Winter 2003-2004

Issue Highlights

• Chili in the Village
• Thoughts on my way to an asterisk*
• Women Who Make a Difference Event: March 14
• Sustainer Upcoming Events
• Community Advisory Board Update
• “Miami: Who Makes a Magic City”
• Have You Been to the Encore Shop Lately?
• Gladstone Center For Girls
• Inn Transition North
• Girls Advocacy Project (GAP) Committee
• Inn Transition South
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Project Reach
• Super Leaguers!
• Super Husbands!
• New Members
• Provisional Course Update
• Transfers
• Training Update
• Web Updates
• JLM Merrymakers: A Salute
• Molly Member Spotlight
• Movers & Shakers
• JLMarvelous
• Community Partners Update

Chili in the Village

By Jamie Adams and Candace Vassillion, Co-Chairs

We are pleased to announce that the Junior League of Miami’s winter fundraiser, “Chili in the Village,” will be held Saturday, January 31, 2004, at historic Pinecrest Gardens. Chili in the Village is JLM’s 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, clients and coworkers to Super Chili Bowl Saturday as we kickoff Super Bowl weekend. Don't worry football fans...Game Day is Sunday, February 1st!

JLM is in partnership with the Village of Pinecrest to host Chili in the Village. The event is from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and is a fun-filled day for the entire family. Ticket prices are $20 for Adults and $10 for Children (ages 3-12) good for all-you-can-eat tasty chili and admission for the day’s Chili activities at Pinecrest Gardens. VIP sponsorship tables are available for $500. Admission tickets are available NOW, and you can also purchase raffle tickets. Space permitting only, tickets will be available at the gate event day. For VIP table information, please contact Jamie.

Restaurants, caterers and novices will compete to win prizes for “Best Chili in Town.”

Enjoy unique chili with three divisions: International Chili Society, restaurant and novice.

Celebrity and ICS judges will be on hand to award prizes. Live music, beer, craft and food vendors, a kid's activity zone, an exciting raffle plus South Florida Firefighters and the UM Cheerleaders will delight the crowd!

Returning restaurants include Hooligan’s, Tobacco Road, Hooters, Burdines Catering, JoAnna’s Marketplace, Sara Sharpe Catering, Bill’s Catering, Patrick’s Productions and new restaurants this year are Titanic, The Big Cheese, Macabi, Gordon Biersch, Norman Brothers, Gardner’s Markets and Phoenix Restaurants. If you know a restaurant, caterer or novice that would like to enter JLM’s Chili Cook-Off, please contact Jamie Adams.

There is also a fantastic raffle, with proceeds benefiting JLM, with wonderful prizes including a cruise generously donated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and a variety of restaurant, store, spa, entertainment and sporting event gift certificates. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 6 tickets for $50 or 12 tickets for $100. Take your chances in the raffle and buy your tickets online.

Please join the fun, buy your tickets and support JLM by attending Chili in the Village with your friends and families!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Thoughts on my way to an asterisk*

By Karen Cabrera

Past presidents have mentioned that the second half of the year goes by faster than the first half – that seems hard to believe because the time from last May until now has flown!

Everyone asks, “How’s it going?” My usual response is that it is 95% positive. Can you say that about your real job? Where else would you have the opportunity to take your four year old shopping in Target, let him help choose toys for the children in JLM’s projects and teach him about the spirit of giving to other children who don’t have the kind of Christmas that awaits him?

Some things have surprised me: the amount of time it takes to put together the Monday email, the number of emails in general, the number of meetings, the number of hours I’ve needed a babysitter, and the number of minutes I’ve used on my cell phone each month.

Some things have amazed me: the number of women who are willing to give their time, even when they work fulltime and have a family, the number of victims of domestic violence JLM has helped; the amazing amount of good JLM does in the community through our projects and our advocacy work; and the amount of time and effort it takes to put together a great fundraiser.

Some things have overwhelmed me: the number of domestic violence victims who still need help; the number of project proposals and grant applications JLM receives each year; and the overwhelming need in the community.

Some things I look forward to: continuing the legacy of JLM through new provisionals, new leaders and new projects; meeting members I don’t know and making new friends; and having Tuesday nights free.

*Past Presidents have an asterisk next to their name in the directory.

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Women Who Make a Difference Event: March 14

By Lauren Harrison, Chair

Planning is in full swing for the third annual “Women Who Make a Difference” event! The purpose of this very special awards event is to honor remarkable women in our community who have made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts to improve the lives of women and children at risk. The committee has canvassed the community for potential reward recipients this Fall, soliciting honoree nominations from over 80 organizations.

This year’s well-deserving honorees include: The Honorable Bonnie Rippingille, for her tremendous work with at-risk girls and domestic violence; Julia Bianchi, Past JLM President, for her amazing fundraising efforts benefiting those less fortunate in our community through her efforts on behalf of the Fisher Island Philanthropic Fund and Kristi House; Lee Klein, the unpaid Chairman and CEO of the Children’s Cancer Caring Center, who has tirelessly dedicated her life to raising money for cancer treatment for children whose families cannot afford their care; and Drs. Carol Berns and Mindy Cassel, who recognized and met a desperate need in our community for free counseling services for children who have suffered the loss of a parent and formed a non-profit organization known as “The Children’s Bereavement Center.”

We are extremely fortunate this year to partner with Celebrity Cruises International in hosting our event this year on Sunday, March 14, 2004 onboard the premier ship of the Celebrity fleet, The Millennium. We will embark at 10:30 a.m. at Dock 18 in Port Everglades. Parking is available in the Midport Garage, or you may take the chartered round-trip bus service that we have arranged which will depart from the Museum of Science in Miami at 9:30 a.m. at a cost of $12.00 per person.

Celebrity is underwriting a lovely champagne reception with passed hors d’oeuvres in the spectacular “Cosmos” room overlooking the ocean. We will be featuring a silent auction with many wonderful items, including a Celebrity cruise, along with other prizes! Our program will also include a fabulous fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue. Afterwards we will be seated in the ship’s grand main dining room, where we will enjoy a delicious five-course brunch menu, specially designed for our guests by The Millennium’s highly-regarded chef.

As the “Women Who Make a Difference” awards event is to be held on the weekend this year, we encourage you to bring your husbands/significant others to join in the festivities! Tickets are $65 per person. Look for your invitations to arrive in your mailbox in late January. You can purchase tickets now online, and you can submit your tribute, and take a chance at the raffle drawing, even if you cannot attend the event.

Due to tight security and advance details, we MUST receive your ticket reservation along with all required information for security clearance NO LATER THAN March 1, 2004! Table sales have been brisk; however, tables of 4, 6 and 8 are still available. The entire WWMD Committee has worked extremely hard to make this a unique and memorable event. Please join us in celebrating the selfless and dedicated acts of volunteerism our awardees have demonstrated!!

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Sustainer Upcoming Events

By Margaret Nee, Sustainer Liaison

Financial Planning Session Offered

On Saturday, February 21, 2004, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm., the Sustainer Committee presents Mr. Philip Keating, CFA, in “Weeding and Feeding your Portfolio” to help you to invest in the best growth stocks for the future. Mr. Keating is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a nationally recognized speaker who will be presenting a half-day workshop discussing individual portfolio management and retirement plans at Junior League HQ. Mr. Keating is a nationally recognized expert and speaker discussing individual portfolio management and retirement plans.

For 14 years, Mr. Keating has been a Director of the National Association of Investment Clubs Investor Advisory Service and has held many national and local leadership positions. Mr. Keating is a former Mutual Fund Manager managing over $160 million in assets.

All sustainers, actives, provisionals, spouses and friends are invited. The cost is $10 per person. You may reserve a seat by sending an email to margaretpgi@aol.com or mail a check made payable to the JLM, 713 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134, attention: Teresa Zohn or Margaret Nee. Checks must be received by February 15. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

More Dates to Save...

More information will follow in your weekly email.

• February 4: Book Club: The Three Junes by Julia Glass

• February 10: David Lawrence speaks on Early Childhood Development @ HQ

• February 21: Small Dinner Parties

Keep checking your email for information on these upcoming events…

• Tour of The Babcock Ranch

• Tour and Tea at the Biltmore

• Beginners Bridge Club

• Cooking Lesson

JUST A REMINDER…

Sustainers are invited and encouraged to attend ANY event, meeting or volunteer opportunity listed on the JLM Calendar , www.juniorleagueofmiami.com

CONGRATS...

To Sustainer Mary Cagle! After 22 years as Chief Assistant to the State Attorney, Mary is resigning to take over the position of CEO at CHARLEE on January 20. Mary has been a long time child advocate. Mary’s first position after college was working with emotionally disabled children. However, Mary recently told us that it was a JLM project, which was put together by the late Ronni Bermont at the Modello Center, that sparked her interest in child advocacy. The project received national recognition for excellence and made Mary decide to pursue a professional career that would benefit children.

WELCOME...

To our newest transfer-in sustainer: Mary Sumner. Mary attended the wonderful holiday party at Ellen Nagle’s home and was thrilled to be in a crowd of friendly and welcoming sustainers. Mary also was enjoyed the warmer temperatures of Florida and perhaps, momentarily, was not missing Chicago!

CALLING ALL SUSTAINERS!

Want to volunteer at your convenience? Want to be a Sustaining Advisor? Have an idea for a social activity or event? Then please contact Margaret Nee at 305-301-2702 or margaretpgi@aol.com.

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Community Advisory Board Update

By Debbie Dietz, CAB Liaison

The Junior League of Miami is proud to introduce four new members to our Community Advisory Board. These members will be serving a two-year term that will end in the Spring of 2005.

Israel Kreps is the Managing Director of Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing. Mr. Kreps has worked with us in the past on the 70th Anniversary City of Coral Gables Proclamation for the Encore Shop. Mr. Kreps and his company are going to help the League promote brand-identity and to increase communications inside and outside of the League.

Ann Kashmer is the Director for Fannie Mae South Florida. A sustainer in the JLM, along with community experience Ann has more than 25 years of banking expertise and has been a resident of Miami for almost four decades.

Javelyn Ibarra Baldwin is in regional marketing for United Airlines, specializing in the Latin American region. Ms. Baldwin will be able to connect the League with business and industry and also help us with future communications and marketing.

Dr. Leda Perez is the project director for Community Voices Miami. Dr. Perez was also a member of the Junior League of Miami. Dr. Perez has numerous contacts in the community and will be a valuable asset to JLM.

We will be opening nominations again in the Spring for the current CAB members whose terms will be finished. Please look for information in the next Journal or submit your nominations online through our Web form. If you have any questions or want to have the new CAB members speak at one of your events, please contact me.

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Miami: Who Makes A Magic City

By Tina Carlo and Maria Beguiristain, Co-Chairs

We wish to thank each person who contributed to the success of “Miami: Who Makes A Magic City,” including all who purchased tickets or procured auction items. In particular, we would like to thank Karen Cabrera and her board for their support and our Vice-President of Development, Susan Lerner, for her hard work and guidance. In addition, special thanks go to our committee members, some of whom put their lives on hold to ensure that our vision for this event became a reality, and Alison O'Keefe for her beautiful invitation design that made such a terrific first impression.

We cannot forget the many provisionals who worked shifts both prior to and the day of the event. Nor would our thanks be complete without acknowledging our outstanding honorees for making the evening magical. We are so grateful to all of you.

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Have You Been to the Encore Shop Lately?

By Bibi Cruz-Ledón, Tri-Chair

It has been a busy year so far for the Encore Shop! On December 5th, Encore held its first-ever Designer Open House, staying open late to coincide with the monthly Coral Gables Gallery Walk. There was wine, food, good company, and, of course, great shopping!

On December 7th, Inn Transition North residents went on a holiday shopping spree with the help of ITN and Encore committee members. Everyone had a great time!

All members are encouraged to come by and check out the new designer section and support the league’s oldest fundraiser. Every Monday is a “Member Monday,” when all League members receive 10% off their purchases.

Over 80 members have already met quota! Congratulations and a BIG “thank you” to the top five active donors as of September 1, 2003: Joelle Allen, Laurie McWilliams, Margaret Nee, Kara Nordstrom and Carolyn Stringer.

Just a reminder, Acceptable merchandise donations include:

• Gently used women’s and children’s clothing

• Gently used women’s shoes, purses and accessories

• Gently used men’s dress shirts, slacks, shorts, and accessories

• Gently used toys, books, housewares

Unacceptable donations include:

• Torn, soiled, heavily worn items

• Bathing suits

• Underwear and lingerie

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Gladstone Center For Girls

By Libby Witherspoon, Chair

The Gladstone Center for Girls, which opened in 1994, serves girls between the ages of three and eighteen who have been removed from their homes following allegations of serious abuse. Gladstone Center provides quality residential care while professional support staff conducts medical, psychological and educational assessments. The facility can accommodate up to 20 girls at a time and provides services to approximately 150 girls each year. During their stay at Gladstone, a team of professionals evaluates the girl, her family and available placement opportunities for the child. In addition, after-care case management, court services, educational support and therapeutic follow-up are continued for all the girls who leave Gladstone. The staff at Gladstone is amazing! They provide a constant that these girls would not normally be exposed to.

After a hiatus of a couple of years, Gladstone has returned as a Junior League project. They are thrilled to have us back as we are just as excited to be working with the girls again. Each week a group from our committee works with the girls of Gladstone on various projects. We have decorated pumpkins for Halloween, created Turkey sculptures for Thanksgiving, etc. We use these projects as an ice breaker for conversation with the girls in order for them to realize they have a mentor in all of us. We encourage teamwork and often see the older girls helping the little ones. We have a Holiday Party planned for December 18th. Thanks to the generosity of our members each girl will receive a Christmas present. In addition, the committee will prepare all sorts of goodies and hopes to provide manicures, makeovers and face painting. Looking forward to Spring, we will work with the girls at Gladstone to create a garden so they can learn first hand the fulfillment one gets from planting a seed and watching it grow.

It is truly heart warming to work with this project and the girls at Gladstone. Each member of our committee is phenomenal and loves going to the Center on Thursdays. We have had sustainers who have joined us and were moved by the experience. I encourage anyone interested in helping out to do so. Please feel free to contact me for more details.

The importance our visits have on the girls at Gladstone is significant. They know and look forward to every Thursday night as Junior League Night! We are really making a difference in the lives of these girls.

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Inn Transition North

By Meg Valls, Chair

Inn Transition North started off the fall with lots of entertaining and informative activities for moms and constructive playtime for kids (most of whom are toddlers!)

In September we held a potluck supper where mentees and mentors could get to know each other. Each resident received a complete set of Tupperware containers to store the evening left-overs (and learn the importance of proper food storage).

October began with a discussion on personal hygiene led by committee member Sharon Johnson. Moms received gift baskets filled with goodies. Kids made play dough sculptures and had faces painted. Later that month a Halloween party was held at the Inn complete with “Anna Banana” the clown who led song and dance games, parachute activities and more face painting.

For Thanksgiving committee members put together baskets full of food items and Publix gift certificates that residents could use to prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner.

December featured a shopping spree at the Encore shop and the annual Holiday party. Thank you to all who generously donated gifts. The children’s smiles when they opened their presents warmed our hearts.

Coming up this spring we are planning lots of fun, educational things for moms and kids including a discussion on woman’s health conducted by Barry University nursing students, a financial advice seminar, an Easter party, a trip to the Miami Children’s Museum and much more.

We would love any extra helping hands. If interested call Meg Valls at (305) 668-1617.

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Girls Advocacy Project (GAP) Committee Sharing Thanks by Giving

By Vicky Lopez Lukis

The GAP committee had the extreme honor of sharing Thanksgiving with 16 GAP girls at the Juvenile Detention Center Nov. 20. The committee was joined by members of the Junior League Board (Karen Cabrera, President; Amy Sussman, President-Elect; Rubye Nell Johnson, VP Community; Keith Landon, VP Communications; Debbie Dietz, Community Advisory Board Liaison; and Margaret Nee, Sustainer Liaison) and Maggie Rossi, Placement Chair.

Bibi Cruz-Ledon, Encore Shop Co-Chair and Journal Editor also attended and took pictures. Also in attendance were Wansley Walters, GAP Sustainer Advisor, Cyd Heyliger-Browne, Sustainer and Former GAP Chair, and Community Advisory Board Member, Leda Perez.

GAP was well represented by The Honorable Cindy Lederman and GAP Community Advisory Board Co-Chairs, Eileen Nexer Brown and Sharon Langer. Our guests included Superintendent George LaFlam, Assistant Superintendents Larry Black and Kenneth Williams. Isabel Afanador, Circuit Manager of the Department of Juvenile Justice was also there in addition to Center staff.

We began the evening with Jennifer Press Kravitz, GAP Committee member, leading the arts and crafts project. Everyone participated in making a Thanksgiving turkey from a straw hat adorned with colorful pieces of felt and glue. They were so popular that the girls wore them on their heads as they left to take home as a reminder of this wonderful event.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by the University of Miami’s Inspirational Concert Choir led by Tasha Haynes. This extraordinary group ended their performance by asking the GAP girls to join them on stage. One by one they made their way up and had a chance to discover their own abilities to sing and experience a moment of stardom. All barriers were broken as we sang praises of thanksgiving for all of our blessings despite our difficulties.

We catered a home-cooked meal from Phil and Mamie’s Catering and Sande Taylor, GAP Committee member, secured a donation of 10 key lime pies from Joe’s Stone Crabs. A special thank you goes to Stephen Sawitz and Brian Johnson for their gracious contribution. The girls voted the key lime pies winners over the more traditional fare of pumpkin pie. We are also extremely grateful for the cookies and brownies baked by Sustainer, Candace McDonald. Thank you to all, especially my Committee, who made this unforgettable evening a reality!

I’ll leave you with the words of our partner, Eileen Nexter Brown, which so eloquently described that special evening:

“If words could only capture the feeling in the gym Thursday evening, the happiness and appreciation of the girls directed to the members of Junior League. For a few hours the pain of incarceration and the painful experiences that too often make them vulnerable to participate in crimes were suspended. They were just teen girls enjoying the attention, nurturing and love that help our children to thrive.”

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Inn Transition South
Holiday Party Success Thanks to JLM Members and a Caring Community

By Liz Spivack and Stephanie Demos, Co-Chairs

Inn Transition South celebrated its first annual Holiday Party December 6, 2003. It was a huge success, thanks not only to the ITS Committee but to the Done In A Day Committee, current and former Junior League Members, Twenty Little Working Girls, Killian Honors English Club and the Miami Lakes Boys Choir.

Over 300 gifts were collected for the children of Inn Transition South with generous donations by JLM members, the Law Offices of Josephs, Jack & Miranda and money contributed by the Junior League.The ITS committee members held a wrapping party to wrap these gifts one week before the party and had a fantastic time doing so.

A total of 200 residents from ITS and Safe Space South attended the party. One of the crafts was underwritten by the Bead Boutique, owned by former League member Wendy Wilson. The children had their picture taken with Santa, played by Francine Williams’ husband David, and listened to the Miami Lakes Boys Choir, coordinated by Bonita Whytehead. At the end of the party, each family received a huge package filled with gifts for each of the kids, personal items for the mothers, and sweets. Debbie Corbishley’s family also put together individual packages for each of the families which were delivered along with those given by Junior League members and the community.

ITS had over 50 volunteers helping the day of the party. Without each and every one of them, the Party would not have been the success that it was. Thank you to everyone who helped make it an event to remember.

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Project Reach

By Kristin Wherry, Chair

One of the most exciting and rewarding JLM community projects is Project Reach, a mentor program for the children of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Greater Miami that are waiting to be matched. This is the third, and possibly the final, year that Junior League will support this community project.

A committee of approximately 25 volunteers work with 10 to 15 at-risk children on Saturdays from September through May in a group-mentoring program that features activities and outings, opportunities for social interaction, and attendance at a variety of BBBS events throughout the year. We incorporate learning, arts and culture, community service, safety, conflict resolution, academic and athletic performance, and career readiness.

What we have achieved in the last three years is a community project that works! We have a strong repeat committee presence. The kids have a great time, the committee reaps great rewards from the children, BBBS maintains a mentor program with dynamic programming and successful return for the at-risk kids, and ultimately, JLM continues its mission.

Our exciting Saturday outings include exploring Metro Zoo and Parrot Jungle, sailing on Biscayne Bay with Shake-A-Leg, bowling at Don Carters, cheering on the Miami Heat, touring Fairchild Gardens, painting pottery at Color Me Mine, attending the Nutcracker Ballet, and so much more. We host two to three outings a month, and that’s no easy task for committee members with busy careers, families and life in general.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, check out their website at www.wementor.org. I hope to share more news and successes from Project Reach throughout the year. I take great pride in supporting this community project and know that our committee impacts the lives of each child.

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Super Leaguers!

• June: Michelle Baker-Benesch for her work on Miami the Magic City
  
• July: The Spring Provisional Class for their work on creating the ITS Library: Dana Martorella, Amy van den Dijssel, Jill Ecklund, Becky Herman, Hays Miller, Jessica Romero and Christina Sherry.
  
• August: Michelle Walgreen for her work at the Encore Shop.
  
• September: Gretchen Kirtley for her work on Miami the Magic City.
  
• October: Jennifer Pfleger & Cybelle Santo Domingo for their work on Miami the Magic City.

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Super Husbands!

• September: Brad Crabill for going above and beyond to help wife Jackie Crabill, Provisional chair-elect. Brad calls himself an "Honorary Junior League Member" and actually attended the November General Membership meeting to collect his award.
  
• October: Miguel Santo Domingo, Dan Carlo and Jim Pfleger for standing by their wives before, during and after the Miami Magic City party.

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New Members

By Christy Falco

JLM is in search of women who have a commitment to volunteerism. Prior to attending an Open House (see dates to right), prospective members are encouraged to fill out the online Membership Application form found on our Web site at www.juniorleagueofmiami.com. Questions? Please contact Membership me at (305) 663-9884 or falco19@bellsouth.net

Membership Outreach Open House Schedule

All Open Houses will begin at 7 pm sharp at JLM Headquarters.

• Wednesday, January 7, 2004

• Monday, February 2, 2004

• Thursday, March 4, 2004

• Tuesday, April 20, 2004

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Provisional Course Update

By Stevie Fay and Leana Marks, Co-Chairs

The Provisional class of 67 new volunteers has completed half the course thus far. They have attended training meetings covering Child Abuse Issues, Women’s Health Issues, Domestic Violence Issues as well as group meetings on the Family Fun Day Project for ITS.

This awesome group of women will certainly become the great leaders of the League in the future because they are willing, able and eager to give back to our community. We congratulate them for completing their requirements thus far with terrific attitudes and the motivation to help those in need.

The Provisional Holiday party is scheduled at Leana Marks’ home. There will be lots of food, drinks and conversation. It is a social gathering and a gift exchange game will also take place. The members of this class have also made efforts to socialize outside of required meetings and they look forward to meeting the Active members at the General Membership meetings. If you see a Provisional at a General Membership meeting, please make an effort to introduce yourself and make her feel welcome.

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Transfers

By Julie Hanft Owen, Placement Advisor

JLM welcomes nine new transfers. Among them are Katherine (“Katie”) Hartmeyer, Heather Massengale, and Heather Schueppert. Katie Hartmeyer and Heather Schueppert live in Coral Gables and Heather Massengale calls South Beach home. Katie was the first of the three to join the League back in 1994. She spent the last few years living in Panama and Costa Rica, and now in Miami, continues to work in Latin American marketing for Vifor International, a pharmaceutical company. Heather Schueppert, president of Evolution Marketing, moved to Miami from California with her husband, Stennin, while Heather Massengale and her two miniature dachsunds said goodbye to Charlotte, NC, for U of M graduate school.

Our transfers are enjoying the diversity and the weather in Miami, and it has been noted that the traffic here leaves something to be desired (they are catching on fast!). Katie and the Heathers recommend Devil in the White City (Erik Larson), The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown), Lords of Discipline (Pat Conroy) and The Purpose-Driven Life (Rick Warren) for your reading pleasure, and if TV is your thing, the consensus is Alias with a little Queer Eye for the Straight Guy thrown in.

Please also welcome other transfers Valerie Barrett, Suzanne Coker, Aime Conley, Suzette Fandino, Liz Latta, and Janet McMichael.

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Training Update

By Rita Dargham

We enjoyed a wonderful wine tasting/cocktail hour on November 21st at the beautiful Sonesta Key Biscayne resort. This event was planned in coordination with the sustainer group. We had a very nice turnout and were able to meet and greet new members as well as seasoned JLMers.

We are in the planning process for February area meetings. Please stay tuned for the information detailing the date, time, location and topics for the evening. Next on our agenda for the month of March is a potential training addressing the issue of public affairs advocacy. We are working in conjunction with Karen Guy, Chair of the Public Affairs Committee, to plan this very interesting and informative session to be tentatively held at the United Way Building. Details to come.

Thanks to all who have supported and helped plan the informative and well attended training events thus far. We couldn't have them without YOU.

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Web Updates

By Valerie Harvey

We have enhanced your JLM Membership web page to provide you with one central location where you can find all the information you need to stay up to date with your requirements and what’s going on within the League. Here is a sample of what you can expect to find on the Actives & Provisional page at any given time. We update the news and Ticket sections weekly to reflect our Leagues activities. The Department’s section is a “JLM at your fingertips” resource! Please take a moment to visit . As always, we welcome your suggestions for improvements and additions!

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JLM Merrymakers: A Salute

By Rubye Nell Johnson, VP Community

Dear JLM Revelers and Merrymakers Karen Cabrera, Amy Sussman, Holly Battle, Meredith Mills, Vicki C. Huck, Jill Ecklund, Tammi Jamison, Margaret Nee, Andria Hanley, Dana Brooke, Leann Tellam, Christine Griffard, JLM Holiday Toy Drive members, with special recognition to Libby Witherspoon, and everyone else who participated.

You are a group of distinguished women who shared your priceless gifts of time and nurturing ways with children, women, and families under the JLM charitable tent, who are less fortunate than you and your family. You are caring individuals whose participation in the JLM shopping spree, gift wrapping parties, Holiday parties, and other acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and a wealth of goodwill are to be commended.

Consider: “If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.”

Each of you can be proud that you made a dent this Holiday season in this statistic in Miami-Dade County.

There are many who say they believe in charitable activities, but few who step forward and compliment their words with action. You stepped up and gave freely of your time, wealth of blessings, and other nurturing donations. The sentiment herein is particularly reflective of Debbie Corbishley and her family whose gifts of holiday baskets for all 59 families at Inn Transition South, containing everyday household essentials, and something special for the moms.

Your investments in our children and family’s development and quality of life set a great example for others to emulate, especially your own children and the children of our collective village. You chose to purchase a toy, buy shoes, mentor a mentee, bake cookies, wrap gifts, cut out nametags, buy clothing, adopt a child, mom, or an entire family. As merrymakers you moved from the sidelines of simply being a spectator, to become a team player on our Holiday Toy Drive expedition.

Consider: “If your parents are still alive and married – you are very rare, even in the U.S.”

In the midst of our festive activities: gathering at Target to shop until we dropped; going through security check-in at GAP; enjoying pizza at HQ during our gift wrapping; and all the holiday parties that you attended and or supported to spread joy and love, was the sprinkling of advocacy in our pursuit of solutions for our families who continue to be at risk from multitudes of obstacles. Clearly, you combined our festive activities with advocacy to bridge our isolated acts of kindness this time of the year, planting seeds that will bear fruits of happy children and healthy families developing to their full potential in the spring.

Consider:“If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish some place…you are among the top 8% of the world wealthy.”

The Holiday Toy Drive Committee THANKS you for your optimism in our effort to live up to the League’s volunteer capacity to have the audacity to believe that collectively we make a difference and achieve our mission. Each of you reached out and grabbed on to the vision that change begins with you, to improve your lives, our communities, our neighborhoods, one block at a time, one gift at a time.

Wishing you a great New Year, JLM Community Council, Holiday Toy-Drive Committee.

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Molly Member Spotlight

By Keith Landon, VP Communications

This is the second in a series of spotlights featuring active members of the Junior League of Miami. In addition to giving you information about your board members this year, we thought it would be nice to get to know some of our active members as well.

Angela Harrison was a delight to “interview,” especially since we have known each other for so many years. An active member for over 10 years, Angela currently co-chairs the Meetings and Hospitality committee for us at JLM this year. So, all those creative tables and delicious food can be attributed to Angela and her hard-working committee. Originally from Atlanta, Angela has been an active member since 1992, having started out at the Savannah League. Angela and I have been friends throughout our years in the League, including my first in the League as a Provisional. Angela joined us that year so that she could learn more about Miami and its community.

Angela’s favorite placements have been Habitat for Humanity, Golden Palm, and Chili Splash. Her greatest joy of membership in Junior League of Miami has been watching an event like Chili Splash become a reality. She co-chaired that committee, and still remains active in supporting it, in its revised form as Chili in the Village. She feels the best way to meet other Leaguers is still through working on placements together. In her own words, “It is amazing how close you can get to people spending four hours on a roof together for Habitat for Humanity or coordinating an event like the Golden Palm Market or the Chili Splash!” She thinks our area meetings are wonderful ways to connect with neighbors and feels that having them twice a year is a MUST!

A mother to two children, Angela confesses to yearning for a day to sleep past 5 a.m.! Despite a very busy schedule as a real estate agent working at Ocean Reef Club in the Keys, she still makes being with her children and spending time as a family a big priority. Her daughter, Emily, is three and a half years old and her new son, Banks, is only two and half months old. Many Leaguers also know Angela’s husband Kent, who has been there for the League many times with his expert large-format signs and graphics.

She admits her dream day might consist of a game of tennis in the morning, sailing with her husband, and enjoying dinner and sunset with friends in the Keys. But now her favorite thing to do is to be with her kids and watch them grow and enjoy new activities. Sounds like a true mom to me! She loves her job, which allows her to have “mommy time, independence and plenty of adult interaction.”

Angela loves the League for its variety of community projects and fundraisers – and the fact that each year offers a new opportunity to work on a different committee. She thinks the social aspects of League membership are as important to member satisfaction as our commitment to women, children & families in this community. She would also love to see the creation of a special welcoming committee for all our many new members and transfers. Many thanks to Angela for her insight and views into her JLM experience!

Look for the next “Molly Member” installment in our Spring Journal – and watch out, it could be YOU!

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Movers and Shakers

• Congratulations to Liz Sarachek who just got engaged recently to Andrew Lawrence Blacker of West Hampton, NY.
  
  
• Congratulations to Meredith Stewart who completed her very first marathon, the NYC Marathon in 4:40.

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JLMarvelous

Hat's off to Rubye Nell Johnson, who contacted friends at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Ltd. and arranged for them to donate the proceeds of their Holiday Toy Drive to the community projects of the Junior League of Miami. They donated over 150 toys !!

A special thanks to Meg Valls, Libby Witherspoon, Stephanie Demos, Liz Spivack, Vicki Lopez Lukis, Joelle Allen, Karen Guy and Bonita Whytehead for helping secure the speakers and meeting locations for the February 10 Area Meetings.

Thank you to Cori Beaubien, Jennifer Earle, Meg del Valle, Jana Hertz, Lara Laitala, Jane de Cardenas, Leanne Tellam and Aimee Conley for opening their homes for the October Area Meetings. Thanks also to Mallorie Marshall, Jen Green, Sandra Cordoves, Michelle Walgreen, Emily Tracht, Diane Doolan, Lia Hondroulis, Cristina Guerra, Catherine Eskra, Charlotte Hicks, Romi Salerno, Lanier de Anzizu and Michelle Hartmann Frisbeee for arranging for refreshments for the meetings.

Thanks to Katie Lane-Arriola, Bibi Cruz-Ledon, Libby Witherspoon, Margaret Marshall, Holly Battle and Dana Martorella who helped to make the Montica Jewelry event on December 3rd by working before, during and after (sometimes all three). Most of these women are not on the Community Partners committee so this truly was going above and beyond! Thanks to these women and all of you that came that evening - the event was very successful!!

A big THANK YOU to the following ladies that helped Community Partners stuff our Fantasy Fundraiser invites on Tuesday, Dec. 2: Joelle Allen, Alise Johnson, Karen Cabrera, Bibi Cruz Ledon, Susan Lerner, Maggie Rossi, Rubye Nell Johnson, Angel Michaels, Libby Witherspoon, Maria Beguiristain, Amy Sussman. We sent out 2,000 invitations in one evening and it would not have been possible without their help!

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Community Partners

By Meredith Mills and Sheri Shoup, Co-Chairs

Thank you to all Junior League members who have helped us so far this year by providing leads, attending shopping events and supporting Community Partners. The Partners Committee has tried some new ideas this year: the Cole Haan and Montica shopping events and a well-received Fantasy Fundraiser mailing. We are always open to any leads and ideas that could help us place more money back into the community through our Community Projects.

We also thank all of the corporations, foundations and individuals who have already made a commitment to Community Partners. Thanks to your support, the Junior League of Miami will continue to make a difference!

Montica Jewelry: A Gem of a Partner

Thanks to all Members who attended the Dec. 3 Montica Jewelry event and also brought friends and family. The evening was a success, both in terms of raising money for our Community Projects but also in developing another Community Partner in Montica Jewelry.

Montica’s showroom is located in the Gables One Tower, 1320 South Dixie Highway, Suite 1120, phone (305) 665-3966. They are open weekdays from 10 to 6:30 and Saturdays from 10 to 4. They have told us that if you want to bring in a group of friends to the showroom, they will host a wine & cheese event for you while you shop. Just call ahead of time.

Montica was truly very impressed with the Junior League of Miami,our members and our committement to the community. I think you will be very impressed with Montica – their beautiful jewelry, their personal service and also their committment to making a difference for kids in our community.

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