LeagueLines THE NEWSLETTER OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF AUSTIN
COMMUNITY IMPACT CENTER UPDATE By Rachel Clark Progress on the new Community Impact Center (CIC) continues. The new headquarters for The Junior League of Austin will enable the League to better serve the Austin community as well as JLA members themselves. The JLA’s membership is now over 2,500 strong! The new center will enable the League to accommodate our growing membership base. The Community Impact Center is being designed as a place where our members can come together in partnership with the community, united by a resolve to do something in response to today’s pressing needs The CIC will be located in Northwest Austin, at 8501 Bluffstone Cove. The Capital Campaign, which is helping fund the new location, is over 65% of the total fundraising target. The permitting process with the City of Austin is a long one, but there is also progress on that front! The permitting process is scheduled to be completed in late spring 2016. According to CIC Planning and Oversight Chair, Julie Hall, “We are working through all of the [permitting] comments made to date and are hopeful we can meet the proposed timeline.” As long as the permitting and Capital Campaign continue on schedule, construction on the Community Impact Center will begin in 2017. 1 I
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EDITOR’S NOTE By the time this issue comes out, the excitement of the new year might have faded, and some of us may have already given up on our New Year’s Resolutions. But, I want to encourage you not to give up! I recently heard that when making New Year’s Resolutions, “Shoot for progress - not perfection.” If you skip a day, a week, or a month, let it go, but keep going.
STAFF 2015-2016 Editors Debra Doliner LeagueLines Editor Kaela Lewis Design Editor Poppy Poth Copy Editor Jennifer Rieck Literary Assignments Editor
In effort to help you start the new year with a little more pep in your step, we shared various favorite quotes from members for JLA. I loved reading the different quotes, and gaining new perspectives and more inspiration. I think you’ll enjoy reading them as much as I did. I hope as you read this issue of LeagueLines, you’ll find something that inspires you, motivates you, or just gives you that something extra to get your day off on the right foot. Enjoy! Sincerely, Debra Doliner
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015-2016
Christine Penksa Photography Editor / Photograher
President Casie Wenmohs
Membership Development VP Alicia Robertson
Writers
President - Elect Sarah Valenzuela
Member-at-Large Amanda Grantham
Rachel Clark Ellen Decareau Ar’Sheill Monsanto Elizabeth Vreeland
Assistant to President Catherine Mattingly
Member-at-Large Lisa Kaspar
Treasurer/Finance Nicole Elliott
Bylaws Heather Parsons
Layout Assistants
Recording Secretary Ashley Kelm
Treasurer-Elect Amy Hurt
Community VP Lauren Price
Nominating Chair Michele Karp
Administrative VP Lyndsey Crawford
Strategic Planning Chair Melissa Threlkeld
Communications VP Jolie Cypert
Sustaining President KaLyn Laney
Fund Development VP Leigh Edgar
Technology Chair Rachel Zander
Kimberly Fry Samantha Cruz Bonnie Pope Jeni Williams Sustaining Advisors Hessie Brawley Andrea Lofye 2 I
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT LETTER It’s hard to believe we have onlly four months left in the 2015-2016 JLA year! One thing I’ve enjoyed in my role as President this year is representing the League and our members at various meetings and events. Through this, I have come to realize that the reach of the JLA goes well beyond the Austin area, and that our impact over time is truly immense. Community Vice President Lauren Price and I will visit all of our 32 Community Projects during the year. At Mothers’ Milk Bank, I was surprised to hear that our local non-profit helps medically fragile babies in 22 states! At Texas Humane Heroes, I learned that we have statewide reach because this facility serves as an overflow animal shelter for other Texas cities and towns. At the Ronald McDonald House Heritage Celebration, I heard how the JLA was instrumental in the establishment of the House 30 years ago from Sustainer Susan Lubin (pictured). At the Arc of the Capital Area’s Building Bridges event, JLA was awarded the first-ever John Traber Memorial Award for Outstanding Philanthropy based on our years of service. These are just a few glimpses into how the “accrual” of volunteer hours and funding benefits our community and beyond. This year alone, the JLA is providing 130,000 hours of volunteer service. We have so much to be proud of and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for the rest of 2015-16! Casie Wenmohs President
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HOW TO USE TWITTER By Ellen Acton Many of us are not currently active on Twitter, but it’s a great tool for staying informed. “For personal life, Twitter allows you to follow interesting people, read about breaking news and keep up with trends, friends and family in a quick and succinct way. For professional life, it is the quickest and greatest tool to promote a company/brand/products while receiving customer feedback at the same time,” says Social Media Chair, Blair Hunter. “Twitter can be specifically valuable to JLA members.” says Hunter. “Keep a real time pulse on what is happening around the world and to stay in the know about information and events in organizations they are a part of.” So if you’ve never used Twitter before, how do you get started? 1. Go to twitter.com and set up an account. 2. Search people and organizations you would like to follow. @jlaustinorg is a great place to start! 3. Click the “Follow” button on the upper right side of the page, so that their tweets will show up on your feed. 4. Create your own tweet and use hashtags. “A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text (such as a tweet). More simply put, it is the “theme” of your text,” explains Hunter.
STEP ONE: Set up account
STEP TWO: Search people and organizations you would like to follow.
Explain Hashtags to me! #hashtag Simply put, a hashtag is the pound sign, and it looks like this: #. It is followed by a word, or group of words, without any spaces or punctuation. Hashtags started on Twitter to make it easier for people to find, follow and contribute to a conversation. It becomes a search tool on a specific person, place, thing or idea. Therefore, the purpose of the hashtag is to draw attention to something, organize various comments about an idea and promote a specific idea or event.
STEP THREE: Click the “Follow” button on the upper right side of the page, so that their tweets will show up on your feed.
For example, if you want to see what The Junior League of Austin and other people are talking about in Food In Tummies, you can search the hashtag #foodintummies. This is why it becomes important to use specific hashtags, so we can add to one singular conversation about what JLA is doing in the community. Happy tweeting! The Junior League of Austin has a list of preferred hashtags members are encouraged to use: #jlaustin #achristmasaffair #coatsforkids #foodintummies 4 I
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STEP FOUR: Create your own tweet and use hashtags.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES Here are some favorite quotes of JLA members to inspire you to make 2016 the best year ever.
“It’s not the critic who counts, not “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” - St. Francis of Assisi
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” - Nora Ephron
ELAINE GARZA FIT Events Co-Chair
DAWNE O’DONOGHUE Mothers’ Milk Bank - Outreach and Education
the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” - Coco Chanel
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paulo Coelho
MEREDITH YOUNG ACA Decorations Assistant
MANDEEP CHATHA Mobile Loaves and Fishes
if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt VERONICA MABRY Provisional
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NEW FUNDRAISERS
SOLD OUT
Event: Bunny Brunch Date: Saturday March 5, 2016 Location: The UT Golf Club 2200 University Club Dr
A wide variety of entertainment will be offered including childrens’ crafts, a petting zoo, pictures with the Easter Bunny, an egg hunt for kids of all ages and delicious food. Photo packages will be available for purchase onsite or online. This inaugural spring fundraiser is sure to quickly become a longstanding family tradition. LEAGUELINES
Austin Entertains
Date:
Spring 2016
Austin, TX 78732
On March 5, The Junior League of Austin will unveil the newest addition to its fund development program: Bunny Brunch. The event will be a fun-filled and delicious day that will include a special appearance by Guest of Honor, the Easter Bunny!
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Event:
Austin Entertains, which will debut Spring 2017, is named after of The Junior League of Austin’s awardwinning cookbook. The evening affair will showcase some of Austin’s most talented female chefs and culinary artisans.
BY THE NUMBERS - EDUCATION The Junior League of Austin serves the Austin community through our sponsorship of signature impact programs like Food in Tummies and Coats for Kids. In addition, our League members volunteer for 32 Austin non-profit agencies and organizations. Throughout the year, volunteers and funds dedicated to these efforts elevate the education of Austin’s children. Some of the specific ways that the JLA impacts Austin education include:
30,000+ THE NUMBER OF COATS DONATED TO AUSTIN CHILDREN IN NEED EACH YEAR THROUGH CFK
54%
PERCENTAGE OF CFK COATS DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN AGES FIVE THROUGH 12 IN 2014, ALLOWING THE JLA TO KEEP CHILDREN WARM IN THE CRITICAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND JUNIOR HIGH YEARS
1,400
FIT MEALS DELIVERED EACH WEEK
$290,000
THE COST OF OPERATING THE FIT PROGRAM IN A GIVEN YEAR
325
JLA VOLUNTEERS WORKING ON FIT THIS YEAR, INCLUDING 37 PEOPLE ON THE FIT COMMITTEE 7 I
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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE
CiCi, our Capital Campaign mascot
em·bark əmˈbärk/
verb begin (a course of action, especially one that is important or demanding) This year the Capital Campaign Committee is embarking on a new initiative called Community Connectors. “Embark” is the theme for the Capital Campaign during 2015-2016. As part of our “Embark” theme, The Capital Campaign Committee is so excited to announce the membership initiative called Community Connectors! This is a group of members that will continue efforts that began in January 2014 to help us reach our membership participation and dollar goal as part of the Capital Campaign. This group will be reaching out to 8 I
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every Provisional and Active member in The Junior League of Austin to forge personal connections, while at the same time, communicate the status of the campaign and invite everyone to participate in a way that is meaningful to them. This year, the Capital Campaign Committee has set a goal to raise 75% of the $1 million membership goal. We have already reached over half our goal from the past two years! Overall, The Capital Campaign Committee has reached 66% of their goal to raise $10 million to fund the Community Impact Center. The League itself has given $2 million to the Campaign already.
HOW JLA IMPACTS EDUCATION By Rachel Clark The Junior League of Austin is impacting the Austin community through educational outreach every day across multiple programs. In addition to Food in Tummies and Coats for Kids, which are run by the League, The Junior League of Austin supports BookSpring, Breakthrough Austin, GEN Austin, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and The Thinkery both financially and via community placement volunteers. LeagueLines checked in with these organizations and our respective community chairs to see just how the League impacts education in Austin. Courtney Clark Coats For Kids Chair “Coats for Kids makes a difference in education because studies show children cannot focus in school if they are distracted by things like illness, or even simply feeling cold.
By providing children with a warm winter coat, we make it easier for them to stay warm and healthy on their way to and from school every day, making it more likely that they’ll stay healthy through the winter and miss fewer days of school.”
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Amanda Flansbaum BookSpring Communiy Chair
“BookSpring provides reading experiences, tools and books to children and their families so they can develop a desire to read and succeed in school and life. BookSpring delivers programs addressing early literacy needs through collaborations with more than 50 partner organizations, agencies, nonprofits, schools and medical healthcare organizations to
improve children’s access to resources necessary for literacy success.” “[BookSpring] is such a wonderful organization that impacts so many people and I’ve truly enjoyed working with them - last year as my Active placement and this year as project chair.”
HOW JLA IMPACTS EDUCATION Breakthrough Austin Anie Heynis Thinkery “Breakthrough Austin provides out-of-school learning and academic case management from middle school through college to students from lowincome communities who will be the first in their families to graduate from college.”
Food In Tummies
“To educate children, parents and the community in order to promote nutritional health and maximize student potential.”
“To eliminate weekend hunger in our community and ensure children and families have knowledge to make informed nutritional choices”
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“The Thinkery hosts field trips for many schools around Central Texas. Children who do not have the opportunity to come with their family are exposed to this new learning environment where they are free to solve problems and create outside of a classroom environment. “ “This summer, The Junior League of Austin had 17 The Thinkery volunteers and we have volunteered over 300 hours so far! Our members can choose between a concentrated summer camp or gallery volunteering. The Thinkery hosted half and full day summer camps for kids that lasted a week. JLA members who volunteered at camps were able to be with the same kids all week long and build a mentoring relationship as these children expanded their knowledge on several STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) subjects that helped them in school.” “I was passionate about joining The Thinkery because of the engineering opportunities it gave low income schools and girls. I was the only girl on my robotics team in high school and didn’t know of other schools around me that offered robotics. I brought my daughter to play at The Thinkery one day and loved how the space encouraged everyone to build things. I love that The Junior League of Austin supports education of our children, and that The Thinkery does such a beautiful job of making learning fun.” Mission Statement: “The mission of the Thinkery is to create innovative learning experiences that equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers.”
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
“Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) is a center for educational services for all blind and visually impaired students in Texas.” The school provides “opportunities for children and youth with visual impairments to develop the skills necessary to lead personally, socially, and vocationally satisfying and productive lives.” “Students receive instruction that can prepare them for high school graduation, for return to their local school districts, or for transition to further education, training or placement in local communities.”
WHAT IS A BOARD MEMBER AT LARGE? What is a Member-at-Large? Meet Member-at-Large Amanda Grantham and Member-at-Large Lisa Kaspar!
A Member-at-Large is an elected position that serves as a voting member on the Board of Directors. What do they do? The Member-at-Large functions as the voice of membership. They also assist with special projects as needed by the Board of Directors or President.
Amanda Grantham
How do they become a Member-at-Large? The position originates with a slate determined by the Nominating Committee. Six candidates are on the ballot and general membership votes for the two Member-at-Large positions. How many Members-at-Large does the JLA have?
Lisa Kaspar If members have ideas that they want to bring before leadership, should they contact a Member-at-Large? Amanda Grantham and Lisa Kaspar are acting as membership’s representatives and can be reached by the email addresses below: Amanda Grantham memberatlarge1@jlaustin.org Lisa Kaspar memberatlarge2@jlaustin.org or lisakaspar@gmail.com.
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The two Board Members-at-Large for 20152016 are Lisa Kaspar and Amanda Grantham. However, there is a Member-at-Large on all councils which include the Administrative Council, the Fund Development Council, the Membership Council, the Communications Council, the Community Council and the Researchers Committee. (Councils and Researchers have one or two Members-atLarge.) What have you learned from serving as a Member-at-Large? “Being on the Board so far has taught me to make thoughtful decisions and look at all aspects before making a decision. However, I also find that going with my gut is a pretty solid choice as well!” – Lisa Kaspar
GET TO KNOW OUR PROJECT CHAIRS
Cynthia Matizza Active
Amanda Flansbaum Active
Cynthia Mattiza Dress for Success Austin Project Chair Q: Why is being a Project Chair a rewarding placement?
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Amanda Flansbaum – BookSpring Project Chair Q: Why is being a Project Chair a rewarding placement?
A: I’ve been doing In-League Placements for five years, and I was ready to get out in the community. I had volunteered with Dress for Success (DFS)before, and knew I wanted to get more involved in the program. I chose to be a Project Chair so that I could spend more time learning about what Dress for Success does for the community -- how many league members actually volunteer there, and what direct impact we make. It’s rewarding to hear our members rave about how much they enjoy their placement, and how they feel they are making an impact.
A: Getting to work closely with the BookSpring staff is great because they are fantastic. Having more direct contact with the other ladies in the placement has been nice, but the reward for me comes with doing my shifts and seeing the direct impact the work has on so many people. Seeing the excitement in the kids’ eyes when they come in for the Reading is Fundamental program or the joy they have when they get a new book and get to write their name in it is so awesome.
Q: Is there a favorite story or lesson that you would like to share from your time as a Project Chair?
Q: Is there a favorite story or lesson that you would like to share from your time as a Project Chair?
A: I was helping a woman pick out a few suits for an upcoming interview. She had just come from a hard situation and was ready to move forward. The confidence she felt when she put on those suits was so moving. You could really see how new clothes just made her feel more confident in herself, and I couldn’t help but be moved. At the end of our appointment, she hugged me and thanked me for being so nice to her. I always think about her and I’m grateful for the opportunity to someone that has a second chance.
A: My favorite story was during my BookSpring placement last year, when I “adopted” a pre-K class and read to them regularly. It was so fun getting to know the sweet kids over the year and seeing their excitement over the books I would read to them. I even got to bring my 15-monthold son along once, and they loved meeting him.
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Stephanie Porter Active
Stephaine Porter – Drive a Senior Project Chair Q: Why is being a Project Chair a rewarding placement? A: Community Placements are one of the biggest reasons I joined the League—I want to get out in the community and see the impact our group is making. However, sometimes these placements leave you feeling a bit disconnected from other League members. You often don’t have as much of an opportunity to build relationships with other Junior Leaguers as you would if you had an In-League placement. That is one of the reasons being a Project Chair is so neat -- you get to connect with all the League members working with your project, while still participating directly with a community partner. Q: What type of personal impact has being a Project Chair had on your life? A: Since much of a Project Chair’s role is contacting “her” members, it is a pretty flexible placement. There are not too many meetings to attend… I can write emails or my monthly Project Chair report on my own time, which makes it pretty easy to fit into my currently busy life as a lawyer and mom.
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Stefanie Bertram Active
Stefanie Bertram – Done-In-A-Day Project Chair Q: Why is being a Project Chair a rewarding placement? A: As the DIAD Chair, I along with other members, review DIAD applications. Many times this means communicating and working with the agencies that have not worked with the JLA before. It’s exciting to introduce them to the League and help create a favorable and hopefully long lasting relationship with these agencies! Q: Is there a favorite story or lesson that you would like to share from your time as a Project Chair? A: As the DIAD Chair, I frequently receive feedback from the organizations about our volunteers. Every time they say almost exactly the same thing, “We love our Junior League [of Austin] volunteers. Your ladies were so helpful and organized. We know we can ALWAYS count on the Junior League [of Austin].” I love hearing this every time because it reminds me that our community still needs us and it makes me proud that I am part of an organization that is viewed in the manner!
GATHERING GROUPS UPCOMING EVENTS TRAINING AND ED COMMITTEE EVENTS The Junior League of Austin is all about empowering women through opportunities that are educating and entertaining with the help of the Training and Ed Committee. Group Gatherings are fun social events that occur a few times each month. The time and location can vary to accommodate the diverse schedule of our members. During the month of February, the Training and Ed Committee offers trainings on amazing topics from estate planning to self-defense. Another opportunity for an exciting learning experience is Emerging Leaders, which is a leadership development opportunity in partnership with Leadership Austin. Check your member homepage and eblasts for dates and details.
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ACA FUN FACTS ACA Chair, Holly Priestner, says the event exceeded its goals for sponsorship, the auction, merchandise and pick-a package. Many factors contributed to a successful ACA, including the many energetic JLA volunteers. Holly says a lot of credit is owed to ACA committee whom she warmly calls “my family.”
“This year’s members are creative fundraisers, good stewards of the League’s dollars, have a flair for decor and know how to have fun.” Holly Priestner, ACA Chair
212 VENDORS PARTICIPATED
15 DEER HEADS WERE ON DISPLAY
2,226 ORNAMENTS WERE ON THE TREE
82 ACA COMMITTEE MEMBERS HELPED IT ALL HAPPEN New activities this year included: Live longhorn steer on Wednesday night Sit down dinner on Wednesday night with a live auction and raise-the-paddle benefitting Food In Tummies (F.I.T.) Food trucks on Thursday and Friday night Mechanical bull Friday night 15 I
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ACA DECORATIONS
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A CHRISTMAS AFFAIR “A Christmas Affair is the one event each year where our entire membership comes together for a common goal. And with the many dedicated women working beside each other, you know that A Christmas Affair will be a success.” – Holly Priestner, ACA Chair
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COATS FOR KIDS THANKS YOU FOR A HUGE SUCCESS!
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RESEARCHERS - HOW ARE COMMUNITY PROJECTS SELECTED? Have you ever wondered how the JLA is partnered with so many outstanding community non-profit organization? It all stems from the hard work and diligence of the JLA Researchers Committee. The graphic below illustrates this lengthy process from start to finish. BEGINNING OF JUNE Non-profit organizations are notified about the community application timeline for the following year and invited to attend an orientation. IN AUGUST JLA holds the non-profit orientation. Any non-profit is welcome to attend to learn more about the application process and how JLA placements work. END OF AUGUST Non-profit application deadline. SEPTEMBER The applications are initially reviewed by the Initial Review Team (IRT), which includes: President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Treasurer-Elect, Community VP, Researchers Chair, Researchers Admin. Coordinator, Researcher Sustaining Advisor -- (does not have a vote at IRT) and Placement Chair-Elect IRT submits its recommendation to the Community Council, which then makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding which nonprofits will move forward to the Researchers Committee. During September, the Focus Area Chairs are trained by the Researchers Chair and the Researchers Committee orientation is held END OF SEPTEMBER Non-profit applications are divided among the four focus areas. The four Focus Area Committees, each comprised of Researchers and led by a Focus Area Chair, are ready to interview their assigned list of non-profits. OCTOBER The Focus Area Committees meet independently beginning in October. Each Researcher is assigned to specific non-profits. The Researcher clarifies anything in the application and visits the location. The Researcher then presents information about the non-profit to her Focus Area Committee to help them determine if the non-profit will continue in the process. The application is reviewed for multiple factors, including whether the non-profit is aligned with the JLA mission and whether the requested placements are a good fit. In some cases, the Focus Area Committee will modify the placement, fund request or volunteer number request.
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NOVEMBER Mid-November, the Focus Area Committees’ recommendations are combined into one massive spreadsheet. DECEMBER Any recommended cuts or motions are presented to the Community Council, and then the Board of Directors for approval in December. JANUARY & FEBRUARY Winter Researchers begins. Every Wednesday, all Researchers gather as one committee to review each non-profit application and the Focus Area recommendations After this vetting process, the final non-profit listis e presented to the Community Council and BoD for final approval. Winter Researchers’ discussions center around whether a non-profit matches the JLA requirements, the requested funds, number of placements and number of volunteers per placement from the nonprofit. MARCH In March, after final approval from Community Council and the Board, the slate of non-profits (also known as Community Project Partners) is presented to the full JLA membership for a vote. Researchers committee duties end, and the Placement Committee begins their task of filling all of the Community Project Partner volunteer positions. In cases where fewer than six JLA members select a non-profit for their placement, the non-profit is removed from the list of JLA Community Project Partners. HIERARCHY OF COMMITTEE Leadership Researchers Chair Researchers Chair Administrative Coordinator Focus Area Chairs Researchers (assigned to a focus area) This committee is overseen by Community Council ABOUT THE APPLICATION Non-profits complete an application online. In addition, hardcopies of financial documents are delivered to the JLA Headquarters, which are initially reviewed by the Treasurer. All non-profits must request at least six volunteers. Request for funds is optional. A non-profit may apply for funding with a three consecutive year block. During the fourth year, it is not eligible for funding.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Lacey Perez Provisional Name: Lacey Perez Current Placement: Provisional Education/Occupation: Nurse Practitioner specializing in Women’s Health Family: I am married to a very supportive husband and we have two kids: Avery, 8, and Easton, 5. Favorite thing about Austin: The variety and eccentricity of cuisine, architecture, shopping and entertainment. I love that Austin is so health focused and offers many fun places for exercise. Favorite Movie: The Vow! Favorite Junk Food: OREOs Worst Habit: Worrying about what other people think. What experience has changed you the most? Being a mom has taught me to be selfless and strengthened me as a person. What possession are you attached to? My Fitbit! I enjoy step challenges with my friends. When you look in the mirror, you see? I see a strong woman ready for her next adventure. People wouldn’t know that you: Love to play golf! My advice to the Provisional class is: Don’t get frustrated with the time commitment. Sign up for shifts… step out of your comfort zone… enjoy all the fantastic women you will meet and learn from. Favorate JLA placement: I’ve enjoyed FIT. Favorite JLA memory/experience: My favorite experience thus far was working the FIT pep rally. I played an Oreo, and our team taught kids about healthy food choices using CATCH!! I think we all felt like celebrities as the kids chanted the different food names.
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Ashlee Arnold Active
Name: Ashlee Arnold Current Placement: Researchers Committee Education/Occupation: University of Texas at Austin, BBA FInance I wish I knew how to: Play the piano If I could, I would: Learn a new language and live overseas for a few years Favorite thing about Austin: The lakes, hike and bike trail, trying new restaurants for brunch/dinner with friends and experiencing all the culture Austin has to offer Favorite Movie: I have a lot – Wedding Crashers, The Blind Side, The Notebook, The Devil Wears Prada Favorite Junk Food: Queso Worst Habit: Overcommitting myself You wish someone would have told you: To enjoy the present because moments pass by in the blink of an eye. I’m tired of: Austin traffic! Favorite Quote: One of the first ones that comes to mind is, “No one can ever make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt People wouldn’t know that you: Have an irrational phobia of sidewalk grates. People would know that you: Lived and worked in Southern California after college. My advice to the Provisional class is: Get to know one another and spend time together outside of the League. I’ve met some of my dearest friends in this wonderful organization. Favorate JLA placement: A Christmas Affair. I loved getting to know so many wonderful ladies!
Heather Wakefield Sustainer Name: Heather Wakefield Current Placement: Sustainer Education/Occupation: Small Business Consultant; Finance and Operations Director, Lake Travis Builders Family: Husband Geoff, teenage daughters Kylie and Kate Pets: Cookie the Puggle Community Activities: Leadership Lake Travis 2015-2016, National Charity League – Lake Travis, Philanthropy Liaison, Hudson Bend Athletic Booster Vice President/ Treasurer 2013-2015, The Lakeway Church I wish I knew how to: Do back hand springs If I could, I would: Try more of the great new restaurants Downtown, East Austin, SoCo... Favorite thing about Austin: Lake Travis Favorite Movie: The Saint Favorite Junk Food: Reese’s cups Worst Habit: Not exercising regularly Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: I think I can, I think I can... Three accomplishments you are proud of: 1) Raising two generous, kind-hearted, ambitious daughters who are beautiful inside and out 2) Maintaining my career part-time while being a full time mom 3) Building a strong network of friends and business contacts You wish someone would have told you: To find your true strengths and pursue your passion first, and success will follow. My advice to the Provisional class is: Take the time to network with your provisional classmates. Favorite JLA placement: Researchers Committee
Members are chosen at random through the Member Directory online.
Brook Spiers Provisional
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Name: Brooke Spiers Current Placement: Provisional Member Education/occupation: Loyola Marymount University / Sales Account Manager at Dell Community Activities: Crossfit Central I wish I knew how to: Play the Guitar If I could, I would: Travel more Favorite thing about Austin: The small town feel, but it is still a city. Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird Favorite Quote: “We travel because we need to, because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything.” - Jonah Lehrer (I read it in a magazine, I completely agree!) Favorite Movie: When Harry Met Sally and Newsies…. I just can’t choose one! Favorite Junk Food: Gummy Bears Worst Habit: I Keep Up with the Kardashians more than I choose to admit. Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: Keep on Keepin’ On You wish someone would have told you: To follow your gut What experience has changed you most? Moving to Austin What possession are you attached to? My Grandmother’s Ring When you look in the mirror, you see? My Twin Sister People wouldn’t know that you: Are afraid of heights. Favorite JLA memory/experience: So Far, the FIT Pep Rally. The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: My community involvement is limitless through JLA.
Deborah Ann Yurco Sustainer Name: Deborah Ann Yurco Current Placement: Sustainer Education/occupation: Attorney; current Commissioner for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Family: Stephen (husband of 27 years after dating and engaged for 4 months), Daughter Rebekah (25), Sons Daniel (23) and John (21) Pets: White Lab Asa and Japanese Chin Spaniel Bonsai Community Activities: Junior Austin Women’s Club (past prez), Women’s Symphony League, I wish I knew how to: Speak more languages If I could, I would: Learn how to fly planes Favorite thing about Austin: The access to water, love my wakeboard boat the “Aquaholic” Favorite Book: Lonesome Dove Favorite Quote: “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive & well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body totally worn out & screaming “Woo hoo, what a ride!” Favorite Movie: The Red Violin Favorite Junk Food: Popcorn I’m tired of: Dieting Worst Habit: Chocolate What possession are you attached to? My memories My advice to the provisional class is: Take advantage of service opportunities. When else will you be able to go in and make a difference like this? Favorite JLA Memory/Experience: The connection our committee made during ACA. It was truly an amazing group of ladies and I am still close with many of them today.
JLA UPDATES BABIES
Ross, Rachel, and big sister Claire are proud to announce the birth of Clark Nicolas Pry.
Megan Hamilton and her husband, Will, welcomed their second son on November 17, 2015. Barnes loves his little brother!
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We’re happy to share the news of our baby girl’s arrival... Adaline Bea Carney was born on December 26th, weighing 6lbs & 12oz and measuring 20 inches long.
Leighton Marie Robertson Born June 24, 2015 to Jennifer and Tyler Robertson
Lauren and Stephen Shallcross are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter Sidney Kathryn. She was born on September 4, 2015 and weighed 7lbs 3 oz and measured 21 inches long.
Catherine Smith and her husband, Brett, welcomed a baby girl, Caroline Elizabeth, on November 29, 2015.
Would you like to see your announcement in the next issue of LeagueLines? Complete this form by going to the link below. Email a photo to photographychair@jlaustin.org.
Christine and Brandon Penksa joyfully welcomed their son, Turner Boone, into the world on September 15, 2015 at 1:30 am. He weighed 8 lbs 10 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. Turner joins his fur siblings, Murphy and Pearl.
Debra Doliner and her husband, Adir, welcomed their baby boy, Meyer Joseph Doliner. He was born October 1, 2015 at 12:25 am. He weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Sharon Steigerwalt welcomed her baby boy, Evan, on Thanksgiving day. Mom and baby are doing well.
MARRIAGES
Congratulations to Kaylee Marie Sager, the new Mrs. Baggerly, on her marriage to Tyler Guy Baggerly on September 5, 2015!
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Stefanie Bertram and Johann Gaboriau were married on November 7th, 2015 in Angers, France. The wedding celebration was an all day event with a ceremony and tours of two vineyards and a chateau in the Loire Valley.
Mandy Hill Cardenas and Kenneth Cardenas were married on June 27th. The ceremony and reception were held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin, where Mandy grew up going to church.
MARRIAGES
Congratulations to Nicole Evans on her recent marriage to Robert Emrich III. They were married on May 21, 2015 at Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como, Italy.
ENGAGEMENTS
Heather Mahurin and Leland Lockhart were married at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, TX December 19, 2015. Boo Boo the Alpaca helped them celebrate!
Best of luck on the impending nuptials of Joe Jerkins to Beth Coffey. The proposal occured on the Winter Solstice and was announced at the Coffey’s Christmas party as a surprise to one and all.
CAREER AWARDS
Paige Cavazos got engaged to the love of her life in Vegas! The wedding is set for this coming November & she couldn’t be more excited!
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Jessica Frey, a native Austinite, JLA member and international wedding photographer was rated by local brides and voted The Knot’s Best of Weddings 2016 and with four awards has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for her wedding photography.
Araminta Sellers, chair of the JLA Sustainer Engagement Committee, has been named Executive Director of the Headliners Foundation of Texas. The Foundation’s mission is to promote excellence in journalism by providing scholarships to student journalists; recognizing and rewarding outstanding work in professional journalists; and supporting special projects that promote journalistic excellence and preserve history.
TRANSFERS Transfers IN - ACTIVES
Transfers IN - ACTIVES CONTINUED
Transfers IN - SUSTAINERS CON.
Alana Alexander New York, NY
Ryann Marotta Palm Beach, FL
Jane De Giacomo Witchita, KS
Holly Bunnell Dallas, TX
Abbi Miller Ft. Worth, TX
Nichole Graham San Antonio, TX
Tammy Busch Houston, TX
Kimberly Moreno Denver, CO
Julie Judson Midland, TX
Tracis Bustamante Abilene, TX
Jessica Price Lubbock, TX
Wendy Poppenhagen Boston, MA
Heather Campbell Topeka, KS
Anne Schmidt Minneapolis, MN
Cynthia Straughman Denver, CO
Faustine Curry Oklahoma City, OK
Celeste Schurman Houston, TX
Jane Valenstein Greenwich, CT
Lillyan Duck Longview, TX
Ashley Smith Houston, TX
Transfers OUT - ACTIVES
Anne Forston Richmond, VA
Kathryn Stuhr Chicago, IL
Katherine Gallagher Midland, TX
Natasha Tichelbaut San Jose, CA
Cassie Gonzalez Houston, TX
Emily Walters Nashville, TN
Libby Hambleton Washington, DC
Amy Whited Durham, NC
Abbey Herman Gainesville, FL
Laura Leigh Zengilowski New York, NY
Lauren Honeycutt Palo Alto, CA
Transfers IN - PROVISIONALS
Lilly Cueto Honolulu, HI
Brooke Barnhill Amarillo, TX
Stacie Danahy Gainesville, FL
Meagan Conley Richmond, VA
Shah Dixon Houston, TX
Laura Keenan Washington, D.C.
Chelsea Franklin Ft. Worth, TX
Paige Marcus El Paso, TX
Megan Hamilton Houston, TX
Transfers IN - SUSTAINERS
Jessica Hendrix Ashville, NC
Blair Hunter Dallas, TX Shasta Ihorn San Francisco, CA Chris Jenkins Orange County, CA Meredith Johnson Indianapolis, IN Jasmine Kyles Denver, CO Elana Marion Midland, TX 27 I
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Tammy Cochran San Antonio, TX
Melissa Anderson Minneapolis, MN Katherine Armstrong Dallas, TX Meaghann Bradley Dallas, TX Jamie Burchfield Arlington, TX Courtney Campbell Dallas, TX
Alissa Ireland Houston, TX
Transfers OUT - ACTIVES CON. Kari Johnson Collin County, TX Hailey Melancon Lafayette, LA Joy Miller Dallas, TX Sarah Paige Los Angeles, CA Kristin Payne Houston, TX Daniela Rivero San Diego, CA Selena Saucedo Denver, CO
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PROVISIONAL CLASS OF 2015-2016 They collected 2,500 diapers at the December Meeting for Partnerships for Children!
Laurie Shults Dallas, TX Transfers OUT - SUSTAINERS Lorrie Garcia San Jose, CA Anne Kennedy Houston, TX Marianne Scudder Greenville, SC
REMINDERS March 8th General Meeting Norris Conference Center at 7 pm Submit nominations for JLA Sustainer All-Star by February 26th on your Member HomePage. Don’t forget to pay your membership dues
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