Calendar of Events 8 Childhood obesity targeted 5
Many thanks due Rummage supporters 7 Literacy Corner’s choice bokks 4
Meet, welcome new Transfers 6 Agency focus: Seton Home 3
MAR 2008
5 Sunshine Singers’ great year 2
Short sale on Flavors Cookbooks
S C R A W L S The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
Mollie Steves Zachry: Volunteer Extraordinaire When the first Junior League was formed in 1901 in New York City, its founding members probably never imagined 107 years later, in San Antonio, Texas, a lifetime League member would embody the ideals that those founders had set forth. The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. recognizes Mollie Zachry, the 2008 Volunteer Extraordinaire, for her ideals and dedication to improving the San Antonio community. Mollie joined the Junior League in 1958, and remained an active member for almost 20 years. “Back then, we stayed in until we turned 40,” she remembered. Mollie learned the ins and outs of the League from her mother, Mary Folbre Steves, who was the youngest president, (at age 28), in League history. “She loved the League. She was a big inspiration to me,” Mollie said. Mollie remembers her active years in the League fondly. “The training was excellent.” She claims her greatest volunteer effort was needle pointing her mother’s chair cushion that’s still used in the Board Room. “The experience was awful!” she laughed. Mollie was born June 3, 1935, in San Antonio and is a direct descendant of the original Canary Islanders who settled San Antonio in 1732. She is also a descendant of John W. Smith, the Alamo’s last messenger and the city’s first mayor. As a young woman, she was presented by the German Club in 1957 and was a duchess in the Order of the Alamo’s 1958 Coronation. She and her husband, Henry “Bartell” Zachry, Jr. are the parents of four children and Mollie has always considered “mothering” the most important
Volunteer Extraordinaire Mollie Steves Zachry, whose service makes a difference for children far and wide
job in the world. Her passion for her own children was the driving force behind many of her volunteer ventures. Mollie has worked tirelessly to promote the welfare of San Antonio children through organizations such as the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA), Healy-Murphy Childcare Center, Good Samaritan Center, the San Antonio Symphony Society, the Charity Ball Association and the World Affairs Council. For the World Affairs Council, she started the Student Outreach Program; which enables students from area high schools to attend lectures given by visiting dignitaries. As a result, she was named World Affairs Council International Citizen of the Continued on Page 2
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MAR 2008
Sunshine Singers’ year ends on a high note By Laurie Latham The JLSA Sunshine Singers danced and sang their way into the hearts of many senior citizens this year. The Singers start practicing mid-summer to perfect their song and dance routine of hits from the 30s and 40s, including many favorite Broadway tunes. They performed their routine at different elderly homes, assisted living, and longterm care facilities throughout the San Antonio community every Monday night from August through December. After a lively performance that brings smiles and tears of joyful memories to the residents, the Sunshine Singers would sit and visit among their audience.
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“ The most rewarding moments of this placement for me have been the simple acts of caring conversation and laughs with the residents,” said Leslie Johnson, first year performer and 2008-2009 CoChair. “We could be most of these residents’ only visitors and the ones that make a difference.” With only four returning members for this year, the Sunshine Singers welcomed many new faces with great vocal and dance talent. “The 2007-2008 Sunshine Singers have been one of the most talented and enthusiastic groups in my many years as a Sunshine Singer,” remarked veteran singer and Co-Chair Janie Reister. Even with many new members, the Sunshine Singers are a very close-knit group. “This placement is unique because we spend so much time as a small group, develop long term friendships and genuinely enjoy being together, and I think it shows when we per-
" form,” said Co-Chair Laurie Latham. In addition to Monday night performances, the Sunshine Singers were spotted in their black and white attire entertaining the crowd at a variety of JLSA events throughout the fall. These events included Ole Marketplace, Breakfast with Santa and the December General Meeting. This year, the Sunshine Singers ended their placement year with a selection of Christmas Carols to celebrate the Holiday Season. The Sunshine Singers welcome new members, regardless of experience, and look forward to seeing new faces next year..
Mrs. Zachry improves children’s lives through service through the League, civic groups and church Continued from Page 1
Year in 1989. And the accolades don’t end there. She was honored in 2002 by AVANCE as Mother of the Year; which she considers a special honor. Mollie was first introduced to YOSA as a League member and served on the board of directors for many years. Likewise, Healy-Murphy Childcare Center was supported with League volunteers and funding for many years. “The Junior League gives such good training to young women,” she said. Another one of her passions is preserving the beauty and history of Texas. She volunteers with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin and makes a special effort to plant native flowers on the family’s ranch. She is also a member of the Battle of Flowers Association and served as Parade Chair in 1988. She, at the urging of her mother and grandmother, is a member of The National Society of Colonial Dames Of America where she served as president of the local chapter.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is the beneficiary of much of Mollie’s time and energy. As a lifelong member, she has held numerous leadership roles at the church including membership on the Art & Archives Committee, the Vestry, the Day School board, Lenten Luncheons, Camp Capers and the docent group that gives tours of the historic downtown church. She most recently served as Co-Chair of a $9.2 million capital campaign. Mollie also serves with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. presents the Volunteer Extraordinaire Award each year to a Sustaining member of the League who exemplifies the true spirit of voluntarism. She is a visionary who served others throughout her league career and continues to dedicate her time and efforts in our community. Mollie Steves Zachry is indeed worthy of this award.
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MAR 2008 Making our mark
Seton Home is where JLSA’s heart is (way too many) Christmas cookies dur-
By Allison James and Sherie Monsalvo Seton Home Co-chairs What is more fun than hanging out with a bunch of girl friends? Making 40 new ones! For three years, The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. has been mentoring a great group of young ladies who call Seton Home their home. Seton Home exists to provide a nurturing environment that fosters childbirth and proper parenting skills for homeless teens that are pregnant and/or parenting and have chosen to keep their babies. Currently Seton Home houses approximately 40 mothers, ages 12-20, along with their babies. The mothers were either placed at Seton Home by Child Protective Services or through private placement. Junior League volunteers devote their time to mentor and develop the potential of these young ladies in their most important years. The 2007-2008 year has led JLSA, Inc. volunteers on many Saturday adventures with Seton Home. Projects are structured to include mother and child as well as just meeting mom out for a little R&R. We have been so fortunate to participate in events such as our
A young mother and child at Seton Home
own private story time at the San Antonio Zoo in support of our literacy signature project. We also enjoyed a spa day at Aveda Institute and, afterwards, an informational session for the mothers on the different programs Aveda offers for those interested in a career as an esthetician or as a cosmetologist. There was flour flying and icing covering the faces of little ones as we made
ing the holidays. Our trip to the Children’s Museum with the mothers and their babies was the talk of envy at Seton Home. Lasting impressions of the power of voluntarism has “made its mark” on many of the young mothers who express a genuine interest in getting involved in the community as they grow in their social interactions. In an effort to reinforce their commitment to service, the mothers will be participating in a community project of their own with JLSA Inc. volunteers this spring. Weighted with responsibility of being a teen and a mom, Seton Home residents attain support and advice from JLSA Inc. volunteers as we show them how to play, read, and have fun with their babies. Next year the direction of JLSA Inc.’s involvement with Seton Home will change in support of the goal to mentor these young ladies. Volunteers will work one on one with the mothers advising and helping them with schoolwork, adolescent issues and parenting joys. JLSA volunteers will meet with the girls on a more frequent basis in order to strengthen our relationships and continue to create new ones!
The Joy of Voluntarism As you can see from this group leaving Seton Home, volunteering can be just as rewarding for the volunteers than for the young people or non-profit agencies that benefit directly.
4 League Literary Corner
Stop & smell the roses Ever had a day when you don’t stop to catch your breath?? With life being as busy as it is, it’s too easy to fly through each day and miss out on the simple pleasures! Taking the time to pick up a book, either by yourself, or with your child, is a great way to escape from the daily hustle and bustle and take back some time for yourself. Encourage your family members to do the same! Newborn – preschool Ma! There’s nothing to do here! by Barbara Park Click, Clash, Splish, Splash: A Counting Adventure by Doreen Cronin Ages 3-6 Skippyjon Jones 1-2-3 by Judy Byron Schachner Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae Ages 5-8 The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds, Paulette Bogan Ages 9-12 The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean Adult Selections Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly Family Fun Selections What’s Cooking? A Cookbook for Kids, by Thomas Keller These are great books that you can share with others within the community, start your own reading corner at your church, a local hospital, playgrounds, etc, be creative and share your success and ideas with us.
MAR 2008 The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. Board of Directors Delaina Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President Laura Talley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President-Elect Lauri Birkelo Crockett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treasurer Laurie Kaplan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Membership Development Council Lisa Keller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Secretary Cathy Scanlon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Community Council Gretchen Garceau Kragh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fund Development Laura Moreno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marketing Council Verr Soltes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Treasurer-Elect Debbie Serot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Placement Committee Anna-Melissa Cavazos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Board Member-At-Large Laura Peel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant to the President Tammy Dullnig . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bylaws/Parliamentarian Gina Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Research & Development Jennifer Broome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strategic Planning Carolyn Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Managing Director Carrie Baker Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sustaining Advisor
The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. Community Advisory Board Mr. Selim Bingol ...........Chairman, Communications Consulting Worldwide Ms. Jelynne Burley .....................Deputy City Manager, City of San Antonio Mr. Darryl Byrd .........................Development Director, Silver Ventures, Inc. Mr. Chad Clark .............................................General Manager, Lee Michaels Mrs. Kye Kilpatrick Fox .........................President, Urban Advisory Services Ms. Zina Guerra ...............First Vice President of Retail Banking, IBC Bank Mr. Frank Guerra......................................................................................CEO ...............................Guerra DeBerry Coody Marketing and Communications Mr. Joe Izbrand ........................Senior Vice President Fleishman-Hillard Inc. Ms. Kaye Lenox......................CEO, San Antonio Public Library Foundation Ms. Vicky Lockwood.................................Padgett, Stratemann & Co., L.L.P Mrs. Beverly Purcell-Guerra ..............Editor, San Antonio Woman Magazine Mr. Frank Ruttenberg............................Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani, L.L.P. Ms. Joanne Winik..................................................Executive Director, KLRN Mr. Kevin Wolff .......................................................Former City Councilman Mrs. Delaina Harrison ....................................................JLSA, Inc. President Mrs. Laura Talley ..................................................JLSA, Inc. President-Elect Mrs. Tiffany Mills .................................JLSA, Inc. Immediate Past President Mrs. Lisa Keller ...................................................JLSA, Inc. Board Secretary Ms. Catherine Scanlon ........................JLSA, Inc. Community Council Chair Mrs. Laurie Kaplan .........................................................................JLSA, Inc. .......................................................Membership Development Council Chair Mrs. Lauri Birkelo-Crockett ...........................................JLSA, Inc. Treasurer Ms. Carolyn Kelley ........................................JLSA, Inc., Managing Director
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MAR 2008
Kids in the Kitchen targets obesity epidemic Mark your calendar! The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. will participate in the Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative on Sunday, April 13th. This exciting program is an Association-wide initiative designed to address the growing issues of childhood obesity and poor nutrition at the grassroots level. Since the early 1970s, the number of overweight children ages 12-19 in the United States has doubled, and the number of overweight children ages 6-11 has tripled. Today, more than 16% of young people ages 6-19 are overweight. Similar statistics are appearing in Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Current increases in Type 2 diabetes may be one of the first consequences of an obesity epidemic among young people. By promoting family health through innovative programming, this initiative builds on a Junior League tradition of improving childhood nutrition, which started with our founder, Mary Harriman. This year, JLSA will partner with Pearl Stables to organize a program in our community that will bring together community partners to help drive education and awareness on this important topic. This local initiative will include many of our partner agencies and the children they support. These children will join us for a fun-filled afternoon of:
• Cooking with a local celebrity chef • Learning more about the food pyramid from a child focused nutritionist • Understanding why exercise is so important and learning some fun new moves for the park or playground • Making their own art creation that can be used or worn in their own kitchen • Joining in on a book reading with a special guest, that’s guaranteed to be loaded with fun facts about healthy eating Through the Kids in the Kitchen program, we have an extraordinary opportunity to help combat potential health problems among today’s youth. You can look forward to seeing more exciting details in coming weeks!
One-week sale on Flavors From April 6 to 13, JLSA cookbooks will be available for purchase by the truckload or individually at a discounted price of $10 a book; as many as you’d like to purchase until we sell out. These make great gifts for Mother’s Day and birthdays. They’re also a great item for welcome to-the-neighborhood, house warming, wedding
Little Leaguers Mackenzie Lizabeth Cate 6 lbs 11 oz Brooklyn Reese Cate 6 lbs 1 oz January 9, 2008 Proud Parents: Jaime and Brian
showers, baby sitters, teachers, thankyou gifts and so forth. Realtors, financial advisors and other business people can give them to clients and customers. What a great way to say “Welcome to San Antonio!” To order your Flavors Cookbook call Andi Porter at (210) 493-1125 or email at andrea.porter@valero.com.
Special events in March, April Special Events has been busy planning spring membership events so that League members can meet and mingle and have a good time. Make note of the events in the next couple of months and come join us for some relaxing fun! We’ll email updates and post additional information March - JLSA’s Spring Main Event JLSA’s Spring Main Event is being planned as a family event around Easter time, so keep an ear out for more information.
April – Pre-Fiesta Fiesta Let’s get ready for Fiesta Week with JLSA’s Pre-Fiesta party! This dutch treat will feature Mexican culinary treats and drinks. We look forward to everyone participating and having a good time! If you have any questions or suggestions for future events, email the Special Events Committee at specialevents@jlsa.org or call (210) 225-1861 (x338). Come on out for fun!
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MAR 2008
Welcome new Transfers Lori Farley Transferred from: Wichita, Kansas Joined JL in 2003 Lori has been her league’s Provisional Secretary, been on the Nominating CommitLori Farley tee, and the Resale Shop Committee. She works for a bank, and is mom to Lilly and Luke. Jennifer Lisaius Transferred from: Washington DC Joined JL in 2006 Jennifer has a beautiful baby girl, Gigi, who is 9 months old and keeps her mommy very Jennifer Lisaius busy! Anne Jennen Transferred from: Minneapolis Joined JL in 2001 Anne held many leadership positions in her former league: Communications Chairman, Website developer, The Anne Jennen Clothes Line Chair and Operations Director and Legacy Fund Treasurer. She also served on many committees; Fund Development, New Member,
American Girl, Community Projects (The Clothes Line). In 2002, her league honored her with the JLM Volunteer of the Year Award. Anne has three children, and they are her full time job! Kellie Briggs Transferred from: St. Louis Joined JL in 1998 Kellie has held positions as Co-Editor of the newsletter, Patron Liasion, Secretary/ Parliamentarian, New Kellie Briggs Member Chair and Chair Elect, New Member Advisor, and Leadership Training Track.
Raygan Watson
Victoria Webb
Raygan Watson Transferred from: Midland Joined in 2004 Raygan has done all of her placements in the community.
Victoria Webb Transferred from: Houston Joined JL in 2002
New Actives Ladies’ Night Out April 17 at 6:00 p.m. Chuy’s 281 & 1604 Call Haley for more information at 479-9959
The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. invites you to a reception honoring Provisional Members for 2008-2009 Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:00-9:00pm The Bright Shawl 819 Augusta RSVP to admissions@jlsa.org
118-strong Provisionals are ‘fantastic’ By Cynthia Kerby Provisional Chair 118 strong! Wow. What a fantastic group of ladies. The year is rounding out with its focus turning to the now that the Rummage Sale is behind us. The Provisionals did double duty to help out in the warehouse to prepare for the best Rummage Sale ever. Congratulations to all the Provisionals who have accepted an appointed position for next year. It is amazing to have the new members jump right in and “Make their Mark!” As JLSA grows, it realizes the importance of recruitment, training, and member satisfaction. With this in mind, JLSA will continue to support all of the Provisionals through their first year of service and encourage them to look forward to many years of serving within our community. Hats off to our leaders of tomorrow!
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MAR 2008
Thank you for a Rummage to remember A huge thank you goes out to all who made Rummage 2008 a huge success! As you know, “what happens at Luau, stays at Luau,” but those who made Rummage possible deserve public praise and gratitude. Thanks to our auction donors, restaurant participants, entertainers, and service providers for their generosity which brought excitement to the kick-off party and dollars to our community projects! Thanks to the contributors to our Community Cash program which allowed so many to buy much needed clothing and household goods with vouchers. Thanks to Americus Diamond and Ann VanWinkle for designing and donating the amazing tennis bracelet for the raffle and the Circle of Support diamond pendant for the live auction. Thanks to our League Volunteers for their hard work and their willingness to pitch in and help where ever needed! Thanks to our committee members for their dedication and endless hours invested in making the event memorable and meaningful. Thanks to our Junior League of San
Antonio, Inc. leadership, G r e t c h e n Garceau-Kragh and Delaina Harrison for knowing when to step in and when to let us run. Thanks to our Sustainers whose hearts were broken, yet stepped up with unprecedented levels of support to ensure that Rummage went out with a BANG!
Thanks to Sponsors! The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is blessed to have the support of many great companies in the San Antonio area. The next time you are visiting one of these companies below, please thank them for sponsoring the Junior League of San Antonio. Gold Level IBC Bank Valero Energy Corporation
Silver Level Americus Diamond Anderson Marketing Group Fleishman Hillard Incorporated Lee Michael’s Jewelry Target Corporation Copper Level Barefoot Cellars, Inc. Comet Signs Deacon Recruiting Earth Friendly Distilling-360 Vodka Mama’s Café/1776 Pioneer Flour Mills Scobey’s Moving and Storage Southwestern Motor Transport Patron Level Big Grass Bamboo Julian Gold Learning Express Wack ‘em and Stack ‘em Barbeque Team For more information on how your company can be a sponsor of the Junior League, please call the League office at 225-1861
Annual Fund’s gracious givers appreciated With Valentines having just passed with us recognizing those we love and appreciate, now is the perfect time to say THANK YOU for all you do for the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. You are part of a remarkable group of women whose volunteer time and financial support influence change in this community. You are gracious. Thanks to you, the League contributes a tremendous amount of financial support paired with trained volunteers to the community each year. Your tireless commitment and graciousness make the
Junior League of San Antonio an innovative and meaningful organization to its members and the community. You are a giver. Your generous gifts of volunteer time and financial support enable the Junior League to continue to “Build a Better Community” through more than 20 JLSA projects, programs, grants, and collaborative efforts. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports the mission of the League and provides an opportunity to donate in recognition of someone special to you.
Be a Gracious Giver in Support of the Annual Fund. As Gracious Givers, we reflect on the blessings given to us by each other and the JLSA every day. These friendships, lessons, and life experiences deserve celebration and appreciation. You received your annual fund giving request in November, but it is never too late to contribute! We appreciate you investing in a cause close to your heart: JLSA. Any gift you give makes a gracious difference. Thank you to all of you Gracious Givers who have already contributed to the Annual Fund.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1 2 3 3 4 5 10 11 12 13 13 14 17 18 20 21 24 25 25 27
Rummage Sale and Preview Shopping Rummage Sale Bag Day Membership Development Council Meeting 5:30 pm View 6:00 pm Community Council Meeting 6:30 pm Marketing Council Meeting 7:00 pm View 6:00 pm Signature Project Committee Meeting 6:30 pm R&D Committee Meeting 12:00 pm Volunteer Extraordinaire Luncheon 11:30 am Fund Development Council Meeting 6:30 pm Online Placement begins View 6:00 pm Provisional Committee Meeting 7:00 pm Board packets available online JLSA Office closed View 6:00 pm Transfer Committee Meeting 6:00 pm Board of Directors’ Meeting 7:00 pm Community Advisory Board Meeting 11:30 am
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Prospective Members Reception 6:00 pm Last day for online placement View 6:00 pm JLSA Reads! Book Club 6:30 pm
April 1-15
Online Placement Get ready to Make Your Mark in ‘08-’09! All placed and non-placed positions will available as options during this sign-up process. To register, go online to www.jlsa.org, log in as a member and go to the “Placement” tab. Remember, all Active and Provisional members are required to sign up for a placement for the upcoming year! If you have any questions about the placement process, contact Deb Serot or Billie Rose at placement@jlsa.org.
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Meetings in Members’ Homes Leadership Training Office closed (Battle of Flowers Parade) Board of Directors’ Meeting 7:00 pm
723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215
March
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, TX Permit No. 144