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
SEPTEMBER 2018
Mistletoe Market Celebrating 25th Anniversary
President’s Letter Dear League Members and Friends,
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 SEPTEMBER 2018
I just love the fall. It’s the beginning of school, football season, General Membership Meetings and Mistletoe Market! Even though many people may believe that League members take a break during the summer, I know the Junior League’s work and responsibilities really don’t slow down during that time. Many of our members are representing the League in the community and volunteering on projects in the heat of the summer. The newest Provisionals have started their community training, projects and courses, while the Mistletoe Market and Speaker in the City committees have been diligently working during the summer to make these events the best yet. Additionally, Mandy Heaps, president-elect, and I had the privilege to host 11 focus groups during June and July to listen to members share their thoughts and ideas about where the League is currently, what needs to be improved and where it should be positioned in the future. We are taking the major themes from those meetings, the membership survey results and other points of data to develop the League’s strategic plan with the board of directors. As I’ve reflected on all of this information, it is obvious to me that even though some characteristics of our membership have changed over the past 91 years – what we stand for hasn’t. The Junior League is still relevant. We are smart, hard-working women with a heart for the community, focused on building a better Oklahoma City. This organization is still our mother’s Junior League – and it is our Junior League! And, I know the strategic planning work will ensure that the League is an organization our daughters will want to join too. As Mistletoe Market celebrates 25 years this year, remember that we carry on the League’s tradition and vision that started many years ago. Market is just one example of the legacy that now lives on through us – the current Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers, working side-by-side – now and in the future. However, we can’t just rest on the laurels of the past. I believe we must continue to evolve to continue blazing a trail in Oklahoma City and meeting the current needs of our membership and community. Personally, I think it is essential for the League to stay true to its mission by recruiting women who are leaders, developing their potential through training, and sending them into the Oklahoma City community as Junior League ambassadors. This is our key to sustainability, success and being UNSTOPPABLE. Thank you for your dedication to making the Junior League of Oklahoma City an impactful, reputable organization in our community. With sincere appreciation,
Pam Gutel Campbell President, Junior League of Oklahoma City, 2018-2019
SEPTEMBER 2018 LINK VISION
To inform members and increase awareness of Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. projects and events. EDITOR Beth Armstrong SUSTAINING CO-CHAIR Shannon Love COMMITTEE MEMBERS Kelsie Geister, Stephanie Hinton,
Katelyn Kelly, Marshelle Oakley, Darian McPherson, Sarah Richert, Rebecca Smith, Mindy Wright, and Ileanna Wright 2018-19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Pam Campbell PRESIDENT-ELECT Mandy Heaps ADMINISTRATIVE VP Alex Brady BYLAWS CHAIR Kristen Ferate COMMUNICATIONS VP Natalie Fix COMMUNITY VP Leslie Coale-Mossman FINANCE VP Lydia Sullivan-Benham FUNDRAISING VP Sheena Karami MEMBERSHIP VP Heather Ward NOMINATING CHAIR Kathy North SUSTAINING ADVISOR Lee Ann Nordin CHIEF OF STAFF Alexis Lux COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
James Farris, Debbie Forshee, Nicole Dobbins, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Mel Martin, Alex Cameron, Beth Shortt, Mary Melon, Noel Williams, MD, Annette WhiteKlososky, Molly Ross, Jim Gebhart, Rita Aragon, Aurora Lora, Jeff Kretchmar, Kelly Dyer Fry, Teresa Rose Crook, Kersey Winfree, Kristine Browne, Susan Webb COMMUNITY PROJECTS/PROJECT MANAGERS CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS Tina Izadi COMMUNITY IMPACT EVENTS Lauren H Johnson &
Danielle Lidwell FAMILY FITNESS NIGHTS Whittney Hood FOOD AND FUN AT PIVOT Kajal Jassemnejad HEALTH BEYOND SIGHT Lydia Fields KIDS IN THE KITCHEN/TOP CHEF Ashley Rivers KIDS ON TRACK Debra Ridpath
Contents
4 12 18 24
SCENE [
events ]
JLOC Honored with Beacon Award Mistletoe Market Celebrates 25th Anniversary Meet the Mistletoe Market Committee
PROFILE [
p e o p l e]
Spotlight on Sustainer Hilarie Blaney Little Leaguers Grow Up
FOCUS [
projects ]
Car Seat Safety Checks at Infant Crisis JLOC Volunteers Support Survivors Nominating Process
ET CETERA [
va r i o u s]
Sustainer Scoop Tower Theatre Goodnight OKC Western + Grand
PET ANGELS Sarah Dozier PET FOOD PANTRY Kayla Coffey ROAR Kendra Murrill THE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EVENTS Rachel Petty SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS Amanda Seay
Also included: Membership Report, Courtesy & Recognition, Little Leaguers, Newlyweds, League Leash
WELLNESS FOR LIFE Lauren Quick YWCA Jenifer Stolfa & Nikki West
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 FUNDRAISERS
Mistletoe Market Speaker in the City Annual Campaign
ON THE COVER: Mistletoe Market committee chairs and members and JLOC Presidents, past and present, show off some of our themes as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mistletoe Market. Photography by Katie Rose
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JLOC Volunteer Efforts Recognized with Beacon Award
t
he Junior League of Oklahoma City was recently recognized as a top “Nonprofit serving Nonprofits” at the 11th annual Beacon Awards, hosted by the Journal Record. The award recognizes the vital support that JLOC provides to our community, specifically the work our volunteers do with the YWCA of Oklahoma City. For more than 14 years, JLOC volunteers have been supporting YWCA through programs designed to assist their clients.
“League members are committed to building a better Oklahoma City,” President Pam Campbell said. “Not only are we training and developing the potential of our members, but this project allows us to encourage, empower and help develop the potential of the YWCA’s clients.” Volunteers have developed programs designed to educate and support the YWCA clients through activities such as nutrition education, physical activity, mental health exercises, stress relief and more. Junior
Mary Cornelsen, YWCA; Nikki West, JLOC Project Manager; Pam Campbell, JLOC President and Karla Docter, YWCA with the award.
4 SEPTEMBER 2018
League volunteers also recently renovated a Meditation Room where shelter residents can experience a peaceful space to help them heal. The weekly events and activities are positively impacting League volunteers as well. “To me, their mission is everything. I can’t imagine not having it or being involved in some way,” said Nikki West, project manager. “I love working with other women who share a passion for volunteerism and an interest in the eradication of domestic violence and sexual assault, which is the cornerstone of the YWCA mission.” We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to create a healthier community. A special thank you to our volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to projects like the one at the YWCA. For more information, see related article and photos on page 20.
SPEAKER IN THE CITY THE JUNIOR LEAGUE
OF OKLAHOMA CITY
Save the Date March 24, 2019 The Farmer’s Market Visit jloc.org for more information on the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s Speaker in the City.
LITTLE LEAGUERS Eleanor Elizabeth Armstrong Born July 10, 2018 6 lbs 9oz 20 inches long Parents Beth & Jarod Armstrong
5
Scene
Mistletoe Market Celebrates 25 Years of Shopping and Fun Supporting OKC By Natalie Fix
T
hey say time flies when you’re having fun. We’ve had a blast planning Mistletoe Market that we can hardly believe it has been 25 years since JLOC hosted the first one! Each year, a lot of planning, hard work and fun comes together into this unique and successful event that both delights Oklahoma City shoppers and benefits JLOC projects in the community. Countless hours have been poured into this event over the last 25 years, and it has been worth every minute!
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In 1993, the first Mistletoe Market opened its doors to the public on October 21 at the State Fairgrounds and set out to “Lasso the Moon.” The event featured 50 vendors, a preview party, family events, a luncheon and style show. The inaugural event raised more than $62,000 for JLOC projects and it was evident from that moment that we had something worth continuing. Over the years, Mistletoe Market has continued to be a labor of love. Each year’s committee strives to plan an event that
merchants, shoppers, families and members enjoy from start to finish. Proceeds from Market support the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s community outreach and, to date, we’ve been able to give more than $2 million back into projects that impact our community. We have had winter wonderlands, sleigh bells, gingerbread men, high fashion, nutcrackers and candy (to name a few) as the main themes and we’ve planned days of fun around each one. In addition to the wonderful shopping, Market has included events like brunches, lunches, Ladies’ Nights Out, Breakfasts with Santa, Morning Monster Mashes, Mother Daughter Tea Parties, Fashion Shows, Galas and even a Murder Mystery! Market has hosted a Preview Party each year and it has brought in bands, kids choirs, dance troupes, storytellers and even Rumble to keep guests of all ages entertained as they shop the aisles of vendors. Mistletoe Market really is an event that the Oklahoma City community looks forward to each year and 2018 promises to be as exciting as each prior year. League members look forward to seeing it all come together, volunteering and celebrating such a fun and important event. Mistletoe Market is Thursday, October 11 through Saturday, October 13 at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Preview Party will be Wednesday, October 10. The 25th Anniversary Market will feature more than 100 merchants and a wide selection of gifts, home décor, clothing and accessories, jewelry, children’s items, food, holiday decor and so much more. There are several special events throughout Market again this year. Ladies Night Out will be on Thursday night and is a relaxing evening of shopping, food and a floral arrangement class. The kids
MARKET MEMORIES will love coming to Market on Saturday morning for the Boo Breakfast that includes pumpkin decorating and Trick or Treating. And of course, Preview Party is the social and shopping event of the season! More information on all the events during Market can be found at www.mistletoemarket.org. Market is a volunteer-driven event and in addition to planning every detail, Junior League members will staff the event. Active and Provisional members will each work a shift during Market to make sure it all runs smoothly. More information on Mistletoe Market will be available to members at the September General Membership Meeting. Details on shifts, quota tickets, t-shirts and yard signs will all be available at that meeting as well and supplemental information will be in the JLOC & Me Member Emails. JLOC members are excited to present the 25th Anniversary Mistletoe Market October 10-13! The Market committee has been hard at work for months and we can’t wait to share it all with Oklahoma City. We know it will be another successful event and one that continues for years to come.
The nicest president’s gift given to me was a quilt. After bragging for years that I had attended and had purchased ALL Market t-shirts to date (2006), our dear friend Mei Cheng made a quilt for me out of all of my Mistletoe Market t-shirts. It is currently hanging in the hallway of HQ. It is a treasure to me. —Betsy Mantor Most of my very favorite Market memories are the times working on decorations. I remember painting nutcrackers in Claire Thompson’s driveway and we still put out our Market nutcracker and gingerbread train over the holidays. Congrats on the 25th anniversary! —Ann Cameron So many themes! Angels, gingerbread and snowflakes are just a few that come to mind. Junior League Mistletoe Market is a name the OKC community knows well. All the years of hard work and countless volunteer hours makes this fundraiser a huge success for JLOC and provide a unique, fun pre-holiday shopping event. —Karla McCasland Oh this brings back such fun memories! Besides a nutcracker I purchased and still put out at Christmas, I had a flashback of watching Elyse Hatcher on the scissor lift because we were trying to hang all of these huge decorations from the ceiling at the fairgrounds. She was much braver than I was! Good luck to you this year! —Susie Vesper I remember the year that we had the mother daughter tea party and style show. We hand painted glass tea cups and saucers. I probably still have a few of the painted sets. —Margaret Hoge
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Meet the Mistletoe Market BRIA HANLON Mistletoe Market Chair This is Bria’s third year serving on the Market Committee, and she could not be more thrilled to serve as Chair. “I love the diversity in the positions I have held with the League, and it has really helped me develop my leadership skills into what they are today.”
WHITNEY PENCE MMKT Vice Chair Whitney joined JLOC in 2013 as a way to get involved and give back to the community. Beginning in her Provisional year, she has been on the Special Events committee. Whitney served as Special Events ViceChair, then Co-Chair, and this year she is Market Vice-Chair. “I am humbled by this opportunity and look forward to wonderful markets in 2018 and 2019!”
ZOE BUTTS Arrangements Chair “During my Provisional and first Active year, I was on the Mistletoe Market Special Events Committee, which is where I developed my love for Market!” 8 SEPTEMBER 2018
LAUREN OTTAWAY JOHNSON Arrangements Vice Chair Lauren transferred into JLOC from Boston in 2012. Since joining in Oklahoma City, she has served on community placements and as PR Chair and Arrangements Chair. “This is my first year working on Mistletoe Market and am excited to try out this new opportunity!”
JENNIFER BURKE Decorations Chair Jennifer is currently a seventh-year Active member and has served under Membership Council the past five years. “I am excited to learn more about Fundraising Council this year and am honored to have been selected to serve on the Mistletoe Market Committee!”
NICHOLE GLOVER Hospitality Active Co Chair Nichole joined JLOC as a provisional in 2010 and has done a lot of volunteering within Membership Council. “Although I have worked on Mistletoe Market hospitality and special events committee for several years, I am very excited to jump into a leadership position on the Fundraising Council!”
AUDRA KEDY Merchant Vice Co-Chair Audra said she learned so much as a Provisional by being on the Mistletoe Market Hospitality committee and it was fun to help with an event that is such a huge fundraiser for the League. “I highly recommend trying out Mistletoe Market committees or other League committees to get involved!”
DANIELLA KNIGHTEN Personnel Chair Daniella has been in the League for four years. She has enjoyed helping in various placements and has been a part of the Special Events and Hospitality Committees for Market. Most recently, Daniella was a PAT Advisor before taking on the role of Personnel Chair. “I can’t wait to see all the vendors and hard work come together in October!”
HILLARY ASHTON Print and Marketing Chair Serving her second year as the Print and Marketing Chair, Hillary loves working on Market! She volunteered for Decorations,
Hospitality and Special Events Committees before serving on the Mistletoe Market Committee. “I am so pleased to be part of the team that is helping JLOC celebrate Mistletoe Market’s 25th Anniversary!”
JANELLE ARCHER Print and Marketing Vice Chair Janelle currently serves at the Print and Marketing Vice Chair for Mistletoe Market. With a career background in advertising and events and a long-time attendee of Market, she was excited about taking on the role. She is very excited for Market and sharing her talents with the League in this way.
ANN RICHARD-FARINHA Treasury Chair This is Ann’s second year to serve on Mistletoe Market, and this year she is serving as Treasurer. Ann started her Junior League experience in Las Vegas, eventually serving as President of JLLV for the 2014-2015 League year. She then transferred to JLOC in 2015. “It has been so amazing to get to experience two different Leagues and volunteer my services with both!”
Committee
Interviewed by Darian McPherson
the Market Steering Committee or a member working a shift it all matters, from planning to hanging posters, it makes a difference.” AMANDA DIETZ Treasury Vice Chair Amanda is in her second active year. In her time in the League, she has been involved with several different committees. Amanda is currently the Vice Treasurer for Market. “I love all the different opportunities we have available and I am so excited for Market 2018!”
SELENA SKORMAN Merchant Vice Co-Chair Selena has been a member of JLOC since 2015. She is honored to serve as Merchant Vice CoChair. She’s excited to work with and learn from dynamic women who volunteer to put on an enormous, high quality event that funds the League’s incredible and integral community projects.
VALERIE AUBERT Hospitality Sustaining Co-Chair
SARAH KLEPACKI Merchant Co-Chair LESLIE CRISSUP SUNNARVIK Financial Development Chair
MOIRA MCCARTHY-PARHAM Special Events Active Co-Chair EILEEN PATERNOSTRO Special Events Sustaining Co-Chair Originally from OKC, Eileen spent her Active years in Memphis and transferred to JLOC in 2016 as a Sustainer. A fan of fundraising and community placements, Eileen is also serving as Sustaining Advisor for Project Development and is on the Transfer Committee.
KATHERINE HAGER Merchant Co-Chair Katherine enjoys meeting and working with all JLOC members and Mistletoe Market is the perfect place to accomplish this. “It’s also a great feeling once Market starts and you see everyone’s hard work come to fruition. Whether you are on
THANK YOU 1993 – Sarah Malloy 1994 – Adana Bryant 1995 – Casey Williams 1996 – Mary Kay Samis 1997 – Kim Barnes 1998 – Claire Thompson 1999 – Kelli Segell
2000 – Lori Blumenthal 2001 – Valerie Aubert 2002 – Alishia Mayfield 2003 – Elyse Hatcher 2004 – Susie Vesper 2005 – Crystal Radcliff 2006 – Laura Kreigal Nance
SHEENA KARAMI Fundraising Vice President
JENNIFER BURGESS-WRIGHT Special Events Vice Chair
We’d like to say Thank You to the women who have led Mistletoe Market for the past 25 years. We appreciate your leadership and commitment to JLOC and Mistletoe Market!
2007 – Kathryn Wilson 2008 – Elyse Hatcher 2009 – Kirsten Lindsay 2010 – Wendy Mounger 2011 – Katie Moore 2012 – Amy Parrish 2013 – Shannon Love
2014 – Laura Steen 2015 – Kelly Brown 2016 – Liza Cryder 2017 – Alex Brady 2018 – Bria Hanlon
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Merchants A Perfect Cocktail A Spice Above Adeline’s Amy’s Chocolate Gifts B.Cool Shop BekahSometimes Bird Dog Bay BURLEBO Calamity Jane’s Apparel DotDotSmile Fashion Lion Fox Lane Pearls Glam Girls Hazel Rose Holiday Farms ilyLily Katy Marie Design Libellule Milo & Lilly NoTwoTheSame Oh Hello Design Co. Sarah Briggs Siempre Viva Silver Accents Stadium Memories Uniquely Yours Interiors Wood Candy Company and many more! 10 SEPTEMBER 2018
Join us for the one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza with more than 100 vendors. From clothing & jewelry to gourmet foods and children’s items, you’ll find everything you need for every one on your Christmas list!
Special Events Sneak a peek at what is to come & get a headstart during Preview Party, or grab your girlfriends for a floral lesson at Ladies’ Night Out, or bring your family for a Boo Breakfast!
October 10: Preview Party $50 October 11: Ladies’ Night Out $45 October 13: Boo Breakfast $25 October 10 - 13 • Cox Convention Center Junior League of Oklahoma City • mistletoemarket.org
NOMINATE
AN OUTSTANDING
L E AG U E M E M B E R There are so many inspiring, passionate and driven women in our League and we want to honor their achievements. You can help by submitting nominations for the Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement Award or the Sustainer of the Year and Active of the Year Awards. Mary Baker Rumsey was a founder and the first president of the Junior League of Oklahoma City. She knew that volunteers positively impact the community and epitomized this through a lifetime of service. This award recognizes a Sustaining member for her lifelong commitment to volunteer service to our community. The Sustainer of the Year Award recognizes Sustaining members who have shared their time and talents to our community and/ or JLOC over the last three years and the Active of the Year Award focuses on the impact an Active member has had in JLOC over the past year. Nominations for the awards can be found on our website and are due by December 6, 2018. Honorees will be notified in early 2019 and recognized at our annual Legacy & Legends event in the spring. Watch your JLOC & ME Member Email and League Link for more details on our Legacy & Legends event.
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Profile [ people ]
Little Leaguers Grow Up
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BY STEPHANIE HINTON
he vision of the Junior League of Oklahoma City is to EMPOWER volunteers to IMPACT our community and ENRICH lives. League members do this year round through our placements and involvement and often going beyond the League through our individual networks.
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We often forget that this dedication to improving our community also has an impact on our families and on the children who are watching us lead and volunteer. We caught up with a few teens and adults who grew up as a part of the League through their mother’s membership to learn about how that participation in the Junior League of Oklahoma City impacted their lives into adulthood.
Every now grown “Little Leaguer” shared fond memories of running around and playing at the Blinn House, the current headquarters or the Remarkable Shop. John Krahl, son of Sustainer and past president Kelly Krahl, remembers always being excited to join his mom at headquarters for meetings where he would play on the one computer at the original
headquarters. While at the time of her presidency, he thought they all worked there, it wasn’t later he realized “they were giving up their time, that they were coming together to contribute to others and the community.” Cameron Collins is a current Active member and the daughter of Sustainer Anne Collins. Cameron’s fondest league memories included volunteering with her mother at Coffee Creek and playing with children visiting the therapeutic riding center. Another memory that had a lasting impact on Cameron was participating in the inaugural Jungle Gym build at the Oklahoma City Zoo. She loved planting the garden, painting the tiles and moving dirt with both her mother and father. That volunteer opportunity at a young age led Cameron to coordinate the 2017-2018 Provisional class to volunteer at Jungle Gym rebuild last year. Sarah Cameron, daughter of Sustainer and past president Ann Cameron, remembers organizing her mother’s desk at the current Junior League headquarters. Sarah also volunteered at the inaugural Jungle Gym build by making paper chains with people’s names on them and decorating the zoo. Many of her closest friends were made as she spent time with other Little Leaguers at events such as pumpkin carving events and visiting Santa at JLOC. Growing up around the League, children have many opportunities to learn from not only their mothers but from other great women. “I was surrounded by women and
community members with great work ethics working on great things,” John Krahl said. That influence throughout the community also made a lasting impression on Sarah, who was amazed with how many League members and their families and friends volunteered in the ever changing weather during the Jungle Gym rebuild. It is clear that members and their networks have a strong commitment to the League. “Being involved in the community and giving back is a lesson I learned from mom’s League involvement, she said. “My parents have always emphasized giving back to the community throughout our life wherever we go.” Sarah pointed out that volunteering can be a great opportunity to meet lifelong friends who have a heart for others. “I have learned that it’s a great way to meet people who share common interests.” She is currently in college at UVA considering pursuing a career in the non-profit sector and plans to find and join her local Junior League after college. While not a League member, John also
expressed how Junior League impacted his desire to give back to the community. “Mom would explain to me that it was a service organization. I saw her working really hard and she wasn’t making any money. Seeing that and all the other people around her who worked so hard for the community, that service had a big impact on my life early on,” he said. John has recently been involved in LOYAL, Cleats for Kids and the FWes Welker Foundation. Perhaps, what the League means to those experiencing through their mother’s membership is best summed up by Cameron Collins who completed her Provisional year in May. “The organization gave my mom the gift of contributing to the OKC community through volunteerism, cultivating relationships and encouraging leadership opportunities – all of which I eagerly wish to be a part of! My mom inspired me to join this incredible organization of women to strengthen myself and my community and for that I am grateful.”
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Profile SUSTAI N ER S P OT L IGH T
Hilarie Blaney By Kelsie Geister
T
ell us a little bit about your career and personal background. When
I was in college, I needed a parttime job and a friend in my business law class was a bank teller. I applied where he worked, loved banking and that was 40 years ago! I’m now a Senior Vice President at BancFirst. Aside from my banking career, I teach corporate etiquette to executives and young
professionals that want to sharpen their skills, host dinners and be a guest, as well as provide protocol expertise for political events. In fact, I have worked on the team that organizes the inauguration for the governor and other elected officials.
You lead the first course of the Junior League of Oklahoma City (JLOC) Leadership Institute. What do you hope participants gain from taking your course?
I teach a class that centers on presence, impressions and rules of society that enable us to enjoy and be comfortable with one another. Luckily, I grew up with parents that provided a training ground for manners so I have always been interested in the topic. In banking, professionalism is so important and our sales skills need to be top notch. How we dress, how we create a network, how to navigate a meal table in a business or civic dinner are skills we must have. I was seeing such an overall lack of these skills in business settings, I attended The Protocol School of Washington. I graduated with all the certifications they provide: Corporate Etiquette, Business Image, U.S. and International Protocol Consultant.
When did you join Junior League and why? Over 25 years ago my friend, Cindy
Riesen, submitted my name for membership and I was so excited to be invited to join. I had already begun to fundraise and sit
14 SEPTEMBER 2018
NewlyWeds
on civic boards, but the League gave me the tools and skills to help continue my service to the community. In fact, it helped tremendously when we founded Impact Oklahoma, Inc., a grassroots non-profit.
You received the Sustainer of the Year Award in 2010. What did that award mean to you? I was so
unbelievably shocked and still can’t believe it. The award was very special because of the impact this group has had on my life, including how the League taught me how to be a good and valuable volunteer. This is represented in the success of Impact Oklahoma, Inc., a non-profit I helped create, who has now awarded grants totaling over $3 million in this community. I would not have known how to start a non-profit, write and read grants and see the value of our training without Junior League.
What have you gained from your time in JLOC? I’ve gained friends for
life, skills I would not have gotten any place else and the joy of giving.
How has JLOC helped you build professional contacts and/or personal relationships? We have a group of
women to help and support one another. We could pick up the directory now and call someone and ask for help on a board, volunteering or fundraising. It’s the thing we have in common that helps us connect.
Best Wishes to
Alexis Lux & Craig Sutter Married June 2, 2018
What advice do you have for new members? I encourage new members
to make good and lasting friends, listen, learn and support each other. Take every learning chance you are offered, whether it is organizing an event, fundraising or board positions. Take the challenge.
Do you have anything else you’d like to add about why a long-term commitment to JLOC is a worthy and rewarding thing to do? I truly
believe that a collection of women is powerful, supportive and valuable to our personal and business lives. The community leadership and expertise we gain is unmatched in any other training experience.
Best Wishes to
Jennifer & Steve Burke Married May 19, 2018
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Profile
Letters to the League
16 SEPTEMBER 2018
Courtesy & Recognition MARRIAGES & ENGAGEMENTS Jennifer (Fritsch) Burke: Married in May Alexis Lux: Married in June Jenna Hudson: Engaged in July
Casey’s
CHRISTMAS STORE
BIRTHS
OPEN SEPTEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 31
Brooke Johnson: Baby Girl Laura Linville: Baby Boy Lindsey Fixley: Baby Girl Mary Fitch: Baby Boy Beth Armstrong: Baby Girl Kendra Barnhart: Baby Boy Sarah Campbell: Baby Boy Ann Richard-Farinha: Baby Boy
Designer is Patience Brewster
Designer is Byers Choice Carolers
Casady Square 2109 W Britton Road 820-6515 17
Focus [ projects ]
Safety First at Infant Crisis Services
s
BY REBECCA SMITH
ix Saturday mornings a year, parents and their young children line up at Infant Crisis Services, sometimes as early as 5:30 am, in hopes of receiving much needed car seats. Many arrive with kids riding in poorly fitting seat belts or outgrown car seats, while some are there with infants riding in parents’ arms. Regardless of the circumstances, all of the families arrive at the Infant Crisis Services seeking assistance to keep their children safe while on the road. Every other month, with the help of volunteers from the Junior
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League of Oklahoma City, Infant Crisis Services hosts a Car Seat Safety Check. Here, members of the community can come have their car seat checked and installed or re-installed by a trained professional. For clients who do not have a car seat, they can receive a new car seat for each child to keep them safe and comply with state laws. Families are not charged for the car seats but are asked for a small donation, if they are able. Under the direction of project manager Tina Izadi, Junior League members provide assistance to Infant Crisis Services to help
each safety check go as smoothly and quickly as possible. “This project is vital to the safety of so many Oklahoma kids,” Tina said. “The assistance our volunteers provide makes the process quick and easy and increases the number of families who are helped. I love knowing we are having an immediate impact through our work.” This year, the placement expanded to also include the 2018-2019 Provisional members, making it the first time since 2012 that Provisional and Active members have collaborated on a project. Provisional members meet the evening before the event to unbox and assemble car seats, prepare the parking lot for safe installation and stage the necessary supplies for the next day. On the day of the safety checks, Provisionals work alongside Active members to help staff from Infant Crisis Services guide the clients through the process. JLOC volunteers help with organizing client cars, so that car seats can be installed as soon as a technician is available. League members also help technicians by recording important information about the clients and the car seats that are installed, so clients can reached in the future about recalls or other important information. Tracie Simard, a PAT advisor who also volunteered with Infant Crisis Center last year, says that she particularly enjoys this project.“ When you see the faces of the parents, you realize how big of an impact is really being made.” Families who have previously feared for their children’s safety are able to leave knowing that their children are now safely restrained. Active JLOC member Kelly Collins also enjoys the placement. She recalls a time last
year when a family arrived not only with four children without car seats, but also with a flat tire. In addition to getting new car seats safely installed, JLOC members were able to help get their tire fixed. Activities for the children have been added to keep them happy and safe while their car seats are being installed. The addition of bubbles, sidewalk chalk and other activities was a huge success at the July event, with several kids wanting to stay to play even after they received their new car seats! “We are excited to involve our Provisionals in this established project,” Jenna Hudson, PAT chair said. “This is a great way for them to be directly involved in JLOC’s community impact from day one. Projects like this are at the heart of our mission and provide meaningful experiences for members.” This project has been a favorite for several years and we are looking forward to many more successful safety checks and helping keep Oklahoma kids safe.
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Focus
JLOC Volunteers Support Survivors By Illeana Wright Photography by Jennifer Stolfa
F
or more than 14 years, JLOC volunteers have been working alongside the YWCA to support survivors of domestic abuse. Our projects help educate YWCA shelter residents about healthy lifestyles, life skills and stress relief, to name a few. Working under the guidance of the Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan, the YWCA strives to help protect and promote the health of the population it serves and to assure conditions in which those Oklahomans can be healthy. Our JLOC volunteers design activities and events that fit into that plan and that can contribute to the physical, social and mental well-being of survivors of domestic abuse. Volunteers in this placement receive training and education on how to interact
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with and react to YWCA clients. Domestic abuse affects in many different ways and volunteers are trained to respond with empathy and sensitivity. JLOC volunteers also helped renovate the Thelma Gaylord Emergency Shelter’s Meditation Room, which created a safe and comfortable place for survivors to relax and focus on their needs and next steps. 
Some of the activities include friendship bracelets with each color representing a strength the clients want to see in themselves and their friends, worry stones and other art therapy.
MEMBERSHIP LEAVE OF ABSENCE Danielle Deen Lindsey Fixley Bailey Gatewood Laura Heckenkemper Emily Gray-Rigazzi Kimberly Meade Wendi Shipp
TRANSFER OUT Michelle Keffer Karalee Langford Stacie Nguyen
TRANSFER IN Jolene Curry (S) Hayden Fuller (A) Chelsea Jenkinson (A) Katy Long (A)
REINSTATED Mandy Green Govia
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Focus
Understanding the Nominating Process By Pam Campbell
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o serve on the Nominating Committee for any organization is a huge honor. Many Junior League of Oklahoma City members not only consider it an honor, but also think serving on the League’s Nominating Committee as one of the most rewarding and fun placements they have ever had. “I loved my time on the Junior League Nominating Committee. I got a sense of how the League works and met many wonderful women,” said Leslie Coale-Mossman, Community VP and former Nominating Liaison and Committee Member, “It is truly an honor to be trusted with such valuable decisions that impact the League’s future.” The purpose of the committee is to identify and slate leadership for JLOC. According to Kathy North, Nominating Chair, the committee slates the President Elect Elect, the next year’s Board of Directors, PAT Committee, Placement/Advising Mentor Committee, Member-at-Large positions
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and candidates for the next Nominating Committee. They also choose members who attend AJLI’s Organizational Development Institute. “The Nominating Committee is the only elected group in the League,” Kathy explained. “League members vote at the February General Membership meeting and choose nine members from a double slate of 18.” Kathy said the Nominating Committee looks for women who have diverse skills, strengths and experiences. She said this encourages well-rounded discussions and selections of the next Nominating Committee and other JLOC leadership positions. Some of the most visible positions the Committee slates is the President Elect Elect and the next Board of Directors. “Keep in mind the Nominating Committee presents the PEE and Board to League membership, but it is up to JLOC active members to vote at the January General
Meeting to ratify the slate and make it official,” Kathy said. Because there are more than 100 leadership positions needed to keep the League running, the Nominating Committee is not the only group that works to identify JLOC leaders. Once the incoming Board is ratified by membership, they appoint project manager and committee chair positions. The sitting Board appoints Mistletoe Market, Speaker in the City and several other positions. Kathy encourages members to self-submit for positions they are interested in. “No one should feel intimidated to selfsubmit for a position,” she said. “There are approximately 1,400 League members and it helps the committee’s process to know members’ skill sets and if they are interested in a position.” She said the Nominating Committee reviews a woman’s experiences, talents and strengths included on her profile, as well as
the opportunities for development that a member can bring to a role. Self-submissions are encouraged and welcomed and they are also confidential. Kathy explained that although the Nominating process is transparent, names, discussions and details of votes are not shared outside of the committee. “All members of Nominating and the current and incoming Boards sign confidentiality agreements,” she said. “These ladies are dedicated to the respectful treatment of each woman’s information and the nominating process.” She said it is the goal of the committee that the process be transparent and understood by members. The full Nominating Timeline is posted online, deadlines for submissions are included in Member emails and the JLOC Policy & Procedures is online and includes every job description.
INTERIOR DESIGN FINE ART GALLERY 6432 N. WESTERN AVE. HOWELLGALLERY.COM 840.4437 23
Et Cetera [ various ]
Sustainer Scoop
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BY MATILDA CLEMENTS & LINDA GARRET
hank you, Sustainers! We appreciate the invaluable feedback we received form the Sustainer survey this summer. Your input is helping guide the planning of our Sustainer events for the year ahead; and we hope you will feel excited and interested to attend as many as possible! Missed the survey and have great ideas for us? We welcome your input. Please contact Sustainer Events Co-Chairs, Matilda Clements at shopgirlokc@aol.com or Linda Garrett at ldg8945@gmail.com. Our mission is to connect and reconnect with JLOC Sustainers, to be involved and stay engaged in a meaningful way and to promote lifelong learning and value in your membership as a Sustainer of JLOC!
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WE ARE LEAGUERS FOR LIFE We welcome and encourage you to stay connected with opportunities via the JLOC Member emails, League Link, website and direct mailings you will receive. Planning is underway for a fabulous year with activities each month! Watch your mailbox for a “save the date” card with details and dates. Here are just a few of the events we have planned: September— OKC Zoo “Behind the Scenes Experience” and tour of the 90th Anniversary project at the Jungle Gym Playground October— The Wine Cellar wine tasting November— Full Circle Books lite bites and books
December— holiday party at the home of Linda Slawson January— Kam’s Kookery cooking demonstration February— Valentine’s social at the home of Betsy Hyde with renowned local artist, Nick Berry March— movie night, cookie decorating and floral design class April— behind the scenes tours of “local treasures” and businesses in OKC …just to name a few! Additionally, we will promote opportunities to support Mistletoe Market, Speaker in the City and Legacy & Legends. We are UNSTOPPABLE in our desire to plan a great year. Please join us!
New Meeting Location It has plenty of history, but is looking forward—just like JLOC! By Sarah Richert
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ocated in the Uptown 23rd district, the Tower Theatre is one of OKC’s hippest “new” venues. Originally opened in 1937, Tower Theatre was home to movie premieres and showed classics like The Sound of Music, Cleopatra and The Unsinkable Molly Brown until it closed in the late 1980’s. After several ownership changes, the theatre was renovated, including rehabbing and saving the original marquee. The Tower re-opened in 2016 and is now a busy and vibrant venue offering concerts, movies, exhibits and event spaces. The Tower Theatre will also now host the Junior League General Membership Meetings.
GOODNIGHT OKC 2nd Edition now Available By Sarah Richert
WESTERN + GRAND To many, the words “Junior League” and “Cookbook” are synonymous… and with good reason. The culinary site, Epicurious, has named multiple Junior League books to their numerous “must have” lists. Even the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has said, “The best recipes in the world reside in Junior League cookbooks, particularly those who origin is in the southern states.” With accolades such as these one thing is certain: Junior Leagues across the country know how to produce a solid and reputable book. Building on the success of storied league cookbooks, including our very own Superlatives released in 1985, the 90th Anniversary Committee is proud to introduce WESTERN + GRAND, a unique approach to entertaining – Oklahoma City style. While most books focus on recipes alone, WESTERN + GRAND focuses
on the overall entertaining process. This clever twist allows us to tell an all-encompassing story of entertaining, detailing party ideas and tips-and-tricks, ultimately pairing them with carefully selected recipes from local contributors. Entertaining 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. Welcoming the people we love into our homes allows for ways to connect not otherwise experienced. Our hope is WESTERN + GRAND will inspire 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 fall 2018.To order, visit jloc.org.
WESTERN
Grand an approach to entertaining and living in
Oklahoma City
Back with fresh new illustrations by past president Margaret Hoge, the Second Edition of Goodnight OKC is now available for purchase. Originally published in 2014, this book written by The Junior League of Oklahoma City was instantly a favorite read in many homes. The book full of recognizable OKC sites also made its way into multiple classrooms and agencies including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, Positive Tomorrows and John Rex Elementary. In an interview with NewsOK, past president Kristen Brown described it as, “a great little keepsake,” with “pictures of all the little landmarks we have around town that people would want to commemorate on their visit.” This book makes a great gift for native Oklahomans and visitors alike. What a special way to remember your Oklahoma adventures and plan future visit with the little ones in your life. The book is available online at jloc.org and at select retailers across Oklahoma City.
“We feel like the Tower is a perfect fit for JLOC,” Pam Campbell, JLOC President said. “We recently celebrated our 90th anniversary and the Tower has been around for almost as long. They have done some renovations and are updating their model to stay current, much like JLOC is good at adapting to member and community needs to stay relevant and impactful.” Along with our fresh new location, networking time is moving up to 5:30 pm and the meeting will now start at 6:00 pm. Free parking is located to the south of Tower Theatre on NW 23rd Street. We look forward to seeing you there!
Junior League of Oklahoma City
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Et Cetera
League Leash
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.
Gino
Janet Daugherty, Sustainer
Bella
Lauren Hammonds Johnson, Pet owner This is Bella! She loves training for half marathons with her parents, playing with her best friend, Milly, and her guilty pleasure is cheese-its.
Hobbles
Claire White, Provisional
Wilson Cowboy & Boo Radley Leslie St. John, Sustainer
Stella & Waylon Brandi Bowers, Active 26 SEPTEMBER 2018
OU MEDICINE EXPERTS
Ans wer Frequ en t l y A s ke d Bre as t He a l th Qu e s tio n s
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Q: DR. LORI FREDRICK Radiologist, OU Medicine Breast Health Network
Q: Why do I need to get a mammogram and how often should I get one? A: A mammogram is the best screening tool available to find early changes of breast cancer before a woman or her doctor can feel them as a lump. Breast Health Network physicians recommend a mammogram once a year beginning at age 40 for the average-risk woman. Q: Are annual mammograms safe? A: Yes, mammograms are safe. The very slight risk of radiation is considerably outweighed by the value of screening. Q: What tools do you use surrounding breast cancer detection? A: In addition to mammogram, breast ultrasound and MRI can be used to detect breast cancer. Breast Health Network offers all these modalities across our four Oklahoma City metro area clinics and mobile mammography program. Q: What are dense breasts and why does it matter if I have them? A: Dense breast tissue, which is seen in half of all women, masks some of the changes a breast radiologist looks for on a mammogram to find breast cancer. Oklahoma, along with more than 30 other states, has passed a law requiring that a notification letter be sent to women with dense tissue. Additional screening with ultrasound can be performed on a woman with dense tissue. Q: Why do you have to compress my breasts and will it hurt? A: Compressing the breast is the mechanism for performing the mammogram and getting a good look into the breast tissue. Trained technologists are skilled at positioning the breasts without hurting the patient. The vast majority of women do not find the mammo-
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gram painful and experience minimal discomfort. Do I really need to have regular screening mammograms? Yes, regular screening increases the likelihood of discovering small, early-stage cancers before they become life threatening. Does a family history of breast cancer increase my risk? Family history can increase your risk, but by how much depends on how close of a relative the family member is to you and their age at diagnosis. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history. What is a breast MRI? A breast MRI is a more intensive evaluation tool used to screen women with high-risk family history, to evaluate women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, or to further evaluate a finding that can’t be resolved with a mammogram or ultrasound. Can I get a mammogram if I have implants? Yes, a mammogram can safely be performed on women with implants.
DR. JUAN CARLOS CLAROS Breast Surgeon, Stephenson Cancer Center
Q: How many types of breast cancer are there? A: There are more than six types of breast cancer. The two most common types – ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma make up over 90 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses. Staging is determined by tumor size, and the extent of disease spread to lymph nodes and the rest of the body Q: If I am diagnosed with breast cancer, how do I choose a doctor? A: Don’t choose a doctor – choose a team. At Stephenson Cancer Center, the team of breast cancer specialists includes breast surgeons,
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medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, clinical research nurses and supportive care specialists. This multidisciplinary team-based approach means you get the benefit of multiple opinions from a team of experts who are working together to recommend the best possible treatment plan for you. What’s better – a lumpectomy or a mastectomy? Some patients are candidates for a lumpectomy (taking only the tumor out). The other surgical option is a mastectomy (removing the entire breast). There is a misconception that if patients undergo a mastectomy they will avoid chemotherapy or immunotherapies. This is not true; these treatments are based on tumor characteristics, and they will be recommended regardless of the type of surgery. What questions should I ask my doctor and treatment team if I am diagnosed? What type of cancer do I have and what are tumor markers and how do they affect my treatment? What is the stage of my breast cancer? Has it spread to any other parts of my body? What is the difference between the terms lymphatic metastasis and distant metastasis? What are my treatment options? Will my treatment include surgery, chemotherapy or hormone blockers? What are the side effects and risks of each treatment? What is the overall prognosis? Do I need genetic
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testing? Does my age or my family health history affect my treatment? What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment? The most common side effects of breast cancer treatment are related to chemotherapy and include nausea, hair loss, increased risk of infections, neuropathy and fatigue. Hormone therapy may also induce side effects such as bone achiness, hot flashes and menopausal-like symptoms and loss of bone strength. Radiation therapy may induce skin changes on the treatment area. Fortunately, there are many medications and therapies available that help control and, sometimes, eliminate various side effects of breast cancer treatment. One great example is our Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, which has a team of physical therapists trained in lymphedema management and neuropathy. What are my options for breast reconstruction? For patients who have undergone a lumpectomy, there are different techniques of tissue mobilization to improve the appearance of the breast. If a patient has a mastectomy, they may undergo immediate or delayed reconstruction. A more advanced reconstruction technique called autologous breast reconstruction or “flap reconstruction,” involves taking tissue from your abdomen or back muscles to reconstruct your breast. No matter what option a patient chooses, each of the breast reconstruction techniques will be tailored to the individual patient.
OU Medicine is Oklahoma’s most comprehensive health system comprising OU Medical Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, The Children’s Hospital and OU Medical Center Edmond as well as the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, OU Physicians, and more than 50 Centers of Excellence and community clinics. Our staff is over 12,000 strong with a mission of leading health care – in patient care, education and research. Through our combined efforts, we strive to improve the lives of all people. OU Medicine’s vision is to be the premier health system for advancing medical care, education and research in the state and to be among the leaders nationally. Learn more at www.oumedicine.com.
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Women Building a Better OKC
MISSION The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Thank you for advertising with us! Adorn Bling Casey’s Get Organized
Heritage Hall Howell Gallery OU Medicine Breast Health Network
Sarah Briggs Tower Theatre
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
Get on board for the 2018-19 League Link year and start advertising. The circulation is more than 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 Natalie Fix, Communications VP, for more information at media@jloc.org
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TH E N E D E A D LINXETIS O C TO B E R