Parishscope Spring 2019

PARISHSCOPE A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | SPRING 2019

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Spring Bling!

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8.50ct EmErald cut diamond 21 carats total WEight

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3.5ct cushion cut ruby

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FROM THE EDITOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Letter from the President

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1933 Society

Melissa Airhart

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Member Calendar

It is almost spring, and like so many others I have a mild obsession with tidying and organization sensation, Marie Kondo. Her question, ”Does it spark joy?” resonates.

The 2019-2020 League year is just around the corner. This is the time to ponder what will bring you joy within the League in the coming year. It’s time to put your name down for that placement you have had your eye on or to refer that amazing friend or coworker for membership!

This is also a great time to reflect on the reasons you joined the League. Within these pages, you will find testimonials from two of this year’s Provisional members. Learn which ladies received the honor of being named Sustainers of the Year and read about how they continue to impact this community after their time spent as Active members. Also, in this issue—the latest on the Red Apron Pantry, a King Cake Classic review, and a look back at some of the aprons our League members have worn throughout the years.

From placements I have enjoyed to Ways & Means shifts worked to friendships made—the League continues to spark joy in my life.

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Letter from the Sustainer Advisor

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Sustainer Announcements

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Provisional Update

11 Provisional Testimonials 12 Designer Bag Bingo 14 Volunteer Appreciation 15 Volunteer of the Year Nominations 16 Apron History: Aprons, Aprons, Everywhere!

18 Red Apron Pantry 20 2018-2019 CAB Update 21 Placement Infomation 22 Give for Good Day 23 Celebrations 24 King Cake Classic 26 Winter Conference 28 Memorable Moments

JuniorLeagueSB

30 Cookbook Recipe

@JuniorLeagueSB Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier facebook.com/JLSB.org youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB Cover photo by DeAnn Arnold Photography.

2018-2019 Parishscope Staff Editor Melissa Airhart Assistant Editor Amanda Biles Business Manager Lindsey McElhatten 2018-2019 Board of Directors President Heather Price President Elect Katherine Douthitt Executive Vice President Saige Wilhite Solomon

Secretary Leah Feldt

2018-2019 Management Team

Treasurer Leah Feldt

Executive Vice President Saige Wilhite Solomon

Nominating Chairman Ellen Erwin

Community VP Krystle Grindley

PR&D Chairman Sarah Giglio Members at Large Catherine Simpson Ashley Busada

Communications VP Katherine Stringer-Davis Membership VP Maggie Pressly

Sustainer at Large Kelly Turner

Ways and Means VP Meredith Armuth

Sustainer Advisor Peggy Murphy

Assistant Treasurer Laramie Guillot

Designed by Grace Vazquez Hardesty grace! graphic design + marketing Printed by LaPressCo Printing 409 Watts Road Shreveport, LA 71106 The Junior League of ShreveportBossier welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.

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President

LETTER FROM THE

As Spring arrives, I feel the anticipation of change!

It is the welcome of a new season, the reminder of beautiful things to come, the smell of flowers in the air, spring cleaning on the horizon, and a time for renewal. The winter holidays have been celebrated and the days of summer are yet to come! As I reflect on the past months, I am grateful for so much, including those who celebrated the holiday season with the League at our annual Christmas Party, the Advisors and Active members who dedicated time during January to share the feedback of the past year and plan for the next, the committee and participants of this year’s King Cake Classic run, and last, but certainly not least, the celebration of two remarkable Sustainers, Maggie McElroy and Libby Siskron, for the impact they have made to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, our community, and beyond!

For the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, spring is a productive and exciting time! It is a time for reflection and growth. As President, it is hard for me to process that only three months remain in this League year. We still have so much to be done! This issue celebrates the successful King Cake Classic Run and promotes the upcoming second Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser event. The King Cake Classic had over 380 runners register, and even more of their cheerleaders joined the finish line celebration at Red River Brewing. There were children’s activities, Lowder King Cake, and the live music of the Shreveport Second Line Band. It was a wonderful way to kick off the Mardi Gras season! We didn’t waste any time getting ready for the next fundraiser, the second Designer Bag Bingo. It sold out weeks before the event! We are looking forward to hosting 600 women for an evening full of gorgeous

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Heather Price

bingo prizes and many great raffles. In addition to the prizes, I am amazed by the opportunity to share the work of the League with those in our community! With the support of corporate partners, sponsors, the community, and our members, these successful events are instrumental in raising funds to advance the League’s mission and ability to make a lasting impact on the community.

In addition to two of the League’s annual fundraisers, our members continue to make an impact through our community projects like the Red Apron Food pantry— which I’m excited to have featured in this issue, MAGIC (Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change), Safe Sitter, and Kids in the Kitchen! The current councils have volunteered over 5,000 hours and there is no slowing down yet!

For our Active members, spring is also the season for planning the next League year through the placement process. I challenge each of you to think about how you want to grow and use your strengths during the upcoming League year. Soon you will have a new placement which is an opportunity to take on a new adventure. Since this is the season to recharge, I want to remind you all a quote from one of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!” The League is off to even greater places. Thanks to each of you for your support to our mission and community impact!

Heather Porter Price Heather Porter Price 2018-2019 President

1933 Societ y

Thank you to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier 1933 Society Members.

Your support helps our League meet our mission!

LEAGUE LEADERS Katie Baker Mrs. William H. Broyles II

Maureen C. Gamble Peggy and Carolyn Murphy Heather Price

Leslie Griffin Scott Edie Williams

LEAGUE ADVOCATES Debbie Angelo Julia M. Blewer Lynda Griffey

Betty Henderson Melinda A. Hernandez Maggie McElroy Melanie Peacock

Lindsey Pennington Milly H. Sale Kelly Turner

LEAGUE PARTNERS Susan P. Adams Kristen B. Bernard Lynn W. Chance Lee O’Brien Davis Rosemary Davis Katherine Douthitt Margaret Robert Evans

Judy McColgan Patricia N. Miramon The Moppet Shoppe Betsy Chandler Peatross Angie Phares Michele Q=Petersen Janie Richardson

Melissa Flores Lisa Hargrove Michele Horton / Anti-Pest Hollisann J. Kent Ginger Lukacs Peggy M. Lyons

Import ant Dates TO REMEMBER DESIGNER BAG BINGO Mar. 14, 6 p.m.

Horseshoe Casino Riverdome

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Apr. 9, Noon or 6 p.m.

Suite E, Junior League Headquarters

GIVE FOR GOOD DAY May 7

For more information about upcoming events, login to jlsb.org and access the Member Calendar. j l sb.o rg | S p ri n g 2019 Pari shscope

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Sust ainer Advisor LETTER FROM THE

Peggy Murphy

The Sustainer of the Year award is given to a woman who embodies the training and involvement she received from her years in the Junior League and continues to share her talents with the community, making a better world for those who are fortunate enough to experience her handiwork. I am pleased to announce the Sustainer Panel has selected two very deserving women as Sustainer of the Year recipients and celebrated them on February 28 at the Sustainer of the Year Luncheon held at East Ridge Country Club.

Maggie McElroy served in her Junior League Active years by participating in the Follies, Red River Revel, Bargain Haul, Cookbook, Community Research Chair, and was the Chairman of Education. She continued her love of volunteer work into the community serving on the Louisiana State Board of Child Abuse, Alliance for Education, PTA Vice President and President at Broadmoor Middle Lab School and Byrd High School where she was also instrumental in helping start the magnet program, Strand Theatre Board member, Sci-Port Discovery Center Board member, Women’s Philanthropy Network member, Demoiselle Club, Barksdale Forward and Military Affairs, Samaritan Counseling Center Board member, and helped start Robinson Film Center. Maggie also served as the Delta Delta Delta District Chair for Nationals. She is loyal to her church, St. Paul’s Episcopal, always attending and leading church-sponsored studies to grow her faith with respect to others and their knowledge of the Bible.

Maggie’s concern for others was evident when she helped

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found Caring Parents and the Parents Coalition. Maggie has been faithful to attend charitable events supporting the Crisis Pregnancy Center, Gingerbread House, The Shreveport Symphony, and Louisiana State Museum.

Libby Siskron served in her Junior League Active and Sustainer years by passionately participating in the Red River Revel for over 25 years—even the Revel cookbook committee. She participated in the Follies and was a docent at Caspiana House. Her community work suggests a commitment to history, serving as the Louisiana State President of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, National Business Council of the Colonial Dames of America, National Nominating Committee and the Essay Consultant of the of Washington Workshops.

Libby was recently selected for induction into the Colonial Dames Hall of Fame. Libby is the former Secretary of Opera Volunteers of America, Shreveport Symphony Board, President of the Opera Guild, Chairman of Les Boutique de Noel, Broadmoor YMCA Board, and on the Executive Board of the Shreveport Opera. She has served on the Board of the Spring Street Museum and served for three years as Chair of TableScapes. She is an active member of Broadmoor Baptist Church where she served on the Wedding Guild.

Both women are described by their peers as having a can-do spirit, dependable, dedicated, organized, professional, with a commitment to family, faith, and community. Please join me in congratulating Maggie and Libby.

Announcement s Celebrations SUSTAINER

&

Susan P. Adams – Presently serving as the Vice Chairman of the Board of the Glen Retirement System and on the Board of Trustees for First United Methodist Church

Debbie Angelo – Presently serving as a YWCA Board member, Volunteers of America Table Captain, and Independence Bowl committee member Lee O’Brien Davis – Presently serving as President of the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center Advisory Board and as an Ambassadors/Holiday in Dixie board member Peggy Murphy – Presently serving as Co-Chair of the Louisiana Legends Gala for Louisiana Public Broadcasting Lois Rowe – Presently serving on the Shreveport Opera Board Julia C. Sippel – Presently serving on the Altar Board at First United Methodist Church

Sustainers, we love hearing about how you continue to live out the JLSB mission!

Please share more of your announcements and celebrations with us by emailing parishscopeeditor@gmail.com.

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Update

PROVISIONAL

It is hard to believe that Spring is here, and the members of the 2018-2019 Provisional class have almost completed their first year in the Junior League of ShreveportBossier! The combined goal of the Provisional Team has been to educate and prepare these women for the training and voluntarism ahead of them as they become Active members in the coming year. These women are focused and driven, and their passionate pursuit of community involvement has been an inspiration thus far!

In December, the Provisional class held a Christmas Party and exchanged ornaments. It was a nice change of pace for the women to be able to socialize and get better acquainted with one another outside the confines of a meeting setting. At the Provisional meeting, Sustainer Christine Fortson visited to share the history surrounding the League’s cookbooks, followed by continued work on the Provisional Project*.

In January, the project continued by working within “Theme Teams” to begin executing the legwork of the Provisional Project to benefit families at the Gingerbread House. These families will receive a S.W.A.G. (Summer With A Guide) bag filled with different activities (sports balls, cards, bubbles, games, etc.), hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.), food coupons, and books. The bags will also feature an information component that will inform families about where they can find summer activities, discounts with food partnerships, tips on how to practice good hygiene and community partners that will help them, as well as the locations of libraries in town and the programs offered at the branches each week.

Statistics have shown that child abuse increases in the summer months due to children being out of school, lacking involvement in activities, and being home the majority of the time. The goal of the S.W.A.G. bags is to try to flip the script on the social “norms” of these families, and help them enjoy the summer months with fun activities.

Each month individual Theme Teams will focus on collecting their portion of the bags by asking for donations and information from local sponsors or hosting a supply drive if needed. Each month’s focus will be: January – Activities, February – Food, March – Hygiene, and April – Literacy. Provisional members will reach out to community partners in efforts to receive the items anticipated for the S.W.A.G. bags. They are also asking for the JLSB General Membership’s support by bringing feminine hygiene products to the March General Meeting. Finally, the bags will be assembled and put together by the Provisional class during the April Provisional meeting and distributed

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Hannah Alexander

anonymously by the Gingerbread House staff.

The Provisional program not only promotes instilling initiative and drive through the project, but also continues to educate its participants and help them begin their path in the League. In January, Provisionals met one-on-one to be interviewed about their Provisional experience thus far, so the Provisional program can continue to improve in the years to come. Guidance was given to help Provisional members begin to plan for individual placements in the coming year, as well as accountability in ensuring each woman feels confident in maintaining their obligations and completing the Provisional course. They were also informed of the League’s fundraising efforts to support our mission by welcoming Ways & Means VP Meredith Armuth, in addition to King Classic 5K Chairman Sarah Lowder and Designer Bag Bingo Chairman Ginny Lamb.

The remainder of the Provisional year will focus on educating the Provisionals about League Communications by hearing from Communications VP Katherine StringerDavis, as well as Strategic Planning as they complete their Provisional Project. As the year is wrapping up, it is time to begin recruiting for the 2019-2020 League year. We continue to strive to find women who possess a commitment to promoting voluntarism, developing their potential, and improving our community through effective action and leadership. Carolyn Murphy, next year’s Admissions/Provisional Chairman, has already hit the ground running and I know she will do a fantastic job instilling the mission of the JLSB into new members.

If you know a woman interested in joining our League, please invite her to attend one of the Provisional Informational Meetings:

April 24 • May 29 June 5 • June 19 Interested candidates can receive more information about the meeting by emailing the Provisional Committee at jlsbprovisional@gmail.com. The application process will open in April and will close on Friday, June 28, 2019.

Though Spring signals the end of another successful League year, I hope the passion of this year’s Provisional class inspires you to finish strong with the JLSB mission focus leading your way! *Please note: the Provisional project’s focus was altered following the winter publication of the Parishscope

S.W.A.G. BAGS FOR SUMMER

Help the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. support the Gingerbread House with S.W.A.G. bags for the summer!

The JLSB Provisional Class is assisting the Gingerbread House by providing activities, food coupons, hygiene items, and books to at-risk families served at their facility. Our goal is to fill at least 50 bags, and we would love your help!

ITEMS WE ARE ACCEPTING: • coloring books • board games • decks of cards • feminine hygiene products • toothbrushes • toothpaste • gender neutral deodorant • gender neutral body wash • children’s books • teen books

Drop off supplies at the JLSB Office, 2601 Line Avenue, Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. through April 12.

YOU CAN ALSO SHOP OUR AMAZON WISH LIST BY SCANNING THIS CODE:

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Testimonials

PROVISIONAL

Megan Strecker

When I moved to Shreveport in the fall of 2017, it was a completely new world for me! It was exciting to be in a new place and to begin married life, but I worried about not knowing anyone and that I would not find my place. I wanted Shreveport to feel like home, and such a big part of my life in Georgia was my group of girlfriends.

I love hanging out with my husband and his friends, but I wanted to have something to call my own.

I have always been involved in volunteering, whether it was helping at local community events when I was in high school or fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation with my sorority in college. I love to give back and connect with others in that way. Many people suggested that I look into joining the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, and I am so glad that I did! I am especially grateful to Mrs. Peggy Murphy for her encouragement to become a member and get involved. Even before joining, I knew the JLSB had a positive impact in the community and that Junior Leagues everywhere pro-

mote service, leadership, inclusion, and empowerment. I now know firsthand how welcoming and supporting this organization is.

It has been the best experience getting to know everyone in the Provisional Class and seeing how each person uses their strengths to help the greater good. It is an amazing group of women on a mission! Everyone has come together and worked hard to make our Provisional Project supporting The Gingerbread House a reality, and with the guidance of our outstanding leadership, I know it will be a great success. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to get to know these women over the past several months, and it has been so rewarding to serve with and learn from them.

My experience so far as a Provisional Member of the JLSB has been so positive and exceeded all my expectations. I am looking forward to many more years as a member and seeing how our League grows.

Sesame Teague

What do you do after retirement? Join the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. My thoughts, exactly! As a 20-year veteran educator, new entrepreneur, and a very supportive single mother of a teenage daughter, time just wasn’t there for me to get out and join like-minded women doing the things I love, such as volunteering and saving the world…at least in Shreveport.

I decided to join the JLSB so that I could be a part of a greater good and to have an impact on society and my community…something whose impact would extend much farther than I could alone. I wanted to be connected with an organization that has a global effect on communities, children, and women. For many years, I passed the JLSB building, vowing to one day stop in and inquire about becoming a member. Oh, but I always seemed to be rushing somewhere or it was after the office was closed. But then, retirement happened and my

daughter went off to college… and…I took the time to stop in.

I was very impressed with Hannah Alexander’s presentation and I knew instantly that JLSB is where I belong. That feeling was confirmed during the retreat.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Executive team, the team leaders, and the other members of the Provisional Class. I was excited to become a part of the JLSB sponsored events and activities.

As a former educator and a lifelong advocate for children, I am glad to participate in the Provisional Class project working with The Gingerbread House. I love seeing how we all have a part of the puzzle and we need each piece to make it complete and perfect. I see the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier as that complete and perfect puzzle for the Shreveport-Bossier area.

If you know a woman interested in joining our League, please invite her to attend one of the following Provisional Informational meetings:

April 24, 2019 • May 29, 2019 • June 5, 2019 • June 19, 2019

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Event

DESIGNER BAG BINGO

It’s time for the JLSB’s Second Annual Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser. Our committee is amazed by the support from our incredible community and the excitement behind this event. We have officially sold out of our 600 available tickets!

This event pairs the fun of bingo with designer bags as prizes. This “girls’ night out” event will take place Thursday, March 14, at the Horseshoe Casino Riverdome. We cannot thank Horseshoe enough for being our incredible Host Sponsor. This event would not be possible without their support.

Upon arrival, you can browse our table of prizes and raffle items, grab a drink from the bar, and fill your plate with some delicious Mexican food provided by Horseshoe before making your way to your table. The real fun begins at 7 p.m. with our first of ten rounds of bingo. Our emcee for the evening will be Miss Louisiana 2018, Holli Conway.

We have received many designer bags from multiple generous donors including Dillard’s, The Village Washstand, and sustainer Vickie Meadows. We are thrilled to announce that our premier designer bag is the Louis Vuitton Flower Hobo with a stunning red interior. Other brand names include Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, and Coach, among others!

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Ginny Lamb In addition to purses, Designer Bag Bingo will feature two raffles with some fantastic prizes. The $25 Sid Potts Diamond Raffle will offer you the chance to win a stunning piece generously donated by Sid Potts, Inc. and the $10 “Treat Yourself” raffle has incredible prizes from Chemistry Hair Salon, Pure Barre, and more.

We could not have such a successful event without our incredible sponsors. Louis Level: Please and Thank You Paper Company, Ivan Smith Furniture, and the Biedenharn Foundation; Gucci Level: Lindsey Pennington, M.D. Facial Plastics, Progressive Bank, and the Sustainer Advisory Panel; and our Coach Level: Pure Barre Shreveport and Brookshire’s.

We hope to see you at Designer Bag Bingo!

RAFFLES Diamond Raffle $25/ticket Win a stunning piece generously donated by Sid Potts

Treat Yourself Raffle $10/ticket

Photos of members by Jennifer Bradford Photography

SPONSORS HOST SPONSOR

LOUIS LEVEL

Biedenharn Foundation • Ginny and Rich Lamb

GUCCI LEVEL

JLSB Sustainer Advisory Panel

TORY SPONSOR

COACH LEVEL HANDBAG DONORS Dillard’s of Shreveport and Bossier The Village Washstand • India Hick’s Rep Vickie Meadows

1. Wine & flatbread appetizer for 6; Valued at $100 2. Tory Burch Wallet, Robinson Wallet 3. $380 Gift Basket of Revision Skincare 4. $100 Gift Card from Lewis Gifts 5. Black Crossbody Handbag from Imelda’s 6. Gift cards for Cantina Laredo and Walk-Ons 7. 5 hours of consultation and design services from Radiant Design; Valued at $625 8. $150 Gift Basket from La Bambolina 9. Pink KitchenAid Standing Mixer, donated by National Wholesale Supply of Shreveport 10. 1 night stay at Horseshoe Hotel and dinner for two at Jack Binion’s Steakhouse; Valued at $350 11. Girls’ Day Out at Horseshoe: Dare Cabana and one round of drinks for 8 guests 12. Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Day At The Races: Suite access for 10 guests, including food & beverage; Valued $800-$1000 13. $150 Gift Card to Cactus at the Place 14. Worth Scarf, donated by Sustainer and Worth Representative Mikey Carlisle 15. $500 Smart Mom’s Toy Box, provided by Learning RX Shreveport-Bossier 16. Stunning Jane Allen Designs 925 sterling silver band plated custom gold finish “Margaret Band” 17. Handmade Italian Leather Handbag, donated

by Merle Norman Uptown 18. Basket of Pureology and Redkin Hair Products and 6 months of weekly blowouts; Value of $942, donated by Chemistry Hair Salon 19. 250 gift certificate for select services by Lindsey Pennington, M.D. Facial Plastics 20. 3 class gift card pass with Pure Barre socks, provided by Pure Barre Shreveport 21. Date Night Package to Robinson Film Center 22. Select jewelry, provided by Louisiana Coin and Jewelry 23. Salon 101 Special Event hair gift certificate, a manicure/pedicure package, and full set of eyelash extension; Valued at $255 24. One Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment; Valued at $400 25. Convertible Lily Earrings - 14k gold plated, donated by Seraphine Designs 26. Airbrush Make-Up and event hair styling 27. $50 giftcard to Frank’s Pizza Napoletana 28. 3 Chances to win a wallet, generously donated by Dillard’s j l sb.o rg | S p ri n g 2019 Pari shscope

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Appreciation

VOLUNTEER

National Volunteer Week, powered by Points of Light, is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to come together to tackle tough challenges, and build stronger, more resilient communities. Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially each year. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier (JLSB) relies on the 200 trained active volunteers that comprise our organization to accomplish our goals and help improve our local community. Over the years, we have trained thousands of women who have gone on to showcase their talents in other volunteer organizations, professional settings, and at home. In 2017-2018, our Active and Provisional members dedicated approximately

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Maggie Pressly

10,000 volunteer hours to the community through our impactful projects and our in-league placements.

We would love to share with your spouse or employer how your efforts are making a tremendous impact on our community. During National Volunteer Week, the Membership Council will be sending letters to employers, spouses, and any other interested parties regarding the accomplishments of our League and in particular the value we place on each and every member. A sample letter and a form for you to submit your request is available on the Member Home Page. The deadline to submit a request for a letter will be March 17, 2019.

Nominations

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The time has come to nominate members for Volunteer of the Year! We will recognize this year’s award recipient at the May Celebration. When thinking of someone to nominate, keep in mind that the JLSB would like to honor a volunteer who: • Is an active member in good standing • Possesses outstanding performance visibility within the League (of secondary and less importance is her involvement in and commitment to organizations outside of the League) • Demonstrates the principles espoused in the JLSB’s mission and vision statement and whose spirit and

nature reflect a positive image of JLSB. • Exceeds the expectations of general membership with unsurpassed interest in voluntarism and a commitment to community service.

• Received at least one Leading Lady recognition during the 2018-2019 League year

Please submit nomination forms to Maggie Pressly at mpressly@bradleyfirm.com or by filling out the Nomination Form on Digital Cheetah under Resources, Forms and Communications by April 11, 2019.

Nominations are due to Maggie Pressly at mpressly@bradleyfirm.com by April 11.

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Melissa Airhart & Amanda Biles

APRONS, APRONS,

Everywhere!

Selling League cookbooks at Stein Mart is one of my favorite memories about wearing my khaki colored apron. Vickie Meadows and I made brown sugar brownies from one of our cookbooks for customers to sample. The brownies were delicious and we sold lots of cookbooks!

Ellen Alley (Sustainer) Junior League of Shreveport 1992

Clay Shoot was such a fun Saturday morning! It was different than most JLSB projects, because we were out in nature. My husband and I love hunting and shooting guns­—so I enjoyed it!

Sarah-Beth Bump (Active) Clay Shoot 2018

I had so much fun working on the first year of the Junior League Kitchen Tour. It was a challenge, because it had never been done before, but we had a great committee of ladies that are still friends of mine today.

Eloise Graf (Sustainer. On the right with Alexis Green.)

Kitchen Tour 2014

For 86 years, the ladies

of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier have been rolling up their sleeves and knotting their apron strings to help build a better community.

Today, the solid red apron is the best known symbol of the JLSB, but for the

I enjoyed celebrating everyone’s hard work at Girls’ Night Out and the Patron Party. It was wonderful seeing all of the planning come together. *These aprons were made by Heidi Gerkin, Sustainer.

Stacey Melerine (Active) Junior League Market 2014

better part of a century, women donned aprons in a rainbow of colors as they strove to give back. How many of these aprons have you worn?

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This apron is sprinkled with Santa’s magic!

It reminds me of fun League holiday memories! Anytime a child’s eyes sparkle with excitement, you know you did good!

Children loved Winter Wonderland.

Shelli Murphy (Active) Winter Wonderland 2017

I had to larg wh len

As a first year Active, I was assigned to be a member of the cookbook committee and to help with the launch of Mardi Gras to Mistletoe. It was a fantastic training experience to be a part of the launch of the cookbook and it led to many years of involvement with the cookbook committee during my League career.

Christine Fortson (Sustainer) Mardi Gras to Mistletoe 2006

I served as the Tickets and Graphics chair. It was fun to be in the background of something so huge—I think that year we raised the most money for the Market to date, which was a bonus.

Diane Libro (Sustainer) Junior League Market 2010

I joined the League to work alongside successful women from all walks of life with the goal of positively impacting our community through service.

Jessica Martin (Active) Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier 2018

d so much fun working with an amazing committee on an event that ook me WAY out of my comfort zone. Chairing what used to be our gest fundraiser was the most challenging and fulfilling placement I held hile an Active member—even more so than serving as President. Chalnges that big force you to rely on the expertise of others, to learn from them, and in the process, to form some amazing friendships.

Melanie Peacock (Sustainer), Trends & Traditions 2006 j l sb.o rg | S p ri n g 2019 Pari shscope

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Pant ry

RED APRON

The Red Apron Pantry is one of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s newest initiatives that provides qualifying families in Shreveport’s Stoner Hill neighborhood with food every month. While there are several other food pantries that service the 71101 zip code, the Red Apron Pantry is the only one in this neighborhood and the only food pantry open on the third Friday of each month. The Pantry will be in its sixth month of operation in March and our committee remains busy as our project continues to grow!

Currently serving 15 families, the Red Apron Pantry provides each family with 75 pounds of food each month for about $85-100. A generous amount of canned goods— courtesy of the Red River Revel canned food drive, as well as some produce from the LSU AgCenter and the We Grow Together Community Garden have also been distributed to the families each month. The placement held its most recent food distribution on February 15.

The Red Apron Pantry is an incredible opportunity to experience the significance of the League’s work in the community. We are given the monthly task of carefully packing each family’s box to ensure it contains the proper amount of food, with the knowledge that this food is crucial to that family’s meals. Then we meet the people that

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Catherine Guidry

we serve face-to-face and gain a better understanding of their lives and their needs. It is an added bonus to see the smiles on their faces and feel the gratitude these families have for us and for what we do. We are thanked, hugged, and blessed repeatedly each month, which truly gives you an understanding of how big of an impact the Red Apron Pantry has on the lives of the families we serve.

Committee member Michelle Wallace says she chose this placement because she wanted to feel more involved with the community. “This is the first placement that I’ve had where I feel like I am having a major impact on our community. You are helping people who are truly struggling in our community,” she said. “We recently had an emergency case and we were able to help her. I definitely feel like I really am making a difference.”

A larger committee and additional funding, that will allow the Red Apron Pantry to assist even more than its current 15 families, are part of the plans for the project’s continued growth and success next year. Additional placements will provide both daytime and evening opportunities to accommodate those members interested in getting involved with this project. We look forward to continued learning, growing, and serving with the Stoner Hill Community!

Photos by DeAnn Arnold Photography.

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Communit y Advisory Board

2018-2019

UPDATE

This year, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is grateful to have eight community leaders serving on its Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB operates to provide advice and counsel to our Board, as well as to promote and foster greater dialogue, education, and understanding between the League and the community. We recently welcomed two new members to the CAB this year, each of whom represent one of our Community Partners: Kristi Gustavson is the Executive Director of The Community Foundation of North Louisiana, which allows investing partners to achieve their vision for a stronger, more vibrant community. By bringing together fund donors, their financial advisors, and nonprofit agencies, the Foundation is a powerful catalyst for building charitable giving and effecting positive change in our area. The funds managed by the Foundation—which include more than $135 million in

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Katherine Douthitt

assets—are invested for the community’s benefit and then are returned to the community in the form of grants to a wide variety of charitable endeavors, ranging from the arts to education to the social service sector. One enlightening service that The Community Foundation of North Louisiana provides is a yearly check-up of the community’s status and needs in the form of the Community Counts presentation and materials. The Junior League recently became an investor in The Community Foundation’s managed fund and looks forward to growing both its investment and this unique partnership in the years to come.

Amy Heron is the Executive Director of Christus Foundation – Shreveport-Bossier. Amy is a former Child Life Specialist and has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and development. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to promote philanthropy and charitable giving to provide resources to enhance the ability of CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier in its mission by providing for the community’s health needs. In furtherance of these purposes, the Foundation directs its financial resources and charitable gifts for the benefit of the health care facilities, services, and health community programs supported or operated by CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier within its service area in Northern Louisiana. CHRISTUS recently committed to a three-year partnership with the JLSB, which includes both financial resources and experience for achieving synergies in both organizations’ community endeavors.

We would also like to thank our returning CAB members for their continued service to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier: Laura Alderman Executive Director, Step Forward The Community Foundation Sonja Bailes-Bain Public Relations Liaison Bossier Parish School Board Renee’ Ellis Community Engagement Specialist Caddo Parish School Board

Chuck Meehan President and CEO Volunteers of America of North Louisiana Clay Walker Director of Juvenile Services Caddo Parish Martha Marak Executive Director Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana

Information

PLACEMENT

Anna Priestley

“One of the greatest gifts you can give is your time.” –Unknown Thank you to the members who have completed the annual interview meetings with advisors in January. The feedback received helps our League craft a better volunteer experience of its members. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Now is the time to start considering and selecting your volunteer placement for the 2019-2020 League year. The philosophy of placement encompasses the League’s concepts of training, personal growth, and voluntarism. It is a way to find your place to shine!

Our League’s Online Placement process allows members to select the top four placements of their choice, with one being the most desired and four being the lowest. It is important to note a member must be prepared to be placed on any of the four choices selected. So, choose carefully and only rank placements that you are willing and able to do.

So, what is the right placement for you?

For you to meet your membership requirements, you must be able to complete your placement to which you are assigned. So, it is important for you to take time and read the entire Placement Handbook, which can be found under the Resources Tab at the top of the Digital Cheetah homepage. Please read the descriptions of the placements you are considering before you rank them in your top four choices.

The Placement Committee will assume that all ranked placements are feasible for the member to complete.

It is important to take into consideration the amount of time you can devote to the League in the upcoming year (2019-2020), the skills you possess, and those skills you would like to learn. A great tool to utilize is the “Planning Your JLSB Career” document. This can also be found on the Placement Handbook and Information page under the Resources Tab on Digital Cheetah. This worksheet can help identify your personal skill set and help visualize your personal development goals for future League years.

If you have any questions regarding a placement, please call the current Council Vice President or future Head Volunteer or Chairman of that committee or placement.

She can give you specific information to help you with your

choices. Please remember that you may only list two choices from one placement or committee. For example, you may rank two placements from Designer Bag Bingo, but then your other two choices must be from placements other than Designer Bag Bingo.

Another important feature of the Online Placement process is the “Comments” section. A member should give the Placement Committee information that will help them place that member properly. Examples of information include, but are not limited to, the following: changes in work schedule, pregnancy, knowledge of the subject, interest in the placement, etc. This extra information is key to ensuring the Placement Committee places you in a choice that fits your life for the upcoming League year.

Every effort will be made to give each member one of her four choices. In the event placements are oversubscribed, the following criteria will be used in the filling of positions: 1. Years of active placements; prior chairmanship.

2. Satisfactorily completing previous placements.

3. Meeting financial obligations on time.

4. Meeting attendance.

If you have any questions concerning the placement process or need help in determining if a placement is a good fit for you, please reach out to your Advisor. If you are unsure of your Advisor for this League year, their name and a hyperlink to their contact information can be found on the right-hand side of your Digital Cheetah home page under “Contact Info.” You are also welcome to reach out to me at abrow54@gmail.com for any questions you may have.

I am a firm believer that one’s League experience is a two-way street. You get out what you put in. I encourage you to put in the time and review the resources available to you. Thoughtful and deliberate placement choices based on your time available, skill set, and voluntarism goals are the key to a successful and rewarding League experience. It is that energy and passion that you, as member of our League, can lead the Shreveport-Bossier community in positive, lasting change. j l sb.o rg | S p ri n g 2019 Pari shscope

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Day

GIVE FOR GOOD

Heather Price

THE POWER OF PHILANTHROPY What is Give For Good?

Give For Good is an interactive, exciting, and fun 24-hour online giving challenge led by The Community Foundation of North Louisiana. The day is North Louisiana’s largest day of giving and raises thousands of unrestricted dollars for North Louisiana organizations.

Give For Good allows our community to come together to celebrate the important work area nonprofits are doing.

In 2018, Give For Good raised more than $1.8 million in just 24 hours. These funds came from over 4,000 donors representing 41 states and were distributed to over 205 organizations. On top of these donations, nonprofits could also grow their pool by capturing a portion of the Community Foundation’s $230,000 Lagniappe Fund and competing for nearly $25,000 in prizes.

When will Give For Good take place?

Mark your calendars for May 7, 2019! The 24-hour giving challenge takes place from midnight to midnight on the first Tuesday in May. How can you make a donation?

On May 7, simply go to giveforgoodnla.org, discover organizations and causes that are meaningful to you, and use your credit card to make a donation.

Donations can be any size, from $10 and up. You can add multiple organizations to your cart and make several gifts at once! A receipt, which serves as your tax-deductible letter, will be emailed to you immediately.

Once again, The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is proud to be participating in this one-day challenge with our mission in mind. We challenge you to “strengthen the community through philanthropy.” Check out our profile on the Community Foundation’s Give for Good website at giveforgoodnla.org. On May 7, 2019, we invite you to invest in our mission by participating in Give For Good.

05.07.19

How does it work?

North Louisiana nonprofits can begin registering for Give For Good in December. On May 7, 2019, community members will be able to search all of these profiles and give to their favorite organizations, plus find new causes and groups that are making a difference in North Louisiana.

All donations are processed through giveforgoodnla.org, which is set up and hosted by The Community Foundation. Donors, organizations, and the public can track giving progress throughout the day by checking out the

leaderboard, which provides exciting real time updates.

Although organizations are competing for a share of the Lagniappe Fund and prizes, when everyone comes together to Give For Good the entire North Louisiana community wins.

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Celebrations Kirsten Knutson (Active) married Garrett Shrewsberry on October 14, 2018, in Dallas, Texas.

Sarah Brantley (Active) and husband, Wes, welcomed their daughter, Blair Elizabeth, on December 20, 2018. Blair weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 20 inches long.

Elizabeth Langley (Active) and husband, Andrew, welcomed their son, Marshall, on November 19, 2018.

Marshall weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 19 Âź inches long.

Michelle Wallace (Active) was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President Business Banking Relationship Manager at Progressive Bank.

Michelle will work with the bank’s commercial borrowers.

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Sarah Lowder (Active) and her husband, Preston, opened Lowder Baking Company in January 2019!

The first few weeks were spent making Lowder King Cakes, but now that Mardi Gras season has ended, the bakery will offer fresh baked breads, croissants, pastries, cookies, and cookie cakes. j l sb.o rg | S p ri n g 2019 Pari shscope

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KingCake Classic

Sarah Lowder 5K, 10K, AND “RUN FOR THE BEADS” FUN RUN

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is happy to announce a very successful 2019 King Cake Classic 5K, 10K, and Fun Run for this year! This event effectively tapped into our area’s enthusiasm for Mardi Gras and brought runners from all around the south to Shreveport, Louisiana. The third annual King Cake Classic was held on February 9, 2019, with over 300 runners participating. This year we had many exciting details, including our NEW event location. The race routes began (and finished) at Red River Brewing Company and took our runners through historic Downtown Shreveport.

King Cake Classic is one of the only active and family-focused events of the Mardi Gras season in our area.

We’re proud that this event promotes a healthy lifestyle among children and families. This year’s race day experience included: Live music by Shreveport Second Line Brass Band, Lowder King Cake, Red River Brewing craft beer, Mardi Gras bead medals, Kids Area & Activities, and so much more.

This year we also teamed up with two other area races to create the “Sweet + Lucky Spring Race Series”—comprised of King Cake Classic 2/9/19 (JLSB) + The Pie Run 2/16/19 (Southfield School) + Shamrock Shuffle 3/16/19 (Barksdale Officers Spouses Club). Participants who register for all three races will receive a commemorative pint glass at the final race. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to register for the Pie Run & Shamrock Shuffle!

The 2019 King Cake Classic committee members were: Kelly Moeller (Co-Chair), Morgan Lang, Natassica

Photos by Jennifer Bradford Photography

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Clark, Melissa Olivier, & Sarah Lowder (Chair).

We are grateful for our King Sponsor: Swoop; as well as Queen Sponsor: Pediatric Dental Partners. In addition, we want to thank our Krewe Sponsors: Lang Orthodontics, JTO Computer Solutions, & Southern Roots Dentistry; Duke Sponsors: Walker-Alley & Associates, Avalon Hair Salon, & Quality Shades & Shutters; and Jester Sponsors: BancorpSouth & J Weinland Group Benefits. Our Race Day Experiences were provided by: Red River Brewing, Lowder King Cakes, PopularPrint.com, & Run Wild Racing.

A very special thank you to JLSB volunteers who showed up early to set up and cheer on participants.

Whether you participated in the King Cake Classic as a Runner, or supported as a Sleep-in Supporter—THANK YOU for helping make this event such a huge success!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Thank You to our wonderful 2019 sponsors KING SPONSOR

QUEEN SPONSOR

KREWE SPONSORS

DUKE SPONSORS

JESTER SPONSORS BancorpSouth • J Weiland

RACE DAY EXPERIENCE

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Conference

WINTER

In January, Katherine Douthitt, Maggie Pressly, and I had the privilege of attending AJLI’s 2019 Winter Leadership Conference in New Orleans. Winter Conference is designed for a League’s new leadership team (PresidentElect, President-Elect-Elect, and Executive Vice President-Elect) to have the opportunity to learn with their counterparts from other Leagues. The focus of this leadership conference was the Junior League mission and how Leagues can continue to achieve it.

Maggie and I had the opportunity to hear the marvelous Vicki Clark speak about “community impact.” We were inspired by her thoughts on strengthening internal community at the committee level. Oftentimes, we focus our energy on the “tasks” we need to accomplish when we should be working to develop the potential of the women working with us on our committees or councils. That is a pillar of our mission after all! By engaging members instead of using them as a “means to an end,” we increase retention, improve our member experience, and help equip members to continue to be a powerful force in our broader, external community.

Similarly, Katherine attended a session on communication, where the overarching concept was that “truly and authentically empowered women empower other women” and the importance of coming from that place when communicating anything. That same core virtue of our mission—developing the potential of women—is fulfilled

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Saige Solomon

through empowering others.

On the last day of the conference, we all participated in a helpful exercise to identify our personality type based on a color system. Funny enough, we all discovered that our primary color is GOLD. According to the moderator of the session, gold personality strengths tend to be “loyal, dependable, organized, thorough, sensible, punctual, and caring. They enjoy check lists and checking things off the list.” The three of us laughed at how accurate we felt the description was of all of us! By knowing this about ourselves and also understanding how our personalities interact with the other colors (green, blue, and orange), we can learn how to best communicate with one another and with our colleagues throughout the League.

Although we did enjoy some great New Orleans cuisine, the highlight was getting to know one another better so that we can work together to effectively lead the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier alongside all of you— our incredible members. “Team Gold” is enthusiastically ready and willing to serve the League and help us build our internal community while making a lasting impact on our external community.

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Memorable Moment s King Cake Classic

MAG I C 28

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Holiday Part y

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COOKBOOK RECIPE EASY CRAWFISH FETTUCCINI Ingredients: 1 to 2 pounds crawfish tails Butter 1 (14-ounce) package frozen chopped seasoning blend (chopped onions, bell peppers, and parsley), thawed 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 pound Mexican Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces Half-and-half Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound fettuccine, cooked

Directions: SautĂŠ the crawfish tails in some butter in a skillet until cooked through. SautĂŠ the seasoning blend in 3/4 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat until tender. Stir in the flour. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the crawfish and cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, stirring constantly. Add enough half-and-half gradually to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the cooked pasta in a bowl and toss to coat. Serves 8.

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