Kimerlings’ home was gorgeously decorated with flower arrangements by Marigold Designs, and they had a friend playing the piano as guests arrived. Shindigs catered the reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails.” Kimerling remembers the beginnings of President’s Society. “President’s Society was started in 1998 as an annual giving opportunity during the Antiques and Garden Show,” she recalls. “I co-chaired the show that year with Kim Rogers and Carol Ann Phillips. Philippa Bainbridge chaired the President’s Society and hosted it in her beautiful home.” When asked what inspired Kimerling to be the Honorary Chair, she explained that after being a sustainer for many years, she was happy for the opportunity to continue to serve. Kimerling recognizes Lary and the committee as the ones who are really to thank for the success of the event. She says, “My main responsibilities included signing letters to potential donors and hosting the cocktail dinner in my home. Anne Lary and her team did all the hard work. I just opened the door.” Kimerling’s commitment to the League and voluntarism is evident through her humble words and service. This year’s goals were met, and Kimerling was happy that they were able to give the donors a fun night of recognition. Kimerling became an active League member in 1998 and is now a Sustainer. As an Active, Kimerling served in many important roles, including communication vice president, finance vice president and parliamentarian. Most recently, she served on the Beeson Fund Committee. Kimerling currently serves as a volunteer with the YWCA, Birmingham Jewish Federation, United Way and Hand in Paw, to name a few. She also serves on several national boards. Even her rescue dog, Tessa, is an active philanthropist in the community and is being featured at Hand in Paw’s Picasso Pets fundraiser this year. Kimerling shares that she joined the League in 1998 due to the amount of work that the League accomplishes. “I had always admired the strength of organized, trained volunteers,” she says. “JLB volunteers get things done.” She says she enjoyed reconnecting with other members through her role this year and believes that the President’s Society allows donors to make a meaningful impact in the community. §
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Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
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Beth and Scott Adams
Jennifer and Jimmy Ard
Candice W. Bagby
Leigh and Hunter Bagby
Elna R. Brendel
Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Dowe Bynum
Ragan Cain
Jordan and Wes Caudell
Sheri and J. Houston Cook
Rebekah Elgin Council and Bryan Council
Cecilia Crenshaw
Allison and Alan Crotwell
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
Dr. and Mrs. A. Derrill Crowe
Katherine and Forrest DeBuys
Kay and Bruce Donnellan
Liz and William Edwards
Katy Eldridge
Anne Marie and Joe Everly
Carolyn Featheringill
Leigh and Keith Forstman
Mary and Jamie French
Julia Gardner and Andrew Nichol
Shelley and John Gentle
Nancy Goedecke FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
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Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
58
Gillian Goodrich
Shaun Gray
Leigh and Jim Hancock
Mary and Victor Hanson
Penney and Roger Hartline
Susan and Wyatt Haskell
Leigh and Will Haver
Carey and William Hinds
Val and George Holman
Becky and Tyler Holt
Meredith and Alex Husnik
Emily and Jeffrey Jensen
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
Sallie and Jim Johnson
LaVonda and Perry Keel
Sandy and Wayne Killion
Sheryl and Jon Kimerling
Lynn and Benny LaRussa
Alison and Tatum Lassiter
Holly and Chris Lollar
Barrett and Rick MacKay
Kate and Zach Mather
Jessica and Page Naftel
Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver, III
Margaret and Kip Porter FALL 2017 | NEWSHEET
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Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
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Claire and Jimmy Puckett
Valerie and Ron Ramsbacher
Joyce Ratliff and Bayard Tynes
Kristin Ritter
Lauren and Stuart Roberts
Kimberly and Bruce Rogers
Amanda Saint
Dr. Susan Salter and Mr. Steven Hydinger
Barbara and Joe Sandner
Alison and Steven Scott
Diana and William Slaughter
Emmie Smith
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
Presidents Society Members 2016—2017
Katherine and Jay Smith
Linda and Jeff Stone
Evelyn and Gene Stutts
Ellie and Ryan Taylor
Martha Thompson
Mimi and William Tynes
The Junior League of Birmingham thanks our President’s Society donors for their generous support! Susan Waldrop
Kristen and Tripp Watson
NOT PICTURED
Harold and Shawn Dunaway
Lisa Jernigan
Susie and John Molen
Laura and Richard Abernethy
Penny and Michael Fuller
Kate and Milton Johnson
Fairfax and Drayton Nabers
Sheila and Clarence Blair
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gorrie
Dr. Shirley Kahn
Dorothy and Al Naughton
Mrs. George Blinn, III
Mrs. H. Michael Graham, Sr.
Jessica and Jamie Kubat
Susan and Dowd Ritter
Maggie Brooke
Dr. and Mrs. Jimmie H. Harvey, Jr.
Koko and Stan Mackin
Sumner Johnson Rives
Caroline Ireland
Rosalind and Danny Markstein
Elizabeth Skinner
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McWane
Joan and Stan Starnes
Jane and Donald Menedez
Jennifer and Mark Styslinger
Elizabeth Burgess Karen and Phil Carroll Stewart M. Dansby
Alice and Matthew Jackson
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Presidents Society Members 2016—2017 1922 CIRCLE
PRESIDENTIAL CIRCLE
Alison and Tatum Lassiter
(Member 10 or more years)
(Member Five to Nine years)
Holly and Chris Lollar
Laura and Richard Abernethy
Beth and Scott Adams
Koko and Stan Mackin
Candice W. Bagby
Jennifer and Jimmy Ard
Sheila and Clarence Blair**
Mrs. George Blinn, III
Mayer Electric Supply Company, Inc.
Karen and Phil Carroll
Elna Brendel
Dr. and Mrs. Derrill Crowe
Maggie Brooke
Liz and William Edwards**
Elizabeth Burgess
The Featheringill Foundation, Carolyn Featheringill
Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Dowe Bynum
Leigh King Forstman** Mr. and Mrs. James S.M. French Mike and Gillian Goodrich** Mrs. H. Michael Graham, Sr. Leigh and Jim Hancock** Penney and Roger Hartline** Susan and Wyatt Haskell** Carey T. Hinds** Val and George Holman** Caroline Ireland Sallie and Jim Johnson Sandy Killion** Sheryl and Jon Kimerling Barrett and Rick MacKay Rosalind and Danny Markstein Mr. and Mrs. Phillip McWane* Fairfax and Drayton Nabers
Dr. and Mrs. Jimmie H. Harvey, Jr. Becky and Tyler Holt Emily and Jeffrey Jensen Lisa Jernigan
Jessica and Page Naftel
Carrie and Brett Laney
Dorothy and Al Naughton
Kate and Zach Mather
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Ramsbacher**
Susie and John Molen
Sumner Johnson Rives
Claire and Jimmy Puckett
Lauren and Stuart Roberts
Amanda and Brian Saint
J. Houston and Sheri Cook
Barbara and Joe Sandner
Elizabeth Skinner
Rebekah Elgin Council and Bryan Council
Alison and Stephen Scott**
Katherine and Jay Smith
Stewart M. Dansby
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Smith, III
Evelyn and Gene Stutts
Linda J. Stone
Katherine and Forrest DeBuys Kay and Bruce Donnellan Anne Marie and Joe Everly
Ellie and Ryan Taylor Emily W. Tynes**
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Julia R. Gardner
(Member two to four years)
Nancy C. Goedecke
COMMUNITY CIRCLE
(First Year Members)
Leigh and Hunter Bagby Shawn and Harold Dunaway Meredith and Alex Husnik
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Gorrie
Ragan Cain
Alice and Matthew Jackson
Mr. and Mrs. James Gray, III
Jordan and Wes Caudell
Jessica and Jamie Kubat
Victor and Mary Hanson
Cecilia Crenshaw
Jane and Donald Menendez
Leigh and Will Haver**
Allison and Alan Crotwell
Kristen and Tripp Watson
Kate and Milton Johnson
Rebecca and Curtis Eatman
Dr. Shirley Kahn
Katy and Jamey Eldridge
LaVonda and Perry Keel
Penny and Michael Fuller
Lynn and Benny LaRussa
Mr. and Mrs. John Gentle
*Charter Member **Past Presidents’ Inner Circle ***Charter Member & Past Presidents’ Inner Circle
Mr. and Mrs. John T. Oliver, III Sandy and Jerry Parker Margaret and Kip Porter Mrs. James K. V. Ratliff Mr. and Mrs. William Ritter** Susan and Dowd Ritter Kimberly Justice Rogers* Mrs. Susan Salter and Mr. Steven Hydinger Mrs. William Slaughter Joan and Stan Starnes** Jennifer and Mark Styslinger Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Thompson Susan and Glenn Waldrop 62
NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
JLB leaders Lauren Roberts, Katy Eldridge, Shelley Gentle, Elizabeth Burgess, Claire Puckett, Becky Holt and Amanda Saint at the President’s Society Reception
COME HANG OUT
BIG GUY Protect Tomorrow. Embrace Today. TM
We are Protective. Our mission is our name. Helping people to fully embrace life by taking care of their financial needs and of those they love is what we do. Protective is honored to support the Junior League of Birmingham and its exemplary mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving our community.
Experience Vulcan Park and Museum like never before and take home a piece of Birmingham from The Anvil.
MUSEUM MON–SUN 10AM–6PM OBSERVATION TOWER MON–SUN 10AM–10PM
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IT’S TIME TO TAKE A vacation FROM CLEANING. Give yourself a break, call the cleaning service most recommended to family and friends.
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Congratulations, Amy Jackson, for receiving the Dottie Haynes Service Award.
www.MAIDS.com
Referred for a reason.
Alabama | Florida | Georgia | www.warrenaverett.com
“You are a hero to the countless homeless and abandoned animals that are being rescued daily at GBHS! Your gift is making a real difference and I cannot thank you enough for saving them.”
“Your donation of food is an unbelievable help to our agency not only because it saves us money, but it also means so much to the homeless youth who receive the comfort of a warm meal.”
“Your ongoing support enables us to strengthen efforts to eliminate the concentration of poverty and provide high-quality mixed income housing, and the necessary family services for residents of Woodlawn.”
“Your generosity directly supports our vision of a world where disability is neither defining nor limiting.”
2017-2018 COMMUNITY PROJECTS EDUCATION
HEALTH
Better Basics—Birmingham Reads
Children’s of Alabama—Family Fun Times
Better Basics—Imagination Library Birmingham Botanical Gardens—Can You Dig It? Birmingham Children’s Theatre— From Page to Stage – Readers’ Theatre Birmingham Public Library—Family Place Library Girls, Inc.—Teen Leadership Junior League of Birmingham— Essentials Pantry and Positive Behavior Incentive Program Neighborhood Academy—Summer Learning Preschool Partners—Parent and Children’s Education Program Vulcan Park and Museum—Learning Adventures Field Trips Youth Leadership Forum—YLF Logistics Committee
FINANCIAL STABILITY Junior League of Birmingham— Bargain Carousel Impact Alabama—SaveFirst Pathways—Invest in You
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NEWSHEET | FALL 2017
SAFETY AND CRISIS INTERVENTION
Children’s Harbor—Prime Time and Weekends
AL Center for Law and Civic Education—Jefferson County Teen Court
Exceptional Foundation— Enrichment Activities
Community Food Bank—Mobile Food Pantry Program
FOCUS on Recovery—Art as Therapy for Children of Recovering Addicts
Community Partnership of Alabama—Meals on Wheels
Junior League of Birmingham— Choral Group
Crisis Center—Rape Response Advocate Program
Junior League of Birmingham— Diaper Bank
Junior League of Birmingham— Corps of Volunteers
Junior League of Birmingham— Project FIT Kids
Junior League of Birmingham— Human Trafficking Pilot Program
Junior League of Birmingham— Project Yummy
Junior League of Birmingham— Second Servings Community Refrigerators Pilot Program
Junior League of Birmingham —Intergenerational/Aging Pilot Program
YWCA—Children in Crisis
Magic Moments—Magic Moments Fulfillment NorthStar Youth Ministries—Soccer Club U6 Program UAB at Children’s of Alabama—Every Moment Matters Vineyard Family Services—Backpack Buddies Mother’s Milk Bank of Alabama— Milk Bank
Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Birmingham, Alabama Permit No. 804
Newsheet The Junior League of Birmingham 2212 Twentieth Avenue South
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Birmingham, AL 35223
PRINCESS FLOWER COLLECTION