Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Annual Report & Membership Update 2016
We are 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. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. 2015-2016 Executive Board Executive Committee: President, Tiffany Hawks Sustaining Advisor, Laurie Melton President-Elect, Shira Johnson Finance VP, Stacey Clyne Membership VP, Victoria Martin Community VP, Susan LeFrancois
Board Members: Communications VP, Katherine Fitzwater Funding Director, Kara Simm Ast. Funding Director, Rachel Cashdollar Assistant Community VP, Amanda Lamont Treasurer, Callie Miller Secretary, Jillian Traurig Parliamentarian, Calene Hernandez
Junior League of Greater Lakeland 90 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801 Phone: 863.682.2112
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
Tiffany Hawks, 2015-2016 As Mark Victor Hansen stated “Don’t wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” In 2015-2016, we as a League, faced some challenges, as a result of changes in the demographics of our membership, expansion of our focus, changes in our community’s needs and the consideration of new fundraising efforts. Despite these transitions, we never strayed away from pushing through and taking that next step. As a result of our efforts, we grew stronger both individually and as a League and our accomplishments exceeded anyone’s expectations. I am confident based on the incoming leadership that they will continue to see these endeavors through to completion. During 2015-2016, we focused on reminding ourselves of the legacy of our sustaining members, the legacy that our league has imprinted on every aspect of this community, and how we would continue the lasting legacy of our league as an organization and in community. Understanding and appreciating our legacy allowed us to set the roadmap for addressing these transitions and to define our future. It was truly an honor and a privilege to serve with each one of you in an effort to create a lasting legacy of our League in our community and to create our own personal legacies. Throughout the year, our members’ passion for the League was evident in their commitment, enthusiasm, and their desire to understand our history. I look forward to seeing our actives’ continued leadership skills develop and to watch them leave their own legacy for others to follow. Through the training they received and will continue to receive as League members, they will go on to continue to make an impact in our League and will leave their own personal legacy in our community. We immediately started the 2015-2016 year with the continued planning and execution of the Tribal Extreme Mud Run in October 2015. As you will recall, the general membership voted in September 2014 to participate in the Mud Run. We are very grateful to the Mims for providing us this risk free opportunity to allow our members to be in on the ground work of developing and executing a new event. I am pleased to announce that the Mud Run was a success. We received rave reviews from all participants with regard to how the event was run and with regard to the volunteer efforts. As expected, if you need something done right, the Junior League members always rise to the occasion. Although after continued evaluation of this event, the membership decided in March of 2016 that we would not continue to participate in the same, our members benefited from this experience as they had the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills through the preparation required for this event. I had the first-hand opportunity to see our members accept challenges unique to the planning of a first-time event, rise to the occasion to take on additional responsibilities that were necessary, and to witness growth in our members, both personally and as leaders in our League. I truly believe that we fulfilled our mission with regard to the development of the potential of women and leaders in our community and the promotion of volunteerism through our participation in this event. Throughout this edition of League Lines, you will learn of the success of our legacy community impact projects of RIF, Ready to Read, and World of Reading and our Pro Am Tennis Tournament fund raiser. All of these events provided our members with the opportunity to develop their potential, to promote volunteerism and to become effective leaders. Likewise, through these opportunities, we were able to create a positive impact in our community. Thank you for always being willing to take that next step, even in times of change, as the success of our League, in the past, currently, and in the future, is the result of the combined efforts from each of you. I am honored to be part of this powerful organization that is effecting change in our community. I am confident that as we continue to reposition our League to best serve our members and our community, we will continue to honor the lasting legacy that has been created over the past 83 years and will continue to have a meaningful impact on the community. I look forward to the 2016-2017 year when we will continue to honor our legacy and define our future and our upcoming 85th celebration.
Thank you all for allowing me to serve.
Tiffany Hawks
Written by: Dottie Collins & Sheila Lotterhos An organization for charitable work was formed in Lakeland on March 3, 1933 by 25 charter members who adopted as their purpose to render charitable volunteer service within the community. The name Junior Welfare League of Lakeland was selected, a constitution drawn up, and the venture was launched. The first years (1933-1942) were devoted to welfare work (Rose Keller Home, Sewing Committee, Discretionary Committee, Hospital Bed, Salvation Army, Milk Fund, Dental Clinic). Funds were raised through many projects, decided upon each year, as the money was needed. In addition, a Salvage Shop (Bargain Box it was later called) was established in 1936 as a permanent money-raising project. With the exception of the years 1943-1951, this project continued until 1967. The years during World War II (1942-1946) were devoted to the war effort as well as welfare (Blood Center, Red Cross, War Bond Sales, entertainment of service men and wives). The following years (1947-1972) found the League broadening its scope. Full responsibility for a needed project was assumed until that project was self-sustaining or no longer needed (Day Nursery, Bookmobile, Cerebral Palsy Clinic). Ways and Means began limiting itself to one or two large money raising projects. Contributions to the community’s cultural and educational needs were begun (Children’s Theater, Bookmobile, Children’s Concerts, Suitcase Museum, Youth Museum). Not mentioned above, but important in the League’s history, have been the many hours of service contributed to the community’s civic drives such as the United Way, TB Seals, Red Cross, Heart Fund, Cancer Drive, etc. In order to free its members for service hours in the League’s projects, this service has been discontinued except on an individual, voluntary basis. In 1972, having been accepted for consideration for membership in the National Association of Junior Leagues, the Lakeland League spent two years in preparation and orientation for this historic step. In January 1974, it became a reality, and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Florida, Incorporated, became the 225th member of the National Association of Junior Leagues. The next two and a half decades witnessed the Junior League’s involvement in a variety of projects, including the Polk Museum of Art, Food for Families, Christmas Parade, the Polk Theatre restoration, and the publication of Palm Country Cuisine. Major grants coupled with volunteers have been awarded to start-up projects such as The Salvation Army’s H.A.L.O. Child Enrichment Center, LRMC’s Parent/Child Resource Room, the Junior League Branch of Girls, Inc., Explorations V, and Florida Baptist Children’s Home Teenage Shelter. We also built a headquarters building with enough space to house our Thrift Sale salvage. While the 1970’s began our long term partnership with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), a national reading program with a goal of increasing literacy through placing books in the hands of elementary school children at qualifying schools, the 1995-96 year saw two new projects adopted by the League: Ready, Set, Go! and Read To Succeed. The latter was initiated to enrich the lives of preschool children and their parents by providing a foundation of literacy. Ready, Set, Go! was aimed at supplying underprivileged kindergartners with the basics they needed to begin school. In an effort to better serve young children, the League
evolved its literacy projects into Ready to Read and created another project called Community of Readers through which members read to and distributed books to children throughout the community. In 2005, the Community of Readers initially hosted a pilot reading festival in Barnett Family Park. As our League’s signature reading event, World of Reading continues to provide Polk County families with a free community reading activity. Children discover the joy of reading through song, puppetry, interaction with children’s book authors, and other activities. Through the Ready to Read project, the League is able to partner with one of our RIF schools and provide much needed support through two League sponsored parent nights, gift cards for teachers and parents, and in other ways that meet the needs of that school. World of Reading, Ready to Read, and RIF are the flagships of our organization and signify the League’s ongoing commitment to area children and their families, particularly those in need. Along with the change of a new century, the need for changes in our longstanding fundraisers as well as the need for a new headquarters building became evident. Though Charity Ball and Thrift Sale, supplemented by a periodic Follies, had served the League’s financial needs for 32 and 36 years respectively, our fundraisers shifted with the times and the organization’s needs. For several years, the League hosted Holiday Market and Book Ball. Until 2015, the League sponsored PigFest, a nationally ranked barbecue contest, and in 2011, the League took charge of the Pro-Am Tennis Tournament. Furthermore, an endowment fund was established and is funded by donations from members and friends alike. In all, we have invested well over a million dollars and untold volunteer hours in our community. We also came together to purchase and restore the historic Junior League Sorosis Building on Lake Morton. The building houses our organization and its projects, while serving as a popular event venue for the community at large. The Celebration Garden was planned to enhance the grounds of the building and to provide an outdoor venue to better serve those who have weddings and other events at our headquarters. Along this same line, the League sponsors a garden club devoted to learning more about gardening and beautification projects. Today, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland continues to be the organization in Florida with the longest-running RIF program, marking its 25th anniversary in 2004. Through federal funding for the national program was eliminated in 2012, we are still able to use this name for our own project. We hope to see the number of participants we serve through our signature projects continue to increase each year. As it stands, thousands upon thousands of area citizens, particularly children, have benefited from the League’s giving and involvement in their lives, lives which have been forever changed. The Junior League is proud of its legacy and continues to strive to meet the needs of the community through its dedicated and sustained membership. It is rewarding for our members to see the direct results of their efforts. We thank our friends for their continued support and look forward to the future as we continue to improve our community together. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland has contributed to our community’s cultural and educational needs through a variety of long-lasting projects including:
• • • • • • • •
Learning Resource Center Polk Museum of Art Helped Spearhead Restoration to Lake Mirror Promenade Lakeland Christmas Parade The Salvation Army’s Halo Child Enrichment Center Explorations V Children’s Museum The Bethany Center Achievement Academy
Fiscal Year June 2015 – May 2016 $10,000 Supporters
Publix Super Markets Charities Southern Homes Mosaic Bright House Lowes Hall Communication UPG Production
$5,000 Supporters
Bernie Little Distributors Harrell’s MIDFLORIDA Publix Super Markets Charities (additional gift)
$3,000 Supporters
Payne Air Conditioning The Estates at Carpenters Southern Glass Carey Campbell Patient Advocate Gray Robinson Strickland Construction The Osler Family JH Ham Engineering Fleetwing Waller Insurance Partners, Inc. Bernie’s Body Shop Century Sign, LLC Owl Now - Dr. Parker
$100-$300 Supporters
Dennis Campagnone Macrobay Construction Regal Automotive Badcock Miller Construction
Chuck & Joanne Collier Baron Realty Register Construction Susan & Ben LeFrancois Arletta Black Tiffany & Paul Hawks Dr. Bill & Summer Roth Complete Kitchen & Bath Allen & Company Broadway Realty Phoschem Supply Co. Platinum Bank The Vitamin Shoppe Gold’s Gym Total Body Conditioning Hattie’s Branches
$750 Supporters
In-Kind Donations
Rooms to Go Foundation
$2,500 Supporters
Pilot Bank Mosaic (additional gift) Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation, Inc. LandSouth
$1,000 Supporters
OMS Group LYCC Tennis Ladies Grasslands Tennis Ladies AgAmerica Lending Wall Titus, LLC Waller Group Bank of Central Florida Dietrich Hillard Orthodontics
$500 Supporters
Florida Polytechnic University DiCesare, Davidson, and Barker Attorneys at Law MIDFLORIDA
Bernie Little Distributors Bernie's Body Shop Bright House Networks Bul-hed Chick-fil-A CNP Coca-Cola Fit2Run FITniche Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation, Inc. Hall Communications Kelley Buick LandSouth Lowe's
Watson Clinic Spa Junior League Board of Directors Cover to Cover Girls Book Club New Beginnings High School Susan Dreyer Ashley & Jonathan Link Modern Paints Parry’s Landscaping Sale Insurance John & Kim Lafferty Dean Saunders First Choice Promos WonderHere Learning Resource Center
Marcobay Construction McGee Auto Service & Tires Phelps Dunbar, LLP R&M Drilling The Ledger UPG Productions Vizcaya Construction, Inc. WRA
Special thanks to our anonymous donors as well!
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, 2015 through May 31, 2016. If you are listed incorrectly or omitted please contact Kara Simm via email at fundingdirector@jlgl.org.
2015-2016 Events World of Reading: Promoting Literacy Through Hands-on Learning The Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s World of Reading Festival, held on April 23rd 2016, proved to be yet another successful event. Children were greeted by a large force of JLGL volunteers who assisted in making this event an unforgettable experience for attendees. Guest authors Bruce Coville and Fred Koehler signed copies of books and provided readings to participants. Face painters, balloon artists, and five world tents filled the Barnett Park with fun reading themed activities for participants. League volunteers served up popcorn, healthy snacks, water, and juice to our festival attendees. Children’s musician Jack Hartman entertained guests from the park lawn. Best-selling author Bruce Coville provided several dramatic readings from his books The Monster’s Ring and Diary of a Mad Brownie. Our very own Lakeland native author/illustrator Fred Koehler read from his books Super Jumbo and One Day. World Tents this year included a soccer themed South American tent, an architecture themed European tent, an Olympic/Curious George themed North American tent, a karate themed Asian tent, and an Australian tent. Each participant received a reusable bag and a passport prior to beginning his or her reading journey. After turning in a completed passport, each child chose a free book from our book table. Additionally, each participant had the opportunity to meet the guest authors and to obtain his or her very own signed copy of a guest author’s book. At the conclusion of the festival the Junior League of Greater Lakeland successfully handed out more than 1000 free books for the children of our community to enjoy. This event would not have been possible without the support of our generous event sponsors, the dedication of the World of Reading chairs and committee, and the assistance of our league volunteers. The 2017 World of Reading Festival has been scheduled for April 22, so mark your calendars for next year’s event. This program was funded in part by a grant from the Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation, Inc. of Lake Wales, Florida. We appreciate their support of World of Reading throughout the years. Next years’ event is scheduled for Saturday, April 22. See you there!
2015-2016 Events Reading is Fundamental: Instilling a Love of Reading in All. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s 2015-2016 literacy initiative, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), was made possible through generous funding by the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation. RIF is a national book distribution program that targets children with the greatest need who are enrolled at Title I designated schools throughout Polk County. RIF provides new, free books to children in kindergarten through fifth grade in low-income neighborhoods, so that they may discover the joy of reading and be inspired and motivated to continue reading. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland has participated in RIF for 41 years. The project was previously funded through both the federal government and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s efforts. Federal funding of the project ended in 2011, but the Junior League of Greater Lakeland’s commitment to the project has allowed its continuation in our community at a reduced scope. Through this grant’s funding, the project will be able to continue to distribute books at a minimum of 8 schools, 2 times a year, increasing the total books distributed to 11,000. The program inspires participants to be lifelong readers through the power of choice — choosing their own books. The RIF program provides a strong cause that has been well-tested, affects the community as a whole, and provides an impact for the future generations of Lakeland. The Junior League of Greater Lakeland is proud to be a leader in promoting youth literacy and we were determined to make a difference in the lives of these children by instilling a love of reading and improve reading performance.
Ready to Read: Enhancing School Readiness and Family Literacy Ready to Read is a comprehensive program servicing students and their families at Title One schools in Lakeland. This program provides family literacy nights, classroom teacher support and overall school support. Historically, this program serves one school for two full years and then rotates. Last year we provided our services at Combee Elementary. This school was selected based on academic performance, economic need of the majority of the school’s students and the school’s improvement plan. Each year books and programs are chosen specifically to help students make learning gains inside and outside of the classroom. Families participate in hands-on activities and gain new understanding on how to engage their children in reading. This year, we spent the evening assisiting teachers in their classrooms as families participated in hands-on, engaging, and creative activities. The evening concluded with a free nutritious dinner for all families.
2015-2016 Events Pro-Am Tennis Tournament: Love to Serve by: Stacy Walsh
Each spring, the Junior League holds their annual Lakeland Pro-Am Tennis Tournament to benefit three community literacy programs including Reading Is Fundamental, Ready to Read, and World of Reading. This past April, a committee of 13, led by chairs Arletta Black Torres and Shannon Waller, joined their resources and talent to plan the League’s 37th annual tournament. Festivities commenced with the Pro-Am Tennis Kickoff Party and Silent Auction on March 4. Guests were able to bid at the event or virtually throughout the evening. And monies were also raised through the traditional “Wall of Wine”. “Shannon’s team did an amazing job working with the Sponsorship Committee to secure sponsors and donations for the silent auction,” said Torres. “Over 150 people attended and it was a great night for the League!” Led by Tournament Director Chuck Collier and Tournament Consultants Kim Lafferty and Joanne Collier, tennis matches began early Saturday morning and concluded on Sunday. The event was held at the Wynee Warden Tennis Center on the Florida Southern College campus and consisted of doubles matches in both male and female categories. Each participant is paired with a tennis pro for the weekend and play doubles matches. Winners in the women’s division were Pro Fabiana Saballos and Amateur Anna Finerman; and in the men’s division Pro Paul Polorezyk and Amateur Holleman Hughes. Special thanks to Grand Slam Sponsors Southern Homes, Publix Super Markets Charities and Florida Southern College and the rest of our many generous sponsors for their support of this event. It is because of the support of our genrous sponsors and community that we were able to raise $28,000 this year. Next year’s tournament is scheduled for the weekend of March 4.
Tribal Extreme Mud Run 2015 2015-2016 Events
Polk Museum of Art May 21, 2016 The JLGL hosted our Annual Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 21st at the Polk Museum of Art. Members and Sustainers were recognized for their contributions to the League and community over the past year.
2015-2016 Award Recipients: HEART OF THE LEAGUE Shannon Waller SPIRIT OF THE LEAGUE Marjorie West VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Courtenay Fulmer BRIDGE TO THE COMMUNITY Paulette Brown & Heather Custred PROVISIONAL OF THE YEAR Stacy Walsh SUSTAINER OF THE YEAR Stephanie Madden
Congratulations to our new sustainers!
Ida Abraham
Katie Blondell
Lauren Albaum
Aarika Bonner
Ida grew up in Madison, Mississippi and attended school at Southeastern and Palmer Chiropractic. She currently works as Chiropractor. She has enjoyed meeting friends and learning more about Lakeland. She looks forward to volunteering more in the future. Lauren grew up in Brooksville, Florida. She received her BA from Florida State University, a Masters degree from the University of South Carolina, and is working on a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida. She is married and works as a Health Professions Advisor and Professor at the University of South Florida. She enjoyed volunteering at the Christmas Parade this year.
Traci Allen
Traci grew up Bartow, Florida and attended Polk State. She is married and a stay-at-home mom with her two children. Her favorite part of this year has been the Christmas Parade and Mud Run.
Natally Alvarez
Natally grew up in Bogota, Colombia and attended the University of Florida. She works as an Executive Assistant at Highland Homes. She has enjoyed developing friendships and looks forward to volunteering within the League.
Malonie Ayers
Amy Siegel Bermudez
Amy grew up in Miami, Florida. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Florida International and Master’s degrees from Nova Southeastern University and the University of South Florida. She is married and works as the Reading Interventionist and Parent Involvement Coordinator at Chrystal Lake Middle School. She has enjoyed learning about the League’s history.
Dena Bishop
Dena grew up in Girard, Ohio and attended the University of Pittsburgh. She is married with two children and works as an Occupational Therapist. She is looking forward to making a difference in the community.
Katie grew up in Anaheim Hill, California and attended Georgia Southern University. She is married and expecting her first child. She works as a Communications Director at Keystone Challenge Fund. Her favorite part about this year was the Christmas Parade. Aarika grew up in Lakeland, Florida. She is married and works as a Nanny. She is looking forward to getting more involved within the community and has enjoyed making new friends.
Stephanie Brown
Stephanie grew up in Fort Myers and Winter Haven, Florida. She received a BA in English from Stetson University and a Mastor of Science in Library and Information Science from Florida State University. She works in IT Support and Librarian for the Lakeland Public Libraries. She looks forward to meeting new people.
Mary Church
Mary grew up in Clearwater, Florida. She attended the University of Florida. Mary works in fundraising as the Assistant Director of Development at Florida Polytechnic University.
Brittany Cole
Brittany grew up in Key Largo, Florida. She attended the University of Tennessee and Rosen College of Hospitality Management. She is married and works as a Wedding and Event Planner. She has enjoyed meeting new people and looks forward to serving on a committee.
Angel Davis
Angel grew up in Lakeland, Florida. She attended Florida State University and Florida Southern College. She works as the Library Supervisor at the eLibrary South Lakeland. Her favorite about this year was Ready to Read and she looks forward to serving on a committee next year.
Carly Defosses Jessica DiMarco
New Actives continued... Linda Sanchez-Dowers
Raechel Kilburn
Nicole Escowitz
Rossana Klapprott
Linda grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida. She attended the University of South Florida and works as a Paralegal. She is married and looks forward to being more actively involved and meeting new people through the League. Nicole grew up in Lakeland, Florida. She attended Samford University and Florida Southern College. She is married with a daughter and a son due in June. She has worked as a RN and currently is a stay at home mom. She enjoyed meeting new friends.
Karlie Holliday
Rachel grew up in New Port Richey, Florida and attended the University of South Florida. She is married with a daughter. She works as a Marketing Director. She has enjoyed learning about the impact the League has had on the community.
Rossana grew up in Asuncion, Paraguay and attended college at the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay. She is married with three children and works as a Doctor at Watson Clinic. She has enjoyed meeting new people this year.
Meranda Landes
Karlie grew up in Tampa, Florida and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in Social Science. She is married and works as a Career Coach at Acceleration Academy. She looks forward to volunteering and making friends within the League.
Meranda grew up in Land O’ Lakes, Florida and attended the University of South Florida. She works as a Claims Supervisor at Geico and enjoyed being a part of the Christmas Parade this year.
Carley James
Veneis grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended Florida Southern College. She currently works as a Realtor and Counselor. Her favorite part about this year was the Christmas Parade and she looks forward to benefitting the community.
Emily Johnson
Emily grew up in South Boston, Virginia and attended college Texas Christian University. She is married with two children and currently is a stay at home mom. She has enjoyed meeting new friends in the League.
Latosha Johnson
Latosha grew up in Auburndale, Florida and attended Florida Southern College. She is married with two children and currently works as a homemaker. She has enjoyed meeting new people and looks forward to meeting even more friends in the years to come.
Lauren Jones
Lauren grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She attended Florida State University. She works as a Registered Nurse and will graduating in July from USF as a Nurse Practitioner. She has enjoyed meeting new friends and looks forward to volunteering more in the community.
Holly Kidwell
Holly grew up in Lakeland, Florida. She attended the University of Georgia and Veterinarian School at the University of Florida. She is married and works as a Veterinarian at All Creatures Animal Clinic. She looks forward to making a difference in the community.
Veneis Little
Sheenna McKenzie
Sheene grew up in Auburndale, Florida. She works at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a Social Worker. She has enjoyed meeting new people and looks forward to volunteering more in the community.
Jennifer Melton
Jennifer was born in Boynton Beach, Florida and attended the International Academy of Design and Technology. She has two children and works as a Digital Campaign Manager and Media Buyer. She looks forward to growing within the community.
Brooke Nance
Brooke grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended the University of Central Florida. She works as a teacher at Auburndale Central Elementary. Her favorite part of this year was the Christmas Parade and she looks forward to volunteering.
Jamie Neff
New Actives continued... Lauren Nettles
Stacy Walsh
Libby Prestipino
Beth Wilson
Megan Rector
Lauren Wolfe
Lauren grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended the University of South Florida. She is married and works as a First Grade Teacher. She looks forward to helping more within the community.
Libby was born in Savannah, Georgia and attended Wofford College. She is married with a two year old son and a baby boy due in May. She is currently a stay at home mom and looks forward to developing new friendships in the league.
Deanna Riley Jessica Traurig
Jessica grew up in Brandon, Florida. She studied Finance at the University of South Florida. She currently works as a Middle School Teacher. She is looking forward to volunteering more and has enjoyed making new friends.
Stacy grew up in Lakeland, Florida and attended Florida Southern College. She is married and works as the Director of Development for the YMCA. She looks forward to serving the community and making a difference through the League.
Beth grew up in Deltona, Florida and attended Seminole State College. She is married with two children and works as an Office Manager. She has enjoyed meeting new friends and looks forward to contributing to the success of the League.
Lauren grew up in Fort Lonesome, Florida and attended Florida Southern College. She is engaged and work as a Liability and Claims Representative at Geico. She has enjoyed making new friends and looks forward to making a difference in the community.
Remembering our Friends Remembering Mary Jane...
A lifelong Floridian, Sustainer Emeritus and Past President Mary Jane White Melton Bryan will be lovingly remembered by her League friends as a devoted member for a large portion of her 96 years of life. Serving as president during the 1955-56 League year, this lovely lady saw the League adopt the United Cerebral Palsy Clinic (now Achievement Academy) as a League project with the proceeds from the Christmas Dance (a forerunner to Charity Ball) brace fund being designated for the new start-up clinic. Under Mary Jane’s adept leadership, the community continued to profit from the bookmobile the League contributed to the library and also brought in a musical, “America in Song and Story”, as an additional fundraiser to both entertain and educate the community. A graduate of Florida Southern College who was named ‘Most Beautiful’ on campus, Mary Jane later worked at the college for 12 years in the Business Registrar’s offices. Mary Jane’s devotion to reading and literacy continued throughout her long life, and she volunteered with the library and contributed to her book club until shortly before she died. No doubt she approved heartily of the League’s continued support of literacy programs for children as she had the distinct privilege of being a part of that outreach for many, many decades. In addition to Mary Jane’s civic service, her faith was another passion for her, and she remained a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church until her death. Mary Jane was preceded in death by both husbands, Ralph W. Melton and Roderick N. Bryan. She is survived by her children: Barbara Melton Groover of Madison, Georgia, and R. William Melton, Jr., and his wife Marie of Tallahassee, Florida, and stepson Roderick N. Bryan, III, and his wife Suzanne of Pinson, Alabama. Her beloved grandchildren are Amy Groover Streelman, and her husband Jeffrey Todd Streelman of Atlanta, Georgia, Julian A. Groover, and Haley Suzanne Bryan of Pinson, Alabama, and her beloved great-grandchildren are Landon Wood Groover of Madison, Georgia, and Archer Elizabeth and Seamus Todd Streelman of Atlanta, Georgia. It is to these dear loved ones that we tender our many thanks for sharing Mary Jane with us throughout a lifetime of League service along with our deepest sympathy on her death. Your loss is our own, but her legacy of selfless service continues to live on through the years.
Remembering Tanya...
It is with an enduring fondness that the members of our League remember Sustainer Tanya Comparetto Friel. If you were to ask anyone who knew her, they would tell you that a warm smile preceded Tanya everywhere she went, and the League was so blessed to count her and her smile among our ranks. In addition to Tanya’s service to the League, she was a member of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and Leadership Lakeland as well as professional organizations. A Mercer University graduate, Tanya earned her law degree and moved with her family from Tampa to Lakeland after she finished law school. Her legal career began as an Assistant State Attorney in Bartow, and after several years there, Tanya went into private practice in civil litigation. This was followed by the welldeserved honor of being elected president of the Lakeland Bar Association. The same year Tanya opened her own law practice, she became a mother and eventually would become the mother of two children, Mary Helen and William Friel Jr., who were the joy of her life. All of this while serving as a new member of our League!
It is to those children and to her loving husband William, along with her mother Mary Comparetto, her sister Sustainer Karen Lee and her husband David, and to her brother Frank and his wife Sustainer Geg Comparetto, we offer our love and deepest condolences. Tanya will certainly be missed, but she will always be remembered for her devotion to service and friendship. Thank you for sharing Tanya with us. She was such a blessing!
In Memorium continued... Remembering Betty...
To have known Sustainer Emeritus Betty Smith Miller is to have loved her. For 89 years, she shared her unending enthusiasm for life with family, friends and those she had yet to meet. The League is happy to claim Betty as a longtime member who shared that enthusiasm with us as she served our organization through her active years as League secretary and later as a devoted sustainer. A graduate of Lakeland High School and Florida Southern College, Betty was president of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and a proud, clarinet-playing member of the LHS Marching Band. It is said that she played both tennis and the clarinet with equal fervor. For 56 years, Betty also played the piano for a host of First Methodist Church pre-schoolers whom she adored. And in 1972, Betty quietly earned the highest accolade offered by the Imperial Polk Rose Society, Queen of the Show, with her Garden Party rose. Betty was predeceased by her dear husband and favorite Gator fan Robert ‘Tommy’ Miller, her brother Levie D. Smith, Jr., her sister and Sustainer Lenora Templin, and brothers-in-law/friends Tom Hagler and Herman Templin. She is survived by two sisters, Billie Joyce Hagler and Caroline Sparks Don and by her sons Bob Miller and his wife Maggie and Rick Miller and his wife Betty Kay. Betty is also survived by seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, 12 nieces and nephews, 23 great nieces and nephews and 24 great, great ones. Her family was her pride and her joy, and they were all her favorites, just as Betty was one of ours. Thank you to Betty’s family for letting us be loved by her, too.
Remembering Libby...
A native Georgian, Sustainer Emeritus Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Thompson Johns was loveliness personified. At 94, her beautiful smile could still light up a room which is what it did over the years for several generations of League members. After graduation from the University of Georgia, Libby moved to Florida with her parents. For several years, she was a stewardess for TWA, and in 1945, Libby married her husband Brooks in New Orleans before moving to Japan where he served as a US Air Force captain. In 1948, they made their home in Lakeland where Libby was a devoted mother to their two children and enjoyed her League membership. Libby’s love for beautiful flowers was expressed through her garden club membership and in the many arrangements she made as a member of St. David’s Altar Guild. Libby also volunteered to help with arrangements for League functions as a sustainer. Her immaculately coiffed presence was a standard feature for many years at League events, and she will be missed not only by her family but by the League as well. To that end, our deepest sympathies go out to her daughter Tracey True, her grandson Kip True, her daughter-in-law Erika True, and her great grandsons Jared and Evan True. Libby was predeceased by her husband Brooks and son Bobby whom she dearly loved as she did all of her family and friends. Thank you all for sharing this beautiful lady with us for so many years!
Remembering Kristin...
The membership of the Junior League would like to remember one of our sweetest friends, Sustainer Kristin Myrick Ilic, who in addition to being a devoted member was a loving mother to two young sons and beloved wife to her husband, Zoran. A 1996 graduate of Lakeland High School, Kristin also graduated from the University of Florida where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Kristin then returned to Lakeland where she enjoyed her preschool teaching career at All Saints Academy and Little Shepherds. Additionally, we were blessed to have Kristin among the ranks of the Jr. League where she served in a variety of capacities throughout her active years of service. Kristin’s love for children made her a perfect fit for our long term focus of serving the children of our community, and her leadership skills were a blessing both to the League and to the community at large. It is with fondness and gratitude that we thank the family of this caring young member for allowing her to serve among us for the years she has been both active and sustaining. Our hearts go out in sympathy and love to her husband Zoran, her sons Grant (6) and Drew (3), her mother Marsha McLaulin and stepfather Doug, her brother Jason Hall and wife Sustainer Kerrie Hall, her in laws Rudy and Diane Ilic, her brother in law Mike and wife Mari, her sister in law Zora Burch and husband Chris, and her sister in law Marcia Hueneke and husband Chris as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family. Kristin was preceded in death by her father Cletus W. Myrick. What a legacy of love Kristin left for all of us, and we hope to continue that same legacy of love, especially for children, throughout the years to come.
Honoring our Legacy, Defining Our Future For many years, the Junior League of Greater Lakeland has valiantly and fervently focused singularly on literacy and early childhood education. While this is still a worthy cause today, the League faces new challenges with meeting the literacy needs of this community. Namely, the League currently faces dwindling interest and expertise on the part of the members. After an interest survey was conducted in 2013, Junior League of Greater Lakeland formed the Community Think Tank to explore a reframing of the focus statement. After six meetings with Lakeland’s community leaders on topics that included poverty, hunger, child trafficking, education and wellness (all interests of the general membership as determined by the interest survey), the Community Research and Project Development committee (CRPD) determined all of these social issues are indelibly linked to one 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 aptitude is connected to his health; if he's not healthy his brain isn't functioning at full capacity and a student misses many days of instruction. Children who are prone to trafficking are those who are made vulnerable by poverty and all of its implications. Another growing outgrowth of the membership survey revealed a desire to move toward Done-in-a-Day projects especially as the league attracts more working members moving forward. CRPD recommended broadening the signature project Focus statement to incorporate whole child Wellness so that the league can continue to impact areas of great greatest need as they present themselves but also engage the varied interests and passions of our valued members. A broader approach to Wellness will allow the league flexibility and the opportunity to partner with other community organizations who are focused on key pieces of the wellness wheel.
Whitmeyer, Sweeney, and Myers (2000) are credited with developing the Wheel of Wellness.
Shira Johnson, 2016-2017 Women and Children Wellness Wheel This year, we are implementing our pilot program, Community Impact Projects, which is designed to connect members to short-term volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits that serve women and/or children in one or more area of wellness. In addition, the Community Research and Project Development (CRPD) Committee as part of AJLI’s Community Impact Roll-Out program is working to align our programs to the wellness focus area and looking to bring new programming to the membership. As a League, we are financially positioned to continue developing the potential of our membership by focusing on training them as highly effective volunteers who continue to improve our community. This is thanks to the Board of Directors’ tireless work to make us as efficient as possible and bring forth a balanced budget that is financially conservative, yet still allows us to fulfill our mission. Our budget this year does not rely on reserve funds and is currently self-sustaining because of the League’s ongoing fundraising efforts, which include developing business partnerships/sponsorships, renting our building , sending out our annual appeal and hosting the Pro-Am Tennis Tournament. New this year will also be the Fashion Show event, which the membership voted to take on as a fundraiser two years ago, and the organization of an 85th anniversary planning committee to begin preparation for next year’s celebration. We are positioned to carefully and slowly develop long-term plans for the addition and/or revamping of fundraising plans as our community impact continues to grow and more dollars are needed to align with our programming needs. We want to be able to move the conversation from what can we afford to what is most impactful; when talking about our ability to meet our mission. The Funding Committee is working with the Sustaining Council to make this a reality but your help as an individual member is needed. It’s our goal to keep you updated throughout the year on the activities of the Junior League. To stay informed about our programming, social events and fundraisers throughout the year read the weekly eblast (sign up by emailing news@jlgl.org), sign in and visit the membership section of our website: jlgl.org and like our Facebook and Instagram pages. Our Communications Council is working hard to spread the message about the good work the Junior League does throughout the Greater Lakeland community, as well as ensuring strong internal communications between members. My hope for this year is that all members, Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers help us define the League’s future by remaining engaged and sharing your opinions, ideas and input. The League is not about one person, the Board of Directors, Active members alone and/or one committee but rather the collective voice of the membership. Make your voice heard by reaching out to me at any time by email: president@jlgl.org or phone: 561.222.1540. We have inherited a great legacy; it is our duty to continue upholding it, as we are the future of the League. Fondly, Shira Johnson 2016-2017 President
2016-2017 Class by: Jessica Brown, Provisional Committee Member The 2016-2017 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. These wonderful ladies attend socials, meetings beyond their requirements, and are quick to volunteer when asked. Bev Hollis welcomed approximately 75 ladies into her home to kick off the year for our Welcome Party on August 9. Prospective Provisionals were able to meet the Board, the Provisional Committee, and other League members during the gathering. New 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 Hollis family were gracious hosts! On Saturday, August 27, a retreat was held at the Sorosis Building 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 actual meeting was held September 13 at the Polk Museum of Art. After a few housekeeping matters, they were given a most interesting history lesson led by Sheila Lotterhos. Catapult hosted the October meeting, where the Community Council introduced themselves and explained how our League gives back to Lakeland. November was “Christmas Parade Training” at the Junior League building. The women decorated Christmas cookies to get into the spirit and then listened to instructions from the City of Lakeland, as well as Christmas Parade Chair Chelsea Mullings. The preparation was well-spent, as the Provisionals did an AMAZING job manning the Christmas Parade on December 1. 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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Save the Date World of Reading APRIL 22, 2017 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Barnett Family Park 730 E Orange S Lakeland, 33801
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 more.
Junior League of Greater Lakeland 90 Lake Morton Drive Lakeland, FL 33801 Phone: (863) 682-2112, Fax: (863) 682-7113