1 | LeagueLines

LeagueLinesSeptember/October 2013

The Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTPLANTING SEEDS OF IMPACT

80 YEARS OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

By Kelly Breeden, The Junior League of Austin President

For some, heritage may be a cherished family heirloom, place or tradition. For others, it is the character, love and beliefs that come from those who came before us. My family is blessed to enjoy the rich

heritage of my grandmother, Julia Sperry, alive in each of us. So rich was her love and commitment to her family and those around her that we all strive to honor her in the way we live our lives each day. In fact, my mother and sister are named Julia and Sperry, respectively, and my husband and I named our firstborn daughter Julia Sperry in her honor. The original Julia Sperry set a powerful example of the type of woman we aspire to be and the difference we can make in the world. We all want to make her proud of how we carry forward with the legacy she gave us.

As The Junior League of Austin enters its 80th year, we celebrate the heritage that has been given to us by our League family. Our sisters who came before us not only worked hard to create a legacy for themselves, but also one that could be carried forward with pride by future generations. Our heritage proves that we are strong women who build strong communities. Our heritage shows that we have broken barriers for women and for the community we are so privileged to serve. It shows that we learn from the women who have come before us and are laying the foundations for the women who will lead us in the future.

This year, we will reflect on the many ways that we have made an impact on the community we serve and on the members that make The Junior League of Austin our family. We will celebrate the ways that being part of this family and its rich history have afforded us opportunities that we wouldn’t have outside of these experiences. We will give thanks for our history of training, mentorship and service that has enabled us to be the community leaders that our city cherishes. Eighty years of community leadership is important not only to our own Junior

League family, but also to our community that we love and serve. Additionally, we will look to the future for ways to make an even bigger impact on our community and the lives of the women who set the standard for what “making a difference” truly means.

Thank you for helping us celebrate our legacy while we make plans for the exciting years ahead. You are the reason our sister members have worked to create a name for The Junior League of Austin over the past 80 years. Through your talent and dedication, we will be the women who honor this gift while creating an even better future for our members and the community that we call home.

- Kelly Breeden

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IN THIS ISSUE

Published five times a year by The Junior League of Austin

Lindsey Elbom Gehrig, EditorSheridan Cottom, Literary Editor

Sarah Stotts, Copy Editor

Graphic Designers/Layout Assistants:Allison BoumazaKimberly Knaus

Lauren KrumlaufAndrea Maceyra

Kristen Yen

Photography Staff:Kristin Vrana

Writers:Jennifer BernierJamie Burchfield

Jennifer RieckMargaret Scharold

Sustaining Advisor:Andrea Lofye

Kelly BreedenPresident

Gregory NoackPresident-Elect

Lauren PriceTreasurer

Amber BrabhamRecording Secretary

Catherine BirdCommunity VP

Ashley KelmAdministrative VP

Erin CourregesCommunications VP

Holly PriestnerFinancial Development VP

Camille JobeMembership Development VP

Jenny ButterworthMember-at-Large

Hannan NokesMember-at-Large

Cookie RuizSustaining President

Dawn BreyfogleParliamentarian/Bylaws

Renee HarveyTreasurer-Elect

Sarah ValenzuelaNominating Chair

Jenn GalbraithStrategic Planning Chair

Hadley HempelTechnology Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2013-2014

LeagueLinesThe Newsletter of The Junior League of Austin

Message from the President 1

Editor’s Note 2

Message from the

Sustaining President 3

Camp Bluebonnet 4

New Community Placements 5-6

A Christmas Affair 7-8

Con Mi MADRE 9

Austin Chilren’s Museum 10

Training and Education 11

Spotlights:

Provisionals 12

Actives 13

Sustainers 14

JLA Babies 15

JLA Weddings 16

JLA Updates 17

2013 ABC Grants 18

Mark Your Calendars 19

EDITOR’S NOTE

While many of you are just now gearing up for this year’s placement, a variety of committees and other members have been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure The Junior League of Austin’s 2013-2014

year is a success. This will be a year of exciting happenings, including the League’s 80th anniversary. That’s right, JLA has been serving the Austin community for 80 years. Let’s celebrate this milestone by highlighting the impact we, the women of JLA, make in our community, and by showing our gratitude to our partners for the roles they serve and needs they fill in our community. Together we make a pretty good team. And you may have heard—we’ve been doing this for 80 years.

This year we also have many new community partners that we’re looking forward to working with, and you can read more about these organizations in this issue. It will be a year full of wonderful opportunities and impactful experiences. On behalf of the LeagueLines Committee, we’re thrilled to share this year with you.

Last but not least, this is your newsletter, and we want to hear from you! Please send suggestions, feedback and other ideas to leaguelines@jlaustin.org.

Lindsey Elbom GehrigLeagueLines Editor 2013-2014

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By Cookie Ruiz, Sustaining President

Who is the JLA Sustainer? While Active membership spans 20 years, Sustaining membership spans 50 years or more. We are very busy and wonderfully diverse women.

We are career women and stay-at-home mothers. We are empty nesters, and some of us are still having babies! Some of us are entering retirement and enjoying the experience of increased freedom, travel and adding grandchildren to our families. Others are facing the loss of spouses and loved ones. We are facing unemployment, changes in financial capacity and changes in relationship status, as well as promotions and wonderful financial and personal success. We are smart, healthy go-getters, but we are also facing chronic illness, cancer and loss of health with courage. We are of a wide variety of cultures, ages, religions, lifestyles, political perspectives, socio economic levels and ideologies... yet we’ve learned to accompany each other through many of life’s ups and downs.

We are delightfully different in ways too many to list. Yet, we connect at a place of commitment to this organization that gave each of us so much during Active membership years. We seem to hold dear the capacity we now have to give back to the JLA and our “younger sisters” as we continue to value each other and our community.

The role of a Sustainer is both a marvelous and different one than that of an Active. Our “ongoing placement” is to support and advise the Actives (as this help is requested), whether by sharing skills or networks or by giving generously to the capital campaign, A Christmas Affair, FIT, Coats for Kids and more. We are ambassadors for the JLA, applying the many skills gained during our Active years of intensive training. It is in this chapter of our JLA membership that we share our years of training and preparation with the greater community.

Many Sustainers may elect to serve in the role of Sustaining Advisors to committees and councils. Our Sustaining Advisors each year provide encouragement and meaningful support. Other Sustainers may continue their community service through FIT, A Christmas Affair, Coats for Kids or in support of opportunities that will be shared with you throughout the year.

I feel blessed to share a strong commitment to volunteerism and the training of women that is inherent in the JLA mission, and I look forward to the coming year.

Warmest regards,Cookie Ruiz, C.F.R.E.

MESSAGE FROM THE SUSTAINING PRESIDENT

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For one week in June every year, more than 200 Central Texas kids with diabetes get the chance to attend a summer camp where instead of being the only kid with diabetes, nearly every kid in attendance is just like them. Most summer camps are out of reach for these kids, but at Camp Bluebonnet their unique medical needs are met in a fun and active environment where they learn about living with and managing their disease.

Each year, The Junior League of Austin sends volunteers to participate in this unique program. One member in particular, Kathryn Kenjura, has volunteered with Camp Bluebonnet for the last six years. Kenjura was originally looking for a placement that meshed well with her full-time gig as owner and operator of the popular Austin baby and maternity store Picket Fences. After that first year, Kenjura says it’s the kids that keep her coming back. In fact, next year, she’ll have the chance to serve as group leader for the same children she’s worked with four of the last six years.

Camp Bluebonnet serves children from Pre-K through 8th grade. No doubt they’ll be glad to share the week with

By Jennifer Bernier, LeagueLines Writer

Kenjura, who they affectionately label as “the best instructor ever.” Kenjura echos kind sentiments in return. “Diabetes has nothing on these girls,” she commented. Even though she completed pharmacy school before being bit by the entrepreneurial bug, Kenjura has no personal experience with diabetes other than her textbook knowledge. She stresses that experience with or even limited knowledge about diabetes is not needed to volunteer at Camp Bluebonnet.

As a group leader, volunteers are with their campers from the time they check in to the time they check out each day, shuttling them from activity to activity. Two Junior League volunteers serving as group leaders are paired with around 15-20 children and at least two medics attend to the kids’ medical needs.

In addition to bonding with her campers, the chance to form lasting connections with JLA peers has also been a big part of Kenjura’s satisfaction with this placement. Between meetings leading up to camp and carpooling back and forth to Camp Bluebonnet’s location

at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children in Youngsport, there’s more opportunity to bond than other placements where volunteer hours are often logged solo. She affectionately refers to them as her “camp friends.”

If you’re looking for a summer-concentrated placement and can consolidate the majority of your volunteer hours into one week, consider donating your time to this worthwhile cause. You’re certainly never too old to make some new “camp friends” and brighten the lives of kids living with diabetes. For more information about Camp Bluebonnet, visit childrensdiabetescamp.org.

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By Jamie Birchfield, LeagueLines Writer

To further The Junior League of Austin’s mission, JLA has partnered with five new community partners for 2013-2014: Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, Faith in Action Caregivers-South Austin, Front Steps and The Christi Center. The League has also reinstated its partnership with three community partners: Austin Humane Society, Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and The Settlement Home for Children. These new and reinstated placements add almost 100 new volunteer opportunities for League members and account for nearly $50,000 of League funds distributed to the community.

The Austin Humane Society serves approximately 10,000 animals each year by offering comprehensive, humane and life-saving animal services. Volunteers act as adoption counselors, working with more than 33,000 annual visitors and assisting with 3,500 pet adoptions year.

The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is home to 300 animals representing more than 100 different species and has a mission to assist animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. Volunteers help share the stories of the rescued animals by working as tour guides.

Boys & Girls Clubs aim to inspire and enable all young people, especially those with the greatest needs, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Junior League of Austin has an exciting opportunity to be part of a new program called PROUD, aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and increasing self-esteem through mentoring with positive women role models. Volunteers work as teen mentors

and are matched with a female student (6th-12th grade), most of whom have been identified as high risk for teen pregnancy. The goal is for the mentors to instill greater self-esteem, self-knowledge and self-empowerment.

NEW & REINSTATED COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS

The Christi Center’s mission is to provide love, comfort and ongoing support to those adjusting to life after the death of a loved one and to educate the general public about grief and other concerns of the bereaved. Working as Healing Heart Ambassadors, volunteers greet and orient individuals participating in grief support groups.

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NEW & REINSTATED COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS

Front Steps offers a continuum of services that help people transition from homelessness into housing. Front Steps manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH). Volunteers work as ARCH-ed Tutors and Circle of Care Volunteers. ARCH-ed tutors help to provide a path out of homelessness

by helping people study for the GED. As Circle of Care Volunteers, League members also serve as facilitators to implement a 10-week program for homeless women.

The Settlement Home for Children provides a continuum of care for abused and neglected children in a residential treatment center, therapeutic group homes, foster family homes, adoption, transitional living and an on-campus school. JLA members join teenage girls for their Run Club and assist by serving as running partners for the girls on a quarter-mile track. The Run Club teaches the girls the importance of self-care and exercise while building self-esteem and relationships with the volunteers.

The Junior League of Austin members have several opportunities to work with Dell Children’s Medical Center by volunteering as child life assistants, special event captains or holiday toy donation captains. They can also work at the information desk or in the Treehouse Gift Shop. The Child Life staff provides age appropriate learning opportunities and resources to patients and their families. The special event and holiday toy donation captains assist with helping to host special events such as

the spring break carnival and Camp Courage, as well as helping to organize donations for holiday gifts, birthday presents and patient encouragement. Those working at the information desk help to answer questions from visitors and volunteers. Treehouse Gift Shop volunteers assist customers and help with the daily operations of the gift shop.

The Junior League of Austin has partnered with Faith in Action for a number of years and is excited to expand this partnership to include South Austin. The purpose of Faith in Action is to respond to the needs of an increasing number of adults (age 60 or older) living alone. Volunteers serve as drivers and assist clients by taking them to various appointments or errands.

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Market DaysThursday, November 21, noon - 9 p.m.Friday, November 22, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sunday, November 24, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Market Day passes are $15 per guest, which include a round-trip shuttle ride to Palmer Events Center from Barton Creek Square Mall. Children 5 years and younger may enter at no charge for regular market hours. Tickets are required for events. Please no pull carts or strollers, as they will not be allowed inside.

TICKET INFORMATION

A Christmas Affair tickets are available for purchase on the JLA website. Tickets may be purchased onsite, pending availability.

Provisional and Active members’ $50 obligation will automatically be assigned when tickets are purchased. After November 1, unused credit will be assigned to three Market Day passes, which will be at will call in the Palmer lobby. The $50 ticket credit cannot be used toward Tearoom tickets, JLA ornaments, decorations, candles, raffle tickets, photography certificates or ACA t-shirts. For more information, please contact acareservations@jlaustin.org.

Children’s Events Breakfasts with Santa

This year, all Breakfasts with Santa will highlight Coats for Kids, so please encourage your little ones to bring a gently used coat to donate! Tickets are $25 per guest and are required for kids of all ages. JWG Photography will once again provide amazing professional photos of the children with Santa. They even have a few new photo packages to choose from this year!

Let it Snow!Friday, November 22, 9 - 10:30 a.m.Children will enjoy crafts, breakfast and a chocolate milk bar while dancing the morning away to the fun, upbeat tunes of The Biscuit Brothers.

Welcome to The North PoleSaturday, November 23, 9 - 10:30 a.m.Wear your favorite PJs and join us for breakfast, crafts and a chocolate milk bar while The Biscuit Brothers entertain children and adults alike with their lively tunes.

Fun with FrostySunday, November 24, 10 - 11:30 a.m.Children will decorate their own gingerbread house while enjoying the music of Joe McDermott. Guests will delight in breakfast and a chocolate milk bar.

TearoomThe Frosted Forest CafeJoin us in our beautifully decorated tearoom, where you can enjoy one of our mouth-watering menus, including fresh seasonal salads, warm soups and entrees like grilled mahi-mahi served with lobster cream sauce. Catering provided by Sterling Affairs.

Tickets are $16 plus tax. Tickets and daily menu selections, including vegetarian options, are available at jlaustin.org. We are excited to highlight our FIT program in this year’s tearoom.

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PartiesThe First SnowA Christmas Affair opens at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 with a black tie optional Preview Party, The First Snow. Guests will enjoy private shopping, silent auction, delicious cuisine and an open bar. Tickets for this event are $150 per guest. Sponsorships are available and include an invitation to a VIP champagne reception. Entertainment is provided by Vintage 15 and catering by Pink Avocado.

Aspen in AustinThursday, November 21 begins with a beautiful brunch that includes three hours of private shopping and a delicious buffet. The Aspen in Austin Brunch is from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $60 per guest; there will be a cash bar. This event has sold out for the last couple of years so buy your ticket today! Catering is provided by Pink Avocado.

All That Glitters!Girls’ Night Out is Thursday, November 22 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. All That Glitters! will be an experience that you will not want to miss. Enjoy shopping, a unique silent auction, Kendra Scott mystery packages, appetizer buffet, cash bar and entertainment by the Spazmatics to dance the night away! Tickets are $50 per guest.

Ice PartyFriday evening’s Ice Party will be a fabulous cocktail party for ladies and gentlemen on the back veranda from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a silent auction, appetizer buffet, complimentary cocktails and terrific tunes. This new event is not to be missed! Tickets are $75 per guest.

MerchandiseOrnamentMake a magical addition to your tree that you’ll treasure forever with this ornament that captures the spirit of giving back. Designed exclusively for The Junior League of Austin, this Kendra Scott ornament features a three-dimensional, rhodium silver heptagram star shape that sparkles from all angles with hand-cut light blue stones. Ornaments can be ordered online in the JLA store for $60; all proceeds support the mission of the JLA.

T-shirtsShow your A Christmas Affair pride all year long by purchasing one of the 2013 Winter Wonderland T-shirts. Four fabulous designs are available to order in the JLA member store on your member home page. Be a walking billboard for JLA’s signature fundraising event. All orders must be placed by October 8.

Changes for 2013A Christmas Affair Sneak Peek PartySee the Winter Wonderland before the snow begins to fall! Join us for a preview of this year’s A Christmas Affair at the Sneak Peek Party on Thursday, October 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Houghton Carriage House at 1111 Guadalupe Street. Get an advance viewing of the fabulous decorations, an early preview of some auction packages, purchase raffle tickets, pick up merchandise, buy tickets and take home a piece of the sparkling season. The more the merrier, so invite a friend!

Decoration After Market SaleThe wonder of the season continues after A Christmas Affair comes to a close! Decorations from the event will be on sale at the Christmas Affair After Market beginning Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at The Junior League of Austin Headquarters. This is open to the public.

Volunteer ShiftsThe placement portfolio will be available October 1 at jlaustin.org. Active members (including Transfers) are required to work ONE four-hour shift. Provisionals are required to work TWO four-hour shifts in the following areas: Tearoom, Traffic, Coat Check or Auction.

Please bring your JLA badge for entry, and sign in at the Volunteer/Information booth. Be sure to eat before you arrive, and leave your valuables at home. Proper attire for shifts includes a 2013 ACA or JLA logo T-shirt, or a solid white shirt with black or khaki pants. Plan your arrival to include time to park offsite at Barton Creek Square. Free shuttle buses will bring you to Palmer Event Center. Parking in the area neighborhoods is expressly prohibited.

Contact acaplacement@jlaustin.org with any questions.

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H E L PI NG G I R L S T R AV E L T H E PAT H TO C OL L E G EBy Jennifer Rieck, LeagueLines Writer

For many girls in Austin, the presumed path after high school is college, just like mom. But what if mom didn’t attend college? What if no one in the family has? For those girls, Con Mi MADRE is here to help.

Con Mi MADRE (Mothers and Daughters Raising Expectations) provides programs designed to keep girls on track to graduate high school, plan and apply to two- or four-year universities or other post-secondary options, and to create a stronger relationship between mothers and daughters.

Con Mi MADRE student Michelle shares her experience in the program. “Being a first-generation Hispanic female applying for college, it was a bit of a challenge. Although my parents were supportive of my efforts, they were limited in how they could help me through the college application process. This journey was new and unfamiliar for all of us. However, I found reassuring guidance through the efforts of Con Mi MADRE. Their college prep workshops showed me how to prepare for college as well as how to be successful at a university level.”

This July, the 21st Annual “Viva the Girl – Viva the Mujer” Leadership Summit took place at the University of Texas. Fifty middle school girls, 30 high school girls, and 20 college-bound girls along with their mothers spent the night at Jester dormitory, giving them an exciting peek into college life. “This year’s theme is girl/woman empowerment. The aim of the program is to improve the girls’ leadership abilities through participation in educational activities,

as well as to expose them to the importance of higher education and learn from women who are leaders in their community,” said Anne Oitzinger, Con Mi MADRE Community Placement Chair. “For the first time in the history of the program, the mothers of the 20 college-bound girls participated in the overnight stay at Jester. We want to educate the mothers on the differences between high school and college, so they can better support their daughters as they advance into the college world.”

During the Leadership Summit, the participants attended workshops focusing on overall wellness, self-esteem, healthy lifestyles and career goals. This year’s summit featured guest speakers Judge Orlinda Naranjo and Dr. Teresa Granillo. In addition to the Leadership Summit,

Con Mi MADRE hosted a series of workshops throughout the summer designed to motivate and assist girls and their parents with the college application process. This series included

several visits to local campuses and helpful information on how to apply for financial aid and scholarships.

Con Mi MADRE participant Ashley attributes her success to the program. “I have been a member of Con Mi MADRE for six years and throughout these years, my mother and I have gained a lot of knowledge about college. Without Con Mi MADRE, my parents and I would not have known the steps to take. I highly recommend Con Mi MADRE to other Latina girls who want a college education.”

For more information, visit conmimadre.org.

Being a first-generationHispanic female applying

for college, it was a bitof a challenge.

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Coordinator, stresses the importance of JLA volunteers working as gallery helpers, information desk greeters, and assistants with gingerbread workshops and summer camps. “Each volunteer is highly skilled and brings her own experiences, perspective and skills, which provide a rich value to us and our mission. Because of League volunteers, we know our visitors have a safe, meaningful and fun experience. We value their time, energy and enthusiasm for equipping and inspiring the next generation of creative problem solvers.”

During the 2013-2014 year, JLA volunteers will continue to assist at the museum as Half- and Full-Day Camp Assistants, Gallery Assistants, and Program Evaluation and Assessment Team members. Throughout the summer, the museum offers 15 different camps for children of ages ranging from 4-10 that focus on a variety of educational themes. JLA volunteers assist with leading activities, preparing supplies, supervising teen volunteers, and organizing the day’s schedule. As Gallery Assistants, League members facilitate learning in the galleries and assist with story time or discovery time activities as well as rotate through gallery spaces to keep them safe and fun for visitors.

New this year is the Program Evaluation and Assessment Team placement. These volunteers evaluate and assess the impact of museum visits and programs on audiences including school teachers and home-school families. They also collect information regarding visitation patterns, benefits from museum visits and unmet programming needs by administering phone and in-person surveys. In addition to providing invaluable assistance through volunteer placements, The Junior League of Austin will

donate $15,000 to the Austin Children’s Museum during 2013-2014.

For more information, visit austinkids.org.

THE THINKERY

By Jamie Burchfield, LeagueLines Writer

The Austin Children’s Museum has come a long way since being founded in 1983 as a “museum without walls.” Its exhibits and programs were hosted in schools, parks, recreation centers, libraries and malls. In 1987, the museum opened the doors to a 5,000-square-foot location on West 5th Street. It moved to the downtown location in 1997. Now, the Austin Children’s Museum is on the move again with the new 40,000-square-foot Mueller location, named The Thinkery, scheduled to open in December. The downtown location closed September 1. During the “dark period” between moves, the museum will offer community outreach through programs at farmers markets, parks and other community events.

The mission of The Thinkery is to create innovative learning experiences for children and families that equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers.

The Austin Children’s Museum served more than 200,000 visitors last year. With the new location and expanded exhibits and programs to benefit children from ages 6 months to 11 years, the museum hopes to reach more visitors in the future. The Thinkery will be an expansion and evolution of the current museum with an emphasis on science. It will allow families to learn and play by connecting with ideas by doing, making and experiencing.

Volunteers from The Junior League of Austin are an integral part of carrying out the mission of the Austin Children’s Museum. From June 2012 to May 2013, 69 JLA volunteers spent 847 hours at the museum. Paige DeLeon, Volunteer

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Last year was a huge success for training and education. We are continuing to offer fun and educational events this year. The 2013-2014 Training and Education Committee has planned a year of events that will deepen your connections with other women while growing personally and professionally.

As a key component of the mission of The Junior League of Austin, the 2013-2014 training and education program will develop the potential of women through the five programs listed below. Watch your eBlasts and the JLA Facebook page for registration information.

Connecting Leaders: Monthly events for Provisional, Active and Sustaining members to learn from a variety of seasoned leaders about leadership topics related to JLA membership, career and

personal life. These free events will offer training opportunities as well as a chance to network in small groups and get to know JLA leadership more personally.

Emerging Leaders: After the great success of the Emerging  Leaders program during 2012-13, JLA will  again offer this multi-week  leadership program in spring 2014. This high-quality  training program will

be facilitated by Leadership Austin. The course, which will offer training in skills that members can utilize both in and out of the JLA, will be offered at a fee. 

Gathering Groups: Join us for some relaxation and good company with wine tastings and movie nights. Gathering Groups are a great way to join other League members out in the community. Each

attendee will be asked to bring food or drink to the tastings and is responsible for purchasing her ticket at the theaters. Events will be scheduled in September, October, November, January, March and April. These social opportunities are a great way to form new friendships, learn about a certain wine or be the first to see a blockbuster hit with fellow league members!

February Training Month: A whole month to learn something, try something new and have fun with your JLA friends. Events will be held throughout the month at a variety of times and locations. Watch your eBlasts for announcements about registration as these events always fill

up fast! Most events are free but some will have a small fee.

Kids Giving Back: Bring a child to experience hands-on volunteering with The Junior League of Austin and FIT (Food In Tummies). These activities will provide a safe and organized opportunity to give back. There will be a small fee to cover materials and registration.

Training and Education Events This FallWatch your eBlast for information regarding registration for the following programs.

Connect: September, TBD: Pathway to LeadershipSarah Valenzuela, 2013-2014 Nominating Chair, will have a short presentation on everything you need to know about the JLA nominating process. We will then have small table discussions with current leadership.

October, TBD: Key Elements of Donor Development

Gather:September 26 at 7 p.m. – Wine Tasting – Sangria’s Farewell to Summer: Poolside Sips Hosted by Araminta Everton (3307 Perry Lane, 78731)

October 17 at 7 p.m.  – Reel Ladies Night Out at Alamo Draft House (5701 W. Slaughter Lane)

October 24 at 7 p.m. – Wine Tasting –The Oregon Wine Trail Hosted by Glenna Bruun - 10500 Pinehurst Dr., 78747

Contact Michou Shell, michoushell@gmail.com, or Glenna Bruun, glennabruun@yahoo.com, to host future events or for more information.

Emerge:In spring 2014, members will have the opportunity to participate in a series of fun and interactive leadership development workshops—all designed and delivered by some of Austin’s top leadership experts. Topics will include strong leadership communication, leading high-performing teams, collaboration and conflict management as well as other concepts that will strengthen your leadership skills both in the community and the workplace. Leadership Austin has been the premier provider of civic and community leadership development programming for 35 years, and we are thrilled to be partnering with the organization again to bring this series to JLA Membership. The six classes will be on Wednesday evenings, beginning February 26 and ending April 30. For more information, contact Araminta Everton at aramintaeverton@hotmailcom.

Kids Giving Back:On October 26 in the afternoon, come to the FIT room to help stuff backpacks with food for students at Baty and Hillcrest Elementary Schools. For more information, contact Jamie Krause at jlynk81@yahoo.com.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

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Elaine Garza, Provisional

Education/Occupation: I’m the Development Director for the Sustainable Food Center.Family: James Osborn, husbandMy favorite quote is: “Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest.” - Georgia O’KeeffeWhat experience has changed you most? My father passed away when I was 15, and it was incredible to see the strength of my mother. That first year and for years to come she focused on showing my two sisters and me the strength and power when women come together for one cause.When you look in the mirror, you see: A woman with a cape and tiara ready to save the world! Sadly there is really not a tiara nor a cape but I feel them throughout my day.One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I was born in Peru. My JLA purpose for 2013-2014: To take in every opportu-nity as a Provisional so that I can end my year with new pas-sions within our community with my best friends!

Education/Occupation: I graduated from Trinity University with a B.S. in International Business and a B.A. in Spanish. I work at Dell as a Chief of Staff for the Infrastructure Manage-ment IT team and in my “free time” as a Stella & Dot Stylist. Family: Married almost one year to my fabulous husband, Mike GarzaPets: Two dogs, Toro and Gracie Community activities: “Big Sister” volunteer for little sister Rosa, age 11, through Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than five years. My favorite movie is: Grease and Dirty DancingWhat experience has changed you most: Last year I was diagnosed with narcolepsy. It’s been a rough battle for me, but I have learned a lot about myself and had a lot of questions answered. I am learning to fight it every day and adjust my lifestyle so that I can continue to be active, social and energetic. Favorite JLA experience so far: I enjoyed volunteering as a “bouncer” during a DIAD 5K event with some of the JL ladies. Not sure how intimidating we were, but we did our job! My JLA purpose for 2013-2014: To meet other women and work together to volunteer and give back to our community.

Angela Osborn, Provisional

SPOTLIGHTS

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SPOTLIGHTSJordan Barley, Active

Lydia Valdés, Active

Current Placement: BookSpringEducation/Occupation: I have a B.S. in Advertising from UT-Austin and am a Creative Marketing Coordinator at Ameri-can Campus Communities.Pets: An Irish Setter, TobyCommunity activities: Team Tacodeli for the BP MS150If I could, I would: Get my pilot’s license and learn how to fly a plane.My favorite quote is: “Life is made up of appearance and perception, both of which are easy to lose and hard to gain.” – My dadWhat possession are you attached to: My iPhone…I think it’s actually attached to my hand.Favorite JLA experience so far: Passing out the FIT bags to the students at Hillcrest and seeing the excitement on their faces that FIT was back.My JLA purpose for 2013-2014: To make an impact on the community by giving back my time and efforts to help make Austin a better place and form new friendships with women who have the same ideas.

Current Placement: First-year Active with Faith in Austin Caregivers of South Austin + Project ChairEducation/Occupation: MS in Counseling Psychology/stay-at-home mom with my children during the day, and conduct a small counseling private practice in the eveningsFamily: Michael Cummings (husband), Elizabeth (daughter, 3), Daniel (son, 1)I regret: I work hard to live a life with no regrets and to look for the lesson when things don’t go as planned. With that said, I do regret not studying abroad in college.What experience has changed you most? Moving to Austin six years ago changed everything in my world, and I am excited to see myself become a truer and truer version of myself each day.When you look in the mirror, you see: My salt-and-pepper- hair that (though it makes me crazy some days) I refuse to dye because it’s part of who I am.One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I used to be a Middle Eastern dancer (belly dancer).My JLA purpose for 2013-2014: To continue learning about the League, connect more fully with my community through my placement and make connections with other women who are committed to service in Austin.

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Penny Deal, Sustainer

Krystin Johnson, Sustainer

Education/Occupation: I graduated from Baylor University, taught second grade, and now I’m a full-time mom.Family: Tom (husband), and Kate and Emily (daughters)Pets: A fish, Blueberry. We just lost our 12-year-old Beagle, Charlie.Community activities: Women’s Symphony League, Boost-er Club at Forest Trail Elementary, Hyde Park Baptist Church Children’s Development Center Committee MemberI regret: Not traveling more before having childrenFavorite thing about Austin: It has the amenities of a big city but feels like a small town.My favorite book is: The Miraculous Journey of Edward TulaneMy favorite junk food is: TwixMy life philosophy on a bumper sticker: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”One thing people wouldn’t know about you: I hate escalators.Favorite JLA placement: BookSpringFavorite JLA experience: I loved the people I met while working at the Resale Shop.

Education/Occupation: B.A. Plan II Liberal Arts, UT Austin; M.A. English Literature, Georgetown University. Writer and community volunteerFamily: Mike Johnson (husband), attorney; Madeleine Rose Johnson, (daughter) 6th gradePets: Mandy (Schnauzer) and Robin (Havanese)Community Activities: 2013 Secretary, Women’s Sympho-ny League of Austin; Maidens & Squires Co-Chair, 2013 WSL Jewel Ball; 2013 Secretary, Austin Lawyers’ Auxiliary; 2013 New Member, Daughters of the American RevolutionI wish I knew how to: CrochetMy worst habit is: My sense of humorPossession I’m attached to: First edition of Willa Cather’s My AntoniaFavorite JLA memory: Watching my daughter, then five, walk among the rows of invitation boxes for ACA Gift of the Magi, carrying a basket of cinnamon sticks and, very solemnly, placing a cinnamon stick in each box.My JLA purpose for 2013-2014: As a new Sustainer, changing my JLA focus from “What do I need to do?” to “What do I want to do?”

SPOTLIGHTS

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JLA BABIES

Congratulations on the arrival of your little one

Charlotte Jayne Brubakerborn on May 30, 2013

to Allison Brubaker

Maxwell Alexander Thurstonborn on June 9, 2013

to Sara Thurston

Haley Diane Hightborn on April 26, 2013

to Ashley Hight

Madeline Leigh Kotalborn on February 11, 2013

to Allison Kotal

Dirk “Brannon” Sylvesterborn on March 15, 2013

to Mary Sylvester

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Courtney Forsellmarried

Adam DeBoweron June 30, 2013

Stephanie McDonaldmarried

Clint Edgaron April 27, 2013

JLA WEDDINGS

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JLA UPDATES

THINKING OF YOUThose we love never go away;

they always remain close to our hearts. May you find comfort in the treasuredmemories of good times spent together.

Cindy KotzmetskyFamily of Camille Shannon

Please share the following announcements that are taking place in your life with the JLA: births, engagements, weddings, condolences, and notices of an illness of a League Member or their immediate family. Send all details (must include photos for births, engagements and weddings) to Doris Nanez, Office Administrative Manager, at dnanez@jlaustin.org.

Actives:Missy Anderson – Madison, WIJanene Franke – Houston, TXZoie Liotta – Saint Louis, MOSharon Morgan – Dallas, TXBrenna Neal – Dallas, TXNancy Norvell – Tampa, FLErika Serna – Corpus Christi, TXRebecca Whitehurst – San Antonio, TX

Sustainers:Mary Sample – San Antonio, TX

Thank you for your dedicated service toThe Junior League of Austin

and our community!

Provisionals:Amy Boyle – Dallas, TXSarah Camillone – Houston, TXMariana DeWeese – Charlotte, NCJennifer Kattner – Waco, TX

Actives:Crystin Darby – San Angelo, TXTaylor Harrell – Houston, TXCaroline Hull – Chicago, ILElizabeth Icaza – San Antonio, TXAngelica Brem Louis – Palo Alto, CARachel Miller – Dallas, TXJulie Shussler – San Antonio, TXRachel Stanbery – Houston, TXNia Elizabeth van der Velden – New York City, NY

Sustainers:Nannette Kidder – Scranton, PADiane Priddy – Dallas, TX

Actives:Aimee Irene FinneyStacey GouldPatricia ThomasMeredith Presley Wood

Sustainers:Angela Jenkins

REINSTATEMENTS

WELCOME TRANSFERS TRANSFERS OUT

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ABC GRANTS2013 RECIPIENTS

David O’Dell Anderson High School

Jennifer Atkinson Cunningham Elementary School

Amanda Thorne Del Valle Middle School

Connie Soong Doss Elementary School

Kristin Harden Fern Bluff Elementary School

Stacey Smith Govalle Elementary School

Judy Aquines and Karen Sandoval Graham Elementary School

Anne Jarrie Gullet Elementary School

Stacey Richardson Gullet Elementary School

Maritza Maldonado and Lisa Pressword Joslin Elementary School

Ralph Reyes Manor Middle School

Diana D’Emeraude River Place Elementary School

Mickey Shanahan Twilight Evening School

The Aid for Better Classrooms Grants Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of 2013 ABC Grants:

More than $11,000 in grants is being awarded this year. The Junior League of Austin would like to thank our partners at AMD and 3M.

We’re Getting Pretty Social Around Here!

Facebookfacebook.com/JLAustin.org

Twittertwitter.com/jlaustinorg

Pinterestpinterest.com/jlaustinorg/

Instagraminstagram.com/thejuniorleagueofaustin

YouTubeyoutube.com/user/JuniorLeagueofAustin

Email prchair@jlaustin.orgif you want to share something!

WHO WE AREThe Junior League of Austin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improv-ing the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Our purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

WHERE WE ARE GOINGThe Junior League of Austin will strengthen our community through creative solutions to current and future challenges.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

September 24, 2013Board Meeting

7 p.m.JLA Board Room

September 30 - October 2, 2013Small Group Meetings

Various Locations and Times

October 15, 2013Provisional Meeting

6:30 p.m.JLA Headquarters

October 22, 2013Board Meeting

7 p.m.JLA Board Room