May 2014 • Issue 9
In This Issue: • Mary Harriman Award • Community Collaborations • Nominating News • Upcoming Events • NYSPAC News • New Member Class • The Derby and HT • JLS Spreading the Word • Parliamentarian Tip • Kudos • Meeting Briefs
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May 11: Mother’s Day
May 13: May GMM • JLS Office • Social: 6 pm; Meeting: 6:30 pm
May 21: Past Presidents Luncheon • Drumlins Country Club • Noon – 2 pm
May Book Club • “The Slave Across the Street” by Theresa L. Flores • Date / Location TBD
June 10: Annual Dinner GMM • Justin’s Bar & Grill • Social: 6 pm; Meeting: 6:30 pm • $25/person; Meeting only: No Charge
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 Cheryl Ward, a devoted member who has continued the legacy of Mary Harriman through her remarkable and admirable career of service to our community. As founder of the Junior League movement, Mary Harriman helped to change and shape the way women of her generation and class 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. Cheryl is the epitome of the community volunteer and leader Mary Harriman must have envisioned over 100 years ago. It was during her years in the JLS, serving on numerous committees and boards, that Cheryl continued to develop the organizational and leadership skills that ultimately led to her becoming President in 1988. Her advice and counsel continue to be sought by many JLS Presidents. She was awarded Sustainer of the Year in 2004 and it is hard to imagine a Holiday Shoppes, pie-making or other Sustainer event without Cheryl’s presence. The Children’s Consortium, Red Cross, and Girls Incorporated, CNY have been the beneficiaries of her numerous talents. Cheryl was always willing to take on a leadership role or Executive board position including serving as President of the Consortium. She was employed at Contact Community Services as the Youth Services Director focusing on Teen Wellness. She served as the Radio Programs Producer for the Teen Talk Radio show, recruiting and training teens to develop and produce the radio talk show in addition to supervising the TeenLine Peer Helpers telephone line.
Cheryl Ward In more recent years, Cheryl has been a member and President of the Everson Museum Members’ Council. She has cochaired the Festival of Trees, other significant fundraisers and events, and organized volunteers to assist with these endeavors. As a member of the George and Rebecca Barnes Foundation, she has made significant contributions to assist in preserving and sustaining the Barnes Hiscock Mansion, a historic home and landmark (and previously the home of our JLS office). And it is no surprise that as a new member of St. Joseph’s Auxiliary she “has jumped right in to help” according to another board member. Throughout these years, she has been a wife to Peter, a mother to three children, Jennifer, Mike and Catherine, and a devoted and loyal friend to many JLS Sustainers. Cheryl – you have been a mentor and humble leader, and the JLS and the Syracuse community have been the fortunate beneficiary of your wisdom, skills and talent. Thank you for your tireless support, passion and compassion.
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2014 | 1