2011 01 jan scrawls

ISSUE

03 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, TX 78215 210.225.1861 ph 210.225.6832 fax www.jlsa.org

Jan-Feb 2 0 11

scrawls

Saturday, February 26th

Junior League Gives Awards to Sixteen Community Partners

The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and

improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Fifteen thousand dollars in Goodwill gift cards were awarded to 16 community partner agencies. The cards will be given to the agency’s clients to shop with at the annual Goodwill and JLSA Rummage Sale on February 26th.

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Alamo Area Agency on Aging

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Antioch Community

WHERE TO SHOP 727 NW Loop 410 at Blanco Road 2514 SW Military Drive at Zarzamora (near South Park Mall) 3401 Fredericksburg Road at Vance Jackson

Transformation Network •

Any Baby Can

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AVANCE – San Antonio

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Bexar County Agency on

1533 Austin Highway at Harry Wurzbach Road 13311 San Pedro Ave. (Hwy. 281) at Bitters Road

Aging, Alamo Area Council of Governments •

Boys Town Texas, Inc.

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The Children’s Shelter

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Christian Senior Services

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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

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Daughters of Charity Services

12332 IH-10 West at DeZavala Road 21230 Hwy. 281 and Evans Road

of San Antonio •

Family Endeavors Fairweather

Bargains, Fun, and the Tradition of the Junior League Rummage Sale!

Family Lodge •

Healy-Murphy Center

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MADD

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Rainbow House

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SA Youth

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Volunteer Services Council of the San Antonio State Hospital

a publication of the junior league of san antonio, inc.

Community agencies receiving their Goodwill gift cards.

junior league of san antonio

SAVE THE DATE! Volunteer Extraordinaire Luncheon

2010-11 board of directors

On March 29th the Junior League of San Antonio will be honoring Anne Ballantyne as our 2011 Volunteer Extraordinaire at the Volunteer Extraordinaire Luncheon. Anne joined the Junior League of San Antonio in 1975 and when speaking about her time as an active member, she said, “The Junior League of San Antonio gave me so much when I was an active member years ago. My organizational skills, working with committees composed of different personalities and ideas – and most of all my love of giving back – all were a result of my many years in the Junior League. I so appreciate the wonderful experiences I had as an active member.”

Cathy Scanlon President Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President Elect Debbie Callihan Treasurer

Catherine Bell Treasurer Elect

Cathy Scanlon President 2010-2011

Syndi Phillips Board Secretary Lesley Vernor Membership Development Council Chair Lisa Ebrom Community Council Chair Misty Kelley Planning Council Chair Angela Spanley Fund Development Council Chair Jennifer Flores Communications Chair Lis Krimbill Research & Development Chair Celina Montoya Bylaws Chair Debbie Strus Nominating Chair Lucy Peveto Property Planning Chair Chris Green Assistant to the President Rhonda Kolm Calvert Sustaining Advisor Denise Reams White Managing Director

jlsa staff Denise Reams White Managing Director 210-225-1861 ext. 302 denise@jlsa.org Megan Gallaway Membership Program Administrator 210-225-18621 ext. 300 megan@jlsa.org

President’s Perspective

What a crazy couple weeks we have had with the weather, but Spring is around the corner and Spring happens to be one of my favorite times of the year as the flowers with their vibrant colors are blooming, and the sun with its warmth is brightening our longer days. This time of year also lends itself to reflection and renewed hope.

We may not always realize that everything we do Affects not only our lives but touches others too.

As I reflect on our year to date, I am grateful for everything YOU, the volunteers and heart of the Junior League, have accomplished this year. Your gift of volunteerism this year has made an enormous difference in our community.

JLSA continues to be a vital part of San Antonio because of the people and agencies you have touched.

And a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care Creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.

Upon this reflection, I am renewed in the knowledge that this dedication to the JLSA Mission Statement and to San Antonio will continue for years to come. You are the future leaders of our organization.

Therefore, I encourage you look at the various placements available for next year.

Consider taking on a leadership role!

I found the anonymous poem that follows to share and express my thanks to each and every one of you for the difference you have made. You truly are a treasure.

Much love, Cathy

A single happy smile can always brighten up the day For anyone who happens to be passing by your way.

Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand, Every time you show a friend you understand.

Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give, You help someone to find beauty in this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love, And giving is the treasure that contentment is made of.

- Anonymous

Anne has held numerous volunteer positions over the course of her life and continues to find ways to impact San Antonio with every role she takes on. In addition to being the Parade Chair for the Battle of Flowers Association this year, Anne’s volunteer efforts include holding leadership positions for numerous years for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, San Antonio, as a Council member for the City of Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights ISD Trustee and many more.

Anne’s plate is very full this spring between Volunteer Extraordinaire and Battle of Flowers Association Parade Chair but Anne juggles all of her tasks with efficiency and grace. We are excited to be honoring her and hope you are able to join us at the luncheon and as Anne would say “Viva Fiesta!”

Upcoming Sustainer Transfer (S.T.U.F.F) Events: Monday, February 14th Valentine Luncheon at The Argyle Club

Transfer Spotlight Carlen Palmer Blume What brought you to San Antonio?

I came to San Antonio for pediatric dentistry residency.

JLSA Important Dates

Saturday, March 12th Saint Patrick’s Day Party

Where did you move from?

Corpus Christi in June of 2008.

Tuesday, April 12th Tour of Villa Finale and Lunch

What are your hobbies?

Playing with my kids.

Feb 22nd JLSA Board of Directors Meeting

Saturday, May 7th Run for the Roses Party

What’s your favorite San Antonio restaurant?

The Grill in Leon Springs

Feb 23rd Placement Showcase

If you are a sustainer that transfered to JLSA as a sustainer, contact S.T.U.F.F. chairs Virginia Hartz (virginiahartz@aol.com) or Cathy Burton (ccburton@aol.com) for more information.

What has been your favorite thing about San Antonio so far?

The culture and restaurants

How many years have you been in the League?

Four years.

What are some of the things you are looking forward to in San Antonio?

Having more time to explore the missions and attending Spurs games.

Feb 21st JLSA Office Closed - President’s Day

Feb. 26th JLSA Goodwill Sale Mar 1st Wicked at the Majestic Mar 17th JLSA Book Club Mar 22nd JLSA Board of Directors Meeting Mar 24th New Member & Sponsor Reception Mar 29th Volunteer Extraordinaire Luncheon

Why We Do What We Do:

A Summary of the Research and Development Annual Report

By Lis Krimbill

This past fall the Research and Development team interviewed dozens of community placement chairwomen, volunteers, council members, community members and participants. We surveyed each placement team to analyze the effectiveness of our current placements, review any for dismissal, and begin the process for initiating new placements. Throughout the interviews we clearly saw the mission in action. These volunteers clearly are, “women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.”

Briefly, the Board voted to maintain all but two of our current community placements and to add a new community placement. We deleted Literacy San Antonio as a placement because it is now a separate and successful organization. We also deleted the Leading to Reading placement. The Board also is aware that we need to maintain flexibility regarding the Seton Home placement due to internal changes in their organizational structure. We will continue our fine relationships with Family Endeavors, Girls Inc., Kids in the Kitchen, Met Opera, Placement Sampler, Prevent Blindness, Summer Reading Camp, Seton Home, Clarity Child Guidance Center, and Sunshine Singers.

We are excited to be offering a new community placement called CORE (Community OutReach and Education). This placement will create a stronger tie and greater community visibility for the Junior League with our local leadership. CORE members will attend City Council meetings, reach out to the various District leaders, and study the issues and concerns of the various parts of the city. We look forward to the CORE reports as we begin the process of identifying a new Signature Project.

The impact of the Junior League of San Antonio on the community is measured roughly in volunteer hours and committed dollars, but the real value in the lives of the families and children that we serve is priceless. It is an honor to be a part of this League!

Congratulations to Our 2011-2012 JLSA Board of Directors

Debbie Callihan Kristen Henry Chris Green Beth Reinhardt Sarah Wannarka Kate Stevenson Syndi Phillips Kristal Thomson Suzie Bacon

President-Elect Treasurer-Elect Board Secretary Community Council Chair Membership Development Chair Communication Council Chair Fund Development Council Chair Planning Council Chair Member-at-Large

The 2011-2012 Nominating Committee: Stephanie Bailey, Jenny Hall, Amber Japhet, Victoria Kohler-Webb, Lesley Vernor, Wendy Vick and Kim Zayac.

The Sustaining Advisors: Haley Buchman and Delaina Harrison.

A Special Thank You....

Our President, Cathy Scanlon, and President-elect, Gretchen Garceau-Kragh have been an invaluable resource and support system during this process. Thank you both.

To the 2010-2011 Nominating Committee: Anne Ahlschwede, Alex Allen, Sakkara Biggs, Anna-Melissa Cavazos (Immediate Past President), Anne Farringer, Lauren Gordon, Emily Jones and Traci Meadows, Sustaining advisors, Jennifer Broome and Laura Moreno. I can’t think of a better group of women with whom to have spent Monday nights. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication and tolerating my love of baseball.

To Laura Peel, Nominating Chair 2009-2010, thanks for being at the other end of the phone to answer my questions.

Community Spotlight - Seton Home

To Denise Reams White, Managing Director and Megan Galloway, Membership Coordinator, thanks for your assistance with the technical aspects of the Nominating Committee and support when needed.

The past semester I was a tutor at Seton Home, where I feel like I’ve made an impact in girls` lives, and they have made an impact on mine. Every week, I go to Seton Home and look at these teenagers trying to make a difference for their children, and realize that I can identify with that goal. They have teenager moments and they complain like any 16 year old about the rules and about how they know better, but ultimately, they are trying to better themselves to be good moms to their children.

To the members of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.: We are an organization of powerful women who need strong leaders to advance our Mission. It is not too early to submit an application for leadership positions for the 2012-2013 League year. For any questions, please contact myself, Debbie Strus, or Sakkara Biggs, 2011-2012 Nominating Chair, at nominating@jlsa.org.

by Cecily Jeser-Cannavale

Debbie Strus, Nominating Chair 2010-2011

They come into tutoring reluctantly at first, but as the semester goes on and the girls really start to understand what they are learning, they become excited. They continue to seek out the same tutor week after week. We create a bond with them because we are there week after week encouraging them to continue their education and that their goals are reachable.

“JLSA RETAIL THERAPY”

We also do fun things with them and learn more about them. We had a Halloween party where we brought them homemade food, decorated pumpkins, and watched a movie. They couldn’t believe we would cook for them, which made me realize that sometimes the simplest act is the most appreciated.

The new JLSA online boutique has officially launched! Visit our website at www.jlsa.org, login to your member profile and click on the “Retail Therapy” button (on left-side bar).

The past semester was challenging at times due to changes at Seton Home. Thanks to the tutoring program through the Junior League, Seton Home has been able to receive more grants to help the girls be more successful. They have teachers coming in twice a week to help them prepare for the TAKS test. As the program has evolved and presented challenges, the girls being appreciative makes you realize that the commitment we have to them and the continuous support means more than we will ever know.

Shop…Shop…Shop ‘till you drop!

Browse all the unique JLSA items… then shop till you drop. This is a convenient 24-7 opportunity to order great quality JLSA branded items to show off your Junior League pride. Look for new items to be added and please let us know what you would like to see offered!

Any questions or comments, please contact Kate Stevenson at kstvnsn17@aol.com.

Community Spotlight - Prevent Blindness

2010 - 2011 Annual Fund Donors

For over fifty years, Prevent Blindness of Texas has been working to preserve sight and enhance the quality of vision for countless Texans. The Junior League of San Antonio has been intimately involved with this important mission for many years. In particular, the Junior League has worked hard to preserve and protect sight among children in the greater San Antonio area.

As you know the Annual Fund is now in full-swing! Thanks to all of those who have already contributed to the Annual Fund. Those who have not contributed, please remember that JLSA relies on your donations to Annual Fund to enable the League to serve the community and ensure a healthy and proactive organization. Log on to the JLSA website to make your Annual Fund donation today.

by Jenni Stupka

The Junior League’s Prevent Blindness volunteers visit local elementary schools and provide screening services to all pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes. Using various methods learned during volunteer training, children with vision problems are identified

and referred for appropriate treatment. The experience of interacting with young children is extremely rewarding, as is the satisfaction of helping those that may otherwise struggle with debilitating vision problems.

Vision problems affect one in twenty pre-school age children, and up to 25% of school age children. Without early detection, visual impairment can lead to learning difficulties and permanent vision loss.

effective method for detecting visual impairment among young children. The Junior League is proud to be associated with such an important program and values the contribution we make to young children in our community.

This year alone, the Junior League of San Antonio screened 1,868 children and 355 of these were referred for treatment. Visual screening through the Prevent Blindness program is an accurate and cost-

Ariana Barbour Mallory Belt Carlen Blume Sheridan Bunch Martin Burns Debbie Callihan Anna-Melissa Cavazos Judy Crockett Margaret Davis April Dickson Jennifer Donegan Lisa Evans Jennifer Flores Gretchen Garceau-Kragh Pamela Gilbert Chris Green Beverly Guerra Kristen Henry

Aliece Hollis Rachel Hollon Marilyn Howard Amber Japhet Emily Jones Annie Kearney Lisa Keller Misty Kelley Rhonda Kolm Calvert Shawna Kubicek Christina Lammert Jessica Linnert Lauren Malitz Margaret Marble Sheila Mayfield Marquel McCabe Katy McKinney Celina Montoya

Brenna Nava KaRynn O’Connell Lucy Peveto Catherine Scanlon Cassie Schneider Andrea Smalley Andrea Spanley Maya Thukral Andrea Tingleff Monica Valadez Wendy Vick Carrie Waisley Kristen Wightman Emily Willeford Katie Williams Popp Elizabeth Williams Mitra Woody

AMIGOS

Giving Support to Others Amigos is a committee of members who are here to support, encourage, and congratulate the lives and times of our JLSA members.

We send announcements, congratulations, sympathies, and offer assistance to our members and their families when needed.

Oh Baby!

Laurie Barnes (Active Resident) and her family welcomed a baby girl on September 22, 2010. Blake Ellis Mercer Barnes arrived weighing 7 lbs, 1.5 ozs and measuring 19.5 inches.

Angel Schneider (Active Resident) and her family welcomed a baby boy on December 26, 2010.

John Franklin Schneider arrived weighing 7 lbs, 12 ozs and measuring 20 inches.

Please contact us when you learn of events that affect our members at amigos@jlsa.org.

Book Club Update

Corresponding Secretary Report as of January 2011

We invite you to joint the Junior League Book Club! Anyone is welcome - New Members, Actives, and Sustainers. All we ask is that you RSVP to the organizers three days prior to the meeting date. We meet at various restaurants around the San Antonio area and discuss a variety of books. For more information or to be added to the group share, please contact Christie Fryatt at christiefryatt@gmail.com or Ariana Barbour at arianabarbour@gmail.com.

We are currently reading The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory, who is also the author of The Other Boleyn Girl, which we read for a past book club meeting. The Red Queen tells the story of Margaret Beaufort, Henry VIII’s grandmother, who engages her efforts from a young age to enable her son to sit on the throne as the king of England.

The novel describes the ongoing Cousin’s War, otherwise known as the War of the Roses in which the House of Lancaster and the House of York battle amongst families to establish control of the English monarchy. Gregory is masterful in portraying this piece of history, and it should be a great learning opportunity to learn more about this era. Please join us reading this book and in its discussion. Happy reading!

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Transfer-In Brooke Swallow (A) Julia Patterson (A) Joanna Benavidez (A)

Transfer-Out Katherine Thomas (NM) Sara Davidson (A) Jennifer Broome (S) Faye Hoffman (A) Reinstatement Agatha Wade (S) Sara Davidson (A) Karen Dickerson (S)

Status Change (ANR to AR) Echo Walby Status Change (AR to ANR) Amanda Palmer (A) Lauren Blevins (A) Resigned Angela Brice (NM) Deceased Eileen Gillespie (S)