The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County is an organization of more than 500 women who, since 1951, have been committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving our community through effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers.
rom our president
I hope everyone had a great summer and that you were all able to spend quality time with family and friends. In the midst of all the summer fun, many members of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County were hard at work planning for the year ahead. Thank you to our board members and committee chairs who have already devoted countless hours to preparing for the upcoming League year. Also, a special thank you to our building chairs, Caroline Nix and Julie Nicholson. Caroline and Julie kept the pool and day-to-day building operations running smoothly, all while overseeing the building’s interior improvements. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.
“ Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world ”
- Desmond Tutu
We had a successful and insightful annual board retreat in June where we devoted most of our retreat time to discussing the feedback from Member and Sustainer focus group sessions conducted last spring. Overwhelmingly, we heard that members want to feel more connected to the League and our service projects. We have reached a point where we need to ask ourselves not what do we want to do, but why do we need to do it? We must redefine our direction.
Now is the time to ignite change. I hope you will join our leadership as we take this year to evaluate membership engagement and the needs of our community. I encourage you to find a way to “be a spark” within our organization. Spend this year finding what really fuels your passion. Maybe you will discover you enjoy
working fundraising events, like Thrift Sale or Charity Ball, or serving children and families in our community through our Strengthening Families program, or maybe you prefer to be behind the scenes in internal roles like communications or membership development. Whatever it is, find a way to use your personal talents, interests and passions to light up whatever you are doing. That’s what makes the Junior League so great; we flourish from a broad spectrum of women.
Change never happens overnight, but much like a fire, it starts with tiny sparks… sparks of encouragement, ideas, and excitement. As the heat of summer dies down, I hope that the fire continues to grow through the fall and winter months. Much of your placement work will be the same this year, but keep in mind, that in order to move forward we must cherish today and challenge tomorrow.
While there is transformation on the horizon, we will continue with many deeply-rooted traditions. Thrift Sale is on October 1, with Sustainer Coffee and Shopping on September 29. Also, mark your calendars for a night of fun and dancing at our 65th Annual Charity Ball on December 10.
I’m excited about the opportunities we will have this year to serve Gainesville-Hall County and grow together as a League! #ThisLeagueisonFire
Meet Amy
Many of you have talked to Amy over the phone or email, but have not had the chance to actually meet this wonderful woman! Amy McNeilly is the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County’s office and facilities manager and has served as the League’s “go-to” person for just about any question over the past 4 years.
Amy has lived in Gainesville for over 30 years. She graduated from the University of Georgia and went on to get her Master’s Degree from Georgia State University. Amy served as a school counselor for over 10 years before deciding to stay home with her two children. Amy is married with two beautiful teenage daughters. She and her family are members of Lanier Hills Church. Amy loves spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, shopping, and swimming.
“I have really enjoyed getting to know all of the wonderful ladies who volunteer their time here!”
Havolynne Saxon Lindsay Addison Jennifer Schuetze Hope Foster Margaret Bolton
We are SO excited about the 2016 Thrift Sale taking place on October 1 and we hope you all are too! This year our goal is to make Thrift Sale an exciting time for all League members and Sustainers while providing our community with much-needed items at affordable prices. We are looking forward to a fun Preview Party event and Sustainer Coffee, and we hope to see you there!
It’s often been said that “one person’s junk is another person’s treasure” and that’s really what Thrift Sale is all about. We, as a group of women, come together to provide such an amazing service to our community by giving people an opportunity to buy everyday items that we may take for granted.
We want to thank you in advance for all of your donations and hard work. We can’t wait for another fun and successful Thrift Sale!
Blythe Nicholson & Shelly Cornett
What is Thrift Sale? Thrift Sale is our first big event of the League year and is one of the longest standing fundraisers around, celebrating its 51st anniversary this year. It’s an exciting time where active members and sustainers come together to provide a great service to our community!
What are my Member Responsibilities?
Each active and new member of the League is responsible for serving on one Thrift Sale committee AND working one Sale Day shift on Oct. 1, 2016 at the Gainesville Civic Center.
COMMITTEES All members should already be assigned to one of the following committees:
• General Workshift
• Pick-up and Storage
• Advanced Donations
• Properties and Promotions
What if I can’t Fulfill my Assignment?
SALE DAY SHIFTS
Oct. 1, 2016 | 9 am – 2 pm
• First Shift 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• Second Shift 11 am – 2 pm
Please see the sale day shift assignments below. If you do not see your name, contact the Thrift Sale Chairs ASAP at
If you are unable to work your scheduled shift, it is your responsibility to find another member to swap with or cover your shift for you. Failure to fulfill your committee duties or find coverage for your sale day shift will result in a fine. Anyone who swaps shifts or is unable to fulfill their Sale Day requirement is asked to email Shelly Cornett and Blythe Nicholson at JLThriftSale@gmail.com.
1st Shift-8:30-11:30am
1. Aderholt, Bradee
2. Banks, Joy
3. Beebe, Lauren
4. Bell, Lauren
5. Benefield, Alli
6. Black, Haley
7. Blackstock, Kristen
8. Bonds, Brittany
9. Bradley, Kaylan
10. Braham, Meredith
11. Bruner, Amanda
12. Burton, Andrea
13. Curtis, Brittni
14. Drummond, Emily
15. Early, Ginny
16. Ewing, Taylor
17. Foster, Hope
18. Fowler, Laura
19. Greene, CJ
20. Hamilton, Alexis
21. Hewell, Anna
2nd Shift-11am-2pm
1. Addison, Lindsay
2. Bisig, Courtney
3. Blackstock, Kristen
4. Blackwood, Ashton
5. Bolton, Margaret
6. Boone, Alisha
7. Braham, Meredith
8. Bulloch, Leania
9. Buys, Rachael
10. Chester, Katie
11. Cindea, Suzanne
12. Connell, Amy
13. Conrad, Julie
14. Crumley, Katie
15. Drummond, Emily
16. Dunlap, Melissa
17. Ewing, Taylor
18. Flemming, Magill
19. Foster, Hope
20. Franklin, Peri
21. Frome, Hayley
22. Gamble, Haylee
22. Jarchow, Leslie
23. Jones, Anne Bleakley
24. Lauderdale, Nikki
25. McWhorter, Allie
26. Miller, Whitley
27. Mobley, Mary
28. Moore, Randi
29. Pearson , Lindsay
30. Pecht, Britt
31. Porter, Katherine
32. Reeves, Amanda
33. Rightmyer, Sarah
34. Samples, Lauren
35. Saxon, Havolynne
36. Sheidy, Amanda
37. Shelley, Shea
38. Shirley, Jennifer
39. Sliger, Ashley
40. Smith, Breanna
41. Smith, Jamie
23. Grimes, Chelsea
24. Hatfield, Monica
25. Hoffman, Amy
26. House, Emily
27. Hulsey, Stephanie
28. Johnson, Laura
29. Keasler, Marett
30. Malcom, Christy
31. Martin, Melanie
32. McCall, Jennifer
33. Meeks, Ashton
34. Melton, Jill
35. Moore, Anna
36. Mullis, Jennifer
37. Nicholson, Jennifer
38. Nix, Caroline
39. Pharr, Kaitlin
40. Sage, Dallas
41. Schueltze, Jennifer
42. Shockley, Olivia
43. Sikes, Lindsey
44. Simmons, Hayden
42. St. Pierre, Judy
43. Tharpe, Cassie
44. Tumlin, Lauren
45. Turner, Keri
46. Vandiver, Elyse
47. Vaughn, Julie
48. Ward, Amanda
49. Webb, Erin
50. Whitehill, Annie
51. Williamson, Erin
45. Simon, Ashley
46. Smallwood, Denille
47. Smith, Megan
48. Teston, Natalie
49. Vaughn, Tiffany
50. Viviant, Annie
51. Watson, Wendy
52. White, Lauryn
2016 Thrift Sale Co-Chairs
what you need to know
How Much in Quota do I Need? Each active and new member of the League is responsible for pricing and bringing $175 worth of quota/merchandise to the Civic Center during Sale Week. Your quota sheet must be turned in and quota checked upon drop off. In addition to quota, please bring a minimum of 20 plastic bags, or paper shopping bags, 2 XL boxes and 1 roll of masking tape. Anyone who has not dropped off quota by noon on Tuesday, September 27 will be fined.
Quota Drop off hours: Sunday, September 25: 3:00pm – 8:30pm
Monday, September 26: 8:30am – 8:30pm
Tuesday, September 27: 8:30am – 12:00pm
How do I Price my Quota? Pricing sheets can be found at www.gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org. The pricing sheet should be used as a guide to price your items. Please use a black Sharpie marker to write the price on a piece of masking tape and attach the price to the item.
Adult clothing does not have to be priced
What about clothing? We are happy to accept adult and children’s clothing; however, the quota rules are different for each. Please review the specific guidelines for adult clothing quota and children’s clothing quota.
ADULT CLOTHING
Only $15 of your total quota may be ADULT clothing. Each ADULT clothing item is priced at $0.25 each, so please be aware only 60 pieces will be recognized as your quota. You may bring more, if you wish, but anything above 60 pieces will be considered a donation and not count toward your quota.
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING
We are always in need of children’s clothing. There is NO LIMIT to the amount of children’s clothing you donate, and ALL CHILDREN’S CLOTHING will go towards your quota. Each piece of children’s clothing is priced at $.50 each and needs to be in good condition, with minimal stains.
Do you accept books? We ARE accepting CHILDREN’S BOOKS this year. Please note these items will not go towards your quota and do not need to be priced. We are unable to accept adult books.
What other items are not accepted? We DO NOT accept the following items: Undergarments, bathing suits, car seats, knives, mattresses, plastic food containers, stuffed animals, adult books, shoes, toys that are easily breakable into small parts, toys that lack required age warnings, or items worth less than $.25.
*By law, we are not allowed to resell any recalled item, mainly children’s items that could have a high level of lead. Some examples of items that may contain a high level of lead are children’s, jewelry, painted wood toys, or painted metal toys. Please check your items and ensure they are not recalled such as, cribs, play yards, jumpers, walkers, etc.
what you need to know
What if my quota exceeds $175? Great! We can always use more merchandise. In fact, the member who brings in the largest amount of quota is dubbed “Prize Girl.” In the past the prizes for “Prize Girl” have included a John Wind bracelet and spa gift certificates, so clean out your house and call family and friends to see if they have any donations to help your chances!
Thrift Sale Events:
1. Sustainer Coffee
Thursday, September 29 from 10 a.m. and 1p.m Gainesville Civic Center Sustainers get in free for the first look at the sale and all items are DOUBLE priced.
2. Double-Price Shopping:
Thursday, September 29 from 5-8 p.m. Gainesville Civic Center $5 admission for the general public It’s an opportunity to get “first dibs” on the merchandise; however, all merchandise is sold at DOUBLE the marked price.
Building Update
Over the past few months we have spent time cleaning and sprucing up our building. There are still many things to be done, but we hope you will find it more warm and inviting already.
In addition, this summer we were happy to provide space for family reunions, pool parties, swim lessons, and cooking events. Each room in the building is available for rent to Junior League members, sustainers and the community.
The small meeting room, captured here, is next on the agenda. We are grateful to XPO who graciously donated chairs so we could provide additional conference space. And with a fresh coat of paint and some accessories, we know this room will offer inspiration during meetings or house a beautiful shower!
If you are interested in renting the Junior League building please visit www.gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org or contact Amy McNeilly at 770-535-1951.
This past year the Feeding Our Future program provided 794 boxes to families, including 1,311 adults and 1,923 kids. This year, our goal is to provide food boxes to more than 1,000 families in our community.
Last year, we were proud to have the Housing Authority as a partner location for our monthly distributions. Although we will be moving our distributions back to the League building beginning with our September distribution, we plan to continue our partnership with the Housing Authority and will advertise our distributions at all the apartment complexes and explore ways to offer Kids in the Kitchen events to residents.
A driving factor in moving our monthly distributions back to the League building is the creation of a “needs pantry.” League members recognized foster care support is a pressing need in our community and put a plan into motion. This year we will be expanding our pantry program to include providing needed items such as diapers and clothes to foster families. We are excited at this opportunity to continue providing food to families in need while also launching a new program to serve current community issues.
Feeding Our Future Distributions
Distributions are held at the League building the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. – noon. In addition to the boxes of food, we will also be providing each family with supplemental resources to ease the financial burden of going back to school, encourage early childhood reading and help them enjoy the holidays.
August 20th (at Melrose apartments): September 17: October 15: November 19: December 17: School supplies
Books
Trick-or-treat bags
Turkeys for Thanksgiving
Hams for Christmas
Interested in donating items or learning more about our Strengthening Families Program?
Contact Keri Turner at keriaroberts@yahoo.com.
KRISTEN BLACKSTOCK
job: Auditor at Rushton and Company
hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Working out, swimming, hiking, hanging out with friends, and eating netflix or youtube? Netflix cats or dogs? Dogs spring or fall? Fall
job: Middle School Teacher at Jefferson Middle School
hometown: Flowery Branch, GA
hobbies: Reading, painting, traveling, sports (watching and playing) phone call or text? Text facebook or instagram? Instagram chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
job: Engineer - Medical Devices at Ethicon, Inc.
hometown: Louisville, KY
hobbies: Cooking, baking, and hiking chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate Halloween or Christmas? Christmas cats or dogs? Dogs
job: Registered Nurse in ICU at Northeast Georgia Medical Center
hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Working out, cooking, going on the lake, decorating, spending time with family, friends, and Jesus spring or fall? Fall night out or evening in? Evening In Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
BRITTANY BONDS
job: Dentist at BGW Dental Group
hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Anything Outdoors, golf, tennis PC or MAC? Mac for life! play or watch sports? Play sports redbox or movie theater? Movie theater
job: Clinical Competency Educator, RN hometown: Lilburn, GA
hobbies: Going out on the lake, working out, gardening, and hanging out with friends youtube or netflix? Netflix pulp or no pulp? Pulp cardio or weights? Chocolate
job: Clerk at Dahlonega Municpal Court hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Reading, being active around Gainesville, watching football, and going to concerts
evening In or evening out? Evening In Halloween or Christmas? Christmas Game of Thrones or Scandal? Scandal
LEANIA BULLOCH
BRADEE ADERHOLT
ANDREA BURTON
JULIE CONRAD
TAYLOR EWING
CHELSEA GRIMES
JADE IRWIN
job: Admission Specialist at Brenau hometown: Milledgeville, GA
hobbies: Reading, traveling, and baking book or eBook? Book PC or Mac? Mac spring or fall? Fall
EMILY HOUSE
job: Paralegal at Bart Patterson & Associates, LLC
hometown: Cleveland, GA
hobbies: Running, traveling, and gardening night in or night out? Night In early bird or night owl? Early bird Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
MARETT KEASLER
MELANIE MARTIN
job: Hairstylist at J.Thomas Salon hometown: Rome, GA
hobbies: Playing with my daughter, exercising, and thrift shopping
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas cats or dogs? Dogs spring or fall? Fall
ALLIE MCWHORTER
ASHTON MEEKS
job: Management Analyst at Willis Investment Counsel hometown: Twin Falls, ID
hobbies: Traveling, running, dancing, and horseback riding
evening In or evening out? Evening In youtube or netflix? Netflix phone call or text? Phone Call
job: Practice Administrator for Northeast Georgia Physicians Group hometown: Cornelia, GA
hobbies: Horseback riding, reading, and shopping
PC or Mac? Mac chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
job: School Nutrition Coordinator at Gainesville City Schools
hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Powerlifting, cooking, hiking, and spending time with my family early bird or night owl? Early Bird cardio or weights? Weights sweet or salty? Sweet
job: Cardiac Nurse at Northeast Georgia Medical Center
hometown: Spartanburg, SC
hobbies: Running, playing with my dog, and free time on the lake
youtube or netflix? Netflix book or ebook? Book
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
JENNIFER MULLIS
job: Tax Accountant at Rushton and Company hometown: Athens, GA
hobbies: Anything that involves the outdoors evening in or out? Evening In youtube or netflix? Netflix pancakes or waffles? Waffles
job: Stay at Home Mom (Former Registered Nurse) hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Jazzercise, hiking, reading, traveling, and babywearing phone call or text? Text
amazon or physical store? Amazon facebook or instagram? Facebook
job: Senior Account Manager at Mighty 8th Media
hometown: Buford, GA
hobbies: Working out, playing tennis, and hanging out with my pups and fiancé (Ryan) facebook or instagram? Facebook play sports or watch sports? Play Sports cats or dogs? Dogs
JENNIFER NICHOLSON
BRITT PECHT
job: Pharmaceutical Sales Representative hometown: Montgomery, AL
hobbies: Exercising, traveling, and being a “foodie” spring or fall? Spring
Game of Thrones or Scandal? Scandal cardio or weights? Weights
job: Teacher at Centennial Arts Academy hometown: Covington, GA
hobbies: Reading early bird or night owl? Early Bird
PC or Mac? Mac spring or fall? Fall
Not
RACHAEL BUYS
job: Clinical Simulation Education at Northeast Georgia Health System
job: Community Relations Coordinator for Wilson Orthodontics hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Being on the lake, tailgating for UGA football games, going out with friends, and spending time with my husband (Sky) and our four-legged child (Ellie) night in or night out? Night Out youtub or netflix? Netflix cats or dogs? Dogs
job: Audit Associate at Rushton and Company, LLC. hometown: Bradenton, FL
hobbies: Spending time with my Fiance (Alan), our pug (Biemer), family, friends, and canoeing youtub or netflix? Netflix spring or fall? Spring sweet or salty? Salty
job: Front Office Staff at Dermatology Associates of Northeast Georgia hometown: Gainesville, GA
hobbies: Cooking, playing on the lake, and walking my dogs evening in or out? Evening In sweet or salty? Salty cats or dogs? Dogs
KATIE CHESTER
job: Social Studies Teacher at Gainesville Middle School
ALEXIS HAMILTON
job: Georgia Public Defender Council / Enotah Circuit Assistant Public Defender
job: Associate Attorney at Hulsey, Oliver, and Mahar, LLP
MONICA HATFIELD
SHEA SHELLEY
CASSIE THARPE
DENILLE SMALLWOOD
JAMIE SMITH
KATHERINE PORTER
pictured
2015-JULY 2016 BABIES
Partner With The Junior League Of Gainesville-Hall
For the last 65 years, the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County has been an active force in making our community a better place for women and children. We are an all-volunteer organization of women committed to promoting volunteers, developing the potential of women and improving our community. Through the volunteer efforts of our members, the women of Junior League have made great contributions to our community.
Our programs are largely supported by volunteer service and fundraising events, but they are even stronger because of the support of community partners. In order to continue to meet the needs of families in our community, we continue to seek community support from area businesses like yours. We hope you will consider partnering with us this 2016-2017 year as a sponsor of the Junior League in our efforts to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of women and children in our community.
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please contact CJ Greene at cjgreene@nortonnorthga.com or call (770) 535-1951.
*2016-2017 tentative schedule and is subject to change. Members will receive additional information on final dates and details as dates approach.
