3039M Spring 2014 Edition

the official magazine of the

3039M junior league of washington

3039 M STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007 | 202.337.2001 | WWW.JLW.ORG

WHAT’S INSIDE

Interesting Title Here Careers of JLW Women Title Here Who Was Nathan Title Here Loughborough Anyway?

5 Secrets to a Successful JLW Book Club

LETTERS

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LETTERS

ow! What a year! It’s hard to believe we are now weeks away from closing out our 101st year. It seems like we just welcomed our 300 new members and launched our new magazine “3039M.” As I look back over some of the year’s highlights, I am proud of what we have contributed, including providing more than 600 volunteers to the National Book Festival and raising more than $130,000 through Holiday Shops to support our Mission. We also hosted our first ‘Second Cup of Coffee’ leadership series, provided books and planned holiday events for our community partners.

In 2014, we expanded our program “Kids in the Kitchen” by hosting an event at Children’s Hospital in the new Diabetics Complex. I hope this new partnership continues to grow. We also partnered with the Junior League of Northern Virginia to plan and host a regional training. It was great to witness the excitement of 60 women leaders from across the east coast share their passion for the Mission of The League.

Supporting our fundraisers provides JLW the opportunity to put our Mission into action as we develop the potential of women, improve our

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ife is filled with swift transitions and this year was no different.

As the league entered our 101st year, we celebrated our mission, with each of us rededicating ourselves to the organization’s educational and charitable pursuits.

From reading to children to serving as a cultural docents, to writing articles for 3039M to staffing local shelters, our mission moments were unique yet similar. Each volunteer experience allowed us to embody the spirit of the Junior League. These opportunities reaffirmed the purpose for our organization’s existence, while reigniting a fire for service in each of us.

The Junior League simultaneously offers women the rare opportunity to be developed while improving the community. Through our collective might, we contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to local groups while giving our time equally to supporting their work to improve adult, cultural, and children’s literacy.

One of my favorite quotes by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus is fitting: “It has been wisely said that whatever many may say about the future, it is ours, not only that it may happen to us, but it is in part made by us.”

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communities, and promote volunteerism. I love how Tossed and Found incorporates two of my favorite things -- college basketball and support for the Mission. What a great sale weekend as we served our community!

All of these things (and more!) took place while your JLW Board of Directors continued to move the strategic plan forward by discussing multi-year grant funding and how to increase community impact.

I hope you will join the Board and me on May 21 at our beautiful headquarters for end of the year celebration. We will honor our community partners, our members and celebrate our “Mission Moments.”

I have often closed my comments with my desire to see JLW continue its promise to be a community of women changing our community; so, in this issue, you will hear from our members about why they love the JLW community. I hope each of you will be inspired to find your place within JLW. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as President of this organization. Enjoy reading!

All my best, SHIELA CORLEY President

So as we prepare to close out another community-changing year, I encourage each of us to step back, celebrate what we have accomplished, and set our sights on impacting the region for another 100 plus years to come.

DEIDRA M. LEMONS Editor, Member Communications Chair

JLW MISSION The Junior League of Washington is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

CONTENTS / DATES

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Letters

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CONTENTS DATES 15

National Book Festival

Why I Joined

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Get to Know Thomas

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Sustainers at the White House

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Careers of JLW Women

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First Year Actives

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This Date in History

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Sustainer Profile

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JLW Centennial

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Through the Years

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Life’s a Beach

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Tossed and Found

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Who Was Nathan Loughborough?

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Diversity in the Junior League

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Mission Moments

Favorite JLW Memory

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Successful Book Club Secrets

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APRIL 26 JLW Kitchen Tour APRIL 27 JLW Day at the Nationals Ballpark MAY 7 JLW Shops! Pinkberry Georgetown MAY 21 JLW Annual Reception and Awards Program

facebook.com/jlwdc @JLWDC

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Step Up to Serve

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JLW Relationships

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Calvary Women’s Services

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Favorite Childhood Books

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JLW Cooking Up Fun

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Kids Corner

President Shiela Corley

Vice Treasurer Brooke Horiuchi

Vice President Jennifer Hemingway

Communications & PR Kristen Soltis Anderson

Secretary Erinn Gray

Youth & Family Community Placements Kim Tuomey Cultural Community Placements Nancy Margaret Adler

Junior League of Washington jlwdc.blogspot.com jrleaguewdc

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Treasurer Marie Hahn

APRIL 24 Esprit: Potomac Boat Tour

Adult Community Placements Stacey Hinton Tuneski Community Affairs Amber Huffman Membership Development Kelly Wilson-Pisciotta New Membership Amanda Walke

Nominating Susan Marshall Strategic Planning Susan Michels Sustainers Erin Cromer Ways & Means Kimberly Linson

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WHY I JOINED

WHY I JOINED Profiled by Tiffany McGuffee

BRITTANY LOWREY “My reasons for joining Junior League were twofold—I wanted to volunteer more and I was interested in meeting other like-minded women from around the Washington, DC. area. My decision was also largely based on the positive past experiences of friends and family involved with various Leagues along the East Coast. I’m extremely impressed by the myriad volunteer opportunities the JLW provides, and I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed my first shift volunteering at the National Book Festival. As my new member year gets underway I’m looking forward to the experiences and friendships that I know lie ahead—and I’m totally down for a Capitol walk in November!”

HEATHER HUMMELSHEIM “I joined the Junior League of Washington because I wanted to give back to my community and meet other women who felt the same way. Although I’ve lived in this area for nearly three years, I haven’t felt that connected to my community. I realized I had the power to change that, and the JLW would be a great avenue to help me make that change. I love the idea of meeting such passionate women and giving back to those who aren’t as fortunate as I am. I couldn’t think of a better way than joining the JLW!”

CHERYL MARTEL “My first encounter with The Junior League was when my organization—a women’s leadership institute in Philadelphia—needed volunteers to help staff a national conference. At a colleague’s suggestion, I contacted the local Junior League to see if they could spare 25 volunteers for one day of the conference. The response exceeded all expectations—more than 75 Junior League volunteers helped each day of the event and volunteers came to our office to stuff bags pre-conference. After being blown away by the volunteers, I wanted to join a group that was committed to giving back to the community year-round.

Upon relocating to Washington, DC, I joined the Junior League of Washington, knowing that not only would I have a variety of volunteer opportunities but also like-minded women to share these experiences with.”

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CAITLIN SOTO “After graduating from American University, I had just received a job offer which would keep me in this wonderful city for the foreseeable future. I had always loved giving back to my community and, at the time, was trying to figure out how I would continue that after graduation. A good friend introduced me to the JLW. She explained their mission and how, if I joined, I would meet so many amazing women like me committed to improving their communities. I applied as soon as I could and was accepted as a new member four months ago. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

LAURA GRACE ASHTON “After living in Washington, D.C. for over three years, I found myself with spare moments for the first time in my career. I needed something to fill that void, and wanted to get more connected to my new home. I had a few friends who were members of the Junior League of Washington, and knew that the mission of promoting literacy and volunteerism was something that I believed strongly in, and the idea of spending time with other women who believed in the same thing appealed to me. I joined the JLW knowing that I would have the joys of working with like-minded women while working towards literacy for all.”

KATHRYN CIANO “The JLW appeals to me as a place where I can get involved with women who make things happen. While I am not new to D.C., I am new to volunteering here, and it is important to me to make my time count. Joining a group of women who pride themselves on being trained volunteers means that through the JLW I will find the best opportunities to make the most impact through volunteering. Events for provisional members began just a few weeks ago, and already it’s clear that the JLW does a great job of encouraging members to seek leadership opportunities and responsibility for helping other people. I am thrilled to be a part of a group that works with the community in such a positive way (and manages to do so over wine!).”

WHY I JOINED

JANNA L. DRAINE “As an avid reader who’d previously worked with D.C. schoolchildren in college, I was well aware of the learning disparities that exist in this city. I wanted to find a way to work with these children again, but with a hectic and ever-changing work schedule, I wasn’t able to commit to the long-term tutoring or reading programs offered by various non-profits in elementary schools through the city. When I stumbled across a press release from the JLW about the Resolution Read program I was intrigued and decided to attend an open house to find out more. After learning about the many flexible volunteer opportunities, and being thoroughly impressed with the camaraderie exhibited by the women in the room, I decided to join. I’m only a few events into my new member year, but I am already excited about the impact my membership will have on the community and building friendships with some of the amazing women I have met.”

MACKENZIE MILES “I moved to Washington, D.C. over 10 years ago and have had numerous positive interactions with women who are involved in the Junior League. Before moving to D.C., I called Southern Africa my home for the majority of my life and I believe my interest in volunteerism, community improvement and the development of women stemmed from my experiences there. I joined JLW to not only better myself but to also have a hand in improving the community I live in. I am hopeful the relationships I gain as well as the experiences I am exposed to will help continue to shape the woman that I am and the impact I have on others.” •

SUSTAINERS AT THE WHITE HOUSE “Gather Round” was the theme for the 2013 White House Christmas decorations, celebrating the stories and traditions that bring us together this time of year. The weekend after Thanksgiving the White House was beautifully decorated with flowers, greens, ornaments, and trees. The White House pets were even represented in life size decorations. The East visitors entrance, colonnade, Garden room, Vermeil room, China room, Library, East room, Green Room, and Blue Room were decorated and open to visitors. Also on view was the 300-pound gingerbread White House made out of cookies created by the White House Chefs.

NEW MEMBERS Receive Warm Welcome to JLW

By Tiffany McGuffee

Sheri O’Connell, Robin Hammer, Betty Baird outside the East WIng entrance to the White House, as they enter for the Christmas tour with the Junior League of Washington.

New Member Advisors have been very busy this year welcoming new members and introducing ladies to the Junior League of Washington (JLW). This year’s advisors have teamed up to creatively bring more new members together than ever before at many different events for a successful series of fun get-togethers. Some exciting things advisors are doing to welcome new members include a jazz outing, cookie exchange, wreath making class in Alexandria, a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Library of Congress, happy hours, brunches, and brunch tours of Corcoran gallery. For spring, the New Member Committee plans include a social event for new members and their advisors, in addition to encouraging all new members to attend Development and Training (D&T) sessions. March’s D&T session is “Great Edits to Spring into Warmer Weather” and the ladies attending can expect to see many new members at this session. Be sure to say hello to our new Leaguers when you see them around, and to thank the advisors for their hard work on behalf of the Junior League of Washington!

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FIRST YEAR ACTIVES

TRANSITIONING to Your First Year as an Active Member

By Sarah Hazlett

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s the year winds down for this provisional class, I wanted to share with them the experiences of three women who were just in their shoes a year ago – about to become a first year active. As a first year active member myself, I remember the end of my provisional year being a time of questions.

Which placement do I want to join? How will being an active member differ from being a provisional member?

I interviewed three ladies who are in their first year as an active member to gather insight as to what’s in store for the rising provisional members: Anne Ellery learned about the Junior League because she has many friends and family in Junior Leagues across the country and always knew she wanted to get involved. When she first moved to D.C., it seemed like the perfect time to join to help her meet like-minded women, forge new friendships and get involved in her new city.

This year, Anne’s placement was Holiday Shops. After attending the Shops last year, she knew it was something she would enjoy, as it would allow her to meet members, while also fundraising to support a great cause – the JLW and its focus on literacy within the D.C. area.

Anne was placed on the auction subcommittee and absolutely loved her experience. The event actually surpassed the fundraising goal and was a huge success, which was a truly rewarding experience that made all the hard work leading up to the auction well worth it.

One of Anne’s favorite events was a Reading is Fundamental (RIF) book distribution event at a D.C. school. She and several other JLW volunteers distributed books to the children at their school, and she was delighted to see how appreciative the children were to receive two books of their very own. It was a heartwarming and transformative experience for Anne.

Ashley Mancosh joined the JLW to meet new people and to do something more in the community and, thus far, she is well on her way to meeting both of these goals! Ashley joined the Done-in-a-Day placement because it is a larger committee that provides a great way to meet lots of new people at a variety of events. It is also a fairly flexible placement, as she can decide where she’d like to volunteer and choose those events that best work with her schedule. Ashley feels her placement allowed her to become more active in the community and to learn more about many different volunteer organizations in our area.

She especially enjoyed a Special Olympics event, where she helped decorate the room and Christmas tree with holiday decorations.

Ashley felt it was a fun and festive way to represent the JLW in the community and certainly got her in the holiday spirit!

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Megan Parker also joined the Junior League of Washington as a way to meet people and become more involved in the community after moving to the city for work. For her placement, Megan chose the Special Events Committee, and she was excited to fundraise and plan events for JLW members and their families.

Megan is currently a part of The Kitchen Tour sub-committee, which organizes two main events: the Kitchen Tour Kick-off and the Kitchen Tour.

The Kitchen Tour, which is currently scheduled for April 26, highlights one neighborhood in the DC area in which the group can tour five to 6 private homes with local food and beverage vendors exhibiting in each home.

Megan’s favorite JLW event is the Kitchen Tour because “it is a wonderful event that encourages exploring a new neighborhood while getting to sample delicious food and drink.” “How fun is that?”

Megan exclaimed.

I REMEMBER THE END OF MY PROVISIONAL YEAR BEING A TIME OF QUESTIONS. While all these ladies have had very different placements within the League, they all agreed that your first year as an active member is going to be a little different from your provisional year. There will be fewer requirements, and although most of us have been just as busy on our placements throughout the year, our efforts were just more focused on one main committee. Everyone interviewed suggested new members really think about their placement choices carefully.

Anne advises that those transitioning to their first year as an active should really think about what’s important to them and what will help you thrive in the JLW. For example, do you want to be in an inward or outward facing placement and what placement works best with your lifestyle?

Think about job requirements or other commitments you have. Is there a certain time of the year that you are busier than others? If so, then it would be best to pick a placement where most of the committee work is not at the same time as your personal commitments.

Megan also noted that to get the most out of your JLW experience, it is important to spend your time doing something you really enjoy!

She also suggested asking questions.

If you are curious about a placement and want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to other league members for advice! •

SUSTAINER PROFILE

SUSTAINER PROFILE Mary Lou Semans

By Deidra M. Lemons

M

ary Lou Semans is truly a Junior League rose.

Known and revered by many for her tireless volunteer efforts, she has made volunteering her life’s work, from helping save the Glen Echo Park carousel, to knitting scarves for Bright Beginnings, to participating with the Junior League Gardeners.

This Garden Club “perennial bloom” nominee is even being honored this spring with the planting of three David Austin rose bushes in the Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral. The red Benjamin Britten, white Winchester Cathedral, and yellow Golden Celebration will honor this past Flower Mart Chairwoman for years to come.

When asked about Semans, the chorus was resounding.

Sustainer Elise Gillette knew of Semans’ work before she ever met her.

“She is a dear friend of my mother and I heard so much about her that I just had to meet her. It is past time for her to be recognized, put on a pedestal and honored,” Gillette said. “Her cup just overflows with kindness.”

SHE IS JUST WONDERFUL; I HOPE YOU GET TO MEET HER. A member of the Junior League since 1960, Semans joined the League in Baltimore, Maryland and later transferred to DC when her husband relocated for work.

When asked why she continues to volunteer with the League, Semans’ answer was clear and resolute.

“Above all, I believe in the mission,” she said. Semans recalled how the Junior League of Washington once made a three year commitment to emerging non-profits in the DC metro area.

“We would help an organization with a grant to help raise their profile in the community and we would volunteer our time and efforts to put them on steady ground,” Semans’ said. “It was a wonderful service for the community; once we left, they were ready to stand on their own and serve out their mission.”

Semans believes this is how she got involved with a number of organizations, some of which she still supports to this day. “It gave members of the Junior League a way to really connect with the community,” she said. “We were able to advocate for the mental health system, local hospitals, community arts…; it truly gave us a chance to see the city in a different way.”

Semans did not have a prediction for what the JLW would look like in 100 years, but was sure the organization would still have a role in the community. “The League meets a crucial need in the community,” she said. “I hope we continue to focus on literacy.”

As a longtime supporter of the arts, Semans dedicates countless hours to the Adventure Theater. “We make books come alive on the stage.

Reading and the arts go hand in hand,” she said.

Semans remembered her first Junior League volunteer experience. “I volunteered at John Hopkins Hospital and on my first task, they sent me to the other end of the building to deliver something and I got lost; they had to send security to find and rescue me,” she said jovially.

Semans believes that this first experience as a volunteer helped shape her dedication to service. “I was a wife, raised 2 children, was a teacher, and I made time to volunteer; I was able to fit it all in and so can you.”

Sustainer Chair Erin Cromer summed it up. “She is just wonderful; I hope you get to meet her.”

WHAT’S COOKIN’ in the JLW First Floor Kitchen?

By Kirsten Kulis The kitchen on the first floor is getting refreshed this spring! Erin Buechel Wieczorek, Building Beautification Chair, told us that she’s working on a plan to spruce up the first floor kitchen. It will be reconfigured so it’s easier to get things done in there. Isn’t it tough to get your leadership or committee mail during busy weeknights when other ladies are loading the dishwasher? Erin thought so too, so she’s also planning to move the committee mailboxes to the President’s office next door. Stay tuned for more information!

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THROUGH THE YEARS

THROUGH THE YEARS

By Sarah Hazlett

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s a new member of the Junior League of Washington, I wanted to explore how other ladies have experienced the JLW and obtain their advice for getting the most out of your experience as a member. I also wanted to know if membership has made a positive impact on their life and how the league may have changed over time. I interviewed 3 ladies who have joined at various times over the last 10 years.

Kate Tyrrell joined the JLW in 2008. Kate had a strong background in community service growing up and wanted to find a way to get back into volunteering. Kate’s mini-placement during her provisional year and community placement since has been at N Street Village.

Today, she serves as chair of N Street.

N Street Village is treatment and recovery facility that offers a day shelter and a residential program for women. Volunteers with the JLW plan two events every month, a dinner and a craft activity. They also plan three big parties a year – one at Christmas, one in the spring and one end-of-year celebration held at the JLW headquarters. Kate chose N Street because it is a pretty flexible placement and it’s great for those who like to volunteer primarily on the weekends. Kate’s favorite N Street event is the Christmas party because it provides a festive opportunity to meet the families and children of the women staying at N Street. Kate also said the Christmas Party is a humbling experience, as she once overheard a young child saying he was so happy to get a present this year. Sometimes the gift the children receive at the N Street Christmas Party is the only gift they receive, so the volunteers can see how happy they are to meet Santa and enjoy a present for the holiday.

Kate says she’s had a very positive experience through her involvement in N Street and through the friends she’s made during her years in the JLW. She has even recruited her husband to be Santa for the Christmas party! He, too, was impressed when he saw what a wonderful effect the JLW has on the children and the women of N Street.

Emily Egan joined the JLW in 2007 with her former roommate. Like so many others, she joined to be more involved in the community and expand her social network. Emily is also on the N Street Village placement, where she has served as the vice chair for three years. She is also a former member of the Done-in-a-Day Committee.

Like Kate, Emily’s favorite event is the N Street Christmas party because of the fun holiday environment with Santa, the families, children’s activities and gifts. Emily has also enjoyed volunteering at the National Book Festival, as well as various Development and Training sessions and Espirit events over the years.

Emily’s involvement in the League helped her feel more settled in D.C. when she was a newcomer to the city and gave her a true sense of

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belonging in our community. She has seen women who live at N Street out and about and enjoys being able to reconnect with them. She has also recognized League members at work events, the grocery store and other places in the city and instantly had a starting point for a new conversation.

Brooke Horiuchi joined JLW in 2004 because she was looking for a structured way to volunteer in the city. She had gone to law school in D.C. and was making her home in the city, but she had not yet found a meaningful way to volunteer. One of her friends joined the League and touted its structure and training and leadership opportunities offered to members. Brooke was sold!

She has had a few placements over her 10 years in the League and has enjoyed every one, and in many ways, they were building blocks to later placements. She loved the event coordination and community impact of Literacy Partnerships (now Community Event Planning).

That led her to Holiday Shops where she learned how to ‘make the ask’ in a safe environment and continued to hone her event planning skills.

Plus, she was asked to be a subcommittee chair and introduced to leadership within the League.

After co-chairing Holiday Shops, she wanted to learn about our website and joined Web and Tech. When the chair had to step down, she was asked to step in and run the committee. Project management skills came in handy with the redesign of the website.

Next, she combined her fundraising and project management skills with Archives committee for the framing project in preparation for the League’s Centennial year. During the League’s Centennial year, she was PR and Communications Council chair and coordinated the messaging, branding and PR efforts for our Centennial year. The whole council worked together and it was an amazing year! Brooke says, “The ladies were great and dedicated with the amount of work and messaging that our Centennial year generated. The ladies on the Web and Tech committee’s social media efforts were amazing and the JL award was a well-earned recognition of their efforts.”

Brooke has benefited from her wide range of experiences in the League because they have allowed her to expand her project management and leadership skills in a safe environment and she has directly translated these skills elsewhere. Additionally, the League has helped her forge many new friendships over the years and she continues to help her do so.

When I asked these ladies for advice on how to make the most of your experience in the JLW, Kate noted that you really do “get out what you put into” the League. If you put in more time volunteering and take the time to get to know other women in your placement or just in the League itself you never know where it may lead, and it will certainly make your experience more fulfilling and rewarding. Emily’s advice was to join a committee that works with your schedule and works with your

TOSSED AND FOUND

life – including where you live, because if it’s a challenge to get there all the time then meeting your committee requirements will be even more difficult. She suggests making time before or after events to meet up with other League members. But above all, be patient! Sometimes it takes time to find your place in the League and some placements make it easier to meet people than others.

Brooke’s advises new members to try different experiences and placements, as you never know what is going to click with you. Also, be open and honest with your committee chairs/members about time commitments and availability. You joined to be able to volunteer, so work/shifts are expected of you, but if you are having an issue,

communicate that to a chair as soon as possible so work/shifts can be moved around. If you wait until the deadline or later, the chair is much less likely to be understanding. All of this is great advice whether you are just joining or you have been in the League for a few years!

And as for how the League has changed over the years - everyone noted that the League has stayed relatively the same since they joined, with the exception of the increase in the use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and e-newsletters.

Brooke also noted, “The new 3039M Magazine is digital and looks amazing!”

Thanks Brooke! We think so, too! •

TOSSED AND FOUND

By Kimberley Mertz

T

ossed & Found is an amazing opportunity to pick up great finds at fabulous prices with donations from our League Members. While we all have a great time finding items like that gently used bag we’ve been longing for, what about the partners who also benefit from the brands and the bargains at Tossed and Found?

Part of Tossed & Found is the “Community Cash Card” (CCC) program. Each Community Cash Card purchased provides a $40 certificate for a JLW Community Partner, someone in need, or an organization of the buyer’s choice. The CCCs help to ensure that local nonprofits are able to shop for supplies for their organizations, consumers, and clients. This includes everything from bed linens, clothing for men, women, and children to kitchen supplies, electronics, and furniture! It’s amazing to see how far $40 can go!

Last year many organizations participated in Community Cash Card program and used their cards to make much needed purchases.

Some of the organizations that benefitted from the CCC’s and helped fulfill the needs for the women, men and children that rely on their services each day were:

• Bright Beginnings- Filled wish lists for four families including pots and pans, sheets, towels, washcloths, children’s clothes and toys, clothes for work, and linens.

• My Sister’s Place- Received about 20 sets of sheets and blankets for their shelter, car seats, vacuum cleaners, shower curtains, telephones, and clothing and bags for women and children.

• Community Family Life Services- Families were able to purchase basic household supplies: dishes, vacuums, and a few pieces of furniture for transitional housing.

• Calvary Women’s Shelter- Had 12 families shop for several air mattresses, office supplies, umbrellas, suitcases, towels, linens, and women’s clothing.

• N Street Village- Received kitchen utensils, pots and pans, family-friendly DVDs, rolling suit cases, irons and ironing board covers.

• Neighbors in Need- Provided two new moms with bags full of items for infants and moms. They also provided two military families with clothes and gently used toys and books for their children. •

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DIVERSITY

A Historical Look at

DIVERSITY in the Junior League

By Jill Butler

O

ne of the biggest movies of the summer of 2011 was The Help.

I am a huge history buff, and I enjoyed the movie because the story was told from the perspective of different women living in the 1950s and 1960s. In the film, The Junior League is portrayed in an unfavorable light because of its lack of racial and economic diversity. Former President of The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), Delly Beckman, commented on the organization’s portrayal in the movie, stating, “Thanks to the passage of nearly 50 years and society’s ever-evolving outlook on diversity and race relations, The Junior League as portrayed in The Help seems a distant memory to the organization we know today.”

After viewing the movie, I began to think about the diversity of the Junior Leagues. To learn more about the actions the AJLI had taken and was continuing to take to ensure that its membership base was diverse, I turned to the AJLI’s “Building Blocks for Diversity and Inclusion” handbook. In the handbook, I found that the first documented discussion of a need for a more diverse membership took place at the 1943 Annual Conference. At the conference, there was discussion to change the conditions of membership from “congeniality of birth and economic security” to “congeniality of purpose and belief in promoting human welfare.” Despite the discussion, no changes were made in the membership requirements.

“There are compelling reasons why organizations should engage in diversity efforts and considerable benefit to be gained from incorporating diversity and inclusion into policies and practices. It is the right thing to do. It is also the only option open to organizations that seek to remain relevant in a constantly changing world.” “Building Blocks for Diversity and Inclusion” Handbook, Association of Junior Leagues International, September 2013.

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In 1978, in response to internal changes and external forces like the Civil Rights era of the 1960s, the AJLI Board of Directors and the Leagues adopted a Reaching Out Statement affirming the Junior Leagues dedication to welcoming women of all races, religions, and national origins. In the 1980s, the Junior Leagues became more committed in their efforts to build a more inclusive organization by creating a cadre of trained League consultants and adopted policies aimed at supporting diversity.

In 1994, to help formally guide the organization’s quest for diversity, the AJLI published the “Building Blocks for Multicultural Development” handbook. An updated version of the handbook titled “Building Blocks for Diversity and Inclusion” was created in 2007 and was revised and re-released in 2013. The handbook was published “to identify and retain the best members; create an organization where every member can flourish; and ensure that the communities the Junior Leagues serve could see themselves in its membership”, (Id. at 6).

In February 2014, the AJLI also created a Diversity Task Force.

Their charge is to develop a white paper concerning ways of understanding, defining, and articulating the leagues’ commitments to diversity and a climate supportive of all.

The very creation of the “Building Blocks” handbook and the establishment of a taks force, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to racial, cultural, and social diversity.

Therefore, it is imperative that we members carry this mission forward by being inclusive and welcoming to all women of different ethnicities and backgrounds. Our organization is only strengthened by hearing different perspectives and ensuring that our organization reflects the nation it serves.

To view the ALJI’s Building Blocks handbook, please visit http:// hq.ajli.org/webdocs/resources/BuildingBlocks_9_30_2013.pdf. •

FAVORITE MEMORIES

FAVORITE JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMORY

By Melissa Sinden

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great thing that the Junior League of Washington has to offer is that members come from many different backgrounds with great experiences to share. Since the Washington, DC area attracts many professional women with a variety of interests, our League is diverse in nature.

Some members are just starting out in their careers and adult lives while others are further along on the road of life. No matter where each of us started, or where we find ourselves currently, one thing we can count on is great memories during our tenure in the JLW. Here are a couple of members who hold such memories.

FAVORITE JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMORY: NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL COLLEEN (COLLI) M. MCKIERNAN My favorite memory occurred during my new member year at the National Book Festival.

The Book Festival was my first real exposure to the Junior League and I was assigned to the Junior League table in the Pavilion of States. I was asked to help hand out red “I Love to Read” bags to anyone who finished the Pavilion of States map, a blank map of the United States that required stamps or stickers from every table in the Pavilion. It was so much fun to watch as kids (and kids at heart) decided to take the challenge, returning triumphantly to our table, completed map in hand, to show off their accomplishment and claim their prize.

Despite doing not much more than handing over the map, explaining the rules, and doling out the prize bags, I received, in return, thanks, smiles, high fives, and photo ops from dozens of visitors to the Pavilion during my four-hour shift. I can’t wait to do it again next year!

FAVORITE JUNIOR LEAGUE MEMORY: NEW MEMBER POTLUCK SARAH COHEN I definitely fall into the “I joined JLW to meet new people and give back to the community” category. However, I had no idea that at my first event, I would luck out meeting a great new friend! At the New Member potluck, I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone. Not wanting to be a wallflower, I struck up a conversation with Brittany Lowrey and quickly learned that she just moved to Navy Yard, and that we lived around the corner from each other. This meeting naturally led to going to other JLW events together and as we became friends, checking out neighborhood restaurants, hosting dinner parties, and discovering a shared love of dollar-oyster happy hour at Hank’s Oyster Bar. I feel so fortunate that JLW introduced me to such a lovely friend. •

JLW: HITHER AND YON! Compiled by Kirsten Kulis

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or some of us, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, are interchangeable. Others wouldn’t dream of relocating across state lines. We wanted to see where our active members, provisionals, and sustainers live today. Check it out! Most Actives and Provisionals live in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and there’s a smaller proportion of Provisionals from Maryland. When it comes to Sustainers, a handful live outside of the Washington Metropolitan Area, but most live in Virginia. An almost equal proportion of Sustainers live in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Ladies of the League have got this area covered!

WHERE DO JLW ACTIVES CALL HOME? DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 50% VIRGINIA 39% MARYLAND 10% OTHER 2% WHERE DO JLW PROVISIONALS CALL HOME? DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 60% VIRGINIA 30% MARYLAND 10%

WHERE DO JLW SUSTAINERS CALL HOME? DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 25% VIRGINIA 43% MARYLAND 28% OTHER 4%

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STEP UP TO SERVE

Junior Leaguers

STEP UP TO SERVE

Their Communities—and Their Country

By Amanda Mertens Campbell

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he threads of Junior League voluntarism and political involvement have been woven together since The Junior League’s founding in 1901.

Mary Harriman Rumsey, Junior League’s founder, was inspired by a lecture on settlement movements that chronicled the works of social reformers such as Lillian Wald and Jane Addams. Over one hundred years later, the Association of Junior League International’s (AJLI) mission is still a commitment to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. There is no better city in the United States to see committed volunteers advocating for women and their communities than here in Washington, DC. That spirit of service is especially clear on Capitol Hill where Molly Boyl, Deputy General Counsel, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, hails from California where both her mother and her aunts were in the Junior League. Joining The Junior League of Washington (JLW) in 2010, Boyl found that “both my work on the Hill and with the JLW makes me feel like I’m part of something greater. Service, to our country and our community, is so important, and living in Washington provides unique opportunities to engage in both.”

Indeed, throughout its rich history, many notable Junior League members have improved communities and promoted voluntarism through their own public service. Of note, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former U.S. Ambassador Shirley Temple Black were Junior League members. Many first ladies were Junior League members, including Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan, Barbara Bush, and Laura Bush. Currently, three sitting Members of

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Congress are also Junior League members: the Hon. Susan W. Brooks (R-Indiana), a member of the Junior League of Indianapolis; the Hon. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-New York), a member of the Junior League of New York; and the Hon. Doris O. Matsui, (D-California), a member of the Junior League of Sacramento.

While many of the aforementioned names are well-recognized, the Junior League of Washington boasts scores of other members who also commit their professional careers to public service, engaging every day in political advocacy and education. In particular, dozens and dozens of JLW members work on the Hill, with hundreds more being Hill alumni.

At last year’s AJLI annual meeting, the JLW was able to highlight what many of our members do best when the JLW organized several events for the hundreds of Junior League members visiting our city from around the world.

One event, which our members did not attend or coordinate for AJLI, was the first ever Junior League Hill Day. Junior League members from across the country explored their political roots, and more than 150 Junior League members representing 25 states visited 50 legislators during an afternoon of advocacy and education.

The same spirit that moved Mary Harriman Rumsey to engage in social causes in her community is alive and well in the JLW. Charlotte Baker, Press Secretary for the House Committee on Energy & Commerce, sums it up best: “In both my experience on the Hill and with Junior League, I encounter women who believe in causes that are bigger than themselves. Whether it is working to raise money for a local women’s shelter, tutoring D.C. schoolchildren, helping a constituent navigate new insurance policies, or writing laws to enhance education and help cure diseases, there is a shared desire to make life better for people.” •

CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES

The Incredible Ladies of

CALVARY WOMEN’S SERVICES

By Jill Butler

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ike most women who join the Junior League of Washington, I joined the League because I wanted to take a more active role in serving my community.

Attending fundraisers and periodically volunteering or donating to worthwhile causes was not enough. After participating in an in-league placement last year, I decided to join a community placement as a secondary placement. I am thrilled that I did.

THE RESIDENTS THOROUGHLY ENJOY THE TIME WE SPEND WITH THEM AND LOVE THE BOOKS WE READ. Calvary Women’s Services is located in Southeast Washington, DC. In addition to providing a safe and welcoming place to live, Calvary transitional housing program also provides educational programs, employment opportunities, mental health services and addiction recovery. Keeping with The Junior

League’s mission to promote literacy, committee volunteers lead a weekly book club with Calvary residents. The residents select the books and read the assigned chapter(s) during the week.

During Sunday book club meetings, we discuss the assigned chapters and provide each woman an opportunity to read aloud.

The women really enjoy reading the books and provide insightful observations. I am always blown away by how engaged they are and how much they can relate to the characters in the book. When the women finish reading the assigned book, if available, the author of the book comes to Calvary to meet the women and discuss the book. Immediately following book club, Junior League volunteers

serve a home cooked dinner to 15-30 Calvary residents. The residents enjoy being served and get an opportunity to socialize with their fellow residents and volunteers. The dinners also serve as a great way for the Junior League volunteers to get to know each other and work together. Junior League members also serve lunch to the residents as well.

When I spoke with a couple of the residents for this article, the positive feedback I received made me smile. The residents thoroughly enjoy the time we spend with them and love the books we read. Junior League chairpersons Lindsay Dessem and Dorothy Sauvinet really care about the women of Calvary. They spend a lot of time organizing the great dinners and book club meetings on top of taking care of their administrative duties as Chairpersons. They also provide great snacks and tea/hot chocolate for the book club to help create a fun, warm, and friendly environment. Volunteering with Calvary Women Services has been such a fun, eye-opening and rewarding experience. I am thankful to the women of Calvary Women’s Services for becoming such a bright spot on my Sundays!

For more information on Calvary Woman’s Services, please visit www.calvaryservices.org/. •

MET & EXCEEDED!

The 55th Annual Holiday Shops Fundraising Goal The 55th Annual Holiday Shops, held last November at the Sphinx Club in downtown Washington, D.C., surpassed its fundraising goal and raised nearly $140,000 to support literacy initiatives in the D.C. metropolitan area. This success could not have been possible without

every volunteer, patron, sponsor, merchant, and of course, the shoppers! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event—we hope to see you at the Sphinx Club again this year for the 56th Annual Holiday Shops event, November 20- 23, 2014.

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JLW COOKING UP FUN at Children’s National Medical Center

By Marta Hernandez and Sarah Jordan

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he Community Events Planning Committee began a new partnership this January by holding a Kids in the Kitchen event at Children’s National Medical Center in their Washington National’s Diabetes Care Complex.

This event was designed for the young patients of the hospital as well as young members from the general public. Sweet, smiling faces were seen all throughout the baseball-themed wing, as they moved from activity station to station, learning about how

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to make smart choices when it comes to food and healthy eating.

The children proudly wore white chefs hats and carried goodie bags while they collected recipe cards for cookbooks, decorated their own food magnets, played bingo, and answered trivia questions. Things got messy (and messy never looked so fun) at the food conversion station, where kids learned about measuring quantities of food through a visual demonstration using black beans.

The Washington Nationals’ Diabetes Care Complex contains a state of the art demon-

stration kitchen where two chefs from Black Market Bistro were teaching children some healthy and delicious recipes. You could smell the yummy guacamole they were preparing all throughout the wing – and it was even more fun when you tried it!

This was the first of two Kids in the Kitchen events that JLW’s Community Events Planning Committee put on this year.

The second, held on March 1 at the YMCA National Capital – its home last year as well – included several similar activities, plus more, like a barre class and an obstacle course. •

NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

The National Book Festival

MOVES INDOORS

By Jamie Teufel

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ig changes are coming to this year’s National Book Festival, and the Junior League of Washington needs your help to make the event a success!

The Festival, which was originally a one day event but expanded to two days in more recent years, has always been held on the National Mall in late September. In 2014, the event is moving indoors to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and will take place on Saturday, August 30. That’s right -- only one day for festival goers to attend author talks, get books signed and participate in children’s events.

WHAT PROMPTED THE BIG MOVE? New National Park Service rules for Mall use, announced in 2013, led the Library of Congress to evaluate the best location for the event in 2014. The move to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will provide many more seats for festivalgoers, protection from the weather elements and the addition of exciting new features.

The familiar author talks, book-signings and family and children’s activities will still be at the core of the National Book Festival.

The festival has been a well-loved ritual for

THE NEW HOME AND FORMAT FOR THE FESTIVAL ALLOWS FOR EXCITING OFFERINGS, INCLUDING EVENING EVENTS.

book-lovers since 2001, with attendance reaching as many as 200,000 visitors in recent years. As always, this event is free and open to the public.

The new home and format for the festival allows for exciting offerings, including evening events! “In addition to a new International Pavilion featuring authors from around the world, festival-goers will be able to stay up late, with new evening activities between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

A keystone of the nighttime programs will be “Great Books to Great Movies,” a pavilion that will offer an evening panel discussion with experts in the film industry, followed by a screening of a movie that was based on a book.

“We are excited by this opportunity to marry the literary side of the Library of Congress National Book Festival to the Library’s world-famous film and audio-recording preservation work,” said Roberta I. Shaffer, the Library’s Associate Librarian for Library Services. “Many of our greatest films are visual depictions of great books, and the Library of Congress brings all these riches to the world.”

The Junior League of Washington’s involvement continues to be critical to the Festival’s success. This year marks the 14th year the League will demonstrate its commitment to literacy through its support of the National Book Festival.

The August date poses somewhat of a challenge for volunteer involvement, as many committees hold their first meeting after the Labor Day holiday. Education and outreach about changes to the Festival during the spring and summer months will be integral to ensuring the League’s full participation in the Festival. As in previous years, training will be provided by the Library of Congress prior to the event, and volunteer hours may be used for membership credit. •

GET TO KNOW THOMAS! Profiled by Katrina Valdes Whether you are finishing up your new member requirements, or you’ve been an active member of JLW for a while, everyone knows the friendly gentleman who sits at the front desk of 3039. Get to know a little more about Thomas Woodward!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I was born in Washington, D.C., and currently reside in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.

FAVORITE PLACE IN DC? National Geographic Museum – I like going there to read, look at prints, and watch films.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES? I have practiced and performed many different types of art, like African dance, acting, singing, and poetry. The two that I enjoy the most and am still active with today are painting (acrylics are my preferred medium) and playing the piano. I also enjoy making quilts and cabinets/woodwork– I actually made the framework for the baby grand piano that sits in my house today!

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOU? • I was drafted right after I graduated from high school and served from 19641966 as a paramedic in the Army during the Vietnam War. (Editor’s Note: Thank you for your service, Thomas!)

• I started working for JLW in 2002 doing building maintenance, but later started in my current position as evening receptionist.

• The first time I learned about JLW was when my mother brought me to the JL Consignment Shop when I was 14. She bought me a Paul Breguette watch for only $17!

FAVORITE THING ABOUT JLW? I love that everyone greets me when they walk through the door. Everyone here is so kind to me! •

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CAREERS OF JLW WOMEN

CAREERS of JLW Women

By Ellen Carmichael

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ashington, D.C., is regarded as the center of the free world.

From politicking to policymaking, many of our Junior League ladies are involved in the governing process. But, there are more careers in the capital city than you might think.

Our diverse membership is made up of women with all sorts of fascinating jobs.

3039M has chosen to highlight three ladies from our league who are making a mark in their unique industries by doing exceptional work. Meet Monica, Melissa and Amber.

MONICA BARNETT Image Consultant and Author Monica, you must be the envy of every woman everywhere - you work in the fashion business!

So, tell 3039M about your early years. Were you always a fashionista?

I don’t think I was always a fashionista. I grew up as a tomboy playing sports year-round (I was a 16-varsity letter athlete in high school).

I always had a great sense for what I liked and what wasn’t working for me. I’ve always been opinionated! My real eye came from being exposed to so many different people and places as a child, and it truly allowed me to develop a more discerning eye.

How did you transform your passion for fashion into a profitable business venture?

My true passion is style, not always fashion, and there is a difference. I truly believe that when you are doing what you love and have a passion for it, the money will come. That’s

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in theory a little bit, so I helped it along a bit by working with professional organizations to get my name out there. I think one of the real battles that small business and entrepreneurs face is getting a wider audience so they can share their message and passion.

I TRULY BELIEVE THAT WHEN YOU ARE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE AND HAVE A PASSION FOR IT, THE MONEY WILL COME. I’m sure the fashion business isn’t all Rachel Zoe and “Project Runway.” What’s the biggest misconception about the fashion industry?

The biggest misconceptions are that fashion people are always fashionable. I’d say they are less fashionable than they are entrenched and experimental – I think fashion people think that just because they’re in the industry, they can look crazy and people will accept it.

While they tend to have an “eye” for putting some stuff together, they can sometimes look crazy and usually have a “uniform” of sorts.

Aside from closets full of chic clothes, what is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Hands down, the most rewarding part of my work is that people leave feeling better about themselves. My philosophy is that when you look good, you feel good; and when you feel

good, it changes the game. You walk different, carry yourself differently, and have a lighter step when you’re wearing something that you know looks great on you!

What are the biggest fashion mistakes you’ve seen women make?

It’s the separation of work and weekend/play clothes. A wardrobe that has pieces that can go from work to weekend are more versatile (not to mention they make for lighter travel). One of the biggest mistakes I see women make is having “work clothes” that cannot translate outside of the office. While not everything is meant to go across functions, a wardrobe that is more flexible and versatile is more valuable.

What three adjectives would you use to describe your personal style?

Feminine, chic and zesty.

MELISSA ADAMS Communications Project Manager, Keep America Beautiful Melissa, please tell 3039M a little about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you go to school?

I am originally from Ohio and I did my undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University and my graduate degree at The University of Akron.

We’ve all seen the “Keep America Beautiful” signs across the country. So, tell us about what the organization does.

Keep America Beautiful is a national non-profit organization that has been around for 62 years.

CAREERS OF JLW WOMEN

Long before being “green” was fashionable, Keep America Beautiful formed in 1953 when a group of corporate and civic leaders met in New York City to discuss a revolutionary idea, bringing the public and private sectors together to develop and promote a national cleanliness ethic. Keep America Beautiful helps build sustainable, vibrant and environmentally healthy communities. We create, manage and market national awareness programs that includes beautification, litter prevention, and recycling, which is the department I work in.

What are some of Keep America Beautiful’s most noteworthy accomplishments? What are some of the group’s long-term goals?

Keep America Beautiful is most famous for our national litter PSA campaign in the 1970’s of the “Crying Indian”, which is one of the most successful PSA campaigns in history! Additionally in the 1950’s we launched the first national AD campaign on anti-littering and have one of the longest and most successful national clean up programs, titled Great American Cleanup as well as America Recycles Day, a nationally-recognized initiative dedicated to encouraging people to recycle more at home and work. Just this past summer, we have launched our first ever national PSA campaign with the Ad Council on recycling, called “I Want To Be Recycled”.

You’re the Communications Project Manager for Recycling. What does this entail?

Essentially I market and brand many of our national recycling programs. I work closely with our national recycling program sponsors in a client manager role and produce PR/ communication pieces for national media, program participants and companies for employee engagement activities.

I’m sure there are items we all throw away that we don’t know should actually be recycled. What are some of the most common items?

This is the question everyone asks! Besides paper, plastic, aluminum and electronics, did you know you can recycle retail plastic bags, sandwich bags (zip locks) and dry cleaning plastic film can be recycled at many retail outlets such as grocery stores. Don’t put them in your home recycling bin, as they are not accepted in curbside recycling bins...yet. Also pizza boxes, but the top part only. The hot,

tasty treat that comes inside them, specifically, the grease and cheese from pizza that soil the cardboard and bottom half of the box is not recyclable. In fact, any paper product that is stained with grease or food, are not recyclable – unless you remove the tainted portion. Fun fact: You don’t need to remove staples, labels or stickers from paper products. This material is removed during the recycling process.

So, I’ve got to ask - do you have a green thumb?

If so, what are some things you’ve grown?

HaHa...I wish I has a much better green thumb than I do, although I am pretty good at growing herbs and keeping flowers alive.

I tried to grow a real garden once and failed miserably. I planted my veggies too early in the season and they froze.

AMBER HUFFMAN Test Manager, Department of the Navy So, Amber, tell 3039M about yourself - where’d you grow up, where’d you go to school?

I grew up in Hickory, North Carolina and went to North Carolina State University (Go Pack!), graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree then completed my Masters later through the Navy with a Systems Engineering and Technical Management degree. My father owned a heating, air condition and metal fabrication business and I went to school thinking I wanted to be a Mechanical Engineer so I could go into the family business. We ended up selling the business while I was in college and I started looking for something outside of North Carolina...wanted to get away for a while and live some place new. Like most, I moved to DC thinking it would be for just 3-4 years. I bought a house in 2006 and now have a dog (Harley, a 6lb yorkie who truly thinks he is a lab)....so guess I am a little planted to stay.

How did you find yourself working for the U.S. Navy? Did you always have an affinity for the high seas?

The Navy interviewed students on campus at NC State and eventually invited me to an onsite interview in DC. I grew up on the lake in North Carolina and swimming, boating,

waterskiing were always a big part of my life but I didn’t really know much about ships at the time. When I interviewed in DC, I met with a guy who told me he was a Naval Architect and I responded “Oh, my dad is an architect!” I had no idea that was a degree and quickly learned that designing ships and houses aren’t the same! Surprisingly he hired me! The job had a bit of a business and project management focus and I wanted to get away from strict engineering design. I wasn’t completely sure it’s what I wanted, but decided to take it, thinking I could always find something different once I got to DC. I got lucky, worked with great mentors and landed a few really good opportunities to excel and do really fun things and 12 years later, I’m still here and loving it!

What’s a typical day in your job like?

I used to describe my job to my family as event planning—but for the military with ships, trucks and tanks instead of fun venues, caterers and great dresses. Instead I carry two cell phones, a radio, and normally wear a hard hat and steel toed boots. My day changes depending on what we are doing and weather is always a big factor, so having lots of back up plans is key. When we are testing on a ship, we start around 0500 (5am) and finish about 2200 (10pm).

We start with getting everybody on board, throw the mooring lines and get underway.

Each day is different depending on the test we are running. A basic inspection day to receive approval to accept the ship has a series of simultaneous test with inspectors witnessing each one; some tests include full power runs, discharging the fire-fighting system, testing the navigation system, deploying small boats using the crane, landing helicopters, running vehicles up and down the ramp, landing LCACs (big hover craft that operate on water at high speeds then fly on shore (or the ship) to unload and reload) and some are as simple as ensuring the horn works (they do need it in heavy fog !). I work with the ship’s crew to conduct each test, normally running back and forth up and down 12 flights of stairs (no elevators on board!) to ensure everything is on track and then work with the ship’s Captain to rearrange the schedule if we have to repeat a test or move it due

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THIS DATE IN HISTORY

to weather or repair. The good news is a long inspection day usually ends with an ice cream social then it’s off to bed to do it again the next day.

I AM THE ONLY FEMALE ON MY TESTING TEAM, WHICH MEANS I GET A 15-MAN ROOM TO MYSELF AND DON’T HAVE TO SHARE A BATHROOM, SO THAT’S NICE! What are some of the fun parts of your job?

I mean, you probably get to play with some pretty neat toys, right?

Every day is different! Operational testing (working with the Navy and Marine Corps

to ensure the ship can support their operational missions) has the coolest toys to play with—tanks, helicopters, and fast boats.

And of course it’s better when I get to drive!

Last year with did a lot of tests with Army and Marine Corps tanks to ensure the ship’s ramp could handle them­—driving a tank was probably the coolest thing I have done in my job. Testing helicopter landings on the deck is quite impressive, especially the MV-22 Osprey. Live fire test of the guns on board is also fun to participate in. The embarked security teams fire all the .50 cal weapons we have onboard at towed targets about 500 yards away. Last year we also had to deploy the Marine Evacuation Slide (picture the slide to evacuate an airplane) from one of the ships and prove 177 Marines could evacuate in less than 18 minutes into 2 life boats. Going down the slide was pretty fun, but then I was stuck on the life boat for 2 hours in 100 degree heat with 177 Marines.....

What’s it like to be a woman in this field?

Do you find there are any advantages or obstacles?

The shipbuilding industry has primarily been male dominated, but you are starting to see more women enter the field. As with

engineering, there weren’t a lot of women in engineering when I was in school, but engineering jobs are starting to draw a lot more women now. However, I am the only female on my testing team, which means I get a 15man room to myself, and don’t have to share a bathroom, so that’s nice!

We often talk about literacy at JLW, but technical fields are valuable, too! Having landed, happily so, in a very technical career field after college, what would you say to girls interested in pursuing careers in math or science?

Science and Math are important! Plus it teaches you practical concepts (like balancing your checkbook) or mixing simple solutions (hydrogen-peroxide, water, and Dawn) to get stains out of your favorite dress! There is actually a big focus in the literacy community (Reading is Fundamental and First Book have great curriculum supplements) on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) themed books and programs.

Last year, during the 100,000 books project, 21 schools JLW and RIF partnered with received 40 children’s books and activity sets with the STEAM theme for use in their classrooms and libraries. •

THIS DATE IN HISTORY JLW members hard at work.

1920s 1940s 1940s 1920s 18

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JLW CENTENNIAL

Archives Committee Helps Create

UNFORGETTABLE JLW CENTENNIAL

By Liz Vander Leeuw

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any Junior League of Washington (JLW) members remember the exciting events and spirit of celebration that surrounded the League’s Centennial year, complete with our Gala last February. However, most JLW members are not aware of the extensive behind-the-scenes efforts that made the Centennial such a great success.

Our Centennial, and the history of JLW it highlighted, would not have been possible without the dedication of the Archives Committee. Their members worked before, during, and after the Centennial to preserve JLW’s historical archives and collect images.

In fact, preparation was a four-year effort.

During the 2011-2012 League year, under

the leadership of Sarah Cary, Archives Committee members compiled a retrospective video highlighting JLW’s 100-year history through images. The video was debuted at the fall Centennial Luncheon.

Throughout the 2012-2013 league year, under the leadership of R. Denise Everson, Archives Committee members executed the Framing Store project. Along with the help of the Building Beautification Committee, dozens of archived photos, including one of former first lady Jackie Kennedy at JLW’s Holiday Shops in the 1960s, were framed and hung in headquarters as JLW hosted American Junior League International’s (AJLI) 2013 Conference.

Archives also worked tirelessly to relocate fragile scrapbooks from the basement to a safe

location and began the tedious process of digitizing those pages. Archival quality storage boxes were purchased to ensure the survival of scrapbooks dating back to JLW’s early years, and scrapbooks were displayed at several events throughout the Centennial year.

As the Centennial year drew to a close, the Archives Committee released its first digitally designed archival quality hardback, “Year-in-Review”. Members from various committees contributed hundreds of digital images in order to create the Centennial Celebration book. The book, located at the front desk in headquarters, provides an overview of JLW’s history, highlights many of the league’s Centennial celebratory activities, and commemorates JLW’s hosting of the AJLI 2013 Conference. •

1940s 1987 1950s 1960s

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LIFE’S A BEACH

Chris Parypa Photography / Shutterstock.com

LIFE’S A BEACH for the Junior League of Washington

By Amanda Mertens Campbell

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fter the Washington, DC-area’s uncharacteristically long and cold winter, many of us are fantasizing about sun, sand, and surf. For insider tips on Washington’s nearby beaches, look no further than your fellow Junior Leaguers. Relying on the wisdom of three JLW’ers, here is just a sample of a few of the hottest beaches and most hospitable homes fewer than three hours from DC. Former Junior League of Washington President, and current community outreach volunteer, Diana Marousek has owned her beach house in North Ocean City, MD, for 14 years. Centrally located between Delaware’s Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, and Rehoboth Beach to the north, and Assateague Island, Maryland, to the south, Ocean City has something for everyone.

Ocean City has a large boardwalk with food and attractions, an amazing array of restaurants, lots of nightlife, bars, and clubs, and plenty of family fun with amusement rides, miniature golf, water parks, golf, fishing, and water sports. For Diana and her husband, North Ocean City is the perfect spot for

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relaxation at the beach with the proximity of Ocean City’s action. “We are right on the beach, so we feel a million miles away from Washington, DC, every time we are there,” says Diana. Her additional advice: going in the off season when there are fewer tourists is also a great time to relax and still have wonderful weather and recharge your batteries.

Another fan of the ocean’s off-season is Julia Fermoile, Sustainer Liaison to the Strategic Planning Committee. Julia’s family owns a home just a half-block from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where her family has been vacationing since the 1930s. Like Diana, Julia favors her quiet neighborhood location within walking distance of the boardwalk, restaurants and other beach “fun.” Just two and a half hours from the Washington metro area, Rehoboth Beach boasts the nickname of the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” and might well be the JLW’s summer capital, as many JLW members echo Julia’s recommendations for the restaurants, outlet shopping, and traditional beach boardwalk. In true League fashion, however, Julia’s favorite Rehoboth pastime is sitting on the beach and reading a good book.

Past JLW President C.C. Christakos, who joined the JLW in 1987 and currently is the Chair of the Corporate Partnership & Development Committee, loves peacefully reading a book on Dewey Beach. A neighbor of both Rehoboth and Ocean City beaches, Dewey Beach is known for its weekend nightlife with renowned live music venues like the Rusty Rudder, The Bottle and The Cork, or The Starboard. In contrast, Dewey Beach during the week is a sleepy family destination: the town organizes mid-week bonfires and screens movies on the beach. An added bonus: in Dewey Beach, everything is within walking distance or a “Jolly Trolly” ride away. C.C.’s beach experience also highlights a theme common to the JLW: meeting wonderful friends through a shared beach house rental.

If reading about these beaches has you packing your paperbacks and sunscreen, we’re glad 3039M could bring you some suggestions for nearby beach getaways this summer. How wonderful to volunteer in the Nation’s Capital and have North Ocean City, MD, Rehoboth Beach, DE, and Dewey Beach so close they can all be the “Nation’s Summer Capital”. •

NATHAN LOUGHBOROUGH

Who Was

NATHAN LOUGHBOROUGH

By Kirsten Kulis

Anyway?

T

he Junior League of Washington is headquartered at the historic Loughborough House, but who was Nathan Loughborough? Former Building Management Chair and self-proclaimed history buff, Kirsten Kulis, recently did some research to find out…

The Loughborough House is named after Nathan Loughborough (pronounced Luffboro). According to a descendant, Margaret Loughborough, who provided testimony to the Columbia Historical Society, Nathan Loughborough’s ancestors came to Virginia in 1768, and he was born and grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia. Loughborough was Chief Clerk in the Land Office of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the interim seat of the nation’s government. When he was approximately twenty-one years old, he married Mary Webster of Harford County, Maryland.

At the direction of President John Quincy Adams, whom Loughborough supported, Washington, D.C. became the permanent seat of the nation’s government in 1800. As Chief Clerk of the Treasury Department, Loughborough relocated to DC. Suitable housing was scarce and in 1801, for $1,684, Loughborough purchased a lot on Bridge Street (present-day M Street, Northwest), and commissioned a three story brick house. In 1806, the second building was completed and they became known as “Nathan Loughborough’s Houses.”

Loughborough rose to become Acting Comptroller at the Treasury Department. In 1804, he established “Grassland,” a country home with a two-story brick house and a stone barn. The family moved there in 1809. The estate is located at the terminus of the pres-

ent-day Loughboro Road, Northwest, at Ward Circle. Grassland’s house and barn stood until about 1955, when they were demolished for the construction of the studios of WRC-TV. Loughborough actively defended the burgeoning capitol city during the War of 1812, commanding a cavalry company at Bladensburg.

Shortly after, in 1813, he sold his two houses.

NATHAN LOUGHBOROUGH WAS KNOWN AS “A CULTURED GENTLEMAN, A WRITER, AND A MAN OF AFFAIRS.” According to Margaret Loughborough, Nathan Loughborough was known as “a cultured gentleman, a writer, and a man of affairs.” He was a large stockholder in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and in the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ National Bank (located at present-day Wisconsin and M Streets, Northwest). He was also one of the chief promoters of the Rockville Pike Company, and served as its president. She also notes a reference to him as a “large, portly, handsome man” who loved horses.

Mary Loughborough died in 1844 and was buried at Grassland. In about 1847, Nathan Loughborough married a second time, a widow, Mrs. John Magill Thomas. Between the two wives, Nathan Loughborough had thirteen children, eight of whom lived to maturity. Although not a Roman Catholic, the Loughborough sons were educated at

Georgetown College and the daughters at the associated convent. Nathan Loughborough died in 1852 and was buried at Grassland.

The occupants of “Nathan Loughborough’s Houses” have included about a dozen different families, a bank, law and insurances offices, and dry goods, shoe, and department stores. In 1926, Edlows Department Store purchased both properties and united them under one roof.

Several decades later, in 1957, the Honorable and Mrs. Gordon Gray purchased the property, and in 1960 gave it to the Junior League of Washington. The League extensively remodeled the interiors and restored the facade to its original Federal design, following a photograph from the 1880s. In 1998, the Junior League of Washington conducted another renovation to update Loughborough House with modern amenities and improved office and meeting space. The interior has been remodeled in the Federal style to match the façade (which was also refurbished once again during the 1998 renovation). The buildings are officially known as the Loughborough-Patterson House and are located within the Georgetown Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. The property was listed on the D.C. Inventory of Historic Sites in 1964.

A prominent Washingtonian and patriot, Nathan Loughborough’s city home was built to last—through the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, and beyond. Over the course of the last 200 years, Loughborough House has served as both private home and public institution.

Today, the Junior League of Washington welcomes its members and invited guests to use and enjoy the Loughborough House for both League business and League sponsored events.

For more information about the headquarters, please contact Erin Wieczorek, Building Beautification Chair. •

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MISSION MOMENTS

MISSION MOMENTS Profiled by Charlotte Baker “This is my first year serving as an Advisor to new members and, I must say, I have really enjoyed it. It’s been great getting to know the ladies in my small group. I enjoy teaching them about the Junior League’s structure and mission and offering them advice to navigate their new member requirements. Caveat: I have the BEST group of new members so they make my job easy! My hope is that they will each find their own unique niche within the Junior League so that they can better serve the community and take advantage of the many benefits and wide variety of opportunities afforded by being a member of the Junior League of Washington.”

- Beth Mortenson Golding, New Member Committee

“I have really enjoyed being involved with the Member Placement Resources Committee for the last two years. I served as a committee member my first year and am currently serving as Vice Chairman. The MPR Committee has been a great fit for me because I travel frequently for work. Even though I wasn’t always able to make the events, it is easy to find ways to stay involved and actively contribute to the Committee from the road. For example, I wasn’t able to attend the JLW Spring Celebration, so I built the event’s program instead. All-in-all, the MPR Committee is a great choice for those who are looking for a flexible commitment that can often times be fulfilled outside of just in-person meetings and events.”

- Megann Goldberg, Member Placement Resources Committee

“Holiday Shops is an incredible way to make a difference! I love knowing that we’re not only fundraising for JLW and our efforts in the community, but we’re reaching out to vendors and local shop owners in the DMV (DC metro area) community, supporting them and getting the word out about the great work JLW and our volunteers do!”

- Stephanie Fontenot, Holiday Shops (Communications Subcommittee)

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“The Bright Beginnings Committee has been a unique and truly rewarding experience. Junior League established Bright Beginnings over 20 years ago to address the critical need for homeless children without daycare. One of the most humbling and satisfying events I have participated in on the committee was the Bright Beginnings Christmas party. I was assigned to the two to three-year-old classroom and spent the day helping teach the children basic reading and social skills. My fiancé attended as well and although the kids were shy at first, within minutes they were attached to us at the hip! The highlight of the morning was taking the children to meet Santa for what might be the only time the kids at Bright Beginnings ever “meet Santa Claus” during their lifetime. Like any child that age, some were happier than others meeting Santa and many refused to sit on his lap. Seeing the look on the children’s faces, however, when they walked out of that room holding one of the only presents they would unwrap that holiday season was an amazing experience. It reminded me why I chose to do an out of League placement in the first place. As long as I am a part of JLW, I will continue to do out of league placements where I can interact directly with the less fortunate children here in DC!” - Janelle Hervig, Bright Beginnings Committee

“This is my first year serving on Bright Beginnings as a member of the Junior League of Washington. Last year, Bright Beginnings was my mini placement and I enjoyed my experience so much that I listed Bright Beginnings as my top choice and luckily I was placed on the committee! What I like most about Bright Beginnings is getting the chance to spend time with kids in our local community. Events like “Spring Literacy Night” allow committee members the opportunity to share the importance of reading and literacy by choosing a book that inspires the overall theme of the night.

Being on Bright Beginnings has also given me the opportunity the organize the upcoming Bright Beginnings 5K, that the greater DC community can come out to and support; who doesn’t love to run a good 5k? It has been a beyond rewarding experience to serve the families that need help the most.”

- Marjorie Schwahn, Bright Beginnings Committee

FIVE SECRETS

FIVE SECRETS to a Successful JLW Book Club

By Tirzah Weiskotten

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o many members of the Junior League of Washington, literacy is not just our focus; it is our passion. It is no surprise that most of us have a huge love of reading.

But for some reason, I did not make this connection when I sat down at my very first committee meeting several years ago. The icebreaker was “What Did You Read This Summer”, and I froze.

While my fellow members confidently rattled off titles I had heard of (but never read), I nervously waited for my turn. I racked my brain to think of something, anything, that I had read that summer, that year, or at any point in the past few years.

I was horrified; I could not remember one title that did not end with the word “textbook”, which meant the last book I had read for fun was before college; and that was a long, long time ago.

Thank goodness for JLW Book Clubs! I was able to join a group, rekindling my love of reading, while also opening my eyes to new authors and genres.

I also gained a new favorite place to visit, the public library.

Long gone are the days when I have no idea what to say during a committee icebreaker, or when I am lost during a conversation about authors attending the National Book Festival.

My JLW Book Club not only reversed my reputation as a non-reading member of our pro-literacy organization, it also gave me a sense of JLW’s greater mission.

But how can a JLW Book Club make such an impact, and how does that impact affect our members? How do Book Club members keep the commitment – and why? What’s the secret to staying on topic and discussing the book rather than letting the camaraderie take over (or is that even a bad thing)?

Here are five reasons why JLW Book Clubs work, as told to me by members of JLW Book Clubs that have been in existence for at least two years:

1. ORGANIZATION In a league that runs like a well-oiled machine, it is no surprise that even JLW Book Clubs are well organized and members like it that way. Leaders keep groups informed and on track, but it is clear that JLW Book Club members hold themselves accountable, and want to hold themselves accountable, for hosting, scheduling meetings, and selecting engaging books.

2. COMMITMENT Any successful JLW Book Club knows that the number one reason they still meet is because they are committed to their fellow JLW Book Club members.

Regularly attending meetings shows that members care for not only the mission of their Book Club, but also about the message their commitment sends to their fellow members: they matter too. Making time to read is important, but it is really about making the time to be together.

3. FLEXIBILITY No one wants to be part of a Book Club that is rigid with rules. Many JLW Book Clubs agree groundrules outlining the Who, When, What, How, and Where are necessary. Rules typically define how hosts are determined, how often a Book Club meets, and where meetings occur. These rules set the expectations for the group.

4. DIVERSITY Having members who are different from each other proves to be another secret to success for JLW Book Clubs. Reading is the common thread, but members’ individual differences create variety and spice to book discussions.

5. SHARING Hosting a JLW Book Club allows members to invite each other to try a new dish or an old favorite family recipe; it also gives JLW members a chance to meet new people, relax, and chit chat about books and other topics. Many JLW Book Club members enjoy this time to get to know other JLW members in a small group, which can be a different experience from working together on a committee.

So whether you have just joined a new JLW Book Club or would like to rekindle an old one, I urge you to actively participate and make the most of your commitment.

Members of successful JLW Book Clubs encourage anyone joining a new group to take initiative, be open to meeting people who are different from you, and to focus on having fun. JLW Book Club members take their commitment to reading together seriously, just as the JLW takes its literacy initiative seriously. But it is definitely okay to have some fun, too! •

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JLW RELATIONSHIPS

JLW RELATIONSHIPS

By Charlotte Baker

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omen join the Junior League of Washington for several reasons – to volunteer, to network and to gain leadership opportunities, but an added bonus to league membership is the lasting friendships formed with other women in the area. JLW brings women together who may not have crossed paths otherwise, and it helps strengthen relationships that began both in and outside the league.

Summer Bravo and Karen Garnick met through the Junior League of Washington before they were even officially members.

Both new to the city and eager to meet new people, Summer and Karen decided JLW was an opportunity to plug into Washington.

They were each moving through the League’s recruitment process when they met. Their sponsors, friends themselves through the league, decided to introduce the two women over dinner so they could discuss their interest in JLW. Since that initial meeting five years ago, Summer and Karen have remained close friends.

“Karen is super laid back and from California. I don’t think we would have ever met so I’m thrilled to have made this connection with her,” Bravo said. “We kept in touch throughout the recruitment process andwe stayed very close during our new member year.

We attended our volunteer shifts together and other events. We’ve been friends for almost five years and we met, solely because of Junior League!”

While many women meet for the first time through the league, other women have used the league to bolster and expand relationships. Nancy Peele has formed a growing network of friends through the Junior League, built on both new and old acquaintances. Nancy first met Honey Harris and Alex Corby through work functions and convinced them to join. Nancy also introduced the new members to her friend Jodi Blonski, who she met through her committee placement on Holiday Shops. The four bonded over a trip to Napa and have since attended several Junior League and other social events together.

“It was my new member year, and Nancy was a veteran junior leaguer, so we persuaded Honey to join in as well. Flash forward a year, and Nancy brought Jodi along on the 2013 trip to Napa and

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“NOT ONLY DO THE FOUR OF US HAVE THE GREATEST TIME TOGETHER, BUT JLW HAS CONNECTED US EVEN MORE THAN WE WOULD’VE IMAGINED.” —ALEX CORBY it’s been a blast ever since! Not only do the four of us have the greatest time together, but JLW has connected us even more than we would’ve imagined,” Corby said.

“I first met Nancy and Alex through our work, and always had a great time when they came to our events. I eventually found out that they were both in the Junior League, along with several other wonderful ladies I knew both professionally and socially. They both were a huge influence in my decision to join the league, and have been great mentors for my first year! They have been wonderful about introducing me to other women in the League - including Jodi – who I have truly enjoyed getting to know,” Harris said. “The League has provided me an opportunity to meet and build relationships with these women, and I love having the chance to spend time with them in so many avenues—we always have a blast together!”

“So many paths crossed, yet it is the Junior League that brings us together,” said Peele. •

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOKS

FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOKS

By Ellen Carmichael

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n my childhood bedroom hangs a framed poster that reads, “A book is a present you can open again and again.”

Indeed, some of the greatest gifts a child can receive are books that open the heart and unlock the imagination. We also know that reading is a critical component of education, and that education is the key to prosperity. The Junior League of Washington is very proud to lead the efforts to improve literacy in our community.

3039M asked a few of JLW’s members to recall their favorite books and how reading has eriched their lives:

KIM TUOMEY Hometown: Manalapan, New Jersey.

Committee: Community Placement Council Director for Youth and Family Placements.

Favorite Childhood Book: If You Give A Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Numeroff.

Who Gave You This Book?: My parents.

Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: This book has such a fun story and I always wanted to read it at bedtime. As an adult, its one of my favorite books to give to little readers!

ASHLEY CARTER Hometown: Kent Island, Md. Committee: Literacy Lab. Favorite Childhood Book: The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams.

Who Gave You This Book?: I remember growing up with the book and reading it until the pages were worn (much like the rabbit in the story), although, I’m not sure how the book came into my possession. A tradition my family started at baby showers—and I now do for those I attend and host—is help to build a baby’s library before birth. It’s always great when guests can bring their favorite book with them to a shower

as books evoke great memories and warm feelings. This also exposes children to an eclectic mixture of children’s literature and guests can often see what books are popular with other children.

Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: Not only is the story line a classic, The Velveteen Rabbit also has great illustrations and imagery! It’s no wonder the book is an award winner. Every child has a favorite toy. While new toys may come and go, there’s always that one that sticks around even though it becomes old, faded and perhaps torn. In a sense it becomes real.

The book tells the story about unconditional love and how real beauty is not merely skin deep. These are lessons that every child should learn and continue to be told as they grow. Recently, the book provided a new lesson to me. The author, Margery Williams did not write the book until the age of 41. It was her first children’s book and with it, she became famous. It just goes to show that you’re never too old to try something new.

ALISON OTTENBREIT Hometown: Ft. Worth, Tex. Committee: Vice Treasurer, Tossed and Found.

Favorite Childhood Book: Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss.

Who Gave You This Book?: Parents? Not sure owned as long as I can remember Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: Truthfully, no idea, but I loved to read it over and over with my parents. It rhymed. It was silly. All fun things when you are 5.

Who Gave You This Book?: Got it at my school book fair.

Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: It was a collection of short poems and my mom could not put it down when reading them to me at bedtime—which extended my bedtime!

CARLY ROCKSTROH Hometown: Swampscott, Mass.

Committee: Co-Chair, 56th Holiday Shops.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Giver, by Lois Lowry.

Who Gave You This Book?: My elementary school librarian, Miss Kelly. It came out when I was in the second or third grade and I think she saved it for me to read first before the rest of the school.

Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: The Giver challenged and changed how I read books. It got me to think and awakened my brain in a way my other cherished childhood books (Babysitters Club, Boxcar Children etc.) did not (though I do love them!). Flash forward a few years and I added Philosophy as a major in college! I’ve re-read The Giver as an adult a few times and always enjoy it in new ways.

WHITNEY CROMIE Hometown: Portland, Maine.

Committee: Nominating Committee.

Favorite Childhood Book: One Morning in Maine, by Robert McCloskey.

Who Gave You This Book?: My mother.

Why Was It Your Favorite Book?: It tells the story of a girl losing her first tooth and includes lots of things I love—the ocean, ice cream and my home state! •

JENNIFER DISCHER Hometown: Greenwood, Ind. Committee: Assistant Council Director for Membership Development.

Favorite Childhood Book: A Light In The Attic, by Shel Silverstein.

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KIDS CORNER

KIDS CORNER at the Junior League of Washington, D.C.

By Jamie Teufel

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f the many roles held by women of the Junior League of Washington, mother is one. Our children play an integral role in our lives, as well as in our League’s focus on childhood literacy. In order to support mothers and their families, there are many child-focused and child-friendly activities throughout the year that are planned specifically for members, as well as the community at large.

The Esprit Committee planned several wonderful events for children in and around Washington, D.C. during the 2013-2014 League year. In October, a visit to Butler’s Orchard for a “Fall Day Out” included celebrating the harvest season with pumpkin picking, hayrides and a fall festival. In November, a crafting session was hosted by the Esprit Committee at the League townhouse. “Mommy and Me: Thanksgiving Crafts with Esprit” treated moms and kids to a fun-filled morning of turkey-tastic arts and crafts! Mrs. Blodgett, an art teacher with over 35 years of teaching experience, showed us how to assemble a fun Thanksgiving-themed project.

Our little ones even moved and grooved to Boogie Babes, a live music performance for kids and their grownups at the ATLAS Performing Arts Center. Another crafting session is planned for March, so escape the cherry blossom crowds and enjoy entertaining crafts, child-friendly snacks and fellowship with other League mothers.

One of the League’s treasured volunteer opportunities, the National Book Festival, offers fun for children of all ages. Here, children have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with characters from their favorite books. In 2013, the Tales from the Young Readers Center hosted Hooper Helps Kids to Read. Jane Paley, author of “Hooper Finds a Family” shared the story of a Hurricane Katrina rescue dog that grows up to become a registered therapy dog and helps kids read. Hooper was even there to meet young readers!

Elementary age children could participate in a writing contest, “A Book That Shaped Me.” Rising fifth and sixth graders reflected on a book that has made a personal impact on their lives. The contest was administered through local public library systems in the mid-Atlantic region, and top winners read their essays and were honored during the National Book Festival.

One of the League’s signature projects, Kids in the Kitchen, is annual event that showcases ways for kids to eat smart and make healthy lifestyle choices. Celebrity chefs host healthy cooking demonstrations, fitness experts lead kids in high-energy exercise sessions and certified nutritionists are on-hand to answer questions. This fun-filled day offers games, crafts,

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hands-on learning and exciting raffle prizes -- all to celebrate and promote nutritional literacy.

The League’s two major fundraising events, Holiday Shops and Tossed and Found, have even more options for our members’ little ones. Holiday Shops features fabulous children’s clothing and toy vendors. In fact, I scored some great gifts for my child that was a big hit last holiday season! Santa and Mrs. Claus are on site to meet and greet children, and they can sit on Santa’s lap, tell him what is on their holiday wish list and snap a picture with the man in red. Also on-hand at this year’s Holiday Shops was Rudolph and Red Nose Reindeer!

Rudolph could be found roaming the halls and saying hello while shoppers got their last minute shopping done on Sunday.

OUR CHILDREN PLAY AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN OUR LIVES, AS WELL AS IN OUR LEAGUE’S FOCUS ON CHILDHOOD LITERACY. The Tossed and Found Children’s Trunk Show is a perennial favorite among League members and the community alike. The line to enter the event is often around the corner, as shoppers hunt through a treasure trove of gently used and new baby and children’s items. For two years, Lansinoh has generously donated breastfeeding and infant feeding supplies to the Tossed and Found Children’s Trunk Show. Lansinoh items can be purchased at a fraction of retail cost and are included in goodie bags for those who pay the price of admission to the Trunk Show.

Story time is another popular feature of The Children’s Trunk Show.

Adults can shop while little ones enjoy a snack and story. In addition, Lily Pulitzer made a significant donation to the Tossed and Found Children’s Trunk Show, helping make the event a success.

You may not be a mother. You may be an aunt, a godmother or just love spending time with children. The League encourages you to take advantage of the many opportunities to include the little ones in your life. Not only will it enrich your league experience, it will teach children about the importance of service in their community. •

3039 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20007

MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Charlotte Baker

Sarah Hazlett

Tiffany McGuffee

Jamie Teufel

Kirsten Brinker Kulis

Jennifer Hsu

Amanda Mertens Campbell

Katrina Valdes

Jill Butler

Heather Hummelsheim

Kimberley Morrison-Mertz

Tirzah Weiskotten

Ellen Carmichael

Kathryn Kettle

Melissa Sinden

Skyla Freeman

Deidra Lemons

Deborah Stevens