JLGL 2014-2015 League Lines

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ANNUAL REPORT & MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 2015

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

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We are an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

League Lines 2015-2016 Communications Vice President: Alyssa Elaskari League Lines Chair: Allison Allegood Disclaimer “A Junior League membership list is for the use of the Junior League only and cannot be used for promotion of any activity unrelated to the Junior League. It shall not be used for personal gain or mail available for commercial or solicitation purposes.� AJLI Policy V-B

Junior League of Greater Lakeland 90 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801 Phone: (863) 682-2112 Fax: (863) 682-7113

FOLLOW US! FB.COM/JLOFLAKELAND

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WWW.JLGL.ORG

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Looking Back/Facing Forward/Being The Difference: WHO Exactly is Mary Harriman and WHAT Exactly is the Junior League?

Written By Sheila Lotterhos, Sustainer Historian

Many of you are probably familiar with the PBS Masterpiece Series, "Downton Abbey.� For those who aren't, the series explores in exacting detail the rarefied world of England's elite, including an American heiress who trades her immense wealth for a title. "Downton Abbey,� also the name of the family's stately home, juxtaposes this lifestyle against the sweeping social changes and issues of the working classes in the first quarter of the 20th Century.

For the privileged, it was a world of gorgeous clothes, sumptuous meals, elegant soirees, culture, refinement, and all the benefits that wealth and position brought with it. While the servants in the same stately English homes, living below stairs, lived in a world far less comfortable and far more demanding. At the same time, life for the industrial working poor in cities was something straight out of a Dickens novel.

Due in large part to the Industrial Revolution in both England and America, the gulf between the haves and the have-nots widened. And while the social order in America was certainly not as stringent as England's, there existed in this country the great divide between those who became known as the robber barons and their workers. This was particularly true in New York City where there was a flood of immigrants who came seeking jobs. Adding to their challenges, many of the immigrants did not speak English, were uneducated, knew little of the culture of our nation, and found themselves forced to live in squalid, over-crowded slums.

To combat the widening societal gulf, Settlement Houses, begun in England, were subsequently established in some of the larger American metropolitan areas. What is a Settlement House, you ask? Settlement Houses were agencies that afforded immigrants a chance not only to learn English, but to read and to familiarize themselves with American customs and culture. One of the primary benefits of these establishments was the help they provided to the immigrants' children, endowing them with the necessary skills to carve out a better life and future.

Junior League Founder Mary Harriman

It was during this time period and into the milieu of Eastern privilege and wealth that Mary Harriman, the Junior League's founder, was born and grew to womanhood. There was, however, a distinct difference. Mary's father, a railroad tycoon, was one of the first industrialists to create benefits for his workers. To assure that his daughter understood how the family business was run, he took Mary on rounds with him to talk to and meet the railroad workers at the various rail yards, thus developing the young Mary's interest in making life better for others.

After a lecture by a Settlement House founder, Mary decided to major in Sociology as well as volunteer at a Settlement House, and when it came time to make her debut, she appealed to her fellow debutantes to move beyond the world of the ballroom in which they all circulated to do something to help the city's needy. Thus, the Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements was founded.

These early League members used their skills in everything from music to painting and from writing to reading to help those who came to better their lives. Then two years after the Junior League's founding, a very fortuitous event occurred when another young debutante decided to follow in Mary's footsteps. In this decision, the Junior League gained a valuable member who would not only contribute her volunteer skills to the less fortunate, but a member who would go on to become influential in her own right as well as influencing one of the most powerful leaders in the modern world.

Their names? Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.

These early League members used their skills in everything from music to painting and from writing to reading to help those who came to better their lives. Then two years after the Junior League's founding, a very fortuitous event occurred when another young debutante decided to follow in Mary's footsteps. In this decision, the Junior League gained a valuable member who would not only contribute her volunteer skills to the less fortunate, but a member who would go on to become influential in her own right as well as influencing one of the most powerful leaders in the modern world.

Their names? Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.

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On the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) website, I discovered something very interesting. Eleanor served her League placement teaching dance and calisthenics at the Rivington Settlement House in New York. Then she took Franklin, a very sheltered young blue-blood, with her to see where she volunteered, introducing him for the first time to a life very different from his own. His reaction? Complete astonishment at what he saw, telling Eleanor she had opened up a whole new world for him. His introduction to this "new world", along with his marriage to Eleanor, went on to serve Franklin (FDR) well in his years as president, particularly as he ministered to a suffering nation and guided Americans of every stripe out of the Great Depression. And what's more, Mary Rumsey nĂŠe Harriman made national news as she helped to break the glass ceiling for women with her New Deal appointment. FDR appointed Mary as Consumer Advisory Board Chair for the National Recovery Administration. What a pity her early death cut both her life and her service to our nation short.

The Beginnings of the Junior League in Lakeland It was around this same time, March of 1933, with the Great Depression in full swing, that a group of concerned young ladies decided they would do something to help needy children in our own community. Thus the Junior First Lady & Junior League Member Welfare League, later to become the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Eleanor Roosevelt was born. These weren't just do-gooders, out to feel good about themselves by showily helping the poor. These were, and are, the movers and shakers of the community, out to make an impact in the lives of others, particularly children and more particularly children in need.

My father told me once that the Great Depression was so severe he was growing crops for more than he could sell them.

And the effects of the Depression were felt for literally years and years. My oldest sister began coming home from school, ravenously hungry and saying she was starving. My mother couldn't understand this and repeatedly asked if she was eating the lunch Mama had packed. After some time, the truth came out. My sister was giving her lunch to a child who didn't have anything to eat and was truly hungry. Hunger was often your next door neighbor, and people did what they could to help. My mother began to pack two lunches from that point forward. And my sister? She went on with a life of giving, one day becoming president of a service league.

With poverty-induced food shortages happening in small towns and cities across America, it is not surprising that one of the early projects our League adopted was a milk fund for needy children and a dental clinic. If you look at our early projects, you will see they were social service oriented and also reflective of the times.

As the League grew and the needs changed, our members and projects shifted to meet them, and we still do.

With the advent of WWII and enemy submarines and ships off our coastline, our members acted as "spotters" on top of the New Florida Hotel, watching for enemy aircraft that were expected to bomb either the American or British air corps training facilities in town. League members also raised huge sums of money selling War Bonds.

As women were called into the workforce just to survive, League members opened and staffed the Lakeland Day Nursery, providing much needed child care for those families.

When the hospital needed an incubator and resuscitator, we gave it. When the library needed a bookmobile, we bought it. When children suffering from polio and cerebral palsy needed braces, we supplied them.

We started, and sometimes even staffed with our volunteers, some of the most prominent agencies and organizations in this community. And we gave critical funding to others like the Polk Theatre, the Salvation Army, and VISTE to name only a handful.

Trends in service have often followed those occurring across the country. As America prospered after WWII, seeking to build a better world for its children, and as Jackie Kennedy, with the advent of television, brought the importance of the arts and historic preservation into our living rooms with tours of the restored White House and its magnificent furnishings and art collection and also arranging for the Mona Lisa to come to America for an unprecedented tour, we saw League members following suit with significant contributions to the arts and historic preservation while not forgetting our commitment to the social services.

We founded a children's museum that became The Polk Museum of Art. We brought Children's Theatre to the school children of our community.

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We brought the symphony, sometimes for the first time, to young children.

We gave the seed money, which was big money, to Historic Lakeland and supplied volunteers which helped to spearhead the restoration of the Lake Mirror Promenade.

We addressed learning issues and founded the Learning Resource Center.

We addressed the drug problem and went into the schools to educate children with Choices & Challenges and Meology.

We addressed literacy with the longest running Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program in the state of Florida, which began life in Lakeland as a provisional project, and we focused on a literacy initiative, giving both our time and treasure to a number of literacy efforts such as the World of Reading Festival.

With a new century, our organization has become more diverse, and women's roles have changed with the vast majority of our members working outside the home. Yet, as the saying goes, everything old is new again. Community needs are calling us back to one of our long time loves, The Polk Museum of Art, about which our sustainers are as excited as our actives.

There are so many, many areas where the League has made not only a difference, but the critical difference. -- The Polk Museum of Art being a case in point. And there are far too many projects and gifts to mention in any one article. Just know that the gifts now number into the millions, and the volunteer hours are incalculable.

Hopefully, this sampling will give you an idea of what a great heritage we have as League members and community leaders. Junior League members should be proud of the organization that they serve, and know what an honor it is to walk where so many esteemed feet have trod. The Junior League is not just about making a difference; it is about being the difference. Today, as yesterday, it is up each of us to do just that.

Founded in 1933 as an organization for charitable work, the JLGL has contributed to the community’s cultural and educational needs through a variety of long lasting projects including: l

The Learning Resource Center

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Polk Museum of Art

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Helped spearhead Restoration to Lake Mirror Promenade

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Lakeland Christmas Parade

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The Salvation Army’s Halo Child Enrichment Center

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Explorations V Children’s Museum

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The Bethany Center for Grieving Children at Good Shepard Hospice

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The Achievement Academy

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Increasing Impact, Engaging Members Broadening the Scope of the League’s Focus Statement Written by Alice V. Koehler, CRPD Assistant Chair 2014-2015

For many years Junior League of Greater Lakeland has valiantly and fervently focused on literacy and early childhood education as the central theme of impact. Through Ready to Read, Reading is Fundamental, and World of Reading, this League has distributed more than one million books to our community's elementary-aged students and supported educational initiatives throughout Lakeland. This is a history of which we are immensely proud! While there is no question whether education and literacy remain worthy causes, the League faces new challenges every day with meeting the literacy needs of this community. Specifically, there are other local organizations lending their expertise to the cause. Additionally, the League faces increased demands on members’ time. In response to these changing community and League dynamics, the League asked the Community Council to spearhead an effort to address these challenges.

Knowing that effective difference making cannot happen in a siloh, the Community Council gathered together a group of community leaders (now known as the Community Think Tank) to engage in a conversation about where the League might look for new partners and new initiatives. We first met in the fall of 2013 to discuss where the League has been and what the League has done as an organization over the past 80 plus years. We talked about possible frameworks for new projects, how to measure our impact and what Lakeland needs from the League today.

As the Think Tank met throughout the 2013-2014 year, the Community Research and Project Development Committee (CRPD) conducted an interest survey to find out what social issues the League’s membership is most interested in affecting. The results were broad and revealing. Poverty, hunger, child trafficking, education & literacy and health & wellness were the top contenders.

Based on these survey results, CRPD worked to engage expert speakers at our General Member Meetings so that our active members could hear more about each potential area of focus. CRPD also planned and organized done-in-a-day projects to help our members better understand how we could impact each issue. At the same time, together with the Community Think Tank, CRPD explored a reframing of the League’s focus statement. After six meetings of intense discussion with experts on all of the aforementioned topics over the course of two years, CRPD determined that all of these social issues are indelibly linked one to another. As a child grows, his health is linked to the quality of his food and the ability of his parents to provide it to him. His academic health is connected to his physical health; if he’s not healthy his brain isn’t functioning at full capacity. He may miss many days of school, affecting his ability to succeed. Children who are prone to trafficking are those who are made vulnerable by poverty and all of its implications.

Moving forward, CRPD recommended broadening the League’s signature project focus statement to incorporate whole child wellness so that the League can continue to impact areas of greatest need as they present themselves, but to also engage the varied interests and passions of our valued members. A broader approach to wellness allows the League flexibility and the opportunity to partner with other community organizations who are focused on key pieces of the wellness wheel. The recommendation was presented to and passed by the General Membership at the March 2015 meeting. Moving forward, as this initiative unfolds, the 2015-2016 CRPD Committee and Board of Directors will be charged with directing the reworking of the focus statement to incorporate wellness and define what wellness means to our League.

Whitmeyer, Sweeney, and Myers (2000) are credited with developing the Wheel of Wellness Page 6

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Get Ready to Get Muddy on October 10th!

Tribal Extreme Mud Run

World of Reading Festival

Written by Allison Allegood, League Lines Editor

Written by Whitney Nall, Mud Run Marketing Chair

October is fast approaching and, in case you haven’t heard, a very exciting event is coming up!

Tribal Extreme Mud Run is on October 10th – an intensely fun 5k and 10k race with more than 40 obstacles, the highest prizes in the state, and plenty of mud! Not a fan of the obstacles and but still love to run?

The Tribal Extreme Wilderness Run is the perfect opportunity to be part of the excitement while enjoying Central Florida’s gorgeous fall landscape. With food trucks, great music, cold beer, and activities for the whole family, it’s going to be a day of fun and community that no one will want to miss.

Paula and Tom Mims of T. Mims Corp. have asked JLGL to partner with them in this new endeavor, and we are so excited! As this is Tribal Extreme’s inaugural year, we need help from our awesome League members and the Lakeland community to make the event a success. It’s very simple – Get the word out! Tell everyone you know! (Some examples of everyone you know: the mailman, the happy Publix cashier, your hair stylist/therapist, your favorite barista, your entire spin class, etc.) This is going to be a fantastic event and the more fun-runners we have participating, the better it will be! Posters, flyers, and information cards are available to anyone who would like to distribute them. We will be regularly updating the Tribal Extreme website and Facebook page with news and information, discounts, giveaways, and mud run tips, so be sure to tell people to sign up for those updates!

Proceeds will help the Junior League better the community through our initiative and also benefit the The Mims Charitable Community Fund.

Contact our fearless Mud Run Chair, Victoria Martin, with any questions at mudrun@jlgl.org or visit www.tribalextreme.com

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Polk County has an adult illiteracy rate of 27 percent. Or to put it a different way, one in four of the adults you meet in Lakeland either struggle to read, or cannot read at all. Think about the huge impact reading has on your day to day life. What it would be like you weren’t able to read your favorite book, street signs to navigate in new places, or even something like a prescription? Your life would likely be a lot different.

The Junior League works to stop the problem before it starts by reaching children in the community.

On April 25, 2015, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland held its 10th World of Reading Festival opened to all families in Polk County. We raised the community’s awareness of the importance of reading and the need to incorporate regular reading as an essential part of children's everyday routine. The event as always was free and more than 1,500 books were given away to children from all economic backgrounds.

Plus, there were arts and crafts and a “passport” children could use to explore the different booths which featured countries from around the world!

Authors Maria Dismondy and Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw provided book readings and free books, courtesy of the JLGL. Maria Dismondy is an award winning author of books empowering children to positively handle tough situations. Her newest book released just this Spring Chocolate Milk, Por Favor! celebrates diversity with empathy. Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw engages children in a world of creativity with her writing and artwork in books such as Same, Same But Different and Luna and Me. In addition to the two authors, World of Reading Festival included free children’s activities including face painting, rock wall climbing, a bounce house, balloon artists and performances by the Lakeland Community Theater.

The goal is to excite children, inspire their imaginations, and introduce them to the world of reading (pun intended J) early. This will better prepare children for school, and ultimately, life! It is just one more way that JLGL is working to impact the community in a real and tangible way.

If you would like to partner with us on next year’s World of Reading event contact us at wor@jlgl.org.

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Provisional Project – Service from the Beginning of Membership in the League

Why did you become involved in the League?

Written by: Amanda Lamont, 2014-2015 Provisionals Chair

Each year the newest members of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland jump head first into service. They do so through provisional projects. The 2014-2015 JLGL Provisional class voted to send goody bags to armed forces as their year’s project. Donations were collected from the provisional, active, and sustaining members of the League. We received enough donations of food, toiletries, DVD’s, and clothing to fill 85 gallon sized bags to send to troops in Afghanistan. The remaining donations were given to Lakeland’s Talbot House. More than two platoons of soldiers and countless Lakeland residents benefitted from this year’s provisional project.

What theme did you chose for your presidency and why? The theme for 2015-2016 is "Leaving a Lasting Legacy - for Ourselves, in our League and in our Community. Wanting to continue the consistency of the themes from Past President’s Tiffany Osler and Ashley Link and to provide an opportunity for learning and growth of our membership, I believed that it was important that we as members of the JLGL understand the legacy that our League has had in our Community and the legacy of the sustainers who have proceeded us in growing this League to the amazing organization that it is today. Without understanding our past, it is impossible to move forward and grow.

What is your vision for the League?

To continue to impact the community and our members through our programs, volunteer opportunities and our involvement. We want our members to be engaged and to feel satisfied with their League experience.

Besides volunteering with the League what fills your time?

Spending time with my family, friends, and my two rescue dogs.

Meet our Leaders

What is one thing we don't know about you that you care to share?

Meet Tiffany Hawks, our 2015-2016 President

Why did you become involved in the League?

Everyone experiences life changing events, which can either break you or make you stronger. It was after going through one of these times, that I choose to join the Junior League.

I was seeking to return to volunteer work, which was a foundation I owe to my parents, and to have the opportunity to meet likeminded women, who wanted to make an impact in our community. I have found an extended family through my Junior League experiences and will treasure always those that have had an opportunity to work with directly.

What makes volunteering with the League important to you?

I was raised to participate and volunteer. It was something I had seen my parents and grandparents do and I saw how fulfilling it is when you are able to give of your time and resources and help someone else.

I am truly passionate about the Junior League of Greater Lakeland (JLGL)'s mission and our focus. It provides me with an opportunity to grow and develop as not only a volunteer and leader, but as a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.

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During the Provisional bus ride, I sat with Melissa Durrance and we became close friends. As a result of that, she introduced to my husband, Paul, and we had our first date at Viste Ball.

How to reach the Leadership Team President, Tiffany Hawks (president@jlgl.org) Sustaining Advisor, Laurie Melton (sustainingvp@jlgl.org) President-Elect, Shira Johnson (president-elect@jlgl.org) Finance VP, Stacey Clyne (financevp@jlgl.org) Membership VP, Victoria Martin (membershipvp@jlgl.org) Community Council VP, Susan LeFrancois (communitycouncilvp@jlgl.org) Communications VP, Alyssa Elaskari (communicationsvp@jlgl.org) Funding Director, Kara Simm (fundingdirector@jlgl.org) Assistant Funding Director, Rachel Cashdollar (assistantfundingdirector@jlgl.org) Assistant Community VP, Amanda Lamont (assistantcommunitycouncilvp@jlgl.org) Treasurer, Callie Miller (treasurer@jlgl.org) Secretary, Jillian Traurig (secretary@jlgl.org) Parliamentarian, Calene Hernandez (parliamentarian@jlgl.org)

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Annual Fund Donors Fiscal Year June 2014 – May 2015 The Junior League of Greater Lakeland would like to extend sincere thanks to our generous Annual Fund donors. The list below includes donations from June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015. If you are listed incorrectly or omitted please contact Kara Simm via email at fundingdirector@jlgl.org.

Top Contributors Amy Laderer Publix Super Markets Charities $1,000 Supporters Virginia McClurg $500 Supporters Denise Crenshaw Donna Brigman Ilse Buzzanca Joanne Allen Lynda Buck Sarah McKay $200-$250 Supporters Anne Furr Elizabeth Chappell Hunt Berryman Lu Fitzwater Tiffany Hawks

$99 and under Supporters Amanda Middleton Ashley Link Barbara Moore Beth Sherling Betsy Phillips Bridget Fetter Brittany Sale Candace Mong Carole Marler Carrie Cross Cicely Anderson Debbie Irby Elizabeth Allen Elizabeth Jacobs Erin Montgomery First United Methodist Church Hattie’s Branches Boutique Jo Lee Sawyer Judy Hopkins Kristin Nelson Laura Wilder Lauren Presson Laurie Melton Malory Moore Margaret Holmes Mary Hinson Patricia Tomlinson Rachel Hollis Sue Britt Terri Goleno Welch UWCF - Donation Victoria Reynolds Virgina Leetun Virginia Askew Special thanks to our anonymous donors as well!

$100-$150 Supporters Alice O'Reilly Anne Varasse (JAC Company) Bank of Central Florida Callie Miller Carole Donlon Ellen Salm - Personally Yours Kim Elmhorst Leah Gonzalez Marilyn Clyne Melissa Finch Patricia Blalock Ruth E. Gardner Sally Petcoff Sandra Ellington Sheila Crum Tiffany Osler Tricia Bushn

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Event Sponsorship Fiscal Year June 2014 – May 2015 $5,000 Sponsors Southern Homes of Polk County $2,500 Sponsors GEICO James I. Black & Company Rooms to Go Children's Fund $1,000 Sponsors Badcock Home Furniture Fields Automotive Group Marcobay Construction Miller Construction Management, Inc. Regal Automotive Group $750 Sponsors Coldwell Banker Commercial (CBC) Saunders Ralston Dantzler Realty Dr. Bill & Summer Roth Grasslands Tennis Ladies Land South Group Lorio & Associates, Inc LYCC Tennis Ladies OMS Group United Way of Central Florida Waller Group $500 Sponsors ARM (Advanced Retail Merchandising) Bank of Central Florida Ben & Susan LeFrancois GrayRobinson, P.A. J H Ham Engineering Land South Realty / Bankers South MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union Mid-State Machine and Fabricating Corp.

Payne Air Conditioning Sale Insurance Southern Glass Products Strickland Construction The Estates at Carpenters Wall Titus, LLC

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$250 Sponsors Hilliard & Dietrich Orthodontics Elle Osler The Learning Resource Center $100 Sponsors Ashley & Jonathan Link Brenda Friedman Bulhead Doris & Bob Trohn Florida Fiduciary Wealth Management Susan Dreyer Fundraiser Totals Fiscal Year June 2014 – May 2015 Pro Am Tennis Tournament $36,808.41 Il Forno Spaghetti Dinner $1,593.56 Special Thanks to Il Forno Restaurant for their Support!

Funding Committee Spirit Nights $485.28 Special Thanks to Stationary Loft, Chick-Fil-A and Skate World for their Support of the League in making these Spirit Nights possible!

Donations to the Junior League help us fulfill our mission of improving the community while promoting volunteerism & developing the potential of women. Use the enclosed envelope to help support the Junior League this year.

$300 - $350 Sponsors Baron Realty Chuck & Joanne Collier Dietrich Hilliard Orthodontics Dr. Curtis W. Cassidy, M.D., P.A. Family Fun Center Fleeting Corporation John & Kim Lafferty Peterson & Myers, PA Register Construction Sihle-Waller Insurance Skate World The Osler Family Young Life Polk County

“A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” The toll-free number of the department is 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) – calling from within the state of Florida, or (850) 410-3800 – calling from outside of Florida. The website is www.800helpfla.com. CH8668

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MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

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Past President’s Letter One year ago, I was filled with excitement, anxiety, hope and pride as I took on the role of president. As we close the year, my feelings are very similar.

In 2014-2015 we worked hard to take care of ourselves, so that we could take care of our League and so that our League could take care of our community. And as a League, we saw many accomplishments.

We pushed through the challenge of starting the year with no replacement for our most profitable fundraiser, and when an opportunity arose, we took action. I'd like to thank Sustainer Paula Mims and her husband Tom for inviting the Junior League to partner with T. Mims Corp. in the Tribal Extreme Mud Run. Although it was in our best interest to push this event back until the fall, we are so looking forward to tackling the mud run on October 10, 2015. The great news is we're poised for success. We've already brought on some of our most significant sponsorships ever in support of the event. Now, our biggest opportunity is in participants, and we hope that all of you will join the effort to recruit athletes and attendees.

Last year, our membership was surveyed so that the Community Research and Project Development (CRPD) Committee could develop a list of our strongest interests as they pertain to our League’s focus, which has been literacy and education.

Four potential areas of focus were determined: education and literacy, overall wellness, hunger and poverty, and human trafficking. Based on that list, we engaged our Community Think Tank, hosted expert speakers at our General Membership Meetings (GMMs), researched and evaluated. Finally, in March, CRPD presented a recommendation to our entire membership. Based on where the League can make an impact, potential community partners, and our members' interests, it was recommended and adopted that we broaden our focus to overall wellness. The beauty of this is that literacy and education are very much still a part of this broadened focus, and now so are some of the other most pressing needs impacting our community today.

When I think of all this accomplishment, one thing is certain. It would not have been possible without tremendous effort from tremendous women.

This year, we were excited to host a panel of sustainers at our GMM who represented various decades of active membership.

Through presentations from Stephanie Madden, Doris Lyons, Anne Furr, Pat Blalock and Nitzy Waters, our League gained a knowledge of and appreciation for our League's history. It's a history many of you who are reading this article are responsible for. Know that you have made our active membership so proud. You have forged the way and given us something to aspire to. The vision, fortitude and example you have gifted to us is inspiring. You have built a strong foundation, and your active members are humbled and excited to accept and continue your legacy.

In my acceptance speech at Spring Banquet last year, I quoted Sydney Pollack who advised us to "surround ourselves with the best people, give them a comfortable environment in which to work, then get out of their way." Undoubtedly, I have surrounded myself with the best people.

This has been by far the most amazing part of my experience as president. Not only have I watched women grow and develop into amazing leaders, I have selfishly filed away names of my first string team should I ever hold a leadership position again or should I ever need just a little help. There have been many people who when they said yes, there was no doubt in my mind that they would accomplish what they had committed to. So for that, I say thank you. Thank you to all of you who said yes this year. I don't care how big or small the yes was, you made a difference in my life and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

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To our active membership, I think that new active Brinley Standifer said it best. She is looking forward to growing relationships with women who challenge and empower her to be a better version of herself. I promise each of you will find that here in the Junior League if you make it a point to do so. This group is filled with leaders who have had different experiences than you have. So, I challenge you to try to listen and to learn. And if you don't understand or don't agree with something, I challenge you to approach the Board of Directors and ask. You might be enlightened or you might enlighten them.

To my Sustaining Advisor Anne Furr, the outgoing Board of Directors, my amazing parents and my little family Jonathan and Hudson, thank you for your endless support and encouragement. I have so enjoyed this ride because each of you made it possible for me to accept this position and to... survive!

To the incoming Board of Directors and leadership team, I have so much confidence in each of you and am excited to watch the Junior League of Greater Lakeland grow and thrive as you take the helm.

Best wishes for a tremendous new year!

Thank you for allowing me to serve,

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2015 Spring Banquet What a night! The JLGL hosted our 83rd year as an organization dedicated to improving our community through the tireless efforts of our trained women leaders at our Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 7th.

The night was marked by an "Old Florida" celebration featuring beautiful Floridian floral arrangements by Patricia Meyer and a Florida inspired menu by Chef Marcos of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club.

We recognized our past presidents, actives becoming sustainers, new actives and end-of-year award recipients.

Immediate Past President Ashley Link reflected on the JLGL year, recognized the outgoing board of directors, installed the new board of directors and presented the gavel to President Tiffany Hawks.

It was a night of tradition, inspiration, camaraderie and fun! Congratulations on a wonderful 2014-2015 year, Junior League of Greater Lakeland members! Until next year!

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Welcome to the New Actives!

COURTNEY ATHANS Courtney was born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up here in Lakeland. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Florida Southern College. She has been a special education teacher at Highlands Grove Elementary for five years. She enjoys photography, running, and reading. Her favorite part of the provisional year was helping children choose their free book at the World of Reading event and helping them foster their love for reading. She is looking forward to helping the League in all aspects as it continues to spread its talents to serve and better the community and people of Lakeland. Courtney also teaches night school at West Area Adult School, helping adults earn their GED. She owns a photography company, Cellar Door Photography, and enjoys taking pictures of families and events around Lakeland, and volunteers at Relay for Life of Mulberry and serves as the Survivor Committee chair.

BETH BROWN Beth was born in Winter Haven and grew up in Auburndale. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management at Florida Southern College.

Beth is engaged to Rick Wiley. She is currently a Regional Sales Manager for Avanir Pharmaceuticals and enjoys traveling. Her favorite part of this year has been reading about the activities in which the Junior League in involved in within the community.

JESSICA BROWN Jessica was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended University of Tampa and is now the Promotions Director for radio stations 97 Country, Max 98.3, WONN, and WLKF. Her favorite hobbies are music, movies, dancing, and Disney. Her favorite part of the provisional year is meeting new people and working events. She is looking forward to becoming more involved in the League and community.

KAT BUCHMAN Kat was born and raised in Plant City, Florida. Growing up as a huge Gator fan, she had no other choice than to attend the University of Florida, majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Kat works for Kathleen High School’s Aerospace Academy as a Biology, Chemistry and AP Biology teacher. She is also the Head Swimming and Diving Coach. Kat enjoys swimming, hunting, fishing and camping. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting the women and volunteering. Despite such a hectic schedule, Kat always makes time for her cat, Boots Buchman.

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CHRISTIN CHILES Christin was born and raised on Anna Maria Island. She attended University of Florida and is the Young Life Area Director for Polk County. She enjoys fishing and going to the beach. Christin enjoyed meeting new people during her provisional year and is looking forward to serving the Lakeland community as an active member of the league.

CARRIE CROSS Carrie was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. She attended University of Florida and is an auditor for Citibank. Her favorite hobby is watching Gator football.

She is a transfer from the Orlando Junior League and loved participating in the DiSC training this year. As she becomes a new active member of the Lakeland league, Carrie is looking forward to volunteering in the community.

DJ DELGADO DJ was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. She attended Essex County College and is currently an US Navy Petty Officer and Real Estate Broker. DJ moved to Miami from New Jersey in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew to help with the rebuilding of the community and work at US Attorney’s Office as a Criminalist until she was called back to active duty at US SouthCom. She was transferred to Special Ops at MacDill in 2004. It was then that she found the beautiful city of Lakeland and decided that this was where she wanted to raise her boys. She and her husband Jorge have twin boys, Jorge & Jesus 16, and a 26 year old daughter. DJ enjoys camping, scrapbooking, and hiking. Her favorite part of this year was participating in the Christmas parade. She is looking forward to taking a bigger part of the Christmas parade as an active member. She loves being part of this community and wanted to join JLGL. She is looking forward to Reserve duty next year so she can participate more and help give back to our community.

BRANDI FRANTZIS Brandi was born in Dunedin, Florida and raised in Lakeland. She attended the University of Florida and is currently a construction coordinator at Southern Homes. She enjoys baseball, football, working out, DIY projects, and traveling. Brandi’s favorite part of the provisional year was meeting new people and learning more about Lakeland. She is looking forward to learning more about JLGL as an active, volunteering, and meeting more new people.

COURTENAY FULMER Courtenay was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Brandon. She attended University of South Florida. She is a federal contractor. Courtenay and her husband Art Fulmer, Jr have two children Brooke, 6 years, and Blake 3 years old. She enjoys jogging and taking care of her family. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting new friends and the DiSC training. Courtenay is looking forward to community involvement and social interactions with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

MARLEE CHANG Marlee was born in Schenectady, New York and raised in Concord, North Carolina. She moved to Lakeland in July 2011. She and her husband Joel have a 2 year old boy named Declan and are expecting their baby girl any time. Marlee is a Registered Nurse and grad student to be a Family Nurse Practitioner. She enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of the provisional year was making new friends and she is looking forward to continuing to make an impact on the community as an active member of JLGL. Page 16

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CHRISTINE GRUSZECZKA Christine was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She attended the Florida International University for her bachelor’s degree in Education and the American College of Education for her Master’s in Education Administration. She and her husband Robert have a son, Reagan. Christine is a kindergarten teacher at Ridgeview Global Studies Academy. She enjoys traveling, shopping, and dancing.

Her favorite part of the provisional year was participating in the Christmas parade and she is looking forward to meeting more people as an active.

JULIA HARRELL Julia was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. She attended the University of Alabama and is an interior designer. She is married to Will Harrell. Julia enjoys cooking, traveling, and design work. Her favorite part of this year was helping at the Christmas parade and she is looking forward to more volunteer opportunities as an active member of JLGL. MICHELLE HINDS Michelle was born in Melbourne, Florida and raised in Lakeland. She attended Florida Southern College. She and her husband Ryan have a two year old daughter named Lilly and are expecting their second child in August. Michelle is a Marketing Consultant for Hall Communications. She enjoys running, shopping, baking, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting some great women and being involved with new events. She is looking forward to being placed on a committee and meeting more people.

JEANNA JACKSON Jeanna was born and raised in Waverly, Texas. She has two adult children and is a realtor with Keller Williams.

She enjoys cooking, tennis, wine tastings, running, and volunteering.

Jeanna’s favorite parts of the provisional year were developing new friendships and being able to say she was a part of the meetings at different locations around Lakeland. She is looking forward to taking leadership roles in the league and helping make changes in the community.

LINDSAY JENKINS Lindsay was born and raised in Foster-Glocester, Rhode Island. She is currently a nursing student at Polk State College and works as a medical receptionist. She and her husband Tip have a chocolate Lab puppy. Lindsay enjoys reading, traveling, and being outdoors. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the DiSC training and is looking forward to volunteering with the League.

SYDNEY JENNINGS Sydney was born in Orlando, Florida and raised in Boca Grande, Florida. She attended University of South Florida and is a personal trainer. She and her husband Brock have a baby boy named Locke. Sydney enjoys Crossfit, yoga, paddle boarding, and fishing. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting awesome women while volunteering. She is looking forward to getting more involved in community events.

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LAUREN JENSEN Lauren was born and raised in Amherst, Ohio. She attended University of Kentucky for her undergrad and University of Florida for law school. She is an attorney at Sessums Law Group, PA. She is married to Kyle. Lauren enjoys running and playing with her puppies. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the tour of the Polk Theater. She is looking forward to becoming more involved in JLGL and the community.

ROXANE LEARY Roxane was born in Melrose, Massachusetts and raised here in Lakeland. She attended Florida State University for her undergraduate degree and University of South Florida for her graduate degree. She is a leadership facilitator. Roxane enjoys rock climbing and her favorite part of this JLGL year was the Christmas parade. She is looking forward to more involvement in the community and writing grants with the Junior League.

MINDY LESINSKI Mindy was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended USF for Business Management and is a Client and Service Valuations Manager at JP Morgan Chase.

She has three children, Taylor, Maci, and Carlee. Mindy enjoys water activities, relaxing, exercising, and spending time with her kids. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting new people and learning the history of JLGL. She is looking forward to next year as an active, meeting more people, and getting to participate on a committee.

KRISTEN LISENBY Kristen was born in Miami and moved to Lakeland when she was a child. She attended Appalachian State University and is a kitchen and bath designer. Kristen and her husband Jimmy have two children, Ashlyn (5 years) and Ella (1 year). She enjoys traveling and shopping. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the Christmas parade and she is looking forward to getting to know more people.

KATHARINE (KATIE) LOWE Katie was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. She is currently a student at Florida Southern College. She enjoys crafting and was happy to meet new people in Lakeland during her provisional year. She is looking forward to getting more involved in Lakeland as an active member of the league.

ERIN ASHLEY MAREADY Erin was born and raised in Lakeland. She attended Florida Southern College and is a second grade teacher at McKeel Academy Central. She enjoys cake decorating and beginning her own business. Her favorite part of the provisional year was hanging out with her bestie and she is looking forward to leadership opportunities and making a difference within the League. Erin loves to travel to new places and is currently saving for her first trip to Europe.

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BRITTNEY MATHEWS Brittney was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and raised in Plant City, Florida. She attended the International Academy of Design and Technology and is a residential interior designer. She enjoys crafting, shopping, and traveling. Brittney’s favorite part of the provisional year was volunteering in the community and she is looking forward to getting to know more members of the league.

JACKYE MAXEY Jackye was born in New York City and raised in Savannah, Georgia and Tallahassee, Florida. She is married to Rick Maxey and they have two adult daughters. Jackye moved to Lakeland in July 2013 to work for Florida Polytechnic University as the Director of Special Projects and Board Liaison. She enjoys watching football games, traveling and spending times with family and friends. Her favorite part of the provisional year was meeting new friends and learning about the League’s contribution to the Lakeland community. Jackye is looking forward to becoming more involved with the League’s volunteer projects next year.

LAUREN MCBRIDE Lauren was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale. She attended the University of Florida law school and is currently an attorney at Publix. Lauren enjoys cooking and traveling. She enjoyed meeting new people during her provisional year and is looking forward to making an impact on the community as an active member.

MEGAN MORAN Megan was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She graduated from University of South Florida and is a physical therapist at Lakeland Regional Hospital.

Megan enjoys spin class, beach trips, and doggie activities. She enjoyed getting to know everyone at the monthly meetings during her provisional year and is looking forward to getting more involved in the community.

CHELSEA MULLINGS Chelsea was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. She moved to Lakeland at age 13 and attended University of Central Florida. She has a daughter named Kali. Chelsea works at Watson Clinic in the OBGYN department as a receptionist. She enjoys watching anything that pertains to sports, traveling and doing activities with her daughter. Her favorite part of provisional year was helping with the Christmas parade. Chelsea is looking forward to helping the children in the community with all the activities Junior League has to offer.

WHITNEY NALL Whitney was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended University of South Florida Polytechnic. She is an account executive at Clark/Nikdel/Powell, a local advertising agency. She recently got married to her husband Josh. She loves anything Disney. Whitney’s favorite part of her provisional year was meeting new people and getting involved in the community.

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STEPHENI ODELL Stepheni was born in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. She attended Lycoming College and teaches kindergarten. She loves to travel and shop. Her favorite part of the provisional year was volunteering at the Christmas Parade. She is looking forward to being involved in the community and meeting new people.

EMILY PALADINO Emily was born in Flemington, New Jersey and raised in Orlando, Florida. She attended Florida Southern College and teaches kindergarten. She enjoys crafting, baking, and shopping. Her favorite part of the provisional year has been getting new opportunities to volunteer in the community. She is looking forward to the leadership opportunities in the Junior League and making a difference in the Lakeland community.

MICHELLE PHILLIPS Michelle was born in Toledo, Ohio and raised in West Milton, Ohio. She attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati and the University of New Mexico. She and her husband Tom have two children, Marshall and William. Michelle is an artist and enjoys reading, diving, and hiking. Her favorite part of this year was being at Dixieland school for RTR and meeting some other provisionals that share her interests. As an active member, she is looking forward to putting in the hours to help our community of women.

VERONICA READ Veronica was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended University of South Florida. She works as freelance agent for film and TV and is currently the Assistant Project Office Coordinator for the third season of Graceland on USA network. Veronica loves spin class, brunch, and traveling. Her favorite part of the provisional year has been fostering new friendships.

She is looking forward to taking on leadership roles in the Junior League and in the community.

LINDSEY REESE Lindsey was born and raised here in Lakeland. She received her BA in Graphic Design at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach and is currently in graduate school for her MFA in graphic design at the Academy of Art University. Lindsay currently works at a Title Company (Real Estate Closings) while she looks for a graphic design/Advertising job. She enjoys baking, playing co-ed slow pitch softball, and coaching volleyball, basketball, and softball at Lakeland Christian. Her favorite part of this year has been participating in World of Reading and meeting new people. She is looking forward to helping plan League events and continuing to make new friends.

EMILY RINEHART Emily was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Florida Southern College and is now the Director of Marketing and Communication at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys photography and refurbishing furniture. Emily’s favorite part of the provisional year was the DiSC training. She is looking forward to meeting more people as an active member of JLGL.

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JOHANNA SANCHEZ Johanna was born in Miami, Florida and raised in mostly Miami and Broward, and then moved to Tampa during high school. She got married to man of her dreams in 2010. They moved to Lakeland in 2014 when she was pregnant to be closer to her in-laws. She is a mother of a 1 year old boy. Currently she is a stay at home mom. She enjoys wine tastings, traveling, and having a good time with family and friends. Her favorite part of her provisional/ transfer year was getting to know how the Lakeland league works and meeting wonderful women. As a member in the Lakeland league, she looks forward to being a part of different projects and making the community a better place. She was a transfer from the Tampa league.

TAYLOR SAUNDERS Taylor was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Lakeland. She has worked at Gaines Jewelers for nine years. She and her husband Trent have an 11 month old son, Cooper. Taylor enjoys decorating, painting, and being a mom. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the DiSC training and she is looking forward to working on different committees and finding where she fits best in serving the Lakeland Community.

KELLEY SIKES Kelley was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. She attended University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

She works at Publix corporate in the real estate department. She enjoys the beach, bike riding and hanging out with her family. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the World of Reading event. She looks forward to giving more back to the community and forming close bonds with the ladies of the league.

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BONNY THAI Bonny was born in Fairview, Ohio and raised in Strongsville, Ohio. She attended Florida Southern College and is a teacher at Horizons Elementary. She enjoys crafting, reading, and eating. Bonny enjoyed meeting new people this year and she is looking forward to making a difference in Lakeland as an active member.

SUSANNAH WATSON Susannah was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Florida State University and her BSN from University of Florida. She is a Registered Nurse at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Susannah enjoys swimming, hiking, cooking, and learning new languages. Her favorite part of this year was the Christmas parade. She is looking forward to taking a greater part in organizing and bettering the Lakeland community.

ASHLEY WILSON Ashley was born and raised in Garden City, Kansas. She attended Florida Southern College and is the Quality Assurance Manager at Brew Hub here in Lakeland. She is engaged to Nicholas Wozniak. Her favorite part of the provisional year was the DiSC training.

MARY LUCIA SPAKE Mary was born in Williamsburg, Virginia and raised in Newport News, Virginia. She moved to Lakeland in July 2011 with her husband Michael and their 4 children.

She works as a registered nurse consultant for Alliance Hospice. She is looking forward to the continued partnership and support that the JLGL provides to the Lakeland community and being a part of a group striving to have such a positive impact.

BRINLEY STANDIFER Brinley was born in Boynton Beach, Florida and grew up in Lakeland. She attended Clemson University and currently provides child care for a private family. Brinley enjoys traveling, anything outside, attending Clemson football games, and trying new things because “why not.” Her favorite part of this year was meeting new women and seeing the behind the scenes of the Christmas Parade. She is looking forward to growing relationships with women who challenge and empower her to be a better version of herself. She also looks forward to serving with others.

TIFFANY TAUNTON Tiffany was born and raised here in Lakeland. She attended the International Academy of Design and Technology and is a designer. She and her husband Blake have one son, Bennett. Tiffany loves anything salt water related- beaching, boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Her favorite part of the provisional year was volunteering and learning about Lakeland. She is looking forward to being an active member of the League and developing friendships.

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Save the Date!

Pro-Am Tennis Tournament March 5th & 6th with

Pro-Am Party March 4th

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Our New Sustainers

The End of the Year Awards Go To‌

Thank you to the following women for your many years of service to the JLGL. Your commitment and leadership are greatly appreciated. We look forward to your continued involvement as sustainers!

Big congratulations to this year's end-of-year award recipients. We cannot thank you enough for your tremendous dedication to our organization!

Blair Allen Jules Bohanon Hilary Crenshaw Christine Ehlenbeck Amy Foelsche Melissa Rumph Annie Sullivan Lori Thompson Meghan West

Alice Koehler Ashley Link Callie Neslund Leslie Norman Tiffany Osler Stacey Osman Lauren Presson Silvia Yordan Rivera

HEART OF THE LEAGUE -- Victoria Rhodes A woman who has an amazing passion for our League and puts her whole heart into everything she does for our League SPIRIT OF THE LEAGUE -- Beth Sherling and Victoria Martin A woman who is the cheerleader of our League, who shows constant Junior League spirit VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR -- Callie Miller A woman who gives 100% of herself to her individual committee as well as helps out on other committees and projects of our League BRIDGE TO THE COMMUNITY -- Alice Koehler A woman who is not only an amazing asset to our League, but is involved in numerous other organizations throughout the community.

PROVISIONAL OF THE YEAR -- Erin Maready A woman who has been chosen by her fellow provisionals as their Provisional Class standout SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR -- Suzanne Ellsworth This Sustaining member has given tremendous support to our League; she is truly committed to our League by being involved in a variety of activities held throughout the year.

Visit our website at www.jlgl.org to see all our upcoming events.

Members can log in to see a comprehensive calendar of events.

For more information on how to log in email secretary@jlgl.org.

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In Memoriam Evelyn Fouts Terry and Helga Scheler Fillastre: A Lifetime of Love and Learning.

Written By Sheila Lotterhos, Sustainer Historian

It was with great sadness that members of the Junior League learned of the deaths of Sustainer Evelyn Fouts Terry at the age of 79 and Sustainer Emeritus Helga Scheler Fillastre at the age of 85.

Only days after the death of Sustainer Evelyn Terry's beloved husband, Linton (better known as L.H.), the Terry family faced the death of Evelyn as well. Hearts throughout the community went out to the Terrys as they faced the holidays sans both beloved parents.

One birthday shy of becoming a Sustainer Emeritus, Evelyn's love of the Junior League was ongoing. Her favorite League placement was Children's Theatre, and her favorite League activity was her attendance at functions with her daughter Sustainer Cyndi Terry. Evelyn was always kindness personified to Cyndi's friends, and many of us had the pleasure of knowing Evelyn from our provisional days with Cyndi, if not before.

A native of Mulberry, Evelyn moved to Lakeland as a small child and graduated from Lakeland High. Evelyn then graduated from Florida Southern College where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and was the fraternity sweetheart of Lambda Chi Alpha. That same sweetheart was married to her own high school sweetheart for nearly 60 years and had a teaching career that spanned 40 years and included teaching at Carlton Palmore Elementary and Southwest Middle School in Lakeland as well as Simmons Career Center in Hillsborough County. In addition to the League, Evelyn was a member of the PEO Sisterhood and Alpha Delta Kappa Teaching Sorority. An accomplished piano player and cook, Evelyn enjoyed spending time with friends and family who all miss her greatly.

Surviving Evelyn are her children: Cynthia Terry (John Singler) of Lakeland, Linton Terry of Plant City, Patricia Randall (Blaine) of Port Orange, five grandchildren: Linton M. Terry (Nicole) of Lakeland, Aubrey Krueger (Bob) of Tampa, Kristen Terry (Jarrod) of Auburn, AL, Abigayle and Emma Randall of Port Orange, four great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Braden, and Linton 'LJ' Terry, and Trey Krueger, her brother George M. Fouts, Sr. (Gloria) of Lakeland, and many cousins, nieces, relatives by marriage, and her beloved dog, Molly.

Our deepest condolences to the Fillastre family on the death of Helga, a Sustainer Emeritus of our League. Helga died only a few days before celebrating her 86th birthday.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Helga fell in love with and married Dr. Alvin Fillastre Jr. and moved to the States with him where they raised a family and established his dental practice. Helga was especially close to her husband of 63 years and worked alongside him as a highly skilled lab technician in his practice.

In addition to her League friends, Helga, who was predeceased by her beloved husband, leaves behind a family of whom she was very proud. Helga's family include her daughter, Peggy Cowie; son, Alvin Fillastre III; grandchildren, Anneliese Hunter, Sydney Williams, Phillip Fillastre, and Joey Fillastre; and five great grandchildren.

In addition to our sympathy on Helga's death, we would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Fillastre family for sharing their loved one with us through her years of membership and service to the Junior League. Our Sustainers are the bedrock on which our organization is founded and are near and dear to our hearts, especially our wonderful Sustainers Emeritus like Helga.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of these two sustainers who leave behind a lifetime of love and learning as their legacy to the members of the League and the community at large. Evelyn and Helga lived well, loved large, and spread their passion for learning both far and wide. Hence it behooves each of us to say, "Well done, ladies, well done!"

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Rent the beautiful historic Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s Sorosis Building for your next event!

Located on picturesque Lake Morton near downtown Lakeland, the venue is perfect for your day or evening event.

Visit the building website at JuniorLeagueSorosisBuilding.com to fill out a rental inquiry form or to find out additional information including availability, rates, and other information.

To contact The Junior League Office: call 863-703-0716 or email rentals@jlgl.org

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Provisional Happenings 2015-2016 Written by: Jessica Brown, Provisional Committee Member

The 2015-2016 Provisional Class is already making headway to being amazing assets to the League. A group of just over 40 women, the class has proven their dedication and excitement for becoming the next generation of leaders and volunteers in Lakeland.

Joy Williams welcomed approximately 75 ladies into her home to kick off Welcome Week on August 11th.

Prospective Provisionals were able to meet the Board, the Provisional Committee, and other League members during the gathering. Tentative friendships began as the ladies were able to get to know the other women with whom they would be going through the Provisional course. It was a lovely evening and the Williams' family were gracious hosts!

Just a few days later, Saturday, August 15th, a retreat was held at President Tiffany Hawk's house to officially welcome the women who would be entering the class.

The half-day program included a President's Panel, official introductions of Board members and the Provisional committee, explanation of the organization of the League, and plenty of opportunities for the women to get to know one another. Overall, the day was a wonderful way for the class to bond.

The first official meeting was held September 8th at the Polk Museum of Art, where the ladies were treated to a delicious meal by Sustainers Stephanie Madden, Missy de Zayas, Brittany Sale, and Cece Christian. After a few housekeeping matters, they were given a most interesting history training led by Sheila Lotterhos.

The Provisional Committee would like to extend their thanks to everyone who has participated in the events, so far. Without the support and encouragement, they truly would not have gone as smoothly as this year has, so far.

As we all prepare for a the new League year, we welcome any and all League members (active or sustaining) to join our Provisional Meetings or reach out to the Provisionals when they attend GMMs!

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE

PO Box 8797 Lakeland, FL 33806-8797

PAID

PERMIT #1 LAKELAND, FL

40% MUD RUN OFF W/ PROMO CODE EXTREMELAKELAND

SAVE THE DATE! The Junior League of Greater Lakeland 35th Annual Lakeland Christmas Parade will be held on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015 at 7:00pm The parade theme for 2015 will be “Lights of the Night...”