Another great League year for the books! I love the summer issues of the Parishscope because they give us a chance to reminisce on all of the great work our volunteers have done, hear from our Provisionals, Sustainers, and the new Board and Management Team, our fearless leaders.
I personally had a great time getting acquainted with the upcoming Board and Management Team while taking their headshots for the introductions on page 22. They have big shoes to fill so their skill and drive will be such an asset to the League. Be sure to take a look at their features and put faces to names, and see their titles and fun facts!
We’re also introducing some familiar faces as our new Sustainers and checking back with our Provisional Class on how they’ve enjoyed their time so far! It’s important to get to know all of the areas you can thrive within with this group of lovely ladies, so don’t miss it. This is my last issue as editor and I must say what an amazing placement this has been for me! I loved getting to meet everyone and communicate with multiple facets of this team. Aside from getting to access my creative side, I also got to learn so much more about the JLSB. It has been such a pleasure. Before I go, one last shameless push for people to try out the Communications Council. It’s not about being a designer or extensively creative, it’s about working with others to procure and provide updates on everything fabulous we can accomplish together.
JuniorLeagueSB
@JuniorLeagueSB
Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier
facebook.com/JLSB.org
youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB
2022-2023
PARISHSCOPE Staff
Editor
Emily Hamann
Assistant Editor/ Business Manager
Hannah Mayer
2022-2023
Board of Directors
President
Margaret McDonald
President Elect
Ginny Lamb
Executive Vice President
Alex Person Secretary
Chelsea Adcock Treasurer
Stephanie Foster
Nominating Chairman
Shelvia R. Grant
PR&D Chairman
Kendra Joseph
Actives at Large
Stacey Melerine
Anna Brown Priestley
Sustainer Advisor
Toni Thompson
2022-2023
Management Team
Executive Vice President
Alex Person
Communications VP
Tara Jones
Community VP
Devon Leon
Fund Development VP
Jane Sugar
Membership VP
Catherine Guidry
Assistant Treasurer
Julia Todd
As I write this letter, we are one month away from the end of the 2022-2023 League year, and what a year it has been! I am thankful to have this place in the Parishscope to reflect on the year.
The past few months in the JLSB have been busy with finishing our community placements of Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change (MAGIC) and the Red Apron Pantry, our Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser, and planning for the 2023-2024 year. A highlight of this spring for me was attending MAGIC’s end-of-year dinner to meet the students who attend this program and to spend time with the JLSB members who mentor them. Designer Bag Bingo was also a stand-out event—it is overwhelming in the best way to see 600 women gather at a JLSB event for an evening of fun and fundraising. My favorite part of the event was seeing women who met as volunteers in the JLSB attend the event together as friends outside of the League. I have also enjoyed attending Placement and Operational Planning meetings; they set the foundation for our next League year.
The last month of our League year has been filled with celebrations—both of the 2022-2023 year and our 90-year history. At the beginning of this year, President Elect Ginny Lamb recognized that our 90th anniversary needed to be celebrated, and she hosted a lovely party that brought together generations of League members and supporters. I loved looking through scrapbooks that detail the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier’s history of serving and improving our community. It was also a joy to focus on this year of the JLSB at our End of Year Celebration. We welcomed 18 new Active members and eight new Sustainers; awarded four scholarships, a Volunteer of the Year Award, and a President’s Award; reflected on the service of all of our volunteers; and recognized the leadership of our Management
Margaret McDonaldTeam and Board of Directors.
The final event on my JLSB calendar is to attend the Past Presidents Luncheon. I am honored to soon be part of this group. Over my ten Active years in the League, I have had the opportunity to know, learn from, and look up to an impressive group of leaders. Thank you to Melanie Peacock, Elba Hamilton, Lila Knicely, Melissa Flores, Katie Baker, Heather Price, Katherine Douthitt, Saige Solomon, and Sarah Giglio for setting an example of service and leadership, each in your own way. I am also thankful for the guidance of past-president Toni Thompson who has served as an advisor several times in my League career. It is obvious why so many League leaders look to Toni when choosing an advisor—she is level-headed, “gets” the League, and is a fantastic judge of character. I look forward to next year’s luncheon when I will be a true past president and will join these women to reminisce about our times as Active members and to continue supporting the work of the League.
The JLSB is in wonderful hands with our next two presidents—Ginny Lamb and Alex Person. Ginny has vision and the drive to make things happen. Alex has a servant’s heart and is a fantastic motivator. How lucky is the League to have such a team!
Thank you for an incredible 90th year of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. I am honored and grateful to be an almost-Sustainer of our League.
Warmly, Margaret McDonald 2022-2023 PresidentAUGUST GMM
AUGUST 8
SEPTEMBER GMM
SEPTEMBER 12
PUMPKIN PATCH AT PROVENANCE
SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 27
JLSB 90th Anniversary Party
Past, Current, and Future Presidents of the JLSB (left); Incoming President, Ginny; Outgoing President, Margaret; and President-Elect, Alex (above)
REVEL
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 8
OCTOBER GMM
OCTOBER 10
NOVEMBER GMM
NOVEMBER 14
DECEMBER GMM
DECEMBER 12
I am honored to serve as President of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier as we approach our 91st year and we look to the future of our organization.
When I moved back to Shreveport, I knew I wanted to get involved in the community, I just did not know where to start! Though it is easy to get involved in an organization, you might quickly learn that your values do not align or that it is not a well-run group. Thankfully, as a Sustainer, my mom could point me in the right direction with the Junior League.
Throughout my time in the JLSB, I have had various inner-League placements that made a strong impact on me. Personally, my most meaningful placement was Designer Bag Bingo Assistant Chair and then Chair in 2019. I remember getting a phone call asking if I would be interested in this brand-new placement, and I was honored. I was flattered that people not only considered me, but thought I could handle such an important task. Designer Bag Bingo grew to be a much bigger event than we all imagined.
My family also grew as my husband Rich and I welcomed two children 16 months apart. My son was actually born prematurely just a mere six days prior to DBB. With that experience, I learned that the JLSB is an organization of women that rally around you when you most need them and I will have lifelong friendships because of that. This placement led me to where I am today. It gave me the confidence to seek out leadership roles that I likely would not have attempted. I have experienced firsthand the significance of the opportunities that the League provides and I want to ensure that it is available to women in our community for generations to come.
The Junior League also understands the importance of a trained volunteer. This allows us to be effective in our roles as community leaders. Every placement is a training opportunity, no matter how big or small the role. We strive to give our members the space to make their own decisions, but the support they need to effectively lead.
The Junior League’s work is critical to our community. In a world where people are increasingly busy with work and various activities, there is a major shortage of volunteers.
Although this responsibility can take us away from our families at inconvenient times, the women of the JLSB choose to spend our time serving others. We see the bigger picture.
We see that our work aids in creating a stronger community, and that we can teach our children the importance of community involvement by example. My three young children might not fully understand what all of this work is about, but I look forward to sharing the lessons that I have learned over time. I am thrilled to continue our work, strengthen our membership, work to create sustainable funding, all while evolving in this everchanging world.
In this special issue, please take the time to get to know the members of our Board of Directors and Management Team who will lead the League this coming year! I look forward to sharing with you throughout the 2023-2024 year all that the League is doing to further our mission of building a stronger community while providing meaningful training for our members.
Sincerely,
Ginny Lamb Ginny Lamb 2023-2024 President
Dr. Betsy and Broox Boze
Nancy Cosse
Kim Foret
Nancy Broyles
Floy Hebert
Melinda Hernandez
Peggy Lyons
Betty Henderson
Maggie McElroy
Dr. Peggy Murphy
Carolyn Murphy Thompson
Lesa McDonald
Stacey Melerine
Patricia Miramon
Lisa Nelson
Susan Adams
Katie Adger
Debbie Angelo
Tookie Barr
Julia Blewer
Nita Braddock
Lynn Chance
Jane Clawson
Justin and Heather Courtney
Susan Cox
Lee O’Brien Davis
Roxann K. Davis
Helen E. DeBeaux
Marilyn Deupree
Lennis S. Elston
Michelle Everson
Melissa Flores
Paula Frierson
Corinne Garrett
Sylvia Goodman
Elba Hamilton
Lisa Hargrove
Beth Harrington
Jennifer Hemmings
Michele Horton/Anti-Pest
Cindy Jones
Tara Jones
Mary Jo Kayser
Hollisann Kent
Leslie Scott
Jane Sugar
Edie B. Williams
Melanie Peacock
Tracy L. Prestwood
Julia Todd
Allison Washington
Maggie Malone
Margaret McDonald
Jodie McJunkins
Virginia Murphy
Patricia O’Brien
Margaret Oden
Sybil T. Patten
Betsy Chandler Peatross
Angie Phares
Michele Q=Petersen
Leslie Smith
Jane Snyder
Stacey Timms
Charlotte Walter
Michele Wiener
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What wonderful year! It has been such an honor to serve as Sustainer Advisor and I am delighted to be able to share with you. The JLSB is in capable hands and its Active membership is dedicated. The significant work in our community is being performed by a smaller membership body than JLSB has enjoyed historically, but the important work is being done, and that is where we as Sustaining members can be instrumental.
First of all, thank you to the many Sustainers who have offered to assist this coming League year. The continued dedication of our Sustaining membership is vital. You can help by paying your Sustaining member dues. Consider buying a ticket and join the fun at the Designer Bag Bingo event with friends. You can also contribute to the annual giving campaign, the 1933 Society.
The demands on Active members have increased due to significant commitments and fewer members. In particular, October is a tremendously busy month with the strains of staffing the numerous Pepsi booth shifts during the eight days of the Red River Revel. The required staffing of the Pepsi booths has exceeded the available Active members. You can help! Commit to volunteer (and bring some friends) during this busiest time of the year. The day shifts seemed to be the most difficult to staff. Please consider volunteering for a Revel Pepsi shift. I can’t imagine the Revel without League members in the Pepsi booths—don’t let that happen!
Congratulations to outgoing president Margaret McDonald for her tireless service and leadership, and all of the wonderful ladies on the Board who gave of themselves to serve in leadership this year. It is inspiring to see your thoughtful approach to issues encountered this past League year. Discussion and debates were lively but never personal and all points of view were valued. I am so excited for the incoming leadership team. They will do a wonderful job carrying on the important work in the Shreveport-Bossier community.
As a final reminder, it is never too early to be thinking of someone to nominate this upcoming year for Sustain-
Toni Thompson
er of the Year. We are blessed to have so many wonderful members who have effectively served our community. This important tradition only continues when we personally get involved and recommend someone for this recognition. I encourage you to talk with your friends and take a personal stake in identifying someone for consideration of this special award.
As Sustainer members we are active in a different stage of life and life events. The challenges of young families and beginning careers have transitioned to being involved in the lives of adult children and caring for our parents. While our commitments are now different, the importance of our participation and helping has never been greater. Please consider being supportive in the ways best suited to you, be that financial support, your participation in events, or both.
Thank you again, for this wonderful opportunity and experience!
The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier takes pride in identifying the critical needs of our community and through our community projects, meeting and fulfilling these needs. We accomplish this work through our programs like MAGIC, Red Apron Pantry, and Active Kids. The JLSB also meets this goal through our Community Assistance Program (CAP), our grant program. The CAP Grant’s purpose is to provide monetary grants for short-term critical needs of non-profits in the Shreveport-Bossier area whose work addresses a critical human need.
Over the years, we have awarded CAP Grants to organizations like the Highland Center, who used their $2,200 to repair the leaking roof over their commercial kitchen that they use to serve weekly meals to those in need. In 2021, we awarded Basic Necessities $3,000 to help build their diaper and period product supply, as the costs of these products were rising and there was an ever-increasing need in the community.
Applications for CAP grants are accepted on a rolling
Alex Person
basis, and may be awarded up to $3,000. Such a grant may be awarded to a non-profit whose proposed project supports the mission/focus of the JLSB, addresses a critical human need, faces the possibility of a disruption of a program or service, has prospects for continued funding after exhaustion of the CAP Grant funds, has an unforeseen need not covered by its budget or present financial services, has a volunteer component, benefits the community at large, and whose clients will be significantly impacted by this grant.
This year we awarded our CAP Grant to YWCA’s Teen Mom program. This program helps teens who are expecting or have recently had a child by teaching them about life skills, financial awareness, parenting skills, and other important topics to help them grow as a mother and ultimately be a successful person. The YWCA Teen Mom program helps provide a meal each week during these important sessions. Our CAP Grant is helping to provide the food the attendees need to use as they learn to cook recipes while attending this much needed program
The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is proud to share that in December 2022, our Board voted to invest $250,000 into our existing Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Fund was initially opened in 2018 with $10,000. Due to successful fundraisers in recent years and other factors, we were able to invest a meaningful amount of money where we can see a return on our investment. Many of you are familiar with the work of the Community Foundation, the importance of their work, and their success in investments. But most importantly, our missions align. This was an important factor in choosing to move forward with this investment.
Ginny Lamb
A main focus of our new Strategic Plan is to create a sustainable funding model, where we do not have to be concerned about the day-to-day operational expenses of owning a building and all that running a non-profit requires. We are working to build our Endowment Fund to be a longlasting source of substantial funding for our League, in order to focus on our mission of serving others in our community.
The League will of course continue to host fundraisers, as they are meaningful training opportunities to our membership and are necessary to our operations. However, we would like to ease the burden that fundraising can be on our membership. The world we live in has changed dramatically. Most households now have women in the workforce, and they do not have as much time to volunteer. The JLSB is different in the fact that, even though most of our membership is now working, we continue to prioritize helping others through volunteer action. We see the significance in our work and what it provides to our community. We know that it is making an impact in our clients’ lives when we show up again and again. We need to be able to have a sustainable source of income that allows us to continue this work and to recruit members with like-minded goals. Please visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.cfnla.org to learn more about their organization, or use the QR code on this page to access the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Fund page.
View custom projects on our website & social media Award-Winning Custom Homes! Luxury Custom Homes - Large Scale RemodelingIt is hard to believe that summer is here and another Junior League year is behind us. Our Provisional class has completed a successful and busy year and will now move into their first Active year. Each Provisional attended General Membership Meetings, Provisional Meetings, and observed a Board Meeting. They observed our community placements, Super Safety Saturday, MAGIC, Red Apron Pantry, and Artist for a Day at the Red River Revel. They assisted with fund development shifts at the Red River Revel, Pumpkin Patch, and Designer Bag Bingo.
Our spring was busy with Provisional meetings. Our March Provisional meeting was an informal meeting to answer any last-minute questions about placements. All League members, Provisional and Active, submitted their placement requests in March. I have heard from many Provisional members who are very excited about their placements for next year.
Our April Provisional meeting was a gathering with the Board of Directors and Management Team. We met at Antonio’s Italian Cuisine in Shreveport for appetizers. This fun evening provided the opportunity for Provisional and Active members to visit outside of our normal meeting setting.
This year would not have been possible without the support and guidance from our Provisional team. Angela Myles, Provisional Assistant Chair, will be moving into the Provisional Chair role next year. Lindsey Brown, Tiffany Metoyer, Lindey Smith, and Allison Washington served as our Provisional Advisors this year. This team guided their Provisional group through a wonderful League year.
It has been a pleasure to serve as this year’s Provisional Chair. I have greatly enjoyed getting to make many more League friends and I am excited to see all of the wonderful impacts this year’s Provisional class will have on JLSB.
If you know someone who may be interested in joining the Junior League, please have them email jlsbprovisional@gmail.com for more information.
Elizabeth Martin
Where are you from? Shreveport/Bossier City area
Tell us about your family.
My family is from right here, the Shreveport/Bossier area. My dad has been a small business owner here since the age of 27. My parents have hearts of gold and love supporting and helping others. They are my inspirations. They’ve raised my two brothers and me to put God first and know the rest will fall in place.
What do you do for a living?
I am an educator at SUSLA, teaching Human Anatomy/Physiology and Caddo Parish’s McKinney-Vento Program.
Why did you join the JLSB?
I was trying to find a way to give back to my community and Junior League’s mission statement seemed to align with my own personal goal to become a better leader. When I saw that Junior League aimed to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training, I was sold!
What was your favorite part of your Provisional year?
My favorite part was bonding with my new Junior League sisters! It’s been so fulfilling building relationships and new friendships with ladies who have a common goal!
What has the JLSB meant to you?
Sisterhood. I’ve felt so welcomed by this organization. Any time I had a question or anything, someone was just a phone call away and guided me with the most gracious response. I’m excited to make next year’s Provisionals feel the exact same way!
Where are you from? Pittsburg, Texas
Tell us about your family.
I am the oldest of four siblings with two younger sisters and one younger brother. I am thankful for how close we are and that we enjoy being with one another. I have been married for seven years to my best friend in the whole world, Landon. We have two dogs, Sugar and Tank.
What do you do for a living?
I work for the American Cancer Society in Fundraising and Development.
Why did you join the JLSB?
I joined JLSB to grow my leadership skills, give back to the community, and make friends!
What was your favorite part of your Provisional year?
My favorite part has been seeing the legacy that JLSB has in Northwest Louisiana. When I tell people that I am a part of the League, I see the admiration for our League. So, my favorite part of this first year is becoming a part of that legacy.
What has the JLSB meant to you?
JLSB has meant so much to me so far. I know that I will have friends I have made in the last year for the rest of my life. I am beyond thankful for that.
CANISHA TISBY
Where are you from?
Shreveport, Louisiana
Tell us about your family.
I am the eldest daughter of the late Johnnie and Connie Tisby. I have one sister, Breanna Tisby, who has provided me with one exceptional niece, Tiyanna Tisby. While my immediate family is small, my Mother’s side has provided me several cousins and aunts.
What do you do for a living?
I currently work in Human Resources as a Senior HR Analyst for the City of Shreveport.
Why did you join the JLSB?
I joined Junior League for a few reasons, one of those is that I’m at a point in my life where I am celebrating me and doing new things. I wanted to be part of something that would push me out of my comfort zone; the fact that I get to give back to the community makes this all worthwhile.
What was your favorite part of your Provisional year?
While I enjoyed all parts of my Provisional year, two favorites come to mind: one, working the Revel—learning that the Junior League started the Revel and being a city employee made the experience a great one. Another favorite part of my Provisional year was selling pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch! I never knew pumpkins were so popular!
What has the JLSB meant to you?
To me, JLSB has meant commitment— being committed to something and knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself.
The 10-month Provisional course will educate Provisional members of the mission, benefits, and impact of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier (JLSB) through voluntarism and leadership training.
A PROVISIONAL MEMBER WILL:
❏ Attend at least six (6) Provisional Meetings
❏ Attend five (5) General Membership Meetings
❏ Attend one (1) Board of Directors Meeting
❏ Participate in the Red River Revel Pepsi fundraiser
❏ Participate in an additional JLSB Fund Development shift of your choosing
❏ Participate in three (3) JLSB placements to gain exposure to and experience with the organization’s community involvement opportunities
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS ($340 TOTAL):
• $120 Provisional Course Fee and contract (due by July 31, 2023)
• $120 Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Annual Dues (due by Provisional Retreat, August 2023)
• $100 Fund Development Obligation (cookbook set)
HOW TO SUBMIT APPLICATION AND PAYMENT:
• Drop off contract and fees at the League office
• Email contract (print and scan) to jlsbprovisional@gmail.com
• Pay with check or card through the League office (in person or via phone call)
• Pay all at once or make payments
PROVISIONAL COMMITTEE:
Angela Myles, Admissions/Provisional Chairman
Lindey Smith, Admissions/Assistant Provisional Chairman
Olivia Hoogland, Chelsa Jackson-Reese, Brenda Mosley, and Anna Priestley, Provisional Leaders
JLSB MEETINGS:
• JLSB Board meetings are held the FIRST Tuesday of each month
• General Membership Meetings (GMM) are held the SECOND Tuesday of each month, September 2023 through May 2024
• Provisional Meetings are held the THIRD Tuesday of each month
CONTACT:
Angela Myles, Admissions/Provisional Chairman
jlsbprovisional@gmail.com | 318.393.2271
Designer Bag Bingo was a great success! This year brought a new venue, delicious food and beverages, and even more excitement. Over 600 attendees filled the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino ballroom for a night of fun! Sonja Bailes and Ed Walsh entertained us throughout the night as we played BINGO for 10 designer hand bags and a number of raffle prizes graciously donated from local businesses across Shreveport-Bossier.
We couldn’t have done it without our sponsors! Our presenting sponsor was Community Bank of Louisiana. We are also appreciative of our community partnerships with Sid Potts and CHRISTUS Health. Our Gold Level sponsors included Clarkes Jewelers, Closets in Order, and Miramon Law.
Our Silver Level table sponsors include 8445 Med Spa, Hannah Alexander, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Angelo, Blanchard Medical Center, Jeri Bowen, Family Living Magazine, Catherine Guidry, Donielle Herrera, Susan Holland, Mary Suzette Horn, Lee Davis, Aja Menard, Kandace Samuel, Pennington Facial Plastics, Progressive Bank, Morgan VanZandt, and Kristen Young.
Please & Thank You Paper Co. was a Bronze Level sponsor. Handbags were donated and sponsored by Bayou State Construction Group, Dillard’s Pierre Bossier Mall, M Studio, Madison’s Merle Norman, Cyndi Nichols, Southern Hills Animal Hospital, and Woodshapers Remodeling.
Catherine Simpson
Delicious cookies were at each place setting thanks to Lowder Baking Company. Attendees also enjoyed a photo booth experience thanks to HealthCARE Express.
Raffle prizes were donated from a number of League members and businesses including 8445 Med Spa, Balentine & Co Jewelers, Belk Shreveport, Bliss Wax Bar, Bossier Arts Council, Brookshire’s Line Avenue, Canatella Interiors, Chemistry Hair Salon, Clarkes Jewelers, Club Pilates, Corks and Cuts, D1 Training, Dulaney Aesthetic Medicine, Favorite Sisters’ Boutique, Fixx Medical Spa, Frank’s Pizza Napoletana, Gautreau Gallery, Give Me 3, Haus of Beaute, House of Colour, Jolie Blonde Gifts, Katie Lowder Art, Kendra Scott, La Bambolina, Lewis Gifts, Louisiana Coin and Jewelry, Lululemon, Stacey & Michael Melerine, The Moppet Shoppe, Orange Theory, Pretenses Boutique, Pure Barre, Sam’s Town, Superior Steakhouse, The Beauty Haven, The Paper Tulip, Village Washstand, Waves of Color, We Olive, Well + Fed, and Window Genie.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this the best Designer Bag Bingo yet. Plans are already underway for the 2024 event. Keep updated on the latest Designer Bag Bingo news by following the JLSB Facebook page.
I cannot believe that it is already the end of spring and we are closing in on the end of this League year. When I was placed in the role of Community Vice President, I was most looking forward to having the opportunity to learn more about our community projects and how we currently serve our two cities, Shreveport-Bossier. Having transferred into the League during the fun year that was 2020, I was nervous about finding my place in a new city as well as in a new League. Community was the reason that I originally joined the Junior League and I knew that I wanted to continue that role following my and my family’s move to Bossier City. After being placed and serving on the MAGIC committee, I was able to start to feel a connection to my new home by volunteering with an amazing group of young women who demonstrated flexibility and perseverance while their junior and senior years of high school became something no one expected. This connection is what I love about community service. Our League serves this community through its five different programs.
MAGIC stands for Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change. It is one of the two community programs that runs the length of the League year and coincides with the current school year. By partnering with the Volunteers of America (VOA) Lighthouse, our League members serve as mentors for high school age girls in all matters of life including healthy relationships, body image and self esteem, money management, dining etiquette, and female empowerment. This year’s committee is doing a wonderful job of becoming role models and helping our youth navigate into successful adulthood. You can find and join this committee on Monday evenings from September to April at the VOA Teen Club.
Red Apron Pantry is our second community program that runs year round. Since conception, this program is able to serve our local clients by partnering with the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana to provide nutritional food and other household items on a monthly basis. This year our Red Apron Pantry committee decided to continue with the curbside pick-up model, allowing our clients to drive up to the League Headquarters and retrieve pre-packaged boxes readied by committee members. The one-on-one interaction and development of relationships fostered by this model is what drives the community program. Our hope for the future of this program with the League is to continue receiving feedback from our community clients regarding their needs while also returning to the “Client Choice” walk-through pantry to preserve integrity and individualization with food choices. Please join and support this committee on the third Thursday of every month.
Although we are sunsetting our Super Safety Saturday program in 2023, it has been a great event over the past 13 years! Super Safety Saturday was a fall-concentrated program that partnered with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Safety Town to raise awareness and
Devon Lennto educate the public on safety issues affecting children in an engaging and fun atmosphere. Families were able to visit the different designated areas to learn more about health and safety, while also receiving goody bags to commemorate their experience. During the health and safety fair, families were given the opportunities to meet with vendors ranging from orthodontics and pediatric dentistry to Shreveport Fire Prevention to Shreveport Memorial Library. The always-popular Touch-A-Truck allowed children to learn more about vehicles used in safety situations, including helicopters, motorcycles, and marine patrol units. Lastly, the Family Fun Zone gave families a small break while enjoying bounce house inflatables, face painting, food trucks, and a fun craft assisted by another one of our community programs, Artist for a Day.
Artist for a Day is also a fall-concentrated program that focuses on providing STEAM education through hands-on arts and crafts. Traditionally, Artist for a Day has partnered solely with the Revel; however, this community program will be expanding to include a smaller spring event that will extend our outreach to a greater population of children. The arts and crafts chosen by the committee range from a variety of mediums and allows for each child to feel a sense of accomplishment once their “masterpiece” is completed. This year the committee will provide a rotation of crafts in order to provide further art education while maintaining a level of excitement and anticipation for what comes next. This program highlights and celebrates the importance of art and art education for the younger members of our community.
Last but most certainly not least is our fifth community program, Active Kids: Strong Minds and Body Wellness. This program is concentrated during the summer months and serves to educate children on Health Literacy, including physical activity, nutrition, injury prevention, and tobacco use prevention. For eight weeks every Tuesday, school-age children are given the opportunity to learn more about themselves while also experiencing new and fun ideas they can implement for healthier snacks and a healthier lifestyle. In partnering with The Boys and Girls Club, our committee members are able to build relationships while leaving a lasting impression on the children of our community. Their smiles and genuine excitement each week is worth everything this program works so hard for.
I can honestly say that this year is a huge learning experience for me. I feel that the knowledge I am able to gain and take away from each of our amazing community programs adds to my reason for why I am a part of the Junior League. The commitment our committee members show day in and day out to serve our cities is inspiring. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve and volunteer alongside this group of women. I hope, like me, you are looking forward to the great work our community projects will continue next year.
Each year, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier honors a Volunteer of the Year. This individual is selected from members who received at least one “Leading Lady” nomination over the course of the League year. Nominations are based primarily upon outstanding performance and visibility within the League. The recipient of this award is meant to be a member who has demonstrated the principles espoused in the JLSB’s mission and vision statement. Her spirit and nature should reflect a positive image of the League.
The 2022-2023 Volunteer of the Year is Emily Oliver! Emily served as Artist for a Day Head Volunteer this year, and this community project grew under her leadership to reach 2,100 children during the Red River Revel. The Artist for a Day committee felt prepared to serve thousands of children over the nine-day festival because of Emily’s guidance before the Revel. She implemented new crafts that explored different art forms, and the committee tested each of the crafts so they could help children in the Artist for a Day tent. She was fantastically organized with plastic bins for each craft that could be rotated in and out as the crafts changed throughout the day. One person who nominated Emily as Volunteer of the Year shared that she handled her role with grace and positivity and showed what it means to be a volunteer. Thank you, Emily, for representing our League so well!
Each year the President selects someone who has been instrumental to her presidency to receive the President’s Award. I knew who would receive this award before the year began because this person is instrumental to just about everything I do. The recipient of the 2022-2023 President’s Award is my mom, Lesa McDonald. My mom transferred to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier eight years ago after being a member of the Junior League of The Woodlands, Texas for many years. Eleven years ago, she encouraged me to join the JLSB, even though she was unsure if I could find enough sponsors to be admitted! This year, my mom worked a Revel Pepsi shift, unloaded Pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch, and hosted the 1933 Society party at her home. More than that, she went on almost daily walks with me to talk through all my ideas, frustrations, challenges, and hopes that came with serving as Junior League President. I cannot imagine this year without her support. Thank you, Mom!
Each year the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier recognizes several graduating seniors in our community who exemplify all that the Junior League represents. In years past, we have presented a scholarship to a graduating senior from a Caddo school and a Bossier school. This year we expanded our scholarship program to award a scholarship to a participant of our Mentoring Girls to Inspire Change (MAGIC) program through the Volunteers of America. As you can tell through its name, MAGIC is a mentorship program where our members meet twice a month with students in our area. With this being our first year to award a MAGIC scholarship, we could not choose just one recipient, and the VOA helped us choose two recipients.
Congratulations to our four scholarship recipients, Madison Goree, Clevonda Mitchell, Gracie Moore, and Kaitlyn Moton.
Madison Goree attended Captain Shreve High School and will be attending Xavier University this fall. She values her education, is ranked number seven in her class, and was named a Captain Shreve Student of the Year finalist. She served in several leadership positions, including as a Louisiana Girls State delegate, a Student Council Executive Board member, and a Step Forward Teen Advisory Council member. She is also a dedicated community volunteer who served with her church’s youth group and praise dance ministry, prepared Geaux Bags, and guided families at the American Rose Center. Madison noted that her goal is to be a kind and caring ambassador for her school and community.
Clevonda Mitchell is graduating from C.E. Byrd High School and will attend the University of Louisiana, Monroe to pursue a degree in Nursing. She is a dedicated student and credits her mother with instilling in her the importance of education and doing her best to maintain good grades. Clevonda shared that her passion for nursing is inspired by her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Gracie Moore attended Benton High School and will seek a degree in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Alabama, with the goal of becoming a certified child life specialist. Not only is Gracie a driven student with an impressive grade point average, she was a fouryear member of the Lady Tigers soccer team and a leader in many student organizations, including as Yearbook Editor and Beta Club Vice President. She also coached youth soc-
cer teams, taught Pre-K Sunday School, and has been a delegate to Louisiana Girls State. Gracie shared that she has a heart to serve and a passion for helping children.
Kaitlyn Moton graduated from C.E. Byrd High School. In addition to earning all As, she was a four-year member of the Art Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Kaitlyn just completed her freshman year at Centenary College of Louisiana where she is majoring in Studio Art with minors in Spanish and English. She is a member of the Christian
Leadership Center, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Black Student Union, American Poetry Society, and Northside Hall Council. Kaitlyn noted that through her art she wants to share the Gospel and encourage and comfort people.
Madison, Clevonda, Gracie, and Kaitlyn represent the types of people we hope will be future League members. They are bright, driven, and service-minded. We are so proud of their many accomplishments and wish them the very best during the next chapter of their lives.
League History: This is my ninth year in the League. I have had placements ranging from Arrangements to Designer Bag Bingo and Nominating Chair. I joined the JLSB at the advice of my mother, Nancy Broyles, as well as friends who are now Sustainers.
More About Me: I was born and raised in Shreveport, so this community and its success means so much to me. My husband, Rich, and
Alex Person, President-ElectLeague History: I joined JLSB to make friends and I have certainly done that. I still have some of my best friends I made while working on the JL Spring Shopping for a Cause Market. Ten years later we still laugh about how much fun we had pre children and, for some, pre marriage. In my mid-20’s I had some of the very best times making memories that will last forever.
I have three children, Virginia (5), Chip (4), and Nancy (1). I am on the board of the Volunteers of American of North Louisiana, as well as involved in my children’s school and my church.
Fun Fact: In the short time I lived in New York more than 10 years ago, I had many celebrity sightings: Daniel Day Lewis, Paul McCartney, Cameron Diaz, and more!
League History: I originally joined the Junior League of Lafayette, La., for the 2017-2018 year. I served my first Active year on the Junior Quiz Bowl committee then served as Chairwoman for the Junior Quiz Bowl my second year. Following my move to Bossier City, I transferred into the JLSB and was placed on the MAGIC committee, where I served for two years. This past year, my fifth Active year, I was chosen to serve as Community VP. I joined and stayed in the League to learn more about the communities I was living in, to meet like-minded women whom I could
More About Me: I am the Director of Education at the Gingerbread House CAC. I have been married to John David Person for almost 11 years and we have two children, Andrew (6) and Anna Claire (3), along with our loved chocolate lab, Bailey.
Fun Fact: I have watched Grey’s Anatomy through the entire 17 seasons four times!
League History: I have been Member at Large, Community VP, Red Apron Pantry Head Volunteer, Fund Development R&D Chairman, Winter Wonderland Co-Chairman, Market Co-Chairman, and Volunteer of the Year for 2020. More About Me: Michael and I have a three-year-
develop friendships with, and to have something that was just my own outside of work and being a mother.
More About Me: I am a Physical Therapist, currently working at Willis-Knighton Rehabilitation Institute. I have been happily married to Spencer Leon for seven years and we have two daughters, Emily (5) and Anna (3).
Fun Fact: I was a Christmas Belle and served as an Ambassador for the city of Natchitoches during the Natchitoches Christmas Festival season my senior year of high school.
old son, one-year-old twin daughters, and two pups. I am an attorney for Travelers Insurance Company where I work with complex claims and government relations.
Fun Fact: I was on my college’s water ski team.
League History: I have served with Red Apron Pantry, Member Engagement, and as Assistant Treasurer.
More About Me: I am an attorney and CPA with a primary focus in the field of estate planning and probate. I am focused on letting people
know that everyone, regardless of age, needs an estate plan. I am married to my high school sweetheart and have a two-year-old son and a newborn daughter.
Fun Fact: My birthday is New Year’s day!
League History: This will be my sixth year in JLSB. I have done the Pumpkin Patch three times, once as Activities and twice as Chair; served two years on Nominating; and my Provisional year. I joined because Stephanie Ferris Foster asked me to join with her! It has been a wonderful experience getting to know people and trying new things I probably would never
have done—like unloading 5,000 pumpkins! More About Me: I have a dog, Tod, and a cat, Ramsley. The dog is my child and my world; the cat is growing on me. I love to travel, shop, read, and bake.
Fun Fact: I once paid Olive Garden $200 and they gave me an all-you-can-eat pasta pass and a trip to Italy for seven days!
League History: This is my fifth year in Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. My previous placements included MAGIC, Provisional Advisor, and Project Research & Development Assistant.
More About Me: I am the founder of a local nonprofit organization, W.E.B. DuBois Child Enrichment Center. Our mission is to help bridge the achievement gap between certain groups of children by focusing on STEM (science, technol-
ogy, engineering, and math) education. I also serve on the grants committee for Community Foundation of North Louisiana - WPN. Additionally, I serve as a grant reviewer for United Way of Atlanta. I am a graduate of University of Texas at Arlington. I am recently engaged.
Fun Fact: I want to serve on the Board of Directors for the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).
League History: I joined the League in 2017 hoping to join a community of women who wanted to give back and improve our community. I had recently moved back to the area and was also hoping to develop some friendships outside of family and work. I have served as Project Research and Development Researcher, a Provisional Advisor, and on the Fund Development Committee as Fund Development Research and Development Assistant Chairman. I have loved my time in the League and I’m excited for what the future holds for our members. More About Me: I currently teach sixth and eighth grade gifted math at Caddo Middle Magnet in Shreveport. I have taught for nine years
and absolutely love helping students build and develop their mathematical knowledge, reasoning, and confidence. I also serve as the Student Council sponsor for CMM and cultivate budding leadership skills within the students. My husband, Riley, and I have been married for six years and we have a sweet little pup named Piper. Fun Fact: My favorite animal is a penguin. I actually “adopted” a penguin named Ichabo from the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans through their Adopt an Animal Program and I love to go visit and hang out with them! I even have a painting in my classroom from my favorite penguin, Ichabo!
League History: This will be my ninth Active year in the League. Over the years, I served in community and membership placements primarily as well as a stint in PR&D. I loved plugging into the community to volunteer, including through former placements, Bingo at University Health (now Ochsner LSU), and Between the Lines (a literacy program for children of inmates). I’ve enjoyed learning how the League works behind the scenes through membership placements, including Membership VP and Placement Chair. Having served on the Management Team, I look forward to serving on the Board to round out my
Junior League journey. The greatest joy from my years in the League are the friendships I’ve made along the way—JLSB’s members truly are its greatest asset.
More About Me: I’m an attorney at Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts, practicing primarily in the areas of taxation, estate planning, and successions. My husband, Alex, and I have a two-year-old daughter, Anne-Page.
Fun Fact: I love to read and travel. I have visited all but two continents and more than 30 countries, with many more on my to-be-visited (and to-be-read) lists.
League History: I’ve been in the Junior League for nine years, including two years in the Junior League of Memphis. During my first few years, I was primarily in community placements such as Done-In-a-Day and MAGIC. I transitioned to in-League placements serving as Fund Development PR&D for two years, Assistant VP Fund Development, and VP Fund Development. I am now excited to join the Board as Member-at-
Large in my 10th year with the League.
More About Me: I am a surgeon specializing in breast cancer treatment. When I’m not at work, my husband, Miles, and I stay on our toes keeping up with our four children, Trey (8), Charlotte (6), Thomas (4), and James (2). I love reading, cooking and baking, and running. Fun Fact: I have over 200 cookbooks and am always trying something new!
Heather Courtney, Sustainer at Large League History: I served on Artist for a Day for two years, JL Spring Market for three years (hospitality and co-chair), as Assistant Ways & Means VP, Ways & Means VP, on the Nominating Committee, and as Nominating Chair. I joined the League back in the dark ages when you had to have a sponsor because I was new to Shreveport and wanted to make friends—and the League delivered. Some of the best friends I have were made in placements with the JLSB. More About Me: I have been married to Justin Courtney for 11 years and we have two kids, John (8) and Maggie (6). I’m an attorney and currently work at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. My hobbies include reading and needlepoint.
Fun Fact: When my husband and I had been married for about a year, we traveled to West Virginia to go snow skiing with my father. We followed the directions given by airport personnel to the resort, which resulted in our vehicle getting stuck in the snow in a national forest that wasn’t cleared during the winter. We officially “went missing,” and my husband hiked 20 miles in the snow in a pair of cowboy boots to get help for us. I was quite literally picked up by a search party while I was hiking out of the national forest because I got tired of waiting on my husband to show up with the aforementioned help. WV State Police had snow mobiles and helicopters out looking for us. It was quite something.
League History: My Provisional year was 19921993 and I have had years of wonderful placements, including Play & Learn at LSUHSC & Shriner’s Hospital, Bargain Haul Treasurer and Chair, Ways & Means VP, Trends & Traditions Gala Chair, Provisional Chair, Community VP, Nominating Chair, and then was slated as President for 2004-2005. There were so many fun times and friendships made while navigating the League as an Active. Each placement brought unique challenges, but all were learning and growing experiences. I loved being surrounded by women and imagining the impossible for our League. I continued my League experience by serving on the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Board from 2012-2015. My work on the AJLI Board included the Global Continuum Committee, chairing the Issue Based Collective Action Committee, and working on the Finance/ Audit Committee. The friendships I’ve made and continue to make are some of my greatest gifts
from the League. This will be my third time to serve as Sustainer Advisor to the Board. More About Me: Professionally, I’ve been with Argent Financial Group as Business Development Officer for almost five years. It’s great that I get to use many of the skills developed in the League as I work with individuals, families and organizations and lead Argent’s focus on Women | Wealth | Wellness as they build, protect, and distribute their wealth. My husband and I split our time between Shreveport and Oxford, Miss. I have two daughters who are both in the Junior League, Taylor (Junior League of Charlotte) and Sarah Bracy (New York Junior League).
Fun Fact: I enjoy playing pickleball, gardening, attending sporting events, and traveling. One of my favorite things is to give my husband Christmas ornaments of places we’ll visit during the year. And I absolutely adore my puppy, Weezie, an adorable Cairn Terrier—she likes to travel, too!
Angela Hamilton, Membership Vice PresidentLeague History: It’s crazy to believe that this is my 11th year in the League! I’ve been a part of so many fun placements including Kitchen Tour, Nominating Committee, Super Safety Saturday, Red Apron Pantry, Pumpkin Patch, Placement
Chair, and Membership AVP/VP.
More About Me: My husband, Matthew, and I have two sons, Jack (6) and Jude (4).
Fun Fact: We are huge Saints fans and have had season tickets for several years!
League History: For as long as I can remember, I have had a strong desire to give back to our Shreveport-Bossier communities through voluntarism, so the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier had always been on my list of organizations to join as soon as I met the requirements. I actually had two Provisional years, my first, 2015-2016, was cut short due to being put on bed rest while I was pregnant with my first son. Throughout my time with JLSB, I have served the League in a variety of placements. I was involved with MAGIC for a short time during my first attempt at a Provisional year, Kids in the Kitchen SPRING for three years (one as Head Volunteer), Safe Sitter Event Detail Coordinator, Super Safety Saturday volunteer, Provisional Advisor, and most recently Communications AVP where I was in charge of creating and sending the monthly League
Links emails. While it would be hard to pick a favorite placement, I must admit that my time volunteering with KIK SPRING will always hold a special place in my heart as we had the privilege to work closely and form relationships with the most precious kiddos. I look forward to continuing service to our League and members as the Communications VP.
More About Me: I’m an educator teaching English and Theater at Benton High School. Additionally, I serve as the Homecoming Court Director, Drama Club Sponsor, and Student Council Cosponsor. I am a mom of three boys, Carter (7), John Henry (4), and Tucker (5 months). I am Team Mom for both of my older boys’ baseball teams. My husband is Clinton Martin, partner at Benefit Consulting Services.
Fun Fact: I am a Phi Mu Alumna.
League History: Most of my time in the League has been spent in Community placements, including Artist for a Day twice, Red Apron Pantry, and Safe Sitter. I was Revel Pepsi co-chair for two years and a member advisor for one year. I’ve made some lifelong friendships through JLSB. It is so nice to get to know people who value empowering women to improve our community.
More About Me: I am a dentist in Shreveport with a small private practice. I enjoy solo travel abroad. I have found that taking myself out of my comfort zone has made me a stronger person. Fun Fact: When I was in high school, I worked one night a week as a telemarketer for a family friend’s Allstate insurance agency. I’m sure you can imagine that was quite the experience!
League History: I transferred to the JLSB from the Junior League of Lafayette. I have served on and chaired the Pumpkin Patch committee and been Revel Pepsi Chair.
More About Me: I am married to the wonderful Andrew Langley and just welcomed baby number three on April 23, 2023, joining big brother Marshall and big sister Sally.
League History: My Provisional year was 2021. Last year I was on the Pumpkin Patch Committee. I joined the League to meet people and give back to the community. I’ve enjoyed my experience so far and am excited to serve!
More About Me: I am a Vascular Access Nurse at WKMC. I am married and have a French and English bulldog!
Fun Fact: I met Oprah Winfrey while wearing a poodle skirt as a child in Natchitoches.
League History: I have served on Super Safety Saturday and as Provisional Advisor. I joined the Junior League to get involved in our ShreveportBossier community and to meet other likeminded women.
More About Me: I am a Family Medicine physician at WK Palmetto Family Practice in Benton,
La. My husband, Parker, and I live in Shreveport with our dog, Andi, and cat, Jinxey. I love to read, needlepoint, and binge Netflix with my husband. Fun Fact: Growing up I raised a flock of forty sheep and lambs with my dad, and now my parents use that land to run a Christmas tree farm.
League History: I joined JLSB in 2020 and have had placements in Designer Bag Bingo and MAGIC.
More About Me: I’m a regional supervisor of branch operations for an industry-leading consumer finance company. I’ve worked in finance for over ten years. Above all, I’m the devoted wife to RJ Johnson and proud mother of Kendall (4)
and Jae (1). I enjoy traveling, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and shopping. Fun Fact: I attended University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on a track and field scholarship. My father also competed at Ole Miss as a track and field athlete. So I’m a second generation SEC athlete. #HottyToddy
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite placement was being on the spring market committee. I think you build the best connections and relationships in those placements that really challenge you.
What was your favorite League memory?
I really enjoyed my Provisional year. It was fun meeting so many like-minded women striving to serve the Shreveport community and learning about each other and the Junior League throughout the year.
Catherine Guidry
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite League placement has to be working with the Red Apron Pantry. I loved working with the group of women involved with the Pantry, as well as seeing the community we were benefiting face to face. Their smiles made that experience one I won’t forget.
What was your favorite League memory?
My favorite League memories were probably work-
Sherricka Jones
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite League placement was Revel Artist for a Day. What was your favorite League memory? Preparing for Artist for a Day—the time spent bonding before the event was just as much fun.
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite League placement was the Pumpkin Patch. Our team at Lang Orthodontics started the pumpkin painting and kids craft activities and it has truly grown to be one of my kids’ favorite activities during the fall season. It is so fun to see all the little ones come on a Saturday morning and make crafts. All the smiles and giggles are the best.
What was your favorite League memory?
There are so many wonderful memories within Junior League! This organization has paired me with women that share similar interests, improving our
Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
Yes, I am actively involved in service through my church, a board member for the Flyer Alumni Association, active with the Tri Delta Alumnae Association, a member of the Krewe of Gemini, and I just served on the reunion committee for my class at Southern Methodist University.
ing at the Pumpkin Patch at Provenance every year. The weather was typically beautiful and I always had some of the best conversations sitting under the tent.
Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
Absolutely. I’m currently very involved in my children’s school, but would love to volunteer within other community organizations soon!
Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
I actively serve my community as a business owner, community volunteer on the boards I serve on, and as a public servant.
community and seeing the impact we have on the Shreveport and Bossier communities. Working together on a number of activities, I was able to spend quality time with members that turned into lifetime friendships. And for that, I am truly thankful. Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
Yes! Being involved in the community is something that is important to me. I was taught at a very early age to give back and have enjoyed it over the years. I look forward to many more years volunteering for great causes within our area.
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite placement was Parishscope Assistant Editor my first Active year. It set the foundation for the rest of my League career. By reading all of the articles multiple times during the editing process, I learned so much about our members, our community projects, and our fundraisers.
What was your favorite League memory?
My favorite League memory is working in a Pepsi booth at the Red River Revel with my mom this year; my mom encouraged me to join the League over 11
What has been your favorite League placement?
My favorite placement was Super Safety Saturday. What was your favorite League memory?
My favorite League memories are forming friendships through Super Safety Saturday and other
What has been your favorite League placement?
I have been fortunate enough to serve in many different placements in my years in the League, but I loved my time with Active Kids this past year. This was a placement I wasn’t overly familiar with, but I quickly realized the involvement of our League has an enormous impact on the community.
What was your favorite League memory?
My favorite League memories are from working in
What has been your favorite League placement?
Serving on the Board was a great experience! I learned a lot about our general operations and the future of JLSB.
What was your favorite League memory?
My favorite League memories are anything involving Revel Pepsi! Those shifts were always fun
years ago, so it was special to have the opportunity to volunteer with her during my final Active year. Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
Yes! I serve as the Personnel Advisor for Centenary College’s Iota Gamma Chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity. It is a joy to spend time every week with the collegians. They are bright, caring, hardworking, and funny—very much the type of people who I hope will be future members of the Junior League.
placements. I met a friend who introduced me to my husband!
Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
I hope so!
the Pepsi booth at the Revel, as I often got to know members I had not known before our shift, and the people watching is always phenomenal. Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
I will continue to volunteer at my church and children’s school, and hope to continue to give back through local community organizations.
despite the occasional tornado or thunderstorm. Great music while making new League friends... what more could you ask for?
Any plans to serve in other community organizations in the future?
Education and the Arts are my passion. I’ll be seeking out new opportunities in those areas.
90th Anniversary Party
When we find ourselves reaching for cool salads and planning gatherings around the grill, it means one thing—summertime is upon us! Summer months call for cool beverages, light bites, and cold treats. Our favorite summer recipes often highlight bright herbs, tomatoes, berries, fresh corn,
Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, p. 65
24 ounces orzo
Salt to taste
1½ bunches green onions, trimmed and chopped
12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
¾ cup chopped fresh dill weed
7 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds shrimp, peeled an deveined
Pepper to taste
1½ English hothouse cucumbers
2 baskets cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
1 cup pine nuts (optional)
½ English hothouse cucumber, cut into rounds
2 sprigs of dill weed
and all of summer’s bounty.
Our much-loved Junior League cookbooks bring an array of offerings perfect for “warm” (i.e. hot?!) sunny occasions. Come by the Junior League office or order online to pick up your copy and enjoy all of the summer refreshers.
Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, p. 62
1 (10-count) can large country biscuits
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil, or 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 garlic clove, crushed
Salt to taste
7 cherry tomatoes, each cut into 3 slices
Cut the biscuits into halves. Roll each half into a ball and roll the balls into rounds on a lightly floured surface. Press each round over the bottom and up the side of a miniature muffin cup.
Mix the mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, and garlic in a bowl. Arrange 1 tomato slice in the bottom of each prepared muffin cup and spoon some of the mayonnaise mixture over the tomatoes. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm. You may have some of the filling left over. Makes 20
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water in a saucepan for 8 minutes or just until tender and drain. Rinse with cold water until cool and drain again. Combine the pasta, green onions, cheese, chopped dill weed, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl and mix well. Cook the shrimp in boiling salted water in a stockpot for 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and drain. Rinse with cold water to cool and drain again. Add to the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Chill, covered, for up to 8 hours.
Cut 1½ cucumbers lengthwise into quarters and cut crosswise into ¼-inch pieces. Add the cucumber pieces, three-fourths of the tomatoes and the pine nuts to the pasta mixture and mix well. Spoon the salad into a large serving bowl and arrange the remaining tomatoes and cucumber rounds around the edge of the bowl. Garnish with the sprigs of dill weed. Serves 20
Revel, p. 44
2 family-size tea bags
1 6-ounce can orange juice concentrate
2 lemons, halved
1 cup sugar
8-10 mint leaves
Put tea bags in 2 pints boiling water. Steep. Twist and squeeze mint to extract flavor and drop in tea. Let stand a while. Add undiluted orange juice. Add juice, pulp, and peel of lemons and sugar. Add enough water to make 2 quarts. Strain. Pour over ice and serve. Yields 2 quarts
By Wilma WhittingtonRevel, p. 47
Ice
1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice, prepared according to directions
1 10-ounce package frozen strawberries
4 ounces bourbon
Fill blender with ice. Prepare orange juice and pour in blender until three-fourths full. Add strawberries and bourbon. Blend and serve.
Serves 4
By Edie Broyles Williams
Mardi Gras to Mistletoe, p. 106
Blueberries
2½ cups water
2 cups sugar
1 cup lemonade mix
Crush enough blueberries to measure 4 cups. Combine the crushed blueberries and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain in a colander. Place the colander over a bowl and press the blueberries to extract the juice. Strain the juice, discarding the solids.
Combine 3 cups of the blueberry juice and the sugar in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a rolling boil and remove from the heat. Let stand until cool. Stir in the lemonade mix and pour into a 1-gallon container. Add enough water to fill to the top and stir. Pour the blueberry mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until firm. You may use sugar-free lemonade mix, if desired.. Makes about 20 popsicles
Elizabeth (Active) and Andrew Langley welcome baby Annie Paige Langley, born April 23. Annie was 7 lbs 4 oz, 20.75” and joins her big brother, Marshall, and big sister, Sally.
Kirsten (Active) and Garrett Shrewsberry and big brother Soren welcomed Katherine Alice Shrewsberry on Valentines Day.
Tiffany
(Active) is a 2023 Altered NWLA Break the Glass “Woman of Inspiration” Nominee. This award recognizes women in our community who lead, inspire, and promote others to be more and do more. Tiffany was also honored at the APCA National Campus Activities Planning Conference in Hershey, PA. She received the Yonna Pasch “Heart of APCA” award.
Jessica (Active) and Brent Latin celebrated their 10year anniversary on May 11.
Kristina Glass (Active) graduated with her Masters degree on May 12.
LaKeisha Myles Towner (Active) was named President of the Red River Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Stephanie Ferris (Active) is a 2023 Class of Women of Impact Nominee for the American Heart Association.
Katrina Sproles (Active) graduated in March 2022 with a Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Louisiana Tech.
Megan Strecker (Active) welcomed a baby girl, Ivey Grace Strecker, on January 21.
Sandifer
Jessica Martin (Active) welcomed newest addition, Tucker James Martin, born November 14, 2022.
Photo by Jaci Crouch Photography
