THE
NOTES
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 2026
Summer 2026
Mailing address: PO Box 6057 Syracuse, NY 13217 Tel. (315) 565-1926 jlsyracuse.org office@jlsyracuse.org
Please update your Information In Members Essential If you have an email, address or phone number change!
IN THIS ISSUE: President’s Welcome Community Highlights NEW! JLTeens Holiday Shoppes Info Syracuse Mets first pitch Member Highlights Sustainer of the Quarter NEW! JLTeens Program
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME Welcome to the start of a new Junior League of Syracuse year. I’m truly energized seeing so many of you ready to begin another season of impact, connection, and community. Our New Member Social and the Syracuse Mets game were a fantastic success — it was wonderful to see so many new and returning faces connecting, laughing, and already building the kind of community that makes the Junior League of Syracuse so special. As we step into the fall season, I’m excited for the momentum we’re already creating and the meaningful work ahead. This year, one of our core goals is simple but powerful: for every member to find her place in the League. Whether that’s through committee work, leadership opportunities, volunteering, training, or simply showing up and building relationships, we want each of you to feel grounded, valued, and connected. Just as importantly, we want every woman here to know she has the full support of the League behind her. No one navigates this experience alone. We grow together, we learn together, and we lift one another up. When you try something new, when you step into leadership, when you take on a challenge — you will have an entire community cheering you on. Thank you for bringing your energy, your curiosity, and your commitment. I am confident this year is going to be extraordinary, and I am so grateful to be leading such an amazing group of women.
Lisa Reier President
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SYRACUSE LEADERSHIP 2026-2027 LEAGUE YEAR ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
2026-2027 PRESIDENT* Lisa Reier
BOARD PRESIDENT-ELECT*
Vacant
SECRETARY*
TREASURER*
Kimber Doolittle
Vacant
COMMUNITY VICE PRESIDENT*
COMMUNICATIONS VICE PRESIDENT*
FUND DEVELOPMENT VICE PRESIDENT*
MEMBERSHIP VICE PRESIDENT*
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Sarah Saidel
Vacant
Francesca DiMura
Courtney Steininger
Megan Cooper
SUSTAINER DIRECTOR(S)**
NOMINATING DIRECTOR *
Jenny Donahoe Jackson Luanne Cristo
Jen Baker
NOMINATING ADVISORS 2025-2027 Jamie Lingenfelter Nikki Davis 2026-2027 Jennie Junta
Community Collaborations Chair Not Slating 2026-27
Public Policy Chair
Fund Development Chair
Jessica Pease
Not Slating 2026-27
NOTES Editor Not Slating 2025-26
Social Media Chair Not Slating 2026-27
Holiday Shoppes Co-Chairs Francesca DiMura
Holiday Shoppes Merchant Co-Chairs
Amanda Coyle Megan Cooper
Member Education & Engagement Not Slating 2026-27
New Member Recruitment & Development Chair Not Slating 2026-27
THANK YOU TO THE 2025-2026 JLS BOARD
COMMUNITY IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER Community Collaborations had a busy and rewarding Spring 2026! Our members came together throughout the season for a variety of volunteer opportunities, from hands-on service projects such as preparing meal kits to our signature events, the Spring Tea Party and STEAM. Each event provided an opportunity for JLS members to connect, serve, and make a meaningful impact in our community. Whether assembling meal kits, creating a special experience for women at our Tea Party, or inspiring the next generation through STEAM, our members demonstrated the power of coming together through service. We are grateful to all of the volunteers who generously shared their time this spring. Your dedication helped make each event a success and strengthened our partnerships with organizations throughout our community. Thank you for making Spring 2026 a season of service, connection, and impact!
Sarah Saidel VP Community Collaborations
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE MEAL AT A TIME JLS volunteered for a hands-on service project supporting local families through Erin’s Angels. Together, members assembled and delivered 36 ham dinner meal kits and 4 spaghetti & meatball kits, each paired with a handwritten card. Thank you to our volunteers for giving their time and energy to make a meaningful difference in our community!
COMMUNITY IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER (CONT.)
ANNUAL TEA PARTY FOR THE YWCA JLS partnered with the YWCA for its annual Spring Tea Party, welcoming more than 20 guests from the YWCA residence program for an afternoon centered on connection, self-care, and community. As the guests entered the ballroom, they were given a welcome bag and an opportunity to start shopping throughout the boutique style layout featuring new and gently used clothing and accessories, along with tables with makeup, bras, and books. Following a delicious lunch and time for socializing and shopping, guests enjoyed an inspiring presentation from JLS member Ocesa Keaton, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker). The afternoon concluded with a wonderful assortment of desserts and additional time for guests to shop. Before departing, each guest received a toiletry bag filled with hygiene products, along with flowers generously donated by Blooms & Blossoms. In addition to the event, the Community Collaborations Committee purchased new underwear, socks, and menstrual products for the YWCA to distribute to residents as needed. The Spring Tea Party continues to be a meaningful opportunity for JLS to build community, celebrate the women we serve, and provide practical resources, encouragement, and moments of joy. A big thank you to Wegmans, Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen, Blooms & Blossoms, Every Body Bras, Rachel Nelson - Mary Kay consultant, Patti Knutsen - Cabi Stylist, and Chandlier’s Boutique for your generous donations. They were greatly appreciated and made our Tea Party even more special.
THANK YOU TO THE GENEROUS DONATIONS FROM OUR MEMBERS OF CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES AS WELL AS VOLUNTEER TIME TO HELP SET UP, ATTEND THE EVENT, AND THEN HELP CLEAN UP. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!
COMMUNITY IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER (CONT.)
11TH ANNUAL STEAM EVENT The 11th Annual STEAM Event at Brighton Academy brought together students, community partners, and JLS volunteers for a day of handson learning centered on Sustainable Engineering: LongTerm Environmental Impacts.
Sixty sixth-grade students explored topics including depletable resources, microplastics, water infrastructure, and environmental stewardship through interactive stations led by community partners including Ally Walker, OCCRA, Baltimore Woods, Upstate Freshwater Institute, and The MOST. Thank you to the many JLS members who helped plan and bring this event to life, as well as the C&S Foundation for sponsoring STEM books, The MOST and Rosamond Gifford Zoo for donating admission passes, and Toss & Fire for providing lunch. A special highlight was JLS being recognized as an Honoree at Brighton Academy’s 2nd Annual Show Up Day Celebration for our longstanding commitment to leadership, service, and strengthening our community. We are grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing our partnership with Brighton Academy!
COMMUNITY IN ACTION MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER (CONT.)
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF CNY JLS volunteers gathered at the Ronald McDonald House of CNY to prepare and serve lunch for families staying at the House. Members worked together to provide a warm, welcoming meal featuring pasta salad, slider sandwiches, vegetables, chips, and cookies. We are grateful for the opportunity to support local families through this meaningful act of service!
KEEP A LOOK OUT THIS FALL FOR... Community Collaborations is busy planning an exciting League year! Join us at the September GMM for our Community Kickoff as we celebrate Find the Good Day and start the year with a focus on service, connection, and making a positive impact in our community. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer opportunities throughout the year. We look forward to serving alongside our JLS members and making a difference together! Stay tuned—there’s lots of good to come!
JUNIOR LEAGUE TEENS IS BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMUNITY LEADERS! We are excited to launch Junior League Teens, a new program of the Junior League of Syracuse designed to engage girls in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in leadership, service, career development, and making a difference in their community. Throughout the year, teens will build leadership skills, explore career paths, learn practical professional and life skills, and take an active role in identifying and addressing needs in our community. They will also have opportunities to volunteer together and put their leadership skills into action.
We are currently recruiting our inaugural group of Junior League Teens, and we would love to spread the word to families in our community. Active Junior League members and Sustainers are also welcome to be involved as mentors, speakers, volunteers, or in other ways throughout the year. This is an exciting opportunity to help introduce the next generation of women leaders to the Junior League and give them a meaningful connection to our mission of community impact and leadership development. INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE OR GETTING INVOLVED? VISIT THE JUNIOR LEAGUE TEENS PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE: JUNIOR LEAGUE TEENS JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SYRACUSE, NY
HOLIDAY SHOPPES TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE! SAVE THE DATE: Holiday Shoppes 2026 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS. WE CAN’T WAIT TO MAKE HOLIDAY SHOPPES 2026 OUR BEST ONE YET!
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SYRACUSE
SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 13–15, 2026 NEW YORK STATE FAIRGROUNDS – JOHN DEERE HORTICULTURE BUILDING SHOP • SIP • EAT • CELEBRATE
Something exciting is coming to Holiday Shoppes! Mark your calendars for November 13–15, 2026, as the Junior League of Syracuse welcomes shoppers back to the New York State Fairgrounds for our 31st Annual Holiday Shoppes! This year, we have been working behind the scenes on some exciting updates to the Holiday Shoppes experience, including new event hours and expanded ticket selections designed to give our shoppers more flexibility and make their weekend with us even more enjoyable. And there’s no need to wait—tickets are officially LIVE! Whether you’re planning your annual girls’ shopping weekend, looking for unique holiday gifts, or simply want to enjoy a festive day of shopping, food, and drinks, we can’t wait to welcome you.
NEW THIS YEAR: Be sure to keep an eye out for additional details on our updated hours, ticket options, merchants, and special experiences as we get closer to November.
TAKE US OUT TO THE BALL GAME! What better way to spend a summer evening than cheering on the Syracuse Mets with friends, family, and fellow Junior League of Syracuse members? On Friday, August 21, JLS members and their friends and family filled section 116 at NBT Bank Stadium as the Mets took on the Worcester Red Sox. The evening got off to a great start when our own Nikki Davis, Nominating Advisor for the 2026–2027 League year, had the honor of throwing out the first pitch!
JLS members also had a chance to connect with the broader community through our information table at the ballpark. We shared information about the Junior League of Syracuse, Holiday Shoppes, and our new JLS Teens program, while handing out JLS swag and even friendship bracelets (made by JLS members and potential members at a previous Get to Know the Junior League social) in honor of the themed Taylor Swift Night. Even better, several women expressed interest in learning more about joining the League. That sounds like a home run!
The evening was about more than baseball. It was an opportunity to build connections, introduce others to the work of JLS, and celebrate the impact we can make together. With the Mets on the field, fireworks after the game, and Junior League members and friends gathered together, the game was a great opportunity to gather as a League after a summer off. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the evening such a success. We’re already looking forward to our next opportunity to gather, connect, and share the Junior League of Syracuse with our community!
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS – ANNUAL DINNER AWARDS NEW MEMBER AWARD Francesca DiMura poured her heart into Holiday Shoppes, and it truly showed. She gave generously of her time, talent, and creativity, helping make the event a success. Holiday Shoppes is a tremendous undertaking, and Francesca’s willingness to step up and support the team was invaluable to the continued success of this important League event.
IN LEAGUE AWARD Vicky Wekjo has given so much to the League over the years, and this year was no exception. After years of serving as president, she could have taken a step back, but instead embraced a new, timeconsuming challenge with our social media assignment—and excelled. Her creativity has made our social media fun and kept the League visible!
LEAGUE CUP AWARD Jamie Lingenfelter has been a dedicated League member for more than 10 years, consistently showing up, volunteering, and stepping into leadership roles. She has served on the Board and planned the Annual Dinner for the 2nd year, and was a key part of Holiday Shoppes for years.Jamie’s quiet, steady leadership makes a lasting impact. During her previous time on Nominating, members repeatedly shared how connected and welcomed she made them feel. She may not be the loudest voice in the room, but her commitment and continued presence speak volumes.