L e a g u e L i n e s 2012/2013 October 2012 Volume 3, Issue 2

The Junior League of Huntington

President’s Perspective

pg. 2

Inside this

issue:

Jenna Told Ya

pg. 11

Meet the Board

pg. 6-7

2

Executive Board President Amy Browning

President-Elect Katina Haught

Community Vice President Rebecca Crowder

Corresponding Secretary Missy McComas

Recording Secretary Ashley Corder

Treasurer Summer Haynes

Treasurer Elect Jessica Copeland

Committee Chairs Arrangements………………………..............Ashley Corder

……………………………………………….Natalie McCormick

Character Breakfast………………………..…Tiffany Clark

…………………………………………………………...Leslie Culp

Community Center……………………..Anna von Allmen

Cookbook…………………………………………..Maria Aiello

………………………………………………………..Ashley Kacey

Done in a Day ………………………………….Kristi Henson

Education……………………………………….Ginny Morgan

Kids in the Kitchen…………………………....Darci Barger

………………………………………………………Rachel Messer

League Lines…………………………………...Anna Lafferre

Membership……………………………….........Erica Deligne

…………………………………………………….Denise Landers

Mistletoe Market……………………………..Amy Prestera

……………………………………………..……….Allison Subacz

Nominating/Placement……………….....Jamie Webster

Public Relations………………………………Anna Lafferre

……………………………………………………Meagan Shelton

Ways & Means………………………………....Darah Snyder

………………………………………………………Sarah Walling

JL of Huntington Meetings are held on the second Monday of

the month at 6 p.m.

617 9th Avenue

Huntington, WV 25701

304.523.4165

www.facebook.com/JLofHuntington

@JLofHuntington

Junior League Mission The Association of Junior Leagues

International, Inc. is an organization of

women committed to promoting

volunteerism, developing the potential of

women and improving communities

through the effective action and leadership

of trained volunteers. Its purpose is

exclusively education and charitable.

League Lines League Lines staff welcomes any

contributions from the members of Junior

League Huntington. Please contact

Editor-in-Chief Anna Lafferre at

anna.lafferre@yahoo.com. Submissions are

due by the second Friday of every month.

3

President’s Perspective What is Your Purpose?

by Amy Browning

Recently I was presented with the following question; what is your purpose? Although I believe it to have been intended as rhetorical, I couldn’t help but start crafting my answer. It’s one of those thought provoking questions designed to make us reevaluate who we are and where we are going.

Am I defined by my profession, my hobbies, and my friends? Yes. We have a loyalty to the groups we are associated with and in the community, we represent them. We are our places of business, churches, clubs, and families to those we come in contact with. That’s a huge responsibility. One I know our chairmen and board members are very aware of.

I speak in front of a lot of groups, but I was a bit nervous walking into our first GMM this year. It’s not that I was intimidated or uncertain about those in leadership positions. I just have big dreams and plans for this year. I was pleased by how smoothly the meeting seemed to flow. I was encouraged by the enthusiasm on the new faces of our provisionals. And I was impressed by the work our chairmen have already done to assure our success. The women of the Junior League of Huntington make me proud.

In October we’ll continue to look at our goals for this year and how we plan to get there. Ideas are welcome. Just because we have always done it that way, doesn’t mean we can’t try something new. I challenge you to think beyond this year. Where do you see the JLH in two, five or 10 years?

In the middle of an election year with campaign signs, commercials, speeches and a lot of photo ops our political hopefuls are spending a significant amount of money and energy trying to explain who they are and where they are going. I won’t begin to impose my personal political preferences on any of my fellow JLH members. What I will encourage, is a call for action. Your voice is important. Your opinions matter. You are role models in our communities, schools, board rooms and at the kitchen table. Let your voice be heard.

Beyond our mission statement, I don’t know what your purpose is. That’s often a private matter, one that evolves as the stages of our lives change. As for my own purpose, I know I’m supposed to help people. It may not sound like anything grand or flashy, but neither am I. My test for success is the quote often attributed to Emerson: “To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty; To find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded.”

Whether you already know your purpose or you hope to find it soon, I am certain that with this organization’s support you will grow into the person you are meant to be.

4

League News and Events September Meeting Minutes

Amy Browning opened the meeting with a discussion about old business. She reminded us about the changes in

the Community Center, and the redistribution of Margaret’s duties. She confirmed that we have a contract with

Goodwill for custodial duties. She stated that if you were not at the Board Retreat then your paperwork is in your

box in the office.

Amy discussed new business. Board meetings will be held on the first Monday of the month at 6:30. Chairmen

are welcome to attend but not required. She mentioned the Strategic Plan and stated it would come out in the

Redbook.

Missy McComas asked that if anyone had any changes to their email or addresses to let her know so she can

make the changes in the Redbook.

Ashley Corder and Natalie McCormick spoke about babysitter needs. They asked for feedback, and the group

wants to have a babysitter at every meeting. They are checking on sororities to see if they can get a volunteer, if

not then if you bring your child they are asking for you to bring $5 to cut down on costs for the league.

Erica Deligne and Denise Landers spoke about Membership. They have about 15 girls interested. They have

three training dates scheduled within the next week.

Jamie Webster, Nominating Placement is now keeping track of DIAD hours. She stated that we needed a co-chair

for Character Breakfast, and Tiffany Clark volunteered for the job. We also need co-chairs for Rummage Sale.

Summer Haynes talked about the budget, this year we had to combine Junior League and Community Center

budgets. She made a motion as finance chair to approve the budget and Rachel Messer seconded that motion,

and the motion carried. September 15 second half of dues are due. She also informed us that the building loan

has been paid off. She asked that if you are writing a check for multiple things within the league that you write a

separate check so we can track what they are for easier.

Jessica Copeland stated that fundraiser chairs need to have a proposed budget to the board by October 1. If you

plan to spend more than $300 on an item it must be board approved. She asked that chairs please let her know

when you are having a meeting so she can attend.

Amy Prestera spoke about Mistletoe Market; the committee is meeting next week to finalize the date.

Leslie Culp talked about Character Breakfast; they are looking for a new venue and possibly getting McDonald’s

to donate the food to cut costs.

Ashley Kasey and Maria Aiello discussed the cookbook; they are asking that every league member submit 5

recipes by the November meeting. They are looking for an artist to design the cover, a name and a printing

company.

Sarah Walling spoke for League Lines; she asked to have all submissions turned in to Anna Lafferre by the

Friday after each General Membership Meeting. Sarah also passed out a survey about education for Ways and

Means.

Kristi Henson discussed upcoming DIAD opportunities; Chilifest, Greekfest, and Path to the Cure are all coming up. She reminded us that we each need 12 hours of out of the league involvement and to send our hours to Jamie

at the end of each month.

Darci Barger and Rachel Messer spoke about their KITK event where they handed out fruit donated by Black

Diamond at Fit Fest in Ritter Park. They are collaborating with Huntington’s Kitchen and scheduling an October

event called Healthy Halloween. If you want to order a KITK t shirt please email them your size.

Anna von Allmen talked about painting and upgrades we are going to be doing to the building.

Amy Browning announced that we received an 80 years of service award.

Erica Deligne spoke about getting possible discount cards where members of the league can save money at local

places.

Summer Haynes made a motion to adjourn and Audrey Dean seconded that motion. The motion carried.

5

League News and Events

The Junior League will be publishing a cookbook

this year. Each active member of the League will be

required to submit five recipes to one of the

Cookbook Co-Chairs via email no later than

November 12. Submissions may also be brought to

the October or November General Membership

meetings. The categories for submissions are as

follows: Appetizers, Soup/Salad, Bread, Dessert,

Meat/Seafood/Poultry, Veggies/Side Dishes,

Breakfast and Kids in the Kitchen (fun kids recipes).

Please include number of servings and prep time

with submissions. Recipes may be submitted to

C o o k b o o k C o - C h a i r s M a r i a A i e l l o

(maiello@autismwv.org) or Ashley Kasey

(awkasey@gmail.com).

Find Your Inner Julia Child

Kids in the Kitchen The 4th Annual PATH Fit Fest was held on Sunday Sept. 8, 2012 at

Ritter Park. This event helps raise money for the PATH bicycle and

pedestrian trail that, when complete, will travel through most of

Huntington. The trail is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Paul Ambrose

who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was a native of

Huntington and as a physician was very passionate about family healthy

and preventive medicine to help fight obesity. The Junior League

members have participated in this event in the past and were contacted

again this year to help volunteer in assisting with the children’s events.

The Fit Fest kicked off with the children’s dashes. After the races the

Junior League members handed out water and healthy snacks to the

children. Thanks to donations from Supervalu the kids had a variety of

apples, oranges, and bananas to choose from. The kids were eager to enjoy the fruit after all the

energy they put forth during the races. Overall, this was a great experience for the Jr. League

members. It was very rewarding to be a part of promoting healthy lifestyles for children. — Darci

Barger and Rachel Messer

6

M e e t t h e 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3 J L H B o a r d President — Amy Browning

President-Elect — Katina (Tina) Haught Community Vice-President — Rebecca Stanley

Previous JL Positions: PR,

KITK Co-chair, Sweet

Temptations Co-chair

How Long She’s Been in the

League: 6 years

What Made Her Want Her

Current Position: I was

nominated for it and after

much thought decided to accept

Favorite Thing About the League: The many

different women I get to meet and form

relationships with while giving back to our

community.

Occupation: Registered Nurse at St. Mary's

Favorite TV Show: Right now it is The Walking

Dead, Revenge and The Big Bang Theory.

Previous JL Positions Held: President-Elect, Corresponding Secretary, Character Breakfast co-

chair, Rummage Sale co-chair

How Long She’s Been in the League: Since the Fall of 2005

What Made Her Want Her Current Position: Although I never actively pursued this position, I

am honored to be trusted with it. I feel those who nominated me believed I had something to

offer the organization and I take their faith in me as a great responsibility. With the knowledge

that previous leaderships have left big shoes to fill and the women of the Junior League of

Huntington have been instrumental in shaping our community, I felt compelled to help in any

way I could.

Favorite Thing About the League: The opportunity to give back to my community in a way

that allows me to grow as a professional and develop friendships with women I might not have met otherwise.

Occupation: Staff Educator at St. Mary’s Medical Center

Favorite TV Show and Why: The Big Bang Theory – The writing is wonderfully witty. I love a smart comedy.

Previous JL Positions Held:

Character Breakfast Co-chair,

Rummage Sale Co-chair, Gala Chair,

Arrangements

How Long She’s Been in the

League: 6 years

What Made Her Want Her Current

Position: I really enjoy the

community outreach aspect of the league and wanted

to take a larger role in it.

Favorite Thing About the League: Getting to know

so many amazing women.

Occupation: Director of Development for The Healing

Place of Huntington

Favorite TV Show and Why: I don't have one. I do

not watch much television.

7

M e e t t h e 2 0 1 2 / 2 0 1 3 J L H B o a r d Recording Secretary — Ashley Corder Corresponding Secretary — Missy McComas

Treasurer — Summer Haynes

Previous JL Positions Held: Co-Treasurer, Placement Advisor

How Long She’s Been in the League: 4 years

What Made Her Want Her Current Position: I was happy to join a

wonderful group of women on the board at the time and wanted to help in any way I could.

Favorite Thing About the League: My favorite thing is meeting people who truly care about the Huntington area and supporting other women and children.

Occupation: Preschool Teacher

Favorite TV Show: I love The Newsroom and Boardwalk Empire. Guilty pleasure? Teen Mom

Treasurer-Elect — Jessica Copeland

Previous JL Positions Held: KITK co-

chair

How Long She’s Been in the League:

Since fall 2009

What Made Her Want Her Current

Position: I love the league and welcomed

the opportunity to be more involved and

make a greater impact!

Favorite Thing About the League: The members - women

with a heart for service working together to make a

difference in our community, many while balancing careers,

families, and other community involvement - so inspiring!

Occupation: Forensic Scientist Specialist for the Kentucky

State Police Crime Lab

Favorite TV Show and Why: My favorite TV show right

now is probably Modern Family because it makes me laugh

out loud!

Previous JL Positions Held: This

is my first position I have held

within the JL

How Long She’s Been in the

League: I have been in the league

since Spring 2011.

What Made Her Want Her

Current Position: When my name was brought up by

my placement group to be on the board I was

surprised since I was new to the organization, but I

decided it would be a great way to learn more about

the League.

Occupation: I am a Billing Clerk for Cabell County

EMS

Favorite TV Show and Why: I love reality TV,

especially The Voice and The Bachelor.

Previous JL Positions Held:

Character Breakfast Co-Chair,

Rummage Sale Co-Chair, Mistletoe

Market Co-Chair (2 years), Done-in-a

-Day Co-Chair (2 years)

How Long She’s Been in the

League: 6 years

What Made Her Want Her Current

Position: I was actually nominated for the position and felt

that it was a great opportunity to learn more about how the

league works.

Favorite Thing About the League: I love to watch how

hard all the women work in order to pull off a successful

event. It is amazing what women can do!

Occupation: Preschool Teacher at St. Joseph Catholic

Favorite TV Show and Why: I love watching Keeping

Up With the Kardashians! I love to watch all of their “drama.”

8

Spotlight On…

Ashley Kasey JL’s Cookbook Co-Chair

League Lines: What do you do at your job?

Ashley Kasey: I worked at WOWK-TV for two years in marketing and

pharmaceutical sales for ten years. I decided to stay home with our son

when he was born. I see my job as making sure my kid doesn't hurt

himself. He keeps me very busy.

LL: Where are you most fulfilled?

AK: I enjoy working on projects that benefit people. Volunteering for

the Special Olympics was one of my favorite events.

LL: What made you join JL?

AK: My good friend Emily Watson suggested that I join. I had just

moved back to the area from North Carolina and wanted to meet new

people.

LL: What other organizations are you involved with?

AK: New Member Chair for The Boyd County Medical Alliance; I was

Vice President of Delta Zeta at EKU.

LL: Why are you so involved in your community?

AK: I want to be remembered for the good things that I did for people. I

think it's important to set a good example for my child.

LL: What made you agree to be Cookbook Chair?

AK: I wanted to be more involved in JL.

LL: What is your favorite part of the League?

AK: All of the new friends that I have met. It seems that every event that I work allows me to meet someone new.

LL: What are your hobbies?

AK: I’m currently running an ebay business...I call it imports and exports.

LL: What is your favorite movie?

AK: Grease....is the word!

Ashley-at-a-Glance

Education: Eastern

Kentucky University — B.A.

Broadcast Communications

Husband: Mike,

Nephrologist at KDMC in

Ashland

Early Years: Grew up in

Ashland, KY with one older

brother, Travis

Pets: 2 chocolate miniature

schnauzers, Paisley and

Marco. Yes he's named after

the Marshall mascot!

Random: Loves cooking,

‘80s music and would love

to see an Antropologie at

the Huntington Mall!

9

Hall of Fame This section is intended to recognize outstanding accomplishments or exciting news of Junior League

members. If you have news to share about yourself or a fellow member, please email

League Lines Editor Anna Lafferre at anna.lafferre@yahoo.com.

Congratulations to Rebecca (Stanley) Crowder, who

celebrated her marriage to Tim Crowder in August. Outstanding work Erica Deligne and Denise Landers on a great

New Member Social.

We’re proud of Audrey Dean

who was accepted to the Joan C.

Edwards School of Medicine at

Marshall University!

Congratulations to Leslie

Culp who was promoted

by the U.S. Probation

Department as a Federal

Probation Officer.

Best wishes to Maria Aiello, who committed

to her partner, Jamie White, on September 1.

They will host a celebration with friends and

family in October. Maria will also be starting

a new job as a Behavior Support Professional

at the end of October.

10

World view This section is dedicated to learning about what other Leagues around the country and world are doing.

by Shelly Banjo

New Jersey native Delly Beekman has one message

for female volunteers: This isn't your mother's

charity anymore.

The newly elected board president is trying to turn

the century-old Association of Junior Leagues

International from a pearls-and-white-glove social

organization into a powerful women's movement.

After losing a fifth of its members in a decade, the

organization has decided to retool to remain

financially viable and, perhaps more importantly,

relevant to the next generation of female volunteers.

It has reframed its mission to focus on encouraging

women to be civic leaders and have an impact on

their communities.

After 100 years, the group is planning to change the

way the organization recruits, retains and serves

members. "Members are our most important

resource, both in advocating for the issues the group

cares about and generating the bulk of the

organization's revenues," Ms. Beekman said.

Local chapter membership dues can range from $75

to several hundred dollars a year, including a $35 fee

for international dues.

The Junior Leagues began in 1901 in New York City

and today includes nearly 300 membership leagues

throughout America, Canada, Mexico, and the U.K. It

has been known for attracting influential women

such as former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme

Court Sandra Day O'Connor, first ladies Eleanor

Roosevelt, Barbara Bush and Betty Ford and actress

Katherine Hepburn. The organization helped create a

model for the Red Cross Motor Corps, helped pass

the first federal legislation to address domestic

violence, and encouraged early childhood

immunization.

Decades later, the association of leagues has faced a

fiercer competitive landscape for volunteering

organizations, declining membership and a lack of

new recruits, said Ms. Beekman, 60 years old, who

lives in Rumson, N.J., and joined the Junior League of

Monmouth County in 1977.

"The organization hasn't adapted to the changing

needs of women who are working more and have

less time to devote to civic service," she said. "We

also have an opportunity to tap into a younger

generation of women who have grown up as

volunteers."

The first step: "to change our image from what some

perceive as an outdated social club," said Ms.

Beekman, who added that she's received advice from

her own 24-year-old daughter, who is joining a local

club this year.

Ms. Beekman said she wants to transition the

Leagues from project-based organizations, where

members participate in singular volunteer activities,

to issue-based groups, rallying together on issues

such as sex-trafficking of women, childhood obesity

and education.

A number of local leagues have formed political

action groups to lobby local and national leaders on

these issues.

"We're a solid cadre of influential women and our

collective voice is our most powerful asset," Ms.

Beekman said.

From the Wall Street Journal online.

Junior League Takes the Gloves Off

11

Jenna Told Ya Thoughts on life from JL Huntington’s funniest gal! Find her on Twitter at @Jenna_ToldYa

The October meeting is Wednesday,

October 17 at 10 a.m. at the JL

Community Center, with Gabe Blatt

speaking about “Honeybees.” The

hostess is Julie Ferguson.

by Jenna Cremeans

Remodeling my bathroom has led me to learn about and purchase several new items. I finally broke

down and bought a caulk gun, I learned what aisle of Home Depot wood

putty is in, and bought my very own power sander. My most fascinating

purchase, however, was the new toilet.

I had no idea there are so many commode options are out there. It felt

like buying a car, only without the guidance of a Kelley Blue Book. Do I

want my toilet to be tricked out with a dual flushing system (one button

for #1s and another button for #2s)?

What about color? White? Ivory? Beige? Not to mention the age-old

elongated versus round debate! If you are environmentally sensitive

(like me), then you obviously will want a high-efficiency toilet to save

water. If you are handicapable, you might want to say "I do" to the taller

model. And, oh, the names! Here are just a few of my favorites: The

Cadet 3 Bone, The Stinson Biscuit, the Prelude, the Champion 4 MAX, and,

finally, the Value Toilet.

Anyway, after much deliberation, I settled for the American Standard Cadet 3 FloWise Complete Right

Height High Efficiency. I just hope it doesn’t let me down.

12

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Huntington, WV

Permit No. 90

Return service requested

The Junior League of Huntington

617 9th Avenue

Huntington, WV 25701

October Birthdays Wish a fellow member a happy birthday!

Active Members

Michele Bird October 3

Jessica Plymale October 22

Karen Horner October 27

Tiffany Clark October 29

Sustainers

Vera Rose October 2

Whitney Gesner October 5

Jennifer Ransbottom October 7

Rebecca McComas October 8

Kathryn Merry October 15

Brandy Roisman October 20

Eleanor Conaty October 25

Nancy Hanshaw October 26

Marilyn Murdock October 27

Berridge Copen October 28

Alicia Adams October 29

Mary Lind Zitter October 30