March 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 MARCH 2016

Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

President’s Letter

Nazette Zuhdi-Cleaver

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.

Friends, let me open by saying how grateful I am for all your contributions this year. We have put on some incredible events designed to empower people with their health, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. From those who have organized and led to those who have assisted, from those who have been here for many years to those who are just getting their JLOC feet wet, I know we’ve been growing. We’ve been getting to know one another. And we have continued to expand on our help to this city.

Among our community projects, we’ve had Food and Fun at the Family Junction, led by Project Manager Cortney Smith and her Committee Members, where we engage kids who don’t have the kind of home support we wish everyone could have. Our volunteers have helped teach them how to care for themselves now and in the future. We’ve done this with lessons on healthy food choices, yoga, and even etiquette. We’ve also taken them off site for some successful learning ventures.

We’ve also offered Healthy Practices for Survivors of Domestic Violence at the YWCA. Krystal Murer and Jessica Hunt, Project Managers, and their volunteers have done an excellent job in this project. This program has had a strong focus on mental/emotional health by way of teaching these women how to be positive, develop confidence, and make healthy choices for themselves and their children. These women and children we are helping are in dire situations when they come to the shelter, so I know our volunteer work has been a blessing as we’ve supported them in mentally reaching a stronger and better place.

And of course we had our grand new event, Speaker in the City, with Jillian Michaels, who taught us plenty about health and happiness. A huge thanks to Chair Alexis Lux and her entire Board for organizing and putting so much into this and making it a success, especially since this was new to us. They truly created an event from scratch and excelled!

Jillian Michaels herself once said, “Fitness to me isn’t about a crunch or push up. It’s about taking your power back.” I believe this is what we do each time we take the success of our community into our own hands by stepping up in JLOC and serving our city’s needs. We stop waiting for someone else to make our world better and take that power for ourselves. That is what I’ve seen everyone doing this year, so again thank you and congratulations to you all.

On a final note, a special congratulations to Sara Sweet, Tracey Frederick, and the incoming Board. I know they will continue our momentum, carrying us to new heights as we attract new Members and new opportunities to help our community. And along those lines, please make sure to consider sponsoring prospective Provisionals. You’ve seen for yourself how JLOC can make a difference in your life. Help others discover this as well, and as they do, we will simply expand on all the good we can do. Incoming PAT Chair Heather Read has already started working hard for next year and will be happy to answer any questions you may have about sponsoring a Provisional.

There is still so much to do this year, and in the years to come. Let’s stay focused, keep looking for ways to help, and continue making a difference.

As always, my words come with heartfelt gratitude.

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

WWW.JLOC.ORG

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Nazette Zuhdi-Cleaver President 2015-2016, JLOC

MARCH 2016 LINK VISION

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

EDITOR Leah Jackson ASSISTANT EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER Ilana Sharpe MEMBERS Fareshteh Hamidi, Miranda Hines, Victoria Hui,

Caitlin Irwin, Jenn Kaiser, Lauren Quick, Jenifer Randle, Belinda Tricinella 2015-2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Nazette Zuhdi-Cleaver PRESIDENT-ELECT Sara Sweet ADMINISTRATIVE VP Blair Bradley BYLAWS CHAIR Jamie Manoles COMMUNICATIONS VP Jenifer Randle COMMUNITY VP Sheena Karami FINANCE VP Erica Lape FUNDRAISING VP Jamie Herrera

Contents

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MEMBERSHIP VP Tracey Frederick NOMINATING CHAIR Adrienne Nobles

Brenda Bennett, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Terry Cline, Nicole Dobbins, James Farris, Debbie Forshee, Kyle Golding, Brooke Haneborg, Debby Hampton, David Lewis, Randy Lewis, Dan Martel, Mel Martin, Jack McBride, Lindsay Parks, Patricia Rogers, Paul Ryckbost, Jackie Shawnee, Beth Shortt, Pete Winemiller

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COMMUNITY PROJECTS/PROJECT MANAGERS A SOLDIER’S STORY Kate Deaton

GUEST CHEFS AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE Jenny

Dunham ELEMENTARY HEALTH Melauna Wescott FOOD AND FUN AT FAMILY JUNCTION Cortney Smith HEALTHY PETS, HEALTHY HOMES Leslie Hugo HEALTHY PRACTICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Krystal Murer & Jessica Hunt “HEALTHY YOU” PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT Tori Raines KIDS IN THE KITCHEN /TOP CHEF Leah Sullivan & Jenna

Hudson-Elder KIDS ON TRACK Bria Hanlon

Literary Voices and JLOC Membership Report General Meeting Recap

PROFILE [

people ]

25th Annual Awards Celebration: Legacy & Legends Girls on the Block

FOCUS [

projects ]

TLDC Updates and Events A Soldier’s Story Healthy Practices for Survivors of Domestic Violence

EAT BETTER, MOVE MORE Christy Wilson FAMILY FITNESS NIGHTS @ OKC EDUCARE Toni Parks-Payne

events ]

Meet your Legacy and Legends Committee

SUSTAINING ADVISOR Katie James CHIEF OF STAFF Margaret Brooks COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

SCENE [

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ET CETERA [

various ]

Ronald McDonald House Guest Chefs What’s in Your Queue?

Letters to the League

PROM NIGHT AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Mote Nickel SAFE KIDS CAR SEAT SAFETY Lauren Hamm SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Cyone Harris VARIETY PACK Amanda Foote WELLNESS FOR LIFE Katherine Chandler

League Link is published 5 times a year by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. HEADQUARTERS

ON THE COVER: Lake Hefner Lighthouse Photo courtesy of Madi Denton.

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

Annual Campaign Mistletoe Market Speaker in the City

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Scene [ events ]

Literary Voices and JLOC

t

BY CATHERINE ARMITAGE

his year at the annual Literary Voices Dinner JLOC will be honored for its previous focus on literacy. The dinner will be held on April 14, 2016. Each year JLOC Members have been integral to the success of the event that raises funds to support our dynamic library system.

Nancy Anthony, Catherine Armitage, Janie Axton, Tina Beal, Louise Bennett, Marilyn Bethea, Connell Branan, Sody Clements, Rita Dearmon, Karen Delaney, Debbi Dudman, Barbara Eskridge, Christy Everest, Linda Garrett, Julie Hall, Jane Harlow, Cyndy Hazelwood, Tamera Herman, Sarah Hogan, SueAnn Hyde, Susie Kemp, Jonna Kirschner, Lana Lopez, Penny McCaleb, Katie McClendon, Marion Paden, Mary Price, Mary Robideaux, Roberta Roush, Meg Salyer, Cindi Shelby, Jeanne Hoffman Smith, Kim Terry, Jane Thompson, Beth Tolbert, Carol Troy and Ann Trudgeon are all JLOC Members that

have been involved with Literary Voices.

The sold out inaugural event in 2003 had humorist Dave Barry wryly introducing Lee Brawner as the eponymous honoree. Since then virtually each year the honoree has had a JLOC connection. Several JLOC Members were kind enough to share their favorite Literary Voices memory: “It was 2011, my first year as President of the Library Endowment Trust and Laura Bush was our Literary Voices Speaker! Preparations for welcoming the Former First Lady were intense and exciting. All the guests were vetted, an advance team flew in and checked out the site (The Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club) and we searched and found a donated jet for Mrs. Bush to use from Dallas to OKC. When Sue Ann (Hyde) and I met Mrs. Bush in the Pro Shop, surrounded by her security detail.

(Men in dark suits with earpieces, just as you’d imagine!) My first impression was how charming and confident she was, putting us at ease

immediately. She told us she was a Librarian and how pleased she was to speak at Literary Voices to raise funds to help the Library.”

—Mary Price, 2009 Chair and past Chair Library Endowment Trust “My favorite memory is the year that I cochaired the event with Mary Price. The speaker was Ann Patchett, and she was incredible. She was a charming dinner guest at our table, and then she delivered a wonderful talk without any notes. I was further amazed when she spoke at the Downtown Library the next day. Again, she used no notes, and she gave a completely different talk from the evening before.”

—Julie Hall, Literary Voices Chair 2007 & 2009 “Penny McCaleb asked me to become involved after the first Literary Voices dinner many years ago. I’ve worked on all of them since, and they have all been fun for different reasons. I read about 100 books a year, so it’s always fun to listen to the popular authors.

We were looking forward to hearing Fannie Flagg (still one of my favorite authors), but she had to cancel at the last minute, and we got

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STAR & ABC AWARDS STAR AWARD WINNERS October Sabrina Herrmann, Wellness for Life, she personally reached out to individuals on their specific interests.

November Jessica Hendrix, Wellness for Life, spending her own money for items she thought would add value to the project.

December Christy Wilson, Fareshtah Hamidi, and Liz Atkinson, Eat Better, Move More, for carrying this project and making it awesome regardless of the challenges this project has faced.

Beck Wethers instead. It was a VERY different presentation (he was the Doctor who climbed Mt. Everest and lost colleagues and had severe body damage from frostbite). What a moving evening. Another favorite was my friend Ann Patchett, who still sends me books she recommends. But perhaps my favorite memory is of David McCullough. After the dinner he invited us back to his hotel for “a” drink, and we had a lovely long conversation, solving the world’s problems. A once in a lifetime opportunity!”

—Sody Clements, Committee Member 2003-present “My husband and I went to our first LV event last year. We enjoyed P.J. O’Rourke tremendously. Reading is such an integral part in our society. Reading not only increases one’s vocabulary but, stimulates the brain to think and form opinions and hopefully in the end, become better citizens. I feel it is important to foster a love for reading early on in children.”

—Susie Kemp, Committee Member 2016

January

December

Daniella Knighten and Kelsey Gray for their work with Kids in the Kitchen/Top Chef at the Boys & Girls Club. These ladies have stepped up and led multiple sessions together over the past few months, even assisting with last minute session requests. They maintain positive attitudes, are team players, and the kids at the club love having them around!

Alex Butts for stepping up Mistletoe Market special events, having a great attitude, and encouraging volunteers throughout Mistletoe Market.

January Lauren Reiken Hobbs for stepping up into the role of PACE Chair and creating a positive transition without skipping a beat.

ABC AWARD WINNERS November Laura Winkler for planning amazing impactful trainings and socials for our membership and helping to further JLOC’s mission.

“Selling out the Laura Bush event before Thanksgiving and being able to send out postcards to the invitation list that we were full and thus, if they didn’t already have seats, they were out of luck! Nothing succeeds like success.

I think we got OKC’s attention. Then the committee could relax and enjoy the holidays.

I fell in love with Laura Bush. She is terrific!”

—Sue Ann Hyde, JLOC President 198485, Literary Voices Chair 2011 “I became involved with the planning of the first Literary Voices, because I was Chairman of the Oklahoma County Metropolitan Library Commission. I have attended every Literary Voices event and each one has been enjoyable and unique.

Of course, my favorite memory of Literary Voices was 2009 when I was the recipient of the Lee B. Brawner award.”

—Penny McCaleb, Literary Voice Chair 2007, MLS Commissioner “I got involved with Literary Voices after Pete and I went to hear Dr. Beck Weathers speak in

2004. We had read all of the books about the ‘96 Mt. Everest disaster, and it was fascinating to hear his account. I love to read, and I thought this was a great event for OKC and for the library. I’ve been working on it ever since! My favorite memory is the wonderful conversation I had with Ann Patchett while she was signing my book in 2009.”

—Karen Delaney, Co-Chair 2016 “I have always been impressed with the table decorations (at Literary Voices). They are always clever and appropriate.”

—Beth Tolbert, 2005 Lee Brawer Award winner, founding Member LET Commitment to this event runs deep, Sarah Hogan (2006 Lee Brawner Award winner) still takes the time to bake and deliver cookie baskets to sponsors of the event as she has since 2003.

If you are interested in attending the event that will honor JLOC this year, tickets for the April 14, 2016 Literary Voices event can be obtained by calling 606-3760 or email development@metrolibrary.org.

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General Meeting Recap

By Victoria Hui

O

ur first General Meeting of the New Year was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club on January 12. Not only did we kick off the New Year, it was Membership Appreciation night.

The Membership Council put together a selfie station, a step and repeat, fun décor, and raffle prizes to celebrate our Members.

Congratulations to all Members who were awarded their five and ten year service pins.

Our guest speaker was the Honorable L. Brad Taylor, the Presiding Judge of the Oklahoma Worker’s Compensation Court.

He spoke about the “f ” word – failing and how we need to “fail forward.” Success comes from failure and failure can help propel you forward to greater successes. He offered the acronym, KIK ASS, to remind Members to use the knowledge and information from failures to keep moving forward. To further gain success from failure, one needs to anticipate the problem and be selective, because you won’t win every fight; and, finally, summarize what you’ve learned and know that failure is a part of life and can be positive, if handled correctly.

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We also celebrated the success of Mistletoe Market and found out that a record setting $206,815 was raised. A special thanks to the Members of the Mistletoe Market Board for all their hard work and effort.

Tracey Frederick President-Elect Kelly Brown Administrative VP Katherine Hager Bylaws Chair Sheena Karami Communications VP Sabrina Froehlich Community VP

DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS APPROVED THE 2016-2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING WOMEN:

Kathy Swift Membership VP Mandy Heaps Nominating Chair Alexis Lux Fundraising VP Summer DeFehr Financial VP Leslie Coale-Mossman Chief of Staff Sue Ann Hyde Sustaining Advisor

MEMBERSHIP NON-RESIDENT

TRANSFERRED IN

Bree Morelli (A) Kate Ward (A)

Eileen Paternostro (S)

REINSTATEMENT Lesley St-John (S) Lezel Safi (A) Roxanne Bogues (S)

RESIGNATIONS Arlena Hamby Emily Campbell

TRANSFERRED OUT Stephanie Wagner Roxanne Bogues (S) Alyssa Carlisle Glenna Hoke (S)

Stacey Kastner

Hannah Holmes Kelsey Gingrich Kini Gainer Allison Boyle Grace Hall Angie Schlosser

MATERNITY LEAVE Alex Buchanan Whitney Turner Ashlee Sanders

Maria Clark

IN MEMORIAM Sandy Trudgeon

Jamie McCane

RESIGNING PROVISIONAL

Kristen Rubert Laura Roach Virginia Laakman Lauren Ludwig Jessica Harris

SABBATICAL EFFECTIVE JUNE 1

DEFERRING PROVISIONAL

EMERGENCY LEAVE OF ABSENCE LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Susie Wilson Kristen Brown

SUSTAINER EFFECTIVE JUNE 1

MEMBER NUMBERS ACTIVE 427 SUSTAINING 878 PROVISIONAL 116 TOTAL 1421

Keri Foster Stacie Evans Kristi Leonard

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The Ladies of Speaker In The City

8 MARCH 2016

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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Provisional Events & Announcements

By Jenn Kaiser

T

he 2015-2016 Provisional Class has been busy in 2016. After enjoying all the special holiday events in December, including the annual holiday party, and the TLDC Social at the Colcord, the class got back to business. First, the Provisionals attended an incredibly informative Finance Training, hosted by TLDC and presented by JLOC Active Samara Terrill and her husband John, both of Synergy Advisors Group. The ladies learned about what to do, and what

10 MARCH 2016

not to do, when it comes to saving money for retirement, paying off student loans, and living a healthy financial lifestyle. In early February, the Provisionals also attended their third Provisional Course, where JLOC Sustainer Suzy Graves spoke and prepared the Provisionals to represent JLOC as community volunteers. This course came just in time for the Provisionals to attend the Community Fair at the February 9th General Membership Meeting. Several ladies also participated

in their second community protect of their Provisional year, packing diapers and clothing for Infant Crisis Services. Others will participate in the same project in April later this spring. Last but not least, the Provisionals attended a program hosted by TLDC regarding Minutes and Meeting Facilitation in midFebruary. As you can see, the 2015-2016 Provisional Class has been busy learning and growing in JLOC.

Profile

e Junior Leagu

a City of Oklahom s you to

vite cordially in

[ people ]

25th Anniversary

In celebration of

25th Annual Awards Celebration LEGACY & LEGENDS JLOC TO HONOR TWO DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS

t

Miki Farris

msey Award Mar y Baker Ru

Beth Shortt

WEDNESDAY, April :0130p, 20m 16luncheon 11:30am reception & 12

ountry Club ity Golf & C Oklahoma C 5 per person $4 16. an April 1, 20 org. ply no later th sed, please re 405.843.5668 or at JLOC. clo en rd ca n Reser vatio d by calling o be purchase Tickets may als

By Kelli Hayward Walsh

he 25th Annual Awards Celebration, “Legacy & Legends,” will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. A Reception at 11:30 will precede the luncheon at 12:00 p.m. for Members and community supporters. Our theme will take guests back to the golden age of Old Hollywood, walking the red carpet as two legendary women receive JLOC’s highest honors.

Miki Farris, Founder and Executive Director of Infant Crisis Services will receive The

12 MARCH 2016

d the Year Awar Sustainer of

Sustainer of the Year Award. Quote from Miki: “I am extremely honored to be named JLOC’s Sustainer of the Year. My experiences in the JLOC have been invaluable to my success in running a nonprofit organization. The training, relationships and leadership skills I received have strengthened my skills in my life’s work.”

Receiving The Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement Award is Beth Shortt.

The Executive Director of Leadership Oklahoma City. Quote from Beth:

“Being named the Mary Baker Rumsey Award recipient is truly the most special honor I can imagine. JLOC changed my life in significant ways. I had community experiences I never would have had, and relationships formed I treasure today. I learned so much, without which I would not have been able to engage in the community as I have been so fortunate to do. I am genuinely humbled.”

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these two remarkable women!

Miki Farris (second from the right) is the Sustainer of the Year recipient.

Beth Shortt (center) is the Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

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Profile

GIRLS ON THE BLOCK Questions we asked the girls:

1. What is your favorite spring fitness activity?

2. What do you look forward to most in the spring?

3. What are your fitness goals for the spring?

Diane Barton-Lewis SUSTAINER What is your favorite spring fitness activity?

I love being outside in the spring.

My neighborhood has lake trails with sidewalks. It makes it easy to push my daughter in the stroller and walk the dog. Spring is a great time of the year to play catch in the backyard or to play on the swingset with my daughter. I also enjoy getting the flower bed into shape for the summer.

What do you look forward to most in the spring?

I look forward to the days being longer so I can ride my hot pink cruiser bicycle after work. Last year, my husband and I bought the baby buggy to attach to the back of our

14 MARCH 2016

bicycles, so our daughter would be able to enjoy the ride with us. She loves it when we go fast.

What are your fitness goals for the spring?

My fitness goal for 2016 are to exercise at least 4 days a week.

I start my day at 5:15 am on the elliptical, continue with some weights and floor exercises and end with some abdominal crunches. In the evening, I try to make time for a long walk to enjoy the warmer weather.

Leah Jackson ACTIVE What is your favorite spring fitness activity?

Anything outside, soaking up the sun with my kids. We usually go to the park or take nature walks around Lake Hefner.

What do you look forward to most in the spring?

What are your fitness goals for the spring?

My fitness goals for spring are to get ready for bikini season at the lake this summer. I am planning on starting a weightlifting program and finally shedding all my leftover pregnancy weight.

I really look forward to not having to tote around heavy winter jackets.

Spring is my favorite season; I love the weather, the longer days, and being able to enjoy the outdoors.

Lauren Dennison PROVISIONAL What is your favorite spring fitness activity?

I think spring is an excellent time for refreshing your mental fitness!

For many, the holidays are a busy time and once spring arrives it's nice to be able to take a step back, breathe deep, and smell the flowers (literally). Of course, physical fitness is important as well... I enjoy taking my fur baby, Murphy, on walks and getting together with girlfriends to attend yoga classes.Â

What do you look forward to most in the spring?

great way to declutter and put your mind at ease as the days start getting longer, and warmer!

What are your fitness goals for the spring?

I would like to work on settling my mind, often times there's so much going on and your brain never gets a rest. We're all involved with so much it can be easy to put aside personal time whenever that's really what we need most. My spring motto: I can do anything, but I cannot do everything.Â

This might sound odd, but I look forward to spring cleaning! It's a

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Profile

Meet Your Legacy & Legends Committee Legacy and Legends Committee Members

Valerie Aubert

How has JLOC shaped you personally or professionally? The training helped me

become Executive Director of a local nonprofit – and be successful as one.

Jourdan Bishop

What is your favorite springtime activity in Oklahoma City? I love to bike around Lake

Hefner in the spring. It is a great escape and keeps me healthy.

Alexandra "Lexy" Goebel

What is your favorite springtime activity in Oklahoma City? To attend the OKC Arts

Festival.

Katherine Hager

What is your favorite springtime activity in Oklahoma City? My favorite springtime activity in OKC is The Festival of The Arts. There is always so much to see and do.

16 MARCH 2016

Fareshteh Hamidi

What is your favorite springtime activity in Oklahoma City? As an alumna of Okla-

homa City University, I enjoy visiting campus for the Broadway caliber musicals.

Lindsay Harris

What is your favorite way to stay healthy in the spring? I love walking and running

outdoors. Spring is one of the few times in Oklahoma the weather cooperates.

Katy Hawkins

What is your favorite part of JLOC membership? The friendships I’ve made and the awesome opportunities to help in the community.

Heather Healey

What is your favorite part of JLOC membership? Getting together with my friends in

JLOC every month at our General Meetings.

Nowadays, we have to plan to get together, and this is something every month that is set and gives us the ability to laugh and catch up.

Erin Hulsey

What is your favorite way to stay healthy in the spring? I love going to my spin classes,

but also just being outside playing with my kids.

Kaci Lightner

How has JLOC shaped you personally or professionally? JLOC training has helped me professionally by giving me confidence and best practices when I lead meetings and trainings.

Lynne Murphy

What is your favorite way to stay healthy in the spring? I focus on eating seasonally by

choosing spring time fruit & veggies to incorporate into my smoothies and salads.

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

Services include but are not limited to:

Moira McCarthy- Parham

What is your favorite JLOC memory?

My favorite JLOC memory is decorating headquarters for the Holidays. It was so fun and so beautiful!

Kendra Murrill

How has JLOC shaped you personally or professionally? Personally, JLOC has

provided amazing opportunities to meet and get to know some wonderful ladies.

Lauren Reilly

What is your favorite way to stay healthy in the Spring? I like to do yoga,

especially outside. It’s also nice to do a quick juice cleanse for the new season.

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Focus [ projects ]

TLDC Updates and Events

f

 JLOC Members and their children enjoy an afternoon at Headquarters decorating pumpkins and enjoying treats!

BY JENN KAISER

rom Provisional courses to holiday get-togethers, TLDC has been planning fantastic events for JLOC. In October, TLDC hosted a pumpkin painting party at JLOC headquarters. The beautiful fall afternoon was full of pumpkins, costumes, games and treats. It was a great opportunity to get children and families involved in an event at headquarters. November brought programs presented by TLDC which included a discus-

sion regarding Business Topics: problem solving, and for the budding Provisionals, an evening learning Parliamentary Procedure. To finish the year, the TLDC Holiday Party at Colcord Hotel was a great success, complete with a fabulous photo booth, food and fun. Ringing in the new year, TLDC offered a Freezer Meal Workshop, to teach Members how to feed their families for less than $3 a serving, as well as a Minutes and Meeting Facilitation for the Provisional ladies, to prepare them to serve as representatives of JLOC

as community volunteers. To finish out the winter months, TLDC hosted a Social at McNellie’s Public House, and brought in a local librarian to educate women on using electronic devices, such as iPads and eReaders, to utilize Oklahoma City’s public library system to check out books online. TLDC has more fun and educational events in store for JLOC this spring, including a calligraphy class and Top Golf outing. We look forward to the fun and new opportunities TLDC brings to our Members to further train and develop!

Actives enjoying the Holiday Social at the Colcord Hotel in downtown OKC, hosted by TLDC.

18 MARCH 2016

A Soldier’s Story

By Ka t e De a t o n

V

olunteers with A Soldier’s Story project provide

spent hours in heated games of uno and dominos, as well as

therapy for hospitalized patients at the Oklahoma

extremely interesting conversations with the veterans living on the

City Veterans Administration Medical Center.

4th floor at the VA hospital. We have had several parties, including

Working in a group, they play games (cards, dominos, bingo,

a Halloween party with costumes and games. We even had some

scrabble, etc.), work on jigsaw puzzles, do word games and puzzles,

trick-or-treaters visit the vets. Some of the veterans’ favorite things

and take part in general conversation with adult veterans. This

are the dinner parties put on by JLOC volunteers. So far this year,

provides much needed companionship and social interaction with

we have hosted a Thanksgiving dinner and a Christmas dinner.

veterans who are living in the hospital, sometimes for long periods

The food was delicious, but the company was really the best part.

of time and far away from home.

The smiles on the veterans’ faces really makes you feel like you

The fall placement is coming to an end, and the spring session is just beginning for A Soldier’s Story. This past year, the volunteers

are making a difference, just being there, and listening and really hearing what these brave men and women have to say.

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Focus

Healthy Practices for Survivors of Domestic Violence

By Lauren Quick

A

s our JLOC focus shifts from literacy to health, the goals of our community placements have been shifting as well as we continue to partner with some of our favorite organizations. Comprised of all women, JLOC has always seen domestic violence as an important issue in Oklahoma City and our partnership with the YWCA as an important part of tackling the issue head on. This year’s Healthy Practices for Survivors of Domestic Violence placement, led by Krystal Murer and Jessica Hunt, is our new collaboration with the YWCA emerging from our new focus on health. The YWCA recently transitioned into their new emergency shelter and our volunteers are pleased to be a part of

20 MARCH 2016

the client’s recovery and to be leading sessions in their new beautiful space.

JLOC volunteers are using the Healthy People 2020 Campaign as their basis for their weekly sessions where they interact with women and children who have been victims of domestic violence and are clients at the YWCA’s emergency shelter. Each week our volunteers lead a session based on one of the topics of the campaign (heart health, diabetes, mental health). The volunteer leader gets to decide what the weeks’ lesson will entail; sometimes the sessions are informative, other times there is a guest speaker on a subject or there is a physical activity or a new recipe for making a healthy snack.

Of all of the topics covered in the sessions, the ladies seem to really enjoy the yoga instruction asking for it over and over again.

Yoga can be intimidating at first since most of the clients have never been exposed to it before, but they always seem to really enjoy it once they let their guards down and go with the flow. Another favorite topic amongst the ladies has been the meditation sessions that are focused on helping manage stress and decompressing. Stress is a huge factor in their lives and learning the skillset to manage it can make a huge difference in how they cope with stress in their everyday lives.

Finally, other than focusing on the topics laid out by the Healthy People Campaign, one

LITTLE LEAGERS William Walker Moore Born March 12, 2015 Parents are Will and Holly Moore of this placement’s specific goals for each session is for our clients to have something physical to take away with them each week. When this placement was being put together, it was decided that it was important that the women have something that they can call their own and keep after the session as they try to incorporate the healthy practices that they have learned into their recovery. Some of the client’s favorite takeaways this year have been yoga mats, essential oils and pretty journals. The volunteers look forward to continuing to grow their relationships with the clients as they continue to empower them with information and strategies for being healthy.

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Focus

Find the Hidden Heart!

CONGRATS CHARLOTTE REAM COOPER! She found the hidden heart in the previous issue and won!

Email Leah Jackson (leahn47@ gmail.com) if you spot the heart.

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

The heart was hiding on page 6 in the December 2015 issue!

22 MARCH 2016

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

Shadow Days Campus Tours

&

PRESCHOOL – GRADE 12

Now is the ideal time to schedule a visit to our campus.

Call 405.749.3002 to arrange a tour or a shadow day.

For a virtual introduction to Heritage Hall, please watch our video on the home page at heritagehall.com.

1800 NW 122nd Street • Oklahoma City, OK 73120 • heritagehall.com

Et Cetera [ various ]

Ronald McDonald House Guest Chefs

t

BY JENNY DUNHAM

he guest chefs at Ronald McDonald house is a new project for the 2015- 2016 JLOC year.

Our goal is simple. Feed the families staying at the 2 Oklahoma City Ronald McDonald houses. These families have travelled from their homes to be with their children at the OU Children’s Hospital. They are under

“I think as women it’s very natural to want to care for people going through something hard.”

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unimaginable stress and our goal is to take a little off their plate by providing dinner. By nourishing their bodies with a warm meal, they’ll have the energy to focus on getting their babies well. Sitting down to dinner also is a “normal” activity for a family in very not normal circumstances.

We have an awesome group of volunteers.

As a new project, we are navigating the details as we figure out best practices for future placements. We’ve taken turns planning the meals we serve to about 60 people each time we go. We’ve had fun cooking together in the kitchens and we’ve gotten a few dinners catered. I think as women it’s very natural to want to care for people going through something hard. I can see that in our team as they lovingly prepare and set up dinner for these amazing families.

Easter Deviled Eggs HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPE Created by Victoria Hui INGREDIENTS 8 large eggs 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 TBSP sugar 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 2 TBSP plain, 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt 2 TBSP mayonnaise 2 TSP Dijon mustard 1/2 TSP Sriracha or hot pepper sauce (i.e. Tabasco) 1/4 TSP freshly ground black pepper 1/8 TSP kosher salt 2 TBSP finely chopped chives

Add water to a large saucepan to a depth of 1 inch; set a large vegetable steamer in pan. Add eggs to steamer. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Steam eggs, covered, 16 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place eggs in a large ice water–filled bowl for 3 minutes.

While eggs steam, combine 1/4 cup water, vinegar, and sugar in a medium microwavesafe bowl; microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until boiling. Stir in onion. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Drain.

Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, Sriracha, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring well to combine.

Peel eggs; discard shells. Slice eggs in half lengthwise. Add 6 yolks to yogurt mixture; reserve remaining yolks for another use.

Mash with a fork until very smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons red onion.

Spoon mixture into egg white halves (about 1 tablespoon in each half). Garnish egg halves with remaining red onion and chives.

Letters to the League

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Et Cetera

What’s in Your Queue?

QUESTIONS:

1.What is next in your Netflix list?

2. What is your favorite book to read?

3. What is your favorite Oklahoma springtime activity?

Tanvier Peart

Tracey Frederick

Kara McBride

Amy Cottrell

Provisional

Board Member

Active

Sustainer

1. Gosh, I’m so uncool! I wish I had an awesome list that was full of the latest original shows. But, if I’m being honest, currently in queue are old episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, A Different World, Lipstick Jungle, and Criminal Minds.

2. I just finished Big Girl Panties: A Novel by Stephanie Evanovich (it was pretty funny). Right now, I’m reading Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, 10% Happier by Dan Harris, and listening to the audiobook, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I’m eyeing Sasha Martin’s Life from Scratch.

Can you tell I’m scatterbrained?

3. Aside from the upcoming Chocolate festivals, I just love to get out and hit the town with my husband and two little boys.

The Made in Oklahoma Festival is one of my favorites—along with local tastings and child-friendly activities always catch my eye.

1. I am currently catching up on Parks and Recreation—my brother and sister love the show and I rarely watched it when it came out. I love superhero shows, so I’m also watching Daredevil.

2. I received the new Mindy Kahling book as a gift, it’s sitting on my nightstand as the next book to read! I’m in 2 book clubs but I’m totally behind on what they’re reading.

3. I LOVE Festival of the Arts downtown. It’s typically around my birthday, and I enjoy trying new food vendors, walking around downtown, and enjoying the beautiful art booths.

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1. Jessica Jones.

2. Happy City by Charles Montgomery.

3. Daytrips to unique Oklahoma locations, our next stop is the totem pole park in Foyil.

1. Making a Murderer.

2. The Circle by Dave Eggers, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, and My Story by Elizabeth Smart.

3. Hands down, the Festival of the Arts.

NEWLY-WEDS SPONSORED BY

Mr. & Mrs. Aaron & Jennifer Ketter

Wed: September 19, 2015 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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 your 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 Ilana Sharpe at ilana.sharpe@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

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.

Thank you for advertising with us!

Adorn Brides of Oklahoma Heritage Hall

Laura Lynn’s Homecare Linda C. Howell & Assoc.

Keesee & Company, Inc.

Norwalk Shirley Kay Photography Westminster

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

Increase your business and advertise with us!

Get on board for the 2015-2016 League Link year and start advertising. The circulation is over 1,500 and sent to not only JLOC members but also to numerous businesses and community organizations.

Special rates available for all JLOC members. Actives, Sustainers and Provisionals.

WWW.JLOC.ORG

Contact Ilana Sharpe, League Link Business Manager, for more information at Ilana.Sharpe@gmail.com

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THE NEXT DEADLINE IS APRIL