THE STAR MAGAZINE THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE VALLEY VOLUME 7 NUMBER 1 JLRV.ORG STARTHE BE BOLD. TAKE ACTION.
THE STAR MAGAZINE
THE STAR MAGAZINE 1VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 3
FAMILY SERVICES
JLRV President Kate Hailey and President-elect Jessie Beemer triumphed at the 2021 Family Service of Roanoke Valley’s Virtual VIP Dinner. Serving as winning celebrity guests at the event, they raised $2,613 in support of Family Service’s mission to “transform lives by healing trauma and restoring hope for families and individuals of all ages through mental health counseling, case management, and life skills education.”
VOLUME 7 |
VIP DINNER
JennaMeredithBrittnyLindsayAmandaLauraContributors/Writers:CourtneyManagingElizabethPublisher:MilneEditor:WatsonConteHensleyPhippsMcGrawThompsonZibton
LET’Sjlrv.org@JLRoanokeValleyfb.com/JuniorLeagueRoanokeValley&@StockedMarketCONNECT!
designed by
The Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Virginia, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
*Past President of JLRV
Executive Vice President: Jessie
Index to Advertisers
Divine Fog Realty Family Tree Photography Mill Mountain Theatre IN
For information, please call 540.343.3663 or e-mail starmagazine@jlrv.org
OUR MISSION
STARTHE
THE STAR MAGAZINE2
Junior League of Roanoke Valley 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 319 Roanoke, VA 24016 Phone: 540.343.3663 Email: info@jlrv.org Website: jlrv.org
AngelaPuppieSustainingLydiaMember-At-Large:ShannonNominatingBrianaTreasurer:FrannySecretary:JessieExecutiveJessicaPresident-Elect:KatePresident:HaileyBeemerVicePresident:CoffmanApelApgarDirector:ShafferMerritDirectors:McCloskey&Mills
The Star 2020-2021Staff
STARTHE
Board of 2020-2021Directors Management Team 2020-2021
SusanSustainerMichelleFundSarahMembershipBlairAdministrativeLaurenFinanceElizabethCommunityBlairCommunicationsLydiaExecutiveCoffmanVP-Elect:HiggsVP:ThurmanVP:MilneVP:BoswellVP:ThurmanVP:G.JohnsonDevelopmentVP:PendletonLiaison:Stanley-Zahorchak*
The STAR is published three times annually by the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging: The Junior League of Roanoke Valley, Virginia, Inc. welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of individuals, organizations and communities.
Designed by Evolve Creative, Inc. and published by Bison Printing ©2021
ADVERTISE
THE STAR MAGAZINE TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT JLRV LENDS A HAND STOCKED MARKET OUR LEAGUE, WITH PRIDE141284 LET’S GET TOGETHER PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS 1831 21 BE TAKEBOLD.ACTION.FAMILY SERVICES VIP DINNER VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
KATE HAILEY
Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”
-Brené Brown
I am so glad we can connect this year in person and am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in our 95th year serving the Roanoke Valley!
Each year, the fall is an exciting time for the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, as we come together after a summer of reenergizing to prepare for our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Stocked Market. This year is even more meaningful after spending a year at home due to Covid-19. We are now able to reconnect with our fellow Members and our community.
The other project that I am so proud to say we were a part of, especially as a teacher, is donating funds to Roanoke City Schools for washers and dryers so stu dents would have a place to clean their laundry. I was so happy to hear that not only are we helping our local families, but that several teachers from the schools im pacted heard that we were the donors and decided to join our league this year! Talk about empowering!
While apart from one another we focused our efforts on meaningful ways to bring our community together through events such a Toy Drive, Letters to Santa, a food and book drive and volunteering where covid-safety was possible. We continued to develop the league and are excited to bring back our successful Toy Drive this December 4-5th. While life is not completely back to normal, you can see the joy and cheer on our Members’ faces to be able to be together to connect, grow as leaders and work in our community.
4
THE STAR MAGAZINE
JLRV PRESIDENT 2021-2022
FROM THE PRESIDENT
One organization we granted $17,000 to was Local En vironmental Agriculture Project “LEAP” to improve the Hurt Park Community Garden by increasing access to fresh food. This September, a group of members and even some member’s children joined together to get to work in the garden so it will be functional and ready in the spring.
One of my favorite things about the JLRV is seeing our work come to fruition. This past spring, we were able to give out over $52,000 in grants even though we were not able to hold our annual Stocked Market.
In this issue, we look ahead to major events like our 95th birthday celebration by first taking a journey into the past in Laura Conte’s new series reflecting on the history of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley.
Brittny McGraw takes a closer look at our signature fundraiser, the Stocked Market, back in person this year and better than ever. It is truly a joy to see ev erything that we have accomplished together, and to know that our League’s brightest days lie ahead.
MEET THE BOARDFROM THE EDITOR
This persistence has served us well as we’ve contin ued to navigate the challenges of the pandemic bal anced with meeting the needs of our community. In this issue, Meredith Thompson thoughtfully examines the ways in which League members have adapted to an ever-evolving new normal during the pandemic. It is heartening to see how, even in the most perilous of times, League members have shown up for ourselves, each other, and our community.
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
THE STAR MAGAZINE
As we begin a new League year, I can’t think of a bet ter theme to embody the spirit of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley and guide the work ahead than “Be Bold, Take Action!” This year’s new call to action reflects our League’s long commitment to empower ing women and being agents of change in our com munity. As this issue of The STAR well-illustrates, the JLRV has continued to serve the Roanoke Valley with determination and enthusiasm.
As the Junior League of Roanoke Valley toasts our 95th year, our dedication remains stronger than ever. While it would be impossible to showcase all of the incredible work our League has accomplished over the last few months, this issue offers a highlight reel of the events that have given us a chance to see one another in person after such a long time apart. I know I’m not the only one to feel a renewed sense of appreciation for gathering together with my fellow League members.
From serving at volunteer events like the Hurt Park clean-up, Legally Blonde: The Musical , and the Street Ransom donation drive, League members have made the most of every opportunity. We also had lots of fun at summer meet-ups, including a trip to Valhalla Winery, the JLRV Pool Party at the Hid den Valley Country Club, and a night at the ballpark cheering on the Salem Red Sox. It has been great to see so many old friends and familiar faces, and also to welcome our 2020 and 2021 new members into the fold in person.
55
COURTNEY WATSON STAR EDITOR, 2021-2022
- Brené Brown, Dare to Lead
with the goals and ambitions of the League, and Brown’s message inspired deep and immersive con versations among book club attendees at Mill Moun tain Coffee in July. We discussed Brown’s advice to stay curious, empower others, and lean into vulner ability when having difficult professional conversa tions, as well as techniques for building and refining our own leadership skills. Brown stressed the value of empathy, connection, and courage as the most im portant traits of good leadership, characteristics that are also emphasized in the JLRV.
LEADERSHIP BOOK CLUB
BY COURTNEY WATSON
THE STAR MAGAZINE6
Wise words from thought leader Brené Brown, au thor of Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversa tions. Whole Heart. This bestselling book was the summer selection for the Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s Leadership Book Club, which is open to all members and features nonfiction selections about leadership and other themes relevant to the inter ests of League members.
The central themes of Dare to Lead are well-aligned
DARING TO LEAD
Leadership is not about titles or the corner office. It’s about the willingness to step up, put yourself out there, and lean into courage. The world is desperate for braver leaders. It’s time for all of us to step up.
Book club attendees shared personal experiences from the professional trenches, from harrowing mo ments of disconnection to flashes of inspiration that turned difficult situations around. Though book club attendees came from a variety of professional back grounds--marketing, education, public service, the nonprofit sector--Brown’s message resonated with ev eryone because of the universal nature of leadership. Many of the principles Brown explores in Dare to Lead are also cornerstones of the Junior League as a whole:
THE STAR MAGAZINE 37
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
LEADERSHIP BOOK CLUB
“We have an intense leadership experience in place to train and educate women to be leaders in their com munities,” says AJLI CEO Patsy Doerr during an inter view on the Women Taking the Lead podcast, “But also how to develop your own mindfulness, to know your strengths and weaknesses and to be able to ap ply that knowledge both personally and profession ally.” It is this ability to evolve and adapt on multiple fronts that helps League members to better serve our communities and professions.
8
JLRV LENDS A HAND
While serving at volunteer events like the Hurt Park clean-up, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and the Street Ransom donation drive, League members have made the most of every opportunity to help the community.
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
also showed our compet itive streaks in an incredible donation drive benefiting Street Ransom. This organiza tion is dedicated to educating the public about sexual exploitation and trafficking through prevention, education, and profes sional training, and to provide support to victims and survivors. JLRV committees en gaged in a friendly competition to raise the
Items needed by the organization included: new, unopened makeup and makeup brushes, DIY ac tivity/craft kits, full-size toiletry items, hair products and styling tools, weighted blankets, cleaning prod ucts, household products, and more. In total, JLRV members collected approximately 350 items for the Street Ransom safe house. While all committees put forth a commendable effort, the Community Coun cil triumphed with their donation of 120 items! The Fund Development/Finance Councils came in second place with 90 items donated.
39
From the garden to the lights of Broadway, League members go wherever we’re called to serve! Luckily for us, Mill Mountain Theatre’s spectacular production of Legally Blonde: The Musical was in need of ushers, and the League was happy to oblige. We loved ev erything about this fun, fierce, and very, very pink Leaguemusical!members
most donations for Street Ransom’s local safe house.
JLRV LENDS A HAND
THE STAR MAGAZINE
JLRV members rolled up their sleeves to beautify the Hurt Park Community Garden, a beloved green space in the city of Roanoke. Members were happy to get their hands dirty to straighten up the green space and help prepare it for the harvest season. Everyone was feeling the community spirit as they worked up a sweat in the garden.
10
COMMUNITY COUNCIL CORNER
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
THE STAR MAGAZINE
The Community Council has been hard at work planning events and outreach opportunities for this League year. Over the summer, the Grants Commit tee kicked off the 2021-2022 League year’s grant funding opportunities and held an open house on August 12th. Several community leaders joined the virtual meeting, and we received proposals from many different organizations in the Roanoke Valley. Those proposals will be reviewed, and grant recipi ents will be announced in Spring 2022.
One of last year’s recipients of our Community Focus Grant was the Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) for the Hurt Park Community Garden in Roanoke.
311VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 3
Upcoming events will include a Mental Health Panel Discussion in partnership with the West End Cen ter, focusing on issues impacting Black mental health. The Collabo ration Committee is planning the panel event for November, where parents of WEC students and sever al clinicians, specializing in various
disciplines, will be able to meet and discuss mental health concerns for the WEC community, as well as potential solutions and resources.
Also in October, the Community Council held a compe tition within the League for collecting items for Street Ransom. This organization provides support for survi vors of sexual exploitation and traf ficking. Street Ransom will be open ing The Lampstand safe home this fall, which will be Virginia’s only residential program for girls ages 12-17 that gives survivors a “safe space and comprehensive trau ma-informed care.” League mem bers donated new makeup, cloth ing, toiletry items, blankets, hair products, activity/craft kits, clean ing products, and linens to Street Ransom, totalling 350+ items. The Community Council won the com petition by collecting 120 items, with Fund Development collecting 90 items. Well done, Members!
COMMUNITY COUNCIL CORNER
Another event on the horizon is the JLRV 2nd Annual Toy Drive December 4-5 at Clearbrook Walmart. The Service Committee will be focusing their efforts for the toy drive to occur in early November, so stay tuned for more information on this wonderful holiday project!
THE STAR MAGAZINE
As LEAP became the steward for serving four commu nity gardens in Roanoke, they needed funding support to continue keeping the gardens open and thriving. In October, several JLRV members donated their time to working on the garden. Members did groundhog proof ing, installed fence protection to keep animals out, and cleared brush away from the area. LEAP plans to seek input and involvement from the Hurt Park community as they restore and rebuild this important space. This project is incredibly meaningful to the JLRV as one of our League’s focuses has been on food accessibility within the Roanoke Valley.
As members participate in JLRV volunteer opportuni ties, remember to keep track of all of the work you are doing within the community and turn in your hours to our Office Manager, Sherry (info@jlrv.org). Thank you to all of our JLRV members for doing such a great job being service ambassadors to our community.
THE STAR MAGAZINE12
think this year was a little bit different, just be cause we weren’t really sure right at the beginning what Stocked Market was going to look like, but I think in Febru ary we started to
see some COVID numbers trend down and it looked like the event being in person was something that might be a real possibili ty, and everything has gone as planned,” Michaluk said.
All of the holiday fun, great shop ping and festive headwear known as a “party on your head” will make an eagerly awaited return to the Berglund Center in Roa noke on November 12-14, as the Junior League of Roanoke Valley prepares for the in-person return of its annual Stocked Market.
BY BRITTNY MCGRAW
Stocked Market is a can’t-miss shopping experience that typically brings togeth er more than 100 vendors and crafters from across the country, selling one-of-a-kind products.
“It was a really big hit in 2019,” Michaluk said when asked about the growth of the Homegrown Market. “We had a lot of peo
TheCo-Chair.JLRV
The ongoing COVID-19 pandem ic prompted JLRV to cancel the in-person event last year, instead offering shoppers a “Stocked Market in a Box,” filled with goodies from Stocked Market vendors, as well as letters to San ta and a raffle.
Stocked Market 2021 will feature all of the things shoppers have come to know and love, includ ing a Preview Coffee that allows guests early, exclusive access to the event on Friday, November 12, as well as the Homegrown Mar ket on Saturday, November 13, a one-day event that highlights artisans, craftspeople and others who make homemade items.
“I know all of the merchants are really excited to come back with us, as well as Junior League and the whole community, just to come back for a fun Christmas shopping event,” said Mary Kath ryn Tirico, Stocked Market 2021 Co-Chair. “We have a lot of fun things and new things planned for this Michalukyear.”and
“I think it’s going to be awesome to be back in person because we all really miss feeling that energy and that Christmas spirit that we get when we’re all together at the Berglund Center,” said Alex Michaluk, Stocked Market 2021
Tirico said planning for this year’s event began in ear ly 2021, but there was still some uncertainty about how the pan demic would impact this year’s Stocked Market.“I
EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS STOCKED MARKET PREPARES FOR IN-PERSON RETURN
Stocked Market 2021 opens on Friday, November 12 with a Pre view Coffee from 8-11am. Tickets are $20. General admission runs from 11am-6pm on Friday, 9am6pm on Saturday, November 13 and 10am-5pm on Sunday, No vember 14. General admission tickets are $10, and are good for one day only, a change from pre vious years.
For more information on Stocked Market and to buy tickets, visit jlrv.org/stocked-market.VOLUME7|NUMBER
There are also new surprises in store, including multiple performances by the Ballet, a visit from the Grinch himself and Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Stocked Market will follow all current CDC guidelines. Junior League members volunteering, merchants and shoppers will all be asked to wear masks.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their grand entrance on Sunday, November 14, accompanied by dancers from the Southwest Vir ginia Ballet. Michaluk and Tirico said Sunday will be Family Day at Stocked Market, filled with fun ac tivities for all ages.
“People come from all over to come to the Stocked Market event and I think it’s just a real ly fun way to have everybody to gether,” she said.
RV’s largest fundrais er. All money raised stays in the Roanoke Valley and is used to further JLRV’s mission of improving the com munity. Stocked Mar ket has raised more than $3.2 million in more than 30 years.
“Something new we’re doing this year is typically the Southwest Vir ginia Ballet, they only perform on Saturday. This year we’re going to have performances Friday, Sat
STOCKED MARKET 2021
ple really excited to shop some of these vendors.”
Tirico said Stocked Market is the perfect way to kick off the holiday shopping season.
urday and Sunday,” Michaluk said. “There might be some special characters that make an appearance that is new this year, too.”
Michaluk and Tiri co said shoppers will notice the layout of Stocked Market will be different this year, with a large perfor mance stage set up in the center of the Berglund Center. The stage is where attend ees will be able to see dance performances and Santa, and Junior League members will be stationed there to assist shop pers or vendors who need help.
In an effort to ensure a safe shop ping experience for guests and vendors, Stocked Market will follow all current CDC guide lines. Junior League members volunteering during the event will wear Stockedmasks.Market is JL
THE STAR MAGAZINE 13VOLUME 6 | NUMBER 3
In anticipation of the impending celebrations for the 95th anniversary of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, The STAR will be chronicling the history of the JLRV and its most significant contributions to the Ro anoke Valley since our founding in 1926 and our in corporation in 1931. This will be the first in a series of three articles and will focus on the earliest years of the JLRV from 1930-1960. It is my intent to highlight the actions of the dedicated women of the JLRV whose bravery and altruism, in the growing community of Roanoke over the last 95 years, paved the way for all we will do for many more years to come. It is on their shoulders that we stand and as we look back at the challeng es of the last two years, be proud of how we were able to contribute in new ways to our community.
The projects the League founded during the 1930s focused on im proving the social conditions of the community. They included add ing an addition to the hospital the League staffed and funded as well as partnering with the other Virgin ia leagues in Richmond, Norfolk, and Lynchburg to found a Child Welfare Committee in 1934. This initiative determined the number of poor widows who were eligible for funding to support them and their children to prevent their children from being sent to institutions.
BY LAURA CONTE
-Jean Reynolds Ferguson, President, 1931 Annual Report
“From its beginning, the Junior League has, through the sincere and earnest efforts of its members, accomplished many things worthwhile and of lasting value to its com munity. We can look back on our past with pride.”
A LOOK BACK AT THE HISTORY OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE VALLEY
OUR PAST, WITH PRIDE
THE STAR MAGAZINE14
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE IN THE 1930S
The League Year of 1930-1931 was a monumental one for the fledgling Junior League of Roanoke. The Unit
ed States (and Roanoke with it) had just entered the Great Depression, the greatest financial crisis of mod ern times, and yet the Junior League’s young legs kept churning. This was also the year the Junior League of Roanoke took on its first major project, funding and furnishing an addition to the Memorial Hospital and Crippled Children’s outpatient clinic run by Roa noke City Hospital. This commitment cost $5,500 to complete. Members also volunteered to provide trans portation to the clinics and assisted with clerical work alongside the physicians. It is clear that this partnership was important to the League’s members because the relationship continued for many years.
The onset of WWII had an impact in Ro anoke, but the Junior League showed its adaptive and altruistic spirit in community leadership by broadening fundraising efforts to include selling war bonds and contribut ing to the war effort in other ways, includ ing assisting the Red Cross. Perhaps for the enrichment or escapist nature that the arts naturally lend themselves to, the League de veloped arts related partnerships during the decade. This included the founding of the Community Children’s Theatre of Roanoke during the 1940-41 League year. The League had been putting on puppet shows and had been involved in theatrical productions as a revenue source since its founding, but this was a more permanent partnership.
In May of 1932, the Junior League founded the Horse Show with the Roanoke Horse Show Association. The Horse Show was major fundraiser for the Junior League and it continued well into the early 2000s.
Continued on page 16 VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
15
head as well as her heart and hands in dealing with the social problems of which her League experience has made her aware…In spite of the war and home front conditions or perhaps because of them, our organiza tion has carried on as a non-profit, self-sustaining civic project. It grows with us and we no less grow with It.” – Lola Farnham, 1943 Representative to the Community Children’s Theatre
OUR PAST, WITH PRIDE
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE IN THE 1940S
“The Junior League is an organization dedicated to the development of social consciousness in the individual member and to the training of the member to use her
the University of Virginia (UVA).
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE IN THE 1950S
Following the Great Depression and World War II, the weary world took a deep breath and the galva nized and ambitious Junior League of Roanoke (now 250 members strong) with it. In December of 1949, the League saw a need for a community center in Roanoke that catered to teenage girls ages 13-19 who came from crowded homes to have a safe place to have fun. One year later, on Friday, De cember 8, 1950, the Teenage Girls “TAG” Center opened its doors at 501-A Campbell Avenue. The Center was founded, funded, and furnished by the Junior League with donations from its members and the community (including a piano!). League volunteers staffed the center Monday-Friday from 3-5 pm and in the evenings Mon day-Thursday from 7-9 pm and
“I am continuously shocked each time I hear about how the Junior League of Roanoke Valley was involved with shaping the Roa noke Valley community. The big gest impact I think for the JLRV is the leadership skills it helps develop within its members. By implementing these projects in the community, leaders in our or ganization gain experience that they are then able to take out into our community and further lead our Valley to success.”
THE STAR MAGAZINE16
proj ect founded in the late 1950s had a long legacythe Harvest Bowl. In Oc tober 1957, sponsored jointly between the Ju nior League and the VPI Alumni Association, the Harvest Bowl came to be. Football teams from University of Virginia and Virginia Polytechnic Insti tute met at Victory Stadium with 26,000 fans in attendance. VPI’s opponents at the Harvest Bowl also included William & Mary, Vir ginia Military Institute (VMI), and
OUR PAST, WITH PRIDE
it was run by a social worker who was hired and paid by the League. It was the only center of its kind and included “a large, well-lit hallway, 12 rooms, and two tile
When asked about the League’s extensive contributions to the local community, President Kate Hailey shared her sense of pride for all of the League’s past ac complishments, and shared her excitement for a bright and meaningful future:
Abath[room]s.”JuniorLeague
More to come!
NOMINATING FUTURE LEADERSLET’S GET TOGETHER
The Junior League of Roanoke Valley made the most of a beautiful summer by hosting a variety of events that brought members together for long-overdue socializ ing. We had lots of fun at summer meet-ups, including a trip to Valhalla Winery, the JLRV Pool Party at the Hidden Valley Country Club, a Crafty Cricut Party, and a night at the ballpark cheering on the Salem Red Sox. It has been great to see so many old friends and fa miliar faces, and also to welcome our 2020 and 2021 new members into the fold in person. Other activities saw League members fearlessly tackling hiking trails and the path to McAfee’s Knob, while a beautiful late summer day at the park proved to be the perfect set ting for a playdate where members enjoyed the scen ery with very cute company.
More photos on page 18
VALHALLA, POOL PARTIES, AND PLAYDATES, OH MY!
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
THE STAR MAGAZINE 17VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 1 17
THE STAR MAGAZINE18
LET’S GET TOGETHER
She said, “I was put on this earth to be useful and to be of service to others. It is through being use ful and serving others I will, and I have found New-Memberhappiness.”Co-Chair, Hailey
In March 2020, at the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the world began to adapt to an evolv ing new normal. Our own Junior League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV) members also adapted to chang ing work and home situations. As an organization, we implemented technology solutions and reimag ined our beloved Stocked Market
fundraiser in November 2020. With the onset of the pandemic nearly 18 months in the rear-view mirror, our members have made significant shifts in their day-today Healthcareoperations.workers on the front lines around the world were stretched thin as cases rose, pro tective equipment became scarce, and treatment and vac cination information were becoming more researched and devel oped. Active member, Rosemary Saul, has been a registered nurse since 1984. As a registered nurse, she has responded to challenging situations without worrying about her own health and well being, but the pandemic has changed her view points. At times, person al protective equipment (PPE) became scarce, and she feared for her own safety and for her pa tients. Worrying about exposing herself or fam ily members while car ing for COVID-19 posi tive patients caused her stress and anxiety. De claring it a bittersweet decision, Rosemary will retire in January 2022 af ter 37 years as a nurse.
NEW NORMAL IN THE WAKE OF A PANDEMIC
Continued on page 20 VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
THE STAR MAGAZINE
19
BY MEREDITH THOMPSON
Feldman is a Genetic Counselor at Carilion Clinic Maternal Fe tal Medicine. She, too, has felt more stress in her work because of the pandemic. She said, “One of the more challenging longterm things I feel that providers have faced during this pandemic, is remembering to maintain our own mental health, while trying to provide continuous support for our However,patients.”through the difficult chal lenges, both Hailey and Rosemary are pleased to see the advances of telemedicine. Those in healthcare have had to be incredibly innova tive and create new ways in which to provide patient care, without increasing patient risk. Hailey said, “one of the biggest positive out comes to medicine from COVID has been the increased utilization of Availabilitytelemedicine.”and adaptability of technology supported educa tion through the past year and a half including our local school
Hailey Feldman with Ultrasound Technicians ADAPTING TO AN EVOLVING
THE STAR MAGAZINE20
systems. The 2020-2021 school year was a challenge for both educators and parents, and the 2021-2022 school year is just be ginning. School systems in our re gion continue to adapt and find creative ways to actively engage students. But in the beginning, adapting to virtual learning was a challenge for the school systems and the parents.
about their exposure to Covid in the school setting and the possible disruption in their learning if schools had to shut down again.” Annah and her husband chose Roanoke County’s 100% virtual option after researching several other homeschooling options. With a background in edu cation, Annah enjoyed be ing present in the everyday learning of her children and loved seeing them grow and learn new skills. But it wasn’t always easy. Without childcare, running basic errands or even get ting out to exercise was a challenge. At the begin ning of the 2021-2022, Annah and her husband chose to resume in-per son studies with Roanoke County schools. They were pleased with the school system keeping positivi ty rates fairly low in the schools and the newly required masking for all in K-12. Annah said of her children, “They are very happy to be back in the classroom, but I do miss having them at home.”
through all of the challenges on the other end. JLRV Nominating Committee member, Amanda Downing, is a school psychologist with Roanoke County Schools. School Psychologists had to adapt to not being able to meet with stu dents in person such as learning to administer face-to-face cogni tive and academic achievement assessments virtually. School Psy chologists work primarily within Special Education, which means
Rosemary Saul in Full PPE Gear
And while parenting children in K-12 education is challenge, those who work in the field of ed ucation also adapted quickly and found some positive outcomes
Amanda Downing
A NEW NORMAL
Annah Sullivan, a JLRV sustainer, evaluated her options and chose to keep her children 100% remote during the 2020-2021 school year. Since there were so many unknowns around COVID-19 in 2020, Annah and her husband decided to homeschool our chil dren (then 2nd and 4th grades). She said, “We were concerned
“WE LEARNED TO ADAPT TO MEET THOSE REQUIREMENTS WHILE PUTTING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS FIRST.”
Shepherd Cronemeyer
THE STAR MAGAZINE
meeting over Zoom at first. How ever, it allowed me to connect with people across the country that I never would have reached before. While I still prefer face-to-face in teractions, the ability to communi cate over Zoom has made my job more efficient and broadened the scope of my work.”
Board Meetings, more citizens have been able to participate in meetings, and I believe this has created a more balanced way for the Board of Supervisors to make decisions. Government functions better the more constituents are able to voice their opinions.”
A NEW NORMAL
The ability to connect virtually al lowed active member, Shepherd Cronemeyer, become more en gaged with those outside of the area. Shepherd is the Assistant Di rector of Development for the Col lege of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Virginia Tech. As a fundraiser pre-COVID, she was constantly traveling to meet with alumni and donors or hosting them on campus at various events. When the pan demic hit, all travel and face-toface communication stopped. She said, “I will be the first to admit that I was pretty uncomfortable
Shepherd moved to Roanoke in 2019 and was still trying to make friends and find her place in the community when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. She joined Ju nior League of Roanoke Valley during the 2020-2021 year. Even though almost everything during her new member year in JLRV was virtual, she made connections with other members. She said, “Finding a group of like-minded ladies who care about their com munity and making it a better place is truly
21
VOLUMEinspiring!”7|NUMBER 1
The use of technology for pub lic meetings became a new nor mal for JLRV Finance Assistant Vice President, Madeline Sefcik. Madeline serves as the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and Manager of Public Affairs for Franklin County. Local govern ment meetings are open to the public, but restrictions to the gathering reduced the ability for the public to participate and voice their opinions. Madeline explained that staff had to re think the way in which citizens were able to participate in their local government and how to en sure that employees and citizens were safe. With public meetings occurring during the typical work day, participation could be diffi cult for those with a traditional job. Madeline said, “With our increased virtual participation options and YouTube viewing of
there are legal requirements for timelines and procedures that did not change despite being in a global pandemic. She said, “We could not put Special Edu cation evaluations on hold. We learned to adapt to meet those requirements while putting the needs of students first.” One of the positive outcomes of adapt ing to virtual learning is the in troduction of virtual meeting platforms, both for students and parents. Working in Special Ed ucation, there are many parent involved meetings. Amanda says that she is able to increase parent participation by giving the option to attend meetings virtually.
THE STAR MAGAZINE22 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE VALLEY IS EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR 2021 NEW MEMBER CLASS!
THE STAR MAGAZINE 23VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 2 NOMINATING FUTURE LEADERSWELCOME NEW MEMBERS! VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
• Sour cream
• 8 corn tortillas, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
DIRECTIONS:
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add tortillas, garlic, cilantro, and onion. Saute 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes. Bring to a boil and add cumin, chili powder, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Return to a boil. Reduce heat. Add salt and cayenne. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves and stir in chicken. Reheat. Garnish with Monterey Jack, avocado, sour cream and tortilla chips.
In addition to falling leaves, crisp autumn air, and cozy sweaters, we love celebrating the harvest season by en joying delicious fall recipes. Our friends at the Junior League of Dallas cooked up a wonderful recipe for savory Chicken Tortilla Soup, shared in their cookbook Stop and Smell the Rosemary. This Tex-Mex classic has the perfect amount of spice to tempt your tastebuds, but you can add more for an extra kick! For a taste of something sweet, we love Mrs. C.R. Pope’s recipe for Perfect Pecan Pie, published in Talk About Good!, the Junior League of Lafay ette’s cookbook. This is a terrific recipe to share with family and friends.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 corn tortillas, sliced and fried crisp
COOKBOOK CORNER FLAVORS OF FALL
• 6 cups chicken stock
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
THE STAR MAGAZINE24
• 3 bay leaves
INGREDIENTS:
Chicken Tortilla Soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4-6 cooked chicken breast halves, shredded or cubed
• 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and cubed
THE STAR MAGAZINE If you are interested in purchasing the Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s “Oh My Stars” cookbook, please contact the JLRV office. 25VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1 COOKBOOK CORNER INGREDIENTS: Perfect Pecan Pie • 1/2 cup sugar • 3 eggs • 1 ½ cup pecans • ½ stick butter • pinch salt • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup white Karo syrup DIRECTIONS: Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add pecans, salt, vanilla, and Karo syrup. Pour in an unbaked pie shell and bake in a 350-degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
Lutheria Smith, President 2006-2007
Anna Muncy, Executive Vice President 2018-2019
Jenna Zibton, President 2020-2021
FALL ANNUAL GIVING FIRST EVER ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN
The Governance Board set a lofty goal of $15,000 and
Coming off being JLRV President in the summer of 2020, Lindsay Phipps volunteered to chair the cam paign and ad hoc committee. Phipps organized every thing from phone calls to all Sustainers in the spring and fall to all of the letters and communication that went out in the spring.
members and community members donated, including matching donations from several employers. Everyone who donated is named to the 1926 Society. “I am thrilled with the amount of sup port for the inaugural Annual Giving Campaign from members and community members,” said Phipps.
The Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s first ever An nual Giving Campaign was a huge success! We raised $18,550. The money will be used for JLRV operating expenses because we were unable to hold the annu al three-day Stocked Market at the Berglund Center in November 2020. The operating fund is the finan cial source of our programming, community projects, and member training. In future years, our hope is that money can be used in other ways.
70 percent of Junior League’s have Annual Giving Campaigns according to a survey done by AJLI at Win ter Leadership Conference.
Lindsay Phipps, President 2019-2020
Zibton helped secure a matching donation of $5,000 from various JLRV Members, meaning if we could raise $5,000, they would match it!
Susan Stanley-Zahorchak, President 2018-2019
donate to the 2022 Annual Giving Campaign by going to www.jlrv.org and clicking on “Support Us” at the top of the page and then “Individual Giving.”
both the Board and Management Team all contributed to the Overall,effort.79JLRV
THE STAR MAGAZINE
Ginny Jarrett, President 1997-1998
Puppie McCloskey, Sustaining Director 2019-2022
$5,000 MATCHING GIFT DONORS:
everyone who has donated to the 2021 JLRV Annual Giving Campaign! We are looking for ward to another successful campaign this coming Youspring.can
“By becoming a founding donor of the Annual Giv ing Campaign, you helped the JLRV continue our 95 year legacy of training women to become outstanding civic leaders and volunteers in our community,” said Zibton, who is overjoyed at the support for this first ever Thankinitiative.youto
“The idea for an Annual Giving Campaign started in the fall of 2019, when a group of JLRV members re vised our Strategic Plan and brainstormed plans to di versify revenue,” said Jenna Zibton, who led the Stra tegic Planning committee. “We didn’t know then that the pandemic was coming and we would need to have creative solutions to replace the more than $100,000 that comes in from Stocked Market every year. Thank fully, we already had a solution in place before we needed it!”
Shannon Shaffer, President 2015-2016
26
27VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
Shannon Allen Lydia
THE STAR MAGAZINE
LeCompteJenniferLauraMimiJessieAmandaNancyLaurenJessicaMargaretEmilyZipAllisonMarySusanGingerMargaretFrannyAluiseApelAshburnPooleAvisBaileyCatherineBaldridgeBallBasileBaynardBeazleyBeemerBoswellCarsonChristiansenCoffmanColesConteCrookDeyerle
Betty RehabilitativeKathleenStewartNancyLindsayMichelleLeslieMaryKatherineAnnaBrittanyElizabethSherylBrittnyMichelleAlexandriaAnnemarieRitaMarjorieLeskoMastinMatthewsMcCloskeyMcCluskeyMcConnellMcGrawMcNallyMilneMitchellMoncureMuncyMorrisKathrynNewtonPainterPendletonPhippsPrillamanPutneyReedServices and
Summer Harper Messick Diane Higgs Lydia
Vocational Placement, Inc. Grace RosemaryRigneyAnn Saul Shannon Shaffer
JennaLeeCourtneyVanettaBrittanyEllenMeredithLauraAlexandriaStateSusanLutheriaCatherineSmallwoodSmeltzerSmithStanley-ZahorchakFarmInsuranceThackerThompsonThompsonvanThielTurmanRemaineStocktonWatsonWoodyZibtonMcFarland
SusanSarahBettyLaylaMaryKatieSarahGinnyKateGraceMeganJanJanetCarolineKellyLucyHeatherHiggsElletElletEllisEschenbachFrantzGarrettGibbonsRigneyHaileyJarrettM.JohnsonJonesElizabethKepleyKhoury-HanoldLouKienleKregerLarkin
Lauren Shelley Gene
THANK YOU FOR GIVING
The Junior League of Roanoke Valley would like to thank the individuals and business that donated to our inaugural Annual Giving Campaign. We greatly appreciate the generosity of these founding members of the 1926 Society:
OUT OF THE MAILBOX
General
Membership Meeting
Holiday
Calendar of Events
Stocked Market
THE STAR MAGAZINE Nov 9 Nov 12-14 Dec 10 Jan 18 Feb MayAprilMarch15151917 JLRV’S 2021-2022
Party General Membership Meeting Cluster GeneralMeetingsMembership Meeting General Membership Meeting Annual Celebration 29VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 1
W E D F A M I L
Junior League of Roanoke Valley | 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 319 | Roanoke, VA 24016 | 540.343.3663 | jlrv.org STARTHE YOUNG AUDIENCES SERIES MMT CONCERT THE FRINGE TRINKLE MAINSTAGE SERIES Visit millmountain.org or call 540-342-5740 for tickets. 21 SEASON
