Parishscope Summer 2016

PARISHSCOPE A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | Summer 2016

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From the Editor

Table of Contents

Ashley Rudd Another year has come to a close. The Parishscope team and I have enjoyed serving you this year and hope you’ve enjoyed each issue as much as we’ve enjoyed publishing. Next year Leslie Smith will take the reins, and I know that I’m leaving our publication in very talented and capable hands.

In the final issue of the 2015-2016 year, we bid farewell to our president Lila Knicely and welcome our incoming president Melissa Flores. You’ll also meet our new board members and recognize our new sustainers. Our theme of new beginnings carries through several program and fundraising updates. Be sure to read about next year’s plans for Meeting with a Mission, our exciting new fundraisers, and dates for 2016-2017 events.

Congratulations on another successful League year!

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Letter from the President

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Letter from the Incoming President

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2016-2017 Board

10 2016-2017 Management Team 12 Provisional Update 13 Regional Training 14 2016-2017 New Sustainers 16 Sustainer of the Year 18 Project Research and Development 20 Meeting with a Mission 22 Kids in the Kitchen 24 Ways and Means 25 JLSB 5K and Family Fun Run 26 Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause 28 Memorable Moments

JuniorLeagueSB

29 Celebrations @JuniorLeagueSB

30 Cookbook

Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier facebook.com/JLSB.org youtube.com/user/JuniorLeagueSB

Cover photo by Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography

2015-2016 Parishscope Staff

Secretary Katie Baker

Nominating Chairman Emily Nickelson

Editor Ashley Rudd

Treasurer Leah Feldt

Sustainer Advisor Toni Thompson

Assistant Editor Leslie Smith

Community VP Stacy Smith

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Membership VP Laurel Brightwell

President Lila Knicely

Communications VP Kelly Powell

Placement Chairman Kendra Meiki

President-Elect Melissa Flores

Ways and Means VP Heather Fulco

Assistant Treasurer Heather Price

PR&D Chairman Rachel James Board Members

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

What an honor it has been to serve as the President of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier this year. I must admit, that as I sat with a group of women at one of the Provisional informational meetings at Jodi Penn Rives’ home twelve years ago, I never considered serving in this capacity. But I am so grateful that I have had this amazing opportunity to be a part of, and to help lead, an organization with such a long lasting and profound community impact. I truly believe I have gained even more than I have given.

My time this year has given me such wonderful perspective on the role the League plays in the community. Since its formation in 1933, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has continued to identify the critical needs of our community and address those needs with a wide variety of projects planned, led, and staffed by our trained volunteers. Today we continue to make a positive impact on our community through our projects focused on

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Lila Knicely

families at risk. These projects, among other things, foster improvements in literacy, childhood obesity, family life skills and the cultural enrichment of youth, resulting in a better quality of life for all in our community.

The League’s mission impacts our community not just through the obvious channels of our existing community projects, but also through the pipeline of talented, trained volunteers that we funnel into our community each year.

As a result of our work to develop the potential of women and train our volunteers, both our active and sustaining members are serving as leaders in our community beyond their service to the JLSB. The training and leadership development our members receive will continue to bring forth a positive impact on the Shreveport-Bossier community for years to come.

I am so thankful to the League for the training it has given me over these past eleven years. I have grown and developed my potential in ways that I would never have

thought possible and I have learned so much about myself along the way. As we conclude this League year and I look back at my time as an active member, I know that I would not be where I am today without the tools the League has given me.

I am also so very grateful to have worked alongside some of the most dedicated and talented volunteers I have ever known, many of whom I now count among my closest friends. As I move on to a new phase of my League membership, I am excited to see where each of your League careers takes you and I hope that as you look back on your League experiences one day, you too will feel that you are a better person for having served the Junior League of ShreveportBossier.

With sincerest thanks,

Lila Knicely President

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President

Letter From the Incoming

Melissa Flores

Your League leadership team has been busy planning for the 2016-2017 year for many months and we are looking forward to a fun and successful year. I want to mention a few important changes and additions that we believe will truly help you get the most out of your League experience. We hope that you will find our new plans exciting yet beneficial and that you look forward to next year with eagerness and anticipation!

This coming year, the League will operate under our new structure that was approved by the membership.

Our board is now smaller and will be focused only on governance matters (big picture ideas) and on long-term planning to ensure the continued vitality and success of our League. We just had our Board Retreat and we have an amazing group of ladies who will be joining me on this journey and I can already tell that together we are going to be able to make some big things happen. Our newly created Management Team will handle all of the management issues and the day-to-day matters. The Management Team will be led by Kendra Meiki, our Executive Vice President, and will be comprised of our Council Vice Presidents and our Assistant Treasurer. This is another great group of ladies who I know will be effective leaders and managers in guiding our League.

Second, we are introducing two new fundraisers for our 2016-17 League year. Winter Wonderland will be a fun Christmas event with activities for kids, pictures with Santa, and other attractions. Our Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause will be a clay shoot and lunch at Los Paloma in Benton. We are also working on having an event during the clay shoot for those who may not be ready to “pull the trigger�! Both of these committees are already working hard on these events, so stay tuned for more details to come.

Third, we are working to revamp our General Membership Meetings and make them more focused on training and education. We are planning to bring speakers that will both inspire and educate you not just about the League, but about being leaders in the community. We are already working on some great ideas to connect you to others in our community and provide you with beneficial meetings.

Finally, we are really excited to debut our new annual campaign—the 1933 Society. Why 1933? The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier first incorporated and joined the Association of Junior League International, Inc. in 1933. We have been around for 83 years and we are still

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going strong. In those 83 years, we have stayed true to our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. We have been able to continue our mission by the continued support of all of you, our sustainers, our active members, and our community supporters. By joining the 1933 Society, you will be able to not only support all of our events and programs, but also to support the invaluable training we are able to offer our members. In considering whether to join our 1933 Society, please remember the impact that the League has made in your life and know your investment ensures that others are able to receive the same benefit and experiences. The 1933 Society levels are detailed opposite this page and I hope many of you will join me in becoming a League Leader.

On behalf of the board and management team, we appreciate your continued commitment and support to our League. I, personally, appreciate all of the support and encouragement I have received while planning and preparing for our 2016-17 League year. I know that by working together, we can continue to improve our community by promoting voluntarism and developing the potential of women in our 84th year and for at least another 84 years!

Melissa Flores 2016-2017 President

1933 Societ y

League Leader - $1,000 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Name recognition on JLSB website Name recognition in select JLSB publications 2016-17 year (i.e. Parishscope, League Links) Name recognition in the JLSB annual report sent to all members and community leaders Name recognition at all of our fundraisers for 2016-17 year, including Kitchen Tour, Winter Wonderland, Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause, and 5K: Running for a Cause Name recognition on 5K: Running for a Cause T-shirt Includes one cookbook of donor’s choice of any of the cookbooks held at the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier office Four (4) complimentary Kitchen Tour tickets including brunch Four (4) complimentary Winter Wonderland tickets Four (4) complimentary lunch tickets for spectators to Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause Four (4) complimentary tickets to Sustainer of the Year lunch Two (2) complimentary race entries for 5K: Running for a Cause If an active League member, includes one Ways & Means Shift Buyout

League Advocate - $500 • • • •

Name recognition on JLSB website Name recognition in select JLSB publications 2016-17 year (i.e. Parishscope, League Links) Name recognition in the JLSB annual report sent to all members and community leaders Name recognition at all of our fundraisers for 2016-17 year, including Kitchen Tour, Winter Wonderland, Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause, and 5K: Running for a Cause • Eight (8) complimentary tickets to any of the following and in any combination: Kitchen Tour (admission only), Winter Wonderland (admission only), or Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause (lunch tickets for spectators only) • Two (2) complimentary tickets to Sustainer of the Year lunch • If an active League member, includes one Ways & Means Shift Buyout

League Partner - $250 • • • •

Name recognition on JLSB website Name recognition in select JLSB publications 2016-17 year (i.e. Parishscope, League Links) Name recognition in the JLSB annual report sent to all members and community leaders Name recognition at all of our fundraisers for 2016-17 year, including Kitchen Tour, Winter Wonderland, Clay Shoot: Shooting for a Cause, and 5K: Running for a Cause • Four (4) complimentary tickets to Kitchen Tour (admission only) or Winter Wonderland (admission only), in any combination

Deadline to join 1933 Society for the 2016-17 League year is August 15, 2016.

For more information, please see the JLSB website, www.jlsb.org, call (318) 221-6144, or email jrleaguesb@bellsouth.net j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Board

2016-2017

Melissa Flores, President

Family: Husband, Bud; Sons, Roy (7) and Jud (almost 4) Career/Occupation: Partner at Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts First Active Year: 2009 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: My favorite placements are definitely the three years I spent on PR&D. I was fortunate to work with and learn from a great group of women during that time.

Katie Baker, President-Elect Family: Daniel Baker, husband; expecting Noah James in August 2016; and Wally, Jeanne Marie, and Skittles Louise, furry friends Career/Occupation: Attorney at Bradley Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC First Active Year: 2010 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: I really enjoyed serving on the Nominating Committee and as Nominating Chairman. These positions really gave me great insight into how our League functions and truly peaked my interest in learning

I enjoyed working together to develop the MAGIC program and our continued work on revising our other community programs to maximize their benefit to the community. I have lots of favorite memories, but one of my favorite is probably AJLI Annual Conference 2015 in L.A. We had a great time and I learned a great deal about preparing for and being President.

Fun Fact: I taught third grade before I went to law school.

more about our League. I was able to learn about the enormous array of talent we have in the JLSB and how we strive to utilize that talent to promote our mission. The JLSB offers so many wonderful opportunities for training and development of future leaders and I truly encourage each member to take advantage of these opportunities!

Fun Fact: Not sure I can top my fun fact from last year but here goes. I have a slight obsession with Britney Spears!! I have seen her in concert numerous times. Sadly, I haven’t yet made it to Las Vegas to see her show but I plan to get there soon!

Kendra Meiki, Executive Vice President

First Active Year: 2010 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: Family: Husband,Gabe; Daughter, Jordan (12), and Loved being Revel FPC representative. It was a great son, Christian (11) time with a great group of ladies.

Career/Occupation: Owner/Director Shreveport Fun Fact: I love to travel. We will be traveling to Dance Academy and Artistic Director of the Shreve- St. Lucia this summer to celebrate our 15-year anport Metropolitan Ballet niversary!

Heather Fulco, Secretary Family: Husband, Walker Fulco; Pet, our cat, White Career/Occupation: 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Caddo Middle Magnet First Active Year: 2011

Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: I’ve enjoyed all my placements! I think PR&D had the most meaning to me, as it works to create new projects to make a positive and lasting change in the community.

Fun Fact: I love British movies, books, and TV! Photos by Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography

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Board

2016-2017 Heather Price, Treasurer Family: Husband, Marc; Children, Julia (6), Rand (3), and William Ellis (born April 29) Career/Occupation: Accounting and Operations Manager for Porter’s Industrial First Active Year: 2012 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: My favorite placement was Assistant Treasurer.

I liked being a part of the board restructuring and

Jennifer LaPierre, Nominating Chair Family: I have been married for 15 years to Chris LaPierre and we have two beautiful, active children.

Kennedy is 11 years old at Benton Middle School and Brady is 7 years old at Legacy Elementary School.

Career/Occupation: I own Cayenne Marketing, an advertising and promotional products company. We are celebrating 10 years in 2016.

First Active Year: 2012 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement:

LeVette Fuller, Project Research and Development Chair Career/Occupation: Teen Services Coordinator Shreve Memorial Library First Active Year: 2014-2015 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: My favorite moments have been working with, and getting to know the ladies on the Strategic Planning Committee. Most people wouldn’t consider long Saturdays making tough choices about the future a fun way to spend the weekend, but I love Planning!

Elizabeth Pippin, Member at Large Family: married to Charlie; daughters Alexis (17) and Rebecca (15); and son Charles (9) Career/Occupation: working with my husband at our business, Glass Services First Active Year: 2008 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement:

seeing how the leadership of the League and all areas comes together to make a difference in the community.

Fun Fact: I graduated from the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! My senior year in college, I worked as stagehand for an entertainment company. During that time, I got to work backstage with many great performers and their crews! My favorites were Billy Joel, Elton John, and Tim McGraw.

I loved being a Revel Chair so much, I offered to fill that placement two years in a row. Being at the Revel all week is a fun way to connect with our local arts community and meet league members (past and present) who volunteer during the festival. There’s so much work that goes into putting on the Revel every year and I earned a huge appreciation for it.

Fun Fact: I am a certified CrossFit coach. Yes, I am one of those crazy people throwing around heavy barbells and swinging from a pull-up bar. I absolutely love it and coaching classes is extremely rewarding.

I also admire the leadership and tenacity of the women who lead this organization, and their willingness to make informed decisions and to think creatively about solutions.

Fun Fact: I love meeting Children’s and Young Adult book authors. To me they are the real rock stars, my colleagues have been wildly entertained by my antics collecting “selfies” with authors at book signings. My dream is to bring as many of these authors to our community for our youth to share in the enthusiasm.

My two favorite and also most challenging roles with the league were Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer.

I learned so much about how our league works and met many ladies in the process.

Fun Fact: This will be my fifth time to serve our organization as a board member. I enjoy making King Cakes each year during Mardi Gras season. A couple of years ago, I made over 100 in one season! j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Board

2016-2017

Kelly Powell, Active Member at Large Family: Husband, Blake; children Harper (4) and Truman (4 months) Career/Occupation: I own Powell Photography.

First Active Year: 2012 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement:

Shelly Stone, Sustainer-at-Large Career/Occupation: Director of SPAR First Active Year: 1996 Favorite Placement: It was an honor to serve as the President of the Junior League of Shreveport Bossier during our 80th Anniversary year and to represent such a great group of ladies.

Favorite JLSB Memory: Provisional retreats used to be at Camp Forbing where we would do the ropes course to build a bond with your fellow provisional member. One year we arrived for the retreat and no

Elba Hamilton, Sustainer Advisor Family: Husband, John; Isabella (9), Holt Andrews (7), and Henderson (3) Career/Occupation: Civil Engineer First Active Year: 2005-2006 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: Lots of memories from eleven years in the League.

Some of my favorites were traveling to conventions

Being a member of the Board has been my favorite placement so far. It is really important to me to help plan for the League’s future so that it will have the maximum positive impact for generations to come.

Fun Fact: My husband and I are on the waiting list to adopt a baby!

one had unlocked the gate, we called and they said they would be there as soon as possible, but we could go over the fence if we wanted. So you had about 50 ladies climbing a fence, standing on each other backs to get over the fence, and ladies boosting each other over the fence. Talk about team building, it was the best retreat ever!

Fun Fact: My closest friends are those whom I met as a member of the Junior League. We have shared so many of life’s important moments, some tears, each other’s joys and heart aches and lots and lots and lots of laughs.

to represent our League and meeting women from Leagues around the country. I also loved visiting our community projects during my years as PR&D Chair, President-Elect, and President. I was very touched by our work at the Bossier Medium Correctional facility. I also loved visiting Westwood Elementary my last year in the League; the kids and staff were also excited to see us and the energy was contagious.

ManagementTeam

2016-2017 Kendra Meiki, Executive Vice President

First Active Year: 2010 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: Family: Husband, Gabe; Daughter, Jordan (12), and Loved being Revel FPC representative. It was a great son, Christian (11) time with a great group of ladies.

Career/Occupation: Owner/Director Shreveport Fun Fact: I love to travel. We will be traveling to Dance Academy and Artistic Director of the Shreve- St. Lucia this summer to celebrate our 15-year anport Metropolitan Ballet niversary!

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ManagementTeam

2016-2017 Leah Smith, Assistant Treasurer

Family: Husband, Drew; 4-year-old twins, Emily and Elson Career/Occupation: CPA at East Ridge Country Club

Lauren Lea, Community Vice President Family: My husband, Will; two kids,7-year-old son named Gus and 4-year-old daughter, Dottie Occupation: I am a stay at home mom (so basically I’m a housekeeper and personal secretary) First Active Year: 2008 Favorite JLSB Memory: Reading with a happy little

Christine Fortson, Membership Vice President Family: Husband, Stephen; Daughter, Lainey (age 8); Son, Owen (age 5) Career/Occupation: Business Assistant to Mark Sealy, President of Sealy and Company First Active Year: 2006 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: The Cookbook Committee will always hold a special place in my heart. During my First Active Year, we had to serve on a Committee in addition to our Placement. I was a member of the Cookbook Committee and got to help launch Mardi Gras to Mistle-

Mollie Chelette, Way & Means Vice President Family: Husband, Brandon; two boys, Ben (5) and William (3) Career/Occupation: New Stay-at-home Mommy (Previously Commercial Underwriter at IberiaBank) First Active Year: 2011-2012

Margaret McDonald, Communications Vice President Career/Occupation: Law Clerk at the Second Circuit Court of Appeal First Active Year: 2013

First Active Year: 2014 Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: I enjoyed being on Market last year. It was such a fun group of girls!!

Fun Fact: I am a proud Native American registered with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

boy in Paired Reading. I was paired with him my first year in the League, when he needed to repeat 1st grade I was excited to be paired with him for a second year. Getting to spend a little extra time with him really gave me a chance to watch him grow into a confident reader and 2nd grader.

Fun Fact: My oldest friends still know me as LEB, a nickname given to me by my best friend’s dad.

toe. The launch party was at the Mardi Gras museum in Bossier City and it was a great experience being able to see how an event like that came together. I went on to serve on the Cookbook Committee for four years—including being Cookbook Chair and Cookbook Assistant twice!

Fun Fact: I have a collection of roosters around my house. It’s a rather secret obsession because I am very particular about my roosters. The rooster is actually one of the national symbols of France and my rooster collection is more French-inspired than countryinspired.

Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: As much as I enjoy the “money-making” side of the league, I genuinely loved my Community Placements. I love serving others in my community.

Fun Fact: I get super excited each Spring when it’s time to plant my vegetable garden (and I love the Farmer’s Market)!

Favorite JLSB Memory or Favorite Placement: My favorite placements have been Parishscope Editor and Assistant Editor because I learned so much about the League and worked with a fantastic team.

Fun Fact: I lived in Singapore for four years. j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Update

Provisional

The Junior League’s busy year will end at the May Dinner Meeting where the Provisionals will be recognized as new Active members. This is such an exciting reward for a year of hard work! I am left wondering, where the past few years have gone. Three years ago, I started working on the Provisional Committee with hopes of one day becoming the Provisional Chairman.

Two years ago, when I accepted this position as Provisional Chairman, I underestimated the amount of time and dedication this placement required. A year ago, I began this journey, not knowing exactly what was in store. I can honestly say that every minute has been worth it, and it is bittersweet passing on the torch.

Thank you Actives for putting your faith and trust in me to lead this year’s group of Provisionals. I relied on our leaders countless times throughout this year for guidance and support and you were always there for me. It is an experience I will cherish forever.

Thank you Provisional Directors for helping me lead this special group of Provisionals. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you more and working so closely with you. We share a closeness that will always be a part of me and memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you Provisionals for the time and effort you have put forth this year to meet requirements, change lives, and make friends and memories. I could not be more thankful for you and your willingness to serve those in need in our community. I hope when you look back over this year it is filled with as much joy as you have given me. By taking the time out of your busy life, you have made a difference in the Junior League and in the community. It has been a privilege getting to work with you and I know you will go on to do extraordinary things in our League and in our community.

It is not too late to recruit those you know for the 2016-17 Provisional class. Those interested can contact Melissa Airhart, 2016-17 Provisional Chairman, at jlsbprovisional@gmail.com for more information.

These are a few memories and thoughts from this year’s Provisional class.

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Maria Frank, Provisional Chairman

Annalisa Giddens – “The best part of this year has been forming new relationships and bonds with the ladies of the JLSB and my provisional class. I never knew how rewarding it would be serving my community alongside these amazing ladies, and I am truly blessed to call them my friends. From mixers to board meetings, Red River Revel to Spring Market, I have loved and enjoyed every step of the way. I am looking forward to many more years of service.”

Whitney Grisham – “Volunteering with so many amazing woman to truly make an impact in our community has been my favorite part.

There is so much passion within our league to help others and I love being a part of it.”

Lesley Reed – “I have really enjoyed getting to learn about the different areas in which JLSB helps/improves our community. I have made great relationships that I would have not otherwise known and then there are some older relationships that have grown because of the common bond we now have. JLSB has been a great experience to get out into the community with other empowering and wonderful women who have the same ideas and goals as I do. I have really enjoyed my first year and looking forward to many more in the future with this great group of women.”

Training

Regional

On April 9, women from Junior Leagues in New Orleans, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Longview, and Lufkin joined the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for Regional Training. This was a great opportunity to share information, ideas, and get to know members from other leagues.

Speakers Jodi Penn Rives and Olivia Thomas offered multiple sessions for attendees to choose from. Jodi Penn Rives, a Junior League of Shreveport~Bossier Sustaining member, presented Engaging Members and Developing Leaders, and Public Speaking 101. Olivia Thomas, a Junior League of Collin County member, presented Facilitating Meetings, and Finance and Risk Management. They both presented on transitioning to the new Board system and effective leadership. The day also included a networking lunch.

Our members enjoyed their day immensely. Katie Baker, Secretary, enjoyed getting to visit with the members of the other leagues. She felt it was a “great opportunity

Katie Loomis

to see other leagues in attendance.” Kelly Powell, Communication Vice President, stated she found it “incredibly informative, not just for my role in the League, but also for my job and the other nonprofits for which I volunteer.”

Margaret McDonald, Communications Assistant Vice President, enjoyed the whole day—from the facilitators to learning from the other Leagues’ members.

Regional training is always the pep talk we need to finish the league year off with a bang. Lila Knicely did a wonderful job planning and running the day.

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New Sust ainers

2016-2017

Natalie Adams, 2008

Eloise Graf, 2006

Laurel Brightwell, 2010

Alexis Green, 2006

Heidi York Gerkin, 2008

Whitney Howell, 2006

Favorite Placement: Domestic Violence Program Educator I loved working with the women and children during this placement.

It was an unforgettable and rewarding experience.

Words of Wisdom: Every act of kindness, no matter how small it may seem, can make a difference to someone somewhere.

Favorite Placement: Red River Revel Artist for a Day (2009, Provisional Year) I loved that the children weren’t observing or listening or following a routine, but creating and exploring on their terms.

Words of Wisdom: It is a dedication of long hours and hard work, but you will learn a ton.

Favorite League Memory: Serving as a delegate to AJLI Annual Conference What will you take away from your League experience: I’m so thankful for the many friendships I’ve made with other JLSB members over the years.

I’ve truly enjoyed serving our community while forming friendships with some amazing women.

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Favorite Placement: Kitchen Tour Chairman I had a great experience chairing the first Junior League Kitchen Tour. It was an exciting challenge starting a new fundraiser. The tremendous support from the membership and community helped make the event a huge success and it was an honor to be a part of that.

Words of Wisdom: What I learned most about my experience with the Junior League is that you will get out of it what you put in. If you get involved and give it 100% you will have a great experience and meet some lifelong friends!

Favorite Placement: Provisional Chairman My favorite placement was Provisional Chairman, because I got to know 80 new girls in my provisional class and we had a fun year, especially the ropes course at our provisional retreat!

What will you take away from your League experience: I will take away from my league experience, that no matter how little you know about organizing a group of people, or about planning a huge fundraiser or whatever it may be, the League prepares you, and equips you with other ladies to work with to really get things done!

Favorite Placement: Nominating Advisor I’m a small-group person, and I loved this placement because I got to know everyone I was serving with really well.

I also learned so much about how the League operated because of this placement.

Words of Wisdom: The League was a great way for me to meet new people, get involved in the community, and serve alongside an amazing group of women!

New Sust ainers

2016-2017 Lila Knicely, 2005

Favorite Placement: I have honestly loved almost every placement I have had for very different reasons. I don’t think I can choose just one.

Words of Wisdom: Just like so many other things in your life, your League experience is what you make it. If you embrace it, and give 100%, you will get back more than you gave.

Amanda Sevier, 2005

Favorite Placement: Dress for Success I loved working one on one and watching the transformation. Their faces would light up when they put on their “new” clothes.

Favorite League Memory: Working with everyone on the Kitchen Tour this year! Such a great group!

Katie Loomis, 2007

Susie Stinson, 2007

Minou Olsan, 2006

Christan Weidner, 2011

Favorite Placement: Bingo I really enjoyed BINGO at Sutton’s during my Provisional year. Toni Thompson was there several times.

She always answered my questions and made me feel like I was really part of the Junior League.

Words of Wisdom: I really enjoyed getting to know my fellow members through my placements. I encourage making an effort to get to know other women in the League. It will make the experience that much more enjoyable!

Favorite Placement: Revel KIK and Revel AFAD What will you take away from your League experience: Many lifelong friends!

Favorite Placement: Vice President of Membership I served on a Board with incredibly talented women and learned so much from them. I also got to know so many members I hadn’t already met because of the nature of that position. It was an invaluable year!

Favorite League Memory: My favorite League memory is attending the AJLI national conference in 2011 in Orlando with fellow League members. It was so inspiring being around members from across the country and learning from them.

Words of Wisdom: If you want to “develop your potential,” put yourself in placements and leadership roles that are not in your comfort zone. It is intimidating, but it works!

Favorite Placement: Super Safety Saturday I had so much fun working on the Super Safety Saturday Committee over the past three years, but the best part has been developing friendships with wonderful ladies along the entire journey.

What will you take away from your League experience: I am proud to have been a part of an organization with such committed, well-rounded, fun, and helpful women helping our community. j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Congratulations

To our Sustainer of the year Edie Williams (Below) Edie and husband, Lacy.

(Right) Edie with her two daughters, Claire and Evelyn. Claire is a sustaining member of JLSB. (Bottom) Edie Williams

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The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier is delighted to honor Mrs. Edie Broyles Williams as our 2015-2016 Sustainer of the Year. This special recognition is presented to sustaining members who personify the spirit of the Junior League beyond their years of active membership.

Edie Broyles Williams was born in Longview, Texas and is married Dr. Lacy Holmes Williams. She joined the Junior League in Galveston, Texas when her husband Lacy was completing his radiology residency at the University of Texas in Galveston. The couple later moved to Shreveport for Lacy to join a radiology group at Schumpert Hospital. Edie knew no one. She soon transferred her League membership and immediately got involved. Edie said that reaching out to the Junior League when she relocated to Shreveport was a true lifesaver.

“The Junior League was not just an opportunity for me to volunteer in the community, it was the beginning of many opportunities to make new friends.”

Before long Edie was serving on the executive committee as corresponding secretary. One of Edie’s most memorable placements was working the very first Red River Revel. She was responsible for publicity and securing sponsors for the event. She remembers that even then the members worked several shifts at the Revel Pepsi Booth.

Another of Edie’s favorite placements was working on the Revel cookbook. Under the leadership of Vicki Hanna, members collected recipes and had many taste testing sessions in order to compile the cookbook.

Like most sustainers, Edie says she will never forget working the rummage sales at Hirsch Coliseum. Edie remembers working for days to gather and arrange articles for the event. On the day of the sale she recalls the doors opening wide and the crowd of buyers pouring in seeking a bargain!

Edie says the Junior League has meant so much to her. She continues to follow the mission of the League as a volunteer by serving on the LSU-S Foundation Board of Directors, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral Altar Guild, Shreveport Medical Society Alliance, Shreveport Garden Study Club, Shreveport Opera and Shreveport Symphony Guilds, Shreveport Little Theater Guild, Hypogeum Society, Meadows Museum, and Women for ShreveportBossier Community Renewal.

“I am so proud of our League and the many community projects that reach out to serve so many others.”

Edie and her husband have four children and seven grandchildren. They were recognized as the 2006 Philanthropists of the Year by the North Louisiana Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). In 2007 Edie and Lacy contributed the underwriting gift for construction of the Dr. Lacy & Edie Williams Circle of Excellence Plaza on the LSU-S campus. Edie received the LSU-S Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. The award is given annually to alumni who have exhibited exemplary leadership and service to LSU-S and the community at large.

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Research &Development Project

Rachel James

Over the course of the League year, the Project Research and Development Committee (PR&D) works behind the scenes to improve and strengthen our current community projects and also works to develop potential new community projects. The committee takes data and information from a meeting with the Community Council head volunteers and the comments received from the League membership at the November Group Meetings.

This information along with project specific meetings and visits to the community projects throughout the League year helps to steer the recommendation of the PR&D Committee for changes and additions to our community projects for the following League year. The League’s Community Advisory Board (CAB) offers dynamic feedback for the PR&D Committee to make sure we stay true to our mission with our community projects and to keep the committee aware of issues in our community that could use the League’s assistance.

The PR&D Committee is excited to recommend further improvements to two of our community projects for the upcoming League year! Next year Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change (MAGIC) will start meeting with the young ladies of the Volunteers of America Teen Club twice a month to further the mentoring relationship with the teen girls as well as bringing additional depth to the topics being presented. The teens have been exposed to a variety of topics through the MAGIC program such as goal setting, self-esteem building, healthy nutrition, dining etiquette, and volunteerism. The second community project to be enhanced next year will be our partnership with Mooretown Elementary, one of Caddo Parish School Board’s Transformation Zone schools. Through our partnership with the school the league has been able to provide Christmas stockings for the children, uniforms for the school’s clothes closet, personal necessities for the Pre-K students, serve lunch to staff to show appreciation,

THE AREA’S ONLY

Female ORTHODONTIST Active Junior League Member

• adults • teens

Dr. Morgan Lang

• children

318.861.0700 www.GeauxSmile.com | SHREVEPORT: 814 Pierremont Rd. | NATCHITOCHES: 129 E. 5th St.

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and improve the campus grounds. The impact of the JLSB at Mooretown will continue to grow this upcoming school year with the addition of League volunteers that are dedicated solely to the partnership with the school to provide assistance with programs and activities and to better meet the needs of the school.

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Mission

Meeting with a

Saige Solomon

A Partnership with Mooretown Elementary It is hard to believe that my year as Meeting with a Mission Coordinator has come to a close. By far, this has been my most rewarding year in the JLSB. It has been such a joy and a blessing to work with Mooretown Elementary, their incredible faculty and staff, and their bright young scholars. Without the support of members like you, this year would not have been as successful as it was. I am grateful for all of the items you donated and the hours many of you pitched in to help Mooretown understand the important role they play in educating Caddo Parish’s next generation.

In March, we supported Mooretown’s March “Mathness” Night for parents and students by recruiting members of Centenary College’s basketball teams for this fun,

Save Date

basketball themed learning event. When I arrived on campus that evening, I was greeted with a stack of handmade thank you cards from the Pre-K Coordinator thanking the League for all the items we collected for the Pre-K classrooms back in January!

Following our March general meeting, I was able to drop off over 6 boxes of snacks to help their students that will be testing in April. Finally, we wrapped up the year in April with Teacher Appreciation Week (April 18-22) by sharing candy treat bags and other collected items with the Mooretown faculty.

It has been fun to see Meeting with a Mission evolve over the past year and I look forward to seeing where this partnership will take us in the future!

the

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Saturday, September 24, 2016

The Birth Place

at CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier offers personalized maternity care that focuses on the needs of mothers, newborns, and families.

• Baby receives care at mother’s bedside • Baby stays in mother’s room • Personal nurse provides newborn training • Parents return home more confident • Special moments are never missed

Taking reservations 9 months in advance

1-844-CHRISTUS

TELL YOUR DOCTOR YOU CHOOSE

www.christushealthsb.org j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Spring

Kids in the Kitchen

For a period of two weeks in February, League ladies partnered with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyle choices for the children of our community. This year Kids in the Kitchen focused on physical activity and making healthier food choices. Participants were educated on the food pyramid, activity levels, and many fun activities. We had four stations for the participants to rotate through – Healthy Food Plate, Healthy Food Choices, Snack Preparation, and Exercise.

In the first station, we discussed the food pyramid and the importance of eating a balanced meal with protein, grains, vegetables, and dairy. Participants took part in an art activity where they colored their own healthy plate with some of their favorite meals and help with our JLSB volunteers on balancing that meal the way it should be.

We also had a fun food choice game we played called Gas Station Choices. We bring a brown paper bag with both healthy and unhealthy snacks very similar in taste but the food labels drastically different. We have the kids vote on what they think the healthier of the similar items would be. For our activity we played charades with the kids. We ask the kids to act out their favorite sport or outside play

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Jennifer Hemmings

for the other participants to guess. This always makes for a fun time, and they always want a second turn to see if they can come up with something harder to guess. In the end, we wanted to show them that they can get their exercise through outside play and the importance of exercise regularly.

By partnering with organizations such as Volunteers of America, Community Renewal, and Common Ground these ladies were able to teach over 200 children. All participants were provided a drawstring backpack, color changing water bottle, jump rope, heart healthy snack, and nutritional information as a reminder of what they learned and to keep active!

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introducing

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Earn 3x points when you shop brand name merchandise and top gift cards at the MorePoints Superstore.

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Turn your points into cash! PRO Rewards allows you to redeem points for cash back!

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8550 Fern Avenue • Shreveport | 2600 Beene Blvd. • Bossier City | ProgressiveBank.com j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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Ways

and Means

The Ways and Means Council is excited about the 2016-2017 League year! The League will be introducing two new fundraisers to our members and the community in addition to the existing fundraisers we currently hold.

Each member’s Ways and Means obligation is vital to the overall success of the JLSB as it provides the financial support needed to fund our community projects and train our volunteers.

The first new fundraiser will be a “WINTER WONDERLAND” experience, scheduled for Sunday, December 4, 2016 (location TBD). The Christmas event will be for children and families and will include several family friendly activities. The highlight of the event will be professional photos with Santa. Other activities may include arts and crafts, cookie/gingerbread house decorating, and performances by local groups. We are also hoping to offer a mini pop-up market for local vendors so you can shop while the children are busy with their crafts and having

A bank made in Louisiana.

A bank made for Louisiana.

Molly Chelette

fun!

The other new fundraiser that the League is excited to offer is the CLAY SHOOT – SHOOTING FOR A CAUSE which will be hosted in spring 2017. The Junior League is partnering with Los Paloma to offer a top-quality event for amateur and seasoned clay shooters in the ArkLa-Tex. The morning event will include an organized clay shoot and lunch. There will also be raffle items, door prizes and an award ceremony. Spectators are encouraged to attend to support the clay shooters and lunch will also be available for purchase.

In addition to these new fundraisers, we will continue to support our community projects through Pepsi Sales at The Revel, Cookbook Sales, the 3rd Annual Kitchen Tour, and the Spring 5K – Running for a Cause. These committees will begin their extensive planning in June 2016. We hope to see you and your friends and family members at some or all of our fundraising events!

Save Date the

Thanks to our generous sponsors!

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze Abbott Printing -Citizens National Bank Coldwell Banker Gosslee - Iberia Bank - Fischer Carpet and Lighting Ivan Smith Furniture - Locke Homes - Pollard Hodgson Architects - Progressive Bank Wesley Thomas, Inc.- Vintage Construction Group

In Kind Jackson Construction - Sheppard’s Countertops - C&C Electric - Closets in Order - Robert Ivey’s Flooring Direct Dixie TIle - Joh M. Giglio Plumbing - LCR - Harrison Paint - Glass Services Blossoms Fine Flowers & Gifts - Brookshire’s Grocery - Caboose Antiques - Cantina Laredo - Consider the Lilies Cush’s Grocery -Eagle Distributing - Edible Arrangements - Emily Burns - Eric Elberson - Graf Orthodontics Jenny Johnston - King Hardware & Gifts - Knox Goodman’s - Papa Murphy’s - Restorante Giuseppe’s - Roly Poly The Colony House - Tubb’s Hardware - Twisted Root Burger Co. - Windrush Grill

Thanks to ourSaturday, generous spons

redriverbank.net - 318.675.2900

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October 29, 2016 Platinum

Thank you

JLSB 5K and Family Fun Run

to our

wonderful sponsors!

318.742.9274 • GRAFORTHO.COM • FB.ME/GRAFORTHO BOSSIER CITY • SHREVEPORT • MINDEN

DR. SANDERS GRAF

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Recap

Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause

Well that’s a wrap!!! Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause was an absolute blast, and we could not have done it without the help of our amazing sponsors and committee members. It was so nice to be back at the Bossier Civic Center with new special events and fabulous vendors.

A crowd favorite was The Little Pearl; their home dĂŠcor had shoppers raving, and their fun personalities made you want to buy more. We loved the witty graphic tees from Country Deep and all the game day apparel you could want from Passionately Rivalicious.

The events were fantastic, kicking off the weekend with our 15th Anniversary Party, guests were able to enjoy food from Silver Star Smoke House and delicious desserts from local vendors. DJ Slim kept the party going with fun music as guests were able to shop at all their favorite booths.

On Saturday morning children enjoyed a rocket ship dem-

Alex Person, Market Chairman

onstration from Sci-Port while blasting off the day with a wonderful breakfast provided by Silver Star Smoke House.

On Saturday and Sunday the Civic Center was filled with shoppers of all ages looking for the perfect spring time outfit or decoration.

This was the 15th Anniversary of Shopping for a Cause, and as chair I was excited to work on the project alongside the amazing committee. Each committee member did her part to make this year great and put on a fabulous event. Without the support from the League and our sponsors, Shopping for a Cause would not have been possible.

Shopping for a Cause has made an impact on our community and it was truly my honor to work on the 15th Anniversary year. Thank you to all who came out to support our League and help raise money for our community projects.

Thank you

to our wonderful sponsors!

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Thank you,

Everyone

for making the 2016 Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause a tremendous success!

We are pleased to report the Market raised over $42,000 in net income!

Thank you for your support!

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Memorable Moment s

Running for a Cause Past President s’ Luncheon

Regional Training 28

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Celebrations Kelly Powell (Active), husband Blake, and proud big sister Harper welcomed Truman Campbell Powell on January 10. He was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19 inches long.

(PHOTO 1)

1

Ashley Rudd (Active) and husband Justin welcomed Abigail Keiko Rudd on December 21. She was 4 pounds, 16 ounces and was 17 inches long. (PHOTO 2)

3

Laramie Guillot (Active) and Julie McEachern (Active) became the owners of Gymboree Play & Music as of April 1. (PHOTO 3) Mallory McCotter (Active) and husband Kyle welcomed Archie Beckwith McCotter on March 21. He was 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20.5 inches long. (PHOTO 4)

2

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Cookbook Recipe Banana Split Cake serves 15

Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 (1-pund) package confectioners’ sugar ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened 2 egg whites 3 or 4 bananas, sliced 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 16 ounces whipped topping 1 cup chopped pecans 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained

Directions: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter and the granulated sugar in a bowl. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom of a 9x13-inch cake pan.

Beat the confectioners’ sugar, ½ cup softened butter and the egg whites in a mixing bowl for 15 minutes, scraping the bowl occasionally. Spread over the prepared crust. Layer with the bananas, pineapple, and whipped topping in the order listed. Sprinkle with the pecans and maraschino cherries.

Advertiser Index La Bambolina.....................................................13 Bossier Healthcare for Women............................5 Christus Health...........................................21 Dr. Robert E. Goodman.....................................19 Garden Park.........................................................5 Graf Orthodontics.............................................25 30

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Cookbooks Make sure to stop by the JLSB office and pick up Junior League cookbooks from across the country.

These make great gifts for hostesses, weddings, housewarmings, and more. Plus, active members can make cookbook purchases towards their Ways & Means obligation. JLSB headquarters is located at 2601 Line Avenue and open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography... Inside Back Lang & Blackwood Orthodontics......................18 Lee Michaels.......................................Back Cover Progressive Bank................................................23 Red River Bank..................................................24 Sid Potts.................................. Inside Front Cover Southfield School..............................................29

Kathryn Gaiennie Fine Photography

Capturing light and magic.

Wedding photography is an art. It’s knowing how to capture light and feeling. It’s putting people at ease to capture the true harmony of the day. It’s understanding how important this one day is.

Kathryn Gaiennie has been photographing weddings since 2004. She’s a professional in every way, scouting your location, using an assistant, working quitely and quickly. She gets it.

This is how you dreamed your day to be...

845 Ontario Street | Shreveport | 865-1917 | www.kgfinephoto.com

www.kg finephoto.com j l sb.o rg | S ummer 2016 Pari shscope

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2601 Line Avenue Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

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