The Junior League of Fort Wayne is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action
and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Association of Junior Leagues International reaches out to women of all races, religions,
and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.
The Leading Force In Building A Better Future For Women And Children
Summer 2013 Volume 9, Issue No. 5
Junior League Awards Grants to Hope House and Women’s Bureau
The Junior League of Fort Wayne (JLFW), at their annual dinner on Wednesday, May 22, granted $1,500 each to Hope House and Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau.
Hope House provides homeless, chemically dependent women with opportunities to pursue recovery and self-sufficiency in a healthy, supportive living environment. Transitions, a program of the Women’s Bureau, helps women overcome key barriers to successful, long-term recovery by addressing parenting and family bonding issues, self-sufficiency, education and job skills, as well as the addiction itself.
This grant culminates five years of collaboration among the groups with JLFW’s Women’s Independence Project. During this time, the women of JLFW created and held classes to train the women of Hope House and Transitions on job skills. The monthly classes covered topics such as job interview skills, resume/application writing, and how to dress for an interview.
The purpose of the grants is to give Hope House and Women’s Bureau additional funds to continue the project on their own. “The women in Junior League have thoroughly enjoyed working with Hope House and the Women’s Bureau over the last five years,” said JLFW President Laura Antil. “The Women’s
Independence Project has been great at helping women get on their feet and becoming viable contributors to our great community. We are proud to hand over this highly successful project for the two organizations to continue helping empower women in our area.”
Mary Etheart (center), Executive Director of Hope House, accepts a check from JLFW Community VP Michelle Banks (l) and JLFW President Laura Antil.
At left is the traditional ‘Past Presidents” photo taken at the 2013 JLFW Annual Meeting. Pictured (l-r): top row - Michelle Kearns 2013-14 President-Elect, Wendy Stein
2005-06, Marie Eifert 2002-03, Ruth Stone 2007-08, Kathy Roudebush 1993-94, Meg Distler 1997-98, Connie
Heflin 2010-12, Nancy Stewart 1982-83, Melinda Perry 2001-02, Cathy Krouse 1984-85, Kelly Zachrich 1998-99. Bottom row - Hope Huber 1996-97, Pat Parker 1969-70,
Laura Antil 2012-14, Sandi Kemmish 1994-95.
Junior League of Fort Wayne
1010 Memorial Way, Suite 104 Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Phone: (260) 387-5592
Email: [email protected]
JLFW website: www.jlfw.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jlfortwayne
Twitter: www.twitter.com/juniorleaguefw
AJLI website: www.ajli.org
2012-2013 Community Project
Women’s Independence Project
JLFW Full Council 2012-2013
Laura Antil ..................................................... President Donna Whinery ........................................... Finance VP Stacy Christlieb ............................................. Treasurer Shelly Meyer ............................... Recording Secretary Debbie Branfield .............................. Sustainer Advisor Sandi Kemmish ............................... Sustainer Advisor Joni Dick .................................. Fund Development VP Cheryl Felger .................... Resource Development Chair Bliss Cook .................................. Special Event Co-Chair Carrie Stuckey ............................ Special Event Co-Chair Ashley Steenman .................. New to You Sale Co-Chair Sarah Payne ......................... New to You Sale Co-Chair Stephanie Thiede ................................... Cookbook Chair Meredith Palmison ............................. Membership VP Emily Bondus ............... Membership Development Chair Connie Heflin ........................................ Nominating Chair Emily McCabe ...................................New Member Chair Michele Platte .............................. Communications Chair Michelle Banks ..................................... Community VP Sam Sawyer ........ Women’s Independence Project Chair Amy Shurley ............................. Community Impact Chair Nicole Penar .......................... Action Learning Team Rep Sharon Charron .............. Advisory Future Planning Chair Carol Platt ................................. Hope House Board Rep Natalie Scruggs .................. Women’s Bureau Board Rep
League Lore is the official newsletter of the Junior League of Fort Wayne, published five times a year
in October, December, February, April, and June.
Page 2 Summer 2013
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As our 2012-2013 League year has come to a close I’m thrilled to begin my second term as President and all I know we’ll accomplish in the 2013-2014 League year.
As someone who has spent many years as part of the Junior League of Fort Wayne I am continually amazed by what our members can and do and that is reflected in this article.
I am still amazed to know that there are people in our community that still don’t know who or what the Junior League really is. There are questions about Junior League: how do you join; what do we do; how do we find our focus area; what is the code to get in?
To me Junior League is real. It is not because of the number of meetings held, dues paid or requirements. It is real because of the hands-on opportunities we have in helping our community partners. It is real because of the ladies I have gotten to work with and now call a friend. It is real because of all the things I have learned about and connected to in our community. It is real because I have had fun doing them all from working my shifts at the New to You sale, helping set up for our Night to Sparkle, passing out food at Community Harvest Food Bank, organizing at Mustard Seed, painting at Crossroad, teaching kids healthy eating habits at Kids in the Kitchen, explaining who and what we do to our potential New Members during their orientation and so much more. It is an area in my life that I know will be there and I will always be able to look back and say “I did that or I learned that” and I know that I’m a better person because of Junior League.
Ultimately, Junior League is something different to each member and you get to define it individually. It can be described by the work we accomplish, a night out to see friends, a way to raise funds, a chance to learn something new, or a way to network. It can change every year as life is always changing challenges and priorities.
My hope for each member is that you find it meaningful and worthwhile. Cheers to all the members of JLFW!
“Each one has to find his peace from within. And peace to
be real must be unaffected by outside circumstances.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Page 3 Summer 2013
PROMOTING VOLUNTARISM
May 18th Super Saturday & Done in a Day We had a wonderful turnout to the last Done in a Day and Super Saturday! The day was extra special because the New Members who have joined League this past year came together and planned it as their New Member project. The New Members, lead by Jessica Swinford, came up with an amazing idea to plan an “Everything Cooking” class with the ladies of the Hope House. It was a great turnout with prospective New Members, and lots of support from Committee and active members who all helped make the new girls feel welcome.
The day started out with the entire group participating in the Done in a Day “Everything Cooking” class. The ladies planned three different stations that included Organic Gardening, Kitchen Prep 101, and Cooking 101 that the ladies of the Hope House rotated through all morning. We taught them everything they needed to know from growing their own veggies to planning and preparing a homemade meal. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get to know each other, tell stories, and best of all, interact with the ladies of the Hope House. We all even learned a thing or two from one another about cooking!
Around 11:00, we all had a great lunch together allowing us to get to know each other even more. We had the wonderful opportunity of having sustainer Sandi Kemmish speak to the members who attended. Sandi gave a motivating speech about her experiences, friendships, and enjoyments she has gotten out of Junior League and volunteering in the community. We then spent time with the New Members giving them an overview and history of what Junior League stands for.
The New Member Committee is thrilled to have Stacy Reed, Kathy Roberts, Danielle Rich, and Jessica Lorenz join JLFW. All New Members will be placed on the New Member Committee for the 2014 League year. Please keep your eyes out for them; we will be introducing our New Members when they attend their first General Membership Meeting. A big thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Honoring Years of Service
Four JLFW Active members achieved milestones this year and were honored
at the 2013 Annual Dinner.
Congratulations and Thank You for your faithful years of service
to the Junior League!
Katie Jones Kelli Packnett
Kristin Packnett Carmen Parker
Our Newest Sustainers
Five of our Active members have chosen to go Sustaining beginning with the 2013-2014 League year. We are very
grateful to Mary Anne Berron, Lisa Ernsberger, Angie Maloblocki, Shelly Meyer and Courtney Waterman
for everything they have done for JLFW, and we
wish them the very best as they continue to support
JLFW as Sustainers!
(l-r) Shelly Meyer, Lisa Ernsberger and Angie Maloblocki
Our newest Sustainers are honored at the 2013 Annual Dinner.
Congratulations and “Thank You” to these 2012-2013 JLFW Representatives
Our representatives at the AJLI Organizational Development Institutes
Michelle Banks Jenna Keirns Joelle Grigsby Sarah Payne
Our representatives to the Boards of our Community Partner Organizations
Women’s Bureau - Sustainer Natalie Scruggs
Hope House - Active Carol Platt
IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY
Page 4 Summer 2013
Action Learning Team Transitions into Issue Team
We have a busy summer ahead of us! Now that the Action Learning Team has developed the process for choosing our League’s issue, we are excited to put the plan into action. Since our primary focus is to lead JLFW through the process of choosing an issue, we’ve changed our name to the “Issue Team.”
The first step is to research community needs and resources. Fortunately, the Advisory Future Planning (AFP) Committee has given the Issue Team a huge head start. Typically AFP would conduct research in order to determine the next League project. However, since we have chosen to forego a project in 2013-14 and instead do several Done in a Day projects, AFP jumped in with the community research. Thankfully, they have provided a binder containing 200 pages of community needs assessments, interviews, contact information, etc. Most importantly, AFP has shared what has worked and what hasn’t in regards to information gathering.
The next step is for the Issue Team to expand the research gathering. For instance, we want to know what YOU think! We’ve created a simple three question Survey Monkey questionnaire to understand what JLFW members find important in regards to choosing an issue. Our goal is 100% participation. Please click on the link in Tuesday Tidbits and let us know your opinion. Once research is thoroughly completed, the Issue Team will filter the information and narrow down the possible issues to three. Each issue will be presented this fall and a vote will be taken in February. We look forward to bringing forth our findings.
If you have any questions, please let us know. Nicole Penar is returning as Committee Chair as well as committee members Sandi Kemmish, Amanda Kinneman and Laura Kapp Miller. New members added to the committee include Connie Heflin, Carrie Stuckey, Angela Nevers, and Sustainer Nancy Stewart.
The Women’s Independence Project Committee
The Women’s Independence Project Committee (WIP) is so happy to have been part of such an inspiring project! This year’s committee members included: Samantha Sawyer, Mallory Sykes Carter, Paige Salway, Mary Berkshire, Kim Donelan and Amy Mulkey.
Through the WIP program, clients of Hope House and the Women’s Bureau Transitions program were given the opportunity to grow their resume writing, interviewing and presentation skills through Basics Classes and Focus Classes.
This year we were able to provide Focus Classes on a wide range of topics including Resumes, The Hidden Job Market, Legal Questions and Mock Interviews.
In addition to nine Basics Classes and eight Focus Classes, the Committee also planned a Career Fair for WIP participants. The women were able to put the job skills they learned from the classes to good use while networking and enjoying snacks and punch.
The WIP Committee feels truly honored to have had a part in helping to develop the potential of women in our community. While the committee is sad to see this program come to a close, we are thrilled to know Hope House and Transitions have the resources they need to keep these projects going in the future.
Thank you to all of the WIP Committee members, Junior League volunteers and community volunteers for all your hard work this year!
Amanda Fall (l) from the Women’s Bureau and Mary Etheart (r) from Hope House were our guests at our
Annual Meeting on May 22 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Amanda and Mary are pictured with Connie Heflin.
Hope House resident Renee shared her positive experience with the Women’s Independence Project at the Junior League’s Annual Meeting
on May 22 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
Page 5 Summer 2013
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
Nominating Committee - The 2012-2013 Nominating Committee completed another successful year of
developing the potential of our members. We began by selecting Natalie Hugon and Jenna Keirns as JLFW’s delegates to the October 19–21 Organizational Development Institutes (ODI) in Cleveland, OH. Natalie and Jenna came back with a wealth of ideas and information, and we are thrilled that they are stepping into leadership positions next year in League as they will be co-chairing the Special Event Committee.
In January, Nominating slated JLFW's 2013-2014 Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee strived to create a diverse slate for the Board which the members accepted at the February 27, 2013, General Membership Meeting. Congratulations to Laura Antil – President, Michelle Kearns – President Elect, Kimberly Wagner – Community VP, Sarah Payne – Fund Development VP, Michelle Banks – Membership VP, Stacy Christlieb – Finance VP and Joelle Grigsby – Treasurer.
Nominating selected JLFW’s delegates for the February 22-24, 2013 ODI in Dallas, TX. Again, we were pleased to invest in the future leaders of JLFW. Michelle Banks, Joelle Grigsby, Sarah Payne, and Kimberly Wagner attended ODI and will all be serving on the 2013-2014 Board of Directors. Hats off to these amazing leaders!
We diligently worked to replace ourselves and slate next year's Nominating Committee which will be chaired by our outgoing Membership VP, Meredith Palmison. Also serving on next year’s Nominating Committee is Joni Dick, Natalie Hugon, Emily McCabe, Carrie Stuckey, and Kate Virag. The General Membership passed the Nominating Committee slate at the April 24, 2013, General Membership Meeting.
Nominating selected Hope Huber as the 2012-2013 JLFW Sustainer of the Year for her outstanding dedication to promote the mission of Junior League through her involvement in the Fort Wayne community.
After a terrific year, we continue to look ahead. Mark your calendars for Fall ODI the weekend of October 18-19, 2013 in Indianapolis.
Many thanks to the 2012-2013 Nominating Committee – Emily Bondus, Carol Platt, Julie Risley, Courtney Waterman, and Lori Wenino. I greatly appreciate all your hard work and service throughout the year!
- Connie Heflin, 2012-2013 Nominating Chair
Summer 2013 Page 6
Fund Development Council
It’s hard to believe that we have finished another great Junior League year – it seems like only yesterday that we were meeting for our Fall Social and beginning the process of planning our events. I feel lucky that I have been able to work with such a great group of women and have enjoyed sitting on the 2012-2013 Board.
I believe the success of our Council has come due to the dedication of all the committee members and the positive leadership that each committee chair provided. It was great seeing how each of these women took charge of their groups and led them throughout the year.
The fundraisers we have hosted this year have been successful and have provided fun and opportunities for all our members. The first fundraiser was organized by the New to You Sale Committee, and was held in November 2012. The committee utilized a great deal of volunteers during the week prior to the sale and provided a great shopping day for the public as well. It was a good feeling to see all the shoppers wrap around the corner of the sale location and support the efforts of the committee.
This year the Cookbook Committee spread its wings and was able to add a few locations for placement of our 70 Savory Suppers cookbook as well as selling and donating the books at several events in our community. The committee was small but determined to get our cookbook more visibility in the public. In addition to our local presence, our cookbook is now listed on the AJLI website (www.ajli.org) as well as our own website (www.jlfw.org/s_cookbook.php).
The diligent work of our Resource Development Committee brought support for our projects through sponsorships, donations and our stationery sales. The Endowment and Presidents Circle donations will also
support our League in the years to come. We are grateful for the support we receive from our community as well as our League members
On March 16, 2013 we celebrated A Night to Sparkle at the Allen County Court House which was the culmination of a great deal of work by the Special Event Committee. The evening was supported by League members as well as community guests and featured both a live and silent auction as well as dinner and dancing.
I can’t thank these ladies serving on these committees enough for all their hard work and dedication to raising money to support our mission!
- Joni Dick, 2012-2013 Fund Development VP
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
Resource Development Committee
This year has been somewhat of an eye opener for me. I believe that when you belong to an organization whose mission is to help others, we sometimes take for granted that there will be money available to do the projects that you want to do. I was wrong - money doesn't fall from a tree. It takes a lot of hard work and effort to support any organization. Being the Chair of Resource Development has given me a better understanding of the fund raising side of Junior League.
Our committee succeeded in selling over $22,000 in stationery this year. This could be one of our bigger fund raisers if everybody could push the sales as our League keeps 50% of our sales. Thanks to Angie Maloblocki for her hard work.
Our Endowment Fund and Presidents Circle campaigns have exceeded their budgeted amounts and I thank our members for stepping up with your contributions of over $4300.00. Funds contributed to the Presidents Circle support our current operations, and contributions to the restricted Endowment will help to support League in the future.
As a committee we were prepared to write and submit grant proposals, but we were unable able to find a grant that would work for us. A big thanks goes to Sustainer Judy Collins for her training and to Sustainer Sandi Kemmish for her willingness to help answer any of our grant questions and proof anything we had written.
We all worked hard on sponsorships, grants and gifts, but with the economy in the shape that it is, non-profits are the ones that suffer. We would like to give a big thanks to all our sponsors this year - PHP, Vera Bradley Designs, Tower Bank, Lupke Rice Associates, and Wendy's of Fort Wayne - for without their support we would not be able to do many of our projects.
I am proud of my committee and the work that we accomplished this year. I would be proud to serve with any of you in the future. Thank you Michelle Kearns, Mary Ann Berron, Angie Maloblocki, and Hillary Knipstein.
– Cheryl Felger, 2012-2013 Resource Development Committee Chair
Summer 2013 Page 7
Membership Development Committee
The Membership Development Committee worked very hard this year to encourage members to be involved in all aspects of our League. In the fall, we gave each Active member a “passport” and encouraged them to be involved in a variety of JLFW activities including Done-In-A-Day service projects, General Membership Meetings, Special Event, and Women’s Independence Project activities. Not only was this a fun way for members to track their involvement but it allowed us to monitor participation and assess what activities our members enjoy. Thank you to all who filled up their passport…it was exciting to see so many stamps being used up by our awesome members.
We had excellent speakers at our General Membership Meetings this year, including Dottie Davis from the Fort Wayne Police Department speaking on domestic violence and human trafficking issues. We also heard from Marcia Worthington, RN on the importance of a healthy heart and staying active, and heard from Joan Brown on the importance of volunteering. Along with these speakers we collected cell phones for domestic violence victims and offered blood pressure screenings to keep members engaged and interested in our featured topic.
One of the highlights of our League year was the Self-Defense seminar that was offered in March. Members and friends came together to learn about ways to protect themselves in a variety of situations and were taught many great lessons about staying safe and staying smart!
Thank you to all members who participated in the activities offered this year. Most importantly thank you to my great committee members for all they did this year to make our League a success - Kim Wagner, Carol Platt, Carey Roth, Jessica Hart, and Charissa Dvorak
- Emily Bondus, 2012-2013 Membership Development Chair
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee focused mainly on two goals this year. The first of these was maintaining the initiatives implemented by the previous year’s committee which heavily focused on getting the word out about JLFW to the public and JLFW members alike. We were quite successful at getting the word out about JLFW. One tool we focused on was social media. We posted frequent updates to the public JLFW Facebook page, with over 50 new “fans” liking our page. We also posted internal information to the JLFW Facebook group page. We saw the interaction on these pages grow at an inspiring rate, We increased awareness of our organization by tagging photos of our members so their friends were enticed to look at our page to see them.
Another way we got the word out to the public about JLFW was through frequent distribution of press releases to the media about JLFW news and events. This League year we sent out nine press releases and were picked up in various media outlets 21 times! To help facilitate the press release writing process, the committee continued using the press release template developed last year, which aided committee chairs to get the information to us in a timely and more efficient manner. We also continued tracking all media hits on a media tracking spreadsheet to see what news coverage came as a result of our press releases.
The committee also did a great job this year of communicating with other committees throughout League. We continued the “committee liaison” initiative, where each Communications Committee member was assigned to one or two other committees as their liaison. It was the committee member’s responsibility to reach out each month to their assigned committee and find out what they were doing and planning, so that we could promote their events more frequently and efficiently.
Our second main goal – to develop a potential website plan with specific goals – was also achieved and done very well. At the beginning of the year we held a focus group at a GMM to survey what our membership was looking for in a new website. From there, we developed a site plan with the pages and features we would want in an ideal website. After that, we formulated specific goals as to what we want our future website to achieve. This plan was submitted to the Board and approved to go forward into a new Website Development project next League year.
As chair of the committee, I need to express my greatest appreciation to the women with whom I had the pleasure of serving this past year: Laura Bailey, Angie Garcia, Natalie Hugon, and Emily Richwine. It was truly a wonderful experience getting to work with all of you, and I am incredibly pleased with your support for the committee, League, and me as your chair!
- Michele Platte, 2012-2013 Communications Committee Chair
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
Membership Development Committee members enjoyed a Wine & Canvas “Just for Fun” event. On February 6 at Naked Tchopstix - (l-r) Jessica Clupper, Kim Wagner, Carey Roth, Emily Bondus and Charissa Dvorak.
Summer 2013 Page 8
Community Impact Committee
The small-but-mighty Community Impact Committee planned three Done In a Day (DIAD) volunteer projects during the 2012-2013 League year, including the annual Kids in the Kitchen event. During all DIAD projects, current members and potential New Members worked together to improve local nonprofit facilities and to teach kids about healthy eating.
Our first DIAD volunteer project was handing out food at Community Harvest Food Bank during their Saturday Farm Wagon program on September 8. We helped to serve 600 families that day, many of whom had waited in line since 3:00am.
The next two volunteer projects included cleaning and restocking shelves at Mustard Seed Furniture Bank on January 22, and painting murals for kids in the treatment center at Crossroad on February 23. Mustard Seed is an independent organization that operates locally to serve their neighbors in need. They provide household furnishings to families and individuals in our community as they rebuild their lives after suffering disaster, personal tragedy or other catastrophic misfortunes. Crossroad is a nonprofit organization that provides therapy, education and family support services for children going through difficult circumstances. Between both projects, we had 41 volunteers help clean, restock and paint.
For April’s volunteer project, we truly enjoyed working again with our partners, the McMillen Center and the YMCA, to get the Kids in the Kitchen project organized. Not only did the YMCA welcome us into their after school program to host the event, they also worked hard to get the kids excited. The kids made their own placemats for the evening in advance, and made invitations to ask their parents to dinner. They also went over healthy food /exercise activities in preparation for the event. Nearly 50 kids participated in our booths at the Kids in the Kitchen event on April 17 at Weisser Park Elementary School, as we taught them about portions, cardio, and healthy food and drink choices. About 30 kids stayed for dinner, and several parents joined as well, as we enjoyed a healthy meal from Baker Street. We appreciate the 23 volunteers who helped make it happen!
The final volunteer project of the year was a cooking class for residents at Hope House, held on May 18. The New Member class was responsible for all aspects of this DIAD, from selecting the project, to organizing volunteers, and carrying it out the day of the event. We hope this helped give them a taste for what League is about, awesome ladies working together to make a difference in the lives of women and children in our community!
The Community Impact Committee worked hard to get these events organized, but we couldn’t have gotten everything accomplished without the help and volunteer hours from all Junior League members. In total, the Junior League of Fort Wayne spent over 250 volunteer hours working directly with the community at these five events. We send a big thank you to everyone who volunteered time at these projects!
- Amy Shurley, 2012-2013 Community Impact Committee Chair
OUR YEAR IN REVIEW
Cookbook Committee
The goal of the Cookbook Committee this League year was to make our cookbook more visible to the community. This year we targeted a new avenue to find buyers. 70 Savory Suppers is now available in more locations in Fort Wayne. Creative Women of the World, a boutique in downtown Fort Wayne, has a display of our cookbooks. The Downtown Deli in Fort Wayne helped us sell our product before closing their doors earlier this month. Making these partnerships with League was very exciting for us this year.
In addition to finding new locations to stock our cookbook we also sold them at several events. Our committee was at the Go Red for Women Luncheon and the E. Jane Hamilton Dinner. We also worked with Vera Bradley to pair kitchen accessories with our cookbooks and then donate them to other local non-profits for their auctions.
I am proud to say our committee’s Special Event auction package of a South American Dinner Party Experience donated by Cynthia Presser was moved into the live auction because it was valued at $1,600. It was exciting to see that item bring in so much for JLFW this year.
70 Savory Suppers is also now listed on the AJLI website at www.ajli.org. As always it can be purchased on our website at http://jlfw.org/s_cookbook.php, at the JLFW office, and at the gift shop of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
- Stephanie Thiede, 2012-2013 Cookbook Committee Chair
JLFW members, family and friends enjoyed volunteering at the
2013 Kids in the Kitchen event held on April 17
at Weisser Park Elementary School.
Summer 2013 Page 9
2012-2013 Active of the Year - Michele Platte
The Junior League of Fort Wayne honored Michele Platte as the 2013 Active Member of the Year at their recent annual dinner. Michele, an Active member since 2010, was recognized for her leadership and continuous involvement in many facets of JLFW. She has led the Communications Committee for the past two years and volunteers at most JLFW events.
“Each year we honor an active member who has gone above and beyond and Michele truly exemplifies the spirit of the Junior League through her hard work and dedication,” said President Laura Antil. “Michele will continue to strengthen our local community through her League development as a community and civic leader”.
Michele is an outstanding example of the JLFW women who contribute countless hours to our local community.
Congratulations Michele! And Thank You For Inspiring Us!
MEMBER HONORS
2012-2013 Sustainer of the Year - Hope Huber
The Sustainer of the Year Award is given annually to one of our Sustaining members who has made significant contributions to JLFW and the Fort Wayne community by promoting the Junior League mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of our trained volunteers.
The 2012-2013 Sustainer of the Year is Hope Huber. Hope originally joined Junior League in Texas in 1988. While with Junior League, she has served on the Community Research, Nominating, Communications/PR, Fine Arts/Forte, and Admissions/Provisional Committees, and on the 50th Anniversary Task Force. She served as Yearbook Editor, Recording Secretary, and as JLFW President during the 1996-1997 League year.
In addition to raising three boys, Hope also has been very active with Canterbury School and Carriage House, and currently serves as Board President with the Fort Wayne Ballet.
Thank you, Hope, for your continued belief and drive you offer to us. We are all the better for it!
Hope Huber (l) with Fort Wayne Ballet Karen Gibbons-Brown
Michele Platte with her supportive husband Alex Platte
Every great dream begins
with a dreamer. Always
remember, you have within you
the strength, the patience, and
the passion to reach for the
stars to change the world.
- Harriet Tubman
Michelle Kearns (l),
JLFW’s 2013-14
President-Elect with
2012-14 President
Laura Antil at the
2013 JLFW Annual
Dinner held on May
22 at the Fort Wayne
Museum of Art.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Mary Konken: Transferred Member
What brings you to Fort Wayne? My husband Eric’s job brought us here. He works for Kraft Foods Marshmallow plant in Kendallville. He is the Business Development Manager.
What was your favorite part of Junior League of Champaign-Urbana? Besides meeting my best friends, my favorite part of the JLCU was the annual fundraiser. We had a Festival of Trees. It is similar to the one at the Embassy.
What committee(s) were you involved with in JLCU? For four years I was on the Festival of Trees Committee, and while on the committee I served as Trees and Wreaths Chair and Chair of the entire committee. I also served on the Board of Directors and as a member of the League Locker Committee. League Locker is a teacher supply warehouse that teachers can shop at for free once a quarter.
What do you do outside of Junior League? I keep busy being the mom of three young kids, Connor (4), Maggie (2), and Kate (6 months). Besides being involved with the Junior League of Fort Wayne, I am also on the board of Girls on the Run of Allen County. It is a program that teaches girls in grades 3-5 about self-esteem, while emphasizing the importance exercise plays in a healthy life. It is a ten week program that concludes with the girls running a 5K. When not chasing after the kids I enjoy running. I hope to complete a few half marathons this year and maybe even the Chicago Marathon.
Do you have a favorite place to visit/eat/hang out in Fort Wayne yet? When we get a night out alone, Eric and I like to head downtown. We love the Oyster Bar, Paula’s and Club Soda and in the summer we love hanging out at The Deck!
Angela Garcia: Active Member
How long have you lived in Fort Wayne and what do you like about living in Fort Wayne? I moved to Fort Wayne in August 2009. I really love the laid-back lifestyle in this area. Since moving to the Northeast Indiana region, I’ve taken up kayaking. There are so many great lakes to escape to -- my favorite is Crooked Lake in Columbia City.
What attracted you to join the Junior League? My husband and I knew no one in Fort Wayne when we moved here – I am from Ohio, and he’s from Minnesota. The managing partner of my firm recommended I try Junior League to make new friends. From the get-go, I was impressed with the women in League. Connie Heflin was President of Junior League at that time, and she did such a great job making me feel welcomed and encouraging me to get involved. I’ve stayed in Junior League because it’s been such a rewarding experience to help the community and to grow as a person with the help of women and friends I truly admire and respect.
What committees have you been on while in League? Women’s Independence Project, Advisory Future Planning, and Communications. I’ve had a great time on all, and have learned so much, too!
What is your favorite League memory? During a Resume Class held by the Women’s Independence Project, I helped a woman from Hope House with no education or work history develop a resume of skills. When she and I started the class, she was completely defeated. She felt that she had nothing to offer and that there was no way a resume would work for her. After talking with her about her life experiences, and re-affirming that her experiences gave her skills that would be valuable in the workplace, we were able to develop a resume of skills for her. The transformation of her attitude in just one hour amazed me. She left the class standing tall, proud of her resume and with the confidence that she did have something to offer. The fact that Junior League gave me the opportunity to have this experience makes this my favorite League memory.
What advice do you have for New and Active League members? Show up, be engaged and have fun!
Summer 2013 Page 10
CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS
We extend our deepest sympathies to Sustainer Carol Popp Bennett on the loss of her husband Carl. Our hearts and our thoughts are
with Carol and her family and friends during this difficult time.
July
1 - Louise Linnemeier 3 - Kelly Dreibelbis 5 - Jennifer Altherr 5 - Susan Ferguson 5 - Ashley Steenman
6 - Gloria Nash 7 - Joyce Neubauer 8 - Sandi Kemmish
8 - Angie Garcia 10 - Charissa Dvorak
11 - Beth Lampton 11 - Adie Baach 11 - Anita Cast
12 - Emily McCabe 14 - Lindsay Wolf
15 - Monica Bradley 15 - Robin Wagner 16 - Angela Herber 16 - Holly Bierman
17 - Pat Miller 18 - Ann Baird
21 - Mary Lou Brink 21 - Linda Myers 21 - Katie Wyss 22 - Ruth Sheets
24 - Charlotte Andrews 26 - Kelli Packnett 27 - Beth Bieberich
27 - Barbara Rumsey 29 - Bliss Cook
August
3 - Barbara Cassady 4 - Kelly Zachrich
5 - Naomi Cunningham 10 - Valla Owen 10 - Sarah Kitch
10 - Keitha Wesner 14 - Kris Robertson
14 - Meredith Stumpf 15 - Carol Platt
16 - Barbara Silva 17 - Barbara Couch
17 - Suzanne Kauffman 17 - Megan Koontz
21 - Bonnie Palevich 29 - Carolyn Schenkel
29 - Carolyn Welch 30 - Janet Treadway 31 - Mary Scrogham
31 - Stephanie Thiede
September
2 - Amy Shurley 5 - Rose Saalfrank
7 - Heather Eracleous 10 - Annie McAlexander
11 - Linda Durril 17 - Caryl Dearing
18 - Tamara Lombard 19 - Mary Fishman
21 - Dani Rich 22 - Laura Antil
23 - Sharon Charron 24 - Norine Kitch
25 - Connie Godley 28 - Debbie Branfield
October
1 - Cathy Krouse 2 - Barbara Lauer 3 - Carol Haberly 4 - Marjorie Cavell
6 - Suzanna Plassman 6 - Michele Kadenko-Monirian
6 - Anne Hoover 7 - Donna Whinery
7 - Stacy Need 7 - Sandi Druley
Thank you to our 2012-2013 Board of Directors - (l-r) Finance VP Donna Whinery, Membership VP
Meredith Palmison, Recording Secretary Shelly Meyer, President Laura Antil, Sustainer
Advisor Debbie Branfield, Community VP Michelle Banks, Treasurer Stacy Christlieb,
Sustainer Advisor Sandi Kemmish, Fund Development VP Joni Dick.
Summer 2013 Page 11
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to
improve the world. –Anne Frank
Summer 2013 Page 12
WE THANK OUR SUPPORTERS
With the generous support from the Fort Wayne community we are able to continue our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the
community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
It is with deep appreciation that we thank the individuals and businesses who have supported JLFW during the 2012-2013 League year with their sponsorships and in-kind donations.
As we continue the 72 year Junior League tradition of women building better communities, we count on the contributions of members and friends to support the programs, training,
community projects and volunteer services of the Junior League of Fort Wayne.
We thank our 2012-2013 Endowment Fund Donors...
We thank our 2012-2013 President’s Circle Donors... Laura Antil
Michelle Banks Mary Berkshire Emily Bondus
Monica Bradley Debra Branfield Michelle Chester
Joni Dick Meg Distler
Linda Dykhuizen Marie Eifert
Cheryl Felger Betty Fishman Paula Hughes
JP Morgan Chase Michelle Kearns Sandi Kemmish Hillary Knipstein Kathleen Lassus
Louise Linnemeier Tamara Lombard
Christine Marcuccilli Mintel International
Michael Nelaborige Ruth O’Dowd
Kristin Packnett Pat Parker
Melinda Perry Barbara Ponder Paula Pritchard Sarah Reincke Kay Richards Carey Roth
Kathy Roudebush Barbara Rumsey
Jeanne Schouweiler Natalie Scruggs
Carol Shuttleworth Kara Squires Ruth Stone
Carrie Stuckey Kimberly Wagner
Ann Wallace Courtney Waterman
Kelly Zachrich
Laura Antil Carol Bennett
Bliss Cook Judith Dawes Caryl Dearing
Constance Gregory Anne B. Hoover Kathleen Lassus Barbara Lauer
Maxine Leckie Suzon Motz
Peggy Murphy Ruth O’Dowd
Kristin Packnett Pat Parker
Paula Pritchard Kay Richards
Kathy Roudebush Barbara Rumsey
Jeanette Schouweiler Natalie Scruggs
Carol Shuttleworth Ruth Stone
Jessica Swinford Ann Wallace
In Honor of E Jane Hamilton Award Recipient
Eleanor Marine:
Carol Bennett Elise Macomber
Ann Wallace Kelly Zachrich
Carol Bennett - in memory of Joyce Eberly Debra Branfield and Carey Roth - in honor of Laura Antil
Kelly Dreibelbis - in memory of Joan Hagerman Philip Gutman - in memory of Carolyn Gutman
Elise Macomber - In honor of Pat Parker
Contributions to the President’s Circle go into our general operating funds to help make possible the many projects and training opportunities that improve our community and train volunteer leaders.
Constance Gregory - in memory of Diane Moppert Phillip Gutman - In Memory of Carolyn Gutman
Barrie Hooley - in honor of Sandi Kemmish Elise Macomber - in memory of Suzanne Curdes
Donations to the JLFW Endowment Fund are invested conservatively to continue our legacy of improving Fort Wayne. In addition, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne matches
a portion of the gifts to the Endowment fund, further increasing the value of our donors gifts.
Summer 2013 Page 13
We thank our In-Kind Donors: 800 Degrees
Aboite Animal Hospital
Allen County Courthouse
All Occasion Rental
A Party Apart
Arbor Mortgage
Armstrong Flowers
Aruba Beach Villas
Baker Street
Baker Street Office Furnishings
Barnes and Noble
Belyst Boutique
Blue Jacket
Boden USA
Phil Bradley
Joan Brown
Bussick Orthodontics
Carson Boxberger LLP
Casa Restaurant
Casual Elegance
Centered Jewelry
Central States Beauty Supply
Chop’s Steaks and Seafood
Club Soda
Community Harvest Food Bank
Cookie Cottage
Country Kitchen
Crazy Pinz
Creative Women of the World
Crescent Avenue Gardens
Cutters Gallery
Do It Best Hardware
Downtown Deli
ENT Facial Plastics
Erika’s Day Spa - Linsay
Espresso Gallery
Ethan Allen and Lydia Runge-Quinn
Neil Farmer - Auctioneer
Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
Fort Wayne Dental
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Fort Wayne Newspapers
Freeman Jewelers
Fresh Market
Cindy Friend Designs
Glenbrook Square
Goodwill of Northern Indiana
Gypsy Chic
Hagerman Construction
Hall’s Gas House
Dr. Joel Harmon
Jerry Henry
Jodi Hicks
Homestead Key Club
Hope House Residents
Sue Hoaglund
Aaron Horsewood
I Heart Boutique and Jamie Watson
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Indiana’s NewsCenter
In Touch Salon
IPFW
JLFW Action Learning Team
JLFW Board of Directors
JLFW Communications Committee
JLFW Community Impact Committee
JLFW Cookbook Committee
JLFW New Member Committee
JLFW New to You Sale Committee
JLFW Resource Development Committee
JLFW Women’s Independence Project Committee
Jophiel
JW Marriott
Kapps Greenlawn
Michelle Kearns
Landscape Innovation
Lotus Day Spa and Bethany Gilbert
David Lupke
Mad Anthony Brewery
Majic 95.1
Matilda Jane - Sarah Spitler
Annie and Michael McAlexander
McAllister’s Deli
McMillen Center for Health Education
Laura Kapp Miller
Mustard Seed Furniture Bank
Vinnie Nix
Old National Bank
Olive Twist
Panera Bread
Parkview YMCA
Peerless Cleaners
Peg Perego
Penn Station Subs
Perry Corporation - Chelsea Pulfer
Cheryl Peterson-Barile
PHP
Pin Up Curls
Pizza Hut
Cynthia Presser
Reflex-ology
Julie and Brian Risley
Tammy Roth
Kathy Roudebush
Russet Design Company
Sam’s Club
Brian Savieo
Scholastic Books
Science Central
Sentimental Journey
Shedd Aquarium
Spiece Fieldhouse
St. Joe Vision - Dr. Martin White
Summit City Radio Group
Symmetry
Mason Thomas
Three Rivers Dermatology
Three Rivers Federal Credit Union
Tippman Sports
The Total Look
University of Saint Francis
Vera Bradley Designs
Jenni Vorderman
Steve Waggoner - UBS Financial
WANE-TV
Weisser Park Elementary School
West Central Quartet
Woodhouse Day Spa
W Worth
Marsha Worthington, RN
Lisa Wright
WE THANK OUR SUPPORTERS
Page 14 Summer 2013
SUPPORTING OUR MISSION
Need a Great Summer Dinner Idea…?
Why not try this delicious summertime recipe found on page 50 of our 70 Savory Suppers cookbook?
As-You-Like-It Chicken Salad
4 c. bite size pieces cooked chicken 2 Tbsp.vinegar 2 tsp. grated onion or chopped 1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper scallions (optional) Salt to taste 1 cup sliced Celery 1 head of Bibb lettuce, washed well 2/3 cup mayonnaise and dried 4 Tbsp. heavy cream
Put chicken in a bowl. Add onion or scallions (optional) and celery. Combine the mayonnaise, cream and vinegar, blend well and add salt and pepper. Toss with chicken until well mixed.
Make a bed of lettuce leaves and spoon chicken salad over it.
Other options include sprinkling 1 cup chopped almonds over salad and replacing the celery with 1 cup seedless grapes.
Our JLFW cookbook, 70 Savory Suppers, makes a great gift idea for, bridal showers, birthdays, and graduation or teacher’s gifts. Copies can be purchased at the following Fort Wayne locations:
Creative Women of the World located at 125 West Wayne Street
Fort Wayne Museum of Art Gift Shop - 311 E. Main Street
JLFW Office - 1010 Memorial Way, Suite 104 On our website - www.jlfw.org
Please share this information with your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors!
A Special Thanks to our Generous 2013 Corporate Sponsors
Wendy’s of Fort Wayne
With your generous support, we are able to
further our mission and our vision in the
Fort Wayne Community, helping us to be
“The Leading Force in Building a
Better Future for Women and Children.”
Address Corrections Requested
In order to be sure that you continue to receive our newsletter, please be sure to notify the
Junior League of Fort Wayne office of your new address or other contact information.
Please send changes to: [email protected], or by mail to JLFW, 1010 Memorial Way,
Suite 104, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Or help the Junior League “go greener”… sign up to receive League Lore in full color via
email. Please just notify the Junior League office of your email address, and we will be happy to add you to the distribution list. Your assistance
with this is greatly appreciated!
League Lore Advertising
League Lore is the official newsletter of the Junior League of Fort Wayne.
League Lore is published five times annually, and is distributed by mail and by e-mail to a distribution list of
over 700 community members.
Advertisements must be approved by the Communications Committee and payment must be made in advance of publication.
Please contact the JLFW Office at [email protected] for rates and to place an ad.
The Next Issue of League Lore -
Submission Information
Editing: Gloria Baals, JLFW Office Phone: 387-5592 E-mail: [email protected]
All submissions for the October 2013
issue of League Lore must be received by VPs no later than Sunday, September 15, 2013.
Please send submissions via e-mail per the
League Lore submission guidelines.
Senders will receive a confirmation of receipt
by e-mail.
Page 15 Summer 2013
PICTURES … PICTURES … PICTURES!
We can never have enough photographs of our events, socials, committee meetings, trainings,
conferences, GMMs, etc. Consider dropping your camera in your purse or tote bag before attending a League function – and use it!
You may submit photos throughout the year via e-mail to Gloria in the League office…
[email protected]... or drop off copies of your developed pictures at
the JLFW office (photos will be returned).
We also have a JLFW Group Room on Snapfish.com. If you have pictures you would like to upload, please contact Gloria so she can send you an invitation to
join. You can then upload your pictures directly.
Photos can be used in any of our publications, PowerPoint
presentations, and on the JLFW Website (www.jlfw.org).
We want to see the smiling faces of our members in action!
JLFW GENERAL
League Lore Submission Guidelines
1. All submissions must be approved by your Council Vice President.
2. Electronic format only.
3. Microsoft Word documents only with text in Arial 10 point font.
4. No formatting (color, bold, highlighting, etc.)
5. Attach a Word document to your e-mail - please do NOT put the text in the body of the e-mail - and name the document with the subject, your name, and the month of the issue (i.e. DIAD Smith Sept.doc)
6. Send digital photos, preferably in JPEG format.
7. If critical content is missing (i.e. date/time/location of event), it is your responsibility to get that information when notified by the LL editor.
8. All information is due to your VP by the 15th of the month. No exceptions can be made due to editing time constraints. Thank you!
9. All submissions are subject to editing.
Page 16 Summer 2013
1010 Memorial Way, Suite 104 Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Fort Wayne, IN Permit NO. 962
Stay Up-To-Date with the Junior League of Fort Wayne
by visiting our website (www.jlfw.org) and our Facebook Fan Page!
Save the Date…For the Following Great Junior League of Fort Wayne Events
Fall Social - Wednesday, August 28 at Laura Antil’s Home
September General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, September 25
E. Jane Hamilton Event - October 2013
October General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, October 23
New to You Sale - Saturday, November 9
November General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, November 20
Cluster Meetings - December 18 (locations to be determined)
January General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, January 29
February General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, February 26
Special Event - March 2014
March General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, March 26
April General Membership Meeting * - Wednesday, April 23
JLFW 2013 Annual Meeting / Social * - Wednesday, May 21
(* All General Membership and Annual Meetings to be held at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art)