AdaCooksA look at one of our new
partnerships and placements
for this year
Family SupportThe JLC continues to support our community family-focused placements
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St Petersburg Florida
2016-2017 Slate RevealMeet the leadership team preparing for new roles for 2016-2017
Engaging Leadership
Get to know the 2015-2016 JLC Leadership
THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE INC BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
MANAGEMENT TEAM SHARE THEIR GOALS FOR THIS YEAR
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE
WINTER 2015
McGuireWoods is committed to serving our community and developing the potential of women We contribute locally through charitable donations legal aid and other volunteer work Named by Working MotherFlex-Time Lawyers as one of the ldquo50 Best Law Firms for Womenrdquo we also champion the causes and careers of our women attorneys like litigation attorney Jodie Herrmann and corporate attorney Stephanie Briggs Evans who provide pro bono legal services to The Junior League of Charlotte
bull Business Litigationbull Financial Services Litigationbull Arbitrationbull Condemnation Casesbull Class Action Casesbull Consumer Financial Protection Bureaubull Energy Lawbull Trademark Law
Jodie N Herrmann 7043432329 | jherrmannmcguirewoodscom
Stephanie K Briggs Evans 7043432249 | sbriggsevansmcguirewoodscom
900 Lawyers | 20 Offices | wwwmcguirewoodscom
bull Corporatebull Corporate Governancebull Cross-Border Transactionsbull Capital Marketsbull Banking and Financial Servicesbull Derivatives and Structured Productsbull Securities Compliancebull Government Contracts
Committed to Community
2
Junior League of Charlotte
JL_Charlotte
JLCharlotteorg
The CRIER is published four times annually by the Junior League of Charlotte Inc No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission
To advertise in The CRIER please call the Junior League of Charlotte at (704) 375-5993 or e-mail CrierAdSalesjlcharlotteorg
JLC CONNECTED
MISSION STATEMENTThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable
Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT Lisa L Johnson PRESIDENT-ELECTShannon L Vandiver CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERAnna Portal NOMINATING CHAIRTaLeayah Johnson SECRETARYNicole BaldonSUSTAINING ADVISORRocky TrenkelbachMEMBERS-AT-LARGEMegan Anderson Kim Best-Staton Susan Branch Christina Gratrix Heather Hendren Destiny Jenkins Nikki Fleming Kellie Lofton and Valerie Patterson
Management TeamPRESIDENT-ELECT Shannon L VandiverHUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERCharlitta HatchCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERTricia Magee COMMUNITY IMPACT MANAGERAshley LoweryEDUCATION TRAINING amp ADVOCACY MANAGERMary Sherrill WareFUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERTonya BruceVP OF FINANCECasey LiadisRISK MANAGERMolly SchugelNOMINATING VICE CHAIRMalone LockabySECRETARYWhitney Sturge
The CRIER StaffEDITORMichelle Grose ASSISTANT EDITORMorgan CooperPHOTOGRAPHY MANAGERREPORTERKristin ListPRODUCTION MANAGERREPORTEROlga Kearns BillupsAD SALES MANAGERHannah TravisCOPY EDITORSREPORTERSAmy Ford and Sara Sprague REPORTERSJessica Cook Chemere Davis Betsey Dillon Shemeka Johnson Samantha Hall and Alexandra Samsell
League StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORWoozie DellBOOKKEEPERCarolyn PartonIT MANAGERErin WebsterSUSTAINER LIAISON HISTORIAN JLC CALENDARBecky ClarkJLC WEARHOUSE MANAGERBrandace KinderJLC WEARHOUSE ASSISTANT MANAGERDaris HillmanCONTROLLERPerry Blickenstaff
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE INC1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorgjlcharlotteorg
JLCharlotte
The CRIER staff is excited to announce the
new digital format for the 2015-2016 year
Readers can access The CRIER from desktop
and mobile devices even when on the go on
our new digital platform powered by ISSUU
Look for it in your inbox for each issue
this year
3
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquothe beauty of the seasonrsquoElf on the Shelf trimming the tree baking and decorating cookies attending holiday parties sending and receiving holiday cards and making countless trips to various retail stores are just a few of the things that I enjoy about this time of the year I also enjoy seeing pictures on Facebook and Instagram of people coming together to serve those less fortunate I smile at the pictures and think to myself how blessed I am to be a member of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) for I know that as a member of the JLC we not only serve our community during the holiday season but we serve our community all year long
During the holiday season come thoughts of gift-giving to many I am no different - during this time of the year I am thinking not only about the gifts I will give to my family members and friends but also about the gifts the JLC has given and will continue to give to our community As an organization our nearly 2000 members have given the gift of improved mental physical and dental health to the children in our community
Through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its Backpack Program our volunteers have given the gift of food to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students who would have gone hungry over the weekend without this resource Our volunteers have given the gift of literacy to children throughout Charlotte by providing them with books and letters to encourage reading The JLCrsquos Training and Development Committee has provided our members with the gift of education by providing trainings focusing on everything from fundraising to governance advocacy to the prevention of domestic violence even money management for personal and business success Through our partnership with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and
area medical providers the JLC has provided local students with the gift of good health by providing access to immunizations and health screenings
When thinking about the gifts our organization has provided to our community my list could go on for days Throughout our 90 year history the JLC has left many seen and unseen gifts throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas
Helen Keller once said ldquothe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched They must be felt with the heartrdquo While serving as the JLCrsquos President I feel in my heart the love and dedication each of the members of our organization has for our community On behalf of the JLC I wish you a joyous holiday season As you celebrate this time of the year embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy the gifts that you can see but also celebrate the joy from the gifts that cannot be seen and are instead felt within your heart
To learn more about becoming a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and giving the gift of volunteer services please visit our website at wwwjlcharlotteorg Should you wish to also give a financial gift to the JLC you may do so by accessing the Support Us section on our website And as always stay connected to the JLC and the many things we are doing in the Charlotte community by following us on Twitter Instagram and Facebook
Happy Holidays
Lisa L Johnson2015-2016 President
Letter from Our President Lisa L Johnson
4
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at wwwjlcharlotteorg
Considering joining our membership Contact MDCjlcharlotteorg
Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC Visit wwwjlcharlotteorgnd=community_partners
Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services Contact wooziedelljlcharlotteorg
Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store Contact jlcwearhousejlcharlotteorg
Participate in our fundraising efforts including our next event March Money Madness Contact MarchMoneyMadnessjlchar-lotteorg
Mark Your Calendars
The Winter Semi-Annual Sale January 31 through February 14
Spring Changeover February 20 and 21
Spring Open House February 24
Learn more about the Junior League of Charlotte Inc
5
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
McGuireWoods is committed to serving our community and developing the potential of women We contribute locally through charitable donations legal aid and other volunteer work Named by Working MotherFlex-Time Lawyers as one of the ldquo50 Best Law Firms for Womenrdquo we also champion the causes and careers of our women attorneys like litigation attorney Jodie Herrmann and corporate attorney Stephanie Briggs Evans who provide pro bono legal services to The Junior League of Charlotte
bull Business Litigationbull Financial Services Litigationbull Arbitrationbull Condemnation Casesbull Class Action Casesbull Consumer Financial Protection Bureaubull Energy Lawbull Trademark Law
Jodie N Herrmann 7043432329 | jherrmannmcguirewoodscom
Stephanie K Briggs Evans 7043432249 | sbriggsevansmcguirewoodscom
900 Lawyers | 20 Offices | wwwmcguirewoodscom
bull Corporatebull Corporate Governancebull Cross-Border Transactionsbull Capital Marketsbull Banking and Financial Servicesbull Derivatives and Structured Productsbull Securities Compliancebull Government Contracts
Committed to Community
2
Junior League of Charlotte
JL_Charlotte
JLCharlotteorg
The CRIER is published four times annually by the Junior League of Charlotte Inc No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission
To advertise in The CRIER please call the Junior League of Charlotte at (704) 375-5993 or e-mail CrierAdSalesjlcharlotteorg
JLC CONNECTED
MISSION STATEMENTThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable
Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT Lisa L Johnson PRESIDENT-ELECTShannon L Vandiver CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERAnna Portal NOMINATING CHAIRTaLeayah Johnson SECRETARYNicole BaldonSUSTAINING ADVISORRocky TrenkelbachMEMBERS-AT-LARGEMegan Anderson Kim Best-Staton Susan Branch Christina Gratrix Heather Hendren Destiny Jenkins Nikki Fleming Kellie Lofton and Valerie Patterson
Management TeamPRESIDENT-ELECT Shannon L VandiverHUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERCharlitta HatchCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERTricia Magee COMMUNITY IMPACT MANAGERAshley LoweryEDUCATION TRAINING amp ADVOCACY MANAGERMary Sherrill WareFUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERTonya BruceVP OF FINANCECasey LiadisRISK MANAGERMolly SchugelNOMINATING VICE CHAIRMalone LockabySECRETARYWhitney Sturge
The CRIER StaffEDITORMichelle Grose ASSISTANT EDITORMorgan CooperPHOTOGRAPHY MANAGERREPORTERKristin ListPRODUCTION MANAGERREPORTEROlga Kearns BillupsAD SALES MANAGERHannah TravisCOPY EDITORSREPORTERSAmy Ford and Sara Sprague REPORTERSJessica Cook Chemere Davis Betsey Dillon Shemeka Johnson Samantha Hall and Alexandra Samsell
League StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORWoozie DellBOOKKEEPERCarolyn PartonIT MANAGERErin WebsterSUSTAINER LIAISON HISTORIAN JLC CALENDARBecky ClarkJLC WEARHOUSE MANAGERBrandace KinderJLC WEARHOUSE ASSISTANT MANAGERDaris HillmanCONTROLLERPerry Blickenstaff
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE INC1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorgjlcharlotteorg
JLCharlotte
The CRIER staff is excited to announce the
new digital format for the 2015-2016 year
Readers can access The CRIER from desktop
and mobile devices even when on the go on
our new digital platform powered by ISSUU
Look for it in your inbox for each issue
this year
3
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquothe beauty of the seasonrsquoElf on the Shelf trimming the tree baking and decorating cookies attending holiday parties sending and receiving holiday cards and making countless trips to various retail stores are just a few of the things that I enjoy about this time of the year I also enjoy seeing pictures on Facebook and Instagram of people coming together to serve those less fortunate I smile at the pictures and think to myself how blessed I am to be a member of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) for I know that as a member of the JLC we not only serve our community during the holiday season but we serve our community all year long
During the holiday season come thoughts of gift-giving to many I am no different - during this time of the year I am thinking not only about the gifts I will give to my family members and friends but also about the gifts the JLC has given and will continue to give to our community As an organization our nearly 2000 members have given the gift of improved mental physical and dental health to the children in our community
Through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its Backpack Program our volunteers have given the gift of food to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students who would have gone hungry over the weekend without this resource Our volunteers have given the gift of literacy to children throughout Charlotte by providing them with books and letters to encourage reading The JLCrsquos Training and Development Committee has provided our members with the gift of education by providing trainings focusing on everything from fundraising to governance advocacy to the prevention of domestic violence even money management for personal and business success Through our partnership with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and
area medical providers the JLC has provided local students with the gift of good health by providing access to immunizations and health screenings
When thinking about the gifts our organization has provided to our community my list could go on for days Throughout our 90 year history the JLC has left many seen and unseen gifts throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas
Helen Keller once said ldquothe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched They must be felt with the heartrdquo While serving as the JLCrsquos President I feel in my heart the love and dedication each of the members of our organization has for our community On behalf of the JLC I wish you a joyous holiday season As you celebrate this time of the year embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy the gifts that you can see but also celebrate the joy from the gifts that cannot be seen and are instead felt within your heart
To learn more about becoming a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and giving the gift of volunteer services please visit our website at wwwjlcharlotteorg Should you wish to also give a financial gift to the JLC you may do so by accessing the Support Us section on our website And as always stay connected to the JLC and the many things we are doing in the Charlotte community by following us on Twitter Instagram and Facebook
Happy Holidays
Lisa L Johnson2015-2016 President
Letter from Our President Lisa L Johnson
4
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at wwwjlcharlotteorg
Considering joining our membership Contact MDCjlcharlotteorg
Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC Visit wwwjlcharlotteorgnd=community_partners
Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services Contact wooziedelljlcharlotteorg
Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store Contact jlcwearhousejlcharlotteorg
Participate in our fundraising efforts including our next event March Money Madness Contact MarchMoneyMadnessjlchar-lotteorg
Mark Your Calendars
The Winter Semi-Annual Sale January 31 through February 14
Spring Changeover February 20 and 21
Spring Open House February 24
Learn more about the Junior League of Charlotte Inc
5
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
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3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Junior League of Charlotte
JL_Charlotte
JLCharlotteorg
The CRIER is published four times annually by the Junior League of Charlotte Inc No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission
To advertise in The CRIER please call the Junior League of Charlotte at (704) 375-5993 or e-mail CrierAdSalesjlcharlotteorg
JLC CONNECTED
MISSION STATEMENTThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable
Board of DirectorsPRESIDENT Lisa L Johnson PRESIDENT-ELECTShannon L Vandiver CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICERAnna Portal NOMINATING CHAIRTaLeayah Johnson SECRETARYNicole BaldonSUSTAINING ADVISORRocky TrenkelbachMEMBERS-AT-LARGEMegan Anderson Kim Best-Staton Susan Branch Christina Gratrix Heather Hendren Destiny Jenkins Nikki Fleming Kellie Lofton and Valerie Patterson
Management TeamPRESIDENT-ELECT Shannon L VandiverHUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERCharlitta HatchCOMMUNICATIONS MANAGERTricia Magee COMMUNITY IMPACT MANAGERAshley LoweryEDUCATION TRAINING amp ADVOCACY MANAGERMary Sherrill WareFUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERTonya BruceVP OF FINANCECasey LiadisRISK MANAGERMolly SchugelNOMINATING VICE CHAIRMalone LockabySECRETARYWhitney Sturge
The CRIER StaffEDITORMichelle Grose ASSISTANT EDITORMorgan CooperPHOTOGRAPHY MANAGERREPORTERKristin ListPRODUCTION MANAGERREPORTEROlga Kearns BillupsAD SALES MANAGERHannah TravisCOPY EDITORSREPORTERSAmy Ford and Sara Sprague REPORTERSJessica Cook Chemere Davis Betsey Dillon Shemeka Johnson Samantha Hall and Alexandra Samsell
League StaffEXECUTIVE DIRECTORWoozie DellBOOKKEEPERCarolyn PartonIT MANAGERErin WebsterSUSTAINER LIAISON HISTORIAN JLC CALENDARBecky ClarkJLC WEARHOUSE MANAGERBrandace KinderJLC WEARHOUSE ASSISTANT MANAGERDaris HillmanCONTROLLERPerry Blickenstaff
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE INC1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorgjlcharlotteorg
JLCharlotte
The CRIER staff is excited to announce the
new digital format for the 2015-2016 year
Readers can access The CRIER from desktop
and mobile devices even when on the go on
our new digital platform powered by ISSUU
Look for it in your inbox for each issue
this year
3
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquothe beauty of the seasonrsquoElf on the Shelf trimming the tree baking and decorating cookies attending holiday parties sending and receiving holiday cards and making countless trips to various retail stores are just a few of the things that I enjoy about this time of the year I also enjoy seeing pictures on Facebook and Instagram of people coming together to serve those less fortunate I smile at the pictures and think to myself how blessed I am to be a member of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) for I know that as a member of the JLC we not only serve our community during the holiday season but we serve our community all year long
During the holiday season come thoughts of gift-giving to many I am no different - during this time of the year I am thinking not only about the gifts I will give to my family members and friends but also about the gifts the JLC has given and will continue to give to our community As an organization our nearly 2000 members have given the gift of improved mental physical and dental health to the children in our community
Through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its Backpack Program our volunteers have given the gift of food to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students who would have gone hungry over the weekend without this resource Our volunteers have given the gift of literacy to children throughout Charlotte by providing them with books and letters to encourage reading The JLCrsquos Training and Development Committee has provided our members with the gift of education by providing trainings focusing on everything from fundraising to governance advocacy to the prevention of domestic violence even money management for personal and business success Through our partnership with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and
area medical providers the JLC has provided local students with the gift of good health by providing access to immunizations and health screenings
When thinking about the gifts our organization has provided to our community my list could go on for days Throughout our 90 year history the JLC has left many seen and unseen gifts throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas
Helen Keller once said ldquothe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched They must be felt with the heartrdquo While serving as the JLCrsquos President I feel in my heart the love and dedication each of the members of our organization has for our community On behalf of the JLC I wish you a joyous holiday season As you celebrate this time of the year embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy the gifts that you can see but also celebrate the joy from the gifts that cannot be seen and are instead felt within your heart
To learn more about becoming a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and giving the gift of volunteer services please visit our website at wwwjlcharlotteorg Should you wish to also give a financial gift to the JLC you may do so by accessing the Support Us section on our website And as always stay connected to the JLC and the many things we are doing in the Charlotte community by following us on Twitter Instagram and Facebook
Happy Holidays
Lisa L Johnson2015-2016 President
Letter from Our President Lisa L Johnson
4
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at wwwjlcharlotteorg
Considering joining our membership Contact MDCjlcharlotteorg
Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC Visit wwwjlcharlotteorgnd=community_partners
Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services Contact wooziedelljlcharlotteorg
Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store Contact jlcwearhousejlcharlotteorg
Participate in our fundraising efforts including our next event March Money Madness Contact MarchMoneyMadnessjlchar-lotteorg
Mark Your Calendars
The Winter Semi-Annual Sale January 31 through February 14
Spring Changeover February 20 and 21
Spring Open House February 24
Learn more about the Junior League of Charlotte Inc
5
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
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Dance Classes
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704-525-6555
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19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
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ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
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boo
ths
to le
arn
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t foo
d de
sert
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d fo
od in
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rity
10
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6 7
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1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
lsquothe beauty of the seasonrsquoElf on the Shelf trimming the tree baking and decorating cookies attending holiday parties sending and receiving holiday cards and making countless trips to various retail stores are just a few of the things that I enjoy about this time of the year I also enjoy seeing pictures on Facebook and Instagram of people coming together to serve those less fortunate I smile at the pictures and think to myself how blessed I am to be a member of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) for I know that as a member of the JLC we not only serve our community during the holiday season but we serve our community all year long
During the holiday season come thoughts of gift-giving to many I am no different - during this time of the year I am thinking not only about the gifts I will give to my family members and friends but also about the gifts the JLC has given and will continue to give to our community As an organization our nearly 2000 members have given the gift of improved mental physical and dental health to the children in our community
Through our partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its Backpack Program our volunteers have given the gift of food to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students who would have gone hungry over the weekend without this resource Our volunteers have given the gift of literacy to children throughout Charlotte by providing them with books and letters to encourage reading The JLCrsquos Training and Development Committee has provided our members with the gift of education by providing trainings focusing on everything from fundraising to governance advocacy to the prevention of domestic violence even money management for personal and business success Through our partnership with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and
area medical providers the JLC has provided local students with the gift of good health by providing access to immunizations and health screenings
When thinking about the gifts our organization has provided to our community my list could go on for days Throughout our 90 year history the JLC has left many seen and unseen gifts throughout Charlotte and surrounding areas
Helen Keller once said ldquothe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched They must be felt with the heartrdquo While serving as the JLCrsquos President I feel in my heart the love and dedication each of the members of our organization has for our community On behalf of the JLC I wish you a joyous holiday season As you celebrate this time of the year embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy the gifts that you can see but also celebrate the joy from the gifts that cannot be seen and are instead felt within your heart
To learn more about becoming a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and giving the gift of volunteer services please visit our website at wwwjlcharlotteorg Should you wish to also give a financial gift to the JLC you may do so by accessing the Support Us section on our website And as always stay connected to the JLC and the many things we are doing in the Charlotte community by following us on Twitter Instagram and Facebook
Happy Holidays
Lisa L Johnson2015-2016 President
Letter from Our President Lisa L Johnson
4
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at wwwjlcharlotteorg
Considering joining our membership Contact MDCjlcharlotteorg
Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC Visit wwwjlcharlotteorgnd=community_partners
Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services Contact wooziedelljlcharlotteorg
Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store Contact jlcwearhousejlcharlotteorg
Participate in our fundraising efforts including our next event March Money Madness Contact MarchMoneyMadnessjlchar-lotteorg
Mark Your Calendars
The Winter Semi-Annual Sale January 31 through February 14
Spring Changeover February 20 and 21
Spring Open House February 24
Learn more about the Junior League of Charlotte Inc
5
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
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1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
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These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and activities at wwwjlcharlotteorg
Considering joining our membership Contact MDCjlcharlotteorg
Apply to be a Community Partner with the JLC Visit wwwjlcharlotteorgnd=community_partners
Become a corporate sponsor or to make a tax-deductible donation of in-kind gifts or services Contact wooziedelljlcharlotteorg
Shop with us or donate items to our JLC WearHouse store Contact jlcwearhousejlcharlotteorg
Participate in our fundraising efforts including our next event March Money Madness Contact MarchMoneyMadnessjlchar-lotteorg
Mark Your Calendars
The Winter Semi-Annual Sale January 31 through February 14
Spring Changeover February 20 and 21
Spring Open House February 24
Learn more about the Junior League of Charlotte Inc
5
The CRIER | Winter 2015
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
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INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
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704-525-6555
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19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
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Spe
row
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umpk
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ng ta
lent
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nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
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ory
2 O
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ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
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ces
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ed a
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t 45
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e JL
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ping
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tion
3
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e C
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Jour
ney
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rs
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rist
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ise
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ecto
r of
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ing
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ion
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ring
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sion
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ive
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te d
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he
Colg
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lle E
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ork
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ay c
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bers
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nket
Pro
ject
8
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Van
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r an
d N
anta
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Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
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the
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Mem
bers
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arn
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od in
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10
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6 7
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1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
lsquoseason of servicersquoLetter from Our Editor Michelle Grose
Like many people I love the holidays The air is just a little bit different from Thanksgiving through Christmas It is easy to get lost or even frustrated by the hustle and bustle of shopping running from party to party and trying to make every choir performance of the season However I try my best to slow down and focus on the true spirit of the season sharing love and peace with others
During the holiday season there are a lot of opportunities to give a bit more or serve those who need a little extra help through your place of worship or outreach organizations One thing I love about being in the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) is that I have another avenue to give and serve the community all year long
Our December issue focuses on a number of the ways the JLC serves the community during the holidays as well as throughout the year
One focus in this issue features the new partnership between the JLC and the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson Read to learn about how our members are teaming up to offer nutritional and cooking information to families who visit their food pantry with AdaCooks Plus donrsquot miss our tasty ldquoNo-Bean Turkey Chilirdquo recipe
Another feature focuses on the many different areas that our Family Support partnerships touch including our work with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and all of the organizations assisted by our Done In a Day placement
Plus learn about the awareness our Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is bringing on ldquoFood Desertsrdquo in Mecklenburg County as well as get information on a special documentary screening on January 20
As you can see there is a lot going on this year in the Junior League of Charlotte I hope you enjoy reading about the work our members are doing in the community
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I look forward to sharing more stories in 2016 about the JLC as we head into our 90th year
All the best
Michelle Grose2015-2016 CRIER Editor
6
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
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3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
ContentsWINTER EDITION 2015-2016
4LETTER FROM
OUR PRESIDENT
6LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
8BOARD AND MANAGEMENT
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
11HOLIDAY PARTY AND
SLATE REVEAL
12ADACOOKS
14AJLI CONNECTIONS
16MEET OUR SUSTAINERS
18FROM THE ARCHIVES
22FAMILY SUPPORT
PARTNERSHIPS
24HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS IN
MECKLENBURG COUNTY
26LOOKING BACK THROUGH
THE YEARS
30-33MEET THE CRIER AND
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE FACT SHEET
INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
2MCGUIRE WOODS5JLC WEARHOUSE13MICHAEL amp SON SERVICES15ELEMENTS MASSAGE19JAMI MASTERS SCHOOL OF DANCE25CORPORATE SPONSORS34KNIGHT RESIDENTIAL GROUP AND JLC ANNUAL FUND 36MARCH MONEY MADNESS
7
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Board and Management Team
SpotlightLisa Johnson knew from the start that the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was a perfect
match The ideals and values of the JLC were aligned closely with the values instilled by her own
family and the JLCrsquos goal to improve the lives of Charlotte families mirrored her own desire to
provide meaningful experiences for her friends and community What she may not have known
was that her desire to simply lend a helping hand and to live out her ideals would bring her
immense opportunities for leadership and change
Lisa moved from St Louis Mo in the 1990s to attend school at Johnson C Smith University While
her roots may not be native she considers Charlotte her home She was drawn to the JLC in 2003
after being invited by her sponsor JLC Sustaining Member Lisa Vaughan to attend a meeting to get
to know other members Recalling her initial response Lisa says ldquoI fell in love with all the amazing
things they were doing in the League Even not having a complete picture of what the Junior
League truly was I knew I wanted to be involved in anything that these ladies were connected tordquo
When asked about her leadership story Lisa said she was never one to seek out leadership roles
ndash lending a helpful hand and making things happen was far more important to her Lisa would
frequently step up to the table if there was a task to be done her commitment to voluntarism was
noticed and this led to offers for positions in leadership As the JLC President Lisa is surrounded by
other talented and knowledgeable women to aid in achieving League goals According to Lisa ldquoWe
have an amazing Board we have a judge attorneys finance experts The Nominating Committee did
a standout job in making sure that the areas that Irsquom strong in we shine and the areas in which Irsquom
not as strong I have the proper support team Then we can go out into the community and share
our story and encourage other members to make an impactrdquo Additionally she says ldquoDelegation
is something in which I truly believe I donrsquot feel as though I have to do all the work when I have a
talented teamrdquo
As the 2015-2016 President of the JLC Lisa Johnson oversees the Board of Directors Lisa and
her team set and revise governing policies and ensure alignment of the mission and vision at all
levels of the organization through policy administration financial management strategic planning
operational continuity and public relations ldquoThe Board is thinking three four or five years down
By Chemere Davis
the road This group has some amazing ideas and
yoursquoll start to see some of that as we are working
on our strategic plan for the coming yearrdquo says
Lisa Additionally the team is looking at ways to
celebrate all that the JLC has done and what is to
come
How can the JLC grow membership
A primary focus for this yearrsquos Board and
Management Team both in the Charlotte chapter
and nationally is on maintaining and building upon
current membership numbers Lisa says ldquoWomen
have so many options to choose from whether they
volunteer with their sororities other non-profits
or if they continue the legacy of volunteering
with the JLCrdquo Lisa suggests that being sincere and
open about who we are and what we do helps to
encourage members to engage with others and will
attract talented women to the JLC
A few ways all JLC members can engage
bullAttend events like Third Thursday Socials to
engage and build networks within the League
bullAttend Coffee chats with the Board to share your
thoughts and ideas (held on the first Saturday of
every month (locations vary)
bullGet the word out Know how to talk about the JLC
to new members and non-members ndash our history
what we do who we help You never know when
yoursquoll get to share
8
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
Provided by NC Licensed Massage amp Bodywork Therapists
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Sessions include time for consultation and dressing New clientsonly May not be combined with any other offers or discountsLimited time offer
Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Comments feedback phone calls are welcome and encouraged Members should reach out to their
chairs leaders and Board members with questions ideas or opportunities to share Lisa believes
that when the League focuses on the things that we naturally do well members remain interested
and invite their friends to join as well Of her experiences influencing her current philosophy Lisa
says ldquofrom the first provisional meeting I was immediately sold on the League Since joining the
League thatrsquos been my goal to give that same experience to any person whether Irsquom sponsoring
them or not I want them to come to the first meeting and feel at home and to say that this is where
they want to volunteer and give their timerdquo
One of the other major goals for this year is to reconnect with the community The Board would like
to reintroduce the JLC to community agencies to share the wonderful programs and opportunities
that the League provides In addition to being volunteers the League trains other women both
members and those in the community through the Education Training and Advocacy Council Lisa
says ldquoYes we are 2000 members strong but if we can tell our story to someone else then they can
help keep the community connected to what we are doingrdquo
What should members be proud of in terms of JLC accomplishments
The JLC is frequently the organization to recognize community issues affecting the mental physical
andor dental health of Charlotte-based children and families These issues are addressed by
providing volunteers financial assistance and public support as necessary In addition to ongoing
outreach efforts the JLC also engages in focused Cornerstone Projects that make a concentrated
impact in the local community Cornerstone Projects are often planned in collaboration with other
community groups andor the public sector The JLC designs and launches a program to directly
establish a sustainable iniative for a program in order for the organization to manage in the future
A perfect example of this model is the current Cornerstone Initiative at Reid Park Academy It
was recognized that Reid Park Academy was in need Less than 50 percent of the students were
performing at grade level and greater than 95 percent of the students received free and reduced
lunch an indicator of low household income To address the issue the JLC worked directly with
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Mecklenburg County and The Council for Childrenrsquos Rights to build
a wrap-around Community School Model featuring a ldquoSystem of Carerdquo model that provides holistic
services for students and their families For the last three years the JLC has supported the Reid
Park Academy Cornerstone Project both financially and with volunteer hours Although the major
financial commitment ends at the end of 2015 there will still be volunteer support there for at least
two additional years Additionally as a result of the stellar work completed using the ldquoSystem of
Carerdquo model developed for the school Mecklenburg County has agreed to continue to support and
replicate the System of Care model for other areas within the County
What are the 2015 ndash 2016 goals for each
Management Team Council
While the Board of Directors is focused on strategic
and long-term vision the Management Team is
involved in the day-to-day operations to carry out
the JLC mission through our members According to
Shannon Vandiver 2015 ndash 2016 President ndash Elect
member engagement is high on the agenda for the
Management Team The team strives to celebrate
our members our partnerships our history and
the legacy that we have in the community That
is accomplished through the councils of the
Management Team The Community Impact Council
celebrates what we currently do and have done
historically The Fund Development Council raises
funding to develop and execute programming The
Communications Council tells the JLC story and the
Human Resources Council ensures members are
engaged and focused on our mission developing
the potential of women volunteering and
improving the community The Education Training
and Advocacy Council plans and executes trainings
meetings and education events for our members
and the community and also advocates for issues
important to the JLCrsquos initiatives
ldquoOne of our biggest goals is to take a big League
and make it feel more like a community of servant
leadersrdquo says Shannon ldquoThrough engaging with
social media members can see what teams across
the League are doing and can keep up with all
of our many volunteer and community impact
activities Members are encouraged to visit the new
JLC members-only Facebook page and everyone
can follow us on social media through the hashtag
JLCharlotterdquo An exciting development coming in
the future is the creation of a registration system
for members to volunteer on a one-time basis with
other committees
BONDING AT THE MANAGEMENT TEAM RETREAT
9
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Highlights Around the Management Team
Education Training and Advocacy
Mary Sherrill Ware (Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager)
GOALS To make members aware of benefits available for training and
development as a part of their membership including trainings and programs like
Leadership Development Institute (LDI) Get on Board the Public Policy Institute
and the Mentor program and to enhance the awareness of advocacy issues
EXCITED ABOUT Three Wine and Wisdom events planned for 2015 - 2016
ldquoWe would love to increase training and programming programming attendance
since they are such a value-add to membershiprdquo - Mary Sherrill Ware
WearHouse
Nantasha Chryst (WearHouse Chair)
GOALS Increase member engagement with the WearHouse and launch the newly
created logo and tagline for the WearHouse
EXCITED ABOUT The partnership with Green Jeans Consignment pop up sales
that have been very beneficial for the WearHouse Three sales occurred in the
fall with 3 more planned for the spring
ldquoThe WearHouse is so important to the success of the JLC and we are always
encouraging members to donate quality items to support the WearHouse and in
turn the JLC missionrdquo - Nantasha Chryst
Nominating
Malone Lockaby (Nominating Vice Chair)
GOALS To create a pipeline of women who have been identified as interested
in leadership roles throughout the League year and to align JLC processes with
the new AJLI processes that include an application for each executive leadership
nomination
EXCITED ABOUT Working with HRC to create an internal project evaluation
ldquoOur leaders are the future of our organization and Nominating is honored
to work with our members to identify and place emerging leadersrdquo - Malone
Lockaby
Human Resources Council
Charlitta Hatch Human Resources Council Manager
GOALS Increase our membership retention by ensuring members are engaged
in meaningful placements and able to connect with like-minded women in
Charlotte
EXCITED ABOUT Our members whether they are new members 1st year actives
transfers or been in the JLC for years by way of Active or Sustainers Our
membership allow us to do great things in the Charlotte community and have
fun while we are doing it
Community Impact Council (CIC)
Ashley Lowery (Community Impact Manager)
GOALS Effectively market what CIC committees are doing through increased
social media presence as well as enhance the evaluation metrics for
community projects
EXCITED ABOUT Strengthening our community partnerships
Fund Development Council (FDC)
Tonya Bruce (Fund Development Council Manager)
GOALS Continue to raise additional funds for League initiatives and
strengthen FDC committees to maximize fundraising as well as increase
awareness of the JLC fund development model
EXCITED ABOUT The return of Lights Camera Fashion with Belk and the
continued growth of the Annual Fund
Communications Council
Tricia Magee (Communications Council Manager)
GOALS Ensuring JLC members know whatrsquos going on through Marketing and
PR Committees and increasing League wide use of all JLC communication
platforms including Social media The CRIER The Happenings JLC Blog and
Press Releases
EXCITED ABOUT The new digital CRIER
ldquoWe want to make sure our JLC message is cohesive and powerfully tells the
JLC storyrdquo - Tricia Magee
Risk Manager
Molly Schugel (Risk Manager Chair of the Contracts Committee)
GOALS Ensure risk is evaluated appropriately across the JLC and consult AJLI
best practices for risk governance
EXCITED ABOUT Working together with all departments
Finance Committee
Kamila McDonnough (Finance Manager)
GOALS Effectively manage the JLCrsquos balanced budget and increase awareness
for JLC membership regarding monetary contributions and support of JLC
programs
EXCITED ABOUT Developing a balanced budget
In addition to the many things planned by the individual councils members
have a lot to look forward to with the upcoming 90th anniversary celebration
as well
ldquoWe had our retreat in May before the League year began and we started to
look at how to tell a story that is 90 years longrdquo says Lisa Johnson Members
should be excited about celebrating our history After all how many people
can say they have been a part of an organization that has been around for 90
years
JLC MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT THE HOLIDAY PARTY AND SLATE REVEAL
10
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
Provided by NC Licensed Massage amp Bodywork Therapists
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Sessions include time for consultation and dressing New clientsonly May not be combined with any other offers or discountsLimited time offer
Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
By Sara Sprague
What do ldquoAurora Blaiserdquordquo Kayla Possiblerdquo and ldquoBrownSugar Ryderrdquo have in
common with the Junior League of Charlotte They along with 34 other Bond
Agents represent the incoming 2016-2017 Board of Directors Management
Team and Nominating Committee
On December 2 the JLCrsquos Social and Nominating Committees co-hosted this
yearrsquos combination Holiday Social and Slate Reveal Party at Bubble Charlotte
More than 100 attendees donned their favorite holiday apparel to enjoy a
spirited evening at the swanky and seasonally-decorated champagne lounge
Among them were current President Lisa Johnson President-Elect Shannon
Vandiver and past Presidents Whitni Wilson-Wertz Beverley Shull Katherine
Fuller Elizabeth Kovacs Beth Gregg and Kelley Cobb as well as many members
of the Sustainer Board including Suzy Garvey and past Sustainer President
Dianne Cates
The event featured a fabulous spread of appetizers a cash bar and parting
giveaways Guests were encouraged to mingle for the first hour of the event
most enjoying a glass of champagne or wine and sharing stories from the
League while the anticipation and excitement for this yearrsquos Slate Reveal built
The big reveal had a James Bond theme ndash emcee Beth Bechhold Nominating
Committee Member introduced each incoming member by their self-selected
Bond girl name car and most desirable co-host while their favorite Bond
theme song played in the background One by one announced Slate members
walked strutted and danced to the front stage where they were adorned with
gold bead necklaces and embraced in congratulatory hugs from their fellow
team members supporters and friends ldquoIrsquom looking forward to working with
this outstanding team to continue our legacy of servicerdquo said slated incoming
President-Elect Arina Kirk ldquoIt was so fun to share this event with the holiday
party and to celebrate leadership with so many membersrdquo
In addition to of the excitement of the Slate reveal the Holiday party was a great
place for members to set aside their civic responsibilities and enjoy each otherrsquos
company in a more relaxed and informal setting It was also an opportunity to
foster new relationships and share our collective pride in the Junior Leaguersquos
accomplishments Transfer Ashley Hansen captured this sentiment ldquoThe JLC
Holiday Social and Slate Party was a blast As a new transfer this was my first
event I could attend in the Charlotte League so I was nervous about not knowing
anyone However as soon as I walked in I was greeted with warm smiles and left
the event having made a few new friends I learned so much about the League
in such a short amount of time and the Slate reveal was so fun and exciting It
was a great introduction to the League and I canrsquot wait to jump right in moving
forwardrdquo
Special thanks to a well-orchestrated evening to Amy Rhyne Social Committee
Chair Taleayah Johnson Nominating Chair and their respective committees
and to Sherri Johnson Nominating Committee member for her incredible
photography talent ldquoThe Social Committee led by Amy Rhyne and Caitlin
Smith and the Nominating team led by TaLeayah Johnson and Malone
Lockaby put on a spectacular event attended by over a hundred of our active
and sustaining members Provisionals JLC past Presidents and Sustainer
Presidentsrdquo said President-Elect Shannon Vandiver ldquoIt was the perfect kick-
off to the Holiday season and a great way to celebrate our League and toast a
stellar slate of JLC leadersrdquo
Without further ado congratulations to our 2016-2017 Junior League of
Charlotte Slate
Board of Directors
President Shannon Vandiver
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Chief Financial Officer Casey Liadis
Board of Directors (BOD) Secretary Caitlin Helgeson
BOD - Members-At-Large
Tonya Bruce
Helen King
Molly Ward
Christina Gratrix
Destiny Jenkins
Susan Branch
Kim Best-Staton
Kellie Lofton
BOD - Member-At-Large (Sustaining Member) Valerie Patterson
Management Team
President-Elect (PE) Arina Kirk (M)
Sustainer Advisor Katherine Fuller
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Vice President of Finance Kamila McDonnough
Communication Council Manager Sara Sprague
Community Impact Council Manager Anastasia Speer
Education Training and Advocacy Council Manager Chrissy Fischer
Human Resource Council Manager Jessica Walker
Fund Development Manager Kate Stewart
Risk Manager Tricia Magee
Management Team Secretary Emily Reichs
Nominating Committee
Nominating Chair Malone Lockaby
Nominating Vice Chair Charlitta Hatch
Committee Members
Anna Portal
Julie Spahn
Kayla Petty
Debbie Hull
Sherri Johnson
Kirsten Pittman
Beth Bechold
ampJLC Holiday Slate Reveal Party
11
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
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Sessions include time for consultation and dressing New clientsonly May not be combined with any other offers or discountsLimited time offer
Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
AdaCooks Up Healthy OptionsEarlier this fall the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) began an annual
effort to reassess the ways we could help meet needs in our ever-widening
community The addition of new placements allows us to stretch our reach to
new areas while also developing long-lasting partnerships with community
organizations
One of the new placements for 2015-2016 is AdaCooks The 13 person
committee is a partnership with the Ada Jenkins Center of Davidson NC They
have been working tirelessly to develop ldquogood-for-you-and-your-familyrdquo
cooking demonstrations for food pantry clients But before there was the
placement there was the center
Founded in 1937 The Ada Jenkins Center initially began as a school house
Eventually it identified as a place for child development after-school program
food co-op and even a dance studio All of its missions focused on the
betterment of the local population By 1994 it became a center of community
gatherings offering 21 different programs and services to in-need clients
One of the services the Loaves amp Fishes Pantry currently partners with
AdaCooks In conjunction with AdaCooks the JLC provides nutritional
information and cooking guidance for center partners based on grocery
staples currently available in the pantry
The center is similar in appearance to a neighborhood elementary school
There is a jungle gym a green field ripe for dodge-ball and multiple buildings
attached by breezeways Just like the schools of our younger years all who
grace its hallways are demonstrated mutual respect and understanding
Referrals are required for any person visiting the pantry and they are
thenceforth considered clients Based on the size of their family unit a
designated family member will shop the Loaves amp Fishes Food Pantry based
on their needs
The pantry is set up to resemble a supermarket with a canned food section
cheese and dairy section vegetable section and a dry goods section The
clients that visit are in crisis They need some type of support for themselves
or their family and between one challenge or another nutritional eating for
healthy living can fall by the wayside
Nancy Tedder Combs and Amber Shannon lead a committee of 13 women who
possess a wide-range of cooking skills but all are focused on the importance
of nutrition Both women have previous leadership experience within the
League and feel their backgrounds have helped them develop the placement
quickly learn from mistakes and find ways to add value for AdaCooks Early in
the year after one particular event the committee received branded Junior
League aprons from a generous sustainer and since then their intentions may
have become even more evident During monthly meetings the committee
determines the next monthrsquos schedule and cooking demonstration order of
events
On-site while waiting for their turn in the pantrymini-grocery store
AdaCooks members conduct a cooking demonstration using items easily
found within the pantry For four hours the committee informs clients about
the benefits of using better fats or simply switching a vegetable out for picky
eaters For each demonstration eight to 15 families are usually represented
Each family leaves with all the ingredients and the recipe card to make the
dayrsquos dish for their family all provided by the Junior League of Charlotte
Their time and efforts are not in vain The Ada Jenkins Center has received
feedback from clients and families on how much they like the demonstrations
and how it has increased the sense of community along with the emphasis
of simple nutritious cooking when visiting the pantry Speaking to one of
the committee members its easy to see they believe in the importance of
AdaCooks mission
Before their more recent successful events The committee had to evaluate
the needs of The Ada Jenkins Center As a convergence of multiple services to
those in acute crisis the JLC sought to address a community of people in a way
that would enhance improve and provide a tangible benefit
There are ways to help The Ada Jenkins Center outside of the work the
AdaCooks committee does from week to week
bull Donate canned goods and dry shelf-stable items AFTER the holidays that
were not used at Christmas dinner
bull Relieve your suitcase and toiletry bag of all those travel size sanitary
items you may have picked up at a hotel They are the just the right size
for clients
bull Donate toilet paper This item that cannot be purchased with WIC and
government assistance
bull Donate cleaning supplies
By Samantha Hall
12
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
Provided by NC Licensed Massage amp Bodywork Therapists
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Sessions include time for consultation and dressing New clientsonly May not be combined with any other offers or discountsLimited time offer
Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
AdaCooks Up Healthy Options No Bean Turkey
and Sweet Potato Chili
Calories 235
Fat 8 g
Carb 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Protein 23 g
Sugar 4 g
Cholesterol 81 mg
Sodium 578 mg (without salt)
20 oz 93 lean ground turkey
12 cup onion chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
10 oz can Rotel mild tomatoes with green chilies
8 oz can tomato sauce
12 tsp cumin or to taste
14 tsp chili powder
14 tsp paprika
1 bayleaf
1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced into 12-inch cubes
Optional One 15 oz can of beansmdashyour choice
Optional toppings cheese sour cream fresh cilantro
In a large skillet brown turkey over medium-high heat breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces and season with salt and cumin
When meat is browned and cooked through (no longer pink) add onion and garlic cook 3 minutes over medium heat
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes sweet potato tomato sauce water cumin chili powder paprika salt and bay leaf (and beans if using)
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until potatoes are soft and cooked through about 25 minutes stirring occasionally Add 14 cup more water if needed Remove bay leaf and serve
Servings 5 Serving Size 1 cup
Submitted by AdaCooks
13
The CRIER | Winter 2015
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
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3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
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19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
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com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
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at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
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boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
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10
Pro
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Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
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nd h
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l gro
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6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
AJLI ConnectionsGet to know the Junior League of St PetersburgBy Alexandra Samsell
One of the benefits of being a member in the Association of Junior Leagues
International Inc (AJLI) is that we are everywhere There are 293 Leagues in
four different countries If a member moves to a new city chances are that
there will be a Junior League nearby and the transfer process is quite simple
Alexandra Samsell has been involved in three different Junior Leagues in
Tennessee and North Carolina and each one has welcomed her with open arms
It is a wonderful to experience how each Junior League is unique while sharing
similarities The CRIER reached out to the Gentry Adams the president of the
Junior League of St Petersburg Florida to learn about the differences this
League is making in their community
Facts about the Junior League of St Petersburg
President Gentry Adams
Headquarters St Petersburg Florida
Founded March 4 1931
Current Membership 150 Actives 250 Sustainers and 50 Provisionals
Website wwwjlstpeteorg
How does your league make an impact in the community
About five years ago our League transitioned to the Issue-Based Community
Impact model and decided to take on the issue of ldquoschool readinessrdquo under the
umbrella of healthcare nutrition and literacy Our signature event is the Back to
School Care Fair (we just celebrated our 19th year) in which we give out over
1500 backpacks full of school supplies to school-aged children Additionally
we provide free physicals and medical dental vision and diabetes screenings
so that the kids in our community have everything they need for a successful
year Itrsquos always one of my favorite events there is nothing like seeing the joy
on a childrsquos face when they pick out a backpack in their favorite color and walk
away proudly
This year we are beginning the Kids in the Kitchen program so that we can bring
nutrition education to low-income students We will be working with local after-
school programs to teach children about the importance of fiber and protein
and will be whipping up simple recipes with five ingredients or less that they
can take home Wersquove got an exciting vision of how this program can grow in
conjunction with our cityrsquos initiative on food access and education Healthy
St Pete
What makes your league unique
St Petersburg is really a ldquobigrdquo small town Many of our members have been
born and raised in our city so itrsquos always fun to hear about them making
new friends (or reconnecting with old ones) through the Junior League I
love seeing friendships grow that are rooted in a common connection of
wanting to make a difference in our community Itrsquos amazing to witness
what a determined and passionate group of like-minded women can do to
shape our community for the better
Do you have any unique fundraisers or events specific to the Junior
League of St Pete
We have two signature fundraisers currently Fall into Fashion and Whale
of a Sale Fall into Fashion is the perfect afternoon event to attend with
14
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
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Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
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1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
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These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
ldquoAlmost instantaneously the ladies of the Junior League
took me in and made me feel like family rdquo
your girlfriends sisters moms and daughters Guests
are treated to a yummy lunch attend a fabulous fashion
show from local retailers and play purse bingo for
the chance to win a designer bag This year we also
added pop-up shops so attendees could shop the looks
straight off of the runway Itrsquos such a fun girlsrsquo afternoon
out and has become a beloved event for our members
Paying homage to our roots of running a thrift shop we
now host a one-day rummage sale Whale of a Sale with
a ldquoSip and Seardquo preview party the night before Guests
can shop high-end bargains in the Repeat Boutique or
find their next treasure on our main floor This event
truly takes a League-wide effort to host but it is so
rewarding seeing our shoppers find pieces that they
absolutely adore We look at this event as a way to
serve our community and after the shopping is done
we work with several local organizations to donate any
remaining merchandise For instance we give boysrsquo
clothing to Clothes to Kids which provides children who
cannot afford clothing the chance to ldquoshoprdquo for a weekrsquos
worth of clothing free of charge We love that this event
is not only a fundraiser but also a chance to continue to
support our community
Why do you love being in the Junior League
of St Petersburg
When I moved to St Pete almost four years ago I didnrsquot
know a soul and was nervous about transferring to
the JLSP Almost instantaneously though the ladies
of the Junior League took me in and made me feel like
family I was accepted loved and supported through
several trials and triumphs over the past few years I
always know that when I need a shoulder to cry on or
someone to pop some bubbly and celebrate with I can
count on the ladies of the JLSP I am thankful for their
friendships and that together we can give back to the
beautiful city that we get to call our home
What are your favorite St Pete spots
Irsquom a huge fan of water-front Beach Drive You cannot
go wrong with any of the restaurants or shops there
Make sure you grab a drink at The Canopy as it has
some of the best views in the city Yoursquoll also want to stop by the Dali Museum where you can see
amazing paintings by Salvador Dali Irsquom obsessed with the ldquoPink Palacerdquo aka the Loews Don CeSar
Hotel Even if you donrsquot stay there make sure you grab dinner drinks and visit the beach Itrsquos the
perfect spot to spend an afternoon St Pete Beach is continually one of the top-ranked beaches in
the country so pack your swimsuit for a fun day in the surf and sand
Is there a particular League you would like to see featured in The CRIER Let us know
The Elements Waytrademeans the rightmassage - every time
Provided by NC Licensed Massage amp Bodywork Therapists
7045502009elementsmassagecomdilworth
DilworthKenilworth Commons Shopping Center1710 Kenilworth Ave
Sessions include time for consultation and dressing New clientsonly May not be combined with any other offers or discountsLimited time offer
Depending on how the template interprets the layout adjustments may benecessary for your ad size These adjustments may involve lining up the white andgreen circles and adjusting the placement of the logo or text
To change the disclaimer double click on it and an inspector box will open Typeyour disclaimer or cut and paste from another document Close the box aftersaving your changes
The offer circle may be changed the same way as in any other template Doubleclick on it select your offer by clicking on it click Apply at the bottom and thenclick OK to close the inspector
To remove the address for in-studio use just drag the contact information boxesoff the template onto the gray area
The blue line around the ad is the bleed line The default bleed is set to 125 Ifyour ad has a different bleed or no bleed change or remove the bleed as follows
1) Double click the red Document Settings link at the top of the page
2) When the inspector box opens set the bleed and trim to 0 If the ad has adifferent bleed amount type it into the bleed box
3) Click Ok and close the window
These ads are on an approval loop so we can check layouts Please allow 24 hoursafter finishing your ad for proof and approval Ads submitted on Friday will beproofed and returned by end of day the following Monday
15
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Andrea Bierce joined the Junior League in 1974 just after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania
and moving to New York She was an active member in the New York Junior League for more than 25 years
Andrea worked full-time but her early volunteer work was focused on teaching English as a second language
to a variety of people She also sang in a group that visited hospitals and senior citizen housing facilities
Andrea and her husband have two daughters Cameron and Jenny who came out at the New York Junior League
Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotel respectively Their son Alex escorted them Almost 10
years ago Andrea de-activated in good standing but reactivated and transferred to the Charlotte Sustainers
Group upon relocation to Charlotte
In addition to teaching and singing in the New York League Andrea helped with a variety of fundraisers such
as the Designer Show house She was involved with other initiatives such as the New Member Welcome
Committee Childrenrsquos Book Drives the Debutante Ball and many others Andrea stated ldquoTeaching English as
a second language had the most immediate impact for many who really did not know or understand English
We worked on practical experiences such as going to the grocery store making an appointment with doctor
or a childrsquos teacher The singing brought a lot of joy as well even though we were a bit flat at timesrdquo Andrea
stated she feels like she grew up with the Junior League Her mother who was also an active member instilled
in her what an extraordinary organization the Junior League is and how participation makes a real difference
ldquoPart of her legacy had always been to give back and for each of her daughters (I am one of three) that meant
being an active member of the Junior League The JLC is very active and a strong contributor to the city so I am
grateful to be here and a part of it even though I continue to work full-time It is also a wonderful way to meet
outstanding people who want to make a differencerdquo Andrea said
Jane Grosse joined the Junior League in Winston-Salem and later transferred to the Junior League of Charlotte
Much of her time in the league has been focused on communications marketing and fund development Jane
served as the Editor of The CRIER one year which was a placement she enjoyed She also served as the Follies
Chair one year which was a big fundraiser for the JLC
As Chair of The Follies Jane was able to raise more than a million dollars that year Jane stated she recalled
a conversation among some of the attendees at The Follies and they were talking about donating to the JLC
simply because they were giving to the JLC The Follies was an entertaining event but it also helped to support
and fund many JLC projects
Jane said ldquoI have been so fortunate to have wonderful mentors during my time in the JLC I have met some of
the smartest most caring individuals I have ever knownrdquo Jane also stated each of the JLC Presidents she has
known have been absolutely amazing and to see how they all lead with such grace and passion is inspirational
ldquoI am proud that the JLC is always doing something for the good of the community The
friendships I have gained have been among the best of my liferdquo Jane said
Andrea Bierce Sustainer
Jane Grosse Sustainer
16
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
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wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Meet Our Sustainers
A leagacy of serviceBy Shemeka Johnson
Suzy Garvey joined the Junior League in 1974 in South Bend IN and she later transferred to the Junior League
of Charlotte in 1981 Suzy spent several years as an active member of the Junior League of South Bend IN
where she focused on foster care placements Once she transferred to the JLC she served on the Guardian ad
Litem and Cookbook placements She has also been a Sustainer Advisor Suzy stated she also had the pleasure
of mentoring two past JLC Presidents
ldquoIt was a pleasure to spend time with each of these ladies and be a part of their journey as JLC Presidentsrdquo Suzy
said
Suzy has been a Guardian ad Litem for abused and neglected children since 1981 A Guardian ad Litem serves
as an advocate for children who have been abused and neglected and speaks up for their best interests in court
or other legal situations Suzy said ldquoI would have never been a part of it had it not been for the Junior League
We have saved the lives of many children and itrsquos rewarding to hear their success storiesrdquo
Suzy said ldquoI am proud of the contributions the JLC has made and continues to make to the community I am
also thankful for lifelong friends I have made since joining the JLCrdquo
Dianne Cates joined the Junior League of Charlotte in 1974 shortly after relocating to the city All Provisionals
served at the WearHouse for their first placement For Dianne working in the WearHouse was fun because she
had been raised in a family involved in the clothing business Her next placement focused on researching and
visiting elderly care facilities throughout Charlotte Dianne also served as Public Relations Chair of the JLC
participated in The Follies and finally chaired LeaguePrint a major fundraiser for the JLC Stationary including
engraved items embossed napkins and other items could be purchased through home sales The LeaguePrint
shop located at the JLC Building opened each day for additional sales opportunities This shop was staffed by
JLC volunteers
In 2012 Dianne became the JLC Sustainer President Her goal was to reconnect many who had been inactive
and provide them with opportunities for fellowship The first Sustainer Showcase was launched and the third
has just occurred Each one has been successful
The JLC has members who have so much to give and Dianne said ldquoIrsquom happy to play a small part with such an
outstanding group of womenrdquo
Suzy Garvey Sustainer
Dianne Cates Sustainer
bull When were you an active member of the Junior League
bull What placements did you serve in during your time as an active member
bull What do you feel is your most impactful placement and why
bull What are you most proud of as it relates to your experience in the Junior League
17
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
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how
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ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Ann McNinch Marilyn Ransom Kay Weatherspoon Jan Stedman and Doris
Hartman have the thrilling experience of being the first to work on the
Planetarium Project designed to develop [] educational programs which will
help prepare Charlotte-Mecklenburg school children for Planetarium visits
the aim of which is to augment the studentsrsquo classroom experience by serving
as a laboratory experience in astronomy beyond the normal classroom work
The main function of our committee is to assist the teachers in preparing their
students for their planetarium visit through an educational program which will
include developing and preparing a Curriculum Guide for Teachers a series
of small traveling school-loan exhibits on astronomy and an automated-slide
program on astronomy
The Planetarium Curriculum Guide for Teachers will provide classroom
preparation in such areas as a basic vocabulary of terms used in astronomy
the location of celestial bodies in space and seasonal changes The Guide
will also include follow-up activities which will reinforce the Planetarium
visit as a learning experience The school-loan exhibits will be simple and
informative and will help provide a background in basic astronomy and a
better understanding of certain basic astronomical principles
The automated-slide program will include an introduction to astronomy
providing the students with basic concepts and principles of the universe by
means of slides and a synchronized tape recorder which a League girl will
take to the school classroom and monitor The primary work of the committee
From the Archives
ldquoA Real Learning Experiencerdquo
A 1964 article looks at new projects from
that year that are still as important todayBy Sara Sprague and Amy Ford
This 1964 article from The CRIER highlights successful projects that the women
of The Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) carried out The JLCrsquos impact on the
Nature Museum is especially notable in light of the recent announcement of a
$28 million 5-year expansion project as it approaches its 70th birthday
in 2016
M Covington writes ldquoIt was eighteen years ago when the Charlotte Junior League
was instrumental in arousing the cityrsquos interest in the need for and benefits of
a Childrenrsquos Nature Museum As a demonstration we contributed $5000 over a
three-year period and in 1948 voted to adopt the Museum as our project We
assumed the $8000 existing budget and agreed to pay $8000 more over a two-
year period However the Museum was fast outgrowing its tiny quarters in Cecil
Street and in 1950 the plans for the new $69000 building at Freedom Park were
approved by the League An ambitious project but in two and a half short years
the League was able to burn the mortgage
The following year 1953 the League again voted to contribute to the museum
in the amount of $13000 for specified additions to the building With the
installation of the Planetarium two years later the League concluded its two-fold
program of building and volunteer services at the Nature Museum Made possible
by income from the THRIFT SHOP two Follies a Benefit Tea and Fashion Show a
ldquoParade of Quartetsrdquo and a Charity Ball the Leaguersquos contribution to the museum
at this time totaled $103500 and many volunteer hours
ldquoLast year the League voted to meet a challenge donation of $20000 to build a
larger and permanent Planetarium the heart of which is the Spitz A-3-P Projector
which is one of the most versatile space-science teaching machines available No
instrument even the largest available is more capable of producing the illusion
of the night sky and solar system It will reproduce the sky from any point on
earth and show an entire nightrsquos progression of stars
With the official opening of the Planetarium in October the Charlotte Junior
League realized the fulfillment of another dream and the beginning of a
fascinating placement opportunity for willing League volunteers
Ann Sturges and her committee which consists of Ann Norton Martha Carmichael
The 1950s ushered in a new wave of placements and committees along with the initial steps towards a new headquarters for the Junior League of Charlotte Undoubtedly the relocation and expansion of the Charlotte Nature Museum in its new home was the crowning achievement of the decade
1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum With a commitment of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League pledged not only dollars but also volunteers whom singlehandedly ran the museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
One of the biggest concerns of the decade was public education In 1954 the US Supreme Court found racial s e g r e g a t i o n in the school unconstitutional while the Cold War kicked off c o m p e t i t i o n between the US and Russians in the fields of scientific and techno log i ca l
education In recognition of these pressing needs the JLC moved to make education its main focus
In addition the Charlotte Nature Museum the JLC became involved in childrenrsquos theater puppetry radio and TV programming the establishing of the Remedial Reading Center and funding a Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure
Television began to play a larger role in American family life with local programming rolling out shows geared towards educating children In 1951 Charlottersquos WBT began live telecasting and shortly thereafter partnered with the JLC in the production of a series of 10 programs on the responsibilities of citizenship entitled ldquoWhat Matters Mostrdquo It was during this time that
1950sA Groundbreaking Decade
MilestonesAbove 1956 - Charlotte Nature museum at Freedom Park
Left 1956 - Children getting acquainted with a reptile at the Charlotte Nature Museum
the Leaguersquos Radio Committee also got involved It joined forces with the Charlotte School Board the Charlotte Symphony and WBT to produce a 13-week radio series ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo exposing local school kids to music from some of the worldrsquos best composers
The Junior League Childrenrsquos Theater a popular placement in the 1950s introduced children to live theater by staging classics like Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty
When it came to fundraising the Thrift Shop continued to be the major source of revenue for the League during the 1950s The annual childrenrsquos Easter matinee at the Manor Theater required donations of clothes and other items for admission in order to help keep the store stocked A 1957 issue of The CRIER notes members rejoiced when the Thrift Shop netted $6000 Other fundraisers during this decade included the Follies in 1951 and 1957 a charity ball a horseshow and tours through ldquoHotpoint Houserdquo to see a modern home
The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by connecting with local leaders about the needs of the community In gratitude the community extended its hand to the League Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo to the League to use as a headquarters building starting in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park for a lease of 20-years
All in all the 1950s was a decade to remember not only for the Junior League of Charlotte but for the city of Charlotte as well
1950-1951 Ground was broken for the Charlotte Nature Museum
1952-1953 Final payment was made for the Charlotte Nature Museum building Project Finding Committee organized
1953-1954 ldquoMen Who Make Musicrdquo series inaugurated in conjunction with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra the Charlotte School Board and WBT Junior League Charity BallrdquoRed Rose Cotillionrdquo netted $3269 for
the Community Fund The Thrift Shop expanded and moved across Trade Street into new quarters
1954-1955 Spitz (Kelly) Planetarium installed at the Charlotte Nature Museum
1956-1957 For the first time the Junior League adopted two projects simultaneously the Charlotte Reading Center pledging $30000 and the Girl Scout Camp at Lake Lure pledging $10000
1957-1958 The follies ldquoAngelrsquos Revuerdquo netted $22622
1958-1959 Final contribution to the Charlotte Reading Center of $10000 on a three-year pledge of $30000 was paid Made final payment of $3340 to Camp Occoneechee completing three-year pledge of $10000 Pledged $9500 over a three-year period to Youth Concerts
1959-1960 Construction begun on a headquarters building financed by contributions from League members and their friends
Members performing in the 1957 Follies
ldquoAngels Revuerdquo
1956 - League members who all had a daughter who were active members of the JLC
Mrs M Lee Heath(Anne Purnell)
1955-1956 President
Mrs Addison Brenizer Jr (Meredith Marshall)1956-1957 President
Mrs Neil MacMillan (Lola Whisnant Zaccagni)
1957-1958 President
Mrs William K Van Allen (Sally Schall)
1958-1959 President
Mrs J Emmett Sebrell (Alice Bell)
1959-1960 President
Mrs William I Coddington (Gladys Tillett)
1950-1951 President
Mrs Walter E Daniel (Perry Gibson)
1951-1952 President
Mrs William T Buice Jr (Genevieve Ramsaur) 1952-1953 President
Mrs John Cunningham (Nella Douglas)
1953-1954 President
Mrs Robert Lassiter Jr (Elizabeth Fitton)
1954-1955 President
Bottom Left Clockwise
unknown
1951 Follies
18
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
in this part of the program will center around preparing the
contents selecting the visuals which are to be photographed
and writing the script for the text of the sound tape
Although the Planetarium is for all ages with school programs
arranged by request and with two regularly scheduled public
Planetarium shows- Saturdays and Sundays 330 pm It is
the school children who will make the greatest use of it For
many of them a Planetarium visit will be one of the richest
experiences in their lives a real learning experience
Three Museum staff members- Mrs Luther Kelly Sr
Planetarium Director Mr Grant MacLaren Exhibits Curator and
Mrs Dorothy Beetle Educational Curator- will work with Ann
Sturges and her committee in implementing this tremendous
undertakingrdquo
By the end of the 20th century the JLC had donated almost
$166000 to the Nature Museum While the Planetarium no
longer stands it provided rich educational opportunities
to children for many years The JLC is be proud of how the
League has invested in Charlottersquos children for almost ninety
years and continues to today
BALLET
POINTE
LYRICAL
JAZZ
TAP
MODERN
HIP HOP
MUSICAL THEATRE
TUMBLE TOTS
ACROBATICS
Jami Masters School of Dance LtdPark Road Shopping CenterBack Court
wwwjamimastersschoolofdancecom
INSTILLING THE LOVE OF DANCE FOR 25 YEARS
Reachfor the Stars
Dance Classes
for Ages 2-Adult
704-525-6555
Dancewear amp Shoes
19
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
1
2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
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lmos
t 45
year
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d ho
nore
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r it
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le in
hel
ping
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niza
tion
3
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amp P
allia
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0 JL
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ntee
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ho s
erve
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cam
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unse
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ampe
rs
4 K
rist
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ise
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ecto
r of
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mis
ing
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rese
ntat
ion
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sion
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ive
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mit
tee
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rlot
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st D
r Po
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80
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at t
he
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at B
illin
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lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
rCommunityService
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2 3
4 520
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
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umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
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lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
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ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
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ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
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ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
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at B
illin
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lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
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tici
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ths
to le
arn
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t foo
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sert
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od in
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rity
10
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6 7
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1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
1 C
hris
tine
Spe
row
rsquos p
umpk
in c
arvi
ng ta
lent
s ho
nor
the
JLC
rsquos a
lmos
t 90
hist
ory
2 O
n O
ctob
er 8
the
Cen
ter
for
Prev
enti
on S
ervi
ces
cele
brat
ed a
lmos
t 45
year
s an
d ho
nore
d th
e JL
C fo
r it
s ro
le in
hel
ping
to s
tart
the
orga
niza
tion
3
Hos
pice
amp P
allia
tive
Car
e C
harl
otte
Reg
ionrsquo
s C
ham
eleo
nrsquos
Jour
ney
host
ed 3
0 JL
C
volu
ntee
rs w
ho s
erve
d as
cam
p co
unse
lors
to 1
00 c
ampe
rs
4 K
rist
ian
Cru
ise
Dir
ecto
r of
Pro
mis
ing
Page
s p
rese
ntat
ion
todu
ring
a P
rovi
sion
als
5G
ive
Kids
a S
mile
com
mit
tee
and
Cha
rlot
te d
enti
st D
r Po
lite
scre
ened
80
kids
at t
he
Colg
ate
van
at B
illin
gsvi
lle E
lem
enta
ry in
Nov
embe
r
amp ConnectingOthers
6 T
he A
lexa
nder
You
th N
etw
ork
com
mit
teem
ade
holid
ay c
ards
for
AYN
kid
s7
Mem
bers
hel
p cu
t mat
eria
l for
the
Kind
erM
ourn
Bla
nket
Pro
ject
8
Sha
nnon
Van
dive
r an
d N
anta
sha
Chr
yst d
rop
off J
LC d
onat
ions
for
floo
d vi
ctim
s to
the
Juni
or L
eagu
e of
Col
umbi
a9
Mem
bers
vis
ited
par
tici
pant
boo
ths
to le
arn
abou
t foo
d de
sert
s an
d fo
od in
secu
rity
10
Pro
visi
onal
Adv
isor
Aud
rey
Hor
ne a
nd h
er s
mal
l gro
up s
how
ed o
ff th
eir
art s
kills
6 7
8 9
1021
The CRIER | Winter 2015
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
SECO
ND
HA
RVES
T F
OO
D B
AN
K C
OM
MIT
TEE
MEM
BER
S A
RE
HA
RD
AT
WO
RK
Le
ft to
rig
ht
Ade
laid
e Sp
izer
Lau
ren
Hud
dock
H
eath
er K
elly
Eliz
abet
h G
rym
es A
lana
Lop
ez a
nd C
olle
en H
ickm
an
By Olga Kearns Billups
Since the inception of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) in 1926
members have prided themselves on standing tall in community service
A major iniative of the Junior League is an emphasis on family support
In past years the JLC partnered with community agencies such as The
Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and Thompson Child and Family
Focus Not only did the JLC donate
financially but League volunteers
donated thousands of hours to
planned events and the daily
operations of these facilities
Partnerships of this kind keep the
JLC deeply rooted in the community
Two current family support programs
provide further example of how
the JLC continues to help families
Second Harvest and Done in A Day
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Each year the League continues to sow its seeds in the community
through programs like Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM)
The SHFBM committee focuses on three major volunteer programs that
address hunger ndash the Mobile Food Pantry the Backpack Program and
Holiday Food Drive With the help of its volunteers the committee is able
to achieve its goals while strengthening and enriching the lives of families
in the community
This year the Second Harvest committee
is led by Alana Lopez Chair and
Elizabeth Grymes Vice-chair There
are a total of 18 committee members
including seven returning from the
2014-15 JLC year
ldquoThe fact that over half the members
returned this year reflects how much
the volunteers enjoy this partnershiprdquo
Alana said
ldquoPartnerships of this kind keep the JLC
deeply rooted in the community rdquo
Standing Tall in Service
22
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RELATIVES Katrina McLin Katherine Morgan Sharon Slider Anne Skinner Nicki Bradley Betsy Buse and Marian Steele serve dinner
Standing Tall in ServiceldquoThe committee has set long and short term goals this year The short term
goals are to maximize current funding to feed the maximum number of children
possible and to engage as many JLC associates as possible throughout the
school year to assist SHFBM with the Backpack Program at Reid Park Academy
and at several school mobile pantries held during the school year The long
term goal is to continue to work together to distribute healthier food to hungry
children through growth of the Backpack and Mobile School Pantry programs or
other new programs that we create togetherrdquo
Each year the Mobile Pantry Program puts more than 400 mobile pantries in
place each of which carries an average of nine pounds of food per trip into the
most rural areas The JLC Second Harvest committee significantly assists with
this effort by providing 50000 pounds of nutritious food and household items
to 200 families in need During each of the four mobile food pantries at Reid
Park volunteers help set up tables of food to distribute to the children and
families of Reid Park
Additionally the SHFBM backpack program provides a weekly backpack of
nutritious food to 50-100 students each week for the entire school year
Committee members pick up these backpacks and deliver them to Reid Park
every Friday Volunteers also stuff backpacks twice a month at the Second
Harvest Food Bank warehouse In total SHFBM operates over 100 Backpack
Programs in approximately 16 counties that provide children with nutritious
foods on weekends and holidays when school meals are not available
This year the JLC launched a new program The Holiday Food Drive The goal was
to collect as many canned goods as possible to donate to SHFBM by November
20 for the holiday season Members dropped off donations at the WearHouse
and JLC Building While the Second Harvest Committee has made a difference
with all three of these programs the number of children still going hungry on
a daily basis is staggering To learn more about these children and how to help
visit wwwsecondharvestmetrolinaorg
Done In A Day
Done In A Day is an opportunity for league volunteers to get involved in
meaningful specific programs that can be ldquodone in a dayrdquo Members donate
their time and energy to a variety of service projects that meet an immediate
need for families and community partners
Holden Sours Done In A Day Committee Chair said ldquoMembers of the committee
meet monthly usually to debrief on prior events talk about what is upcoming
and brainstorm any ideas members may have We typically try to make the
meeting a social event to thank our committee for all of their hard workrdquo
The committee has much to celebrate this year It has been busy staffing the
events such as
bull Camp Luck of Levine Hospital - In November the group met to plan Pizza and
Pillowcases a program that will provide pillowcases for children with heart
defects at Levine Hospital An associate from Camp Luck attended the meeting
to explain and demonstrate how to make the pillowcases The pillowcases
themselves will be made during a pizza party
bull The Relatives Youth Shelter - The group hosts several events during the
year at the Relatives Youth Shelter a program that offers a safe haven for kids
and their families Events include game night where they played Apples to
Apples as well as served dinner A sundae ice cream bar was also a big hit
bull Family HealthLink - In September committee members staff the JLCrsquos
Family HealthLink event This event is open to the public and children can
receive health assessments including vision dental and hearing screenings
bull Autumn in the Park Festival ndash In October JLC members served as arts and
crafts volunteers at the Arts for Life booth during therdquoAutumn in the Parkrdquo
festival
bull JLC WearHouse Craft Project ndash The group created Thanksgiving-inspired art
projects including turkeys made out of construction paper and feathers with
children while their parents shopped at the JLC WearHouse
bull KinderMourn ndash Committee members made blankets in a variety of colors to
distribute to children when they have their screenings in early 2016
bull Second Harvest Warehouse - Members volunteered at the Second Harvest
Warehouse assisting with the food drive
bull Alexander Youth Network (AYN) - Throughout December members of this
committee wrapped Angel Tree presents so children living at the AYN facility
will have a gift to open on Christmas morning
ldquoI have heard a lot of women talk about how much they like being on the
committee because of the variety of different projects we do We help a lot
of other JLC committees with their events but we also are able to give back
to smaller organizations who do not currently have a formal partnership with
the League I think it helps to raise awareness for non-profit organizations
and promotes the mission of the JLCrdquo says Holden
23
The CRIER | Winter 2015
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
The State of the Charlotte Dinner Plate
By Jessica Cook
Throughout the nine decades that the Junior League
of Charlotte Inc (JLC) has been in existence
there has been a focus on affecting change in our
community
Whether itrsquos through sitting on a board or
volunteering at a school the JLC is visible helping
individuals families and organizations However
there is equally important advocacy work taking
place behind the scenes
The Junior League of Charlottersquos Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee plays an active role
in both facilitating advocacy and researching areas
of concern relevant to the city of Charlotte Based
on their research the Board of Directors and the
Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee annually
determine an advocacy issue for the Junior League
of Charlotte Access to Healthy Food in the Charlotte
Community is the JLCrsquos latest community impact and
advocacy issue
According to the Food Atlas Research Mecklenburg
County has more than 72000 residents who are
living in an area designated as a food desert The
US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert
as an urban neighborhood or rural town without
ready access to fresh healthy and affordable food
This is significant because the dietary choices
available in food deserts are often unhealthy and
non-nutritious Without easy access to grocery stores
residents living in food deserts have limited produce
availability and therefore rarely eat fresh fruits
and vegetables Residents in these areas are often
limited to fast food retailers and convenience stores
full of processed and pre-packaged snacks When a
community lacks access to healthy food many people
who may desire to live healthier lifestyles have
difficulty doing so
How the Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee is Addressing Charlotte Food Deserts
A recent WBTV production entitled ldquoInside a
Charlotte Food Desertrdquo features the story of a
Charlotte mother In order to access healthy food
she must make a 48 minute one-way journey to
the grocery store Her trip involves a bus the light
rail and a walk across South Boulevard Her story
also expresses the ease with which she could feed
her children fast food but her desire to provide
them with a healthier and more delicious life
The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee
has and will continue to host ldquoWine and Wisdomrdquo
events These events are designed to increase
awareness on food deserts and the lack of access
to healthy foods The upcoming Wine and Wisdom
on January 20 2016 will be a screening of the
documentary film A Place at the Table which
explores food insecurity in America According
to Sherri Belfield Chair of the JLC Advocacy and
Public Awareness Committee ldquoAccess to healthy
foods results in stronger families which results in
stronger communities We all benefit when our
communities are strongrdquo Junior League members
who are interested in increasing their own
awareness or learning how they can advocate for
the issue of access to healthy food in the Charlotte
community are encouraged to attend the following
Wine and Wisdom events
Documentary Screening
Wednesday January 20 2016
Spring Wine and Wisdom
Wednesday March 16 2016
24
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Thank You to Our Corporate SponsorsThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc would like to thank the Corporate Sponsors listed below for their financial support during the current year
(2015-2016) Our community projects could not achieve such great success without their generous sponsorship These relationships are vital to our
continued ability to make a difference throughout Charlotte Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Food Deserts in North Carolina
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
Counties with Food DesertsTier 1 Counties with Food Deserts
Food Deserts
Census Blockgroups
Zip Code Boundaries
Food Deserts in Mecklenburg County
Food Access Research Atlas 2013
25
The CRIER | Winter 2015
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect BackBy Betsey Dillon
As the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) builds up to its 90th year anniversary take a look back at several major accomplishments since its beginning in 1926
1920sIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the JLC out of what was previously known as the Welfare League The new Junior League joined the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) with $84341 from the treasury of the Welfare League Then-President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett said in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very
humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
1920sThe Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening held on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its
establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
1920s In March of its first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and the small
membership base most women easily exceeded the hourly requirement
1930sIn 1935 the Baby Home closed its doors Adoption cases were being taken over by the welfare department government
aid was given to dependent children and babies were left in their own homes whenever possible or placed in foster homes In total the JLC contributed $37000 to the project The building was rented for a few years and then sold with the
proceeds being put back into welfare service
1930s To meet the needs of the Leaguersquos fundraising efforts the Thrift Shop (now the WearHouse) was introduced in 1936 in uptown Charlotte The Thrift Shop offered the community an affordable place to shop as well as valuable training opportunities for JLC members In its first six months of business the store reported gross receipts of $1737 and net
profits of $640 Today the WearHouse is Leaguersquos longest running fundraiser
1940sThe Old North State Cookbook was first published in 1942 It was sold for $206
and was delivered by bicycle to save gas money In The CRIER JLC members jest that the James K Polk Fruit Cake on page 13 weighs 16 pounds when baked
The cookbooks brought in nearly $2900 for the organization
1920sMilestonesIn January of 1926 30 philanthropic women formed the Charlotte Junior League out of what was previously known as the Welfare League League chapters from Nashville Tennessee (as the proposer) Atlanta Georgia (as the sponsor) Winston-Salem North Carolina and Jacksonville Florida (as the inspectors) assisted the Charlotte organization in joining the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA)
The new Charlotte Junior League as it was then named joined the AJLA with money in the coffers totaling $84331 from the treasury of the Welfare League Said then President Catherine Garrett Morehead Cluett in her yearly report ldquoWe felt very grateful very humble and very willing to work and wait to find a real place to fill and call our own in the communityrdquo
This ideal was met more quickly than expected when at the Cooperative Social Agencies Association that met in January at City Hall the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home asked if the League would help establish a baby home in order to take care of newborns who were not old enough for the Thompson Orphanage The task was exactly what the first Charlotte Junior League members were aiming for although at such an early stage in organization the magnitude of the project caused brief hesitation In order to be sure that the League would be able to perform the required work members decided they would first see what kind of support they could garner from Charlotte residents and businesses
Support was exactly what the League received collecting donations from the local newspapers merchants drugstores dairies laundries and individuals A five-room cottage was also donated rent-free for one year The Junior League Baby Home became the organizationrsquos first large-scale project in the community on April 24 1926 with the formal public opening on May 18 This was the primary commitment of the League during the first two years of its establishment The CRIER was first published during the 1927-1928 year and was aptly named after the crying babies in the Junior League Baby Home
While most of the funds collected the first year were from public donation the League also held several fundraisers to establish the Baby Home Members organized rummage sales and a dance Members also participated in a fundraiser with the Charlotte Polo Team from which the League retained the proceeds of all ticket sales from the Charlotte-Harvard Polo game totaling $154 The funds raised the
The Beginning of a Legacyfirst year of the Charlotte Junior League totaled $261486 and the community disbursements equaled $127887
Charlotte Junior League members were also active on other community boards such as the Alexander Childrenrsquos Home Thompson Orphanage and the YWCA The Charlotte Junior League also sent a member delegate to
sit on the Cooperative Nurses Association Board This presence in the community gave the League not only a louder voice but also increased support
In March of that first year the League took in a provisional class of 18 members and three transfers Eight volunteer hours were required of both the active and provisional members however due to both the importance of the project and their small membership base the women worked many more easily exceeded the requirement
ldquoThe Junior League Committees have functioned splendidly The responsiveness and enthusiasm of the girls has been very gratifying and their help and understanding has overcome many tedious moments and has made my service a very great pleasure and privilegerdquo wrote Cluett
It is fitting that the first year of the Junior League of Charlotte Inc (JLC) was marked with ambitious initiatives The fortitude and commitment embodied by its first members are the standards by which the JLC is known today
Photo Credits1-The Baby Hospital Team2- Cluett3- Cansler4- Henderson5- Luncheon6- Charlotte Observer7- Highlights8- New League Officers
26
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
As We Move Forward Time to Reflect Back
1940sIn 1948 the League voted to adopt the Charlotte Nature Museum as a project The JLC was responsible for
the entire budget with the goal of moving the museum from 325 North Cecil Street to a $50000 building on a 30-acre tract at Freedom Park In April 1949 the Follies brought in $16000 for the new Charlotte Nature
Museum building and 1950 marked the groundbreaking for the new location of the museum In addition to a total contribution of $123909 the Charlotte Junior League also supplied volunteers who singlehandedly ran the
museum until permanent staff came onboard in 1954
1950s The country was on the path of change by the end of the 1950s and the JLC responded to those changes by
connecting with local leaders to focus on community needs Myers Park Presbyterian Church donated what was then known as the ldquoWhite Cottagerdquo as League headquarters in 1960 With the help of Charlotte city leaders
members moved the building to its new location beside Freedom Park
1970s In 1971 the League sponsored its first pieces of legislation House Bills 203 and 204 entitled ldquoAdvocacy for Childrenrdquo In the following years the JLC in conjunction with other North Carolina Junior Leagues successfully
passed legislation that provided the state with its first public kindergartens
1980sThe city of Charlotte faced an unexpected challenge in the fall of 1989 Hurricane Hugo made a direct hit on the
Queen City on September 21 1989 ldquoVOLUNTEERSThe Spirit of Charlotterdquo was a most appropriate theme for this year as members responded with donations of food clothing time and funds Members voted to approve the Boardrsquos motion to donate $8000 to Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte as well as $2500 to the Junior League
of Charleston for Hugo relief efforts
2000s In 2004 and 2005 the Leaguersquos focus shifted to the Healthy Child Initiative Shortly after the focus shifted the
JLC committed to partner with Levine Childrenrsquos Hospital to fund the Junior League of Charlotte Inc Family Resource Center Over the next few years more than one million dollars was raised through the Cornerstone
campaign and the center opened in 2007 as an information library for patientrsquos families In addition to the JLC Family Resource Center other new placements were added to support the Healthy Child Initiative
27
The CRIER | Winter 2015
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
KeepingSocial
28
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Join the Junior League of Charlotte on social media Share your own JLC photos by using the hashtag jlcharlotte
Keep up-to-date with the JLC Blog
29
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Meet The CRIER
Michelle Grose Morgan Cooper
Olga Kearns Billups
Hannah Travis
Sara SpragueAmy Ford
EditorMichelle works in marketing
and in her freetime she enjoys making wheel-thrown pottery
and baking
Assistant EditorMorgan is a newlywed from
Charleston She loves seafood red wine and her sweet
pup Lola
Ad Sales ManagerHannah is an engaged native
Charlottean She enjoys traveling reading and staying
active and healthy
Production ManagerReporterOlga lives with her husband of
17 years Tyrone their son Mark and their dogs
Copy EditorSara is a happily married
mom of two splitting her time between family consulting the JLC play
dates and pee wee soccer She loves wine grilling and
enjoying the outdoors
Copy EditorAmy works in the public
health field and lives in Cotswold with her husband young son
and 2 dogs
30
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Kristin List Shemeka Johnson
Chemere Davis Jessica Cook Samantha Hall Betsey Dillon Reporter
Chemere enjoys laughing and spending time with her
dog Zeus
ReporterJessica is working on her
masters in Medical Physiology She loves to ski and hang out
with Daisy her mini schnauzer
ReporterSamantha is engaged and is from Seneca South Carolina You will find her noshing on a
homemade dish or reading
ReporterBetsey lives in Charlotte and
graduated from Davidson She and her husband Tim recently
had their first child Charlie
Photography EditorKristin lives in Huntersville with her husband currently
fixing up their new home for their first child to arrive in
February 2016
Reporter Shemeka is from Riegelwood NC and is married to her high school sweetheart She loves adventurous vacations good
movies fine dining and crafts
Alexandra SamsellReporter
Alexandra is a transfer from the Junior League of Greensboro She lives in
Charlotte and is currently a brand strategist for a local marketing firm She loves
animals and cake decorating
31
The CRIER | Winter 2015
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Mission StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc (JLC) is an organization of women committed to promoting
voluntarism to developing the potential of women and to
improving the community through the effective action and leadership
of trained volunteers
Reaching Out StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc and The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
reach out to women of all races religions and national origins who
demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism
Vision StatementThe Junior League of Charlotte Inc will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in
this community
Community CommitmentThe Junior League of Charlotte
Inc annually reviews project proposals submitted by community agencies andor League focus area
committees Final decisions are voted upon by the membership and
are based on community needs membership interest and available
League resources
Community Projects 2015-2016
Since June 2013 the JLC has embraced the Healthy Family Initiative (HFI) an expansion of the Healthy Child Initiative focusing on the physical dental and mental health needs of Charlotte area children with an emphasis on the importance of family decisions and their impact on children
Community Projects JLC Dollars Allocated
JLC VolunteerHours Allocated
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
00
32
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
The Membership
bull Almost 2000 Charlotte-area women are members of the JLCbull More than 700 of our members are Active members who engage in hands-on community and internal
volunteer commitments and manage our organization Most of our Active members also work in a variety of industries across the Charlotte region
bull More than 1000 of our members are Sustaining members who have previously served as Active members of our League but now serve in advisory roles and provide support to the JLC
bull Nearly 100 women have entered our Provisional Course this year seeking JLC membership
Training and Education
bull The Junior League of Charlotte Inc provides diverse opportunities to our membership and community for training and personal development with programs such as the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) the Public Policy Institute the JLC Mentor Program and Get on Board and with training seminars on professional career leadership and health topics
Advocacy
bull The JLC engages in advocacy at the local state and national level through researching and addressing issues relevant to our Health Family Initiative The current Advocacy focus is on food deserts and the lack of access to healthy foods The JLC Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee and the State Public Affairs Committee propose public stands for the JLC and educate our members and community stakeholders on JLC advocacy initiatives including by providing information to public officials through the Annual Public Officials Breakfast held at the JLC headquarters each spring
Points of Interest
bull Founded in 1926 the JLC has provided more than 15 million hours of volunteer service and over $135 million dollars to the Charlotte community
bull The JLC is a member of the The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc (AJLI) which is comprised of 293 Leagues throughout the US Great Britain Mexico and Canada with a collective membership of more than 155000 women
JLC 2015 - 2016 Fact Sheet
Leadership
Lisa L Johnson President Shannon L Vandiver President-Elect Woozie Dell Executive Director
Contact Information
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209 | Phone (704) 375-5993 | Fax (704) 375-9730 Monday-Thursday 830 am - 430 pm amp Friday 830 am - 12 pm wwwjlcharlotteorg | infojlcharlotteorg | twittercomJL_Charlotte wwwfacebookcomjlcharlotte
33
The CRIER | Winter 2015
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
Building Residential Dreams(704) 733-9566
knightresidentialgroupcom
34
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
JLC NEWSUpcoming Member Events
January 5 2016 Training - Learning to Lead in JLC 630-800 pm
This training will prepare participants to take on leadership positions within the League This class will explain what the key leadership roles are and what skills are needed to be successful in these roles This event is open to JLC members ONLY and is approved for one Membership Credit Space is limited to 30 attendees
January 9 2016 Provisional Community Partnership Tour 830-1130 am
This is a mandatory Provisional event Come learn about the JLCrsquos history and our community partners Meet at the JLC building
January 11 2016 January General Membership Meeting 630 pm
The January General Membership Meeting will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center located at 4740 Randolph Rd Charlotte NC 28211 Our special guest speaker is AJLIrsquos Vicki Clark
January 26 2016 Training - Poverty Simulation 630-800 pm
Poverty simulation is a training designed to make participants aware of the challenges of living as a low income family trying to provide for their family month to month The simulation will give insight into the sensitive and fragile lives of the communities in which we serve
35
The CRIER | Winter 2015
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte NC 28209
(704)375-5993infojlcharlotteorg
jlcharlotteorg
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE
PAIDCHARLOTTE NCPERMIT NO 777
Save the Date2016 March Money Madness
March 10
Dilworth Neighborhood GrillBe on the lookout for ticket information
Coming Soon
36
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