The CRIER Fall 2021 by Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.

fall | winter 2021-2022

AGENTS OF

CHANGE

PROMOTING WOMEN

IN BUSINESS Recognized repeatedly by Working Mother magazine as one of the “Best Law Firms for Women,” McGuireWoods empowers our women attorneys to achieve personal goals and professional excellence. We offer career training and mentoring through our Women Lawyers Network, as well as work-life balance initiatives to sustain career-long success. We proudly support the The Junior League of Charlotte.

JODIE HERRMANN LAWSON, PARTNER

STEPHANIE BRIGGS EVANS, PARTNER

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Jodie is a versatile civil litigator who has tried cases in federal and state court and before the American Arbitration Association in matters involving business disputes, breaches of contract, financial services litigation, and other complex civil matters.

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Letter from the President

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Subdue your Stress

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JLC 2021-2022 Community Impact

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Sustainer Spotlight

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Letter from the Editor Meet the Reporters Choosing to Change: The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. Ramps up its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts

Active Spotlight Seven Ways to Move Forward and Improve in an Unfamiliar World

Walking towards 100 Meet some of the JLC 2020-2021 Provisionals Transfer Spotlight Called to Lead: An Interview with President-Elect Christina Gratrix

From Gold to Green Focus Advisory Committee Update A Week of Service and Thanks AJLI Turns 100! JLC by the Numbers Disrupting Burnout

Highlighting JLC Community Impact through the Years: Part 1, 1924-1960

Holiday/Winter Crafting

I joined the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) as a young mother. My boys were 3 and 1 years old. I was also young in my career and still relatively new to Charlotte. I felt like I was trying to juggle the world. I found my attention torn between work deadlines, daycare drop offs and pickups, doctor’s appointments and somehow trying to carve out space for my own growth and advancement. Like many women in this phase of life, I felt consumed by the day-to-day and wondered how I would make it all work. As strange as it may sound, this was the perfect time for me to join the JLC. Despite everything on my plate, it became clear that something was missing from my life. I come from a family of servant leaders. My mom was an educator. My dad was an educator and a pastor. I even married into a family of educators. Yet, I was not feeding the part of myself that needed to serve and connect with other women. The JLC afforded me a safe space to do just that. Over the years, I have met and learned from many diverse and amazing When women join this women who are impacting our community, advancing their careers and organization and commit to encouraging one another along the way. I’ve learned a great deal from these women and gained new relationships, mentors, mentees and friends. In it, it empowers them. fact, it was another member who encouraged me to take a more active role in the JLC and give back through leadership. This encouragement afforded me the privilege of serving other women on their League journey—helping them form connections and learn about ways to further their reach in the organization and community. I gained experiences that not only helped me grow as a Junior League member, but helped me develop professionally and in my leadership roles in the broader Charlotte community. This was made possible because of the encouragement I received as a new League member and the lessons I learned from our many, diverse and talented women. This is what we do. We empower women who change our community. Over the course of our 96-year history, the Junior League of Charlotte has touched countless lives. We have helped establish many of the organizations that continue to impact our community-such as Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Teen Health Connection, Discovery Place and the Council for Children’s Rights. We have donated over 1.6 million hours of volunteer service in the Charlotte community and championed important issues, such as school readiness. We are Change Agents. When women join this organization and commit to it, it empowers them. Our members build connections, start non-profits and businesses of their own, hold public office, serve on other community boards, advance in their careers and obtain educational degrees and certifications. The list goes on. This past year has been met with numerous challenges for our community. However, it’s precisely because of these challenges that our work is more important now than ever. This work would not be possible without all of you. Whether you are a member, donor, advocate or community partner, your support enables us to continue our 96-year history of service, initiatives and campaigns. You help to empower women so they can change their community. You are Change Agents. As the 2021-2022 President of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc., it is my privilege and honor to thank you for your continued support. As you read this edition of The CRIER, I invite you to learn more about our organization and engage with us further. I am confident you will receive a meaningful return on your investment. Yours in service,

Kellie H. Lofton President, 2021-2022 4

The theme of this issue of The CRIER is “change agents,” in line with the JLC focus and mission this year. Over these last two years, so much has changed. As a society, we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting changes in the way we live and work. Our routines have been turned around, we’ve experienced isolation and as a result of all this change, mental health has taken center stage. This change has been forced upon us due to circumstances beyond our control and it has been challenging. So this year, the Junior League of Charlotte is asking its members to be “change agents,” really? - Well, yes! Through all the changes our society has faced, the women of the JLC continue to create positive, impactful, lasting transformations. We care about others who are less fortunate and need our help, so we create change. We know we need to continue the work of personal growth for our families, our careers and our communities, so we create change. We know our community partners need us more than ever, so we create change. Change for the better in the midst of uncertainty can feel like an uphill climb. Being a ‘change agent’ isn’t easy, and yet these remarkable women make a difference every day through their actions. In this issue of The CRIER, we provide updates on our community partnerships and highlight many of our incredible members. Since not even the Olympics was normal, we touch on the impact COVID-19 had and provide suggestions to help you get through the rest of these challenging days and emerge better than when it began. I am continually amazed at the devotion of our members to give of themselves and create change in Charlotte over the past 96 years. And as the JLC counts down to its 100th Anniversary, we share the story of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.’s 100th Anniversary, celebrated earlier this year. Belonging to the JLC has been such a wonderful opportunity to grow as a “change agent” and I am convinced that this group of intelligent women can change anything if they set their mind to it. It is never too late to join in on the change we create! Respectively yours,

Tammy Stanard Editor, 2021-2022

Tammy Stanard, Editor Tammy relocated to the Charlotte area in 2018 with her husband Pat and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte from the Junior League of Greater New Haven where she spent her Provisional year in 2017. She has more than 20 years of business and marketing experience and is currently working full-time for Kyndryl Corporation as a project manager. Tammy is also an adjunct professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology in the College of Computer Science and Engineering. She is currently following another passion, interior design, by taking classes at CPCC. She holds a bachelor's degree in Transportation Management from the University of New Haven and a master's degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. In addition to volunteering and meeting new people, Tammy loves nothing more than spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, Braxton, Evie, Beckley and Esra.

Shellisa Multrie, Assistant Editor Shellisa has lived in Charlotte since relocating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2004. She holds a master's degree in Educational Policy and Leadership from Marquette University and bachelor's degree in Writing Intensive English. She joined The JLC in 2018 to gain a broader experience in serving the community and to build a wider network. She is a long time learning and leadership development professional with a long history in financial services and retail. Currently she is a senior leader in Global Culture Programs and North & Latin American Employee Experience at HubSpot. Shellisa enjoys volunteering with the YMCA, teaching the art of charcuterie and writing in her spare time. She is a wife and mother of two wonderful children, Jamison and Savannah.

Cara Tucker, Reporter Cara relocated to the Charlotte area from Virginia in 2014. She is a health law attorney with a J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration from Mary Baldwin University. Currently, she is legal counsel with Ensemble Health Partners where she assists hospitals and providers in their revenue cycle needs. She became a member of the Junior League of Charlotte in 2016 to join like-minded women in the service of the Charlotte community. She is wife to Matthew, an air traffic controller, and mother to one energetic and wonderful little boy, George.

Jessica Bush, Reporter Jessica or “Jess,” is from Clarksburg, NJ. She received her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University in 2008, and her Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Tulane University in 2006. Jess joined the Junior League of Oakland East Bay in 2013 and transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte in 2015 after her move to the Charlotte area. Prior to moving to Charlotte, Jess and her husband Matt lived in California, Georgia and Arizona during Matt’s active-duty Army service. She is a stay-at-home mom to four young children, and previously worked onsite in recruiting for LendingTree, Google and Safeway corporate. She enjoys crafting, reading, traveling and spending time outdoors with her family and their goldendoodle, Griffin.

Tomekia Watson, Reporter A native of North Carolina, Dr. Watson earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at NC A & T State University in 2000. She began her professional journey in corporate America, but before long, realized ensuring children received a quality education was her passion. She went on to earn an Elementary Education (K-6) teaching license from East Carolina University, a Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from NC Central University and an English as a Second Language license from NC State University. She also holds a Masters of Education in Supervision and Administration from the University of Phoenix. In 2011, Tomekia received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Fayetteville State University. She soon became a strategic intervention specialist helping school districts identify and address chronic issues affecting student achievement for at-risk students. Currently, she works as an adjunct professor at Liberty University and as Executive Director of Queen’s Advantage, a nonprofit organization she founded in 2021 to give back to the community by educating and mentoring underprivileged youth.

Jessica James-Hill, Reporter Jessica, originally from Tampa, Florida, received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, MS in Sport Management and graduate certificate in Fundraising Management from the University of Florida. She worked for the Florida Gators athletic department in ticketing, compliance, student-athlete development, marketing and donor/sponsor relations. She switched to academics as a full-time fundraiser for UF's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She joined the Junior League of Gainesville in 2015. In 2018, her husband Mike became the athletic director for the Charlotte 49ers which moved them to the Queen City. In 2021, while seven and a half months pregnant, Jessica landed a dream role fundraising for the Wikimedia Foundation, parent company to Wikipedia. She has three children - Luke (stepson and junior at UF), two and a half year old Eloise “Ellie” and three month old Robert “Bobby.”

Spencer Lash Spencer is originally from Las Vegas, but has lived in Charlotte for the past seven years. She has been in the JLC for the past five years, currently serving as the League’s first Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She is an Emmy award winning producer for the NBC here in Charlotte. She currently lives in the Steele Creek area with her husband, Ian and their two dogs. She enjoys reading, traveling and hesitantly working out at Orangetheory.

Mallory Pearce Mallory grew up with half her family in Charlotte, and has lived in North Carolina her entire life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and History from Appalachian State University and chose to continue her studies in the Library Science and Higher Education Masters programs at East Carolina University. She is happy to bring her archival knowledge to cover some of the most unique parts of history throughout the last 95 years of the JLC. Mallory joined the Junior League of Charlotte during the 2019-2020 year and took an interest in working with the JLC’s sustainers in the preservationist role. Mallory’s current roles are JLC Marketing & PR chair and 100th Anniversary Task Force member. For her day job, Mallory is a process improvement librarian and architect for Wells Fargo. In her spare time, Mallory enjoys volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank, traveling to as many countries as she can, trying new breweries and spending time with her pug Millie.

Claire Magee Ferguson Claire moved to Charlotte seven years ago, by way of Boston College, Georgetown University Law Center and her hometown of Port Jefferson, NY. She is the assistant general counsel to Gray Television (parent company to WBTV here in Charlotte), and is currently on the JLC’s AJLI Centennial Board Taskforce. She lives in Uptown with her husband Russ and their infant daughter Murphy Bea.

Amanda Bagwell Amanda transferred to the Queen City in 2013 for her job with US Airways, now American Airlines, as a flight attendant. The Nashville native joined the JLC in 2015, knowing that it would be a great way to serve the community, meet new people and get to know her new home as her grandmother, aunts, and mother are all former Junior League members. She has held multiple leadership roles in her years with the JLC and currently serves on the Board of Directors. Amanda, her husband, Ryan, and their sweet pup, Kuechly, live in the South Park area where they enjoy hosting friends, time outdoors and cheering on the Gamecocks and Panthers, despite some rough years.

Recently, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) began focusing on change in a way it never has before. This is the first year the League has had an official Diversity & Inclusion Committee (D&I) and two slated D&I leaders. While the JLC has been on its D&I journey for 25 years, it really ramped up over the last three to five years. The JLC Board of Directors adopted its D&I commitment statement in 2018 and used this statement as one of the guiding principles when developing the current five-year Strategic Plan. In 2019, the D&I Task Force was approved by the Board as an official sub-committee to continue leading this important work. The 20202021 sub-committee was charged with developing a long-term sustainable plan to embed diversity, equity and inclusion into the day-to-day work and shift the JLC culture. The team’s comprehensive plan was adopted by the Board in the spring of 2020. The full plan can be found by members in the members section of Digital Cheetah, but the highlights are summarized below.

The Plan has four high level goals: •

Attract and retain a committed membership with a desire to work in an inclusive and respectful manner with one another and with the Charlotte community.

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Have a membership broadly reflective of the Charlotte community.

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Create training, processes, policies, plans and programs that meet the diverse needs of the JLC’s membership.

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Identify and address barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion within current organizational systems.

The D&I committee is looking to recruit more diverse women to the League. The committee is working with the Human Resources Council and Membership Development Committee to accomplish this goal, but it starts with ALL of the League’s members. League members are encouraged to tell their friends, family members, colleagues, etc. about the JLC and why it’s a great place for them to be! The most basic goal is to ensure that diversity and inclusion is top of mind for all members, so it is second nature for them to think about D&I in our work and when making decisions.

Attract and retain a committed membership with a desire to work in an inclusive and respectful manner with one another and with the Charlotte community. Have membership broadly reflective of the Charlotte community. Create trainings, processes, policies, plans and programs that meet the diverse needs of JLC’s membership. Identify and address barriers to diversity, equity and inclusion within current organizational systems.

The JLC is working to embed D&I throughout the League by: •

Creating intentional icebreakers to be used at monthly meetings throughout the League, giving all members the same questions.

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Including a question in our partner application to assess an organization’s commitment to DE&I, for consideration in the Project Development and Evaluation process.

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Ensuring diversity-related materials are easily accessible to current and prospective members and prominently displayed on the JLC’s website.

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Recruiting at diverse events around the Charlotte area.

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Including diversity, equity and inclusion questions in candidate interviews for the League’s slated leaders.

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Maintaining a diverse Community Advisory Board to give a voice to different perspectives from the community.

Keep watching for what else the JLC accomplishes as the League continues advancing and advocating for DE&I in the organization and community!

As “change agents” in our community, wives, mothers, and daughters, with jobs outside the home and in the home, life can get hectic. With holiday celebrations to prepare for, the holiday season itself, especially during a global pandemic, can be very stressful. To help, here are some easy to implement and useful health and wellness tips to combat stress and stay focused on positivity. According to the CDC, “in June 2020, 41% of Americans report experiencing anxiety, depression and traumatic symptoms related to the pandemic.” Shawna Lauer, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Charlotte Women’s Counseling explains. “Women often set unrealistic expectations for themselves, we take on too much and then judge ourselves harshly when we don’t achieve perfection. Treating ourselves with the same love and compassion that we bestow on our friends and family is a first step towards reducing stress, anxiety and depression.” As women, we tend to put additional pressure on ourselves to achieve perfection or take on additional work and responsibilities. As a mom of four, I know this all too well. Managing everyone’s schedules is both rewarding and stressful, and I’ve found myself utilizing different stress management techniques to keep our household’s daily stress level low.

Stress Management Techniques Stress is high across the board right now. Everyone has gone through changes in their routines, whether it is at work, home, travel or school. Some common ways to combat stress are to reduce time spent on social media, get outside for fresh air, exercise, meditate or yoga and deep breathing exercises. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, eating a balanced diet and exercising are also cornerstones of helping stay physically and mentally healthy. Another key component of keeping stress under control is practicing mindfulness by staying present and not worrying about the future or past. If stress is higher than normal or is impacting daily life, it is important to recognize it and make a decision. Start by speaking with your primary care provider to rule out any physiological causes. In addition to the lifestyle changes mentioned above, reach out to your friends and family and engage your support network. It’s valuable to not be isolated when going through stressful times. It’s important to have a good support network to lean on in times of high stress. Shawna explains, “One tip is to start to pay attention to when the ‘shoulds’ are creeping in. When you hear yourself say ‘I should be doing this or that,’ take a minute to reflect. Is this something you want or need to do? Or do you just feel like you should? And if you feel like you ‘should,’ ask yourself, ‘who says?’ Once you recognize these thought patterns, with curiosity - not judgment, you can work to let go of those unnecessary shoulds that fuel your stress. Remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can and that perfection is not possible. Instead, strive to be ‘good enough.’”

Mindfulness Shawna explains that “mindfulness is a useful skill that’s proven to improve mental health, but it’s one that people don’t really understand and can feel intimidated by. But really, mindfulness is a simple concept. The goal is to ground yourself in the present moment. It’s about noticing your experiences, thoughts and feelings with curiosity, not judgment. These are simple concepts but the act of being mindful takes practice. The good news is that mindfulness, yoga and meditation don’t have to be time consuming. Dedicating just a few minutes a day to a regular mindfulness practice can be beneficial in reducing stress and can help to bring clarity of thought and feelings.”

Belly Breathing Belly breathing is a focused breathing technique that can help calm the mind and body. It’s useful to do in the moment of stress or anger, but can also be helpful to do daily. Taking a minute a day to take seven deep belly breaths can really help with overall stress levels. To start belly breathing, sit or lay down in a comfortable position. Some people find it comfortable to close their eyes and imagine a safe space that brings them joy and peace. Then place one hand on your chest and your other hand below the rib cage. Be aware of your movement and body position. Start by taking a deep, slow breath in through your nose and you should feel the hand on your belly rise. This is breathing with the diaphragm and not the chest. Inhale slowly for a count of five seconds then breathe out slowly through the mouth for seven seconds. You should feel your belly moving down, and the hand on your chest should stay still. Repeat six more times for a total of seven breaths.

Therapy Therapy can also be useful to help with stress and anxiety. Shawna explains that “therapy is a safe place to talk, vent, make sense of what’s happening to you.” Therapy can be oneon-one or in a group setting. Whether it’s individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, or someone’s social support network, it’s valuable to not be isolated when going through stressful times. As the COVID-19 pandemic nears the two year mark, now is the time to incorporate some techniques to help with stress.

Khrystyne Rasmussen and Paris McAdoo are, respectively, in their fourth and eighth active years with the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). These two women both sit on the JLC’s Education and Training Council where Paris is the Council Manager and Khrystyne is the chair of the Mentor Program. This Council, which includes four other programs besides the Mentor Program, is responsible for developing and executing all of the JLC’s signature training and leadership development programs. Both Paris and Khrystyne’s experiences over their years of service with the JLC have concentrated in internal placements, those which serve the JLC’s members and operations. Khrystyne previously worked with the Public Policy Institute and the Little Black Dress Initiative. This year, in addition to her manager role, Paris is a member of the Leader Framework and Member Transformation Board Task Force, previously served as the Training & Development Committee chair and worked with the Leadership Development Institute. We sat down with Khrystyne and Paris to find out more about their time with the JLC and what being a JLC Change Agent means to them.

First off, tell The CRIER readers a little bit about yourself. KR: I’m a newlywed living in Pineville with my husband, a corgi puppy named Stella and a cat named Cosmo. I’m an attorney in Charlotte practicing insurance defense and civil litigation. I actually got my current job because of the JLC. I was looking for a job and posted about my experience in our Facebook group where I received a lead from another JLC member I had never met before. I’m originally from Lake Norman and moved to the Charlotte area immediately after graduating from law school. I like to spend my free time outdoors, hiking, kayaking and running. I am also involved in my neighborhood’s HOA and on my college’s Alumnae Board. PM: I work in Architecture and Design, am a graduate of Hampton University and a current candidate for a Masters of Project Management at Georgetown University. I have spent most of my career in High-Rise Residential Design and I have a passion for traveling and experiencing architecture around the world.

Tell us what inspired you to join the JLC. KR: As a proud alumna of a women’s college, I learned how much our world needs strong leaders in the community who aren’t afraid of change and who are willing to take a seat at the table. I saw how the JLC worked to better the community while empowering its leaders and knew that was a perfect fit for me. PM: When I joined the JLC, I was looking for a space that included like-minded women. Women who were passionate about their professions, their family, and most importantly, passionate about people. As an architect, I spend my days with men and on most occasions, I am the youngest, the only African-American and the only woman. I was looking for an organization that would allow me to serve my community but also uplift me personally. The JLC was a much needed resource after being in environments where my confidence and expertise are consistently challenged. 12

You’ve not only volunteered in the JLC, but you have stepped up and assumed leadership roles during your tenure. Why have you stayed in the JLC and what type of skills have you gained from your experience and these leadership roles? KR: I’ve learned that the JLC is a safe space to cultivate my leadership skills. I’ve learned patience and how to balance the various elements of life (family, volunteering, friends and work). I’ve learned that growing as a leader is not always easy; sometimes you stumble but the JLC has the safety net and resources to help you along the way. PM: Training and Development is near and dear to my heart, and one of the key reasons why I love and enjoy being a member of the JLC. Since having joined this great group of women, I have personally grown both socially and professionally. I was very fortunate to meet several members that encouraged and supported me along the way. They took an interest in my individual development and I am forever grateful to those women. As a true introvert, it was difficult to step in and speak up. A past committee leader did a fantastic job of honing in on my specific skills and talents and tailored a League experience to help me fully engage. The experience and confidence gained, led me to serve in a number of leadership roles within the League and in other organizations. The development of others has become a true passion. Just as the Education and Training Council and the Training & Development Committee supported me and my journey, I want to serve as a resource of support for others who are on a journey of becoming their best selves.

How have you leveraged these skills and experiences to be a change agent outside the JLC? KR: I’ve learned I have to be patient with others to let them learn and grow, whether it be with my family or with my colleagues. These skills have inspired me to be more thoughtful in my actions and always to lend a helping hand before casting doubt and judgment. PM: The JLC has continuously made developing its membership a priority and has embraced the notion that personal development is fundamental for growth in all aspects of life. I have been able to use the skills and experiences received from the JLC in external arenas. I believe that the resources provided by the JLC are substantial and that all organizations that serve women should make personal and professional training a priority. I was able to use the skills learned from the JLC to create the Rho Psi Omega Leadership Academy within my sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Rho Psi Omega Chapter) to make sure that our officers were well trained internally and for the work they completed in the community. I felt this was important work and a way to assist in succession and legacy planning. This was a project near and dear to my heart, that has been a catalyst of changes in operations, community service and member mentorship.

Tell us your favorite JLC experience or memory? KR: My provisional year was by far my favorite year in the JLC because it presented me with so many opportunities and changes in such a very small window of time. We had one of our small group outings at Top Golf in south Charlotte and I remember being unbelievably nervous about spending time with people that I didn’t know. Over the course of only two hours, we all let our guard down and spent the most amazing evening laughing at each other’s golf skills, dancing and talking about all of the amazing things we wanted to accomplish during our time in the JLC. I am still incredibly close with those women today. PM: I have several great JLC memories. The one that comes to mind first is when Training & Development won Placement of the Year. The committee was small and previously had a high turnover of leadership struggling to find its direction and footprint. I worked really close with the chair to turn things around and we became one of the more popular internal placements, becoming known as the committee with the cool t-shirts. I really felt like I was a part of something great.

What is something others don’t know about you? KR: I played the tuba in my high school marching band. PM: I think very few people know that I am a huge sports fan. I love all sports. I’m not competitive at all, but I enjoy a good game. Basketball is at the top of the list. Although I’m a die hard NY Knicks Fan, I hold season tickets for the Charlotte Hornets. The JLC is fortunate to have women like Khrystyne and Paris within its membership who have stayed involved and committed to serving its members year over year. We can’t wait to see how they continue to impact the Charlotte community and the JLC as change agents in the future! 13

Life has changed, and life goes on. The pain of losing loved ones, jobs, opportunities and even milestones can cause a person to feel disoriented. Many of us know how that has felt over the last couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic. We woke up one day realizing that the world would never be the same again, and even still, we may feel lost. Dealing with this change seems like having to lift ten times our body weight just to move an inch. Slowly though, we have been able to get through this new world and have learned how to change. If you are currently stuck in the feeling of hopelessness or if you would like to be a guide to a friend as they move forward with their life during the ongoing pandemic, here are some ways to help.

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Deal with Grief Dr. Elisabeth Kubler Ross wrote about the “Five Stages of Grief ” that a person goes through as they deal with loss. From denial, anger, bargaining, depression, to acceptance, a person has to go through all of these stages to complete their grieving process. If a friend is grieving, urging them to open up about their feelings isn’t the right solution. Oftentimes, all they need is to know that someone is there. People go through each stage of grief differently, and at different time intervals. Having a support system makes this process much easier. When going through the grieving process, a person can go beyond acceptance. Their grief can inspire them to support relevant charities and causes. Ironic as it may sound, grief can propel a person to change their life for the better.

Detach From Social Media Depending on how it is used, social media can either be a blessing or a curse. Social media updates and communication are great when a person is in control of their thoughts and emotions. But during those moments when a person is more introspective and sensitive, stepping away from social media has its benefits. Browsing social media posts while a person is miserable over a life event may cause them to unnecessarily compare themselves to others or lead to doomscrolling. This may further push them down the depths of melancholy and affect their confidence in moving forward. Detaching from social media is not easy, of course, but it is necessary for many. Uninstalling social media apps is the best option that combats the temptation to open them. Some may also want to consider deactivating their account for a time until they can return with a clear head or setting time limits on social media apps if they do not wish to leave it altogether.

Remember One’s Triumphs When a painful incident gets a person off track, it may feel like they lost their identity. Their life is no longer the same without their loved one, their job or their former lifestyle. It becomes difficult to start over when a person starts to doubt their strengths. When a person starts doubting their skills, recalling past victories can boost their confidence. If they can remember and celebrate their moments of triumph, they can bring out their inner self. Everyone has their share of winning moments. All of us can recollect moments when we’ve won a contest or a game or when we were congratulated for a job well done. As minor as these things may seem, looking back on these past triumphs can help someone to know that this is not the first hurdle they’ve had to overcome.

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Strive To Be Better A little bit of confidence and inspiration can give a person the initial drive to begin a new journey towards personal development. Art is therapeutic, so trying an art form can ease the healing process. On the other hand, someone who wants to sort out their feelings can write a journal or a blog. Writing down thoughts and then re-reading them can help gain a deeper insight into thoughts and feelings. Similarly, if someone is ready to restart their career, professional development courses are available online to give them leverage and to upgrade their skills for their new endeavor. Free courses on various subjects are offered by colleges and universities through Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn and even LinkedIn Learning has a wealth of resources.

Clean Up Being too busy with life can clutter our lives and homes with things that should not be there. The KonMari method of tidying up by Marie Kondo is a great way to organize items without forcing a person to get rid of a lot of things. The essence of this method is to ask oneself if the item “sparks joy.” If it does, keep it. If it doesn’t, thank the item before discarding it. Cleaning up a home can affect a person’s mood, reduce mental clutter and also can help prepare for new opportunities and people in your life.

Reconnect And Build New Connections Instead of getting updates about family and friends through their social media, talk to them. Ask them how they are and remember your moments together. Find new friends and connections by joining support groups, charities or professional organizations. The Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) can be a great resource as the League provides opportunities to connect with other women in the Charlotte area and serve the local community. Through these connections, a person can help others even as they help themselves. We do not need to immediately open our lives to a lot of new people. We can start by reconnecting with family and friends with whom we’ve lost connection due to other priorities. Sometimes, a person can find value in speaking with a trustworthy stranger. This is a person who is willing to listen to get to know another person through their story. There is something special in getting to know a person without prejudices and judgments.

Dream And Set Goals Have something to look forward to by setting goals. Some of us use vision boards because they utilize the power of visualizing one’s dreams to bring them into reality. A vision board may be simple drawings, cutouts and even digital artworks that represent a person’s dreams and goals. These dreams serve as a guide and inspiration to keep going; reminders that there are better things to come once we are ready to take action.

Ready To Take Action?

Everyone’s intellectual and emotional process is different. Each of us needs some time to figure things out while getting patient support and guidance from others. Plants grow and wither in different seasons. So do people. With time, they will bloom again. 15

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is hard at work ensuring that all children are school ready by focusing on health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in priority areas of Mecklenburg County.

Alexander Youth Network

Alexander Youth Network (AYN) provides quality professional treatment to children with emotional and behavioral challenges. AYN delivers an effective and efficient array of services, enabling children and their families to exercise self-determination, achieve their potential and become positive contributors to society. The JLC volunteers work with patients to provide fun and engaging activities and special events. Volunteers assist with hosting quarterly and monthly activities, like field days, birthday parties, crafts, holiday celebrations and kickball tournaments. One-on-one opportunities, such as serving as a lunch buddy, tutor or classroom buddy may also be available.

Bright Blessings

Bright Blessings serves homeless and impoverished children in the Charlotte region. Opportunities for the JLC volunteers include assisting with special events such as birthday parties in shelters, packing gift bags, baby kits, and literacy kits to support various programs and assisting with deliveries of items as needed. Bright Blessings offers both in-person events onsite at their Giving Village warehouse as well as virtual “From Your Location” projects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, JLC volunteers are packing toddler bags at the Giving Village.

Center for Community Transitions

The JLC provides monthly support dedicated to facilitating programming with youth and family clients in the Families Doing Time Program. This programming works to stabilize families and provides academic and enrichment support.

Charlotte Bilingual Preschool

Charlotte Bilingual Preschool (CltBP) prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life by providing superior dual language, multicultural early childhood education. CltBP meets the unique educational needs of Charlotte’s Spanish-speaking children from economically marginalized families and builds an equitable path for their success. The JLC volunteers support specific programs with virtual or face-to-face homework assistance, preschool classroom assistance, parental support in the areas of computer literacy and/or ESL, material preparation for remote learners and teacher appreciation activities.

Charlotte Speech and Hearing

The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CHSC) was founded by the JLC in September 1967 as the first community speech and hearing center in North Carolina. JLC volunteers assist with the March Madness for Reading event by helping with setup, reading to small groups and handing out books for children to take home.

JLC provides support in the teacher supply warehouse packing and sorting items. These items are provided to teachers in the community through special events and a mobile supply store.

Digi-Bridge aspires to create a generation of well-equipped leaders by providing schools with digital classroom consulting. JLC supports Digi-Bridge STEAM Saturdays program by assisting teachers with their curriculum for grades 2- 5, working to build student building and programming skills.

The JLC’s signature Done in a Day project assists community agencies by staffing a one- or two-day special event or filling a one-time need for extra volunteers.

Heart Math Tutoring helps schools ensure that all elementary students develop a strong foundation in math and an enthusiasm for academics needed for longterm success. The Junior League of Charlotte volunteers provide children oneon-one tutorial sessions.

Renasissance West Community Initiative uses a holistic community redevelopment approach focusing on multiple factors, including mixed income housing, educational opportunities, youth/adult programs, and health and wellness serivces. JLC volunteers serve through a multitude of projects that focus on the child and family, including the mobile food pantry and specialized events. Through this JLC signature project, volunteers provide lessons and demonstrations related to the preparation of healthy meals and snacks in partnership with local community organizations.

Classroom Central

Digi-Bridge

Done in a Day Heart Math Tutoring Renaissance West & Kids in the Kitchen

JLC volunteers work with Sugar Creek Charter school, located in a priority zip code, to organize and implement activities focused on improving the bond between families, using a designated curriculum. Previous events have included Halloween Trick or Treating and a Holiday Festival.

Sugar Creek Charter School

JLC volunteers serve as weekly Reading Buddies for the children at Thompson. Volunteers also plan quarterly events for children, including Friendsgiving, rockclimbing and a father-daughter dance.

Thompson Child and Family Focus

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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

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PRE-GMM SOCIAL | 5:30 P.M. MEETING | 6:30 P.M.

Mary Anna Turner As the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) is currently celebrating 100 years of pioneering positive change on the forefront of social reform, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is walking towards 100 years of service in the Charlotte area. Reflecting on our impact in the community over the last 95 years, we sat down with JLC Sustainer, Mary Anna Turner who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She talks about the JLC from her experience as an active member in 1940 as it compares to the JLC of 2021. During the interview, Ms. Turner shared her thoughts on how the JLC has continued to contribute to the community for more than nine decades.

Q: What are some of the similarities and differences in the Junior League of Charlotte from when you first joined and what we know of it today? A: Starting during the Great Depression, it was an entirely different role for women. Years ago, the members of the JLC were debutantes two years removed from their debut and not currently working. Meetings were typically held during the day. By the 1940s, working members were also joining the JLC and separate meetings were held for these members in the evening. In an unusual night meeting of the whole JLC, the president commented that the Junior League was not organized for working women, but [Ms. Turner] countered that it was not organized for young mothers either— which a lot of members were at that time. It was highlighted that you shouldn’t sacrifice working or looking after your children to volunteer. Two common themes for the organization then and now are networking and service.

Q: Given a woman’s role in the home and workplace, what were some reasons for joining the JLC at that time? A: Volunteering and giving useful service to the community. The League began as a social thing, but now more emphasis is on serving society. There is so much to do in the community and many organizations would not be able to do what they do without the support of volunteers. However, it is important to understand human nature and know what will encourage people to volunteer.

Q: What would you note as some of the greatest accomplishments of the Junior League of Charlotte? A: One of the greatest things to get from the League is the habit of volunteering. Volunteers do a lot of meaningful things that people don’t always realize. One of the most important things the League did was build and establish, with the support of other organizations, the Charlotte Nature Museum. Other significant impacts of the JLC include: • The JLC WearHouse • The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte • Discovery Place • The Baby Home • The Council for Children’s Rights

• Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center • Thompson Child Development Center • Levine Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center • Reid Park Academy Community School

The interview highlighted the consistent contributions the JLC has made, and continues to make, in the Charlotte area over 96 years. As the League walks toward 100 years of service, it is the JLC’s mission to develop women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Ms. Turner’s advice to current and prospective members is to fill a position in the League, find a volunteer activity they enjoy and make friends. One of her fond memories was her participation in the Follies, despite losing her boyfriend to all the rehearsing the event required. “It was fun to be an important part of the chorus line for the Junior League Follies.” 19

Where are you from? I am from Portland, OR. What inspires you to volunteer? When you’re able to sacrifice your time and energy to make a difference in someone’s life it brings you a level of fulfilment. It humbles you and you realize how blessed you are. Where are you from? I am from Macon, GA. I moved to Charlotte from Hampton, VA. What prompted you to join JLC? I needed professional development, but also wanted to increase my professional network, gain new skills, make friends and get involved and learn more about the place I’ve lived for eight years. Morgan Buhrow

Allison Willis Where are you from? I am originally from a small town called White Oak in East TX, but I moved here last year after about 10 years in the Dallas area. What prompted you to join JLC? I’ve volunteered all my life, so the JLC was a natural fit for me. I also wanted a good way to meet like minded people in the area since I moved here without knowing anyone! Where are you from? I am from Columbus, OH. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to meet new people and get involved in the Charlotte community. Carolyn Flowers

Briana Rinaldo

Where are you from? I am from Fayetteville, TN and moved to Charlotte in 2015 after graduate school. What inspires you to volunteer? I am inspired to volunteer by sharing my blessings to be a blessing to those in need. In addition, volunteering provides an opportunity to promote my growth by not only learning new skills, but also expanding on the skills and knowledge I currently possess. Where are you from? I am from Northern VA/DC area. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to find more strong, communityminded, professional women in Charlotte. I love making friends and volunteering, so the JLC seemed like the perfect fit for me!

Sarah Jenkins

Jamica La Franque

Where are you from? I moved to NC in 2012; I currently live in Concord, NC. What prompted you to join JLC? My aunt has been a long time member and recently moved to the Charlotte area. I wanted to join the JLC to expand my network of like-minded women, while also making further connections with my aunt through volunteering. Where are you from? I am from Augusta, GA. What inspires you to volunteer? Doing something that means something to me and being able to make a difference. Nyiedra Stokes 20

Brittany Hansen

Where are you from? I am from Athens, GA, but moved to Charlotte about four years ago. What inspires you to volunteer? I love to see people happy! And I love to be able to put my skill set to good use in ways that serve and uplift others.

Anna Eison

Where are you from? I grew up here in Charlotte, NC. I moved back to Charlotte from Charleston, SC about two years ago. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to get to know other women in the community that share some of the same interests and values that I have.

Rachel Carr

Where are you from? I am from Durham, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? I am inspired to volunteer because I know that helping others results in great rewards that no man could ever provide.

Nadirah Keith

Where are you from? I am originally from Florence, SC, but have lived in Charlotte since 1999. Charlotte is now home. What prompted you to join JLC? My cousin is involved in the chapter in Florence and encouraged me to join. Carolyn Benton sent me some more information and I decided to apply.

Sonia Hart

Where are you from? I am from Charlotte, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? The idea of paying it forward inspires me to volunteer. It’s a simple but powerful tool and I want to do my part in participating.

Avery Shaw

Where are you from? I am from Philadelphia, PA. What prompted you to join JLC? I have two cousins who are active in the Junior Leagues in Philadelphia and Charleston. When moving to Charlotte they encouraged me to join the JLC. I also wanted to meet like-minded professional women and learn about Charlotte through giving back to the community.

Jill Gehman

Where are you from? I am from Greensboro, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? I have been volunteering in the community since 2011 and I get so much joy in serving others. Where are you from? I am from Fairmont, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? My parents encouraged volunteering when I was growing up and as an adult I have prioritized it. I enjoy helping others and making a positive impact on my community. DeVona Reese

Where are you from? I am from Houston, TX. What prompted you to join JLC? I joined the JLC to meet like-minded women who shared similar passions around community and volunteerism. I am passionate about what the JLC stands for and am extremely excited to be surrounded by inspiring women throughout the organization.

Dwana Dixon

Where are you from? I am from Columbus, OH. What prompted you to join JLC? I recently moved to Charlotte and was looking for a way to meet new people and get involved in the community. Neely Acree

Lindsey Kell 21

Where are you from? I am from Raleigh, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? Volunteering feeds my soul. I love being able to fill a need for someone, it brings joy to my heart. Where are you from? I am from San Diego, CA. What prompted you to join JLC? I joined the JLC to be a part of a community of women in my new city. Natasha Miles

Where are you from? I am originally from NJ, but moved to Charlotte about four years ago. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to feel more connected to the community that I live in and also have the opportunity to meet the many bright women in Charlotte. A family friend recommended the JLC to me as a great way to meet like-minded women who have a similar passion for volunteerism.

Emily Jones

Where are you from? I am from Spartanburg, SC. What inspires you to volunteer? I have always wanted to serve the community I live in and leave it a better place than I found it. I consider it a privilege to give of my time and energy to assist others. Cailin Bini

Jalitha Moore Where are you from? I am from Nigeria. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to be a part of a community of women that are like-minded, selfless have a strong desire to service the needs of our community.

Nkeru Froneberger

Where are you from? I am from Georgetown, SC. What inspires you to volunteer? It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been involved with a community service organization. I’ve always enjoyed and found personal growth in volunteering with different organizations that give back and work in the community.

Tiffany Bonds

Where are you from? I am from Atlanta, GA. What inspires you to volunteer? Giving back to my community inspires me to volunteer. Knowing that I am directly impacting my community has a special meaning. Where are you from? I am originally from Wyoming. What inspires you to volunteer? I joined the JLC for community and being able to volunteer with other women who value volunteering like I do. I also wanted to feel more connected to the Charlotte community. Colleen Riordan

Where are you from? I am from Charlotte, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? I am inspired to volunteer because I realize that not everyone is afforded the same opportunities and I want to do all that I can to give back to the community that made me the person I am today.

Ashya Kennedy

Where are you from? I am from Greenville, SC. What inspires you to volunteer? Giving back to others and the sense of fulfillment I receive inspires me to volunteer!

Toni Tyson 22

Olivia Lee

Where are you from? I am originally from Omaha, NE. What prompted you to join JLC? I recently moved to Charlotte, NC with my fiancé. I’m hoping to use the JLC to both get to know the community & make some friends!

Victoria Fritz

Where are you from? I am from Charlotte, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? As a native Charlottean I can see all of the great things about this city as well as our opportunities to grow. I want to be a part of the solutions for our city.

Amanda McKnight

Where are you from? I am from Griffin, GA originally, but came to Charlotte to attend Queens University of Charlotte. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to find a network of positive and diverse women who value leadership, serving their community and having a great time. Where are you from? I am from Salisbury, NC. What inspires you to volunteer? I like to try to make the world a better place for someone, even if in a small way. Lisa Hollis

Kim Sanders Where are you from? I am originally from New York City, NY. I currently live in Concord, NC and have lived in the Charlotte area for the last 12 years. What inspires you to volunteer? Giving back to my community and making a difference in the lives of others is what motivates me to volunteer. I enjoy meeting new people and learning about various volunteer opportunities in the Charlotte area.

Crystal Godbolt

Where are you from? I just recently relocated from Rochester, NY. What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to meet like-minded women as well as establish new friendships in a new city!

KaTrina Quinn

Where are you from? I am from Spartanburg, SC. What prompted you to join JLC? I want to further cultivate my leadership skill set and connect with like-minded women called to serve. Where are you from? I am originally from Burlington, NC. I lived in Washington DC for the past five years and recently moved to Charlotte last year. What inspires you to volunteer? I love to give back and help others! I have always liked doing “hands on” work to have a positive impact on others. Kimberly Odom

Where are you from? I am a Charlotte native who can’t seem to leave! What prompted you to join JLC? I wanted to join the JLC for a few reasons. First, I wanted to explore how I could become more involved in and make an impact on the city while also developing leadership skills. Second, I went to a women’s college and yearned to be a part of an encouraging community of strong, like-minded women again.

Lucy Stadler

Where are you from? I am from Montgomery, AL. What inspires you to volunteer? I am inspired to help individuals in need. Alexandra Blackwood

Mary Ann Long 23

Samantha Radtke

Where are you from? I am originally from Broken Arrow, OK, but I have lived in Fayetteville, AR; Denver, CO; Columbia, SC; Houston, TX; and Greenville, SC. I moved from Tulsa, OK to Charlotte in March 2020. What prompted you to join JLC? As a transfer, the Junior League of Charlotte has been a great outlet for me to get connected to other women in Charlotte, discover my new-to-me city and find different ways to serve my new community. What League are you transferring from? I transferred from the Junior League of Tulsa in March 2020 and transferred from the Junior League of Greenville to Tulsa in 2018. What inspires you to volunteer? I am inspired to volunteer because I feel that you have to be an active participant in a community that you want to see change and grow. It has allowed me to invest my time, treasure and talent to help make an impact, no matter the size, in my community. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to interact with different people, learn about different issues in our community and grow new skill sets that have made a lasting impact in my life.

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“When it was announced I was the [President-Elect], some [Junior League of Charlotte] friends joked, ‘You know that’s failing at sustaining, right?’’’ After the world shut down in March 2020, then-sustainer Christina Gratrix felt a pull to jump back into The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). Christina’s daughter started kindergarten in 2019 and both she and her older brother finished school virtually in 2020. “Doing school virtually while working remotely was very difficult for me and my husband,” Christina explained, “but we were very fortunate; we were parents who had the opportunity to work from home who had jobs and didn’t have to worry about putting food on the table.” Seeing first responders and health care workers go to work every day, she wondered about their kids and how those families were managing with virtual schooling, shutdowns and COVID-19. Thinking about Charlotte’s persistent education and opportunity gaps, and how COVID-19 would widen those inequities for years to come, left her awake at night thinking of those children. “I knew I wanted to do something to help, but I am one person. The JLC provides you the opportunity to connect with other volunteers and to make an impact. As an individual, you aren’t going to move the needle in the same way as when you are part of the League.” Christina transferred to the JLC from the Junior League of Richmond in 2010 and held many different JLC leadership positions before sustaining in 2018. “Sustaining gave me the most flexibility for my family when I did it,” Christina explained, “but I still remained engaged.” After sustaining, Christina had opportunities in her career to build teams and lead projects – skills she thought she could bring in service to the JLC. Her children are now in school, and her husband, Jordan, has since switched jobs and now enjoys more manageable work hours. The inequitable impacts of COVID-19 left Christina yearning to be part of the solution for Charlotte’s children and jump back into the JLC; it also seemed the time in her life was right to do so. Jordan agreed and encouraged her, saying: “Now is the time. Go for it.” In conversations with her children, they agreed to share her a bit more. With her family behind her, Christina took the leap and jumped back into the JLC and leadership as President-Elect for the 2021-22 JLC year and President for the 2022-23 JLC year. Since assuming her new role, Christina manages her time by continually reflecting upon her goals and what matters most to her, and by blocking her time accordingly. “Before the pandemic, I liked to do a lot of things and keep busy. I used to think that multitasking was a positive. COVID-19 forced a reset of that lifestyle, and it helped me recalibrate and figure out where I want to invest my time and what is important to me.” Christina plans out her week on Sundays, using a whiteboard to block time for family, work and the JLC. Saturdays are family days to recharge and schedule as little as possible. Reflecting on past presidents, Christina observed how they focused on one goal and concentrated their efforts and time toward that goal by working with others, and she strives to follow their example and do the same. Christina understands that not everything can be a priority at once and that she is part of a team. “The JLC is a large group of volunteers. No one person can do everything. Everyone pitches in and helps.” While it is difficult some days to prioritize, her work as a project manager has honed her skills at monitoring timelines and appreciating how her decisions or work may impact another person’s ability to finish their work, and these are the tasks that she does first. “What needs to happen first, and what can be answered or done later or by another JLC leader? Things are always challenging, but it makes it all worth it to work with people that I enjoy and who also want to contribute to something bigger.” Apart from their initial disappointment in not moving to the White House, Christina’s children are generally excited about their mom’s work with the JLC. They ask questions and Christina strives to provide age-appropriate answers. Sometimes her children complain about “another call,” but Christina hopes this experience for her children will help them understand the importance of serving your community and that there is more to life than what they see. Through her work, they are developing a connection to the community. Returning to an active role with the JLC has given Christina the opportunity to meet new leaders and women who inspire her with their positive attitude, commitment and work ethic. “JLC women are about pivoting, engaging, and persevering to serve our community. It’s inspiring.” While the pandemic has left our community holding events and meetings virtually, she hopes we continue to stay involved and see the opportunity that we have as a collective to make a meaningful impact for children in the Charlotte community.

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Two Charlotte-Area Locations 8605 Concord Mills Blvd.| 704.979.3430 303 E. Woodlawn Rd. | 704.377.1131

Donna Rasile, RLP®, Senior Vice President, Investment Advisor Teresa Sylvester, CRPS®, Director of Retirement Plan Consulting Bethany Thompson, Registered Client Service Administrator

Donate to the Annual Fund! The Annual Fund plays a vital role in the JLC’s ability to sustain and advance our mission as an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We hope that you consider supporting the JLC's mission and donating to the Annual Fund to allow us to continue to support the JLC's community partners and programs. To make a donation to the Annual Fund, checks can be mailed to: Junior League of Charlotte 1332 Maryland Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209 or go to jlcharlotte.org/annual-fund/

Meet Donna Rasile and her team. They know that providing clients’ financial peace of mind begins with their extensive investment experience. Donna helps clients shape a financial future by employing a holistic and customized approach. Comprehensive, tailored plans take shape out of a deep client connection and focus while delivering excellent client service. Let Donna help empower you in shaping and aligning life goals with financial resources so that you may live a more prosperous life.

Donna Rasile Registered Life Planner® | Senior Vice President | Investment Advisor

Phone: 864.626.5784 | 704-519-8284 drasile@fintrustadvisors.com

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Linda Lockman-Brooks is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). Sustaining members were previously active members who have chosen to stay involved with the Junior League, without the commitment of hours of service. Recently, Linda became the first Black person and the first woman elected to chair the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Board of Trustees. A marketing industry veteran, Linda has served as a leader in large corporate firms and as a consultant and entrepreneur in recent years. She is the founder and president of Lockman-Brooks Marketing Services and shares her expertise as a JLC Marketing and Outreach Task Force Member.

Linda’s Early Life Linda was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri where she grew up with one older sister. Her parents instilled an appreciation for every opportunity. Her parents also helped them to understand that the world was not always fair – discrimination against Black people is real. With love, support, lots of encouragement and serious conversations about the impact of race, Linda’s parents helped Linda and her sister become resilient and focus on achieving their goals. After graduating from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Linda moved to New York City to begin her marketing career. She met her husband and later moved to New Jersey. After the birth of their daughter, Linda began looking for ways to be engaged in her local community, which led her to join the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills in New Jersey (JLOSH). After moving to Charlotte, Linda transferred to the JLC. She notes that, “The JLC has provided her with meaningful ways to serve in my community.”

A Career & Commitment to Education Linda now serves others as a trustee and chair of the board at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), which allows her to advocate for the college in the broader community and provide guidance and policy governance to the excellent staff who lead the college. The students come from all walks of life and many are students of color. Linda believes that an education at CPCC can change the trajectory of a person’s life, while providing a path to economic mobility. “When students look at the leadership and the diverse staff at CPCC, they also see a diverse board of trustees. With my election as chair, now they see a Black woman as the leader of the board. I hope that is even more encouraging to the students that if they can see it, they can be it.”

“My most impactful placement was in the ‘90s working with Charlotte Emergency Housing, which is now part of Charlotte Family Housing. The partnership involved supporting the needs of women and children living in a temporary shelter; from organizing activities for the children and participating in the group sessions facilitated by a social worker, to providing supplies and resources for the staff.” - Linda Lockman-Brooks

Among the many setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics. Initially scheduled for July 24 – August 9, 2020, the summer games were held exactly one year later, from July 23 – August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Still referred to as the 2020 Olympics, the event followed the performance of some of the world’s best athletes. Covering 33 sports and 339 events between the Olympics and Paralympics, athletes from the United States earned a combination of 76 gold medals. Watching athletes from all over the nation excel in their individual sport brought on numerous proud moments for the United States during the 2020 Summer Olympics. Most Olympians train for countless hours, often beginning at a young age, working to reach their highest potential. For many, performing in the Olympic Games is an aspiration. “Competing at the Olympics represents all my years of dedication…into one race. To have a goal for so long and finally achieve it made all the sacrifices worth it”, states Zachary Lokken, Canoe Salome Olympian. However, it was during the 2020 Olympics when we were able to witness first-hand the pressure and mental challenges athletes endure during such a momentous time.

Speaking Out NBC News notes gymnast Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from several events due to mental health issues as a key moment in the Olympic Games. When speaking with NBC, Biles stated, “Mental is not there, so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself.” The topic of mental health is a growing issue among all communities. Mental health is just as important as physical health as it impacts how we process information, interact with others and how we feel emotionally. The Junior League of Charlotte (JLC) is committed to its vision of improving everyday life for children and families in the Charlotte community by working to ensure that all children are school ready by focusing on health and educational needs. Our many partnerships with organizations throughout the Charlotte area allow us to focus on the community’s most critical needs. Advocacy is a part of our focus and the JLC understands the need to educate our members and community on the importance of health, including mental health and self-care, and it’s impact on children and families.

Why It Matters Until recently, mental health was not often discussed. More and more, we see the effects of mental health challenges showing up in our communities. This is why increasing awareness and addressing mental health concerns is important. A community is only as strong as its members. Understanding the connection between mental health and physical health allows the focus to be on the whole person. Building strong communities involves investing in ourselves, our neighborhood and our society at large. It is imperative to build a community where mental health is not viewed solely as being an illness. Mental health also involves having an overall positive state of well-being. It involves creating a culture of care where it’s acceptable for anyone experiencing mental health concerns to look for help. Building a strong community also means valuing the essential need for self-care.

Green is the international color of mental health as it is symbolic of growth, health, renewal and peace. Personal growth, good health and inner peace are all essential aspects of being at your best both mentally and physically.

The JLC would like to acknowledge the Charlotteans who competed in the 2020 Olympics. As reported by Axios Charlotte, they are: • Erika Brown, Swimming

• Michal Smolen, Canoe/Kayak

• Anna Cockrell, Track and Field

• Naya Tapper, Rugby

• Gabbi Cunningham, Track and Field

• Hannah Aspden, Paralympic Swimmer

• Evy Leibfarth, Slalom Canoe and Slalom Kayak

• Caine Wilkes, Weightlifting

• Zachary Lokken, Canoe/Kayak

• Mackenzie Hughes, Golf

• Ryder Ryan, Baseball Thanks and appreciation for the phenomenal job each athlete did to represent our community. The immense physical and mental effort it takes to do what you do is truly incredible. We see you and we support you!

Mental health… …is Physical health! Tips to maintain your mental health VALUE YOURSELF MEDITATE AND EXERCISE

DO THINGS YOU ENJOY SET REALISTIC GOALS

KATRINA JOURNEYS

SAVE THE DATE!

Coach Career+Life+Health Cur rent Sustainer and for mer Director of Staff for the Junior League of Char lotte, Katrina is also a S omatic Coach committed to helping others find their path. Through her business, Katrina Jour neys, Katrina partners with her clients to explore new directions in thinking, feeling and moving through the wor ld. Katrina’s wor k is Trauma-Infor med and integrates S omatic Experiencing ® techniques into her practice.

Interested in starting your journey and clearing the obstacles from your path? Contact Katrina Whelchel, CPC, MA today at KatrinaJourneys@gmail.com or call 704.244.7000, for a free consultation.

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for the Little Black Dress Initiative MARCH 7 - 11, 2022 HTTPS://WWW.JLCHARLOTTE.ORG/LITTLE-BLACK-DRESS-INITIATIVE

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The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) 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. To further the mission of the JLC and leverage its impact in the community, hundreds of women volunteer each year with a common goal of targeting a specific need in the community. This focus area guides how the JLC commits financial and volunteer resources to community agencies and projects that are based on the needs of the Charlotte community and in line with the JLC’s community initiatives. This allows the JLC to focus resources and volunteers in order to make a significant difference for a particular need in the Charlotte community. Over the last 96 years, the JLC has provided more than 1.6 million hours of volunteer service and more than $13.7 million to our community, supporting hundreds of local organizations. Unlike other non-profit organizations that have a static focus area, the JLC evaluates its community focus area every five years to maintain a pulse on the changing needs of the Charlotte community. This enables the JLC to have maximum impact on the needs that are most urgent and relevant to the community by committing all financial and volunteer resources to support this one focus. Beginning in June of 2018, after more than two years of research and development, the JLC adopted the School Readiness Initiative. Since then, the JLC has partnered with our community to ensure all children are school-ready by focusing on the health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in priority areas of Mecklenburg County. School Ready will continue to be the JLC’s community focus through May 2023. This May, JLC members will vote to either continue, revise or change our community focus. This is where the work of the Focus Advisory Committee is so critical to our organization. The Focus Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Board of Directors charged with completing an assessment of the current community focus area and making a recommendation for either continuing, modifying or creating a new focus area for the next 5-year cycle (June 2023-May 2028). This committee is in the process of reviewing multiple needs assessments, interviewing community stakeholders, and surveying members to determine the greatest community needs, potential opportunities for the JLC, as well as what community challenges our members are most interested in working to improve. The Focus Advisory Committee will continue this evaluation throughout the League year and present a proposed community focus to the full JLC membership at the May 2022 General Membership Meeting. Following approval, community organizations that align with this focus area will be able to apply to partner with the JLC during the project evaluation period in the fall of 2022. Community organizations that have applied and align with the JLC focus are selected as community partners by the Project Evaluation Committee and then approved by the JLC membership. The JLC will begin working with these community partners in June of 2023. This is an exciting time for the JLC as we are able to discuss with our members, community advisors and community partners how we can continue to make the greatest impact in our community.

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) continued the tradition of rolling up its sleeves during the month of thanks. In place of the traditional General Membership Meeting, the week of November 16-20, JLC members engaged with one another and the Charlotte community by volunteering with past and present community partners. Volunteer opportunities included both in-person and virtual options, with more than 200 members sharing their time and talents. “We work to develop and empower women so that we can go out in the community to do great things,” JLC President Kellie Lofton said. “What better time to do it than right before the holidays.” Take a look at our JLC Change Agents in action.

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)’s 95th birthday isn’t the only milestone celebration of late … The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) turns the big 100 this year – and there is much to celebrate!

What is AJLI? You may know that the Junior League was founded in New York by Mary Harriman in 1901. What you may not realize is that just twenty years later, in 1921, there were already thirty Junior Leagues across the country, itching to join forces to bolster their power and amplify their collective voices. And so the umbrella organization (then The Association of Junior Leagues of America) was founded, giving the Junior League a national voice. With its powerful professional support, within two years, the number of Leagues doubled to 63 – with dozens more already in the pipeline.

What does AJLI do? Fast-forward to today, AJLI is a membership corporation jointly owned by all 295 individual Junior Leagues. It provides services to more than 125,000 women across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico, and its sole purpose is to add value to member Leagues in their fulfillment of the Junior League Mission. In addition to supporting its members, the AJLI is the uniting factor among all Leagues. The AJLI’s collective voice is a vastly powerful force for change – having influenced research, policy and legislation on issues important to Junior Leagues across the globe. Indeed, the AJLI has had a hand in many reforms: •

Access to vaccinations for children

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Education and provision of healthy food and nutrition for children

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Securing the right to vote for women

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Providing access to the arts

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Advancing literacy for children and adults

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Building awareness for the inadequacies of the justice system for adults and juveniles

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Establishing museums for children

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Legislation to secure safe drinking water

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Awareness for the problem of alcohol abuse

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Support for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and cyberbullying and education of the public about the issue

Perhaps you recognize these goals from your own work: there’s no question that the JLC has been closely aligned with each of these missions.

How are we celebrating? There is so much to celebrate about AJLI – specifically the powerful women who have made up its membership, the institutions that have been born from their hard work, and the imprint each of these has left on the world. We’ll be toasting the milestone at a future GMM – but until then, watch our social media pages for #JLCCelebratesAJLICentennial as we spotlight the work and women of the collective force that is AJLI! 33

WHAT WE DO Promote Voluntarism | Develop Leaders | Improve Communities

Our Mission The Junior League of Charlotte Inc. (JLC), 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.

The Numbers 1,500+ Members $13.7 million dollars to the Charlotte community Total Dollars Allocated: $65,000 Estimated Volunteer Hours: 1.6 million hours of volunteer service

JLC Focus: School Readiness Initiative The JLC partners with our community to ensure all children are school-ready by focusing on the health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in priority areas of Mecklenburg County.

2020-2021 FAST FACTS 158 Children participating in healthy meal demonstrations.

1,997 Hygiene kits and snack packs made for Bright Blessings. 34

5,950

1,651

Children participating in healthy meal demonstrations.

Bookmarks made for Classroom Central.

18,545 Number of people impacted.

Check us out on social @JLCHARLOTTE

#JLC @JLCHARLOTTE

@JL_CHARLOTTE

“The Junior League has exceptional training. I can’t begin to list all of the things I’ve learned. Most importantly, I’ve been able to use the training professionally and as a civic leader.” -Toni F. “The JLC gives me the honor and opportunity to encourage and empower other passionate women to become the leaders and world changers they were created to be.” -Julie B.

“

We cannot change what we are not aware of and once we are aware we cannot help but change. - Sheryl Sandberg

”

Members of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), are “change agents” and work from the heart. They serve the JLC, fellow members and the League’s community partners in furtherance of the JLC’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. They serve in the JLC while working and serving in other personal and professional roles that together may leave them depleted and at-risk of burnout. Each of us is encouraged to disrupt the cycle of burnout so that we may continue the work we were created to do.

Dr. Jackson’s Burnout Story In August 2019, Dr. Patrice Buckner Jackson, affectionately known as Dr. PBJ in her community, reached the executive role she had worked 20 years to obtain. Dr. PBJ is an educator with a doctoral degree in Education Administration. She had a corner office, staff, and a parking spot with her name on it. She had reached the picture of success, the picture of power, what she had worked so hard and so long to reach. And yet, on that August day, she found herself crying on her commute to work and in her parking spot. She pulled herself together, said good morning to her staff, went to her office, and crumpled upon entry. She held onto the doorknob for some time before making it to her desk, holding on to it for fear of falling. She had nothing more to give and knew it was time to go.

“Overwhelm is the Whisper, Burnout is the Demand” While grateful for her journey, Dr. Jackson minces no words that achieving her professional goals almost cost her everything. “I was always taught to keep climbing, to keep pushing. I had mentors along the way who told me I was doing a good job, that I could be President [of a university] if I wanted. I appreciate the encouragement I received along the way, and I don’t regret any of it. It was necessary. If I hadn’t made it to Vice President, I would have still been pushing for it because I didn’t know it wasn’t what I was supposed to do until I was there. I’m so grateful for my path, but I know I’m not the only woman doing my best and going after things. There are women out there working hard, pursuing a career, raising a family, being a good partner, serving their communities and doing all the things – because that’s what we’ve been taught we’re supposed to 36

do. That these things are the picture of success and power, so we continue to pursue all those things.” Dr. Jackson explains that, upon reaching that level of success and power, she realized that she had nothing else to give. “I often say, ‘overwhelm is the whisper, but burnout is the demand.’ I didn’t want to walk away from my students, team and colleagues. I didn’t want it to end that way, and I still carry some guilt about the way it ended, but I had no choice at that point. I had to stop.” Dr. Jackson left her position and took five months to recover in quiet and understand what happened and how she got to that point. At first, she thought that people in her life put too much on her. Upon reflection, however, she realized that it was not that other people demanded too much of her but that she “allowed it, invited it and created this life for herself without proper boundaries.” Approaching life without identifying her values, boundaries, or individual brilliance ultimately left her at rock-bottom burnout and costing her almost everything. Emerging from that experience, Dr. Jackson developed tools to help people live lives free of burnout, overwhelm and compassion fatigue, while also continuing to work, serve and do the things they are created to do in a long-term and sustainable way.

Your Heart Work Journey “You cannot work from the heart until you work in the heart.” Dr. Jackson’s “heart work journey” is an intentional three-step process. Step 1: Check Your Baggage “You will not honor your own boundaries until you check your baggage. It’s one thing to create a boundary, but it’s another thing to make sure that boundary is effective in

your life.” Dr. Jackson explains that this is a slow process of self-reflection to identify your burnout story and what in your life has happened or what you have learned that has determined how you approach life and work. Until you recognize your origin, story and recognize your individual symptoms (or “your tell”), she says that you will never be able to disrupt the burnout cycle. She explains that burnout is a cycle: you may be in a good position right now but until you have a process in place, you may find yourself later at rock-bottom burnout wondering what happened. Being able to identify and recognize your tell now—before burnout—allows you to adjust yourself and continue your work. Step 2: Build Your Boundaries Building your boundaries begins with identifying your values. Dr. Jackson explains, “Burnout is a thief. It will come to steal the things that are most important to you. The question to ask is what are you not willing to lose?” When you’re in burnout, what’s most important to you—whether it be family, health, faith, friendships—may be in jeopardy and compromised. Dr. Jackson recommends building your boundaries there. Like a wall around an ancient city, Dr. Jackson explains that boundaries protect you mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. Step 3: Discover Your Brilliance “This is where the power comes in because I’ve found that many people are burned out and overwhelmed because they are trying to do work that they were never created to do.” Instead of living according to the standards that other people set for you or in people-pleasing, Dr. Jackson encourages you to live according to your individual genius and purpose that you were created to do. When you go through the process of discovering your brilliance, it is powerful because you know how and when to say no. “It’s not confrontational. You give a well-placed ‘no’ when the ask does not fall within your genius.” It’s powerful because this is where the game is changed.

Adopting a Lifestyle of Rest On your heart work journey, you should work to adopt a lifestyle of rest. “There’s a culture of self-care right now [in our society], especially after the pandemic, but I’m convinced that a facial and a walk are not enough. It’s a good start and there’s nothing wrong with it, but we cannot present it as if it’s the total answer.” Instead of activities, Dr. Jackson encourages women to take on a lifestyle of rest

which she breaks into three categories: selah (daily), sabbath (weekly), and sabbatical (every now and then). Selah: Be intentional in finding daily rest. Dr. Jackson explains that it’s not necessarily a nap, but some time for your brain to be quiet or creative. These moments are for you and no one else, whether early in the morning, on the commute home, in the carpool lane, or outside enjoying a few moments of fresh air and sunshine. Sabbath: It may be time for fun or for a nap, but weekly rest is not work, social media, email, or volunteering. It’s time carved-out for you to stop and refill your cup. For mothers, Dr. Jackson encourages you to take this time and allow others who love your babies to love your babies for a few hours. If you challenge yourself to do it now, Dr. Jackson says your children will have learned from you how to rest and live a balanced life. Sabbatical: Every now and then, you must get physically away. This doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money or stay overnight, but you need to be physically away from your home and work. If you try to stop in your regular setting, you will still think about work that needs to be done. Getting physically away allows you to unwind, focus, hear your own thoughts and engage in your own creativity and breathe. You’ll come back as a better partner, mother, colleague and friend.

Additional Practical Tips from a JLC Member JLC member Frieda Miller is a school counselor in the Charlotte area and is very familiar with the signs of burnout from both students and educators. Frieda explains that overcommitment is sometimes not a choice for educators who are too often all but forced to take on additional work. She encourages them to keep a written calendar and a running list of their projects and tasks. Not only does this help with organization and feelings of accomplishment when a task is checked off a list, but it also may be referred to and shared when there is a need to say “no” to additional work. With students, Frieda sees too many of them playing the “GPA game” where they take on too many higher-level courses at the expense of rest and balance, and which may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. She encourages students, along with their parents and caregivers, to promote balance and rest when taking higher-level courses. All Change Agents battle burnout from time to time, but it is important to refocus and take care of oneself to ensure that we all can continue to make a meaningful impact in our community and the lives of those with whom we encounter. 37

Originally the Welfare League in 1924, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) committed significant financial and volunteer resources to local agencies and projects that focused on the most critical needs of the Charlotte community. In its infancy, the JLC saw the need to support local orphaned and underprivileged children. 1926 brought exciting changes. After joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA, now known as AJLI or the Association of Junior Leagues International) and having utilized a donated cottage for a temporary orphanage, the membership voted to construct its own Baby Home at a value of $16,000. Today that would be the equivalent of $250,000. The Baby Home operated until 1935 and was subsequently replaced by the Children’s Service Bureau. This shift was vital, as the JLC was able to advocate for the children of Charlotte more broadly. Free youth art classes, a children’s community theatre, weekly radio broadcasts delivering wholesome content, and a junior exhibit at the Mint Museum, all became family fixtures into the 1940s. The 1950s ushered great changes as the new Junior League Thrift Shop collected donations to support a massive undertaking. Coupled with a community health focus, a generous donation to the Mecklenburg Tuberculosis Sanatorium was made, and ground was broken for a permanent Children’s Nature Museum in 1950. It still stands in its original location in Freedom Park.

Current Focus Area: Starting June 1, 2018, the JLC began partnering with our community to ensure that all children are school ready by focusing on the health and educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade in six priority zip codes of Mecklenburg County.

Momentum only increased through the late 1950s. The Junior League adopted, for the first time in its history, two projects simultaneously: the Charlotte Reading Center, pledging $30,000 (a $341,000 value today), and a commitment to the Girl Scouts’ Camp at Lake Lure in Rutherford County. A youth concert series awakened an initiative celebrating the arts for several years. The youth of Mecklenburg County remained at the heart of the JLC’s mission. Our predecessors shared a bond and promise toward bettering the lives of Charlotte-area youth. As we continue to mature and move towards 100 years as an organization, we can take pride in knowing the early mission of our founders still stands while today’s JLC ensures our focus is supported by data, research, and a plan years-in-the-making.

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While we are agents of change in the community, this is the season to take time for family and celebration. We are sharing some of our JLC members’ traditions for you to share with your own friends and family during the holiday season. With the holiday season upon us and winter weather in force, now is the perfect time to decorate with some crafting favorites for colder days. So, pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, put on your favorite feel good movie, and let’s get crafting! For this year, I’ve decided that coziness is my inspiration, so I will be providing instructions on how to make an artificial water floral centerpiece and an oyster half shell jewelry dish. I hope these crafts bring a smile to your face and help decorate your home in a cozy way. The artificial floral centerpiece is perfect for an entryway table or a kitchen table centerpiece, and brings a bit of life into any space. The great thing about the artificial water and floral centerpiece is that it can be stored away in the off season and used year after year. The oyster jewelry dish can be a way to display trinkets, or given as a gift. When thinking of crafting, it can get overwhelming, but fear not - these are easy DIYs that you can modify for your own style. Below is a list of all the items you will need, and feel free to adjust on your own if the creative whim hits you. Pinterest can be a wonderful place to start … or a never ending source of inspiration, as my husband has learned. But, one person’s Pinterest fail is another’s Pinterest art, and in the end the goal is, as Marie Kondo says “to spark joy” or a smile. I hope these crafts bring you joy, or inspiration for a project of your own. Happy Crafting! Here is a list of the supplies I used. Feel free to adjust to meet your style. Most of these supplies can be purchased at a local craft supply store or online.

Artificial Water Floral Centerpiece Supplies for the Artificial Water Floral Centerpiece: -Gloves (optional) -Artificial flowers -Vase filler such as rocks or small pine cones (optional) -Clear Glass Vase -Floral Wire Cutters -Acrylic Water Kit The artificial water floral centerpiece is a great way to change up your table and can be used year after year. The acrylic water looks real and my favorite artificial flowers are the real touch kind that look and feel real. These are great to pair with greenery to make a realistic centerpiece display. 1. First, measure the artificial flowers and greenery to fit the selected vase and to ensure a good height, and decide on the floral arrangement you’d prefer to use. Next, use the wire cutters to trim down the artificial flowers to fit the vase. 2. Next, clean the vase and remove any price tags. Pour a small amount of vase fillers into the bottom of the vase, such as small river stones or small pinecones. For the holiday centerpiece, I elected to use small pine cones.

3. Then, follow the directions for the acrylic water kit. Wearing gloves, pour the two bottles together into the mixing tray that is included in the kit. I like to keep a paper plate or tray underneath the mixing tray. Mix the liquid slowly with the enclosed popsicle stick, ensuring no bubbles remain and that the bottom and sides of the tray are scrapped. Keep mixing until the liquid is completely clear, which typically takes about 5 minutes. 4. Next, carefully pour the mixture into the center of the vase, taking care not to splash on the sides of the glass vase. 5. Then place your artificial flowers carefully into the vase and set aside for 2 days for the acrylic water to cure. Once dry, the flowers will be permanently adhered into the clear acrylic water.

Enjoy and display your new centerpiece. It looks real and can be used year after year!

Oyster Shell Jewelry Dish Supplies for the Oyster Jewelry Dish: -Oyster Half-Shell (empty, washed, and dried) -White Paint -Mod Podge (glossy finish) -Brush -Gold paint or Liquid Leaf Paint -Decorative paper -Scissors -Gloves I love how simple yet elegant the oyster jewelry dishes look. By making this yourself, you can pick what themed design you want inside the oyster half shell.

You can find cleaned oyster half shells online, you can upcycle them from a local seafood restaurant or if making them yourself isn’t your thing, you can buy a few already made from from Abbi Knier at abbiknier@gmail.com. See Abbi’s ad in this issue. If you upcycle shells, make sure to clean them with dish soap and scrub well. Once the oyster half shells are dry, it’s time to get creative. 1. First, you paint only the concave side of the oyster half shell white, focusing on any darker spots and let the paint dry. 41

2. Next, you measure and use the scissors to cut the decorative paper to roughly the same size as the inside of the oyster half shell. Then, you will use a generous amount of mod podge on the concave side of the shell and then on the back of the decorative paper. The mod podge will dry clear, so don’t worry if you can see it on the paper. 3. Then, place the paper inside the concave area of the oyster half shell. Push down with your fingers and smooth out any creases, I like to locate the creases in the narrower side of the shell as the gold paint will help to cover this area.

4. Next, paint a generous coat of mod podge on top of the paper, and gently under and around the edges to keep the sides of the paper adhered down. Gently rip the paper along the edge of the oyster half shell, it’s okay if it’s not perfect as the gold paint will cover any areas. Let the mod podge dry. 5. After the oyster half shell is dry, use either gold paint or liquid leaf gold paint. If you use liquid leaf gold paint, make sure to wear gloves and paint in a well ventilated area, as there is a strong smell. Mix the liquid leaf paint well and apply one coat to the convex bottom area of the oyster shell and around the lip of the concave area. Let dry. 6. Finally, cover the entire shell in glossy mod podge or acrylic sealer to protect the finished product. Please remember this is not a food safe item.

Enjoy your oyster shell jewelry dish!

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