Mountain Messages - Fall 2012

MountainMessages A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia Fall 2012 Edition In this issue:

Letter from the President “Every person above the ordinary has a certain mission that they are called to fulfill.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Letter from the President…… p. 1

In 1901, Mary Harriman, along with 80 women formed the Junior League of New York City for the promotion of settlement movements. The women worked to improve children’s health, nutrition, and literacy among immigrants living on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It is amazing to think that the League members’ mission to solely assist their local community remains true a century later.

Pumpkins in the Park……….... p. 2 Events………. p.3 GM Reminders ……………….. p.4 Annual Plan.... p.5

As we begin our 90th League year in Charleston, it brings with it many exciting opportunities to continue the mission.

First, we are launching a new three-year Signature Impact Area focusing on Childhood Obesity and Nutrition called Junior League on the Move. In the spring, the General Membership voted on this new Signature Impact Area because it is a growing problem, and one that hits too close to home. West Virginia’s childhood obesity epidemic is ranked 10th in the nation. Junior League on the Move is in full swing with the help of our President-Elect, Tara Martin and Community Vice President, Jennifer Brennan. The program aims to educate children on healthy living, including nutritious food choices and activities that get kids moving. We introduced this program at our first Impact Day in September where we helped pass out water during the Charleston Distance Run. We will continue the program at Pumpkins in the Park in October where children will have the opportunity to participate in a one mile Children’s Fun Run and active games for fun and prizes that will be held throughout the day.

Second, we plan to increase our efforts in fulfilling our mission of developing the potential of women and leadership of trained volunteers. As such, our monthly General Membership Meetings will cover not only League business, but also bring in speakers and experts to further train members on volunteer opportunities. In September, we welcomed Timothy Bender, Director at Marshall University Nutrition Education Project, who presented on the subject of childhood obesity. Tim shared a wealth of knowledge on the subject, which is sure to help us with Junior League on the Move. The September meeting also covered information related to Pumpkins in the Park and new Committees.

Third, we will celebrate the League’s history of charitable work by gearing up to celebrate our 90th Anniversary in 2013! More information will be available in the coming months on events and activities, but we need your help in documenting the contributions of the League over the years. If you have photos, please contact the JLC office. I encourage all members, sustainers and community partners to check the JLC’s website (www.jlcharlestonwv.org) throughout the year for the latest information and updates on all League projects.

I look forward to an exciting and mission motivated 90th year for the Junior League of Charleston!

Megan A. Alldridge, President 2012-2013 Junior League of Charleston A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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Join us for Pumpkins in the Park!

Saturday, October 27th, 2012 West Virginia State Capitol Complex The primary fundraiser for the Junior League of Charleston (JLC) this fall is Pumpkins in the Park. This half-day event at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex will have events for active individuals of all ages, including: 5K Race/Run, Children’s Fun Run, Carnival-Style Games, Jupiter Jump, Bake Sale, Basket Raffle, Zumba, Yoga and much more!

This is a great opportunity for our members to spend meaningful time together and to create a fun day for the greater Charleston community. All proceeds go to the Junior League of Charleston’s operating budget and fulfill our commitment to supporting community efforts. To obtain tickets, register to participate, or volunteer, contact the Junior League at www.jlcharlestonwv.org, 304-346-5856 or by emailing jlchas@frontier.com.

EVENT SCHEDULE: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.

5K Walk/ Run Registration

9:00 a.m.

5K Run Begins Festival Activities Begin

9:15 a.m.

5K Walk Begins

9:30 - 9:45 a.m.

Children’s Fun Run Registration

10:00 a.m.

Children’s Fun Run Begins

11:00 a.m.

Zumba Session

11:30 a.m.

Yoga Session

12:30 p.m.

Zumba Session

1:00 p.m.

Yoga Session

2:00 p.m.

Festival Activities End

Junior League on the Move!

This spring, the League chose its new Signature Impact Project: Childhood Obesity and Nutrition. We are building Junior League on the Move from the ground up, developing a program to fit the specific needs of the Charleston community.

While initial planning meetings are taking place now, the idea is to show children how much fun it is to be healthy by exercising and having nutritious eating habits. This will include utilizing the skills and talents of our members as several JLC women teach exercise classes, including Zumba, Yoga, and Kickboxing. Members will travel to different events and after school programs to teach children about exercise options and healthy snacks with recipes they can take home and share with their family.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for Junior League on the Move, we are currently looking for groups to whom we can present the program, instructors who would be interested in teaching classes to groups, and anyone who has an easy, teachable recipe that can be shared with children. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Brennan if you have any ideas or comments as to how we can develop the program to reach the largest audience or questions regarding the new Backpack Buddies program.

A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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Preparing for our 90th Anniversary The Junior League of Charleston is gearing up to celebrate its 90th Anniversary in 2013 and we need your help!

Tiffany Smith, JLC Secretary, is compiling pictures and biographical information from all active and sustainer members to highlight in the JLC Directory. It has been a number of years since the League has produced a Directory and the Board felt it was very fitting to bring it back for our Anniversary celebration. Historian, Melissa Stricker, is compiling pictures to add to the Directory and slideshow that will be showcased during the event. If you have any pictures you would like to share, please e-mail or mail them to the JLC office.

Junior League of Charleston Events Cookbooks and Cocktails On August 21, more than 50 sustainers, active members, and potential provisionals enjoyed an evening of “Cookbooks & Cocktails.� Erin Brewster (pictured here) graciously opened her home for the event, and we are very grateful to her for serving as our hostess. Based on the attendee reviews, this event just may become an annual tradition!

The Cookbooks & Cocktails event kicked off with a Sustainer mixer that allowed Sustainers the chance to catch up and peruse and purchase cookbooks from the Junior League of Charleston and other Leagues across the country. Active and potential Provisional members later joined the Sustainers to round out the event turnout.

In addition, Cookbooks & Cocktails provided an opportunity for potential Provisionals to learn more about membership in the League and our mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community. We look forward to the participation of these women as Provisional members during fall 2012.

We thank all the Sustainers who purchased cookbooks at the event. Each cookbook purchased resulted in the alleviation of a cookbook requirement for an Active member in attendance. We hope to host other events throughout the year. If you are interested in hosting a Junior League event at your home, please contact Laura Boone, lauraboone@gmail.com.

Take me out to the ball game On August 15, the JLC teamed up with the West Virginia Power, Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, on an event called Wine Wednesday. JLC was given the opportunity to set up a table at the Appalachian Power Park to promote the League, recruit new members, and sell cookbooks. There was a large member turn out and the league received wonderful exposure!

Thank you to Megan Alldridge for setting up the event with the WV Power and to all the members who showed their JLC spirit at the game!

A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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General Membership Reminders 2012-2013 Membership Fundraising Requirements To support the Junior League of Charleston’s operating expenses and further our charitable mission, each League member is asked to fulfill the following fundraising requirements for the 2012-2013 year.

Pumpkins in the Park (October 27, 2012) Financial Requirements:

Ticket Requirement $15 T-shirt Requirement $20 Bake Sale Item or Contribution $20 Serve on one Planning Committee: Publicity, Tickets, Sponsorship, Basket Raffle, 5K or General Activities   

Event Support: Work one shift the day of the event, or if

Building Communities over Cocktails (March/April 2013) Financial Requirements: 

Ticket Sales $100

Serve on one Committee: Sponsorship, Silent Auction, Tickets, Publicity, Agency Relations, Vendor, or Setup/Cleanup

you are unable to attend the day of the event, you must serve on two planning committees.

Financial Reimbursement Reminder As we start our 2012-2013 League year, the Treasurer and Treasurer-elect would like to remind everyone of the League’s policies and procedures which state that reimbursement receipts must be turned in within 30 days of the expenditure, otherwise they may not be reimbursed. If you have questions or need a reimbursement form, please contact Shana Clay or Christy Smith.

Upcoming Calendar of Events General Membership Meeting Dates:  Monday, September 10  Monday, October 8  Monday, November 12  Monday, January 14  Monday, February 11  Monday, April 8  Monday, March 11 Social begins at 6:30; Business Meeting begins at 7:00 Pumpkins in the Park:  Saturday, October 27th, 2012, West Virginia State Capitol Complex

Cook Books for Sale!

Both of our Mountain Measures cookbooks are now available at Charleston’s Capitol Market at the WV Marketplace store. In addition, the cookbooks continue to be sold at Tamarack in Beckley, WV with Mountain Measures on the top ten books sold at the location!

We have a variety of swaps with other Junior Leagues that can be purchased for $18. Anyone interested in purchasing cookbooks can do so through our website at www.jlcharlestonwv.org or by contacting the Junior League of Charleston by email or phone.

2012-2013 Junior

A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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League of Charleston Annual Plan The Junior League of Charleston (JLC) Board of Directors has identified the four areas of concentration for the 20122013 League year, as follows: I. Community Recognizing the impact that the JLC has on the community and desiring to maximize that impact and fulfilling the League mission statement, the 2012-2013 JLC Board of Directors has adopted the following community goals for this year: 1.

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Wrap up previous signature project at the NICU Family Support, by providing aide and resources for the transition room.

Research and develop an action plan for the new Signature Impact Area focus of Childhood Obesity and Nutrition.

Develop an action plan for a new initiative, Junior League on the Move.

Research and partner with local organizations to develop a plan for Backpack Buddies, a new initiative of our new Signature Impact Area.

5. Continue and expand Impact Projects and offer several community outreach opportunities each month, allowing for more Membership involvement.

6. Evaluate community needs and identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

7. Re-evaluate current placements, including local Board positions, ensuring all needs are fulfilled, and both members and local community organizations are satisfied with the League’s involvement.

8. Educate membership on Out-of-League board placements and encourage those that are placed on these boards to promote JLC at their meetings.

9. Increase involvement in Association of Junior League International’s Kids in the Kitchen initiative.

10. Conduct Fall and Spring Provisional Class capstone community projects.

II. Membership Recognizing the desire to increase membership and to retain current members by providing a satisfying and fulfilling League experience, the 2012-2013 JLC Board of Directors has adopted the following membership goals for this year: 1.

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Maintain at least two League contacts for every member.

Implement internal training for Board members and for the general membership.

Provide members with a list of expectations and benefits of membership.

Develop survey of member satisfaction, areas of improvements, and areas of success.

Address issues of membership satisfaction including, but not limited to: Placements, Impact Days, and League involvement in the community.

Ensure Placement Advisors are reporting to Placement Chair monthly as to the status of their advisees.

Foster open communication between members and the Board to reiterate the Board’s accessibility and flexibility to adapt to members’ needs.

Develop an action plan to address re-membership for resigned members.

Implement Mentor Program consisting of a sustainer, an active member, a new member, and a provisional member.

Encourage involvement of sustainers through more effective communication and sustainer events.

Educate the membership on the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) through the use of AJLI resources.

Encourage use of Leave of Absence status and payment plans to help fit members lives.

Investigate new opportunities for member recruitment.

Facilitate monthly functions for members to gather providing a learning experience, community involvement, and enjoyment outside of League meetings, Impact Days, and fundraisers.

Encourage general membership to participate in Board positions and ensure that the membership has an understanding of what each Board member’s functions are in the League.

Encourage constant member recruitment and ensure potential provisional names are passed to Provisional Co-Chairs in a timely manner.

Ensure Provisional members complete their Provisional training with an understanding of the League’s mission, its activities, and procedures.

A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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III. Communication Recognizing the need to address communications both internally with members and externally with the public and community, the 2012-2013 JLC Board of Directors has adopted the following communication goals for this year: 1.

Foster open communication between members and the Board to reiterate the Board’s accessibility and flexibility to adapt to members’ needs.

2. Keep members informed through newsletter, website, email blasts, General Membership Meeting reports, and end-ofyear report.

3. Explore and act on opportunities for promotion to increase visibility of League to attract new members & sponsors – with the purpose of increasing the available resources to further the League’s charitable mission.

4. Identify branding opportunities with visual signage and member dress at events.

5. Develop an integrated marketing and communications plan to establish a recognizable League identity – both with its membership and with the community at large.

6. Provide members with talking points on League mission, objectives, and main events.

7. Develop a relationship with media contacts through the development of a press kit.

8. Establish a public relations policy.

9. Ensure general membership is aware of all social media outlets utilized by the JLC. 10. Provide training to members on usage of Volunteer Matters website.

11. Use visual signage at events and provide grant recipients with signage to promote the image of the JLC in the community.

IV. Financial Recognizing the Junior League of Charleston’s fiscal soundness and the impact it has on fundraisers, community impact, and membership expectations, the 2012-2013 JLC Board of Directors has adopted the following financial goals for this year: 1.

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Continue to practice fiscal responsibility and efficient and appropriate oversight of JLC funds.

Ensure expenses are turned into Treasurer or Treasurer-Elect in within 30 days of expenditure.

Explore members’ cookbook sales requirement and recommend solutions to achieve 100% fulfillment for each active member.

Continue to market and sell the JLC cookbooks to retailers throughout the state, with the goal to add at least three new retailers to our current list, including online sales.

Develop and prepare a plan for annual corporate sponsorship.

Explore grant-writing opportunities.

Research planned giving programs.

Improve recognition of donors and sponsors, ensuring acknowledgements are sent in a timely manner.

Develop yearlong fundraising strategy.

2012-2013 Board of Directors The 2012-2013 JLC Board of Directors was in full swing over the summer months to identify concentration areas for the year. A special thanks to all the board members for the time spent this summer and for their leadership in the coming year!

Megan Alldridge, President Miranda Burr, Ways & Means, VP Tara Martin, President-Elect Erica Smith, Director-at-Large Tiffany Smith, Secretary Tatem Childers, Nominating Chair Shana Clay, Treasurer Kristin Moody, Placement Chair Christy Smith, Treasurer-Elect Laura Boone, Provisional Development Co-Chair Lizzy Eisenhauer, Membership VP Brandi Conroy, Provisional Development Co-Chair Jennifer Brennan, Community VP Alice Abernethy, Sustainer Advisor Jenna Bowles, Communications VP

A newsletter for the Junior League of Charleston, West Virginia 405 Capitol Street, Suite 501 Charleston, WV 25301

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