fall | winter 2020-2021
Big Pivot, Same Mission
THE CRIER ADVERTISING PRICE SHEET FOR MEMBERS
Full Page Feature
Full year-$500 Single Issue-$400
Full Page
Full year-$375 Single Issue-$275
Half Page
Full year-$175 Single Issue-$150
1/4 Page
Full year-$100 Single Issue-$75
1/8 Page
Full year-$50 Single Issue-$30
Contact: Ashel Sommerman for more details and to buy an ad Email: ashel.sommermann@gmail.com
table of contents
in this issue FALL/WINTER 2020-2021 4
18
4
Letter From The President
5
Letter From The Editor
6 Meet The CRIER Staff
24
9
Provisional Spotlight
11
Transfer Spotlight
12
Sustainer Spotlight
14
2020-2021 Community Impact
17
The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center
18
Recipe: Holiday Baking The Ultimate Comfort Food
21
How the JLC Chooses its Focus Area and Community Partners
22
JLC's Rapid Response to a Charlotte in Crisis
24
The Evolution of the Junior League of Charlotte: A Queen is born
27
Between the Pages: Untamed
28
Crafting 101
31
Why and How to Get Involved with the Juior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)
32
JLCrossword Puzzle
33
The JLC and the Pursuit of Social Justice
33
28
17
letter from the president
a letter from
Charlitta Hatch JLC President 2020-2021 A few years ago, I ran across a quote that said “It was never a dress.” That quote has shaped my perspective on the power of women and the potential we possess as we navigate through the various roles we play. Over this last century, women have evolved in the roles they play at work, at home and in the community and while some women may wear dresses, WE know that it was never a dress. Junior League of Charlotte women are women who are committed to our tripart mission of promoting voluntarism, developing women, and impacting the community while also serving in a variety of roles that include being educators, lawyers, doctors, moms, artists, business leaders, philanthropists and activists. The way that we saw the year of perfect vision going changed on Friday, March 13, 2020, and yet Junior Leaguers reminded the community that it was never a dress. Our 1600-member organization filled with superheroes took our unique superpowers and combined them to effect change in our community. A superhero is a person who does heroic deeds and can do them in a way that a normal person could not. To be a superhero, you need a power that is more exceptional than any power a normal human being could possess, and you need to use that power to accomplish good deeds. Together we are exceptional women that accomplish anything united and centered around our mission, sending a reminder that “it was never a dress.” This year presented several challenges surrounding our communities during this 2020-2021 League year, including but not limited to, the global pandemic, racial injustice and inequities, an economic crisis, and difficult conversations surrounding the election, while still solving for when we can ALL be together again. One thing we have demonstrated is that when we put our mind to any challenge and combine our superpowers, amazing things happen. Some of the superpowers that we have used to make our mission possible this year include resilience, tenacity, empathy, and grit. While the strategies and procedures that we have used in the past have changed, what has remained constant is that each of our members have used their superpowers to shape the way the JLC engages members, our brand and perception internally and externally, our community impact, and how our donors and supporters help us further our mission. Our Junior League heroic women have adopted the mantra Impossible is a mindset. Impossible things become possible when they are done all while proving that it was never a dress. Sincerely,
Charlitta Hatch
4
letter from the editor
a letter from
Kelsey Barker The CRIER Editor 2020-2021
2020 was a tough year for just about everyone in the world and Charlotte has not been spared. So many “unprecedented” things happened in 2020 that the word “unprecedented” became a cliché. Families quarantined at home; many watched loved ones fall ill; a spark lit in the pursuit of social justice; and soaring unemployment and business closures predominantly affected the most vulnerable members of our community. But the women of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) didn’t back down. JLC leadership, committees, and individual members pivoted quickly to respond wherever they could. Organizing donation drives, leading fundraising efforts, marching in the streets, advocating for those still finding their voice we took action in stride even as we ourselves had to deal with massive changes to our own personal and professional lives. It was an incredible moment to watch and be a part of - not simply because of the gravity of the situation, but because of how readily these women rose above it all. The thing is, that’s exactly what the League is structured to do. We keep our finger on the pulse of the local community and consistently revisit our mission and our partnerships in response to what the community needs. At our core, the League is a group of women pooling their resources and saying “Okay, what needs doin’?” That responsive call to service is what makes the League an irreplaceable partner to the community. Our aim with this issue of The CRIER is to explore how the JLC has pivoted to meet the Charlotte community’s needs - not just in 2020, but in our 95-year history. Because the incredible work done by our members in 2020 was anything but unprecedented - the Junior League of Charlotte has served the community for almost a century. My hope is that you read these incredible stories of service and fortitude and are inspired to create your own. With gratitude,
Kelsey Barker
5
meet the crier
Kelsey Barker, Editor Kelsey Barker, a native of Roswell, GA, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2012 and currently works as a Senior Channel Consultant of Annuity Marketing at Brighthouse Financial. Previously, she and her husband William lived in Washington, DC, Charleston, SC, and West Palm Beach, FL, before moving to Charlotte in 2019. Kelsey joined the Junior League in 2016 and has enjoyed the opportunity to experience different Leagues in all the cities where she has lived! In addition to her work on The CRIER, Kelsey and her husband founded Dogwood & Dominion, an apparel company that also supports historical preservation and environmental conservation efforts in the state of Virginia. She also enjoys cooking, painting, and throwing a tennis ball around for her springer spaniel, Rowdy.
Tammy Stanard, Assistant Editor Tammy Stanard relocated to Charlotte with her husband in 2018 and is currently searching for a new opportunity to apply her vast experience in digital marketing and advertising. Tammy has spent many years in Rhode Island, Tennessee, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, loving something in every state where she lived, especially Michigan where she met her husband. Tammy joined the Junior League of Greater New Haven in CT in 2017. In an effort to ramp up her volunteer efforts, she transferred to the JLC in 2018. Tammy also volunteers with the American Marketing Association and is responsible for all social media for the Charlotte Chapter. Tammy holds a Masters in Business Administration from Michigan State University and a Bachelors in Transportation Management from the University of New Haven. In her spare time, Tammy loves spending time with her husband Pat, her adult step-children and especially her grandkids, Braxton, Evie and Beckley.
Ashel Sommermann, Advertising Sales Coordinator Raised in the Charlotte area, Ashel Sommermann graduated from High Point University in 2014 with a BA in Human Relations. She returned to Charlotte after college and currently works at Bank of America as an Enterprise Vendor Manager. Ashel joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 2019 and is currently serving her first Active year as The CRIER advertising coordinator and a member of the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center committee. She and her husband Eric live in the North End neighborhood of Charlotte near the Music Factory and Camp North End with their two dogs, Gibbs and Theta. In addition to spending time with her family, Ashel enjoys reading, working out at Queen City Training, and practicing her newest hobby, crocheting.
6
meet the crier
Shellisa Multrie, Reporter Shellisa Multrie, a native of Milwaukee, WI, moved to Charlotte in 2004. She is passionate about community service and leadership. Shellisa has served on the McCrorey YMCA Board of Managers for six years. She was recognized as a 2019 George Williams Award winner for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. Shellisa has spent the majority of her career in Learning & Development in the Financial Services industry. Currently, she is the Vice President of Company Culture & Engagement at LPL Financial. She enjoys developing other leaders in her sorority, Zeta Phi Beta, and has served on each level with the current role of national appointee. Shellisa is a published author and enjoys writing editorial commentary in her free time. She also loves to cook and enjoys doing live cooking demos on YouTube and Facebook. Shellisa is a loving wife, mom of two and friend to many.
Jessica Bush, Reporter Jessica “Jess” Bush, from Clarksburg, NJ, received her MA in Organizational Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University in 2008, and her BA in History and BA 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. Jess is a stay-at-home mom to four young children, and previously worked onsite in Recruiting for LendingTree, Google, and Safeway corporate. Jess enjoys crafting, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family and their goldendoodle, Griffin.
Anna-Bryce Hobson, Reporter Anna-Bryce Hobson is a native of Greenwood, SC. She relocated to New York City and graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Politics from New York University in 2013. She went on to work for AT&T corporate for a few years before deciding to pursue a legal career. AnnaBryce graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2018. Upon graduation, she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Laura T. Beyer of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte. After finishing her clerkship, Anna-Bryce joined Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in its Charlotte office as an associate in its construction practice group. Anna-Bryce serves on the board of Camping Ministries of the Carolinas and the Wake Forest University School of Law Rose Council. Anna-Bryce lives with her husband, Cauley, in Matthews. She spends her free time hiking, shopping at the Matthews Farmers Market, traveling abroad, and spending time with her two dogs, Moose and Salem.
Marshall McFadden, Reporter Marshall McFadden, a native of Rock Hill, SC, graduated from Presbyterian College in 2013 with a major in English and a minor in Art History. Marshall currently works as Manager and Assistant Buyer for KK Bloom Boutique. In 2018, she joined the Junior League of Charlotte in hopes of meeting other like-minded women and serving the Charlotte community. In her free time, Marshall enjoys trying out new restaurants, going on long weekend getaways, and spending time with her King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Conroy.
7
WE ARE YOUR
P R OF I TA B I L I T Y P E R F OR M A N C E PA RT N E R
3440 Toringdon Way, Suite 205 Charlotte NC 28277 704.457.0006 PAICPAPLLC.COM
8
member highlights
Provisional Spotlight: Katie Clarke McDiarmid by Anna-Bryce Hobson 2020 proved to be a year unlike any other. As the novel coronavirus spread around the world, businesses shut down and people cancelled many social gatherings and well-laid plans. Katie Clarke McDiarmid, a Florida native who recently moved to Charlotte, had no idea what her first year in Charlotte had in store.
About Katie Katie graduated from Florida State University in 2014 and then relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina to work as a ninth-grade math teacher through Teach for America. She ultimately decided to attend law school and graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 2019. Katie joined the business litigation and government investigations practice groups at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP. Katie and her husband, Gordon, enjoy supporting the local Charlotte sports teams and trying out new restaurants in town.
On Joining the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) During a Pandemic
“Being a first-year lawyer comes with its fair share of challenges. Working remotely added an extra layer of challenges.�
Katie wanted to join the Junior League of Charlotte because she is passionate about serving school-aged children and giving back to Charlotte schools. Recognizing the need for growth and change in schools in Mecklenburg County, Katie prioritized finding an outlet where she could couple her love for education-centric volunteerism with her desire to join a local organization of like-minded women. The JLC was a natural fit for her. But
like most everything else in 2020, her Provisional year has also been less than normal. Katie looks forward to eventually getting to meet her fellow small-group members in person and getting hands-on volunteer hours in the community.
On Working From Home Six months after starting her legal career in Charlotte, Katie’s firm, along with most others in the community, temporarily shifted its attorneys to a remote-working environment. Being a first-year lawyer comes with its fair share of challenges. Working remotely added an extra layer of challenges because there were no opportunities for the day-to-day guidance from senior attorneys that an office environment naturally promotes. Katie noted the difficult, yet rewarding experiences she had figuring out some of the nuances of the practice of law from her desk at home. She attended virtual hearings and learned the importance of managing the cases of the partners for whom she works like they are her own. Now that she is back in the office part-time, she has a new appreciation for her conversations in the hallways with mentors and senior counterparts. cont. >
9
Delivering Financial Peace of Mind
C a p i ta l A d v i s or s
| Helping women visualize their financial future, arming them with the tools they need to realize their financial life goals | Passionately dedicated to delivering the best in client service
Donna focuses on helping clients achieve their financial and life goals by employing her holistic and customized approach. Her goal is to deliver financial piece of mind to each client. She has extensive investment experience, and she uses this experience and knowledge to develop comprehensive plans tailored to fit each client’s personal needs. She prides herself on developing a deep connection with her clients and focuses on her goal of delivering the best in client service. Donna has recently been featured in Fortune magazine for Women in Wealth.
Donna Rasile Registered Life PlannerÂŽ | Senior Vice President | Investment Advisor
Phone: 864.626.5784 | 704-519-8284 drasile@fintrustadvisors.com W W W. F I N T R U S TA D V I S O R S . COM
On Getting Married in 2020 Katie is one of the many 2020 brides whose wedding plans got turned upside down by the coronavirus. Katie and her husband, Gordon, got married in an intimate ceremony on April 25, 2020 surrounded by their families. When asked about her wedding day, Katie remarked that it was completely different than imagined, but exactly the way it was supposed to be. We could hear the joy in her voice as she talked about her brother and sister-in-law’s surprise visit to Charlotte for the nuptials, how lucky she was to marry into a family of wedding photographers, and the funfilled reception hosted in her parents’ backyard. Katie spoke of the “acts of love� that made the day more special than she could have ever imagined. It was those acts that underscored the importance of the day and the true reason for the celebration – her relationship with Gordon. The only thing that would have made it better? The couple taking their now postponed honeymoon to Italy!
Community Real Estate Lifestyle
Tiffany Sears 704-565-9748 Tiffanysears@kw.com
www.yourcarolinalifestyle.com 10
member highlights
Transfer Spotlight: Susie Lloyd by Tammy Stanard On Joining the Junior League Susie joined the Junior League in Denver, CO in 2013. Originally from Pittsburgh, Susie and her husband moved to Denver on a whim and didn’t know anyone other than their co-workers. Susie says, “I asked my husband (then boyfriend) Kyle where he wanted to go. He pulled out a map of the US and pointed to Colorado, so we went!” Once settled in Colorado, Susie met the friend of a coworker who was in the League and told Susie it was a great way to meet people, so she joined.
On Becoming a Lawyer While in the Junior League of Denver (JLD), Susie participated in the JLD Leadership Institute, where she and the other participants discussed relevant readings and met with local and statewide leaders to gain insight into civic engagement and leadership. Susie credits discussions during the Leadership Institute for her discovery of her passion, and her subsequent decision to go to law school. Susie earned her law degree at the University of Denver. Currently, Susie is a Plaintiff Subrogation Lawyer, which involves a lot of trial and litigation work.
On Moving in 2020 Susie and her husband wanted to move east to be closer to her family, who have migrated to Raleigh. Luckily, the law firm Susie works with has an office in Charlotte and when a spot opened, she and her husband decided to move. Susie said the whole process was very abrupt; they found out they were moving at the end of December 2019. By the time the movers were scheduled, they called saying they couldn’t send anyone out to move their belongings due to the
Covid-19 outbreak. When the movers were able to start the moving process, Susie found out that her Denver law office and the Charlotte law office would be shut down the next day. Susie and her husband were concerned about driving cross-country given all the state stay-at-home-orders, but with their belongings already packed, they headed out. Susie said no restaurants were open, so they would stop at a Walmart in the morning, buy food and pack it for the day and eat in their car. Susie has not had a chance to meet her new co-workers face to face, and with North Carolina courts shut down, she has been ‘in court’ on Zoom. However, she commented that everyone has been figuring it out and as a result there is a “strong sense of comradery.”
On Her Volunteer Activities with the League
“I asked my husband (then boyfriend) Kyle where he wanted to go. He pulled out a map of the US and pointed to Colorado, so off we went!”
Susie had several placements in the JLD, one being ‘Leaders in Action,’ an internal placement formed to benefit the JLD. The committee would read books from prominent female authors on leadership topics, perform research and then run an informational meeting for JLD leadership. Topics included Robert’s Rules and conflict resolution. Although Susie has been in Charlotte for a short time, she has already been placed with the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CSHC) committee. Susie picked this placement because she feels like she can make an impact remotely. League members are recording readings of children’s books for CSHC, who posts the recordings on their Facebook page every Friday. Susie enjoys working to engage with children even though the sessions can’t be in person. Despite having to pivot due to the pandemic, the partnership continues to thrive. 11
member highlights
Sustainer Spotlight: Brooke Christopher Koumbas by Anna-Bryce Hobson Brook Christopher Koumbas has done it all. She has traveled the world making films, walked red carpets, photographed Hollywood stars, and built a prosperous 15-year real estate career in Manhattan. While Brook’s tenacity, work ethic, and bubbly personality are among the skills that contributed to her successful careers in film production and residential real estate brokerage, Brook’s experiences throughout her 12-year membership in the Junior League were instrumental in guiding her towards her ultimate passion in life: mental health training and advocacy.
Formative Years in the New York Junior League Raised by her father, an internationally acclaimed artist and photographer, Brook knew early on she had a passion for the photographic arts. In 2003, Brook moved from Santa Fe, New Mexico to New York City as a burgeoning young photographer. She quickly landed a job as a fashion photographer with Vanity Fair. In 2008, Brook joined the New York Junior League (NYJL) and started serving on the Cooking and Health Education for Families (CHEF) committee, where she ultimately participated for the next 10 years. As CHEF co-chair, Brook was instrumental in growing the committee from a small team to 50 members. She also helped secure a $3,500 grant to fund CHEF’s mission: educating both parents and children in disenfranchised neighborhoods on the importance of physical health, personal hygiene and a nutritious diet. CHEF provided “On the Go Preparation Kits” to thousands of children in some of the most oppressed neighborhoods of NYC. The kits included cooking essentials such as small stove tops, pots and pans, donated foods and recipes to allow families to cook in shelters that lacked kitchens. Since 2005, Brook has been a director with the Christopher Foundation for the Arts (CFFTA). During her time with the organization, Brook has distributed art supplies, films, and reading materials across the globe. In addition to her humanitarian work, Brook spent six years traveling all over the world, shooting and editing two films with theatrical releases featured in the Cannes, Venice and Berlin film festivals. While Brook seized this opportunity to embrace life as a filmmaker, she always felt like her commitment to CHEF and the NYJL gave her a place to come home to after extended trips abroad. To Brook, “time stood still” when she was working with NYC’s youth. Her years of volunteer service with CHEF opened her eyes to the needs of children impacted by trauma in their early years. Having lost her own mother when she was only six, Brook 12
recognized the necessity of teaching children healthy habits such as self-regulating emotions through meditation and understanding how the brain functions early on in life.
From the Junior League to the Big Leagues In 2016, Brook decided to turn the eye-opening experiences she had helping children through NYJL into a career. She was riding in an elevator on her way to attend a mental health advocacy meeting with the NYJL Public Policy Committee and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) when a literal elevator pitch instantly changed her life. She asked State Senator Jesse Hamilton, who was in the elevator with her, to sign off on a mental-health related bill. Senator Hamilton not only supported the bill, but also hired Brook shortly after their encounter! While working for the New York State Senate, Brook completed her Masters in Social Work with honors at Hunter College. At graduation, she received the prestigious Reva Fine Holtzman Award of Excellence in Field Work for her outstanding field research and practice while working in the New York State Senate. Upon graduation, she worked as the Head of Health and Wellness for the country’s first technology training ground and public wellness site in public housing. In this role, Brook taught more than 2,500 elementary school students how to meditate as a means of coping with traumas they may be experiencing or have experienced in their own lives. To Brook, the “greatest instrument known to man sits between our two ears.” One of her achievements for which she is most proud is advocating for a policy to implement a mental health hotline that is easily accessible by a three digit phone number (Dial 988). Due in part to her advocacy, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) will launch nationwide in 2022. Over the years, Brook has also advocated for a policy requiring pediatricians to conduct
Brook Christopher Koumbas leading a Metropolitan Museum of Art Meditation Workshop for a group of students
mandatory screenings for postpartum depression in new mothers. Brook has also worked on policy requiring training of K-12 school personnel on mental health and youth suicide prevention, similar to the new laws emcompassed in Senate Bill 476 passed in North Carolina this year. Senator Hamilton has referred to Brook as a “modern day Mother Teresa,” words that were rendered true when Brook was awarded an official New York State Senate citation for “Exemplary Service” in 2018. Indeed, Brook has dedicated her professional career to bringing awareness to the importance of mental health. Brook served on the board of the AFSP, and with their resources offered education around early suicide prevention. She also partnered with A Caring Hand, an organization that helps children deal with the mental health obstacles of bereavement, to bring 12-week bereavement groups to the outer boroughs of NYC.
Brook Christopher Koumbas & Senator Hamilton in the Assembly chamber of the New York State Capital Building proposing to members the 3 digit mental health crisis and suicide prevention services lifeline phone number. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act on September 22, 2020 which will provide the 3 digit lifeline phone number 988 and should be available nationwide July 16, 2022
In 2018, Brook met her husband Michael Koumbas. The couple tied the knot last year in intimate ceremonies in Santa Fe and Mykonos. When Michael, an MIT trained engineer, was offered a position with Duke Energy’s Tech Innovation Center, the newlyweds moved to Charlotte. It was a homecoming for Brook as she already had a connection to the Queen City; she lived here as a baby when her father played on Charlotte’s minor league baseball team.
New City, New BCK Brook transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte in 2019 and became a Sustainer in 2020. Now in Charlotte, Brook works as a licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with the A Way Home Housing Endowment, which is funded through the City of Charlotte’s partnership with the Foundation for the Carolinas. In her new role, Brook is responsible for helping families facing homelessness secure stability through affordable housing and gain financial independence. Brook’s approach is a balance between practical life skills and her signature “BCK mantra,” which is, “Be Courageously Kind starting with oneself.” Her job allows her to use all of her life experiences and passion for the arts to benefit her clients. She teaches meditation and art therapy to her families, and just as she did all those years ago with CHEF, Brook uses a twogenerational approach to teach both children and parents the importance of mental and physical health. Brook acknowledges the Junior League with being instrumental to her identifying her life’s work in mental health training and advocacy. To Brook, the Junior League is the gift that keeps on giving. It gives its members an opportunity to pursue a calling while also giving back to their local communities. She encourages any members of the League who have not held a leadership role to “step up to the plate.” After all, you never know how sharing your gifts with others will impact your own life. 13
2020-2021 Community Impact The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is hard at work ensuring that all children in the Charlotte metro area are School Ready.
Bright Blessings Center for Community Transitions Charlotte Speech and Hearing Classroom Central Digi-Bridge
Done in a Day
1214
Bright Blessings serves homeless and impoverished children in the Charlotte region. Junior League volunteers assist with special events at the homeless shelter such as hosting birthday parties, packing gift bags and literacy kits to support various programs, and assisting with deliveries of items as needed.
The JLC provides monthly support dedicated to facilitating enrichment programming with youth and family clients. The programming promotes youth and family bonding through literacy, STEM, creative arts, and health and wellness monthly initiatives.
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 Saturday STEM programs 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.
JLC’s Healthy Beginnings program incorporates two big community projects: Big Shots Saturdays and Give Kids a Smile. Big Shots Saturdays, a program started 20 years ago, works with our Mecklenburg County Health Department to provide immunizations for CMS students. Give Kids a Smile partners with local dentists to provide preventative dental healthcare education and maintenance to children through elementary school.
Healthy Beginnings
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.
Kids in the Kitchen
Junior League volunteers will serve by working with children through literacy programs & introduction to computer skills, working with parents to help them understand financial literacy, and supporting the overall program & modeling of playing together, talking together, & increasing the bond between parents & children.
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.
ParentChild+ Renaissance West Community Initiative
JLC volunteers prepare backpacks of nutritious food and deliver to approximatly 50 students each week. They also assist in the warehouse and Mobile Pantry to distribute food to hundreds of families each month.
Second Harvest Food Bank
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
Junior League volunteers serve as weekly Reading Buddies for the children at Thompson. Volunteers also plan quarterly events for children, including Friendsgiving, rockclimbing and a fatherdaughter dance.
Thompson Child and Family Focus 1513
2020 BEST SCHOOLS
N
RANKED IN THE TOP 16%
“Best College Prep High Schools in America”
CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL
A CO-ED BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL, FOUNDED IN 1921 FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 9-12 LOCATED ON 125 BEAUTIFUL ACRES ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER IN VIRGINIA
CHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL IS OPEN
ACCEPTING MID-YEAR APPLICATIONS AND APPLICATIONS FOR 2021-22 Students enjoy in-person classes, academic support, college counseling, athletics/co-curriculars, and much more. Our academic support also includes our nationally-recognized Learning Skills Program. Christchurch School is committed to the safety of its entire community and is in compliance with all applicable directives, guidelines, and best practices from local, state, and federal government and health officials. Students who are not able to travel to campus because of COVID-19 are able to start classes online immediately with one-one academic support until they arrive.
APPLY NOW • SPACE IS LIMITED • VARIABLE TUITION OPTIONS JOIN US FOR OUR VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE, JANUARY 18 OR APRIL 19, 2021 For more information or to join our weekly Christchurch ZOOM information sessions, please visit our website at
WWW.CHRISTCHURCHSCHOOL.ORG or contact the school’s Admission department at
ADMISSION@CHRISTCHURCHSCHOOL.ORG | 804.758.2306 ext. 122
Due to the extenuating circumstances of COVID-19, some information in this ad may have changed. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.
community partner highlight
The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center by Marshall McFadden Founded by the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) in September of 1967, the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CSHC) became North Carolina’s first community speech and hearing center. The JLC allocated $124,000 over a three year period and provided 30 volunteers to the center. The first therapy session at CSHC was held in October of 1967. Their mission has always been to provide access to superior speechlanguage and hearing services that empower and transform lives. The organization believes that communication is the key to connecting with the world and provides a full range of effective, family centered speech-language and hearing services to everyone in need. Over the years, CSHC has made a huge impact on so many individuals, families, and schools in the Charlotte community. Over 1500 hearing screenings are given to children 2-5 years old every year in Mecklenburg and Union counties. Over 1000 children receive monthly language and literacy inclusion services. Nearly 400 therapy sessions are completed each week. Each year, almost 250 brand new digital hearing aids are provided to children and adults with hearing impairments, who could otherwise not afford it.
Over 1500 hearing screenings given to children 2-5 years old each year
In a typical year, JLC members support the annual March Madness reading event. Volunteers assist in preparing for the event, as well as reading to small groups of children or classrooms, helping out with reading reward parties, and handing out books for children to take home. JLC volunteers and CSHC staff work together to bring the love of reading and literacy to the children of Charlotte. As a volunteer at CSHC during the 2019-2020 school year, I distributed hand-wrapped books and encouraging notes to students at two different schools. Seeing how excited and grateful the children were for their books was a truly rewarding experience and my favorite part of my volunteer experience. But this year, volunteering with the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center looks a little different, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, JLC volunteers do not have access to the clinic for in-person Story Time Sessions. Instead, volunteers are recording videos of themselves reading stories that are posted on the CSHC’s Facebook page every Friday. Crystal Heilig, this year’s chair for the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center placement, says “We’re hopeful that there will be enough progress in the area that we can safely proceed with more in person volunteering in the Spring, but we’ll pivot in a way that makes the most sense and allows us to best serve the children.”
400 therapy sessions are completed each week
250 brand new digital hearing aids to children and adults each year 17
recipe
Holiday Baking: The Ultimate Comfort Food by Shellisa Multrie
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy delicious comfort foods. One of my “go to” recipes for fall is Banana Chocolate Chip bread. It is delicious, easy to make and a family favorite.
18
pictured above is Shellisa with her grandmother, Ardella Taylor
2 ripe, medium bananas (peeled) ½ cup salted butter (softened) 2 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour (set aside an additional 3 tablespoons of flour) 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons milk of your choice ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Patience is key. Before you just start blending all these ingredients together, it’s important to know the magic is in the order of things. When baking, the order of ingredients matter. When I first started baking, I added ingredients as they were in reach, would bake exactly to the time listed on the recipe and often wind up very disappointed at the outcome. With experience (and a few conversations with my grandmother), I learned that cooking is chemistry. My grandma was a cook decades ago at a restaurant back in Milwaukee, WI. She later went on to own several businesses while raising seven children. She is a force to be reckoned with and her cooking does not disappoint! As I write this, she is 95 (just like the JLC) and still amazing! I could go on, but you are probably waiting to find out the big secret so let’s begin. Prior to firing up the mixer, bring the eggs and butter to room temperature. This will allow the butter to mix easily and be extra creamy. I do not have a reason for the eggs other than, my other grandma said so. Use a low setting for the mixer for the entire process. Depending on the brand, it is likely somewhere between folding, kneading or stirring at a two or three speed. Add the butter first and allow it to completely break down and become light and creamy. It should almost look like a delicious frosting. Next, incorporate the sugar half a cup at a time. Allow it to mix fully into the butter before adding more. When the sugar and butter are well-blended, it is time to add the eggs, one at a time. The goal, again, is to let each ingredient completely mix in before adding more. Patience is key as you wait in between ingredients, but it is so worth the wait. Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. You can add these one at a time or combine them in a separate bowl before mixing it into the batter. The key here is to add the dry ingredients in a little at a time to allow them to blend into the wet ingredients. Put that patience hat back on because it can be so tempting to dump everything in at once! Once all of the dry ingredients are completely
mixed in, you are ready to add the bananas. Depending on how ripe they are, the bananas should mix right in after about a minute. The more ripe the bananas, the sweeter the bread will be. Next, add in the vanilla extract and milk. I have tried the recipe with 2% and almond milk before and they were both delicious. You will need to blend for about one minute to ensure they are fully mixed into your batter. Pour the batter into a greased pan of your choice. Baker’s note: I save the butter wrapper and rub that on the inside of the pan. It works like a charm!
Save the butter wrapper and rub that on the inside of the pan. I add the chocolate chips last. Now wait before you just dump them in there. If you just drop them in the batter, they will sink right to the bottom. Most people like a taste of chocolate throughout their slice, so here is how to make that happen. Use the flour you set aside and pour it into a bowl with your chocolate chips. Cover the bowl and shake it around until the chips are covered in flour. Coating the chips in flour helps to keep them from sinking. I use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips. This allows me to evenly distribute them in the pan. I push some to the bottom and slowly stir them around in the pan. Bake the banana bread at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes. This may vary according to your oven. Before removing, you should be able to stick a toothpick or clean knife in the bread and it should come out clean. Once done, allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. This bread is delicious when served warm with a tiny bit of butter or you can absolutely enjoy it at room temperature.
Coating the chocolate chips in flour helps to keep them from sinking.
19 X
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. numerous fundraising community events
partnering engage JLC partnership opportunities are flexible and can be customized based on company’s priorities.
to promote voluntarism, develop leaders and improve our community
To discuss potential involvement, please contact the JLC office at (704) 790-6533 or office@jlcharlotte.org. 20
community partnership
How the JLC Chooses its Focus Area and Community Partners by Jess Bush After 95 years of service to the community, the impact of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) can be felt throughout the Queen City. The skilled volunteers of the JLC have aided many local nonprofit organizations throughout the years. Notable local institutions include the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, the Family Resource Center at Levine Children’s Hospital and Discovery Place. Every five years, the JLC takes a look at the needs of Charlotte and determines a focus area for its members. The JLC’s goal is to help our community partners be successful and sustainable. The JLC aids with dollars and volunteer hours, helping the nonprofits fulfill their missions. From 2018 to 2023, the JLC’s focus is school readiness. The League’s work is focused on supporting the “educational needs of children from birth to fifth grade (including health in mental and physical capacities as well as traditional educational components such as reading, writing, speech, and math)”. Within the next year or so, there will be a task force formed by the JLC President to review the League’s focus. The President looks for a variety of League women to compose the task force, to ensure a diversity in perspectives and experience. Once the task force is composed, they poll membership on the current focus
and determine if members are interested in continuing the focus, if the League should continue but alter it, or have a new focus. The task force then takes the membership feedback and evaluates ways the League can help the Charlotte community. The task force determines if there are enough nonprofit partners and opportunities for JLC women to volunteer and feel fulfilled while doing it. The general membership will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed mission prior to it being formalized. Each year, Charlotte area nonprofits apply to partner with the JLC. The League’s Project Development and Evaluation Committee performs a site visit for each nonprofit that applied and reviews the submitted budget to ensure that needs can be met. The committee also ensures each placement has enough need to support the JLC’s 40 hour volunteer requirement for Active members and that the JLC members will feel fulfilled doing the proposed volunteer work. The committee then presents this information to the JLC management stakeholders who review and vote on the applications to choose partners for the next League year. The League’s membership has the final vote to approve the partners. The JLC currently has 13 community partners and placements.
The 2020-2021 community partners are names familiar to many in the Charlotte community, including Bright Blessings, Center for Community Transitions, Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center, Classroom Central, Digi-Bridge, Done In A Day, Healthy Beginnings, Kids in the Kitchen, ParentChild+, Renaissance West Community Initiative, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sugar Creek Charter School, and Thompson Child and Family Focus.
21
a JLC feature
The JLC hosts a sociallydistant drive-by celebration as 2019-2020 President Tricia Magee hands off the leadership role to 2020-2021 President Charlitta Hatch.
JLC’s Rapid Response to a Charlotte in Crisis by Ashel Sommermann Ask anyone what the Junior League of Charlotte’s strongest attribute is, and you may get answers ranging from voluntarism, to professional networking, to training its members. While these are all true, this year has proven that the JLC’s true strength lies in its ability to react, respond, and rise up to meet the changing needs of the Charlotte community. When COVID-19 began to hit closer to home in early March 2020, the League had to refocus priorities and figure out how best to support both members and community partners. Friday, March 13, is a day that is ingrained in the minds of many JLC leaders - this was the day they realized the pandemic was going to be a very real concern and would directly impact the League and its members. Under the leadership of the 2019-2020 President Tricia Magee, an emergency board meeting was called that weekend to kick off the execution of the Crisis Management Plan. In what can only be described as a serendipitous combination of preparation and luck, the JLC’s Administrative Director Suzanne Grace had led the effort to create the first draft of the Crisis Management Plan seven months earlier, in August 2019. While it required some finessing and adjusting in March, having the bones of the plan in place allowed the League to react rapidly. As Grace explained, her first thought after realizing the seriousness of the pandemic was, “thank goodness we put together the plan!” Thinking from the perspective of how the League could continue to successfully operate if all staff and leadership 22
were suddenly unable to perform their normal duties, the Crisis Management Plan was set up to include everything from important contacts to banking information. It was also built to be easily adaptable, focusing on which key leaders would need to be engaged to make and execute decisions, including the Board of Directors, Management Team, and Staff. The Crisis Management Plan gave the ability to engage other leaders as needed. The Crisis Management Team (CMT) remains accountable to the Board of Directors. The first week after the plan was enacted, the CMT met multiple times in order to make the first decisions required during an event like this. After they called the initial plays, the CMT was able to meet weekly, although the schedule was flexible and sometimes required more or fewer meetings.
“It’s not ‘business as usual,’ but it’s ‘mission as usual.’” This flexibility is another piece of the crisis response puzzle. Not only did League leaders have to adapt their approach to determining next steps and establishing safety precautions, they had to adjust membership requirements and in-person community interactions. Magee described it perfectly when she said the League is “not just adapting, but thinking ahead” - another notable strength of the organization.
One of the first steps the League took to address member needs was to eliminate any remaining membership and financial obligations. Part of this obligation relief included the establishment of the Membership Matters fund. A collaboration between the Human Resources Council, Finance, the Foundation, and other councils, the fund allows the League to offer assistance to members in meeting their fundraising and dues requirements. These decisions were made to remove any potential stress caused by the League, and have served to exemplify how much the League truly cares about its members. After ensuring its members were taken care of, the League’s next step was to check in with community partners, where the JLC was again able to successfully pivot. As 20202021 President Charlitta Hatch described it, “We are still showing up as the League. We’re still supporting; it may just look and feel different.” For example, where the League used to volunteer in person at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center (CSHC), members are now recording virtual storytimes for CSHC to share with its social media following. Financially, the League was able to reallocate some funds that would have gone unused to Renaissance West and Classroom Central. The JLC procured hygiene items for the neighborhood, and was able to donate to Classroom Central to help the organization support Charlotte-area kids in (virtual or in-person) school.
Revamp Financial Coaching JANICA BUCKLEY FINANCIAL COACH & JLC MEMBER
Email: janica.buckley@gmail.com Website: www.revampfincoach.com Helping women take control of their finances and find financial freedom.
Thank you to the JLC Legacy Foundation The JLC Legacy Foundation is a critical part of the JLC’s ability to sustain financial giving to community and special program needs. Active members and sustainer trustees are appointed to sit on the Foundation Board and have a critical role in managing the health of the current endowment funds, as well ensuring the long-term strategy and growth of these dollars to support the JLC.
“We have 95 years of experience rolling with the punches.” Overall, the League has managed to directly impact 5,029 children via 46 (mostly virtual) events and 652 volunteer hours from March through October. Within those hours, 2,350 food kits were shared with community partners. Kits included backpacks filled with foods from Second Harvest distributed to children at Reid Park Academy and snack packs made with Bright Blessings for children experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the League mobilized to help Sugar Creek Charter School provide 500 sets of headphones to kindergartners and first graders who were preparing to attend virtual school in August. “It’s not ‘business as usual,’ but it’s ‘mission as usual,’” Hatch described. Although the reason is different this time around, responding to a crisis is nothing new for the JLC. From the Civil Rights Movement and desegregation to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Junior League has been a pillar of support and progress in Charlotte. As Hatch said, “We have 95 years of experience rolling with the punches.”
Past President JLC, current Board of Director, and Sustaining Board member
Referrals from friends like you are the lifeblood of my business. Thank you! Lisa Tomlinson NC Realtor
704.641.1798 ltomlinson@helenadmasrealty.com 23
a JLC feature
The Evolution of the Junior League of Charlotte: A Queen Is Born by Anna-Bryce Hobson
The year is 1926, and the role of women in society is changing at unparalleled speed. World War I has forced many women to dramatically reinvent themselves and shift their roles within the household unit, from homemaker and caregiver to primary breadwinner. Having gained the right to vote only six years prior, many women feel liberated and invigorated with the prospect of making a name for themselves in their communities, in the workplace and in the news. The amount of working women in the United States increases to nearly 20% of the overall workforce. Gone are the days of corsets and long skirts. Women’s new positions push fashion trends towards clothes that can accommodate women’s more active lifestyles. And, of course, it is in this year that the now larger-than-life Queen Elizabeth II is born. But she isn’t the only “royal” making her grand appearance. The city of Charlotte, the “Queen City,” is making a big statement in the textile industry. North Charlotte is filled with massive mills and rows of mill houses; you can feel the dust and lint floating through the air and hear the deafening sound of the steam-powered machinery echoing through the growing city. A city that had a population of roughly 20,000 at the start of the century is now rapidly approaching a population count of nearly 80,000 people. It is in this same year that a group of 30 women in Charlotte decide to form an organization in their community where they can provide support to local families in need, advocate for education, and promote the arts. They are trailblazers, yes, but they are also a product of their generation – of a movement and a new vision for what women could do. Due to the resolve and passion of these women, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is born.
A Noble Cause Throughout the last 95 years, the League has evolved as the city it calls home has grown, welcomed new businesses and sports teams, and become one of the most sought-after cities to live in throughout the United States. The League has contributed more than $13.7 million to the city of Charlotte and another 1.6 million volunteer hours. It has
24
served the needs of a city that has fought many battles over the years. In the 1960’s, Charlotte’s downtown area went through an “urban renewal” effort, replacing low-income housing with skyscrapers, some of which still comprise Charlotte’s Uptown skyline today. Interestingly, part of this renewal effort resulted in Charlotte’s City Council officially declaring that downtown Charlotte would formally be referred to as “Uptown” going forward. In the past 20 years, Charlotte has become a major player on the world-finance stage, calling itself “home base” for the likes of Bank of America and Truist. Business professionals have flocked to the city and paid the hefty price tag to live in Charlotte’s Uptown, NoDa, and Plaza Midwood districts. This urban sprawl has all but consumed traditionally lower-income neighborhoods – displacing families who have lived in these areas for generations. Gentrification in the areas surrounding Uptown started in the mid-1990s and many now admit that Charlotte faces a housing crisis for those families in lower income brackets. These changes have also impacted the cultural, healthcare, and educational opportunities afforded to children of lower-income families in recent years. The Junior League of Charlotte, recognizing the struggles created by growth, helped create, fund and support places like The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Discovery Place, and The Charlotte Nature Museum. Likewise, JLC members have volunteered thousands of hours with organizations like The Council for Children’s Rights, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, Thompson Child Development Center, and Levine Children’s Hospital Family Resource Center. The JLC was founded by women with a keen understanding of how they could use their position within Charlotte for good. Over the years, JLC members have continued to dedicate themselves to helping the less fortunate, level the playing field for all children, and offer services to the underserved so that they may know and appreciate all that Charlotte has to offer. The changing landscape of the city has impacted the ways in which the League serves the community, and it is this change that has inspired innovation and investment into the lives of so many young people.
Charlotte Skyline, 1920s
Source: Mecklenburg Historic Landmark Commission Website
Keep Calm and Put Your Crown On Just as the League has grown with Charlotte and the community’s needs, the League has also adapted its volunteer and leadership opportunities to accommodate and recruit the “working woman,” the “new resident,” the “millennial,” and most recently, the “working-from-home” woman. The JLC now has 1,600 members that range in age from 23 to 100. JLC women are grandmothers, “dog-moms,” teachers, graduate students, working professionals, community leaders, stay-athome moms, remote-workers, and many are transplants from all over the country. They come from different socio-economic classes, hold different religious and philosophical beliefs, and are of different races. In many ways, the JLC’s membership mimics the ever-increasing diversity of the Queen City. A League that was started on the precipice of a new age for women has continued to propel women in their careers and in their personal lives – allowing them to stay members of the League through the stages of their lives. Take for instance, Jessica Jowers Walker, who moved to Charlotte in 2007 and joined the JLC as a single woman working in international banking. Over the next 13 years, Jessica would contribute her time and leadership skills to the Thompson Child Development Center and Chameleon’s Journey placements and serve as the Transfer Committee Chair, Nominating Committee Chair, and Human Resources Council Manager. Her roles within the League changed as did her life outside the League. Jessica got married, had three wonderful children, and ultimately chose to stay home and raise her kids. But as Jessica puts it, the women of the League were always there to support her when she felt life pulling her in one direction and her obligations within the League pulling her in another. For example, when Jessica served as HRC Manager she was pregnant and had her third child. She didn’t have as much daytime availability as others, but team members stepped up
to the plate and helped her along the way. Jessica’s experiences that year within the League taught her a lot about giving others grace and showing herself a little as well! Now a Sustainer, the JLC continues to provide an outlet for Jessica to stay connected through programs like the Sustainer book club. According to Jessica, one of the biggest changes she has seen in the League during her nearly 15-year tenure is the flexibility the League now offers to its members in terms of volunteer opportunities. She is also so proud of the strong, independent women she says she has interacted with as the League has continued to evolve. Cate Sittig is just one example of the unique, independent, and talented women who recently joined the JLC. Cate, a Senior Clinical Validation Auditor, has worked full-time for Change Healthcare since moving to Charlotte in 2016. She and her husband, Taylor, live in Matthews. When they first relocated from Texas to North Carolina, Cate found it difficult to feel connected to her new city. Cate’s job has always been 100% remote so she “joined the League to feel like a part of the Charlotte community and meet other like-minded women.” Unlike most of the women who originally joined the League in its earlier years, Cate is not native to the region and found the League to be an opportunity to volunteer, meet new friends, and get acquainted with Charlotte. With an estimated 60 to 100 people moving to Charlotte every day, it is women like Cate who are coming into this city and whom the JLC strives to recruit. Indeed, the philanthropic spirit found in so many League members does not only cater to homegrown women. In many instances, women that are new to a city find refuge in supporting a common good. They learn more about the strengths of their new home by recognizing the inequities that surround them and working to improve them. The JLC has also evolved to recognize and address the needs of the “working woman.” One must look no further than immediate past-president Tricia Magee to see how far the JLC cont. > 25
Source: Landmark Commission
has come in representing every type of woman. A licensed attorney by trade, over her time in the League, Tricia has given her time and energies to the League as Editor of The CRIER, Communications Council Manager and the 2019-2020 JLC President. She held these roles all while raising two children and maintaining a full-time job as the permanent law clerk for a Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. During her time in the League, Tricia has seen the League take steps to help those members who may not have the same availability as, say, a stay-at-home mom or a retiree. When she first joined the JLC, Tricia says the “volunteer opportunities often took place on weekdays and during business hours.” Now, the majority of placements offer weekend and evening time slots or larger chunks of time for volunteer hours so that JLC members can make the most of their time away from work. Tricia also noted that the internal processes of the JLC have changed, due in part to technology and the time constraints of its members. The JLC now uses a program called Digital Cheetah to allow for better planning for use of the JLC building and “on-the-go accessibility of important membership information.” In 2019, the JLC held its first live virtual General Membership Meeting, allowing more people to join in the fun from their offices or from their mobile devices while on the go. Likewise, the placement selection process used to take place via paper submission forms so placement assignments took a considerable amount of time. Now, members fill out an online survey and the placement process is far more streamlined and efficient. In all, Tricia thinks the JLC’s mission is emboldened by all of its members – those who work, those who stay at home, those who are retired, and those who have yet to begin their careers. The key is that the JLC continues to answer the needs of its membership and the “queens” that they are in their everyday lives.
26
left: Prominent Mills in Charlotte
right: The Follies of 1927
Long May She Reign The 95th year of The Junior League of Charlotte is by far one of the most challenging years for the League and its membership. A global pandemic has swept through countries around the world, and many businesses have asked employees to work from home. Women, who now comprise nearly 50% of the United States workforce, are once again “staying home” to work, but the demands of their full-time jobs are no different. The challenges they face in feeling heard and equal remain the same. Many women are juggling children, family-life, job losses, sickness, and the stress that accompanies the unknown. Women who have chosen to stay-at-home now have an entirely new set of challenges; they have more obligations inside the home than ever before. They are not only mothers and spouses, but coworkers and teachers. The women who comprise the Junior League of Charlotte membership, much like their 1926 counterparts, are trailblazers in their own right – balancing the unexpected demands of this year and answering the call within our community. Members are volunteering, donating, giving of their time and planning for the future. They are not bowing down, but rising to the challenge. Despite the changes to Charlotte, the JLC has remained steadfast. Despite the many hats women now wear in society, the JLC’s members remain focused on philanthropy. Because, in the end, Queen Elizabeth II said it best: “It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the progress of humankind.”
book club
JLC Book Clubs: Between the Pages Reading Six Feet Apart When Junior League of Charlotte members found themselves quarantined at home this spring, many turned to books for both an escape and inspiration. The JLC’s Social Committee created several book clubs for members to connect over their reads virtually! Groups including the Empowered Women Book Club, Create a Better You Book Club and the Sustainer Book Club focus on one book each month and then members gather virtually to discuss their thoughts on the material as well as catch up with old friends. Check out our reporter’s review of the Empowered Women Book Club’s first selection. We hope you are inspired to add to your bookshelf this season!
Book Review by: Jess Bush Glennon Doyle’s latest memoir, Untamed, is a mustread of 2020. The memoir, Doyle’s third, came highly recommended by friends and family. There is a months-long waitlist for the book at my local library due to demand. The cover is stamped with the coveted Reese’s Book Club sticker. On the back, some of the top names in the literary world recommend the book with glowing reviews. Now that I’ve read it, I’m on board with its wide acclaim. Untamed is an introspective journey, leading the reader to champion Doyle’s self-discovery and embrace her inner bravery. Untamed takes an honest look at truly knowing one’s inner self, regardless of society’s constraints or expectations. The memoir is deeply empowering and brave in its honesty.
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle (The Dial Press) another. They create a puzzle, with each piece guiding the reader into a greater understanding of true freedom and embracing our own inner truths. Doyle tells stories about the self awareness, and reflection that occurred on her own journey with brutal honesty. Doyle explores her past addictions and traumas, including her failed first marriage and finding love with Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach. The memoir feels deeply relevant for all women in 2020.
Untamed instantly hooks the reader with its opening story of Tabitha. Tabitha is a cheetah tamed by a zoo to perform tricks like a labrador. She serves as an example of our inner “wild.” We’ve collectively learned to tame it, bending bit by bit to society’s expectations. Doyle reflects on how she learned to recognize and embrace her true self. Even if our inner wild is different than hers, her journey to trust herself is one that resonates across all readers.
As we navigate this “new normal,” I’ve found myself needing the reminder to Be Still. To follow my own inner voice, my own “Knowing.” Life is full of the unknown right now, with uncertain paths and new expectations. While reading Doyle’s ’s memoir, I felt I could relate to certain truths I’ve discovered about my own inner self. Even with the extra time during the past spring, I did not learn a new language, or learn how to sew, or do any of the things I had been telling myself I would do if I only had more time. At first this seemed like I disappointed myself by not leaning into the extra time at home. However, after reading this memoir, I realized that I filled my time in other ways that brought me joy, like being present with my family. That realization and acceptance brought a sense of joy where I had previously felt failure.
Untamed is broken up into introspective short stories, jumping the reader across large swaths of time and back again. Each story follows the premise of selfdiscovery and honesty with her inner self, called the “Knowing.” The memoir’s stories build upon one
We are all enough. Untamed shows the reader we all have a true inner self that is wild and untamed by society’s expectations of what we should be or feel. We only have to accept it, to not keep it caged in like the Tabitha the cheetah. 27
Winter Crafting
Crafting 101 by Tammy Stanard Winter is here and I always enjoy decorating my home for winter and the holidays. This crafting article features homemade ornaments that can be modified for any holiday or decor for the winter season. I love to use the same materials across multiple crafts. If you have supplies on hand, take a stab at modifying the ornament projects here by using your materials. I will list the supplies you will need to make all the ornaments here and will break down the supplies you will need to make each ornament before listing out the steps by specific project.
Supplies for all ornaments: - A glue gun and an extra glue stick or two
- Black or gray craft paint
- Scissors
- Small paint brushes
- Tan yarn – At least 10 yards. How much you need depends on how many ornaments you are making
- White paint marker
- Wiggly eyes
- Wooden stars – Michaels sells these in a package of 5
- Chenille pipe cleaners
- Red and/or green glitter (I know it is messy – but I use it anyway)
- Red ribbon of some sort – I used ¾”, if you have 3/8” that should work too
- Mod Podge
- One length of string - I used red - Small pom poms – I used black or you can change it up with multiple colors
Snowflake Ornament Supplies you’ll need: - DIY Wood Ornament - Black or Gray Craft Paint - Small Paint Brushes - White Paint Marker - Ribbon ¾” 1) I think a round wood piece is perfect for this ornament. I used a stencil brush, because that is what I had and it worked just fine. First, paint one side of the ornament black or gray depending on what color paint you chose. If you are doing this with children, you may want to paint the wood beforehand to limit the mess. 28
- Tiny little bells - or any other tiny items you may have - Krylon Workable Fixative (This is not necessary, but if you already have some I suggest using it.)
2) Once the paint is completely dry, emphasis on completely, use the paint pen to start drawing a snowflake. I searched for snowflakes in Google, picked the image I liked and started drawing. 3) I kept the jute the wood came with to use as a hanger and I tied a red ribbon to the jute hanger to spruce it up. Use any type of ribbon you like, and any color depending on the holiday you celebrate or the décor in your room. And your ornament is completed!
Reindeer Yarn Ornaments Supplies you’ll need: - A glue gun and an extra glue stick - Scissors - Tan yarn - Buy a whole skein to make sure you have enough - Wiggly eyes - Chenille pipe cleaners - Red ribbon of some sort – I used ¾”for the bow and smaller red string for the center - Small pom poms – I used black or you can get multi-color and change it up. 1) First make the pom pom. Start by placing a small piece of yarn between your index and ring fingers and lay across the ring finger and pinkie. See photo of the red yarn on my hand. This piece will be used as the hanger. I used red yarn so it stands out and makes the next steps a little less challenging, but you can also use ribbon.
1
2) Wrap the tan yarn around your fingers 50 times.
2
3) Gently slide the yarn off your hand so it doesn’t move from the circle you wrapped it in. Take the red yarn between your fingers and tie the yarn circle in the middle as tight as possible (the tighter you tie, the fluffier the pom pom will be). 4) Now cut the loops on both ends of the red yarn. Now you have a pom pom that you have to cut and shape into a smaller ball. Personally, I think my ‘reindeer’ look like dogs with curly ears so you may want to trim the pom poms much more than I did. Dogs or reindeer, make whatever suits you.
3 4
5) Plug in your glue gun and let it heat up. While the glue gun heats up, cut the pipe cleaners to an acceptable length for the antlers and wrap them around your pinkie finger to shape. Glue on the pipe cleaners at the top near the red yarn hanger. 6) Now glue on the eyes and the nose. Be creative, I also bought brown pipe cleaners to use as antlers. And maybe try a pink or red small pom pom for the nose. I added one bow just below the antlers on one of the ornaments to give it a feminine look. I tied the bow around the hanger and added some glue to hold it in place.
6 5 6 6
29
Glitter Star Ornament
1
Supplies you’ll need: - A glue gun and an extra glue stick - Scissors - Wooden Stars - Red and/or Green Glitter - Mod Podge - Tiny little Bells - tiny pom poms would work too, but they would have to be really small - Krylon Workable Fixative (This is not necessary, but if you already have some I suggest using it.)
2
I used stars for these ornaments because they are non-denominational. Use any color materials for these ornaments. As you’ll see I used the pipe cleaners from the Reindeer Ornament on this craft too. 1) Coat the stars with Mod Podge. Pour glitter over the entire star and let it sit until it dries completely, emphasis on completely. 2) Once the stars have dried, tilt them to remove the glitter that hasn’t set in. 3) I had these tiny bells in my craft supplies so I glued them to form the word JOY. These bells are probably for sale in any craft store. You can glue on any tiny item, so get creative.
3
4) I created two Glitter Star Ornaments, so for the second I used leftover pipe cleaner from the Reindeer Ornament to spell out LOVE. I cut the pipe cleaner and molded the smaller pieces into letters and glued the letters to the ornament. 5) To make the hanger, take a ribbon and glue it to the back of the star in the point that is at the top. Then bend the ribbon and glue ribbon to ribbon, in an effort to make the ribbon sturdy. This hanger can be tied around any door knob or tree, so make it as long or short as you’d like. 6) I sprayed these ornaments with Krylon Workable Fixatif that I had on hand. The spray doesn’t indicate that it is effective with glitter, but I used it as instructed and found that more glitter did not come off the ornaments.
6
Now take a glance at your work and enjoy! Hopefully these ideas will get your creative juices flowing. Happy crafting! 30
a JLC feature
Why and How To Get Involved With the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) by Marshall McFadden When some people hear of the Junior League, they think of an antiquated social club for women to gossip and write cookbooks. However, this stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth. According to the League’s mission statement, the JLC is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Instead of thinking of the JLC as a group of “ladies who lunch,” think of it as a modern organization of like-minded women who not only serve their community, but also develop leadership skills through various training programs and workshops. The Charlotte community offers a multitude of volunteer opportunities through different nonprofits and organizations. With so many options, why should you pick the Junior League as your volunteer organization of choice? The JLC offers a balanced exchange of giving and getting. JLC members invest their time and skills into the League to help foster the JLC mission, and in return, the JLC invests in each individual member as volunteers and leaders in the community. The
JLC welcomes and celebrates any woman whose goal is to better the community and themselves. The League provides numerous opportunities to expand your social and professional circles, as well as to impact the lives of many. The JLC also offers a wide array of leadership training and programs organized by very knowledgeable and dedicated members such as Get on Board and the Leadership Development Institute. Through the JLC, members work with community partners and drive change throughout the Charlotte community, while gaining opportunities to enhance their professional strengths and connections. The JLC is comprised of a diverse group of women from various backgrounds who are all bound by a desire to promote positive change in the Charlotte community and within themselves. To get involved with the JLC, a prospective member must meet the age requirements (23 years of age by May 31 of the recruiting year) and live in Mecklenburg County or in a contiguous county. She must also have an interest in voluntarism and a commitment to community service. Prospective members must also be sponsored by a current JLC member. But don’t worry if you do not know anyone in the JLC. A sponsorship pool of League members is formed each year to help prospective members.
Recruitment for the 2021-2022 league year opens in Spring of 2021. For more information, visit www.JLCharlotte.org and click on Join at the top far right. 31
crossword puzzle by Tammy Stanard
2
1
1 7 2
6 4 5
3
4 3
DOWN 1 The year the CSHC held their first therapy session 2 In the wake of George Floyd’s death in MN, protests began calling for this concept where ‘everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities’. 3 Popular video conferencing service, that became a household name in 2020. 4 The Future is ________’ 5 One of this Edition’s Book Review Book Titles 6 Most JLC members join the League looking for the type of professional change. 7 Chocolate and Banana are featured in this delicious treat.
ACROSS 1 A contagious respiratory illness, caused by infection with the Coronavirus. 2 The type of meetings JLC members should have for the foreseeable future. 3 Like the Flu of 1918, which lasted 5 years and affected about 500 million people, one third of the world’s population at the time, the Coronavirus is described as this worldwide event. 4 The JLC will celebrate the past in its 95th year and also look forward to the ‘_________.’ answers on page 27 32
a JLC feature
The JLC and the Pursuit of Social Justice by Shellisa Multrie 2020 has seen its fair share of challenges. The country rang in a new decade, but was quickly overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. While stuck at home, the country then watched the back-to-back deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Their deaths sent shockwaves through our nation. It forced many Americans to face an uncomfortable truth about racial inequity and unequal justice in America. Calls for change followed in the days, weeks, and months to come. Those calls, still being echoed today.
JLC Leadership Speaks Out
JLC Members Take Part in Community Events
When organizations, companies and even local governments grappled with the right approach to take, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) spoke out as an ally. The JLC published supportive messages and developed early action steps for JLC members who wanted to help. Days after the incoming 202021 JLC Board of Directors were installed, they sent a collective message to the the JLC:
In June, several JLC members and their families participated in the Black Mamas March to help celebrate and defend the lives of Black people. This community event attracted almost 400 people. Although not a JLC-sponsored event, many members attended, including Charlotte Mayor and JLC Sustainer, Vi Lyles.
League Leaders, we cannot stay silent and sit on the sidelines watching as our community feels the heaviness of grief. As an organization that believes in building better communities and strives for leadership excellence, many of us have asked what we can do. Junior League women are trained to be civic leaders in our communities. It is time to use our training to improve our communities through effective action and leadership. We must do the work. We must be willing to be humiliated and vulnerable. We must speak out and we must be visible. We must know when to be quiet and listen. And equally important, when to speak up. To our JLC Women of Color, we stand united with you. We are here to listen and ready to engage in difficult conversations.
Many JLC members signed the Charlotte Black Upward Mobility & Restorative Justice Resolution, which outlines commitments for the City of Charlotte to actively work to heal and transform while acknowledging past trauma.
Action items announced included the continuation of the Diversity and Inclusion sub-committee. The JLC Board of Directors committed to partner with the sub-committee on a strategic direction for the League. Additionally, the Board and Management Team provided resources, including videos, articles and books to educate members and their families.
During the months that followed, the JLC shared encouraging words and community events on the members only Facebook group as well as the JLC Women of Color & Allies group.
The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) also proclaimed its support of diversity, equity and inclusion. They outlined next steps to implement a 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge and extend funding for innovative D&I programming.
The first JLC-sponsored event was a listening session featuring Pat Heard, the first Black JLC member, and Toni Freeman, the first Black President of the JLC. A second event, “Status: It’s Complicated,” featured a powerful set of panelists who discussed the power and evolving alliance of Women of Color and non-Women of Color in the workplace. Both events offered meaningful dialogue and “food for thought” for participants. cont. > 33
JLCrossword
“It has been a privilege to facilitate and convene courageous, yet necessary conversations in support of the JLC’s mission and social justice. This work is a continuum that requires the unrelenting focus and commitment of leaders for systematic progress to occur. Rev. Dr. Bernice King states that “justice is a continuum”, and I am happy to see the JLC moving in the direction we need to in alignment with our community and our mission.” - Monique Perry-Graves, JLC Women of Color Affinity Group
answers
2
1 7 2
What’s next? The Diversity and Inclusion Board Subcommittee plans to continue with events to educate and promote engagement. League members also voted to create new roles of Chief of Diversity and Inclusion and Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. These roles will sit on the Board of Directors and Management Team, respectively, and will lead the new Diversity and Inclusion Committee starting in the 20212022 League year. “Membership’s decision to include these roles in leadership underlines decades of time, energy and research the JLC has poured into advancing diversity and inclusion both here in Charlotte and within the Junior League,” said Diversity and Inclusion Board Subcommittee Co-Chair Claire Magee Ferguson. “Our efforts have bolstered the JLC’s commitment to inclusive environments of diverse individuals across racial, generational, religious, sexual orientation, ethnic and ability spectrums. D&I is a journey, but the JLC has made it clear we are committed to seeing it through.” League members are excited to help lead the way to support our community, actively speak out on injustice, and educate our members to be a voice for others.
“Be a voice in the community.” PA T H E A R D -FIRST BL ACK MEMBER OF THE JLC
“Be present. Show up.” TONI FREEMAN -FIRST BL ACK PRESIDENT OF THE JLC
S O
V
I
B R
T
U
3
3
P
A
N
D
A
F
U
T
U
R
T
W
F
O
I
T
E
M
C
H
E
A
D
L
1
G
O
M
1
7 6
O
I
-
6
S
M
D
L
Z
N T
I
9
J 4
D
4
V
L
A
U
O
I
E
5
C
E
E
E
Donate to the Annual Fund! The Annual Fund plays a vital role in 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 your mission and donating to the Annual Fund to allow us to continue to support our community partners and programs. To make a donation to the Annual Fund, checks can be mailed to the JLC building (1332 Maryland Ave. Charlotte, NC 28209) or go to jlcharlotte.org/annual-fund/.
9
1440 Minutes in a day make a few minutes for you Friends Help Friends Hustle Free [the workout] 50 minutes of High Intensity Interval Training with Charlotte's top certified and motivating trainers. Get ready to move your body with your neighbors. All levels welcome!
[how to join] Grab a Friend, when you both create a profile, you both sweat free. Visit our website, download the Hustle House App, or visit our IG Page @hustlehouseclt to create a profile and login. Then call or visit the studio to book your FREE Class!
[perks for attending] Access to the latest specials & ask about the Holiday Hustle Green Brothers Smoothies available for pre-order to take with you as you move onto your next Hustle of the day! Offer valid for First Timers Only.
Stop Wishing, Start Hustling
Scan Me
@hustlehouseclt www.hustlehousefitness.com 550 E Stonewall St, Suite 200 | Charlotte, NC 28202 704.625.2533
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209 704.375.5993 info@jlcharlotte.org jlcharlotte.org
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE
ADVERTISING OPTIONS FULL PAGE WITH A SPECIAL PLACEMENT 8 1/2” X 11” SINGLE EDITION $500 | FULL YEAR $750 FULL PAGE 8 1/2” X 11” SINGLE EDITION $375 | FULL YEAR $560 1/2 PAGE (HORIZONTAL) 7.75” x 4.875” or (VERTICAL) 3.75” x 10” SINGLE EDITION $175 | FULL YEAR $260 1/4 PAGE 3.75” x 4.875” SINGLE EDITION $100 | FULL YEAR $150 1/8 PAGE 3.75” x 2.375” SINGLE EDITION $50 | FULL YEAR $75
CONTACT THE CRIER ADVERTISING & SALES ASHEL SOMMERMANN | ASHEL.SOMMERMANN@GMAIL.COM