JLS NOTES Winter Issue

ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2021

IN THIS ISSUE • Strategic Plan Update • Holiday Shoppes Recap • New JLS Members • Fund Development • Congratulations • Board Briefs • Sustainer Updates • Book Club Dates • DEI Updates

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 01/11: January GMM • 6:00pm Social • 6:30pm Meeting Starts 01/27: January Book Club 2/13: Valentine’s Raffle 3/8: March GMM • 6:00pm Social • 6:30 Meeting Starts Check the member’s website for full registration and event details.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2022 Our 2021-2022 League Year is fully underway. Now that Holiday Shoppes is behind us we can look forward to honing in on some specific tactics we have identified for the rest of the year. We are paying particular attention to our tactics that we have embedded into each council surrounding DEI&B (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging).

We are working with each council and committee to identify potential avenues of training that would be beneficial to our members. We are also defining what diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging look like to us as members and to our community partners. This is not just a learning and growing time for us as League members, but also as informed community members.

Jessica Murray, and the DEIB committee have some great ideas to help us achieve those goals we have put forth regarding training and identifying the needs of our membership. We have lots of great ideas on how to give our membership useful and relevant training to assist them with their work on the League and beyond.

In addition, our strategic plan lays out tactics to improve membership engagement and recruitment, explore other major fundraisers, and to provide our community partners with great programming. The Board and Management team is continually checking in with their specific tactics, framing our decisions based on those tactics, and reevaluating as necessary based on the needs of the League.

A copy of the Strategic Plan for 2021-2026, a living document, can be found at the top of the Members Resources page on our website.

We look forward to continuing to build a strong, informed, and active membership with the help of this document!

Kate Zwecker

Executive Vice President

The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 1

FUND DEVELOPMENT UPDATES ANNUAL APPEAL Last year our dues renewal raised over $1600 for the League. This year we have even more planned as we continue to renew our promise of Promoting voluntarism, Developing the Potential of Women, and Improving the Community. Our goal is to DOUBLE our fundraising efforts during the Fall Annual Appeal.

Please consider making a gift to the JLS. We use our Annual Fund for general League activities. The Jerri Wilson Fund benefits members by connecting them with training and educational opportunities. The Community Allocation directly funds our Community Collaboration events.

Participation from our active and sustaining members is critical to our success. Help us continue our commitments to the greater Syracuse area and our members. Members who donate at the highest level will qualify for a special gift of recognition for their efforts.

Please donate by returning your Annual Appeal form, calling the office, or online by visiting www.jlsyracuse.org and clicking Support Us. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPES

VALENTINE’S DAY RAFFLE It’s that time of year for the Valentine’s Day Raffle! Last year went so well that we are adding a third place prize! Each active and sustainer received 5 tickets in the mail or at the Holiday GMM. If you are interested in a chance at winning $1000, $500, or $250, please return the pay portion of the letter or contact Jen Baker for more information on how to pay. Additional tickets are available through the office.

The drawing takes place at noon on February 12th.

Jen Lowe Baker Fund Development VP

2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021

COMMUNITY UPDATE The Community Collaborations Team has been ramping up its efforts this Fall! There have been a lot of different events to join and our attendance at our Community events is starting to grow! Thank you to Sustainers and Active members alike for helping at our events! Some of the many events held since last issue of the NOTES included: • 5 events with the Boys and Girls Club Central Village location - Literacy and Nutrition Classes for New American Youth • 1 more event volunteering at Salt City Harvest • 2 events at the Food Bank of Central New York • 3 Little Libraries placed with Syracuse Housing Authority and a “grand opening” of the libraries • 1 event at the Inner Harbor 5K assisting a community partner - It’s All About Childhood and Family • 2 shifts at the Samaritan Center • Thanksgiving Dinner at the Boys and Girls Club Shonnard Street location We are going to be busy during the beginning of 2022. We are currently planning Phase 2 of the Literacy and Nutrition Classes with the Northside CYO as well as Cooking Classes for women with our Community partners.

If you are interested in helping plan our STEM event for National Volunteer Week in April of 2022, please contact Season Seferyn (seasonseferyn@gmail.com or call her at 910.364.8563).

Please begin on saving Women’s Clothing and books for all ages --- more information will follow about DriveThru drop-offs in January 2022!

Season Seferyn

Community VP

Little Libraries

Samaritan Center

CNY Food Bank The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 3

HOLIDAY SHOPPES 2021 After a year hiatus, we were finally able to hold our 25th in-person iteration of Holiday Shoppes! This long standing tradition in the JLS was no exception this year, and despite lots of unknowns turned out to be more successful than we could have anticipated!

Starting in July, when the Board approved to hold Holiday Shoppes 2021, there were many unknowns and a lot of uneasiness. However, it was decided, financially, that Holiday Shoppes needed to happen and that the league would weather all of the details to make it a great show. The Task Force planned for a smaller show, and worked tirelessly to bring together the show CNY knows and loves. One of the main goals of the Task Force was to bring in new and different merchants. The work our Merchant Co-Chairs did was wildly successful bringing us many tried and true merchants as well as over 35 brand new merchants! Season Seferyn and Jennifer Rubin did a ton of leg work to get to know these merchants and to gather great information about what they were seeking in a show, what has worked in the past, and what needed to be changed so that merchants were successful and desired to return in the future. With their efforts, almost 30 vendors put deposits down to return for next year’s show! The feedback from merchants was overwhelmingly successful and the changes that were implemented proved to be a positive force. There are even more talks of changes for next year’s show to bring in new and upcoming vendors, and to allow for more flexibility in booth rentals and sizes.

Other changes that occurred behind the scenes was the addition of a full Digital Marketing campaign. With the help of our Communications team and VP Katina Karl we were able to launch a really comprehensive digital marketing campaign aimed at our target demographics and tailored to our specific needs. The Task Force felt that it was important to get the most out of our Marketing budget and a digital campaign helped us to move forward with the times. The metrics that were returned were really positive, and we attribute this new marketing campaign to a rise in attendance overall (our attendance was greater than 2019 and 2018!). In addition, Amanda Perrine, President, was able to do interviews with Spectrum News, Bridge Street, and with Amy from 93Q, which helped us to get the word out about our event. Emily Holdorf, Marketing Chair, was also able to create great digital signage on Facebook and Instagram for our event.

4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021

HOLIDAY SHOPPES 2021 In addition, other changes that were made were to our Ornamentation and to the Raffle. Allison Schunck and her Ornamentation team worked to sift through some of the older decorations, clean out what was no longer needed, and began to build up decorations for years to come. The Winter Wonderland theme was a hit, and allowed not just for a Christmas celebration, but our whole winter season. The team was also able to incorporate art work from a local school, which was a wonderful addition to the decor. In terms of Raffle, it was decided that we would pare down the amount of raffles we offered to streamline the amount of winners we were keeping track of, which helped us to eliminate the need for too many people picking up items after the event was finished.

Overall, Holiday Shoppes 2021 was a success! The numbers speak for themselves! We had higher gate numbers than 2018 and 2019 by almost 200 attendees! This is great information for us going forward to attract new merchants, and to get the word out about our foot traffic. The Task Force was hoping to break even with a little more, and we were able to exceed that expectation with our gate sales. While the overall number of merchants was lower than in other years, the positive feedback from merchants will help us to drive in new merchants for next year and continue to grow back from 2020 and move forward with great positivity and drive. Thank you to the entire Task Force who kept us moving forward and on track for a great show. Also, thank you to all of the Sustainers that gave their time to come and shop, or volunteer for a shift! Your efforts and determination are evidenced in what a great show that was produced! On to next year, SAVE THE DATE November 11-13, 2022! We’ll see you there!

Thank you to the entire Holiday Shoppes Task Force: Amanda Perrine, Kate Zwecker, Susan Shubmehl, Allison Schunck, Marie Norkett, Jen Baker, Nikki Davis, Colleen Sewall, Katina Karl, Holly Scrano, Sheryl Capozzi, Sara Ames, Molly Loh, Tracey Noble, Jenna Webb, Season Seferyn, and Jennifer Rubin!

Thank you to Nikki Davis for serving in the Bank the entire weekend and keeping us up to date with ticket sales and gate numbers!

Thank you to every member who gave their time to work a shift! We APPRECIATE YOU! Thank you to Sustainers who gave their time to shop or to work a shift! We couldn’t do it without you!

Amanda Perrine

President

The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 5

BOARD BRIEFS OCTOBER 2021 Management Team (Kate) o Timeline for Centennial Celebration Committee Nominating (Sue) o Holiday Shoppes Alternate Assignments o Members’ “accountability” concerns Treasurer (Nikki) - No Update DEI (Jess) o Discussion | Council/committee connections: how can the DEI Task Force be a resource and/ or otherwise assist in furthering strategic and tactical goals? o Update | 2022-2023 planning: work this fall to assist in Nominating / other JLS work to embed DEI in JLS strategy and operations o Information | Upcoming DEI education opportunities: => Small Leagues, Big Impact Roundtable – October session on “Embedding DEI in Small Leagues” on Monday, 10/25, 6-7 p.m. ET (link) => AJLI Courageous Conversations Series with AJLI CEO Patsy Doerr – next installment is Monday, 11/22, 8 p.m. ET (link) Sustainers (Cheryl) - No Update Holiday Shoppes (Amanda) o Merchant referral program for 2022 o AJLI New Mission Statement Presentation (Amanda) Mgmt. Agenda October 2021 Old Business: o Amanda will present about the new Mission and Vision

Statement o Will aim to do this at November Meeting New Business: EVP o Policies Updates o Tasks Lists for Future o Reminders/Information for GMMs Fund Development o Raffle Tickets at HS- Staffing o Scholarship- Voting and Requirements o How do we engage General Membership?

Membership - No Update Community - No Update Communications o Holiday Shoppes o NOTES NOVEMBER 2021 Management Team (Kate) o Centennial Celebration o Policies Update Nominating (Sue) o Holiday Shoppes Alternate Assignments o Members’ “accountability” concerns o Slating of HS Chair/Chair elect o AJLI Placement Cohort Treasurer (Nikki) o Holiday Shoppes Numbers (at end of meeting) DEI (Jess) - No Update (see Update on Board report) Sustainers (Cheryl) - No Update Meeting with Geri (Amanda)

6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021

o Discussion: Holiday Shoppes and Large Fundraisers o Good, bad, future o Remember: No Dec. meeting, just dinner on 12/7 with the full Board/Team at Phoebe’s Mgmt. Agenda November 2021 Old Business: o Amanda will present about the new Mission and Vision Statement New Business: DEI o Jess Murray will chat with us about the happenings of DEI and what they can offer to committees! o How can DEI support committee work and the management team? o Is there a member of each committee on the DEI Task Force? No. Would be a great thing to have. o What ways can DEi support greater inclusion, training and education in the league? o What is included in the strategic plan that supports the inclusion of DEI into certain committee work? o Ideas: o Soft check in with committeesWhere are we? o Partnering with chairs that could help support Strategic Plan DEI tactics o Revamp/Allow for more DEI reflection moments o Complete the survey on league DEI gauge Needs from VPs: o The trainings should be at the GMM o Monitor AJLI resources for VPs

PUBLIC POLICY for communication o Clear actionable items that committees can enact o Microaggression Training, other things similar that people can learn quickly and take away with them o DEI Tidbits/Monthly in E-mail blasts and before the GMM (showing slides before the meeting) EVP o Centennial Celebration (Get this back up and running) o Update on Policies o Trainings Fund Development o Donate Button on the Website o FD Email? o Annual Appeal Incentive Gifts o Annual Appeal Match Gifts o Adding a Square Button to the Donate Page??

Membership o Submit requests to speak for Nov GMM, ASAP :) o December GMM o Local Elected Officials Coming to speak?

Community o COVID Procedure Question Communications - No Update SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: o Rachel, our new office coordinator, will be doing hours weekly. Please direct simple requests to her as she gets to know her new position. o All room reservations can now go through Rachel!

The Public Policy Committee is continuing to push forward in the different world that we live in. We are still working on getting the Adult Survivor Act passed.

It had previously passed unanimously in the Senate last spring and is on its way to pass again this session; however, it has stalled in the judiciary committee in the Assembly. In our area we have 3 Assembly members who have not co-signed onto the bill. We are working on a phone banking campaign. If anyone is interested in helping out, reach out to Jessica Pease (finley2918@gmail.com).

NYSPAC is working on planning their winter conference on January 22. It will be held virtually so anyone who is interested in attending will be able to attend. During the winter conference NYSPAC will go through more in depth training about the bills that they are currently advocating for as well as training on how to be an advocate.

Jessica Pease Public Policy Chair

NEW OFFICE COORDINATOR Hi everyone, my name is Rachel Allen! I’m 23 years old and I’m from North Syracuse, New York.

I have a double bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego in political science and global studies, with a minor in Spanish. I am hoping to start graduate school next year so that I can have a career in higher education. In my free time, I like to write, make lists, go on walks, travel, and check out new places in the area to eat and drink. I am so excited to be here and work with the Junior League and all of its wonderful members!

Rachel will be in the office Monday from 4-6pm, Tuesday from 4-7pm, and Friday from 9am-2pm.

The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 7

SUSTAINER NEWS Happy Holidays, Everyone!

I have the unfortunate task of telling all of you that we will not be preparing pies this year at Blessed Sacrament School. Sheila Corbishley tells me that to keep everyone safe, at this time, outside groups will not be coming into the school. Thoughts are that we will revisit this in the spring and maybe do an Easter Pie Baking Event!

Since our last report, Sustainers have been busy. In October, Michelle Alexander, Diane Steckel and Mary Bradly hosted an R&R at The Brasserie at Township 5 in Camillus. We also scheduled another R&R in November at The Bull & Bear restaurant in Fayetteville hosted by Patti Giancola, Tracy Noble and Molly Loh. Many thanks to the hosts for providing these get-togethers.

Jeanne Jackson was instrumental in arranging a presentation by Bob Searing, OHA Historian, dealing with interesting facts and the history of Hancock Airport. More than one of the attendees was heard to remark, “I should have brought my husband ( boyfriend, significant other), he would have loved this.” One interesting fact: Two of the Pan Am Stewardess uniforms on display belonged to Jeanne!

JLS Sustainers were also involved with a very exciting undertaking in the month of October. Sustainer, Linda Dombrow, who works for Catholic Charities, advised us that 200 Afghan families would be arriving in the Syracuse area through the efforts of the agency. Certain items were needed to distribute among the families and we took on the task of collecting these items. Thanks go to Barb Benedict, Joan Ferrara, Patti Haggerty, Eileen Krell, Sue Lowitz, Maudie Ritchie, Jennifer Sandorf and Barb Stratton for volunteering to be collection points.

Also, to Peggy Fabic and Betsy McLane for setting up their own criteria for collection! We were able to collect 2,288 items and deliver them to the Catholic Charities warehouse. The League received a letter of thanks from Michael Melara, Executive Director, saying in part: “We are humbled by the support of the Junior League of Syracuse …and greatly appreciate the time and effort that you gave to coordinate, collect and deliver these items.”

A HUGE thank you goes out to all JLS members and their friends for making this such a success.

Stay tuned for upcoming events, there are quite a few planned – you will continue to get a snowstorm of emails from me!!

As I am writing this I am still looking for R&R hosts for January and February and any ideas anyone might have for a Sustainer activity.

Cheryl Ward Sustainer VP

8 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION With a new League year well underway, the DEI Task Force is excited to work as a team and connect with JLS committees to move forward diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in the JLS.

BOOK CLUB The book club has taken a brief hiatus due to the holidays, but will be back in January with “Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds.

We will meet January 27th at 6pm, location TBD. Please register on Seeing Spot or contact Anna O’Neil with any questions!

Anna O’Neil

Book Club Chair

UPCOMING MEETINGS: Included in the Task Force’s activities is the release of the JLS DEI League/ Member assessment, first offered to members in 2018 and being re-issued this year. Participation by League members is greatly appreciated; survey results will help add to the JLS’ initial baseline and shape future DEI work in the JLS. The survey is anonymous and should take 3-5 minutes to complete.

Jan. 27, 2021 Look Both Ways

by Jason Reynolds

While the survey will remain open this month, survey responses have already helped to refine work by the Task Force this League year. As an example, the DEI reflections conducted at GMMs will now include resources for member learning that will be also be made available on the JLS members’ website. Be sure to check out the resource list associated with the November GMM’s mini-training on privilege at bit.ly/jls-dei-resources.

DEI resources are available at our Association level, too. Last month AJLI announced an expansion of the Civic Leadership Development webinars with the addition of two offerings focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. These webinars are open to all Junior League members, though registration is required to reserve a spot. A link to RSVP has been posted in member resources at bit.ly/jls-dei-resources – we hope to “see” you there!

Jessica Murray DEI Task Force Chair

Mar. 31, 2022 My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry

by Fredrick Backman

May 6, 2022 Libertie

by Kaitlyn Greenidge

The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 9

CONGRATULATIONS! Congrats to Stacey Waldo Hood on the birth of her baby girl, Hannah!

Congrats to Lindsay LaRocque on the birth of her baby girl, Bailey!

Congrats to Maeve Lanning on her wedding to Corey!

MEMBERSHIP UPDATES NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT Membership will be recruiting members for a Spring 2022 class. Our spring classes will be starting on February 7th. Maeve Lanning will be running New Member Recruitment and Training.

Congrats to Victoria Wejko in her new role as coexecutive director for the Miss Finger Lakes/Miss Upstate New York Organization.

Please contact us at membership@jlsyracuse.org if you want more information about membership or know someone who is interested in joining the league!

Congrats to Danielle Mensing on her article in Central New York Woman Magazine.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND EDUCATION

Congrats to Lisa Alford, she was appointed Executive Director of ACH Health Congrats to Sara Ames, she was named VPP Special Government Employee, U.S. Department of Labor OSHA, in addition to her job as EHS Manager at Berry Global, Inc. Congrats to Danielle Mensing, she joined Rochester Institute of Technology as Regional Director of Advancement Congrats to Jessica Murray, she joined the board of Syracuse Northeast Community Center Congrats to Lisa Alford and Jessica Murray who completed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business Thank you to everyone who volunteered, shopped, and supported Holiday Shoppes 2021!

Your support is invaluable!

10 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021

Michelle McGillivray and Victoria Wejko have started off this year achieving our goals of GMMs with purpose and takeaways.

In October we learned some basics of self defense and heard from our long term community partner VeraHouse.

In November we reflected on ourselves and thanked those who help serve and protect our community. The JLS wrote thank you cards that went out to 9 different first responder organizations including sheriff’s, fire departments, and local ambulance companies.

In December it is time to celebrate us and all the hard work that goes into being a JLS member! We are looking forward to an exciting and eventful 2022.

Julia Kane

VP of Membership

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS Relations Manager/Executive Director for multiple state-level chapters. She received a Bachelor of Science in Health from Texas A&M University and earned a Project Management certificate from the Association for Talent Development. She holds the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential and Digital Event Strategist (DES) credential.

BETH RAYMOND I am the mother of two wonderful boys- Evan, currently in the Air Force and stationed in Okinawa, and Colin, currently a freshman at Geneseo.

Originally from South Carolina, I moved from Northern Virginia to the Syracuse area 4 ½ years ago and work at the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a paralegal. I love reading, walking, traveling and spending time with friends and family. I enjoy meeting new people and helping my community whenever possible, and am very much looking forward to working with the Junior League.

SARAH GALLANT Sarah Gallant joined the Junior League of Syracuse in order to meet new people and learn more about the local area as she recently moved here with her husband (Adam) from Albany. Prior to living in New York, she was based in Kentucky, Texas, and Mississippi. Sarah enjoys hiking, crafting, reading, and trying out new recipes. She and her husband will be adding a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy (Adi) to their family this winter.

Sarah currently works for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as an Affiliate

She is looking forward to meeting everyone, exploring Syracuse, and growing in the League!

LISA REIER My name is Lisa Reier. I’m married and have a 2 year old son. I also have a shepherd/Pomeranian mix named Bones. I have always enjoyed helping out the community and was in a women’s community service group in college called Together All Women Are Strong. I have a bachelors in Business Organizational Management from Keuka College.

KIM ANDRELLA My name is Kim Andrella. I am from Mattydale. I am married and have no children. I work at OCM boces. My hobbies are going to SU games, car races, shopping and scrapbooking. You may have seen me as a merchant at Holiday Shoppes at my booth Kimmy’s Crafts!

TANYA ROSADO-BARRINGER Tanya Rosado-Barringer has served school communities for the last 16 years.

She currently supports 126 districts and nine BOCES serving Multilingual Learners as the Executive Director and Coordinator of the Mid-State Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network at OCM BOCES. She is a former ENL and Lead Teacher for the New York City Department of Education. She holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Hofstra University, an M.S. in TESOL Education from Lehman College, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College.

Tanya served as an appointed Board Member of the Baldwinsville Central School District from December 2020 to June 2021, serving on the district’s Communication and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees. She also serves on the NYSED Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages Content Advisory Panel, ELL Graduation Task Force, and the Cultural Responsive Sustaining Education Task Group.

Tanya serves on the Executive Board of New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages as the Vice President of Outreach and was recognized as NYS TESOL Member of the Month in October 2019. She was the recipient of the 2020 Senator Paul Simon New York State Friend of Foreign Language from NYSAFLT.

The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • Winter 2021 | 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.

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 • Winter 2021