I s s u e F o u r | M a r c h 2 0 1 2 A publication of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
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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.
PRESIDENT’S VIEW
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President Debbie Callihan President-Elect Cameron Armstrong Community Council Chair Lauren McLaughlin 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 Open Fund Development Council Chair Kate Stevenson Communication Council Chair Kristal Thomson Planning Council Chair Melissa Unsell Vice Chair of Research and Development
Gretchen Garceau-Kragh 2011-2012 President
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“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” - Proverb ear Fellow League Members,
The spring is an interesting time of year for the Junior League of San Antonio - still plenty of work to be done, but also preparing for the summer and the new JLSA year. This spring, the Junior League of San Antonio will welcome 120 women from all walks of life into the new member class. A big “thank you” goes out to Jane Mozingo, Admissions Chair, for her hard work in recruiting these exceptional young women. Spring also means signing up for 2012-13 placements – anything from helping children improve their reading skills to entertaining nursing home residents with smiles and song. Our Seton Home placement will be retired but we will still support them through various Done in a Day projects. With regret, we will also be retiring our Met Opera placement after 53 years because of consolidations by the Met Opera National Council. League leadership is actively looking for ways to support the arts in San Antonio, while keeping Met Opera’s legacy alive. A new summer placement, Green Spaces Alliance, will expand and improve upon open areas of the urban core.
JLSA STAFF Shannon Grabill Financial Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 301 / shannon@jlsa.org Megan Galloway Membership Program Administrator 210.225.18621 ext. 300 / megan@jlsa.org
If you are a new or active member, I hope you will choose a placement that ignites your passion. If you are a sustainer, I hope you will stay involved as a sustaining advisor. Your expertise and wisdom will be welcome and appreciated as we continue to do important work in the San Antonio community.
OFFICE INFO The Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas, 78215 T:210.225.1861 F:210.225.6832 Email: info@jlsa.org Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Thank you again for being a valued member of the Junior League of San Antonio. Sincerely, Gretchen Garceau-Kragh President, 2011-2012 J u n i o r
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JLSA CONNECTIONS: 2012 Volunteer Extraordinaire Susie Martin
Moving to a new city can be an intimidating experience. Finding a new home and/or job, learning your way around and making
The Volunteer Extraordinaire Award is presented each year to a JLSA Sustainer who exemplifies the true spirit of voluntarism. Throughout the years, there have been numerous outstanding women who have received this award for their continued efforts in the community. This year’s winner, Susie Martin, is a visionary who has been serving others throughout her League career and who continues to dedicate her time and efforts in our community.
new friends – all of these activities take quite a bit of effort. Fortunately, Junior League women who come to San Antonio have the opportunity to get involved, make a difference and create connections almost immediately.
Susie has spent more than four decades serving the San Antonio community, both through League membership and active involvement in other community organizations. For example, Susie serves in leadership roles for several organizations in San Antonio, including Fiesta Commission, San Antonio Bar Association Auxiliary, San Antonio Botanical Center, San Antonio Library Foundation, Charity Ball Association and Military Civilian Club. "Her commitment to voluntarism reinforces the continued relevancy of our organization and underscores its importance in the lives of woman building a better community," said her nominator, Marilyn Eldridge. Former Volunteer Extraordinaire, Nancy Zachry said, "Susie is a person with a genuinely kind and caring spirit which permeates her actions and reasons for participating. With her refreshing approach to leadership and many community experiences, she is most qualified to receive the recognition of Volunteer Extraordinaire 2012 by the Junior League of San Antonio." We hope you will join us to honor and celebrate Susie Martin on March 29th at the Bright Shawl. Registration is at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at noon.
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Sarah Gatewood is highly involved in the League, managing JLSA’s social media presence. However, just a couple of years ago, Sarah was new to San Antonio. She participated in the transfer program as a way to get involved in JLSA, meet other ladies who were new to the area and acclimate to JLSA. Through her transfer group, Sarah was able to learn about JLSA, as well as to have a built-in support group with whom she could attend meetings and events. She credits the success of her transfer year to dedicated leadership. “My Transfer Committee chairs, Maya Thukral and Laurie Salazar, really made my transfer experience amazing,” Sarah said. “They are still some of my closest friends here in San Antonio.” From the transfer program, Sarah was able to confidently become involved in other areas of the League, including service on the communications council under mentors Jennifer Flores and Kate Stevenson. Sarah’s best advice for transfer members? Don’t be shy! “Get involved!” she urged. “You’ll never make new friends, or learn more about JLSA, if you don’t participate in meetings and events.”
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AMIGOS&NEWS
NEWS Amigos! stands for A Mission In Giving Others Support. Notify Catie Eastland at amigos@jlsa.org when you celebrate an engagement, wedding, new baby, graduation, promotion or anything else exciting! AMIGOS is also here to support members during illness or loss. Announcing Our Little Leaguers! • Julia and Peter Patterson welcomed Peter George Brantley "Brant" – (Mar. 16) 9 lbs. 1 oz., 22 in. • Christy and Justin Little welcomed Lilah Jade – (Sep. 27) 6 lbs. 8 oz., 18 7/8 in. • Stephanie and Robert Girling welcomed Robert George William – (Nov. 1) 7 lbs. 4 oz., 20 in. • Sarita and Rode Moore welcomed Roan Allen – (Nov. 10) 7 lbs. 13 oz., 20.5 in. • Catherine and William deMarigny welcomed Taylor William – (Nov. 24) 7 lb. 9 oz., 19.5 in. • Emily and Andy Hill welcomed Corbin Griffin – (Dec. 6) 7 lbs. 5 oz., 20.5 in. • Edie and John Wright welcomed Sydney Trimble – (Dec. 16) 7 lbs. 6 oz., 20 in. • Brooke and Jared Meabon welcomed Steven Harris - (Mar. 9). Newly Engaged! Best wishes to the following members: • Camp Bradshaw on her upcoming marriage to Ryan Boyd (Fall 2012) • Meredith Hargrove on her upcoming marriage to Mike Howard (June 2, 2012 in Fort Worth) • President-Elect Debbie Callihan on her upcoming marriage to Brian Dingle (June 17, 2012) • Emily Willeford on her upcoming marriage to Scott Christy.
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, contact Linda
Linda Molina Transfer In
Molina. You can email her as well! correspondingsecretary@jlsa.org or (210) 857-1557.
Sharon Flinn (A) (from Denver CO) Somer Jaynes (A) (from Austin TX) Resignation April Beaty (A) Betsy Johnson (A) Marquel McCabe (A) Molly Webster (S)
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Spring’s right around the corner. What an exciting season – filled with growth and new beginnings. Here in JLSA, we’re surrounded by new beginnings as well, from the new babies welcomed through AMIGOS (page 10) to the new members coming to our chapter both through new membership and through transferring from other Leagues (page 11).
EDITOR’S NOTE
Another great thing about spring is that we all have the opportunity for new things – to make a new friend, pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill. It’s also a time when we have the opportunity to choose new community placements for the next JLSA year. You have some great chances ahead of you to do good for San Antonio – so, spring to it! Natalie Tate, 2011-12 Print Publications Manager
JLSA 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
Roy Mass Youth Alternatives Center
Alamo Area Development Corporation
Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network
Salvation Army
Alzheimer’s Association
Girls on The Run
SAISD Student Showcase
American Diabetes Association
Good Samaritan Community Services
San Antonio Animal Advocates
Art In The Park
Goodwill Industries
San Antonio Eye Bank
Artpace San Antonio
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
San Antonio Fighting Back
Avance
Guide Dogs of Texas
San Antonio Food Bank
Battered Women’s and Children Shelter
Habitat For Humanity
San Antonio Humane Society
Bexar County Family Justice Center
Healy-Murphy Center
San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet
Bexar County Community Health
Hill Country Mission for Health
San Antonio Museum of Art
Collaborative
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
San Antonio State Hospital
Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation
Kendall County Women’s Shelter
San Antonio Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters
La Presa Foundation
Seton Home
Boys Town Texas
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
SNIPSA
Brighton Center
MADD
Spina Bifida Texas
Cancer Center Council
Main Plaza Conservancy
St. PJ’s Children’s Home
Catholic Charities Hygiene Product Drive
McNay Museum of Art
Starlight Children’s Foundation at
Child Safe
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center
Morgan’s Wonderland
Children’s Bereavement Center
Northeast Senior Assistance
Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children
Christian Senior Services
Pathways Youth and Family Services
Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure
Cibolo Nature Center
Rainbow House
Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
City of Terrell Hills
Rape Crisis Center
Unicorn Center
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
WINGS
Family Endeavors
Ronald McDonald House
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IMPACT
JLSA - WHERE WE STAND The Junior League of San Antonio isn’t all about numbers. We’re about people. We’re about women helping women, serving children and improving their communities. However, sometimes numbers can be a really good thing. Consider these numbers that show the impact JLSA has made across our area. This year alone, the Junior League of San Antonio has: • • • •
Partnered with more than 60 non-profit agencies across the city Provided 5,200 hours of community service Benefited 292,000 San Antonio residents Donated more than $87,000 in gently used items to Goodwill Industries
In addition, our membership numbers look better than ever. • The Junior League of San Antonio includes 400 active members of all ages, races, demographics and walks of life. • Our current new member class has a 91 percent retention rate • We have an exciting class of prospective new members for the 2012-13 year. We’re expecting 120 new members to join our League and begin making an immediate impact in the community. It’s exciting to be part of a vital and caring organization like the Junior League of San Antonio, particularly when we literally see the numbers in black-and-white. Let’s make these numbers, and our impact, even better and stronger as we continue through 2012.
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MEMBERSHIP
MEET THE BOARD: BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Lauren McLaughlin 2011-12 MDC Chair With JLSA pillar Sarah Wannarka leaving our community for a new work assignment, some big shoes needed to be filled. Fortunately, Lauren McLaughlin was ready and willing to step into Sarah’s role and lead the Membership Council. According to Lauren, it’s been a fairly seamless transition, and she was able to hit the ground running, guiding the Membership Council and keeping women engaged. Membership is a passion for Lauren, and she’s greatly enjoyed “getting to serve our community with such an outstanding group of dedicated and successful women.” Lauren’s put hard work in her many roles to make JLSA a success. Her past placements have focused on serving League members, as Flavors Cookbook Chair, New Member mentor and Vice Chair of Membership Retention and Engagement. “I loved being a mentor, but… this year has been my favorite so far,” Lauren said. “I've really enjoyed being on the Board and having more of a hand in hopefully influencing the direction the League is going in the future.” As a final note, we asked Lauren for her advice to new League members. After all, who better to advise than the head of membership? Her response? “Find a placement that you consider to be fulfilling - we have so many options!“
GIVING THANKS
TO OUR SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
We are very grateful for the continued support from our generous Sponsors! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Capital Group Companies CHRISTUS Health Clear Channel Communications Foundation Deacon Recruiting Desert Glory Ltd Frost Bank HEB Ken Batchelor Cadillac Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Republic National Distributing Company San Antonio Eye Center South Texas Money Management Sysco TCI Training & Consulting, Inc. Valero Energy Foundation Wave Healthcare
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And a Special Thank You to our Donors: • • • • • • • •
Alusstra Events DJ & Room Lighting Bjorn's Audio Video Home Theatre Blonde Creative Botanika Don Strange Catering of Texas, Inc. Flair Floral Got it Covered Events Illusions Rentals and Decor a division of the RK Group • News 4 WOAI
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MEMBERSHIP
SPOTLIGHT ON: SUSTAINER In January, one of our JLSA past presidents’ passed away. Josephine Thompson was extremely active in the San Antonio community, serving not only with the Junior League, but also with the Battle of Flowers Association, the Miltary-Civilian Club, the Fenwick Club, the Forum and the Magna Carta Dames, the San Antonio Country Club and the Argyle. Mrs. Thompson was the JLSA president for the 1953-54 year. She will be remembered by her many friends and family members, and honored for creating a legacy of community service in the San Antonio area.
SPOTLIGHT ON: MEMBERSHIP Erica Ellis is always on the go – whether she’s teaching classes, traveling the world or running with her husband (she’s completed five half-marathons and one full so far!). And, the same goes for her volunteer work in JLSA – Erica’s quick to jump in wherever she’s needed most. She’s quickly stepped up since her new member year in 2008, to serve as a meeting coordinator, a mentor and this year as new member chair assistant. With her experience serving in these capacities, it’s no wonder that the new member project is one of her favorite JLSA experiences. “It’s always great to see the entire class come together to complete one big project. You really see a huge difference after just a few hours - it’s always a really rewarding day!”
SPOTLIGHT ON: NEW MEMBER For Sarah McKee, joining JLSA was all about respect. She saw women she truly respected serving in the Junior League and decided that she wanted to join with our diverse group of women to support the community. While she’s enjoyed her new member year, Sarah is excited about upcoming projects like Prevent Blindness, because her family was impacted by school vision testing, as well as the continuing support of all community projects through SA Works. “Knowing the financial impact JLSA made in the community for this year has been such an encouragement for the future,” Sarah said. “Being a part of a great vision and knowing each member’s contribution has made a difference is extremely gratifying.”
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IMPACT
COMMUNITY PLACEMENT: ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT Green Spaces Alliances
HOW TO BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER Each year, JLSA partners with agencies throughout San Antonio to assist in the completion of a variety of projects. Projects are selected which are focused on areas pertaining to our mission and position statements. "Done-in-a-Day" projects are short term and can be completed within a 4 to 8 hour work session and require 5 to 20 volunteers.
We only have one world, one community and one opportunity to make our world better. We’re excited to take another opportunity to make San Antonio better by announcing an upcoming partnership with a new community organization – Green Spaces Alliance. This organization is dedicated to making San Antonio a greener place. In fact, their mission is to “sustain the natural environment and enhance urban spaces through land conservation, community engagement and education.”
How could my organization use Done-in-aDay? Examples of Done-in-a-Day Projects include: gardening, home/office repairs such as painting, Special events set-up, clean-up, registration, party planning and administrative help such as typing or inputting information or stuffing a mailing. A representative from the agency must be present for all projects.
What can JLSA do to help? Green Spaces Alliance will be our newest community placement, beginning in the 2012-13 year. Members will be able to sign-up for this JLSA Placement in the Spring. This is planned as a concentrated placement for Summer 2012.
What’s the timeline? Proposals must be received no later than April 1 for June through August projects, July 15 for September through December projects and by Nov 15 for January through May projects.
“We all treasure the uniqueness of the South Texas region – from the Edwards Plateau to the South Texas Plains, from the Hill Country to the prairies. Green Spaces works hard to protect the clean air and safe drinking water that we enjoy today,” says the Green Spaces Alliance website. Thanks to volunteers like our JLSA members who will commit to this project, we’ll be able to give back and make our community a cleaner, greener place.
How can your organization become part of JLSA’s Done-in-a-Day schedule? Agencies may submit project ideas via our online application form to request volunteers and/or funding. Visit jlsa.org for more information or to submit an application today.
For more information on Green Spaces Alliance – visit their website at www.greensatx.org Watch for more information on this exciting new placement soon. W o m e n
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FUNDRAISING
2012 Fête du Cuvée Inaugural Fête du Cuvée Fine Wine Auction – A Great Success! What an evening to remember! Our inaugural Fête du Cuvée was a huge success with over $80,000 raised. The food was amazing, the wine fabulous, and the ambiance spectacular! The guests had fun perusing the silent auction lots while enjoying great wine and Hors D'oeuvres. Following the very lively live auction that mistress of ceremonies Mireya Villareal made so fun and entertaining, the courtyard played host to deserts, desert wines and a jazz band provided by the Monte Vista Jazz Strings and Jazz played great music to end the night. We couldn't have asked for a better first year and we can't wait for 2013! Save the date for the 2nd Annual Fête du Cuvée - March 2, 2013
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FUNDRAISING
88TH RUMMAGE SALE A HUGE SUCCESS
What’s New at the Bright Shawl? Sunday Brunch Every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Bright Shawl held its first Sunday Brunch at the end of January. While the featured menu will rotate each week, the Texas shaped waffles were certainly popular with the kids! Also available for the adults were Mimosas, Bloody Marys and the Bright Shawl’s signature hand squeezed lemonade. Grab your family and friends and plan to meet for brunch next Sunday! $19.95 Adults $14.95 Seniors $12.95 Children 6-12* *Children 5 and under are free A Very Special Brunch with the Easter Bunny Sunday, April 8 Bring your family, friends and the special children in your life for breakfast with the Easter Bunny, who will also be available for a special photo opportunity. Call The Bright Shawl’s sales office for pricing details and reservations at 210-225-6366. “Wine” Down Wednesdays Every last Wednesday of the month Enjoy two glasses of wine and an assortment of appetizers for $14.95. Friends, wine and fun – what could be better? New General Manager In December, the Bright Shawl welcomed new General Manager, Inge Minidis. Originally from Germany, Inge has more than 30 years of food and beverage experience. She speaks five languages, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is a tremendous food and wine aficionado. W o m e n
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Tx Permit No. 144 723 Brooklyn Avenue San Antonio, Texas 78215 T: 210.225.1861 F: 210.225.6832 www.jlsa.org
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.
JLSA CALENDAR April General Membership Meeting – throughout the month in JLSA Sustainer Homes April12: President's Chat at 6:30pm. April14: Market Days at Pearl Brewery meet at 10 a.m. beside La Gloria! April17: Board of Director's Meeting at The Bright Shawl at 7:00pm. May 6: Kids in the Kitchen event at The Bright Shawl 1:00 - 4:00 pm. May 8: Annual General Membership Meeting at The Bright Shawl 7:00pm
Join us for JLSA Book Club: • April 26: The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht at Tong's Thai • May 24: Left Neglected by Lisa Genova at Picknikins Patio Cafe • June 21: Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran at Luke All meetings - Thursdays at 7:00p.m.