Letter from the Sustainer at Large

LETTER FROM THE S u s ta i n e r a t L a r g e Melanie Peacock

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” These words were spoken by John Wesley, co-founder of “Methodism” for the Methodist Church. Isn’t this exactly what the Junior League aspires to do in our community? Our organization of trained volunteers “do all the good” as we work to improve our community through training, leadership, and service. Although the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has faced plenty of uncertainty, changing regulations, and roadblocks during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have never been so proud of this organization’s perseverance and adaptation than I am right now.

It has been such a privilege to serve as Sustainer at Large of the Board this year. Eight years ago, serving as President of the JLSB, I thought I knew what hard work and perseverance looked like. We introduced a couple of new programs, made the difficult choice to end a program, and dealt with a flooded office when the roof failed during heavy rains. However, the difficulties we faced as a board were minor in comparison to the disruption caused by COVID-19. I know I had an amazing board a few years back, but the women currently serving on the JLSB board personify flexibility, efficiency, and rolling with the punches. Every placement in the League has been impacted by the pandemic and through it all, these women keep “doing all the good.” I thought I would be the one bringing experience, knowledge, and advice to the board, but in reality, our board members are the ones teaching me about meeting needs of our community and our membership during constantly changing times.

We have been unable to plan Sustainer events again this year out of concern for the health and safety of our members, and I am really missing those opportunities to connect with one another in person. As a substitute, I would like to recognize Sustainers currently serving on other non-profit boards in our area. These ladies have taken skills and habits learned and cultivated in the Junior League (I bet every one of them has a detailed notebook!) and dedicated those skills to serving and training others through continued board service. These women continue to be fine examples of doing good in all the ways they can.

Speaking of Sustainers and service, please consider submitting a nomination for Sustainer of the Year. The deadline for submitting a nomination is April 15, 2022, and the application can be found at jlsb.org under the Membership/ Sustainer Program tab. The Sustainer of the Year celebration will be combined with the JLSB May Dinner meeting on May 10, 2022, and we encourage Sustainers to attend to celebrate the Sustainer of the Year and to get to know the talented women currently leading and serving in our League.

I am grateful to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for giving me the opportunity to serve with so many talented, smart, passionate “do-gooders” who became good friends and mentors. The photos I have chosen to share are just a few of the many Actives and Sustainers who played a key role in my development as a volunteer and leader. Our paths continue to cross well into Sustainerhood, and every single time I have the opportunity to serve with a current JLSB member or Sustainer, I know without a doubt I am serving with the best of the best. To our current JLSB members, soak up all the JLSB has to offer—I look forward to seeing all the good you carry into our world now and in your future as Sustainers.

Melanie Peacock

Sustainer at Large

SUSTAINERS AT WORK IN OUR COMMUNITY

Rhonda Anglin – Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Glen Retirement System

Ellen Alley – Vice President of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Louisiana; President of the English Speaking Union’s Shreveport branch; Historian of the ERA Civic club; Member of the Vestry at St. Mark’s Cathedral

Krystle Beauchamp – Sci-Port Discovery Center Board Member; Friends of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Board Member; National Meningitis Association Board Member

Elizabeth Mendell Carmody – Immediate Past President and current At-Large Board Member of Shreveport Bar Foundation; YWCA of Northwest Louisiana Board Member

Susan Cox – Arvad Ministries-House of Grace Board Member Amelia Grace Jordan – State President of P.E.O. Sisterhood Louisiana State Chapter

KC Kilpatrick – Director of Geaux4Kids

Theresa Meldrum – The Arc Caddo Bossier Foundation Board Member

Lee Clifton O’Brien Davis – President of the ARK-LATEX Ambassadors

Jennifer Hemmings – Geaux4Kids Board Member

Lecie Israel – Sci-Port Discovery Center Board of Directors alongside current JLSB President, Sarah Giglio; Shreveport Association of Ladies Tennis (SALT) Board as Secretary Marcia Moffatt – President of the Shreveport Opera Board; Providence House Board Member; Arc of Caddo Bossier Foundation Board Member

Michele Q=Petersen – Volunteers of America Board Member

Libby Siskron – Shreveport Symphony Board Member; Shreveport Opera Board Member; National Society of the Colonial Dames of America Board as Past State President; National Essay Consultant on the Patriotic Service Committee of the NSCDA.

Margaret Sour – Providence House Board Member

Brandi Stephens – President of the Red River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

Suzie Stinson – Geaux4Kids Board Member