JLSS Schenexus April-May 2011

April 2011

SCHENEXUS

2010-2011 JLSS OfficersPresident: Deneen Palmateer

President Elect: Julie White Eklund

Treasurer:Sarah Stotz

Secretary: Lindsey Fargnoli

Committee Chairs

Communications:Leesa Perazzo

Community:Kathy Ozimek

Membership:Jae TraceyTraci Koppenhafer

Ways & Means: Lyn NiemeyerMarilyn Gibbons

Nominating:Lisa Grieg

Supporting Roles

Schenexus Editor: Deanna Fox

Sustainer Advisors:Joanne CoppolaBarbara Piper

NYSPAC Delegate:Kathy Van Allen

Start Your Spring Cleaning and Donate To A Good Cause!

It is time to clean out your closets and clear the shelves. JLSS is presenting a clothing and basic

needs drive for Bethesda House.

Items needed include:

- Personal hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, hand

sanitizers, etc. - both full size and travel size accepted!)

- Clothing basics (NEW socks, t-shirts and undergarments), seasonal clothing (spring/summer

clothing, light jackets)

The biggest need is men’s clothing

APRIL 30th, 20119am to 5pm

UNION GRADUATE COLLEGE

PARKING LOT

SCHENEXUS JLSS ~ April 2011

A member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc.

A Message from our President

To submit news, please contact Deanna Fox at 527.8448 or [email protected]

Volunteers are not paid -- not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Unknown

When I attended my first meeting as a JLSS provisional, De-nise Murphy McGraw was the President. Despite the time that has passed, I distinctly remember her and Amy Raimo explaining that in addition to joining an organization that serves the community in so many ways, you will also be connecting with women that you will soon find become your greatest allies and your dearest friends. At the time I thought that it would be nice to help the community and make a few new friends along the way but that was all. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I imagine just what an integral and important part of my life the JLSS missionand women would become. How fortunate I am to have the ability to express how significant each and every one of you is to me.

What I have learned from JLSS is more than from any college I could have attended. From my time on the Board, I learned solidarity and how to work together as a team for the greater good. From JLSS members, I learned trust, dedication, and commit-ment, when you say it, you mean it, and Junior Leaguers do. From JLSS Past Presi-dents Denise and Amy, I learned that camaraderie and friendship are the greatest gifts in life.

As we look to the future, I would like you all to join me and take a good look at your life and those that have remained a significant part of it. I feel comfortable betting that you will see several of your Junior League friends in that rear view mirror, sup-porting you throughout the years. Or, perhaps they are sitting in the passenger seat right next to you enjoying the ride.

As for me, I am driving a very large bus because in my mind, you are all truly priceless!

JLSS PresidentDeneen Palmateer

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JLSS ~ April 2011

Attention JLSS Moms!

You are encouraged to bring your little ones with you to the JLSS Spring Fling event at the Glendale Nursing Home on Saturday, April 23. Other moms have already planned to bring their children, since the residents love to see the smiling faces of kids!

If you have any ideas for future Moms’ Group events, please contact Becky Norton at [email protected] or Meredith Oakes at [email protected]. The group is excited to plan some outdoor activities in the coming warm weather months (perhaps a family picnic at a park, meet-up at a playground, or just grabbing strollers and bikes for a walk.

Kids in the KitchenKids in the Kitchen will be held on Monday, April 25th from 3:00-7:00pm at Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). This year, we are working with the chefs at SCCC and the Smart Scholar students (the 9th graders we provided backpacks for in the beginning of the school year). We will provide information on healthy nutrition to the students and their families, not only as a day-to-day living exercise, but also as a focus for a career in nutrition and culinary arts. We are looking forward to this exciting new collaboration. For more information, please contact Kathy Ozimek at [email protected] or Deneen Palmateer at [email protected].

Chamber Member-To-Member Discounts

Did you know that as members of the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce (through your JLSS membership) you can enjoy great savings at many local businesses? Enjoy a 15% discount at Bel Cibo Gourmet Foods, and 10% off web orders at Felthousen’s, as well as dry cleaning at Hartz. To receive email notification of Chamber promotions and events, please email [email protected] with your name and mention of JLSS membership. For more information about this great JLSS membership benefit, please visit:

http://www.schenectadychamber.org/membership/subpage.cfm?ID=55.

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May Your

Wishes

Come True!

April

Lois MatochaAnne AstemborskiHeather KisselbackElizabeth KorniatSabrina HartleyPatty RowledgeStaci MarraKathy OzimekKathy Van AllenPearl HaliKaren WellsJae TraceyWendy RaceSheelagh BailyDeanna FoxNora Jaski

May

Gloria EricsonRita GlavinJulie LissKaren JohnsonSandra BuhrmasterTara MahnkNancy TeichnerNancy BeekmanKathy SmigenSarah StotzYa XueApril KearnsShari TrudellKathy SchoolcraftSuzann SmartKaroline TrelaMelissa PalmucciPat Abel

Happy Birthday!


JLSS ~ April 2011

Member UpdateOur Communications Chairperson, Leesa Perazzo, is now an

important player on the Proctor’s Theater team. Formerly with the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce, Ms.

Perazzo can now be reached via email at [email protected]. Ms. Perazzo is also a candidate for

Schenectady City Council.


SCHENEXUS JLSS ~ April 2011

Spotlight On: Denise Murphy McGraw

Provisional Class at the time, suggested I become involved. Those were the days of Stardust on Broadway. I met great people like Susan Armenia, Sarah Erickson, Trina Schwing Lucas and Amy Raimo. It was a terrific time to meet new people who were committed to improving our community and building friendships. Over the years, I had the opportunity to meet and work with women who were icons in our community like Kay Rosendaal, Helen George, Freddie Anderson and Karen Johnson. These are women who blazed trails, gave tirelessly of the time and talents and taught countless women how to be civic leaders. Through my Junior League service, I learned our organization is full of woman just like them – who put community ahead of self – everyday.

Throughout the years, the Junior League has completed many community projects, was there a particular one that held special meaning to you? I have worked on many projects throughout my tenure in the Junior League. However, there are two initiatives that are dearest to me: 1) Operation Back to School – Along with Patty Rowledge, I had the opportunity to found a project that started as the Signature Project of my presidency and has lasted for seven years now, in which the Junior League has adopted at least one elementary school and provided students with backpacks filled with all the school supplies they will need for the year as identified by their teachers. To date, this program has served more than 7000 Schenectady school students. This year, the program was expanded to include the Smart Scholars program – a collaboration between Schenectady County Community College, Schenect-ady High School and the Bill & Malinda Gates Foundation. [Also,] changing our name to the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties – After decades of including Saratoga County in our service territory, I worked with Deneen Palmateer, Amy Raimo and Cris Cioffi to undertake the process officially changing our name with AJLI, New York State and the federal government. In addition to these local initiatives, on the As-sociation level, I led the team that developed our current AJLI vision statement.

How has your volunteer experience with the League helped to enrich your personal life? All of my best friends are in the Junior League. The women I have met in our community and from the 292 communities throughout the four countries the Junior League serves have made my life better, more interesting and fun. I could never repay them for all the gifts they have given me. They are my touchstones and the people my husband and daughter hear about everyday. This interview continues on the following page.

Denise Murphy McGraw is a twice-serving former JLSS President, former member of the AJLI Board of Directors and AJLI Nominating Committee, as well as current Co-Chair of the Junior Leagues of New York State Public Af-fairs Committee and Equity Partner at Hill, Gosdeck & McGraw, LLC, Govern-ment Relations.

What were the reasons for your decision to origi-nally join the Junior League? I originally joined the League because I was new to Schenectady County and my neighbor, who was in the

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A member of the Association of Junior Leagues International,

JLSS ~ April 2011

How has your volunteer experience with the League helped strength-en your professional life? When I first joined the League, I could never imagine getting up in front of large group to speak or walking around a crowded reception and introducing myself to the important opinion leaders in attendance. Today, I own my own business and serve on a whole host of boards on the national, state and local levels.

As a sustaining member, why would you suggest that women join The League? Women should join the League, no matter what their station in life, because of the power of association. There is nothing like being part of an organization of 200 strong, civic leaders committed to improving Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, who, in turn, are also part of a larger association of 200,000 women who are committed to improving 292 communities throughout four countries.

What other community organizations are you affiliated with? Schenect-ady County Community College – Chairwoman, Board of Trustees; Junior Leagues of New York State Public Affairs Committee – Co-Chair; Association of Community College Trustees – Governance and Bylaws Committee; New York State Community College Trustees – Board of Trustees; WMHT – Board of Trustees; Niskayuna Town Pool Swim Team – Parent Coordinator; Niskayuna Town Board – Chair-woman, Public Works and Highway Committees

Spotlight On: Denise Murphy McGrawContinued

Eager-Leaguer Recognition

Our Eager Leaguer award this issue goes out to two members of the fall provisional class, Stephanie Russell and Mary Catherine White. Although they are fairly new to the League, they have both become an integral part of our projects. Both were very involved in planning the provisional class project with the children of Cheryl’s Lodge – Stephanie organized the dance instructors and took photos, and Mary Catherine offered up meeting space for the class and arranged for the children’s “swag bags.” You may have also seen them working with the Holiday Bazaar and Fashion Show committee - Stephanie even modeled at the event. Mary Catherine organized the League’s mixer at Wheatfields and our Cabin Fever Cure night out at Saratoga National’s UltraLounge, and Stephanie found a Zumba instructor to offer a free class for League members. Both also are regular volunteers at our Community projects. We are thrilled by the enthusiasm they show for JLSS and our goals for the community, and we look forward to long, illustrious League careers for both of these terrific women.

JLSS Sustainer Celebrated By Loving Students

The Schenectady Ski School marked its founders 90th birth-day this winter by hosting a celebration at Maple Ski Ridge in Rotterdam. Mrs. Freddie An-derson founded the ski school in 1945 at the Municipal Golf Course in Schenectady. Upon hearing of the new tow line at Maple Ski Ridge, Mrs. Anderson approached the business asking if it would like to offer ski lessons. With an eager “yes!” Mrs. Ander-son moved her students to the ski center in 1966 and has been an active ski instructor there ever since.

Both Mrs. Anderson’s own chil-dren and surrogate children she’s acquired through ski lessons came together to celebrate the very special occasion. The

Daily Gazette, of Schenectady, covered this story and interviewed many of the people Mrs. Anderson has touched in her lifetime. One such person was Christine Parisi, desk manager for the Schenectady Ski School. Ms. Parisi stated that, “My own mother has been gone for over 17 years.... Freddie helped to fill the hole of losing my mother. She is so caring, giving, nurturing and passionate. I know she’s not my mother, but I would spend as much time around her as my own mother.”

Mrs. Anderson’s daughter, Christina, made clear that, “Today is not just a birthday, it is a celebration of healthy and joyful living in a wonderful world.” Certainly, the world is that much more wonderful be-cause of the contributions of people like Mrs. Anderson. She has been an important member of JLSS and has helped to promote and bolster the mission of the Junior League. Mrs. Anderson has created a legacy, both with JLSS and the Schenectady Ski School, of compassion and kindness, and leaves an indelible impression on all who know her. Happy birthday to our dear friend and mentor!

Mrs. Freddie Anderson, founder of Schenectady Ski School and JLSS Sustainer

Quotes have been retrieved from a story that ran in The Daily Gazette. The full story can be found in Section B of the Thursday, February 24, 2011 edition of the Schenectady-based newspaper.

JLSS ~ April 2011

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JLSS ~ April 2011

JLSS member Lyn Niemeyer and husband Chad recently welcomed the addition of twins to their family! Josephine May was born on February 3rd, 2011 at 10:27 am, weight 3lbs, 11 oz. Sister Evelyn Louise was born two minutes later, weigh-ing 4lbs, 1 oz.

JLSS member Brooke Parry and husband Hugh welcomed William Joseph Parry into their lives on February 11th, 2011. Named after his mater-nal grandfather and great-grandfather, William weighed 7lbs and 14 oz.

Congratulations to both families!

Member News And JLSS Happenings

The Niemeyer Twins

We are putting together several historical displays in celebration of our 80th Anniversa-ry. Over the next several months we will be collecting photographs, newspaper articles and personal correspondence. We will also be working with the ladies that have been

involved in some of our most historic projects to capture their stories and experiences. We need scrapbookers and storytellers alike. If you would like to submit any materi-

als we will do our best to ensure the originals are returned in the same condition they were given. We will make the necessary copies. Documents can be mailed to headquar-ters. If you would like to be apart of this exciting project please contact Jae Tracey via

email at [email protected] or by phone (518) 208-4826.

Calling All Scrapbookers and Storytellers!


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JLSS ~ April 2011

Braving The Blizzard for Cold Drinks and

Hot Music

The mixer event at Prime Ultra Lounge, Saratoga National was successful de-spite the blizzard that dumped 18” of snow that morning. DJ Noel kept us singing our favorite songs and melt-ing the dance floor. The cocktails were great and the food superb. It was a great chance to catch up with friends and meet some of the men behind the ladies of the League! Thanks to all those who were able to join in the

festivities. Special thanks to Mary Catherine and David White our most gracious hosts of the evening.

Fun and Fitness Go Hand In Hand

JLSS members geared up for a morn-ing of exercise at a recent Zumba class. Members of all fitness levels and abilities laced-up to have a little fun while taking steps to get into shape for the upcoming summer season. Attendees gathered donations for the YWCA residents and brought them to the class, including linens, toiletries and simple food supplies.

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JLSS ~ April 2011

Get Involved!Bakers needed for City Mission

Bakers are needed for JLSS’ continued support of City Mission. Two dozen individually-wrapped dessert items (like cookies or brownies) are required from each baker. Please contact Joanne Coppola at [email protected] for more information.

Upstate NY Professionals Speed Networking Breakfast

Spring Fling at Glendale Nursing Home

Saturday, April 23 , 1:00 to 3:30 PM - JLSS members will be spending the early afternoon with residents of the facility, helping to serve and socializing. There will be music, the Easter Bunny, refreshments and opportunities to play cards or just chat with someone. This simple social interaction really can make someone’s days much brighter. Children are welcome – the residents love the chance to see young people, and there will be fun activities for all ages. The home is located at Hetcheltown Rd. Scotia. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Julie White Eklund at [email protected] or 275-5833.

May General Member Awards Banquet

Double H Hole In The Woods Clean-Up Day With Albany League

Saturday, April 16 - The Junior League of Albany invites us to join them for a DIAD clean-up at the Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch. The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families deal-ing with life-threatening illnesses. http://www.doublehranch.org/ Registration is at the main office at 9am and the day typically runs until 1pm. Groups are invited to bring a bagged lunch and enjoy a tour of the Ranch at noon. Double H (located in Lake Luzerne) is about 50 minutes from Clifton Park, but the Albany League will be arranging to meet at Clifton Park Center and carpool from there. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, Please contact Robyn B. Eisen 518-462-5601 [email protected]

Tuesday, May 24. 6:00 to 8:30 PM JLSS cordially invites you to our May Awards Banquet and General Mem-ber Meeting at Saratoga National. The cost is $35 per person and will include a full sit-down meal. Please RSVP no later than May 14, 2011. Send checks made payable to the “Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties” P.O. Box 857 Schenectady, NY 12301. If you have any questions, please contact Julie White Eklund at [email protected]

Wednesday April 27, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 AM - Held at the Fully Decorated Model Home at Estates at Halfmoon. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. Light breakfast provided. Seating limited to 50 people. If you are interested in at-tending as a representative of the League, please contact Traci Koppenhafer at [email protected]: I-87 The Northway to exit 9. Route 146 east for 3 miles. Turn left onto Vosburgh Road. After 1/2 mile (at the stop sign), turn left onto Stone Crest Drive. Model home is first house on your right. 72 Stone Crest Drive, Halfmoon, NY 12118

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JLSS ~ April 2011

Spring Class Project

Hello to everyone from the Provisional Class of Spring 2011! We have an exciting project coming up to support Bethesda House in our local community. Mark your calendars, April 30th we are planning a cloth-ing and basic needs drive where we will be collecting new and lightly used clothing for all ages as well as basic toiletries to stock the shelves of the Bethesda House. Stay tuned as we will also be sponsoring a Done in a Day activity for our fellow JLSS members to join us in going to Bethesda House and offer our hands and hearts to help. Clean out your closets and join us in supporting an amazing organization com-mitted to ending homelessness in Schenectady County!

Looking Back

Proceeds from the dance series revert to the community through the league’s com-munity trust fund Projects include the Child Abuse Lay Therapy Program, Five Sense Touch Gallery at the Schenectady Museum, the annual Schenectady County Community College Human Services Scholarship and the Info Line Referral Service. Mrs. James Buhr-master, chairman of the dance committee, was assisted by Mrs. Frokedal, Mrs. Calvin Welch, Mrs. Mullaney, Miss Virginia McCoy, Mrs. Richard H. Lange, Mrs. James Tyler, Mrs. David Montana, Mrs. Gerald Gidner, Mrs.

From the Daily Gazette, June 1978 - Junior League Dance – The Junior League of Schenectady held its June Assembly Dance recently at the Mohawk Golf Club. At the festivity are, from left, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fronko, Mr. and Mrs. George Frokedal and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mullaney.

Everett Strong, Miss Deobora Frank, Mrs. Dorcia Smith, Mrs. Ger-ald Drumm and Mrs. Fronko.

AJLI Discounts and News

Ever wonder what types of projects other Junior Leagues around the country are creating? Interested in signing up for training sessions? Do you know about Connected, the Junior League publication? The answers to these and other questions are right at your fingertips. AJLI (The Association of Junior Leagues International) offers valuable leadership materials as well as community groups to get you connected to other Leagues and activities around the world. They also offer benchmarking and strategic planning tools that can be used to create community programs and recruit new members. Additionally, AJLI also offers preferred discounts to Junior League members including but not limited to car rentals, insurance plans and flowers. Don’t delay, check out the site today: www.ajli.org.

Dates To Remember!

April 12 GMM and Business Meeting, 5:30pm Public Library, Ballston Spa NY

April 16 Bakers Needed for City Mission Dessert Contact Joanne Coppola - [email protected]

April 16 Double H Hold in the Woods Clean-Up 9:00am-1:00pm Lake Luzerne, NY

April 23 JLSS Spring Fling, 1:00-3:30pm Glendale Nursing Home

April 25 JLSS Kids in the Kitchen, 3:00-7:00pm Schenectady County Community College

April 30 JLSS Supply Drive for Bethesda House, 9:00am-5:00pm Union Graduate College Parking Lot

May 24 General Member Awards Banquet, 6:00-8:30pm Saratoga National Golf Course

JLSS Mom’s Group Survey

With our growing number of moms in JLSS, we’d like to start planning a few kid-friendly events throughout the year. If you have (or are expecting!) children, please complete this short survey, to help us understand how old your kids are, and the types of ac-tivities that you’d like to see offered. Please share your thoughts at http://www.survey-monkey.com/s/V76PQVH

Our Mission

The Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the

effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage

PAIDPermit #460

Schenectady, NY 12301P.O. Box 857 | Schenectady, NY 12301

JLSS Schenexus April-May 2011

Documents

Transcript of JLSS Schenexus April-May 2011