L E AG U E LINES NEWSLETTER
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The Junior League is exclusively educational and charitable.
LEAGUE LINES STAFF Katie Blondell • Katherine Fitzwater Carley James • Maggie Ross • Brittany Sale
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Katherine Fitzwater Communications Vice President 2017-2018
As an active League member I have had
problems and creating solutions to
the opportunity to plan events, organize
improve our community.
new member trainings, learn the art of fundraising and improve my leadership
As Communications Vice President
skills. I have found that as I have worked
for the League, it is my hope that
my way through the challenges and
this magazine and all our League
opportunities of each new endeavor
communications will serve to educate
I have been able to take advantage of
our members’ on the ever evolving
the guidance of great mentors. The
work of the League in our community,
Junior League of Greater Lakeland
celebrate our members achievements
has brought together talented women
and bring together the many generations
from across our community ranging
within our membership. I am excited
in age from 23 to 97. Our membership
to once again serve the League as
roster boasts a Great Floridian in
Communications Vice President and
Sarah McKay, a former Lakeland City
look forward to continuing to build upon
Commissioner in Anne Furr, a Notable
the work the communications team has
AJLI Member in Carol Jenkins Barnett,
been doing.
a Florida Teacher of the Year in Christie
Katherine Fitzwater
Bassett and most recently a 2017 Polk Emerging Leader in Alice Koehler. The diverse experiences of each member of the League has taught me the importance of having a diverse group of creative individuals involved in solving
Katherine Fitzwater, Communications Vice President
COMMUNIT IMPACT Community Outreach Projects Last year’s pilot program allowed the League to partner with five local nonprofits and provided a total of $4,000 in grant funding. Due to the great feedback from League members, the Pilot Committee has elected to support eight nonprofits this year. Increasing to eight partnerships, expands the League’s support of our community and engages additional members in meaningful community-focused endeavours. In addition, the Committee is planning a Junior League hosted community event for the Spring - more details to be announced! Partnerships & Volunteer Opportunities: Girls Inc. Achievement Academy Fall Festival Volunteers In Service to the Elderly (VISTE) Thanksgiving Meal Bags Inneract Alliance Red Ribbon Run Learning Resource Center Tri-County Human Services YMCA Spring Extravaganza Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Lakeland Derby For details on this year’s Community Outreach Projects and to sign up to volunteer, please visit jlgl.org/project/community-impact-program.
TY Ready to Read The fall Ready to Read event was held October 17, at Griffin Elementary. Junior League volunteers assisted teachers with literacy activities in their classrooms and distributed a free book to every child in attendance. The League also provided a well balanced meal that was prepared by First United Methodist Church. In addition, the Lakeland Public Library was onsite and created new library cards for several families. This year, thanks to a grant from the GiveWell Community Foundation, the League will be able to host two Ready to Read events at Griffin. The school is very appreciative of the League’s support and is looking forward to the spring event.
The Lakeland Christmas Parade The Lakeland Christmas Parade has been a joint effort between The Junior League of Greater Lakeland and The City of Lakeland for 37 years. This year’s theme is “A Night in the North Pole” and with over 100 floats our parade is one of Florida’s largest parades to date. We look forward to seeing you downtown Thursday, December 7!
UPDATE FROM THE PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE This year the provisional course kicked off with a fun Welcome Party at the home of Marilyn Clyne on Thursday, August 17. Aspiring League members, actives and sustainers enjoyed meeting and socializing with one another. Sustaining Advisor to the Provisional Committee, Stephanie Madden (President, 2004-05), baked delicious cupcakes, and the Provisionals were introduced to the Board of Directors and Provisional Committee. The New Member Retreat followed the party and was held on Sunday, August 20 at the Junior League Building. New members were welcomed for the first time to our headquarters on Lake Morton, were given a run through of the provisional course and listened to a panel of sustainers consisting of Stephanie Madden, Alice O’Reilly and Kami Lawson. Due to Hurricane Irma, the first Provisional Meeting was postponed. Unfortunately, many members of our community experienced damage to their homes, lost time at work and went without power for days. After the storm our new members were ready to step up. Provisional Ashley
Madden organized a League project with Florida Baptist Children’s Homes (FBCH). FBCH provides food for students who generally receive all of their meals at school. The school’s work to provide meals for the weekend by stocking their own on-campus food pantries or partnering with the FBCH backpack program to send food home. Due to the hurricane, these children went days without meals and upon school re-opening, the pantries were depleted. The Provisional class donated food and packed over 700 bags for these children. Provisionals and committee members were given a tour of the campus and introduced to the different ministries within FBCH’s care. Provisional Chair, Courtney Larson, said,
I must tell you how honored I am to serve with these women who are off to a running start building a better community. The overwhelming response and spirit of volunteerism from our provisional class proved that they are eager to serve. I look forward to an exciting year with our amazing group of provisionals. League Historian, Sheila Lotterhos, presented an overview of the rich history of the Association of Junior Leagues International and Junior League of Greater Lakeland during the October meeting. Sustainers Brittany Sale, Kristen Phillips, and Stephanie Madden provided a delicious meal. Provisionals heard from the Communications Council, Community Council and Fashion Show Committee and toured Hall Communications Radio Station. Future meetings will be held at the Polk Museum of Art, Explorations V Children’s Museum and Polk Theatre where new members will learn more about our mission and history as we progress through the year.
GET TO KNOW OUR 2017- 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Victoria Martin, President Originally from Dania Beach, Victoria has been an asset to our League since joining nine years ago. A graduate of Florida Southern College. Now in her ninth year as an active League member, Victoria recalls many comical memories within the League, including “trying to get the smell of BBQ smoke out of my hair for weeks after PigFest!” Working as an Instructional Curriculum Coach for a Polk County school, Victoria is looking forward to bringing her talent of inspiring others to her role as President. Callie Miller, President-Elect A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Callie brings so much to our League as our President-Elect. Callie has been a League member for four years. Her favorite League event is the annual World of Reading Festival. Callie is very excited for this year, and looks forward to “furthering the meaningful ways the Junior League can respond to the community’s needs, strengthen the League’s operational efficiency, and leverage our unique position in developing and recognizing leadership in our community.” Jessica Brown, Membership Vice President Jessica has stayed true to her hometown of Lakeland, Florida and has been a part of the League for three years. Her favorite Junior League memories include serving on the Provisional Committee and attending the annual Christmas Parade. This year, Jessica is looking forward to “working with all of the Membership Council committees and all of the fellow Board members!” Katherine Fitzwater, Communications Vice President Katherine has been a valued asset to the League since joining four years ago. Katherine brings her skills as an Account Executive at Curious Jane to her role as Communications Vice President, and was honored to represent JLGL at AJLI’s Organizational Development Institute (ODI) in Dallas, Texas in 2015! Katherine’s favorite League memory is presenting Carol Barnett with the Notable Member
designation at the 2017 Spring Banquet. Katherine is looking forward to expanding the League’s internal and external marketing! Paulette Brown, Community Council Vice President Another Lakeland native, Paulette has found her home within the Junior League of Greater Lakeland after joining four years ago. Paulette adores the annual Christmas Parade, and her favorite League memory is watching the final product of months of planning culminate in the fabulous event each December. This year, Paulette is looking forward to celebrating the 85th year of our League! Erin Montgomery, Finance Vice President Hailing from Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Erin has now been with the League for six years. New to her role as Finance Vice President, Erin’s favorite League event to attend is World of Reading. This event is dear to Erin, who remembers her time being the co-chair with Jossy Taylor fondly. Erin looks forward to celebrating our 85th year and working to make the League a successful organization for the community! Stacy Walsh, Funding Director A native of Lakeland, Stacy spends her day as the Director of Development for the YMCA of West Central Florida. Her Provisional year is her fondest memory of the League, and Stacy has been an active member for the past three years. While Stacy enjoys all of the League functions, she is always drawn towards Ready to Read and the Christmas Parade. Stacy is looks forward to expanding our community impact through our donor base and local partners.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (CONT.) Heather Jones, Treasurer A Senior Financial Analyst at Mosaic, Heather has grown up in Lakeland, Florida and has been a member of the JLGL since 2012. Heather is optimistic about this year, stating “I am very excited for my first year as a Board member! I’m excited to see what we are able to do during this year as well as to see more of the strategic plan for the upcoming years as well.” Heather’s favorite part of the League is participating in the organization that puts on her cherished childhood memory: The Christmas Parade. Alexa Russo, Secretary Born and raised in Auburndale, Florida, Alexa has formed a career as both a Graphic Designer and a Beauty & Wellness Consultant. Now a League member for four years, Alexa still recalls her Provisional year and the new friends she made through the process of joining the League. She enjoys attending the ProAm and the Junior League Ball, and looks forward to “everything our board and committees are planning this year, especially to celebrate our 85th birthday!” Jillian Traurig, Corresponding Secretary Jillian found her way to Lakeland after growing up in Tampa, Florida. She has been an Active member of our League for six years, and has made lasting friendships and connections through the organization. Jillian’s favorite event to attend is Ready to Read, with her career as a Professional Developer for the Florida Department of Education tied closely with student literacy and wellness. Jillian looks forward to “watching our community projects grow and adapt to our community’s diverse and changing needs!” Tiffany Hawks, Parliamentarian Tiffany has spent her time in Central Florida as a successful Attorney who grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Tiffany has been a member of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland for 11 years. After all of this time, she recalls the impact her Provisional year and her year as President have had on her as a woman and a League member. She cannot pick a single event as her favorite to attend, and is thrilled to be working as Parliamentarian this year and seeing what the League has in store for the community!
SPECIAL EVENTS
RAFA NATURAL SPA NIGHT
85 T H YEAR KICKOFF
APRONS COOKING CLASS
POSTO 9 HAPPY HOUR
SUSTAINER SPOTLIGHT:
STEPHANIE MADDEN By now, most of us know Stephanie’s story.
chaired literacy programs like Read to
A Lakelander who married her high
Vision’s Literacy Council, Lighthouse
Succeed, and served on the boards of United Way’s Success By 6 and Polk
school sweetheart, Steve, 25 years
Ministries,
ago; a mother who has raised six
Cotillion Club, Lakeland Lacrosse,
children; a small business owner, who together with Steve founded Madden out of their two bedroom apartment and now partners with
Lakeland
Assemblies
Southeastern University Leadership Forum, Lakeland High School Parent Teacher Partnership and Daughters of the American Revolution.
Steve’s brother, Greg, and his wife
What you may not realize, is how
Lori to employ 26 people in Lakeland;
much credit Stephanie gives the
a past president of the Junior League
Junior
who has served for 22 years, and even
about things that influenced her
as a sustaining member continues
decision to run for the Lakeland City
to log monthly hours as she mentors
Commission. Stephanie attributes
emerging leaders on the Provisional
her Junior League training with
Committee. In the middle of all
giving her the experience and skill
that activity, Stephanie’s passion
in being able to build consensus
for Lakeland has shown as she’s
across many points of view. In the
graduated from Leadership Lakeland,
League, she learned how to listen
League
when
she
talks
constructively and reach decisions without alienating members. She also learned how to make courageous calls, like when she orchestrated the sale of our old headquarters and negotiated the purchase of the Sorosis Building. Stephanie speaks often of how she was inspired by the service of another sustaining member, Anne Furr. Anne’s success and commitment to Lakeland gave Stephanie the boldness to offer her own service to the voters of Lakeland. Stephanie says she now realizes how many more capable leaders our League can offer to the community at large. Through her campaign, she sees the need for the effective leadership and action of trained volunteers. The Junior League is the ideal training ground for innovative leaders. Who’s next?
MEMBERSHIP NOTES October Corresponding Report 38 Provisionals 124 Actives 357 Sustainers 38 Sustainer Emeritus 557 total members Sept/Oct No members resigned in bad standing 4 active members resigned in good standing 2 sustaining members resigned in good standing Welcome to our transfer members Ashley Barnett Lisa Bryan Lauren Lloyd Shannon Kelso List as of October 20, 2017.
Celebrating the birth of Catherine Elizabeth, daughter of Shannon and Colin Clyne Timothy Craig, son of Brittany and Steve Cole McAlpin Thomas Jr., son of Kathleen and Mac Miller Preston Cyle, son of Callie and Zach Miller Savanna, daughter of Brittany Bagent and Clayton Walker Best Wishes to Jamie Neff on her marriage to Brodie Bulloch Jeanna Jackson on her marriage to Roy Skinner Congratulations to Jessica Brown and Amy Royal on being named part of Leadership Lakeland Class XXXV Alice Koehler on being named one of the 2017 Polk Emerging Leaders
If you have member news you would like us to share in future newsletters, please email news@jlgl.org.
Join us November 16 for Spotlight on Style Join us for a night of fun, fashion and friendship! The annual Junior League Spotlight on Style is the evening of November 16. With last year’s event selling out, the League moved this year’s event to a new venue - Haus 820. The space will be transformed into a night of fashion-forward entertainment, including hor d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a preview of fall fashion. Shop the runway at vendor booths for the upcoming holidays! Complimentary valet available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jlgl.org/fundraiser/fashion.
Honor a fellow League member through the Commemorative Fund The Commemorative Fund is a way to recognize a significant event in a Junior League member’s life. It is a way to let a fellow League member know that you are joining in their celebration or thinking of them in a time of sorrow. A commemorate fund donation can celebrate anything you like. • A birthday, an engagement, a marriage, a birth, a promotion, a new job, etc. • Honor someone’s service to JLGL, going Sustainer, etc. • Offer condolences to a member who has lost a loved one To make a commemorative gift, visit JLGL.org. All donations made through the Commemorative Gift Program support the Junior League of Greater Lakeland Annual Fund.
Become a League Partner The Funding Committee is looking for individuals and businesses who would like to support our mission-driven projects and programs by becoming a League Partner. By becoming a League Partner you are investing in our community and helping the League continue to give back through leadership development, training and community projects. For more information on becoming a League Partner, contact FundingDirector@jlgl.org or visit jlgl.org/support-us/ sponsorships.
RECIPIES from LAURIE MELTON Nothing brings friends and family together better than football and food in the Fall. When planning that tailgate or football party, there is no better place to look for great food than the Junior League and its members. Junior Leagues have long been known for their outstanding cookbooks and sharing their time tested recipes and party tips with the community. Charleston Cheese The first recipe I would like to share I made for a Follies practice event back in 1998. It is a recipe from the Junior Service League of Thomasville, Georgia. Southerners love to entertain and Thomasville’s Cookbook title says it all, “Good Food Good Company”. This recipe is always a hit and can be assembled ahead of time.
• ½ cup of mayonnaise • 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened • 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese • 2 green onions, chopped • 6 round buttery crackers crushed • 8 slices bacon, fried and crumbled In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onions. Put mixture in greased quiche dish. Top with crushed crackers. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and top with bacon. Bake an additional 5 minutes with bacon. Serve with crackers. This recipe doubles well if you cut back on the mayonnaise. You may use light mayonnaise and light cream cheese but note, it may not need to bake as long.
These are great for a breakfast meeting, tailgate or appetizer. Great make ahead slice and bake app. Prose` If you are looking for a pink and pretty cocktail or punch, Prose` is for you. This recipe was shared to me from a bartender at Five, a chain of Southern restaurants
in
college
towns
like
Tuscaloosa and Athens. I have adapted it for multiple servings. • 1 bottle of prosecco or champagne • 1 bottle of Rose` wine • 10 ounces of Peach Schnapps Prosciutto Pinwheels My second recipe is adapted from the Crescent City Collection by the Junior League of New Orleans.
• 10 ounces of Elderflower liqueor Chill all ingredients. Mix together once chilled. Serve with rose petals.
• 1 box of Puff Pastry, thawed • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 2-4 ounces of prosciutto thinly sliced • ¾ cup of Gruyere cheese • 2-4 tablespoons of coarse mustard( I use creole) Roll out one sheet of puff pastry until even. Brush 1-2 tablespoons of mustard over puff pastry. Thinly layer prosciutto over the mustard. Top with with ½ of Gruyere Cheese. Brush edges of puff pastry with egg. Roll puff pastry along long side into a log and seal with egg. Wrap in plastic wrap seam down. Chill several hours or overnight. Evenly slice logs into ½ inch slices. Bake at 400 degrees for 14-16 minutes or lighly browned and bubbly. Cool then serve.
In closing, cooking and entertaining needs to be fun and enjoyable. Make it simple. Master a few recipes you love and use with confidence.
PO BOX 8797 | LAKELAND, FL 33806 863.682.2112 | JLGL.ORG |
S AVE T H E DAT E
To rent the historic Sorosis Building for your next event, visit JuniorLeagueSorosisBuilding.com or email us at rentals@jlgl.org.
Saturday, April 21, 2018 Barnett Park