LeagueLines The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin January/February 2014
celebrating 80 years
fORTY-FIVE YEARS OF WISDOM
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PAST PRESIDENTS By Jennifer Bernier It has been 80 years since Gladys Bowman took the helm as the very first President of The Junior League of Austin. To date, 75 generous and committed women have followed in her footsteps. Through their leadership, these women encouraged the growth and change that has shaped the League into what it is today. In honor of their service and our 80th anniversary, we sent this talented group of women a series of questions. We were curious to find out what has changed, what advice they would give to current League members and how they feel The Junior League of Austin has been most impactful. We received answers from past Presidents spanning 45 years of service! When asked to describe the biggest change or shift they had seen in the League since serving as President, the most common answer was, not surprisingly, the size. “It continues to grow each year and although it may be a challenge to manage and engage such a large group, it is great to know that volunteerism is alive and well in our city,” writes Sandy Alcala (20102011). Another interesting perspective on League changes came from Nancy Edsel (19992000). She writes, “In reality, as much as The Junior League of Austin has kept up with all changes in technology, workforce, economy, etc., the basic tenets remain unchanged. It is still, and always has been, an organization made up of driven, compassionate women who want to volunteer to make the Austin community a better place. That is what makes the League so strong—it adapts but
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remains the great organization it always has been and builds on its long experience. Thank goodness the League never really changes!” These sentiments were echoed by Libby Malone (1986-1987), “While there are many exciting new developments including the new headquarters’ capital campaign; in my opinion, the real strength of the JLA is what has not changed—its steadfast adherence to the core mission of the League as a volunteer training organization for women.” We also asked for the biggest piece of advice these women would give to our Provisional class or women interested in becoming Provisionals. The number one response: respect the commitment. Eugenia Miller (1968-1969) advises, “Be sure you have the necessary time to devote to the demands of the Provisional year.” “Don’t be a Provisional until it is a time in your life you can take advantage of the training for at least five years,” were the words of Carolyn Curtis (1979-1980). Susan Driver (1978-1979) also reminds League members to value the fresh perspective our Provisionals bring to the table. “Even though someone is a Provisional, she may have an experience, idea or perspective that is just what the League needs to hear. What she lacks in longevity in the League, she may more than make up through her other experiences.” So Provisionals, don’t be shy! Another common piece of advice is to challenge yourself. Suzy Balagia (2003-2004) writes, “Take advantage of the League training and pursue placements out of your comfort zone.”
Next we asked for advice tailored to women interested in League leadership positions. Beth Atherton (1991-1992) writes, “Take a job for which you have no knowledge or skill set. Learn something totally new. The safety net of The Junior League allows you to stretch and grow. You cannot kill the JLA—it is an incredibly resilient organization—as it will always come back and form once again into something even better. That is an important part of the learning process, and the true success of The Junior League experiences of which you should take advantage. Do not be scared!” These sentiments were echoed by Sandy Alcala (2010-2011) who says, “Be willing to accept leadership positions that your peers recommend you for. Often, we do not see some of our own strengths and tend to stay in our comfort zone. Your best experiences can come from those placements that others want to see you fill and take the lead in.” Our most recent past President, Cathy McHorse (20122013), also advises, “Be open to opportunities that you may not have imagined for yourself, while being honest with yourself and others about your capacity and limitations at any time. I believe the most effective leaders are those who take time to be led, learning from serving under different leadership styles. Don’t think that you have to always be in charge to be on a path toward leadership. Sample different aspects of the League experience along the way for a deeper understanding of our mission and organization.” When asked what they have seen or heard that exemplifies our mission in action in the most remarkable or impactful way, the overwhelming response was FIT. Marilla King (1980-1981) boasts, “It is a well-organized, well-executed program that meets a critically unmet need. I hope we can expand to more and more schools.” Beth Atherton (1991-1992) continues, “The JLA identified a need in the community and matched it with the changing demographic of our League Provisionals, solved a training issue with the closing of the Thrift Shop, executed a strategic fundraising program and BEST of ALL has made a difference in the lives of many children and families in measurable and significant ways. While I have had absolutely nothing to do with
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it, [FIT] is probably the thing of which I am most proud for the JLA.” And on one final note, we asked our panel of past Presidents where they see the League on its 100th Anniversary. Cathy McHorse (20122013) writes, “I believe the League needs to continue to always self-evaluate and look broadly and creatively at how we can best shape our projects and programs to meet the evolving needs of both our community and members. Our membership of smart, savvy women has grown up already in a culture that expects students to accumulate service hours, and they have experience in direct service. Many of these Active members have demanding professional careers and families, so our projects and placements will require flexibility. The League can capitalize on members’ knowledge and professional skills to help our community’s many nonprofits build capacity and strategically collaborate on projects rather than fill traditional direct service roles. The opportunities are abundant if we strive for our vision to ‘strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.’” Wise words from a wise group of women.
In This Issue Forty-Five Years of Wisdom
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In This Issue
3
Dealing with Decorum
4
Recipe Exchange
5
ACA Wrap-Up
8
Coats for Kids Wrap-Up
9
Capital Campaign
10
Food In Tummies
12
Training and Education
13
Spotlights: Provisionals
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Actives 15 Transfers 16 At Work and At Play
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JLA Babies and Weddings
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JLA Updates
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Mark Your Calendars
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LeagueLines The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin
Published five times a year by The Junior League of Austin Lindsey Elbom Gehrig, Editor Sheridan Cottom, Literary Editor Sarah Stotts, Copy Editor Sarah Heidler, Design Editor Graphic Designers/ Layout Assistants: Kimberly Knaus Lauren Krumlauf Andrea Maceyra Lindsay Wampler Kristen Yen Photography Staff: Lara Jones Writers: Amy Ashwood Jennifer Bernier Jamie Burchfield Laura Williams Sustaining Advisor: Andrea Lofye
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Board of Directors 2013-2014 Kelly Breeden President Gregory Noack President-Elect Lauren Price Treasurer Amber Brabham Recording Secretary Catherine Bird Community VP
Holly Priestner Financial Development VP Camille Jobe Membership Development VP Jenny Butterworth Member-at-Large Hannah Nokes Member-at-Large
Ashley Kelm Administrative VP
Cookie Ruiz Sustaining President
Erin Courreges Communications VP
Dawn Breyfogle Parliamentarian/ Bylaws
Renee Harvey Treasurer-Elect Sarah Valenzuela Nominating Chair Jenn Galbraith Strategic Planning Chair Hadley Hempel Technology Chair
EALING WITH decorum By Penelope Que
We’re trying something new at LeagueLines this month. Ever had a pressing League-related question you’re dying to get answered, but you’re unsure who to ask? New to Austin and looking for more general advice about life in our fair city? Or maybe you’re just hoping to get a third party opinion on the seemingly ever-changing rules of etiquette. Well, look no further because LeagueLines has it’s very own advice column! Please send future questions to leaguelines@jlaustin.org. And now, on to our first set of questions. Where are the best spots in Austin to take family photos? - Help Me Snap Happy Dear Help Me Snap Happy, There was a time in the early 90s when my family suddenly had a family photo uniform: jeans and a white button down. Maybe one year we went wild and did khaki bottoms instead?! I can’t even tell you how many photos we have in various locales wearing this uniform. We wore them by ponds, in lovely gardens, in front of beautiful buildings, and occasionally in front of one of those subtle, abstract-art inspired photo studio backgrounds. And while those photos are lovely, my favorite family pic by far is the one we took boarding a cruise to Alaska where, unbeknownst to the photographer, we schemed to all turn our heads to the right just as he snapped the photo. Poor guy said “Eyes forward!” as we all giggled and stood fast in our determination to “ruin” this cruise ship rite of passage. Where am I going with this story? Pick a place that means something to you and your family. That way, every time you look at your family photo, you’ll be reminded of a cherished memory. If nowhere comes to mind, plan an afternoon at the Zilker Botanical Gardens, or have lunch in South Austin and take your pictures in front of the South 1st Street Austin Mural. Still feeling uninspired? There’s always Mayfield Park or Auditorium Shores. Just be careful of the dogs roaming free at the latter!
How can I engage a fellow League member who isn’t pulling her weight on a placement? - Tired of Taking the Brunt Dear Tired of Taking the Brunt, It’s frustrating when other people let you down. Particularly when their shortcomings might mean more work for you. If the League member’s lacking is truly hurting your ability to do your job, it might be time to involve the higher ups. Seek out advice from your project or committee chair to help resolve the situation. No one likes a tattle-tale though, so be careful how you frame your complaint. Make it clear that your primary focus is to do the best job you can do, not to get anyone else in trouble. If your fellow League member’s lack of follow through is only a bother in the sense that you hate to see good talent squandered, my advice is to focus on your own volunteer efforts. Until you’ve walked a mile in her shoes, it’s hard to know why she’s only capable of the weight she’s currently pulling. And on that note, if you’re in a position to, you could always offer to help!
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Spring Break is coming up. Any helpful suggestions about vacations, stay-cations or best weeks to get out of Austin? - South Padre or Bust Dear South Padre or Bust, Spring Break is definitely one of those weeks to get away! While a Spring Break Staycation in Austin might seem like a good idea—aren’t all those pesky students gone?—the influx of folks for SXSW pretty much ruins that plan. While we’re on the subject, other great times to get the heck out of dodge would include Formula One race weekend, assuming of course it doesn’t conflict with A Christmas Affair or ACL weekend(s). As for vacation advice, well that’s tricky. Who’s my audience? Young Leaguers who haven’t yet given over their lives to the pitter patter of little feet? Leaguers with families? Let’s imagine I’m still in my 20s. Yes. This is good. I like this. My “maybe someday” husband or gaggle of girlfriends and I are taking a little road trip out to Texas wine country. We’re staying at a bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg and doing an all-day winery tour. We’re enjoying German food for dinner and shopping along Main Street on Sunday afternoon before heading back to the city … (I’m putting this ellipsis here because I don’t want to leave).
What’s the going rate for a babysitter these days? How can I find a babysitter in a different city? What about renting baby equipment? - New Mom Dear New Mom, Thank you for bringing me back to reality (please see my answer to South Padre or Bust for context). I have found that the going rate for a babysitter is $10-12 per hour. Finding a babysitter in a different city is not something I have experienced yet, but I have heard good things about some of the childcare provider websites. I also do know that most hotels offer some baby equipment (pack ‘n plays for example) to help accommodate children. Many cities have a company that rents baby gear and even toys.
Recipe Exchange by Jennifer Bernier Ever since The Dallas Junior League published its first cook book, “Junior League Cook Book,” in 1923, Junior Leagues everywhere have been using them as a valuable fundraising tool. In our new recipe exchange column, we’ll be sampling recipes from Leagues around the country as well as sharing recipes from our own readership. Please submit your recipes to leaguelines@jlaustin.org. To kick things off, let’s start with a recipe from the venerable “Charleston Receipts.” This flagship cookbook from The Junior League of Charleston, S.C., first published in 1950, is a collection of recipes still in heavy rotation among local cooks because it pays homage to the regional cuisine so well.
Hominy Surprise
Ingredients 8 cups water 1 tablespoon salt 2 cups stone-ground grits 1 tablespoon black pepper, or to taste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 2 raw eggs 1 cup milk Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping Paprika for topping Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the hominy (grits), bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in grits slowly. Cover pot and reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until grits are thick and creamy, about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pepper, Worcestershire, butter and cheese. Beat eggs into the milk. While grits are still slightly warm, mix in the egg mixture. Pour into 11/2-quart baking dish or divide among ramekins, about 12 to 14. Sprinkle with extra cheese and paprika. Bake 30 to 45 minutes.
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As I write this, Austin finally seems to be enjoying our brief taste of winter, which gets me in the mood for warm, comforting one-pot meals. The one-pot meal is a new obsession in our household. With a very mobile one-year-old and both parents working full time, getting a quick and tasty meal on the table each night has become a high priority. In my quest for perfect one-pot meals, I’ve come across a few gems that I want to share with you here. The first is a seemingly odd pairing of sweet potatoes, black beans and kale, but I assure you that the result is crave-ably good. The recipe comes from Gwyneth Paltrow. Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Kale Skillet Ingredients 2 sweet potatoes, peeled 1 can black beans 2 hearty handfuls kale, torn into bite-size pieces 1 lime Olive oil Pinch of sumac Pinch of cumin Sea salt Freshly ground pepper Directions Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Lay cut surface flat on a cutting board and slice in half again lengthwise. Then, slice into ¼-inch thick pieces. Place large sauté pan over medium high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add sweet potatoes, sumac and cumin to pan and cook for a minute until they begin to brown, stirring throughout to coat (if you wait to add salt and pepper, the potatoes will brown up a little better). Cover after a minute, bring the heat down to medium and let cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until they’ve softened up. Add black beans. Stir to mix. Add kale, season with salt and pepper, mix and cover. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, uncover and stir. (If it’s feeling a bit too dry at this point, drizzle a little more olive oil.) Cook for another minute or so until kale is cooked to your liking. Drizzle with lime and serve with avocado slices, cilantro, warm tortillas and sour cream if desired.
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My other front-runner for a favorite one-pot meal comes from Tyler Florence. His book “Start Fresh” is a great reference for introducing solids to babies, and the best part is that it comes with some pretty great recipes for adults too. His chicken rice recipe is comfort food at its finest. Chicken with White Rice, Broccoli, Carrots and Peas Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup broccoli florets 1 handful of baby carrots 1 small onion, cut into rings ½ cup sugar snap peas ½ cup frozen peas 1-½ cups long-grain white rice 3 cups chicken stock Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small roasting pan, heat olive oil over medium heat on the stovetop until shimmering. Add chicken and cook, turning once, until browned (7 to 10 minutes). Add broccoli, carrots, onion, sugar snap peas, and frozen peas and cook until the vegetables are bright in color (3 to 5 minutes). Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a plate and set aside. Melt butter in the same pan and stir in rice to coat. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken and vegetables on top and transfer to the oven. Bake, uncovered, until the rice has absorbed the liquid, 30 to 40 minutes, and the chicken is done. For the really little guys, roughly chop their portions, then pulse in a food processor until coarsely or finely chopped.
We hope you enjoy trying out these recipes, and we encourage you to submit your go-to meal ideas for future issues. Email recipes to leaguelines@jlaustin.org.
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A Christmas Affair 2013 Wrap-Up Thank you to our membership for your continued dedication and support in making this year’s A Christmas Affair such a huge success! A HUGE thank you to the 2013 A Christmas Affair Committee! Without your dedication to go above and beyond in your commitment to the Junior League, our impact in the Austin community would not be as profound. Year after year, we host A Christmas Affair in hopes of changing lives for the better. In 2013, we accomplished this goal, and our impact will be felt over the next year. Holly Mace Massingill
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By Laura Williams Coats for Kids once again was a huge success! At the event, which has been in Austin for 27 years, League members and other volunteers distributed nearly 35,000 warm winter coats to children in need. It was a record-breaking year. We also had a record number of volunteers this year, nearly 3,000. These volunteers ranged from people helping for the first time to a gentleman who has volunteered every year since Coats for Kids began. The community fair provided children’s books, toothbrushes and eye exams to attendees. Our second location in Del Valle was also a huge success and helped the League reach this year’s record-breaking numbers. On Saturday, December 14, thousands of families “shopped” for just the right winter coat. Many children attended to help pick out their own coat and proudly wore it home that day. In addition, many community leaders attended to show their support and even helped out with the coat fittings! State Representative Eddie Rodriguez attended, as well as Austin City Council Members Mike Martinez, Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo. Thank you to our partners Jack Brown Cleaners, KASE 101 and KVUE for supporting this worthwhile cause, and thank you to all the amazing donors and volunteers throughout Central Texas.
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WAYS TO GIVE TO THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN By Jamie Burchfield As members of The Junior League of Austin, we give hours of our time and talents to strengthen our community. The more than 100,000 hours of service that our members provide to our community partners and League projects is treasured by the Austin community and would not be possible without generous donations from you. Giving financially to the Junior League through an annual contribution and by participating in the capital campaign will help to demonstrate your commitment to the JLA and our future. Financial contributions allow us to carry out our mission through our community partnerships and League programs such as FIT, ABC Grants and Coats for Kids.
Did you know that there are three ways to contribute financially to The Junior League of Austin? The first is by a personal gift. Each of us has a varying level of giving, and each dollar donated is valued and essential to fulfilling the mission of The Junior League of Austin. Our dues enable us to cover our administrative costs including our headquarters, staff, equipment, supplies and public relations to inform the community about our projects and community partners. By making an annual financial contribution to the JLA, you are enhancing our ability to have a greater impact in our community. The second way to contribute is through company matches, meaning your employer matches your charitable gift. Third is having companies make donations for your volunteer hours contributed to the League. Not sure if your company matches donations? Ask! Matching donations by your employer maximize the benefits of your donations and time to the League.
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JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
NORTH EAST CORNER
The capital campaign to build The Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center is well underway. This new facility will not only be the home for our headquarters, but will also help us expand our outreach to the community by providing space for local nonprofits with event space and conference rooms. Current plans for this $18.5 million project are to break ground in 2015, and it will be the League’s new home in 2016. This timeline is dependent upon the pace of our fundraising. When considering a donation to the capital campaign, ask yourself what is meaningful to you? Whether your donation is for $100 or $1 million, your commitment to the capital campaign is an investment in the future of The Junior League of Austin. Pledges to the capital campaign made by March 31 may be paid over five years. To date, the Campaign Steering Committee has received an overwhelming response from our members with their contributions and pledges to the capital campaign. We are well on our way to reaching our goal and breaking ground on our new headquarters and Community Impact Center, but we still need your help! Over the next few months you will hear more about the capital campaign as we approach our 80th anniversary celebration in April. At this event, all donors who have made a gift or pledge before March 31, 2014 will be honored with recognition. Help The Junior League of Austin show the “Strength of Women and the Power of Community” with your annual financial contribution and a gift to the capital campaign.
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FIT: Beyond the Backpack By Jamie Burchfield
Food in Tummies, most commonly referred to as FIT, has been a project of The Junior League of Austin’s Provisional members for five years. Many of us are familiar with the goals of the program— to eliminate hunger in our community and ensure children and families have knowledge to make informed nutritional choices. Each Friday more than 1,500 children at Baty and Hillcrest Elementary Schools receive backpacks that have been carefully packed with nutritious food by JLA Provisional members. Now, FIT is moving beyond the backpack to implement community outreach programs in order to enhance the impact and mission of the program. Last year, the FIT team partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank to host a cooking class for Baty Elementary School parents to help educate them about the importance of eating healthy and how simple it can really be. This year, the FIT team took that one step further by offering a total of eight bilingual cooking classes at Baty and Hillcrest Elementary Schools in the fall. Classes were at various times, including in the morning, at lunch and in the evening, in order to fit into the parents’ busy schedules. Each class has an average attendance of 15 people. Carrie Brown, FIT program events lead, says, “The best part about the classes is showing these parents how easy and inexpensive it can be to cook a healthy meal for their children!” These cooking classes utilize recipes from the American Heart Association and focus not only on being nutritional, but also on being easy to make and low cost. The first cooking class featured an oven baked chicken with microwaved squash as a side dish. This tasty recipe, meant to feed a family of six, only cost $1 per serving to make! Attendees not only learn how to cook a delicious meal, but are also given a packet created by the JLA Provisional members that contains three weeks of easy, lowcost and healthy weeknight recipes. They were also treated to prizes ranging from crockpots, to mixing and storage bowls, to measuring cups at each class. With these new cooking classes, the FIT team is certainly living up to its mission of educating children, parents and the community in order to promote nutritional health and maximize student potential!
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2014 JLA EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM 2014 JLA Emerging Leaders Program
This spring, 60 Active and Provisional members will have the opportunity to participate in a series of fun, fast-paced and interactive leadership development workshops. This series is designed to strengthen attendees’ leadership skills in both the community and the workplace. The Junior League of Austin has partnered with Leadership Austin to present this series. Leadership Austin has been the premier provider of civic and community leadership development programming for 35 years. Join the Leadership Austin team to take your leadership skills to the next level. Over the course of six sessions you will: • Assess your communication style and evaluate how your style changes under stress, at work, at home and in community • Learn how to best engage with and lead committees by understanding the stages of group development • Build team management skills and sharpen your abilities to move your teams to the next level • Identify your conflict style and discover how to adapt your style in different situations • Create a road map for what’s next in your leadership journey • Form relationships with other League members and support one another’s success CLASS DATES: The 2014 JLA Emerging Leaders meetings will be held in the evening at The Junior League of Austin headquarters auditorium on the following dates: February 26 March 5 & 19 April 2, 16 & 30 Classes will be on Wednesday evenings in the JLA auditorium. The classes will start with an optional dinner from 5:30-6 p.m., followed by class from 6-9:30 p.m. with opportunities to network and have small group discussions throughout each evening. The series is offered at $180 and includes all course materials. To register, please see your member homepage. Contact Araminta Everton at 512-496-0272 or aramintaeverton@hotmail.com for more information.
February Training Month
The Training and Education Committee will host 30 events in the month of February to stretch your mind, body and spirit. Watch your eBlasts for announcements about registration as events always fill up fast. Most events are free, although some have a small fee to cover direct expenses. Below are a few events the Training and Education Committee has planned for you: • • • • •
Release your inner fashionista with Kendra Scott Jewelry and Mikalah Burton, personal stylist. Learn how to train for a 10k with Paul Carrozza and Gilbert Tuhabonye, two world renowned runners. Go behind the scenes at the ACL Theater. Explore Austin’s food trailers with Tiffany Harelik, author of “Trailer Food Diaries.” Visit the UT Tower when it reopens on March 2, Texas Independence Day.
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spotlights
Katie Key, Provisional
Education/occupation: The University of Texas at Austin, BA in PhotoJournalism/Anthropology Manager/denim buyer at c. jane Pets: T-Rex & Geronimo If I could, I would: Retire to the beach My favorite book is: “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein My favorite quote is: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” My favorite movie is: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Three accomplishments you are proud of: Learning how to surf, skateboard and ride a fixed gear bike. You wish someone had told you earlier: Use sunscreen. One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I walk my cat. Favorite JLA experience so far: Providing CPR training on the Drag for the homeless. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences so far is: Check your email!
Christina Shepherd, Provisional Education/occupation: B.S. in Sports Medicine & Athletic Training from Missouri State University; Membership development manager at Texas Medical Association Family: Husband, Robert, and daughter, Caroline Allegra Shepherd (born November 21, 2013) Pets: Two dogs, Mia and Cayma, who entertain us daily Community Activities: Girlstart Annual Luncheon Planning Committee, Past Austin Under 40 Chair Favorite thing about Austin: There is always some cool place I haven’t been before or new restaurant I haven’t tried yet. My favorite quote is: “Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth.” - Mark Twain My favorite junk food is: Fritos and bean dip What experience has changed you most? Moving to Austin after college to do an AmeriCorps VISTA position. Thirteen years later, I’m still living here and loving it. One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I’m a quarter Peruvian and have been twice to visit my family who live there. One thing people would know about you: An Okie at heart and by birth, but slowly evolving into a Texan.
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spotlights
Samantha McMahon, Active
Current Placement: The Settlement Home run club Education/occupation: University of Texas; partner account manager at Blackbaud Family: My husband, Adlai, and our children, Betsy and Connor (20 months) Community Activities: Art Alliance Austin I wish I knew how to: Speak another language. If I could, I would: Hit pause so that my babies would stay babies a little longer. I regret: Staying up too late when I should sleep. My favorite book is: I’m currently reading “Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site” several times a day. My favorite movie is: Overboard Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: Every little thing is gonna be alright. You wish someone had told you earlier: To wear sunscreen. What possession are you attached to? Pearls that belonged to my grandmother. When you look in the mirror, you see? Smile lines—not crow’s feet. One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I majored in art history. My advice to the provisional class would be: Show up, have fun and be prepared to make a whole new set of best friends! Favorite JLA placement: That is a tough one! I was lucky to be in the last Provisional class to do the thrift shop, and it was so much fun. But Mobile Loaves and Fishes is my favorite community placement so far!
Brooke Paup, Active Current Placement: Texas School for the Blind Education/occupation: Attorney Family: My wonderful husband, Spivey, and sweet son, Henry. And one more on the way! Pets: The two grouchiest pugs in Texas, Leroy and Gustavo (Gus). Community Activities: I work with the Austin Fit running group coaching runners. I am also active in the Food and Wine Foundation of Texas. I wish I knew how to: Sing opera If I could, I would: Pursue my Master Sommelier Certification Favorite thing about Austin: The gorgeous running trails and diverse running community. My favorite quote is: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” -- Legally Blond Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: Work REALLY hard and try new things. Three accomplishments you are proud of: Finishing my first full marathon last year after two serious health issues, my work with Meals on Wheels Care Calls and my tenure as an attorney for Attorney General Greg Abbott. You wish someone had told you earlier: That mothers never get a break. And you survive. When you look in the mirror, you see? A tired but happy gal! One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I love to fish.
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spotlights
Anie Heynis, Transfer
Education/occupation: Supply chain operations analyst for PepsiCo, MBA student at A&M, BS in Cellular Biology Family: MollyJane (1yr) & AmyJo (due May 2014) Transferring from: Dallas, Los Angeles, Bell County and Milwaukee I wish I knew how to: Fly an airplane My favorite book is: “1001 Places to Go Before You Die” Three accomplishments you are proud of: 1) Becoming a mother. 2) Winning a NASA aerospace scholar’s rover design and research competition. 3) Attending AJLI’s ODI for fund development training as the finance delegate. What experience has changed you most? Traveling outside the US. One thing people would know about you: I like to research everything to an embarrassingly level. My advice to the provisional class would be: Treat every obligation as an opportunity to be more involved. You’ll be more thankful for the experiences and others around you will appreciate the positive attitude you bring to each event. Favorite JLA memory or experience: Coats for Kids distribution day. After my shift, I drove from the service entrance around the front of the building. I saw hundreds of little kids coming out, bundled up, skipping, with their parents holding a couple extra coats and just beaming that they were able to get their kids warm jackets before Christmas. The parents were mostly walking home with the kids. They looked really thankful but cold (this is an unusually cold winter for Austin so far). I started crying. For blocks and blocks I saw tiny kiddos wearing and carrying coats like they were so special. It is days like that that remind me why I volunteer.
Anna Thompson, Transfer Education/occupation: Owner, Primrose School of Round Rock at Forest Creek Family: Husband of five years, Tommy, and daughter, Harper (1) Transferring from: Dallas, and before that, NYC I wish I knew how to: Cook like Julia Child! Favorite thing about Austin: How family oriented Austin is—it’s an awesome place to raise a family. My favorite quote is: “I’ve realized I just cannot do it all. So I will choose to do what I can, fabulously” and “Let all that you do be done in love” My favorite movie is: Breakfast at Tiffany’s My worst habit is: Fidgeting Three accomplishments you are proud of: Starting and selling my first business by the time I was 28, then traveling for 16 months and finally, having my sweet daughter. It’s been a wonderful few years. What experience has changed you most? Traveling for 16 months with my husband around the world. What possession are you attached to? My collection of vintage jewelry. My advice to the Provisional class would be: Say yes.
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At work and at play pictures from our January General Meeting
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jla babies Congratulations on the arrival of your little one.
Audrey Elaine Anders Born to Tami and Ross Anders September 3, 2013
Ryan Emily Johnson Born to Caitlin and Leif Johnson August 14, 2013
John Mark McCord Born to Mia and John McCord April 10, 2013
Margaret Kingsbury married Wes Hansen on August 10, 2013
Sam LaRue married Stan Gerdes on October 1, 2013 in Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming
jla WEDDINGs
Cade Dustin Claiborne Born to Taylor and Dustin Claiborne October 24, 2013
JLA ENGAGEMENT
Susan Armstrong and Alan Fisher were engaged on August 28, 2013
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jla updates WELCOME TRANSFERS
TRANSFER OUT
Actives: Ellen Acton - Dallas, TX Kelly Baker - Houston, TX Melinda Boe - Dallas, TX Katie Comer - Washington, DC Anie Heynis - Los Angeles, CA Jessica Karlsruher - Washington, DC Ashley-Yvonne Leech - Atlanta, GA Rebecca Linn - Houston, TX Erika Lueker-Tarango - Cedar Rapids, IA Kelli Morris - Tulsa, OK Sarah Nigrini - New Orleans, LA Laura Verrett - Houston, TX Jessica Zarndt - Las Vegas, NV
Provisionals: Alissa Castro - Dallas, TX Leah Pigg - Denver, CO Amy “Ali� Butler Williford - Dallas, TX
Sustainers: Courtney Fisher - Houston, TX
Actives: Suzanne Eckerman - Madison, WI Anne Hoppe - Houston, TX Dani Jellison - Houston, TX Amber Powell Kurr - Dallas, TX Sustainers: Beth Ann Dranguet - Houston, TX Catharine Glober - Wilmington, DE
REINSTATEMENT Condolences Those we love never go away; they always remain close to our hearts. May you find comfort in the treasured memories of good times spent together. Family of Joann Finley Family of Holly Priestner Family of Anne Townsend
Actives: Michelle Barr Sustainer: Amy Barbee Lori Bolding Meredith Claire Martita Fleming Debra Johnson Jill McFarland Patricia Thomas Jill Lear Williams
Share Your News! Please share the following announcements that are taking place in your life with the JLA: births, engagements, weddings, condolences, or notices of an illness of a League Member or her immediate family. Send all details (must include photos for births, engagements and weddings) to Lisa White, administrative services coordinator, at lwhite@jlaustin.org.
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Mark Your CalendarS January 29, 2014 Board Meeting 7 p.m. JLA Board Room
February 19, 2014 Provisional Meeting 7 p.m. JLA Headquarters
February 13, 2014 Transfer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Offsite
February 26, 2014 Board Meeting 7 p.m. JLA Board Room
Who we are The Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
We’re getting pretty social around here!
Where we are going The Junior League of Austin will strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.
Facebook facebook.com/JLAustin.org Twitter twitter.com/jlaustinorg Pinterest pinterest.com/jlaustinorg/ Instagram instagram.com/thejuniorleagueofaustin YouTube youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueofAustin Email prchair@jlaustin.org if you want to share something!
2014 Capitalines Advertising Placements Now Available Our best advertising rates of the year are now on sale! 2014 bundle pricing includes placement in the Spring 2014 issue of Capitalines Magazine, as well as the Fall issue and the 2014 A Christmas Affair Shopping Guide, which is distributed to 20,000 attendees. Premium positions are available, as well as page sponsorships that start as low as $180. Promote your business to the impressive JLA membership along with our partners and community leaders. More information is online here or contact capitalines_adsales@jlaustin.org.
celebrating 80 years
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