Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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JUNIOR LEAGUE
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017
Junior League women change Cedar Valley for the better “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
T
he Cedar Valley that we know today would not exist without the 80-year influence of the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. Since its founding in 1938, its members have identified and studied community needs and found solutions to those problems. It exists to train women to TERRI become leaders JACKSON in our community. Its mission is to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and improve our community through the efSUSIE fective action HEATON and leadership of trained volunteers. As past presidents of the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, and for more than 10 years working as The Party Paparazzi, we have covered countless fundraisers and good causes throughout the Cedar Valley. Through our Courier freelancing, we have met so many amazing volunteers who manage organizations, big and small — all compassionate about making a difference in the lives of those who call the Cedar Valley home. A common thread among many of these non-profit groups is the important influ-
COURTESY PHOTO
Junior League often organizes and participates in Done in a Day activities such as this playground project. ence of trained Junior League volunteers. League women have been instrumental in founding many of the organizations featured in this Courier special section. They are active members on boards and committees, and they take their training to the community for paid positions as well. Fundraising also is an important aspect of the League experience. Most community organizations have received funding from League at one time or another. By training women to be effective collaborators, poised negotiators and committed volunteers, we are better equipped to strategize, lead and succeed. Call it the Junior League ripple effect. Eighty years of experience has taught us that strong leaders make strong communities. And we have fun, too! Through our training and volunteer experiences as well as fundraising events, we develop
our personal potential while building lifelong friendships and networks with talented, supportive women. Who are Junior League volunteers? In the 1940s and 50s, the women of the Junior League wore white gloves, pearls and pillbox hats, but that didn’t stop them from rolling up their sleeves and working hard on issues like establishing a nursery to serve mothers working during the war or opening a home for neglected, abandoned and homeless children. Until the 1980s most members, if not all, were homemakers so meetings were held during the day. But how things have changed. Today, most members are career women with some stay-at-home moms. A few are Waterloo-Cedar Falls natives but many are new to the Cedar Valley. Some are married, others single. It is a distinct group of women
COURTESY PHOTO
Junior League has provided considerable support for the Park to Park Half-Marathon.
Congratulations Thank you to the Junior League of
&
Cedar Falls and Waterloo!
Jennifer’s on Main
303 Main St • Cedar Falls, IA • 319-277-4880
JUNIOR LEAGUE
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | 3
Teens can shop for lowpriced prom dresses at Junior League of WaterlooCedar Falls’ annual Prom’s Closet event. COURIER FILE PHOTO
Congratulations to Junior League for 80 Years of Impact in Our Community
JUNIOR LEAGUE ARCHIVE PHOTO
Front: Kathy Braun, Gayle Denkinger, Camille Hogan. Second row: From left: Nancy Shirey, Celia Burger, Florence Kepford, Jean Parker, Jan Corton, Mary Lichty, Helen Zellhoefer, Ann Felcher. Third row: From left: Sally Davis, Sally Turner, Kate Thorpe, Alice Ritland, Mary Jane Miller, Louise Loomis, Betty Dalton.
COURTESY PHOTO
Showing the success of the AMP suitcase project are, from left, Jessica Christman, Michelle Clark, Laticia Aossey and Holly Risetter.
COURIER FILE PHOTO
A child smiles as she sits in and community leaders, contact a crane at the Touch-A-Truck working toward the same goal jlwcfnewmember@gmail.com. of making a positive impact in fundraiser for Junior League of In addition to completing the Waterloo- Cedar Falls. our community. Our local membership is ap- new member training course all women who want to make a proximately 250 women strong, and paying yearly dues, the difference in the Cedar Valley including new, active and sus- only requirement for memtaining members, representing bership is a passion for helping to join. us continue our mission in the a broad range of backgrounds Terri Jackson and Susie Heaton Cedar Valley. and interests. are sustainers and past As two sustainers who daily If you or someone you know presidents for Junior League utilize the training we learned would like to join the premier through League, we encourage of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. organization for women civic
Continuing the Pledge That C.P. Locke Started 72 Years Ago Where Your Wishes Govern 1519 W 4th St. Waterloo
319-233-6138
www.LockeFuneralHome.com
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JUNIOR LEAGUE
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017
80 YEARS OF 1930s
1950s Junior League Receiving Home
opened for neglected, abandoned and homeless children. (Incorporated in 1954 as Minnie Crippen Home for Children and became an agency of the U.S.) Bargain Shop opened and for 10 years raised funds for League projects and provided inexpensive clothing to those in need League provided incentive for founding Exceptional Persons An original Clare Tree Major play.
Along with Kiwanis, League helped
establish Goodwill Industries
Helped establish Waterloo Civic Foun-
dation, now Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa Organized first Symphony Ball to benefit Waterloo Symphony; lead to forming Women’s Auxiliary to symphony
1960s
In 1938, Mrs. Philip K. Rausch orga-
nized the Junior Service League of Waterloo, Inc., with 40 charter members “Gaieties of 1890” was presented and raised $1,922.71 to sponsor Clare Tree Major plays for children
1940s The first Charity Ball took place in 1940 Early service projects included pur-
chasing eyeglasses for low-income children; turned over to Quota Club in 1950 Opened nursery schools as a service to mothers working during World War II
Gifted Marvin Cone’s “I Have Loved the Unloved” to start the
Waterloo Center for the Arts’ Permanent Collection
Gave money to Waterloo Civic Foundation for new Recreation
Center
Maintained and opened Rensselaer Russell House, now part of
the Grout Museum District
Provided financial support for Black Hawk Children’s Theatre. Built Byron Avenue Day Care Center
Started Junior Art Gallery at Waterloo Center for the Arts In 1968, joined Association of Junior Leagues; changed name
to Junior League of Waterloo, Iowa, Inc.
1970s ation Center for new wing Opened Newell Post Adult Day Services Supported establishing Green Scene Created Grin and Grow Day Care Center In 1973, changed name to Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa, Inc. In 1978, published first cookbook, Buttercups and Brandy
Provided financial support to establish
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley
Granted funding to Waterloo Recre-
JUNIOR LEAGUE
1980s
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1990s Provided funding for Black Hawk
Project Love improved homes of
low-income elderly
Funded Transitional Living Center, Peo-
ple’s Community Health Clinic, Cedar Valley Hospice Estalbished Mayors’ Volunteer Awards Established Enabling Fund for community needs Iowa State Public Affairs Committee, composed of five Iowa Junior Leagues, first state committee to hire lobbyist Pig Out cookbook premiered in 1986 50-year anniversary observed in 1987 with $50,000 grant to Hartman Reserve Nature Center’s Expansion Project Done-in-a-Day projects began Received 1989 Governor’s Volunteer Award Created Kids on the Block puppet show to teach students to respect children with learning and physical disabilities
County’s first Habitat for Humanity home Successful Gift Box fundraiser Provided funds to renovate Franklin Street Grin and Grow; continued funding volunteers until 1996 Funded Boys and Girls Club Computer Lab to mark 60th anniversary Purchased van/materials to start Traveling Tales literacy project Helped start Mayor’s Top Teen Awards recognizing student volunteers Provided funding for educational structures to start Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s children’s garden Assisted with EPI’s Respite Program
2000s First Impressions cookbook premiered
in 2000 League supports Jamie and Jim’s Kids, Cedar Valley Hospice’s Eucalyptus Program, Hartman Reserve Nature Center,
Northeast Iowa Food Bank’s Kids Café Program 2005-2007 provided funding and volunteers for Phelps Youth Pavilion 2007 identified focus on childhood obe-
sity; created $70,000 Safe Places to Play fund to commemorate 70th anniversary 2008 contributed $50,000 to Lafayette Park for play equipment for children under 5
Touch-A-Truck fundraiser began 75th anniversary focuses on 75 ways
Launched YOLO Youth Empowerment
2010s
Donation to Pfeiffer Park for new play
equipment Safe Rides for Kids in 2010-11, car seats at Operation Threshold and car seat checks
League impacts the community; focus on issue-based rather than project-based impact.
Series at Bunger Middle School in 2015
Established League’s Lockers
Continued Prom’s Closet
JUNIOR LEAGUE
6 | Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Our impact
COURIER FILE PHOTO
Anna Strohbehn, right, and Nicole Mathews put a protective bag on a dress at Prom’s Closet.
Prom’s Closet, League’s Lockers aimed at teenagers KATY POE HARBAUGH
President, Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls
rom’s Closet, League’s LockP ers and YOLO Y.E.S. (You only live once, Youth Empowerment Series) are a few of the ways Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls is making a difference in the lives of teenagers. In 2014 League implemented a new community impact model focusing on issues rather than individual projects with the goal of having deeper community impact and greater membership satisfaction. At Prom’s Closet, new or gently used prom dresses and accessories are donated by community members and make attending prom a reality for area girls. They can purchase dresses for $20 and shoes and accessories for $1 to $13. “If it weren’t for this event, I would not have been able to attend my senior prom” is just one of many comments we have heard. Donations are accepted throughout the year. The next event is Feb. 23-24. For more information about how to help, contact jlwcfpromscloset@gmail. com. Look for Prom’s Closet 2018 details coming soon. League also indentified a need with teenagers aging out of the
foster care system without a solid foundation for beginning their adult lives. We partnered with AMP to provide suitcases full of starter home supplies such as bedding, cookware, etc., along with financial support. We have also worked with area middle school students through the YOLO Y.E.S. program. We met with them monthly to provide real-life training like financial literacy, resume building and interviewing techniques and health and wellness education. League’s Lockers is our newest program, implemented in spring 2017 with funds raised at Charity Ball and member contributions. In one area high school, we are providing dress code-approved apparel and school supplies to students who might otherwise be unprepared to learn and excel in school. A teacher in the Performance-Based Diplomacy Academy at West High School said the school supplies … “will be shared with some of my students as needs increase at the beginning of the new semester. This is something I would typically purchase personally, so this donation saves me from dipping into my family’s budget.” Please see TEENAGERS, Page 7
Here are projects the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls has been instrumental in establishing: Minnie Crippen Home for Children (Junior League Receiving Home) Byron Avenue Day Care Center Exceptional Persons Inc. Community Foundation of Waterloo & Northeast Iowa (Waterloo Civic Foundation) Goodwill Industries Waterloo Recreation and Arts Center Rensselaer Russell House Museum (Russell Lamson House) Black Hawk Children’s Theatre Junior Art Gallery Grout Museum Green Scene Grin and Grown Day Care Family and Children’s Council Hartman Reserve Nature Center Expansion Chapter One Children’s garden at the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens Traveling Tales Preschool Literacy Program North Star Community Services (Adults, Inc.) Newel Post Adult Day Services Boys and Girls Club Computer Lab Mayors’ Volunteer Awards Luncheon Mayors’ Top Teen Awards Cedar Falls Recreation Center (partial funding) Also receiving funding or volunteers: Jamie and Jim’s Kids Waterloo Senior Center Martin Luther King Center Black Hawk County Stork’s Nest Retired Senior Volunteer Program Iowa Head Injury Association Visiting Nurses Association Junior Achievement Cedar Valley Hospice Operation Threshold Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Boys-Girls Club of Waterloo, Inc. Northeast Iowa Food BankKids Cafe Black Hawk Battered Women’s Shelter People Community Health Clinic American Red Cross YWCA
Giving credit “No doubt my years with Junior League significantly contributed to my career and commitment to the Cedar Valley. To learn to set goals, build consensus and implement projects is still part of my world — all strengths that I first experienced by building relationships through Junior League.” — Cary Darrah, President of Cedar Valley Techworks “They say you always get more back than you give and that certainly was true of my Junior League experience. Who knew that the trainings I received as a member and League president on leadership, strategic planning and organization management would prepare me as an owner and president of ME&V. I would encourage any young woman to become a member of this impactful organization.” — Dee Vandeventer, Co-Founder ME&V/Amperage; Former Unity Point development director “Junior League gave me valuable leadership training, helped develop my deep love for the Cedar Valley and opened doors to new opportunities. The skills and self-confidence I gained through Junior League gave me the courage to pursue a master of divinity degree and become an ordained pastor.” — Cathy Young, Part-time pastor and 2017 Woman of the Year Salvation Army Young Leaders in Action Boy Scouts Freeburg Early Childhood Por-
gram
C
Black Hawk Foster & Adoptive
Support Group
Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Phelps Youth Pavilion
ongratulations on 80 years of making a difference!
cedar falls brown bottle MONTAGE-CF.COM
thebrownbottle.com
JUNIOR LEAGUE
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | 7
Junior League past presidents
Josephine Rausch, 1938
Grace Dawson, 1943-44
Margarite Hinson, 1948-49
Jean Shields, 1950-51
Jean Hunerberg, 1951-52
Dorothea Wise, 1953-54
Mary Lichty, 1955-56
Helen Zellhoefer, 1956-57
Marion Lichty, 1957-58
Jean Parker, 1958-59
Anne Enderlein, 1959-60
Dorothy Sullivan, 1961-62
Carol Williams, 1962-63
Jan Corton, 1964-65
Lennie Petersen, 1965-66
Ann Baker, 1966-67
Claire Doerfer, 1967-68
Sue Shermer, 1968-69
Nancy Shirey, 1971-72
Sally Davis, 1973-74
Camille Hogan, 1975-76
Kathy Braun, 1976-77
Mary Ann Burk, 1978-79
Alice Ritland, 1979-80
Kate Thorpe, 1980-81
Mary Jane Miller, 1981-82
Linda Klinger, 1982-83
Dianne Warren, 1983-84
Peg McGarvey, 1984-85
Junean Witham, 1985-86
Ruth Buck, 1987-88
Mary Ann Moore, 1988-89
Dee Vandeventer, 1989-90
Liz Conklin, 1990-91
Terri Jackson, 1991-92
Amy Iverson, 1992-93
Susie Heaton, 1993-94
Carol Luce, 1994-95
Sue Smith, 1995-96
Anne Nass, 1996-97
Cary Darrah, 1997-98
Mary Taylor, 1998-99
Katy Williams, 1999-2000
Chris Olds, 2000-01
Lisa Boyer, 2001-02
Laura Dobson, 2002-03
Dee Jordan, 2003-03
Julie Ritland, 2004-05
Catherine Leipold, 2005-06
Shanlee McNally, 2006-07
Deb Weber, 2007-08
Deb Young, 2008-09
Christa Miehe, 2009-10
Cindy Braatz, 2010-11
Shasta Locke, 2011-12
Katy Susong, 2012-13
Amanda Kline, 2013-14
Jess Krogh, 2014-16
Sarah Pauls, 2016-17
Katy Poe Harbaugh, 2017-18
Not pictured: Mrs. Jack Davis, 1939; Mrs. Roger Holm, 1939-40; Mrs. Florence (Upton) Kepford, 1940-41; Mrs. Lewis Seaman, 1941-42; Mrs. Dean Horner, 1942-43; Jane Niles, 1944-45; Mrs. Robert Dotson, 1945-46; Mrs. George Loveall, 1946-47; Mrs. Robert Dunkelberg, 1947-48; Mrs. Joe Morris, 1949-50; Mrs. Louise (Frederic) Loomis, 1954-55; Mrs. Betty (Charles) Dalton Jr., 1960-61; Mrs. Craig O. Clark, 1963-64; Mrs. Jane (Sam) Christensen, 1969-70; Mrs. Sally (J.C.) Kleaveland, 1970-71; Mrs. Sally (Stephen) Turner, 1972-73; Mrs. Celia (William) Burger, 1974-75; Mrs. Gayle (Donald) Denkinger, 1977-78; Marilyn DeKoster, 1986-87.
Teenagers From 6
We hope to expand the initiative into other high schools. For information on how to help, email jlwcfcommunityimpact@ gmail.com. We continue to brainstorm ideas on how to impact and better teenagers’ lives through programming, advocacy and partnering with area organizations who share the same goals.
T hank You Junior League for all you do for the Community. Keep Up The Good Work!
Tom and Charlie
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Proudly serving the Cedar valley sinCe 1909.
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JUNIOR LEAGUE
8 | Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Members gain leadership skills, opportunities MELODY PARKER
melody.parker@wcfcourier.com
Katy Poe Harbaugh is a third-generation member of Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. Her mother, Terry Poe Buschkamp, is a sustaining member, and her grandmother, Joan Poe, and her mother-in-law, Connie Harbaugh, were League members. Katy joined in 2009 after having lived away from the Cedar Valley for several years. “My initial reason for joining was to meet friends. I made those connections, but belonging to League has given me so many more opportunities than I would have had in my professional life. It’s really interesting to shine in a different capacity, to serve in a variety of different leadership roles,” Harbaugh says, including chairing Charity Ball. As the current president, she has focused on the strate-
gic direction of League in three areas: providing meaningful experiences for members; making an impact on teenagers in the community through programs like Prom’s Closet; and raising League’s profile in the community. “At one time, Junior League was the organization people turned to when they needed help. I want to get back to that place,” Harbaugh explains. President-elect Julie Girsch, originally from the Chicago area, was encouraged to join by her mother-in-law, Leila Girsch, a sustaining member. “I really wanted to learn about the community and make connections with other women,” Julie Girsch says, explaining why she joined in 2012. She quickly took on leadership roles, chairing Charity Ball in her third year. Both Harbaugh and Girsch want to grow membership.
There are no age restrictions, and League reaches out to all women who share a passion for the mission to serve the community. The organization is intent on remaining relevant in a changing world. “We provide real-life experiences to members that they can take out of League and put into action in other organizational settings,” says Harbaugh. Girsch agrees. “Junior League doesn’t look the same as it did 20 years ago or 50 years ago. We’ve changed as society has changed. Now 80 percent of our members work, and we’re part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, something I don’t think even some of our members realize.” A new member training class starts in late summer. Yearly dues are $117 for active members.
Open letter from a sustainer Congratulations to all on our 80th anniversary; a milestone we can all be very excited about. I wanted to let you know about my family’s Junior League history that is very special to me. My grandmother, Leila Buck Clark, my father’s mother, was a charter member of our Jr. League. Our family membership history continued when my mother, Barbara Roberts Clark, became a member. My sister-in-law, Marty Gillam Clark, joined and I followed with my membership. Marty’s daughter and daughter-in-law, Christa Clark Miehe and Michelle Hollen Clark, became members. My two daughters-in-law, Shaylin Marti Girsch and Julie Sapko Girsch, followed suit, with Julie slated to be our next year’s president, a role that Christa also held. I am so proud that my family is now on our fourth generation of JLWCF membership! My daughter, Molly, lives in Des Moines and at some point, would
like to be involved with the Des Moines chapter. Right now, her schedule would probably not allow her to devote the time necessary to Junior League, but we are both hopeful that in the near future, it will work out for her. Being part our our League has been a wonderful journey for me. I am thankful for all the opportunities it has afforded me, and for all the friendships that have endured. Even though I grew up in Waterloo, in Junior League, I learned so much more about the needs, as well as the amenities, in our Cedar Valley. That dynamic group of ladies who got together all those years ago with their desire of helping our community become a better place for all, surely got us off to a great start. Many thanks to my Gram and her fellow visionaries for paving the way!! We have much to celebrate!! Looking forward to another memorable Charity Ball! Leila Clark Girsch
Congratulations on 80 years! VGM Group is proud to support the Junior League of Waterloo-Cedar Falls. We know that strong female leaders make strong communities, and we are proud of the positive impact our employee owners continue to make within the Cedar Valley.
Christa Miehe
Member Since 2002
Jill Waddle
Member Since 2011
Kelly Kopriva
Member Since 2016
www.vgmgroup.com