Welcome 28 Sustainers for 2009-10 JLSA celebrates anniversary in style Treat Mom, friends at special spa day Community Reception on the Calendar 4 5 6 7 May Madness Sale on cookbooks Literacy SA gets a hearing Volunteers leading to read Little Leaguers @ Food Bank 2 3 3 4
MAY 2009
S C R A W L S The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. President’s Message
President-Elect’s Message
The Power of One
Let’s be real women!
As I reflect on the 2008-2009 year, I am amazed at all we, as “One League” have accomplished: ■ Drafted and implemented the new “Strategic Plan 2012” ■ Implemented new Quota Procedures/ Goodwill Partnership ■ Implemented new Membership Credit Program ■ Established an Endowment Board ■ Established Endowment Policies ■ Created New Investment Policies and secured a Money Management Firm ■ Created New Chart of accounts and accounting procedures to be in line with Non-Profit Best Practice ■ Upgraded our office technology. ■ Website Tool was created to assess the needs of our buildings and property- to plan and budget for repairs and restoration ■ Conducted LITERACY San Antonio Media Launch in October, generating substantial media coverage and coalition partners ■ Started a literacy coalition and Regional Literacy Plan ■ Completed a Literacy Needs analysis for the community ■ Conducted an Organizational Review of JLSA processes and structure and prioritized recommendations ■ Eliminated upper age requirements for members ■ Received two AJLI awards: Membership Development Award for New Active Program and
Wow, it is hard to believe that another year of Junior League of San Antonio service is coming to a close. The time, talents, and treasures given by our members this year to so many people in our community continue to make a difference. Whether you served directly in one of our community projects or you were part of an in-league placement that makes it possible for us to create lasting change, we are all a part of making our mission a reality. The mission of our organization is why I wanted to join the JLSA nine years ago. I was encouraged by a passionate and very active member, Anna-Laura Howell, who I came to know as a well-rounded volunteer who gave a lot of her time to community efforts and also just happened to be a very fun person! I thought that if someone as busy as she was could make a commitment to the league and enjoy it, then I wanted to be a part of something that meaningful. The league has given me an organized way of learning about the various needs of our community and how I can volunteer for various agencies in San Antonio looking for support. Throughout these nine years, I have somehow also been trained and truly developed as a woman with new skills I never planned on learning! These are skills I take to work with me every day or to other committees or activities that are a part of my life. This is what I hope all of you can experience during your time in the JLSA. The incoming board has been very fortunate to
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MAY 2009
Be authentic, extraordinary Continued from Page 1
have had a President like Laura Talley and all current board members who have given us a road map to continue to follow next year as we move along to reach our strategic goals. We are an organization that wants to continue to move from Good to Great! We have the opportunity to continue developing all parts of what it means to be a member of the JLSA through our mission. We have the opportunity to take an in-depth look at what our JLSA brand is and how we as members can better communicate who we are and what we do to the community at large. We have the opportunity to continue developing new and emerging leaders so that the legacy that was created 85 years ago will continue to live on for years to come and as our community needs change. As your incoming Board of Directors
looks to the 2009-10 year, we want you as members to feel valued and to find value in all the work that you do as a league member. Whether you are deeply entrenched in a community placement, sitting at a general meeting, dropping your items off at Goodwill, or just shopping at Olé Marketplace, we want you to know that every bit of energy you give to the JLSA has a meaning and a purpose. This year I challenge you with the message to be authentic-each woman in the JLSA can bring so much to our organization so don’t be afraid to be you and share your ideas. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I challenge each of us to be extraordinary for it truly is ordinary people that achieve the most amazing things because they see a need and make the effort for positive change. As a saying I once heard goes, “well-
MAY MADNESS sale on Flavors It’s MAY MADNESS time for Flavors!! For the month of May only, buy a case of 10 Flavors cookbooks for only $50! Flavors cookbooks make great hostess, teacher appreciation, Mother’s Day, and birthday gifts! Copies of Flavors are still $10 each, and after the month of May, a case will go back to its $100 price. Contact Lauren McLaughlin at laurenmclaughlin@gmail.com to place your order today! behaved women rarely make history.” I challenge the Junior League of San Antonio to be those Real women who are building a better San Antonio community. Anna-Melissa
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Honorable Mention Marketing Award for LITERACY San Antonio ■ Received Literacy Organization of the Year Award from San Antonio Commission on Literacy ■ Received Letter of support for LITERACY San Antonio from Mayor Hardberger ■ Recognized at the Goodwill Industries International Board Meeting ■ Restored the Nesbit House ■ Built process and timeline to update, evaluate and manage Strategic Planning Process ■ Re-established the Planning Council to address Governance and long- term planning And the list goes on. All of these accomplishments were achieved by members, but none would have been
accomplished without the “Power” of our ability to work together as “One League.” I want to thank the 2008-2009 Board of Directors for thinking forward. “An organization flourishes when people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit” – Greek Proverb. The Board worked diligently to create structures to allow JLSA to flourish and grow. It is hard to know what the future needs of our community and members will be in 20, 50 or 100 years, but I am pleased that we have strategic structure in place to evaluate and assess those needs regularly going forward. As my 2008-2009 Placement as President comes to an end, I am so grateful for having the opportunity to serve you and our community. I am excited to move into the next phase of
JLSA membership. I look forward to remaining active next year and continuing to train and serve. Thank you for teaching me so much and for all you have done for our community and JLSA. I want to offer a special thanks to sustaining members who have given the Board and me support and guidance throughout this year. Your experience and knowledge is invaluable. I wish Anna-Melissa all the best in the coming year. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to team with her this year. I encourage you to continue to work as “One League” to support the incoming Board and the mission of JLSA. My best to all,
Laura
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MAY 2009
JLSA volunteers Literacy update panel gets LSA stimulus leading to read Legislative On Saturday, March 21, 2009, is to follow up on the potential for a secIt is 5:30 on Monday night at the Victor Ferrari Community Center and the Leading to Reading committee members are ready for another exciting evening with the 15 families that have signed up for the program. The smiling children ages 4 and 5 run, skip and jump into the classroom as they head towards the back table for dinner before the class begins. Parents and their children enjoy a yummy meal and have some time to chat with other families and committee members during dinner. After dinner, everyone gathers on the carpet to listen to the book of the week. The children are eager to start to rotate through the various hands on centers where committee members are waiting to assist families as needed. One group heads out to the Computer Center to play some games. A second group sits at a table for the Nursery Rhyme center where the nursery rhyme of the week is introduced and the children then act it out. A third group gathers on the carpet of the Listening Center to hear the story of the week on tape and follow along in their own copy of the book. A fourth group, heads to the ABC table where there is scented play dough and play dough stampers to spell out their own name and experiment with letters. The fifth group gathers at the Make and Take center to work on a craft that they will take home. Each group will rotate through all five centers. Before the night is over, the whole class gathers on the carpet, sings a good bye song and receives a copy of the book of the week to take home. It is now 8:00 on Monday night and committee members are also ready to go home after a successful night of activities!
Literacy San Antonio addressed the Texas Stimulus Select Committee. This committee is traveling across Texas to hear recommendations on how to allocate the money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) recently passed by the federal government. The meeting, beginning at 10 a.m. and with State Rep. Jim Dunnam as chairman, was joined throughout the day by other representatives and community leaders, including: Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, Rep. Joaquin Castro, and Rep. Ruth McClendon. There were several groups invited to speak including: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, VIA Metropolitan Transit System, and HEB. Literacy San Antonio Chair Pamela Toman was joined by JLSA member, Celina Montoya. The presentation began with the LSA video, which can be seen online at www.literacysanan tonio.com. Pamela spoke to the central crisis literacy imposes and how all of the issues that were brought to the committee’s attention earlier in the day were directly related to and affected by the literacy rates in San Antonio. After a successful presentation, a call for a special hearing to focus specifically on Literacy was made. The next step
See reverse for the recipe for Uncooked Play Dough
ond hearing and present the advocacy efforts being made within the legislation to the committee. Literacy San Antonio is working with Literacy Texas and Ryan Sullivan, who has volunteered his time to serve as a lobbyist for literacy for this legislative session. Some of the bills we are focusing on include: - Senate Bill 1543 by Senator Carlos Uresti is currently in the Economic Development Committee and moves to establish a nine member Interagency Literacy Council for the study, promotion, and enhancement of literacy in Texas. - Senate Bill 21 by Senator Judith Zaffirini is currently in the Education Committee and moves to enhance quality of full-day pre-kindergarten programs provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers - Senate Bill 382 by Senators Leticia Van de Putte and Judith Zaffirini is currently in the Education Committee and moves to establish a competitive grant program to fund promotion of early literacy programs in certain communities in Texas To learn more about these bills and other legislative details visit: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/
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MAY 2009
Little Leaguers It wasn’t all fun and games during Spring Break. Some members and their children found the time to help out at the Food Bank on Monday, March 9th for a Little Leaguers Event.
Sustained support 28 JLSA members request Sustainer status for next year Thank you ladies for your years of service to The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. and the San Antonio community. We look forward to your next phase of membership in the League! Allyson Amesberry Suzi Brysacz Phyllis Davis Sondie Epley Valerie Finch Lisa Galloway Erin Graham Carol Hale Delaina Harrison Amy Hawk Kathryn Howie
Christina Jersin Lisa Keller Rebecca Levine Nikki Loehr A. Eileen Notzen Luna Kim Martinez Tiffany Mills Barbara Mohs Alicia Pape Molly Renaud Chandler Renner Maria Resendiz Brooke Shannon Katharine Welder Nancy Woodall Jennifer Woodland Lisa Yarbrough
Uncooked Play Dough What you need: 1/4 cup salt 1 cup flour 1/4 cup water Vegetable Oil as needed 1. Mix the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. 2. Add the water to the flour and salt mixture.
3. Knead and squeeze the dough to make a clay consistency. If it is too dry add a little more water. 4. If the dough seems sticky, add a little bit of vegetable oil. 5. Get out cookie cutters, rolling pins, etc. and have fun creating with your dough!
Welcome JLSA’s 2009-2010 class of Sustainers We invite all Sustainers to join us to welcome the newest Sustainers!
Party/Happy Hour Monday, May 11th 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. 20nine Restaurant & Wine Bar in the Quarry Appetizers Provided Cash Bar Available
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MAY 2009
In left photo, party Chairs Kathryn Howie, Brooke Shannon and Nancy Woodall are ready for action. At right, Kim Martinez and her husband enjoy the antique car in preparation for the party.
Guys and Dolls enjoy a roaring ‘20’s party The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. celebrated 85 years of service to the community in grand style on Friday, March 27th. The Bright Shawl was the setting for the 1920’s themed party. Great food and drink was accompanied by the fantastic Stan Wayne band and Casino Fun black jack tables, roulette, craps and Texas Hold ’Em. Guests arrived in flapper dresses complete with boas, pearls and feathers. The guys donned fedoras, Tommy guns and fun ties! Overstreet Photography snapped some wonderful pictures of guests arriving in their finery. Go to www.overstreetphoto.com to order pictures from the night. The Ivy Room looked spectacular with ostrich and peacock feather centerpieces, cigar boxes, long pearl necklaces and more. The Stan Wayne band played hits from the decades which included Jump, Jive and ‘Wail as well as Sinatra and Flo Rida. The band played it all and we danced! The Casino provided entertainment for both the novice and pro. The Texas Hold ’Em room was a bit more on the quiet and serious side while cheers
broke out at the black jack, craps and roulette tables. At the end of the night gamblers traded chips for tickets which they then placed in jars for items they
All dressed up with somewhere to go!
hoped to win. Items included a week’s stay in a lovely home on Mustang Island; a weekend for four at Horseshoe Bay; a weekend at the Menger and Crockett hotel; a Flemings appetizer and wine party for 12; a three-hour Casino Fun party; an autographed Lolita beer pilsner; darling purse cookie jars in leopard and zebra print with Lily’s cookies; and a TaylorMade putter. The winners were all very happy to have the winning ticket. Americus Diamond provided three “Circle of Support” diamond necklaces for the 85th Anniversary. Guests at the event bought raffle tickets for a chance to win one of these beauties. League members Laura Peel and Alison Boone won two of the necklaces. Guest Angie Brice also won a necklace. Her husband bought just one ticket and she was shocked to win! JLSA is thankful to Americus Diamond for their generosity. A big thanks also goes to GLI Distributors for the beverage donation. JLSA is grateful to all who attended or supported the 85th through monetary contributions.
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MAY 2009
New Actives prepared for future By Melissa Unsell New Active Chairman The First Year Actives for 2008-2009 enjoyed a successful League year filled with fun activities, resource guides and educational material. The year began with a kick off celebration after the September General Meeting. Members mixed and mingled with their fellow New Actives and enjoyed making new connections. New
Actives enjoyed the rest of the year with events such as gallery gatherings, happy hours, a mixer with the Transfers and a family day! First Year Actives enjoyed tools for continued learning such as monthly emails with all the latest League happenings, and a placement quiz to provide structured decision making regarding future placements. The 2008-2009 New Active class is ready to move for-
New Actives and Transfers at a social
ward into another successful League year! Congratulations!
JLSA welcomes 70 New Members By Lesley Vernor Provisional/New Member Chair, and Debbie Calliha, Provisional/New Member Assistant The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. welcomes over 70 New Members as Active members after an exciting first year of volunteer hours, community discovery, and some good times while working to serve the people of our great city. We would like to say “Thank You” to everyone who was a part of this
2008-2009 Provisional/New Member class. With the guidance from our mentors and the collaboration with Olé, Community Council, as well as our community partners, we have truly had an exceptional year. Not to mention our community awareness events that included a night cruising on the river barge to the new expansion project, events at our area museums, and presentations by the Chief of Police as well as the History of Fiesta. We appreciate Janette Surrett for
You’re Invited Mother’s Day Spa Event at Yardley’s Salon & Spa Bring your mother, sister, friend or neighbor who is a special woman in your life. Friday, May 8 3 – 7 p.m. $10 gets you wine and desserts catered by SOGO. $30 for pedicures and $20 for manicures Call Yardley’s at 479-9300 to schedule your service. Yardley’s is located at 16535 Huebner Road (at corner of Bitters).
making these events a possibility as we brought the Community Awareness component back into the Provisional/ New Member year. The whole year would not have been such a success without the hard work and dedication of the New Member Class. On behalf of all members, we welcome all of you to Active status in The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. and thank you for such a great first year. We look forward to working with you for years to come!!
Corresponding Secretary’s Report March 2009 Transferred In Lindsey DeBerry (A) from Dallas, TX Transferred Out Charlotte Boyd (ANR) to Austin, TX Christina Erwin (AE) to Kansas City, MO Resignation Stacey French (ANR)
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MAY 2009
May’s important dates to remember Community Reception You are cordially invited to the JLSA Community Reception and May General Membership Meeting Tuesday, May 12th JLSA Community Reception honoring JLSA 2009 grant recipients, community partners and sponsors Tuesday, May 12th 6 p.m. Reception 7 p.m. Recognitions May General Membership Meeting 7 p.m. Join us as we present the JLSA Grants and celebrate a terrific year!
Re-Member kick-off JLSA will offer an 8 week opportunity for members to reinstate their membership without fees or fines beginning May 15th. The kick-off event will be Friday, May 15th Tre Trattoria 4003 Broadway 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your “Re-Member” Friends for a drink and to fill out the reinstatement form and pay dues. RSVP by May 13th admin@jlsa.org or 225-1861. Please be thinking of friends who have left the League that would be interested in reinstating to support our great mission. Some “Re-Members” who left the League as Actives will qualify to reinstate as a sustainer based on age and years of service. Active Members who sponsor one or more “Re-Member’s” will receive a Member Credit for 2009-2010.
Scrawls, JLSA officers and staff Scrawls Co-editors: Casey Johnson & Kate Stevenson Board of Directors Laura Talley-President Anna-Melissa Cavazos-President-Elect Stephanie Nemec-Treasurer Cathy Scanlon-Treasurer-Elect Sarah Fielden-Secretary Gina Porter-Community Council Chair Laura Peel-Membership Development Council Chair Stacy Foerster-Fund Development Council Chair Elizabeth Anderson-Marketing Council Chair Research and Development Chair-Sarah Hardin Strategic Planning Chair-Cynthia Kerby Bylaws Chair-Lisa Keller Board Member-At-Large-Anne Ahlschwede Board Sustaining Advisor-Denise Reams White Assistant to the President-Molly Renaud Community Advisory Board Selim Bingol, Fleishman-Hillard Communications Jelynne Burley, City Public Service Chad Clark, C.D. Clark and Co. Kye Kilpatrick Fox, Urban Advisory Services Zina Guerra, IBC Bank Frank Guerra, Guerra DeBerry Coody Joe Izbrand, Fleishman-Hillard Inc. Kaye Lenox, San Antonio Public Library Foundation Vicky Lockwood, Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP Robert McAdams, Carneiro, Chumney & Co., L.C. Beverly Purcell-Guerra, San Antonio Woman Magazine Frank Ruttenberg, Bracewell & Guiliani, LLP Tim Banwolf, Winstead, PC Joanne Winik, KLRN Kevin Wolff, Bexar County Commissioners Court
Contact Us T h e J u n i o r L e a g u e o f S a n An to n i o , I n c . 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215 Phone: 210.225.1861 Fax: 210.225.6832 Email: info@jlsa.org Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Off ice Staff Denise Reams-White Interim Managing Director 210-225-1861, ext. 302
Kristi Ingram Membership Services Coordinator 210-225-1861, ext. 300 kristi@jlsa.org Carol Sheridan Financial Administrator 210-225-1861, ext. 301 carol@jlsa.org
723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215
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