May 2018 LeagueLink by Walker Creative, Inc.

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

M AY 2 0 1 8

Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

President’s Letter Dear fellow Junior League of Oklahoma City Members, Often, I am asked, “What is the Junior League of Oklahoma City?” My response has changed over the years— I used to tell people, it was a women’s service organization, a place to volunteer and make a difference. Now I tell people “The Junior League of Oklahoma City is an organization of powerful women who are game changers, civic and community leaders, who get things done in Oklahoma City all while adhering to our mission of promoting volunteerism, improving our community, and developing the potential of women through effective training and leadership development. The Junior League of Oklahoma City members know how to execute fundraisers and create well run events, all while having a great time, developing their personal leadership skills, and meeting like-minded women. The Junior League of Oklahoma City is a top notch, well run organization.” Throughout this year, I have watched our members in action and have had the great opportunity to witness the beauty in all that the Junior League of Oklahoma City does in our community. Our members have volunteered thousands of hours to put together our signature fundraisers Mistletoe Market, and Speaker in the City. We worked with actives, sustainers, provisionals, and community volunteers to rebuild and expand our signature project the Jungle Gym at the Oklahoma City Zoo. We supported our community projects and provided training opportunities inside and outside of the organization. Each volunteer hour that we contribute positively impacts our community. Our members never cease to amaze me. I am constantly humbled by their commitment to make a difference and help build a better Oklahoma City. Enjoy this issue of League Link, as it proudly highlights the outstanding work of our incredible membership, and showcases the work of our trained volunteers. The Junior League of Oklahoma City membership is made up of civic and community leaders from the past 90 years, and these ladies will continue to make a difference into the future.

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 MAY 2018

Tracey Frederick President, Junior League of Oklahoma City 2017-2018

MAY 2018

Contents

LINK VISION

To inform members and increase awareness of Junior League of Oklahoma City projects and events. EDITOR Jenn Tupps ASSISTANT EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER Michelle Phillips COMMITTEE MEMBERS Stephanie Hinton, Leah Jackson,

Taylor Rockefeller, Christy Wilson 2017-18 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Tracey Frederick PRESIDENT-ELECT Pam Campbell ADMINISTRATIVE VP Paula Cagigal BYLAWS CHAIR Sabrina Froehlich COMMUNICATIONS VP Christy Wilson COMMUNITY VP Cortney Smith FINANCE VP Katharine Johnston FUNDRAISING VP Kristen Ferate MEMBERSHIP VP Adrienne Nobles NOMINATING CHAIR Mei Cheng SUSTAINING ADVISOR Pam Newby CHIEF OF STAFF Jamie Manoles

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Legacy & Legends Speaker in the City GMM Recaps

PROFILE [

p e o p l e]

How Diversity Can Offend and What to do About It Transfer News Sustainer News

COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD

James Farris, Debbie Forshee, Dr. Terry Cline, Lindsay Parks, Nicole Dobbins, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Mel Martin, Alex Cameron, Beth Shortt, Clytie Bunyan, Mary Melon, Noel Williams, MD, Annette White-Klososky, Molly Ross, Jim Gebhart, Rita Aragon, Aurora Lora, Jeff Kretchmar, Kelly Fry, Michael Brooks-Jimenez, Teresa Rose Crook, Kersey Winfree, Kristine Browne, Susan Webb COMMUNITY PROJECTS/PROJECT MANAGERS

ELEMENTARY HEALTH Lindsey Truelove FAMILY FITNESS NIGHTS Danielle Lidwell FOOD AND FUN AT FAMILY JUNCTION Mindy Rule HEALTHY PETS/HEALTHY HOMES Shannon Stiger HEALTH BEYOND SIGHT Casey Randall THE HEALTH FAIR Denise Cramer KITK/TOP CHEF Amanda Essali & Rachel Vernon PARENTS NIGHT OUT Hayley Moore HEALTHY PRACTICES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

Nikki West & Britnee Joyner KIDS ON TRACK Lauren Hammonds PROM NIGHT Cassie Thompson RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE GUEST CHEFS Heather Davey

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Kids in the Kitchen/Top Chef Variety Pack Health Fair

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2017-18 Community Projects Wrap-Up Letters to the League League Leash

SAFE KIDS CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS Tina Izadi SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP Kristen LeForce WELLNESS FOR LIFE Nicole Doherty OPEN STREETS Katy McNeil FAMILY FUN NIGHTS Tori Raines VARIETY PACK Blair Bradley HEALTH BEYOND SIGHT Casey Randall THE HEALTH FAIR Denise Cramer

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

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

ON THE COVER: Beautiful decorations from Legacy & Legends. Photo by Leah Jackson.

FUNDRAISERS

Mistletoe Market Speaker in the City Annual Campaign Western + Grand Goodnight OKC

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Legacy & Legends: the 27th Annual Awards Celebration

JLOC HONORS THREE DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS

he 2018 Legacy & Legends Annual Awards Celebration was held on Thursday, April 12, at VAST atop the Devon Tower. Co-chaired by Emma Flinton and Whitney Tero, the theme of the evening was “Here’s to 90 Years – JLOC Through the Decades.” Vignettes of archived items highlighting the momentous accomplishments of the League throughout each remarkable

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decade were dotted around the venue. Honored as JLOC’s Sustainer of the Year was Jeanie Butts. Matilda Clements was awarded the Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement Award, named after JLOC’s first President, and honoring a lifetime of community service. The President’s Spirit of Commitment Award, which was awarded to Marnie Taylor, is a special honor, having only been granted 6 times during our League’s history.

The history of the women who have served our great organization is inspiring, leaving a mark on Oklahoma City like no other. Each of the award recipients have dedicated much of their time, life, and resources to the worthy causes they represent, and have undoubtedly created legacies of which they should be proud. The Junior League of Oklahoma City is honored to call these women members, community partners, and friends.

Jeanie Butts Sustainer of the Year Jeanie LeBlanc Butts was born in San Diego, California, raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas and graduated from high school in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Jeanie attended Oklahoma State University where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. While attending law school, Jeanie worked as an intern in the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General and thereafter became an Assistant Attorney General in the criminal division upon graduation. Jeanie later took the position of Assistant Municipal Attorney for the City of Norman, practicing in both the civil and prosecution divisions for seven years. Jeanie is married to Ben Butts, who is a trial lawyer in Oklahoma City. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. Jeanie and Ben have two daughters, Alex Brady and Zoe Butts, both lawyers in Oklahoma City. Alex’s husband, Michael Brady is currently a law student at the University of Oklahoma School of Law. Jeanie’s passion for giving back to her community is strongly rooted in her involvement in Chi Omega Sorority. Jeanie has been actively involved in the Chi Omega Alumnae organization as Past-President of the Alumnae Chapter, Chair of Chi Omega Carousel, Co-Chair of Chi Omega Passion for A Passion fundraiser and currently serves as the National Alumnae Area Recruitment Information Chair. Jeanie feels her most important work has been serving as the Personnel and Recruitment Advisor for the Chi Omega chapter at the University of Oklahoma, where she has served for the past eight years. Jeanie’s strong commitment to mentoring young women has made an important impact on the Chi Omega chapter in Norman. Evidence of Jeanie’s profound impact was her selection by the University as the 2013 University of Oklahoma Panhellenic Advisor of the Year. Jeanie was also honored as the Greater Oklahoma City Panhellenic Alumnae Association 2011 Chi Omega Woman of the Year. Jeanie finds great pride in encouraging young women of Chi Omega

to find their inner strengths as leaders during their active years as Chi Omegas that they will utilize throughout their entire lives. Additionally, Jeanie has served her community in other leadership capacities throughout the years. Jeanie has served on the Heritage Hall School Parents Association as Vice-President of Service, Nominating Chairman and Upper School Chairman. Jeanie is also an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she taught Sunday School for thirteen years. Jeanie’s deep and longstanding commitment to the Junior League of Oklahoma City has spanned both her active and sustaining years. As an active member, Jeanie served as Membership Vice-President, Provisional Admissions and Training Advisor, Vice-Chair and Chair, Mistletoe Market Boutique Chair, Remarkable Shop Toy Chairman, Placement Advisor, served on the Nominating Committee, attended the Organizational Development Institute Conference and volunteered as a Day Chair with the American Red Cross after the Murrah Building bombing. Jeanie has remained highly involved as a sustaining member of Junior League where she has served as the Provisional Admissions and Training Committee Sustaining Advisor for nine years, Administrative Council Sustaining Advisor, Membership Council Sustaining Advisor, Mistletoe Market Committee Hospitality Sustaining Co-

Chair, Mistletoe Market Committee Special Events Sustaining Co- Chair for three years, Mistletoe Market Committee Sustaining Advisor for three years, Sustainer Events CoChair and served on a Provisional Admissions and Training Task Force. Among the many various committees Jeanie has served on over her active and sustaining years (nearly 25 different committees!), her favorites include Mistletoe Market Special Events, Mistletoe Market Hospitality, Mistletoe Market Jury, Provisional Admissions and Training, Advisory Planning, Placement, 75th Anniversary, Centennial/Anniversary, Project Appraisal, Legacy and Legends, Remarkable Shop, Blinn House, Transfer, Sustainer Events and Bylaws. Jeanie continues to volunteer her time and strives to impact young women’s lives through her constant commitment to encouraging involvement and leadership within the Junior League. Jeanie and Ben live in Oklahoma City. In addition to their two daughters and son in law, they have two maltipoos, Henry and Anna Beth and a poodle, Poppy. Anna Beth and Poppy are grand dogs who currently live with their “Coki” and “Chief.” They also have an English Lab grand dog, Bogey, who lives with his parents. Jeanie and Ben love to travel to interesting places, love to spend time with family and friends and love to spend time in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Scene specialty gift shop, The Blue Goose. Following retirement as a “brick and mortar” shop owner, Matilda currently keeps her retail and creative skills sharp with her in-home custom printing and party planning business, “Take It Personally.” Matilda has been a member of the Junior Matilda Clements League of OKC for 30 years, 24 of which Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime were enjoyed as an Active member. She credits Achievement Award recipient every aspect of her passion for voluntarism Matilda Burford Clements graduated with a in the community to her experiences and Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in English training from the Junior League. Serving in a from Southern Methodist University. While at variety of leadership positions on committees SMU, she was Editor of the Rotunda Yearbook and councils, Membership Vice President for and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. the Board of Directors in 2004-05 under the Raised in Ft. Worth, Texas, Matilda was born extraordinary leadership of President, Anninto a literary family with Clore Duncan, Chairman of her father a professor and READ, Placement, and PAT, INSPIRING QUOTE published poet, and mother a just to name a few, and countless published author of 6 novels. placements throughout her “Above all, be the heroine of Matilda married her college “League career” afforded your life, not the victim.” sweetheart, Ed Clements, a her the opportunity to build lifelong resident of Oklahoma strengths and skills that have —Nora Ephron City and President of the translated into all aspects of her 3rd generation Oklahoma civic engagement and equally family business, Clements important treasured friendships. Foods Company. Following graduation and As a Sustainer, Matilda has enjoyed staying marriage, she moved to Oklahoma City 34 engaged and serving the League as Transfer years ago, where she cultivated her professional Co-Cchair, Legacy & Legends Co-Chair, retail career as the proprietor of a very successful Mistletoe Market Hospitality, working on

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the archives and scrapbooks to preserve the legacy and history of the Junior League, the 90th Anniversary Entertainment Book, and currently a Coordinator for the expansion and renovation project of the Jungle Gym at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Matilda has been involved in numerous civic and charitable activities in Oklahoma City, including serving as President of the Rainbow Fleet Childcare Resource and Referral Board of Directors in 2012 and continued Board commitment and service for 11 years; 5 years on the Neighborhood Services Board of Directors; a member of Impact Oklahoma and fundraising chairman for their signature events; named Impact Oklahoma’s 2017 Member of the Year; YWCA Board of Directors; All Souls’ Episcopal Church; The College of William & Mary Parents Steering Committee; Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma; Juliette Low Leadership Society; Casady School Parents Organization Chairman of the Primary Division, Chairman and Manager of the Casady Cupboard for 8 years, and 5 years as Chairman of the Casady Concessions; The Festival of the Arts Day Chairman for balloons, drink tents, and Mustard’s Last Stand; and many years with the Children’s Hospital of Oklahoma Volunteer Auxiliary, of which she served as President. Matilda’s tenured involvement with Children’s Hospital was a direct result from one of her first Junior League placements in the playrooms and performing with the much beloved “Hospital Puppets.” Matilda lives in Nichols Hills with her husband, Ed. They have two adult children, Caitlin (29), who lives in New York City and works as a Theatrical Broadway Producer for Stacey Mindich Productions, and is the Coproducer of the 2017 Tony Award Winning Musical, Dear Evan Hansen; and Bryant (26), who lives in Los Angeles, working in the entertainment industry and is currently in talent acquisition for DreamWorks Animation. When not working on projects and fundraisers, Matilda is an avid cinephile, lover of kitties, especially her black cat Earnest, enjoys traveling to both coasts to visit her children and Grandpup Gatsby, and any activities that include being with family and friends. Her favorite word is festive in memory of her late mother, who instilled in her a love for life’s celebrations, compassion for all creatures great and small, and service to others living by the Golden Rule. Her sorority motto “We Live for Each Other” is a daily guide in her life. To receive the Mary Baker Rumsey Award, is humbling and her greatest honor for service to others and for which she is very grateful to be in the company of esteemed women she admires greatly.

Marnie Taylor President’s Spirit of Commitment Award recipient In 2018, Marnie Taylor will begin her 8th year as president and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (the Center). Prior to accepting the position, Taylor served several years as a board member, trainer and consultant for the Center. Taylor has over 36 years of leadership and nonprofit experience. She currently serves on the boards of World Neighbors, Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, Potts Family Foundation, Oklahoma County Kids Coalition, ReMerge, and the National Council of Nonprofits. She is a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXIV, a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class XV, SALLT Class X, the founding director of Youth Leadership Exchange (YLX) and served for 10 years as a historic preservation commissioner for Oklahoma City. Taylor earned a marketing degree from the University of Notre Dame. She is past board president of Oklahoma County Citizens for Juvenile Justice, Oklahoma Outreach Foundation, CASA of Oklahoma County, Notre Dame Club of Oklahoma City and Volunteer Center of Central Oklahoma. She is a past board member of and held leadership positions for Oklahoma Arts Institute, American Red Cross, YLX, Junior League of Oklahoma City, and Sunbeam Family Services. She is currently an adjunct professor at OSU/OKC where she teaches Nonprofit Management. Her service to the community has been honored and recognized by several organizations, including the 2013 Journal Record Woman of the Year, Junior League of Oklahoma City as the “Sustainer of the Year,” the National Association for Community Leadership as a “Distinguished Leader,” the Oklahoma Hospitality Club Women through “Woman in the News,” the Notre Dame Club of OKC as a “Person of the Year,” Red Cross as a Board Member of the Year, CASA as a Board Member of the Year, Oklahoma Outreach Foundation “Dare to Believe” award, Journal Record 2012 Woman of the Year Making A Difference and the OCU Societies 2013 Dulaney-Browne Library Society Award and the Forever Orange Award. Taylor is also an Honorary CASA. Affiliations include World Neighbors, John L. Peters Society, Allied Arts Circle Club, Friends of OU Breast Institute, Oklahoma Women’s Coalition, ONEVOICE Mastermind

Legacy & Legends Co-Chairs, Whitney Tero and Emma Flinton

Founding Member, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Chairman’s Circle, United Way Women’s Leadership Society Founding Member, Oklahoma Western Heritage Museum, Prix de West Society, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Economics Club of Oklahoma City, Academy for State Goals, and Downtown Rotary. Please join our Legacy & Legends committee, and our Board of Directors as we congratulate these three distinguished members as our latest Legacy & Legends of the Junior League of

Oklahoma City. Special thanks goes to the event Co-Chairs, Whitney Tero & Emma Flinton, along with their committee, who worked for months to plan this momentous occasion. Legacy & Legends is a special time for League members to come together and celebrate our past and present, while hearing beautiful testimonials that will inspire our future! Also recognized at the event were the Active members who were awarded the ABC (Above & Beyond the Call) and STAR (Special Thanks & Recognition) Awards within the last year.

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Speaker in the City

he 2nd annual Speaker in the City (SITC) event, presented by OU Medicine Breast Health Network, was a rousing success! Thank you to the JLOC membership and community for your support of this exciting evening with Giuliana & Bill Rancic. Over 700 people were in attendance to welcome this dynamic duo to our city and helped JLOC raise over $33,000! During the event, the Rancics touched on a

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variety of topics, including work-life balance. These two are amazing role models, balancing their happy family life and raising an adorable son while managing many different business interests. They also talked about Giulianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battle with breast cancer, inspiring us with their message of fighting the disease together and how she managed to stay strong throughout and beat the cancer.

1. Sustainers Amy Crowley and Christi Coyle kickoff the SITC celebration with a party at CK & Co. 2. Goodie bags await every attendee. 3. Donna Lewandowski, Amy Reen, Sarah Frank, and Pam Campbell enjoy the program. 4. Bill and Giuliana visited with the Honorable Mary Fallin, Governor of Oklahoma, and her husband, Wade Christensen, First Gentleman of Oklahoma. 5.The event was held at the Criterion. 6. Speaker in the City Committee with the guest speakers. 7. Prior to the speakers, JLOC members put on a fashion show, sponsored by CK & Co. 8. Speaker in the City Committee with the guest speakers. 9. Laura Steen, Tracey Frederick, Hillary Ashton, and Pam Campbell.

.............................. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SITC was kick-started in a major

way with fabulous fashion show hosted by CK & Co, featuring the gorgeous models of JLOC. Other highlights included a raffle with many prizes, including an original painting and a vacation to Hilton Head; plus a welcome address given by Governor Mary Fallin. Thank you to our members, our community partners and our amazing donors. This event would not have been possible without you and we look forward to seeing you next year!

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90th Anniversary Western + Grand

ntertaining is an inspired way for a community to come together. Through food and drink we tell stories, communicating so much about ourselves and our homes with relaxed ease. No arena is more intimate or exciting than a home kitchen. Welcoming the people we love into our personal sanctuaries—our homes—allows for ways to

connect not otherwise experienced. Our hope is WESTERN + GRAND will inspire you and households across the country to come together and celebrate life with the same flare many of us already experience here in Oklahoma City. A limited number of books will be released in Spring 2018. Pre-sales for WESTERN + GRAND began at Mistletoe Market and will

By Sheena Karami

continue both online at www.JLOC.org and through the order form below. Don’t miss your chance to reserve this piece of Oklahoma City history at the discounted presale price of $40! 

Western + Grand cover art by Rita Ortloff

WESTERN

Grand an approach to entertaining and living in

Oklahoma City

Junior League of Oklahoma City

GMM Recaps February Highlights Guest Speaker *Mona Sabah Earnest, Author *Spoke about Diversity: The Case for Change *Recognize hot buttons and analyze how and why we act the way we do. Her book is called From ISA to Christ. *Moving forward: lead with grace. Introduction of new JLOC Staff *Kellian Schneider, Managing Director, gave a brief introduction of herself and her past work history. Legacy and Legends Announcement *Emma Flinton announced the three honorees for this year’s event, which will be held April 12.

February 2018 & April 2018 General Membership Meeting Highlights

STAR Award Recipients *Shannon Stiger –Healthy Pets placement *Elizabeth Matson –YWCA placement ABC Recipients *Leslie Coale-Mossman and Katherine Chandler, Advising Mentor Co-Chairs

April Highlights Special Guest *Tim Rasnic, Executive Director of Zoo Friends *Announced Safari Soiree event to be held April 27 *Ostrich Egg Breakfast to be held May 12 Guest Speaker *Carol Scott, 2016-2018 AJLI President *The Junior League currently consists

of 291 Leagues in 5 countries, with over 140,000 members. *Focus is on learning from each other, being open to new ideas, taking risks, focusing on the people, and committing to the power of service. STAR Award Recipients *Leslie Crissup – Open Streets placement ABC Recipients *Hillary Ashton, Mistletoe Market Committee and Speaker Committee *Morgan Hopson – PR Chair and Zoo Steering Committee *Natalie Fix – PACE Committee Chair

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How Diversity Can Offend and What to do About It BY MONA SABAH EARNEST, SPEAKER & AUTHOR "FROM ISA TO CHRIST: A MUSLIM WOMAN'S SEARCH FOR THE HAND OF GOD"

MISSION

have been honored to speak at different venues about Diversity. My experience in doing Human Resources for companies as a consultant and also because I lived in six countries (speak 3 languages) also helps in the way that I process the world.

To me, Diversity is an incredible topic that encompasses much more than just a discussion based on colors of our skin. Today, the United States has more women than ever before (~52%) and also four generations side by side in the workplace. These are new challenges that come to the field of Diversity. Add to that veteran

and disability status, socioeconomic background, culture, race and thought processes… and you get an overall understanding of the many things that make up Diversity in the workplace. One of the things I found to be important BOOK in my experience with was From Isa to organizations Christ that if all the players0998637807 and stakeholders were ISBN-10: not involvedISBN-13: in the discussion, the change 978-0998637808 amazon.com initiative was never going to get off the ground. Think about it— you cannot talk EDUCATION about Diversity without including everyone! Diversity at University its core means of San"Condition Francisco -of Being Different" (Websters.com). That's the Masters in Human Resources CONTACT 405-246-6472 msearnest@cox.net monaearnest.wordpress.com FACEBOOK: Mona Sabah Earnest

AUTHO

Mona has be taught Unde speaker and degree in Hu from Univers countries an and Spanish She was the Soup Comp over 1400 e documented Mona was th of California - introducing needs of the - develop tra managers o appreciate in bridged back - develop me wide diversit reports to se -keep curren She has tau since 1997 f agencies an Diversity for Oklahoma C where she a religion, and

big secret about Diversity. We are all a bit "different" from one another, yet we are all human beings. In order for Diversity initiatives to work properly and not offend others, INCLUSION needs to be incorporated. Creating unity out of Diversity should be every organization's goal - whether a Fortune 500 company, a mom & pop shop, or a nonprofit organization like the Junior League. As the Junior League was founded to give women an upper hand in life, so must we approach Diversity & Inclusion. Ideas from different views breathe new life into a stale and stagnant place. A fresh approach or way of thinking can shake up roadblocks and present streamlined processes. The United States is such a unique country in that it brings people of all nations, creed, religion and unites them together into one new person - the American. As Americans, we are known around the globe for being innovative, giving birth to companies like Google, Apple, Starbucks and Disney! Only in the United States, are we truly free to pursue dreams and make them into reality. We take different perspectives from so many views and harness that creativity to fuel this nation. There are many advantages to using Diversity & Inclusion to broaden your own personal horizons. A few ideas can help one

reap many rewards in working with others: 1. Respect is a non-negotiable: You don't have to agree with people, but you can be respectful that they are allowed to have their own views. 2. Try to learn something new from someone new or different than you: We try to teach this principle to our own children by saying "sit with someone different than you at lunchtime today at school." Yet, we are not so good at practicing this in our own life. We stick to the same group of friends, hanging out in the same exact places in the same routine. 3. Try out a new grocery store or restaurant: This is a good way to learn something new about a different culture. Did you know that most large cities and towns will have at least one or more ethnic grocery store? Go somewhere else to shopâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you might meet someone new! These are just a few ways to build a greater awareness of the Diversity that exists in your own community. I know that we can all get stuck in a rut and make our own assumptions. I wanted to share an example of how I was guilty of doing the very same thing I am telling you not to do: My family and I were invited to come and serve at a street ministry by Jesus House OKC called "Love Thy Neighbor." It was a very grass-roots ministry that included

having us bring our own table and a chair or two to set up in an empty lot downtown OKC to serve the homeless. We weren't really given many instructions, other than "bring whatever you think is good - maybe something to eat." I thought about it and decided that since I loved to eat desserts, I would engage my daughter and we would bake a bunch of handmade desserts for the homeless. Laden with baskets of cupcakes and brownies, we headed downtown in great anticipation. As the homeless people lined up, one after another turned away our decadent desserts. Trying not to get discouraged or offended, I finally asked a man as he waved off one of our desserts. He told me that he was not able to have the desserts as he was a diabetic. From behind him, several said the same thing, in fact another man said "How come you don't have any fresh fruits or vegetables? How about some veggies with Ranch Dressing - I haven't had Ranch in years! Don't bring the hard, crunchy stuff, since we don't have many teeth." Imagine my surprise! I didn't think that fresh fruits and vegetables would be in greater demand than a lovely frosted cupcake! When you live in your own little bubble, you tend to make assumptions that everyone else likes what you like. I did this in my very own

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Profile

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Mona Sabah Earnest

effort to feed the homeless. Never once did https:// monaearnest. I consider that they do not own a fridge so wordpress.com the things I take for granted like a bottle of ona Sabah AUTHOR, Ranch Dressing (a permanent fixture in my Earnest is an HR SPEAKER & TRAINER fridge) is something to be greatly desired. MISSION professional with Mona has been The next time we went, we were more 20+ years of experience as Senior Manager – doing corporate training since 1997 and has taught Undergraduate Business. She is an accomplished prepared. Instead of making assumptions, West Coast Ops. and Diversity Officer for the speaker and author. Mona Earnest holds her Master's we were armed with the knowledge through State of CA at the Campbell Soupdegree Company, in Human Resources Organization Development from University of San Francisco. She has lived in 6 a discussion of nutritious food that was undergraduate business & management professor countries and is fluent in 3 languages (English, Urdu/Hindi, portable and appreciated. and corporate trainer and consultant. She also and Spanish). She also has a working knowledge of Arabic. It's the little things that truly make a is an accomplished author and speaker. Mona She was the Human Resources Manager for the Campbell Soup Company in Sacramento, California (where they had BIG difference. If we just stop to ask a has worked with Fortune 500 companies, BOOK over 1400 employees and more than 32 languages few questions along the way, we can save Fromprivate public schools documented). and non- In addition to HR responsibilities at the plant, Isa tobusinesses, Christ in three languages Spanish and ourselves a whole lot of trouble, conflict andISBN-10: profit0998637807 organizations, including Sonic MonaDrive-In’s was the Diversity Officer for the business in(Urdu/Hindi, the State California Her skills include: English), also having a working knowledge of embarrassment. Who knows—we might ISBN-13: Corporate HQs, HP, the State of of Oklahoma, 978-0998637808 - introducing diversity initiatives and consider the unique amazon.com even learn a new thing or two! Let me Greater OKC Chamber, DHS, OSU and many Arabic, and has lived in six countries (Saudi needs of the organization. encourage you today to approach someone others. She earned a master's degree in HRtraining schedules Arabia, Kuwait, United - develop to educate employees andArab Emirates, on how to recognize, accommodate in an open, genuine, respectful and loving EDUCATION Organization Development from managers the University Pakistan, Englandand and USA). Mona is currently appreciate individual differences and how these can be way to truly find out their background and University of San of Francisco. writing a book on Cultural Diversity and San Francisco bridged back to assist in meeting company business plans. story. With open communication and a Mona is an enthusiastic and dynamic teacher, published her first book, “From Isa to Christ,” - develop metrics for measuring the effectiveness of stateMasters in Human Resources wideintelligence diversity initiatives implemented and2017. She prepare quarterly in February also has a blog where she desire to value others' perspectives can we presenting on cultural diversity and reports to senior management on the value of the initiatives. truly learn and help the next generation for over two decades, who helps champion addresses global diversity, culture, management, CONTACT -keep current on diversity legislation and trends in business embrace Diversity & Inclusion. organizational change for all levels. She fluent religionand and related topics. She has is taught Cultural Diversity Cultural Intelligence

405-246-6472 msearnest@cox.net monaearnest.wordpress.com FACEBOOK: Mona Sabah Earnest

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since 1997 for Fortune 500 companies as well as non-profits agencies and public schools. She currently teaches Cultural Diversity for several universities, State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and has a blog where she addresses global diversity, culture, management, religion, and related topics.

Transfer News

he primary focus of the Transfer Committee is to welcome, educate and acquaint our new transfers to not only JLOC, but to Oklahoma City. It can be fun yet sometimes overwhelming when you move to a new city, and we hope to make that transition as easy as possible. The transfer

By Nichole Glover, Transfer Committee Chair

committee is made up of Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers but we always welcome new ladies that would like to join our committee. Recently, the Transfer Committee gathered for a delicious brunch at the Jones Assembly – lots of fun!

Profile

Sustainer News

ne of the rewards for dedicating years of service to our Junior League is enjoying life as a Sustainer. You remain in the network of friends and colleagues you’ve utilized along with the opportunity to pick and choose from a variety of activities that interest you. Lauri and I enjoyed our year as Sustaining Event Co-Chairs planning a wide variety of activities to engage and entice our fellow Sustainers. Our goal was to encourage Sustainers to remain an active part of the League. We also hoped to help foster friendships while also supporting the League’s community initiatives. This year, Sustainers supported Mistletoe Market and Speaker in the City with their time, by serving on various committees, and with their treasure by purchasing tickets to attend the fundraisers. Sustainers celebrated the holiday season by attending the December Open House in the lovely home of Carleen Burger. Joined by Actives and Provisionals, the evening was a wonderful way to launch the celebrations surrounding Christmas. In January, Sustainers learned the fine art of Hygge at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Guests enjoyed hot chocolate while touring

16 MAY 2018

the galleries after hours. Sustainers also got to create their own art pieces to take home. We celebrated the accomplishments of Sustainers Jeanie Butts, Matilda Clements, and Marnie Taylor at Legacy & Legends. The inspiring night reminded all of those in attendance that Sustainers continue to impact the Oklahoma City community long after their Active service concludes. Our final two social events included a wine and palate party where guests could unleash

their artistic side, and a cocktail hour to welcome the women changing to Sustainer status for the 2018-2019 year. Thank you to everyone for joining us at our events this year. Please remember to check your JLOC & ME emails as well as the Sustainer only Facebook page to keep apprised of upcoming events. Cheers to JLOC’s 90th Year! Warmly, Lauri Monetti and Kristi Leonard

Adorn helps businesses and residential clients create amazing first impressions with custom container gardens and outdoor décor. ELIZ ABE TH RICHARDSON

elizabeth@adornokc.com 405.255.1730 www.adornokc.com

Join Junior League on Social Media! Please use the official hashtags of #JLOC:

#WeAreJLOC, #JLOCFavoriteThings, #JLOCHealthySelfie, #SpeakerInTheCity, #GoodnightOKC, #LegacyAndLegends. Our hashtag to celebrate all things related to the 90th Anniversary this year will be #JLOC90

@jl_okc

Facebook.com/JLOC.IMPACT Facebook.com/MistletoeMarketOKC Facebook.com/SpeakerInTheCity

ATTENTION: PARENTS OF MINOR CHILDREN

Will Your Children Be Properly Cared For If One Day You Do Not Come Home… Ever? If you are not there for your children due to death or incapacity, will they receive the same care and attention as you would provide? Is someone you trust prepared to step up, care for them, and teach them your values? Will the financial resources you’ve worked so hard to accumulate be managed by someone you would let manage your money? Will your money be used for your children’s safety and quality-of-life throughout their lives? Or will it be used for someone else’s “more pressing” priorities? Are your hopes, dreams and goals for your children documented so someone else may help your children achieve those? Part of loving and protecting your children is preparing for the unthinkable. Your children’s upbringing without you or your spouse around will be answered one way or another – how much control you keep or give up is up to you. To learn how to properly protect your children, claim your FREE copy of a Special Report entitled, “The 5 Keys to Avoiding the Top Estate Planning Dangers For Families with Minor Children” (a $19.95 value) by calling 405-286-4558 (24-Hr Hotline) or visiting www.ProtectMyMinorKids.com! Premier Business,Estate and Elder Law Attorneys

CODE: LL1

Focus [ projects ]

Kids In the Kitchen / Top Chef

PROJECT MANAGERS AMANDA ESSAILI & RACHAEL VERNON

s everyone in the League knows, we have such a special relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma City. This organization does so much good for so many families in the OKC Metro area. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers, we are able to continue to succeed with our placements at the Club. In Kids in the Kitchen, elementary-aged children are able to enjoy healthy snacks while learning how to prepare these snacks at home. We have hands-on activities for the children to participate in while attending one of our

18 MAY 2018

two weekly 30-minute sessions. Top Chef is geared toward the older children, middle-school thru high-schoolers. During a 4-week session, participants are able to learn hands-on kitchen safety and basic cooking skills they need to successfully cook healthy dishes in a real kitchen. Week four is the Top Chef Finale where the kids make a dish and serve it to a panel of judges. Right before the holiday break this year, we held our first annual Farmer’s Market Day. Words alone will not be enough to describe the heartwarming experience this event as for not only our volunteers, but the children and

families who benefited from the Market. We handed out fresh fruits, vegetables, and either a turkey or chicken to 40-50 children. We had one child tell us, “My mom is going to cry when she sees all of this.” Another parent burst into tears when she saw the groceries being delivered along with her child after the program. After the food was given out, Ms. LaRissa, the Director of Arts Programming and Volunteer Coordinator for Boys & Girls Club, approached JLOC members to express her appreciation for the event. She told us how much the event meant for these families, and we all shed a tear as she spoke her heartfelt thanks. This event was a huge success, and hopefully this can become a JLOC holiday tradition. The placement at the Boys and Girls Club is unique, special, and heartwarming—for the community, the children and families impacted, and for the volunteers as well. JLOC is thankful for the opportunity to continue to serve this organization, and to make an impact in the lives of Oklahoma City children while providing them with a fun and educational learning environment.

JLOC Members of the Variety Pack placement enjoy volunteering together.

Variety Pack S pringtime in the Variety Pack placement is full of fun! JLOC members have helped out at the Health Fair at Infant Crisis Services, and are gearing up for Wee Water Wahoo and Wacky Water Wahoo events later in May. These Water Wahoo events are an incredible educational opportunity for schools participating in the Healthy Schools for Oklahoma program. Wee Water Wahoo got its start in 1997, while Wacky Water Wahoo began in 1995. Wee Water Wahoo, is held at the Rose State Aquatics Center, and serves approximately 450 kindergarten-age children in Oklahoma. Wacky Water Wahoo, held at White Water Bay, serves approximately 1200 third to fifth grade children. These water safety events are led by Safe Kids Oklahoma, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the OKC Fire Department, who teach these school-aged children practical water safety skills. The children, at both events, are bused in from various schools around the Oklahoma City metro from districts deemed as having children who are most at risk for water safety accidents. In an effort to prevent drownings, the second leading cause of fatal unintentional injuries to Oklahoma children

Project Manager Blair Bradley

(according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Safe Kids Oklahoma, led by The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital, and its multitude of partnering agencies, strive to educate youth from Oklahoma City metro area schools about water safety. “Wee Water Wahoo” and “Wacky Water Wahoo” are the only events of their kind held to stress the importance of properly fitting U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket use and to provide students with water safety skills. Safe Kids Oklahoma provides Type III jackets for these events to ensure that each child can participate safely. The life jackets are then re-repurposed for the “Brittany Project,” which is a life jacket loaner program at several U.S. Corps of Engineer lakes and state parks in Oklahoma. The Brittany Project was named in honor of 4-year-old Brittany Mobley, who drowned at Lake Thunderbird. The program began when Brittany’s mother, Dona Williams, partnered with Safe Kids Oklahoma to obtain funding for loaner life jackets at kiosks on which the jackets hang (now referred to as “Loaner Boards”).



Fun times at Wacky Water Wahoo!

Focus

Health Fair T he Junior Leaguers in the Health Fair project planned a wonderful indoor/ outdoor event for Infant Crisis Services which was held on April 7, 2018. JLOC partnered with Infant Crisis to host a spring health fair to promote healthy living for both the mind and body for the ICS clients. If you have not had the privilege to work with Infant Crisis Services before, ICS is an organization, started by our own Sustaining Member Miki

20 MAY 2018

By Denise Cramer, Project Manager

Farris, dedicated to meeting the immediate nutrition, diaper and clothing needs of families with infants and toddlers in times of crisis. Our community partner, Beth Lykins with ICS, was a huge help in planning this event. The idea for the Health Fair is to encourage healthy living including dental health, nutrition, exercise and safety for children birth to 5 years of age. The ladies set up an outdoor exercise station that included a 42-foot-long

obstacle bounce house and games with jump ropes and hula hoops.The kids loved getting to run through the obstacle course. This station was a big hit! The OKC Energy players came out and set up a soccer shootout to play with the kids and teach the kids ways to stay active. The fair also included four 15-minute yoga sessions by Lauren Orthwein with Soul Yoga for kids and parents to show simple stretching exercises that can help keep both your body and mind healthy. Groups from various organizations were brought in to promote safety. The fire department showed up with a fire truck for the kids. The kids really enjoyed climbing in the truck to take pictures. A local policeman walked around passing out Frisbees and stickers. Inside, there were tables with a nurse from Deaconess to promote first aid, the Oklahoma Department of Health brought information on immunizations, Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information had emergency magnets to hand out and we had tons of toothbrushes, toothpaste and even sunscreen to pass out to all the families. The fair also had a fun photo booth featuring all kinds of funny costumes for the kids and parents. Every kid had a blast playing dress up and acting silly for the camera. Games â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the games and prizes! The ladies set up a spin the wheel game with tons of prizes, like outdoor lawn sets, Velcro ball sets, sidewalk chalk, bouncy balls, basketballs, footballs and lots of bubbles. We even had a few door prize drawings to give away a scooter that glowed in the dark, Oklahoma City Zoo passes, crockpot and a bike. One lucky kid got the bike of his dreams! Everyone who attended had tons of fun and the ladies loved getting to play and exercise with some amazing kids. The smiles on their faces are priceless to us!

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Et Cetera [ various ]

2017-18 Community Projects Wrap-Up

ommunity by metaphor: When I think about the League - what we do - who we are, I’m reminded of a wheel. The Councils are all spokes; the committees are spokes; our fundraisers are spokes; JLOC staff is a spoke; our Sustainers are a spoke… We all co-exist and work together to support our Community Projects, which create that outer-lip or tire. When we sync our energies, it magnifies and creates centrifugal force. The wheel turns. The projects laying

22 MAY 2018

By Cortney Smith

on the outer edge take turns touching down and impacting lives. Each rotation makes an impact on us, on the people we serve and our community. Each rotation sets the path that creates our legacy. Giving our time and our energy to turn the wheel is important. It makes our community better. It makes us better. Community by the numbers: JLOC has been doing fantastic things for the Community in 2017-2018. As of March 31st, we have served 11,705 children and 11,774 adults

and we still have two months to go! Together JLOC members and community clients have spent almost 38,000 minutes being active and getting healthy. We had 18 traditional projects and 7 Variety Pack projects. JLOC volunteers will have helped install more than 600 car seats with Car Seat Safety Checks and at the spring Open Streets event, volunteers inspired roughly 20,000 participants to take on an obstacle course. Volunteers in the Pet Food Pantry project serve seniors, veterans and the homeless each month by helping to bag and load over 8,000lbs of dry food and 2,500 cans of wet food for dogs and cats. Beyond our traditional projects, JLOC overhauled the Zoo Jungle Gym in the Renovation and Expansion. More than 800 volunteers contributed over 3,200 hours in less than a week. This number doesn’t even include the hundreds of hours put in by the steering committee, the donations of materials and supplies, or the participants from the Carpenter’s Union who were there each day. Our youngest volunteers were ten and the oldest was 86!! This is a HUGE gift to our Community!!! Community by projects: Based on work done by the past few year’s caring and committed volunteers, our fantastic JLOC YWCA project has been nominated for a Journal Record Beacon Award! Parents, children, and volunteers wiggled and giggled away stress while learning how to hip-hop line dance at Single Parent Support Group. A child in the Kids on Track program rushed to hug one of the volunteers upon arrival, matter-of-factly stating, “Today is my favorite day because it’s Kids on Track day. I love this day!” Wellness for Life volunteers built photo booths for the Concordia Senior Living Rose and Gold Ball and helped run different activity rooms while dancing the night away. Kids broke out of

their shells and joined our volunteers in a session of Halloween-themed yoga at The Children’s Hospital in our Healthy You Parent’s Night Out project. Alizaya W. was one of the deserving kids who was pampered during our Prom event, also at The Children’s Hospital. She said, “I like Prom because I don’t feel any different… I don’t feel like I need to stay by myself…” Throughout our projects, volunteers strive to make each one of our clients feel seen, heard, and worthy. These are just a few impactful examples from a handful of wonderful projects our dedicated and passionate volunteers create!

One of my favorite events of the year was the “farmer’s market” hosted by our Kids In the Kitchen, Top Chef volunteers. Children at the Boys and Girls Club each took home a turkey and groceries for the holidays. Some of the kids do not eat dinner after leaving the Boys and Girls Club because they don’t have access to regular meals. They shopped with great care and took pride in being able to provide Christmas dinner for their families! We have seen some Community Projects grow and thrive. We have seen dedicated and passionate volunteers overcome project hurdles

and create meaningful opportunities for our community. We have launched a couple of projects back into the community and we have developed two new, promising ventures. It has truly been an honor to serve as the Community Vice President and I’m overcome with pride by all of the beautiful things our gifted, dedicated members do for others. When the rubber meets the road, we fulfill our mission. Thank you for serving in the League and thank you for letting me serve alongside you. With much love, Cortney

LITTLE LEAGUERS

Luke Ryan Jennings

Rhett Andrew Seay

Born February 13, 2018 Parents are Curt & Beth Jennings

Born October 20, 2017 Parents are Joseph & Amanda Seay

Et Cetera

League Leash Oliver

Goldendoodle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 months old Kelly Brown, Pet owner

Oliver loves his brother and sister, belly rubs, going on car rides (especially to the carpool lane!) and stealing socks from the laundry basket. He dislikes being alone and not being allowed to jump on people!

Each issue, we will feature JLOC pets! If you would like to see your pet in the League Link, please email photos to LeagueLinkEditor@gmail.com

24 MAY 2018

ATTENTION

ALL MEMBERS! Please update your JLOC Member Profile photo! With over half our members missing a photo on their Member Profile Page, it can be difficult to determine “who’s who” in JLOC. If your profile photo is not current or is a “No Photo” box, please log on to your member profile page and upload a photo!

Et Cetera

Letters to the League

26 MAY 2018

Women Building a Better OKC

Thank you for advertising with us! Adorn First National Bank

Heritage Hall Parman & Easterday

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 2018-19 League Link year and start advertising. The circulation is over 1,500 and sent not only to JLOC Members and Provisionals, but also to numerous businesses and community organizations.

Special rates are available for JLOC Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers. WWW.JLOC.ORG

Contact the League Link Business Manager for more information at LeagueLinkAds@jloc.org

THE NEXT DEADLINE IS JUNE