JLC Perspectives - Winter 2011 Issue

Perspectives THE NEWSLETTER OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CINCINNATI

Winter 2011

Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched

Perspectives

Page 2

Executive Board: President Melanie Chavez President-Elect Shannon Glass VP Communication Katy Crossen

In this issue...

President’s Perspective………………………………………………. 3 CinSation 2012, Executive Board Adopts a Class ……..…………………... …………4 Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched ……..……………………………………. 5 Kids in the Kitchen: By the Numbers…………………….. ………... 7

VP Community Projects Vicki Calonge

Junior League Jog ………………………………………… ………... 9

VP Finance Meredith Edwards

Sustainer's Segment JLC Member Continues Signature Project’s Work ...…………….…12

VP Membership Lisa Hubbard

JLC Website Gets a Makeover ………….………..…….... ……...… 14

VP Training & Development Lauren Bosse

Emerging Leaders Prepares Next Generation .…………………….. 17

Sustainer Advisor Darlene Kamine

Upcoming Events …………………………………………. ………... 19

Mission Moment ……………………………….……………….……11

Changes to Provisional Program Shape Future Actives ...………….16

2011: Success at a Glance………………………………... ……….. 18

Legal Advisor Kendall Shaw Recording Secretary Brooke Hiltz

Sustainer Council: Chair Ginny Myer Vice-Chair Linda Appleby Secretary Laura Skidmore Treasurer Linda Nitzschke Past Chair Ellie Berghausen Representative to Board Darlene Kamine Endowment Representative Sandy Donovan

Our Mission The Junior League of Cincinnati is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League of Cincinnati is an exclusively educational, charitable organization which reaches out to women of all races, religions, or national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

Perspectives is the quarterly newsletter of the Junior League of Cincinnati.

Publication months are August, November, February, and June.

Items for submission can be sent to: Cindy Bruestle, chair, cbruestle@ gmail.com. Deadline is the 20th day of the month prior to publication.

Perspectives Committee: Cindy Bruestle, Chair, Bess Ganeff, Vice Chair, Katy Crossen, VP Communication, Natalie Bieser, Tiffany Boyd, Sarah Lucas, Fran Santangelo

Junior League of Cincinnati 3500 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45226 (513) 871-9339 www.jlcincinnati.org

Winter 2011

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President’s Perspective...

Each year, the Junior League of Cincinnati has the opportunity to participate in CODE Day (Connect Ohio Develop Educate), a day in which all Ohio Leagues get together to share information about best practices, build relationships and learn some tangible skills to help better our individual leagues. This year, we were fortunate enough to be able to send ten women to represent the JLC. One of the questions posed to us during our morning session was ‘What is the greater value that volunteers bring to our world?’ I immediately thought ‘wow, this is a bit deep for 10 a.m., with only one cup of decaf under my belt,’ but as I thought about the question, I realized that I had never thought about our efforts in a larger capacity. Sure, I know that we are a part of a network of 155,000 women who are trained volunteers, and I know what we do and what we stand for as a national organization. But, what about the hundreds of thousands of other volunteers outside of our Junior League world? And, what about this concept of bringing value to the world at large? Our speaker didn’t ask about our physical outputs.

He didn’t ask how many dollars we had raised for our cause. In fact, he didn’t ask about our cause at all. He was trying to get us to articulate those intangibles. As I pondered that question throughout the day and weeks after, my answer was quite simple; compassion.

What we are doing through our actions is showing others that we care. We care without agenda, without obligation and without expectations of reciprocity. We are simply sharing our time and skills with others with the hope of bettering their lives at that given moment, and perhaps inspiring them to pay it forward in some small way.

It reminds me of the insurance commercials, which focus on how small, kind gestures can have a compounding effect upon the community and world at large. Our volunteer efforts within the Junior League of Cincinnati are as varied as our members. They range from singing in retirement homes, to planning events, to leading children through a simple craft exercise, to collecting coats at a fundraiser, to bringing meals to a member in need, to writing press releases, to making blankets as a means of comfort for a sick child or sibling….the list goes on and on. While the activities vary and perhaps even the perceived value of these activity may vary, the impact these collective efforts have are universal and reach far beyond our initial intent.

In speaking with our CandO (Community And Outreach) committee over the past few months, these women were passionate about developing a unifying theme to pull together their varied activities. They came up with ‘Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched.’ I absolutely loved it when I first heard it, but after CODE Day, it spoke to me even more. The success they have chosen to measure isn’t about physical outputs, but rather relationships and interaction with others. I would offer that this theme applies beyond CandO to Kids in the Kitchen to PAC and even to our internally focused committees like Jody’s Network, Membership Outreach, Provisionals and Perspectives. We put a lot of effort into building member camaraderie, teaching members about the impact that we’ve had on the community, and crafting stories to share with the community about our work or an inspiring member. And in doing so, we are hopefully inspiring our own members to do more and be more within the context of this organization and beyond.

As we enter a season which is typically marked by an increase in community need, I want to thank each of our members and community partners for giving to our community and world in a way that isn’t easily quantifiable. As I say all of the time, I am so proud to be a part of this organization. We are brought together with the promise of volunteer and self development opportunities, and we stay together because of the relationships we develop and because of the lives that we touch within our community. After my experience at CODE Day, I can now add an even greater meaning to being a part of this wonderful organization.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!

JLC members are part of a network of

155,000 trained volunteers.

Melanie M. Chavez

Perspectives

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CinSation 2012 — Shaken, Not Stirred

by Tiffany Boyd Your mission, should you choose to accept it, will be to dive into the world of the international spy. On March 10, the Junior League of Cincinnati will host CinSation: Shaken, Not Stirred at beautiful Music Hall. Attendees can taste featured dishes from the best restaurants in town and choose the Best Bite of the Night. The JLC casino will be back, luring guests to take a turn with Lady Luck.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to put each other behind bars and bail themselves or each other out of our charity jail. Guests will also be able to browse some fabulous items at the silent auction. JLC members as well as the community are welcome to attend.

Event tickets are on sale now at www.jlcincinnati.org, available at the following levels: Secret Agents (admits 2) International Couple of Mystery (admits 2) Bond Couple (admits 2) Bond Girl (admits 1) General Admission Ticket

Tuxedo-clad fellows helped CinSation Co-Chairs Katie Hayden and Lizzie Polston reveal this year's theme and kick off ticket sales for CinSation: Shaken, Not Stirred. The event will be March 10, 2012. Black tie is optional; dashing-007 attire is required.

$1,000 $500 $175 $100 $75

Hosts and hostesses must purchase their ticket by January 20 to ensure listing on the invitation.

$100

$75

Host or Hostess ticket to CinSation 2012.

general admission to CinSation 2012.

JLC Executive Board Adopts a Class The Junior League of Cincinnati Executive Board has adopted a 1st grade class at the Academy of World Languages in Oakley through the Adopt-A-Class Foundation. The Adopt a Class Foundation (AAC) is an area non-profit mentoring program designed to facilitate personal, sustained connections between members of the business community and students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.

Seven members of the Board and three additional League members were present for their first classroom event on Friday, September 23.

Participants organized three activities for the 22 students in the class at a “Fall Apple Party.” The party included apple stamping, a “pass the apple” get-to-know you game, and snacks (apple slices, apple pops, and apple juice).

The JLC will host three additional in-class events as well as weekly, half-hour reading sessions. If you would like to participate as a volunteer reader, please contact Brooke Hiltz at brooke.hiltz@uc.edu.

Winter 2011

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Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched

by Vicki Calonge and Bess Ganeff Whether you're setting out for a committee meeting or an event benefiting the Junior League of Cincinnati, it's easy to get lost in the details. Sometimes a committee's assigned tasks or our fundraising requirements have a way of overshadowing the big picture - our organization is touching thousands of lives through our volunteer work.

When we step back and examine the full scenario, we are able to appreciate the hundreds of ways the JLC is leaving a mark on our community with a focus on service.

The Junior League of Cincinnati has been serving the Greater Cincinnati community since 1920. From the Public Affairs Committee, which advocates on issues within the community, to the Choral Group, which has been active for 48 years and reached over 1300 seniors last year, to the “December Area meetings,” which celebrate the holiday season, the JLC is involved in a variety of projects, showing our community that volunteering matters.

Some of the most visible JLC volunteer activities are the “done in a day” projects sponsored by CandO, the Community and Outreach Committee. CandO is dedicated to providing hands-on, meaningful, short-term volunteer experiences. Throughout the year, CandO coordinates a variety of projects, based both on member interests, and on community needs. Among these projects are literacy events, as well as collaborations with MindPeace, Fernside, Girls on the Run, one of the local battered women’s shelters, and the annual Halloween Party at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Natalie Wais, the current CandO chair, says, “The first committee I joined when transferring to the JLC was CandO. I organized the literacy event volunteer opportunity. I will never forget the joy and excitement of the children who attended, especially since so many of them said this was the first book they had ever owned. The children asked for more than one book because they wanted to give books to their siblings and friends who were not in attendance. Some of the children even ran out to find their friends and brought more children back so they could also have their first book. That is a moment you do not forget.”

“I volunteered for the Valentine's Day party at the battered women's shelter last year,” added CandO committee member Tory Neyer. Serving the women dinner, hearing their stories, and receiving their gratitude for helping out just one night, makes me realize how the JLC touches the lives of so many women. The experience was so rewarding that I knew I wanted to join the CandO committee this year to be a part of a team that reaches out to others through so many great events.”

JLC member Jenny Walker McManus agrees with these sentiments. “The Valentine's Day dinner is a heavy, but extremely moving night. During last year's dinner, I was talking with the director of the shelter when one of the residents ran up to her while on the phone with her husband's probation officer. Her husband kept calling her

CandO Committee members and Vice-Chair, Julie Albright unveiling the Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched banner at the November General Membership Meeting. from jail. He was in jail because he abused her and her 14 year old daughter. She was upset, but said he had to learn he can't treat them that way, that it's not right. My stomach dropped and I got teary-eyed, too…The women who are at the shelter are the warmest and most gracious women I've ever seen in my life. They've experienced more anger and aggression than most of us will ever know, but they laugh and are kind and still pray and thank the Lord above.”

One of the CandO activities most familiar to JLC members is the annual assembly of fleece blankets for the Ronald McDonald House. When a guest family checks into the RMH, they are given a welcome bag, which includes either a blanket or a quilt. With over 1,200 families served in 2010, this is quite an endeavor. One of CandO’s goals for this year is to make at least 150 blankets, and help serve over 10% of the RMH guest families.

JLC member Erika Schmitt, who was part of CandO from 2009-2011, says those years have been her favorite years in the JLC thus far.

“The JLC has numerous large-scale and well-publicized events; however, it wasn’t until I joined the CandO committee that I really met my match in the League,” Schmitt said. “My main interest in any volunteer organization is being able to gain hands-on experience and the CandO committee enables me to do so.

Continued on page 6

Perspectives

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Volunteering Matters, continued...

“We are fortunate to be a part of this dynamic organization of smart, motivated women of character making a positive impact on our community. The varied volunteer opportunities provided by CandO, from the Ronald McDonald house to the Brighton Center, transforms "I care" into "We care" and the impact of our actions of change become even more powerful and inspired.”

Tracy Piening

200 Number of lives touched by 20 JLC members who participated in last year’s holiday party for Mercy Franciscan St. John.

150 The number of blankets CandO hopes to make for the Ronald McDonald House in January.

450 Million online media impressions to date have been made

by Kids in the Kitchen as a signature project over 225 Leagues across four countries.

Each event that the projectsbased group puts on is unique – yet continues to support the overall JLC mission by supporting and enabling women and children within the Cincinnati community and also providing the general membership with the volunteer opportunities that many of us want.

“In the last year, we continued to host the most popular League events (Halloween Party, Valentine’s Day Dinner, Fleece Blankets) – but also started to follow suggestions from the League members…which is extremely important to me, as people are much more energetic if it’s a cause they truly believe in,” says Schmitt.

Beyond CandO is the JLC’s signature project, which for the past few years has been Kids in the Kitchen. In 2006, Kids in the Kitchen, a Leaguewide initiative, coordinated by The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., was adopted by the Junior League of Cincinnati. Its goal is to address childhood obesity and poor nutrition by educating the public and providing solutions at a grassroots level. In its first year, over 225 Leagues across four countries participated in the program, with media coverage reaching over 80 million people. With the help of a growing grassroots movement, program sponsor Cartoon Network, and celebrity spokespersons, such as George Stella, KITK has made over 450 million online media impressions to date. In the Greater Cincinnati area alone, over 150 hungry children are fed healthy snacks after school each month. The goal of the JLC this year is to have each member “touch” and be involved in the KITK capstone project in some way, from

assisting with after school cooking classes, to participating in the spring “Be Healthy. Be Active!” festival.

While “Number of Lives Touched” is the theme of this quarter’s Perspectives issue, it’s also much more.

It’s a way to connect JLC membership to each other, and to the JLC mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities. It’s a way to reach out to others and enhance the quality of life in the community.

Academy of World Languages student As JLC member Tracy completing an apple stamping project as Piening notes, “[We are] part of the Adopt-A-Class/JLC program. fortunate to be a part of this dynamic organization of smart, motivated women of character making a positive impact on our community. The varied volunteer opportunities provided by CandO, from the Ronald McDonald house to the Brighton Center, transforms ‘I care’ into ‘We care’ and the impact of our actions of change become even more powerful and inspired.”

Katie Hayden, Megan Stacey and Lisa Mayer participating in JLC 9/11: Day of Service

JLC members participating in CandO sponsored Past Projects Day with Girls on the Run

Winter 2011

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JLC Re-Launches Board Bank The JLC proudly announces the re-launch of the JLC Board Bank. Housed within the Training & Development Council, Tara Bonistall Noland will coordinate the Board Bank for the next two years, and will select her successor to carry on this JLC tradition.

The desire and need for a JLC Board Bank was recently rekindled after a compelling roundtable discussion focused on how to get onto a non-profit board, led by JLC Sustainers and Women of the Year Barbara Fitch, Marty Humes, Trish Bryan, Linda Smith and special guest Heather Hallenberg.

Board Training program and then be paired with a non-profit who is seeking a JLC leader to augment their board.”

The five-hour training will be held over two evenings in February (dates to be announced soon) and will culminate with a matching fair for JLC Board Bank members and the related nonprofit organization participants.

Bonistall Noland is currently meeting with JLC past projects who have expressed an interest in having JLC members join their boards, as well as with Sustainers who sit on boards that could use some additional JLC talent.

Under Bonistall Noland’s guidance, the Board Bank has established a partnership with ArtsWave, which will provide five hours of Board training to the JLC’s 2011-2012 Board Bank class. The training will cover financial responsibilities, legal responsibilities and other important fundamentals of being a good, knowledgeable board member.

Please contact Bonistall Noland at tara.bonistall@gmail.com for an application or for more information. Applications are due by January 13, 2012.

“Bringing back the JLC Board Bank is so important to me,” says JLC President Melanie Chavez. “ We have talented members who go through our trainings and who meet our inspirational Sustainers. The constant feedback I hear is ‘how do I do that?’

What we are trying to do through the Board Bank is provide an avenue where our members can be trained by an established

At the November General Membership Meeting, a panel of Junior League sustainers with significant expertise shared with attendees ways to navigate their way onto a non-profit board.

Kids in the Kitchen: By the Numbers

by Joanne Moore Since 2009, the Kids in the Kitchen committee has interacted with thousands of community members: 150 CPS children; 90 children and parents at the Winter Family Festival; and over 2,000 children and families through our community events including our spring capstone event, Be Healthy. Be Active!.

KITK is on track to surpass those numbers in 2011-2012. So far, we have spread healthy eating messages to 250 children and adults at the Avondale Health Fair and to over 100 at the 5K Family Fun Festival. We have expanded our schools program to include 3 schools, with a reach of 150 children and have given each participant take-home, child friendly kitchen utensils. We will hold three programs at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum in December, enabling us to reach hundreds of families and children. Finally, all of these activities will culminate with our Be Healthy. Be Active! capstone event on Saturday, April 10, where we anticipate reaching over 1,000 children and families. We hope that all JLC members will join us in our most ambitious year to-date!

2,250 children and families served over two capstone events, plus

16 other events through

7 other organizations.

Perspectives

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Membership Outreach Touches Members, Friends

by Fran Santangelo When asked about what the Membership Outreach and Events committee has been up to this year, Committee Chair Megan Stacey explains that they have been “busy planning and hosting fabulous events!”

60 JLC members attended the Fall Social.

“We are so excited to join forces as one to promote social opportunities for our members as well as reach out in the community to prospective members,” Stacey explained.

In September, members enjoyed an evening at Mt. Adam’s historic Rookwood Pub, the original site of the legendary Rookwood Pottery.

At the beginning of November, they worked with the CinSation committee to reveal this year’s theme at the launch party downtown at Bartini. They are looking forward to a February event and fashion show in the spring.

In addition, Membership Outreach planning is in full swing. Through various events, approximately 30 prospective members have been added to the JLC contact list. Prospective members have expressed interest in being engaged earlier in the Junior League prior to beginning their provisional year, so the committee is working diligently to be responsive and engage women as soon as they express interest in the Junior League.

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. " ~Marcel Proust

A Cake from Cincinnati Seasoned — The Perfect Holiday Treat!

This is an easy recipe that’s very pretty on the plate. It’s a unique, decadent alternative to serve during the holiday season.

Peppermint Chocolate Icebox Cake 3 cups heavy whipping cream 3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon peppermint extract 3 drops red food coloring 2 boxes Anna’s Chocolate Mint Thins cookies 10 peppermint candies, crushed 2 tablespoons, chocolate syrup Beat the whipping cream, sugar, peppermint extract and food coloring in a mixing bowl at high speed until soft peaks form.

Arrange six cookies in a circle on a serving plate and place one cookie in the center. Spread ½ cup of the whipped cream over the cookies, leaving the edges of the cookies exposed. Repeat the layers to use all of the cookies. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top. Sprinkle with the crushed candy. Spoon the chocolate sauce into a small sealable bag and cut off a tiny corner of the bag. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top of the cake.

Chill for eight hours before serving.

This recipe and more can be found in Cincinnati Seasoned, available for purchase on www.jlcincinnati.org. — TB

Member Milestones Weddings Kari Setser married Chuck Kerns on October 1.

Babies Katherine Morgan welcomed Jerome "Halleran" Paul Boucher on July 1.

Jenifer Reese welcomed Cameron Cox on September 26.

Lisa Williams welcomed Elizabeth “Lizzie” Marie on October 14.

Honors The following members were named to the 2011-2012 WE Lead Class: Jessica Shelly Preeti Thakar Digi Schueler will be honored by 4C for her advocacy work for children on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at The Westin.

Congratulations!

Winter 2011

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3.1 miles to success at the...

JUNIOR LEAGUE JOG!

by Tessa Wolfarth and Bess Ganeff This year’s Fall Fundraiser celebrated with over 180 runners and walkers in the Junior League Jog, a 5K run/walk race, and with more than 300 participants throughout the afternoon. The event was emceed by the inspiring former Olympian Julie Isphording, and music was provided by DJ Jeffrey Schachleiter from Receptions.

Attendees enjoyed an array of refreshments from several sponsors, including Vitamin Water, Chiquita, Horizon Milk, Naked Pizza, Brueggers Bagels, and Clif Bar. They also were treated to a magic show from Chuck & Darlene Kamine (JLC Sustainer Advisor), a children's obstacle course provided by BeneFIT Studio, post race stretching provided by Parallel Pilates and Jess Ruther, dance demonstrations by the St. Ursula Dance Team, Cincinnati Zoo animals (an owl and a snake), a children's bounce house, face painting and balloon animals from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Funny Companie Clowns, a visit from the Hyde Park Fire Department (complete with dancing fireman), and children's races with pumpkin prizes provided by Garver Farm Market.

“The priority for the women of the Junior League is always about family and this event fit in well with all that they do," said Isphording.

The event raised over $9,000 for the Junior League's programs for 20112012 which is certain to help the JLC’s goal of battling childhood obesity.

"We are thrilled with the success of the Junior League Jog,” said Tessa Wolfarth, event chair. “It was a perfect fall afternoon, and it was a fantastic feeling to see everyone enjoying the race and activities throughout the day! Thanks to everyone who joined us!"

180

runners/walkers participated in the Junior League Jog.

300 community members enjoyed the 5K and family celebration.

$9K+ was raised for 2011-2012 Junior League programming.

Perspectives

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Member Spotlight: Myrna Smith

Where are you from?

Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan Years in the League?

43 years in the League – I’m a new Sustainer Transfer to JLC Why did you join the Junior League?

The Junior League was a great training organization and offered wonderful connections to leaders in Grosse Pointes and Detroit. I joined the League of Detroit in 1968, not long after I moved to Grosse

Pointe from Birmingham, Michigan. I knew only a few people in Grosse Pointe but fortunately those I knew were in the League. After a year and a half in the League I was asked to be Provisional Chairman and I told my husband that if I screwed it up we would have to move out of town. Fortunately, that didn't happen and friends I made then are still friends today.

What was the transition like, moving from an Active Member to Sustainer?

I put off becoming a sustainer for two years after I was eligible because I loved the women and the projects of the Junior League. Actually, I have now been a Sustainer for 30 years.

As my daughters grew older, I started a career in real estate which I did for 33 years and just retired when I moved to Cincinnati. In the meantime I continued to do volunteer

work, including running an agency to help troubled teens and serving eight years on the city council, running twice for mayor. I learned from that how difficult it is to beat an incumbent mayor but it is also very interesting to serve on council and buck “the good old boys."

Why do you feel the Junior League is important for the community?

The Junior League is very important to the community because many helpful and important projects would not be done if not for Junior League funds and volunteers.

Hobbies or interests?

I am very interested in history and am trying to educate myself on the history of Cincinnati which is very rich and interesting. I also like tennis, gardening and cooking.

What is your family life like?

I have been single for 28 years and have two grown

daughters; Mary Anne Newman who lives in Mariemont and has 3 daughters aged 13, 10 and 7, and Laurie Kelley who lives in Grand Haven, Michigan and has 8-year-old-twin boys.

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My role model and mentor is my best friend Stephanie Kost, who I met when she served on the provisional committee with me many years ago.

Transferring in as a Sustainer, what are your hopes in joining the Cincinnati League?

The Junior League of Cincinnati has been very warm and welcoming to me and I have joined the Junior League Gardeners and gone on two great outings with them. I have also joined the Sustainers Too luncheon group. I hope to find a volunteer opportunity connected with the League.

— SL

Winter 2011

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Mission Moment

by Katy Crossen

OUR MISSION The Junior League of Cincinnati is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League of Cincinnati is an exclusively educational, charitable organization which reaches out to women of all races, religions, or national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

What’s the mission of the Junior League of Cincinnati? We’ve all likely read over the mission, but even could spend more time internalizing what those words mean, and how they relate to the work our members are trying to accomplish. To that end, you’ve probably heard about “Mission Moments” through this year. At General Monthly Meetings, on www.jlcincinnati.org, and in Perspectives, we’re going to share personal stories and engagement experiences that underscore the JLC’s focus. We challenge every committee, every meeting, every League gathering to start with a Mission Moment.

“The Junior League of Cincinnati is an organization of women committing to promoting voluntarism…”

For me, that line is the whole kit-and-caboodle. A group of women focused on the efforts of volunteering.

The desire to give back is what compelled me to join the Junior League several years ago. I sought an outlet where I could use my time wisely and feel like I was making an impact on the community. And that brings me to my next point.

“…developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” Wow. There’s a lot packed in there, huh? This line relates to the tag line you see attached to the JLC logo – Women Building Better Communities. Our volunteer work is focused on taking action with the intent of making an impact in our neighborhoods. The Kids in the Kitchen project is a perfect example of how we’ve been able to reach out to students at Pleasant Ridge Montessori and help them learn the importance of nutrition and exercise.

The second part of this line focuses on all the training we experience as members of the Junior League of Cincinnati. This organization is dedicated to giving you the tools you need to excel as a community volunteer. Through your hard work and commitment, you will learn leadership tools that will help you manage committees, tackle fundraising challenges, and otherwise set an example for people seeking direction from you. These tools will serve you well in your professional endeavors, other volunteer ventures, and even your home life.

“Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.” This line basically says ‘We’re not here for the money.’ True, your professional contacts may grow, and you may develop treasured, life long friendships, but the original intention of this organization is to help you grow as a leader and serve as an outlet for philanthropy and voluntarism.

If you ask other League members, they might talk differently about the Mission Statement. They may use different words or emphasize different segments, but I imagine the same intentions and priorities will be there. I encourage you to examine the mission statement and pick out the pieces that resonate with you.

Why are you a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati? What’s the focus of your work here? We can’t wait to help you accomplish what you desire.

Members Honored with Starlight Awards

by Lisa Hubbard The Starlight Awards recognize committee members who have gone above and beyond in service to the JLC. The following dedicated members have been identified as Starlight Award winners this fall…

Kelly Cunningham

SEPTEMBER: CandO members Kelly Cunningham and Brooke Mullett: Cunningham and Mullett organized the JLC’s first 9/11 National Day of Service event. Faced with no budget and no groups with planned events they could join, they partnered with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, who worked with them to create an event and provide the supplies. Over 65 volunteers cleaned up six blocks in College Hill, picking up more than 20 bags of trash. Cunningham and Mullett went above and beyond to provide the JLC with a brand new and meaningful volunteer opportunity on the 9/11 National Day of Service.

Brooke Mullett

OCTOBER: 5K member Hope Schmidt Schmidt became the go-to person for 5K vice-chair Jackie Olinger. She willingly accepted the not-so-small task of making all of the asks for food and drink donations on top of her original assigned tasks. She even offered to take over volunteer management for the festival portion of the event. Schmidt truly went above and beyond in her work on the 5K committee and helped make the fundraiser a success. In addition to her work on the 5K, Schmidt also secured a location for the Cookbook Committee’s Tour of Kitchens.

Hope Schmidt

Perspectives

Page 12

Sustainers’ Segment: JLC Member Continues Signature Project’s Work

by Darlene Kamine what treatment they recommend, and what to expect. Your friends are there to support you with casseroles and encouragement. When your child is diagnosed with a mental illness, you are too ashamed to call anyone. You can’t reach out for help because of the stigma. There are no casseroles at your front door when your child is mentally ill. The fear and pain are made worse by the isolation you feel.”

It is said that if you save one life, it is as if you saved the world. Applying that equation, Susan Shelton has saved the world thousands of times over. Trained as an engineer with a master’s degree in business, Shelton’s career in the League transformed her life and the lives of children and families throughout our community when she became involved with the development of MindPeace.

Shelton’s pathway to becoming the Executive Director of MindPeace began when she was vice-chair of the Program Development Committee in 2000. The committee spent a full year researching the unmet needs of the children and families in our community that could be the focus for the next Junior League signature project. Although there were many areas of concern, accessible and affordable mental health care for children was identified as a high priority.

When the Program Development Committee drilled deeper in 2001, they tapped into the anguish and frustration of parents all over the city including many of our own League members with children suffering from mental illness. Actives and Sustainers contacted Shelton to share with her the stories they had been keeping secret because of the stigma of mental illness.

“When you get a diagnosis of cancer, “ one League member confided in Shelton, “ the first thing you do is call your friends who had cancer to find out what doctor is best,

The Project Development Committee brought their findings to a general meeting in 2002. Most shocking was the fact that Cincinnati Children’s Hospital had 1700 psychiatric admissions through the Emergency Room in that year - more than any other children’s hospital in the nation. Even more compelling was the testimony of one very brave League member whose 10 year old son had a psychotic break and required an emergency hospitalization. She described how she drove from her home in Indian Hill holding on to her son to keep him from jumping out of the car on the way to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Despite her family’s wealth and powerful connections in the community, she was unable to get her child admitted to Children’s as they were beyond full with some psychiatric patients scattered in medical units throughout the hospital.

Still trying to control and soothe her very ill son, she got him back in the car and drove to an unfamiliar hospital on the far west side of town where a bed was available. After he was stabilized and ready for release, her money and connections again proved to be of little help in trying to find a psychiatrist to provide the ongoing treatment her son required. Despite the devastating grief and fear about her son’s condition, she had to spend hours and days trying to find a psychiatrist who could accept new patients, to no avail. She finally found a psychiatrist who would accept her son but he would not take insurance. The cost of the treatment and the medication was enormous, even for a family with well paying jobs. Eventually, the family was

unable to afford both the treatment and the child’s tuition at a private school which had been a great source of support for the child and the family. They had to forego the cost of the psychiatrist and relied upon the emergency room when things got bad. “We need the Junior League to help fix this system,” the League member said to our audience of sobbing Junior League members.

MindPeace was born that evening with an overwhelming vote of our membership and an unprecedented five year commitment to our new signature project.

Shelton transitioned from Project Development chair to become the first Chair of MindPeace. Under her leadership, five teams were formed with a single mission – to create a seamless system of care for children’s mental health and wellness. Community billboard campaigns and a speaker’s series at Barnes & Noble chipped away at the stigma of mental illness.

With the mentorship and invaluable assistance of Sustainer Barb Fitch, who led the Advocacy Committee for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, MindPeace became active in advocacy efforts including trips to the State House to push for the change in the law which now ensures parity in health insurance coverage for mental health treatment.

The most intensive work led by Sheton was the overhaul of the system of mental health care for children in our county through collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board and many other community partners.

With the strategic planning expertise and devoted efforts of Sustainer Angie Carl, MindPeace led a planning effort which began with the mapping of the resources available in the community and the entry points for a parent in need of treatment.

The result was what Shelton called a “spaghetti bowl” of uncoordinated and unaccountable agencies and providers with lots of wrong doors that wouldn’t

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JLC Member Continues Signature Project’s Work, continued permit access to treatment. Still working at her full-time job as a marketing executive and parenting three young girls, Shelton squeezed in constant meetings with mental health agency leaders, government agencies, parents and funders to keep everyone connected and committed to finding a way to create a more seamless, effective and accessible system.

Although the League’s commitment to the MindPeace project was set to expire in 2006, the work was too important to end. Under the leadership of Melanie Chavez, then a member of the MindPeace team and past MindPeace co-chair, a plan was developed to support the transition of MindPeace as a JLC project to an independent non-profit. To ensure the continuity and success of MindPeace, Shelton agreed to leave her job in marketing to become the executive director of MindPeace. The transition from a committee of the JLC to an independent board included Chavez and JLC Sustainers Lauren Thaman, Orly Rumberg, Darlene Kamine and Susan Pfau.

In her four years as the driving force of the MindPeace, Shelton has built a strong network of community mental health agencies which are providing full-time mental health services on site at 47 of the 52 schools in Cincinnati. As part of the Cincinnati Public School model of schools as community learning centers, school-community governing teams select mental health agencies to partner with their school. Eight community mental health agencies employ 95 therapists who are located at the school sites to provide individual treatment to children during and beyond the school day and work as part of the team of interdisciplinary partners at each school to support the academic goals of the school. Most of the teams also include a psychiatrist who comes to the school to see children who require medication. Shelton’s business background has been vital in developing a business model for the agencies which enables them to be self-sustaining without any funding from the school budget. The model has been so successful that surrounding communities including Oak Hills and St. Bernard are now working with Susan to customize a system of mental health for their schools.

To further expand capacity, Shelton has worked closely with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, community pediatricians, and other mental health partners to develop a model of care that includes pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and telepsychiatry. Not surprisingly, Shelton’s work has made MindPeace a national model featured at numerous national conferences.

So how many lives have been impacted by the Junior League through MindPeace? Starting with the MindPeace mental health teams in the schools, 35,000 children and their families have benefited. For those children with mental illness who are receiving individual treatment, their future generations must also be counted. “MindPeace changed my own life, the lives of Junior League members, and countless children and their families’ lives,” said Shelton. “Junior League members helped change outcomes for children, their families and our community. It makes me proud and feel lucky to be part of the JLC that has a history of making a difference in our community and that was brave and committed enough to work in mental health.”

“It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.”

Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book

by Eileen Elias Freeman

2011 Stop n’ Shop Columbia Tusculum Business Association & the Junior League of Cincinnati team up for a fabulous event to support local business and charitable causes The Junior League of Cincinnati was pleased to partner with the Columbia Tusculum Business Association to present the third annual CTBA Stop n’ Shop at Columbia Center on Saturday, December 3.

JLC members, friends and Columbia Tusculum neighbors were invited to finish their holiday shopping at the event hat supported locally owned businesses, as well as the JLC’s charitable mission. Thank you to each vendor for their generous contribution supporting the League’s fundraising goals. — FS

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JLC Website Gets A Makeover www.jlcincinnati.org/cincinnati

by Natalie Bieser If you’ve been on www.jlcincinnati.org lately, you most likely have noticed some changes to our ‘customer facing’ side of the site. In an effort to market the JLC in the best possible light, the Communications Council has challenged itself to redesign the external facing website to include more information about the League’s history, innovative programming, collective impact and successes.

Visitors to the site will see new sections, including ‘My JL Story’ (see below for our first member feature on Mary-Kate Carpenter) which profiles members, and explores what compelled them to join the organization and what keeps them renewing their membership year after year. In addition, visitors will see an entire menu dedicated to community impact with highlights on trainings, political action, signature projects and more.

Over the coming months, new content will be added to ensure the website tells a compelling story to JLC partners, potential members, and generous supporters. In addition, the JLC Online Committee is set to give the website an aesthetic facelift, complete with a fresh look and new graphics in early 2012.

“Our priority is to ensure we display our messaging in a positive, professional light and to ensure that our league members have access to the information they need the most,” says JLC Online Chair Jane Muindi.

Most of the member content, including login information, will remain the same.

“Regardless of where or who you are,” Muindi says, “you will be able to access the website and learn about the great things the Junior League of Cincinnati is doing for our community.”

My JLC Story — A New Feature of JLC Online The Junior League of Cincinnati has almost 1000 members, most having roots with the JLC for over 30 years. Each member of the JLC has her own story as to why she joined, what motivated her to stay involved through her active years, and what compels her to remain a member as a Sustainer. Over the next six months, we are highlighting a few personal stories to inspire us all as we move through our Junior League year.

You can view more ‘My JL Stories’ on our website.

Mary-Kate Carpenter In 2002, Mary-Kate transferred into the League following her relocation from Chicago. Over her fourteen years as a Junior Leaguer, she has served on various committees, including the Training and Development Committee for JLC. She says that this placement has particularly influenced her because of the solid foundation it provides while training members for current and future leadership opportunities.

Embracing the talents and knowledge of seasoned JLC members provides an insight into not only JLC leadership roles but springboards into the tri-state area community opportunities.

Mary-Kate believes that volunteering enables her to connect to the Greater

Mary-Kate Carpenter with her husband Nick, and three children: Peter, 7, Matthew, 5, and Maureen, 3.

Cincinnati Community, collaborate with Junior Leaguers and community partners while serving as a role model for her young children.

Winter 2011

October GMM Prepares Voters for November Election Voters looking for answers on Senate Bill 5 (Issue 2) this election season needed to look no further than the Senate Bill 5 Issue Forum, hosted by the Junior League of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the League of Women Voters of Greater Cincinnati.

The JLC’s Public Affairs Committee, led by Chair Sarah Moore and Vice Chair Kerrie Martin, coordinated the informative and interactive evening, which served as the League’s October General Membership Meeting.

The committee hosted a candidate “Meet and Greet” prior to the forum, where JLC members, along with their family and friends, had the opportunity to speak with a number of the many candidates running for Cincinnati City Council.

Following the “Meet and Greet,” former Hamilton County Commissioner and City Councilman David Pepper and local attorney Gary Greenberg presented both sides of Senate Bill 5. The event was moderated by award-winning journalist Maryanne Zeleznik of WVXU. “We feel it is our duty as a civic-minded organization to be a part of educating Cincinnati area voters on both sides of this important issue before the November ballot in an unbiased and informational manner,” said JLC President Melanie Chavez.

Thanks to media partner WCPO, the event streamed live and recorded 477 hits on wcpo.com. It was also covered on three of the major local news network’s 11:00 p.m. broadcasts, allowing the debate to reach an even wider audience.

“The October GMM at the Museum Center was an inspiring meeting filled with a lively debate around Senate Bill 5, said Shannon Glass, JLC president-elect. “I was thrilled to be part of such a unique experience for our league members, council candidates, and our community. I’m looking forward to next year, as we continue this tradition of engaging and educating the community at large with a mayoral debate for the 2012 race.”

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Perspectives

Changes to Provisional Program Shape Future Actives

by Sarah Lucas and Amy Spero

“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

– John F. Kennedy It is very easy to get caught in a routine or to do things simply because “that’s how it’s been done.” I believe it takes strong leadership to recognize that improvement is needed and to have the courage to aggressively implement change.

The Provisional Task Force set out this summer to make a change for the future of the league. They recognized that there was a need to build an updated curriculum to provide a more meaningful experience for Provisional members by quickly getting them engaged with the City of Cincinnati and with fellow league members. By using past and present experiences – with input from Sustainers, Actives, and recent Provisionals – we very honestly addressed key issues and put together a plan for change that was more interactive and educational.

The Task Force was most excited about bringing back the bus tour of the city to give Provisionals an overview of the history of Cincinnati, past projects the League has been involved in, and current issues that need to be dealt with. On a Saturday morning in October we met early to load the bus. This tour of the city changed my perspective on many things around me I never noticed before, showed me many parts of town that I would otherwise never be exposed to, and gave me a better appreciation for the League’s rich history.

Some of our members were born and raised here in Cincinnati, but many are transplants looking to set a foundation here – either way this tour helped establish a connection with the city. By showing how the JLC is ingrained in the city’s history, I believe the tour helped newcomers as well as lifelong Cincinnatians begin to feel a sense of ownership for the organization and for our area. Our league of women can do great things, particularly by engaging members from many different backgrounds. One of my favorite things about the JLC is meeting so many different people, and we need to leverage these diverse experiences, backgrounds and connections to continue to make change in our community. That is precisely what Junior League means for me – creating strong bonds between women while making an impact in the city around us.

The first step to this change is to welcome and educate strong members. Through this Provisional bus tour, active Provisional Advisors, and more interactive meetings including many “offsite” to get members out into the city, we believe we set up an exciting year for our newest members. I am serving this year as a Provisional Advisor, and am Nearly selfishly very excited to be a part of our new plan in action. The feedback received so far has been overwhelmingly positive and I would have to agree – I loved hearing from 3CDC about the revolution taking place in Over the Rhine and getting a VIP tour of Music Hall. I thoroughly enjoy Provisionals are the participating in the small group I’ve been assigned, and I feel more connected with the fellow Provisional Advisors as we revamped program. navigate through the year together.

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Emerging Leaders Program Prepares Next Generation Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” We all know that the Junior League of Cincinnati is filled with generations of great leaders who have paved the way for the leaders of today and future leaders of tomorrow, but on Thursday, October 21, 55 members learned how to take on a leadership role in the JLC. In attendance at the “Emerging Leaders” program were mostly Provisional and first-year Actives, many of whom were personally invited by leaders across the organization who were helping to identify high-potential ladies.

“We wanted to give ladies who are interested in taking on a Vice Chair or Chair role – or ladies who are wondering what it takes to be on the JLC Board – the opportunity to learn more about the various roles,” said Meredith Yacso, chair of Leadership Development. “This was something new we were trying, a focused opportunity for women to learn more about the types of leadership roles available, what the commitment looks like, the nominating process and what you can expect to get from the experience.”

The main highlight of this year’s “Emerging Leaders” program was an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of a diverse panel of JLC women about their leadership path and what leadership in the League has meant to them. Panelists included JLC President Melanie Chavez, Actives Brooke Hiltz, Meredith Comin, Sara Wildner, and Sustainer Susan Shelton.

Questions included: What motivated you to take a leadership position? How has a JLC leadership position enhanced other aspects of your life? Were there any barriers or predispositions you had about JLC leadership? If so what were they, and how did you overcome them? In addition, the panelists shared a brief "nuts and bolts" type overview of leadership in the Junior League and Tracey Conrad from the Nominating Committee spoke about the nominating process.

“One of our goals is to better match women with leadership opportunities,” said Yacso. “We want ladies to voice an interest in specific roles versus being blindly nominated for a role they know nothing about.”

If you are interested in learning more about leadership positions, contact Meredith Yacso, (meredithyacso@yahoo.com) or anyone on the Leadership Development committee. — NB

55

emerging leaders attended the recent leadership development event.

Verify Your MOM Hours!

Each JLC should verify their member obligations throughout the year to ensure GMMs, MOM hours and financial obligations are being posted accurately.

To verify this information, log into jlcincinnati.org and click on ‘Me.’ If you have any questions, please contact Julie Sevachko, MOM Chair, at julie_cayse@hotmail.com. In addition, all members will receive a hard-copy membership obligations report in the January bulk mailing.

SEE THIS? So do your customers.

Advertise in the next issue of Perspectives!

Reasonable rates. Incredible reach.

Contact Cindy Bruestle for more information. cbruestle@gmail.com 513.871.1503

Perspectives

Page 18

2011: Success at a Glance September General Membership Meeting…

Over 220 members and guests in attendance.

Book Club…

19 members in attendance at last meeting.

National Day of Service & Remembrance…

66 volunteers came out, 6 city blocks, 2 hours of work, over 20 bags of trash collected.

October General Membership Meeting...

161 members and guests at Union Terminal, and over 450 hits on

September Social Happy Hour at The Rookwood…

WCPO’s website.

75+ guests and $360 raised.

10 women in attendance.

October Wine & Food Interest Group…

First-Ever All Transfer Happy Hour…

20 members attended.

CinSation Tasting…

95 guests, $5,000 raised.

City & Past Project Bus Tours…

2 past projects, 1 city historian and 104 members trained.

Private Music Hall Tour + Special Programming by CSO…

70 Provisionals and guests.

5K Fundraiser…

200+ members and guests, and $15,000 revenue.

Adopt-A-Class Project…

10 volunteers, 21 first-grade students.

Emerging Leaders Training…

50 JLC members attended.

CODE Day...

10 JLC women in attendance.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure...

$550 raised, 15 JLC walkers.

Family Interest Group…

8 families attended Blooms & Berries for an afternoon of fun.

— FS

Winter 2011

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Save the Date for Upcoming Events...

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

12/6/11 December Area Meetings: Brighton House, The Welcome Center, The Emery Theater, Columbia Tusculum

1/3/12 January GMM: CandO Fleece Blanket Project

2/2/11 KITK School Class at Pleasant Ridge Montessori

12/8/11 Leadership Holiday Party

1/7/12 Childhood Obesity Forum

12/10/11 December Area Meeting: KITK at Cincinnati Museum Center 12/12/11 Holiday Cookie Exchange, Food & Wine Interest Group 12/13/11 Provisional Holiday Party 12/15/11 December Area Meeting: Adopt-A-Class Event at Academy of World Languages 12/28/11 KITK Community Event at Cincinnati Museum Center 12/29/11

KITK Community Event at Cincinnati Museum Center

1/19/12 Book Club 1/26/12 KITK School Class at Academy of World Languages 1/27/12 - 1/28/12 AJLI Winter Leadership Conference (PE & PEE)

2/4/11 Get Fit for CinSation Exercise Class 2/4/11 Mid-Year Joint Board Retreat 2/7/11 February GMM: An Evening of Connections with Non-Profit Leaders 2/8/11 CandO Valentines Dinner at YWCA Battered Women's Shelter 2/10/11 Adopt-A-Class Event at Academy of World Languages 2/11/11 Get Fit for CinSation Exercise Class — BG

Choral Group Presents: “Putting it Together” The Junior League Choral Group invites you to attend one of their 26 performances as they celebrate the start of their 48th year as a Junior League of Cincinnati project.

Director Pat Matchette celebrates her 40th year of coordinating shows for the JLC and would love to see you in the audience as the Choral Group performs their new show, "Putting it Together."

The Choral Group’s schedule is available on the JLC website, www.jlcincinnati.org.

1,500 average number of people served through Choral Group performances each year.

50 approximate number of people attending each performance.

Columbia Center 3500 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, Ohio 45226

Banner Highlights JLC’s Projects, Mission, Goals, and Impact A new banner depicting the outreach efforts of the Junior League of Cincinnati was unveiled at November’s General Membership Meeting. The banner highlights major focuses of the League’s efforts this year: "Volunteering Matters: Number of Lives Touched." The banner will hang in Columbia Center through the duration of 2011-2012.

“Sometimes we get caught up in the details and lose sight of what our mission is,” said Vice President of Community Projects Vicki Calonge. “The goal of the banner is to remind us how all JLC members, projects, committees, and councils are connected to one common goal--making an impact through touching lives.” — BG On the cover: A close-up of the banner presented at the November General Membership Meeting showcases the JLC’s impact on Greater Cincinnati, and emphasizes volunteering matters. Design by JLC member Dorrie McCarthy.