May 2016 • Issue 7
In This Issue: • 2016 Mary Harriman Award • New Member Bios: Part II • STEM Recap • Community Collaborations • Book Nook Thank You • Sustainer Update • April GMM Meeting Notes • Kudos • Annual Fund Donations
MARK YOUR CALENDARS May 10: GMM and Canned Goods Assembly • Social 6 p.m.; Meeting 6:30 p.m. • JLS Office
May 14: Old/New Transition BBQ • 6 p.m. • Jenny Jackson Donahoe’s house
May 17: Board Meeting • Social 5:30 p.m.; Meeting 6 p.m. • JLS Office
May 18: Past Presidents Luncheon • 12:30 p.m. • Julie’s Place, 770 James St., Syracuse
May 19: Corks & Forks Event • 6:30 p.m. • Laci’s Tapas Bar, 304 Hawley Ave., Syracuse • Check the member website for registration information
June 14: GMM and Annual Dinner • 5:30 p.m. - Sustainer Cocktail Hour 6:00 p.m. - Registration and Social 6:30 p.m. - Dinner 7:00 p.m. - Meeting Call to Order • Doubletree Hotel, 6301 State Rte. 298, East Syracuse
THE 2016 SPIRIT OF MARY HARRIMAN COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD It’s been 100 years since Mary Harriman, founder of the Junior League movement, recognized the need for a new model of leadership that emphasized collaboration and partnerships to improve the social and economic conditions of others in the community. The Spirit of Mary Harriman Award honors a woman who exemplifies the Junior League mission and vision and has used her unique talents to make a positive impact in her League and community through the honoree’s leadership, volunteer work and advocacy. Through direct service, including bringing together diverse groups and individuals for education and training, this award acknowledges the honoree’s ability to identify needs, set goals and achieve positive results within the Junior League of Syracuse and throughout Central New York. This year’s honoree, Mary-Pat Northrup, fits every word describing a “Spirit of Mary Harriman” leader! Mary-Pat’s Junior League of Syracuse career began in 1981 and she stepped right up to be NOTES Editor and a Board Member in 1982!
In 1983, she was a Lecture Series Fundraiser Co-Chair, followed by roles as the Recording Secretary and Executive Board Member, a Placement Advisor, and then went on to a Placement Chair role. Since fundraising is one of her great strengths, Mary-Pat Chaired the “All Through the House Patron Party & Fashion Show” plus “Le Bal de Neige” fundraisers in both 1988 and 1989. In 1990, she accepted an Executive Committee Board Member position as Community Vice President. Following a few years on Advisory status, Mary-Pat became President-Elect in 1998 and President of JLS in 1999-2000. “Sustainerhood” came along in 2005! Mary-Pat’s numerous community involvements with leadership roles include: The Consortium for Children’s Services, Crouse Irving Memorial Auxiliary, Crouse Health Foundation, Crouse Hospital Board of Trustees, East Area YMCA, Catholic Charities, Cazenovia Lake Foundation, Corinthian Foundation, AAA of Western & Central New York, Boys and Girls Club, Moses DeWitt Elementary School, The Human Race, Aurora LPGA Golf Tournament, The Carriage House Foundation and the St. Bonaventure Alumni Fund. Mary-Pat was also the motivation behind establishing The Spirit of
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Mary Harriman Award during her year as JLS President. One of the talents that Mary Harriman and Mary-Pat share is the ability to be a “social connector”. MaryPat has infinite enthusiasm for her community work and her enthusiasm is contagious! As a result of this enthusiasm, she has the uncanny ability to get anyone she asks to join her team. Everyone says “yes” because to work with Mary-Pat is an honor and extremely rewarding. When she was chairing a committee or an event, it was a guarantee that success was in the future and the community would be positively impacted! She has a knack for keeping perspective and balance, and while Mary-Pat is always quick to credit others, she is so deserving of this award for all that she has accomplished with grace and panache! Our sincere thanks to Ted, Mary-Pat’s husband of 36 years, three daughters, Christina, Kimberly and Ashley, along with her parents and five Donaldson siblings, for sharing her with the Junior League of Syracuse and Central New York!
NEW MEMBER BIOS: PART II Following up on our article from last month’s issue, here are more photos and biographies for some of our new members! Jessica Finley
I am currently a stay at home mom with two boys. Cayden is 6 and Jacob is 1. I’m getting married on July 30 of this year. I moved back to Syracuse in September 2009 from Ohio. I have recently learned how to cross stitch and enjoy making gifts for people. I enjoy cooking and baking when I get the time. Melissa Keefer
I was born and raised in northeastern PA, and relocated to Syracuse for grad school. After moving and living in Rochester for 10 years, I returned to Syracuse for work. I work as a property manager for an Albany-based real estate development/management company, managing a luxury apartment community in Baldwinsville. I am an active member of Institute of Real 2 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2016
Estate Management Chapter 58 (IREM), serving on the executive board as both Secretary/Treasurer and Friend of IREM Chairperson. I earned my Accredited Resident Manager (ARM) designation in 2011, and was named ARM of the Year in 2013. In my life outside work, I am a certified Indoor Cycling instructor, teaching classes at the Northwest Family YMCA. I volunteer with a non-profit animal rescue organization based in Rochester, having served as the President and Fundraising/Events Coordinator. I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running and camping (yet, I am terrified of spiders). I am training to (hopefully) run my first half marathon. I live with my new husband Bernie (we were married on April 21 in Orlando, FL), and our three kitties, Canary, Brooklyn and PJ. I love cooking and wine, I am actually a trained chef who fell into real estate, and can often be found hosting dinner and wine education parties for friends and family. I enjoy surrounding myself with people who want to make a change for the better- for themselves, their family and their community. Lauren Fitts
I grew up on the east side of Cleveland, where I enjoyed the advantages of a larger city while having the shelter of a small town. Softball, skiing, water sports, and going to Cedar Point are things I enjoy doing but don’t indulge in enough. Spending time by open water or the mountains is always peaceful. Traveling is very important to me and more traveling is always on my list. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on interior design and had a career in kitchen design before I became a mom in 2004. I’m married to Brian who is an assessor. We met while in Colorado, where I lived for 9 years. We have three children, Matt is 11, Drew is 9, and Sophie is 14 months. Today I stay at home to raise my children and look after my husband. While I find my role in my family very satisfying it was time for a little me. I wanted to find that again while giving back to my community. Colleen Gleeson
My birthday is December 3rd. I am currently working as a Data Driven Delivery Systems CNY Manager and RealtyUSA Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.
STEM RECAP The JLS’ annual STEM Expo held on Friday, April 22 was a HUGE success! In the four years of this event, the Expo continues to grow and evolve. This year’s involvement by Syracuse native and NASA astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps was beyond exciting and set a high bar for planning this year’s event. The JLS was thrilled to partner with Danforth Middle School to provide this opportunity to 60 sixth-grade girls - an ideal age to offer meaningful interactions with a female STEM role model. This year’s Expo had an incredible lineup of companies and organizations who led interactive demonstrations including making flashlights, creating windmills, and observing cloud formation. Many thanks to STEM Expo presenters including meteorologist Molly Matott from CNY Central, Darco Manufacturing Inc., pilot Bill McConnell from Southwest Airlines, SUNY ESF, and Time Warner Cable for giving so generously of their time and expertise! In her keynote addresses, Dr. Epps spoke to Danforth students about her journey to become a NASA astronaut, sharing that she was just like them at their age and encouraging them to dream big and solve the technical issues of the future. She answered each and every question asked by the girls and engaged with students as they worked on experiments with presenters. Before and after the STEM Expo, Dr. Epps also visited with students at Nottingham High School and Meachem Elementary School and spoke to students, families, and the public at West Genesee High School. During her two-day visit, Dr. Epps left a tremendous impression on students, STEM Expo presenters, JLS members and beyond. We are inspired by her willingness to give back to the community in so many important ways! Thanks to the League members who planned and volunteered at this year’s STEM Expo, Danforth Middle School for their continued partnership, Dr. Epps and our presenters for engaging Expo activities, and members of the local media who covered this year’s event. Stay tuned in the fall and winter for news of next spring’s fifth annual STEM Expo!
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COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS April was a wonderful month for Community! April 10 16 was National Volunteer Week. Throughout the week many opportunities were designed to get members out in the community and volunteering. Collaborations ranged from activities at Golisano’s Childrens Hospital, meal prep at the Rescue Mission and an installation of the Westside Family Center’s Book Nook. SOME GREAT STATS TO BE PROUD OF FROM NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK: 100 HOURS OF DIRECT COMMUNITY SERVICE 300 LIVES IMPACTED 6 DIFFERENT PROJECTS
Most of these opportunities saw maximum participation and were very fulfilling. Thank you to everyone who participated! Of course, our STEM Expo featuring Dr. Epps was also in April. This event was also a huge success! During the May GMM we are requesting membership donate canned goods for food pantries in Syracuse. A need was identified that people utilizing food pantries need can openers. Therefore, we will also be donating can openers to the local food pantries to serve this need! Looking ahead to the rest of the year, there will be a range of great volunteer opportunities. These events include a Mother’s Day Brunch at the Little White House of Hope and a Father’s Day picnic. Please continue to monitor the JLS website or the Seeing Spot app for sign ups for these and other activities!
Contact the Community Collaborations Committee Members (L to R): Lindsey Yonko: yonko.gardner@gmail.com Courtney Bintz: courtneyakers24@gmail.com Cheryl Saidel: cheryl.saidel@stylesolutionsteam.com
The photos that appear on these two pages come from various JLS Volunteer Week activities, which includes the creation of the Book Nook at the Westside Family Resource Center. 4 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2016
BOOK NOOK THANK YOU
SUSTAINER UPDATE
The below thank you note was sent to JLS by Mary Alice Smothers, Coordinator at PEACE, Inc.
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO MARY-PAT NORTHRUP AS THE SPIRIT OF MARY HARRIMAN AWARD RECIPIENT FOR 2016!
Ladies of Junior League, I’d like to take the time to thank you all so very much for designing the reading corner at the PEACE, Inc. Westside Family Resource Center and your husbands as well. This was awesome. The youth were so delighted, if you could see them with the books and the conversations they have is like being in their own little world, it’s amazing. I must say, I enjoy lying and sitting with them as they become so engrossed in conversation. The impact in such a short time is so warming; the books have sparked so much conversation and cut down tremendously on the disagreements. They enjoyed making the bookmarks and coloring the bags. You all are an inspiration. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart as we will be getting lots of use of the book corner. Respectfully, Mary Alice Smothers, Coordinator
April was a very busy month for Sustainers with the Lunch ‘n Learn held on April 13th. Kudos to the Committee of Jeanne Jackson, Mary Richardson and Patti Knutsen for an enjoyable outing! The monthly R&R was held on April 21st and the Annual Cocktail Party on April 29th. Our part in the Junior League of Syracuse’s participation in National Volunteer Week was making 120 brown bag sandwich lunches for the Emergency Men’s Shelter. Many thanks to Maria Miller, Sheila Corbishley and Priscilla Soden for baking and a hundred thank you’s to Maria for her follow-up on details with the Shelter, assisting me in assembling the lunches and delivering them to the Shelter on April 19th. The sign-up sheet was blank! May R&R location to be announced soon, watch for email Blast! Happy Spring to All.... Barb Stratton
Contact the Sustainer VP: Barb Stratton: bjstratton1@verizon.net
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APRIL GMM MEETING MINUTES STEM Update - Cheryl Saidel • Dr. Epps from NASA will be speaking at our STEM events • Main STEM event: demonstrations/experiments with the girls Community Update • May GMM- 48 can openers will be paired with canned goods. • When you RSVP to the May GMM on Seeing Spot, pledge a specific number of cans you will be bringing Wine Pull - Christie Novak and Kseniya Hogan • May 19th “Corks and Forks” at Laci’s at 6:30 p.m. • Bring a guest • Important to RSVP because the room has a limited number of seating • Food and one drink per guest PE Update - Cathy Dotterer • Bylaws - AJLI suggests that we reduce our leadership roles to take full advantage of the general membership - Took a look at the Bylaws with the new Org Chart and to align with AJLI - Many of the changes in the Org Chart impact the policies • Org Chart - AJLI suggestions as well as looking at what our League needs - Parliamentarian (Sustainer will be asked to take votes) and Placement Chair are being removed (support from Nominating and website) - Reduce Co-chair model to Chair model (Membership/Recruitment and Community Collaborations) - Addition of Social Media, Web Admin, and Assistant Web Admin within Online Engagement New Member Class - Kimberly Cargill • Discussion about events they have done • Vera House event – very informational - Shelter for women, men, and children for those who are impacted with domestic abuse - Silent witness program – Silhouettes for educational platforms to tell their stories about their abuse- inform community that their lives matter 6 | The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc. • The NOTES • May 2016
2016-2017 Slate - announced by Jill Lawlor, Nominating Chair Guest Speaker: Lieutenant John Anderson • Has been in the force for 31 years (this week) • New job: Security Complex at the Civic Center • History is so important for civil action reform - Citizens of Syracuse and Salina came together to form the Syracuse Police Department - Canal Boys • Work together to address the issues that are impacting the community - Community reform to address elder abuse - Starting to identify elder abuse as a unique issue in law enforcement • Everyone’s responsibility • Advocacy group meets 2x per month • Multidisciplinary team - 14% are falling into this area - 1 in 35 are reported in CNY - Only 5% live in institutions (have trained staff, policies, mandated reporters, etc) - Most are within the home (hidden and cloaked within the family element) • Best example of consolidation community coming together to work to fix a unique problem, such as elder abuse Contact the Secretary: Katie Corbishley: katie.corbishley@gmail.com
KUDOS! Melissa Keefer married Bernie de Jesus on April 21. Dalinda Khuon Stanczyvk recently welcomed a boy, Thomas. ___________ If you would like to submit a Kudos, please e-mail the NOTES Editor Carrie Ryder at carrieryder77@gmail.com
ANNUAL FUND DONATIONS Thank you to all the members who donated to the Annual Fund during the year! We have raised a total of $4,760.96 from 72 donations. That’s almost double the amount we raised in 2014-2015! Thank you notes should be going out shortly. Thank you all for your generous support of the League! ANNUAL FUND: $2,358.82 COMMUNITY ALLOCATION: $1,500.00 JERRI WILSON FUND: $902.14 TOTAL: $4,760.96
ADVERTISE WITH JLS! Contact the NOTES Editor Carrie Ryder at carrieryder77@gmail.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
Call 315-634-1100
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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