Letter from the Editor
T
his has been a year of changes, to say the least. Living in the midst of a pandemic has required us all to adapt to shifting realities. Lagniappe is no exception. This issue marks the final stand-alone print edition of the magazine. Starting this summer, at the beginning of the new League year, you will find Lagniappe in St. Charles Avenue magazine. Rest assured JLNO remains committed to informing its membership about the organization’s accomplishments and opportunities to advance the wellbeing of women. It is fitting that this final independent issue is all about service. Our cover story features Mrs. Julia Bland, JLNO’s Sustainer of the Year. League members selected Mrs. Bland from an impressive pool of candidates as a prime exemplar of the organization’s mission and commitment to community development and humanitarian efforts. Mrs. Bland is not alone in her dedication to the JLNO and the wider community despite the challenges of posed by COVID-19. Our Board members graciously shared their wisdom and insight with Lagniappe, recounting how they have been able to lead the organization through difficult and unusual times. Looking toward the future, League members in the creative and design industry relate their experiences and successes to inspire others to pursue similar pathways. In addition to the pandemic, League members responded to two hurricanes that hit our state in quick succession. This issue details JLNO’s disaster relief response, which provided direct support to families displaced by these natural disasters. The League has also sought to maintain familiar traditions in addition to responding to unprecedented events. Our annual Run, Walk, Give fundraiser offered members an opportunity to connect in a safe, socially-distanced environment to ensure the organization has the resources to give back to the community through its various programs and initiatives. Overall, this issue reminds us of all we have accomplished in the face of adversity and shows us that we will be able to meet any challenges the year ahead presents.
Photo by: Jessica Bachmann
Gratefully,
Sonia Godfrey 2020-2021 Lagniappe Editor
jlno.org
3
