September 2017
A Publication of the Junior League of Galveston County, Inc.
Board of Directors President Heather Zgaljardic President-Elect Terry Lynn Jones Community Vice President Barbara Calvert-Escoubas Secretary Lacey Searcy Communications Vice President Lisa Higgins Finance Vice President Elizabeth Cuchens-Hayes Fund Development Vice President Kari Long Membership Vice President Laura Flowers Past President Emily Lindberg
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.
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In This Issue Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 18
President’s Message September GM Meeting Information Harvey Supply Donation Harvey Response Efforts Holiday Ball Information & Sponsor Form Community Assistance Fund Board Spotlight - Terry Lynn Jones Member Matters Upcoming Events
Articles for the next month’s edition of Tropical Topics are due to Corinna Bahr (cjbahr10@gmail.com) by the 20th of the month prior.
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President’s Message We know this tale too well. Harvey left a wake of devastation across the Gulf Coast of Texas and our hearts ache for all those negatively affected. Our beloved Galveston County is among the hardest hit by historic rainfall. In the darkness of a frightful night many of our friends, family, members, and neighbors suffered tremendous loss. When the sun came out the warm rays revealed the truth and ugliness of the damage that surrounded us, and for those who were spared, a strong sense of purpose and drive to act. As citizens of this great county, we feel a sense of pride in and ownership of our community and we have all taken to action, big and small, to help us heal and rebuild. Our members immediately answered a call to action and demonstrated true leadership as they dispatched the Cajun Navy to rescue neighborhoods, organized a community collection of shelter needs from near and far, provided medical care to affected citizens, delivered meals to shelters and first responders, coordinated a help-amember effort, helped their neighbors strip sheetrock and shovel muck, and much, much more. Keep it going.
"I Like The Sunrise" by Frank Sinatra “I like the sunrise 'cause it brings a new day, I like a new day, it brings new hope, they say. I like the sunrise blazing in the new start, Night time is weary, oh and so am I. Every evening I wish upon a star That my brand new bright tomorrow isn't very far. When that heavy blue curtain of night is raised up high, Out of sight, I like the sunrise, oh heavenly day, I like the sunrise, I hope it lights for me Every evening I wish upon a star That my brand new bright tomorrow isn't very far. When that heavy blue curtain of night is raised up high, Way out of sight, I like the sunrise, so heavenly to see, I like the sunrise, I hope it lights for me. I hope it lights for me.”
So, now what? Your League is working hard to develop a plan of action that both helps our community heal and moves our mission forward. The recovery process will be long and sometimes daunting - a marathon not a sprint. We are committed to the long haul, as well as to the programs we currently have in place. Our focus on improving the education, health, and welfare of women and children in Galveston County will be magnified- the deficits that were present before the storm will grow because of the storm. Our Harvey Relief Fund will assist this direction. It can be accessed by clicking the “Donate” button on our website and on our Facebook page. Please continue to share it.
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Well before Harvey was a “thing,” our Councils were hard at work this summer collaborating and planning to provide meaningful opportunities for you as a membernetworking, socializing within the League, interacting with your community, learning and developing yourself as a woman and leader, and obtaining funding to support it all. Over the next weeks and months, you will be presented with opportunities to volunteer with the League and our community in a variety of ways. We encourage you to participate with us, step outside your comfort zone, and continue to help your neighbors and other organizations that are near and dear to your hearts. Stay tuned to Wednesday Weekly Notes, Tropical Topics, and our League calendar for details. We are looking forward to gathering at our first General Membership Meeting on September 11, 2017 at American National Insurance Company in Galveston. Location details are included in the pages that follow. We’re going electronic- meeting agendas will be circulated by email the Saturday before each meeting. You can print it to bring with you or follow along on your smartphone. Whichever you choose, be ready for “new”- getting to know our new membership, trying a new meeting format, embracing a new League year! Let our unity, camaraderie, and spirit of giving continue to prove more powerful than what Harvey brought our way. We are and always will be, “Women Building Better Communities.”
Heather
Heather Zgaljardic
President, 2017-2018 5
September General Membership Meeting Our first GM meeting of the year will be at American National Insurance Company on September 11th at 6:00 pm. ANICO in Galveston has graciously offered us meeting space with food and beverage, free of charge.
Monday, September 11, 2017 American National Insurance Company One Moody Plaza, 1 Moody Ave, Galveston, TX 77550 6 p.m. – Social 6:30 p.m. – Meeting
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Hurricane Harvey Supply Donations Unfortunately, some of our members have experienced flooding during following Hurricane Harvey. We are working on collecting supplies for some of these members. If you would like to donate, we are looking for: • • • • • •
10 large plastic storage containers 4 clothing racks 1 roll off dumpster Volunteers to do laundry Volunteers with childcare Volunteers to make and deliver meals
If you would be willing to help, please sign up at signup.com using this link http://signup.com/go/CpQzppw or search for JLGC Member Needs at signup.com. Supplies can be donated to Michelle Cooney on the mainland. Supplies can be donated to Kelsey Nakkan on the island. Questions can be sent to Morgan Cangelosi, Danni Dunn or Melissa Tausend. Their emails are: Kelsey Nakkan - emailkelsey@gmail.com Michelle Cooney - micooney@yahoo.com Morgan Cangelosi - morgan.cangelosi@gmail.com Danni Dunn - dannivmason@gmail.com Melissa Tausend - wmtausend@gmail.com
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Hurricane Harvey Response In addition to supply donations, we have these additional opportunities: Temporary Housing If you and/or your family need a temporary place to stay, please contact Terry Lynn Jones at 618-616-1454. Monetary Donations We’re in this for the long haul. Monetary donations will allow us to respond to a multitude of community needs. The donate button on our Facebook page and our website are set up to collect donations www.jlgalveston.org/donate Communications Council created a special image announcing our Harvey Relief Fund and it's currently posted to Facebook and Instagram. Please SHARE the donation information with everyone you know. All proceeds will be used to help Galveston County heal and rebuild. Community Opportunities The Community Council is hard at work identifying what community needs are so we as an organization can put our efforts where the community needs it most. If you are aware of any specific community needs, please send to Barbara Calvert-Escoubas (barbara.calvert@gmail.com) as soon as possible. We will be discussing these items at the September Board Meeting to establish a League direction. Please reach out with any questions you have.
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Holiday Ball 2017 Our Holiday Charity Ball is the League’s largest annual fundraising event and this year’s gala invites guests to celebrate with us Bollywood-style. This year, the Junior League of Galveston County, Inc. will be honoring Margie Peters Kusnerik! We will be using the benefit bidding website not only for our auction but for ticket sales and sponsorship purchases. Please check out our site: www.jlgcbollywood.com We will be adding our auction items regularly so check back often to get a preview of the wonderful items that will be offered at the Ball. For any questions please contact: Fall Fundraising Chair, Deborah Jones djtips@swbell.net Holiday Ball Chair, Ashley Brown at jlgcholidayball@gmail.com Auction Chair, Aletheia Lawry at jlgcauctions@gmail.com
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Community Assistance Fund The Community Assistance Fund enables the Junior League to respond to the shortterm, immediate funding needs of 501(c)(3) non-profit agencies within Galveston County that meet specific criteria and guidelines. Primary consideration will be given to requests of an emergency nature, or to those that develop and/or expand a significant service to the community.
The deadline for the application is October 31. Please help us spread the word about how we give back in our community and encourage eligible organizations to apply. Click here for more information. Questions? Contact Rachel Mathers – rachmd08@gmail.com
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Board Spotlight Name: Terry Lynn Jones League role/position: President-Elect Years in the League: 10 years Are you originally from this area? If not, where are you from and what brought you here? I was born and raised in Mississippi. I moved to Texas from St. Louis in May 2008 for my job. I wanted to get away from the St. Louis winter and be closer to some family (most of my family is still back home in Mississippi, but I have a few Aunts and Uncles in this area). What is your current occupation? I am a chemist for Marathon Petroleum Company in Texas City. How did you get involved in the League? I wanted to be involved in my new community and make some connections outside of work. My neighbor/friend in Galveston had invited me to join her at a JL Meet and Greet. Her mom had been very active in the JL of Harlingen, so she knew JL was a place she wanted to be involved. What do you do outside of the League? I spend as much time as possible with my little Yorkie, Maggie. I love to cook and travel (so obviously, I love eating!). I enjoy paddle boarding on the canal behind my house. I try to practice a little yoga every day (it really helps me decompress). I have also recently taken up reading all of the Harry Potter series - it is consuming a lot of my free time! What’s a unique or fun fact about yourself that not many people know? I have over 200 cookbooks. What is your guilty pleasure? Desserts! I always want dessert, even if I'm completely full from my main meal. Give me chocolate and I'll be happy! Tell us about your favorite JLGC event to this date and why? Volunteering at the Special People's Ball. It is an event designed to make everyone there happy and very rewarding to be able to help make it special. How has the league impacted your life? I have been given so many opportunities through this organization. Because of the training and education I have received, I have been able to utilize some of these skills at work which has made a positive impact in my performance and delivery of goals. I have also had the privilege of working along the strongest people I have ever met and feel so grateful to learn from them.
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Members Matter We want to celebrate with you! New job? New home? New baby? Need support? Send your life events to Stevy Curbow at stevycurbow322@gmail.com
Congratulations to Lauren Millo, husband Joe and big brother Adam on the birth of Margaret Lucienne (Maggie). Maggie was born in Galveston on August 15 weighing just over 6 pounds.
Congratulations to Dr. Candice Dunn on her new position as a physician at Texas Gulf Coast Medical Systems.
Members Matter We want to celebrate with you! New job? New home? New baby? Need support? Send your life events to Stevy at stevycurbow322@gmail.com
Congratulations to Amy Gonzales on the purchase of her new home! We are toasting to a table full of friends and many years of happy memories.
Best wishes to Mary Stewart as she leaves her life guarding career to pursue her RN BNS. We are excited for your new journey and will be cheering you on along the way!
Members Matter We want to celebrate with you! New job? New home? New baby? Need support? Send your life events to Stevy at stevycurbow322@gmail.com
Congratulations to Melissa Tausend and husband William on the birth of their sweet little BOI, Nolan Paul. Nolan was born August 15 at 9:49 am.
Congratulations to the Sullivan Family, husbands and sons of sustainers Jocelyn, Sarah and Susanne Sullivan, on being named the George P. Mitchell Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Members Matter
Mark your Calendars! A new year is here and we are ready to reconnect with everyone!Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for the JLGC Fall Socials: Friday, October 20 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sugar Bean Coffee and Cream. Grab a coffee, smoothie or snack from the coffee shop and meet us on the lawn with your little ones for a fun playdate. ----Thursday, November 30 7 p.m. Texas Beer Refinery Join us for happy hour at Texas Beer Refinery in Dickinson. Take a break from the week and help us kick off the holiday season when you stop in for a quick drink and hello.
Stay tuned for more details on upcoming social events and other opportunities to connect. For more information contact Stevy Curbow at stevycurbow322@gmail.com
Upcoming Events September 2017 5th: Board Meeting 11th: General Meeting 6:00 p.m. Social, 6:30 p.m., American National 22nd: Chair Board Reports Due 25th: VP Board Reports Due October 2017 3rd: Board Meeting 9th: General Meeting 6:00 p.m. Social, 6:30 p.m. TBD 27th: Chair Board Reports Due 30th: VP Board Reports Due
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