Fall 2004

Issue Highlights

• From the President's Corner
• Do We Live Up To Our Own Expectations?
• GAP - Phenomenal Intervention
• Cruising to Make a Difference!
• JLM Hosts Outstanding SPAC Meeting
• Hurricane Relief
• JLM Scholarships Awarded
• Race for the Cure
• First Annual JLM Golf Tournament
• Nordstrom Opening Benefits JLM
• The Junior League Foundation and the 1926 Society
• Ruiz Open Store to Support JLM Foundation
• Welcome Transfers
• Past Presidents Come Together
• Membership Updates
• Welcome New Additions
• Sustainer News. An "Active" Year Underway
• Provisionals: Welcome 2004-2005

Amy Sussman
From the President’s Corner

We have had such a busy summer and fall in our League, I’m excited to reflect with you about all the important work we ’ve already accomplished this year.

We have been very fortunate to have two large corporate sponsors underwriting our largest fundraisers. Nordstrom benefited us with their Grand Opening at Dadeland Mall on November 10th. And, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is underwriting our Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon on March 5th. The event will take place on one of their amazing ships at the Port of Miami and will feature an Ice-Show as a finale.

We were chosen this year to host the SPAC conference in October in Miami. Read all about the event in this issue where we lined up some formidable speakers to galvanize League women into action including Claudia Kitchens (Past JLM President), The Honorable Judge Cindy Lederman (CAB Member) as well as our very own Vicki Lukis.

The Fall AJLI conference brought more than 1,500 Junior League Presidents, President-Elects and AJLI staff to Downtown Miami for three days in October. These prominent women were here to network, train and set their agendas for the future of their Leagues. Attendees came from Southern California to Vermont and everywhere in between. I was so proud to showcase Our Magic City to these women. It was an especially exciting week for us because our first ever Golf Event was also held on Key Biscayne, along with “Race for The Cure.” Your amazing President-Elect, Andria Hanley, (and five-year cancer free survivor) again outdid herself. From T-shirts, a volunteer tent and the many League members participating as runners and walkers, and her overall upbeat disposition, ensured another fantastic event for our League.

There are so many things for you to be part of this year. Get involved in our League by buying tickets to our fundraisers and encouraging your friends and families’ participation as well. Why not volunteer with our Done In A Day Committee or help out some other way? We have a lot to be thankful for ….You are what makes this Our Magic City.

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Do We Live Up To Our Own Expectations?

By Andria Hanley, President-Elect

We are our own worst critics, aren’t we? If we give blood, we feel guilty that we haven’t given blood in so long. If we go to a race, we are upset that we didn’t run faster. When we are home, we think we should be out doing something and when we are out, we yearn to be good family members, lovingly serving our families at home.

Putting that aside, I ask you to take another, more critical look. We are in an organization that has not only given so much to our community, but to ourselves. Our self-confidence grows, our friendships grow, maybe even our public speaking skills grow. So the question is, are we giving enough? Some of you will immediately answer, “Yes, I am giving too much!” And others will not answer so quickly.

So, here are some of our requirements and I ask you to look at them and do a little self-evaluation. No need to share it, just look at what you do and determine if this is “OK” in your book.

DO YOU ATTEND THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS?
I mean do you really attend? Do you sit down and really listen, see what you can take away from the meeting and are you able to stay for the duration of the meeting? (typically 45 minutes one time per month, sometimes more, usually less)

DO YOU FULFILL YOUR PLACEMENT?
Are there one or two women in the group pulling the weight of the committee or are you putting in the time the committee needs to do great (not good) things? Do you attend committee meetings? Do you follow up when you say you will? Do you offer to help?

DO YOU SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISERS, WHICH SUPPORT OUR PROJECTS?
Do you see yourself as part of these efforts? Do you see the fundraisers outside your own schedule and see how important they are to the success of next year’s projects in our community?

DO I ASK TOUGH QUESTIONS?
I hope so. I have asked them of myself and have caught myself slacking. But once we think about it, hopefully we improve as League members. Better volunteers, more supportive members and eventually better leaders. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by great women in our community, each of whom brings something unique to our organization. I ask that you invest in the League, as, if you look back, the League has invested in you. Each individual member, coming together in the League, invests her time in our organization and community. Thank you for being part of this grand effort.

Lastly, thank you ladies for thinking about these simple questions. I hope it helps you the way it has helped me.

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GAP (Girls Advocacy Project)
Phenomenal Intervention

By Jill Ecklund

Our partnership with the Girls Advocacy Project (GAP), now in its fourth year, got off to a powerful start on September 9th. The GAP committee resumed their biweekly visits to the Miami-Dade Juvenile Detention Center. GAP is a pioneer program in both the State of Florida and the nation. It is a model for intervention and advocacy on behalf of female juvenile offenders who oftentimes suffer from histories of sexual and physical abuse. Moreover, many of the young women lack the role models necessary to positively influence the course of their lives. The girls who find themselves in detention typically range in age from 11 through 18. They are held in detention on an average of 11 days, while waiting for a court hearing or transfer to a commitment program. The GAP committee is challenged with the task of evoking a sense of empowerment and respect of self and community in these young women. This is accomplished through a two hour visit twice a month, even though committee members rarely see the same girl twice.

The committee is working together to assemble a year of effective workshops for these young girls. Our goal is to provide guest speakers on topics ranging from anger management to journal writing. We hope to expose them to music, dance and poetry and provide AIDS education. It is in the spirit of communication and the presentation of life’s options that we hope to create the safe space that is GAP. It is when this place is created each Thursday that barriers are removed, communication begins, sharing occurs, learning seeps in, tears are shed, joys are fed, life is embraced, fulfillment wins, and true mentoring begins. It is here where the barriers of race and economics are removed, leaving the GAP committee members feeling that they are the ones who have benefited with a mentoring event of their own. It is amazing to see how the young women and the GAP committee members both leave at the evening with a sense of fulfillment and a learning experience quite unlike any other.

We as leaders in the community, having once been on the delicate path that is youth, must acknowledge the importance of the role models and mentors who have safely directed us to the road that we have found ourselves on as adults. Our committee members are honored to be afforded the precious responsibility and opportunity to make a positive impact on these young women as they awkwardly and uneasily make their transition into adulthood. We can only hope that the words and actions of the GAP committee members and guest speakers will deter these young women from choosing unhealthy and sometimes criminal behaviors. Rather, it is our hope that these experiences positively influence the choices these girls make when they are faced with decisions impacting the health and well-being of themselves and their communities.

The GAP Committee invites all of the League’s membership to participate in any of our sessions at the Miami-Dade Juvenile Detention Center. Notice must be given at least one week prior to the session to either Jill Ecklund or Jen Klaassens. We also welcome any contribution of new or gently used board games, interesting books and new, travel size toiletries.

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Cruising to Make a Difference!

The Junior League of Miami is cruising on the success of its annual Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon. This year’s luncheon, aboard Royal Caribbean’s gorgeous Navigator of the Seas, from 11:00 to 3:00, promises to be phenomenal. On March 5, 2005, the League will honor women whose commitment to volunteerism sets them apart.

This year’s luncheon is being underwritten by the generous support of Royal Caribbean. Festivities include a champagne and hors d’oeurves reception, silent auction, enticing raffle prizes, a three-course luncheon all topped off by an Ice Show. Proceeds from the event will go to fund the League’s Community Projects and to the League’s Foundation Fund.

We are also still looking for fabulous donations for the silent auction. If you have an item or services to donate please let us know. Every person or company making a donation will be recognized in the luncheon program as someone who makes a difference.

• JLM Women Who Make a Difference Luncheon 2005
  Co-chairs:
  • Alise Johnson
  • Michelle Ramirez-Patricios
  • Christina Urena

• JLM Women Who Make A Difference Luncheon 2005 Committee:
  Carol Bell, Sara Conde, Rachel Denis, Karen Katz, Sheryl Shoup, Kara Wells, Lori Tashman-Corrada, Melanie Gutierrez, Melisa Mendez-Chantres, Linda Salup-Schmidt, Bonnie Young, Meredith Olavarria, J.J. Snow, and Teresa Ebbs.

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JLM Hosts Outstanding SPAC Meeting

By Vicki Lopez Lukis

See SPAC Photo Gallery

The weekend of October 8-10 was an amazing one as JLM hosted the SPAC Fall Conference. On Friday evening, we opened our conference with a reception at Books & Books where our fearless leader, Amy Sussman, wooed the crowd of delegates with a powerful and inspiring talk. She issued a challenge to have all of the Leagues set aside funds to hire a full-time lobbyist to assist us in Tallahassee with our legislative agenda. This suggestion was discussed and it was agreed that Julia Irvin, SPAC Chair, would raise this issue at the Florida President and President-Elect meeting this year.

Andria Hanley welcomed delegates to Miami and introduced Amy. Also present were Carol Bryant, Kimberley Thompson, Bibi Cruz-Ledon, members of the PAC Committee; Gabrielle D’Alemberte, PAC Chair; JLM Board Members Keith Landon and Candace Vassillion, Bonita Whytehead, Golf Tournament Co-Chair, and Judge Cindy Lederman, a member of JLM’s Community Advisory Board. I was honored to receive the Berta Blecke Award given to women who demonstrate outstanding advocacy efforts for my work with the Girls Advocacy Project (GAP). Dinner at Les Halles rounded out our first evening of fun and activities.

On Saturday morning the delegates began their day at JLM Headquarters. The morning was filled with workshops. One workshop spotlighted a wonderful panel of Miami-Dade County Public Schools representatives which included Yvette Berger, Julie Astuto and Helen Lieblein who spoke on the topic of bullying in schools. Claudia Kitchens, Past JLM President and former SPAC Chair, moderated a workshop guiding the delegates on the important process of advocacy. Her experience with SPAC and as a successful statewide advocate was the basis for formulating SPAC’s action plan for the year.

During a working lunch, Berte Blecke, JLM Sustainer and former SPAC Chair, and Bobbie Ibarra, Executive Director of Our Kids of Miami/Monroe, Inc., spoke on the privatization of foster care. Judge Cindy Lederman and Eileen Nexer Brown highlighted GAP and its partnership with JLM.

Immediately following, the delegates, joined by Jill Ecklund and Jen Klaassens, JLM GAP Committee Co-Chairs, visited the detention center for an intimate roundtable discussion with the GAP girls moderated by me. This was the most powerful moment of the conference. Each GAP girl spoke about her unfortunate circumstances and how GAP and the JLM were making a positive difference in her life. When our time was up, no delegate wanted to leave the young women. There were many tears and hugs exchanged and as we exited the center. Every single delegate who attended promised to take this program back to their individual community.
Saturday evening took us to Gabrielle D'Alemberte’s mother’s home at Yacht Harbor in Coconut Grove. Here, Janet Reno graced us with her presence. (A special thanks goes to Gabrielle who arranged this special visit.) Dinner was served on the balcony overlooking the bay as Janet Reno held her “fireside chat“ with the delegates. She spoke of her strong passion for children, especially those in the juvenile justice system. She encouraged us to continue the fight to improve the lives of the citizens of our state. It was a memorable and intimate evening. Simply to be in Janet’s presence was a gift.

Sunday was our business meeting where Joann Ramirez-Bain, Inn Transition North Chair, and a member of her committee, Laurie Cooperider, spoke to the delegates about ITN and the needs of the women they serve. They assisted in clarifying SPAC’s position on unemployment benefits for domestic violence victims and agreed to help JLM PAC in researching how other states have handled this issue.

This conference was described by all who attended as the best SPAC Conference ever! Much credit should be given to every member of the Public Affairs Committee for making this such a huge success for JLM. We wish to thank all of the sponsors who contributed to our conference:

• Sylvester and Vicki Lukis
• Café Demetrio, Coral Gables
• Einstein Bagels, Coral Gables
• Bowne & Co., Miami (Liza Darling, JLM League Member)
• Crepe Express, Miami
• Books & Books, Coral Gables
• The Café at Books & Books
• Once Up On Sunset – South Miami
• Orchids by Jamie – Miami (Jamie Adams, JLM League Member)
• Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe – Coral Gables (Christie Wolfe, JLM League Member)
• Les Halles Restaurant – Coral Gables
• Barbra Harley – JLM Sustainer
• Candy McDonald – JLM Sustainer
• Parties by Pat Catering - Miami

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community | impact
Hurricane Relief

Our thoughts have been with you through all the recent hurricanes. We know that Florida is resilient and we look forward to your speedy recovery for the winter season.
– From all of us at the Junior League of Miami, Inc.

Letter from a Hard-Hit League

Dear Friends in The Junior League,

I hope and pray this finds you all well and safe. Indian River County and our little city of Vero Beach, like so much of Florida, has survived two hurricanes now. As a small League (approx. 85 active and 11 active gold) it has hit hard. After Francis we contacted all of our members and approximately 9% of our members had lost their homes, now almost all have received damage, their businesses have been temporarily closed or washed out altogether. The League office, which we lease, sustained water damage and ceiling is coming down a little, rug soaked, and our ground floor project, The Valued Visits Program, lost their space. The building blew out and they lost everything inside. I know the VV Program site in Martin County also was compromised. We have yet to reach all of our members to see how they are since Jeanne. I received a call from Bridgett from the Martin County League and we are meeting on Monday, Oct. 11th to discuss partnering for Hurricane Recovery and also working with SPAC. Like Bridgett, we are calling other non-profits in county to see what their needs are, as well as our members to see how we can help them. I look forward to this meeting and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Miami Conference. Your kind words and concern mean a lot.

Thank you.
Beth Crowley
Junior League of Indian River

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“Race for the Cure” Reaches League Leaders
from Around the Country

See Race Photo Gallery

On the first cool day of fall, our community came together to do something about breast cancer. Everyone had one goal in mind-to remember and celebrate women and men who have experienced the disease first hand. It was an amazing, inspiring and moving sight to witness the bright pink shirts of the cancer survivors as they walked slowly to the stage. The crowd, 10,000 strong, cheered them on.

Typically a local event each year, the race organizers were surprised to see last minute online registration forms come in from all over the country. Where did this sudden surge of participants come from? It was the women at the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) conference who joined our local effort. Amy Sussman and Andria Hanley greeted the 550 attendees the day before the race and told them about JLM’s involvement in the event. And, then it happened. Like so many times when we ask for support and help, Junior League members answered the call. The AJLI conference attendees joined us bright and early at the Junior League of Miami tent. They walked, ran, cheered us on, and handed out balloons. It was so natural to have these women join us. We all felt as if they were members of our League. In a way they are, they are doing the same great work we do only in different parts of the country.

A round of applause goes out to the following JLM members for making the Race for the Cure event a huge success. Thank you to:

• Ashley Cusack – for coordinating all the donated food for the Race for the Cure. Congratulations go out to Ashley for being the fourth woman to cross the finish line. You always do us proud!
• Katie Landsea, DIAD Chair, and the DIAD Committee – who were at the JLM well before sunrise setting out breakfast treats for JLM members attending the event. We appreciate the committee’s help staffing the event.
• Jennifer Pfleger, Membership Chair and the Membership Committee– for providing food for the event and outreach pamphlets about becoming a volunteer to potential members who stopped by the JLM tent.
• Cybelle Santo Domingo, VP of Communications – for making the JLM tent look so welcoming. The JLM signs attracted lots of attention. Thank you for your help selling tickets to the Nordstrom event that morning as well.
• JLM Provisionals – for keeping up the tradition of coming out in large numbers to support the event. We are thrilled to have you in our organization. We loved seeing your smiling faces that morning. Your enthusiasm is overwhelming. You are all terrific!
  • JLM Actives – for taking the time to support the race. Once again, you answered the call and gave your time and hearts to the event. We appreciate seeing you all out there bright and early that morning. You’re the best!

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fundraiser | focus
First Annual JLM Golf Tournament Scores Funds
for Community Projects

See Golf Photo Gallery

On Thursday, October 14, the Junior League of Miami held its First Annual Golf Tournament at “The Links” on Key Biscayne. Sixty-eight golfers hit the fairways and greens in an effort to support JLM. The players included JLM Actives, Provisionals and Sustainers as well as JLM spouses and many members of our local community. Participants in the scramble style tournament enjoyed not only golf, but an awards ceremony and reception later that afternoon.

The foursomes in the tournament ended the day with a great feeling. Not only did they get to play golf on one of Key Biscayne’s championship courses, they had the satisfaction of helping others while doing so. Participants that day putted and chipped their way to raising over $13,000. All of this money will directly benefit our community projects focusing on families at risk.

The Golf Committee would like to recognize and thank the generous sponsors and underwriters. A huge round of applause goes out to American Beveridge Depot, Sprint, UBS, Genovese, Joblove & Battista, P.A., Ken and Amy Sussman, Andria and Al Hanley for their support of our event.

A special thanks to the FIU Women Golf Team, whose expert shots were for sale and helped keep some players on the green and out of the rough.

The JLM Golf Committee is thrilled with the success of our new fundraiser. We are extremely proud of the women who diligently worked to put the tournament together in less than six months. The Golf Committee demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a strong commitment to every detail of the tournament. Every member of the committee made this first tournament par-excellence!

The First JLMarvelous Golf Committee includes Julie Bender, Sheila Brewer, Courtney Damon, Betty Gilbert (Treasurer), Zaria Goschalk, Tina MacAllister, Mallorie Marshall, Sabrina Mayfield, Christina Quinones (Chairperson), Amy Robles, Tina Towery, Ashley Walter and Bonita Whytehead (Co-Chairperson).

And, of course we send our congratulations to our Tournament winners:

1st Place: Bill Kassebaum, Jim Case, Bobby Castellano, Jerry Upthegrove

2nd Place: Bob Battle, Patrick Battle, Tim Battle, Mike Battle

3rd Place: Juan Porro, Bob Jimenez, David Peterson, Dino Mendicino

Straightest Drive: Jim Case

Closest to the Pin: Dale Dowlan

We look forward to seeing all of you at the Second Annual JLM Golf Tournament. SAVE THE DATE: Friday, October 14, 2005, at “The Links” on Key Biscayne.

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Nordstrom Opening Benefits JLM

See the JLM Gallery for a visual report.

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future | focus
The Junior League Foundation and the 1926 SOCIETY

You will be hearing a lot in the near future about the JLM Foundation so this article is designed in a question & answer format to answer some of the most common questions you may have. If you have additional questions, I hope you will ask a Foundation Board Member. We are happy to address any questions you may have.

What is the Foundation?
The Junior League of Miami Foundation (Foundation) was incorporated in 2004 to help secure the funding of the Junior League of Miami (JLM) as it grows into its eighth decade of service. The Foundation is currently comprised of the Ronnie W. Bermont Endowment Fund for Community Projects and monies received from the Browning Estate. The total assets of the Foundation are currently over $500,000. A Foundation Board has been formed that will monitor the investments, disbursements and also continue to raise money for the Foundation. The Foundation solely benefits the JLM.

Can you give me some history of the Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund was the brainchild of JLM member, Sara Herald, who solicited pledges from many actives and sustainers. Sara also taught each of us that if we donated the cost of a “Coke A Day” to the Endowment Fund, the Junior League could invest the money to fund future projects. Sara’s work was carried on by others including Julia Bianchi, Vivianne Wicker and Susan Moll who conducted among other things, a “penny” campaign for the Fund. The goal was, and still is, to have the fund be at least $1,000,000. This would then generate annual income that would fund a number of the Junior League of Miami’s projects. The Fund was named in honor of Ronni W. Bermont, President of the Junior League of Miami in 1989, who passed away in 1993. The Fund was incorporated into the Foundation in 2004.

What is the 1926 SOCIETY?
This is a recognition society within the Foundation. It will recognize anyone who donates $1,926 to the Foundation per year or over a course of years. The 1926 SOCIETY members will receive the following benefits; a recognition pin, the donor’s name on a plaque at JLM headquarters for the year the donation was given, an invitation to a special JLM Foundation function in the year that they give $1,926, and invitations to other special events. The name “1926 SOCIETY” comes from the year that the Junior League of Miami was recognized by the AJLI.

Wow! What if I can’t donate $1,926 per year?
That’s okay – if you can donate that every year – that’s great! If not, the Foundation is grateful for any donations you give. We will cumulate your donations toward the $1,926 level. The year you reach the $1,926 level – you will receive all the benefits of membership in the 1926 SOCIETY.

I made donations previously to the Endowment Fund – does that count?
Absolutely! Anyone who has donated to the Endowment Fund over the years will be recognized this year in the 1926 SOCIETY if their cumulative donation is at that level – or once their donation reaches that level. We certainly appreciate the members that have brought the Endowment Fund to where it is today – allowing the Foundation to be formed.

Does the Foundation accept only cash?
Of course not! The Foundation also will accept planned gifts – charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, Real Estate, Wills & Bequests and Insurance to name a few. We encourage you to speak with your legal or financial advisor if you are considering such a gift.

Who makes up the Foundation Board?
The Foundation Board is made up of elected active and sustaining members and some members of the current leadership team. The current Board of Directors are President Cheryl Goldstein, Vice-President Elaine Tatum, Treasurer Libby Witherspoon, Secretary Kathy Schulte Moorman, Cathy Lorie, Karen Cabrera, Leslie Rivera, Holly Battle, Meredith Mills, Amy Sussman, Andria Hanley, Candace Vassillion and Lauren Harrison. Any board member would be glad to answer additional questions you might have.

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Rene Ruiz Opens His Store to Support JLM Foundation

If you didn’t make it to the Rene Ruiz event on October 21st, you missed out on a fantastic evening of fun! Junior League of Miami Members – Provisionals, Actives and Sustainers – were all curious to see the latest Rene Ruiz creations. The evening’s festivities celebrated the opening of Rene’s newest store on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables.

This was certainly not your typical wine and cheese reception. Rene set the mood with plenty of cocktails, a delicious paella and Mariachi band to keep things upbeat. Of course, everyone who attended also got to see firsthand his stunning designs – from blouses, dresses, and suits to ball gowns. Rene generously offered the JLM members a 25% discount on any of the fashions they couldn’t resist having as part of their own wardrobe!

The evening’s event benefited the Junior League of Miami Foundation. Ten percent of all sales were donated to the Foundation. In addition, Rene held a raffle which raised another $1,000 for the Foundation. Erin Knight, Nordstrom Gala Chair, was the lucky winner of the Foundation raffle. Erin was thrilled to take home a $1,000 Rene Ruiz gift certificate, haircut at Avant Garde, lunch at Café Abbracci and a week of personal training sessions.

A special thank you to Rene Ruiz and his colleagues for their hospitality and generosity to the Junior League.

Shop Rene Ruiz for your holiday attire at 262 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Tel: 305.445.2352.

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membership | matters
Welcome Transfers

The Junior League of Miami would like to welcome its new transfers. This year, six women have made JLM their new home.

Shakira Humble comes to us from Mobile, Alabama, where she spent three years. Prior to that, she spent time in the Winston-Salem League. She and her husband, Scott, have 2 beautiful Golden Retrievers. When not becoming acclimated to South Florida, Shakira enjoys spending her free time on the tennis courts.

Abby Zanarini previously was a member of the Los Angeles League. She and her husband Jeff have 2 wonderful little girls – Alison who is 2 _ years old and Lauren who is 4 months old. Abby’s favorite vacation spot is Paris, France.

Alison Grinan joins JLM from Corpus Christi, Texas, where she did her provisional year in 2001. She currently works at South Miami Middle School, where she teaches gifted children. She and her husband, Felipe, spent their recent honeymoon at Marona Resort & Spa.

Teresa Ebbs has recently moved to Miami from Atlanta, Georgia, where she recently completed her provisional year. While there are not the pitter-patter of children’s feet in her home, she and her husband, Arthur do have their other children: Georgia (dog), Murphy and Fulton (cats). If Teresa had to pick her favorite places to visit, they would be Las Vegas, Kennebunk Maine and Prague.

Melanie Gutierrez comes back to the JLM where she completed her provisional year in 2001. She and her husband have a beautiful son, Nicholas.

Kelly Kendrick is excited to make JLM her new home. She comes to us from Dallas, Texas. Both she and her husband attended University of Miami Law School.

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Past Presidents Come Together

The past Presidents of the Junior League of Miami gathered in September at Riviera Country Club for an early evening reception honoring them. The reception was hosted by Mary Lynch, sustaining advisor to the Board and the new Junior League of Miami Foundation. Nineteen presidents were in attendance, representing the League years from 1962 to 2004.

Amy Sussman, the 81st President, welcomed them and introduced the current Board. Amy gave a short presentation on the fund raising events for the coming year. Everyone was impressed that the two large events are completely underwritten; those being the Nordstrom Grand Opening Gala on November 10th and the Women Who Make a Difference Luncheon sponsored by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on March 5th, 2005.

Cheryl Goldstein, President of the Junior League of Miami Foundation, gave a wonderful presentation on the 1926 Society. She urged those present to consider becoming members by donating $1,926 to the Foundation to receive all of its member benefits annually.

Mary Lynch announced that 11 members of the Junior League of Miami, both actives and sustainers, have made the commitment to join the Society. Those present received their choice of jewelry designed by Montica, either a logo pin or necklace. The evening was a great way to see old friends and provided a perfect opportunity to learn more about the activities of the Junior League of Miami.

For more details about the Foundation, please read the article by Cheryl Goldstein in this issue of the Junior League Journal.

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Membership Updates

The Membership Committee has been busy over the summer months accepting applications for the Fall Provisional Class. On August 17th, the Membership Committee held an Open House at JLM Headquarters. What a great turnout! Twenty-five interested women attended the evening’s event along with their sponsors. JLM President Amy Sussman and President-Elect Andria Hanley were among the speakers who gave the women insight about JLM and the impact it has made in their lives. In addition, Erin Knight got everyone excited about the upcoming Nordstom Gala on November 10th and JLM Treasurer Candace Vassillion spread the word about our fun family event “Chili in the Village” slated for February 12, 2005. Finally, Provisional co-chairs, Jackie Crabill and Alison Simon were on hand to go over the Fall Provisional Course and answer questions about Super Saturday, trainings and upcoming Provisional events.

A final Fall Open House for interested women was held at the September 14th General Membership Meeting at the Miami Museum of Science. Twenty women were greeted by Membership Chair-Elect Heather Almaguer and the membership committee. Once again, the women had the opportunity to meet JLM Board members, find out about upcoming events and hear from the Provisional Chairs about the upcoming Fall Provisional Course.

Do you know someone who would be a great volunteer? Please encourage them to check out the JLM website at www.juniorleagueofmiami.com and fill out an online application. We will be holding Open Houses for Prospective Members again in the Spring. More details will be coming soon.

Let’s hear a round of applause for all the JLM members who spoke at the Open Houses. We’d also like to thank all the JLM members who are acting as sponsors for a Provisional member. We appreciate your efforts as Ambassadors for the Junior League of Miami.

Another big thank you to the JLM membership committee: Chair-Elect: Heather Almaguer, Wendy Allen, Cori Beaubien, Jessica Bennett-Porto, Denie Freyer, Allison Holly, Gretchen Kirtley, Kristen Martino, Katie Newcomm, and Meg Stamey. You all are doing a super job! A final thank you goes out to VP Cybelle Santo Domingo for helping us design and put together our new informational folders. You are the greatest!

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Welcome New Additions

Miles Alexander Thornburg, 8 lbs, 12 oz., September 17, 2004, Proud Parents: Teresa & Chris Thornburg

Caroline Simmons Green, 6 lbs, 9 oz., September 6, 2004, Proud Parents: Christopher & Jennifer Green

Christian Andre Beaubien, 8 lbs, 3oz., August 26, 2004, Proud Parents: Sean & Cori Beaubien

Juliana Bein Williamson, 8 lbs, 5oz., July 18, 2004, Proud Parents: Jeff & Vicki Williamson

Kirksey Margaret Smith, 7 lbs.10 oz., July 15, 2004, Proud Parents: Morgan and Marshall Smith

Thomas David Prince Brigham, 8 lbs., February 16, 2004, Proud Parents: Tim & Kim Brigham

William Gant Battle, 7 lbs. 15 oz., December 16, 2003, Proud Parents: Michele and Patrick Battle

Jacqueline Keenan Falco, 7 lbs., October 10, 2004, Proud Parents: Christy & Joe Falco

Member Milestones:
Marriage

Erin Dolan married Christopher Knight on March 13th, 2004 in Tallahassee, Florida. Chris is an attorney with Fowler, White Burnett, P.A. and the couple resides in Coral Gables.

In Sympathy

Our deepest sympathies to Andrea Cole and Linda Smoak on the death of their mother and to Mary Lynch on the death of her mother-in-law, Muriel Rice Lynch Rizzo, a past Junior League of Miami president who died in August.

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Sustainer News:
An “Active” Year Underway

See Sustainer Photo Gallery

A great big THANK YOU is being sent to the entire Sustainer Committee for organizing and executing a WONDERFUL Sustainer Brunch this fall where long-time friends got to catch up with one another and hear about all the great events and programs planned for the League year.

A very special thank you to Susan McGrath for designing and producing a BEAUTIFUL invitation! There were many compliments about it on the RSVP line!

The venue was gorgeous! THANK YOU MOLLY! Special thanks to Molly Baumberger for allowing over 105 Sustainers into her lovely home. Molly's home was the perfect backdrop for our first event of the season.

Thank you to Carol Cookson for baking the beautiful and DELICIOUS dessert tray. We have unofficially named you “Cookie” since you tempted all of us with the best chocolate chip cookies to pass our lips in years!

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make the event such fun and such a success!

Welome to our newest transfer in sustainer: Deborah Charbonnet!

Just a reminder...
Your Sustainer Liaison, Margaret is ready, willing and able to assist Sustainers in finding a volunteer role that suits your schedule and to involve all members in activities that are JLM mission oriented. Please feel free to contact Margaret Nee with any questions, comments, suggestions, requests at 305-301-2702.

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Provisionals
Welcome 2004-2005 Class!

On Saturday, October 9th, 66 women filled the Gables Salon at the Omni Colonnade in Coral Gables to kick off their year as new Junior League members. The theme for the day was “Get inspired!” As they entered the room, each Provisional received a quote inspired by volunteerism and was asked to share the adage with the others in their group. To start the day, one person from each mentor group was selected to read their group's favorite quote aloud. One of the quotes read by Margaret Mead was:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
After the quotes were read, Provisionals were asked to turn over their slips of paper. The person whose paper contained a mark on the back won a door prize - one of the new JLM logo hats, kindly donated by Amy Sussman.

In their welcoming remarks, Provisional Co-Chairs, Jackie Crabill and Alison Simon, encouraged the 2004 Provisional class to remain proactive throughout their Junior League career, and take a lead in the many projects the League supports. Amy Sussman and Andria Hanley also welcomed the new members and were present throughout the day to motivate them to get involved. Thank you to other members of the JLM Board, including Stephanie Demos-VP of Community, Gail Scott-VP of Development and Cybelle Santo Domingo-VP of Communications, who helped provide the Provisionals with “basic training” on the League.

Throughout the day, active members of the Junior League came to show their support. Members of the Golf and Nordstrom Committees were present to sell raffle tickets, recruit people to work shifts and sell Nordstrom Gala tickets. Andria Hanley sold shirts for “Race for the Cure” and encouraged the Provisionals to turn out for the race.

The day was completed with a keynote speech from our own Vicki Lukis. Vicki gave an emotional and inspirational account of her life and her commitment to volunteerism. She challenged JLM's newest members to share their own life experiences and use them in their volunteer work, because it is these experiences that will help them be better, more effective volunteers.

This years' “Super Saturday” was a huge success, thanks to all the participants. The League is fortunate to have this enthusiastic new group of dedicated women who share a commitment to our community and a desire to make it better. Please join us in continuing to welcome the Provisionals at their first General Membership Meeting on November 9th. The Provisional Committee urges JLM Actives to introduce themselves to the new Provisionals throughout the year and help integrate them into the League's membership. After all, one of the greatest benefits of being part of such a terrific group of women is that you continue to meet new people and make new friends.

Provisional Mentor Groups
Alina Zanetti-Leon & Jennifer Cosgrove's Group
Callau, Susana
Grover, Rebekah
Hartnett, Lesley
Kulach, Allison
Lake, Julianne
Maloof, Maria
McAree, Nicole
Nolan, Betsy
Rousseau, Dacotah

Ashley Adorno's Group
Alegrett, Claudia
Berlet, Justine
Bonafonte, Melissa Moore
Falke, Jill
Farias, Yolanda
Fraser, Staci
Miller, Jennifer
Ortega, Jacqueline
Sullivan, Tara

Dorothy Isriel's Group
Bared, Liza
Billingslea, Lauren
Blake, Caroline
Hunt, Lauren
Llorente, Betty
Lunsford, Christina
Mira-Deneroff, Josie
Pasztor, Janna

Jennifer Poole's Group
Balsera, Chandra Iglesias
Barusch, Aimee
Bernardo, Lisa
Brown, Nicole
Connor, Etain
Curtis, Heather
Fox-Milian, Catherine
Wilson, Evan Michelle “Misha”

Marlene Fernandez' Group
Albanes, Kimberly
Anagnostis, Elisha
Franco, Cori
Garciga, Roxana
Kassebaum, Jacqueline
Killeen-Griffith, Mary
Pryles, Kendall
Scripps, Mieke Renkens

Melanie Mitchell's Group
Davis, Christa
Moyer, Erin
Schumacher, Melissa
Shepherd, Kristi
Stone, Amy
Voglino, Jean
Weinstein, Emily Y.
Woods, Catherine P.

Michelle Martinez' Group
Cech, Brigid Finerty
Gilyard, Vanessa
Graham, Kelly
Kepko, Fabiana
Muir, Tara Jane
Shiell, Julie
Vanderheyden, Beth
Wilcox, Kellie

Nickelle Crowley's Group
Brown, Kameelah
Giuffrida, Silvana
Seiber, Dana
Silva, Melissa
Skelley, Kara
Sonville, Blair
Spaht, Carolyn
Teng, Nina

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