Tropical Topics - October 2015 by Junior League of Galveston County

T ROP I C A LT OP I C S

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A publi cati on of the Juni or League of Galveston County,I nc.

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Board of Directors President Lynsey Ginsberg President-Elect Emily Lindberg Community Vice President Sheyanne Chan Secretary Amanda Conti Communications Vice President Rachel Lankford Finance Vice President Laura Hughes McDermott Fund Development Vice President Lauren Millo Membership Vice President Terry Lynn Jones Past President Angie Brown Sustainer President Karen Flowers

Our Mission

The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) 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.

Articles for the next month’s edition of Tropical Topics are due to Ida Krause (idakrause@gmail.com) by the 20th of the month prior.

In This Issue Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 14 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 24

President’s Message October General Meeting Cookbook Committee News Cookbook Event ~ Seaside Seafood Soiree Cookbook Event ~ Sunset Dining on the Bayou Members Matter Save the Date ~ Holiday Ball Order a T-‐shirt Did you know? Membership Community Corner Upcoming Events

President’s Message

Happy Fall Y’all! I, along with President-‐Elect Emily Lindberg, recently attended the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) Fall Conference. We were able to interact with other Presidents and President-‐Elects from 291 Leagues in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico. As part of our ongoing training to lead this organization, we attend several of these conferences throughout the duration of our leadership positions. While there we attend sessions lead by incredible speakers. Session topics we attended this conference included: “Time Management Tools for the Mission-‐Driven Leader”, “Bylaws & Policies -‐ Why they are Important”, “Leading Change and Initiating Organization Renewal”, and “Body Language Basics”. During networking opportunities we are able to discuss issues with leaders from other Leagues, which is always informative and thought-‐provoking. Emily and I had the opportunity to view documentaries produced by two different Leagues. One was Waiting for the Light by the Junior League of Portland OR which exposes the scope and impact of sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. While this video details Portland, it also brings eye-‐opening awareness to an issue that affects all of America and is startlingly rampant in GALVESTON COUNTY! Check out the link to Portland’s documentary https://vimeo.com/84125940. As reported last spring, AJLI recently adopted a new Diversity and Inclusion Statement. During this conference we attended a Governance Plenary focusing on the issue of race as one aspect of diversity, and the fact that racially motivated violence can happen in any community. We heard from a panel comprised of the Presidents of the Junior Leagues of Baltimore, Charleston and St. Louis. Each of their communities has recently been impacted by racially motivated violence. The purpose was for them to share their experiences, lessons learned and how their Leagues and communities are moving forward. These conferences are jam-‐packed with information and I am always overwhelmed with inspiration and passion for our shared Mission while attending. I encourage you to explore AJLI’s website, ajli.org. You each have fantastic resources at your fingertips and I invite you to take advantage of these materials. Although it seems early to start thinking about your role in the League for 2016-‐2017, please put some thought into what area(s) you would like to serve in the future. While leaderships roles are not everyone’s ambition (and that’s ok…we need all types to have a League), don’t let fear hold you back. If you’re considering being a leader in the near or distant future, chances are, you’d be a good one! Board Applications are due on October 16,

2015 for the 2016-‐2017 League year. Information on obtaining the application is located in this publication. Current Board members are also happy to discuss the positions with anyone who has questions. Please reach out to us! If leadership appeals to you, but not at a Board level, I urge you to start thinking about Chair positions that interest you. It is never too early to share your aspirations with your Nominating/Placement Advisor! “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” —Mark Twain Yes, putting yourself “out there” can be intimidating. However, regardless of the outcome, it IS worth the personal growth experience. Perhaps next year is “your year” to evolve as a leader, perhaps not. You will never know if you do not open the door to the possibility. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” —Theodore Roosevelt Your League career evolves as you progress. During my eleven years, I have been a provisional, a content committee member & volunteer, chaired various committees/placements and served on the Board in four different positions. Your participation will also ebb and flow. Some years you will be a 110% “JLGC for Life” member and some years you will just complete your minimum requirements. THAT IS OK! You are a volunteer. You are choosing to support the Junior League of Galveston County and whatever you have to give, it is meaningful and appreciated. Our Mission is in Motion and we are making a difference!

Lynsey

Lynsey Ginsberg 2015-‐2016 President

October General Meeting The October General Meeting will be held at Sea Scout Base in Galveston. Address: 7509 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554 Monday, October 12th 6 p.m. -‐ Social 6:30 p.m. -‐ Meeting

Cookbook Committee News Join us for one or more Epicurean Events organized by: The JLGC “Beachside to Boardwalk” Cookbook Committee Sara Cahill — Chairman Anna Andrews Melissa Grennan Anna Hyatt Amy Skaggs Lauren Millo – Fund Development VP A special thank you to Jeannie Janota for serving as Sustainer Advisor. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first paid, first reserved basis. Tickets will be held for you at each event reserved. All events are available for purchase on the JLGC Website under Cookbook Events -‐ http://www.jlgalveston.org/estore. If you need any further information please contact Sara Cahill at 956-‐367-‐7272.

Members Matter Back to the League Back to the league was a lovely event at Number 13, where we had a delicious meal and lots of fun catching up with old and new friends. The provisional had a strong showing!

Service Spotlight

Our Mission states that we are committed to promoting volunteerism anddeveloping the potential of women. Members are encouraged to utilize their JL training to provide volunteer service in all areas of our community. To acknowledge members for exceptional volunteer service outside the JLGC, we will be accepting monthly nominations for a new section in Tropical Topics, Service Spotlight. If you know a member who is a shining volunteer star for an organization outside the League, send in a nomination! Or toot your own horn and send one in for yourself. We want to recognize the great influence of our League! One will be highlighted each month in Tropical Topics. Please send nominations to Erin Yarbrough, Members Matter Chair. erin.m.kay@hotmail.com This Month’s Spotlight: Our very own Christi Jensen, Fund Development Chair, was winner of this year's Elite Pet Owner contest with her dog "Roscoe." The contest is put on through the Galveston Island Humane Society's Annual Paws Gala to see which EPO can raise the most money. All proceeds raised benefit the shelter to provide food, housing & medical attention for the homeless & abused animals. As the winner of this competition, Christi will be Queen of the 2016 Krewe of Barkus & Meoux Parade and along side "Roscoe" will serve as Parade Marshall for the parade set for February 7th as part of the Mardi Gras festivities!

New Babies! We would like to congratulate Laura Strban, Lacey Searcy, Emily Nichols and Lauren Millo and their families on their precious baby boys! Laura Strban ~ Jude, born July 5 | Lacey Searcy ~ Seth, born August 6 Emily Nichols ~ William, born August 27 | Lauren Millo ~ Adam, born June 23

September General Meeting Hometown Heroes Park in League City

Hometown Heroes Park in League City

Save the Date Saturday, December 12, 2015 For our 64th Annual Holiday Charity Ball at the Galveston Island Convention Center honoring Libbie Ansell & Joan McLeod

For information regarding Tickets or Sponsorships please view the form on the following page or contact the Fund Development Chair – Christi Jensen, christipnc@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Order a T-shirt

Volunteer T-‐Shirts and Holiday Ball Long sleeved T-‐shirts will be available for purchase at the October General Meeting. Volunteer Shirts are $20 each and Holiday Ball Long-‐sleeved T-‐shirts are $25 each. Volunteer shirt

Holiday Ball Shirt

Did you know…Junior League History & Fun Facts

• Junior League Founder, Mary Harriman, has recently been chosen for induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY – the birthplace of the American Women’s Rights Movement. • The National Women’s Hall of Fame is the nation’s oldest membership organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of great American women. • The 2015 Induction Ceremony will be held October 2-‐4, 2015 in Seneca Falls and Mary Harriman joins past Junior League members Eleanor Roosevelt, Sandra Day O’Connor and Julia Child. • Today, the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) boasts more than 150,000 women in 292 Junior Leagues throughout Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. Elizabeth Cuchens 2015-‐2016 Education Chair

Membership

We hope all of you enjoyed “back to the League” and were able to make the first general meeting. As always, thank you for being part of our wonderful organization. Another successful year is underway! Our first step towards assuring our future is in slating next year’s Board of Directors. With that being said, LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS are now available to YOU! We are accepting applications for Board positions for the 2016-‐2017 League year. If you are interested in becoming President-‐Elect, Communications VP, Community VP, Finance VP, Fundraising VP, Placement Chair (2017-‐2018 Membership VP), or Secretary, you are encouraged to fill out the attached application and return it to myself or Terry Lynn Jones by October 16th. Don’t hold back, we want YOU! Any questions about the application process can be directed to Terry Lynn Jones (Membership VP) or Pamela Petty (Nominating Placement Chair). Board member applications can be found on the JLGC website. Our League is filled with so many wonderful and inspiring leaders. Let us help YOU put a mission in motion for our future! Thank you, Pamela Petty 2015-‐2016 Nominating Placement Chair For questions, contact Pamela Petty at ppetty_ma@yahoo.com or Terry Lynn Jones at jones.terrylynn@gmail.com.

Community Corner Done in a Day Done In A Day started the league year off by helping set up the Silent Auction for the Annual Humane Society Paws Gala on September 12th. This event was especially fun as we got to help out a fellow league member, Janet Hoffman, who was in charge of the Silent Auction for the event. A huge thank you to other league members who stepped up to help with this event including Pamela Petty, Heather Norbury, Christi Jensen, Taylor Biddle, Heidi Seigal, and Sheyanne Chan! We are much looking forward to the Walk to End Alzheimer's on October 10th in Galveston!

Fuel for School Fuel 4 School deliveries have started at Parker Elementary School in Galveston. Approximately 79% of the students at Parker receive free or reduced lunch. Last Spring 20 of the students most in need were identified for the pilot program. This Fall the program was expanded and 50 students will be going home each Friday with a bag of food for the weekend. Hopefully this is just the beginning of students returning to school on Mondays nourished and ready to learn

Junior Junior Leaguers - Mainland

On September 26th the Junior Junior League Mainland (JJLM) kicked-‐off the season's event calendar by providing a fun craft hour for the residents of Baywind Village Convalescent home in League City. Together the girls and residents created a fall inspired luminary, sure to warm up any room. The residents enjoyed the visit as much as the girls did-‐ the activities room was full of energy and laughter. JJLM events are developed to explore health and wellness from the inside out. This event was planned to provide the experience of working with others who have

different needs and to help them through the thought that making others happy makes us happy. Mahatma Gandhi once said "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." While prepping the girls for the event, I asked them, "what are you here to do?" An unprompted response was "to make these residents happy." There was much happiness and so, the event was a great success.

Join the JJLM on October 10th at the Plant a Seed -‐ Feed the Need community garden as we continue to explore the theme of health and wellness and are heroes for the hungry! Volunteer shifts are available. Contact Heather Zgaljardic at hzgaljardic@gmail.com with questions.

Kids in the Kitchen Are you ready to whip up some healthy snacks and talk about food? If the answer is yes, then join Kids in the Kitchen at the Children's Fall Safety and Health Fair on Saturday October 10 from 12 PM to 4 PM. There are three shifts available to sign-‐up for on the VolunteerMatters calendar. (Note: the last shift will be able to leave as soon as their booth table is cleared.) Location: Charles T. Doyle Convention Center, 2010 5th Ave. N, Texas City, TX 77590. Please wear your red volunteer shirt. More events will be announced in the Wednesday Weekly Notes. Questions, contact Kids in the Kitchen Chair, Liz Torres at liz.torres05@gmail.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

Done In A Day Ashley Carnes, abcarnes87@gmail.com • See online Volunteer Calendar for all events or contact Ashley Carnes. Fuel 4 School Candice Freeman, candicefreeman82@hotmail.com • See volunteer calendar on the JLGC website for sign-‐ups. Kids in the Kitchen Liz Torres, liz.torres05@gmail.com • Contact Liz for information. Junior Junior Leaguers—Island Jennifer Haglund, jennhaglund@gmail.com • Contact Jennifer for more information. Junior Junior Leaguers-‐-‐Mainland Heather Zgaljardic, hzgaljardic@gmail.com See volunteer calendar on the JLGC website for sign-‐ups. ● 10/17 – Community Garden @ Plant a Seed – Feed the Need, League City (8:00 AM) ● 11/7 – Habitat for Humanity @Texas City (TBD) ● 12/05 – Food Bank @ Texas Galveston County Food Bank, Texas City (9:00 AM) ● 4/02 – Trash Bash Clean-‐Up @ Virginia Point Peninsula Preserve, Galveston (8:00 AM

Upcoming Events

October 2015 1st – Cookbook Dinner “Sunset on the Bayou” @1621 Bayou Shore Drive, Galveston – 7:00pm th 5 – Admin. Services Committee Meeting/Cleaning @ TA Building – 6:30pm 6th – Board meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 9th -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Seaside Seafood Soiree” @208 Coconut St., Tiki Island – 6:30pm th 10 -‐ Alzheimer’s Walk @ Stewart Beach, Galveston – 8:00am 10th -‐ Children’s Safety & Health Fair @ Texas City, TBA th 12 – General Meeting @ Sea Scout Base, Galveston-‐ 6pm social, 6:30 meeting 16th – Board Member Applications Due for the JLGC 2016-‐2017 League Year 17th -‐ Jr. Jr. Leaguers Mainland -‐ Community Garden @ Plant a Seed, Feed the Need -‐ 8:00am th 19 – Provisional Meeting @ TA Building – 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 20th -‐ Fall Fundraising Meeting@ 2906 Silver Maple Ct, Friendswood – 6:00pm 20th – Board Interviews @ TA Building – 6:30pm 21st – Board Interviews, Nominating Placement Mtg to follow @TA Building – 6:30pm 23rd – Chair Board Reports Due 31st – CAF Applications Due – Contact Taylor Williams, zandtwilliams@comcast.net November 2015 3rd – Board meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 9th – General Meeting @ Hometown Heroes Park, League City– 6pm social, 6:30pm meeting th 16 – Provisional Meeting @ Spring Creek BBQ – 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 16th – Nominating Placement Mtg @ United Way Bay Area – 6:60pm 17th – Jr. Jr. Leaguers Mainland -‐ Habitat for Humanity @Texas City – TBA 17th -‐ Fall Fundraising Meeting@ 2820 Beluche Drive, Galveston – 6:00pm 19th – Sponsor Party @ Artillery Club, Luau theme -‐ Time TBA 20th – Chair Board Reports Due 21st – Deadline for Holiday Ball Ticket Purchase

December 2015 1st – Board Meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 3rd -‐ Fall Fundraising Meeting@ TBA – 6pm 5th – Jr. Jr. Leaguers – Mainland Food Bank @ Galveston County Food Bank, Texas City -‐ 9:00am 5th & 6th – Dickens on the Strand @ TA Building -‐ TBA 12th – Holiday Ball ‘Passport to Paradise’ @ San Luis Conv. Center – 7pm 14th – General Meeting-‐ Council Sessions @San Luis Hotel, Galveston– 6pm social, 6:30 meeting th 14 – Provisional Meeting immediately to follow General Mtg 19th – Nomination Placement Communications Reports Due 23rd – Chair Board Reports Due January 2016 6th – Board Meeting @TA Building – 6:30pm 11th – General Meeting @ Hometown Heroes Park, League City– 6pm social, 6:30pm meeting th 17 -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Meal Prep, Macros, Motivation” @2925 Beluche, Galveston – 5:00pm th 18 – Provisional Meeting @ Spring Creek BBQ – 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 19th – Nominating Placement Mtg @ TA Building – 6:30pm 22nd – Chair Board Reports Due February 2016 2nd – Board Meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 8th – General Meeting @ Sea Scout Base, Galveston– 6pm social, 6:30pm meeting th 15 – Provisional Meeting @ TA Building– 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 15th -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Gal-‐entine’s Day” @ Island Pier Club, 1702 Ave. O, Galveston – 7:00pm 15th – Nominating Placement Mtg @ MI Lewis Social Center – 6:30pm 19th – Chair Board Reports Due 28th -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Pretty Princess Tea” @1126 Shady Knoll Ln, League City – 3:00pm March 2016 1st-‐ Deadline for Annual Membership Dues 1st – Board Meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 5th – Flash Back Fun Run @ Kroger 2750 E League City Pkwy – 7:30am

7th – General Meeting @ Hometown Heroes Park, League City– 6pm social, 6:30pm meeting 11th – Scholarship Applications Due – Contact Taylor Williams, zandtwilliams@comcast.net st 21 – Island Placement Interviews @ Spring Creek BBQ-‐ Time TBA 21st -‐ Provisional Meeting @Spring Creek BBQ – 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 22nd – Mainland Placement Interviews @ TA Building – time TBA, Nom. Placement Mtg to follow th 25 – Chair Board Reports Due April 2016 2nd -‐ Jr. Jr. Leaguers Mainland Trash Bash @ Virginia Point Peninsula Preserve, Galveston 8:00am 3rd -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Migratory Magic” @San Luis Pass, Under Toll Bridge – 4:00pm 5th – Board Meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 9th -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Tin Cup’s Caddyshack” @9020 Stewart Road, Galveston – 11:00am th 11 – General Meeting @ San Luis Hotel, Galveston– 6pm social, 6:30pm meeting 16th -‐ Cookbook Dinner “Progressive Dinner” @4625 Caduceus, Galveston – 7:00pm th 18 – LAST Provisional meeting @TA Building– 6pm social – 6:30pm meeting 18th – Nomination Placement Mtg @ TA Building – 6:30pm 22nd – Chair Board Reports Due May 2016 1st – Membership Requirements Deadline 3rd – Board Meeting @ TA Building – 6:30pm 9th – Annual Dinner @ location TBA – 6:30pm