May 2015 • Issue 9
In This Issue: • Mary Harriman Award • 2015 Sectional Recap • New Member Dues Increase • Fundraising Event Award • Member Development • 95th Anniversary • Annual Dinner • Kudos • Bylaws Updates • Meeting Briefs
MARK YOUR CALENDARS May 6: Past Presidents Luncheon • 11:30am – 1:30pm • Ball Room / JLS Office
May 12: GMM • Social 6pm; Meeting 6:30pm • JLS Office
May 14: 95th Celebration • 6 – 8pm, Pascale at Drumlins • RSVP by May 4, 2015
May 19: Board Meeting • Social 5:30pm; Meeting 6pm • JLS Office
May 26: Book Club • Time/Location: TBD
May 30: Sustainer Cocktail Party • 6 – 9 pm • Steve & Anne Miller’s Home, Cazenovia • $15 per person • Invitation to follow
June 9: Annual Dinner/June GMM • Social & Cash Bar 6pm; Dinner 6:30pm; Meeting 7:00pm • Double Tree • $30 per person • Invitation to follow
The Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award The Spirit of Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award has annually celebrated a woman of outstanding leadership in the Junior League of Syracuse. This year, we are proud to honor Mary Jewell Mathews, a devoted Sustaining member who has continued the legacy of Mary Harriman through her gracious and long-standing service to our community. As founder of the Junior League movement, Mary Harriman helped to change and shape the way women of her generation viewed their obligation to society. She saw the need for a new model of leadership, emphasizing collaboration over competition, and sought to improve the social, economic and political fabric of society. By recognizing the value of training and educating women, she enabled them to be more effective volunteers. Mary Mathews exudes the qualities of a community volunteer that Mary Harriman must have envisioned over 100 years ago. Since her senior year in college (when she joined the League as a provisional), she has been involved with the Junior League of Syracuse and giving back to our community by way of numerous volunteer and board positions. A common sentiment expressed by many who have worked with Mary is “what hasn’t she done?” As an Active member of the JLS, Mary served on the board as Nominating Chair, Corresponding Secretary and Admissions Chair. Her committee work was extensive including Education Committee, Provisional Chair, Placement Interviewer and more. She always participated in the Whale of a Sale and still volunteers at Holiday Shoppes. She has also opened her home for Sustainer cocktail parties and All Through the House. In 2006, Mary was given the Sustainer of the Year award. Mary’s passion has always been for children and animals. Her dedicated work in these areas is possible, she admits, “because of her Junior League training”. For 12 years, Mary served on the board of Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. While there, she chaired the now infamous “Brew at the Zoo” for its first five years. Another inaugural event that Mary co-
Mary Jewell Mathews chaired was the Everson Museum’s Festival of Trees Patron Party. Some other well-respected boards that Mary has served on include: Crouse Hospital Auxiliary (12 years), Vera House Foundation, Everson Museum-Members’ Council, Child and Family Services and Hiscock Legal Aid. In addition to these board positions, Mary has given generously of her time to volunteer for: The Boys and Girls Club, The Canal Museum and the Red Cross Great Chef’s Dinners… just to name a few. At home, she has been a wife to Jerry, a mother to three children, Kasey, Libbie and John, grandmother to six and loyal friend to more than we even know! Congratulations, Mary! Mary — You have been a cheerleader for many and a ray of sunshine for us all. We appreciate your willingness to volunteer for any occasion; your dedication to the JLS; and the smile that you bring to everything you do. We are proud and honored to have you as one of ours. Thank you for your commitment.
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015 | 1
2015 Sectionals Recap The 2015 Sectionals offered members a wide variety of learning opportunities opening with self-defense lessons at the Five Star Martial Arts Studio and closing with a conversation with County Executive Joanie Mahoney about community issues. In between members learned how to spot and prevent child abuse and sex trafficking at a special session of McMahon Ryan’s Darkness to Light Training, brushed up their public speaking skills with
outstanding Fundraising Event Award The JLS received an outstanding Fundraising Event Award from the Nonprofit Awards 2015. A huge thank you to Lynne Hamilton-Johnson who nominated The Junior League of Syracuse for the Outstanding Fundraising Event Award for our event The Holiday Shoppes! The JLS was one of 4 who received this award for their fundraising event. Congratulations to the entire league who has had a hand in the success of Holiday Shoppes!
Member Development tips from a member of Toastmasters (our own Amy Burnell), and spent a fun evening learning more about Junior League of Syracuse from Nominating Chair Jill Lawlor and her committee. The Training and Education Committee hopes that the dozens of members who participated in one of more of the events found them enjoyable and informative. Please feel free to share comments and suggestions for future Sectionals with Linda Dombrow (lindadombrow@yahoo.com) or, even better, next year’s Training and Education Chair, Lauren Knisely Schaefer (LaurenKnisely@gmail.com). Contact the Training & Education Chair: Linda Dombrow: lindadombrow@yahoo.com
2015 – 2016 New Member Dues increase The new member dues for the provisional class will increase to $125 for the 2015 – 2016 year. The New Member dues are determined and approved each year by the board. The $125 includes: • $25 application fee • $43 AJLI New Member fee • December Holiday Party/GMM • Annual Dinner • Permanent JLS Name Tag • All GMM Trainings, Speakers & Workshops Remember members are our biggest and best recruiting tool. Please encourage women you know to join the JLS and help further our mission. Interested women can visit our website to fill out a new member application and learn more about upcoming recruiting events.
Meet the rest of the lovely ladies from our JLS 2014 – 2015 New Member class: Jennifer Dick-Ayers
Jennifer DickAyers grew up in the small town of Bolivar, New York. After her undergraduate studies were completed at St. John Fisher College in Psychology, she earned her Masters’ degree in Counseling at Syracuse University. While she has been a counselor in the past, her career now is with Aflac New York as a District Sales Manager. She’s active with her church serving with women and children, while also enjoying the outdoors, photography and various sports. She enjoys serving in the community, organizing and participating in events and donating her time (and blood!) to help others. _______________________________ Rita Matthews My name is Rita Matthews and my story is simple. I have lived in the Liverpool area all of my life and worked at AT&T for 35 years. I started out with New York Telephone as an operator and in 1984 the company divested and I am now a reports clerk at AT&T. I saw an article in the Syracuse Woman Magazine in January about the Junior League and read it was about volunteering. I volunteered in Louisiana three times after hurricane Katrina to help with the cleanup and it was very rewarding so I went on the website to see how to become a JLS member. _______________________________ Stephanie Rose I joined the Junior League in 2012 while my husband was stationed in Abilene, Texas. We are now stationed in Rome. We are really enjoying our time here and will be sad to leave
2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015
when our next assignment comes upon us. I am currently finishing up my Masters degree and will hopefully complete this summer with the defense of my thesis. I enjoy quilting, hiking, bingo, poker, and wine tasting when I am not chained to my books. My husband and I are looking forward to exploring New York this summer and getting to see the sites that have been recommended to us. I want to thank everyone in this league who has been so welcoming to me. Being apart of the Syracuse JL has been a highlight of my time here so far. You ladies are a cut above and I feel that being in this league is a great opportunity for me to grow and become a better women. _______________________________ The JLS new member class has been up to a lot this Spring. In February the visited Vera House and learned about the organization and how we have partnered with them in the past. In March the ladies met at Revolutions for a night of team building. The new members are looking forward to a couple more meetings before being voted on to become active members of the Junior League of Syracuse in May 2015!
Contact the Membership Development & Recruitment Co-Chairs: (l - r) Audra Mueller: gustielawyer@gmail.com Amanda Spence: amandamathey@yahoo.com
Come Celebrate Our 95th Anniversary
Annual Dinner/June GMM
We hope to see you and a guest at the 95th Anniversary Celebration of The Junior League of Syracuse! The event takes place Thursday, May 14, 2015, from 6 pm – 8 pm, and will be located at Pascale at Drumlins, 900 Nottingham Road, Syracuse, NY 13224. There will be a carving station, appetizers, desserts and a cash bar available. Registration is $19.95 per person. To purchase tickets online, please visit www. jlsyracuse.org, log onto the Members Only page, then click on the event listing under the “News and Reminders” section to process your payment. You can also purchase tickets via check by making the check out to The Junior League of Syracuse and sending it to The Junior League of Syracuse offices. We ask that you please register by May 4, so we may have an accurate count for the venue. In advance of this event, also be sure to Like and Share all the recent posts on The Junior League of Syracuse’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JLSyracuse) which feature numerous historic photos highlighting our rich history. We look forward to enjoying a wonder-
Please join us as we celebrate the year and vote in the new leadership for the 2015 – 2016 league year. We will be celebrating our Mary Harriman winner Mary Mathews for all she has done and continues to do in our community. Dinner $30 per person. You may attend the meeting portion only at no-charge.
What you need to know about the Nonprofit Revitalization Act On July 1, 2014 the New York State Non-Profit Revitalization Act of 2013 took effect. The Act signifies the first substantial overhaul of the laws governing New York’s nonprofit sector in almost 50 years. The Act’s purpose is to “reduce unnecessary and expensive regulatory burdens on nonprofits and to strengthen nonprofit governance and accountability”. The Act applies to the Junior League of Syracuse and almost all New York State not-for-profit corporations. With the new changes to the law, nonprofit organizations in New York State need to make appropriate changes to governing bylaws and policies. The appropriate changes have been made to the League’s bylaws and must be voted in by the membership to take effect and ensure the JLS’s full compliance with the nonprofit law. Changes to Bylaws for the Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. April 21, 2015 The highlighted text indicates changed language. • Article V. Officers, Section 2: Duties, A. President: The President shall be the chief executive officer of The Junior League of Syracuse and shall preside at meetings of The Junior
June 9, 2015 Social & Cash Bar 6:00pm Dinner 6:30pm; Meeting 7:00pm Double Tree We will be voting on Holiday Shoppes Member Requirements and changes to the Bylaws that are needed to be consistent with recently changed NYS non-profit laws.
KUDOS! Jenny Jackson Donahoe had a baby girl, Madelyn, born April 24, 2015 ___________________________________
ful night with all of you on May 14th to celebrate the achievements The Junior League of Syracuse has accomplished throughout its 95 years!
If you would like to submit a Kudos, please e-mail the NOTES Editor Whitney Daniels at whitney@wrkdesigns.com
League of Syracuse and the Board of Directors. She shall be an ex-officio member of all councils and committees except the Nominating Committee. She shall have such authority as is otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. The President may, with the approval of the Board of Directors, create ad hoc committees to fulfill specific purposes and appoint the members of such a committee and its chair. An employee of the Junior League of Syracuse is ineligible to be President. • Article VI. Board of Directors: The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers of the League, the vice presidents or directors of the councils, and any other members in good standing who may have been elected to the Board. The number, titles and duties of the vice presidents or directors shall be based on the Board of Directors’ determination of the number and responsibilities of the councils but will not be less than nine or more than fifteen. • Section 4. Meetings, A: Meeting by Telecommunications: Any member of the Board of Directors or all of the members of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors or such committee by means of a conference telephone, electronic video screen, or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting. • ARTICLE VII. COUNCILS AND COM-
MITTEES The Board of Directors in its governing and managing role of League operations to carry out the work of the organization shall have the authority to determine, from time to time, the number and composition of councils and committees as may be needed to execute the League’s operations and activities as delegated by the Board. The exceptions are the Officers of the Board and the Nominating Committee. Councils and Committees are committees of the corporation and have not authority to bind the Board. • ARTICLE VIII. NOMINATING COMMITTEE, SECTION 1: COMPOSITION The Nominating Committee, a committee of the corporation, shall consist of elected members of The Junior League of Syracuse and shall serve a two-year term. The Nominating Committee is comprised of members who are not members of the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee cannot bind the Board. The chairs of this committee shall be elected by the Active membership of The Junior League of Syracuse from a slate prepared by the Nominating Committee. • Article IX. General Membership Meetings, Section 3. Notice of Meetings: Notice of the time, place and exact purpose of all regular and special meetings of the general membership shall be sent to the membership in accordance with The Junior League of Syracuse Bylaws, Article 6 Section 6. If by first class mail or electronic mail, such notice must be delivered to each mem-
The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015 | 3
ber at least (10) calendar days prior to the day of the meeting. • Article X. Fiscal Policies, Section 4. Annual Financial Report: The Board of Directors will review and approve the annual audit, and provide the basic duties of the Audit Committee. All members of the Board that review or approve the annual audit must be independent from any employee of the Junior League of Syracuse must: (a) oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the organization and the audit of its financial statements; (b) annually retain or renew the retention of an independent auditor; (c) review with the independent auditor the results of the audit (including the management letter); and (d) oversee the adoption and implementation of, and compliance with, any Conflict of Interest Policy or Whistleblower Policy (unless performed by another committee consisting solely of independent directors). • Article XV. Amendments • Section 1. Bylaws: These bylaws may be amended at any regular, special or annual meeting of the Junior League of Syracuse by a 66% majority of affirmative votes cast by members entitled to vote, provided that the proposed amendment has been mailed or electronically mailed to each voting member at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting. • Section 2. Policies and Procedures: “Member Policies” which address rights, roles and privileges of membership shall require approval of a 51% majority of affirmative votes cast by members eligible to vote at any regular or special meeting of The Junior League of Syracuse in which a quorum has been met, provided that the proposed amendment has been mailed or electronically mailed to each voting member at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting. • Article XVII, Conflicts of Interest, Section 1, Policy 4. All conflicts of interest will follow the rules and guidelines in accordance with the Policies of the Junior League of Syracuse. • Article XVII. Conflicts of Interest, Section 2. Loans: No loans, other than through the purchase of bonds, debentures, or similar obligations of the type customarily sold in public offerings, or through ordinary deposit of funds in a bank, shall be made by The Junior League of Syracuse to its members, or to any other corporation, firm, association or other entity in which one or more of its members are members of The Junior League of Syracuse, or hold a substantial financial interest except that The Junior League of Syracuse may make a loan to any corporation which is a charitable organization under the New York Not-forContact the Parliamentarian: Profit Corporation Law. Liz Lane: elizabeth.laneb@gmail.com
You Deserve The Best from fellow members of J L S
Margaret Karim Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
and consistent TOP AGENT in CNY
Call for assistance with all of your
Real Estate Needs Phone: (c) 315 345 1018 (o) 315 682 7197 (h) 315 637 3622 Email: margaret.karim@huntrealestate.com
Amy J. Burnell Administrative Assistant to Margaret Karim Licensed Independent Salesperson
Always There For You
Cell: 315 439 7474
amy.burnell@huntrealestate.com
2014 – 2015 Board Members President: Heather Ford Wallace President-Elect: Jenny Jackson Donahoe PEE: Cathy Dotterer
Join us for our last book club meeting of the league year! • Tuesday, May 26th: “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins. It was the New York Times best seller and Amazon book of the month in January 2015.
Fund Development VP: Sarah Weber Membership/ DEVELOPMENT VP: Jackie Azbill
Treasurer: Jill Ellis
Parliamentarian: Liz Lane
Secretary: Kelly Gillespie
JLS BOOK CLUB
Community VP: Megan Husted
COMMUNICATIONS VP: Sarah Shea Dempsey
Sustainer VP: Amy Sumida
JLS Office Hours: M/W/Th: 12 – 4 pm; Tue: 2 – 6 pm; Fri: 9 am – 1 pm NOTES Deadline: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Contact the Book Club Organizer: Jenny Jackson: jennyjackso@gmail.com 4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015
NOTES Editor: Whitney Daniels whitney@wrkdesigns.com
Meeting Briefs March GMM: • 95th Anniversary tickets can be purchased on the website • Website - Working on getting all member obligations up to date. Email Heather or Jessica if items are missing • Today is the last day for dues renewal before late fee is imposed tomorrow Wednesday 4/15/15. • Community - Cheryl Saidel/Beth Edward – working on promoting STEM expo and are looking for presenters at the event • Holiday Shoppes - Julianna Hebert/Marissa Montreal – no change to requirements, will be voting at Annual Dinner in June for one 5 hour shift and purchase 5 tickets at $5 each. • Bylaws Updates - Liz Lane - Liz was absent from the GMM and will talk to the updates at the May GMM • Guest Speaker on the Mule Boys of the Erie Canal - Lt. Jon Anderson, Lieutenant with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office specializes in the history of Syracuse NY and shared the history of the Erie Canal that opened from Albany to Buffalo in 1825. This led to an explosion of commerce but also led to criminal activity in the Canal districts (red light districts) and introduced exploited workers to NYS. The reform movement led by local volunteers would appoint guardians, perform background checks of potential foster homes and led to the first juvenelie justice system that began right here in Syracuse, NY. • Guest Speaker on STEM - Mark Mason, Student Councelor at Danforth Middle School – Raising awareness on the importance of STEM (fields of Science, Technolgy, Engineering and Math). Danforth is currently looking for presenters for this years STEM day taking place at the school on May 1st.
March Board Meeting: • Latest financials posted on dropbox. Heather requested that the board review the financials and general ledger to ensure proper classification of income and expenses. Send a note to Sheryl if an amount needs to be reclassed or you have any other questions. • Reminder to begin drafting report to Community and Annual Report – due to Secretary Kelly Gillespie by May 31st. • 95th Anniversary Celebration is Thursday May 14th 6 – 8 at Drumlins. RSVP/payment is available on the JLS website. • Annual dinner RSVP available online under reminder section. You can register for just the meeting or purchase tickets for dinner • Nominating Chair – Jill Lawlor proposed a vote to add the position of Assistant Online Engagement Chair (AOEC). This will be a step-up position where the assistant moves up to the Chair position the following year. Jessica Murray has prepared a job description for the new Assistant position as well as revised the Chair position job description. Both were presented to the board for a vote. Jill Lawlor prosed and Sarah Shea Dempsey seconded, all in favor. • Next board meeting to be held at the JLS office (ballroom) on May 19th will be the Old/New Board meeting. Jenny will invite old/new leadership and ensure both members in transitioning role are attending. If not attending, members will have to arrange to meet on their own. Everyone Contact the Secretary: please bring your Kelly Gillespie: gillespie@twcny.rr.com binders!
ADVERTISE WITH JLS! Contact the NOTES Editor Whitney Daniels at whitney@wrkdesigns.com for more information.
The notes By Mail 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!
READ THE NOTES ONLINE You can now read The NOTES online on the JLS website: www. JLSyracuse.org or on Issuu at: issuu.com/jlsyracuse The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2015 | 5
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 JLSyracuse.org for direct links.
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