The CRIER Summer 2016

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Because high performance deserves high praise, we salute the Junior League of Charlotte.

Accenture is committed to improving the world around us, and we proudly support the Junior League for their passionate efforts to improve the lives of women and children in the Charlotte community.

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

The CRIER

Board of Directors

Management Team

PRESIDENT Lisa L. Johnson PRESIDENT-ELECT Shannon L. Vandiver CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Anna Portal NOMINATING CHAIR TaLeayah Johnson SECRETARY Nicole Baldon SUSTAINING ADVISOR Rocky Trenkelbach MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Megan Anderson, Kim Best-Staton, Susan Branch, Christina Gratrix, Heather Hendren, Destiny Jenkins, Nikki Fleming, Kellie Lofton and Valerie Patterson

PRESIDENT-ELECT Shannon L. Vandiver HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Charlitta Hatch COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Tricia Magee COMMUNITY IMPACT MANAGER Ashley Lowery EDUCATION, TRAINING & ADVOCACY MANAGER Mary Sherrill Ware FUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tonya Bruce VP OF FINANCE Casey Liadis RISK MANAGER Molly Schugel NOMINATING VICE CHAIR Malone Lockaby SECRETARY Whitney Sturge

The CRIER Staff EDITOR Michelle Grose ASSISTANT EDITOR Morgan Cooper PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGER/REPORTER Kristin List PRODUCTION MANAGER/REPORTER Olga Kearns Billups AD SALES MANAGER Hannah Travis COPY EDITORS/REPORTERS Amy Ford and Sara Sprague REPORTERS Jessica Cook, Chemere Davis, Betsey Dillon, Shemeka Johnson, Samantha Hall and Alexandra Samsell

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE, INC. 1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209 (704) 375-5993 info@jlcharlotte.org jlcharlotte.org

is published four times annually by the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission.

To advertise in The CRIER, please call the Junior League of Charlotte at (704) 375-5993 or e-mail office@jlcharlotte.org.

JLC CONNECTED: @JLCharlotte Junior League of Charlotte @JL_Charlotte JLCharlotte.org

MISSION STATEMENT The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is 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. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The CRIER staff is excited to announce the new digital format for the 2015-2016 year. Readers can access The CRIER from desktop and mobile devices, even when on the go on our new digital platform powered

by ISSUU. Look in your inbox for each issue this year!

Cover and CRIER Design: Michelle Grose, CRIER Editor

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Letter from Our 2015-2016 President, Lisa L. Johnson

‘service to others’ “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” - Muhammad Ali These words have never rung more true than they do now. As I reflect on my 14 year journey as a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) I, like so many of the members of the JLC, truly embrace this quote. I believe this quote is the motivating factor that moves us as members of the JLC to serve.

The 2015-2016 JLC year has been a year of reflection and celebration, as well as a year of transitions and transformations. During this League year, our organization looked at the many reasons we continue to make a lasting impact on our community. Throughout this year, our members and I have explored what is needed for the JLC to remain relevant during the days and times of competing factors. While reflecting on the many accomplishments we have experienced, the JLC leadership teams also reflected on our organization as a business and the components needed to ensure the JLC is sustainable for another 90 years.

During this year, our members were reminded of the imprints the JLC has left on the Charlotte community. From humble beginnings, with only 15 members, to an organization with a roster of almost 1800, is something the community and our organization can truly be proud of and celebrate.

Our members volunteer their service and time at such great organizations as Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Promising Pages, Reid Park Academy and Alexander Youth Network. From just a single volunteer placement opportunity in our early beginnings to 15 volunteer opportunities today, the JLC’s reach spans across our community, ensuring children and their families have access

to needed services related to physical health, dental health and mental health. Service to our community has been the JLC’s commitment for 90 years. As this organization continues to transform, one thing will remain a focus: the JLC’s commitment to leadership and service to our community.

Like all organizations and businesses, during this 2015-2016 League year the JLC took the opportunity to revisit its business model in a way that will ensure the JLC is sustainable and able to serve our community for another 90 years. In preparing the JLC for sustainability, the JLC evaluated current practices. With some restructuring and the continued support of dedicated members, the JLC will continue to be a leading source for trained volunteers and leadership for our community.

As our organization continues its legacy of providing trained volunteers, community service and leadership to the community, we welcome the new leadership team for the 2016-2017 JLC year, I am confident this group of intelligent and talented community leaders will continue to propel the League to higher levels. With the understanding of the League’s rich history and the determination for a successful future, the incoming JLC leadership team will continue to be of service to others because, after all, service to others is what being a member of the JLC is all about.

Your partner in service,

Lisa L. Johnson, 2015-2016 President

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

Contents SUMMER EDITION 2015-2016

4

14

34

LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT

DISHES FROM THE PAST

JLC NEWS

6 LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR

7 JLC: CELEBRATING 90 YEARS

10 FROM THE ARCHIVES: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

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16 CHARLOTTE TRAILBLAZERS

20 ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH NONPROFITS

28 SISTER LEAGUE CELEBRATIONS

32 LITTLE BLACK DRESS INITIATIVE

A LEGACY OF CARING 5

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 2............ACCENTURE 7............JLC WEARHOUSE 25..........OLD WORLD TRAVEL 30..........MCGUIRE WOODS 31..........CORPORATE SPONSORS

ELEMENTS MASSAGE

AND JAMI MASTERS

SCHOOL OF DANCE 33..........MICHAEL & SON SERVICES KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL

GROUP LAKENORMAN2GO.COM 36.........JLC ANNUAL FUND

Letter from Our Editor, Michelle Grose

‘inspiring history’ When we began planning the issues of The CRIER for this year, we decided to devote ourselves to reflecting on the differences and impact the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) makes in the community. Each issue has focused on an internal placement, a placement in the community, as well as the leadership in the League. The JLC has a long history of women going beyond the duties of daily life to help build a better community, promote healthy choices for children, and support education.

Over the past year I reviewed old editions of The CRIER from the 1930s to the present day. Each magazine told stories about how the members of the JLC of their day sought to address the issues and concerns of their era. One issue I recently found was the 50th Anniversary Edition, published in 1976. In this, The CRIER staff interviewed all living past presidents about what they remembered most during their tenure. The quotes act as a timeline of the JLC’s mission through the highs and lows of our country’s history.

attain the necessary goal! The League here was small, congenial, energetic and fun,” said then President Mrs. Katharine Watt.

As I read through each decade, the spirit of these past members was evident. They cared about supporting their community during the trying times of World War II by “keeping up the ‘Home Front’ for the soldiers” with dances and parties, plus setting up the Volunteer Service Bureau that helped individuals find work, according to Mrs. Alice Henderson, 1940-1942 President.

The same sentiments echoed in quotes from presidents in the 1950s through the 1970s.

The 90th Anniversary edition of The CRIER highlights projects and contributions of the JLC since its founding in 1926. We also highlight the passion of our members today with stories of how they are inspired to carry on the legacy of our founding members by caring for our community through the JLC and beyond.

All the best, “The enthusiasm of the members is what I remember most. We were all operating out of absolute love for those babies as though they were our own. The year was climaxed with the opening of the new baby home and a visit from the President of the AJL,” said Mrs. Nell Cansler, President, 1927-1928. It was this same enthusiasm that carried The JLC through the tough years of the Great Depression.

“The winter of 1930-1931 was not ideal for money-making projects, but we managed to

Michelle Grose, 2015-2016 The CRIER Editor

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

Celebrating 90 Years of Leadership and Service

LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD Past and present Junior League of Charlotte, Inc members and their families gathered for a special celebration for the 90th anniversary. (top) Dawn Owen, TaLeayah Johnson, Suzy Garvey, Aynsley Spencer, and Amanda Beacham join in on the celebration.

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Cheers to

90

Years!

By Samantha Hall

On May 7, 2016, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) celebrated its 90th anniversary with a joyous and memorable celebration. Attended by Actives and Sustaining Members alike, a plethora of memories and hopes for the future were shared.

With this sense of celebration in hand, past sustainer and President Rocky Trenkelbach said, “It’s amazing how far the League has come from starting a baby home at the beginning of our existence, to sponsoring large initiatives throughout the area that have made a deep impact.” This sentiment was shared by multiple attendees. Throughout its existence, the JLC maintains a pattern of identifying and meeting needs throughout the Charlotte area over and over again.

Remembering occasions such as the 90th Anniversary demonstrates the strong support year over year and is evidence of the sustainability of our organization. During the event, 2015-16 President Lisa Johnson and President-Elect Shannon Vandiver marked the occasion with words capturing the phenomenal achievements of the League over its 90 year tenure and congratulating the women of the League on their commitment. Investing in our League through meaningful contributions to the Annual Fund and other fundraising efforts, volunteer hour commitments, and through active participation in our community will help the JLC achieve sustainability well into the future, and will allow our League to continue to produce exceptional women leaders capable of delivering top-notch contributions in our local community.

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF THE JLC Erin Maddrey, Shannon Vandiver, Rocky Trenklebach, Lisa Johnson, and Aynsley Spencer enjoy a time of fellowship during the celebration. (Top) Alicia Rudd and Erin Maddrey are all smiles during the party. (Bottom)

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

“In the JLC’s 90 years of leadership and service to greater Charlotte, our women have transformed the cultural, educational and human services landscape of this community. Charlotte has been made immeasurably better by the legacy the Junior League has left. As we embark on the next 90 years, I am excited about all of the ways in which our League will continue to improve the lives of our community’s children and families.”

Shannon Vandiver, Board Member, President-Elect

“The 90th Anniversary of the JLC means many different things to me. It is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and determination of forward-thinking and servant-leading women in the city of Charlotte. Over the years, through the work of the JLC, many amazing women have started off as inexperienced volunteers and have become experienced leaders in our city.

This volunteer training and experience has allowed us to provide 90 years of great service to our city. I am proud to be a part of this legacy and forever grateful to the JLC for all of the wonderful memories, lifelong friendships, training and development that

Special Words From Members of the Board

I have received. I am looking forward to us continuing our legacy for the next 90 years!”

Destiny Jenkins, Board Member, Member-At-Large “With the JLC’s 90th Anniversary, our legacy is our unsurpassed care of the Charlotte community and its emerging needs. From founding Charlotte’s first Baby Home for orphaned children to the current Healthy Family Initiative to address the physical, dental, and mental health needs of families, like those at Reid Park Academy, our mark is found all over the city. The Junior League was, is, and will continue to be here - improving lives.”

Rocky Trenkelbach, Board Member, 2001-02 JLC President, 2015-16 Sustaining Advisor to President

“I am both honored and proud to be a part of an organization that has been such a catalyst for change for so many years. Long ago, our founders fought to make our community better during a time when things weren’t as easy for women… Ninety years later, we’re still just as passionate, concerned and committed to building committed leaders and improving the lives of families in our community.”

Kellie Lofton, Board Member, Member-At-Large

“The JLC’s 90th anniversary is a time for us to celebrate our history, reflect on our accomplishments and recharge as we continue to find ways to deliver on our mission by serving the community. I hope the next 90 years are reflective of our vision and commitment to our members, partners and those we serve.”

Valerie Patterson, Board Member, Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member)

“The 90th Year of the JLC means that the Junior League of Charlotte has stood the test of time. Surviving the Great Depression and other variables over nine decades is confirmation that the Junior League of Charlotte is a constant and reliable force in our community.”

Nikki Fleming, Board Member, Member-At-Large

“The things that the women of the JLC have accomplished over the past 90 years is truly phenomenal. It wasn’t that much more than 90 years ago that women were granted the right to vote, so for a group of women to come together with the vision of the JLC and to create an organization at that point in our nation’s history that is still making an impact on the community today - it’s amazing. I am excited to celebrate our history this year and help begin writing the story that will be our next 90 years.”

Christina Gratrix, Board Member, Member-At-Large

“From the first community project, the Junior League Baby Home, to our public stand supporting North Carolina House Bills advocating against human trafficking - the Junior League of Charlotte continues to illustrate an organization of passionate women who support the needs of those who do not have a voice. It is an honor to be a part of a 90 year legacy that is committed to having a meaningful impact on families and children in the Charlotte community. May our history and present day encourage members to forge into the future with more ground-breaking efforts to sustain our legacy for another 90 inspirational years of impact.”

TaLeayah Johnson, Board Member, Nominating Chair

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Professional Women in the League: Now and Then

By Sara Sprague “…an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women…”

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.’s (JLC) mission statement speaks to our commitment to both the improvement of our community and the betterment of ourselves, a quality that sets the League apart as a unique opportunity for women amongst a sea of non-profit volunteer opportunities. The JLC has a long-standing tradition of making leadership training accessible to all of our volunteers, through targeted workshops, mentorship, and on-the-job leadership experiences. These experiences enable our members to be more prepared to serve the community as Board members, trained volunteers and working professionals.

The demographics of the League have changed drastically since the League’s inception in 1926. In the 1920s, just 20 percent of the US workforce was made up of women, and less than 25 percent of women who worked were married. However, the ‘20s were a time of movement and change; Women’s Suffrage brought the right to vote and the right to an opinion, the arrival of Corporate America created new jobs for women, and the department store brought designer and buyer occupations that for the first time ever allowed women opportunities for significant advancement.

Employment amongst women began to soar, with continuous increase through WWII and until the present day. This movement to the workplace mirrored itself in the JLC’s own demographics.

Today, nearly 85 percent of JLC active members work full-time. Members such as Shannon Vandiver, our President-Elect and full-time lawyer, are faced with the challenging task of balancing a full professional workload with their obligations to the League. The JLC has responded and evolved to support our members, allowing a variety of options to serve our community that create opportunity and flexibility for our members, and tailoring available training over time to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing today’s women leaders.

In December 1975, Marjorie Crane of The CRIER featured several of the full-time working members of the League and how the League contributed to them professionally, socially and otherwise. The article comes at a time when the US economy saw a huge spike in women, specifically married mothers, joining the workplace, primarily due to the Equal Pay Act and passing of Title IX legislation. While the article captures the changing demographic and acknowledges the hard work that these ladies put in, it also showcases two unchanging, universal truths about our members: we continue to be flexible to each other’s needs, and we find value in the League in many facets. I hope you enjoy this peek into our history.

What Attraction Has League Involvement For The Professional?

(The CRIER, 1975) By Marjorie Crane Adelaide Carver, a lawyer, is an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer for First Union. Within the League, Adelaide is the only professional on the Community Research Committee. This Committee has arranged for luncheon meetings this year, so they have conveniently fit into Adelaide’s schedule.

Voluntarism is important to oneself and the community Adelaide believes. The League offers such excellent, well-researched placements that the volunteer has a variety of rewarding opportunities right at hand.

And, as far as the social aspect of the League is concerned, it offers the opportunity to work with girls you enjoy knowing both professionally and non-professionally.

Mozelle DePass is a social worker with the Child Welfare Protective Services. Her primary function, as such, is to investigate the area of child abuse and neglect. Mozelle is thrilled with the League’s work in this area and their wonderful progress with Youth Homes.

Why is League membership valuable to Mozelle? So many of the people she comes in contact with through her professional work have been “touched” in one way or another with League projects – i.e. The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center. Thus, she sees the actual results of the hard work the League has put into the community. Socially, Mozelle values League membership because she enjoys the contact and meaningful relationships she has made within the League. Mozelle, interested in a placement not too job-related, is Chairman of the Puppets this year, which she says has been a learning experience in itself.

Laura Gilchrist teaches second grade at Beverly Woods Elementary School. The actual volunteer work has been the most valuable and interesting aspect of League membership for Laura. She worked at the Shop for two years. Although it was difficult feeling motivated to work on Saturdays, she thoroughly enjoyed the work. This year Laura is working in the emergency room at Charlotte Memorial Hospital. Laura’s volunteer time is obvious evidence of the feeling of satisfaction she gains through her placement. Her schedule was set up for two hours every other Wednesday, but she has arranged to be there for four hours every Wednesday. She notes that in working at the hospital, she has a renewed interest in perhaps completing her studies to become an RN. And, as for the question, how do you feel about the League socially? The most recent social activity to come to Laura’s mind was the League’s tennis tournament. She, incidentally, won the singles. Laura felt that the tournament was a good example of the way in which League functions are well-planned and organized.

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

(Left to right) Cathlean Utzig, Emma Lubanski, Rachel Dodsworth, Shirell Harrison Burris, Trish Hobson.

So 40 years later, are our full-time working members attracted to the

Peaches Laxton is the Home Service Supervisor with Duke Power.

Peaches has worked a double placement into her schedule this year.

She works at the Shop one Saturday every other month, and also works with the Provisionals. She is a first year Active, and she finds that her affiliation with an organization – i.e., the League – outside of her work offers a wonderful outlet. Peaches considers the League’s efficient and professional handling of placements a definite benefit to a volunteer.

JLC for the same reasons as Adelaide, Laura, Peaches and the other 1975 interviewees? In celebration of our 90th Anniversary, we asked this question again, and here’s what we heard.

“What attraction does League involvement have for the professional?”

Emma Lubanski, a first year Active, is a Talent Management and Event Logistics Specialist with Vanguard. “The JLC is a great way to gain informal

Mary Mills is with Roberts Real Estate. Professionally her hours are fairly flexible, so she is able to choose practically any League placement. Last year Mary worked with the Drug program in the 4th grades, and this year her placement is with Youth Homes.

and formal leadership experience, hone in on skills in areas that are outside of your current career path, and network with professionals throughout the greater Charlotte area. The League is also a great way for women to utilize the skills and expertise from their professional life in a skills-based volunteering model. There are so many incredibly skilled women in our

The most immediate value of the League to Mary is the social contacts.

They are of definite help in her type of business.

league that are making a difference during the day in their offices and in the evening and on weekends in our community!”

Betsy Small is a branch manager with Wachovia. She is a second year Active, and her placement for this year is LIVE. As a relatively new member in the League, she enthusiastically related the values she found in her League placement. The LIVE program, she states, helps her professionally and personally. It is the kind of program, she feels, that makes a League girl a quality volunteer. Just recently married, Betsy feels that “everything” has just begun.

Cathlean Utzig, a sustainer with 23 years in the JLC, owns her own

Camilla Turner works at River Hills. LIVE was Camilla’s placement last year, and she describes the course as being extremely rewarding. She enjoys the availability and variety of placements the League offers, as well as the excellent training.

Rachel Dodsworth is a third year member of the JLC, and is the founder

Camilla considers volunteer work important. As a professional with few spare hours, she feels that if she were not a League member she would probably not do volunteer work on her own, even though she may have good intentions. Also appealing to Camila are the friendships she’s developed working in small volunteer groups. This year her placement is Puppets.

Trish Hobson, a sustainer with 19 years in the JLC, is the Vice President of

accounting practice. “League involvement is an excellent way to connect with the community, hone your talents, try new skills, and network with peers. During my years as an active member, I made many connections that continue to make a remarkably positive impact on my career now.

The people you meet and work with today will be Charlotte’s leaders tomorrow!”

and CEO of Adsworth Media. “League involvement allows you to meet numerous people and make a difference in the community through collective action.”

the Alexander Children’s Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Alexander Youth Network. “My experience with the League really trained me for this profession. During my active years I was a stay-at-home mom and spent my free time volunteering with the JLC. I was introduced to the non-profit community and learned fundraising and leadership skills. I am grateful to the JLC for giving me the experience to launch a career in fundraising.”

Becky Wie, a first year Active, is a teacher of the Emotionally Disturbed for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She transferred to Charlotte as a Provisional. Becky describes the Provisional course as informative and thorough. It was an immediate aid in helping her feel oriented to the Charlotte area.

Shirell Harrison Burris, joined the JLC 4 years ago and currently serves on both Big Shots Saturdays and the 90th Anniversary Committee. Outside of the League, Shirell is a Program Manager in the Craft and Technical Training department at Duke Energy. “The Junior League offers a professional an opportunity to connect with the Charlotte community on a variety of

While Becky enjoys her placement in the Shop this year, she is eagerly looking forward to working in various of the other placements the League offers.

different levels and gain exposure to a number of non-profit organizations.

League members are able to not only use their gifts and talents to perform the work of the League, but also at a grass roots level, continue to support the goals of the Junior League at a local and national level.”

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The Junior League Links Women within Families and Across Generations

A Legacy of Caring

By Betsey Dillon

When we think of the Junior League, we think

Brooks’ was a member of JLOSH , and this

Lockman-Brooks said, “I focused on out of

of service to our community, being trained as

League was tackling the very issue that Linda

league placements,” and she continued

a leader in service, making new friends as we

wanted to get involved in – helping the

her work in Charlotte of helping the

serve, and much more. To many in the Junior

homeless.

homeless that she had begun in New Jersey.

League, besides all these things, it is also an important family tradition to carry on.

Lockman-Brooks has also served on the Lockman-Brooks said, “I recognized that the

Marketing and Research committees and

League was addressing the issue by starting

served on the Junior League of Charlotte,

Many members of the Junior League have

a shelter for families and it could provide me

Inc. (JLC) board in 2005. She loves how the

mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, or

a way to engage.” JLOSH was a small League

League has allowed her to volunteer very

sisters in the Junior League. While serving our

with just 120 women and it was a wonderful

efficiently and make a bigger impact than

community, these daughters, daughters-in-

first Junior League experience for Lockman-

she could on her own.

law, granddaughters, and sisters are in many

Brooks.

ways continuing the work that their family

Like other JLC members, Lockman-Brooks

members started and contributing to a service

Fast forward a few years and Lockman-

has served on other community boards like

organization that they know is important to

Brooks moved to Charlotte with her then

the YWCA, Children’s Theatre and the Arts

their family members.

two small children, Morgan and Garrett, for

and Science Council. Her League work and

her husband’s job. Lockman-Brooks said she

other volunteer work has had an impact on

Linda Lockman-Brooks is one of those

remained “Active/Non-Resident” initially. She

this community and on her family.

members with a daughter who is now a Junior

thought they might be moving back to the

League member. Lockman-Brooks joined the

New York and New Jersey area; however, she

Lockman-Brooks’ daughter, Morgan

Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills,

laughingly points this out now that she has

Thompson, is now an active member of

Inc. (JLOSH), in New Jersey when her daughter,

been in Charlotte for over twenty-five years.

the New York Junior League, Inc. (NYJL).

Morgan, was little. At the time, Lockman-

Lockman-Brooks pointed out “our kids

Brooks was commuting into New York City

After about a year and a half in Charlotte,

watched us volunteer in the community and

for work and on her commute each day she

it looked like she was here to stay, so she

saw it as a family value.”

witnessed a serious homeless problem – one

transferred her membership, with her first

she wanted to take action to help. Lockman-

placement being with Charlotte Emergency

Thompson said, “I have a lot of memories

Brooks knew that as an individual there was

Housing (now Charlotte Family Housing),

of my mom doing JLC work growing up.

little she could do help. A friend of Lockman-

among many others.

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

Mother Daughter Connections Junior League of Charlotte member, Linda Lockman-Brooks and her daughter Junior League of New York member, Morgan Thompson share a bond of serving their communities through the Junior League.

My brother and I would help wrap presents

Cancer Awareness and Support Committee

speak fondly of how the Junior League has

for families during the holidays and I also

in the NYJL. “This is a placement that I really

been a great thing to share.

remember going to a few shopping events.”

wanted because I am a cancer survivor and

Now, Thompson is making an impact on the

fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 6 years,”

Thompson said about her mom, “She is a

community in New York City in her own way.

she said. “I wanted to do work in the cancer

huge role model to me in so many ways...as

Thompson explained how she came to join

community to give back, and joining the NYJL

a wife, mother, business woman, community

the NYJL, “When I was home for Thanksgiving

gave me the opportunity to connect with

leader and friend. Over the years she has

in 2012, my mom and I had brunch with a few

community in a unique way. We bring dinner

always given me great advice and one of

members of the Charlotte league, and after

to people staying at Hope Lodge in NYC (a

those pieces of advice was to join the Junior

that brunch my mom encouraged me to look

location where out-of-town cancer patients

League!”

into the League in New York. She positioned

can live while getting treatment) and I have the

it as a great way to serve the community and

chance to speak with other cancer patients and

Are you a multi-generational Junior League

connect with like-minded women.”

share my experiences. I really enjoyed those

member? Share your experiences on our

moments of giving back within a community

Facebook page!

While Lockman-Brooks has focused on the

that means so much to me.”

issue of homelessness through much of her Junior League work, Thompson has found her

While Lockman-Brooks and Thompson are

own issue to focus on: helping those battling

members of Junior Leagues in different cities,

cancer. Thompson’s background provided

and have each had their own experiences and

strong reasons for her desire to work with the

focuses within the Junior League, they each

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Dishes From the Past To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the JLC, we picked out seven recipes from our own The Charlotte Cookbook (1969) to experience how similar or dissimilar dishes were from across the decades. The macaroni and cheese and deviled eggs were the top winners amongst all reviewers (thank you to the Mindstorm Communications Group team for blindly braving the dishes). We had so much fun learning about how differently dishes were prepared and presented then from current times (hint: a LOT of salt was used)! Enjoy reading about these blasts from the past! We encourage everyoneto find an old JLC recipe and test it out.

By Alexandra Samsell

A

B

C

CABBAGE SURPRISE

MACARONI AND CHEESE DELUXE

PORCUPINE MEAT BALLS

1 head cabbage, quartered

1 7-ounce package elbow macaroni

1 pound ground beef

Pepper to taste

6-8 slices bacon

2 cups small-curd cream-style cottage cheese

1/3 cup uncooked rice

1 large can condensed

1 cup dairy sour cream

¼ cup chopped onion

tomato soup

Cook cut cabbage in salted water (about 1 cup)

1 egg, slightly beaten

¼ cup water

½ teaspoon chili powder

for 5 minutes. Fry bacon, saving the drippings.

¾ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup water

Drain cabbage and stir in the bacon drippings

Dash of pepper

just before serving.

2 cups shard American cheese, shredded

Combine meat, rice, onion, ¼ cup water and

Paprika

seasonings in large bowl. (I find it easier to mix with my hands.) Shape into 15 1-inch balls.

Crumble bacon on top of cabbage. Serves 6.

Cook and drain macaroni. Combine macaroni,

Blend soup, chili powder and water in electric

REVIEWS

cottage cheese, sour cream, egg, seasonings,

skillet or large, heavy skillet, and bring to a

Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: Could use more

and American cheese. Turn into a greased

boil. Add meat balls. Cover and barely simmer

flavor

9x9x2 baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika.

for 45 minutes to an hour, basting as often

Jeff: A little a plain

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Serves 8.

Amy: I liked the pieces that had a little char on

REVIEWS

them.

Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: good; needs less

as possible. (This could be cooked in a 350 degrees oven, covered, for about 1 hour.) This rice pops through, looking like porcupines, which children love. Serves 4 to 5.

salt; requested to make again.

REVIEWS Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: Great flavors; salty

Dan: Not bad, but not my favorite vegetable Jeff: Love some deluxe mac and cheese.

Jeff: Tastes like traditional Italian meatballs!

Amy: My favorite! Tastes like the mac and cheese my grandma makes.

Amy: I thought these were really good!

Dan: Tasted all right, but I like a little kick in my

Dan: Good. Had a little kick, which I like.

mac and cheese.

D COLA SALAD

Heat ¾ cup of cola. Pour lemon Jello in it and heat until dissolved.

1.5 cups cola

Do not boil. Cool. Add remaining cola, drained crushed pineapple,

1 small package lemon Jello

and nuts. Chill until firm. Serve on lettuce. Serves 6.

1 cup chopped nuts 1 small can crushed pineapple

REVIEWS Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: Very sweet.

Jeff: Interesting and reminds me of my grandma.

Amy: Interesting taste and texture.

Dan: Not bad, but can’t feed to the family due to nuts.

14

The CRIER | Summer 2016

A

D

F

B

C

E

E

F

G

DEVILED EGGS

LAZY MAN’S DESSERT

SUMMER DELIGHT

6 hard cooked eggs

1 cup chocolate syrup

1 large bottle ginger ale

¼ cup mayonnaise or salad dressing

1 cup cold water

5-6 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 package miniature marshmallows

Leaves of 2 or 3 sprigs of mint

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

½ package fudge cake mix

½ teaspoon salt Dash of pepper

G

Break or crush mint leaves in container. Add lemon In a 6x10-inch pan, pour in the syrup, then

juice and ginger ale. Stir until most of the fizz is

the water. Do not mix the two together. Cover

gone. Strain into pitcher. Pour over ice.

Halves eggs lengthwise; remove yolks, and

the surface with as many marshmallows are

mash; mix with mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard,

as needed. Mix half the cake mix according

REVIEWS

salt, and more pepper. Refill egg whites. (Pastry

to directions on the package. Pour over

Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: delicious and refreshing

tube is good to do this, if available.) Chill, and

marshmallows. Bake at 350 degrees for 55

trim with pimento strips or sliced olives and

minutes. Serve while warm, topped with

Jeff: Tastes refreshing and light like a dry like wine.

sprinkle with paprika.

whipped cream if desired.

Good with lazy man’s dessert.

*Author’s note: Crumbled bacon was added.

REVIEWS

Amy: The name suits the drink. It’s very refreshing

Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: very light, airy, and

and would be nice to drink on a hot summer day.

REVIEWS

fluffy; tastes like a chocolate bread pudding;

Alexandra/Mark/Stephen: Turned out a little

overflowed in my oven.

salty.

Jeff: Tastes like a brownie; yummy, light.

Jeff: Awesome.

Amy: Nice way to end a meal. Can’t go wrong Amy: Love! Could definitely taste the salt, but

with chocolate.

I’ve never been one to say no to salt.

Dan: Tastes good. Very good and also would be Dan: Loved them. Very nice texture and had me

good if you ate it warm or chilled.

wanting more.

15

Dan: It was dry to taste.

Charlotte Trailblazers Thousands of Women, Millions of Dollars, and more than a Million Hours Served to Meet the Needs of the Community

By Chemere Davis The needs of the area children and families are central to the work of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC). Since 1926, the JLC has helped thousands of Charlotte’s children and families to live healthy lives through various initiatives that serve the body and mind. In turn the community has benefited greatly. The vision and passion that all League members have, past and present, is evident as you walk the streets of Charlotte. While some of the notable contributions to the community may have changed names and locations, a solid foundation was and continues to be set by the dedication, vision, resilience, and strength of leadership that makes up the League.

The League’s contributions to Charlotte include efforts in the arts, city revitalization, education, health and human services.

While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it is a brief reminder of just how much the JLC has accomplished in 90 years with the help of other community agencies and the families in the communities in which we serve.

Reid Park Academy – The JLC committed a combined $1 million in funds and volunteer time to establish a system of care that met the criteria for the Healthy Family Initiative. This was the first non-brick and mortar undertaking; instead the focus was on human capital. In conjunction with other community agencies, the League has helped to establish a model that reduces the education gap for students and access to services and information for parents. Some of the projects that JLC volunteers have worked on include: the Amay James community garden, Career Day, STEM presentation, and participation in the building of a neighborhood playground.

Center for Prevention Services – This center, formally the Charlotte Drug Education Center, was founded in the 1970s as a need to combat drug abuse. The League committed $75,000 in funds to prevent children from succumbing to drug use. As a result, the program became a model nationally. Today, the Center for Prevention Services provides prevention related programming and services all across the U.S. and internationally for children and families. The League-designed award-winning “I’m Special” program, now called “Unique You,” is still offered today!

Discovery Place – The JLC contributed funds to create a Collections Gallery in 1981 where children could learn more about science. Volunteers helped to nurture the children’s curiosity and stoke the fire to learn more about the world around them.

16

The CRIER | Summer 2016 The Magazine of the Junior League of Charlotte Spring 2011

JLC Building Celebrates 50 Years

League’s Role in Fourth Ward Rebirth

Kids in Motion Preview

Ronald McDonald House to Open in April

Get Out and Volunteer

Berryhill House – In the 1970s, the League took an interest in historical

Kids in the Kitchen

preservation. With help from the community and in celebration of the JLC Bicentennial, restoration of Fourth Ward commenced. The intent of the group was to preserve architecturally significant structures in the area and to influence others to act in the same manner. The Berryhill house, built in 1884, was renovated for $51,323 as a combined effort of the JLC and other community partners. The house was sold and is now privately owned but the effect on the community has been long-lasting.

Council for Children’s Rights –

a Better Building Charlotte

In 1979, the Council for Children was formed as a joint effort between the JLC, United Way and the League of Women Voters with an initial donation of $47,000 to train (volunteers) to help children navigate various agencies to get the care they need and deserve.

In 2006, the Children’s Law Center (to which the JLC also contributed funds and volunteers) combined with the Council for Children to become what is now one of the preeminent services of its kind. The agency works

Ronald McDonald House – Serving families and

to understand and provide a

children who receive treatment at health facilities

personalized assessment of each

around the city, this home that provides comfort

child’s needs and build a support

in time of need, opened in 2011. At it’s opening and in the years that followed, the JLC provided volunteers to assist families and also provided funding for the lockers in the house.

Children’s Theater of Charlotte – This is one of the Junior League of Charlotte’s longest running achievements. In the early 1940s, League members performed plays for children and families in schoolhouses until a permanent location could be found. Today, it’s part of Imaginon. Linda Reynolds, Acting Executive Director/Director of Advancement at the Children’s Theater of Charlotte, had this to say about JLC’s legacy, “A group of insightful women determined that the young people of our area would be enriched if given an opportunity to experience live theater. Their early voluntarism and commitment helped launch what is one of the most respected theatre’s for young people in the country. Their foresight and commitment was ground-breaking!” The Children’s Theater of Charlotte currently serves over a quarter million students a year from NC and SC.

17

JLC WearHouse – The JLC WearHouse Has been in operation for 80 years. Formerly the Thrift Shop, the WearHouse opened in 1936 as a permanent business project. In 1976, the Thrift Shop became The WearHouse and has moved around the city over the years. With donations and patronage from JLC members and the community at large, proceeds from the WearHouse continue to fund many of the League’s major initiatives. eht fo enizagaM ehT ettolrahC fo eugaeL roinuJ 9002 remmuS

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Levine Children’s Hospital (Family Resource Center)

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for children and their families to find resources that explained medical issues children faced and housed other resources for support. The center also provides computers for caregivers, hosts trainings and seminars, andserves in the gap for families in need.

Teen Health Connection – Started by a community collaboration that included the JLC, the doors opened to the community in 1992 to provide preventative and acute health care for at-risk teens. The organization also provides mental health services and boasts about 156,000 healthcare visits since its inception.

Duke Mansion – On the National Register of Historic places, this mansion in a nonprofit which operates to preserve and protect the structure. The Duke Mansion functions as a bed and breakfast, meeting and event space. The JLC has contributed to preservation efforts since the earliest years of the League.

18

Charlotte Trailblazers

The CRIER | Summer 2016

Mint Museum of Art – The Museum opened in 1936 in the original U.S. Mint. It is the oldest museum in North Carolina. League members were involved in funding the salary for a museum director, providing tours and leading free art classes for area children. Currently, the Mint provides exhibits and collections from around the world and also provides education for the community.

Charlotte Nature Museum – In the 1950s, the present location of the museum was funded and run by JLC volunteers. Using fauna and flora, the museum’s exhibits are designed to provide knowledge and fun for patrons of all sizes. Current exhibits include the Butterfly Pavilion and the Paw Paw Nature Trail.

Charlotte Speech and Hearing – In 1967, this center was founded by the JLC as the first of its kind in North Carolina; and it began as a service to help children who were affected by speech-language or hearing disorders. Today, the center efforts have grown to service anyone in the community affected by a speech or hearing impediment.

The Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center provides about 10,000 services annually. Thousands of hearing aids and hundreds of therapy sessions have been provided to those who could not afford it, resulting in lowered communication barriers.

19

Enriching Lives Through Nonprofits

serve as our avenue to pay it forward. We both are highly involved in the community and decided that an even better way to give back was through our own nonprofit. My husband is a Certified Financial Planner® so he manages our Wealth Management Firm as the Chief Wealth and Investment Officer. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work so I am the Executive Director of our foundation. There are no words to adequately describe the freedom and fulfillment that we both have operating in our God given purpose and to be fortunate enough to have a mutually aligned for-profit and nonprofit under our stewardship.

My hope is that our foundation will grow into a giving back powerhouse. I absolutely LOVE giving back and I truly believe that service is the greatest

Arranged By Olga Killips-Burns

gift that you can give to someone else. Giving and helping other people With the mission of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) focused

feeds my soul so I literally need to do those things to have my being. There

on improving the community through volunteer efforts, it should be no

is something so special about giving because it permanently connects you

surprise that many members take this mission beyond the parameters

with others. Last month, The Vintage Foundation, Incorporated received

of the JLC. In this article, four JLC members share their stories about the

a grant from Foundation For The Carolinas to conduct Financial Literacy

inspiration behind and mission of nonprofit organizations they have

Workshops for female entrepreneurs. I cannot fully explain what it means

founded and continue to grow today.

to have spent the time writing my very first grant and then to be awarded the funds. Even more than that, the opportunity to economically empower

The Vintage Foundation, Incorporated

women is the real reward. I know what it takes to start both a business and

By Nikki Fleming, JLC Member www.vintagefoundation.org

significant way to help those ladies in their journey.

a nonprofit – it is A LOT of work – and I hope that I can be used in some

So as my foundation grows and touches more lives, my life, too, will be

The Vintage Foundation, Incorporated is a Private Foundation [501c(3)] that is purposed to serve the community through Leadership Development and Economic Empowerment. What was initially founded to serve as

touched. I remember growing up hearing in church that “You can’t be God giving, no matter how hard you try” and while I certainly know that I can’t beat God-given purpose, I will do my very best to make sure that He is

the philanthropic arm of our Wealth Management Firm, Vintage Wealth

extremely proud of the work that I do through the gift that He has given

Management Group, Inc., has also transformed into our community outreach vehicle. It is such a blessing to be able to give back through both

me, thus known as The Vintage Foundation, Incorporated.

financial and human capital. Not only are my husband and I able to support our community through the monetary donations we make, we are also able to lend our expertise and time for the benefit of others, which is indeed

Taylor’s Tale

By Sharon King, JLC Sustainer www.taylorstale.org

priceless.

My inspiration for starting The Vintage Foundation, Incorporated was

Taylor’s Tale was founded in 2007 to provide funding for lifesaving

giving back. When my husband and I started our Wealth Management

research and promote awareness of Batten disease. Since then, the

Firm in 2009, we knew that we also had to have an entity that would

20

The CRIER | Summer 2016

LIFE LOVE (Left) Nikki Fleming, founder of The Vintage Foundations.

(Right) Sharon King, founder of the Taylor’s Tale

public charity has become a well-known advocate in the fight against rare disease. Today, Taylor’s Tale advocates for state and federal legislation in support of one in 10 Americans battling a rare disease; it was the catalyst

“I absolutely

for historic legislation that established the nation’s first rare disease advisory council in 2015.

LOVE giving back, and I truly

Since its founding, Taylor’s Tale has funded important research projects at institutions including University of Texas Southwestern, King’s College London, National Institutes of Health and Washington University in St. Louis. For the past three years, Taylor’s Tale has supported groundbreaking research at the UNC Gene Therapy Center under the direction of

believe that service is the greatest gift that you can give to someone else.”

Steven Gray, PhD. Taylor’s Tale is a small, volunteer-run organization, but it has made incredible progress in a short time. If you look at the list of board members, past and present, you’ll note a strong Junior League presence.

Taylor’s Tale is a fortunate beneficiary of the training and relationships developed during our years of active membership with the Junior League of Charlotte.

My daughter, Taylor, was the inspiration for starting Taylor’s Tale. I couldn’t

Nikki Fleming

accept that we had no hope – that there was nothing we could do to fight the disease. I was supposed to take her home and make happy memories while we watched the disease steal her away. But I don’t like to watch; I’m not a “sidelines” sort of gal. I asked several friends to help organize a fundraiser for research. The rest, as they say, is history. I don’t think any of us realized the change agent we were creating.

There is so much hope on the horizon for children and families who receive a Batten disease diagnosis. There are multiple forms of the disease, and three of them have a clinical trial in process or close at hand.

Taylor’s form of the disease has the potential to be number four through the research study at UNC. The biggest barrier to moving the work forward is funding. I dream every day of a treatment for infantile Batten disease so that children like Taylor and their families won’t have to face this devastating illness. I also hope Taylor’s Tale will continue to play a pivotal role in advocating for the one in 10 Americans living with rare disease, one million people in North Carolina. With those numbers, it is clear that rare disease is a public health imperative. Indeed, it affects us all.

21

THE POWER OF A BOOK Kristina Cruise, founder of Promising Pages

While at the University of Florida studying broadcast journalism, I volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. I became a “big” to a little boy, which was great, but all I could think about was how so many other kids so desperately needed mentors they would never get. I wanted to clone myself so I could be a big to lots and lots of the little boys and girls who truly needed me to stand by them.

“Our future is very bright and with that we vow to make brighter futures for more children...”

I joined the ranks of the cut-throat TV news industry where I worked tirelessly to find the good in all of the pain I covered on TV for nearly a decade. As a general assignment reporter for the Cincinnati NBC affiliate, one particular story in 2008 changed my life and helped answer my prayers on how to clone my ability to mentor others the way you did through your talk show.

One mid-winter morning I was covering a story at an inner-city Cincinnati food pantry called the Freestore Foodbank. There were too many people in line and not enough donations in the pantry to go around. There was a little girl in line who was sad beyond description. Her otherwise beautiful dark brown eyes already screeched: “I give up!” She was only 3. I looked

Kristina Cruise

around in my reporter’s bag for something to give her. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find anything appropriate, but I clearly heard the word “books” shouting in my head.

Sometime after my shift I listened to a radio report on 700 WLW where a group of researchers were discussing the results of their large scale study conducted on thousands of brain scans of toddlers. The results were

Promising Pages

shocking: Toddlers who had no access to books in their homes had brain

By Kristina Cruise, Founder of Promising Pages and JLC Member www.promisingpages.org

news with my kindergarten public school teacher friends who, unlike me,

scans that in some extreme cases mirrored stroke victims. I shared this were not at all surprised, adding that every year kids enter their classroom having never even touched a book before. “They don’t even know which

When I was a kid, my home life was a mess. My family was a disaster and

way is up or down or how to turn the pages.” Roughly 90 percent of

I was a shell of a generally unremarkable child with pretty battered self-

brain cells form between the ages of zero and five. These children often

esteem. I cried myself to sleep on many occasions. I felt like I had been

enter school with so few pre-reading skills that they already have to be

dealt a really horrible hand in life. I persevered, I never gave up. I had a

“rehabilitated.” One teacher told me by the second or third week, as

couple of mentors and role models, including Oprah, who I absolutely

the students begin to realize how behind they are, at least one of the

adored and resonated with. I also had a very special book that help turn my

students will invariably ask her: “Why am I stupid?” According to the U.S.

low self esteem into a fire to achieve.

Department of Education, these children are 3 to 4 times more likely to not graduate from high school.

22

The CRIER | Summer 2016

How had I never heard of this before? As a reporter who cared deeply

Our small staff and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly every single

about health and children, I was shocked that no one seemed to be talking

day to change the world for the better one child and one book at a time.

about such a prolific complex social issue, yet in my mind, one that is also

We have several wonderful supporting partnerships, including Wells

solvable.

Fargo and OrthoCarolina, as well as the Junior League. This allows us to provide our books free of charge to 30 community organizations to be

My solution was simple. Collect books that other kids have simply

used in their programs. Examples include Smart Start, Reach out and Read,

outgrown, wrap them as presents and give them to children in line at food

Raising a Reader and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our hope and our goal is

pantries. What has happened in the last five years since starting Promising

to expand Promising Pages country-wide, and eventually world-wide, so

Pages in Charlotte, NC has been so much greater than anything I could

that all children can experience the magical powers of books and reading.

have imagined. Our mission is to provide ownership of books to under-

We know we can do it! Because the books are donated, the volunteer

served children, cultivating a lifelong love of reading through innovative

man power is donated and even our facilities are completely donated,

literacy programs and partnerships.

we are able to keep our costs way down to impressive levels of just $25 per year/ child for a stack of book and the Magic Book Party lessons

Armed with 100,000 donated books a year, we visit places such as Crisis

which help them discover the joy of reading. A recent partnership with

Assistant Ministry where we give wrapped book presents to under-served

PricewatershouseCoopers resulted in an intensive operational analysis

children, about a quarter of whom are receiving or even holding a book

that shows us exactly what we need to do to scale 5 fold to 500,000

for the very first time. Instead of me handing out these presents, they are

books a year. That turned into the basis for our 3 year strategic plan and

distributed by our brightly colored superhero mascots named Erm the

city-wide campaign called the One Million Books Revolution that we are

Bookworm and Erma the Bookworma.

currently putting the finishing touches on. The corporate naming rights for this unprecedented effort are up for grabs, as are many corporate and

Erm and Erma also work throughout the school year with approximately

community book drive and volunteer processing slots.

1,700 budding bookworms at 4 Title I schools, including Reid Park and a local charter school. Through our one-of-a-kind programming, these

In April 2016, we were awarded first place in the waste reduction

self-proclaimed K-Third grade “bookworms” learn what it feels like to fall

category for the way we bring life to our donated upcycled children’s

in love with books and reading. They even get to touch a “Magic Book,”

books. On Thursday, May 5, we were awarded in front of 500 people at the

which, if they want will transform them into a bookworm. We have a blast

Charlotte Convention Center with a Leadership Charlotte Legacy Award for

teaching them how to keep the magic activated for long term success.

community service. Our future is very bright and with that we vow to make brighter futures for more children who really need it, children just like me.

Our unique but simple and easily replicable early-literacy development model takes ordinary books and creates extraordinary bookworms. We know all too well the importance and the urgency of this work. There are more than 60,000 children growing up in the Charlotte area without books to call their own. Sixty percent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system’s third graders cannot read on grade level with statistically little chance for upward mobility by that point. Yet 96 percent of children who can read at grade level will go on to graduate high school. There are 45 Title I schools in Charlotte, and our wait list for books and programming continues to grow.

23

EmpowHERment

leaders. I was previously tutoring at Ranson Middle School and coaching

By Carrie Cook, JLC Member www.empowHERment.com

at Vance High School - schools I attended as a young girl in Charlotte.

And every time I went to the schools, I was struck by how many students

EmpowHERment is more than an organization. It’s a movement. It’s a

adult. Ultimately, I knew I could not work with every girl who was seeking a

asked me to work with them, and were seeking guidance from a caring connection, but I could create a platform to connect more girls and women

way of life. It is the belief that communities are strengthened when

in a meaningful way, and that’s exactly what we did. I truly believe that

girls and women are empowered to lead locally. We act on this belief by

every girl and woman should have a mentor and be a mentor. It changes

empowering girls and women through mentoring, talent development

our lives.

and advocacy. EmpowHERment is on a mission to strengthen the female leadership pipeline. We work with girls in grades 6-12 for our mentoring

In 2011, we held a series of focus groups in the community and found that

and talent development programming, hire local collegiate women as

most organizations only focus on the development of the youth (girls),

interns so they gain valuable work experience, and partner with women

or the development of professional women. There wasn’t really a bridge

in our community who are mentors, volunteers, curriculum leaders, and speakers. I often get asked what’s the difference between EmpowHERment and other mentoring programs for girls. And my answer is always the

organization to bring girls and women together to learn about our unique community resources, challenges and opportunities and what we can do as girls and women to lead locally. So we started in 2011 by hosting

same three words: reciprocal growth relationship. We are intentionally

an Annual EmpowHERment Summit to connect girls and women in our

seeking to develop the leadership skills of both the girls and the women

community with local issues, speakers and resources. That year 70 girls

in our programs, while building social capital. So many opportunities for

attended and we had about 30 women volunteers. Fast forward, and last

growth and leadership are connected to networks, and we can build more

year during our 5th Annual EmpowHERment Summit we had 250 girls in

effective networks for girls and women in Charlotte. No matter who you

grades 6-12 participate and over 60 women who volunteered. We had the

are, no matter what you’re doing, whether you are in 6th grade or in your

Mayor of Charlotte attend, the Superintendent share remarks about her

6th career, we can all continue developing our skills as leaders. And we have to show our girls that you don’t have to be perfect to lead.

leadership journey, local business leaders, community leaders, non-profit

We’re all learning and growing together, and empowering each other along

I also really love our collegiate internship program because I know college

leaders and dynamic local college young ladies to share their experiences.

the way. Our three core programs are:

students are looking for meaningful work experience and serving with a local organization is a huge win-win.

Annual EmpowHERment Summit (open to 300 girls in grades 6-12)

I hope that EmpowHERment will connect, inspire and empower countless

Monthly Leadership Academy (open to any girl in grades 6-12) Mentor Program (4-year comprehensive leadership development program that girls begin in 9th grade and graduate from in 12th grade with the

numbers of girls and women. I want us to continue developing a strong presence in Charlotte, then expand regionally, nationally and

support of a one-on-one woman mentor).

internationally. This is my life’s work. There is a need to support and

According to a national study conducted a couple of years ago, 62%

that work, starting at home.

empower girls and women across the globe, and I’m deeply committed to

of U.S. girls report no connection to women leaders in their community outside of their family. That’s just insane. We’ve got so many talented women leaders in our community, and girls who are craving a connection with women whom they can look up to as role-models, mentors and

24

The CRIER | Summer 2016

Your friends at Old World Travel have created some wonderful travel opportunities for 2017. We hope one of these journeys will appeal to you!

2016

November 10-13 Our annual theatre weekend to NYC

2017

March 16-26 – Argentina Highlights of this small group journey include two nights in Buenos Aires; four nights in San Martin de los Andes (on the edge of Patagonia) and two nights in beautiful Bariloche. This trip will feature sophisticated visits in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and special wine tasting and exploring in the countryside.

June 3-10 – San Francisco, Sequoia and Yosemite This unique trip to John Muir’s California is offered in conjunction with Tauck Tours. Because of this association with Tauck we are able to offer hotel accommodations in Sequoia at the Wuksachi Lodge located in the Giant Forest area of the Park at a 7,000 foot elevation. In Yosemite our hotel is the Majestic Yosemite Hotel. This hotel was formerly the famous Ahwanhnee. Its’ design is a masterpiece of “parkitecture” as it nestles into the natural surroundings. Our farewell night in San Francisco will be spent in the equally famous Fairmont Hotel on top of Nob Hill.

Mid-September – 12 days – France and Switzerland This is a “once in a lifetime” personally designed tour. It will be created by our personal French tour director extraordinaire, William Altman. Anyone who has ever traveled with William can attest to his knowledge, charm and caring personality. Our trip will take us into the southeast corner of France known as the Alsace. We will also visit the western corner of Switzerland. This area of Europe is especially beautiful in the early fall when the summer flowers will be at their peak.

End of October – Cuba This trip is still very much a “work in progress” but we are on the list to be approved for a Cuban visit in the late fall of 2017.

November 9-12 - New York The annual NYC theatre weekend for 2017.

If one or more of these special adventures appeals to you, contact Old World Travel at 704-372-0340 or Kathy Price directly via email at oldworldt@aol.com. We will be happy to provide you with additional information.

25

History of

1

2

4

26

1. A Lunch and Learn on Access to Healthy Foods was held by the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee in partnership with the Mecklenburg Dept. of Social Services.

2. Members of Alexander Youth Network build gift bags for an event for students.

3. JLC members attending Alexander Youth Network’s Luncheon.

4. Elizabeth Kovacs, Katheryn Fuller, Arina Kirk, Beverley Shull, and Kelley Cobb smile at a social.

5. Morgan Cooper and Jess Dienna meet Laura Bush at a fundraiser event.

Service

3

5

10

6. JLC provisionals participate in a Wine and Design night.

7. Members gather for a Leadership appreciation night 8. Promising Pages volunteers meet to organize books for distribution.

9. March LDI members participate in a Sip n Serve at Hope Cancer Ministries 10. The Finance and Managerment Team and the Board of Directors work hard to plan for the upcoming year.

The CRIER | Summer 2016

6

27

7

8 9

&

Connecting

Others

Celebrating 90 Years of Service and Volunteering During the year 1926, eight cities in the United States and Canada submitted applications and were granted charters to join the Association of Junior Leagues. Here are a few highlights from some of our sister Leagues celebrating 90th anniversarys as well.

The Junior League of Toronto

The Junior League of Pasadena

Celebrating 90 Years: Building civic leaders, Promoting

The Junior League of Pasadena, Inc.’s (JLP) mission this

voluntarism, Developing the potential of women through

year is to create a multi-year plan to note how the JLP

leadership training and support, Improving communities in

can be a force in their community. The multi-year plan

the Greater Toronto Area is the mission of the Junior League of

is directly aligned with the JLP’s newly created impact

Toronto, Inc. (JLT).

and vision statement. The JLP is also finalizing the Issue Based Community Impact process and looking forward to

“What has occurred in the JLT’s 90 years of service is simply

continuing to make an impact in the community.

incredible. As an organization, we will use this year to reflect and celebrate our accomplishments while at the same time,

“The JLP has an amazing history in Pasadena, from being

building the capacity of our organization for the next 90

the original art docents at The Huntington to founding

years,” said Stephanie Knox, JLT President 2015-2016.

Kidspace Children’s Museum. Members of the community are so grateful for all the JLP has accomplished in the last

For the Junior League of Toronto, Inc. (JLT), the 2015-2016

90 years – and the experienced leadership JLP league

league year marks a significant milestone with the celebration

members bring with them to other organizations. Being

of their 90th anniversary. The JLT commemorated their 90th

part of such a respected group of women is an honor, and

anniversary with a Mardi Gras themed event on February 6,

I look forward to leading them into the next 90 years,”

2016. On April 8, 2016, the Junior League of Toronto hosted a

Jennifer Allan Goldman, President-Elect 2015-2016.

special 90th Anniversary Bridge and Luncheon. Junior League of Toronto members and guests were able to purchase bridge

The Junior League of Pasadena is marking their 90th

card sets during the luncheon event.

Anniversary celebration with a birthday party at Kidspace Children’s Museum in June 2016. Kidspace Children’s Museum was founded by the JLP in 1979. The JLP will host a free party for all members of the community to celebrate 90 years of service in the community. Additionally, the JLP is gearing up to focus on a new impact area for the 2016-

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The CRIER | Summer 2016 2017 league year. The focus, being support and development of women, is a ten-year plan toward increasing the business, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills of women. The JLP’s new vision statement is as follows: “The Junior League of Pasadena empowers women to break barriers in order to build their futures and strengthen their communities.”

The Junior League of Savannah The Junior League of Savannah (JLS) has a mission this league year to be an inspiration to the women and children in their community through action and leadership of trained volunteers. JLS members are able to take advantage of planned training offerings and network opportunities at General Membership Meetings, Training Workshops, and within their placements. The JLS plans to focus on community efforts by introducing their new community impact strategy, which will further their volunteer impact to their current programs: Backpack Buddies, Ronald McDonald House, and FitKidsFest.

“As we celebrate a milestone anniversary, we celebrate what we have accomplished as women working together. The Junior League woman is one of compassion, strength, and determination. We have strengthened our community through our determination to embrace diverse perspectives, build partnership, and inspire shared solutions. For 90 years, we have been a part of our community’s history. And we have lived up to our vision of being women around the world as catalysts for lasting community change,” said Jennifer Claiborne, JLS President 2015-2016.

The JLS is celebrating 90 years in the Savannah community by participating (along with other Junior Leagues of Georgia) in the Little Black Dress initiative – a campaign to raise awareness of the challenges that 1.8 million people in Georgia living in poverty. More than 50 JLS members and Community Advisory Board members wore the same black dress or outfit for five working days in a row to highlight how limited resources impact the ability to afford work-appropriate clothing needed for economic growth above the poverty line; and to understand how limited resources can affect daily life. Participants in the Little Black Dress initiative wore a button stating, “Ask Me About My Dress,” allowing them the opportunity to discuss the initiative, as well as, share information about the JLS and their accomplishments through their 90 years of service in the community.

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors!

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year (2015-2016). Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship. These relationships are vital to our continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte. Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!

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LBD Initiative

During the month of April 2016, members of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) participated in the Little Black Dress Initiative (#LBDI) to raise awareness for poverty. The 2016 Provisional Class led the way to promote and encourage other members to join in with the JLC’s first ever #LBDI. In five days members raised more than $25,000 through the support of over 460 donors. While our members were fortunate enough to have the ability to change up their looks each day, for the 188,000 kids in Charlotte living in poverty, they do not have that choice. Thank you to all those who participated by wearing a black dress, raising awareness on poverty in Charlotte or simply asking about our dresses!

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

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JLC NEWS News Nantasha Chryst’s son, Ethan Chryst, who is 6 years old qualified for and competed with the USA BMX team in Medellin, Columbia in the Worlds BMX race.

(Pictured upper left) Sarah Brown graduated with her MBA from Queens University of Charlotte on May 6. (Pictured upper right) Jenn Marts, Placement Asst. Coordinator recently earned a Doctorate in Education from North Carolina State University in the Program: Adult and Community College Education with a concentration in Human Resource Development. Her dissertation was titled, “Quantitative impacts on service-learning community college students.”

Engagements Michelle Grose, The CRIER editor, was recently engaged to Bruce Moser. The two are planning a late summer wedding in the North Carolina mountains. (Pictured lower left) Danielle Rose, WearHouse Vice Chair, recently got engaged to Evan Thompson.

Kim Tweedy was recently engaged to Brad Goodman. The two are getting married this fall. (Pictured lower right) Eleanor Norman was recently engaged to Blake Shell.

Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at: www.jlcharlotte.org Considering joining our membership.

Contact: MDC@jlcharlotte.org Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC. Visit www.jlcharlotte.org/?nd=community_partners Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services.

Contact: office@jlcharlotte.org Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store.

Contact: jlcwearhouse@jlcharlotte.org

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The CRIER | Summer 2016

Little Leaguers Our Future is Bright!

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A

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As we look back at the last 90 years of service of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) we see all of the leaders and difference makers that came before us. They paved the way so we have a platform to make a difference in our community. In the same way, the members of the Junior League of Charlotte wants to build up women who see the value in community service and voluntarism. So to celebrate our future leaders we asked members to send in photos of their daughters posing in JLC gear! A: Charley Sprague, Age 2, Daughter of Sara Sprague B: Anne Louise Magee, Age 7, Daughter of Tricia Magee C: Claire Gratrix, Age 2, Daughter of Christina Gratrix D: Corabelle Jowers, Daughter of Jessica Jowers, 2 years old E: Taylor Petillo, Age 7, daughter of Lynn Petillo

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NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID CHARLOTTE, NC PERMIT NO. 777

1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209 (704)375-5993 info@jlcharlotte.org jlcharlotte.org

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