November 2015 • Issue 3
In This Issue: • Holiday Shoppes 20th Anniversary • Sustainers Celebrate Mary Harriman • Phase I Paperwork • Holiday Shoppes Update • 95 for 95 Recap • Leadership Changes • Meeting Notes • October GMM Recap • JLS Book Club • Sustainer News
MARK YOUR CALENDARS November GMM • Cancelled November 13: 20th Anniversary Holiday Shoppes Special Event • 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. • Horticulture Building, NYS Fairgrounds
THE HOLIDAY SHOPPES: A 20 YEAR HISTORY A CNY TRADITION As we begin to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Holiday Shoppes, we reflect on what it has taken to make this longstanding fundraiser such a success. 24 years ago … In 1992, President Elect Carolyn Martin attended an AJLI conference, where she learned about the JL of Austin Texas’s fundraiser called, “A Christmas Affair.” At that time, the JLS had two fundraisers; “All Through the House” and “A Whale of a Sale”, held on alternate years. The two events required an enormous amount of JLS member involvement and brought in a limited amount of revenue. Knowing this, Carolyn proposed that the JLS investigate something similar to the JL Austin’s “A Christmas Affair.” The JL of Mississippi offered a training binder about their fundraiser “Mistletoe Marketplace”, which Carolyn suggested the purchase of (at a cost of $50), thus beginning The Holiday Shoppes transformation.
November 17: Board Meeting • Social 5:30 p.m.; Meeting 6 p.m. • JLS Office
In the Fall of 1994, the JL of Austin Texas offered on-site training. The JLS could only afford to pay for one airline ticket to Austin. President Susan Shubmehl offered to use her frequent flyer miles, and to stay with a cousin in Austin, who had a car they could borrow. For approximately $100 per person, Susan and Liz Zlomek attended a two-day training and received a “how to” tour and training manual. Susan and Liz presented to the JLS membership in January 1995. A motion was made to begin research. A month later, reflected in the February 23rd 1995 Holiday Mart Involvement Group minutes, “The involvement group unanimously agreed to recommend to the Finance Committee that the JLS proceed with a Holiday Mart in the fall of 1996, an annual fundraiser for a period of not less than three consecutive years beginning in 1996”.
December 8: GMM and Holiday Potluck • Social 6 p.m.; Meeting 6:30 p.m. • JLS Ballroom
In the Fall of 1996, after four years of research and development, President Barbara Benedict opened the doors of the Horticultural Building at the NYS fairgrounds, marking the start of The
November 13-15: Holiday Shoppes • Friday, November 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. • Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sunday, November 15, 12 p.m. -5 p.m. • Horticulture Building, NYS Fairgrounds
Junior League of Syracuse’s Holiday Shoppes. At the first HS there were 67 merchants with net proceeds of $23,608. The Holiday Shoppes has continued to grow and flourish. We have grown from 67 to 145 vendors, with an attendance of more than 5,000. The Holiday Shoppes has provided training for its members, assisted with member relationship building and increased visibility of the JLS throughout the community; all while raising funds to further underwrite and support the League’s Mission. Beginning in October, The Holiday Shoppes buzz begins; billboards, advertisements, TV appearances and more show the excitement that the JLS Holiday Shoppes brings to our community. In 2015, The CNY Business Journal recognized the JLS’s accomplishments with the “Outstanding Fundraising Event” award. On November 13th, we will open the doors to The 20th Annual Holiday Shoppes, set in the same Horticultural Building that was home to our first event 20 years ago. Every member of the JLS has had a hand in the success of this event. From proposing the idea or serving on the committee, to working a shift - we all have something to be proud of. The 20th Anniversary of The Holiday Shoppes is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations and thank you! A special thank you goes out to Past President Lisa DeSilva for her initial research and article which was published in 2010. Let’s come together to share in the celebration on November 13th 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the NYS Fairgrounds! Contact the President: Jenny Jackson Donahoe: jljack06@syr.edu
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • November 2015 | 1
JLS SUSTAINERS CELEBRATE MARY HARRIMAN
Where Do You See Yourself?
You never know what to expect when a group of Junior League members decide to go on a road trip! And that is what four of your fellow Sustainers (pictured below, left to right, Wendy Carl Isome, Jeanne Jackson, Cecil Rumsey, Michele Jones Galvin and Evonne Pacini) did on Saturday, October 3, 2015.
An important deadline in our League year is coming December 1, 2015. This is the date your“Phase I”paperwork is due! As discussed at the October GMM, “Phase I” is your opportunity to let the Nominating Team know where in the JLS you see yourself next year, and even in 3-5 years if you are thinking ahead.
It started out as we met at Thruway Exit 39, kibitzing during a 45 minute ride, enjoying lunch together in Seneca Falls, headed to the Women’s Hall of Fame and then heading to the Chiropractic School, where the event was held to celebrate The Junior League Founder Mary Harriman’s Induction to the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Did you know that The Junior League of Syracuse has almost 40 leadership positions (including the Holiday Shoppes and Nominating Committees) that give members the opportunity to develop and grow?
We met Mary’s great granddaughter, Cecil Rumsey (also pictured below, center), who highlighted Mary’s call to volunteer in an Immigrant Settlement in New York City’s Lower East Side. We heard stories of 10 amazing women being inducted, trail blazers in their own rights. The excitement in that gym at the Chiropractic School was empowering to everyone there! Can you imagine the ride home!?! -Jeanne Jackson, Evonne Pacini, Michele Jones Galvin and Past President Wendy Carl Isome
PHASE I PAPERWORK
Don’t miss the chance to apply for a leadership position that interests you. The JLS is the place you can safely step outside your comfort zone and build skills and a network of friends that will last a lifetime. In December the Nominating Committee will begin building the leadership slate for the 2016-17 League year which begins next July. Phase I forms will be submitted online this year. Please refer to instructions that were sent via a Blast. If you have questions about any leadership positions, refer to the job descriptions that can be found on the JLS website (www. jlsyracuse.org) or reach out to your Nominating Advisor. Phase I forms received by the December 1, 2015 deadline will be given priority over forms that are submitted late, so please submit your form today! Contact the Nominating Chair: Jill Lawlor: jlawlor@twcny.rr.com
HOLIDAY SHOPPES UPDATE We currently have 145 merchants signed up for this year’s Holiday Shoppes. If you know of anyone who would consider being a merchant or a sponsor for our event, please have them contact Julianna Hebert or Marisa Montreal. Contact the Holiday Shoppes Co-Chairs (L to R): Marisa Yahoo: MarisaRegina16@yahoo.com Julianna Hebert: juliannahebert7@gmail.com 2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • November 2015
95 FOR 95 RECAP Congratulations to everyone who participated in 95 for 95, it was a huge success! Together we reconnected with local organizations, rejuvenated spirits and increased our visibility in the community. During the four day span, 55 JLS members touched the lives of: •
18 women and 3 children at THE DOROTHY DAY HOUSE, preparing a hot meal, providing game night and donating yoga pants.
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250 clients at THE RESCUE MISSION, preparing and serving a meal.
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16 children at THE WESTSIDE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER (PEACE, INC.), participating in painting pumpkins.
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5 women and 4 children at THE CHADWICK RESIDENCE, providing culinary instruction and kids crafts.
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10+ families at UPSTATE GOLISANO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, brightening their day with crafts and pizza.
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100 men at THE CATHOLIC CHARITIES EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR MEN, supplying a hot meal and 150 pairs of socks.
As a part of each project, we learned about what the organization does, who they serve and what their needs are, which subsequently resulted in members donating a bassinet, diapers and wipes to a specific mother in need! Members used the Social Media Toolkit to promote the event, increasing our social network and visibility. Additionally, we had a spotlight on the local news! A special thank you to Jackie Azbill, Courtney Bintz, Cathy Dotterer, Jessica Murray, Amy Slivka, Barb Stratton and Kate Zwecker for their help in organizing this event. Thank you to everyone who participated in 95 for 95, helping move forward The Junior League of Syracuse’s Mission and Vision!
LEADERSHIP CHANGES The following changes have been made for 2015-16: Communications VP (2015-2017): Jessica Murray Online Engagement Chair: Sara Ames Assistant Online Engagement Chair: Whitney Daniels The League thanks these ladies for stepping up for these positions!
Contact the Nominating Chair: Jill Lawlor: jlawlor@twcny.rr.com The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • November 2015 | 3
MEETING NOTES
OCTOBER GMM RECAP
League Updates (Jenny Jackson Donahoe) Upcoming events: • October 22nd: Nominating Game Night • October 26th: Book Club • November: NO GMM • November 13th-15th: Holiday Shoppes • November 13th: Holiday Shoppes 20th Anniversary Party • December 8th: GMM and holiday potluck (sign ups will be online)
Mary Alice Smothers ignited the membership at the October GMM with stories about the children at the Westside Family Resource Center, who endearingly call her “Grandma”. Mary Alice, vivacious and a spitfire, is the Director of the Westside Family Resource Center, which is under the P.E.A.C.E, Inc. umbrella. The Center has afterschool and weekend programs in an attempt to give children a safe, engaging environment which they might not get elsewhere.
Holiday Shoppes Update on merchants and booths: • Staffing sign-ups will be online (1 shift is required). Members are asked to track their volunteer hours via google form link in a Blast that has been sent out. Jessica Murray is now the Communications VP, Sarah Ames will move up to Online Engagement Chair, and Whitney Daniels will move into Assistant Online Engagement Chair. Phase I Paperwork will be due December 1st. 95 for 95 went well: 55 members participated. Guest Speaker - Mary Alice Smothers from Westside Family Resource Center/LWHH. • She describes her life motto as living with exclamation, not an explanation. • She works with teens during the summer and school year, as well as with other organizations to help members of the programs as well as families within the neighborhood. • She also works with the schools to foster relationships between teachers and the community. • Upcoming event on November 19th for a Westside Thanksgiving Dinner - volunteers are needed.
The JLS worked with Mary Alice last year for a Father’s Day BBQ, where male residents in the neighborhood came to enjoy a BBQ lunch served by JLS members and received a toiletry kit. During 95 for 95 we painted pumpkins with children and on November 19th, we will help serve a Thanksgiving Meal at Blodgett School run by Mary Alice and the Center. Look for more collaborations to come with the Center in the future!
Contact the President: Jenny Jackson Donahoe: jljack06@syr.edu
Next GMM will be December 9th. The November GMM is cancelled due to the Holiday Shoppes Party on November 13th.
JLS BOOK CLUB • Date: Wednesday, December 2nd • Book: “Big Little Lies”, by Liane Moriarty • Place: TBD
Contact the Secretary: Katie Corbishley: katie.corbishley@gmail.com 4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • November 2015
• Time : 7 p.m. Contact the Book Club Organizer: Jackie Azbill: jazbill007@gmail.com
SUSTAINER NEWS As a busy 2015-16 begins, we want to be certain everyone receives the e-mail blasts and mailings from the JLS office regarding Sustainer events. Did you get the survey in the mail? Do you get The NOTES at the correct address? Are you getting the Blasts that announce various items, including: R & R IS ON THE MOVE. Sept. 22 at Crowne Plaza Library Lounge, Oct. 27 at Julie’s Place in the Regency Towers and Nov. 24 at Genesee Grande 1060 Lounge. THE 20th HOLIDAY SHOPPES. This event is coming up soon and on Friday evening, Nov. 13, there will be a PARTY for the entire JLS membership to celebrate. (I’ll bet there’s a few of us that actually were involved and remember Holiday Shoppes #1 and many of you served as chairs of this wonderful fundraiser!) The HS committee and staffing chair have declared Friday to be “Sustainer Day” and arranged 2 ½ hour shifts for us to volunteer then stay for the party and, of course, SHOP. Details on the party and shift sign-up coming soon. PIE MAKING SCHEDULED. Our traditional contribution of “made from scratch” apple pies to the Rescue Mission
for their Christmas dinner for those in need in our community - please plan to bring your apron and help. It’s great fun! Coffee and pastries provided. Let’s beat last year’s total of 57 pies! We will meet at Blessed Sacrament Parish Center on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9am to Noon. There will be a flyer mailed shortly with event details. TOUR SAVE THE DATE. Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016 will be a fun and informative Tour Night at The Onondaga Historical Assn. Museum, 6pm to 7:30 pm. Learn about some of Syracuse’s most famous and infamous residents! (RSVP and a $12 contribution required) More info coming soon. If you or a Sustainer friend are not getting notices, please contact Dawn at the JLS office at (315) 423-9773 or office@jlsyracuse.org or contact Barb Stratton at (315) 445-2591 or bjstratton1@verizon.net, to update any relevant contact information. Looking forward to seeing YOU at these events! Contact the Sustainer VP: Barb Stratton: bjstratton1@verizon.net
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431 E Fayette Street, Suite 225 Syracuse, NY 13202 O: 315-423-9773 F: 315-471-1464 office@jlsyracuse.org www.jlsyracuse.org MISSION The Junior League of Syracuse 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. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. VISION The Junior League of Syracuse will be an organization of diverse women committed to enriching the quality of life for women, children and their families in the Central New York Community.
Find the Junior League of Syracuse Online! Visit www.jlsyracuse.org