Junior League of Alexandria Luminary - Fall 2016

The Official Magazine of the Junior League of Alexandria, Louisiana

LUMINARY FALL 2016

From the PRESIDENT As the 2016-2017 League year continues, yes I say continues because for months we have had numerous members in their new placements and positions putting in countless hours working on membership development projects, leadership trainings, our placement manual, nominating time line and applications, community project needs, governing policies, fund raising, running our New to You thrift shop, and coordinating construction of our future headquarters. Wow, that list seems like a lot, but it barely skims the surface of what our members have been doing to promote our mission and carry our League through to our September general membership meeting. The strong roots and open hearts I spoke of at our annual meeting in May have been so evident to me since beginning my term as president just three months ago.

I had the opportunity to sit in during a portion of the June provisional retreat. The women that are seeking membership in our League voiced that they want to be a part of ‘something bigger’, they want to ‘make a difference in our community’, and they want to ‘gain leadership skills’. Hearing from them made my heart smile because I know that we are recruiting the right kind

Cover photos courtesy of Lori Brian Photography

of quality women to join our League, a women that is willing to put in the hours of teamwork and self-improvement to be a benefit to others in our community.

Our members that have started another chapter in their Junior League leadership journey and now have board of director, vice president, or chairmen responsibilities, have been working with our membership to move us closer to accomplishing our strategic plan goals and initiatives. Our community impact chairmen recently shared with me the positive input, ideas, and enthusiasm she received from her committee members during their meeting. Again, my heart smiled. We all have something to offer the Junior League of Alexandria, I hope everyone feels confident and comfortable bringing their best self to the table because it will take all of us to make it happen.

Christal Workman

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Communications Amanda Chenevert - Chairman Catherine Boone, Layla Kinder, Julie Dekeyzer

Construction

Amy Vollman (P) - Chairman Susan Corbyn - Capital Campaign Mary Jane Soprano - Capital Campaign Sheranda Smith - Design Kellie Peyton* - Marketing/Events Lindsay Procell - Marketing/Events

Headquarters

Nancy Robinson - Chairman Catherine Guilbeau, Andrea Marze, Katie Prestridge

COMMUNITY PROJECTS COUNCIL Community Impact

Stephanie Mason - Chairman Erin Bear, Candi Connella Jennifer Finney, Sloane Torres

Project Research & Development

Lacy Blackmon - Chairman Hayley Dean, Jennifer Floyd*, Andria Fontenot

Scholarships & Grants

Natalie Curley*, Deyka Farrar

MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL Membership Development

Amanda Rodriguez - Chairman Brooke Bryant, Lila Hardy, Lele Soileau

Sustainer Outreach

LeAnne Broussard (P) - Chairman Kate Dickey, Julia Harrison-Sketo, Kelly Reish

Placement

Helena Brocato (P) - Chairman Sara Stokes, Ashley Veuleman, Alanna Bejsovec (P)

Provisional Admissions

Kim Hayes - Chairman Rachel Cooper (P), Brittany McCrery (P), Samantha Redfield

FUND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Annual Campaign

Shanna Hartman* - Chairman Temperance Saucier, Meredith Rhoads (P)

New to You

Rachel Ross - Chairman Natalie Constantine, Jamie Schwartz* Marilyn Stallings

FUND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CONT. A Very Merry Market

Kellie Peyton* - Chairman Alison Ledet - Chairman Step Up Betsy Mayes - Treasurer Lori Decker - Treasurer Step Up

Merchants Natalie Curley* Jennifer Floyd*

What’s

Inside COVER: HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE | PG 3-4

PR & Advertising Anna McKay Bianca Malone Lacey Simon

Character Events Evie Gremillion Amani Augustine Shelia McLain Ladies Night Kate May Lilly Brouillette Skye Vaughn

Merchant Lounge Heather Walker Grace Semones Shift Coordinator Shanna Hartman*

Sponsors & Donations Lauren Sullivan Erin Fontanille Silent Auction Melissa Franklin Melanie Tharp Decorations Jamie Schwartz*

Special Events Meredith Crotty Jessica Cole Erica Paul

1

FROM THE PRESIDENT

2

2016-17 PLACEMENTS

5-6

SLATED LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

7-8

WELCOME NEW PROVISIONALS

8

LITTLE LEAGUERS, WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS

9-10

MAY DINNER AWARDS

11

SECRET INGREDIENTS RECIPE

11

JLA BOOK CLUB

12

GRANT & SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

13-14

A VERY MERRY MARKET

BACK

NEW TO YOU

[P] PROS Member * Double Placed Member

Photos courtesy of Lilly Brouillette

Breaking Ground on a

GROUNDBREAKING FUTURE For decades, Junior League of Alexandria’s Active and Sustainer members have recognized a need for a permanent home for our league. We have been diligently putting time, thought, and money into savings towards this goal. Through these prudent efforts, a firm belief in our mission, and the support of the Cenla community, we are now making that goal a reality.

CONSTRUCTION CHAIRMAN

AMY VOLLMAN

On August 10, 2016, the JLA Board and Construction Committee hosted an exciting Groundbreaking event to celebrate the beginning of construction of our own Junior League of Alexandria headquarters. JLA members, numerous dignitaries, and community supporters all gathered at our JLA property at 1005 Bayou Place, Alexandria, LA, to commemorate and encourage this significant milestone in the history of the Junior League of Alexandria.

A special thank you to Kellie Peyton, Construction Events/ Marketing committee member, for a well planned event.

As JLA members, we should all be proud of this accomplishment, humbled by the perseverance and service of those who paved the way, and ambitious about our future. This property and building will be a symbol of our permanence and intent to make a long lasting positive impact in our community. Most importantly, it will serve as a comfortable and stable home for generations of eager volunteers and women and children in need. Construction is scheduled to be completed by late Spring 2017, under the direction of Ballard, CLC on behalf of the JLA, and by awarded Contractor Pat Williams. While the construction

is in progress, the Construction Committee will be encouraging full membership participation in our Capital Campaign.

We would like to ensure that we are leaving a legacy of both a home and a healthy financial standing, putting future league generations in the best position to continue growing our membership, programs, projects, and service. This will take the support of each and every member and our community. There will be many opportunities at every level. These will include large donations with naming opportunities in our new building, pledges, fundraising events, individual campaigns, such as our brick campaign, and many more efforts. Please consider the importance of this endeavor and your capability. Every dollar raised will be important and appreciated.

We will be making our first order of personalized bricks from our JLA brick campaign for our new headquarters shortly after our first 2016-17 General Meeting in September. This first order will have prominent placement along our front walkway and will also include our “Presidents’ Path” for Past Presidents.

If you have not purchased yours yet and would like to, please send in your form as soon as possible, or contact the JLA office at 318-443-6975, jrleagueofalex@bellsouth.net

BOARD

OF

Your

DIRECTORS

Christal Workman | JLA 2016-2018 PRESIDENT

I am honored to serve alongside a strong, dedicated group of women. I am Christal Beach Workman, I grew up in Pineville and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. I worked in the architecture and design field in both Mississippi and Louisiana, then returned to Cenla and married my college sweetheart, Stephen. We now have three children, Stihl (5), Reagan (4), and Wren (2). You can find me every Thursday morning teaching at Yoga YaYa, and I serve as the President of the Cenla Kappa Delta Alumnae Chapter . We are each making our own path in our Junior League journey, and this path is making a difference in your lives and the lives of those around us. Our roots are strong in Cenla and with open hearts we serve and LIVE WELL.

LeeAnn Borrel |

JLA 2016-2017 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

I grew up in Alexandria and graduated from LSU-Alexandria with a degree in Communications. I’m married to Luke and we have one daughter, Caroline (age 3). I am currently the Community Representative for Louisiana Physical Therapy Centers of Pineville and also enjoy being an active board member of the St. James Day School Board, where our daughter attends, and a member of the Holy Savior Menard Alumni Board. I joined the Junior League in 2013 to form new friendships and be a bigger part of the community. Previously I served on the Scholarships & Grants Committee for one year, and then as the Chair for another year. I’m excited to learn more about how the league is run and be part of such a transitional time in the League.

Christy Edwards | JLA 2016-2017 TREASURER

The Junior League of Alexandria has been an excellent experience for me over the past several years.

I joined the league in 2011, and I am grateful for the experience and I look forward to supporting the league for many years to come. I have served on the decorations committee as well as Treasurer for “A Very Merry Market”, membership development, and Treasurer on the Board. I graduated from Louisiana College and obtained my MBA from UIU, and currently, I am an active Louisiana Real Estate Agent working for Cushman & Wakefield. In addition, I volunteer for the Salvation Army, Hope House of Alexandria, Manna House, and Red Cross. 14 years ago I married my high school sweetheart, Michael Edwards, and we have three children, Kaitlyn, Matthew, and Olivia.

Christy Cox |

JLA 2016-2017 NOMINATING DIRECTOR

Originally from Haughton, La I have lived in Alexandria for 23 years. I am the mother of 14 year old Mackenzie that is a freshman at Menard and almost 4 year old Max. I am a full time Dental Hygienist at The Lakes Family Dentistry for 22 years. While not working at the dentist office you will find me at the softball field, football field or dance studio along with helping at the school or daycare. I have been in Jr League for 9 years serving many different positions from Market Chair to Nominating Director this year. Looking ahead to this year I hope to have more of an inclusive league. Welcoming all members and making sure everyone feels they have a purpose in our league. I also hope to help facilitate our league to get more into our community and broaden our networking connections.

Krista Redmond | JLA 2016-2018 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

My name is Krista Redmond and I am serving as the secretary on the Board of Directors for the next two League years. My husband is Dr. Patrick Redmond and we have two boys - Luke who is 5 and Rhett who is a little over a year and a half. We recently moved to Alexandria about 2 years ago. I am in education and am currently teaching 6th grade English Language Arts at Alexandria Country Day School. In the past, I have served as an assistant principal and a curriculum director, and have recently taught at the university level. Currently I am pursuing my doctorate in education - a long road, but worth it in the end. I am excited to be a part of an organization filled with ladies who understand that volunteering and service is a work of heart.

Lisa Neely (Ward) |

JLA 2016-2017 SUSTAINER ADVISOR

I was the 68th President of the Junior League, Sustainer of the Year (2012-2013), and Active of the Year (2001-2002). Some of my committees included Chairman of Project Research and Development, Luminary Chairman, Nominating/Placement, Executive Secretary, Executive Treasurer, and the first A Very Merry Market Treasurer. I am an Accountant and Practice Administrator for Mid-Louisiana Anesthesia Consultants, and I also serve on boards for United Way, Turning Point, Family Counseling Agency, Alexandria Jaycees (President), and Crossroads Competitive Soccer Team (Manager). I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons. I appreciate everyone’s continued commitment to build a better community, change our world, and serve our purpose.

Your

MANAGEMENT TEAM Courtney Landry

JLA 2016-2018 VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY PROJECTS

I grew up right here in Alexandria and have been married to my husband, JC, for 13 years. We have a daughter Sydney (12) and a son Jackson (7). I have 10 years of experience in banking, and now I own two family businesses, Oh Snap Selfies! and J & C Properties. I joined JLA to make new friends and learn more about volunteering in the community. I’m so proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization, one that has been at the forefront of identifying community needs and creating solutions. I am very passionate about what we do in the league and believe in the power of voluntarism and promoting leadership in women. We can all do our part to help, big or small. I’m ready to see what the next few years hold for our community through this organization!

Colleen Velotta

JLA 2015-2017 VICE PRESIDENT FUND DEVELOPMENT

I am an LSU alumni, where I received my Bachelors in Business Administration. I am currently working at my family’s business, Southern Chevrolet Cadillac, as the Office Manager. I married my high school sweetheart Tim and we have two children, Timothy (6) and Camille (2). Previous placements include: New to You Committee, Provisional Admissions Committee and Provisional Chairman, Done in a Day Committee, and my most favorite of all, A Very Merry Market Committee and Market Chairman! I have been a member of JLA for 10 years, and have enjoyed making new friendships through the years and working with inspiring women to make our community a better place.

Jeni Mangum | JLA 2016-2018 VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP

My name is Jeni Mangum and Membership VP for our 2016-2017 league year. I’m so excited to work with all the amazing women in this organization! I’m an Army Brat, but I claim Leesville as my hometown since seventh grade. I graduated from LSU in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Art History. I’m married to an awesome man named Aaron, and we have three children: Calyn (9), Logan (6), and Harper (3). I love to sew, crochet, and cook. I’m looking forward to this league year and getting to know even more of you! I’ve truly found a sisterhood in JLA, and I’m excited to serve YOU!

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Caitlin Murphy

I grew up in Alexandria and graduated from NSU in Business Administration in 2011. I have been with Red River Bank since 2012 working first as the assistant to the Executive Vice President of RRB and currently as a Personal Banker at the Main Branch.

I am involved in various community groups in Cenla. I am currently the President of the Young Professionals Group of CenLa, an Exofficio Board Member to the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, and serve as an active member of the Junior League on the Nominating Committee. I joined Junior league in 2014 to meet new people, further my professional contacts, and get more involved with the community.

Keary Coffin

I grew up in Woodworth and have lived in Gardner for over 12 years. I have been with my husband, Jami Coffin, for over 18 years and we have one son, Jami Jr. (14). I am a realtor at Keller Williams Realty, have owned my own business for several years, and am a paralegal. I have served JLA as both League Lagniappe and Provisional Chairmans, and Luminary and Grants Committees. I have served as VP and secretary of Central Louisiana Arts and Healthcare and with the Boys and Girls Club in Natchitoches as board member, secretary and president. I am currently the Events Chairman for the Central Louisiana REALTORS Association. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and giving back to the community!

We are all looking forward to an incredibly inspiring

2016-2017 JLA YEAR!

Welcome New

PROVISIONALS! Allyson Spence Anne Kathryn Hunter April Barr Ashley Bonifield Brandy Wills Brannin Petit Leglue Candice Russell Chelsea Gravel Christian Kelly Courtney Ray Diana Wells Dionne Branton Elizabeth Andry

Heather Daigrepont Jamie Bly Jeri Jordan Jessica Atchison Jessica Sheffield Judith Wolfe Kathleen Lannom Kelli West Lauren Vollman Lety O’Neal Lindsay Robichaux

Megan Terry Meghan Macinnis Natalie Cox Rachel Fry Rhonda Ruoppoli Shelley Brazil Shiloh Lancaster Tequitra Gray Teresa Louis Tiffany Pledger Virginia Rachal

PROVISIONAL ADMISSIONS CHAIRMAN

KIM HAYES

We had our Provisional Retreat on Saturday, June 18th at the Chamber of Commerce. The day started off with a quick breakfast and meet and greet of most of the new Provisional members. We had 18 ladies in attendance which made this a successful, informational event. My committee discussed their requirements and played some games for everyone to get to know one another better. We had a yummy lunch catered by Wildwood Pizza in Alexandria. Our day of the retreat was complete with their “New to You” orientation which was such a great idea. It was a fun, informative event. We have a total of 35 Provisional ladies to start the new year.

Little Leaguers, Newlyweds & Engagements!

Welcome the newest arrival...

Adam Ryan Robison BORN 8-16-16 TO EVIE, RYAN & BIG BROTHER EVAN

Welcome...

Charles Simon Hardy

BORN 8-11-16 TO LILA, BEN & BIG BROTHER BENTON

Introducing...

Brooke & Cole Bryant

MARRIED 4-23-16 IN ST. MAARTEN

Welcome...

Elizabeth AnnaLee McKay

BORN 12-15-15 TO ANNA & DAN

Introducing...

Ashley & Daniel Bonifield

MARRIED IN MICHIGAN

Welcome...

Adelaide Jean Vanderhoeven

BORN 5-16-15 TO JOLIE, BART & BIG SISTER AMELIE

Welcome...

Joseph Owen Marze

BORN 3-1-16 TO ANDREA, DAVID & BIG BROTHER GREYSON

Welcome...

Jordan Lauren Torres

BORN 9-25-15 TO SLOANE, JEFF & BIG BROTHER JEFFREY

Welcome...

Jensen Paul Rodriguez

BORN 8-13-16 TO AMANDA, OSCAR & BIG SISTERS LENA & JOANNA

Welcome...Charlotte

Kate Soprano

BORN 3-8-16 TO MARY JANE, CHAD & BIG SISTER MADISON

2016

May Dinner

Celebrating accomplishments and looking toward the goals of the new year, the Annual May Dinner is a wonderful time with friends, fellow philanthropists and for honoring those who have helped the Junior League of Alexandria on its mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community.

Provisional of the Year Natalie Constantine

This award recognized a new member who embodied hard work and commitment during her first year in the League and was the first provisional to complete all her requirements!! This award acknowledges a new member for significantly contributing to JLA’s impact within the community, by showing tremendous interest in learning about the JLA, being an active contributing member of the provisional class, successfully completing the provisional requirements and participating in the league activities.

Chosen by the provisional and active members, she shows great leadership skills and is a big encouragement to others. She works full time in the Louisiana National Guard and has done so for over 12 years. She also belongs to the Louisiana Army National Guard Enlisted Association for over 9 years. She has been to Iraq twice and to Haiti once. Congratulations to the 2016 Provisional of the Year, Natalie Constantine!

Active of the Year Lori LeMoine

This years’ Active of the Year was Nominated by several Junior League of Alexandria members, as she represents the model of volunteer involvement in our community and our League.

She was a transfer to our league and has taken every placement she has held and run with it, making it her own and improving our League. She never shies away from a challenge and is always up for evolving the betterment of our organization. When the idea was brought to her about the transitioning to the new governance and management model she was excited to share the information with our league and lead the roll-out team!

She continues to be an energetic, upbeat and smiling face to all members while being 100% involved in home life, work and community projects!

The very deserving 2016 Active of the Year is Lori LeMoine. Congratulations!

Sustainer of the Year

In Memory of Mrs. Frances Bolton Davis This year’s award highlights the lifetime achievement of one of our sustaining members whose contributions to our League and City were so visible and lasting that she was described

by Catherine Pears, a former Sustainer of the Year recipient, as “irreplaceable”. There are many physical monuments around Alexandria that will serve as a reminder of the vision and generosity of this year’s winner and her family.

River Oaks Square Arts Center is in her family’s old home and the Alexandria Museum of Art is in the building that housed her family’s old bank. The library at Louisiana State University of Alexandria bears her maiden name, as does an Alexandria street and the high school that she attended. This past January, our community suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of this year’s recipient. She was an example to all of us of what true service means and there is no doubt that the organizations and people she touched over her lifetime will continue the legacy of service and commitment she left behind.

Her legacy is that of a community leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She graduated from Bolton High School and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Randolph Macon Women’s College, in Ashland, Virginia.

She served on numerous boards within the Alexandria community; the Rapides Bank, the First United Methodist Church, the Alexandria Museum of Art, the Rapides Symphony Orchestra, and the River Oaks Square Arts Center where she was a founding member. She also served in many capacities at LSUA, the university her father helped

to establish in Alexandria. She was an instrumental civic figure in numerous non-profits throughout Alexandria, her obituary coined that she will forever be remembered as a stellar example of how one’s love for the arts can revitalize a community. The Lake District, a multi-phase real-estate development located on Hwy 28 West, was the endeavor resulting from the partnership of this year’s recipient and her late husband. Their dream of raising the bar in creating a neighborhood of excellence in Alexandria became a reality in early 1990 when they built the first home there.

Testament to her business acumen is today’s thriving community, which was spawned from their vision and put in motion by their financial commitment and resolute determination to improve the city in which they lived and worked.

Just a few years ago in 2013, this sustainer received the Alexandria Rotary Club’s Service Above Self award, she credited her family upbringing with instilling in her the need to give back, and made the following statement: “My father was very active, his father was very active, and his father was very active. My father taught me a lot of things early.

One of them was a feeling of responsibility to make the community a better place. ... I was able because of our financial situation to help. I give my time because I want this community to grow and prosper any way it can.”

We are proud to celebrate the life of this year’s recipient.

Please join me in a round of applause to honor our 2016 Sustainer of the Year, the late Mrs. Frances Bolton Davis.

The League thought that the only appropriate way to honor Mrs. Fran Davis would be to donate to a cause she so loved.

We are pleased to announce that our very own Trish LeLeux will fill the board position at the Alexandria Museum of Art that was held by Fran and she was able to accept our donation in her honor.

What' s for What are you DINNER? READING? REVIEW & PHOTO SUBMITTED BY WIFE AND CHEF FOR 3 LITTLE TUMMIES,

JENI MANGUM

Baked Potato Soup SECRET INGREDIENTS page 75

“I’m not usually a fan of potato soup.

Most are too thick, too floury. But THIS soup is perfect.

Creamy and flavorful without the thick gravy texture. It’s definitely going to be in my arsenal this fall and winter!”

Ingredients:

2 TB Sugar 1/3 cup chopped green onions 4 medium baking potatoes, baked, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup half-and-half Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 6 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, crumbled Sour cream Chopped fresh chives or parsley

Directions:

Heat the margarine over medium heat in a large saucepan until melted. Add the green onions. Sauté until translucent. Stir in potatoes, soup, broth and half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Simmer until hot; do not boil. Ladle into soup bowls. Top with the cheese, bacon, a dollop of sour cream and chives.

Yield: 4 servings

The Junior League of Alexandria Book Club meets in the Chamber of Commerce board room, located at 1118 Third Street. If you are interested in getting involved feel free to attend any month. If you have any questions please contact Judy Curry, 318.709.5787 or judy.curry@suddenlink.net.

September 12, 2016 America, America Ethan Canin Facilitator: Judy Curry Hostess: Jane Texada

November 14, 2016 The Train to Crystal City Jan Jarboe Russell Facilitator: Judy Heyman Hostess: Ellen Nachman

January 9, 2017 My Name is Lucy Barton Elizabeth Strout Facilitator: Cissy Galloway and Jane Texada Hostess: Genie Percy

March 13, 2017 The House at Riverton Kate Morton Facilitator: Jennifer Badeaux Hostess: Peggy Wilson

May 8, 2017 My Brilliant Friend Elana Ferrante Facilitator: Louise Simon Hostess: Judy Curry

Putting our money where our

IN THE COMMUNITY

HEART is.

In 2016, The Junior League of Alexandria awarded $8,300 in grants to different non-profit organizations which address women and children’s issues. Our Scholarships for Seniors program also awarded five $1000 scholarships to female high school seniors who have participated to an exceptional degree in volunteer activities.

New Life International Outreach for Central Louisiana Heart Gallery

Grant money will be used to start a traveling photo exhibit of children who are available for adoption and foster care. The mission is to raise awareness for foster care adoption and to help find forever families for children waiting to be adopted in Louisiana.

Central Louisiana Arts & Healthcare:

Grant money will be used in a partnership with a new Louisiana enterprise –The Doll Kind –to bring soft cotton dolls to pediatric patients in our area with a “pay it forward” challenge. Each doll will come with a set of “kindness”charms that can be given to others to say thank you or to pay kindness forward.

Fit Families for Cenla:

Grant money will be used to promote the commitment of Fit Families to educating and motivating families in Cenla to lead healthier lifestyles through offering programs that promote physical activity and positive nutritional choices.

Girls Scouts of LA – Pines to the Gulf: Grant money will be used to cover registration for some girls who might not be able to experience girl scouts, for their sashes and curriculum for the program.

T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum: Grant money will be used to fund field trips for under-served children and schools, as well as families in the Central Louisiana area.

Volunteers of America:

Grant money will used to fund their Parents as Teachers program. Providing parents with the tools needed to help their developing children by in home visits, group visits, and parents are able to utilize their Family Resource Center.

United Way of Central Louisiana:

Grant money will be used to embarked on a campaign to increase the readiness of children for school by a Reading Rocks program. Since 2014, the United Way has given away books at

different local events. Their two main events are Reading on the Red and Seasons Readings. As well as United Way Readers where volunteers go into childcare centers and read to the children. They purchase books for this program and want to continue getting new material for their events.

Food Bank of Central Louisiana:

Grant money will be used in one of their main projects is the Backpack Program. The volunteers fill backpacks and are distributed to those students in our area that are identified as high risk for hunger. These backpacks are sent home with food over the weekend, as most of us know their only meals during the week come from breakfast and lunch at school. The Food Bank makes it their mission to ensure these children do not go hungry over the weekends.

Montessori Educational Center:

Grant money will be used to expand their mathematical concepts for their students in six classrooms. Montessori’s mission is to educate and nurture the whole child and instill the love of learning.

First United Methodist’s Farmers Market:

Beginning Experience:

Grant money will be used to facilitate the grief resolution process for adults and children who have suffered a loss through death, divorce, or separation, enabling them to again love themselves, others, and God. Beginning Experience hosts retreats to help the grieving person by focusing on their experience and emerge from their darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: Macy Bartow Kelly Robertson Amanda DeWitt Cameron Erickson Lauren Johnson

Grant money will be used to start their Farmers’ Market Kids Club. Their goal is to educate and encourage the community’s children to be curious about local food and to see the value of healthy, locally made products.

NextSTEP:

Grant money will be used to host a teen dating violence awareness and prevention training, A fight we can win, to cadets enrolled in the National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program and to youth about to transition from the foster care system to independent living.

Girls on the Run Central Louisiana:

Grant money will be used to support their program for girls in grades 3-5. Over the course of the ten week program the girls learn about themselves, working as a team, and then working in their community, all while training for a 5K that they run at the end of their season. Girls on the Run has been in Central Louisiana since 2013.

Macy Bartow, Cameron Erickson, Amanda DeWitt, Kelly Robertson (Lauren Johnson not pictured)

Mark your calendars for three days of working, shopping, and fellowship as we raise money for our community, and thank you to Red River Bank for being our Title Sponsor again this year!

Help us get the word out! Like and share our facebook pages, click that you are attending the events, and share our market posts!

All Tickets can be purchased starting Sept 13th at jlalex.eventbrite.com

IN THE COMMUNITY

Working, Shopping & Fellowship at

A Very Merry Market!!

A VERY MERRY MARKET CHAIRMAN

KELLIE PEYTON

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20 Ladies Night

(The Theme will be revealed at Sept GMM)

Doors open at 7:00pm- VIP shopping at 6pm

$45/person (includes 2 drink tickets) Come walk the red carpet for a night of early shopping, tasty treats and delicious drinks! Bid on fabulous auction items, dance to the DJ and NEW this year…. Chairs for Charity live auction! A new collaboration with local businesses and artists. Chairs for Charity is where Local businesses will sponsor a chair or pair of chairs and team up with a Cenla artist who will reimagine the chair using paint, mixed media, fabric, etc. The chairs then will be promoted on social media in the weeks before A Very Merry Market, culminating in a live auction event during Ladies Night, emceed by State Representative Lance Harris. If you have more questions or want to sponsor a chair, or paint a masterpiece, contact Meredith Crotty, Special Events at 318-265-0827 or meredithcrotty@gmail.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 Brunch on the Bayou

9:00am-11:00am | $25/person, tickets required

General Admission Market Shopping Hours

Friday, October 21: 9am-8pm and Saturday, October 22: 9am-5pm One day tickets: $5 in advance | $8 at door

River Oaks “Men Who Cook & Mix Champion”, Brodie Paul, will be mixing and cooking shrimp & grits, waffle bar with toppings, bacon, & more! Come enjoy delicious food before and while you are shopping. Sip on mimosas, Build your own Bloody Mary at our Blood Mary Bar while listening to our jazz band. Exclusive seating.

Tinsels, Teachers, and Military 3:00pm-8:00pm

Teachers & Anyone with a Valid Military ID will enjoy half off admission price at the door! ($4 at door with coupon and/or teacher ID or Military id)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Character Breakfast

8:30am/9:30am/10:30am | Reservations required, $12.50/person

Children will enjoy a yummy breakfast while being entertained by their favorite characters. Santa Claus will be sure to make and appearance!

Cookies with Characters

1:00pm/2:00pm | Reservations required, $12.50/person

Children will enjoy cookies while being entertained by their favorite characters.

Santa Claus will be sure to make and appearance!

THIS YEAR…some of your favorite Characters will SING...LIVE !!!!!!!!

Character Events

LOCATED INSIDE THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUILDING 1118 3rd St. Alexandria, LA 71301

P.O. Box 13086 Alexandria, Louisiana 71315

Have you been to NEW NEW TO YOU CHAIRMAN

TO YOU lately?

RACHEL ROSS

There have been many improvements made over the past year, including: a fresh paint job to the inside, security cameras installed inside and out, uniforms, and some NEW employees! Come on by and check out the changes.

HELP US HAVE A SUCCESSFUL

Homecoming Dress Sidewalk Sale September 17

WE NEED: FORMAL GOWNS, JEWELRY, PURSES AND SHOES!