ISSUE 4 | SUMMER 2019

IN THIS ISSUE ¥ Spirit of Mary Harriman Award ¥ A Night at the Derby Recap ¥ Meet Our New Members ¥ Sustainer News ¥ What Have We Been Up To? ¥ Nominating Slate ¥ Strategic Plan Snapshot ¥ Annual Conference ¥ Condolences and Congratulations

20th Annual Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Service Award Honoree MICHELE JONES GALVIN

June GMM & Annual Dinner ¥ June 11, 2019 • Cocktail Hour 5:30 PM • Dinner 6:30 PM • Meeting (no dinner) 7:00 PM ¥ The Craftsman Inn & Suites Sustainer Cocktail Party ¥ June 27, 2019 ¥ 6:00-8:00 PM Book Club ¥ July 23, 2019 • 6:00-8:00 PM ¥ CNY Philanthropy Center, 3rd floor Check the member’s website for full registration and event details.

The Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award annually celebrates a woman of outstanding leadership in the Junior League of Syracuse. She is a person who uses her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others and epitomizes the League’s mission and vision. She has made a positive impact in both her League and her community. The tradition and dedication of our Founder, Mary Harriman, lives on in this woman.

that annual dinner she was asked to approach the podium to receive the New Member Award. That sets the tone for Michele’s remarkable JLS career and community service.

Michele has been involved in the areas of health, nature education, Michele Jones Galvin joined the art, theater, culture, elder care, the Junior League of Syracuse in homeless, the needy, the needs 2000. At the end of her first year of women and girls, economic in June of 2001, while attending deprivation and civic responsibilities. The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019 | 1

Spirit of Mary Harriman cont...

“Speaking in a clear voice, for those who have no voice, in a way that helps to shape human services programs and public policy is so gratifying. The Junior League of Syracuse has helped me to hone my personal, professional, social, and leadership skills through the example and actions of my League Sisters. It matters when women, as a collective body, impact other women, their families, and the community. There is no greater accomplishment.” -Michele Jones Galvin

She has been on 28 boards and has offered her expertise in a non-board capacity for ten other organizations.

date, the fund has awarded over $360,000 to advance the interests of women and girls in Central New York.

Michele’s participation in such diverse organizations demonstrates her sense of social responsibility to the most vulnerable in our community. Both Mary Harriman and Michele enriched their own lives by becoming involved to improve the social conditions of their communities. Michele has been recognized by her community with several awards: Onondaga County’s Martin Luther King Award (1998); Lambda Kappa Mu Service Award (2001); Thursday Morning Roundtable Award (2002); YWCA Diversity Achievers Award (2002); Induction to the North Side Hall of Fame (2007); Bethany Baptist Church Harriet Tubman Spirit Award (2008); American Red Cross Women Who Mean Business Award (2011); and the Community Service Award from the National Council of Negro Women Syracuse Chapter (2014).

Michele is the great great grandniece of Harriet Tubman, a historic American figure and hopefully soon to be pictured on the US twenty dollar bill! Collaborating with her mom, Joyce Stokes Jones, Michele authored a creative non fictional book – Beyond the Underground, Aunt Harriet Tubman, Moses of Her People.

In the 1990’s few boards were diverse. Michele was the first African American woman to serve on many setting an example for others to become involved. Michele continues to set that example. This year she volunteered to sit on our Junior League’s new Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She was the sole Sustainer to do so.

Michele lives in Syracuse with her husband, John Galvin, Sr and they have one son, John Jr. who lives in New York City.

Mary Harriman recognized the need in her community and was a true social justice pioneer who continued to break barriers throughout her life with a focus on consumer advocacy. Michele served on the first Governance Council of the Women’s Fund of CNY. To

We congratulate Michele Jones Galvin.

Newly retired, Michele’s successful professional career concluded as an administrator in Onondaga County’s Department of Social Services responsible for ensuring families had the greatest access to services. Michele’s JLS career includes Education and Development VP; Chair of Project Development; Chair of Fund Development; Membership Committee, McKinley Brighton, Recruitment and DIAD (Done in a Day).

Michele is a role model, mentor, catalyst, risk taker, friend, wife, mother, daughter, volunteer, JLS sustainer and the 2019 Spirit of Mary Harriman Award Honoree.

Jeanne Jackson & Wendy Carl Isome Sustainer VPs

2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

MEET OUR NEW ACTIVES We are pleased to welcome 19 new active members to the JLS as of this May! Congrats to those ladies who have commited the time to going through our New Member program. The ladies had two volunteer opportunities (The Food Bank of CNY and The Samaritan Center), as well as three New Member classes where they learned about all of the facets of the JLS and membership, and participated in our Night at the Derby fundraiser. Our New Members also had the opportunity to watch the JLS’ 75th Anniversary video as well as participate in a fun teambuilding activity. We hope that our new members enjoy their summer and are ready for their new role as an active members come fall! I also wanted to give a big thank you to our amazing committee who dedicated their time to attending meetings, as well as providing delicious food, while also acting as mentors to our New Members. Without their diligence and care, our New Member program would not be as successful! Thank you!

Kate Zwecker

Membership Development & Recruitment Chair

Danielle Mensing

Hometown: Born in Raleigh, NC but raised in the suburb of Manlius outside Syracuse. Why did you join the league: I joined the Junior League of Syracuse to make lasting friendships with women who care about our community like I do. I was ready to grow— both personally and professionally and I really wanted to be a part of a strong organization of women where I could enhance my skills and develop new ones. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Being in the League gives me access to women who can serve as my role models and mentors. As I grow my leadership skills I’m sure their wisdom and knowledge will be invaluable. Also, I’m looking forward to leaving a legacy behind in my community. The JLS volunteer opportunities allow me to see the direct impact I have - It’s a wonderful thing to feel like I’m making a difference in Syracuse. Fun Fact: In college, I created a start up non-profit that advocates for better aging services. I was given seed funding by the Clinton Foundation and attended the annual Clinton Global Initiative University conference where I met President Clinton, Cindy McCain, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and other dignitaries from around the world that gave me advice and guidance. I learned so much about social entrepreneurship and the importance of fundraising to alleviate community needs which led me to my work now as a fundraiser for a local non-profit.

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Kimberley Bratt

Hometown: Tully, NY Why did you join the league: I joined the Junior League to find out more about and get more involved in my community. What I’m most looking forward to in the league: I’m most looking forward to meeting new women who want to make an impact in our community. Fun Fact: I’m a Registered Nurse on Crouse Hospital’s Cardiac unit.

Sarah M Saidel Hometown: Gouverneur, NY Why did you join the league: I wanted to become more involved in my community and make a difference while meeting new people with like minded goals. What are you most looking forward to in the league: I’m looking forward to learning and having fun. Fun Fact: I’m an avid fan of New York Rangers hockey team.

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Stacey Waldo

Hometown: Ilion, NY Why did you join the league: I have much to be grateful for and I want to give back to my community through volunteerism. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Helping others and developing relationships with other women with a common goal. Fun Fact: I am a physician assistant, practicing inpatient medicine. I enjoy traveling and outdoor activities in my spare time.

Sharon Hunter

Kathleen Bowers Ennis

Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama Why did you join the league: To serve the Syracuse community and meet other like-minded women. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Learning more about the philanthropic needs of Syracuse and becoming ingrained in my new community. Fun Fact: I have had a horse as a pet for the past 16 years whose name is Graffiti.

Krista Dean

Hometown: Syracuse, NY Why did you join the league: To do more volunteering in the Syracuse area. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Meeting and working with many wonderful women to discover the variety of volunteer opportunities in the community. Fun Fact: I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking to find different waterfalls.

Hometown: Wheatfield, NY Why you join the league: As a new resident of Syracuse, I wanted to become more involved in the community and help those in need around me. What I am most looking forward to in the League: Spending time around women who share similar beliefs in helping others! Fun fact: I love football! I played flag football the past two years, and I won my fantasy football league this past season!

Jen Baker (sometimes Jen Lowe

Tina Hoag

Baker depending haha) Hometown: Camp Hill, PA Why did you join the league: To get more involved in the community and to meet people. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Volunteering and fundraising events! The Night at the Derby is going to be awesome. Fun Fact: I attended my first Penn State game at the age of 5 and my family had season tickets for over 60 years.

Cara Golbourne

Hometown: Technically South Brunswick, New Jersey Why did you join the league: To get more involved and make a bigger impact in the community. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Meeting new people and giving back. Fun Fact: I have lived in New Jersey, Nevada and Arizona. I moved to Syracuse, New York from Las Vegas, Nevada in 2016. 4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

Hometown: Cicero, NY Why did you join the league: To become more involved in the community as well as developing leadership skills. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Getting to know all the members and creating a bond for years to come. Fun Fact: I have boated on 28 different lakes in New York State.

Jill Grant

Hometown: Syracuse, NY Why did you join the league: I joined the League to get involved in the community, meet other women that share the same identified goals as I do and further develop my skill base. What are you most looking forward to in the league: Meeting new people and inclusion, and participation in this recognized organization.

Kendra Kimball

Hometown: Syracuse NY Why did you join the league: Networking, professional development and to meet new friends! What are you most looking forward to in the league: Social and volunteering events. Fun Fact: You can follow my goldendoodle on Instagram @ sir_dunkin_doodle.

Amara Kattrein

Hometown: Cazenovia, NY Why did you join the league: I heard it was a great opportunity to become more involved in the community and to meet great women! What are you most looking forward to in the league: Opportunities for community service with a wide variety of organizations. Fun Fact: I broke all of my toes at one time.

Kelly Ulen

Hometown: Union Springs, NY Why did you join the league: I joined the league because I wanted to meet the wonderful women that make up the Junior League and have an opportunity to volunteer more. What are you most looking forward to in the league: I am most looking forward to new friendships and experiences in our community. Fun Fact: I have two hammocks hanging from the ceiling in my living room.

Alison Quine

Hometown: Somers, NY Why did you join the league: I recently moved to Syracuse from New York City, and was looking for a way to get involved with my new HOW DO YOU WANT TO READ community. What are you most looking Update your THE to NOTES? forward in the league: I loved the opportunities to grow with my community in my profile in the members’ website to set hometown. Now that Syracuse is my new hometown, I’m looking forward to contributing to that same your preference! community growth here. Fun Fact: I hand-fed a Red Panda.

Ocesa B. Keaton

Hometown: Syracuse, NY Why did you join the league: I wanted to join the Junior League because of the volunteerism opportunity within the community. What are you most looking forward to in the league: The ability to make an impact through volunteerism. Fun Fact: I love reality tv shows.

Allison Schunck

Hometown: Syracuse, NY Why did you join the league: To get more involved in the community I grew up in. My family has always instilled in me the importance of volunteering, ever since I was little. After living outside of Syracuse for 8 years and moving back a few years ago, I wanted to surround myself with other likeminded women that enjoy giving back to their community just as much as I do. What are you most looking forward to in the league: To meet and form new relationships with women that also want to better their community. Every woman brings to the table a different background which has shaped them into the woman they are today. It intrigues me to learn about how others grew up, their life experiences etc. You never known what you might have in common with someone else, or where that friendship may lead. To be a part of an incredibly strong, diverse and educated group of women is a powerful thing! Fun Fact: I sang in Syracuse Children’s Chorus for 7 years in Middle and High School. Toured twice within this time period at Disney World in FL and in Pasadena, CA in numerous Cathedrals. One year, a choir from Beijing traveled to Syracuse to sing with our choir. My family enjoyed having two of the choristers stay in our home, it was fun learning some of their language and culture. I’ll never forget the way our voices all resonated in Hendricks Chapel. Over these 7 years I was exposed to a vast array of music, something that I am very appreciative of today.

We also want to welcome: • Phalon Gill • Melissa Davies The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019 | 5

STRATEGIC PLAN SNAPSHOTS 2018-2021 Community: Develop independence in women in the Syracuse community • Educate women through the transfer of knowledge, habits and skills utilizing formal and informal teaching and training • Empower women and increase their self-confidence and overall well-being • Improve nutritional awareness and healthy living strategies Communications: Increase awareness of the JLS’ mission throughout the Central New York community and ensure our members are familiar with JLS’ key messages and activities • Effectively communicate JLS values, vision, mission and activities to members and non-members • Engage, motivate and inform members through use of social media outlets, email blasts, the NOTES, the members’ website and GMMs • Increase non-member awareness of the JLS and our events by leveraging technology such as email, website, and social media • Frequently promote the JLS’ community impact to the Syracuse community • Leverage the visibility of key fundraising activities to communicate the impact of JLS • Equip and prepare all members to be JLS Ambassadors

JLS members volunteering at our Holiday Shoppes Fundraiser 6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

New member class volunteers at the Food Bank of CNY

Membership Development: Attract and retain a diverse and engaged membership through meaningful community activities and leadership development opportunities • Facilitate member connections through League community training and social events and activities • Engage with other community organizations to recruit and develop members • Increase League diversity and recruitment events with our collaborators • Host regional training opportunities in collaboration to benefit JLS, other Leagues and nonprofits in the community Members build a book nook for Chadwick Residence

Past presidents of the JLS

JLS members enjoying our summer BBQ

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.

Diversity and Inclusion: Seek, welcome, acknowledge, and value the unique backgrounds and perspectives of current and prospective members, while ensuring that JLS activities across the organization reflect the rich diversity of the Central New York community • Pursue opportunities to increase the diversity of JLS membership and promote an organizational culture of inclusion • Engage communities, organizations, and strategic partners committed to diversity and inclusion • Promote the positive image of the JLS as an organization valuing diversity and inclusion where women gain leadership skills through serving the community Fund Development: Build a year over year revenue increase to support, enhance and grow the Junior League mission • Identify, cultivate, and steward key sponsors and partnerships to support League activities and annual events • Develop key multi-year relationships with corporate donors • Target specific foundations for grant funding • Develop ongoing strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations whose goals align with JLS • Formalize donor and grant records to ensure accurate records and track fund development opportunities 431 E Fayette St • Suite 225 • Syracuse, NY 13202 OFFICE: 315.423.9773 • FAX: 315.471.1464 office@jlsyracuse.org • JLSyracuse.org

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Thank you to all who attended the Night at the Derby event, our volunteers, and our fantastic committee members! The outfits were dazzling, the horses were fast, and the event was a success!

well into the evening, and Pick Your Pony players waited to hear their winning number called! Congratulations to all our winners!

The silent auction kept the bidders busy, with lucky winners walking away with a behind the scenes tour of the dome at SU, a tour of the Capitol with Congressman John Katko, dinner cruise for two on Skaneateles Lake, a custom ceramic bowl from MacKenzie-Childs, and more! The blockbuster of the evening was certainly the Derby Diamond Dash sponsored by Cazenovia Jewelry! 100 pairs of cubic zirconia earrings from Cazenovia Jewelry were sold, with the chance to win a pair of diamond earrings valued at $1,800. The judges kept us guessing

events, served Thanksgiving dinner at St. Lucy’s church, built a book nook at Chadwick Residence, held our annual Salt City Summit, and hosted sixty 6th grade girls at the 6th annual STEM event at Danforth Middle School, among many other events and opportunities. Your support of Night at the Derby helps to make all of this possible.

Formerly known as Corks, Forks, Brews, and Chews, SKY Armory hosted the Junior League of Syracuse and we’ve rebranded to embrace Derby weekend with a friends from the community on May 4th from 5-9PM. glamorous event to match! The Julie Howard Quartet provided swinging tunes All money raised from this event benefited the mission of while guests enjoyed delicious food from the chefs at the Junior League of Syracuse; thank you for supporting us. SKY Armory and a spread of donuts from Glazed and In the 2018-2019 League Year, we have been able to send Confused! our members to a multitude of training and educational

8 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

Thank you for another successful spring fundraiser!

Maeve Lanning

Fund Development Chair

T H A N K YO U TO O U R N I G H T AT T H E D E R BY SPONSORS

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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO? NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2019 2019 STEM EVENT The Junior League of Syracuse hosted our 7th Annual STEM Expo with the 6th grade girls at Danforth Middle School. The theme of this year’s event was “Forensic Science”. Students heard from keynote speaker, Dr. Kathleen Corrado, Director of the Onondaga County Center for Forensic Sciences. They then completed a Bricks 4 Kids activity. During the second half of the Expo, students rotated around five stations: Latent Prints, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis/Serology, Digital Forensics, DNA, Tool marks and Tread marks. Young women from the Syracuse University Forensic Science Masters Program also assisted JLS members to help lead the stations. The girls were highly engaged and excited surrounding the Expo event and we look forwarded to the continued partnership with Danforth Middle School.

JLS members had a busy week, spreading our time to assist with various community partners. At the beginning of the week, several members spent time at the CNY Diaper Bank assisting with organizing and re-packaging of diapers. Also, the JLS covered the cost of diapers for current comunity partner Chadwick Residence for one year, and presented that check during the event. Members also participated in #JLSMyMonday, where they volunteered in an activity of their own selection. Many opted to bake cookies that were delivered to the Samaritan Center the following day. Following our Tuesday GMM, members packed 56 hygiene kits for the women and families at the YWCA including requested products of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste/ toothbrush, laundry detergent, tampons, and body soap. Members also joined at the JLS Office Thursday to prepare the bags for the Danforth students participating in the STEM Expo. Due to a grant received from National Grid, we were able to provide not only the girls in 6th grade participating in the Expo with supplies, but also the 6th grade boys! We rounded out the week with our 7th annual STEM Expo, and assisting We Rise Above the Streets as part of their Sandwich Saturday. The women of the JLS continue to make an impact in the community!

Community Collaboration Committee 10 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

★ Helping You Find the Perfect Franchise ★

✔ Are you looking for passive or semi-absentee income? ✔ Are you ready for retirement but still need an income? ✔ Are you considering owning your own business or franchise and not sure where to start? ✔ Do you want to work with someone whose primary goal is to help you navigate through the entire process and build a business for your family and you? ✔ I am a Certified Franchise Consultant here in CNY - let's talk! (My fees are paid by franchises, so are free to you!)

Karen Fejta, CFC 615.375.6135 karen@franchisetosuccess.com The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019 | 11

SUSTAINER NEWS Are you an avid reader, or do you need to be motivated to read? The Sustainer Book Club is for you! A book club member hosts each meeting on the second Monday of each month at 7PM. Imagine the lively discussions on the month’s book. Sustainers are not shy in voicing their opinions. Our next book is Jody Picoult’s “Spark of Light” on June 10th. If you would like to join us, or even try us out, please e-mail Jeanne Jackson at jeannefjackosn@outlook.com or Susan Cronin at sccronin02@aol.com.

Mary Pat Oliker sits in the patio garden of her home.

Giving Forward:

The CNY Community Foundation provides the Mary Pat Oliker vehicle to ‘pay it forward’ through my donor-advised fund. I have also named the Community Foundation in my estate plan, knowing that our legacy of support for Central Read more at New York-based education, Oliker.5forCNY.org healthcare and arts programs will be honored into the future.

Save the date for the Sustainer Cocktail Party, June 27th, hosted by John and Julie Trop. Invitations will be mailed out with details.

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Jeanne Jackson and Wendy Carl Isome Sustainer VPs

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Jessica Pease attended the spring conference with NYSPAC and participated in Advocacy Day this past April. The conference was focused on training about the Salary History Ban. On Advocacy Day Jessica, and other members of NYSPAC, met with various assemblymen and senators to ask for their support of the Salary History Ban, which will be a step forward in eliminating the pay gap. Jessica will be continuing her efforts in supporting the Salary History Ban as well as reaching out and looking for new issues that align with the mission and vision of the Junior League to bring to NYSPAC in the fall.

Casey Duffy

Community VP 12 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019

NOMINATING SLATE Slate and HS requirements to be voted on at June GMM

PRESIDENT (TWO-YEAR TERM, 2019-2021) - Audra Mueller

PRESIDENT ELECT - Vacant TREASURER - Julie Garcia ASSISTANT TREASURER - TBA

PAST PRESIDENTS LUNCHEON

SECRETARY - Brittany Moen COMMUNITY VP (2018-2020) - Casey Duffy COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS CHAIR - Anna O’Neil PUBLIC POLICY CHAIR-Jessica Pease

JULY BOOK CLUB BOOK:

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT VP (2018-2020) -

MICHELLE OBAMA MEETING JULY 23, 2019

Amanda Perrine

BECOMING

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT & RECRUITMENT CHAIR - Caeresa Richardson EDUCATION AND TRAINING CHAIR - Karen Fejta COMMUNICATIONS VP (2019-2021) - Julie Palmer THE NOTES EDITOR - Heather Ford Wallace PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR - TBA SOCIAL MEDIA CHAIR - Violetta Raddell WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - Jamie Lingenfelter ASSISTANT WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR - TBA FUND DEVELOPMENT VP (2019-2021) - Marie Norkett FUND DEVELOPMENT CHAIR - Maeve Lanning HOLIDAY SHOPPES CO-CHAIRS - Amanda Spence & Melissa Keefer de Jesús

NOMINATING/PLACEMENT CHAIR - TBA SUSTAINER VP - Lynne Hamilton-Johnson

2019 HOLIDAY SHOPPES REQUIREMENTS 1. All active and associate members are required to work at lease one five hour shift. The five hour shift may be divided into two two-and-a-half-hour shifts. If you are not able to meet the requirements of shifts prior approval is needed. 2. Members are required to sell at least five tickets at a value, exclusive to members, of $5.00 per ticket.

CONGRATULATIONS! • Phalon Gill, on her marriage to Jake Strawhecker on March 23rd. • Ocesa Keaton and Caeresa Richardson, who served as panelists during the YWCA of Syracuse & Onondaga County’s 21st Annual Day of Commitment. • Lauren Kerr, on her graduation of LeMoyne College’s Madden School of Business with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. • Christie Novak, for graduating with her Doctor of Business Administration degree from the Warrington College of Business at the University of Florida.

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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.

Condolences

Junior League of Syracuse sustaining member and past president Laetitia “Letty” (Meachem) Murray on Tuesday, April 23, 2019

GMM UPDATES APRIL GMM- We enjoyed a requested training on “How to Run an Effective Meeting” by Andrea Wandersee and had a lot of positive feedback from members. We also had an update from our Treasurer, from the Board regarding our Strategic Plan and general committee updates. We announced details for our upcoming Annual Dinner, which you can read more about below

Cicero

MAY GMM- Finally! our Dale Carnegie “How to Give a Good Presentation” workshop had arrived! We had nearly 60 attendees for this powerful and poignant training. Who knew “B” and “W” could be so powerful in a power point? If you’re confused, ask somebody who was there! We also welcomed 19 new Junior League members! What a great evening of growing.

ANNUAL DINNER- We are excited to announce our Annual Dinner will be June 11th at the Craftsman Inn. Cocktail hour is from 5:30pm6:30pm after which dinner will be served. Our final GMM and annual meeting will begin at 7:00pm celebrating our 20th Annual Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Service Award honoree, Michele Jones Galvin and awards to others who have truly lived the JLS mission this year.

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Malissa Nicolini

Education & Training Chair

Photo by AJLI

ANNUAL CONFERENCE Last month I had the honor of attending the 97th Annual Conference of the Association of Junior Leagues, International in Denver, CO. AJLI’s Annual Conference serves several functions, offering plenary, governance, and business sessions, leadership development workshops, and a celebration recognizing League milestones and excellence. Among the breakout sessions I attended was a presentation on developing dashboards to assess League progress toward goals, which was of particular interest to me because of the board’s work during the past two years developing and revisiting our strategic plan. Additionally, Vicki Clark led a session on transitions. For members who have seen Vicki, as you might expect her presentation was full of wisdom and wit as she educated the group on the important differences between change and transition. During the governance dialogue and annual meeting, League delegates discussed and voted on several issues. Among them was an update to the Association’s operational policies to incorporate into the existing process for external resolutions a rapid response mechanism, which would allow the Association to respond quickly to current events that align with work being done by Leagues. Annual Conference is the largest event during AJLI’s calendar of education and training opportunities; this year over 220 Leagues sent voting delegates, and over 550 attendees were present. I networked with women from all over the world – a wonderful opportunity to share successes from and discuss opportunities in our organizations and communities. Closer to home, I connected with members from the Junior Leagues of Rochester, Binghamton, and Troy, continuing the spirit of ongoing engagement between our Leagues.

I am grateful to have experienced so many facets of this year’s Annual Conference – from service and governance discussions with AJLI, high-quality and impactful educational workshops, and new or continued connections with fellow League members, many of whom I met years ago. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and represent the JLS!

Jessica Murray President

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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. 16 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Summer 2019