ISSUE 3 | SPRING 2019
IN THIS ISSUE ¥ Night at the Derby ¥ Fund Development Updates ¥ Meet Our New Members ¥ Sustainer News ¥ What Have We Been Up To? ¥ Sectionals and GMM Update ¥ ODI Recap ¥ Webinar Wednesdays ¥ Condolences and Congratulations
7th Annual Stem Expo ¥ April 12, 2019 • 8:00 AM ¥ Danforth Middle School Sandwich Saturday ¥ April 13, 2019 ¥ 10:00 AM ¥ Lincoln Middle School Night at the Derby ¥ May 4, 2019 • 5:00-9:00 PM ¥ Philanthropy Center Ballroom May GMM ¥ May 14, 2019 • 6:00 pm social/6:30 pm meeting ¥ Philanthropy Center Ballroom Book Club ¥ May 28, 2019 • 6:00 PM Check the member’s website for full registration and event details.
Hats, bow ties, and mint juleps will abound come the evening of May 4th. Join us at SKY Armory for the Night at the Derby spring fundraiser! From 5:00-9:00 PM, we will enjoy the music of the Julie Howard Quartet, peruse the Silent Auction items, play some games, and more! Featured silent auction items include a behind the scenes tour of the Dome at SU, a Capitol tour and lunch with Congressman John Katko, a photography session, a night on the town, and many others! Tickets are available for $50. Members can purchase two tickets for a discount at $45/ each and additional tickets for $50/each. They can be purchased on the JLS website or by calling the office to reserve your spot. Parking is included at the Clinton Street Parking Garage, as well as a complimentary bourbon tasting, delicious food from the chefs at
SKY Armory, and dessert featuring Glazed and Confused! The Jefferson Clinton Hotel is offering attendees a discounted room rate of $129 for the evening. Come dressed for the races as there will be a prize for the best hat and best bow tie. Formerly known as Corks, Forks, Brews, and Chews, we’ve rebranded to embrace Derby weekend with a glamorous event to match! 2018 was a banner year for the fundraiser, selling out! Don’t wait to purchase your tickets! All money raised from this event will benefit the mission of the Junior League of Syracuse, please consider supporting us.
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019 | 1
FUND DEVELOPMENT THAN K YO U TO O U R NIG HT AT TH E DE RBY SPON SORS
DA LE CA RN E GIE T RA IN IN G AT T HE MAY G MM
A sincere Thank You to JLS Sustainer member Lynne Hamilton-Johnson for donating a training session for 25 people with Dale Carnegie, valued at $1,500. Dale Carnegie generously matched her donation, allowing us to host a training on Presentation Skills at the upcoming May GMM. From Lynne: “I’m passionate about Education & Training and was thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity to members. I encourage each and every Active member to take advantage of this training and as many other JLS opportunities as they can. The commitment to developing our members is what differentiates the League from other non-profit organizations. I also truly believe my responsibility as a Sustainer of The Junior League of Syracuse is to help “sustain” the League. Whether through membership, a monetary donation, time, mentoring, or an elevator speech, I hope I can continue to support the League well into the future. Every time a Sustainer promotes the League or contributes in some other equally important way they are advancing its Mission. It truly takes a village.”
ne!
yn Thank you L
N ATI ON AL GRI D GRAN T RECEIV ED FO R STEM EXPO
National Grid has awarded the Junior League of Syracuse a $2,500 grant toward the STEM Expo on April 12th. This generous gift will be used to provide educational experiences for the 60 girls in attendance at Danforth Middle School, such as Bricks 4 Kidz and hands-on forensic activities with students from Syracuse University. Additionally, each sixth grade student will receive a National Grid and JLS branded bag to take home, including educational books and goodies. The League is thankful for National Grid’s commitment to supporting local communities and promoting STEM.
Maeve Lanning Fund Development Chair 2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019
DUES & ANNUAL APPEAL Thank you for renewing your membership for the 20192020 League year! Your dues and annual appeal donations are what allow us to offer educational programming such as bringing in Vicki Clark, offering training opportunities at GMMs, and sending members to ODIs around the country; give back to the community through activities such as cooking classes at Chadwick House, the Valentine’s Day Tea Party, and Sandwich Saturdays; and offer fellowship activities such as book club and the family game day sectional. Your renewal also means you will be part of our Centennial year, beginning in January 2020. Again, thank you for your support of our organization and I look forward to working with you as we continue promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
BOARD BRIEFS The Board is working on making changes to the budget: • Send more active members to out of state ODI trainings. Any members who are who interested in attending should contact ELizabeth Lane @ 315-256-4239. • Accommodate changes that will allow flexibility for members. If you have any ideas on how to improve our budget please contact Rachel Ford Ciotti @ 508-954-5340.
Amanda Perrine
Membership Development VP
N E W ME MBER C L A S S
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Winter/Spring New Member class has hit the ground running! We currently have 19 new members who are excited to learn about the League and become active in May. As part of our curriculum, we volunteered at the CNY Food Bank on March 21st. The New Member class packed 80 boxes of food to be distributed through the Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry efforts. As well, the class was able to meet on social terms and enjoyed a taco bar at XO Taco at the beginning of March. We have an enthusiastic and eager group awaiting active status, that will be great assets to committees come Fall! If you see a New Member at an event, be sure to introduce yourself!
• Marisa Montreal Wright and her husband Dan on the birth of their son, Paxon on Feb 6th. • Lisa Alford honored with the Greek of the Year Award given by Zeta Phi Beta sorority, Kappa Xi Zeta Syracuse Graduate chapter. • Caeresa Richardson, Mrs. Great Lakes, competed in the Mrs. New York America Pageant on March 31st and placed first runner-up.
Kate Zwecker Membership Development & Recruitment Chair The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019 | 3
MEET OUR N Caroline Pearce Long
Hometown: Albany, Georgia Why did you join the Junior League: My mom was a member and I wanted to meet new people! What are you most looking forward to: I’m so excited for the February sectionals! Fun Fact: I am an identical twin.
Stacy Roche
Hometown: Auburn, NY Why did you join the Junior League:To meet new people, and find new volunteering opportunities. What are you most looking forward to: I am looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone, and becoming involved in leadership activities that I otherwise would not have done. Fun Fact: Before becoming a pharmacist, I was a graphic designer!
Victoria Wejko
Hometown: Batavia, NY now Weedsport, NY Why did you join the Junior League: Joining the League was originally brought up to me by a friend who is in the NYC chapter, she thought I love it. Once I moved to Weedsport, I really wanted to become involved in my new home area, and this seemed like a great way to do it. I also wanted to meet like-minded women. What are you most looking forward to: Working with my committee and learning more about how the league operates by doing. Fun Fact: I was the interview coach for a former Miss America. 4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019
Julia Kane
Hometown: Scranton, PA Why did you join the Junior League: To make new friendships and get involved in my new community in Syracuse! What are you most looking forward to: Exploring opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have known about! Fun Fact: I love the outdoors, but one of my biggest fears is butterflies.
Lisa Wiles
Hometown: Originally from Buffalo, then Rochester, now Onondaga Why did you join the Junior League: As a relatively new Syracuse-area resident I wanted to meet active women who were making a difference in their communities. What are you most looking forward to: Becoming active in the community & helping places & people I don’t even know exist now Fun Fact: I have a 34 year old parrot, Alex, who I got in high school. We’ve grown up together!
Jennifer Pysnack
Hometown: Manlius, NY Why did you join the Junior League: I wanted to meet new people and make meaningful connections with like-minded women. What are you most looking forward to: Working together with the other members to help our community. Fun Fact: When I was in fifth grade I could have won the spelling bee at my school if I had been able to spell “mortgage”. The “t” did me in…
EW ACTIVES Michelle McGillivray
Hometown: Liverpool, NY Why did you join the Junior League: I joined Junior League to have the opportunity to be surrounded by an diverse and talented group of women, expand my skills and experiences and give back to the community all at the same time. What are you most looking forward to: As this being my first year I am excited to become more involved with the League. Fun Fact: As a treat to myself I started taking piano lessons recently. My husband surprised me with a piano for Christmas.
Karen Alweis
Hometown: Pittsford, NY Why did you join the Junior League: I joined because I want to meet new people and get involved in the community. What are you most looking forward to: I look forward to the Junior League’s future events Fun Fact: I am not most unathletic person and I actually trained and ran the Boiler Maker in Utica. Proves that anyone can do it!
Violetta Raddell
Hometown: Tashkent, Uzbekistan Why did you join the Junior League: To be a part of something great, to help people and meet new HOW DO YOU WANT TO women. What are you most looking READ THE NOTES? Upforward to: Making a difference. date your profile in the Fun Fact: I love to travel and speak different languages. members’ website to set your prefer-
ence!
Alese Burnett
Hometown: Nedrow, NY Why did you join the Junior League: I have joined Junior League to gain new friendships and become more involved in helping in my community. What are you most looking forward to: I’m looking most forward to new friendships and feeling like I’m making a difference.
Amanda Thornton
Hometown: Syracuse,NY Why did you join the Junior League: I joined Junior League because I wanted to work together with a group of inspiring women to make our community and other women’s lives better!! What are you most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to finding all the ways I can make a difference in our community! And of course about all the new friends I am going to make! Fun Fact: I have two beautiful kids who are my whole world: Marlena Rose and Colin Marcus.
Jan Daum
Hometown: Auburn Why did you join the Junior League: I was looking for more volunteer opportunities. What are you most looking forward to: Meeting more new people and volunteering! Fun Fact: I spend JanuaryApril in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Kate Zwecker
Membership Development & Recruitment Chair The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019 | 5
SUSTAINER NEWS Celebrating what the Junior League is all about, nomination forms for the Spirit of Mary Harriman Award are due April 30th. The recipient will be recognized at the JLS Annual Dinner in June. This award celebrates a woman of outstanding leadership in the Junior League of Syracuse who has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others and who exemplifies the Junior League mission and vision. Her volunteer work continues the tradition of Mary Harriman. Sustainers enjoyed the newly-remodeled Craftsman Inn in Fayetteville for their February R&R. In March the R&R moved to the mall-actually right across from the mall at Embassy Suites. And completing the trifecta, on April 23rd sustainers can take a road trip to Skaneateles for another fun R&R. Meet us at the Blue Water Grill from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. We’ll be sitting in the Blue Goose Bar! April hostesses are: Michelle Alexander, Diane Steckel and Mary Bradly. And speaking of trifectas, all sustainers and their guests are invited to join us at the JLS annual “Night at the Derby” party on Saturday, May 4th from 5-9 p.m. More news next month on the annual Sustainer Cocktail party! We’re delighted to offer two additional events. Look for details in your email. • Tour the new Syracuse Airport Museum on May 7th. (Jeanne Jackson’s uniform is on display.) Lunch to follow at a nice restaurant close to the airport! • As we age, things change! Get the answers to your questions from George Chapman, local health consultant and expert.
Jeanne Jackson and Wendy Carl Isome Sustainer VPs
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce is beginning work on a D&I organizational audit. We are currently working on a survey for the councils and committees to take later this spring.
Amanda Perrine
Membership Development VP 6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019
UPDATE FROM THE NOMINATING TEAM Congratulations to our Incoming Nominating Advisors and Call for Annual Award Nominations Each year, the Nominating Committee, comprised of five active members on staggered two-year terms, is elected by the Membership and entrusted with the responsibility for selecting a slate of candidates for the League’s Board and Committee positions and selecting the Annual League Awards presented at Annual Dinner. Please join the Nominating Committee in welcoming three new members to the team: Whitney Browne, Rachel Ciotti, and Jessica Murray for the 2019-2021 term! We look forward to their guidance and leadership in the coming years. Congratulations!
Call for Annual Award Nominations The Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for annual League Awards, which will be presented at Annual Dinner in June. Please submit nominations through the online form or send to Liz Lane at elizabeth.laneb@gmail.com by April 31, 2019.
About the Awards:
board work, and is regularly spending many hours volunteering within the community. In-League Award: This award is given to a member for outstanding contribution to committee work. This member goes above and beyond the requirements of an active League member and may sit on more than one committee. Community Service Award: This award is given to a member for significant community involvement within and outside of the League. This member gives their time as a leader volunteering in League community events and volunteers or gives time to other community organizations. New Member Award: This award is given to a new member (joined in the last three years) that demonstrates dedication and commitment to the League and to the community. New! [Create Your Own] Award: To credit those members for criteria not listed above. For instance: “Most Efficient
Meeting-Holder Award”, “Best Gung-Ho Attitude
The ‘League Cup’ Award: This award is given to a member who dedicates an extraordinary amount of time and effort Award”, “Best Holiday Shoppe-r Award”, etc. Nominating to support the League and the community. This Member will select a few! demonstrates outstanding commitment and dedication to the Elizabeth Lane JLS through active participation in their committee and/or Nominating Chair
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Karen Fejta, CFC 615.375.6135 karen@franchisetosuccess.com The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2019 | 7
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO? YWCA VALENTINE’S TEA JLS partnered with My Sister’s Closet at the YWCA for the third annual Valentine’s Tea on Sunday, February 17th. The tea was held in the ballroom and 22 women from the YWCA residence program attended. The tea party consisted of a brunch with savory and sweet items served on fine china. The tables were draped with red tablecloths and decorated for Valentine’s Day. The event included a shopping portion where the women were invited to peruse new and gently-used clothing and accessories and choose items they wished to take home. Thanks to the generous donations of our members, there was an abundance of clothing in a wide variety of sizes, as well as purses and totes, jewelry, and other accessories. The Community Collaborations Committee also purchased new undergarments to give away. In addition to shopping, eating and socializing, the women heard Jennifer Sanders from NewsChannel 9 speak. Jennifer delivered an inspiring speech focusing on embracing your inner power and using it to help others. She encouraged those in attendance to live from the inside out and lead lives rooted in authenticity. She also spoke about disconnecting from people, places, and situations that drain your energy. She encouraged those in attendance to embrace our power and remember that we are all students of life. Nora Putnam, the Women’s Residence Supervisor at the YWCA, followed up with JLS to let us know that the women were “so delighted” with the tea party, and that the event was a huge success! 8 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019
NUTRITION AND COOKING CLASS WITH CHADWICK RESIDENCE Our first cooking class occurred March 25th with the Chadwick Residence. We made Philly Cheeseburger Casserole, Chicken and Beef Fajitas and Vegetable Soup! During this event with Chadwick, a few members utilized our newly built book nook and read with the kids of women participating in the cooking class. Nine residents and two children attended the festivities and had a great time. One resident even stated that this is one of their favorite presentations ever! On March 29th, full sets of T-Fal pots and pans were delivered to the nine residents who took place in the event. To say there were smiles all around would be an understatement! The second in the series of four classes will take place in May! Look for updates in future email blasts.
Community Collaboration Committee
ODI RECAP I had a great time attending the 2019 Winder ODI Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida and actually went solo. I didn’t feel out of place as everyone was very friendly. A nice group of ladies from El Paso, Texas invited me out to dinner at a restaurant next to the beach. These gals were very uplifting and we had a great conversation. When I left Florida I realized these conferences are so much more then just the training.... It was an opportunity to be around other amazing woman who are great role models. The track I was able to attend was the marketing & communication trainings. Winter ODI was a 3 day conference with 354 delegates from 111 leagues attended. All active members who are interested are encouraged to reach out to Elizabeth Lane regarding future training opportunities.
Brittany Moen Secretary
Mary Mathews sits with her yellow labrador, Bob, on the patio of her home in Fayetteville, NY.
The benefit of leaving my legacy to the Community Foundation is that after I am gone, this fund will still be giving in my parents’ names to support the current needs of our community. I feel happy to know that the Community Foundation will continue to support my favorite causes and the hardworking nonprofits of Central New York in perpetuity.
Giving for Others: Mary Mathews
since 1927
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
Read more of Mary’s story at CNYCF.org/Mathews
cnycf.org (315) 422-9538
JLS members Jessica Pease and Violetta Raddell attended winter conferences with NYSPAC Winter Conference in Albany this past February. The training focused on three key issues: Salary History Ban, Separation of Children Accountability Response Act (SCAR), and Homeless Children & Youth Act. Jessica and Violetta are signed up and looking forward to the NYSPAC Spring Conference coming up in April with a training focus to speak with local representatives in Albany. Furthermore, Jessica and Violetta will be assisting the Community VP in a letter signing campaign during an upcoming GMM to our local representatives to continue engagement with our membership.
Casey Duffy
Community VP
Save the Date
The Past Presidents’ Luncheon Wednesday, May 15, 2019 12:00 PM
The Craftsman Inn 730 E. Genessee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019 | 9
THANK YO
Thank you to our sponsors who continue to support our mission, allowing us to focus on training our volunteer members, investing in the community, and planning for the future. The JLS counts on these relationships and our members will continue to frequent these generous businesses.
SECTIONALS RECAP & GMM UPDATES The word in the League was that each of our events was a great success! Judge Limpert touched our hearts, Barre3 strengthened our hearts, painting bonded our hearts, and the Family Fun day brought joy to our hearts. We’ve really raised the bar for next year and intend to bring at least Family Fun Day back. Thank you to all those who supported, participated, and planned these events.
March GMM
Cicero
10 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019
Our March GMM was a great update of all the various trainings our members have been able to take advantage of and the things they have brought back to enrich our League. We also announced updates so far as events and fundraisers this spring and reviewed successes of the year so far.
April GMM Spring is here and we are offering a training suggested by a League member. “How to Run an Effective Meeting” will be the topic of our educational piece this GMM and more details about our end of the year events will be discussed as well.
May GMM Our Dale Carnegie workshop is finally here! Come and be ready to learn about Presentation Skills from the renowned Dale Carnegie of CNY with Diana B. Wolgemuth. It’s through the kindness and generosity of one of our Sustainer members that we have the opportunity to benefit from this workshop. Let’s take it to heart and apply what we learn to our own lives.
June GMM/Annual Dinner The Education and Training committee has been working hard to find our new location for the Annual dinner on June 11th. The Craftsman Inn looks will be the new venue for this event pending Board approval. Keep your eyes peeled as we hammer down the final details!
Malissa Nicolini
Education & Training Chair
WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS AJLI’s Webinar series, Webinar Wednesdays, is one of many methods to help Junior League women develop as community and civic leaders. These sessions, typically one-hour in duration, are designed to appeal to every Junior League member, regardless of age or current engagement in her community, as an easy way to increase her knowledge of and interest in community and civic leadership. Visit AJLI’s website for more information and to sign up. A J L I / Tr a i n i n g s & M e e t i n g s / O n l i n e L e a r n i n g / WebinarWednesdays
April 24, 2019
Condolences
Our sympathies to:
• Karen Fejta and Dessa Tampio on the loss of Stanley Dean Fejta, Karen’s father-in-law and Dessa’s grandfather. • Aminy Audi on the loss of her sister and Carolyn Audi Fischi on the loss of her aunt, Afifa Haddad. • Evonne Pacini on the loss of her father-in-law, Urbano V. Pacini. • Patty Knight-Scholl on the loss of her father, Donald W. Knight.
“That’s Not What I Meant To Say!” Featuring: Julienne B. Ryan, Principal, J. Ryan Partners
“Our communication problems don’t begin when we hit the send button or when we speak! They happen in the moments before we decide to communicate, those all too important few minutes when we are contending with our emotions, navigating our assumptions and choosing our words!” So says Julienne B. Ryan of J. Ryan Partners – BE ENGAGED AT WORK. Join us on Wednesday, April 24, as Julienne Ryan and JuWon Choi, AJLI Chief Learning Officer, engage in a dynamic dialogue about how as Junior League Leaders we can: • Adopt some deceptively basic, keenly essential and wildly effective practices to improve our interactions and address challenges while we guide, teach, lead and engage in a volunteer oriented environment • Identify some communication myths • Communicate authentically and build trust and build engagement • Best practices in managing difficult conversation • Taking advantage of increased competition for talent in the sector • Learn to navigate situations when conversations do not go as we intend Join us for this energizing and fun session to help you reflect on your style and opportunities for growth and change. Prepare to engage in some Active Listening as we swap stories, insights and practical guidance!
BOOK CLUB Our March book club read was Educated by Tara Westover. There was a wonderful discussion on Tara’s life and family. We also discussed fundamentalist religious beliefs, abuse, mental health, poverty, and learning how to be part of a culture different than the one you were raised in. We agreed that many parts of the book were difficult to read, but that it was well worth it. Many considered it one of the best books we’ve read this year.
Book for May:
LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE BY CELESTE NG
MAY 28, 2019
Webinar Wednesdays runs from September to June, typically on the second and fourth Wednesday of the Month at 1pm (Eastern Time Zone). The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019 | 11
431 E Fayette St ¥ Suite 225 ¥ Syracuse, NY 13202 OFFICE: 315.423.9773 ¥ FAX: 315.471.1464 office@jlsyracuse.org ¥ JLSyracuse.org
Get Social With Us!
Visit JLSyracuse.org for direct links.
Jeanne Jackson and Wendy Carl- Isome Sustainer VPs
MISSION: The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. (JLS) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. VISION: The JLS will be an organization of diverse women committed to enriching the quality of life for women, children and their families in the Central New York community. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT: The JLS welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities. 12 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Spring 2019