junior directions september 2014
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September 2014Vol. XXVI No. 1 September 2014
TAste of Cookbook
Mini GrantsRetreats Bookin’ ItCalender
4 9-10 11 12 13
New Year, New Members, New Poss i b i l i t i e s
Junior DirectionsA publication of the Junior League of Athens
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Board MembersAlicia Battle, President: [email protected]
Michelle Dickens, President Elect: [email protected]
Lauren Williams, Treasurer: [email protected]
Jennifer Register, Assistant Treasurer: [email protected]
Carey Brown, Recording Secretary: [email protected]
Katherine Barrow, Communications VP: [email protected]
Jennifer Whitaker, Community Council VP: [email protected]
Jo Sullivan, Finance Council VP: [email protected]
Pattie Strickland, Membership Council VP: [email protected]
Laurie Wilburn Bailey, Nomination Chair: [email protected]
Oonah Benson, Community Partners Chair: [email protected]
Deanne Rosso, Community Partners Co-chair: [email protected]
Karen Gilmore, Sustainer Representative:[email protected]
Katherine Crosby, Parliamentarian: [email protected]
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF ATHENSWomen building better communities
To Contact UsThe Junior League of Athens Headquarters is located at 634 Prince
Avenue, Athens, GA 30601. (p) (706) 549-8688 (f) (706) 613-0860
[email protected] www.juniorleagueofathens.org
MISSION STATEMENTThe Junior League of Athens, Inc. is an
organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism,
developing the potential of women and improving
communities through the effective action
and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and
charitable.
REACHING OUT STATEMENTThe Junior League of Athens reaches out to women of all races, religions,
and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment
to voluntarism.
OUR FOCUSLiteracy
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Message from the President
Welcome to a new exciting League year! This summer has been a busy one for your leadership team. Between learning our individual leadership styles to be
able to work together easier, ringing bells, talking sticks, happy dollars-4-literacy to the happy baby song, we have created an open environment of discussion and respect for each other. This environment has developed ambitious goals for this League year and the future of JLA that follow our strategic plan, mission, and vision. This year will be marked foremost by fun and celebratory gatherings while continuing to develop each
of you as trained volunteers and leaders in our community.
Throughout my years as a League member, I have learned that life is not all about reaching the goal. It‘s about the journey, the lessons you learn, the friendships you gain, the lives you touch and change for the better and about the person you become. I hope that you too will experience these journeys as a League member. I want each of you to think of your membership in the Junior League of Athens as a place to have fun, grow as a person and leader and impact our community in positive ways and NOT only as a place that you go to meet your requirements.
At the core of the JLA’s mission is a focus on developing women as community and civic leaders. There are six core ele-ments that the Junior League is uniquely positioned to foster in Your development as a leader in the community:Collaboration: JLA members not only collaborate with each other to run the organization but we collaborate with organi-zations that align with our services and mission as well.
Inclusive Communication: With hundreds of members, it is important for the JLA to foster a sense of belonging for our members. Inclusive communication builds engagement, and it is this communication that helps to develop our organiza-tion and each other.
Community Awareness, Action & Advocacy: As the Junior League develops its issue-based community service model, League members will not only expand their global and community awareness, but all will have the opportunity to become advocates for our organization and the Athens community.
Operational Expertise: The volunteer experience with the Junior League of Athens is unique as the organization operates and manages itself with trained volunteers.
Strategic Thinking: The Junior League of Athens is in the second year of its current three-year Strategic Plan. Strategic leaders were not only involved in the process of creating the plan, but in developing the plan itself.
Volunteer Development: We foster advances in volunteer skills and knowledge to benefit the community. Our communi-ty has continually gained from the countless trained JLA volunteers serving on the boards and leading nonprofits in the Athens community.
Let’s continue to have fun this year while maintaining our mission and vision for the Junior League of Athens. I look for-ward to the months to come with great anticipation as together we will Make EVERY Moment Count!
Yours truly,
Alicia Battle
Alicia BattlePresident [email protected]
How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single Moment before starting to improve the world. ~Anne Frank
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Calendar for September
Signature Project: Bookin It Character
Crawl Sun. Sept. 21.
2:00pm-5:00pm, YMCA
Meetings
JLA Combined Councils Activity/ MissionMoment
Mon. Sept. 15 Book -o-Treat
EventsSeptember
National Literacy
Month
General Meeting
Mon. Sept. 8th, 6:30pm, The Melting
Point
Board Meeting
Tues. Sept. 22th6:30pm, TGH
Daynes Mackey Parker, Deanne Rosso, Pattie Strickland, Hallie Watts, Alison Silva, and Laura Ambrose volunteering a the Athens Literacy Council 9th Annual Adult Spelling Bee.
Do not Forget to Volunteer!
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JLA Board Meeting Minutes : July
Taylor Grady House ~ Monday July 28, 2014 ~ 6:30 pm
Members Present: Alicia Battle, Michelle Dickens, Deanne Rosso, Jennifer Register, Patti Strickland, Lauren Williams, Kate Crosby, Carey Brown, Laurie Bailey, Jennifer Whitaker, Jo Sullivan
Members Absent: Katherine Barrow, Karen Gilmore, Oonaugh Benson
Member Guests: Daynes Mackey
“Happy Dollars” At the beginning of each board meeting, each board member shares something they are happy about and donates $1. The collected money will be spent on books to promote literacy.
Alicia Battle called the meeting to order at 6:28 pm.
Lauren Williams motioned to approve July board meeting consent agenda and Michelle Dickens seconded. The agenda passed.
Laurie Bailey motioned to reinstate Emma Holman and Lauren Williams seconded. The motion passed. All were in favor.
Alicia Battle shared that the endowment board is working on receiving a 501c3.
Daynes Mackey, Hospitality/TGH Chair, shared what she has worked on this summer for the Taylor Grady House. She presented partnership information with Hargrett Library Collection to collect and organize Taylor Grady House history. The board favors working with the special collections library at UGA to donate our collection to add to the library archives. Dawg Gone cleaning quoted $500 to do a deep cleaning of the Taylor Grady house in late August/early September. This would include an extensive cleaning of the kitchen. Sustainer Nina Herrington donated 2 rugs to furnish the Taylor Grady House. Camilla Bracewell is working with Lewis rugs to clean and restore current antique rugs at the Taylor Grady House.
Alicia motioned to table the VP communications report. Deanne Rosso seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Michelle motioned to table the Treasurer’s report. Deanne seconded. All were in favor.
Deanne Rosso shared community partners update from Oonaugh Benson. Deanne listed new community partners.
A representative from the Signature Project attended the July 24th FliP meeting at the YMCA. These meetings allow JLA members to meet with other volunteers that are promoting literacy in our community. Athens Regional Foundation is seeking volunteers to read in the Athens Regional Medical
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Center pediatric unit on March 24, 2015. Dr. Seuss day is March 2, 2015.
The Fall Leadership Retreat is August 16th at Spring Hill Suites. This retreat will be a great opportunity to set the standard for our new JLA leaders and provide training. Council VP’s will explain how committee Chairs and Co-chairs utilize council meetings to share ideas and changes within their committee. Closureware training will be provided and all attending the retreat will be asked to bring their laptops to receive hands on training. Members will break into council groups at the end of the retreat.
Each board member has been asked to read and sign a board agreement outlining their role and commitment to The League this year.
An idea was discussed to create a committee for our League’s 80th anniversary that will kick off in January.
The Taylor Grady House needs more security. Information has been received for a Dropcam DCAM-001-THD wireless video monitoring camera that lets you view an area remotely using your compatible iOS or Android device. The total for 4 cameras and 1 year cloud subscription is $842. The board will continue discussing security for the Taylor Grady House at the August board meeting and vote next month. We plan to talk to the insurance company about discounts for additional security at the TGH and verify that the house has a strong internet connection to allow consistent video monitoring security.
Elizabeth Elliot has called about touch up areas at the Taylor Grady House and is currently getting painting quotes. Elizabeth is also making arrangements to repair a leak at the TGH.
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Laurie Bailey. All were in favor at 7:29 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carey Brown, Recording Secretary
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Taylor Grady House ~ Monday August 25, 2014 ~ 6:30 pm
Members Present: Alicia Battle, Deanne Rosso, Jennifer Register, Pattie Strickland, Lauren Williams, Kate Crosby, Carey Brown, Laurie Wilburn-Bailey, Jennifer Whitaker, Jo Sullivan, Katherine Barrow, Karen Gilmore.
Members Absent: Michelle Dickens, Oonaugh Benson.
Happy dollars-4-literacy were shared and collected.
Alicia Battle called the meeting to order at 6:38 pm.
Pattie motioned to approve the consent agenda and Deanne Rosso seconded. The agenda passed.
Change in July minutes. Jo did not attend the FLiP meeting. The Signature Project committee attended the meeting. All approved and all in favor of a change in the agenda.
Alicia gave an update on the JLA budget. The cabinet purchase, for the TGH board room, is un-der expenses on the balance sheet so Jennifer Register will look into updating it. Jennifer will also retrieve the invoice for the Red and Black and verify the payment for Closureware that was posted twice. We also owe a small amount of taxes from 2012. Jennifer Register is going to follow up with Trinity.
Erin Podvin shared an AJLI diversity and cultural inclusion update. Erin is an AJLI Diversity and Cultural Inclusion Committee member. The main purpose of this task force is to verify that the lan-guage of the League reflects JLA’s current values on diversity and cultural inclusion. The Board of Directors are working on updating the mission statement because they are currently using an old membership model. A vote will be taken at the annual AJLI Spring conference in Los Angeles, California to update the mission statement. Task force information can be found on the AJLI website.
Jo Sullivan shared progress on the Signature Project Bookin’ It Character Crawl. The committee is working on securing more vendors/sponsors. We discussed a plan in case it rains. Signature Project will be asked to schedule an alternate date for the event in case of rain on Sunday, September 21. It was suggested that we reach out to schools, churches and parks to publicize the event. The purpose of the event is to reach out to children about literacy. Jenn Whitaker suggested League members sponsor a child at-tending the event which would waive the child’s race fee. This would count as a volunteer shift to the league member. Lauren Williams suggested we let the first 100 children in for free and a have a donation pot to pay for the children’s race registration. Posting event flyers and donating costumes could also be alternate shift options. Alicia closed the discussion on Signature Project.
JLA Board Meeting Minutes : August
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Alicia Battle began the discussion about League survey results. The Board revised the Cookbook Committee questionnaire. The Board will talk to the Cookbook Committee to determine the marketing plan to sell the remainder of cookbooks in the TGH basement. The Board also revised the demographics survey.
Katherine Barrow shared that Camilla Bracewell suggested the League offer an option to donate to the JLA Endowment fund instead of sending flowers in honor of League members and sustainers. Jo Sullivan had a new idea, to donate a book in honor of a member to a local organization. This discussion brought up an idea to create a special occasion and condolences League policy. Katherine Cros-by will work on this policy and present it at the October Board meeting.
Pattie Strickland added a new birth announcement for Natalie Glenn to the Communications VP report.
Jo Sullivan updated the Board on Public Affairs budget increase request. Katie Waters, Public Affairs Chair, motioned to increase the committee budget. Jo motioned to approve Public Affairs budget increase to $500 to cover SPAC dues for 2014-2015 League year. All in favor.
Alicia motioned to table the League internal and external communication plan for the September Board meeting.
Alicia shared that Julie McGinty asked that the League create a financial strategic plan for League events.
Jennifer Register will report on research for a League Square with a Paypal account at the September Board meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carey Brown, Recording Secretary
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additionsTransfer In:
Debbie Granger (S)
Direction Change
Resigned: Kristen Lowry
Transfer Out:
Deborah Dietzler (S) Louisville, KY
Sarah Chandler (A)Winston-Salem, NC
ReportSend contact updates (email,
mailing address & phone number) to:
Katherine Barrow [email protected]
or call the league office 706-549-8688
Communications VPNeed to updateInfomation?
Little Leaguers:Ava Kristen Skowronski,
June 24, 2014, born to Liz and Piotr Skowronski
Information Change:Christine Smith (A)
163 North Second Street Madison, GA 30650
New Information
Inactive Leave: Jennifer Rogers
Maternity Leave:Liz Skowronski
Leaves
A Day in a Volunteer's Life:Ashley Paschall at Run or Dye event
Katherine Barrow
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The Junior League Endowment
To make a contribution or a gift “in honor” or “in memory” of
someone please makeyour checks payable to “Junior League of Athens” and mail to:
Please note “Sustainer Endowment contribution” in the memo line of check and include memorial details. For more
information about the endowment, please contact JaneBegnaud at
Update Your Information
Please send contact updates (email, mail-ing address & phone
number) to: Katherine Barrow – barrowkatherine@
gmail.com or call the league office at
706-549-8688
Membership Renewal
Renew your membership now for the
2014-15 League YearPlease send $75 payable to “The Junior League of
Athens”
Sustainer Update Our thoughts and prayers to Nancy Bowen
following the loss of her sister.
Congratulations to Natalie Glenn for the new addition to her family!
For any updates or news you would like to share, please send it to Karen Gilmore at [email protected] and [email protected]
Mail dues or Endowment Checks to:
Taylor Grady House634 Prince AvenueAthens, Ga. 30601
Save the Date! Past Presidents Lunchen December 11, 2014
Please join us in welcoming the newest class of provisionals to the League!
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Provisional Retreat
On August 9 a NUMBER ofwomen attended the provisional retreat here at the Taylor Grady House to kickoff the year.
Accomplishments of the day
• getting to know each other through ice breakers
• history of the Junior League and TGH• requirements of membership• meeting some of JLA leadership• structure of the League• volunteer opportunities and commu-
nity
Thank you to Em’s Kitchen and Jittery Joes for the donation of refreshments!
Women who were unable to attend the re-treat will have the opportunity to attend the make up session on Thursday August 28 at 5:00 at TGH.
Please join us in welcoming the newest class of provisionals to the League!
Provisional TrainingKaDee Holt
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JLA Leadership RetreatIn August, our Board of Directors and Committee leadership enjoyed a retreat at the SpringHill Suites.
Key tools for Effective Committees
• Communication/info sharing (within/into/out of committee) early and often
• Communicate consistently with a clear vision of goals and inspiration (show results)
• Establish idea buy-in but also listen with both ears to those who question and those who support
• Tie everything back to the JLA Strategic Plan, • Mission, Vision and Focus
Role of Committee Management
• Understand JLA financial/process• Utilize placement advisors• Provide feedback and clearly communicate to
the committee
Meeting Conversation Points ~ roles of committees and individual team members ~
~ engagement and ownership ~ ~ development of committee annual plans ~
~ a planning to reach this year’s goals ~
How to Achieve Success this Year
Pattie Strickland
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TAste of Cookbook
We are looking forward to using this event to promote our wonderful cookbook and give
the community an opportunity to learn more about what the Junior League has to offer and to create more awareness about literacy in Athens.
There will be multiple food stations and drink sta-tions in the Taylor Grady House, and outside seating weather and tent permitting. We have spoken to Laura Whitaker about partnering with the No Kids Allowed group from Extra Special People (older high functioning adults with disabilities) to join us at this
event and work towards their goal of community service while joining the Junior League in promoting literacy, the cookbook and serving our community.
Additionally, we are reaching out to each of our mini grant recipients and requesting that each recipient attend with one individual from their organization and one recipient of that grant. The Junior League has partnered with seven mini grant recipients this year. All of these organizations have requested money for items that are literacy-focused as this is our impact area Items range from alphabet floor puzzles to books to tutoring and GED classes as well as ascholarship fund. The idea would be to assign each mini grant team to a table that they would host. As guests and JLA members visit each of the food stations sampling the delicious cookbook food, the mini grant teams can talk about their programs and really connect with our guests and members reminding us all of the great work the JLA does in the community and what programs are being benefited from our mini grants. I think this is great opportunity to really give the gen-eral membership a chance to connect with the impact we are having and can have on the community.
September 19th, 2:00pm-5:00pm Taylor Grady House
CookbookJoi Akridge
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Mini Grant RecipientsSeptember 8th is a very exciting meeting for JLA, as this is when we
recognize & reward our 2014-2015 Mini-Grant Recipients at the Foundry Park Inn’s Melting Point. These organizations all requested financial assistance with items related to literacy and/or funding to support literacy programs! There will be 7 organizations receiving Mini-Grants this year.
Funding will support Spanish literacy classes, GED classes as well as a scholar-ship for a woman seeking a degree in education. Financial assistance will also be utilized in purchasing items related to literacy including: 100 foam alphabet floor puzzles, GED/SAT prep books, testing & application fees, financial literacy books, and 700 Graphic Novels!
Community Service
For information about upcoming volunteer opportunities check closureware or email Ansley Crisler at [email protected]
Ansley Crisler
Book
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Sept
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Book
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Sept
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The Signature Project committee and the Junior League of Athens are proud to present our first Bookin’ It: Character Crawl! Come dressed in your favorite book character and join us for activities, local vendors and resources, a character costume parade, three 100 meter dashes (based on age) and one 400 meter dash (18 & up). Admission to the event is free. The parade and/or race is $5 for children (12 & under), $10 for individuals, and $25 for families (a group of adults and children). The parade will begin at 3:00 and the first dash will kick-off at 3:30. Partici-pants are asked to register through the Junior League of Athens website at www.juniorleagueofathens.org.
We will need many volunteers the day-of, but will also have opportunities to fulfill your shift before
and after the event if you are unable to be there the day-of the event.
Volunteer slots will be up on Closerware soon. We hope everyone will be able to attend and dress in
your favorite book character costume!
Get Excited & Get Creative!
Signature ProjectKacina Hewell
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Accessing the houseOffice Hours:
MWF 9am-3pmT/Th 12:00pm -4:00pm
Hours subject to change due to scheduled events, call to confirm before visit.
• The house can be accessed through the back door on the ground level with the keypad lock Monday through Friday from 8am to 9pm.
• On weekends, please do not access the house until after 9am.• Accessing the house any other time must be scheduled through the JLA office. Please, contact Elizabeth to
make arrangements.
The Taylor Grady House
Elizabeth Elliottthe new JLA Director & Event
Coordinator for the Taylor Grady Housephone: (706)549-8688
email: [email protected]
We, as a league, are privileged to be the stewards of such a beautiful home as the Taylor Grady House. As we begin this year, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to please take good care of the house so that everyone in the league and the community can continue to enjoy it. If you use the house, please remember to clean up after yourself:
Sweep the floorsPut up chairs and replace any furniture you’ve movedCheck the restroomsDo not leave ANY food in the houseTake out all trash and replace the trash bagsTurn out the lightsIf you use the house tablecloths, you MUST take them home, wash them, and return themPlease make every effort to leave the house in better condition than you found it
Cleaning supplies and trash bags can be found in the committee closet on the third floor and in the closet across from the office.
Additionally, please do not drop things in the hallway or office without a note or e-mail to Elizabeth that includes your name, phone number, and why the item was left.
Please keep in mind that tours are given to the general public as well as prospective members throughout the week and it is important that we always put our best foot forward. If you have any questions, please contact Daynes Parker or Stacey Hilliard.
TGH/ HospitalityDaynes Mackey
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September Community PartnerAC
TIVES
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Community Partners 2013-2014
DIAMOND LEVEL PLATINUM LEVEL GOLD LEVEL
SILVER LEVELAlways, Always Flowers • Bulldawg Illustrated • Lindsay Mayflower
Southern Distinction Magazine • Wingate Downs Photography
BRONZE LEVELAllstate Insurance • Athens First Bank and Trust • Athens Parent Magazine
Athens Regional Medical Center • Ciné • Consultants Unlimited • Global Escapes Travel • JHP PotteryJWR Jewelers • Massage Envy • Piedmont Impressions • Satisfactory • The Body Shop of Athens
FRIEND OF THE LEAGUEAthens Diagnostic Center • Belk • Carl A. Blount Insurance • Chase Street Storage • Em’s Kitchen on Hawthorne
Partner Technology • SCANA Energy • Urban Sanctuary
MEMBERS CIRCLEChick-fil-a • DM3 Salon • Plain Jane • Stoltz Business Services
The Junior League of Athens634 Prince Avenue
Athens, Geogia 30601
www.juniorleagueofathens.org
Printing Provided By:The Athens Printing Company
Periodicals PostagePAID
Athens GA 30601Permit #035600
Oonagh Benson: [email protected] Rooss: [email protected]
Junior Directions (USPS 035600) is published monthly except July and August by the Junior League of Athens,
at 634 Prince Avenue, Georgia 30601. Periodicals postage paid at Athens, GA.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Junior Direc-tions, 634 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30601.
SilverAlways, Always Flowers; Bulldawg Illustrated; Courtney Rosen Photography; Occasionally Ellyn; Wingate Downs
Photography; Southern Distinction
BronzeAllstate Insurance-Merryn Walker; Athens First Bank & Trust; Athens Parent Magazine; Athens Regional Medi-
cal Center; Cine; Global Escapes; JWR Jewelers & Engravers; Lindsay Mayflower; Piedmond Impressions/Greater Georgia Printers; satisfactory; Thomas Built Cabinets; Vickery Financial Services, Inc.
Friend of the LeagueAthens Diagnostic Center; Belk; Carl A. Blount Insurance; Chase Street Storage; Chick-fil-A Beechwood/Atlanta Highway/Barnett Shoals; Em’s Kitchen; Georgia Plastic Surgery & Reconstructive Care; Georgia Power; Partner
Technology; Plain Jane Designs; SCANA Energy; The Sign Brothers; Urban Sanctuary Spa
Member’s Circle Melissa Pepin Photography; Yuva Medical Spa
2014-2015