May 2015 • Issue 9
In This Issue: • Mary Harriman Award • 2015 Sectional Recap • New Member Dues Increase • Fundraising Event Award • Member Development • 95th Anniversary • Annual Dinner • Kudos • Bylaws Updates • Meeting Briefs
MARK YOUR CALENDARS May 6: Past Presidents Luncheon • 11:30am – 1:30pm • Ball Room / JLS Office
May 12: GMM • Social 6pm; Meeting 6:30pm • JLS Office
May 14: 95th Celebration • 6 – 8pm, Pascale at Drumlins • RSVP by May 4, 2015
May 19: Board Meeting • Social 5:30pm; Meeting 6pm • JLS Office
May 26: Book Club • Time/Location: TBD
May 30: Sustainer Cocktail Party • 6 – 9 pm • Steve & Anne Miller’s Home, Cazenovia • $15 per person • Invitation to follow
June 9: Annual Dinner/June GMM • Social & Cash Bar 6pm; Dinner 6:30pm; Meeting 7:00pm • Double Tree • $30 per person • Invitation to follow
The Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award The Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award has annually celebrated a woman of outstanding leadership in the Junior League of Syracuse. This year, we are proud to honor Mary Jewell Mathews, a devoted Sustaining member who has continued the legacy of Mary Harriman through her gracious and long-standing service to our community. As founder of the Junior League movement, Mary Harriman helped to change and shape the way women of her generation viewed their obligation to society. She saw the need for a new model of leadership, emphasizing collaboration over competition, and sought to improve the social, economic and political fabric of society. By recognizing the value of training and educating women, she enabled them to be more effective volunteers. Mary Mathews exudes the qualities of a community volunteer that Mary Harriman must have envisioned over 100 years ago. Since her senior year in college (when she joined the League as a provisional), she has been involved with the Junior League of Syracuse and giving back to our community by way of numerous volunteer and board positions. A common sentiment expressed by many who have worked with Mary is “what hasn’t she done?” As an Active member of the JLS, Mary served on the board as Nominating Chair, Corresponding Secretary and Admissions Chair. Her committee work was extensive including Education Committee, Provisional Chair, Placement Interviewer and more. She always participated in the Whale of a Sale and still volunteers at Holiday Shoppes. She has also opened her home for Sustainer cocktail parties and All Through the House. In 2006, Mary was given the Sustainer of the Year award. Mary’s passion has always been for children and animals. Her dedicated work in these areas is possible, she admits, “because of her Junior League training”. For 12 years, Mary served on the board of Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. While there, she chaired the now infamous “Brew at the Zoo” for its first five years. Another inaugural event that Mary co-
Mary Jewell Mathews chaired was the Everson Museum’s Festival of Trees Patron Party. Some other well-respected boards that Mary has served on include: Crouse Hospital Auxiliary (12 years), Vera House Foundation, Everson Museum-Members’ Council, Child and Family Services and Hiscock Legal Aid. In addition to these board positions, Mary has given generously of her time to volunteer for: The Boys and Girls Club, The Canal Museum and the Red Cross Great Chef’s Dinners… just to name a few. At home, she has been a wife to Jerry, a mother to three children, Kasey, Libbie and John, grandmother to six and loyal friend to more than we even know! Congratulations, Mary! Mary — You have been a cheerleader for many and a ray of sunshine for us all. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer for any occasion; your dedication to the JLS; and the smile that you bring to everything you do. We are proud and honored to have you as one of ours. Thank you for your commitment.
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015 | 1