Fall 2019 Volume 5 Number 1

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ROANOKE VALLEY

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 T H E S TA R J L R V. ORG

MAGAZINE

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DIVERSITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE

A SEAT AT THE TABLE

BY JAMIE DILLARD Coming into this year, we knew we had work to do. We set a big goal last year and created the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. We wanted to address the need for these important concepts within our own league membership and how we can show up in our city. We ended last year with a goal and a team of women dedicated to achieve it, but how? Over the summer, co-chairs Jamie Dillard and Ginger Poole Avis researched ideas and plans to achieve our goals. We first realized we have to have a seat at the table. We need to be a part of the community events that represent a more diverse and inclusive crowd.

We plan to do this by being present in the community with more attendance at the events that make Roanoke diverse. Events such as the Henry Street Festival, the Latino Festival, Local Colors, and so many more amazing events occurring this year.

The second step for us is representation. Roanoke is a melting pot, and we want our league to reflect this.

As we expand our reach and involvement in the community, we hope to attract ladies from all walks of life who are passionate about making a

Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.�

-S T EPHEN R. C O V E Y

difference in the Roanoke Valley. We know change takes time but with effort and focused goals, we are ready to own our seat at the table.

JLRV at the Henry Street Festival.

(Pictured Left to Right) Shamaill Ross, Jamie Dillard, Ruth Cassell-Huynh, and Diane Nguyen.

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Junior League of Roanoke Valley 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 319 Roanoke, VA 24016 Phone: 540.343.3663 Email: info@jlrv.org jlrv.org

The Star Staff 2019-2020

Board of Directors 2019-2020

Management Team 2019-2020

Publisher: Jessie Coffman Managing Editor: Amanda Hensley Writers: Jessica Catley, Katherine Coker, Jamie Dillard, Rachael Hedrick, Katie Kane, Brittny McGraw, Toni Sperry, Shannon Shaffer, Annah Sullivan, Courtney Watson

President: Lindsay Phipps President-Elect: Jenna Zibton-McFarland Executive Vice President: Kate Hailey Secretary: Jennifer Crook Treasurer: Jessie Beemer Nominating Director: Bridget Hamill Member-At-Large: Lydia Higgs Sustaining Directors: *Lutheria Smith & Puppie McCloskey

Executive Vice President: Kate Hailey Executive VP-Elect: Katie Jones Communications VP: Jessie Coffman Community VP: Annah Sullivan Finance VP: Michelle Pendleton Administrative VP: Laura Conte Membership VP: Kayla Owata Fund Development VP: *Ginger Poole Avis

*Past President of JLRV

published by

OUR MISSION The Junior League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV) 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.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The JLRV welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of individuals, organizations and communities.

The STAR is published three times annually by the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission.

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For information, please call 540.343.3663 or e-mail info@jlrv.org 2

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

IMPACTING COMMUNITY

NEW MEMBER KICKOFF

LITTLE BLACK DRESS INITIATIVE

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OUT OF THE MAILBOX

VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY

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HEY, JLRV, WE GOT THIS!SPOTLIGHT NEW MEMBER T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

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FROM THE PRESIDENT The fall season brings a busy time for the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. In the past few weeks, the League has welcomed our New Members at the New Member Kickoff and held our first General Membership Meeting of the year. During the month of September, the League also hosted a Grants Open House for local non-profits to learn more about the League’s grants. The League’s Grants Open House introduced the Roanoke Valley Community to our new grants which are the Apel Family Grant and the Community Focus Grants.

The upcoming days will feature more exciting events for our League. Several of our members will travel to Arlington, Virginia in November for the 4th Annual Leagues of Virginia Summit. Additionally, The League will host the 31st Annual Stocked Market at the Berglund Center from November 8th to 10th. This year’s Stocked Market once again feature many vendors from across the country and the HomeGrown Market.

During this season of the year, it is important for our League to remember the Association of Junior Leagues International’s theme for the year which is WE GOT THIS. I am thankful to be part of an organization that has so many accomplished and dynamic members. The League’s members are dedicated and passionate about the values and goals our organization. When our members work together, we are capable of achieving all of our goals.

And no matter the hectic schedules or challenges that we face, together as members of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley WE GOT THIS. I am incredibly proud of the work that our League has already done this year. And I look forward to sharing more with you about the League’s work and accomplishments during the upcoming months. As we move forward, it is important for the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley to continue to Disrupt Convention and to be Unstoppable.

And always remember WE GOT THIS.

We have the responsibility to act, and we have the opportunity to conscientiously act to affect the environment around us.”

- M A RY H A RRI M A N , FO U N D E R O F TH E JU N I O R LE A G U E

LINDSAY PHIPPS PRESIDENT OF JLRV 2019-2020

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MEET THE EDITOR BOARD FROM When I found out I would be the STAR Editor this year, I was both excited (a lot) and panicked (ok, a lot too). My new member year was coming to a close, and here was this huge responsibility in my lap for my first active member year, not to mention some rather formidable shoes to fill. What could I possibly say to this group of accomplished women, most of whom have dedicated far more years than I to this impressive League, or to those considering joining, to inspire volunteerism? I considered writing about my experience thus far, and several words came to mind: non-traditional, community, support, opportunity, friendships, and perseverance.

A little over a year ago, I was working on a Master’s degree, newly married to my childhood best friend, creating a blended family with his children, my two teenagers, and my very spunky now-7 year old, while volunteering at a city library and interning at an outreach office in town. Clearly a non-traditional student, I had lived in Roanoke for over a decade before I started this degree and had absolutely no clue about the disparities within Roanoke’s city limits and surrounding counties. I knew about the Junior League from my childhood in Georgia, but it had not occurred to me to join. I was way too busy!

While at the library, I began to learn about how various factors in these patrons’ lives were impacting their health, such as food and nutrition, housing, employment, literacy and education, transportation, and substance abuse, to name a few. It was alarming and sad and devastating.

How could I make any impact in the T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

lives of those in our communities who desperately needed help? Who was I anyway? A non-traditional student, not from the area and no extended support system, a newlywed, a mother, not many friendships, and, I’ll admit, a huge weight on my shoulders that I personally placed there from multiple stressors and worries over mistakes and non-perfection in every facet of my life. But I wanted to persevere and help so I applied to the League in search of opportunity, in search of friendships, and to do good work in the community. I found so much more.

From the first meeting, I was introduced to a community of diverse women, of various ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, hardworking and driven in their personal and career endeavors, while still making time to learn more about and address the disparities facing those less fortunate in this area. I listened quietly but then slowly gained confidence to participate in energetic and passionate conversations about involvement and problem-solving. These women meant business, and they brought in speakers to our meetings, who would talk of adversity, determination, sobering statistics, potential investments, and positive outcomes. Every meeting or volunteer position was an opportunity to be of service, to make friends, to learn more about the League and its accomplishments, to be a part of something greater than you that is capable of lifting you up to heights you didn’t think you could ever achieve on your own.

So here I am in my second year of the League, beginning a PhD path,

We persist and linger longer than we think, leaving traces of ourselves wherever we go. If you take that away, then we all simply vanish.”

–DINAW MENGESTU, HOW TO READ THE AIR

juggling home life, school life, work life and League life, and the JLRV is helping me with my goals to persevere. It isn’t just a membership. It is an opportunity to volunteer, to do good works, to make friendships and connections, to find that support you need to lift you up while helping those who don’t have a voice to ask. This year’s theme is We Got This for a reason. This league of women can set goals and reach them, and they empower and lift up others so they too can succeed.

If you are considering joining, we welcome your interest. If you are a member considering leadership, take the plunge – it is worth it. The League believes in you, in this city, and its communities. The League is an opportunity to persevere, and that’s why We Got This.

AMANDA HENSLEY STAR EDITOR, 2019-2020 VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 1

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IMPACTING COMMUNITY IN THE SUMMER

BY KATIE KANE

Sarah Duran-Ballen & Delegate Sam Rasoul with his family.

Active Members Jessie Coffman and Sarah Duran-Ballen, along with the rest of their team, expanded their impact in the Roanoke community with their second Cook Your Culture event this summer. Cook Your Culture began in 2017 and is a free, family-friendly gathering centered around using food to bring neighbors together. In sharing their favorite dishes, volunteers are sharing their culture, memories, and new flavors, spices, and food combinations; all of which are promoting diversity and inclusion. Taking the impact even further, these events have raised over $1,800 for the Roanoke Refugee Partnership. Be on the lookout for future events, so that you can taste your way through Roanoke’s diversity potluck style and support additional non-profit organizations. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CYCRoanoke.

Neighbors sharing a meal.

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VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY

What Does It Mean?

BY SHANNON SHAFFER

Community. What does it mean to you? What does it mean to me? I will start by introducing you to my mom, Linda. Before every holiday, Mom would spend her time, talents and money making sure that it was special for a long list of people in our small, rural town in Pennsylvania. With my four siblings and me in tow, Mom would make her rounds during every Easter, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving holiday. She would do things for others in the community, including our mailman, our teachers, our Girl Scout troop leaders, and any shut ins from the church, to name a few. My mom quietly set an example of volunteerism in our community. She still does at age 70.

Through Mom, I saw and learned the importance of embracing the community that you live in.

I started volunteering when I was in high school, working with the special education students, assisting in class, and attending field trips. When I became a mom, I volunT H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

teered as Adair’s soccer coach, her Girl Scout leader, and her homeroom mom. While still living in Pennsylvania and working at a local winery, I successfully lobbied for the company to enlist in the Adopt-A-Highway program and coordinated our bi-annual trash pickups. When we moved from Pennsylvania to Roanoke, I was eager to become involved in this city’s vibrant volunteer community, starting with the Newcomer’s Club, a great organization that exposes new residents

to all things Roanoke Valley. At one of my first meetings with the Newcomer’s, there was a presentation by St. Francis Service Dogs.

They talked about the need for folks to be puppy raisers. It did not take me long to get signed up and soon after, I got my first puppy, Wally, to raise. I have continued volunteering as a puppy sitter for St. Francis Service Dogs and any visitor to my home is likely to be greeted by an adorable lab or an energetic golden retriever.

To watch these dogs go through

Shannon and her family on her mother, Linda’s, 70th birthday.

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VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY training and get matched with someone in need is truly remarkable. Think about this statement of impact: “If you want to see a wheel chair disappear, put a service dog next to it.” My professional job is in supported employment. I work with adults with disabilities helping them find and keep jobs. I have seen first-hand how a service dog can change a life.

Several years ago, a friend suggested that I should look into joining the Junior League of Roanoke Valley. Fourteen years later, I am still an active member, and a past president. The impact it has had on my life is immeasurable. What an experience to work on so many worthwhile projects!

Through the JLRV, I have been able to help build and restore playgrounds, prepare meals for organizations that we work with, clean toys,

Stocked Market 2018.

decorate Christmas trees, and so much more. A particularly satisfying project was helping to organize the largest fundraiser we have, the Stocked Market, three times as co-chair. The Junior League is overflowing with bright, strong, generous women who continue to inspire me to want to make a difference in the Roanoke community and elsewhere. This organization took me to Guatemala on a mission trip at a very trying time in my life. I was going through a divorce and needed

Shannon’s black lab Cisco and a St. Francis service dog.

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a spiritual and emotional boost.

Little did I know that trip would be life changing and fill my cup to overflowing, not only from the work I did there, but also from meeting and working with the other Junior League ladies who were there. Susan Danish, Ellen Rose and Carol Scott to name just a few. Enough said, right?!

I learned more about the Rescue Mission through the JLRV. When Adair was in middle school, we volunteered reading bedtime stories to the children at the Rescue Mission. Adair was raised in the JLRV but exposing her to her own volunteering was important.

I always said that I would stay in the Junior League long enough so that Adair and I could be active members at the same time.

That desire came true in 2017. Yes,

VOLUNTEERING & COMMUNITY

Shannon, Beth Macy, and Adair at the GMM.

she sat through many meetings when she was growing up, but the lens she experienced the JLRV through had shifted from her mom’s organization and volunteering to HER organization and volunteering. This is what led me to House of Bread. Adair and I sat in the room, stunned, when Beth Macy gave the statistics about opioid addiction. She talked about how the folks that she followed through their struggles with opioid addiction were shamed and ignored. Beth urged us to speak to the person on the street who T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

appears to be strung out or struggling. Ask “are you ok?” or “can I help you?” EVERYONE deserves another chance.

Beth mentioned House of Bread, an organization that helps women coming out of incarceration get back on their feet with a job, among other things. I jotted down “House of Bread” on my GMM agenda for the evening. When I got home and looked it up, I immediately reached out to inquire about volunteering. This organization combines my call to volunteering, my professional experience placing people in jobs, and my passion for helping someone who needs the help. Many (if not all) of the ladies coming through the program have also struggled with addiction. I have completed two rounds of volunteering as a mentor with House of Bread, and I have two new friends because of it. Both of them are my age and, like me, both of them had daughters at a young age. They have a deep love for their daughters and want to get their lives back on track to be hands-on moms once again.

Imagine playing a small part in making that dream come true for someone?

All living things deserve a chance, from the tiniest creatures to the

people among us in the community. It is our responsibility to help our fellow community members when we can. Most recently, I have completed the training and am a certified foster parent through Roanoke Country Department of Social Services. I am starting out doing respite foster parenting and will see where that takes me.

Volunteering is very personal.

Choose the things that you are passionate about. There are endless opportunities to give back right here in our community. We are all in this together and we will all need a hand, a hug, and someone to care at many points during our own lives. Receiving those gifts from others and even more so, offering those gifts to others, is what community means to me.

What does it mean to you?

Shannon and her friend Susie from House of Bread.

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“Roanoke Women’s Foundation gives me a voice . . . and lets me touch the community in a way I could never do alone.”

Grantmaking is the heart of our work. Over the past 15 years, RWF awarded over $3.5 million in high impact grants to the Roanoke Valley.

One Woman, One Vote. Each member has an equal vote. Grants are made in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services.

All women are welcome—no invitation needed.

Volunteering is appreciated, but not required!

Questions? Contact info@roanokewomensfoundation.org

www.roanokewomensfoundation.org Follow us on Facebook@RoanokeWomensFoundation Instagram @rwfphilanthropy ✁- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Payment of $2,100 must be received by August 31st. To pay by check please use this form. To pay online please go to www.roanokewomensfoundation.org. Payment must be made in TWO (2) checks.

NAME: ____________________________________________

NAMETAG NAME: ______________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________ CITY: _______________ STATE: ______ ZIP: ___________ PREFERRED PHONE #: __________________________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________ HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US?

____________________________ PREFERRED COMMUNICATION: (CIRCLE ONE) ONLINE/EMAIL

MAIL

MAILING ADDRESS: ROANOKE WOMEN’S FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 8976 ROANOKE, VA 24014

Payment Process: Payment can be made at one time or in installments. For information on installments, please contact us at info@roanokewomensfoundation.org. To pay now, follow these steps and mail BOTH checks together to the address on the left.

•

$100 Administrative fee payable to The Roanoke Women’s Foundation

•

$2,000 payable to the Community Foundation (only this portion is tax deductible)

I give, therefore 12

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e are.

HEY, JLRV, WE GOT THIS!

BY AMANDA HENSLEY

At the Junior League of Roanoke Valley’s first General Membership Meeting (GMM) of the 2019-2020 year, the new focus phrase from the Associations of Junior League International (AJLI) “We Got This” was alive and well in all facets of the evening. There were so many new and familiar faces at the meeting, all buzzing with excitement about plans for this upcoming year as a league, and old friends greeted and chatted with each other about personal and career stories from the summer. Some of the members even captured the moment in our JLRV photo booth!

President Lindsay Phipps and Executive Vice President Kate Hailey led the charge by asking members to

President Lindsay Phipps and Vice Mayor Joe Cobb at September’s GMM. T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

fill out cards with any personal or league goals that each of them may have for this upcoming year. The Stocked Market Committee, all wearing Party-On-Their-Head’s, got the crowd excited about the November fundraising event, and New Member CoChairs, Jessica Fintel and Sarah G. Johnson, introduced all of our new members in attendance. Welcome to the League, Ladies!

Members Savannah Bowling, Brittany Mitchell, Donna Wagner, and Libba Cooper.

The Vice Mayor of Roanoke’s City Council Joe Cobb was our key speaker for the evening, and he spoke to the membership about his experience and appreciation for the Junior League, urging us to make an impact within communities and always remembering that it is with passion and love that we can make a positive difference in people’s lives. One of the most poignant moments in Joe’s speech was his favorite quote, “I believe our greatest calling as human beings is to love one another by honoring and celebrating what makes us unique and by discovering what we can create together.” Thank you, Joe, for making an impact on this league with your powerful words!

STAR magazine with the help of our photographer Mariellen Hubbard from Family Tree Photography took photographs of members expressing the strength of this message, and asked various members what their thoughts were on this phrase:

WHAT DOES THE JLRV PHRASE “WE GOT THIS!” MEAN TO YOU? LAURA CONTE A D M IN IS T R AT IV E V P Empowerment and empowered women.

BRITTANY TURMAN STOCKED MARKET CO-CHAIR We can do any and everything!

SARAH G. JOHNSON NEW MEMBER CO-CHAIR [It] means that no matter the obstacle, the women of the JLRV can accomplish anything!

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HEY, JLRV, WE GOT THIS! KATIE KANE STAR COMMITTEE We Got This – as in we will make a positive impact in our community, promote the values of JLRV, and create fellowship with local women.

SAMANTHA COHEN NEW MEMBER The phrase ‘We Got This!’ means we are a team and together can accomplish whatever goal we are working towards. The phrase also embodies a strong sense of purpose and a positive attitude.

BLAIR THURMAN NEW MEMBER To me, it means that no matter the situation, the women of the Junior League […] have the ability to handle [this] because we are strong, smart, beautiful, and fierce women who can do anything.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE “WE GOT THIS!” WILL MEAN THIS YEAR TO THE JLRV? COURTNEY WATSON STAR COMMITTEE I hope we take it as a challenge and a change for the coming year.

BRITTANY SANFORD NEW MEMBER ’We Got This!’ means we (the JLRV) come together to make a large impact on our community.

WE have your back, Roanoke!

TONI SPERRY STAR COMMITTEE This phrase will not just represent our impact, but also empower other women to make a difference.

TYLER HOWER NEW MEMBER That we accomplish the goals we set and exceed them.

JENNIFER CROOK SECRETARY/GOVERNANCE BOARD Making progress toward reducing food deserts in our valley and creating lasting and sustainable solutions.

LYDIA HIGGS MEMBER-AT-LARGE We can do it all!

Judging by the high energy and insightful speeches and announcements from our first meeting, we are ready to make a positive difference in the Roanoke community this year. Hey, Roanoke, the Ladies of the JLRV have got this!

Members Shamaill Ross, Libba Cooper, and Katie Jones strutting this year’s AJLI phrase.

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IT’S FALL, Y’ALL

Pumpkin Pie Cake

BY AMANDA HENSLEY

Do you love your pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving but want to try something new?

We reached back in the archives to find this very simple recipe for Pumpkin Pie Cake for you to try! Serve it up around the holidays for all to enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (29-oz) can pumpkin

• 1 tbs cinnamon • 1 tsp ginger

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

• 4 eggs

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 13 oz evaporated milk

• 1 (2-layer) package yellow cake mix

• Whipped cream for garnish

• 1 1/2 cups sugar DIRECTIONS:

Beat the pumpkin, eggs, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Pour into a greased 9X13-inch cake pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Pour the butter evenly over the cake mix and sprinkle with the pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and garnish with whipped cream.

Tangy Tomato Aspic How about a delicate dish that was the talk of the town?!

You could always find a Tangy Tomato Aspic mold on the service table at all the fancy parties around the holidays. We also found some helpful hints to deal with the gelatin mold.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

TIPS TO UNMOLD GELATIN:

• 1 1/4 cups boiling water

In a small bowl, pour boiling water over gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Stir in tomato sauce, wine vinegar, salt, onion, hot pepper sauce, and cloves; refrigerate until slightly thickened but not set.

•

• 1 (3-oz) package regular lemonflavored gelatin* • 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce • 1 1/2 tbs wine vinegar • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce

When slightly thickened, remove from refrigerator and stir in diced celery.

Pour into a 4-cup mold. Refrigerate until firm.

• Ground cloves to taste

To serve, unmold onto a bed of lettuce.

• 1 tsp finely-minced onion

• 2 cups diced celery • Lettuce

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NOTE: I usually double this recipe for my family.

Allow gelatin to set until completely firm, several hours or overnight.

• Before unmolding, dip knife in warm water and run knife around edge of gelatin to loosen.

• Dip mold in warm water, just to rim, for 10 seconds.

• Lift from water and gently pull gelatin from edge of mold with moist fingers. Place moistened serving plate on top of mold.

Gently remove mold. *If you are cutting calories, use sugar-free lemon-flavored gelatin

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THE STOCKED MARKET

IS ALMOST HERE!

BY COURTNEY WATSON

‘Tis the season! The Junior League of the Roanoke Valley is hard at work decking the halls for the 31st Annual Stocked Market, which will take place November 8-10 at the Berglund Center. This holiday shopping extravaganza will feature hundreds of local and national vendors offering items to meet all of your holiday gift-giving needs (as well as plenty of ways to treat yourself, too!). The Stocked Market is the JLRV’s signature fundraiser, raising over $3.2 million over the past 30 years to support causes that further our mission.

The Stocked Market will open with the fan-favorite Preview Coffee event on Friday, November 8, from 8-11am. A limited number of tickets are available for this event, which includes a three-day pass

to the Stocked Market as well as early access for a VIP shopping experience that will leave you feeling merry and bright. The Preview Coffee’s featured artist is The Making Foundation, a Roanoke-based woodworking shop that encourages learning and empowerment through hands-on experience.

The fun will continue throughout the weekend, which will include time-honored JLRV traditions as well as new experiences, say Stocked Market Co-Chairs and leaders of the Stocked Market Executive Committee Brittany Turman and Lindsay Tate. According to Turman, this year’s event will both honor the League’s deep history in the Roanoke Valley while also looking towards the future. “[The Stocked Market] is an event that is so dear to us. It is really an event that is close to

our hearts. We want to honor the traditions, honor the history of the past 30 years and also bring us into a new era – the next 30 years, if you will.” Turman credits designer Erika Bentley with the Stocked Market’s new logo, and the Stocked Market Executive Committee for their thoughtful partnerships with new sponsors, merchants, and local artisans.

Turman attributes the League’s commitment to diversity and inclusion for positive additions to this year’s Stocked Market.

“We’ve really tried to be mindful as we’ve planned this event.

Traditionally, the Stocked Market has been really Christmas-focused. There is still a lot of Christmas, but we’ve also revamped our sponsorship levels to be more “holiday” focused.”

Vice Mayor Joe Cobb and Stocked Market Committee Members wearing Party-on-Your-Heads at a GMM. 18

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THE STOCKED MARKET

Stocked Market Committee.

Turman says the Executive Committee is also committed to being inclusive to all League members.

To do that, they’ve replaced the JLRV Board Booth with a JLRV Booth, where any member, regardless of title or role, can serve.

According to Turman, “Being inclusive of all League members has been another big piece of the puzzle for us.”

Tate echoes Turman’s excitement about this year’s Stocked Market and continuing the JLRV’s significant contributions to the Roanoke Valley. “We are so very proud of the past 30 years of giving back to

the Roanoke Valley and we could not be more excited to see where we go in our next 30 years!”

Tate says that co-chairing the Stocked Market has given her a greater appreciation for the amount of outreach and dedication it takes to host an event of this scale, and she is looking forward to seeing all of the hard work contributed by the Stocked Market Executive Committee and Junior League volunteers pay off. “I have enjoyed working closely with community partners as well as the other incredible women on the Stocked Market Executive Com-

mittee. While we plan year round we are so fortunate to always have a pulse on what the League is doing and that is something that I enjoy most about being on this committee. We are so excited to have the new merchants, events, and revamped logo to shine light onto where we are going as not only an event but as a league! We are truly #unstoppable!”

For more information on the 2019 Stocked Market and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www. jlrv.org/?nd=stocked_market and ‘Like’ the Stocked Market’s page on Facebook.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL CORNER

BY ANNAH SULLIVAN

Volunteering in the Roanoke area community impacts the organizations and the people those organizations help. Last year, the JLRV members gave almost 14,000 volunteer hours to the Roanoke area through direct service but also through their JLRV duties! However, have you ever stopped to think about how your service to the community can impact you? Volunteering in your community can make you more aware of the needs and the organizations that aim to fill those needs in the Roanoke area. It can help you try something new or T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

gain new skills and experiences and it can help you meet new people from many different backgrounds.

As you work to fulfill your volunteer hour requirements this league year, be sure to keep a few volunteer tips in mind: 1. JLRV volunteers should hold themselves to the same standard as they do in the workplace.

2. Check your schedule before signing up for a volunteer position and make sure that you can follow through on that commitment.

3. If you find that you can no longer fulfill your commitment because of another unforeseen

event you are responsible for: • Finding a replacement.

• Notifying event coordinator.

4. For your volunteer commitment: • Be on time or a few minutes early in case there are any special instructions for your shift.

• Make sure you are dressed appropriately to work your shift. You may need to find out what you should wear ahead of time.

Remember that you are representing JLRV and the organization for which you are volunteering during your shift!

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NEW MEMBER KICK-OFF

BY TONI SPERRY

The Junior League of Roanoke Valley has a new class, and we are excited to welcome our 42 new applicant members for the 2019-2020 League year! The STAR Magazine went to the New Member Kickoff on September 8, 2019 at Roanoke Country Club. When we arrived, we walked up the clubhouse stairs and were greeted by smiling faces and an arrangement of balloons and food to welcome the incoming League members. We decided to ask our new members what drove them to join the League and a little about who they are. We found out that our new class has women, who are from a variety of places in life, from working full-time, raising kids, and going to school to settling down after being in the military. “I’m a

mom of four children, work full-time, and am going to school fulltime. Life is busy, but I am still discovering how to get plugged in,” stated Kim Leonard.

“I think the Junior League can make a big impact by bringing together different people and supporting inclusion in today’s rocky political climate,” responded Elizabeth Gonzales. One of the most important focuses in the JLRV is combating poverty and improving the climate for diversity because it is how we grow as an organization. It is at the very core of progress because it can combine different perspectives to make true change. We are excited to see what our new members will bring to the table to create an even better culture in Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Another important focus of the League is community because it is important for us to make those connections and relationships within the communities we serve as we work to give back to it. “I just recently moved to Roanoke and wanted to find a way to get more involved in the community, meet women from different walks of life, and learn more about the city of Roanoke which I now call home,” said Courtney Figucia.

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Some of our new member class have lived all over the country, but we hope that by creating a home and a future here in the JLRV, they will create the stepping stones that lead Roanoke to an even more prosperous city. “I’ve lived in Hawaii, New York City, and Miami and I can say Roanoke has exceeded my expectations with a warm welcome and a wealth of support. I’m in love with the area,” replied Amy Dellaverson.

“I found out about the League through a friend who is an active member in Raleigh. Her experiences prompted me to apply,” said Hailey Feldman. Junior League members have the opportunity to inspire other women to become a greater part of the community. One of the things that brings together all League members, in all areas, is the commitment to making a difference at home, while also empowering other women to be successful. It is this kind of attitude that is aligned with this year’s AJLI theme “We Got This.” We as a League represent a greater force, one that can create the foundations of a city, bring a smile to a child, or mend a broken home—but we can only achieve this together and by sharing our story.

Welcome, New Members! We can’t wait to see what you can do for the Roanoke Valley!

NEW JLRV MEMBER DONATION SHOWCASE PAGE

BY KATHERINE COKER

As a way to get to know some of our new faces this year, we interviewed two of our newest members! Learn more about their hobbies, passions, work, and fun facts. These two ladies are so awesome and will definitely be amazing contributions to the League. Be on the lookout for these “STARS”!

Blair Thurman is a life-long Valley girl who was born and raised right here in the community (Go Raiders!). She graduated one year ago from High Point University in North Carolina and knew she wanted to do graphic design. She decided to head back to her Roanoke Valley roots to be close to family and start her career. She works as a part-time graphic designer for a local church, and while in this role, she has been exposed to the vast amount of homelessness as well as poverty within the Roanoke area. Her church runs a backpack program, where children can get meals to take home. It hurt her

Stephanie Force Stephanie Force was born in England while her Dad was stationed there for the Air Force. They didn’t stay there long enough for her to pick up the accent before moving to Nebraska, then later New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. An alumna of AlT H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

heart to see the serious need for this program. Blair is committed to doing whatever she can to help make an impact on this issue. She can only imagine if it is this large in the Roanoke Valley, how many families and children in other cities are living every day without enough food to eat? In addition to her part-time work at a local church, Blair recently launched her own freelance business. She loves the idea of being able to reach out and expose herself to worlds beyond the boundaries of the Roanoke Valley. We are so excited to get to know you even more, Blair.

Welcome to the League!

bright College in Pennsylvania, Stephanie was involved on campus and became close with her supervisor who graduated from Hollins. She decided to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education, and upon completion, found a job at Hollins University. Since moving here in 2017, Stephanie has changed career paths to recruiter support but loves the Roanoke area so much she has decided to stick around.

With no kids and only a quarter of the way through life (she’s 25), Stephanie is excited to “create roots within the community and find myself outside of the labels I already had (ADPi, Girls Scouts).” She is an advocate for LGBTQ+ and refugee rights. While being involved in Higher Ed, she had a one-on-one experience with a dreamer, where she recognized that every-

Blair Thurman Fun Fact: Born and raised right here in Roanoke Valley!

Pets: A 14 year-old miniature dachshund named Samantha Passions: Homelessness and Poverty

one deserves to experience the same privileges that she has been fortunate to have had in her own life. Stephanie describes herself as someone who has grown from a person that is trying to be a superwoman and do everything for everyone, to now being someone who can connect people with resources to help. She can’t do it all, but by connecting people that need help with resources you can make a difference. Welcome to the Junior League, Stephanie! We can’t wait to get to know you even more!

Fun Fact: Lived in 2 Countries, 5 States, 7 Cities Relationship Status: Cohabitating with her boyfriend Passions: LGBTQ+ & Refugee rights VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 1

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AN INTERVIEW WITH KATE HAILEY, EVP EMPOWERING. EDUCATIONAL. INVIGORATING. Those are just some of the ways Kate Hailey describes the impact and reach of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley.

a little bit more about what I think will help me be more well-rounded going forth as a leader.”

Like many women in the League, Kate also has a full family and work life. The Richmond native who has called the Roanoke Valley home for nearly ten years studied communications and childhood studies at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA before obtaining her masters in teaching at Hollins University in Roanoke. She says the Star City has been the perfect place for her and her husband Scott to raise their 7-year-old son and 4-year-old twin daughters.

“We’re a small league, but we’re super mighty and every year I keep seeing the bar get set a little higher,” Kate said.

Kate has seen that growth firsthand as she enters her fifth active year with the JLRV and steps into the role of Executive Vice President. She said a friend and fellow teacher encouraged her to join the league in 2014, but Kate admits she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I had never actually heard about the Junior League,” Kate said. “As a new member even thinking, ‘Oh my goodness! What did we sign up for? Look at all of these dates!’

It’s a little overwhelming but then you get into it and it’s not too much, just enough.”

Her whirlwind welcome to the JLRV opened Kate’s eyes to all of the possibilities and opportunities the organization offers, and she spent her first active year as a member of the Communications committee, helping craft the League’s social media footprint. She said it was a great way to continue to build and use her communications skills, but with a heart for serving others Kate found that being a part of the New Member committee the following year fell right in line with her passion.

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“I just fell in love with making sure members got what they needed,” Kate said. “It has always been about the people and making sure everybody has what they need so we can all go forth and conquer. I think it’s amazing to see women of all different backgrounds coming to join us.”

Kate then stepped into her first League leadership role as Membership Vice President before serving as Executive Vice President-elect last year, two roles she says gave her a new perspective on League operations.

“It was really nice to be in leadership and see behind the scenes of all of the things that go on,” Kate said. “Last year I was Executive Vice President-elect and it was nice to take a step back and learn

“We really feel like this is home,” Kate said. “There are just so many opportunities around Roanoke that I feel like it’s just big enough but not too big.”

This year marks Kate’s first year teaching first grade at Green Valley Elementary School in Roanoke County after spending time as a third grade teacher. She said the joys of learning can be especially fun with young students.

“To see where they start and what you mold them into at the end of the year, they are just blossoming,” Kate said.

STAR Magazine caught up with Kate as she shared her thoughts on her new role as Executive Vice President, what makes the JLRV unique and what she sees for the future of the League.

AN INTERVIEW WITH KATE HAILEY, EVP What responsibilities are you looking forward to as Executive Vice President?

“I’d definitely say working with Lindsay Phipps, our President, and making sure that Lindsay, all of our vice presidents and everyone have what they need. I love that I get to have the strategic hat and the dayto-day hat, and seeing it all come together is super rewarding. It’s been nice to have the experience of these are the things a non-profit has to do to make sure they’re going forth. I also want to make sure we’re engaging with all of our members.”

What memorable moments are you looking forward to during the 2019-2020 League year?

“I would say the General Membership Meeting planning for sure, but then also one of my favorite moments is when the new members have their Christmas party because I feel like that’s a big turn. They’ve spent several months then. They really know what they’ve gotten themselves into and just walking around hearing the new members talk about how excited they are and what they want to do in the League. It’s super fun.”

Jenna, Lindsay, Kayla, and Kate.

What makes JLRV unique?

“I would say a lot of women join the Junior League because they’re not feeling connected. I think we do a great job of doing a balance of learning but then we’re also having a little bit of fun. I really love the camaraderie and networking.”

What do you envision for the future of JLRV? “We started all of these wonderful things in the community and we want to figure out what’s going to really make a big impact. I see a really big moment for us as the JLRV to say ‘Let’s come together’ and figure out some of these problems we’re all in silos trying to fix, and come together and fix them together. Let’s not work apart. Let’s work together.”

What does the 2019-2020 theme of “We got this!” mean to you?

Kate with family.

T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

“I love it because it’s so catchy and I think whenever you turn to your friend and say ‘We got this’ you know the road ahead. You know where you’re traveling, where you want to be and it makes me think of how the main point of the Junior League is to train women volunteers. It also makes me think of all of the things we’re doing in the JLRV. We have our goals in mind. We have the projects that we’re working on and we’re really in control. Having a clearer vision really makes me feel like ‘We got this!’”

VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 1

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T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

2019-2020

Calendar of Events

Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec

5 8-10 19 3 6

New Member Meeting Stocked Market

General Membership Meeting New Member Meeting

Jan 7 Jan 21 Feb 4 Feb 18

New Member Meeting General Membership Meeting

New Member Meeting General Membership Meeting

Holiday Party

WEDDINGS

COUPLES

FAMILIES

SENIORS

FAMILYTREEPHOTOGRAPHYVA.COM

T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 1

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THE

STAR

Non-Profit Non-Profit Org. US Postage US Postage PAID PAID Permit No. 870 Permit No. 870 Lynchburg, VA Lynchburg, VA

Junior League of Roanoke Valley | 541 Luck Avenue, Suite 319 | Roanoke, VA 24016 | 540.343.3663 | jlrv.org

2019 MAMMA MIA!

September 25 - October 6

March 27 - April 14

Write Stuff!

New plays by young playwrights

2019

Write Stuff!

April 12

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11.

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people over falling

25. W eari a Ca ng pe!

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315. the smell of old books

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Music of the 60s May 31 - June 1 November 7 - 10

people over falling

25. W eari a Ca ng pe!

315. the smell of old books

June 20 - 29

the Movies August 23 - 24

ill

M

y To, al ou L au ov di r nta e, en ce s in T he at re

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ings 5. th h wit s stripe

Holiday Musical TBA Roanoke's most requested family musical!

October 19 - 26

November 7 - 10

To purchase season tickets or single tickets, and for other purchasing options, call the box office at (540) 342-5740 or visit millmountain.org/tickets.

T H E S TA R M A G A Z I N E

516.

g Winnin g hin Somet

Let’s Go to A Children’s Musical

June 1 - June 29

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1.

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Title will be announced Spring 2019

December 4 - 22