F a l l 2 0 1 5 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.
I LOVE JLSA Day August 1, 2015 For Full Story, head over to page 8
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Online Boutique BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lorena PeĂąa President Janet Peavy President-Elect Lauren Malitz Secretary Karen Brown Treasurer Cassie Schneider Treasurer-Elect Brandis Davis Vice President of Community Joy McGaugh Vice President of Membership Development Ariana Barbour Vice President of Communications Yvonne Addison Vice President of Fund Development Melissa Unsell Vice President of Planning Brooke Meabon Program Development Chair Stephanie Reese Social Inclusion Chair LIbby McKelvain Board Member-at-Large Danielle Schick Bylaws/Parliamentarian Sarah Wannarka Vice President of Research & Development Araceli PeĂąa Nominating Chair Barbara Mohs Sustaining Advisor Christina Martin Assistant to the President Lupita Castrejon Tijerina Managing Director JLSA STAFF Lupita A. Castrejon-Tijerina Managing Director 210.225.1861 ext. 302 / lupita@jlsa.org Shannon Grabill Financial Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 301 / shannon@jlsa.org Destiny Stivers Membership Program Administrator 210.225.1861 ext. 300 / destiny@jlsa.org 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-Thurs 9:00am - 5:00pm Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm
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CONTENTS
IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the President New Member Profile Sustainer Profile 6-7 Recipe Box 8 Calendar 10 11
Community New Member Project I Love JLSA Day Science Camp San Antonio Food Bank
Fundraising Holiday Ole Market
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Membership 2014-2015 Board of Directors Sustainer Luncheon True Flavors
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SCRAWLS STAFF Writers: Megan Quinn Rebekah Elliott Elizabeth Rozyskie Photographers: Rachel Cole Hannah Steward Layout Editor: Melanie Tawil Vice President of Communications: Ariana Barbour B e t t e r
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
TOGETHER WE CAN ROCK THE WORLD
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By Lorena Peña
reetings as we embark on the 92nd year of the Junior League of San Antonio. For 92 years, the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. has shaped the social, philanthropic, and cultural fiber of San Antonio. This premier women’s organization not only impacts the communities we serve, but the thousands of women who have been its members as well. I am honored and humbled to lead this incredible association of women. Our quote for the 20152016 year, “One woman can make a difference but TOGETHER we can ROCK the world,” really encompasses many aspects of the Junior League of San Antonio’s mission and beautifully illustrates the impact we are making as a group in San Antonio. Here’s just a short list of some of our current programming (for a complete list, turn to page 16): • Screening the vision of thousands of children, preventing what could lead to blindness • Educating children, youth, and families about healthy living and obesity prevention in order to change the futures of San Antonio families • Supporting seniors in our community who could be forgotten • Recognizing and rewarding quality arts education in our schools, in a time when the arts programs continue to be scaled back or discontinued • Granting thousands of dollars to help support our more than 60 community partners • Helping grow community gardens across the city, and empowering residents to make healthy decisions and build community • Hosted 90+ members to a screening of the empowering movie “MissRepresentation” addressing how women are depicted in media. • Achieving more than 2200 volunteer hours since June 1 • And so much more…
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While just in our 2nd quarter of the 2015-2016 fiscal year, we have accomplished much more than what is listed the above. Some other highlights include: the first annual “I LOVE JLSA” Day, a League-wide event designed to give family and friends of members the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and serve alongside the strong women who make up this organization. In September, the 100+ new members sorted, packed, boxed, and prepared for delivery approximately 36,000 pounds of food, which is the equivalent of 28,125 meals for the San Antonio Food Bank. This, in addition to adapting curriculum and facilitating a Science Camp for young girls in our community and the continued development and growth of our partnership with Goodwill. It has been a productive and successful start to our year. Equally important, we remain dedicated to developing and training strong leaders and change agents for our community. It makes me proud (and leaves me in awe) to see all of the hours the women in our organization give to make our local chapter of the Junior League thrive. Our members are the future leaders of San Antonio: they are visionaries, compassionate, and smart. This is especially evident when you see all the wonderful things our Sustainers contribute to our great city! On behalf of the Junior League of San Antonio and all of our community partners, THANK YOU so much for your support of the League. Whether it be by attending a meeting, participating in a training initiative, or helping us to raise money at any of our fantastic fundraisers like Holiday Ole Market, Resolve for a Better SA 5k, and Fete De Cuvee, your support makes our mission – to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve our community – possible. We appreciate you more than words can express. If you would like to know more about how you can be a part of our community impact, please do not hesitate to email me at president@jlsa. org. You can also visit www.jlsa.org or follow us on social media for more information. And remember “together we CAN rock the WORLD!” Thank you! Lorena Peña
President, Junior League of San Antonio, Inc.
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COMMUNITY IS WHERE IT BEGINS 1924 SOCIETY The 1924 Society was started in the 2013-2014 year to honor the Junior League of San Antonio’s 90th Anniversary. 1924 Society Members have contributed $500 or more to our Annual Loyalty Fund over the course of a single League year. Thank you to the following generous donors who have supported this effort:
Prevent Blindness providing quality vision screenings to the youth in our community.
Crystal Fuller Lorena Pena Cassandra Schneider Brooke Meabon Gretchen Garceau-Kragh Lisa Cohick Laura Talley Andrea Tingleff
What can $500 do? When you invest in the Junior League of San Antonio, we are able to expand your giving dollars by putting trained volunteers in areas of need to strengthen the communities in which we live. To see what your donation impacts, see our Community Partner List on page 16.
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Sunshine Singers bringing the melodies to our wonderful Community Partners.
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COMMUNITY
San Antonio Food Bank NEW MEMBER PROJECT 2015: MISSION IN ACTION! By: Megan Bluntzer • Photos: Megan Bluntzer & Ariana Barbour
On Saturday, September 19, 2015, seventy members of the 2015-16 New Member Class joined forces for the New Member Project at the San Antonio Food Bank (SAFB). In just one morning, they successfully sorted, packed, boxed, and prepared for delivery approximately 1,200 boxes containing 36,000 pounds of food, which is the equivalent of 28,125 meals! The New Member Project is rite of passage for all new JLSA members. New Members kick off their provisional year by completing a “done in a day” community service project benefitting one of our community partners. This project, along with the rest of their provisional year requirements, introduce New Members to JLSA, our mission, and provide them the skill set to be successful in other placements throughout JLSA. Watching the New Members in action, it was evident that while they sorted food and packed boxes to help a very worthy cause, they were also building friendships and bonding as a group. New Member Marisa Resendez reflected on the experience: “I enjoyed the opportunity to get to work with new members who aren’t in my cluster. I was able to talk to them and get to know them while working to help the community.” This year’s New Member class is comprised of 101
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women from diverse backgrounds, careers, educations, and accomplishments. This class includes recent college graduates, teachers, attorneys, stay at home moms, accountants, event planners, and the list goes on. Although they come from different backgrounds, they all share one important trait in common – a passion for giving back to the community. They all joined JLSA to help build a better community for fellow San Antonians. That desire was readily apparent as they arrived at the SAFB eager to roll up their sleeves and break a sweat. After a brief introduction by SAFB staff about the mission of the SAFB and their objectives for the day, the New Members, alongside their mentors and a handful of other JLSA volunteers, dove right in. They formed an impressive assembly line in the SAFB main warehouse. The line started with assembling boxes, followed by sorting nonperishables such as canned fruits and vegetables and bags of rice and beans, then packing the food into the boxes, taping them shut, stacking them on pallets, and finally wrapping the stacked boxes with cellophane for shipment to recipients throughout South Texas. In just two and a half hours, the New
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Members filled 1,180 boxes, meeting the SAFB’s goal for the day with time to spare! New Member Leslie Edwards said she was surprised to learn how few full-time employees SAFB has on staff, and that they rely heavily on volunteers to fulfill their mission. “They can’t do what they do without our help,” says Edwards. The project reiterated to her that because JLSA has such a large number of volunteers, we can make a big difference in a short amount of time when we work together. Not only did the New Members help the SAFB provide emergency food support to those in need, but they learned first-hand that the SAFB provides much more than just meals. SAFB’s mission is to fight hunger in Southwest Texas through food distribution, programs, education, and advocacy. The SAFB provides food and grocery products to more than 500 partner agencies in 16 counties throughout Southwest Texas. Resendez remarked that despite being named the San Antonio Food Bank, she “was shocked to learn how many counties the Food Bank actually serves.” In FY2013, the SAFB provided nearly 50 million pounds of food. SA Works New Member Chair Chrissie Johnson, who helped organize the event, says the primary reason the SAFB was chosen as our partner for this year’s New Member Project was because “SAFB’s mission aligns perfectly with the JLSA Signature Project, Let’s Go San Antonio, which is focused on eliminating childhood obesity in our community.” In San Antonio, one in four children experience hunger. Thirty-six percent of the SAFB’s clients are children under the age of 18. Not only is the SAFB working to ensure these children receive well-balanced meals, but they also seek to teach children about nutrition. Through its BackPack Program, the SAFB distributes food packs to children who are identified by schools as showing signs of living in a high-risk situation. The SAFB also sponsors several Kids Café sites, partnering with local after-school programs to bring effective child nutrition directly to children and teens at youth centers. The SAFB’s Summer Food Service Program provides meals to children who would otherwise go hungry during the summer months. JLSA is incredibly proud of the efforts of the 2015-2016 New Member Class and the success of their New Member Project. JLSA is honored to welcome such a talented group of accomplished and dedicated New Members to further our mission of building a better community in San Antonio. JLSA congratulates the New Member Class on their successful project with SAFB! For more information on the SAFB and its programs, please visit: www.safoodbank.org
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COMMUNITY
I Love JLSA Day THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO TACKLES ROSEDALE PARK
By: Rebekah Elliott • Photos: Rebekah Elliott On August 1 the Junior League of San Antonio celebrat-
ed the first ever “I Love JLSA Day” with a community improvement project at Rosedale Park. This unique event was organized by the JLSA Board Member-at-Large, Libby McKelvain and Sarah Wannarka, Vice Chair of Research and Development. Before this league year even began, President Lorena Pena asked Libby and Sarah to put together an event to dissolve the false “white glove” stereotype that still follows the Junior League. Over brunch the idea for “I Love JLSA Day” was created. Lorena wanted “I Love JLSA Day” to shed this false image, show engagement of our dedicated members and thank our support systems that help us continue doing our great work. Lorena also felt that there was a need for a community project that included league members’ families and friends after feedback from member surveys and discussions with members. “We really wanted to honor the members requests to get out and serve in the community - and with our families - to see what Mommy really does at JL meetings,” said Libby. Sarah worked with the City of San Antonio Parks Department which selected Rosedale Park, near St. Mary’s University, for this project. The city thought that Rosedale was the perfect location for park improvement with its pavilion, play ground and other family areas. The city provided supplies and JLSA league members served as the man power for a day of rewarding fun. City Councilman Roberto Trevino also stopped by to see the project in action. More than 100 Junior League members, family members and friends, pitched in to make this event impactful in just one morning. Volunteers painted curbs and light posts, picked up trash, raked, laid new mulch, cleaned and painted picnic tables. While members and their families were working, they were also able to meet others and connect in an atmosphere of enthusiastic volunteerism, all for the city of San Antonio! League members from all points in their league career attended and helped with the park improvement. New member Anna Lisa Raymond said, “It was important for me to participate today because I wanted to get my husband involved and do some volunteering.” This common theme brought the volunteers together and worked to dissolve that “white glove” stereotype. First thing Saturday morning Lorena welcomed volunteers and guests and expressed her appreciation to the City of San Antonio for their partnership on this and other JLSA projects. “Hearing how we impressed the city workers with our hard work and efficiency made me so proud,” said Lorena. “The City of San Antonio reps, Ernest and Raymond, were awesome and they said the Junior League of San Antonio volunteers and families exceeded their expectations. Most groups don’t finish their list of things to do and not only did we finish we did it in record time!”
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“The City of San Antonio always welcomes volunteers to help us with our city parks because it also expresses the volunteers’ willingness to help us out when we need help to keep the parks looking as best they can. And with the volunteers’ work, it always turns out for the best,” said Ernest Vidal of the City of San Antonio Parks Department. “How cool to see our league members working side by side with their husband and children. Really, all 100 of us operated like one big league family. Community residents who enjoy the park stopped by to thank us,” said Sarah. Libby was the liaison with League members to create the t-shirts, organize shifts and assist other JLSA committees that were also a part of “I Love JLSA Day.” Nominating manned a face painting table and the Let’s Go Committee brought hula hoops and jump ropes for the children in attendance. Sustainer Barbara Mohs, and her husband Bobby, graciously brought their North Shore Shaved Ice truck for all in attendance to enjoy. Communications also helped design special t-shirts just for the event, and even created separate designs for family members. During and after the event, social media was buzzing with pictures and tweets about “I Love JLSA Day” and the project, further demonstrating the league members love and enthusiasm for their league, community and volunteer work. “The one thing that was so great was going home and seeing all of the social media after the event! You hope and pray that this will go well, and the response from social media and pictures really touched me, and we could see that everyone enjoyed the day. And I don’t know what it will become, but it was the start to a great new tradition,” said Libby. “We engaged significant others, parents and kids alike and we all walked away feeling quite successful and hopeful for future service opportunities that are similar.” said Lorena. Throughout the day several family members and friends complimented the JLSA and commented that they appreciated the chance to serve with their loved ones. “We really just want to thank everyone for coming and bringing their families, and everyone for jumping right in and helping and getting so much done. It was good to see the League be able to include those that they love with the important volunteer work that we do. It was so nice for Jonathan and our kids to get up and get our hands dirty volunteering, and that sparked the desire for us to want to do more as a family,” said Libby. “Our motto for the year came to life on Saturday, and proved once again, that TOGETHER, we can ROCK the WORLD. Thank you all for this incredible team effort,” said Lorena.
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COMMUNITY
Science Camp NEW NAME - FOCUSED MISSION
By: Rebekah Elliott
One of the Junior League of San Antonio’s community projects shifted approaches and audiences this summer. JLSA’s Science Camp, formerly Reading Camp, partnered exclusively with Girls, Inc. of San Antonio to reach out to girls in the San Antonio community and spark their interest in science, technology, engineering and math by opening their eyes to the scientific world around them. “In order to make a difference in our community, we wanted to spread our habitat curriculum to a larger audience. What better audience than that of girls looking to us not only as educators but women leading and making a difference in the community,” said Amanda Shippey, Science Camp Chair. This 10-week summer program, known as Glenda Woods Girls University Summer Camp, models the high quality summer learning experience that experts site as a way to address the summer learning slide. 12 JLSA Science Camp volunteers participated during four weeks of the program, teaching 46 lessons to Girls, Inc. campers, ages 6 to 12. The volunteers were able to visit the Eastside and Central Girls, Inc. locations where they taught over 160 girls a new and unique curriculum. This summer’s curriculum, created by JLSA members, covered eight different animal habitats, and included crafts, science experiments and engineering projects. “Now in the program’s ninth year, Girls Inc. has seen a massive growth in the number of girls served in just the past “By the end of camp, 92% of girls between the ages 6 – 8 and 86% few years. In 2015, Girls University served 454 girls, a 253% of girls between the ages 9 – 12 shared they tried something new increase from 2014. This growth was made possible in part during GWGU,” said Rosenauer. because volunteers from the JLSA,” said Lea Rosenauer, Girls This year JLSA had the opportunity to give $5,000 of Science Inc. of San Antonio President/CEO. “Each week, girls were Camp’s budget to Girls, Inc. San Antonio to fund scholarships for introduced to different careers and the majors associated all the girls attending the Eastside location. with achieving such careers. Programs were also laced with “With the Junior League in our corner, Girls Inc. was able to collegiate terminology to help break down language barriers provide much needed hands-on, minds-on, STEM-based promaking education after high school more obtainable.” gramming to girls at our Eastside and Central campuses,” said “This summer, Girls, Inc. was also focused on promoting Rosenauer. college with the campers. Each day we wore a t-shirt from a JLSA volunteers totaled over 160 volunteer hours creating the college we supported. Before we began a lesson, we talked curriculum, teaching and purchasing materials needed for each with the girls about our favorite college and the importance session this summer. of attending it. They really connected with us and could recall For the remainder of the JLSA year, the Science Camp committee the college we attended and what our majors were,” said members will be assisting the JLSA’s Let’s Go San Antonio team Shippey. in teaching some of the curriculum at shifts at the Boys and Girls At the conclusion of the camp, each student was able to take Club of San Antonio, further inspiring students about animal habihome a brand new science book, provided by the JLSA. tats. Science Camp hopes to partner with Girls, Inc. and the Boys “[Science Camp] teaches kids new and exciting discoveries - and Girls Club next year to host another summer full of beneficial which in return the kids provide us with incredible smiles!” science inspired activities for students. said Stacey Rendon, JLSA volunteer with Science Camp.
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FUNDRAISING
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Holiday Olé Market A JOYEUX NOEL HELPS PUT A FRENCH TWIST ON JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO RAISE FUNDS By: Elizabeth Rozyskie • Photos: Sandrine Shelton-Denbow
All of the lights. All of the charm. All of the magic. All of the je ne sais quoi that is Paris at Christmastime was transported to San Antonio for four enchanting days. All of it was the Junior League of San Antonio’s 22nd Annual 2015 Olé Holiday Market: A Joyeux Noel.
The festive Parisian-themed event showcased over 120 regional and national merchants over four fun-filled days. The Junior League of San Antonio Holiday Olé Market hosted over hosted over (10,000) shoppers visiting the Freeman Expo Hall with five whimsical theme parties and four days of shopping made for the perfect kick-off for the Holiday season. “While we did not sell 10,000 tickets, we exceeded our monetary budget goals and sold the most tickets to date. It is our hope that we can continue this precedent and grow our show so that it will be even more profitable in the years to come and allow us to give more to our community partner and projects in the future,” 2015 Olé Holiday Market Chair Sandrine Shelton-Denbow. In it’s 22nd year, the Junior League of San Antonio’s Holiday Olé Market not only brings the latest in fashion, beauty, home decor trends, unique gifts and holiday merchandise to San Antonio, it serves as one of the League’s biggest fund raisers. Proceeds from the Holiday Olé Market advance the Junior League of San Antonio’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community. The proceeds raised from Holiday Olé Market help fund Junior League of San Antonio programs and projects, including our signature project working towards eliminating childhood obesity, “Let’s Go San Antonio.” The festivities began on Thursday, October 15 when our guests were mentally whisked away to Paris for the night with our Preview Party: Passport to Paris, sponsored by Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. The first night of magic and whimsy let our guests escape for an evening of Parisian panache, where they were invited to stroll down our very own Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Just like the haute and couture row in Paris, ours featured exclusive shopping, drinks, a silent auction and a variety of entertainment acts including acrobats and live music. Our guests enjoyed treats provided by Black Tie Affairs Catering. The first full day of Holiday Olé Market kicked off bright and early on Friday morning with Ready, Set, Shop!: Hints of Heloise. Our guests were treated to a brunch with a presentation by internationally syndicated columnist, author and radio/television personality, Heloise. Ready, Set, Shop! also featured door prizes provided by Kendra Scott. Guests were invited to join our first full day of shopping in the Holiday Olé Market, visiting all of our merchants and experiencing the magic of a Holiday in Paris. Families from the San Antonio area were happy to attend our Pajamas & Pancakes: Le Christmas Carousel, sponsored by Capital Group Companies. A delicious pancake breakfast was expertly prepared by Magnolia Pancake Haus and feature lots of fun activities for the entire family. The special guest who joined all of the girls and boys was none other than Papa Nöel himself. Kids from 1 to 92 were delighted, their eyes all a-glow and ready for Day Two of General Shopping in the Holiday wonderland of Paris. If Saturday morning was for families, then Saturday night belonged to the ladies. That evening, Girls’ Night Out: Party at the Palace of Versailles, sponsored by University Health Systems, was equal parts luxe and decadent. Set against the backdrop of the City of Lights, Girls’ Night Out was filled with glitter, gold and glam. The evening featured fabulous shopping, live entertainment, food, drinks, and a silent auction. Our guests enjoyed the night among all of their friends, shopping and really experiencing the true spirit of “joie de vivire” (translated as “the joy of living.”) Sunday marked the final day of Holiday Olé Market. The day was full of shoppers, taking in the last moments of the Holiday Olé Market and grabbing those last minute finds before they left town until next year! Thank you to the entire community, our vendors, donors and volunteers for making our 22nd Annual Holiday Ole Market a success! Joyeux Noel y’all! W o m e n
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FUNDRAISING SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND DONORS The Junior League of San Antonio is incredibly proud to partner with some of the finest businesses, corporations and individuals in town. It’s because of their generous gifts of financial support, goods and services that we are able to advance our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community. THANK YOU to all of the people who have shown their support to us in the 2014-2015 Junior League year. *List current as of Novembe 3, 2015
Andie & Barbara Al Arreaola Jr. Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre Alamo City Moms Blog Alexis Ruiz Ann Ramirez ARG Photographs Avant Salon at The Quarry Village AVTS Balloon Origami Bandoske, Butler, Reuter & Jay, PLLC Barriba Cantina and The County Line BKD, LLP Blo Blow Dry Bar Blue Aura Face and Body Broadway Bank Camp Bow Wow Carey Birmingham Chuy’s Clay Camp Cowboy Cleaners Cured Dos Carolinas DPC Media Services Eiffel a la Carte Elaine Turner Elegant Limousine and Charter Erin Beebe Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Fran True Frost Bank GLI Distributing Grey Moss Inn Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Holiday Olé Market Committee 14
Howl at the Moon Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa Inphinity Designs Jamberry Nails Allison Proffit & Carrie Waisley John Moses Jordan Motorcars Jorge & Nicole Julian Gold Junior League of San Antonio Board of Directors Kawasaki of Universal City Ken Batchelor Cadillac Kim’s It Works! Koko FitClub Alamo Heights & Koko FitClub Dominion Kristen M. Palme, CFP La Madeleine La Tuna Grill Lantana Spa - JW Marriott Hill Country Resort LeeLee Legarreta & Owen, PLLC Lucy Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa M2H Communications Madeline Designs Mario Garza - International Hairstylist Moda Luna Boutique & Salon N2publishing Napa Flats Nothing Bundt Cakes Organic Movement Painting with a Twist - Alamo Heights Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine J u n i o r
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Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille Polka Dot Parties Pool Buoy Porter Loring Mortuary Raquel’s Skin Boutique Revolucion Coffee Rise Bakery Ruben Vega Ryan & Allison Everett Ryan Denbow & Sandrine Shelton-Denbow Salon Vense San Antonio Current Scuzzi’s Italian Grill Shelia Wolfe Shetler Wade Jewelers Six Flags Fiesta Texas Smoke the Restaurant SoLuna Spurs Sports & Entertainment Starbucks Stone Oak Jewelers SwipeTrack Solutions Taco Cabana The Container Store The Grill at Leon Springs The St. Anthony Hotel The Tobin Center The Twig Book Store The Union Yoga + Strength The Wash Tub Tory Burch Trader Joe’s Trailer Park Trinkets UTSA Athletics Wash Tub Boutique Waxing the City Whataburger Whiskey Cake Zedric’s Fit with Flavor A n t o n i o
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COMMUNITY JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO COMMUNITY PARTNERS The Junior League of San Antonio is proud to have recently partnered with the following community groups: AccessAbility Fest for San Antonio Alamo Area Development Corporation Alpha Home ALS Association of South Texas Alzheimer’s Association American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association American Heart Association Any Baby Can of San Antonio Art In The Park Artpace San Antonio Avance - San Antonio Ballet Conservancy of South Texas Ballet Latino de San Antonio Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio BCFS Health and Human Services Benissimo Music Productions Bexar County Family Justice Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas Boys Town Texas Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council Boys & Girls Club San Antonio Boysville, Inc. Brighton Center Cancer Center Council Catholic Charities Center for Family Relations Child Advocates San Antonio Child Safe Children’s Bereavement Center Children’s Shelter Christian Senior Services Chrysalis Ministries Cibolo Nature Center City of Terrell Hills Clarity Child Guidance Center Communities In Schools Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Daisy Cares
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Daughters of Charity Services of San Antonio DoSeum Eva’s Heroes Family Endeavors Family Services Association Family Violence Prevention Services Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Girls Incorporated of San Antonio Girls on The Run Go Play Girls Good Samaritan Community Services Goodwill Industries Green Spaces Alliance Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Guide Dogs of Texas Habitat For Humanity Healy-Murphy Center Heidi Search Center Hill Country Mission for Health Humane Society of San Antonio Inspire Community Fine Art Center Institute of Texan Cultures Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kendall County Women’s Shelter Kinetic Kids, Inc. La Prensa Foundation, Inc. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Literacy San Antonio, Inc. Main Plaza Conservancy Magdalena House Magik Theater Merced Housing Texas McNay Museum of Art Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Mothers Against Drunk Driving Northeast Senior Assistance Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy Prevent Blindness of Texas Rainbow House J u n i o r
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Rape Crisis Center Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Ronald McDonald House Roy Mass Youth Alternatives Center SA Youth SAISD Foundation Salvation Army - San Antonio Area Command San Antonio Animal Advocates San Antonio Clubhouse San Antonio Eye Bank San Antonio Fighting Back San Antonio Food Bank San Antonio Museum of Art San Antonio Public Library Foundation San Antonio River Foundation San Antonio State Hospital San Antonio Youth Seton Home SNIPSA Southwest Key Programs Spina Bifida Texas St. PJ’s Children’s Home Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure Texas Organ Sharing Alliance Texas Public Radio The Arc of San Antonio The Magik Theatre The Saddle Light Center Transplants for Children Unicorn Centers, Inc. University Health System Foundation Urban Connections Voices for Children of San Antonio WINGS Witte Museum Woodridge Elementary PTO Youth Orchestras of San Antonio A n t o n i o
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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP
Anne Edmunds A LIFE-LONG PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS PAVED THE ROAD TO THE ALAMO CITY FOR THIS TRANSFER MEMBER
By: Megan Bluntzer
A native of the Big Easy, JLSA transfer member Anne Edmunds has always been passionate about education and helping those around her achieve success. So it’s no surprise that when a new job relocated her to San Antonio, she eagerly jumped at the opportunity to transfer into JLSA to continue her passion for community service. Only a few months into her transfer year, she has already is already standing out as a future leader of the League. The oldest of four children, Anne attended an all-girls school in New Orleans for 13 years. Her school’s motto was “Noblesse Oblige,” a French phrase which roughly translates to mean that if you are blessed, you have an obligation to help those who are less blessed. Growing up in an environment that placed great emphasis on community service and the empowerment of women, Anne was surprised to learn that not all women are so lucky. It wasn’t until she studied abroad in Bristol, England for a year after graduating high school that she realized that not all women live in cultures where their voices are equally heard and opinions are equally valued. At Clifton College in England, a historically all-male school which was only in its second year of accepting female students at the time, she studied math and physics. In most of her classes, she was the only female student. She recalls a day where her math teacher made a mistake on the blackboard. Anne pointed out the error to the teacher, much to the surprise of the male students around her, who had probably never seen a female student have the courage to do that. After her year abroad, which allowed Anne to travel extensively throughout Europe, she returned to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Math from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Anne went on to earn a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Peabody College of Vanderbilt and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama.
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Anne has worked in higher education for over 20 years, the past 15 of which have been in college admission at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and most recently at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Seeking to transition her career from student recruitment to student retention, she accepted a new job as Director of Graduate Student Success at St. Mary’s University in March 2015. Her role focuses on implementing programming to support student success. “I get to be a cheerleader for graduate students, helping them overcome obstacles they encounter as they work to earn their degree”, explains Anne. Prior to moving to San Antonio, Anne spent two and half years as a member of the Junior League of St. Louis. She initially joined the Junior League to become more involved in community service and served on their Community Impact placement, which allowed Anne to coordinate volunteer opportunities for members with various community partners. Although her time in the Junior League of St. Louis was brief, she is very grateful for the close friendships she established with two women she met in her new member class, which have continued to flourish.
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“I knew the Junior League of San Antonio would provide an immediate opportunity to connect to professional women who wanted to give back to their community, and offer chances to get involved in my new city.” Edmunds says As anyone who has done it will attest, moving to a new city can be a daunting task. But Anne chose to see the move as a great opportunity to explore a new city, make new connections – both professionally and personally -- and make a difference in her new community by joining JLSA. “I knew [JLSA] would provide an immediate opportunity to connect to professional women who wanted to give back to their community, and offer chances to get involved in my new city.”
Anne Edmunds is passionate about contributing to the community that she now calls home. She transferred from the Junior League of St. Louis where she was a member for two and half years. An avid learner, Anne is a world traveler and obtained her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Alabama. She is currently the Director of Graduate Student Success at St. Mary’s University. We are so thankful to have a warm heart join us in our community that we love so much in Anne.
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Even though it’s early in her transfer year, Anne says nothing but positive things to say about her JLSA experience so far. She has been “very impressed with nec the diam. organizaSed, vulputate Maecenas tion and leadership of [JLSA]. The meetings have all been consequat diam venenatis run professionally and efficiently, maximizing the timequam we busy women dedicate to JLSA.” When asked what sheneque is pellentesque quis rutrum most excited about for her first year in JLSA, she said “I’m sodales. mi turpis,comdignissim looking forward to giving back to theNunc San Antonio munity that has been so welcoming and inviting to me eget malesuada et, tinciduntasquis a newcomer. I’m still getting connected to the people and turpis. sem leo, bibendum places of San Antonio and find thatNullam exploration exciting.” In addition to joining JLSA, Anne has also become actively at tincidunt ut, blandit sed metus. involved with the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) and Pellentesque ultricies sodales tortor the McNay Art Museum. ac lacinia. Morbi iaculis, leo a suscipit Transfer Chair Crystal Fuller says Anne stood out immelacus purus laoreet nibh, diately not only because shescelerisque, has attended every transfer meeting and many events (even before they nec commodo nislcounted diam etfor velit. Suscredit), but because of her can-do attitude and enthusiasm pendisse vestibulum to dive into all that JLSA offers. Fullernibh has dui, no doubt that eget “Anne will continue to be a huge asset to our League!” condimentum cursus, condimentum at leo. Maecenas tristique In her spare time, Anne enjoys baking and sharing her delicacies with friends and coworkers. Almond tea cakes are her signature cookie. She also enjoys wine tasting and porttitor sapien, quis Vedra consequat dui traveling. Anne most recently traveled to Ponte Beach, Florida with her extended family, place she vulputate et. aAliquam velithas mi, ornare vacationed since she was a child. at tinidunt et, suscipit a nibh. Ut orci It goes without saying that JLSA very fortunate tosit callamet, felis,isviverra sed viverra Anne Edmunds one of our own, and we look forward to watching her continue to flourish in the League!
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MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP
Leslie Gautreaux Edwards THIS NEW MEMBER, MOTHER OF THREE, AND SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR LIVES BY THE MOTTO “DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO” By: Megan Bluntzer
JLSA new member Leslie Edwards has called San Antonio home for nearly three years, but her heart will always be in Louisiana. She was born and raised in Opelousas, Louisiana, a small town just north of Lafayette, in the heart of Cajun country. Growing up, she attended the same school from Pre-K through 12th grade. She was one of 70 students in her high school graduating class. Leslie remembers her small town upbringing fondly, saying “my small Since they moved around so frequently over the hometown was a great place to grow up and build the past 12 years due to her husband’s job, she was confidence that prepared me for college and beyond.” never in one place long enough to commit to joining a Junior League chapter but it was always one of her After completing her undergraduate degree in English at goals. the University of Louisiana, Leslie obtained a PhD in English at Texas A&M University. She says completing her dissertation was “extremely challenging . . . but I learned a lot Once Leslie realized that San Antonio would be their about myself and reaching goals during that time.” An avid permanent home, she eagerly jumped at the oplover of reading, specifically English literature, she initially portunity to join JLSA. “I’ve always wanted to be a part of the Junior League. I met several JLSA memplanned a career as an English teacher. After graduating bers whom I really admire and they inspired and from Texas A&M, she taught at both Texas Lutheran Uniencouraged me to apply.” One of the JLSA members versity and Rocky Mountain College. who inspired her most was Active Member Celina Montoya, her JLSA sponsor and current Vice Chair of Leslie has been married for 12 years to Jason Edwards, a petroleum engineer for Forge Energy in San Antonio. They Training and Education. Just a few months into her New Member year, Leslie has already completed all met while both were out dancing one night. “He asked of her SA Works hours and is excited for what the me to two-step, and the rest is history!” Leslie and Jason rest of her prospective member year holds. have three daughters, Fallon (age 7), Meridian (age 4) and Coraline (age 3) and currently live in the Marymount neighborhood. Before moving to San Antonio, Leslie and Reflecting on her initial impressions of the League, Leslie says: “JLSA has such a rich membership of her family lived in Billings, MT, Austin, New Orleans, and strong, confident women leaders, and I’m always Lafayette, LA.
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inspired by their work and actions. In my time so far I’ve learned how much our community partners value JLSA . . . we provide them with a lot of ‘woman-power’ and that is such an amazing asset for the City of San Antonio.” In addition to being a busy mom of three and New Member, Leslie is also the Owner/CEO of Koko FitClub Alamo Heights and Dominion. Fitness started as just a hobby for her but ultimately led to a total career change. “I learned about Koko FitClub in June 2013, began the discovery process with the franchise and opened my first club in August 2014.” Even though she left the university setting, her passion for teaching continues. Every day when she’s at Koko FitClub, she enjoys teaching clients about exercise physiology, fitness, and nutrition. At Koko FitClub, Leslie’s goal is to create much more than a gym. It’s a fitness community, where in addition to workouts, they offer yoga, a 5K running team, a healthy living book club, and expert advice on health and nutrition. Leslie says “KoKo FitClub is a boutique size fitness club that focuses on helping our members find better balance and consistency with their workouts, which leads to better results and success. We help change people’s lives, and that is so exciting and rewarding!” Leslie’s passion for fitness and helping other achieve their goals is contagious. As a fitness and healthy living entrepreneur, she eagerly anticipates volunteering at the JLSA 4th Annual Resolve for a Better SA 5K and with our signature project, Let’s Go San Antonio. Leslie’s ambition and passion for inspiring others quickly impressed her New Member Mentor, Delaney Alford. “Leslie has quickly become someone that I admire. She always contributes to our new member discussions with great suggestions. At our last small cluster, she wowed the [Resolve for a Better SA] 5K chair, Elaine Vornsand, with a great suggestion on how to improve this year’s race,” Alford said. Leslie generously hosted one of her small cluster’s meetings at Koko FitClub Alamo Heights, and even offered everyone who attended a free trial one month membership! In her spare time, Leslie enjoys reading, knitting, gardening, and cooking, especially Cajun food. Every year she hosts a Mardi Gras brunch, complete with all the traditional Cajun dishes, for family and friends. Although she misses Louisiana, Leslie is thrilled to call San Antonio home. “San Antonio is a great city, and it’s getting better every day. The people here are extremely warm and friendly, and we feel right at home.” Spend just a few minutes with her, and you’ll be inspired by her drive, passion for helping others and can-do attitude. We are excited to watch her grow and flourish in the League. Please warmly welcome Leslie to JLSA! W o m e n
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FUNDRAISING
Fresh Flavors The cookbook tradition of the Junior League of San Antonio is now an attractive bamboo recipe box with over 60 curated recipes. Our signature recipe box makes gift giving easy and proceeds of Fresh Flavors will contribute to the mission of the Junior League of San Antonio. Get your recipe box for just $35 each, and personalization is available for an additional charge. Orders can be placed at www.JLSA.org and shipping is available.
Sustainer Luncheon SUSTAINERS OF ALL AGES GATHER FOR THE ANNUAL EVENT HELD AT THE BRIGHT SHAWL
Photos: Rachel Cole
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Getting to know the 2015-2016 Junior League of San Antonio Board of Directors, we asked them, “What makes the Junior League of San Antonio ROCK?” Photos: Studio Benton
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…it creates opportunities for women to find their voice and inner champion.” Lorena Peña, President
… knowing we are doing good in our community through volunteer hours or monetary support makes my heart and soul smile. Karen Brown, Treasurer
...we train women to be leaders in our community. And your donation is doubled sice we always pair the donated dollars with volunteer hours. Janet Peavy, President-Elect
… it allows me to better my community while forming lifelong friendships. Cassie Schneider, Treasurer-Elect
… we make the community that we live in a better place for all people!! Lauren Malitz, Board Secretary
… we’re improving the community one volunteer at a time. Brandis Davis, Vice President of Community Council
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MEMBERSHIP … of the one common thread in all we do: WE. CHANGE. LIVES. We transform our members by enriching the lives of those we serve. Joy McGaugh, Vice President of Membership Development Council
… because it helps women form strong ties with each other while giving back to the community. Daniel Schick, Bylaws / Parliamentarian
... it enables women to have a voice in the community and show what they can do when joined together to help those around them. Ariana Barbour, Vice President of Communications Council
… Friends. Family. Laughter. Service. #JLSARocks. Sarah Wannarka, Vice President of Research and Development
… it brings women together to improve our community by providing volunteers, program grants and leadership training. Yvonne Addison, Vice President of Fund Development Council
… it makes me smarter about the city that I love, issues that I am interested in and it is alongside women that inspire me every day. Araceli Peña, Nominating Committee Chair
… we are social entrepreneurs cultivating better communities with purpose and grace. #StrongWomen #TransformingCommunities. Melissa Unsell, Vice President of Planning
...it sustains this sustainer and its roots grow hope all over this community. Barbara Mohs, Board Sustaining Advisor
… as someone returning to San Antonio after 12
... it inspires strong, smart and kind women to build each other up - as friends, as philanthropists, as community. Christina Martin, Assistant to the President
years, it gave me a way to: 1. Quickly plug into my hometown as a volunteer, 2. Meet and make friends with women committed to our community, 3.Make a difference in a city I love.
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… the Junior League of San Antonio builds bonds between women, leaders among them, and stronger communities because of them. Stephanie Reese, Social Inclusion Chair … it offers us an opportunity to be a part of its story by strong, caring women for 90+ years and we are encouraged to write a chapter...I think that’s pretty awesome. Libby McKelvain, Board Member-at-Large
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TELL US WHY YOU THINK #JLSAROCKS, SHARE ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER AND DON’T FORGET TO TAG @JUNIORLEAGUESA!
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We’ve Been Busy... Junior League of San Antonio Leadership Training June 6, 2015
“One woman can make a difference, but together we can rock the world.”
Get Fit With JLSA July 27, 2015
As part of the Mayor’s Fitness Council Fit Pass 2015: A Passport to a Healthier You. Junior League of San Antonio teamed up with BeastMode to lead a Fitness Boot Camp at the Bright Shawl.
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MEMBERSHIP FUNDRAISING
WHY IS DONATING TO ALF IMPORTANT? DONATING TO ALF SHOWS LOYALTY TO YOUR LEAGUE – THAT YOU BELIEVE IN THE MISSION OF JLSA AND YOU WANT TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. THE PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERSHIP DONATIONS TO OUR ORGANIZATION IS A FREQUENTLY REQUESTED STATISTIC BY CORPORATE DONORS. THE CLOSER WE ARE TO 100%, THE STRONGER OUR ORGANIZATION IS – HELPING US GET ADDITIONAL FUNDING SO WE PUT MORE MONEY TOWARDS OUR MISSION. DONATE TO THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SAN ANTONIO TODAY: HTTPS://WWW.JLSA.ORG/?ND=ANNUAL_FUND_DONATION
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Miss Representation July 29, 2015
Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists, and academics like Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Condoleeza Rice, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Katz, Jean Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem. The film offers startling facts and statistics to leave audiences shaken and armed with a new perspective.
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MEMBERSHIP
AMIGOS In September, 2004, the Junior League of San Antonio launched a new program for our league members to provide support, acknowledgment and friendship in times of joy, celebration, sadness and mourning. Our members give countless hours of time and love in our community, and it is our mission to support our members with our time and love when needed. Our AMIGOS program is designed to give our members an extended hand of friendship when needed. It may be a special card to cheer up one who has been ill, or a small gift to celebrate the birth of a child. It may be a phone call to offer support to a member who is having a difficult time, or a dinner for a family whose loved one has passed away. AMIGOS is a non-placed volunteer position to find ways to provide special attention to those members who need a little extra care, who need our AMIGOS.
A Mission In Giving Others Support
Announcing Our Newest Little Leaguers • Scotty and Clifton Macdaniel welcomed Charles “Smith” on June 17, 7 lb. 3 oz. • Beth (Barbee) and Jason Hubbert welcomed Colin Wayne on June 11, 8 lb. 5 oz. • Evangelina Reza-Holliday welcomed Emma Blair on June 20, 6 lb. 12 oz. • Callie and Ryan Hudak welcomed Lucy Elizabeth on April 17, 6 lb. 10 oz. Newly Engaged/Married • Suzanne (Miller) Graham and Justin Graham were married on July 11, 2015. • Amanda Shippey is engaged to Patrick Galvin and they are getting married on March 12, 2016. Kudos • Tara Shelton was appointed to the Board of Directors for Clarity Child Guidance Center • Katie Kinder DeBauche was appointed to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women Please Keep In Your Thoughts • Erin Stavros • Lupita Castrejon-Tijerina
A.M.I.G.O.S. would love to hear from you and celebrate your successes or help you through a hard time. Contact us at amigos@jlsa.org.
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The Bright Shawl is the historic home of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc. The Junior League of San Antonio 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. At the outset, approximately 100 diners could be accommodated in the original small space, and by 1929, The Bright Shawl Tearoom had outgrown this location and moved to its current location at 819 Augusta Street. The new building, designed by architect Alfred Giles, had formally served as the home of Dr. and Mrs. C.E.R. King and their nine children. Lumber for the original house had been purchased from Steves Lumber Company and limestone was hauled from quarries in what is now Brackenridge Park. By 1965, Bright Shawl patronage and Junior League of San Antonio membership had grown to record heights. To accommodate the growth, the Junior League decided to restore the original house and construct new meeting room facilities in 1973 – the same year the original building, formally the CER King home, was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The renovation and expansion project began in 1975 under the direction of architectural firm Martin and Ortega. Upon the completion of the newest construction in 1976, the entire restoration was designated an Official Bicentennial Project. The more than 1,200 members of the Junior League of San Antonio proudly continue to serve the San Antonio community from The Bright Shawl. The facility also serves as a beautiful event space in downtown San Antonio, managed by Chef Johnny Hernandez’s True Flavors.
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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
JLSACALENDAR! 2015
November 17 December 8 18
Board Meeting General Membership Meeting Board Meeting
May 10
General Membership Meeting
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2016
January 12 26 16 February 9 28 23 March 19 22 April 12 26
General Membership Meeting Board Meeting Resolve for a Better SA 5k General Membership Meeting JLSA Goodwill “Rummage Around” Sale Board Meeting Fête de Cuvée A Black Tie Event Board Meeting General Membership Meeting Board Meeting
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