I s s u e O n e | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1 A publication of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
Scrawls
Our Mission
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.
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President’s view
Board of directors Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President Debbie Callihan President-Elect Cameron Armstrong Community Council Chair Sarah Wannarka Membership Development Council Chair Catherine Bell Treasurer Chris Green Board Secretary Alison Boone Sustaining Board Advisor Suzie Bacon Board Member-at-Large DeeDee Benavides Assistant to the President Sakkara Biggs Nominating Committee Chair Kristen Henry Treasurer-Elect Korrie Lawson Bylaws Committee Chair/Parliamentarian Lauren McLaughlin Vice Chair of Member Retention Syndi Phillips Fund Development Council Chair Kate Stevenson Communication Council Chair Kristal Thomson Planning Council Chair Melissa Unsell Vice Chair of Research and Development Denise Reams White Managing Director jlsa staff Denise Reams White Managing Director 210.225.1861 ext. 302 / denise@jlsa.org Shannon Grabill Financial Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 301 / carol@jlsa.org Megan Gallaway Membership Program Administrator 210.225.18621 ext. 300 / megan@jlsa.org Office info The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. 783 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas, 78215 T:210.225.1861 F:210.225.6832 Email: info@jlsa.org Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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President’s Message Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President 2011-2012
“Those of us fortunate enough to be born with material abundance should do what we can for those who are not.” –Tom Yawkey, Former Owner, Boston Red Sox
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ummer has been busy and productive for the Junior League of San Antonio, and I am pleased to share our successes. JLSA reassumed self-management of the Bright Shawl, hiring general manager Victor Cervantes and a full staff. The Bright Shawl closed for two weeks for renovations, and you will be impressed by the changes made to enhance our gem. JLSA community volunteers were also hard at work this summer, tackling pressing issues. Volunteers helped children develop a love of reading and discovery during Reading Camp (SAISD). Sixty women participated in SNIPSA’s “Big Fix” to control animal overpopulation. Lastly, volunteers helped fight hunger by sorting cans at the San Antonio Food Bank. As we prepare to enter the cooler fall months, I hope all of you will support our biggest fundraiser, Holiday Ole Market. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and help support our community in the process! As always, thank you for being a valued member of the Junior League of San Antonio. I look forward to working with you this year to make San Antonio a better place for all residents. Yours in Service, Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President
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FYI
Online Boutique
Special update JLSA Nominating Process Begins Are you interested in being a Board Member or member of next year’s Nominating Committee? The Nominating Committee will begin preparing a slate of candidates for election to various elected offices of the JLSA. We want to hear from you! Offices slated by the nominating committee include President-Elect, Board Secretary, Treasurer-Elect, Member-at-Large and the nominating committee; as well as Chairs for the following councils: Fund Development, Membership Development, Community, Communications and Planning. Applications/nominations are due by September 16, 2011. For more information, visit the Nominating Process section of the JLSA website, or contact Sakkara Biggs, nominating committee chair (nominating@ jlsa.org).
“Retail Therapy”
Five Reasons to Shop JLSA’s Retail Therapy:t 1. To show your JLSA pride by sporting branded items around town including totes, t-shirts, a travel mug, sweatshirt, and more 2. Because JLSA items make great gifts 3. To add to your t-shirt collection with a JLSA baseball tee, tank top, maternity top, or light-weight t-shirt 4. To get one-of-a-kind JLSA items at a great price 5. Because the profits help JLSA serve the community To buy your very own JLSA items, visit www.jlsa.org and click on the Retail Therapy link at the top of the page!
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY’S REPORT Continued Resigned: Erin Angell (Provisional) Carolyne Baker (S) Lauren Blevins (A) Amanda Conine (A) Donna Dancer (A) Pamela Gilbert (A) Jennifer Halliday (A) Elisabeth Krimbill (A) Elisabeth Krimbill (A) Jill Metcalfe (S) Ashley Roberts (A) Cassandra Ross (A) Ashley Shaw (NM) Ellen Snow (S) Jody Stafne (A) Lisa Trismen (A)
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Status Change: From AR to ANR: Jennifer Mitchell From AP to AE: Sarah Fielden From Active to Sustainer: Tara Allman Kimberly Blackburn Sherie Dickson Betsy Dose Lisa Evans Jenny Fish Julie Hardaway Kirby Kelly
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Kristen Lemus Johnette McCannCervantes Tiffany Mock Laura Nivin Jennifer Rodriguez Leslie Romike Mary Salmon Susan Scheuer Debbie Serot Marian Suarez Leslie Turnbow Monica Valadez Lisa Warren Edie Wright
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NEWS
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY’S REPORT Your Corresponding Secretary handles the administrative details of membership, including transfers of membership, resignations, reinstatements and membership status changes. If you have a question about your membership status, Linda Molina is the woman to call. You can email her as well at correspondingsecretary@jlsa.org or 210-857-1557.
Linda Molina
Transfer Out: Kelly Boerckel (A) Andrea Collins (P)
Amigos! stands for A Mission In Giving Others Support, and we need your help! Please notify me when you celebrate an engagement, wedding, new baby, graduation, promotion or anything else exciting! In addition, AMIGOS is also here to support members during hardship, illness or loss, so please let us share in and lighten your troubles. Interested in helping with AMIGOS? Email Catie Eastland, Amigos Chair at amigos@jlsa.org to join the AMIGOS volunteer list.
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Ann Waldron (NM) Lori McMenemy (A) Georgina Lavallee (A) Michelle Camacho (A)
Elizabeth Icaza (P) Amanda Palmer (A) Caroline Ramsay (A) Lane Sealy (P) Mitra Woody (A) Andrea Kruchinski (A) Sue Satterfield (A) Valeria Luna (A)
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Reinstatement: Kim Batchelor (A) Nancy Bowermaster (ANR)
JLSAcalendar!
Jennifer Parris (A) Elizabeth Sherley (S) Tiffany Webb (A) Danielle Williams (A)
AMIGOS&NEWS
As of July 2011 Transfer In: Lori Baggs (A) Carol Bunge (A) Lavonne Garrison (S) Rosalyn Garza (A) Candace Kimbrough (A) Jenna Hiller Natho (A)
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Nicole Eidson (A) Caroline Trotman (ANR) Lauren Vielock (A) Carrie Waisley (A) Alice Johnson (S)
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There’s never a dull moment with JLSA Social Events right around the corner! Check out these great events: September 8 Say “Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall!” with JLSA Happy Hour at Barbaresco’s patio - 6 to 8 p.m. Cash Bar with selected complimentary appetizers
September 13 General Meeting - 7:00 p.m. Sustainer Luncheon at the Bright Shawl noon to 1:00 p.m. Contact Sara Brouillard at 210-8619996 for details.
October 19 - 22 Get ready to Ole at Holiday Ole Market!
November 6 Sip a mimosa (or two – they’re bottomless!) with the “Ladies who Brunch” at 18 Oaks at The JW Marriott 11:30 a.m. to1p.m. ($35.00 pp)
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Summer has come and gone, and another year of productive community volunteerism is upon us. For some, 2011 marks your first year in JLSA and summer has been a time of anticipation. For others, our Olé committee in particular, summer has been a time of preparation for a fantastic upcoming event. Whatever your summer held, I hope this year’s first edition of Scrawls provides you with information and inspiration to embrace our community and, as Gretchen says, “Know No Boundaries.” Also, thank you to our fantastic writers, Judy Juarez and Katie Micken, for your work on preparing this first newsletter.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Natalie Tate, 2011-12 Print Publication Manager
COMMUNITY PARTNERs
The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. is proud to partner with more than 60 agencies annually. Below are the 2011-2012 agencies we partner with: AccessAbility Fest for San Antonio
Family Service Association
Salvation Army
Alamo Area Development Corporation
Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network
SAISD Student Showcase
Alzheimer’s Association
Girls on The Run
San Antonio Animal Advocates
American Diabetes Association
Good Samaritan Community Services
San Antonio Eye Bank
Art In The Park
Goodwill Industries
San Antonio Fighting Back
Artpace San Antonio
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
San Antonio Food Bank
Battered Women’s and Children Shelter
Guide Dogs of Texas
San Antonio Humane Society
Bexar County Family Justice Center
Habitat For Humanity
San Antonio Museum of Art
Bexar County Community Health
Healy-Murphy Center
San Antonio State Hospital
Collaborative
Hill Country Mission for Health
San Antonio Youth
Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation
San Antonio Humane Society
Seton Home
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
SNIPSA
Boys Town Texas
Kendall County Women’s Shelter
Spina Bifida Texas
Brighton Center
La Presa Foundation
St. PJ’s Children’s Home
Cancer Center Council
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Starlight Children’s Foundation at
Catholic Charities Hygiene Product
Main Plaza Conservancy
Morgan’s Wonderland
Drive
McNay Museum of Art
Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf
Child Safe
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Children
Children’s Bereavement Center
Northeast Senior Assistance
Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure
Christian Senior Services
Rainbow House
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
Cibolo Nature Center
Rape Crisis Center
Unicorn Center
City of Terrell Hills
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
WINGS
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Ronald McDonald House
Family Endeavors
Roy Mass Youth Alternatives Center
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COMMUNITY
2011 Reading Camp: Summer Safari
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The first day of camp began with a special visit and story time from the Cat in the Hat. This set the activity and creativity level of the camp; by the last day of camp tote bags were over flowing with stories, art, play-dough hermit crabs, animal masks, bird feeders and shoe-box dioramas, as well as reading tools, books and activities to last through the summer.
he Junior League of San Antonio and Hawthorne Academy celebrated five years of igniting the imagination of 2nd graders through a Reading Camp Safari. Each day, the students were introduced to a new habitat and explored the where, what and why of each habitat and the animals that lives there. The students were guided by an enthusiastic group of JLSA volunteers through each habitat. Volunteers prepared slide shows, vocabulary lists, research stations, read-aloud, and daily snacks that coordinated with the day’s habitat. The 2nd graders will probably never eat an Eskimo pie without thinking about the Arctic Habitat, or hear a bird song without remembering life in a lake, river, or pond, or see a large tree without wondering whether that tree is home to as many animals as the great kapok tree in the South American rainforest. By the last day of camp, the students had filled their journal books with fun facts, drawings and questions to answer over the summer about each of the habitats.
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Each year, JLSA volunteers make Reading Camp a fun, positive learning experience; this year’s fantastic group of volunteers was no exception. Amelita, Bonnie, Holly, Jan, Jennifer, Krista, Lynne, Lucy, Samantha, Sarah, and Suzanne (along with extra support from flex placement volunteers Angela, Amy, and Johanna) made sure that campers had a fantastic experience each and every day. The Reading Safari is all packed up for now, but come Summer 2012, a new group of 2nd graders will delight in exploring the habitats of the world and developing a lifetime love of learning.
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MEMBERSHIP
meet the board: board member spotlight Suzie Bacon, Member at Large Suzie Bacon, our Board Member-at-Large, certainly has a heart for the membership at large. During her eleven years in JLSA, she’s held many roles on the Membership Development Council and has been a key force in shaping both the personality of JLSA and the lives of many young women. She joined JLSA as a fairly new Bexar County resident so she could meet new friends and become involved in the community. She’s accomplished both goals, as most League members not only recognize her smiling face, but have also had the chance to interact with her on a membership question, as a mentor and just as a friend. Here’s a little more about Suzie and her role in making JLSA better each day: Member-at-large responsibilities: I am the voice of our membership to the Board of Directors. When a member has a concern, I’ll speak on their behalf. I like to call myself the “Woman of the Women!” Most memorable JLSA moment? I love the New Member Project each year. The idea that about 75 women could go in like a herd of worker ants and make a drastic change for a community partner in four hours is exhilarating! Looking forward: In the upcoming year, I’m looking forward to several things: • Working with a wonderful and accomplished group of women on our Board of Directors • Getting to know our membership and all the councils on a deeper, more intensive level • Being YOUR voice on our Board. Contact Suzie with questions or concerns at sdbacon@mac.com or 210-834-6334.
“Fun Facts”
news
Did you know that JLSA’s very first community program was a free children’s clinic? The clinic opened its doors in 1924 to help relieve the 61% distress and medical needs of the children in San Antonio. 14%
26%
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Your Response…to Being Green Thanks to the members who participated in this Summer’s online poll regarding green initiatives. Here’s a recap of what members thought about Scrawls newsletter distributions:
Electronic. I prefer to be green whenever possible In the mail. I like to have a traditional copy on hand to share.
26% 14%
61%
Both. I like the option of reviewing my Scrawls whenever it’s convenient for me.
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MEMBERSHIP
spotlight on: sustainer Rhonda Kolm Calvert has worn many hats in JLSA, from rummage sale chair to member at large to President. Why did she join JLSA? Simply put, she fell in love with the mission, actions and leadership of the League. Her most memorable memory? When JLSA completed 75 Donein-a-Day projects in one day, and she had the privilege and pleasure of visiting several locations. Rhonda’s advice to new members? “Dive in, become active, find your passion within the League and enjoy!”
spotlight on: membership Shawna Kubicek became a JLSA member based on a friend’s recommendation (a friend who even offered to pay her first-year dues!). Shawna quickly became involved in nurturing other women’s community activism and JLSA participation. She served as a mentor and is currently New Actives Chair; helping newly-fledged members to stay connected. Her friend’s lasting legacy? According to Shawna, “I was so impressed with her dedication that I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization with members like her!”
spotlight on: new member Although her provisional year just began, Jacqueline Hawkins Fleischer jumped right in to serving the community; she’s already completed the majority of her community placement hours! Jacqueline’s ready-to-serve attitude falls directly in line with her reason for joining JLSA – “to do meaningful work in the community and to connect with new people.” While Jacqueline’s driven attitude toward completing her hours has probably kept her quite busy this summer, she also makes room in her schedule for work, family, fun and fabulous desserts!
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IMPACT
community organization spotlight Family Endeavors Placement Touches Lives
members: making impacts
Emily McRae - Active Member
San Antonio Family Endeavors is excited to have Junior League volunteers back after a successful first year placement at the Family Lodge program. Corey Weber, Executive Director, choked back tears when expressing appreciation to our members, stating, “the Junior League has touched so many lives at Family Lodge. You don’t know your impact.” While the moms and families benefit from this partnership, the ones who receive the most gratification from this placement are the JLSA volunteers who give these women new Christmas traditions with their children, a break from a crying baby, and hope to go back to school and attain an education. Seeing these women grow and thrive while in the midst of homelessness and addiction recovery is truly rewarding. This first year placement was supported by a terrific group of placement volunteers, as well as transfers, SA Works volunteers and Kids in the Kitchen volunteers. The Family Endeavors Family Lodge placement runs from September through April, two Saturdays a month. Volunteer assignments include everything from helping put on holiday parties, reading to children to holding babies. For more information, please contact Ariana Barbour (arianabarbour@ gmail.com) or Teri Cardenas (teri.cardenas@christushealth.org).
I have had the opportunity and blessing in my career as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) to volunteer for an organization for which I am very passionate, Operation Smile. Operation Smile provides surgeries, pre-operation and postoperation medical support to cleft lip/palate children in underserved or underprivileged areas throughout the world. In most cases, were it not for Operation Smile, these children would never be able to receive these surgeries. In April, I went on my second mission trip with Operation Smile to rural Southwest China. In China, one in 600 children is born with cleft lip/ palates. I was the SLP on my mission trip to China, and my duties were to educate patients and family members on speech and feeding strategies to improve the patient’s quality of life. I worked closely with the medical team, both pre-op and post-op, and it was such an uplifting experience to lend a hand to the team to help these children. I met so many wonderful Chinese families and they were so happy and appreciative of our team’s service to their children. I am proud to report that, during my ten day mission to China, more than 100 children were served by Operation Smile. For more information on Operation Smile, you can visit their website, www.operationsmile.org, or email me at emcrae77@gmail.com – it is truly an amazing organization with a very worthy mission that is impacting children and families throughout the world.
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FUNDRAISING
OLe: information Join us for the 2011 Holiday Olé Market - “Shopper-tainment”! Oct. 19-22, San Antonio Shrine Auditorium The 18th Annual Holiday Ole Market, presented by Valero, is sure to be the biggest and best yet. Nearly 90 premier merchants will offer apparel, jewelry, children’s items, home goods and original holiday items. Visit holidayolemarket.com to learn more about Ole Events and to purchase tickets! What • • • •
2011 Holiday Ole Market, Presented by Valero
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General Shopping Hours: Thursday, October 20th Noon to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 21st 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 22nd 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. NEW – Stroller Policy – strollers will be allowed during designated “stroller hours” Friday 9:00 a.m. to Noon and ALL day Saturday General shopping tickets are $15 and can be used during general shopping hours on all days, Children 12 and under do not need a ticket. Purchase tickets at www.holidayolemarket.com NEW - group discounts are available! Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted price of $10 per ticket. Please visit our website at www. holidayolemarket.com to purchase tickets.
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make this year’s Ole different from others in the past? Largest tent ever, housing special events and Café Ole food court Fabulous decorations unique to each Holiday Ole Market day Designer handbag Silent Auction during Girls Night Out “Happy Hour for Heroes” recognizing those who make a difference in our community NEW “Man Cave” at Preview Party!
Wednesday, October 19 - “Preview Party” - Something for everyone, including exclusive preview shopping, complimentary photos from Studio Benton and the Man Cave (casino, ping-pong and more!). Thursday, October 20 - “Ready, Set, Shop” - Wake up with the Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bar, as well as exclusive early bird shopping and a delicious brunch from Don Strange of Texas, Inc. “Happy Hour for Heroes” - Recognize and treat military guests, nurses, teachers and other community heroes on this special night. Supporters wishing to purchase tickets for hero groups may do so at a discounted price. Friday, October 21 - “Girls Night Out” - Sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, this evening is all about chic and pink! Guests will enjoy complimentary photos from Studio Benton, as well as enjoy VIP Lounge access with their Lee Michaels Martini Glass! Saturday, October 22 - “Family Day” – Fun for the entire family, including arts, crafts and hands-on activities (think cake walks and giant Candy Land!). Strollers are welcome! J u n i o r
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FUNDRAISING
F.D.C: report Syndi Phillips Amazing women simply cannot have run-of-themill fundraisers. I am thrilled to share the 2011-12 Fund Development Council’s programs that will enable us to achieve two exciting goals: an improved San Antonio and FUN! Fundraising events and opportunities for 2011-2012 include:
bright shawl: updates
• 2011 Holiday Olé Market - S.A.’s most celebrated shopping event: October 19 – 22 • Fête du Cuvée - our inaugural fine wine auction: March 3, 2012 • Special Events – Stay tuned for more information on can’t-miss events • A new JLSA Cookbook - Now in development • “Retail Therapy” - the online site to purchase JLSA branded items • Re-launch of The Bright Shawl: a great lunch spot and home of The Bright Shawl Gallery • 2011-2012 Annual Fund campaign for the budding philanthropist in all of us
Our non-profit partners know they can count on JLSA to provide vitally needed volunteers and funds. Make your JLSA experience count this year by doing all you can - sell tickets, buy a tank top, introduce us to a new corporate sponsor, make a personal gift. Because we Know NO Boundaries, we will continue our League’s success in making San Antonio a better place while enjoying the experience.
JLSA: giving thanks Thank you to our generous sponsors, as of this printing.
Renovations Completed! Bright Shawl Now Open As some of you may have noticed, there has been much activity at the Bright Shawl over the summer both inside and out! Renovations have added a new allure to this historic venue, while fresh paint and landscaping (provided by Family Endeavors) have brightened and freshened the overall look. We have several upcoming events planned to highlight the new Bright Shawl. Join us for cooking classes (including pastry classes after which you can take home the fruits of your labor), Bright Shawl Pantry (order and pick up gourmet dinners, including the Bright Shawl’s signature Almond Crunch Cake) and a grand opening party to celebrate the updates. Stay tuned for more details as we continue improvements to our historic venue.
The Capital Group Companies - Home of the American Funds, Frost Bank, Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, NuStar Energy, The Porter Loring Family, and San Antonio Eye Center.
Victor Cervantes - Bright Shawl Manager Erica Clark - Sales Manager 210-225-6366
A very special thank you to the following generous donors: Blonde Creative, Flair Floral, and Illusions Rental and Decor.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Tx Permit No. 000 723 Brooklyn Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78215
T: 210.225.1861
F: 210.225.6832
www.jlsa.org
Our Mission
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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.
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