April 2016 • Issue 6
In This Issue: • STEM Expo • New Member Bios: Part I • Community Collaborations • Westside Book Nook Photo • April’s Causes to Highlight • JL Philadelphia Training Recap • Sustainer Update • March GMM Meeting Notes
MARK YOUR CALENDARS April 10-16: National Volunteer Week • Register on the members’ website April 11: Sustainer/Active Book Club • 6 p.m. • Jeanne Jackson’s House • “My Name Is Lucy Barton” by Elizabeth Strout April 13: Sustainer Lunch n’ Learn • 11:30 a.m. • Erie Canal Museum April 21: Sustainer R&R • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. • The Distillery, Erie Blvd. East April 22: The Annual STEM EXPO • 8:00 a.m. • Danforth Middle School April 29: Sustainer Cocktail Party • 5:30 p.m. • The Home of Margaret and Raja Karim, 7308 Dartmoor Crossing, Fayetteville, NY.
4TH ANNUAL STEM EXPO The date is quickly approaching for the 2016 STEM EXPO at Danforth Middle School hosted by The Junior League of Syracuse. The event will take place on Friday morning, April 22nd. For this year’s Expo, we are very excited to feature Dr. Jeanette Epps, NASA astronaut and Syracuse native! She will be the Keynote Speaker as well as lead Danforth’s 6th grade girls in a large group demonstration and experiment. Following this, the girls will form small groups to rotate through four related experiments, each hosted by local organizations. These organizations are: SUNY-ESF, Darco Manufacturing, a weather/news station and Southwest Airlines. The goal of this annual event is to inspire young women to remain in school and to pursue a STEM degree. During her visit, the JLS will escort Dr. Epps to two other Syracuse city schools, Nottingham High School and Meachem Elementary, to present to students. The evening prior to the STEM EXPO, the JLS will host a community event at West Genesee High School for students, staff, families, administration and community members. Dr. Epps will present the story of her journey from growing up in Syracuse to becoming a NASA astronaut. Through these series of events, we strive to make a lasting impression in the lives of young women, by encouraging them to pursue their dreams and to become active members in their communities. By offering this opportunity that might not otherwise be available, we hope that the STEM EXPO and the involvement of Dr. Epps will help students believe that STEM career paths are attainable. The importance of promoting STEM careers within the CNY community is invaluable. Syracuse city schools have a student dropout rate of 16% and a graduation rate of 55%. These rates combined with women’s underrepresentation in the STEM work force, make the JLS’s STEM EXPO and awareness efforts vital to cultivating a successful community. Over 500 students will be directly impacted by the Junior League of Syracuse’s effort in promoting STEM! Contact the Community Collaborations Committee Member: Cheryl Saidel: cheryl. saidel@stylesolutionsteam.com The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016 | 1
NEW MEMBER BIOS: PART I We’d like to take this time to welcome some of the newest Junior League of Syracuse members! Next month we will feature some additional biographies of the remaining new member class. Kimberly Cargill: I’m originally from North Carolina. I moved to Syracuse for undergrad at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and have been here ever since. I am currently a veterinarian in Cicero, NY. I’ve been married to an amazing and patient man, Michael, for nearly 12 years; and we have 2 lovely young girls who keep me very busy. My life is pretty chaotic, between working full time and keeping up with my kids’ activities. In my limited free time, I read, work on projects, and work out. I started running more last year but I wouldn’t call myself a “runner”. I actually joined the Junior League of Syracuse because even though I know I do a lot of positive things with my career and with my family, I have really been wanting to get more involved in the community and to be able to volunteer and contribute more. Emily Curtin:
rescue dog, Josie.
I was born and raised in Auburn, NY. I attended the University at Buffalo where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Following college, I lived in Buffalo for 3 years working as a Public Accountant at a local firm. I returned to CNY and am currently working in Syracuse as an Accountant. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my 2 year old
Karen Krogman Daum: I am originally from the Midwest and moved to Syracuse in 2012. I am an attorney at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet. I love traveling, cooking, and running.
2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016
La-Toya Davis: I am originally from New Jersey. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Syracuse University in 2010 and received my Master’s Degree in Media Management from the S.I. Newhouse of Communications at Syracuse University in 2014. Thus far, my career has included a number of marketing-related roles in the manufacturing, health care and media relations industries. I have held various marketing jobs that include public relations, community relations, project management and event planning. Currently, I am a Corporate Communications Specialist with SRC, Inc. I also sit on the Executive Board of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Iota Nu Omega Chapter and am an active member. I live in Jamesville with my husband Jonathan Davis. Casey Duffy: I moved to Syracuse in 2013 for graduate school and ended up staying after my program for a job that I love. I work as a Career Advisor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. I have a passion for traveling and have been to 13 countries with Southeast Asia as my next goal. Beyond traveling, I love scuba diving, last minute road trips, great books and anything to do with summer. Amanda Perrine Originally from Alden (near Buffalo), I have been in Syracuse for 9 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Library Science from Syracuse University. I am currently the Assistant Director at Marcellus Free Library and am also in charge of adult programming and collection development. Prior to this, I was a manager for stores such as Starbucks, Friendly’s and FYE,
and I have used these retail experiences to present at libraries throughout the state on using retail management strategies for increased library customer service. I enjoy traveling, reading, genealogy, and spending time with my husband and son. Stacie Roberts: I am an Upstate NY native and recently moved closer to the Syracuse area. I work as a Senior Marketing Assistant for Prudential Financial in Dewitt, where I lead the company’s event planning and charitable participation activities. In my spare time, I indulge in reading, hiking, yoga, and traveling. I live in Fayetteville with my boyfriend Joe and my son, Caden (10). I am eager to become more involved in my community and look forward to growing with the Junior League of Syracuse.
have been working in Human Resources for over ten years and am currently the Benefit Manager with Raymour & Flanigan in Liverpool, NY. The Junior League of Syracuse has provided me an opportunity to get to know the community, give back to my community, and meet some amazing, caring women.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS We are looking to do another blitz of volunteering during National Volunteer Week, which takes place April 10th-16th!
Caroline Schwalm: I grew up in Northport, NY which is located on Long Island. I graduated from Hamilton College in 2002 and worked in New York City for Martha Stewart Living for 4 years in the Food Department. I then moved to Chicago in 2005 and worked as Assistant Buyer for Kitchenwares at Crate & Barrel. In Chicago I was a member of the Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a member of the Guild of the Chicago Botanic Garden. We moved to Fayetteville from Chicago in September 2015, because my husband, Brad, accepted a new job with the Hershey Company. He is a regional sales manager there. I have a son George (5) and a daughter Susie (3). George currently goes to Bright Beginnings Nursery School in Fayetteville.
The Junior League of Syracuse will celebrate National Volunteer Week with numerous collaborations with Syracuse community organizations. Please visit the members’ website for more information! Contact the Communications Collaborations Committee Member: Courtney Bintz: courtneyyakers24@gmail.com
WESTSIDE BOOK NOOK
Julie Wood: Originally from central Ohio, my husband, Chris, and I moved to Baldwinsville, NY in July 2015. I enjoy nature, hiking, traveling, and just spending time with my family and friends. It has been fun discovering all the beautiful places in New York. I
A huge thank you to everyone who donated books at the March GMM for the “Book Nook” collaboration with the Westside Family Resource Center. The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016 | 3
APRIL’S CAUSES TO HIGHLIGHT There are two important causes JLS would like to highlight for the month of April:
APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH. In honor of this cause, people across the country come together to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention. This year, McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center is launching a new campaign, Go Blue 4 Kids. During April, our center is inviting everyone to Go Blue 4 Kids. Each person can make a difference through their visual commitment to help end child abuse by wearing blue to work, planting a blue pinwheel garden or attending various events that the advocacy center will be holding throughout April. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at mcmahonryanCAC and post your photos at #goblue4kids. Find out ways to go blue at www.mcmahonryan.org. If you suspect child abuse, please call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720. - Linda Cleary, Sustainer and Executive Director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center
APRIL IS NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH. Did you know that 1 in 6 American women and 1 in 33 American men have been victims of attempted or completed rape? 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18. These startling statistics call each of us to do our part to prevent sexual violence. And that prevention work does not just mean throwing on a superhero cape to stop an act of sexual violence or volunteering at an agency like Vera House…it means speaking up and challenging someone who makes a sexist joke or comment, talking openly with our kids from a very young age about personal safety and healthy sexuality, not buying into victim blaming messages, and supporting survivors who break the silence and speak out. Getting educated about sexual violence is the first step, a step that can be taken in April, and throughout the year. Calling the Vera House Crisis & Support Line is the best way to access information regarding your safety. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling: 315-468-3260 or 315-484-7263 (TTY for Deaf community - during business hours) - Loren Cunningham, MSW Prevention & Education Director
4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016
JL PHILADELPHIA TRAINING Kate Zwecker I had a great time attending the JL Philadelphia Regional Training! This was my first experience at a Junior League training and I hope it will not be my last. My biggest takeaway from the weekend was hearing from other Leagues. We all face similar issues and it was nice to know that all Leagues have their triumphs and their areas of concern. We know there are so many other ways we can volunteer our time, but the Junior League offers so much more than just a normal not-for-profit. As a League, we have to make sure to commit ourselves to the mission and vision, as well as remember why we joined the League. Yes, we all want to volunteer, but we also have so many opportunities to build partnerships and also have these amazing training opportunities. That’s what sets the League apart. Attending the training in Philadelphia helped me to remember why I joined the League and why I commit my time to this organization. I believe in the bigger picture of what we’re doing for our community and how, as a League, we can make a difference in our community.
Courtney Bintz I love training. I especially love training that is offered through the League. It is an experience that not only teaches you so much, but offers the opportunity to learn from other Leagues’ members. At the Philadelphia Learning Exchange Regional Training in February, I did just that: learned, a lot. From sessions on community impact to training League leaders, one thing stood out. We are only able to grow and improve if we are willing
to work together and communicate. Working together to set a long term League strategy and communicate this to all levels of our members is key. Any member should, and can, speak up at anytime to achieve their key League experience! Julia Zimmer It was a pleasure and honor to represent JLS at the Liberty Learning Exchange 2016 in Philadelphia. It was a great opportunity for our JLP hosts to show off their beautiful new offices. We also visited their very successful Thrift Shop (see photo at left), another jewel in the JLP crown. It turns out that STEM is a popular community impact topic and other Leagues shared some insights gained from their own experiences that may be useful in our Syracuse programs. During the opening plenary and the first session, Janine le Sueur of ALJI discussed strategies aimed at maximizing our impact in the community and enhancing community partnerships. She emphasized having a “laser focus” for our community goals, and determining appropriate metrics for measuring accomplishments. My last session was on branding and marketing, where I shared some of the ways our League uses social media very successfully; others mentioned adopting some of these strategies themselves. One take away was the importance of the “elevator pitch” - our PDI - to present a consistent JLS message when out in the community. If you have a chance, Google Keynote Speaker “Grace Killelea”, and her book “The Confidence Effect” (I have a copy you can borrow) - she is quite an inspiration and excellent motivational speaker. All in all, the LLE 2016 was a great experience!
Courtney, Kate and Julia with Keynote Speaker Grace Killelea The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016 | 5
SUSTAINER UPDATE
JLS AFTER DARK AT OTRO CINCO
LUNCH ‘N LEARN: April 13th, beginning at 11:45 a.m., at the Erie Canal Museum. Cost is $12.00 per person. Interested Actives are welcome to join us. Our Lunch ‘N Learn will give members of the JLS a chance to welcome the Erie Canal Museum’s new director, Natalie Stetson. Natalie’s discussion with us will be called “From Past to Present and On to the Future”. When talking to her, she immediately said she would talk about what JLS did so many years ago when saving the Weighlock Building, to where they are now. The Museum staff is very excited to show off the major first floor renovation that has just been completed, which shows 200 years of Erie Canal History through original artifacts, audio narratives, and new interactive exhibits. There is even an actual working lock display! Lunch will be provided by Karen’s Catering. Please leave time to explore the museum either before or after lunch. Please make your reservation by April 9th with any of the committee members: Jeanne Jackson (Jeanne@feldmeier.com), Mary Richardson (mbmrich@ yahoo.com), or Patti Knutsen (pgiancola@aol.com). Kindly make checks payable to: “Junior League of Syracuse” and mail to 431 E. Fayette St., Syracuse, NY 13202.
JLS WOMEN ON THE MOVE AT PURE BARRE SYRACUSE
R&R: April 21st, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at The Distillery, Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt!! With “new” day(s) and “new” venue(s), the monthly R&R events have been well attended in recent months! Each one is detailed in an e-mail blast and we’d love to see you! SUSTAINER COCKTAIL PARTY: Don’t miss the best party of the year on April 29th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., at the Home of Margaret and Raja Karim, 7308 Dartmoor Crossing, Fayetteville. Contact Barb Stratton or Maria Miller at syracusefan@icloud.com if you did not receive the mailing or with any questions.
KUDOS! Sustainer Margaret Karim was honored by the Onondaga County Medical Society as their 2015 Alliance Volunteer. The recognition was due to her service with the organization and was presented at the OCMS recent installation and awards dinner. Hillary Cashier recently welcomed a daughter, Hailey Rose Cashier. ___________
Contact the Sustainer VP: Barb Stratton: bjstratton1@verizon.net 6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016
If you would like to submit a Kudos, please e-mail the NOTES Editor Carrie Ryder at carrieryder77@gmail.com
MARCH GMM MEETING MINUTES Courtney Bintz - National Volunteer Week is April 10th 16th. • #mymonday: Pick a volunteer opportunity of your choice and showcase your dedication with the hashtag “#mymonday”. Jenny Donahoe - STEM event is April 22nd. • Sign-ups will be available online. ODI experience presented by Katie Corbishley and Lindsay LaRocque.
13th - Active members are encouraged to attend. Regional Training on March 19th in Syracuse. Phase II Forms will be due March 31st. Dues renewal forms have been mailed out. • Consider making a donation while renewing your membership. Contact the Secretary: Katie Corbishley: katie.corbishley@gmail.com
ADVERTISE WITH JLS!
PR: New t-shirt designs presented; members submitted a vote for their preference.
Contact the NOTES Editor Carrie Ryder at carrieryder77@gmail.com for more information.
Jessica Murray - “elevator talks” are quick explanations about what your organization does, that can cause a reason to follow up. • PDI - promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community.
Any member who would prefer to receive a copy of The NOTES via USPS can notify the office at office@jlsyracuse.com. Many thanks in advance!
Sustainers will be hosting a “Lunch and Learn” on April
You can now read The NOTES online on the JLS website: www.JLSyracuse.org or on Issuu at: issuu.com/jlsyracuse
THE NOTES BY MAIL READ THE NOTES ONLINE
Take the stress out of the sale. Let a creative, experienced negotiator sell your house fast. JudyWinslowRealtor.com (315) 682-1950
Call 315-634-1100
Making the best of the time that’s left
www.hospicecny.org
Symptom Management, Pain Management, Emotional, Social & Spiritual Health Management Now Serving Onondaga, Madison & Oswego counties The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • April 2016 | 7
431 E Fayette Street, Suite 225 Syracuse, NY 13202 O: 315-423-9773 F: 315-471-1464 office@jlsyracuse.org www.jlsyracuse.org MISSION The Junior League of Syracuse is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. VISION The Junior League of Syracuse will be an organization of diverse women committed to enriching the quality of life for women, children and their families in the Central New York Community.
Find the Junior League of Syracuse Online! Visit www.jlsyracuse.org