JLGHC League Log November - December 2012

ATSYOURERVICE

Board of Directors 2012-2013

Gerran Syfan

President

Julia Greene President -Elect

Callie Flack

Recording Secretary

Amanda Yenerall

Corresponding Secretary

Erin Price

Treasurer

Christina Jones Placement Chair

Staci Vinton

Membership Development Chair

Elizabeth Thompson Fund Development Chair

Erin Williamson Communications Chair

Julie Nicholson

Leadership Development & Training

Melanie Couch

Member Representative

Liza Chapman

Immediate Past-President

Joy Banks

Strengthening Families Chair

Dixie Truelove

Sustainer Advisor

Fundraising Chairs

Katie Dubnik

Charity Ball

Elizabeth Latta

Charity Ball

Leslie Miller Thrift Sale

Tiffany Gillespie Thrift Sale

A NOTEFROMTHE PRESIDENT

A Spouse’s Perspective

With October upon us, Gerran demanded asked nicely that I write her President’s Note this month. She said she needed just ONE thing taken off her to do list, and this was it. When I asked her what I should write, she said, “Write something for spouses and significant others.” I really have no idea what that means, and I highly doubt “spouses and significant others” actually read the League Log anyway, but here it goes!

For the women of Hall County who consider joining the Junior League, they are provided written notice of what will be expected of them if they join (dues, volunteer hours, meeting commitments…that sort of thing). If Gerran ever handed me a written notice of what is expected of the Junior Leaguer’s spouse, I never received it read it. For those of you in my shoes, we may not have joined the Junior League, but we are leaguers by association (LBAs).

As requested, I’ll do my best to outline what I’ve learned over the past six years of what is expected of an LBA member. LBAs have zero meeting requirements. They are not invited to a single meeting, no matter how long it lasts. However, you’ll likely be expected to do ALL household chores and take care of kid(s) while they are at this meeting solving the world’s problems (over wine and cheese), and whatever else they do on Tuesday nights. They’ll regularly expect you to help with community projects and special events. These requests may entail operating power tools, loading trucks, moving quota or various other acts of physical labor.

While on the subject of meetings….You’ll likely be told that the time commitment isn’t that bad, as the League only meets one Tuesday per month….in my experience you may find this statement to prove to be grossly inaccurate. Just wait until your “spouse or significant other” gets their “placement.” They will somehow figure out a way to meet weekly and “discuss said placement” (even when the League is on summer break) at their favorite restaurants and tell you that it is “mandatory” for them to be there. All I can say is “bless your heart” if your spouse or significant other ever decides to run for President of the Junior League.

Training is another essential component. I have been threatened trained since my wife was pregnant with Reece to never call it babysitting when I keep her by myself. It is called PARENTING. I dare you to call it babysitting to your wife….Let me know how that works out for you. For those of you with children, additional parenting responsibilities are expected. Reece and I now know that Tuesday nights will usually include a trip to Longstreet, lots of play time, riding in the Ranger (the buggy, as she calls it) to look for deer in the pasture, watching funny videos on YouTube, and as much Elmo’s World watching as she will sit still for! Finally, LBAs are expected to attend League events, such as the Thrift Sale Preview Party and Charity Ball. Your role will be simple…wear the proper attire, speak to everyone (even those you don’t know), don’t get too heavily intoxicated that you might do something to embarrass yourself (or even worse, your spouse), and of course, be prepared to do any heavy lifting or moving that needs doing (even if you are in a tux).

All that being said….the Junior League is a part of my life that I wouldn’t trade. The League does incredible things in the community and it is full of amazing women (take my wife, for example). It has been my pleasure to serve as Co-President this year, and I promise to serve you well all the way through our current term (it’s only a one year term, right???) I’ll see all of you spouses and significant others at Charity Ball on Dec. 8, 2012.

James D. Syfan, Jr.

Vision Statement

The Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County is committed to making Northeast Georgia a better place for children and families. Acting as a catalyst for positive change, we seek new opportunities to impact our community.

Thrift SaleWrap-Up

Thrift SaleWrap-Up

Ladies of the Gainesville-Hall County Junior League,

We cannot thank you enough for your dedication and support in making the 47th Annual Harvest Thrift Sale a success. Through your donations and tireless efforts with your committees, we were able to provide low-cost items to more than 1,300 members of our community. There is no way this would have been possible without 100% involvement from the members, as well as the support from our sustainers.

It is so important that we highlight the work of our Thrift Sale Committee Chairs: Meredith Braham, Katie Crumley, Magill Fleming and Havolynne Saxon. They maintained commitment and dedication throughout the year despite their own weddings, babies and families at home. We are so impressed with what they have brought to the table. In addition, our Sustainer Advisors, Lynn Carter and Amy Harrison, played a huge role in this year’s event. They provided guidance, ideas, support, and delicious treats and snacks. We couldn’t have done it without them! One last thank you to several of our new members, who stepped up by volunteering to work both shifts on Sale Day. This was a generous offer and much appreciated.

Our 2012 Prize Girls will be rewarded this year with some time at the spa. We hope that Serenity Spa makes these ladies feel like the queens that we feel they are. Thank you to Chelsey Hogan (Member) and Ruth Wade (Sustainer) for your large Thrift Sale donations. Because of these, you are named our 2012 Prize Girls.

Thrift Sale is a wonderful event that raises money for our League, as well as provides a valuable service to our community. We look forward to what the rest of the League year holds. We are in good hands with Gerran Syfan and Julia Greene, and know that this year will be the best yet.

Thank you again for all that you do for our community.

- Tiffany Gillespie and Leslie Miller 2012 Thrift Sale Co-Chairs

SaleWrap-Up

Thrift SaleWrap-Up

TDecember 8, 2012, 8 p.m.

“Old Hollywood”

2012Charity Ball

he holidays are approaching, and that means Charity Ball is right around the corner! We are looking forward to celebrating the 61st year of Charity Ball with an “Old Hollywood” themed event. Be ready to show off your glamorous side in a long formal gown and walk the red carpet!

This year, we are thrilled to have the support of six amazing Belle Candidates and their clubs. These ladies have been working hard to raise money for our community on behalf of the Junior League. Please remember to support them in their efforts; your donations to these ladies goes right back to the Junior League and the organizations in the community that the League supports. As you can see from their bios on the following pages, our Belle Candidates are not only leaders in their schools, but also in the community. We are honored to have them as part of our event and appreciate their hard work on behalf of the League.

We want to note a few important changes to this year’s Charity Ball festivities. The Charity Ball committee is hosting a vendor fair at the November membership meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to help you get ready for Charity Ball. From hair salons to a make-up artist to the latest in jewelry, we will have vendor sponsors at the Elks Lodge to help you get “glammed” up for the Ball. We invite all members – actives, sustainers and provisionals – to participate and come early to check out the booths. This will also be a great opportunity to meet the Belles and thank them for their hard work on behalf of the League.

We also encourage all our membership to attend the ball. Remember, active Junior League members still get two tickets included in the price of their dues. This year, tickets include heavy hors d’oeuvres, two drink tickets and an open martini bar. Ticket prices – $75 for an individual or $125 for a couple – will remain the same thanks to our Charity Ball sponsors.

A special thanks to all our floral sponsors, who will be providing beautiful centerpieces for our event. These will be in our raffle the night of Charity Ball, and you could go home with one of the beautiful centerpieces to enjoy in your own home for the holidays. Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 at the November and December Junior League meetings, at the Belle-Sustainer reception, as well as the night of the Ball.

Don’t forget to check out the Charity Ball section of our website where you can make online donations to your Belle

Candidates and also get more information about the event. You can also still contact Robin at the League office to make donations or buy tickets.

Finally, we would like to thank our fantastic assistant co-chairs, Cindy Barrett, Emily Bishop, Tiffany Whitmire and Lisa McMahan. With these driven cochairs and our six Belle Candidates, we are looking forward to December 8!

It has been such a pleasure to help plan Charity Ball this year. Please invite your friends to come enjoy a wonderful evening dancing the night away with the fabulous band, Ascension. We look forward to seeing you all “strut your stuff” on the red carpet!

- Katie Dubnik and Elizabeth Latta 2012 Charity Ball Co-Chairs

Get Ready to Go Glam!

Head to the November General Meeting a little early and get everything you need to glam it up for Charity Ball. The Charity Ball committee is hosting a vendor fair just before our next meeting –Nov. 6, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will include the latest jewelry and make-up to adorn your “Old Hollywood” self, hair salons that can help you tame that mane, and all you need to make it a great night!

All members (actives, sustainers and provisionals) are invited to attend. Thanks in advance for supporting these great businesses that are supporting the League!

Kate Ackerman

Kate Ackerman

I am a senior at Lakeview Academy, where I am captain of both the football and basketball cheerleaders, and president of the Thespian Honor Society. I enjoy the outdoors through snow skiing, fly fishing and being a certified scuba diver with six years of experience. I will be representing the Jaycees and am looking forward to contributing as much as I can in order to raise money for such an amazing cause.

Hartley Carter

I am representing the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville for the 61st Annual Charity Ball. I’m a senior at Gainesville High School. I play soccer for Gainesville High School’s varsity team, and I play for a club traveling team. I’m a member of Gainesville High School’s Thespian Club, and I’m currently the lead role in the play “Steel Magnolias.” I look forward to representing the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville; it will be an exciting and wonderful experience. I’m very honored to be given this opportunity.

Shannon Lightfoot

Shannon Lightfoot

I am the Gainesville Rotary Belle Candidate in the 61st Annual Charity Ball. I am currently a senior at Gainesville High School. I have been on the Varsity Swim team for three years. I am an active member of Beta Club, Key Club, Quill and Scroll, and I am the PR manager for the Young Democrats Club. I’m active in the Youth programs at Gainesville First Presbyterian Church. I am excited about the opportunity I have been given and look forward to representing Gainesville Rotary.

Abbi Shoaf

I am currently a senior at North Hall High School, where I am a competition cheerleader and actively involved in the Senior Beta Club, FCCLA, Pep Club and DECA. I am excited to represent Lanierland Civitan as their Belle Candidate for the 2012 Charity Ball. I am honored to be a part of a nonprofit organization that provides their time and money to charities that make our community a better place.

Candidates

Katherine Smith

I will be representing South Hall Rotary for the 61st Annual Charity Ball. I am currently a junior at Gainesville High School. I am involved in the mentoring program at Centennial. I also volunteer at Family Promise after school helping the less fortunate in our community. I am also the managing editor for the school newspaper. Being a part of this great experience by being a representative for South Hall Rotary is so honoring and I’m very excited to share this experience with the other belle candidates.

Haley Twiggs

I am looking forward to representing the Elks Club in the upcoming Charity Ball. I am a junior at North Hall High School, where I’m involved in Golf, Swimming, HOSA, FBLA and DECA. I am so excited to be a Belle Candidate this year because I feel that it is such an opportunity to give back to the community in which I live.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

Please remember to bring donations for the Feeding Our Future food pantry to the monthly General Membership Meetings. November is “Noodle November” (dried pasta/ canned pasta/ macaroni and cheese) and December is “Diced Tomato December” (canned tomatoes).

All donations to the food pantry are appreciated. As a reminder, for every 30 pounds of food donated, 30 minutes of placement hours are awarded. Donations can be dropped off at the League office.

Upcoming distributions: Nov. 17 and Dec. 15

Thank you to the New Member class for your contribution of Halloween treat bags for the October distribution.

2nd Annual Healthy Habits: Child and Family Wellness Expo

Save the date for the Second Annual Healthy Habits: Child and Family Wellness Expo coming up in March 2013. Be on the lookout for more information in the upcoming months on this exciting community-wide event. Contact Laura Fowler ( laura.fowler7@gmail.com) or Natasha McPhaul ( natasha@turnstiledeli.com) for more information about participating in the expo.

Healthy Eating this Holiday Season

The holidays are approaching, bringing with them plenty of opportunities for entertaining and cooking. New member Morgan Wood contributed some of her tried and true favorites for healthy eating during these busy times.

Pecan Crusted Salmon

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1 Tbsp honey

1/3 Cup bread crumbs

1/3 Cup pecans, finely chopped

4 salmon fillets

2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place salmon fillets in lightly greased baking pan. Lightly salt and pepper to taste.

Mix together mustard, butter and honey in small bowl. Brush mixture over salmon. Combine breadcrumbs and pecans in small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over salmon fillets. Top with parsley.

Bake 10 minutes per inch of thickness or until salmon easily flakes with fork.

Best Ever Roasted Broccoli

3 broccoli crowns, cut into medium-large pieces and thoroughly dried

5 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced salt and pepper, to taste

*garlic salt

juice of 1 lemon

1/3 Cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

*If you use garlic salt, omit the regular salt listed above.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Toss together broccoli, olive oil and garlic in large bowl to coat evenly. Spread onto large roasting pan and season with salt (or garlic salt) and pepper to taste. Roast 20-25 minutes or until crisp and tender. Broccoli should have just a bit of browning on the edges.

Remove pan from oven. Squeeze lemon over broccoli and sprinkle with cheese. Toss to coat evenly.

NEW MEMBERS

Our wonderful New Member Class started their year off in August with a great service project, painting bowls at INK for the Empty Bowl Luncheon to benefit the Food Bank. At this meeting, they learned about our Strengthening Families programs and the Healthy Habits EXPO that was hosted at INK last year, enjoyed a great welcome by our President and President Elect, and also learned some about each other. At our October gathering, we continued our service by putting together treat bags for the families the League serves through Feeding our Future.

Just a reminder to our new members that we have a very important, mandatory meeting on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Georgia Community Foundation

21 st Annual Marketplace

Preview Party & Early Shopping Nov. 8,6:30–9:30 p.m. Shopping Days

Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 10,9:30 a.m.–5:00p.m.

Gainesville Civic Center

Proceeds benefit Radiation Oncology within The Cancer Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Call 770-219-1830 for tickets.

Conditioned Air Systems, Inc.

Jackson EMC

Milton Martin Honda

Milton Martin Toyota

Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Inc.

The Longstreet Clinic, P.C.

Carroll Daniel Construction

Treadstone Construction

United Community Bank

These businesses are important supporters of the Junior League and our community. Thank You! We encourage all of our members to support these generous sponsors!

BIRTHDAYS

Know a Leader? Nominate one!

We will be accepting nominations for leadership positions at the November General Membership meeting. Please consider nominating yourself or someone else for the 2013-2014 League year.

Contact your nominating chairs, Liza Chapman or Melanie Hill,for more information or if you have any questions.

In Memoriam

The Junior League recently lost two special members. Our thoughts are with the families of Grace Moore (Emeritus member) and Malissa Tubbs. We are forever grateful for their service, not only to the Junior League, but to the entire GainesvilleHall County community.

Debby Lane

Mary Helen Hosch

Marilyn McCarver

Jeannine Roberts

Haylee Gamble

Hart Payne

Lucy Huggins

Chris Cosper

Ann Hendrickson

Betty Norton

LeTrell Simpson

McMahan

Lynch

Eckert

Collins

Tillman

Farkas

Ann Palmour

Lynda Stewart

Elizabeth Carswell

Kelly Lee

Betty Goldberg

Carla Walker

Barbara Griffeth

Amy Roark

Janna Mallis

Lee Highsmith

Michelle Carter

Debbie Walls

Nikki Law

Misty Caudell

Teresa Syfan

Sarah Dunlap

Leslie Chapman

Betty Hampton

Elizabeth Reisman

Irene Baker

Karen Jackson

Carol Ferrell

Patti Chambers

Laura Sumner

Lucille Bagwell

Vivian Street

Barbara Hicks

Christina Jones

Janet Kaup

Diane Curington

Susan LeFevre