December 2016 LeagueLink

J U N I O R L E A G U E O F O K L A H O M A C I T Y, I N C .

www.jloc.org DECEMBER 2016

Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

President’s Letter Dear fellow Junior League of Oklahoma City members,

Sara Williams Sweet

Recently, I planted tulip bulbs in my front yard. I love all flowers, but tulips are my favorite.

Unlike other types of bulb flowers, tulips don’t come back each year. I love their beauty in the spring, but let’s face it, getting to that point is a commitment! Each fall I dig into the Oklahoma clay and place each bulb in the correct position. This has become a tradition for me and I just love to see the tiny bright green leaves sprout from the ground, the first welcoming sign of spring.

My tulip bulbs remind me so much of the work being done each day by Junior League volunteers. Sometimes, it can be difficult to envision our successes, and we might wonder if the work we are doing will ever come to fruition. It can be difficult to take a child who doesn’t enjoy running and work with her until she finishes a 5k race, but the look on her face when she crosses the finish line validates the evenings spent encouraging her toward achievement. The emails and phone calls to prospective Mistletoe Market merchants can seem endless, but the big reveal at Preview Party, knowing that everyone in attendance is contributing to our work, is the greatest reward. It can feel overwhelming to meet a teenager in the youth shelter, knowing that he is mere months from being on his own and he is in need of guidance. However, when we see him begin to gravitate toward healthy, natural food choices, we see that one more child has taken a step to break the cycle of dependence on fast food.

We have so many successes, just like these, each day. One volunteer shared this story from Family Fun Nights, “All the kids were doing the physical activities and loving them! They were dancing with the Junior League volunteers.” We have successes because we are being bold, creative and fearless when we approach our work in the community.

So ladies, I encourage each of you to envision your successes. As our Speaker in the City guest, Carrie Fisher once said, “You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it, and eventually, the confidence will follow.”

I look forward to seeing all of the Junior League “tulips” that will grow in our future!

With much appreciation for each of you,

MISSION The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

VISION The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. will empower volunteers to impact our community and enrich lives.

FOCUS Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

2 DECEMBER 2016

Sara Williams Sweet President, Junior League of Oklahoma City 2016-17

DECEMBER 2016 LINK VISION

To inform members and increase awareness of Junior League of Oklahoma City projects and events.

EDITOR Ilana Sharpe ASSISTANT EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER Fareshteh Hamidi COMMITTEE MEMBERS Elizabeth Armstrong, Jessica Craft,

Sheena Karami, Leah Jackson, Markie Martin, Sadie Newell, Whitney Tatum

Contents

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PRESIDENT Sara Sweet ADMINISTRATIVE VP Kelly Brown BYLAWS CHAIR Katherine Hager COMMUNICATIONS VP Sheena Karami COMMUNITY VP Sabrina Froehlich FINANCE VP Summer DeFehr FUNDRAISING VP Alexis Lux MEMBERSHIP VP Kathy Swift NOMINATING CHAIR Mandy Heaps

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SUSTAINING ADVISOR Sue Ann Hyde

James Farris, Nicole Dobbins, Debbie Forshee, Clytie Bunyan, Mary Melon, Mel Martin, Lindsay Parks, Jackie Shawnee, Beth Shortt, Brenda Bennett, Brooke Haneborg, Patricia Rogers, David Lewis, Kyle Golding, Debby Hampton, Dr. Terry Cline, Dr. Noel Williams, Annette White-Klososky, Molly Ross, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Alex Cameron, Jim Gebhart

The Most Wonderful Time of the League Year!

Carrie Fisher as next Speaker in the City

PROFILE [

p e o p l e]

Spotlight on Sustainer Sally Starling Girls on the Block Meet your Speaker in the City Committee

CHIEF OF STAFF Leslie Coale-Mossman COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

events ]

Mental Illness: It’s a Disease Not a Decision

2016-17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT-ELECT Tracey Frederick

SCENE [

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COMMUNITY PROJECTS/PROJECT MANAGERS ELEMENTARY HEALTH Emerald Stanley

FOCUS [

projects ]

Safe Kids Car Seat Safety Checks Season’s Eatings!

Open Streets

FAMILY FITNESS NIGHTS Sally Kernke FOOD AND FUN AT FAMILY JUNCTION Rachel Petty HEALTHY PETS/HEALTHY HOMES Shannon Stiger KITK/TOP CHEF Kelsey Gray and Daniella Knighten PARENTS NIGHT OUT Hayley Moore HEALTHY PRACTICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Krystal Murer and Britnee Bryles KIDS ON TRACK Bria Hanlon PROM NIGHT Whitney Tatum RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GUEST CHEFS Becca Sullivan SAFE KIDS CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS Tina Izadi SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Melissa Frost WELLNESS FOR LIFE Rachel Talasaz

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ET CETERA [

va r i o u s]

Seasonal Affective Disorder Letters to the League What’s in Your Queue?

OPEN STREETS Tori Raines FAMILY FUN NIGHTS Katie Davis and Laura Winkler VARIETY PACK Leslie Buford

League Link is published five times a year by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. HEADQUARTERS

ON THE COVER: Carrie Fisher, 2017 Speaker in the City

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. 1001 NW Grand Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73118 Phone (405) 843-5668 Fax (405) 843-0994 www.jloc.org FUNDRAISERS

Mistletoe Market Speaker in the City Annual Campaign

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Carrie Fisher as Next Speaker in the City

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TIME TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS

s we all know, American actress and writer, Carrie Fisher, will be the featured speaker at our annual Speaker in the City event. This event, set for January 18, 2017, at 7 p.m., will be held at The Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City.

Now is the time to purchase your ticket(s)!

As part of our JLOC membership/quota obligations, Provisionals and Active members are required to purchase one (1) Speaker in the City ticket at the member rate of $50.

Sustainers may, but are not required to, purchase a single discounted ticket through their JLOC home page.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Be sure to purchase your ticket through the JLOC

website in order for it to count towards your quota obligation. If your ticket is purchased through The Civic Center, it will not count toward your quota obligation and neither JLOC nor The Civic Center can refund the ticket charge. As shown in the screenshot below, there is a JLOC Speaker in the City purchase link under “Obligations” on your Member Profile Page. Click this link to ensure you’re purchasing your ticket from the appropriate area. If interested in the VIP reception following the event, you can add this to your basket from the same purchase page. Members may only purchase one ticket through their membership page. Any additional tickets you wish to purchase, must be done through The Civic Center.

Best known for her role as Princess

Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fisher has publicly discussed her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and her addictions to cocaine and prescription medication, most notably on ABC’s 20/20 and The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive with Stephen Fry for the BBC. During this worthwhile speaking engagement, Fisher will bring much knowledge on this topic of mental health.

Her insight and discussion is one the whole community will enjoy and appreciate. Who knows, maybe her French bulldog, Gary, will even make a special appearance!

JLOC Members to Purchase Single Quota Ticket Via JLOC Purchase Page If you have a friend or family member interested in attending and you’d like to sit with them, it’ll be an easy process. Be sure they purchase the $60 general admission ticket or $200 VIP ticket through The Civic Center website (plus fees). Arrive early the night of the event and save your friends or family members seats in the respective area of their purchased tickets.

Non-JLOC Members to Purchase Quota Tickets Via Civic Center Don’t forget, Speaker in the City tickets can be great gift ideas for: • Christmas/Holiday Season • Anniversaries • Birthdays • End of Year Business and Associate “Thank You’s” 4 DECEMBER 2016

LEAGUE MEMBER ASHLEY BAKER’S STAR STUDDED EVENING League Member and Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist, Ashley Baker, recently had the opportunity to meet with Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani and the circumstances were truly phenomenal. A physician at the Jimmy Everest Center at OU Children’s Hospital, Ashley Baker is instrumental in treating children throughout Oklahoma and the region who are in need of medical care due to cancer and various blood disorders. The Jimmy Everest Center was contacted by country star and native Oklahoman, Blake Shelton, who wanted to honor the Jimmy Everest Center and the work they do with some much needed financial support. Chosen from the physicians at OU Children’s Hospital, Ashley was selected to attend Blake Shelton’s Oklahoma City concert on September 16. On stage, in front of thousands of Oklahomans, Ashley accepted a $600,000 check on behalf of the Jimmy Everest Center.

Thank you, Ashley, for the tremendous work you do helping our community and children!

 League Member Dr. Ashley Baker, and Children’s Hospital Foundation representative Evelyn Bollenbach, accept a check on behalf of Jimmy Everest Center. Pictured from left to right: Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Evelyn Bollenbach, and Dr. Ashely Baker.

September & October GMM Recap

By Fareshteh Hamidi

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lthough projects and placements have kept Junior League members busy during the summer months, the start of a new JLOC season commenced with the first General Membership Meeting at the Will Rogers Theater on September 13. League members were undoubtedly ready to visit with one another prior to welcoming their new board members to office, including Sara Sweet, taking on the role of President and leading the first business meeting of the year. Officer Katie Lawson was the evening’s guest speaker, sharing with the League a heroic and personal story from her early days as a police officer. Six bullets to Officer Lawson’s uniform on an August evening in 2010 were met with perseverance, and her shooter met with justice, as she continued her civil duty to help place him behind bars. After her recovery period, Officer Lawson was nationally recognized for her service and awarded the Top Cop honor in Washington

D.C. She shared the video package created for the awards ceremony that included reenactments of the incident that changed her life.

Carey-Sue Vega shared a 50th birthday celebration to end all celebrations at the October 11 meeting. She was invited by her Aunt to attend a fundraiser in England this summer with Prince William and Duchess Kate as the honorees. Carey-Sue shared photos and stories of her trip, and engaged League members with details of personal conversation with the Royals.

She went on to share useful tips in distinguishing social etiquette from business etiquette.

ABC and STAR award recipients were announced at both meetings, and the Mistletoe Market Board shared all the reasons to most look forward to this year’s event, including exciting new vendors and free valet parking during the Preview Party. Mistletoe Market was held at the Cox Convention Center November 9-12.

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The Most Wonderful Time of

6 DECEMBER 2016

the League Year!

The ladies of Mistletoe Market

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Mental Illness: It’s a Disease Not a Decision Written by Traci Cook, Director, NAMI Oklahoma & Ann Trudgeon, Director, Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council

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klahoma continues to be among the states with the highest prevalence of mental illness (The State of Mental Health American, 2015). Despite this fact, state policy makers continue to invest far less than the national average to provide appropriate health services to those in need, ranking 46th in per capita spending for state-sponsored behavioral health services (State Health Facts, Kaiser Family Foundation). In addition, 40% of children and 60% of adults who need mental health services never get them in the first place. Unaddressed mental health conditions are the third leading cause of chronic disease in our state—behind only pulmonary disease and hypertension—and more common than heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and stroke (Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.)

Mental illness is not a bad decision or character flaw. It’s a disease. It “happens” just as type 1 diabetes “happens.” No one chooses to feel overwhelmed by fear, ongoing sadness, or a continuous hearing of voices around them.

With this in mind, why are we sympathetic and comfortable talking about diseases like diabetes or cancer, but turn away when

8 DECEMBER 2016

someone even mentions a disease like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder? In our opinion, as advocates and as professionals in this field, it is ignorance.

It has been our experience that most Oklahomans don’t really know what a mental illness is. At its most basic, mental illness (or mental disorder) is a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. That basic definition probably matches your own, but you may not be familiar with the truly wide-ranging scope of mental illness.

For example, do you know that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders are mental illnesses?

Depression is also a mental illness, and it is particularly common among high-achieving, successful women. Surprised? Despite the commercials for prescription medications that help people with depression, not all people with depression are confined to their homes and removed from their friends and family. One can be highly achieving throughout their days and also have depressive disorder.

We all know someone who has a mental illness. Many of us even know a child who has

a mental health diagnosis. Maybe the person you know with (or suspect may have) a mental health diagnosis is YOU. That being said, there is nothing to fear. Mental illnesses can treated, but only when they are appropriately diagnosed and properly supported with medication and/or “talk” therapies.

One in five Oklahomans has a mental illness. It will affect you or someone you love in your lifetime, which is why the statistics in this article should motivate you as community advocates.

In closing, we’d like to share our truths with you. If you know either of the women who wrote this article, you know someone with a diagnosed and supported mental health condition. It’s not something either of us are embarrassed to share with you. It is part of who we are.

Our advice: Take time to learn about mental health conditions, which also includes substance use disorders. Go to www.nami. org and click “Learn More.” To connect with Oklahomans who can provide support and information, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Oklahoma at (800) 583-1264 or www.namioklahoma.org.

Provisional Events & Announcements S ince our last Provisional class update, our newest members have been quite busy! The class kicked off their Provisional Courses in September with the “History of the Junior League.” Sustainers, Pat Gallagher and Mary Tevington spoke at the September 7 and 21 courses, respectively. These ladies gave a hilarious account of their time as Active Members and charged the Provisional class to continue to empower Oklahoma City as strong women in our community. The Provisionals also kicked off their community projects with OKC Harvest. The class has volunteered building raised beds at Cleveland El-

ementary, Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School, and Linwood Elementary. The garden at Belle Isle holds OKC Harvest’s record for fastest garden build, completed in one hour and two minutes! The second Provisional Course covered JLOC Structure and for the second year, select Provisionals competed on “Leopardy!” Thank you to the Board of Directors for attending the course to provide the “study materials” and to “ask a Board Member.”

Congratulations to all of our 2016 Leopardy winners. Still holding strong with 125 Provisional members, upcoming events include various TLDC events and the holiday social.

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This is CASADY.

Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning.

Casady School seeks a diverse, inclusive student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin.

9500 North Pennsylvania Ave. | Oklahoma City, OK 73120 | 405.749.3185 | www.casady.org 9

Scene MEMBER NUMBERS ACTIVE 452 SUSTAINING 855 PROVISIONAL 126

Membership LEAVE OF ABSENCE

RESIGNATIONS

Blair Bradley Emily Gee

Mollie Dysart Jordon Dean

EMERGENCY LEAVE

CONGRATULATIONS

Lauren Schwarz Sara Mason (extended)

Selected for Next Gen 30 Under 30:

• Lydia Anderson • Beth Armstrong • Christina Boghetich • Brooke Churchman • Jessica Craft • Autumn Davenport • Jane Derrick • Bailey Gatewood • Nicole Hodges • Julia Jernigan • Kate Kirk • Sadie Newell • Lauren Nichols • Brooke Powell • Ally Rodriguez • Emily Shipley • Whitney Tatum • Lauren Warkentine Deemah Ramadan, Board Member of Heart Line Emerald Stanley, First Runner Up in the Mrs. Oklahoma Contest, to compete in the

MATERNITY LEAVE Stephanie Naifeh Ashley Ahrberg Laura Steen

TRANSFER IN Ashley Rivers Brittany Ross Mallory Mills (pending) Dalia Hinojosa (pending) Catherine Potente Jacquelyn Wright

TRANSFER OUT Stephanie Dameron Jourdon Bishop Ashley McCubbin Kaci Lightner Stacey Stevens

REINSTATEMENTS Ashley Parrish (Sustainer) Paula Ward (Sustainer)

Mrs. America Contest Leslie Coale-Mossman, Her business, Pie Junkie, won the OKC Best Dessert Shop by the Gazette (not to mention an appearance in Vogue!)

Margo Ward, Leader of Gathering of Angels, most money ever raised in history

MARRIAGES & ENGAGEMENTS Liz Bomhoff

BIRTHS Lauren Kilmer Mays, baby girl Tori Raines, baby boy Whitney Porch-VanHeuvelen, baby boy Paige Ross, baby boy Liz Davies, baby boy Jamie Bradley, baby girl Caroline Gallaway, baby boy Ashley Sanford, baby boy Jenna Johnston, baby girl

CONDOLENCES Ann Alspaugh, Passed Carla Pickrel, Passing of Brother in Law

TOTAL 1433

Carrie Leonard, Passing of Grandmother Jayne Clarke, Passing of Father LeAnn Lienhard, Passing of Father Jessica Hunt, Mother Passed Kristen Gaddis Hutter, Father Passed Marni Taylor, Father Passed Becky Taylor, Grandfather-InLaw Passed Whitney Tero, Step Mother Passed Liza Cryder, Passing of Father Jennifer Fritsch, Passing of Grandfather Amber Meyr, Passing of Grandfather Jenn Tupps, Passing of Grandmother

CARE & CONCERN Amanda Lawler Erin Logan Lauren Schwartz

2016 MISTLETOE MARKET SPONSORS Diamond Sponsor

Tyler Media (KMGL, KOMA, KJKE) Mood The Fleuriste Sweet & Spark Vintage Jewelry

Texadelphia Cumulus Media (KYIS, WILD) The Oklahoman News 9 (KWTV) KFOR Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Svedka Imported Vodka The Santreece Foundation

Gold Sponsors

Patron Sponsors

Adventure Road

Platinum Sponsors

Vast / V2 The Black Scintila The Oil Tree by Olive & Co YMCA Mathis Brothers Furniture Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

10 DECEMBER 2016

Swiss Cleaners Beadles Edible OKC Mercedes Benz of Oklahoma City Muscle & Body Wellness Bank SNB

Casady School Atkins & Markoff

Contributor Sponsors Nothing Bundt Cakes Radian Beauty Renewal Fox 25 / KOKH KOCO Oklahoma Gazette Ted’s Café Escondido Four Graces Pilates Studio Nick Solis, Loan Officer, First Mortgage Company, LLC. Cryder Marketing & Advertising Legacy Grill Sooner Valet

Find the Hidden Heart!

CONGRATULATIONS

Danielle Deen!

She found the hidden heart in the previous issue and won!

The heart was hiding on page 24 in the September 2016 issue!

Email Ilana Sharpe (isharpe.editor2016@gmail.com) if you spot the heart.

Those who find it will be entered into a drawing for a prize!

WE ARE...

WESTMINSTER

Pre-K and Kindergarten | Grades One through Eight 600 NW 44 Street • Oklahoma City • 405.524.0631 • westminsterschool.org Westminster School admits students of any race, color, religion or national and ethnic origin. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, financial aid program, athletic and other school-administered activities.

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Profile [ people ]

Spotlight on Sustainer Sally Starling

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BY ILANA SHARPE

ustainer Sally Starling finds great fulfillment in giving back to the Oklahoma City community. She does this not just through her work with the JLOC, but as an active member of nonprofit organizations throughout the city. A second generation Oklahoman, Sally is the daughter of Larry and Polly Nichols. Polly Nichols, a Past President of JLOC, is a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal

Building. On April 19, 1995, Polly went to work at the Oklahoma Journal Record Building like any other day. As a result of the bombing, Polly suffered a cut on her throat which severed her vocal chords, carotid artery and jugular vein. It was through the immediate efforts of an off duty nurse that Polly survived that day.

It is because of her mother’s experience and the dedication of her family to Oklahoma City that Sally has continued her family’s legacy of

Sustainer Sally Starling with husband Jeff, daughters Addison and Megan, and parents Polly and Larry Nichols.

12 DECEMBER 2016

serving this community. Sally, a past Board Member of the Junior League of Richmond, Virginia, now serves as President Elect of the Oklahoma City Ballet Board of Directors, is a Girl Scout Troup Leader, and participates on numerous event committees. However, it is her work as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and

Sustainer Sally Starling, Sustainer and Past President Polly Nichols, and Addison and Megan Starling attend the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum's construction ceremony.

Museum that holds a special place in her heart.

Today the majority of Oklahoma City residents were either not alive at the time of the bombing or did not live in Oklahoma City—a fact that may be surprising to those of us who lived through that day. It is therefore the continued mission of the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum to “remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.” On February 19, 2001, in furtherance of this mission, the Museum was opened to the public. In 2015 the Museum underwent a major renovation of its exhibits in order to include numerous pieces of evidence presented at trial and other artifacts that were not available to the Museum at the time of its opening.

Sally, along with Sam Presti, Co-Chaired the Reflections of Hope and Standards Award Luncheon, which took place on November 14 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. The Reflections of Hope and Oklahoma Standard Awards luncheon is one of two major fundraisers that the Memorial hosts each year. The Reflections of Hope Award honors a living or currently active organization that exemplifies two core beliefs of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum: that hope can survive and blossom despite the tragedy and chaos of political violence and that even in environments marred by such violence, peaceful, nonviolent approaches provide the best answers. Past recipients of the award include the prosecution and defense attorneys and judges of the Oklahoma City bombing trials, President William J. Clinton, and the George W. Bush family.

This year the Reflections of Hope Award honored Peace Players International, who through the use of basketball, create a safe and neutral space where young people can form lasting friendships. It is through this program that more than 75,000 children from the United States, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and the Middle East have played together, developed friendships, and worked to cross the ethnic, racial and cultural divides. This year also saw the inaugural Oklahoma Standard Award, which honored a young woman (perhaps a future Junior League Member) for her outstanding acts of service, honor and kindness.

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, along with all of the Oklahoma City community, is fortunate to have women such as Sally Starling and the entire extended Nichols family dedicating their time, energy, and tireless efforts to giving back. Although she works not for the recognition, I hope that every member of the League will join me in thanking Sally for her continued commitment to our city.

LITTLE LEAGUERS

Meyer Lee Levine

Tev Suzette Tims

Born 6/20/16 Parents are Jennifer & Michael Levine

Born 1/18/16 Parents are Macie Craven-Tims & T. J. Liles-Tims

Everett Reid Allen

Eddie Joseph Raines

Born 7/15/16 Parents are Kaitlyn & Scott Allen

Born 10/3/2016 Parents are Victoria & John Raines

Ledger Ray Lashley

Maybree Grace Manoles

Born 8/2/16 Parents are Corena & Dustin Lashley

Born 7/21/16 Parents are Jamie & Matt Manoles

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Profile

GIRLS ON THE BLOCK Mary Tevington SUSTAINER What do you look forward to most during the holiday season?

What's on your bucket list in the coming year?

Cold walks and hot tea with family and friends.

Spending another glorious two weeks at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina.

What's been the highlight of your 2016?

Weeklong drawing workshop in Bennington, Vt. with Bill Flynn.

Sabrina Froehlich BOARD MEMBER What do you look forward to most during the holiday season?

When I think about the holidays what I look forward to the most is the music and the Christmas lights... and the food. Truly gets me in "the spirit" of the season.

What's been the highlight of your 2016?

The highlight of 2016 for me was a summer trip to Colorado with my family. We went white water rafting for the first time and it was so much

14 DECEMBER 2016

fun. I'm not much of an adventure kind of girl but in my mind want to be so it was the perfect experience!

What's on your bucket list in the coming year?

If I had a bucket list for 2017, at the top would probably be another family vacation going to states we've never been before. We are trying to get to all 50 states as a family before our oldest graduates high school in 2023. We've gone to 10 so far so we have a ways to go.

Katelyn Hudson ACTIVE What do you look forward to most during the holiday season?

What's on your bucket list in the coming year?

I love spending time with my family and friends. I love all of the music and decorations. I really love everything about the holidays.

Traveling more with my husband and daughter. We have a few trips already planned and I look forward to planning more.

What's been the highlight of your 2016?

Our daughter will be turning one in December. Watching her grow and being her mother has been the highlight of this year by far.

Liz Bomhoff PROVISIONAL What do you look forward to most during the holiday season?

The two things that immediately come to mind are food and family.

Specifically my aunt's famous stuffing on Thanksgiving! None of my side of the family live in OKC, so I cherish the extended time with them around the holidays.

What's been the highlight of your 2016?

a nephew in April and a niece in November. It was a very big year for my family!

What's on your bucket list in the coming year?

I have always wanted to go to NYC and we're planning a trip there in April of next year. I'm extremely excited to cross that destination off my bucket list in 2017!

The highlight would hands down have to be getting married to my husband Jack in August. But close behind would be the birth of

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Profile

Meet your Speaker in the City Committee

ANN TRUDGEON

Speaker in the City Chair (Sustainer) What led you to serve on the speaker committee?

I was an active member of JLOC for 18 years and in all that time, I never had the opportunity to serve on the Fundraising Council, or work on any of the fundraisers aside from my first active year as a member of the Remarkable Shop Board. As I began my sustaining career, I regretted that. I was very happy and surprised to get the call to serve on Speaker in the City and it took me about two seconds to say yes!

What do you think the biggest challenges are facing Oklahomans and mental health? I happen to work for the Department of Human Services and in particular in the field of disability. I don't think most Oklahomans realize how many people are affected by mental health diagnoses it's not just the individual with the diagnosis - it's her children, her spouse, her parents. Oklahoma has one of the largest populations of children in foster care and many of those cases are related to the mental health and substance abuse situations of the parent or child. I'm also professionally involved with the Department of Education, and again, the numbers of children and youth diagnosed with mental illnesses is staggering.

When students with mental illnesses have issues in the classroom, there are discipline issues, suspensions, disproportionate time spent on the affected student, etc.

In terms of the health care system, with a lack of funding for treatment programs, people without formal treatment plans go to emergency rooms when they are in crisis. Emergency room treatment and emergency mental health in-patient programs are far more expensive than prevention programs. This costs all of us as tax payers, as Oklahoma still has a very high percentage of uninsured citizens.

I could go on and on. The bottom line for me is that all of us need to be more aware of the broader issues surrounding mental illness. It really does go beyond the individual.

because it’s a new fundraiser for JLOC. I like that it is a more unique fundraiser for us and the community.

I truly enjoy being a part of something for the greater good - it’s not something that just benefits JLOC but Oklahoma City as a whole. Similar to Mistletoe Market having gained momentum in our community as an awesome shopping extravaganza every fall, my hope for Speaker in the City is to be another event our city puts “on its calendar” and looks forward to every year.

SORMEH SLATER

Speaker in the City Hospitality Chair Why would you encourage your friends to join the speaker board? It is fun to collaborate with such a great group of women to put together an amazing VIP event for the League and community.

What do you think the biggest challenges are facing Oklahoman's and mental health? I believe people feeling mental illness is something to be brushed under the rug and not talked about is the biggest and first challenge we face. Once people are open to talking about mental illnesses, we can begin to understand them.

KRISTEN BROWN

JILL MERRITT What led you to serve on the speaker committee?

I was interested in serving on the SITC committee simply

16 DECEMBER 2016

What led you to serve on the speaker committee?

I'm so excited to serve as the 2017 Speaker in the City Chair! I have served on the Fundraising Council for the past five years and have played a role in the development of our Speaker event from the time the seed was originally planted. I was honored when asked to Chair this amazing event! I love that SITC showcases the work that JLOC does to the community while giving people the opportunity to see and learn from a celebrity as she shares her message about health. Not only does this event educate our community on various health topics, but it raises money for us to put back into the community. I encourage Actives to consider serving on this board and help us grow this fundraiser even more in the future!

SAMARA TERRILL

Speaker in the City Special Events Co-Chair (Active)

Speaker in the City Special Events Co-Chair (Sustainer)

Speaker in the City Branding & Promotion Chair

AMANDA KIRKPATRICK LAWLER

Speaker in the City Chair (Active)

What do I look forward to most about SITC? I am looking forward to the VIP party of course! It will be a great way to thank our donors and spend some time with our fabulous speaker. The SITC Board has worked so hard this year and I know this will be a fun way to celebrate a wonderful event.

MANDY HANSEN

Speaker in the City Treasurer What do you look forward to most about SITC? I look forward to working with this amazing group of ladies. I also look forward to building another great fundraiser for the League in an effort to fund our many Community Projects.

An exceptional education opens many doors, so we’re opening ours.

PARENT PREVIEW DAYS

TOUR OUR SCHOOL DURING A SCHOOL DAY

GROUP ADMISSION TESTING

EARLY CHILDHOOD Preschool and Pre-K: JAN. 10, 11, 23, 24 LOWER SCHOOL Kindergarten - Grade 4: FEB. 1 and 2

SATURDAY, FEB. 18, 2017

MIDDLE SCHOOL Grades 5 and 6: FEB. 6, 7, 22, 23 Grades 7 and 8: MAR. 1 and 2

PLEASE CALL 405.749.3002 TO REGISTER

8:00-11:30 AM

SPACE IS LIMITED AND SOME GRADES WILL HAVE WAITING LISTS. PLEASE CALL EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR DATE: 405.749.3002.

TO LEARN • TO LEAD • TO SERVE 1800 NW 122nd Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 • 405.749.3002 • heritagehall.com 17

Focus

 Cars lined up to receive a new car seat courtesy of JLOC.

[ projects ]

Safe Kids Car Seat Safety Checks

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BY TINA L. IZADI

afe Kids Car Seat Safety Checks is in its second year as a full-time placement for our members. Working in conjunction with our agency partners, Safe Kids Oklahoma and Infant Crisis Services, JLOC provided properly installed car seats for hundreds of families around the Oklahoma City metro. At the events held in June and September of 2016, almost 200 car seats were distributed and installed to children who were in need of a car seat.

JLOC supports approximately 8 events throughout the year. More than 75 car seats are provided to children in need at each event, making these events the largest of their kind in Oklahoma.

At each event, certified child passenger safety technicians install car seats that have been donated

by JLOC and other organizations; check the

installation of any car seats that were previously installed and being kept; and teach families how to transport children correctly and safely. JLOC volunteers assist the technicians with paperwork by scribing the needed information and reviewing recall lists to determine the safety of any previously installed car seats; hand out information; and provide water in JLOC bags. JLOC volunteers also ensure that the event runs smoothly by organizing the cars, directing traffic, and interacting with the families and children.

The events take place at Infant Crisis Services on a Saturday almost every other month and are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon. The families in need of a car seat(s) start lining up hours before the event in the hopes of receiving one, with all available car seats ultimately being distributed well before the event begins. It is a first come first

JLOC Members at the Car Seat Safety Check in June 2016.

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 New car seats waiting to be installed. served event; mothers who are within 8 weeks of their due date and families with children present are eligible to obtain a car seat. A $10 donation per seat is requested from eligible families. The event is targeted to families where either a child or the parent/guardian receives some form of government assistance.

At each of the events the number of families that attend continue to increase. Unfortunately, families in need are turned away at each event because the demand exceeds the supply. Families who do not receive a car seat are provided with information about the next event and encouraged to arrive early to receive a car seat.

More than 2,600 children under the age of 13 are involved in a car crash every day, equating to one child every 33 seconds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s research reveals that 59% of car seats are not installed correctly. On the importance of families properly securing their children in the correct car seat, Devon Sisson, Director of Safe Kids of Oklahoma, said, “A properly installed car seat is proven to save lives.”

By providing safe car seats and ensuring that those car seats are correctly installed, children in need are being protected. The Safe Kids Car Seat Safety Checks are providing children with the correct car seat and ensuring that the car seats are installed correctly, thus protecting the safety and lives of hundreds of children in the Oklahoma City metro area.

JLOC volunteers work hard at these events and have done an excellent job at providing support and assistance in ensuring that children will be transported safely.

Season’s Eatings!

CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS

1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds removed 1 TSP freshly grated nutmeg, plus more for garnish 5 eggs, separated 2/3 cup granulated sugar ¾ cup Bacardi Dark Rum, or bourbon Directions

Banoffee Pie Ingredients 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 10 TBSP of butter, softened 2 (14 oz.) cans of sweetened, condensed milk 3 large bananas 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 TSP vanilla extract Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs with softened butter and press mixture into 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 5—8 minutes.

Lower the oven to 300°F for the toffee filling.

To create toffee filling, caramelize the sweetened condensed milk. Pour the condensed milk into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Cover with foil and place dish inside a larger poaching pan. Add water to poaching pan until half way up sides of baking dish.

Bake for 1 ½ hours.

Once both the crust and toffee filling are cooled, spread half of the filling evenly inside crust. Slice the bananas and layer on top of filling. Pour remaining half of filling over bananas, spreading evenly. Whip the cream with the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and spread on top of toffee filling and bananas.

Ultimate Eggnog SERVES 8 Ingredients 3 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy or double cream 3 cinnamon sticks

In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, cinnamon, vanilla bean, vanilla seeds, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over a medium heat. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to steep.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until combined and thick ribbons form when the whisk is lifted. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue to mix until the mixture is combined and smooth. Add bourbon or rum, and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for up to 3 days.

Before serving, beat the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold into eggnog until combined. Serve and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

HANUKKAH DELIGHTS

To celebrate this holiday season we have included some of our favorite recipes featuring tasty morsels from different cultures and religions. We hope your holidays will be as sweet as these delicious treats.

shredded potatoes in a separate bowl.

Add the salt, white pepper and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives to the potatoes and hand toss. Pour in the beaten egg, mix, then the flour and mix again.

In a small mixing bowl add the sour cream and remaining 2 tablespoons of chive. Add a pinch of salt, mix again, cover, and store in the fridge.

In a cake pan or deep dish pie plate, add the Panko bread crumb. Ball up the potato mixture by hand and flatten out into a patty; approximately 3 inches wide and about ½ inch thick. Place into the Panko crumbs and coat the entire latke in the crispy crumbs. Lay out the breaded latkes on a cake rack or pan, and start heating up the oil in your fry pan.

Also prepare a pan lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil after frying.

Pour enough oil in the pan to reach 2/3 up the side. Heat until shimmering and gently lay down the breaded latkes. Reduce the heat so as not to burn the crumbs, but cook to a nice golden brown. Fry both sides, flipping them over several times to get a nice even cooking.

Lay out on to paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Plate your latkes and serve warm with a side of the sour cream and chive, and/or applesauce.

Recipe from Chef Scotty Irani www.InTheKitchenWithScotty.com.

Classic Hanukkah Latkes SERVES 4-6 Ingredients 6 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and grated (about 2 pounds) 1 TBSP kosher salt 1—1 ½ TSP white pepper 4 TBSP finely chopped chives, or more to taste (divided use) 2 eggs, beaten 2 TBSP pastry flour (or substitute 1 tablespoon AP flour + 1 TBSP cake flour) 3 cups panko breadcrumbs (extra crispy) 1 cup sour cream 1 cup applesauce (optional) 1 cup grapeseed oil for frying (chicken or duck fat for extra bonus points) Directions

Peel and grate the potatoes on a box grater. In batches wrap into a clean kitchen towel, ball up, and squeeze out the excess potato water. Place dry

Apple Cider Donuts TOTAL TIME: 3 HR 10 MIN PREP: 50 MIN INACTIVE: 2 HR COOK: 20 MIN YIELD: 12 DOUGHNUTS

Ingredients 2 red apples, such as Cortland or McIntosh 2 ½ cups apple cider 3 ½ cups all-pourpose flour, plus more for dusting 4 TSP baking powder ¼ TSP baking soda 3 ½ TSP ground cinnamon 1 TSP salt

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Focus

Season’s Eatings!

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KWANZA TREATS

¼ TSP freshly grated nutmeg 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar 3 TBSP vegetable shortening 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk ¼ cup buttermilk 1 TSP vanilla extract ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar Vegetable oil, for frying

Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Directions

Core and coarsely chop the apples (do not peel). Combine with 1 ½ cups cider in a medium saucepan over medium heat; cover and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the apples are tender and the cider is almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes. Puree with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have 1 cup. (Boil to reduce further, if necessary.) Let cool slightly.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Beat 2/3 cup granulated sugar and the shortening in another bowl with a mixer on medium speed until sandy. Beat in the egg and yolk, then gradually mix in the applesauce, scraping the bowl. Beat in half of the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and vanilla, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix to make a sticky dough; do not overmix.

Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper and pat into a 7-by-11-inch rectangle, about ½ inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: Simmer the remaining 1 cup cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ¼ cup. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth and glossy, then set aside. Mix the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for the topping.

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°.

Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Cut the chilled dough into 12 rounds, using a floured 2 ½ or 3-inch biscuit cutter, then cut out the middles with a 1-inch cutter (or use a doughnut cutter). Slip 2 or 3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed.

Transfer to the paper towels to drain.

Dip one side of each doughnut in the cider glaze, letting the excess drip off; dip just the glazed side in the cinnamon-sugar or roll all over in cinnamon-sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

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Chicken and Sausage Gumbo SERVES 6 PREP: 40 MINS COOK: 40 MINS Ingredients 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup cooking oil ½ cup chopped onion (1 medium) ½ cup chopped green or red sweet pepper (1 small) ½ cup sliced celery (1 stalk) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 ½ TSP Cajun seasoning 1 (14 oz.) can beef broth 1 (10 oz.) package frozen cut okra (whole okra also works) 1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken 8 oz. cooked smoked sausage links, sliced 3 cups hot cooked long grain or brown rice Directions

For the roux, in a 3-quart heavy saucepan combine flour and oil until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes more or until the roux is dark reddish brown Stir in onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic.

Cook about 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in Cajun seasoning. Stir in broth and 3/4 cup water. Add okra. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in chicken and sausage; heat through. To serve, ladle gumbo into bowls with rice. If desired, top each serving with sliced green onion and pass bottled hot pepper sauce.

SERVES 8-10 Ingredients 4 pounds sweet potatoes or white potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 10 cups) ¼ cup butter or margarine 1/3 cup dairy sour cream ¼ cup milk ½ TSP salt ½ TSP freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup maple syrup ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds, toasted Butter or margarine (optional) Directions

In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook the potatoes, covered, in enough boiling lightly salted water to cover for 12 minutes or until tender; drain.

Remove potatoes from pan.

Add the butter to the hot Dutch oven and let it melt. Add the potatoes to the Dutch oven; mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through. Transfer to a serving dish. If desired, place a dot of butter on top.

Prepare potatoes through Step 2 but do not heat through. Transfer to a 2 ½ to 3-quart casserole. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Before serving, preheat oven to 325°F. Bake, covered, in the preheated oven for 55—60 minutes or until heated through.

Before serving, drizzle ¼ cup maple syrup over potatoes and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds, toasted.

WINTER SOLSTICE SURPRISES

1 TBSP unbleached or whole wheat flour ½—1 cup vegetable broth ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) Your favorite homemade or store-bought crust or 3 cups cooked mashed potatoes

Whisk together cilantro and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add cooked black-eyed peas, bell pepper, and onion, tossing to coat; cover and chill 8 hours. Stir peaches and watercress into pea mixture just before serving.

Directions

Spiced Wassail YIELDS 10 CUPS Ingredients 2 quarts apple cider 1 ½ cups orange juice 3/4 cup pineapple juice 1 TBSP brown sugar ½ TSP lemon juice 2 cinnamon sticks (3 inches) 1 dash ground cinnamon 1 dash ground cloves Directions

In a large saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard cinnamon sticks. Serve hot in mugs.

Preheat oven to 350°F . In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the diced vegetables, sautéing, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Add chopped greens and cook briefly to wilt.

Add frozen peas or corn and allow to cook through.

Add seasonings, then sprinkle vegetables with flour, stirring well and simmering for a few minutes. Add broth, stirring until thickened. Add cheese, if desired.

Place ingredients in an oiled deep-dish pie dish.

You may use a bottom crust, if you like, and/or a top crust. If you go crustless, top vegetables with mashed potatoes, dotted with butter or drizzled with olive oil, if you like. If using crust, cut a special symbol (a sun is a nice touch) in the top, or use a spoon to swirl a sun or spiral shape in the mashed potatoes.

Bake 45 minutes, or until golden, and serve on a platter surrounded with fresh evergreens, if you like.

NEW YEAR’S PLEASURES

New Year’s Orange & Brandy Cake Ingredients: 4 large eggs, separated 1 cup plus 2 TBSP sugar 12 TBSP (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted, or a combination of butter and margarine 1 ¼ cups freshly squeezed orange juice ½ cup brandy 4 cups all-purpose flour 4 TSP baking powder ¼ TSP baking soda Grated zest of 1 orange Grated zest of 1 lemon Whole blanched almonds Directions

Savory Winter Solstice Pie

Lucky Black Eyed Pea Salad

SERVES 4-6 Ingredients: 2­—3 TBSP olive oil 2—3 cups of any combination of the following diced vegetables: onion, garlic, carrot, bell pepper, celery, potato, mushroom, sweet potato, winter squash, turnip, parsnip, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts 6 cups coarsely chopped greens, such as kale, cabbage, mustard greens, turnip greens, broccoli rabe, or chard ½ cup frozen peas or corn Seasonings to taste: chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, savory, marjoram, or a combination Sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredients 1 (16 oz.) package frozen black-eyed peas ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup red pepper jelly ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 TBSP olive oil 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced ¾ TSP salt ¼ TSP freshly ground pepper 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1/3 cup diced red onion 2 large fresh peaches, peeled and diced 2 cups torn watercress

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 10-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until light yellow and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the butter or butter and margarine and beat for 1 minute more.

Beat in the orange juice and brandy. Whisk together the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and the zests in another large bowl. Add to the yolk mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until incorporated.

In a large clean bowl, with clean beaters, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into the pan and shake gently to even the top. Decorate the top with almonds. Bake the cake for about 1 hour, or until it is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack before removing from the pan and serving.

Directions

Prepare peas according to package directions, simmering until al dente; drain and let cool 1 hour.

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Focus

Open Streets

By Tori Raines

O

pen Streets OKC is a local health and wellness project that aims to reclaim a busy street for a few hours for non-motorized activities and feature local food options and wellness advice from health professionals. Attendees were invited to walk, bike or skate down South Robinson Avenue from SW 15th Street to SW 29th Street. This event was a wonderful

22 DECEMBER 2016

Junior League Members helping attendees to complete their activity.

opportunity for community members to come out and meet local business owners while celebrating the unique charm of a historic Oklahoma City neighborhood.

The Junior League is thrilled to have participated in Open Streets OKC for the first time on Sunday, October 23, hosting a booth to encourage active and healthy living. Planning for the event included meetings with the local steering committee at the Oklahoma City County

Health Department to determine a fun activity to coordinate for JLOC’s booth.

Vendors from across the Metro area offered activities from Zumba to hula-hooping to an estimated 15,000 visitors along the route.

This is the 2nd year that a route for the event has been located in the city’s south side.

The JLOC booth had an “activity wheel” where participants could take a spin to see which activity they would be tasked with completing. Upon completing the activity, they were offered a prize from a selection of fun giveaways, including sunglasses, pedometers, and wristbands. The booth had a steady stream of traffic over the course of the four hour event and was a hit, especially with the kiddos!

Open Streets holds two events annually, with another coming up in the spring to be held along NW 23rd Street.

The League will be hosting its booth at that event as well, so be sure to (tentatively) mark your calendars to attend the event on Sunday April 2!

Katie Blaik James Real Estate Broker Associate

RE/MAX FIRST 1000 W. Wilshire, Ste 428, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 office: 405.843.8448 OKCKatie@gmail.com

Adorn helps businesses and residential clients create amazing first impressions with custom container gardens and outdoor dĂŠcor.

ELIZ ABE TH RICHARDSON

Open Streets attendee completing 5 push-ups to obtain prize.

elizabeth@adornokc.com 405.255.1730 www.adornokc.com

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Et Cetera [ various ]

Seasonal Affective Disorder

s

FARESHTEH HAMIDI

easonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is based on the theory that certain types of depression may occur seasonally as a response to reduced sunlight in the winter months. SAD has attracted attention from prominent research facilities for more than

24 DECEMBER 2016

30 years. It has influenced the DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association) by including the “Seasonal Variation Modifier” for major depressive diagnoses among mental health professionals.

By means of a physical exam in a doctor’s of-

fice, lab testing, and a psychological evaluation including symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns, a patient may be diagnosed with SAD. The physical exam is a key component for diagnosing SAD in that, in some cases, depression may be linked to an underlying physical health problem. Patients having these experiences for at least the last two years may qualify for SAD specific treatment plans.

Depression that begins and/or ends during a specific season every year is an indicator of SAD, as well as having no episodes of depression during the season in which one experiences a normal mood. Many more seasons of depression than seasons without depression over the lifetime of ones’ illness is another, often accurate, indicator of this specific form of depression.

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder may include light therapy, prescription medication, and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help a patient identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that make them feel worse. This type of therapy additionally teaches patients healthy ways to cope with SAD and how to manage stress.

The symptoms for fall and winter SAD differ from those of spring and summer SAD, with changes in sleep and diet contributing to both. While it is normal to feel glum some days, it becomes appropriate to visit a doctor upon feeling down for several days at a time with a lack of motivation.

If you relate to some of the symptoms associated with SAD and decide to “fly south for the winter,” consider a vacation close to the equator, as SAD is known to have a far lesser effect on those living near the equator. Though SAD is more commonly diagnosed in females, the symptoms lessen with age, and those affected may seek home remedies that include regular exercise and spending time outside within two hours of waking in the morning.

Letters to the League

Signage, mounted on the exterior fence surrounding two wheelchair swings at the Oklahoma Foundation for the Disabled, recognizes JLOC’s contributions making the swings a reality through our community enrichment program.

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Et Cetera

What’s in Your Queue?

QUESTIONS:

1. What’s on your holiday Pinterest board?

2. What is your favorite holiday movie?

3. What is a holiday treat you can’t live without?

Caroline Gadboys

Megan Sellman

Betty Jane Garrett

Mandy Heaps

Provisional

Active

Sustainer

Board Member

1. I actually don’t have a Pinterest!

I know... I need to step my game up. But if I did it would be full of Christmas tree decoration ideas. I love to make a unique tree every year. My mom and I started the tradition a few years back. One year we made a tree of only drift wood and the next year it was all peacock feathers! I’m also a foodie so I can only imagine the amount of holiday sweets I’d be pinning (I think that’s the right term).

2. My family has a tradition of watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang over the Christmas holiday. One of my favorite holiday movies is White Christmas.

3. Over Christmas my dad makes the best chocolate martinis! I dream about them all year.

1. I love holiday craft projects. I can’t bake a pecan pie to save my life, but I can definitely get in the holiday spirit with some holly berry sprigs and some pine cones hot glued to just about anything.

2. I would have to say it’s a tie between two. Growing up, my family and I always watched While You Were Sleeping and it’s a movie that definitely brings back a lot of memories, but a movie that I love watching during the holidays now, that has become my own little tradition is Love Actually.

It’s such a great movie that can make you laugh, and make you cry too.

3. My mom makes homemade chocolate and pecan fudge for Christmas and it’s the absolute best!

1. Deep traditional colors and decorations for wreaths and trees. Red poinsettias are my favorite holiday decoration though.

2. Mixed Nuts—just because it’s a bit off the wall and goofy.

3. Pumpkin pie.

1. I wish I were craftier and had a Pinterest board. What I do have is a Spotify playlist for the holidays that is listened to throughout the year.

It features everything from Wham! and Run DMC to Otis Redding and The Ronettes to the Nutcracker Suite.

2. My husband and I have a tradition of watching each other’s favorite holiday movies in one night—mine is White Christmas, his is Die Hard.

3. I absolutely cannot live without making three things each year and all are my grandmother’s recipes: sugar cookies, chocolate crinkle cookies (called Snow on a Plowed Field when you’re from Iowa), and her bridge mix which is chex mix featuring bacon grease.

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NEWLY-WEDS SPONSORED BY

Jack & Elizabeth Bomhoff

Wed: August 6, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral

SHARE YOUR BIG DAY!

To announce your engagement or wedding in the League Link, go to the Members Only portion of the jloc.org website and submit the requested information. The NearlyWed/Newly Wed form is located under the Forms/References tab.

If you would like to submit a photo, please send it to Fareshteh Hamidi at fareshtehhamidi@gmail.com

To announce your wedding in Brides of Oklahoma Magazine, contact us at 405-607-2902 or visit www.thebridesofoklahoma.com

JUNIOR LEAGUERS RECEIVE $100 OFF YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT IN BRIDES OF OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

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Women Building a Better OKC

MISSION The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

VISION The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. will empower volunteers to impact our community and enrich lives.

FOCUS Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

Thank you for advertising with us!

Adorn Brides of Oklahoma Casady

Heritage Hall Linda Howell RE/MAX

Westminster

Increase your business and advertise with us!

Get on board for the 2016-17 League Link year and start advertising. The circulation is over 1,500 and sent not only to JLOC Members and Provisionals, but numerous businesses, and community organizations.

Special rates are available for Provisional, Active and Sustaining members.

WWW.JLOC.ORG

For more information contact Fareshteh Hamidi, League Link Business Manager, at fareshtehhamidi@gmail.com.

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THE NEXT DEADLINE IS JANUARY