LETTERS
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LETTERS
n 1912, the Junior League of Washington (JLW) was founded to address social issues in the city of Washington, DC. Now – 104 years later – the League continues to move our community forward – 104ward. JLW is at its core an organization dedicated to its mission – improving our community and developing the women who serve it so faithfully. The role of the League in our community has historically been that of a convener – of financial resources, of trained volunteers, and of great ideas. By bringing nonprofits, like-minded civic leaders, and passionate women together, we are able to “connect the dots.” That’s what this year’s theme –“Connecting the Dots: Members and Mission”– is about. We’re connecting JLW to our community, our members to our mission, and our past to our present. You’ll see in this issue of 3039M just some of the ways we are connecting the dots: We gathered four remarkable women in one room at our second annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon to share their professional and personal advice. We are linking the past, present, and future for our committees celebrating notable anniversaries this year – Tossed & Found, National Rehabilitation Hospital, and Iona Senior Services. We are assessing the role JLW plays in breaking down barriers to access books in DC. And we are working across JLW councils and levels of membership to ensure each and every member has a fulfilling and educational League experience. I hope that you will take a moment to connect the dots with JLW this year – whether that’s learning how your financial contribution helps further our work in Washington, DC; sharing with your friends the good work we are doing in our community; or simply reflecting on how the JLW network has helped you grow as a volunteer and as a person. I look forward to connecting the dots with you this year! ELIZABETH MARSHALL KEYS President
Our cover features: 1. National Rehabilitation Hospital chair Tarina Charleston helps to decorate the nurse stations for Halloween. 2. Patricia Teck Seggermann visits Mr. John Kay in his home with her dog, Stella, after forming a special bond during her Iona Senior Services deliveries. 3. A JLW volunteer greets an Iona Senior Services client during a meal delivery in the early days of the community partnership. 4. Joi Ridley and Jill Landry prepare for a game of Bingo at National Rehabilitation Hospital to stimulate the minds of patients at the facility. 5. Shoppers move through a room stocked with donated children’s merchandise during Tossed & Found while a JLW volunteer is ready to assist, if needed. 6. Liz Craddock holds her son while holding down a shift at Tossed & Found, alongside fellow JLW volunteers.
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Fall 2016
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t is a wonderful time to be working on 3039M, as we celebrate the Junior League of Washington’s (JLW) past and present and look ahead to an impactful future. This issue celebrates three of the JLW’s anniversaries in community partnership, reminding us of the women that have paved the way in service and mentorship in the DC area, well before our resources were pooled around our signature cause of literacy. Notably, members of the MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital Committee have been leading games that stimulate both physical and cerebral functions for two decades; volunteers have been making weekend meal deliveries to Iona Senior Services clients for a quarter of a century; and over the past 25 years, Tossed & Found’s annual rummage sale has raised $2.1 million for our grants. In the pages ahead, you can learn more about new committees, upcoming events, and ways in which JLW is adapting to suit the needs of a continually growing organization and changing times, including an updated space in our Loughborough House for mothers to use for nursing and pumping. Most importantly, members of our Board want to hear from you! Feedback from your previous experiences and suggestions is encouraged for improving the JLW experience. I hope you enjoy this edition of 3039M and take some time during this holiday season to reflect on the memories and connections JLW has provided, both in the community and within the League, which inspires each of us to stay on the path of continued service. MEAGHAN LEISTER Editor
MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Meaghan Leister Magazine Committee Chair Phoenix Ricks Magazine Committee Rising Chair
Jacqueline Bauer
Nicole Moschella
Allison Blaisdell
Sara Nayeem
Mary Katherine Clarke
Rebecca Prybell
Suzanne Doud Galli
Stacy Tsakeris
Erika Harrell
Jacqueline Wasem
Maryam Hatcher Bonnie Louque Heather Mandelkehr
Shannan Robinson
Erin Williams