LeagueLines January/February 2010 The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin Building a Bridge to Move Members Forward By Krystin Johnson A long time ago, there was a saying:“First you pledge; then you get married; then there’s Junior League; then you die.” We laugh, shake our heads, and think about how fortunate women of the twenty-first century truly are. Compared with previous generations, the options available to wom- en today are truly staggering, not only in terms of their careers, but in the venues open to them for fulfilling lead- ership roles within their communities. In this dynamic new climate, Junior Leagues across America have had to face the challenge of remaining at the forefront of women’s community service initiatives in a field suddenly crowded with new options. “Across all Junior Leagues, there is a pattern: members leave, on average, after their third year, and Austin is no dif- ferent” explains Kelly Breeden, one of the mentors at the helm of The Junior League of Austin’s (JLA) new Bridge Program. The Bridge program launched this Fall by the Bridge Chair, Yasmin Wagner, under the guidance of Kelly Breeden and President Kathi Haralson, who began contemplating strategies for addressing the high attrition rate in the new member population during her President- Elect year. Through this new program, JLA provides new members with support and mentoring opportunities during these first crucial years so that they may feel invested in the League and aware of the significance of their individual roles and contributions. A new JLA member’s Provisional year is a time of both considerable commitments and concentrated individual attention. The sub- sequent transition into Active membership, and often a community placement, can seem abrupt and isolating. “There is so much focus placed on them as Provisionals, and then we let them go into the world of Active life rather abruptly. This program is designed to help gently lead them into their Active careers,” says Kelly Breeden. “We want to continue to help them to feel like they are part of a team.” As of 2009, more than 80% of the JLA membership works outside of the home. The demands of an uncertain economy have forced women to make difficult choices in terms of their priorities and their time. These factors, combined with the ever-increasing, diverse opportunities for women in community service and leadership, have led Junior Leagues to make unprecedented efforts to maintain strong connections with their membership. Working with The Junior League of San Antonio, a League which has already implement- ed a similar program, JLA members Yasmin Wagner and Kelly Breeden launched the JLA Bridge Program in September 2009. The title is taken from the primary goal of helping the newest members to “bridge” the daunting gap between Provisional status and self-sustaining Active membership. The program currently offers mentoring services, social activities, and educational opportuni- ties focusing on League leadership and general operations. Making these opportunities avail- able during such a critical time in a new Active’s career will allow her to understand the scope of both the League’s impact within the community and her own personal impact within the League.“The Junior League of Austin truly cares about them as individuals,” says Kelly Breeden of JLA’s new members. “I want them to know what they do really does matter. This new pro- gram will help them understand how everything works so they can make educated decisions and also know that we are giving back to them in their personal development as members of our League.” Bridging the gap: JLA Bridge Chair, Yasmin Wagner, explains JLA projects and League procedures to new Active Krystin Johnson.
Transcript
LeagueLines January/February 2010The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin
Building a Bridge to Move Members Forward
By Krystin Johnson
A long time ago, there was a saying: “First you pledge; then you get married; then there’s Junior League; then you die.” We laugh, shake our heads, and think about how fortunate women of the twenty-first century truly are. Compared with previous generations, the options available to wom-en today are truly staggering, not only in terms of their careers, but in the venues open to them for fulfilling lead-ership roles within their communities. In this dynamic new climate, Junior Leagues across America have had to face the challenge of remaining at the forefront of women’s community service initiatives in a field suddenly crowded with new options.
“Across all Junior Leagues, there is a pattern: members leave, on average, after their third year, and Austin is no dif-
ferent” explains Kelly Breeden, one of the mentors at the helm of The Junior League of Austin’s (JLA) new Bridge Program. The Bridge program launched this Fall by the Bridge Chair, Yasmin Wagner, under the guidance of Kelly Breeden and President Kathi Haralson, who began contemplating strategies for addressing the high attrition rate in the new member population during her President-Elect year. Through this new program, JLA provides new members with support and mentoring opportunities during these first crucial years so that they may feel invested in the League and aware of the significance of their individual roles and contributions.
A new JLA member’s Provisional year is a time of both considerable commitments and concentrated individual attention. The sub-sequent transition into Active membership, and often a community placement, can seem abrupt and isolating. “There is so much focus placed on them as Provisionals, and then we let them go into the world of Active life rather abruptly. This program is designed to help gently lead them into their Active careers,” says Kelly Breeden. “We want to continue to help them to feel like they are part of a team.”
As of 2009, more than 80% of the JLA membership works outside of the home. The demands of an uncertain economy have forced women to make difficult choices in terms of their priorities and their time. These factors, combined with the ever-increasing, diverse opportunities for women in community service and leadership, have led Junior Leagues to make unprecedented efforts to maintain strong connections with their membership. Working with The Junior League of San Antonio, a League which has already implement-ed a similar program, JLA members Yasmin Wagner and Kelly Breeden launched the JLA Bridge Program in September 2009. The title is taken from the primary goal of helping the newest members to “bridge” the daunting gap between Provisional status and self-sustaining Active membership.
The program currently offers mentoring services, social activities, and educational opportuni-ties focusing on League leadership and general operations. Making these opportunities avail-able during such a critical time in a new Active’s career will allow her to understand the scope of both the League’s impact within the community and her own personal impact within the League. “The Junior League of Austin truly cares about them as individuals,” says Kelly Breeden of JLA’s new members. “I want them to know what they do really does matter. This new pro-gram will help them understand how everything works so they can make educated decisions and also know that we are giving back to them in their personal development as members of our League.”
Bridging the gap: JLA Bridge Chair, Yasmin Wagner, explains JLA projects and League procedures to new Active Krystin Johnson.
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LeagueLinesPublished five times a year by The Junior League of Austin
Erin Johnston, Editor
Sarah Miller, Copy Editor
Heather Gossard, Photography Editor
Kristen Indriago, Literary Editor
Kinnison Bryan, Design Editor
Writers: Krystin Johnson, Mandy Niles,
Julie Shields, Tillery Stout
Graphic Designers: Kelsey Friedman, Julie Payne,
Diane Rodriquez, Marcia Sawan
BOARD OF DIRECTORS2009-2010
Kathi HaralsonPresident
Sandy Segura Alcalá President-Elect
Jené BearseTreasurer
Erika HerndonRecording Secretary
Alicia RussellCommunity Vice President
Beth AthertonSustaining President
Julie Monday Ballard
Amber Brabham
Kelly Breeden
Dawn Breyfogle
Abigail Bird Donovan
Beth Ann Dranguet
Holly Mace Massingill
Gregory Noack
Stacey Thompson
Casie Wenmohs
Kristin Weatherspoon Wilson
.
January 1, 2010JLA Office Closed
January 5, 2010General Meeting
7:00 p.m.JLA Auditorium
January 18, 2010 JLA Office Closed
January 25, 2010 JLA Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
No General Meetingin February
Sign up for membertraining classes!
February 23, 2010JLA Board Meeting
7:00 p.m.
March 2, 2010General Meeting
7:00 p.m.JLA Auditorium
Mark Your Calendar
Do You Know Someone Interested in Joining The Junior League of Austin?
Admissions Meetings:Thursday, January 21, 2010 – 7:00 p.m. – JLA AuditoriumSunday, January 31, 2010 – 3:00 p.m. – JLA Auditorium
Prospective Member & Lead Sponsor must attend one meeting
Admissions Application Deadline: Monday, February 8, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
Please visit www.jlaustin.org for sponsorship information and applications
The JLA Environmental Quality Committee Says...Make it a (Green) Habit
The Junior League of Austin is doing our part to protect the planet! In celebration of Earth Day in April, the March/April issue of LeagueLines will be sent via email only. Keep an eye out for League-Lines in your “virtual” mailbox in March and help to make it a green habit!
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From the President…Believe in Yourself, Believe in Others, and Believe in the Possibilities It’s the beginning of a new year, a time when many of us are thinking about self-improve-ment. Some of us will make New Year’s resolutions to spend more quality time with our kids, go on dates with our husbands, volunteer more, start working out, start a business, find a new job, the list goes on and on.
Experts say those who stay the course and fulfill their resolutions share these characteristics:
• They believe in their ability to change. • They did not indulge in self-blame or excuse making. • They avoid wishful thinking and concentrate on results. • They understand their motivators and reasons why the resolution is important.
These characteristics are alive and well in you, our members, and the reason why The Junior League of Austin volunteers are able to make a difference in the lives of struggling students and those less fortunate. First and foremost, we believe we can make a difference. We believe in others. We believe in results.
If self-improvement is on your agenda for 2010, I hope you will consider allowing the League to help you. There are a lot of unique organizations in which you can volunteer, but the JLA is committed to developing your potential. We know our mem-bers are remarkable women, and we want to help you be better at whatever it is you choose to do. Sometimes the League sees something in you that you don’t see in yourself and affords opportunities to learn new skills and embark on new experiences. Many of our Sustaining members credit their League experience as the reason why they can now serve as executive directors of some of our area’s non-profits. So seize opportunities and believe in yourself. We believe in you!
I am also very excited to tell you about an opportunity that allows our members to help develop the next generation of lead-ers—your children! This month the League will host a few “Kids Giving Back Nights,” based on specific age groups. Stay tuned for dates and details.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2010! Thank you for all that you do!
- Kathi
Pay Your Dues Early…Win a Prize!
Pay your dues ONLINE in JANUARY and be eligible to win exemption from paying 2010-2011 dues!
DID YOU KNOW?
You can save the League processing TIME by paying ONLINE?• You can save the League MONEY by paying EARLY because it cuts down on the paper and • postage used to send reminder cards and dues statements?
To pay dues online, go to your membership homepage on www.jlaustin.org, where you will find your dues statement. Paying online is quick and easy!
PAY YOUR DUES TODAY!(A late fee will be assessed on payments made after April 1, 2010)
Please call 467-8982 if you have questions
or if you do not have a user name or password.
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Back to Basics:Getting Balance Back into your Life!
The Junior League of Austin Training and Education Program 2010
Ladies, listen up, and drop and give me 20! This year the training and education pro-grams are going to train YOU to be the BEST member of the Austin community YOU CAN BE! We will train you to: • Believe in yourself. o Putting Your Best Face Forward; Rae Cosmetics – Monday, February 8, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. , $5 per person. o Decorating 101; Karen Hall Designs – Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.• Engage with your families, friends and community. o Living Green - A New Year’s Resolution Recycling and Green Interior Design; -JLA Auditorium – Monday, January 25, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. o What Does “Organic” and “Local” Really Mean?
-JLA Auditorium – Tuesday, January 26, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. o Quick and Easy Meals When You are on the Run! -Cookwell and Company- Wednesday, February 10, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. , $15 per person.• Empower the strong woman inside. o Organization 101; California Closets - Thursday, February 4, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. o Cash and Cocktails: Financial Strategies for 2010; JLA Auditorium - Thursday, February 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. o Crossing the Trapeze; Saturday, February 6, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ,$75 per person. o Etiquette for Today’s World; Board Room – Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. ,$15 per person.
Registration for training opportunities goes “on-line” at 8:00 a.m. on January 6. Spaces are limited! More programs are available on the Training and Education website. Get ready to get TRAINED!!! To register go to the Training and Education link on the Member Page of www.jlaustin.org!
What’s Happening at Our Projects
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas 25th Anniversary CelebrationsA Night of Wishes: February 19, 2010, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt, San AntonioCinderella’s Ball: May 1, 2010 at the Four Seasons Hotel, AustinThe Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas invites everyone to join them at these special, and surely unfor-gettable, evenings to celebrate 25 years of making wishes come true. For more information, please contact Chad Wicks at 512.329.9474 or visit www.cstx.wish.org.
The Long Center for Performing Arts - January and February PerformancesSupport the Long Center for the Performing Arts, a JLA Community Gift recipient, by attending a Long Center Presents event or a performance by Austin Lyric Opera, The Austin Symphony, or Ballet Austin.
For more information on these and other events, please visit www.thelongcenter.org.
Long Center PresentsBallet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernandez: January 19, 2010The Capitol Steps: January 29, 2010American Voices: February 6, 2010One Night of Queen: February 17, 2010Groovaloo: February 28, 2010
The Austin SymphonyNadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Violin: January 15 - 16, 2010Diahann Carroll: February 20, 2010
Barbara Nissman, Piano: February 26 - 27, 2010
Ballet AustinThe Bach Project: February 12 - 14, 2010Austin Lyric Opera
The Star, by Emmanuael Chabrier, January 30 and February 3, 5 and 7, 2010
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As you know, A Christmas Affair is one of The Junior League of Austin’s most visible marketing efforts and most important fundraising vehicles. The event is also a complex financial undertaking. From the first financial outlays to develop the event, to the collection of revenue, and through all the management inherent in a large project, the ACA committee accomplishes an elaborate financial achievement. The feat is even more impressive when you consider how many different ways ACA generates revenue including ticket sales, special events, merchant fees, tearoom and auction receipts – all critical pieces of the financial whole. Furthermore, ACA runs an onsite bank for merchants during market days!
Who keeps track of all this activity? The ACA Treasurer, Holly Mace Massingill and the Finance Committee track, record, count and generally keep all financials running smooth. The Treasury Room at ACA, tucked into the back halls of the Palmer Events Center, is often overlooked but vitally important to the success of the event. Several hundred thousand dollars of cash pass through the Treasury Room each year – all of it double counted and under a tightly controlled process.
Hats off to the ACA team members who made this all possible and congratulations to all of the A Christmas Affair team! Your hard work and dedication made A Christmas Affair 2009, A Wild Holiday, our most successful event to date!
A Christmas Affair
PHOTOS1. One of the many gorgeous decorated Christmas trees at ACA.
2. Julie Ballard, Kathi Haralson, and Staci Turlington Dollar enjoy the Gala.
3. Donna Baldwin, Robin Wright, Katie Starley, Heather Cooke, and Nicole Powers pause for a photo during the Gala.
4. Kelly Willis entertains guests at the Gala.
5. Decorating cookies at a Santa Breakfast.
6. Gala attendees Jennifer Herman, Natasha Grashel, Michele Roach, Cathy Northcutt, Lisa Kaspar, and Heather Jones.
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Hidden Philanthropy PotentialBy Mandy Niles
Did you know that your place of employment could be waiting…qui-etly, unnoticed…to maximize the impact of your philanthropy? Does your employer have a foundation that grants money to non-profits that align with their established priorities? Would your employer match your monetary donation to The Junior League of Austin, such as your annual dues or additional charitable gifts made to the League? Does your em-ployer quantify your volunteer hours and match that time with a mon-etary gift?
These are real examples of corporate philanthropy that many of us have the opportunity to capitalize on! Shannon Meroney, Active member and Aetna employee, discovered a wealth of opportunity when she began serving on a local Aetna Foundation committee that decides how to distribute the local budget for Austin/San Antonio. “One of our Foun-dation’s priorities is Health and Wellness. I quickly realized that if I came to the committee prepared with a good idea that matched those objectives, it would likely be funded,” says Shannon. So she gathered information on F.I.T., our new Provisional Program, and the League was given a $5,000 gift from the Aetna Foundation in support of that program.
You don’t have to serve on the Board of your corporation’s Foundation to secure a gift of that magnitude, however. Research through your company’s website or human resources department will shed more light on the opportunities for matching gifts, or grants, that your company offers. Linda van Bavel is a resource for you within the League, as well as chair of the Donor Development and Steward-
ship Committee. She can answer questions about the process and can be reached at [email protected].
New JLA Project Reaches Students Through Education
By Tillery Stout
New to the JLA community projects this year is Austin Partners in Education (APIE). A unique collaboration between the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and the Aus-tin Chamber of Commerce, the objective of APIE is to connect the community with AISD classrooms through the placement of volunteers in a classroom coaching setting. The coaching program creates and fosters effective community and school partnerships that provide AISD students preparation for college and future careers.
APIE’s goal for the 2009-2010 school year is to place 800 volunteers as classroom coaches. The JLA is helping APIE reach this goal by providing three volunteer classroom coaches as well as granting $20,000 to APIE to apply towards its reading and math programs. Two JLA classroom coaches are assisting with reading fluency and comprehension, and one JLA classroom coach is assisting with math skills. These volunteers are paired with four to six students and work to make classroom instruction less like a lecture and more like an engaging collaboration.
Cecilie Engle, JLA Project Chair for APIE, considers working with and being a role model for children the most rewarding part of the new placement. JLA Active Becky Carter agrees, “My service is very hands-on, and I appreciate that. I feel like I can be a good role model for girls who need a strong influence of good in their life [because] a student may be at-risk
for many factors other than educational ability. I am hoping that while we focus on decimals and fractions this year, the girls can also learn the benefits of an education.”
The JLA has additional APIE placements to assist with planning and implementing APIE’s May Salute event. This event honors the outstanding teachers, staff, volunteers and community business partners for their dedication to student excellence and achievement in Austin’s schools.
Cecilie emphasizes that anyone can be a classroom coach. It takes only one hour a week at a local elementary or middle school and is a great way to give back to your family, friends, businesses and community. For more information on this program, contact Cecilie at [email protected].
JLA President Kathi Haralson accepts a donation from JLA Active Shannon Meroney on behalf of Aetna.
Becky Carter, JLA Member, coaches an 8th grade student at Burnet Middle School in math while the teacher looks on.
Page 7
Thanks so much for your support, donations and volunteer work to help make the 23rd annual Coats for Kids a big success! Special thanks to those members who organized coat drives and came out during sorting week to help hang and size coats and to those who helped on Distribution Day!
Also, thank you to our financial supporters including La Que Buena 104.3, La Jefa 107.7, Dick Euting & Associates, Inc./S. Rothschild Outerwear, Walmart, McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, L.L.P., MAXIMUS, Inc., Bank of America, All My Sons Moving & Storage, Reagan National Advertising of Austin, Antler Mini Storage, Patricia Lambert, BMC Software, Grande Communications Passion & Commitment Investment Club, Austin Sonic, Inc., Capitol Chevrolet and Endeavor Real Estate Group/Amy and Chris Ellis PPD.
Coats for Kids 2009PHOTOS
1. Thousands of coats were ready on the Palmer Event Center floor for doors to be opened early on Distribution Day. It was 19 degrees outside!
2. 2009 Coats for Kids Committee.
3. A family anxiously waited outside Palmer Event Center for warm winter coats for their children.
4. Despite the chilly temps, the line wrapped around Palmer by 6 a.m. on Distribution Day.
5. Recipients lined up at the doors while volunteers prepared to assist thousands of children find just the right sized coat.
6. Coats for Kids Partners were all smiles on Distribu-tion Day: Mark Murray (KVUE), Paul Brown (Jack Brown Cleaners), Bama Brown aka Santa (KASE), Kathi Haralson (JLA President), and Karey Oddo (Coats for Kids Chair).
We did it again! Austin area kids are “warmer” this winter because of you!
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Loo
Looking for great recipes to match those new goals?
To order: jlaustin.org or 467-8982
Sustainer Corner
By Beth Atherton, Sustaining President
“Never had (she) been as beautiful as now. She had that indefinable beauty that comes from happiness, enthusiasm, suc-cess – a beauty that is nothing more or less than a harmony of temperament and circumstances . . . like a flower nourished by the rain, by the wind and the sun, finally blooming in the fullness of her nature.” Wouldn’t we all love to be described like this? In these few words, French novelist Gustave Flaubert provides such tremendous insight into how we can be our best, most radiant selves. It is, of course, nothing external; instead, it is about enthusiasm, success, and the ideal balance between interests and opportunities. The same can be said for organizations: they are at their most successful when their membership is engaged, motivated, and provided with outlets and opportunities relevant to their passions and their tal-ents. Because The Junior League of Austin’s most vital asset is its Sustaining membership, now 1,200 strong and growing, the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) is committed to addressing their needs, to ensuring that “harmony of tempera-ment and circumstances”.
This year, the SPC will review the new programs instituted in response to the 2007 Organizational Self Assessment with the goal of further expanding opportunities available to Sustainers. The first step in this process has been the creation of a working group, comprised of both Active and Sustaining members, who will extensively research the current operational structure for Sustainers in order to determine the areas of disconnect between what is currently offered and what Sustain-ers are actively seeking in their Junior League experience. Our burgeoning population of Sustaining members are assist-ing in this effort by voicing their ideas and requests, and this information will be invaluable in shaping programs for the years ahead. Both the SPC and Working Group will be looking to the Houston and Dallas Leagues, both organizations with a growing Sustainer base, as key resources for modeling our Sustainer programs, obligations, and fundraising policies, as well as strategies for developing joint programs with the Active membership. The New Year is upon us, and it has brought unprecedented opportunities for redefining and renewing Sustainer involvement, for creating that perfect harmony of opportunity and purpose which allows us to shine.
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WELCOME NEW TRANSFERSACTIVES
Grace Allen – Washington, DCAmy Atsumi – Oklahoma City, OKCourtney Baldwin – Richmond, VACharlotte Boyd – San Antonio, TXCadey Charfen – Boca Raton, FLSuzanne Coker – New York, NYNoelle Coker – Raleigh, NCShelby Cook – Dallas, TXAllison Crain – Denver, COMolly Czepiel – Chicago, ILJessica Falk – Chicago, ILElizabeth Fazio – Denver, CORaquel Garcia – San Antonio, TXBeverly Graham – Los Angeles, CAMeredith Greager – Denver, COKimberly Hayes – New York, NYHadley Hempel – Washington, DCMary Elizabeth Jones – Salt Lake City, UTJennifer Jones – Dallas, TXLindsey Langford – Northern Virginia, VAEllie Livesay – Mid-Peninsula, CABridget Maloney – Plano, TXBonnie Melhem – San Diego, CAChristie Mueller – Washington, DCKember Mueller – Murfreesboro, TNMegan Murphy – San Francisco, CAKaren Norman – San Jose, CACasey Obenhaus – Dallas, TXJennifer Olivier – Dallas, TXMeghan Parker – Indianapolis, INAshley Perraud – Long Beach, CANancy Pollard – Dallas, TXDinah Plyler – Dallas, TXJie Ralls – Chicago, ILJennifer Shook – Birmingham, ALNalani Tyrrell – Atlanta, GAJennifer Vitera-Frade – Dallas, TXMarion Ward – Washington, DCJessica Weaver – Denver, COCandice Weissinger –Durham and Orange Counties, NC
PROVISIONALSDebra Doliner – El Paso, TXHilary Gainer – Lubbock, TX
Find more JLA Notes on the back of this issue of LeagueLines!
JLA NOTESEmail birth and marriage an-nouncements, condolences and notices about illness of members or their immediate family to Diana Coston, JLA Office Database Manager, at [email protected].
JLA NOTES
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Spotlights
Gabby Smith, Active
Current Placement: Capitalines
Occupation: Education Sales at Apple Inc.
Family: Cubby (my tabby cat)
Community Activities: Austin Children’s Shelter & church volunteer
I wish I knew how to: Cook gourmet dishes and invent new meals from scratch
If I could, I would: Volunteer all day at the Children’s Hospital gift shop
I regret: Not studying abroad for longer than my one summer in Florence
Favorite thing about Austin: The healthy environment (no more dreaded treadmill)!
My favorite book is: High Maintenance, by Jennifer Belle
My favorite quote is: “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!” - Coco Chanel
My favorite movie is: Working Girl
My favorite junk food is: Ice Cream
My worst habit is: Putting things off until the last minute
When I look in the mirror, I see: A girl that loves to laugh at herself!
Favorite JLA memory or experience: Provisional year, Coats for Kids & ACA
The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. So work hard in everything you do and you’ll have no regrets in the League!
My advice to the Provisional class would be: Meet everyone and set up social events outside of your required meetings.
Noelle Coker, Transfer
Current Placement: Transfer from Raleigh, North Carolina
Education/Occupation: Florida State University/Flight Attendant with American Airlines and Power Yoga instructor
Family: My cat!
I wish I knew how to: Play the guitar
If I could, I would: Sing and dance on Broadway
Favorite thing about Austin: The people!
My favorite book is: Dune, by Frank Herbert
My life philosophy on a bumper sticker: Live in the Moment
My favorite movie is: Bladerunner
My favorite junk food is: Nachos
The experience that has changed me the most: My Vipasana meditation retreat
When I look in the mirror, I see: A wonderful, kind, loving and happy person
Favorite JLA memory or experience: “Hollygrove” (while in the LA Junior League)
My advice to the Provisional class would be: Get involved. Stay active.
Ann Dolce, Sustainer
Occupation: Retired Teacher
Family: My husband, three children and nine grandchildren
Community Activities: Westgate Condominium Association, President; Austin History Center Association, Board Member; St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, Board Member
I wish I knew how to: Hang glide
If I could, I would: Drive a Harley Davidson
I regret: Being more concerned with the possibility of failure than with the possibility of success
My favorite book is: I read at least one book a week, but frequently recommend A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
My favorite junk food is: Cheeze-Its
The possession I’m attached to: My family photograph albums
When I look in the mirror, I see: I just don’t look these days!
One thing people don’t know about me: I’m a very good rock mason - dry stack is my specialty!
Favorite JLA placement: Capitalines Editor
The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: The process is always as important as, and sometimes more important than, the end result.
My advice to the Provisional class would be: Don’t choose only safe, comfortable placements. Try new experiences. I learned to be comfortable in front of an audience through a placement involving children’s theatre productions.
Did you Know?At ACA 2009 there were 209 merchants from 21
different states!
Page 11
Spotlights
Jill Baumhover, Provisional
Education/Occupation: Sweet Briar College (B.A. in Art History) and Missouri State (M.S. in Defense and Strategic Studies)/Stay at home mom
Family: My husband, Brian; children, Aubrey (4) and Henry (1.5)
I wish I knew how to: Speak a second language
If I could, I would: Travel more
I regret: Nothing. Life is too short.
My favorite book is: The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown
My favorite junk food is: Fritos and Hot Tamales
My favorite movie is: Juno (for now!)
I’m tired of: Picking up the food my son had so much fun throwing on the floor.
The possession I’m attached to: My camera
My worst habit is: Staying up too late when I need to get up early
I wish someone had told me earlier: That young kids are sick every few weeks! I wasn’t quite prepared for that!
Three accomplishments I am proud of: (1) My children, (2) finishing 2nd in my class at Officer Candidate School, (3) teaching myself graphic design
The experience that has changed me the most: Serving our country as a Naval Intelligence Officer
Michou Shell, Active
Education/occupation: DDS/endodon-tist (root canal specialist for those who may not know—I know…fun, right?!?)
Family: Husband Jeff, daughters Sloane (2.5 years old) and Sutton born 10/15/09
I wish I knew how to: Sew and to under-stand Spanish better
If I could, I would: Be a movie star
I regret: Nothing
My favorite junk food is: French fries!!
I’m tired of: Not getting any sleep be-cause I have a newborn
My worst habit is: Speaking before I think. I have foot-in-mouth syndrome.
Three accomplishments you are proud of: Marrying my husband, having kids with him and owning my own endodon-tic practice, Westlake Endodontics (cliché, I know)
What experience has changed you most? Becoming a mom (another cliché)
When you look in the mirror, you see? Bags under my eyes
One thing people would know about you: I love to eat!!!
My advice to the Provisional class would be: Write down all of your shifts and store it in your calendar/iphone/blackberry/whatever you use.
Favorite JLA placement: West Austin Caregivers
The best lesson I’ve learned from my JLA experiences is: It is possible to bal-ance marriage, motherhood, work and voluntarism.
Lyndsey Crawford, Provisional
Family: Husband: Grant -- Kids: Colton (7) and Anabelle (4)
Pets: Two dogs Peanut and Stella
Community Activities: Volunteer with my Church, Vestry, Children’s ministry, Floral Guild and PTA, room rep for kids school
I wish I knew how to: Paint or draw
I regret: Not moving far away to go to school
Favorite thing about Austin: This is where I grew up. Austin always feels like coming home.
My favorite book is: I am currently addicted to the Twilight books My favorite quote is: Don’t under-estimate the value of doing noth-ing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear and not bothering- Winnie the Pooh
My favorite movie is: National Lampoon Christmas Vacation
My favorite junk food is: Chips & Queso
I’m tired of: Sweeping up dog hair
Your life philosophy on a bumper sticker: No Whiners!
You wish someone had told you earlier: My mother really did know what she was talking about
What experience has changed you most? Having children
One thing people would know about you: I LOVE CHOCOLATE
My advice to the Provisional class would be: Smile
Did you Know?CFK distributed 30,140
coats this year!
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The Junior League of Austin will strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.
Where are we going ...
The Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
Who we are ...
NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO 1261
AUSTIN, TX 78731
The Junior League of Austin5416 ParkcrestSuite 100 Austin, Texas 78731
LeagueLinesJLA NOTES CONTINUED
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR LITTLE ONE!
JoAnn Jordan – daughter (Jacqueline Mia Jordan)Tiffany Marascio – daughter (Evalyn Claire Marascio)
Jennifer Ransom Rice – son (Charles Ransom Rice)
THINKING OF YOUKathryn Kenjura
Sara SouerbryJessica Stanley
CONDOLENCES May the memories of your loved ones support you forever.Family of Marguerite ButlerLutie ButlerFamily of Ellen Steck CarterNicole ElliottMelaine GaylordJanet Hale
Jennifer JohnsonKaLyn LaneyLaura MeyerFamily of Elizabeth MurfeeElizabeth Collum OzmunLisa Trahan
