What an incredible honor to serve as 67th president of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County! I am entering my sixth year as a League member, and I never would have imagined when I sat as a provisional member at May Dinner that my League involvement would lead me to this position.
I am excited to keep the momentum of the past few years and keep us focused on moving our programs forward to best serve our community, but please know I am counting on your help. Based on feedback at our Board of Directors’ retreat in June, we are looking at ways to enhance the member experience while staying true to our mission of promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community.
You all know, this next year is a big one. Not only is the board structure changing, but we are also narrowing our focus on a new project that will allow us to be more impactful within the community. I strongly believe in understanding the biggest needs of our community and determining how we can meet those needs to make a difference in the lives of others. In order to gauge the needs, we held focus groups to learn about challenges facing those in our community and to capture the one true need on which the League should focus. This process is continuing until we breach the gap.
I need to take a moment to thank Havolynne Saxon for her leadership this past year. She led us through significant changes in our governance structure while thoughtfully considering our future as an organization. Much appreciation, Havolynne, for the abundant time, heart, and service you put into leading us! I hope each of you take this year to follow Havolynne’s lead by finding your own niche and becoming involved, not only within Junior League, but also in our community. Communities do not become great on their own - they require committed individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and treasures!
I’m sure just as I do that you all have ideas and hopes for the future floating around in your head, and I hope you will feel comfortable sharing those ideas, whether with me or another board member. It is my hope the entire membership will embrace and shape our direction for the future, and I am looking forward to leading according to your direction.
In closing, I would like to share a favorite saying of mine by John Wesley. It is one I think appropriate for this 66th year:
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.
The League is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
By now most of you have heard some discussion about our newly adopted Governance and Management Structure. It is our belief that much of member satisfaction comes from a wellrun League, which we trust will be a result of a more efficient, separated system of governance and management.
Practically speaking, this means in addition to a Board of Directors, the League now also has a Management Team, and the work previously done solely by the Board of Directors will be split between the two groups.
I once described the new leadership structure to a member as a bicycle trying to reach its destination; the board serves as the first wheel leading the way and planning for the future while the management team is the wheel right behind them, taking care of the details on the backend. Each team has its own function, but in the end, we will reach our destination (goals) by working together.
The impact this change has on most League members will be to see our organization function more effectively. For those members serving on the Board, they will see their workload reduced and their focus shifted to long-term, strategic
planning. For those wishing to pursue a leadership position in the League it might mean more opportunities to do so with a lesser workload that is more narrowly focused within councils. This new structure allows our members to plug into one area they feel passionate about while the entire League benefits from the many different talents and skill sets of our diverse membership.
And finally, we are hopeful that with the new Governance and Management Structure that both active and sustaining members will notice improved communications and have a better understanding of the League’s current and future goals.
Please feel free to reach out to me at havolynne@gmail.com with any questions or concerns about our new leadership structure.
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ashton Meeks
THRIFT SALE
Angie Kennedy
Megan Strickland
ASSIST. CHAIRS
Britt Sawyer
Jennifer Nicholson
CHARITY BALL
Ashley Simon
Megan Smith
COMMITTE OF 15
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Julie Vaughn
COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR
Emily Drummonds
FEEDING OUR FUTURE
Annie Viviant
COMMITTE OF 20+
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Blythe Nicholson
SPAC
Monica Hatfield
EXECUTIVE VP
Havolynne Saxon
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Amanda Secunda
NEW MEMBERS
Wendy Watson
MEMBER SERVICES/ ACTIVITES
Keri Turner
PLACEMENT
Morgan Wood
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Laura Fowler
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Whitley Miller
INTERNAL COMMS
Chelsea Grimes
LEAGUE LOG
Kaylan Bradley
PR/EVENTS
Lauryn White
SOCIAL MEDIA
Jennifer McCall
FACILITIES DIRECTOR
Brittni Curtis
BUILDING/POOL COMMITTEE
We all have questions from time-to-time, and it can be difficult to know just who to reach out to. We hope that this list will help you reach the right person to get your questions answered!
President: Lindsay Addison | president@gainesvillehalljuniorleauge.org
• Any “big picture” or future planning/vision questions
Executive Vice President: Havolynne Saxon | havolynne@gmail.com
• Any questions about the day-to-day management of League
Secretary: Jennifer Schuetze | Jen886@gmail.com
• Questions about attendance, leave or transferring Leagues
• Materinity Leave or Leave of Absences must be requested and approved by the Secretary
Treasurer: Amanda Bruner | amandasikes42@yahoo.com
• All things financial and dues questions
Nominating Director: Anna Hewell | annastrz@bellsouth.net
• Any questions about the nomination process or leadership job descriptions
Financial Director: Ashton Meeks | ameeks514@gmail.com
• Questions about sponsorships/donations
• Information related to fundraisers and fund development
Membership Director: Amanda Secunda | par0418@yahoo.com
• Information on joining the League
• Questions about placement/DIAD opportunities
• Conferences, training, and other development opportunities
• Questions about membership obligations
Community Outreach Director: Emily Morgan | dawnem@live.com
• Anything related to Feeding our Future and the pantry/distributions
• Questions about the Little Black Dress Initiative
• Ideas for new programming opportunities
Communications Director: Whitley Miller | whitleybjones@gmail.com
• Any information related to news media or general publicity of the League
• Any questions about Junior League email newsletter or social media
• Any questions about the League Log
• Any questions about the website
Facilities Director: Brittni Curtis | brittnipcurtis@gmail.com
• Questions about pool membership and policies
• Room/building rental inquires
• Any issues regarding the League Lodge
Charity Ball: Megan Smith | meganhsmith3@gmail.com & Ashley Smithson | ashley.smithson@gmail.com
• Any questions related to Charity Ball
Thrift Sale: Angie Kennedy & Megan Strickland | JLthriftsale@gmail.com
• Any questions related to Thrift Sale
Office Manager: Amy McNeilly | info@gainesvillehalljuniorleague.org
• Office Hours: Tuesday | 4pm - 7pm Thursday | 9am - 1pm Friday | 9am - 1pm
This past spring Lindsay Addison, Caroline Nix, and Havolynne Saxon traveled to Minneapolis, MN for the annual AJLI Conference.
Their journey included having dinner with the Georgia League Presidents and President Elects, hearing speaker and author Cheryl Strayed, and attending a Prince/Purple Rain themed gala. One of the highlights was hearing an opera singer perform the National Anthem for the four different countries that AJLI inhabits. Lots of fun and learning was had, and the three women are excited to bring back some new ideas to the Gainesville-Hall County Junior League!
IN MAY AND JUNE 2017, WE SERVED:
202 families
507 children 389 adults
896 total people
The Feeding our Future program has seen many positive changes over the past year. After noticing a declining attendance during our 2015-16 year the League decided it was time to reevaluate the program and the needs of our community. Our past Strengthening Families Director, Keri Turner, and Pantry Chair, Emily Drummonds, spent much of last year listening to the needs of families and trying to identify the items that they needed most. They found that besides pantry staples our families were struggling to purchase basic household items such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, and personal care and hygiene products. These additions were slowly introduced into our distributions and were met with much success. Because of these changes and a focus on marketing the program, we saw the number of participants significantly increase over the previous year. In fact, we had many record breaking months in our attendance participation. In May we sent our families home with Summer Care Cleaning baskets along with their usual box of food. Children also received a tote filled with snacks and educational toys for the summer break.
The Feeding our Future Committee will continue with the Program this year and has decided to turn each distribution into a mini event for the families we serve. They have identified the months that they believe families need the most assistance and will be using those times to provide our usual box of food along with household supplies all while providing a fun hands-on event for the children. We are excited about these changes and look forward to reaching more people through our distributions. If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to participate in a future distribution please reach out to our Feeding our Future Chair, Annie Vivant, or our Community Outreach Director, Emily Drummonds.
Distributions are held at the League Lodge the third Saturday of every month from 11 am – noon. Distributions will be held the following days: November 18 | December 16
CHRISTINA BARNES
Christina Barnes is a dreamer, starter, and celebrator. She loves laughter, yoga, delicious food, and exploring the world. Christina works for Adventures in Missions where she spreads the love of God around the globe and recently started her own yoga ministry at MissionaryYogi.com.
AMANDA BROCK
Amanda Brock is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. She works as a Life and Health Account Coordinator at Turner, Wood, & Smith Insurance. Amanda grew up here in Gainesville, Ga., and she enjoys spending time with her family, boating on Lake Lanier, working out, and reading.
ELISE BUGENSKE
Elise Bugenske originally hails from the great state of Michigan, but moved to Georgia to be closer to family. Elise is an optometrist here in Gainesville. She enjoys swimming, traveling, and spending time with her family and her dog.
Nicole Columbo is a North Hall graduate and a Realtor at The Norton Agency. After studying Mass Communications at Piedmont College, Nicole fell in love with the Real Estate industry. Nicole is an active member in the Hall County Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville Toastmasters, and the Hall County Board of Realtors. Nicole is an advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and serves as the 2017 Gainesville Walk to End Alzheimer’s Chair.
My name is Elizabeth Ellison, but I go by Liz. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA but moved to Georgia 3 years ago with my husband. My husband and I are both optometrists and we recently starting working together at the same practice in Gainesville. We currently live in Suwanee with our two cats, but are looking to move closer to Gainesville in the near future.
I recently got married to the love of my life, Johnny Phillips! I have lived in 4 countries but absolutely love finally settling down in Gainesville. I love cooking, exercise, and most of all cuddling up on the couch to watch Netflix with our dogs after a long day!
Megan Partrick is a wife and mother of two crazy and adorable children. They recently moved from Dallas, TX and are so happy to be in Georgia. She loves shopping, Alabama football, and blueberry donuts.
I am originally from Colombia, but have lived in the USA for over 10 years. I am a former language (Spanish and ESL) teacher. Now I stay at home with my kids and help other families raise bilingual children through private and group lessons as well as on social media through my Instagram blog “The Bilingual Mami.” I love to play guitar, dance, languages, education and helping others!
Christie has served as the President of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce and Office of Tourism Development since August 2012. She is a Georgia grown girl with a penchant for politics, hospitality, PR, and back roads. Go Dawgs!
RACHEL MILLER
I love the outdoors and spend most of my free time outside. I enjoy meeting new people. Working with nonprofits in my career inspired me to be more active in the community and participate in the Jr. League.
I teach 4th grade at Centennial Arts Academy. I love to run and I’ve run 6 half-marathons. Also, I love to read and I always have a book on me whether it’s my kindle or an actual book. Finally, my mom’s family has been in Gainesville since before the Civil War so I have a lot of family that still lives here.
Ali owns the fabulous iLash 42 along with her mom. She loves her sweet Samoyed dog Kasha. She believes there is nothing better than a glass of wine and a puppy cuddles after a long day!
I’m new to Georgia from Raleigh, NC. In my spare time, I serve as a chapter advisor for my sorority at UNG, hike with my golden retriever, and (try to) play the banjo.
I was born and raised in Gainesville, GA. I’m married to my best friend, Kevin, and attend Lakewood Baptist Church. I am an OB/GYN sonographer in Johns Creek. I love to travel! Spain and Colombia are next on my places to visit! I love being on the lake in the summertime but fall is my all-time favorite season, GO DAWGS! Last year, I got to meet my first ever crush, Chipper Jones, and it made my year!
I’m originally from Cordele, GA. I play guitar and piano. I love all things crafting, especially homemade snail mail and calligraphy items.
Gainesville Native, Graduate from Samford University, Works at New Holland Elementary School, Varsity Football Cheerleading Coach, Married to Michael Shank.
Hi I’m Kathleen from John’s Creek. I’m obsessed with animals, especially dogs. I’m a huge Alabama fan and obsessed with Nick Saban. Roll Tide
I was born in India and lived there until I was 13. My family and I moved to NJ and lived there for past 9 years. I am relatively new to Georgia and am looking to make the best of my time here. In my spare time, you’ll find me cooking, practicing yoga, solving Sudoku puzzle or hiking!
I worked on tour with Garth Brooks for two years while I lived in Nashville getting my Master’s degree. I’m also a big book nerd – I read anywhere between 50-75 books a year!
It’s that time of year again - the one you’ve been waiting for all year long - THRIFT SALE! This year’s Thrift Sale is moving forward with momentum like never before. For the last 50+ years, members of this Junior League have made incredible differences in the lives of our neighbors in need by providing the service of Thrift Sale. The purpose of Thrift Sale is simple: serve our community by providing the opportunity to purchase gently used, much needed items at an extremely discounted price. The impact of Thrift Sale, however, is huge - not only on the lives we are able to touch and families we are able to serve, but also for us as League members as we encourage one another to develop into leaders and promote volunteerism and service in our community. This one weekend of thrifting changes lives.
We are so glad you are part of this initiative, and thank you in advance for all of your hard work and involvement in Thrift Sale. Cheers to 2017 Thrift Sale being the best yet!
What is Thrift Sale? Thrift Sale is our big event of the League year and is one of the longest standing fundraisers around, celebrating its 52nd anniversary this year. It’s an exciting time where active members and sustainers come together to provide a great service to our community.
Each active member and new member of the League is responsible for serving on one Thrift Sale committee AND working one Sale Day shift on October 7, 2017 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
1st Shift-8:30-11:30am
1. Anne Bleakley Jones
2. Melissa Dunlap
3. Whitley Miller
4. Keri Turner
5. Lauren Samples
6. Leania Bulloch
7. Wendy Watson
8. Amanda Secunda
9. Alli Curry
10. Lindsay Addison
11. Anna Hewell
12. Blythe Nicholson
13. Shea Shelley
14. Annie Viviant
15. Sarah Rightmyer
16. Julie Vaughn
17. Brittni Curtis
18. Amanda Haney
2nd Shift-11am-2pm
1. Caroline Nix
2. Olivia Shockley
3. Emily House
4. Denille Biddy
5. Monica Hatfield
6. Kristen Blackstock
7. Britt Sawyer
8. Haylee Gamble
9. Angie Kennedy
10. Megan Strickland
11. Chelsea Grimes
12. Lauryn White
13. Suzanne Cindea
14. Jennifer Mullis
15. Julie Conrad
16. Amy Connell
17. Jennifer McCall
18. Jennifer Nicholson
SALE DAY SHIFTS
Oct. 7, 2017 | 9 am – 2 pm
• First Shift 8:30 am – 11:30 am
• Second Shift 11 am – 2 pm
19. Christy Malcom
20. Erin Webb
21. Dallas Sage
22. Kaylan Bradley
23. Laura Fowler
24. Judy St. Pierre
25. Andrea Burton
26. Morgan Wood
27. Emily House
19. Ashton Meeks
20. Melanie Martin
21. Emily Morgan
22. Christie Haynes
23. Ali Redding
24. Elise Bugenske
25. Kathleen Starke
26. Nicole Columbo
27. Alston Waldrip
28. Shelly Cornett
29. Megan Smith
30. Lindsey Sikes
31. Brittany Bonds
32. Kaitlin Pharr
33. Britt Sawyer
34. Jennifer Schuetze
35. Lauren Tumlin
36. Tiffany Vaughn
28. Lizzy Higgins
29. Jennifer Tise
30. CJ Greene
31. Nikki Lauderdale
32. Mary Mobley
33. Jill Melton
34. Lindsay Pearson
35. Taylor Ewing
36. Haley Black
Please see the sale day shift assignments below. If you do not see your name, contact the Thrift Sale Chairs ASAP at JLThriftSale@gmail.com
37. Angie Kennedy
38. Amanda Ward
39. Megan Strickland
40. Darby Shank
41. Ashley Crain
42. Amanda Brock
43. Melinda Gallagher
37. Lindsey Sikes
38. Ashley Simon
39. Jennifer Shirley
40. Crystal Terrill
41. Cassie Tharpe
42. Jamie Smith
43. Alli Benefield
What if I can’t fulfill my assignment?
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 Angie Kennedy and Megan Strickland at JLThriftSale@gmail.com.
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, October 3, 2017 will be fined.
QUOTA DROP OFF HOURS: Sunday, October 1 3:00pm – 8:30pm Monday, October 2 8:30am – 8:30pm Tuesday, October 3 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.
Only $15 of your total may be attributed to adult clothing, although you may bring more to donate if you wish. Each adult clothing item is priced at $0.25 each, so please be aware only 60 pieces will be recognized as your quota, and the rest will purely be a donation.
Please keep in mind we are in need of children’s clothing. There is no limit to the amount of children’s clothing you donate, and all childrens clothing will go towards your quota. Each piece of children’s clothing is priced at $.50 each. The children’s clothing needs to be in good condition, with minimal stains and gently used.
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.
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, or items worth less than $.25.
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 paintings, 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!
Sustainer Coffee
Thursday, October 5 | 10 am. – 1 pm.
Gainesville Civic Center
Sustainers get in free for the first look at the sale and all items are DOUBLE priced.
Double-Price Shopping
Thursday, October 5 | 5-8 pm.
Gainesville Civic Center
$5 admission for general public.
It’s an opportunity to get “first dibs” on the merchandise; however, all merchandise is sold at DOUBLE the marked price.
The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County has been an active force in making our community a better place for women and children since 1951.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 2017-2018 year as a sponsor of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County 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 Julie Vaughn at ja.vaughn@hotmail.com or call (770) 535-1951.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2016-2017 CORPORATE SPONSORS:
