Perspectives Early Winter 2014
MAGAZINE OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CINCINNATI
Telling Our Story
Contents In this issue... 2
President’s Perspective
13
Home Reflections
3
Life After Presidency: Lisa Hubbard
14
DIY Table Decor from Your Own Yard
4
Soccer Unites Refugees
15
Miss Manners: Best Practices When Volunteering
7
Remembering Nancy Kohnen Black |
16
Tour of Kitchens another Sweet Success
Member Milestones
18
My Junior League Story
A Mindful Moment
19
Home Sweet Home: Columbia Center
10
From Blurred Lines to Balance
20
Training Our Leaders: Your Personal Board of Directors
11
Member Milestones | Early Winter Trends
21
2014-2015 Leader List
12
Fresh Ideas for a Stylish You
9
tag share y& experie our nce
#jlcincy EDITOR
DEPUTY EDITOR
VP COMMUNICATIONS COPY EDITOR
PHOTO EDITOR
Meghan Morrow
Monika Royal Fischer
Jamie Humes
Lindsay Walker
CONTRIBUTING
ADVERTISING
MEMBER CONTENT
EDITOR
MANAGER
MANAGER
Marlea Handler
Jacklyn Purcell
Natalie Moore
JoAnne Moore
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 magazine of the Junior League of Cincinnati. Publication months are December and April. Advertising inquiries and content can be sent to jlperspectives@gmail.com or via the Online Submission Hub at jlcincinnati.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram @JLCincy Junior League of Cincinnati, 3500 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, (513) 871-9339, www.jlcincinnati.org
President’s
PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE
www.jlcincinnati.org | Early Winter 2014
perspective
Dear Junior Leaguers, Thank you to our amazing members and to our many special community partners who are committed to the mission of the Junior League of Cincinnati and who generously support our organization. As we celebrate our 95th birthday, we see evidence around our city of our commitment to training volunteers, advocacy and the incubation of both women as leaders and of ideas into thriving organizations making a difference for literally thousands of children and families today. We have a strong and proud history. There are numerous examples of individuals who approached the JLC with an idea so it could be nurtured by our members. The JLC itself has also identified significant community needs and then mobilized to find a solution. Years later, those ideas have grown to become sustainable organizations, exemplified by Fernside, ProKids, The Children’s Museum, The Cincinnati Fire Museum, MindPeace and numerous others. We continue to honor our legacy through the important work we are doing now to support our projects, Pediatric Oral Health, RefugeeConnect and Choral Group. This is an exciting time to become involved. RefugeeConnect and Pediatric Oral Health are in their development phases and you have a unique opportunity to make a real impact. I invite you to learn more about our projects by volunteering. Help a refugee family member learn English. Be part of a pot luck dinner welcoming refugee families to Cincinnati. Become trained in the Brush program to advance awareness for better oral health for children. Take time to witness the magic of Choral Group firsthand. CandO “done in a day” opportunities are available to every member of the Junior League and are a wonderful way to make an immediate difference. The Sustainer Forum is a fantastic new opportunity helping members understand issues our community faces while having the opportunity to share dinner together.
Everywhere you look New, Active and Sustainer members are rolling up their sleeves working together to move the Junior League of Cincinnati forward, and forming friendships along the way. Please take advantage of these opportunities and sign up via the website and email, or by calling the office. The organizations we launched into the community have benefitted from our leadership, expertise and our funding. Fundraising is critical, and our members are doing a fantastic job. Tour of Kitchens was a total success and exceeded all of our goals! It is also exciting that Actives and Sustainers are working together on our upcoming CinSation fundraiser celebrating the “Jewels of the Queen City”, so please mark your calendar for Saturday, February 28th. The funds raised from this event will directly impact the work of the JLC, enabling us to provide more effective training opportunities for our members, serve more refugees and expand our pediatric oral health education efforts to more children, families and caregivers. A recent example of the JLC funding project work occurred during the October General Membership Meeting at the Museum Center. The JLC announced a $25,000 contribution towards the development of a permanent state-of-the-art “Smile Center” exhibit at the Children’s Museum. This was only made possible because of the generosity of our members. Thank you for all you do for the Junior League of Cincinnati. Enjoy this issue of Perspectives as we learn more about our members and our mission! Sincerely,
Susan Shelton JLC President, 2014-2015
Susan Shelton Susan graduated from Vanderbilt University with a BSEE, and she earned an MBA from the University of Cincinnati. Susan worked in high-tech industries for 20 years in the areas of research and development, product management, marketing and strategic planning. She has served as a Board Member of NAMI - Hamilton County, the Council on Child Abuse and is affiliated with Cincinnati Children’s Convalescent Hospital for Children. She currently serves on the Executive Board as President of the Junior League of Cincinnati. A JLC member since 1997, she has held numerous leadership positions, including Sustainer Advisor to the Board, VP of Communications, Program Development Chair, Nominating member and MindPeace Chair. Susan is the Executive Director of MindPeace, which began as a project of the Junior League of Cincinnati.
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Life After Presidency Lisa Hubbard shares her reflection post-office Relationships. Developing, strengthening, and maintaining. That is what my goal was for the Junior League of Cincinnati last year when I was lucky enough to serve as president of this wonderful organization. Once my term ended, I quickly figured out that I needed to apply this same idea to the rest of my life! We went on a much-needed family vacation to the cottage in Vermont where we got to relax on the shores of Lake Champlain, go on long walks at Shelburne Farms, and experience some beautiful sunsets. I finally got caught up at work, had time to actually read books and watch television again, attended Reds games, joined two (!!) JLC book clubs, saw Gone With the Wind on the big screen, and started volunteering outside of the JLC.
Forum. Over the summer, the committee met to brainstorm topics and speakers. We landed on Marti MacGibbon for the October Forum, and we could not have chosen a better speaker. She recently spoke to a sold-out group – from new members to long-time sustaining members and several guests – about her experiences as a victim of sex trafficking, a topic being addressed by Junior Leagues across the country. We are now actively planning the Sustainer Forum II, scheduled for next April. After my term as president ended in May, the biggest
manageable few per week, if that. I miss planning board meetings with Recording Secretary Sara Wildner; we had our regular Thursday-before-the BoardMeeting telephone calls to plan the agenda. I was amazed when I got a text from Training & Development VP Tara Noland one Monday night over the summer as I was happily relaxing on the couch. I realized that she was attending the Board Meeting that night, and I was not there! After spending 5+ years as a board member, and having attended every single board
adjustment for me was the change in routine that I had been following for years. As any past president will tell you, the amount of daily JLC e-mails I now receive has dropped dramatically. Not immediately, as I kind of expected, but they have definitely trickled down to a
meeting during those years, that was a very strange realization. I also miss going to all of the various JLC events and meetings and get-togethers that I got to attend as president. I really miss seeing all of my friends on a regular basis, but that just means I get to see them outside of JLC
I served as a Table Leader for the 2014 Diner en Blanc, and I’m very excited to be a part of the Community Organizing Committee for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game to be played in Cincinnati next summer, along with several other JLC friends. After spending 12 years as an active member of the JLC (at varying degrees of busyness), I decided it was time to make the leap to Sustainer status. But then I quickly jumped back in when Linda Smith asked me to serve as the Vice-Chair for a new initiative, the Sustainer
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activities or at the JLC events I choose to attend. But the most surprising thing I miss is not having to speak in public on a regular basis! For me, the relationships I have formed over my years as an Active member of the JLC are what kept and continue to keep me engaged and motivated. I have formed some wonderful and life-long friendships with people I only could have met through my membership in the JLC – Melanie Chavez, Sarah Murphy, Sara Celi, Kate Fortlage, Brooke Hiltz, Meredith Edwards, and the list could go on and on and on!
I am certainly a Member For Life. Lisa Hubbard
Lisa Hubbard is a Senior Staff Attorney for the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where she has worked for the past 16 years. She received her B.A. from Miami University in 1991 and her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1994. Lisa has been a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati (JLC) since 2002 and has served as co-chair for the JLC’s signature project, MindPeace, on the Nominating Committee, as Community Impact Vice President, as Membership Vice President, and as President during the 2013-2014 year.
Perspectives Magazine Wants You. Your Ideas. Have an idea for an article? We would love to hear it! Member submitted stories will also be considered and are highly encouraged. Share your voice, and your own perspective, with the JLC. Your Milestones. We want to recognize...you! New position, baby, significant achievement, engagement, wedding or other exciting news? Tell us everything. Your Business. Advertising in Perspectives Magazine is a smart and extremely cost-effective way to promote your business to a highly targeted and sought after demographic. Multiple advertising opportunities and packages are available. Contact Us. jlperspectives@gmail.com Submit content: via the new Communications Content Submission Hub at jlcincinnati.org
Soccer Unites Refugees The Latest from RefugeeConnect By Gretchen Griffith Soccer, the world sport, brought together the refugees in the Greater Cincinnati area for a day of fun, competition and celebration. For the first time, the World Refugee Day Cup Soccer Tournament was held on June 28, 2014, at Taft High School. RefugeeConnect, a project of the Junior League of Cincinnati, and the Red Cross hosted the tournament with nine plus countries represented and over 400 attendees. Refugees are persons who have been forced to leave their country of origin to flee persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or war. There are over 16.7 million refugees worldwide and the Greater Cincinnati area has welcomed over 25,000 refugees who have resettled legally through the U.S. Department of State from Bhutan, Burma, Burundi, Congo, Somalia, Soviet Russia, and Vietnam. Countries represented with teams were Bhutan, Burundi, Burma, Ethiopia, USA, Kenya, Congo, Ghana, Zimbabwe and multiple West African countries. One team was fielded by the African Professional Network (APNET) starring Junior
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League member, Jane Muindi. The championship game featured the Chin community from Burma against the Zimbabwe team, which had four professional players on the roster. The Chin team was crowned the champs for adults and the high school champs were players from Burundi who play at Withrow High School. Watching the teams mingle, share equipment, practice together and join in friendship made the day a huge success. As the refugees struggle to adapt to a new country, new food, different culture and a new language, the soccer field was a familiar and common place to just relax and enjoy. For many Junior Leaguers, the best parts of the day were the Parade of Nations, watching the players listen to the National Anthem with their hands over their hearts, and when the championship teams and runner-ups all jumped in together for funny, crazy pictures of pure joy. Various other activities including shootouts for children and a Resource Fair were also held to
promote the YMCA summer programs, Cincinnati Health Department Health Standards, Red Cross support programs, Beech Acres parenting programs and more. The Junior League of Cincinnati and Red Cross want to thank their partners, the Cincinnati Saints and Lady Saints, Cincinnati’s own professional soccer teams, who provided equipment, balls and referees,
PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE www.jlcincinnati.org | Early Winter 2014
as well as Taft High School for hosting the event. Event partners included: HIAS Xavier University’s Brueggeman Center Beech Acres Cincinnati Public Schools Cincinnati Saints and Lady Saints
We invite you to join us in June 2015 to experience a very international, multicultural day on the soccer field. Look for volunteer opportunities on the volunteer calendar! If you would like to support the World Refugee Day Cup for 2015, there are still t-shirts available at the JLC e-store for $7.50 in adult and children sizes.
Remembering Nancy Kohnen Black Sustainer Segment | by Darlene Kamine One of my JLC heroes died this past summer. Nancy Kohnen Black was the president of the JLC when I first discovered the League. I put her high on a pedestal, not because she was president, but because she was instrumental in starting the Cincinnati Fire Museum. When I started my Provisional year in 1982, we went to the Fire Museum to learn how the JLC incubation process launched lasting, transformational organizations which improved the quality of life in our city. Nancy had worked with the Fire Museum when it was a JLC project and continued her volunteer commitment after her presidency to make sure that the project put down strong roots as part of the Cincinnati landscape. We returned to the Fire Museum for many JLC meetings throughout the years and Nancy was our enthusiastic host and docent each time, inspiring us with her enthusiasm and energy. As an interactive, hands-on way to teach children fire safety, the Fire Museum was way ahead of the Children’s Museum movement. I learned to stop, drop and roll and almost worked up the courage to slide down the pole.
Long before the talk of start-ups, incubators and accelerators, the JLC was doing just that – bringing good ideas about how to improve the quality of life for our community from concept to reality to success. When I came to the JLC with a proposal for ProKids, it was a wellFormer JLC President Nancy researched concept with Kohnen Black a pilot group of volunteer lawyers who advocated on behalf of children in foster care. The Project Development Committee thoroughly vetted the proposal and translated it into a project that would attract the support of the JLC membership.
The restoration and care of the 1907 iconic building– the firehouse of the first professional fire department in the country– added urgency to the need for fundraising. Nancy was key to this fundraising effort, which was essential to secure a long lasting legacy. She became the executive director of the Fire Museum and served for more than 10 years, retiring only when it was clear that the future of the museum was sound.
The first ProKids Board was led by JLC dynamo Linda Smith, who put together the governance infrastructure that was needed to establish a new organization. Every aspect of the new business had to be created –setting up the accounting systems, hiring personnel, recruiting and training volunteers, and even locating and furnishing the first office. Challenges by those threatened by the new advocacy organization had to be met with strategic and time-intensive responses. The JLC was the incubator and accelerator that guided ProKids for six years, from concept to start-up to one of the most successful, respected and effective nonprofits in the community.
Nancy’s daughter, Nan Cahall, recalls that as a teenager she was drafted into service to volunteer in the museum, or work at the early Fire Museum Chili Fests. “The Junior League of Cincinnati is so amazing, said Nan, “you are able to coalesce a group of active, talented and committed volunteers to take an idea from concept to reality to success. Where else does that happen?”
The online publication, Entrepreneur, called Cincinnati an “unexpected hub for tech start-ups.” Over the past 10 years, new tech companies have been launched locally by accelerators which provide seed money, mentorships and short-term shared office space. According to the article, about half of the start-ups stay in Cincinnati after completing the program.
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PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE www.jlcincinnati.org | Early Winter 2014
Over the past 95 years,
the Junior League of Cincinnati has provided seed money, hands-on technical assistance and has mobilized teams of trained volunteers with expertise in every aspect of nonprofit management. We have launched more than 60 of the leading life-changing institutions which Darlene Kamine, are deeply embedded in our Sustainer Advisor to the Board community and continue to improve the quality of lives for our children and families every day.
1. Sustainer Angie Carl, New Member Sustainer Advisor, was celebrated as a 2014 Athena Award Finalist in October. The Cincy Magazine Athena Award honors individuals who have actively assisted women in realizing their full leadership potential, who have achieved success in their careers and have given back to their communities. 2. Sustainer Valerie Newell, Chairman and Managing Director at RiverPoint Capital Management and JLC Endowment Chairman, was named to Financial Times’ 2014 List of Top 100 U.S. Women Financial Advisors. This prestigious list recognizes women who have built successful investment advisory firms. It takes into account assets under management, asset growth, compliance record, years in existence, etc.
Long before the talk of start-ups, incubators and accelerators, the JLC was doing just that – bringing good ideas about how to improve the quality of life for our community from concept to reality to success. - Darlene Kamine
3. Kendall Shaw and husband Kyle welcomed Jane Frances Shaw on May 28. She joins big brothers Tommy (4) and Ted (2).
4. Paige Rorick and Paul Skrickus were recently engaged and will celebrate their wedding on June 6, 2015.
a 5. Elizabeth Ackermann and Patrick Hogan were married in Cincinnati on September 6, 2015.
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A Mindful Moment By Marlea Handler 6:30 am wake up 7:30 am leave for work 8:15 am daily Leadership meeting (followed by almost eight hours of meetings... when am I going to get my actual work done?) 5:15 pm leave office 5:30 pm Zumba 7:00 pm arrive home 8:00 pm meet friends for wine 10:00 pm arrive home 10:30 pm get in bed and start doing my work 1:00 am go to sleep… 6:30 am REPEAT How many of us share a similar schedule? Of course, you don¹t have to have the same activities as I. Yours may be more like this: wake children up, make breakfast for my husband, feed the baby, go grocery shopping, take a pottery class…it feels as though every moment is packed full of something. This type of schedule definitely promotes a certain level of stress and can be a barrier to achieving mindfulness. Why practice mindfulness? “Practicing mindfulness improves both mental and physical health.” http://bit.ly/ mindfulnessbenefits.com. All these benefits just for meditating a few minutes a day? Yes!
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But it’s not as easy as it looks. Take the popular scene from Eat, Pray, Love, where Liz, played by Julia Roberts, tries to meditate. During the first two minutes the following rushes through her thoughts, ”Simply empty your mind. Breathe. What am I going to do when this year is over? Where am I going to live? Well, maybe Chicago. Oh, my God. I could build a meditation room— No. Stop thinking. Why is this so hard?” This is not meditation. However, as the movie progresses, you see glimpses of Liz getting better and better at meditating, and thus becoming more relaxed and balanced in all aspects of her life.
Why wait? TRY MEDITATION. It only takes three minutes. Basic Mindfulness Meditation To begin, sit quietly and focus on your natural breathing, or on a word or “mantra” that you repeat silently. Allow thoughts to come and go without judgment and return to your focus on breath or mantra. What is a mantra? Any short string of words that help you feel more relaxed. Examples are “Actions conquer fear” or “I am strong”. Some individuals use mantras based in prayer. The key is to find one that works for you and makes you feel calm Once you have a mantra, start by practicing Basic Mindfulness Meditation for three minutes per day. Once you master that work, increase to up to five minutes, then 10, until you eventually work your way up to 20-25 minutes. Studies show that at 23 minutes per day, brain activity shows measurable positive changes.
Does it work? I have been practicing some form of casual meditation for almost three years now, and definitely find that it helps reduce my stress level and makes me feel more relaxed. So give it a try.
Marlea Handler Marlea is employed as a Business Systems Manager at Crane Co. She earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006, and an MBA, also from Pitt, in 2013. She became interested in meditation and positive psychology while learning to balance the demands of working full-time as an engineer while earning an MBA and serving as president of the Pitt Evening Student Executive Board. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, photography, reading and Zumba.
to balance:
A journey to realize work-life satisfaction By Bridget Jancarz Sometimes the concept of work-life balance feels like an oxymoron. How can we feel satisfied in both when they each require our full-time attention, dedication and diligence? I chose to write this piece not because I’ve achieved work-life balance or even really understand what that would be like. Instead, I’d like to share my journey with you over the next year, as I explore different strategies to create a harmonious balance between work and, well...everything else.
I’ve learned that establishing norms for your own work style and preferences is half the battle. It’s important to note that different people have different styles; we can accommodate our own preferences while still respecting what works for a colleague. Personally, I’ve delineated the office as a workspace and my home as “non-work” space. This often means I’m at the office a bit later. However, it also means I can be fully present when I’m at dinner, out with friends or at home.
Last Friday, I decided to leave the office around 5:30 p.m. I thought, “I’ve had a long week and worked hard, I deserve to leave at a normal time.” I walked out with a colleague and as we descended the stairs to the parking garage, she said, “Bridget, I’ve never seen you leave before.” I laughed it off, but she was persistent. “No, I really mean I’ve never actually seen you leave the office, no matter what time it is.” It was a bit jarring.
Articulating boundaries with supervisors, colleagues and staff redistributes some of the weight that can often put us off balance. It also redistributes our most valuable resource: time. I’m now taking time each day – time I previously used to fret over tomorrow’s meeting or to check email every 15 minutes – to do at least one thing that gives me peace. Some days that looks like taking time to go for a jog or maybe reading a few chapters of a book. Other days it just means picking up my dry cleaning or making a trip to the grocery store.
I assumed I didn’t have the best work-life balance. What I didn’t realize was it was apparent to everyone around me. Now I’m on a mission to introduce balance into my life. And I’m starting with drawing a few lines in the sand and setting boundaries.
I’m learning that work-life balance looks different for everyone. What may work for one person may cause another even more stress. Regardless, we can all set our own boundaries and stand firm. We can also
determine our priorities and goals and stick to them. I’m committed to exploring work-life balance in my own backyard and sharing my lessons learned. Welcome to the journey!
Bridget Jancarz Bridget is a Project Manager for StriveTogether, a subsidiary of KnowledgeWorks. With a Masters in Social Work and a BBA in Advertising, she enjoys bridging the gap between the non-profit and corporate sectors. In her (newly discovered) spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, fashion and exploring the Queen City.
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Early Winter Trends By Emily Coughenour
• Tap into your playful side and layer on some stackable rings and bracelets! • Finish off your favorite looks with elegant and graceful jewelry. • Get fancy with bold and oversized jewelry that will complement all of your fashion favorites! • Make an impact with favorite statement pieces like hoops, cuffs and chunky chains!
Whether you want to follow them, ignore them, or rebel against them, the one thing you can’t do is deny their existence. They are always there, always influencing, and always evolving. It’s my position that there are no set rules or laws that govern the realm of fashion. Add a pop of color, a hint of grace or make an impact this season with your jewelry! Whether you’re looking to add more statement pieces to your jewelry collection or add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe, I’ve got you covered with plenty of new in-season trends.
Follow the 3-6-5 rule. Three places you dress for (the office, kids’ activities and nights out). Six favorites you will wear (leather, jeans, blazers, pencil skirts, lace top and t-shirts). You can never go wrong with a basic t-shirt and a statement necklace! Five accessories you need (statements, bracelets, studs, bags and delicates)! Easy formula to remember to keep you on top of your style game.
Jewels are certainly fabulous, but full head-to-toe style would not be complete without a handbag. This winter the trend for big handbags is gradually losing its position, giving way to small and medium-sized options. • Travel essentials- Ready to road trip or jet-set? Getaway bags and companion pieces will transport you in style. • Totes- It’s a carryall. It’s an accessory. It’s what completes your around-town look.
Emily Coughenour
• Clutches & Crossbody- Be ready for anything with versatile, chic bags that move smoothly from the office to off duty.
Emily Coughenour joined Stella & Dot as an Independent Stylist in September 2010. Since starting her part-time business as a Stylist, she hosts an average of 50 trunk shows a year in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Nevada and has built a small team of Stylists across the United States. In November 2013, Emily was promoted to Star Stylist.
• Celebrate the colors of late fall/early winter by incorporating eloquent earth tones, vivid jewel tones and winter whites into your everyday jewelry.
1. Stephanie De Falco & husband Tony welcomed Sebastian James on June 19th. Sebastian joins big brother Samuel, 5, and big sister Gabriella, 3.
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Emily’s essential fashion tips…
2. Anne Bailey & her husband Aaron welcomed Robert Owen Bailey, born May 6th.
3. Hadley Huffman & her husband Mike welcomed Ella Marie Huffman on August 27th.
Fresh Ideas for a Stylish You By Megan Stacey How many of us have ever been faced with the timeless dilemma of having “nothing” to wear? Start by waking up every morning and wearing the best version of yourself. Let’s agree that style is an expression, not definition of self. In reality, you probably have plenty to wear, but just haven’t uncovered new looks with existing pieces. Start by shopping your closet. Donate items that no longer fit or you dislike. Dress for Success is a great way to give back while accomplishing this goal! Next, select three items from earrings to pants that need more love and style a look around each one. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to match as long as you have a similar color concept or balance of prints. Mix it into your wardrobe in a new way. Your plaid scarf goes with much more than just your black dress. Try it with a chunky sweater, chambray shirt, bright blazer, studded sweatshirt or white blouse. Tie it in a different way or layer it with a necklace. Whether your personal style is classic, chic, or glam, know what flatters your figure and shop for these pieces. Fit always trumps trend. Identify and highlight your best feature. Focus on what you want to draw attention to instead of what you are trying to hide.
4. Sarah Murphy & her husband Christopher welcomed baby Lillian Avila Murphy on July 1st.
Most importantly, have fun with fashion by wearing statement jewelry, incorporating prints and experimenting. When in doubt, add one extra texture or detail to your look. Update your collection by selecting a few new items to add to your wardrobe. Good buys this season include: faux leather ANYTHING, plaid and dark floral prints. Still lacking inspiration? Join Pinterest or Instagram to follow fashion bloggers who share style tips and daily wears. Determine your favorite store and study
their style via the website, catalog and mannequins. Ideas are all around so you never have to fret about what to wear again!
Megan Stacey
Follow my fashion journey on Facebook at Polka Dots & Pleats!
5. Taylor Bennett & her husband Ryan welcomed baby Charlotte Rose Bennett on October 11th.
6. Sara Cooperrider and husband Tony welcomed baby Benjamin Anthony on November 30th.
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home
Reflections
By Erin Lombardi
As a graduate of the DAAP program at UC, I have been lucky enough to practice interior design for over 15 years in Manhattan, Los Angeles and in Cincinnati. Over that time, I have developed a few style theories. It occurs to me the many stages of life are reflected in our wardrobes and interiors of our homes. Our style reflects our lives. Who we are can be radically different when young and single transitions to the parenting years, and evolves into an empty nest. The single person living in an urban area may only need a small space to sleep, shower and act as a closet, because the city has become their living and dining room. When someone has children or pets filling their life, it is better to plan for color, care and camouflage, because stains will happen. At a certain age, you may want to rethink how your home works for your life as it is currently. If you entertain a great deal, does it have the flow and gathering spaces for your guests? Or perhaps dinner parties are your favorite thing. Does your kitchen work for the cooking you have in mind? Does the dining room hold all the guests you would like? There comes a time when you need to sort out your home the same way you would sort your wardrobe. You need to stand back and appraise what you have, and evaluate if it is still working for you.
I like to think we live in the age of abundance. Stylish clothing and furnishings are available at every price point. It’s always good to be conscious of a budget, but there are going to be times when you should spend more on a style investment. In the wardrobe, this could be a designer purse- one that is costly, but one you will use every day. When designing your living room, the most expensive item is usually the sofa, also likely to be the most frequently used furnishing. Many people shy away from the added expense of customizing the fabric or
details of the piece, but most people will keep their sofa for over 10 years. I encourage my clients to think about the cost of customizing finishing’s over the days and years they will enjoy them. Creating a home that reflects your personal style is always worth the extra effort.
Erin Lombardi Erin Lombardi moved to Cincinnati in 1983. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati DAAP program for Interior Design, she worked in Manhattan and then in Los Angeles. Moving back to Cincinnati in 2005 with her husband, they now live in the eclectic community of Northside with their beautiful dogs. In her creative career Erin has been an artist, painter, set designer, personal stylist, event planner and interior designer. She currently runs her own business as Erin Lombardi Interior Design, LLC.
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DIY
PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE www.jlcincinnati.com | Fall 2014
Table Decor from your own yard!
By Molly Grainger The entertaining season is just around the corner, and most of us are looking ahead for ways to spruce up the dining room table without spending a bundle at the local florist. There are many great resources available right in your own backyard. Here are some easy favorites that are long-lasting and provide great contrast for any table setting:
available at Michael’s or the above garden stores. This spongy material works like a pin cushion and when fully soaked, will keep your greenery lasting for weeks. For inspiration, check out arrangements
- ornamental holly, with or without berries
clippers to cut your greenery to the lengths you want to use. The key is to keep your arrangement balanced – long pieces on the ends, shorter ones on the sides. Work from the bottom up and let softer pieces drape down to partially cover your container. Don’t pack too densely, but add enough of your greenery so the Oasis is mostly covered. To add contrast and interest, pine cones, minipumpkins, gourds, even small citrus can be nestled into your centerpiece.
- boxwood - spruce, hemlock or juniper (our favorites have pretty blue berries)
For the December holidays, try adding small ball tree ornaments (also available at Michael’s) and red or white carnations.
- pinecones - balls from sweet gum trees - vines with berries Your first step is to survey your garden or landscaping to see what’s available. Don’t have a yard or a garden? No worries, your local garden supply (HJ Benken and Natorps) will have plenty in large or small quantities. Next, choose the container you’d like to use and measure so you can purchase the right amount of Oasis floral foam,
at your local Kroger and snap a photo on your phone so you have an idea of the shape and size arrangement you want to create, or browse floral web sites to help refine your ideas. The first step is to measure the Oasis, cutting it with a small kitchen knife so that it fits snugly into your container. Wet thoroughly. Use scissors or garden
Michael’s also offers an amazing collection of very realistic artificial fruit and berries that look wonderful among all those natural boxwood, juniper and holly evergreens. If your Oasis basis is kept well-watered, your arrangement can lead you to entertaining success.
Molly Grainger Molly began cultivating an interest in gardening at a very early age, attending Garden Club meetings with her mother at age 4. Her interest continued to grow with each weekend trip to the local garden center, learning each plant’s name and its place in a properly planned garden. Today, Molly garners expertise from her mother and JLC sustainers, which she chooses to share with Perspectives readers in the hopes that they might find the same enjoyment in the art of gardening that she does and might even be inspired to try out their own green thumbs.
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Miss Manners:
Best Practices When Volunteering By Rene Robers
Communicate early & often Planning an event? Bring in all parties from the start - when other committees know your plans, they can help execute the best event possible. Contact JLC Communications to set up emails, calendar events/RSVP lists, write press releases, design or send invitations and more. An unforgettable event requires unparalleled planning, so be sure to reach out early and keep teams posted on any changes. Pro tip: send clear recaps after meetings to the team, and to those who could not attend. Include action items for next steps so everyone can follow up on their areas of ownership. Fellow members may feel uncomfortable or rude when they must remind others to finish their agreed upon tasks due to lack of communication.
Honor your commitment Becoming a member of a volunteer organization is a commitment of your time and talent to a greater cause, and we all join with a plan to contribute and bring forth our best. It is understood by the leadership members of volunteer organizations that family life and career come first. If there comes a time when one cog in the wheel requires more of your time and attention than others, let your Chair or Vice Chair know. This is important for 3 reasons: 1. We want you to have
7. Brooke Hiltz has taken a new position at the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Linder College of Business as Associate Director of Career Services. She was also selected as a 2014 Kentucky Governor’s Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership Fellow.
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a great experience, and to receive the best of you - so if that means delegating work and taking a breather, feel confident that you can. 2. If another commitment changes your availability and you can no longer attend a volunteer event or meeting, let the team know. A quick text or email allows the show to go on without worrying about or waiting for others, or to ensure we have enough volunteers for the event and give the change to another available member 3. Reach out to Membership if you’re considering a leave of absence or if you plan to resign; we hate to lose talented members and want to know how we can help; this also helps keep track of our numbers and funding for AJLI.
Focus on authenticity The best results come from earnest effort. This requires building relationships and exercising candid communication. When we take time to develop meaningful friendships with fellow members, we are more comfortable having hard conversations when we need to change our course of direction. Being authentic also means focusing on meaningful responses. For example, when asked, “How have you been?” the proper response is not “Busy!” Be thoughtful - it could be as simple as, “Great! We’re planning a trip to _____.” or “I’m alright – but this project has been really
8. Misha Kaura recently has three new textbooks published in the Vocab Tunes series. After years of hard work, her books have been developed into the eBook format, as well as converted into iPhone applications.
challenging.” Give the other conversationalist some content to respond to; it will open doors - they may know a great restaurant where you’re visiting, or have a solution or contact that help get the project on the right track. We build respect and gain alignment when we are authentic with one another. Sincerely,
René Robers René Robers A pint-sized YP in Cincinnati, René is constantly fascinated by the world around her. She is an ultra extrovert who works professionally as a marketer and focuses much of her time on reading, recipes, travel, volunteering and being the best aunt ever; she and her husband often enjoy hosting friends and family in their home. René joined JLC in 2011, and is currently serving as the Vice Chair of JLC Online.
9. Jennifer Reed joined the Adopt-A-Class Foundation Board of Directors.
10. Megan Stacey has accepted a position with Hubbard Interactive as account executive.
Tour of Kitchens JLC’s Fourth Annual Fall Fundraiser a Sweet Success!
On Saturday November 8th, over 200 enthusiastic JLC members, family and friends embarked on the 2014 Tour of Kitchens. Kicking off with check-in at the historic Mariemont Inn, the tour showcased beautifully designed homes in Indian Hill, Madeira, Montgomery and Mariemont. In each home, visitors were treated to tasty delights or sweet treats by top retailers and caterers. The day capped off with a champagne reception at The V Collective in Milford.
CINCINNATI Jun io
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Celebrating 95 Years 1920 - 2015
PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE www.jlcincinnati.com | Early Winter 2014
MY JUNIOR LEAGUE
STORY I am a new Junior League member and I feel so privileged to share in the volunteer work that all of the Actives and Sustainer members do. Many of the New Members have told me they are interested in volunteering with the refugees, but felt a little uncertain of what it might entail. I wanted to share my experiences to encourage others to have this wonderful opportunity. I have worked with the refugees from Myanmar for only a month or two, teaching them to read and speak English better. Truthfully, I knew little about Myanmar and nothing about teaching English, so it was very daunting for me initially. Fortunately, there is a trained English as a Second Language teacher leading most days named Jan Connelly and several RefugeeConnect committee members who are experienced teachers.
Women view money differently than men
My time with the Myanmar refugees on Thursday evenings gave me new confidence that I could teach others English only based on the fact that it is my native language. I really enjoyed trying to find creative ways to explain words or idioms on a small white board. It was challenging, but worth it. Later, I did find time to ask my two students about their language and family. I felt I was learning something new about their culture and rich heritage. I also read a few books to educate myself about what refugees go through and what it’s like to live in Myanmar today. Overall, it was a challenging experience and one that I am glad I had. I would encourage others to meet and teach these bright students
from Myanmar on Thurdays evenings or perhaps donate some of your weekend mornings to volunteer with the Burundians at St Leo’s Parish.
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Amy Shah
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Home Sweet Home Columbia Center
Columbia Center Did you know that in 1988 members raised $1.5 million to purchase the Columbia Center to act as the main meeting space for the Junior League of Cincinnati? Since then, the Columbia Center has become a home to our organization and its members. Now we must focus on caring for and maintaining our home so it continues to support our mission and inspires voluntarism and creativity within our membership. To tackle this need, a committee of JLC Active and Sustainer members was formed and has worked hard over the last year to understand the needs for our building and property and to address those needs.
Unique and Charming Event Space, Minutes from downtown Cincinnati The Columbia Center, in the Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood of Cincinnati, is a beautiful, historic location that serves as a unique and charming event space From hosting small- to large-scale business meetings to entertaining intimate or extravagant social gatherings, the Columbia Center is truly the perfect place. For more detailed information about Columbia Center rental opportunities, please call(513) 871-9339 or email Elizabeth@jlcincinnati.org
The committee has taken numerous steps to create a plan for the Columbia Center. Last summer, members were asked to complete a survey on their concerns and ideas for the Columbia Center. Best in class incubators were also benchmarked to understand how their work place design encourages productivity. Among the needs that members identified: * * * * * *
More lounge space Technology upgrade Coffee bar/food option Parking access Catering kitchen Flexible meeting space
The committee is finalizing plans to make these improvements. Stay tuned to be part of this development in our Junior League history.
PERSPECTIVES MAGAZINE www.jlcincinnati.com | Fall 2014
Training Our Leaders: Your Personal Board of Directors By Paaras Parker Companies have a Board of Directors, so why shouldn’t you? A Personal Board of Directors (PBD) is a group of people who can help you navigate work or life in a way that you can’t do on your own. Strategically selecting four to six people for your PBD can help you be more efficient and effective in how you live, work and play. Who should be on your board? Consider the following: 1. The Connector – someone who knows all the right people and is able to connect you to the people you need when you need them. 2. The Thinker – someone who can help you think through all angles of an idea/opportunity/life event, etc., and help you brainstorm and think strategically. 3. The Cheerleader – someone who will always be in your corner no matter what and will console you when things are rough. 4. The Confidant – someone you can sit with for hours and talk to about anything and everything. 5. The Entrepreneur – someone who has left it all behind to start something new. 6. The Dream Killer (aka the one you aren’t even sure likes you) – someone who isn’t afraid to say no to you or hurt your feelings, because let’s face it, we all need this sometimes. You can be as formal or informal in this process as you want. Just knowing they are there and what you can learn from them is the most important thing. As a woman, should you have all women on your PBD? No! Remember, the objective of this board is to help you navigate in ways you can’t do on your own. Seeking diverse perspectives, life experiences, points of views, values, etc., will enhance the success of your board.
The Connector The Thinker The Cheerleader The Confidant The Entrepreneur The Dream Killer One challenge is being vulnerable and consistently including your Dream Killer during critical times in your life. While it’s great to hear from those who support you and cheer you on, it’s equally important to hear from those who give you constructive feedback and support you with tough love by telling you things you may not want to hear. At the end of the day, the decision is yours, but your PBD can push you to think about things in ways you hadn’t considered and open up their network to help you make the best decision for you. Think of your PBD as mentoring on steroids. It allows you to have not just one, but multiple people to lean on when you need it most. Don’t forget the importance of serving either. As you are identifying your board members, think about who you can serve as a mentor!
Paaras Parker Paaras Parker is a Director in Learning and Development for Macy’s. Previously, she held leadership positions at Victorias Secret, US Bank and Global Lead Management Consulting. Paaras loves the community she lives in and spends much of her time volunteering for organizations she is passionate about. She is on the YP Board of ArtsWave, Co-Chairs the Advocacy Committee for the Parks Foundation, is on the Cincinnati Zoo Advisory Council, is a member of the Junior League of Cincinnati where she vice-chairs the Leadership Development committee and is a graduate of the best C Change class in history, 6. Paaras is a YMCA Adult Achiever and in the 2014 class of the Business Courier’s 40 Under 40.
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JLC 2014-2015 Leadership Executive Board of Directors Susan Shelton President Michelle Vaeth President-Elect Sara Wilder Recording Secretary Jacklyn Olinger Legal Advisor
Darlene Kamine Sustainer Advisor Kendall Shaw Special Projects Jamie Humes VP Communications Sara Cooperrider VP Community Impact
Taylor Bennett VP Finance Sarah Murphy VP Fund Development Meredith Comin VP Membership Tara Bonistall Noland VP Training & Development
Committee Chair(s) Vice-Chair(s) COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL Historian Katie Hayden JLC Online Emily Haun Rene Robers Perspectives Meghan Morrow Monika Royal Fischer Publicity/Marketing Molly Flanagan Emily Ryan COMMUNITY IMPACT COUNCIL Choral Group Terry Robinson/Sue Brainer Pat Machette, Director Community and Outreach (CandO) Melissa Hailey & Brittany Pohlman Gina Germana & Amanda Mangas Pediatric Oral Health Anne Bailey & Elizabeth Cook Walda Shawn Gibson & Laura Goodell Program Development Jenna Filipkowski Brooke Olson Public Affairs (PAC) Katy Crossen Kasha Wiley Refugee Resettlement Kelly Birkenhauer & Danielle Deja Robyn Brown & Alicia Kappers State/Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) Communications Director Kerrie Martin Honorary Advisor Haley B. Elkins Senior (voting) Delegate Leah Vensil Junior Delegate Nicole Giles FINANCE COUNCIL Columbia Center Maggie Wuellner Lori Poole Treasurer Krystin McKim FUND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Cookbook Beth Ciafardini & Michelle Langenbahn Beth Woebkenberg & Andrea Piri Grants Molly Grainger Kim Beck Sponsorship Haley Titus-Mitchell Megan Stacey Spring Fundraiser (CinSation) Pamela Long & Jamie Williams Maria Ahmed Mahindra MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL Jody’s Network Rachel Gilmore Membership Outreach & Events Thanh Pham Monica Miller MOM Erika Robbe Ami Hidaka Placement Brianna Frappier-Schirmang Amy Spero Transfers Laura Menge Dana Brown TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Leadership Development Sarah Clark Paaras Parker Meeting Planning Abby Workman Susan VanVleet New Members Emily Sberna Julie Jasko & Sarah Rieger Nominating Vicki Calonge Tammy Imhoff Nominating Members Deborah Livingston, Sarah Lucas, Julie Niesen-Gosdin, Camille Richardson, Kristian Scarpitti, Lauren Solimine (FYA), Amy Spero (Placement VC), Laura Stiller, Natalie Wais & Pam Wise #jlcincy | 21
Leslie Holtmeier 3545 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45226 513.271.1717
3545 Columbia Parkway | Cincinnati, OH 45226 | 513.271.1717
3545 Columbia Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45226
3545 Columbia Parkway | 513-271-1717
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IT’s ALL HAPPENING
AT THE JLC
er 2014 JLC New Member Bus Trip | Octob
into Saturday, February 28, 2015 The Cincinnati Masonic Center | Downtown Tickets available at JLCincinnati.org/CinSation
2015
February 7 | Cincy Grin Up Expo February 10 | Souper Session- JLC Projects February 28 | CinSation March 3 | General Membership Meeting April 7 | General Membership Meeting