Blaze 2017

Vol 2017

BLAZE Women Building Better Communities

1 | JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LYNCHBURG

We wore the little black dress because we are working to change these statistics: 1 in 3 women have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

(World Health Organization)

Women in the United States have higher rates of poverty than men. If working women received equal pay, this rate would be cut in half.

(IWPR)

80% of trafficked victims are women.

(US State Department)

Learn more by visiting www.jrleaguelynchburg.com/events/lbdi 2 | BLAZE 2017 - WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES

Contact Information

Blaze Staff

Junior League of Lynchburg P.O. Box 2751, Lynchburg VA 24505 Office: 434.846.6641 www.jrleaguelynchburg.org Email: info@jrleaguelynchburg.org

Amy Carr Blaze Editor & Graphic Designer

Betsy Dodson

Contents President’s Circle...............................................4 Board of Directors.............................................5 Honor Roll of Donors.......................................5 Community Grants ..........................................7 Day in the Park ...............................................10 All Aboard ..............................................12

Blaze Ad Coordinator

Contributing Writers: Amanda Denny, Meghan Moss, Emily Crowder, Jessica Watts, Summer Sawyer, Kara Martin

3 | JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LYNCHBURG

President’s Circle OUTGOING PRESIDENT: AMANDA DENNY

C

oco Chanel believed that, “women were always the strong ones.” I cannot argue with her one bit when I look around at the women that make up the Junior League of Lynchburg.

We are a diverse group of women from all backgrounds, education levels, and professions.

The collective actions of our membership in 2016-2017 ignited a lot of positive change. There have been so many highlights this year…from hiring a new Office Manager to focusing on making our Community Partnerships more meaningful moving forward.

The grants committee reviewed dozens of applications from worthy organizations in our community, and awarded grants to three organizations whose missions aligned with our own. The organizations that received grant monies are The Lynchburg Public Library, Girls on the Run, and the UP (Unlimited Potential) Foundation.

In the second year of our Strategic Partnership, The Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) was launched in October. The new fundraiser focused on Domestic Violence Education. We surpassed our fundraising goal. $6,060 were raised and gifted to the YWCA to help two programs that support women that have experienced domestic violence and abuse.

We were able to continue the tradition of helping a wide variety of organizations through our Done in a Day Project (DIAD) offerings.

Some of the organizations that we partnered with include: The Red Cross, Miriam’s House, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Point of Honor, Fort Hill Community School, Bass Elementary School, YWCA, Freedom 424, and Human Kind.

Membership was interested in more social events this year. We began hosting pre-socials before our General Membership Meetings. Presocials rotated between The Corner, Magnolia, and Rivermont Pizza.

Cottage Meetings were of a social nature this year. The offerings included an Around the World Theme Party, a crafting event at Vector Space, a Night Out at Isabella’s, a Yoga Class, and Bunco Night.

The R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award was given to Jessica Watts. Jessica served as Community Board Vice-President this year and headed up the Little Black Dress Initiative. Jessica has been a contributing member of the Junior League of Lynchburg for six years.

I would like to give a special thank you to our sponsors. We could not make an impact on the community without your love and support.

Thank you. Because of you, we have been able build a new foundation for the organization and will continue to build and grow next year.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what the future holds under the leadership of Meghan Moss. She is influential and truly a visionary.

INCOMING PRESIDENT: MEGHAN MOSS

W

hen asked about teamwork, Steve Jobs often explained a metaphor about a neighbor.

One day the neighbor asked if Steve would follow him. Together they collected rocks, ugly rocks. They put them in a can, mixed in a bit of grit powder and liquid, and attached a motor. The rocks clamored together making quite a racket. The neighbor asked him to come back the next day. Steve did, and to his surprise, when they opened the can there were beautifully polished rocks inside.

We are a mighty group of women who use our strengths and unique talents to passionately change our community for the better. Over the course of our time together, we will rub against one another, polishing each other and our ideas. Only together, can we realize our fullest potential. Only together, our power as active contributors to our community can be realized.

My hope for next year is that we will continue to engage and activate our membership’s leadership skills. Part of AJLI and our local league’s mission is to develop our members’ leadership abilities.

Active members and our new provisional members will have more opportunities to do just this. For example, we will foster and develop 4 | BLAZE 2017 - WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES

the relationship with our sustainers to learn more about execution of projects, networking, and community relationships.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of our monthly membership meetings, we will readopt consent agendas. An efficient and concise meeting will allow us to have more time engaging with guests speakers, participating in learning seminars and fellowshipping with other members.

At the end of this fiscal year, the membership approved targeting strategic community partnerships. This year’s focus will be to cultivate three community partnerships. These partnerships focus on lending our time, activism, and financial support. While we are committed to helping others in our community, it is important for us to enjoy the journey as well. By focusing on our community involvement, more opportunities will be available to develop meaningful relationships with the people and organizations we are directly helping.

This is an exciting time to be associated with the Junior League of Lynchburg. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead us through the next year. With hard work, positive energy, noise and polishing we can together make Lynchburg a better community.

Board of Directors

2016-2017

Amanda Denny President

Bree Oldham Treasurer

Susan Wiggins Ways and Means Chair

Meghan Moss President-elect Strategic Planning Chair

Kat Midkiff Admissions/Provisional Chair

Lisa Haibach Women Against Violence Chair

Kathryn Yarzebinski Immediate Past President Sustainer Relations

Caitlin Gibson Public Relations/Marketing Chair

Kara Martin All Aboard Chair

Jessica Watts Community Board VP

Emily Crowder Membership Chair

Summer Sawyer Day in the Park Chair

Suzanna Davies Recording Secretary

Ashley Rae Vaughan Nominating Chair

Elise Spontarelli Kids in the Kitchen Chair

Honor Roll of Donors Seven Hills Society ($2,000 and up) Banker Steel Oldham Dentistry Nadine Blakely

Miller-Claytor Society ($1,000 to $1,999) Watts Petroleum

Monument Terrace Society ($500 to $999) Blickenstaff & Company Mr & Mrs Timothy Hamilton

2016-2017

Main Street Society ($100 to $249) Mr & Mrs William Davidson Mary Jane Hobbs Jane Larkin Dr & Mrs Corey Passman Dr & Mrs James Smith Cindy Tolle Mr & Mrs William Varner Mr & Mrs John Watts

Blue Ridge Floors, Inc LG Flint, Inc Orthodontic Arts United Way of Central VA Waste Solutions Jane Bowden Mr & Mrs Robert Bowden Mr & Mrs Guy Carrington Mr and Mrs JC Crumbley

James River Society ($250 to $499) Anderson Construction Blue Ridge Therapy Children’s Dentistry Coleman-Adams Elsie Chambers Innovative Wireless Technologies Schewels Simplimatic Automation

JLL Friend (Below $100) Remax 1st Olympic Mr & Mrs Randall Dalton Tracey Dixon Joan Phelps Mr & Mrs James Pumphrey

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Membership BY: EMILY CROWDER

T

he League’s Membership Committee had a great year, planning and attending a few terrific events

The 2016-2017 New Members: Meagan Bell

Kaitlin McCombs

each monthly meeting. The change from an after-meeting

Emily Boucher

Kacie Miller

gathering to a pre-meeting time worked well for many

Megan Martin

Claire Puryear

and enjoying our new social time before

League members, and attendance at our monthly social hour increased. The Membership Committee recognizes the importance of the bonding and team-building that goes on during that informal time, so we appreciate everyone who

Several of the League’s members also participated in events

attended this year.

like pumpkin painting at the Rivermont Makery, escaping from the ‘80s at No Way Out (Lynchburg’s escape room), and supporting other terrific non-profits like Freedom/424 at its first Run for Her Life 5K. The Membership Committee’s work is all about creating opportunities for League members to connect, bond, and build relationships that sustain and encourage us as women and leaders. The League’s mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community is most effectively achieved when we are motivated and supported by our fellow Leaguers.

Our connection to each other is what makes our impact so deeply felt, and the 2016-2017 Membership Committee was honored to play a part in fostering those bonds.

Community Grants BY: JESSICA WATTS

T

he Community Board had a busy year, between grant selection and volunteer projects. We received grant applications from 25 deserving nonprofit organizations. Three recipients were awarded funding. With our first annual Little Black Dress Initiative, we were also able to provide an additional charitable gift to the YWCA of Central Virginia.

We had the pleasure of hosting the grant recipients at our Community Grants Reception held on March 7th.

We are honored to support these organizations and are appreciative of their programs dedicated to improving our community.

Every year, it is a joy and a privilege to assist local organizations and individuals in the community through our Done in the Day (DIAD) volunteer projects.

These service opportunities not only provide aid for community needs but also provide our volunteers with meaningful civic responsibility.

2016-2017 Community Grant Recipients:

We Were Proud to Volunteer with the Following Organizations:

Friends of the Lynchburg Public Library (1,000 Books Before Kindergarten)

Academy Center of the Arts

Freedom 4/24

The UP Foundation (Volunteer-Based Peer to Peer Recovery Program)

Alzheimer’s Association

HumanKind

Amazement Square

Kids Haven

Bass Elementary Christmas Angels

Lynchburg Parks & Recreation

Daily Bread

Miriam’s House

Fort Hill Career Fair

Rivermont Area Emergency

Girls on the Run of Central Virginia (Perrymont Elementary Program)

2016 Gift Recipient of LBDI:

Food Pantry YWCA

YWCA of Central Virginia (Domestic Violence Prevention Center and Sexual Assault Response Program)

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Day in the Park BY: SUMMER SAWYER

T

his year the Junior League of

Many of the business and local non-profits provided games

Lynchburg celebrated its 40th Annual

and prizes, rides and crafts for all to enjoy. For entertainment,

Day In The Park event. It was held

the Junior League of Lynchburg wanted to highlight the

on a gorgeous September 10, 2016 at Miller

variety of performances that residents can get involved in. We

Park. For 40 years the Junior League of Lynchburg has been

had dance, singing, sliding, and theatre. We even had some

bringing together the community and organizations to enjoy

princesses and superheroes stop by as well and the children

what Lynchburg has to offer in a beautiful outside setting for

loved getting their pictures taken with them. With all this

free. The surrounding neighborhood of Miller Park can be

going on, our guests definitely worked out an appetite and

considered underserved and many of the residents may not

thanks to the food trucks, there was a good variety to choose

have the opportunity to interact with many of the helpful and

from. It was just a wonderful day to be outside and with our

fun organizations and business in our area.

fellow neighbors.

Day In The Park would not be a long standing event if it wasn’t for the sponsors, vendors, exhibitors, and volunteers. While there are many to thank, we must acknowledge our biggest sponsors: Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery, Appalachian Orthodontics, Ridge View Dermatology and The Dalys’. With their support, we were able to provide a petting zoo, pony rides, and a carnival ride. Also, a big thank you to the over 40 vendors and exhibitors, who help provide amusement and information. Our entertainment groups were The Red Shoes Dance Group, Youth For Truth, Hill City Sliders, Wolfbane Productions, and Lynchburg City Strings.

Thank you to the food trucks: Taco Shark, Frosty Penguin, Upper Crust Pizza, Earl’s Carolina BBQ, Koto Grill, and Mi Papa’.

A final thank you goes out to the Lynchburg City Police, Parks and Rec, the Junior League of Lynchburg members, Randolph College Equestrian Team and Lacrosse Team, Lynchburg College Soccer Team, and several local church youth groups.

Thank you to everyone we have missed. We look forward to another great year.

If you would be interested in sponsoring, donating, or volunteering for Day in the Park this year or in future years, please email our office for additional information: JRLLOFFICE@GMAIL.COM

11 | JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LYNCHBURG

All Aboard!

BY: KARA MARTIN

All Aboard is an interactive, family-centered day that allows children to touch, ride, push controls, sound horns, and see many of the real-life vehicles and equipment that compose favorite toys, books, and movies. The event also provides an opportunity for children to meet real heroes, including men and women in the

A

armed services, police officers, and firefighters, nother successful All Aboard …

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles is in the books! On a beautiful,

spring day, Sunday, April 30, the Junior

League hosted its third annual All Aboard event at the Liberty University School of Aeronautics. Welcoming crowds from the greater Lynchburg area since 2015, “All Aboard is becoming a spring staple for the Junior League, and we hope to continue sounding alarms in the community,” said outgoing All Aboard Chairperson, Kara Martin.

who keep the community safe. In addition to providing a low-cost, family-friendly event for the community, All Aboard served as the League’s chief fundraiser this year with the outstanding support of Nadine Blakely, RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtor, Official Sponsor, and Watt’s Petroleum, a Crashing Contributor, who have been supporting All Aboard since its inception in 2015.

Another Crashing Contributor, Oldham Aesthetic and General Dentistry joined in as a sponsor for a new addition to All Aboard … a real Cinderella and her life-size carriage - that joined the All Aboard lineup. Kathleen O’Byrne’s Irish Tearoom hosted a tea time with Cinderella during the “horn-free” hour, as well. Participants of all ages rode a train around the event and explored trucks, service vehicles, heavy machinery, planes, etc. in a safe and educational environment. Food vendors, music, Zumba dance classes, prizes, raffles, and other activities were offered as well. Volunteer dentists and hygenists at the Colgate Truck provided free dental screenings, and Richeson Drive Pediatrics provided free children’s books for participants.

Overall, it was a great day and a successful fundraiser, and we hope to see you all at the event next year!

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13 | JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LYNCHBURG

Little Black Dress Initiative BY: JESSICA WATTS

T

As part of the League’s three-year

The statistics of violence against women (physical, emotional,

focus on violence against women,

sexual, and verbal abuse) are sobering. Domestic violence is

we launched our first annual Little

a major cause of homelessness for women in the community,

Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) in October 2016.

and this often extends to families. Children who witness

If you had a limited wardrobe or if you lived in fear of violence,

domestic violence are more likely to themselves become

how would this impact your confidence, daily routine, and

abusers or battered adults. Through LBDI, the League took

career opportunities? LBDI sought out to address just this.

a stand against this violence. The “little black dress” served and continues to serve as a symbol – a symbol of hope and

As a fundraising campaign, LBDI aimed to raise money and

empowerment. It exemplifies the Junior League of Lynchburg’s

bring awareness to women facing distress, whether it be

mission to better the community for women and children.

poverty, violence, or inequality. Participants wore one black dress (other black attire) for the week of October 10-14

Funds raised from LBDI 2016 were exclusively given to the

to highlight the effect distressful situations can have on a

YWCA of Central Virginia’s Domestic Violence Prevention

woman’s access to resources and confidence. The campaign

Center and Sexual Assault Response Program. The campaign

was largely social media-driven, which included the use of

started with a kickoff party at Charley’s Restaurant, and we

#LittleBlackDressJLL.

celebrated our successes with a recap party at the Corner Restaurant. Thank you to our passionate dress-donning participants, campaign donors, and in-kind sponsors. Through them, the “little black dress” became more than an piece of clothing, it represented a stance against violence facing women in the community.

Over $6,000 was raised and given to the YWCA of Central Virginia!

JOIN US IN APRIL 2018 FOR THE NEXT

All Aboard!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles Don’t miss out on the 4th Annual All Aboard, hosted by the Junior League of Lynchburg at Freedom Aviation!

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