Charlons - Junior League of Monroe

SUMMER 2014
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF MONROE • WOMEN BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES
the
Showing
LOVE
Girls On Fire
Thank You,
n
Denise Simpso
Louise Seymour
Award Recipient
Volunteer of the Year
Endowment
Grant Winners
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WELCOME!
New President
Jen Ables
Admissions Welcomes
27 New
Hot Tamales!
Mary Linda McCann Huggins, 2014 Louise Seymour Award Recipient
Community Council
Communications Council
DIAD – $500.00 mini-grants
along with volunteer hours were
given to the following recipients:
o Council on Aging
o Mercy Ministries
o Monroe Garden Club
o Habitat for Humanity
o American Red Cross
o Cinderella Project
o Ronald McDonald House
o Salvation Army
o Race for the Cure
o Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana
Education Task Force –
o Awarded 27 mini-grants to local educators totaling
$12,567.56.
o Conducted ACT workshops for the first time at
two different schools (Wossman High School and
Richwood High School) reaching 120 students. Due
to the efforts of this years’ committee, this program
has grown exponentially.
o Helped in the 30th Annual Scholars Banquet in which
the Junior League was a founding partner.
Families Can’t Wait o Visited all three local hospitals giving out car
seats, pack’n plays, materials for new moms, and
Goodnight Moon books)
o Started giving moms “This side up” onesies for
babies to sleep in reminding mom to lay babies on
their back.
TLC – Kids in the Kitchen partnered with TLC this year
o Sponsored Thomas Jefferson Upper Elementary
o Bought uniforms and schools supplies for the 280
students
o Back to School Bash Event brought in over 300
parents and students to the school to meet their
child’s teacher
o Rewarded students in accomplishing goals every six
weeks in either Accelerated Reading, Accelerated
Math, or Good Conduct
o Students meeting their accelerated reading goals
tripled from the first six weeks to the last six weeks
and good conduct and accelerate math goals
doubled.
o Sponsored Talent Show for the school
o Sponsored the first girls’ basketball team for the
school by buying uniforms. The girls didn’t win
many but wore the JL shirts with pride and had fun
playing.
Web master –
o Upgraded the website
o JL Facebook page became active and established JL
Instagram
Charlons –
o Went to full color issue
o Highlights a JL Bulletin Board that showcases
member/sustainers accomplishments outside the
league
Marketing and PR –
o Articles in Delta Style and now Bayou Life
o Purchased JL tent and table cloth to use at all events
in every issue
The Year End Report
from the Outgoing President
Fund Development Council
Fund Development
o Endowment grants – Two were given totaling
$15,000 dollars
o Three New Sponsors were added to JLM sponsors
o Developed new JL Sponsorship packages
Vendor Pass
o Extended shopping to one week
o Developed shopping merchant guide
o Had 73 vendors including local restaurants
Cotton Bayou
o Sold cookbooks at River Market
o Created eBook of Cooking in High Cotton
Spring Market
o New Event – Breakfast with Bunnies
o No coke carts were used this year – sold from
concession stand
o Bought new aprons for league to use during shifts
Membership Development Council
Planning and Research Council
Cottage meeting questionnaire all done online before
meeting
Suggestions and concerns from survey were addressed
by board and implemented
Cottage meeting were more social and JL history trivia
games were played
3
Denise Simpson
C HA R LO NS — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
Admissions – Developed packets on 28 new Provisionals
Education and Training – Provided speakers for each
meeting that correlated with the topic for the month
Nominating and Placement – Developed new placement
brochure with tear off placement cards
Provisionals
o Trained 40 new JL ladies
o Had two Provisional projects: Stuff-a-Bus toy drive
and Zoo garden
Pep Squad
o Sent cards to JL members
o Planned Back to League Social and Christmas Party
o First Annual JL Family Crawfish Boil
House and Arrangement
o Renovated league house with new lights, ceiling, air
units, duct work, and kitchen appliances including
ice maker
o Sound System throughout league house
o Camera security system with monitor
o Rearranged league house to have social in kitchen
area and meeting in great room.
in every issue
about JLM
Our Vision
Through the power of
our association, Junior Leagues strengthen
communities by embracing diverse
perspectives, building partnerships, and
inspiring solutions.
O
M
ur
ission The Junior League
of Monroe 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
educational and charitable.
O
P
ur urpose We reach out to
women of all races, religions, and national
origins who demonstrate an interest in and
a commitment to volunteerism.
Our History
Since 1930, members of
the Junior League of Monroe have devoted
countless volunteer hours to meet the needs
of the people and organizations of our
community. Community leaders have always
looked to the JLM for leadership in starting
new community programs. As a result, the
JLM has often been the catalyst that turned
an idea into a success that benefitted many
in our area. Here are a few examples of
programs that we have started in recent
years: Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA), Teen Screen, Shots for Tots, Teen
Court, Operation Abstinence, and Project
Child.
partnering for a better community
Red Cross • Salvation Army • YWCA • YMCA • Camp Fire Girls • March of Dimes • Crippled Children’s
Clinic • Masur Museum • Louisiana Training Institute • Open Door Home • Easter Seals • Med-Camps •
Suzuki Forum • Ronald McDonald House • Go Care • United Way • Our House • Girl Scouts • Christian
Community Ministries • New Horizon’s Boy Scout Camp • Tri-District Boys’ Club • Twin City Ballet •
Strauss Theatre • Monroe Symphony • Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum • Susan G. Komen
Foundation • Women’s Wellness Coalition • West Monroe Community Center • Monroe Housing
Authority • Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana • City of Monroe Beautification Board • Extra
Mile • Friends of ULM Library • Friends of Monroe Civic Center • Little Theatre’s Young Troupe •
Louisiana Folk Life Festival • Monroe Chamber of Commerce • Ouachita Valley Historic Preservation
Society • Partners in Education • West Monroe/West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce • Habitat for
Humanity • The Center for Women & Children
JLM Board of Directors 2014-2015
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Ables
President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Pankey
Financial Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley West
Assistant Financial Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomi Tharp
Communications Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa Kiper
Community Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Guillot
Fund Development Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jodee Bruyninckx
Membership Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandy Green
Planning & Research Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Joiner
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miranda Moss
Advisory Planning Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Mattingly
Placement & Nominating Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cydni Hanks
Sustainer Advisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kerri Wall
Junior League of Monroe
Community Projects
CH AR LO N S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
• Education Task Force
• Families Can’t Wait
• Tools and Literacy for Children (TLC)
•Done-in-a-Day
Association Prayer
We pray that we will never be so blind
that our small world is all we ever see.
Or so supremely satisfied
that what we are is all we ever hope to be.
Grant us the joy of filling someone’s need.
Make us gracious followers,
make gracious those who lead.
And more than all we pray,
that through the years, we will remember
there are always new frontiers.
Amen.
Welcome and get ready to “Ignite Your Passion” this year.
The Junior League of Monroe
2811 Cameron Street • Monroe, LA 71201
Office 318-322-3236 (Terri Arthur)
Fax 318-322-3299
Office Hours: Mondays-Thursdays • 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Website: www.jlmonroe.org
League Year: June 1, 2014- May 31, 2015
4
contents
Outgoing President’s Message
About JLM
3
4
Association Prayer
Community Trust Bank
Albritton Photography
Community Projects
Hopkins Dermatology/MD Minerals
Board of Directors
Lefebvre Veterinary Medical Center
Incoming President’s Message
Letter from the Editors
Bulletin Board
Birthdays 6
7
8
30
St. Francis Medical Center
16
Volunteer of the Year Award Winner 17
Endowment Grant Winners
18
Endowment Fund Contributors
20
JLM Sponsors
Spring Dinner
4
21
22
Support the League, grow your business,
and advertise in Charlons! Effective and
affordable advertising with the Junior
League of Monroe.
Please address all advertising space and
rate queries to the Fund Development
committee at [email protected].
Cover photograph by: Jennifer Lizenby
Photography
Charlons Committee
Heather Guillot, Co-Chair/Co-Editor
Melissa Kiper, Co-Chair/Co-Editor
Jennifer Lizenby, Creative Director
Angela Grubbs
Lillian Paxton
Joann Powell
Louise Seymour Award Winner
for your information
2
15
30
29
32
The Charlons staff encourages you to thank our
advertisers and patronize them.
features
Your 2014-2015 Board of Directors
Advertise in Charlons
advertisers
in every issue
in every issue
Submit information, articles, and photos,
for publication in the NEXT issue of Charlons!
Sustainers, Preferred Actives,
Non-Resident Status
We Love Denise!
Committee Placements
AJLI Annual Conference Report
2013-2014 Board of Directors 26
27
28
29
31
Life is like a firework.
committee news
Admissions
10
Families Can’t Wait
Done in a Day
Education Task Force
Kids in the Kitchen
You gotta ignite the fuse
and make it beautiful.
Yearbook and Webmaster
Fund Development
Research and Development
20
Marketing/Public Relations
Spring Market 2014
Pep Squad
Provisionals
Tools & Literacy for Children
21
25
26
29
5
C HA R LO NS — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
Cotton Bayou Publications
11
12
13
14
in every issue
a Message
from the Incoming President
Dear Members and Sustaining Members,
It is an honor and a privilege to accept this role as a servant leader for the 2014-15 league year.
The Junior League of Monroe is about individuals working together for our mission - promoting
volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the
effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
We desire to have every League member confident in their abilities as a volunteer leader. We are
excited to introduce JLM University. This training program will be offered to members interested in
developing their leadership skills. You will receive the tools needed to support the Junior League of
Monroe and promote personal and professional development. “Leadership 101” will be presented
in the fall of 2014. This will give you the skills, confidence and the assurance you will need to become a professional volunteer
leader. “Talk Like a Leader” will be presented in February 2015. This will consist of a panel of past presidents and sustaining
members that will share their experiences with League members.
Goals for 2014-15:
1. Commit to making a difference - Commit to stay involved, ask questions, connect with league members and connect
with people in the community. Commit to build and cultivate relationships. Pass your life lessons on by being a mentor.
Keep the big picture in sight and do the “little things” that help you move towards your goal.
2. Continue to train and be teachable - Set your standards and your goals high. Be a started and a finisher. Practice to be
better. Be a team player and build your credibility.
3. Remember- Integrity counts - Be as good as your word. Do your best even when others are not watching.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
This year’s theme is “Ignite Your Passion.” It is our passion to train League members to be successful and confident volunteer
leaders. The Junior League of Monroe will support membership by offering appropriate and effective training and education.
This will allow League members to effectively make a difference in the community and grow the mission of the League.
CH AR LO N S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
General Meeting Themes
*September - Elements of a Fire
*October - Find Your Fuel
*November - Oxygen and Heat
*January - Introduce the Catalyst
*February - Burst Into Flames
*March - Fan the Flame
*April - Ignite Your Passion
Again, it is an honor and privilege to serve as
President for the 2014-15 league year.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve ~
Jennifer Ables
Junior League of Monroe
President 2014-15
6
Letter from the Editors
in every issue
As we close out this League year, we want to reflect on everything we LOVED
about this year. One thing we loved was our dear President, Denise Simpson,
and her passion for the League. You will read in this issue how not only us, but
everyone that Denise comes into contact with, immediately sees her servant’s
heart, her enthusiasm, positive attitude, and how her leadership inspired us all to
fall in love with the League again. Thank you for everything Denise! We also loved
all the opportunities DIAD afforded us and had such fun co-mingling with other
organizations in the community. Of course we loved all the social events! We aren’t
sure what our favorite was, but we do have to say, we loved the crawfish boil and
hope this becomes an annual event! Another love of ours is co-editing Charlons
and working with such a fun and hard working group of ladies on our committee. Jennifer, Lillian, Angela, and Joann, you ROCK! Charlons
enabled us to stay in touch with committee chairs, gave us an excuse to take a million pictures at events, and helped keep members up
to date with all the wonderful things the League is doing in-house and in the community. We will definitely miss working late nights
together, ordering take-out, and editing articles for upcoming issues. This role has taught us so many things that we can’t wait to bring
to Board next year.
We hope you enjoy all the articles from committees as they sum up their year. We are especially proud to announce the Volunteer of the
Year and JLM’s highest honor, the Louise Seymour Award. These ladies are more than deserving of these awards. If you see them around
town, congratulate them on their hard work and passion for the League. Spring Dinner is always a lovely evening where we can relax
and enjoy each other’s company and say farewell to our President. It’s also a night where we award our Endowment Grants to two very
deserving organizations. We can’t wait to see the impact these organizations make in the community with the help of the Junior League
of Monroe.
As summer approaches, don’t lose touch with fellow League members. Make a point to call or have a long leisurely lunch with them. Take
plenty of pictures on your summer vacations and share them with us in the fall. Begin to think about what all you want to accomplish
next year and where JLM will take you. We can’t wait to start the new year with President Elect, Jennifer Ables, and her theme of “Ignite
Your Passion.” We know with her spunkiness and energetic spirit, she will light a fire in all of us. We can’t wait to see her passion for the
League shine and ignite the passion in all of us. For the close of this League year, we won’t say farewell, but see you soon. And as always…
remember to cherish those memories!
Heather Guillot & Melissa Kiper
Thank You! from a
Grateful Community
C HA R LO NS — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
7
in every issue
C HAR LO N S — s um me r 2 0 1 4
Babies in Bloom
President, Jennifer Ab
les, and her sister,
Rebecca Brown (JLNO
), completed the 36th
Annual Crescent City
Classic on April 19, 20
14
in New Orleans, LA.
Wyatt
sa Kiper and JJ
lis
e
M
,
p
ar
Sh
.
Actives Meghan
ck 5K in March
ro
am
Sh
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K
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ro
ran the Mon
The Bulletin Board is for you! Please send us photos of noteworthy events along with a description of the
event to be featured on the JLM Bulletin Board. See page 5 for information about submissions.
8
Summer S
ch
eduling
June - Aug
ust: schedu
le
committee
meetings
July: sched
ule council
meetings
August: Le
adership
Reconnect
in every issue
t your travels,
u
bo
a
s
on
rl
a
h
C
ll
Te
fun things you
family outings, or
s and family over
d
n
ie
fr
LM
J
h
it
w
did
email and pics to
the Summer! Send
m
[email protected]
n
a
:
s
bb
ru
G
la
ge
n
A
Need to update your
mailing
address? You can no
w do it
online at www.jlmonr
oe.org
Active-Emily Cassis, friend-Lindsey Burkhalter, SustainerJennifer Lord, Preferred Active-Meredith Beene, ActivesMelissa Kiper, Katherine Flowers, Stacey Majure and friendMeredith Vickery tested their shooting skills at Cottanland
Skeet, Trap and Helice Gun Club in Mangham, LA.
• Committee liai
son reports
due the 25th o
f every month
• Provisionals Retreat info co
ming soon!
• Need members
hip photo? Sch
edule appt.
with Staci ASA
P!
9
d her sisters
Active Jennifer Lizenby an
a Huntington ran the
Katherine Rockett and Lis
Charleston, SC in
Cooper Bridge 10k Run in
April.
CH AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Reminders:
committee news
ADMISSIONS WELCOMES
27 NEW HOT TAMALES!
The Admissions committee was very busy this
spring completing the 2014-2015 Admissions
process. The Junior League of Monroe now has
27 very enthusiastic ladies ready to tackle their
Provisional year. The Sustainers on Standby
planned a wonderful event to welcome all of the
new Provisional ladies at the beautiful home of
Regina Wood on the evening of April 10, 2014. A
delicious spread of hot & cold hors d’oeuvres were
served. Outgoing JLM President Denise Simpson &
President-Elect Elect Jenny Pankey warmly greeted
& presented the group of fabulous ladies. Kelly
Gray, Provisional Chair for the 2014-2015 year said
it was a perfect evening for the reception. New
Committee members Dana Tarver, Sherri Mowad
and Sarah Raymond are all looking forward to a
great year orienting these new ladies to the League.
“We both enjoyed the League, the projects we
worked on together, and all of the new friends we
made during our years in the League.”
- Carla Simmons and Shelly Harrell
Submitted by: Carla Simmons and Shelly Harrell,
Admissions Co-Chairs
Families Can’t Wait has continued through the spring visiting first
time mothers at St. Francis, Glenwood, and University Health.
Members educated new moms on the importance of safe sleep
habits, care seat safety and also provided needed resources and
referral information. Chairs for the committee report that this year
has been a fantastic year full of success. The committee increased
visits from the previous year and referred more mothers to Families
Helping Families so they could get the resources they needed to
properly care for their new baby.
Committee members noted they have learned through their
service about the different resources mothers in our community
can access; programs such as Life Choices and Nurse-Family
Partnership. Chairs are proud of all of the committee members and
wanted each to know that they are making a difference. Hospital
staff and new mothers routinely praised and complimented
members for their dedication and enthusiasm this year, recognizing
their passion for this service partnership. Members were honored
by St Francis Hospital for their service this spring at the St. Francis
Volunteer Banquet for hours of service. This acknowledgment not
only recognized individual committee members for their specific
efforts but bolstered the reputation of JLM as an organization
passionately serving in our community.
First Time Mom’s visited: 295
NICU mom’s visited: 119
Car seats given to moms: 25
Pack & Plays given to moms: 33
Total Volunteer Hours: 502.5
We also gave 10 car seats and 20 pack & plays to Life Choices and
10 car seats and 30 pack & plays to Nurse-Family Partnership!
Submitted by: Courtney Weston & Kara Devinney,
Families Can’t Wait Co-Chairs
C H AR LO N S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
2014-2015
Provisional
Class
Fired Up About Family
10
Passion for the Community
Through this year I have loved working with this committee! We have had an amazing group of women with a heart for
philanthropy! I have depended on them so much this year and every time I needed help with an event someone has gladly
stepped up and went above and beyond what I could have asked for. I am so glad that many of them will remain on this
committee next year. These ladies have already demonstrated that they have a passion for this community. I am also very
excited about our new chair and the new members of the DIAD committee!
committee news
We have had such great DIAD events that really made a difference to the organizations that we were able to help. Some of
the spring events were helping at Habitat for Humanity Restore, giving out packets of goodie bags to the sponsors of the Red
Cross, and helping with the Cinderella Project, which is always so rewarding. In April we assisted the Monroe Garden Club
with their gardens at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo, helped out at the Ronald McDonald Big Bass Tournament, and volunteered
with the NELA Children’s Museum’s Tour of Homes.
Submitted by: Angie Nicholson, Done In a Day Committee Chair
They Said,
“Yes to the Dress!”
This year one of the Junior League of Monroe’s
Done in a Day projects was to help out with the
Cinderella Project. This is a special event where
young ladies come to shop for a prom dress. All
dresses are donated along with jewelry, shoes,
handbags, and anything else they may need.
This year around 180 young ladies had over 1200
dresses to choose from! This is such a special
event for not only the young ladies that attended
but also for the volunteers that helped out. It was
awesome to help each girl find that special dress
that made them feel and look beautiful.
Submitted by: Heather Guillot
C HA RLO N S — s u m me r 2 0 1 4
11
committee news
Firecracking Recipes
Cotton Bayou has had a busy spring selling cookbooks. Did you
see us at the Spring Market? We were there working hard selling
our various cookbooks and serving samples of some of our most
popular recipes from the books. We raised over $1000 from Spring
Market alone, money that will be put right back into our community.
Our committee is comprised of a group of women who have very
busy lives. Although the women on the Cotton Bayou committee
are busy with their families, work, and other things that take up
their time, they are still very giving of their time for the betterment
of our community.
Selling cookbooks at Monroe’s River Market with our
new JLM tablecloth and tent.
As our year winds down and we start looking forward and
preparing for the next year, I hope the new committee members
have a passion for the League. I hope that they bring fresh, new,
and creative ways to have the cookbooks make money so that it
may continue to support the needs of our community.
As a reminder, you may purchase cookbooks from the League
house. They make great wedding gifts for those summer brides
on your list to buy for! Need help for that July 4th barbeque? We’ve
included the “For Love of Liberty” menu out of Celebrations on the
Bayou for ideas.
Submitted by: Lindsey Swander, Cotton Bayou Publications Committee
Co-Chair
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cooked.
left in th
3 Tablesp
is cake
e pan in
oons coco
w
hich it w
a
1 cup toas
as
ted pecan
Cutting ca
s or
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es
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? Make th
is cake w
ith Diet C
oke.
Coca-Cola
Assorted Beer
Menu for 12
12
committee news
Education Task Force is Passionate
About Our Teachers and Students
Education Task Force was very busy this spring being a powerful
representative of the Junior League in our community. ETF
sponsored the Spring ACT Workshops for both Wossman High
School and Richwood High School. Additionally, on April 14,
ETF continued its 30 year tradition of serving as a Foundation
Sponsor and Golden Patron for the Ouachita Parish Scholars’
Banquet. ETF provided decorations and assisting in the
preparation for the Banquet that evening. League members
serve on the Scholars’ Banquet Task Force and I served as
this year’s Scholars’ Banquet Chairperson. The speaker at the
Scholars’ Banquet this year was Neville High School teacher,
Katherine Dixon Sandifer. I have been fortunate enough to
serve on the Education Task Force for the past three years and
been blessed with great League members who have been
steadfast to our cause and carried out their duties with a happy
heart! Their dedication of their time and talent has once again
proven to me that even with a few people, great things can be
accomplished! I wish them the best in everything they do. As a
fellow educator, it has been a pleasure to support area teachers
and students and to help spread Junior League love to so many
schools. As for next year’s ETF committee, I hope they will have
a passion to continue the Junior League’s commitment to
not only improving the educational experience in our area by
helping teachers to inspire and students to dream!
Submitted by: Mandy Green, ETF Chair
13
C HA RLO N S — s u m me r 2 0 1 4
Scholar’s Banquet
Mini grants in use in the classroom
committee news
Kids in the Kitchen
Heat it Up!
Fund Development…
On Fire in 2014
Kids in the Kitchen wrapped up its busy year that included the Back
to School Bash with TLC, teacher/parent night at Lenwil Elementary
and Cypress Point Elementary’s Fall Fitness Festival. This spring they
provided a healthy snack reward for those students who made their
Accelerated Reader points at Jefferson Upper Elementary School.
Kathryn Bagley’s committee consisted of one other person, Sarah
Cox. “Sarah was such a trooper and helped me with every event
and had such a positive attitude the whole year. What I enjoyed
most about Kids in the Kitchen was interacting with the kids. Some
of the schools we went into, these kids, don’t have a lot and so to
be able to share with them some healthy ideas for snacks was neat.
I do with we could have done more but not having been on this
committee before I felt like a fish out of water!” Unfortunately, Kids
in the Kitchen will not be a part of the League next year, but instead
anything health related will fall under TLC. Kathryn Bagley hopes
that “whoever is working on TLC has a passion for working with
children and helping foster healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.
Our kids are so wrapped up in video games, texting and watching
TV, that seems to be the norm.”
Fund Development worked hard again this year
to solicit businesses and individuals for financial
support. Funding is a vital component of all Junior
League projects and events. The committee
focuses efforts on three primary revenue streams—
Spring Market sponsorships, Friends of Market
commitments, and Charlons advertising sales. For
2014, Fund Development secured 19 business
sponsorships totaling $30,750 in revenue. Of those
19 businesses, three were new sponsors. Twentynine individuals pledged their support of the
League’s largest fundraiser as Friends of the Market.
Total revenue for the Friends of Market campaign
was $3,400.
Submitted by: Kathryn Bagley, KITK Chair
2014 was certainly a year of success. Special thanks
are offered to the ladies of Fund Development,
Ashton Mintz and Sarah Morse. These ladies were an
integral part of the committee’s accomplishments.
No matter the task—from campaigning for Friends
of Market to delivering sponsor bags—these ladies
were enthusiastic.
Warming Up
on the Web
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Fundraising allows the JLM to continue supporting
the community by helping fund the various service
projects we operate. We are always fundraising for
something whether it be our child’s school, our
church, or other charities we support. The Fund
Development committee offers excellent training
to the ladies of the League and gives women the
knowledge and confidence necessary to run a
successful campaign.
This year, the Webmaster/yearbook committee inputted all the data
necessary to publish the JLM yearbook using the new software,
Closureware. This included gathering all bio and placement
information and member profile pictures. Committee members
posted email blasts to members to keep them informed of all events
and information in the League. Past and present yearbooks along
with issues of Charlons were added to the website for viewing. We
also made our Facebook page more active by posting pictures from
events and posting important dates for members to keep record
of. Search for us under “The Junior League of Monroe” and like us!
An Instagram page was added recently to view pictures of events.
Search for us under “JLofMonroe” and follow us!
Submitted by: Cherry Coon, Webmaster/Yearbook Chair
14
In the coming year, outgoing chair Ashley West is
hopeful that the general membership and Fund
Development committee “finds passion in the
programs and services provided by the JLM”. Ashley
notes that it is much easier to encourage businesses
and individuals to support the JLM with their dollars
when you are passionate about the organization
yourself. If the new committee truly believes the
JLM provides invaluable services to our community
and they can effectively relay that belief to others,
and each fundraising effort is sure to succeed.
Submitted by: Ashley West, Fund Development VicePresident
C H AR LO N S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
15
louise seymour award winner
~
f e at u r e
A
Girls on Fire
s I was writing these articles, I couldn’t help
but hum and sing the lyrics to Alicia Keys’
song, “Girl on Fire.” I believe Alicia might have
written this song with these two ladies in mind. If
you’ve never heard it, one of the stanzas goes like
this,
Everybody stares, as she goes by, ‘cause they can see
the flame that’s in her eyes,
Watch her when she’s lighting up the night…
This girl is on fire.
When a woman is selfless, dedicated, and passionate about something,
you can see the fire in their names. The following ladies have that
flame and everyone definitely stops and stares!
The Louise Seymour recipient exhibits dedication to the League’s
purpose and mission. It is someone who has exemplary service to the
Junior League, but also in the community. Last year’s recipient, Judy
Bell, said, “I treasure this honor and appreciate being recognized.” Judy
announced the new 2014 recipient as Mary Linda McCann Huggins.
Mary Linda is a native of Monroe. She graduated from Ouachita
Christian School and ULM with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in
Business Administration. She is currently the VP and SR Commercial
Underwriter at Regions Bank on North 18th Street and has been for 15
years. She’s active in the Monroe Phi Mu Fraternity’s Alumni Chapter,
representing the chapter over the years as Collegiate Chapter Adviser,
President and Treasurer. She is also a current member of the National
Society of Daughters of the American Revolution and has been since
2008. She has two 4-legged children, Mac and Angel.
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
~ Dedication to the
Over the years, Mary Linda has been very active in our community. She
has been a member of many organizations, serving in a leadership role
in most of them. She chaired the Louisiana State Biennial Conference
on Autism in 1996. She served on the Northeast Louisiana Chapter of
Autism Society of America and was Treasurer from 1993-1998. Mary
Linda was a member of the MBA Association and was Treasurer and
Program Coordinator in 1998. She is a member of the Leadership
Ouachita Class of 2007 and served as Regions Bank team leader for the
American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Mary Linda is also passionate
about helping animals. She was the NELA rescue contact person from
2003-2006 for Labs4Rescue, a Labrador Life Line Board Member from
2003-2005, Co-Founder and on the Board of Directors for PAWS of
NELA, and currently a Ouachita Valley Dog Training Club member and
on the Board of Directors.
2013 recipient, Judy Bell, and Mary Linda McCann Huggins
Mary Linda joined the Junior League of Monroe in
1997 and has been a Sustaining member since 2006.
During this time, she has served many roles. She served
as Charlons Magazine Business Manager, Education
Task Force Chair, participated in the Association
of Junior Leagues International-Organizational
Development Institute, and was Advisory Planning
Chair. She also chaired the committee to research
and create a JLM Endowment Fund, and was the
Community Endowment Fund Trustee for 3 years. She
served on Board as Nominating Chair, Membership
VP, Corresponding Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and
Treasurer.
Congratulations Mary Linda McCann Huggins on
receiving the Louise Seymour honor! You are a true
example of what this award stands for!
“She is a wonderful Alumnae of the Phi Mu Fraternity’s
Monroe Chapter and we appreciate everything that
she does for the Chapter! The word “no” is not in Mary
Linda’s vocabulary. She is the type of woman that will
do anything that is asked of her. Completing a task is
never an issue; she will finish the job with excitement
and enthusiasm. She is a good friend and will do
anything she can to help a friend in need.”
–Allison Bryant Earl Submitted by: Melissa Kiper
16
Photograph by Jennifer Lizenby Photography
~
Congratulations to Laura Nickelson,
Junior League of Monroe’s 2014
Volunteer of the Year!
Laura has been a member of the Junior League of Monroe since
2005. She has participated in Teen Screen, Cotton Bayou Cookbook
committee, Nominating & Placement committee, and the Research
& Development committee. She has served on Board as Community
VP, Membership VP, and was a Board representative for developing
the “Cooking in High Cotton” cookbook.
Outside of the League, Laura is just as active and dedicated! She
is married to Lance Nickelson and they have 2 children, Thomas &
Katheryne. She is a member of St. Paul Methodist Church, a member
of the Finance, Outreach & Retreat committee for St. Paul’s, the Red
Cross’s Bash Chair/Co-Chair from 2007-2014, has been a member
of Lexington Elementary, Lee Junior High and Neville High School
PTOs, served as Neville Baseball Booster Club President in 2014, and
the Neville Auction Chair. She is also an avid Saints fan.
Thank you fr
om Laura…
“When the past tries to
dominate your thoughts, let
your dreams ignite your day.”
17
C HAR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Ladies, thank
you all so mu
ch for this
honor! I was
completely sh
ocked when
Denise called
me yesterday
! I hate that
am missing th
I
is night [Sprin
g
D
in
ner] with
y’all, but I kn
ow that all of
you understa
nd
Congratulations again to Laura Nickelson for your outstanding that family comes
first sometime
s. Let me
performance within the League and demonstrating a positive say how truly
blessed I am
to have been
image of JLM outside of the League!
part of this gre
a
at organizatio
n
.
T
h
rough my
years in the L
eague, I have
met some of th
most amazing
e
, hard-workin
g
a
nd dedicated
women that I
have ever kno
wn. Women
pour their hea
that
rts and souls
in
to
h
e
lping and
serving others
, volunteering
th
eir time, their
efforts and ye
s, even their m
oney to make
community a
our
better place. I
a
m
h
onored to
be a member
of the Junior
League of Mo
and proud to
nroe
have served a
lo
ngside all of y
wonderful wo
ou
men. Thank
y
o
u
,
and GEAUX
NEVILLE T
IGER BASE
BALL!!
volunteer of the year award winner
This award is given to a volunteer that is committed to our mission
of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women,
and improving our community. Laura exemplifies all of these
qualities and is the fourth recipient of JLM’s Volunteer of the Year
award.
Photograph by Jennifer Lizenby Photography
f e at u r e
League’s Purpose and Mission
endowment grant winners
The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana
Awarded $5000 Community Endowment Fund Grant
Congratulations to the $5000 grant
recipient of the Junior League
Community
Endowment
FundChennault Aviation and Military
Museum of Louisiana. The Chennault
Aviation and Military Museum seeks to
“Preserve, Promote, and Honor Aviation
and Military History” and offers several
services free of charge. These services
include educational tours, monthly
speakers, a research library, exhibits,
and Northeast Louisiana History Day
for students in grades 6-12. The group
also has a veteran’s aircraft restoration
group and participates in the Library of
Congress & Veterans Oral History Project. In 2013 the Museum hosted 73 schools
with more than 10,000 students visiting
on field trips. The grant will be utilized
to expand the existing educational
outreach programs to include the Chennault Summer Fun Boot Camp, after school programming, and drop in activities. In the summer of 2014 the museum will host the inaugural Chennault Summer Fun Boot Camp. There will be two fourday camps designed to teach students about the science of aviation. The camps will utilize a STEM (science, technology,
engineering and math) curriculum and include a variety of activities. Day One: Introductions, Tour of Museum, Scavenger Hunt and End of Day Activities
Day Two: History of Flight, Tour of Airplane Restoration Building, “What it Takes to Fly” Lesson
Day Three: Space Exploration, Local NASA Hero
Day Four: General Claire Lee Chennault, Flying Tiger Leader will be the focus
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
The camps are scheduled for June 17th – 20th and June 24th – 27th. The camps are free of charge and the Museum has already
filled both weeks for the 2014 summer, giving priority to families with incomes below $30,000 per year and children with a
military parent. Funding from the JLM Community Endowment Grant will assist with the purchase of a Promethean Board
and a teacher stipend. Funding from the JLM Community Endowment Grant will also be used to purchase items to expand the popular, and
educational, “Please Touch Me” stations. These stations are areas where museum guests (children) can actively engage the
exhibits, trying on military clothing, manipulating & exploring items, and absorbing concepts through activity.
Submitted by: JoAnn Powell
18
The Junior League of Monroe
is excited to announce the
2014 $10,000 JLM Community
Endowment Grant winner will be
Shane’s Inspiration/West Monroe
Civitan Club. The organizations
are partnering together to create
Civitan Smiles Park at Kiroli
Park in West Monroe. Civitans
International emphasizes special
needs children and programs in
their philanthropy efforts and
is accessing the professional
expertise and experience of the
nonprofit organization Shane’s
Inspiration to develop the
playground. The Civitan Smiles
Park will be an inclusive playground
that fosters social inclusion and a
bias-free world, uniting children of
all abilities in play.
Once unveiled, the organizations plan to host educational events at elementary schools along with “Play Dates”. The Mayor of
West Monroe has agreed to assist to arrange transportation for these events to assure full inclusion and accessibility of all. The
Junior League of Monroe is excited to partner with these organizations to partially fund the play structure. The Junior League
of Monroe is happy to be a part of a project which is addressing social inclusion, promoting play and directly impacting all of
the children and families in our community and beyond.
Submitted by: JoAnn Powell
19
C HAR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Shane’s inspired playgrounds exist around the nation and world, visited by families who drive in some instances over one
hundred miles to visit and play on them. A core group of stakeholders including Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
Professionals in the area, special educators, families, community leaders, and representatives from Shane’s Inspiration,
West Monroe Civitans Club, and West Monroe Director of Parks and Recreation met in November to outline needs for the
playground and brainstorm ideas for the project. People across the community have poured out support of the project
since it’s announcement, making it clear the need and desire for the playground exists in our community. The City of West
Monroe has established a site at Kiroli Park which has been surveyed and is being prepped for construction. In addition
the City of West Monroe is funding an adjoining accessible pavilion and bathrooms for the playground area. The design
team for Shane’s Inspiration is currently finalizing the development of the theme and play structures; there will be several
designs developed which are based upon different levels of funding and it is anticipated the designs will be unveiled for the
community over the summer with a final fundraising campaign to follow. The funding from the JLM Community Endowment
Grant, fundraiser campaign and other secured donations/sponsorships will all be combined and will determine which of the
proposed designs is able to be fully realized. Construction of the actual playground will begin later in 2014.
endowment grant winners
Monroe Junior League Helps Create Happiness with
“Civitan Smiles Park” - $10,000 Community Endowment Fund Grant
spring dinner
Spicing up Our
Annual Homecoming Dinner
On May 13th, the Junior League of Monroe gathered at a
new venue, The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Alumni
Center, overlooking the beautiful Bayou Desiard for its annual
Homecoming Dinner. This dinner served as the final official
meeting of the 2013-2104 League year.
Once again, the Junior League of Monroe was able to award
substantial grants to two deserving organizations. A $5,000
grant was awarded to the Chennault Aviation and Military
Museum to help with expenses for a summer fun boot
camp. Tonya Sloshman was there to receive the check for the
organization. A $10,000 grant was awarded to the West Monroe
Civitan Club to be used in conjunction with Shane’s Inspiration,
Inc for an inclusive playground at Kiroli Park in West Monroe.
Matt West and Jay Mitchell were there to receive the check for
the organization.
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
We were also able to surprise two deserving ladies with the
Louise Seymour Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award.
This year Sustainer, Mary Linda Huggins was awarded the Louise
Seymour Award and Board Member, Laura Nickelson, was
awarded Volunteer of the Year. These ladies truly exhibit the
purpose and mission of the Junior League.
Out-going President, Denise Simpson, was celebrated and
honored this evening. Denise stated to past Presidents in
attendance, “I didn’t realize the work of a JLM President, until I
became one.” Denise thanked the Sustainers in attendance for
their years of service. She thanked her husband, Don Simpson,
for being so supportive this year and dubbed him “Mr. Junior
League.” She also thanked all her friends and cohorts for their
love and support. A special thanks went out to Lamar Smith,
our long-time League photographer for his years of service. “My
goal for this past year was for us all to fall in love with the League,“
Denise said. Denise left us with this parting wisdom, “Always
put God first, then family, then your job, and then community
endeavors.”
Incoming President, Jennifer Ables, took a moment to present
Denise with a gift of outstanding service to the League, 10 years!
The gift was a cuckoo clock and Denise was more than excited.
Next Jen introduced her theme for the new League year. It is
“Ignite Your Passion.” There are three things she wants us to
focus on this year. We should commit to making a difference
and commit to building and cultivating relationships. We should
be trained and be teachable. We would remember that integrity
counts.
20
Denise’s parents
Denise’s family minus
Franklin
Ashley West and Kelly Gray
Alan Brockman and Vince Chao provided musical entertainment
Sarah Cox, Amanda May, Brittany Hayes, Jennifer Morris,
Melissa Kiper, Heather Guillot, Cydni Hanks, Meghan Sharp
and Anna Redding
Erica Ryan, Sabrina Racer and Kelli Cole
Amy Hendry and Sylver Malta
spring dinner
Jen recognized her new Board of Directors and an excited
class of new Provisionals who will be joining us this year.
She also recognized new Committee Chairs as they take on
a leadership role in the League. Congratulations to all new
Actives and members who are new Sustainers and Preferred
Actives this year. There is a role for everyone and Jen is ready
to ignite the passion in all of us!
We also appreciate the efforts of everyone on the Dinner
Committee: Jennifer Ables, Chair, Jodee Bruyninckx, Carrie
Ferguson, Chisty Flanigen, Kelly Gray, Heather Guillot, Melissa
Kiper, Jan Mattingly, Jenny Pankey, Dawn Sager, JoEllen
Showers, Kerrie Wall, and Cathy Whipple. Also a special thanks
to Alan Brockman and Vince Chao for providing music for us
this evening.
Stephanie Bryant and Kerri James
Submitted by: Melissa Kiper
2013 Louise Seymour Recipient, Judy Bell, 2014 Louise Seymour
recipient, Mary Linda Huggins, and President, Denise Simpson.
Dawn Sager and Christy Flanigen
Kerri Wall and Jennifer Ables
Phi Mu Fraternity members supporting Mary Linda Huggins
Tori Krutzer, Therese Nagem and Leigh Liles
Sustaining members of JLM
21
C HAR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Denise receiving her cuckoo clock for her
10 years of service to the League.
committee news
2014-2015 ENDOWMENT FUND
CONTRIBUTORS
Fire Up the Publicity
Marketing and PR has been working hard to get the Junior
League’s name out in the public’s eye. With articles in the
Delta Style, Bayou Life and other news publications, people
can keep abreast of what we are doing.
Mary Ann VanVeckhoven in memory of Mrs. Kathleen Eason
Carol Cudd in memory of Sally Shafto Hunt
Jean Shaw in memory of Polly Kincaid
Beverly Jarrell in memory of Dr. C. Palmer Jarrell, Jr.
Audrey Malloy in memory of Helen Edwards
Emily Ensminger Burrows in memory of Charlottie Dent
Jewel King in memory of Polly Kincaid
Ann Erskine in memory of Louise Altick
Diane Cage in memory of Jane Oliver
Regina Lynch Wood in memory of Jim Taylor & Jack Mabray
Lillian Breard in memory of Jim Taylor
Mitzi Gates in honor of Lynn Hodge
Lana Forte in memory of Jim Haddox
Christy Flanigen in memory of John Posey
Dolores Johnson in memory & honor of Lena Wallace
Frances McCrocklin in memory of Nell Faulk
Mary Ann Roark in memory of Louise & John Ferguson
Anu Lal
Dawn Sager
Staci Albritton Mitchell
Leigh Liles
Sally Oliver
Carole Kilpatrick
Donna Aron
Felicia Kostelka
Jamie Pettway
I have really enjoyed chairing Marketing and PR. I got to
work with every committee and understand more of what
each one does during the year. Thanks to the ladies on my
committee who made this year easy and who came up with
great ideas on how to publicize the Junior League! I hope
that next year the Marketing and PR committee will have a
commitment to making the public aware of how much we
do in our community.
I hope that as the committee grows, so will the information
that the people of our community see every week.
Submitted by: Amy Lange, Marketing and Public Relations
Committee Chair
Research and Development
Radiates Throughout the Year
Research and Development have been wrapping up their
year finalizing their review of the 2013 - 2014 cottage
meeting survey results. Overwhelmingly it appears that
League membership seemed to love doing the survey
online instead of completing written forms. Additionally,
membership enjoyed having Cottage meetings later in the
year. The committee has preliminarily identified a few areas/
trends in the data for JLM membership and board to examine
and address over the next few years; primarily these issues
centered on fostering close(r) relationships among the JL
members, and getting ladies more involved in the League’s
community projects. Research and Development also
noted the need to begin to critically evaluate current JLM
community projects, and developing plans to incrementally
pass them on to the community, allowing JLM to begin some
new community projects. The surveys are clearly pointing
to diversifying our involvement by handing off established
projects and engaging new and fresh ones, allowing JLM to
remain a catalyst for positive change in our community.
Donations made to the Martha Carrick Ryan Fund:
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Dr. Lesa W. Lawrence
Selene Rea
Patti Nelson
Mossy Sartor Guinn
Thank You!
We extend a special and
heartfelt Thank You to
the Endowment Fund
Contributors.
Submitted by: Robin Beatty, Research & Development Chair
22
Spring Market Spices Things Up
spring market
Whew…the 16th annual Spring Market 2014 is now in the
books. Tomi Tharp, Ashley Joiner, Meghan Sharp, Kerri
James, and their committee have been a bunch of very
busy women. Although Spring Market is a year-round
planning event, they really kick it into high gear during
early spring. This year Spring Market saw approximately
5,900 customers come through the Civic Center doors
to shop the booths of more than 90 merchants making
the Junior League of Monroe’s major fundraiser a major
success.
Pulling off a successful Spring Market requires the
hands and work of many, including Active and Sustainer
members, but the committee really takes on the
responsibility of all the planning it takes to pull off an
event of this size. This year’s committee was a hard
working and well rounded group of women who really
dedicated their time and efforts to see the event through
to success.
Spring Market is a large committee and chairing it has
been a blessing. I have had the opportunity to get to
know the personalities of so many different ladies and
shared all types of emotions with them. I will miss the
rewarding feeling that overwhelms you when Spring
Market is finally wrapped up. It was very humbling to
think how the funds raised during Market pour back
into the League and then disperses among the League’s
different committees to make amazing things happen
around our community. It’s not often you get to be a
part of something so astounding.
CH AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Event planning has always been a passion of mine and I
was able to realize some of my dreams planning a large
scale event while utilizing that skill for a bigger purpose.
I have no doubt that the next group of women to lead a
successful Spring Market will be able to find the facet of
the committee that suites them best. There are so many
tasks that must be handled, and so many aspects to be
planned, that there is something for everyone to do, and
do well. I would encourage the new group of women
to really look in to what the committee does and find
a piece that fits. It’s so rewarding to do that and then
step back and think of why you are doing it. NO skill
is a wasted or useless one when applied with a bit of
passion and reason.
Submitted by: Meghan Sharp, Spring Market Committee
Chair
23
jlm sponsors
–
committee news
JLM SPONSORS
TITLE SPONSOR
Community Trust Bank
DOGWOOD SPONSORS
Brookshire Grocery Company
Cross Keys Bank
Glenwood Ear, Nose, & Throat – Brent Metts, MD, PhD
Johnny’s Pizza House, Inc.
Kitty DeGree Foundation
St. Francis Medical Center
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
SPONSOR
Progressive Bank
DAISY SPONSOR
SHOP TIL YOU DROP SPONSOR
The Mulhearn Corporation, LLC
Northeast Louisiana Association of REALTORS
GARDENIA SPONSOR
CenturyLink Security
LIVE OAK
IN KIND MEDIA SPONSORS
AVENUE SPONSORS
CYPRESS
ATMOS Energy
Capital One Bank
The Children’s Shoppe
Eddie Flanigen Builders, Inc.
Entergy
Richland State Bank
The Thomas H. & Mayme P. Scott Foundation
BayouLife Magazine
DeltaStyle Magazine
Lamar Advertising
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Vendor Pass
Continues to Glow
event it can be. Stephanie Bryant noted that her hope is for
“our new committee members have the same ‘passion’ for
supporting our local merchants, which in turn gives back to
our community.” Members recognize Vendor Pass not only
as a way to raise funds but also an outlet for league members
and community members to passionately support JLM and
local merchants during the competitive holiday season.
Vendor Pass is already beginning to plan for the new League
year. The committee has met and is developing an action plan
and time line for the 2014-2015 JLM year. The committee is
examining dates and working hard to identify opportunities
to improve community awareness of the Vendor Shopping
Pass event. They are reviewing what worked in the 2013
event and what needs attention in the coming year. The
team in place for 2013-2014 worked well together and will
remain in their placement, continuing to collaborate with
our community and membership to develop the program
further. This core team remaining will provide continuity and
allow an informed, forward facing vision of the relatively new
project’s development as it continues to grow in the third
year. Members are looking forward to continuing to refine
and improve the program, growing it into the most profitable
Submitted by: Therese Nagum and Stephanie Bryant, Vendor Pass
24
The Pep Squad coordinated the 1st Annual JLM crawfish boil at the River
Grille on Sunday April 6th. It was a stormy day, but that didn’t keep League
members from coming out to enjoy some yummy spicy crawfish! Over
60 members and their family were in attendance. The Josh Madden Band
entertained us on the patio filling the entire restaurant with their fun, singa-long songs. Children still squealed and enjoyed playing in the jumpy
house despite the rain. If members weren’t a fan of crawfish, hot dogs,
French fries, and other appetizers were provided for their enjoyment. It
was nice to meet and visit with League members’ families, as we don’t
always get a chance to do so throughout the League year. We want to
thank the Pep Squad for all their hard work this year, keeping the FUN in
the League and helping us enjoy some social time after our hard work at
Spring Market.
committee news
Crawfish Spice Up Social Time for
League Members and Their Families
Submitted by: Melissa Kiper
C H AR LON S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
25
committee news
Piping Hot Provisionals
Become Active
Provisionals were hard at work with the
Breakfast with the Bunnies event at Spring
Market, and it was a great success! They were
in charge of decorations, food, and all the fun
crafts. It was a lot of hard work but the ladies
did an amazing job leaving their mark on the
2014 Spring Market. If that wasn’t enough, the
ladies had another Provisional project helping
garden at Monroe’s own Louisiana Purchase
Gardens and Zoo. This was the second project
of the year. Our Provisionals this year were a
group of ambitious women! We had 39 of
them go Active this year; one of the biggest
classes we’ve had in years!
C H AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
This has truly been one of my favorite years in
the League. It took a lot to chair this committee,
but it has been so rewarding and incredibly
fulfilling. My committee included co-chair
Amanda Martin, members Sarah Raymond,
Dana Tarver, Sherri Mowad and Erica Ryan.
They each did an amazing job as mentors to
their group of ladies. Their hearts are huge and
each one of these ladies has been a joy to get
to know and work with throughout the year.
I want to thank them for their commitment
and for being on the committee. This is a
member’s first impression of the League. It is
a huge undertaking and I want to personally
thank each of you for your dedication. I also
want to say a special farewell to Erica Ryan, as
she is going Sustainer this year. She has been
a very devoted member.
I hope that the incoming chair and committee
will portray what the League stands for
and what an honor it is to be a part of this
organization. It’s much bigger than just a
monthly social event. We have an impact in
this community that is palpable. It is essential
that we convey this message to incoming
members and that the new Provisionals are
aware of the strong presence through the
area.
Sustainers, Preferred Actives,
Non-Resident Status
Sustainers
Darian Atkins
Ashley Downs
Shelly Harrell
Jennifer Lord
Laura Nickelson
Carmen Parks
Kathy Patrick
Erica Ryan
Carla Simmons
Denise Simpson
Kara Watson
Andrea Wright
Preferred Actives
Carrie Ferguson, Committee-Education Task Force
Meredith Beene, Meetings only
Andree Eddleman, Committee-Tools & Literacy for Children
Kelly Gray, Committee-Provisionals
Gretchen Tiser, Meetings and Nominating
Non-Resident Status
JoEllen Showers
Toni Baggiano
Submitted by: Cydni Hanks, Provisionals Co-Chair
26
Denise has dedicated
herself to serving our
community by living our
mission of the League.
-Gretchen Tiser
It has been a privilege to
serve alongside Denise this
year. Her love for the
League is without question
and her dedication is truly an
inspiration. -Ashley West
Denise, you are such a
wonderful, kind leader, and
a great example of staying
positive. You are a breath of
fresh air. -Katherine Spires
Denise has
such a big h
eart and
loves hard.
Not only is
that
very eviden
t in the way
she talks
about the L
eague but a
ls
o how
she interacts
with her hu
sband
and childre
n. -Jennifer
Lizenby
h
e had suc
h
S
.
r
e
d
al lea
e my
Provision
y
m
ntly mad
s
a
a
t
s
w
in
e
is
it
de
n
t
e
D
t only ma
eague tha
o
n
L
e
e
h
h
t
S
r
.
o
arent
a love f
open
more app
in
jo
m and an
o
t
s
ia
n
s
io
u
is
h
this
t
c
n
e
d
leader in
ve with e
a
r
e
e
s
m
o
t
o
c
t
e
n
as
t to b
me wa
joyed her
e me wan
n
d
e
a
ly
m
u
t
r
t
u
b
I have
heart,
ization. n
iper
a
g
r
o
g
Melissa K
amazin
.
r
a
e
y
ent this
our Presid
When I was a Provisional, I
remember Denise’s motivation and
love for the League. Getting to
know her over the last 2 years has
made me want to be a better wife,
mother and friend. Her positive
attitude is contagious. -Jen Ables
I love and admire Denise’s passion for
life. She puts her heart and soul into
everything she does. Her trust and fait
h
in everyone is uplifting and she has bee
n
such a great role model for our League
members. -Heather Guillot
o loves
Denise is a special friend wh
thout bad
without condition, talks wi
son and
intentions, gives without rea
without
most of all cares for people
nkey
any expectations. -Jenny Pa
ved
Denise has more than pro
in
her “Love of the League”
e is
her year of presidency. Sh
on
a motivation and inspirati
nt
to share love and exciteme
about the league. Having
I
come from Spring Market,
have to say I truly connect
with her love for Spring
Market! - Meghan Sharp
27
Denise and I were in
the same Provisional
Class in 2004. She was
bright eyed and full of
enthusiasm even back
then. And today, her
candle of wanting to do
good shines just brightly
as when the League
was brand new to us.
-Darian Atkins
CH AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
en such an
Denise, you have be
year. Your
inspiration to us this
r mission of
life truly reflects ou
ourtney
the Junior League. -C
Weston
Denise is so dedicated to the
League. She has done a great job
and truly defines what it means
to be a member of the Junior
League. -Angie Nicholson
f o r yo u r i n f o r mat i o n
We ❤ Denise
committee news
Find Passion in Placement
Admissions 2
Katherine Flowers - Chair
Meredith Smith
Kara Devinney
Charlons 8
Angela Grubbs - Chair
Joann Powell- Asst Chair
Rachel Niblett
Brittany Hayes
Amanda May
Christina Elahi
Christy White
Jennifer Morris
Cotton Bayou 9
Cynthia Rodriquez - Chair
Shannon Pittard-Asst Chair
Arabella Moore
Chelsia Summerville
Sarah Katherine Ewing
Megan Smith
Sadye Richert
Sherrie McCraw
Ashton Mintz
DIAD 11
Samantha Meek-Chair
Andria Hall-Oby
Ilana Wahlder
Sarah Cox
Joyce Powell
LaWanda Marshall
Angie Nicholson
Tonya Smith
Education & Training 2
Loretta Lemoine-Chair
Lindsey Ingram
C HA R LON S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
Fund Development 2
Kelsey Laudenheimer-Chair
Aleta Eley
Education Task Force 11
Dana Mullins-Chair
Carrie Ferguson (PA)
Carmen Wright
Lauren Traweek
Stephanie Arvie
Amy Sawyer
Adrian Washington
Anna Redding
Lindsey Roberts
Ashley Kilpatrick
Angie Baldwin
Families Can’t Wait 17
Courtney Weston-Chair
Katharine Spires - Asst Chair
Lesley Garvin - Asst Chair
Jamie Bryan - Asst Chair
Kanzadia Brothers
Jayme Garvin
Mallory Williams
Holley Perry
Dana Stephenson
Becky Flemister
Mary Katherine Edwards
Jennifer Guerriero
Emily Martin
Jennifer Lizenby
Simran Emaus
Rebecca Johnson
Cassie Livingston
House & Arrangements 6
Jennifer Price - Chair
Meghan Plummer
Amanda Martin
Anya Fulco
Stacy Majure
Terri Bursey
Marketing & PR 3
Ashley Yeldell - Chair
Jessica Metts
Katy Balsamo
Nominating 7
^Cydni Hanks-Chair
^Jenny Pankey
Gretchen Tiser (PA)
^Dana Mullins
^Amanda Martin
^Christy Valentine
^Andree Eddleman (PA)
Placement 9
Cydni Hanks - Chair
Robin Beatty
Christy Valentine
Kathryn Bagley
Miranda Moss
Amy Lange
Arie Milner
Sabrina Racer
^Kelly Gray (Prov. Rep)
Provisionals 4
Kelly Gray (PA)- Chair
Dana Tarver
Sarah Raymond
Sherri Mowad
Research & Develop 2
Shelva Thomas-Chair
Meghan Sharp
Spring Market 16
Kerri James-Chair
Melinda Rigsby - Asst
Jessica Wyatt - Asst
Lisa Ellington - Asst
Samantha Combs
Joyce Priest
Julie Morris
Stephanie Durham
Emily Eberts
Julie Hensen
Laura Gibbs
Hollyn Breen
Mary Francis Siggers
Lindsey Swander
Kathryn Raymond
Dusty Mardis
^Dual Placement
28
TLC 10
Faith Gremillion-Chair
Andree Eddleman (PA)
Sylver Malta
Leslie Hughes
Mary Kathryn Crigler
Mary Ann McElroy
Monica Pittman
Ashanti Jones
Sarah Nerren
Krista Nelson
Vendor Pass 9
Therese Nagem-Chair
Stephanie Bryant - Asst Chair
Amy Cheveallier
Ashley Norred
Leigh Liles
Emily Cassis
Lillian Paxton
Allison Earl
Kristina Kight
Web/Yearbook/Facebook 5
Cherry Coon - Chair
Stephanie Ryan
Mary Kathryn Barham
Sarah Morse
Richardra Winder
JLM Board 12
Jennifer Ables, President
Jenny Pankey, President-Elect
Ashley West, Financial VP
Tomi Tharp, Asst Financial VP
Melissa Kiper, Communications VP
Heather Guillot, Community VP
Jodee Bruyninckx, Fund Dev VP
Mandy Green, Membership VP
Ashley Joiner, Planning/Res VP
Miranda Moss, Secretary
Jan Mattingly, Advisory Plan Chair
Cydni Hanks, Nom/Plmt Chair
Kerri Wall, Sustainer Advisor
Gretchen Tiser, PA (meetings)
Meredith Beene, PA (meetings)
TLC Fires Up
the Fun
This Spring our committee has been busy wrapping up
the year with field trips for exceptional students in AR, AM
and Conduct, Lunch and a Book, End of Year Field Day and
a Talent Show!
Through my years in the Junior League, I have always
loved the service the League has done for our community
and the ladies of the League. I just returned from an AJLI
conference in St. Louis and realize that there is something
else I love about our League…the Sustainers. I now realize
the importance of the Sustainer. Sustainers make up twothirds of our membership. We as Actives get so caught up
in what we are doing for the League; we sometimes forget
those who have preceded us in our mission.
To all TLC Committee members, thank you for all the
work and time each of you have put into the committee
this year. It has been an awesome year and each of you
have made a difference in the life of a child and an entire
school. I will miss each and every one of you as I change
my status to Sustainer. I hope they can continue to keep
the passion for reading and math alive for the children
and school involved with TLC for next year.
When you get your JL Annual and see all the history and
bylaws, don’t just thumb past that part. Take time to read
the impact JL has made on our community. Also, as you
read each bylaw remember there is a reason for everything. During several sessions I attended, AJLI reminded delegates
that when your JL follows bylaws, the League can weather
any storm.
ajli annual conference report
The Importance of the Sustainer
AJLI Annual Conference
St. Louis, Missouri
Submitted by: Carmen Parks, Tool & Literacy for Children
Committee Chair
Now that I am going Sustainer, I only have one regret. I
want to apologize to all Sustainers for not reaching out
more to you during my Presidency. I want to thank every
woman that has given any amount of time from their life to
JL to help us accomplish our mission. I love and appreciate
our volunteers!
Thank you all,
Your friend, Denise Simpson CH AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
29
in every issue
2014 Summer
Birthdays
JUNE
4 Kathy Patrick
Jennifer Hugenbruch
10 Sarah Nerren
12 Angela Grubbs
13 Meghan Plummer
Hollyn Breen
22 Emily Cassis
24 Tomi Tharp
25 Kerri James
Andria Hall-Oby
Aleta Eley
26 Meredith Smith
Amy Sawyer
27 Jennifer Lizenby
Julie Hansen
Sherri Mowad
Ashley Fisher
Lindsey Roberts
Ashanti Jones
Shelly Harrell
Kanzadia Brothers
Amy Bartlett
Carla Simmons
Ashley West
Julie Morris
Brandy Jones
AUGUST
2 Ashley Yeldell
4 Katherine Spires
6 Amanda May
8 Brittany Streetman
9 T.K. Waugh
13 Loretta Lemoine
14 Brandee Sandy
16 Aaron Jordan
19 Gretchen Tiser
Stephanie Arvie
Stephanie Durham
20
27
29
Ashley Joiner
Stephanie Ryan
Chelsie Ferraci
Simran Emaus
JoAnn Powell
SEPTEMBER
2 Lauren Traweek
4 Jennifer Ables
Erinn Niblett
8 Allison Earl
9 Mary Ann McElroy
23 Joyce Priest
27 Sadye Richert
C HA R LON S — s u mme r 2 0 1 4
JULY
5 Kelly Gray
Cassie Livingston
6 Megan Smith
9 Kara Devinney
Veronicia Wood
12
13
18
21
22
26
29
30
30
OCTOBER
1 Carmen Buckles Wright
3 Carrie Ferguson
10 Samantha Meek
12 Faith Gremillion
15 Tonya Smith
18 Cherry Coon
22 Christina Elahi
31 Mandy Green
f o r yo u r i n f o r mat i o n
Thank You! from a
Grateful Community
2013-2014
JLM Board
work and dedication this year!
These ladies really
“Fell in Love” with the League.
2013-2014 JLM Board
31
CH AR LO N S — s u mm e r 2 0 1 4
Thank you for all your hard
Junior League of Monroe, Inc.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
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PAID
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2811 Cameron Street
Monroe, Louisiana 71201
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