Winter/Spring 2006
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Issue Highlights
Candles Take on a Whole New Meaning
By Jennifer Kravetz and Roselyn Smith, Children’s Bereavement Center Co-Chairs
Most of us enjoy lighting candles to give off a nice aroma or to look pretty when visitors come by. But candles signified something much greater at the Children’s Bereavement Center this year. In its first year as a Junior League project, the Children’s Bereavement Center has had not only perfect attendance by its members but has given our volunteers an experience they will never forget.
The candle lighting ceremony at the Center was a beautiful closing to 2005. The committee members shared a very meaningful and important experience with the participants at the Center. Each child brought something that reminded them of the person they lost. One by one the children shared the memory of a special person left behind by describing the item and then lighting a candle in that person’s honor.
Over 100 children participated in what was by far, the most touching session yet. Junior League volunteers were inspired by the strength of the children who shared stories and experiences that even adults have difficulty sharing.
The eloquence and bravery of the children at the Center was met with much compassion and love from all the volunteers and other participants.
To learn more about this community placement, please contact Co-Chairs Jennifer Kravetz or Roselyn Smith.
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Champagne, Diamonds & Exceptional Women!
By Betty Lopez Castro and Christina Urena, WWMD Co-Chairs
The Women Who Make A Difference annual celebration will be held on Sunday, March 5th 2006. We are excited to have the opportunity to honor remarkable women in our community, who through their volunteerism in the areas of women and children have made a significant impact on our community. In our fifth year, the Junior League of Miami will host the luncheon at the beautiful showrooms of THE COLLECTION in Coral Gables. Along with the generous co-sponsorship of Gibraltar Bank this year’s event is sure to be the one of the best. Honorees for 2006 include Melanie Emmons Damian and Virginia Emmons, co-founders of EDUCATE TOMORROW; Nancy T. Hector, for her work for CHARLEE; Christina McKinnon, for her amazing efforts as Hands-on Miami Project Coordinator for COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS; and Ellen Shishko, for her tireless work on behalf of the WOMEN’S FUND OF MIAMI.
This year’s Women Who Make a Difference event will feature a fabulous champagne brunch, beautiful table décor and centerpieces by Lilly Pulitzer and the 3rd annual “Champagne & Diamond” raffle sponsored by Montica Jewelry. Complimentary valet parking will be provided by THE COLLECTION. Lilly Pulitzer will present a spectacular fashion show featuring their 2006 Women and Children Spring Collection, modeled by some of our celebrated League members along with their children. State-of-the-art plasma TVs will be in each of the showrooms to highlight the event. Many dazzling silent auction items will be available, and a raffle with a grand prize of 4 days/3 nights at any Sandals/Beaches Resorts plus two round-trip American Airline tickets to anywhere in the Caribbean. Great gift bags will top it all off.
This year’s VIP ticket holders will enjoy the perks of preferred seating with the Honorees in the Maserati and Ferrari showrooms and a weekend loaner of a Jaguar compliments of THE COLLECTION. VIP tickets holders will be invited to a Pre-Reception for our honorees hosted by Montica Jewelry on Friday, March 3, 2006, at their beautiful new location on Miracle Mile.
The Junior League of Miami is honored to pay tribute to women who make a community-wide difference through their volunteer work! All proceeds from the event will help to support and continue our community projects and grants throughout our community.
Tickets are available online at www.jlmiami.org. Tickets are $85 per person. Raffle tickets are $25 each or 3/$60 or 6/$100. You can also purchase a tribute in our program book to a “woman who makes a difference” in your life for $25. Buy tickets now! We look forward to seeing you on March 5! Generously sponsored by
  
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President’s Message
713 Biltmore Way
I recently read an article about three women who are covering the Olympics for The Herald discussing how they manage their home lives when they travel. Some prepare meals and freeze them for their families while they are away; others plan birthday parties they will not be able to attend. It reminded me of our volunteers.
You manage your homes, professional careers, relationships, and workout schedules to mention a few. When all of that is in order (well, some sort of order), you volunteer your time to help others. While a good part of League work is done at home or at a community project, a big chunk of our time is spent on Biltmore Way.
Any night I stop by our Headquarters building I am amazed by the energy I feel. Most nights there are several committee meetings spread throughout our building. This makes me happy on many levels. I am happy to see us use our building, a project that Past President Julia Bianchi worked so hard on and made so beautiful. I am also happy to see us hard at work. It is difficult to describe the feeling of seeing this but someone told me a story that sums it up well. She said a few years ago when she was at headquarters, working late on a Committee, the current President at the time, Lyn Pannone, came into the little workroom, looked at them, and started crying. When the committee members asked what was wrong she simply said, “I can’t believe it is 10:30 at night and you guys are here working so hard.”
As president, you take on the position knowing it will be an important priority and responsibility, but are so touched when you see the commitment of others. I admire the work of each and every one of you. It is so nice to see friendships forming, and progress being made at the same time. Our projects are fortunate to have women like you working hard to help them. And even more so, we are fortunate to have our projects, people that touch us as much as we touch them.
Thank you ladies, for all the energy you bring to that old beautiful building. I am in awe of your service to our community.
Andria Hanley, President
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In Style Partners with League
Get Ready for Another Fabulous Fashion-Focused Event
By Lori Del Vecchio, In Style Chair, and Denie Freyer, PR Chair
The Junior League of Miami has been selected for a second year to be the benefit charity for In Style magazine’s most talked about event on Miami Beach! “Inside In Style”, the magazine’s signature event, will give attendees an insider’s look into the pages of In Style magazine. The event will be held at the Eden Roc Resort (4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach) during the weekend of May 6.
The May “Inside In Style” event will transform the Eden Roc Resort into an outdoor oasis filled with cabanas throughout the lush beachfront lawn. Guests will be invited to explore the cabanas to enjoy shopping, free giveaways and more. Runway fashion shows will take place throughout the day on In Style’s center stage.
Just like “Inside In Style” 2005, the proceeds from all ticket sales will benefit the Junior League of Miami. Tickets will be sold to the public for $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Information on how to purchase tickets will be posted on the JLM website soon.
Additionally, we will start signing-up our team of volunteers… members who will be the pinnacle in making this event the fabulous success we know it will be. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist in many different ways, including dressing the models, vendor relations, membership outreach and fashion show logistics. The shifts will serve as a fun way to fulfill a membership shift/ticket requirement. We encourage everyone to sign-up early by contacting event chair Lori Del Vecchio at loridelvecchio@yahoo.com or 305-379-5674.
This is the 5th annual “Inside In Style” event and the second year that Miami will host this special affair. The Junior League of Miami is honored to have been chosen for a second time as the benefit charity for this event and looks forward to a fabulous weekend.
In Style, a celebrity, lifestyle and fashion magazine, was launched in June 1994 by Time Inc. and within 10 years has emerged as one of the most successful magazines on newsstands today. In Style takes a uniquely fun and inviting attitude towards style in all its forms which include special issues, international editions, television programming, books, and Instyle.com.
Don’t miss this fun event...and help JLM at the same time!
Weekend of May 6, Eden Roc, Miami Beach
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Community Partners
Annual Campaign Launched for League Leaders
By Aniella Gonzalez, Community Partners Chair
The Junior League of Miami, Inc. is giving nearly $100,000 toward our community projects and grants annually. This isa thanks, in large part, to the generosity of our own members who give dedicated volunteerism and financial support for our projects supporting families in need. This year, the League has launched its Annual Campaign for League Leaders, a program to encourage our membership to consider the League as part of their annual giving decisions. The Campaign’s goals are to:
• Raise $50,000 during our fiscal year (ending May 30, 2006);
• Reach our goal through the participation of 100 members pledging $500 each; and
• Recognize the League Leaders donors at the general membership meetings and throughout the year in our E-news, Journal and event programs.
The cumulative effect of 100 pledges is monumental – $50,000 directly affecting our community projects and grants. With donations from our private business Community Partners and Foundation, the Campaign will make an immediate difference for the League. Please contact Aniella Gonzalez, Community Partners Chair to make a donation, recommend a business partner or learn more about giving to the League.
Thank you to the following League Leaders for 2005-2006 – let’s add YOUR name to this list: Julia Bianchi, Paula Brockway, Betty and Alvah H. Chapman, Deborah Corbishley, Linda Criblez, Sandra Fairman, Andria Hanley, Barbara B. Heim, Peggy Hudson, Linda T. Johnson, Gretchen Kirtley, Susan Lerner, Margaret R. McMahan, Loretta Nido, and Elaine and Hayes Worley.
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Looking Ahead to 2006-07 Fundraisers
By Jackie Crabill, Fund Development Chair
The Fund Development Committee needs your thoughts and suggestions for new fundraisers for the 2006-2007 League year. Have you ever attended an event that you thought would be perfect for the Junior League? Or do you have an original idea for a fundraiser that’s never been tried before in the community? WRITE IT DOWN AND SEND IT IN!
The Committee is considering some exciting new fundraising events for next year, including a Shopping Card that will allow you 20% off all purchases at participating stores throughout South Florida, a family event at the Miami Children’s Museum and an 80th Anniversary Celebration. We are energized by the countless merchants and organizations that are eager to partner with the Junior League of Miami and we need your ideas on how to develop these opportunities.
Fund Development Applications can be found on the Junior League website or at JLM Headquarters and must be submitted by Monday, March 6, 2006. Please contact Jackie Crabill with any questions or for more information.
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Community Service Award
Katherine Menke Miller High School Awards & Scholarship
By Jessica Ann Bennett-Porto
The Junior League of Miami, Inc. is proud to continue to sponsor and manage the Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Awards & Scholarship. The awards are given to senior high school girls who excel in their school work and have exemplified exceptional service to their community, both at school and outside of school. The award is made in memory of one of our members, Kathryn Menke Miller, who was the “epitome of a hardworking, caring and loving volunteer.”
This year the Community Service Committee has made modifications to the Kathryn Menke Miller Community Service Awards Program to make it more meaningful to both honorees and Junior League members.
The committee re-worked the application process and has added an honoree reception that will take the place of members attending each school’s awards ceremony. This year’s reception will be held prior to our evening GMM on Tuesday, March 14th at the Country Club of Coral Gables. The reception will allow League members to recognize the honorees from each school and to award the scholarship to one deserving honoree. The reception also allows the honorees to become familiar with the Junior League and the programs that we support. We hope these young ladies will look forward to becoming League volunteers in the future.
The committee is honored to take part in the selection of the 2005-06 honorees and scholarship recipient as well as to continue to support community service involvement in our community.
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Membership Outreach Open Houses
By Betsy Harper, Membership Outreach Committee Member
The MEMBERSHIP OUTREACH COMMITTEE is in full swing, looking for ladies for the 2006-2007 Provisional Class. There are many opportunities for them to learn more about JLM. Please tell all of your friends about the wonderful work Junior League does for the community and help us get the best provisional class ever!!!
Attendance at one Open House is mandatory for anyone interested in joining the Junior League. Please help us spread the word to women interested in volunteering! The membership application deadline is May 16. Submission is available online through the JLM website.
Outreach Open Houses for Prospective Members
March 22, April 20
JLM Headquarters; 7 p.m.
April 11
Country Club of Coral Gables,
prior to the
General Membership meeting
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From “.com” to “.org”
By Valerie Harvey, VP Communications
Our website has just undergone a facelift! Not only has it been revamped with a fresh new look, it has also been reorganized to help members get where they want to be while still serving the global community. Plus, it has moved to a new home: www.jlmiami.org. (www.juniorleagueofmiami.com will also still take you there automatically).
One of the biggest new features is a secure, members-only section that requires you to sign in using the same username and password you set up for the online directory. Once logged in, you will be able to download many of the League’s internal documents in addition to having access to the most up-to-date JLM Membership Directory.
Another new feature in the Members section is a repository of documents, “how to’s,” and other information to help us overcome one of the greatest challenges in continuity from year to year. We encourage you to visit the site and use it to post all of your committees’ documents which will facilitate the transition for next year’s leadership team. Simply e-mail your documents to webmaster@jlmiami.org!
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One Day at a Time
By Carrie Brumbaugh, Done In a Day Chair
Done in a Day fufills a very important role within the Junior League of Miami. As a committee, Done in a Day has the unique ability and flexibility to respond to our community’s planned and impromptu requests for trained volunteers. Done in a Day committee members assist in facilitating community events that fall within the League’s focus areas and also support JLM fundraising events.
* REMINDER * - It is a JLM membership requirement that all members either purchases a fundraiser ticket or fulfill one fundraiser or community shift. The following activities are a great way for you to fulfill this requirement.
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Placement Update
By Catherine Grieve, Placement Chair
Are you nterested in becoming a JLM SUSTAINER for the 2006-2007 Junior League of Miami year?
To qualify, you’ll need:
• Eight or more years as an active (your first year as an active was 1998 or earlier) OR
• To have become an active member prior to the 2000-2001 League year AND be 40 or older. Please send a written request to Placement Chair, Catherine Grieve by March 15th.
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Upcoming Events that would Benefit from Your Participation!
- APRIL 29, 2006: AJLI National Volunteer Day
Initiated by Immediate Past President Amy Sussman, the Junior League of Miami, along with 200 other Leagues from four countries will present Kids in the Kitchen, an interactive cooking demonstration and healthy living initiative to address the problem of childhood obesity. This AJLI initiative is sure to be exciting and garner national attention, so stay posted!
- MAY 6 Weekend
In Style Event at the Eden Roc Hotel, Miami Beach
Volunteers will be needed to make this another successful year! Let us know if you would like to offer your much-needed support!
If you would like more information on Done in a Day, or would like to be involved in any of the above listed activities, please contact Carrie Brumbaugh, Chair of Done in a Day.
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Sustainer News
By Allison Freeland, Sustainer Liaison and Debra Charbonnet, Sustainer Chair
We hope you all had a joyous and wonderful holiday season. Thank you again to Cynthia and Bob Trescott for hosting our very fun Sustainer Holiday Party. The food was delicious, the weather was spectacular, and the Trescotts were gracious hosts entertaining us well into the evening. The sustainer Committee has many exciting and fun activities in store for the spring and we hope to see all of you at them.
For your convenience, we have provided an updated calendar for you to clip out and save. Please note that several of these events have RSVP dates and require checks to HQ to ensure your spot. Thanks for all your support and enthusiasm!
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JLM Foundation Events
“It is not enough to look back with pride, justified as that pride may be. We must look forward with hope and confidence too. The real lesson of the past is that it shows what can be done in the future.”
–Margaret Sanger
The Junior League of Miami Foundation was established in 2004 to help ensure the funding of the Junior League of Miami as it grows into its eighth decade of service. The goal of the JLM Foundation is to protect the League’s tradition of community service by increasing our endowment fund, our financial base to secure the future work of the JLM. The 1926 Society was formed to achieve this goal.
For more information on the JLM Foundation, please contact Leslie Rivera at Junior League of Miami Headquarters, (305) 443-0160 ext # 4.
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Attention AOL Users – We Need Your Help!!
By Kara Skelley, Database Diva
Communicating with our membership is so vital and we need to inform you of a critical issue we are currently facing.
If, as an AOL user you report JLM President E-News to AOL as junk mail or spam, then AOL will block ALL of their users from receiving our e-mails. So PLEASE, instead, if you do not wish to receive our President’s twice-a-month update or other JLM emails, send us an e-mail message and ask that we remove you from our emailing list. About half of our membership are AOL users, so this is a very important request and we thank you for your cooperation.
Here’s another important communications tip for all members to avoid being sent to the Junk Mail folder: Begin your e-mail subject line with “JLM” followed by your topic when e-mailing JLM members.
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JLM Annual Awards
Nominate Outstanding Volunteers
By Amy Sussman, Immediate Past President
Every year, JLM has a task force which meets in April to determine the recipients for our Annual Awards to be presented at our Annual Meeting in May. We need your help! These awards are described below and are open to the entire membership of the Junior League of Miami. All submissions are due by April 3, 2006 and are completely CONFIDENTIAL!
Volunteer of the Year Award – This award is presented annually to an active member whose contribution to the Junior League of Miami, Inc. has been extraordinary in this League year.
Sustainer of the Year Award – This award is presented annually to the sustaining member whose contribution to the Junior League of Miami, Inc. is outstanding.
Rebecca Herndon Bush Community Service Award – This award is presented annually to an active member who has given of her time and efforts to better the quality of life in our community, through her efforts both within the Junior League of Miami, Inc. and outside involvements.
In addition, there may be discretionary special recognition awards presented. To nominate someone, please supply:
• Candidate Name
• Length of Service in JLM (available in the directory)
• Placement for 2005-2006
• Briefly explain the reasons this candidate has gone above and beyond her commitment to her placement this League year.
• Has this person ever been recognized in the League during this year (i.e. Superleaguer or Leadership award) or previously with an Annual award?
• For Rebecca Herndon Bush award nominees only: Does this member volunteer in other areas in the community? If so, in what capacity?
Please note that all submissions remain entirely confidential! Submit your nomination online or email information described above to Immediate Past President Amy Sussman by mail.
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Kiehl’s Party for JLM a Great Success!
By Lynn Sands, Journal Staff
More than 90 Junior League members attended the Kiehl’s volunteer appreciation party in January on Lincoln Road. A wonderful time was had by all! has recently become a partner with Junior Leagues throughout the U.S., and is striving to give something back to those who help the community.
Kiehl’s certainly showed their appreciation at the event where JLM members enjoyed sipping wine and snacking on the catered goodies, socializing, and of course, shopping. Everyone received a complimentary full-size product (the luxurious Crème de Corps), along with a “committed to community” card good for one free product per month for a year. Thank you, Keihl’s!
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The Collection Hosts JLM Heels-N-Wheels
The First Female-Only Car Care Clinic
By Denie Freyer, PR Chair
On Saturday, January 7th, The Collection, South Florida’s foremost luxury automotive dealership and home to the world’s finest automotive brands, hosted its first ever service clinic for ladies only. Heels-N-Wheels is the first in a series of women’s only car care clinics that will be provided to local charities and community organizations. The Junior League of Miami was the charity chosen to kick-off these educational sessions created to empower women on how to care for their vehicles.
Attendees received a complimentary car inspection offering a detailed understanding of the many things that may go wrong with their automobile and a gift certificate for a future car wash at The Collection. They also enjoyed a complimentary brunch and a fashion show by local designer Mayda Cisneros. One percent of car sales and 10 percent of sales at the Motorsports The Collection’s in-house accessory and automotive boutique, that day benefited the Junior League of Miami. Heels-N-Wheels event sponsors include Sofia and Tiffany & Co.
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Username and Password Registration Begins
For www.ajli.org Website
Beginning in February 2006, Junior League members will be able to create their own usernames and passwords for the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) website, www.ajli.org. By May 31, 2006, your new member-specific name and password will be required to access the Members area of the website. The universal password will no longer be valid.
AJLI launched the website in 2001 with the “universal” password. As AJLI continues to enhance the website, it is critical to introduce individual member passwords that will protect the privacy of the information in the Members area.
In order to register, Members need their AJLI Member ID numbers. Registration is easy:
1. Log onto the website www.ajli.org and click on Member Login
2. Click on the registration link provided on this page
3. From there you’ll be asked for your Member ID number and League name
4. Once the site verifies your ID, you’ll be asked to create a username and password
5. You will then receive an email confirming your registration is complete.
6. If you have problems and/or questions, the AJLI website will direct you for help
AJLI Member ID numbers are available from two sources:
1. AJLI Member ID cards: As a service to all League members, AJLI is providing individual AJLI Member ID cards for all members of the Junior League of Miami. These cards will be distributed through our League Headquarters.
2. Junior League of Miami Roster: Our League office maintains a roster that includes your AJLI Member ID number. You can contact Sondra Space at our League office at 305-443-0160.
The AJLI website is full of news, information, resources and Member benefits, please visit often!
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Commitment to Diversity
Seeking Ways to Best Represent & Serve Our Community
By Ayana O’Rand, Member-At-Large
The Junior League of Miami is dedicated to developing an ethnically diverse membership so that its membership body truly represents the community it serves. To that end, as Member-At-Large, my mission is to find ways of improving membership diversity and developing a long-term strategy for maintaining a more diverse membership.
Before a final set of goals or a timeline for the implementation of those goals can be set, a strategy that is supported by the membership must be articulated and then approved. A number of suggestions were presented to the members for comments at the November meeting. Further suggestions and or feedback regarding strategy and goal setting is welcome. Please contact Ayana O’Rand.
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Provisional News
Hope Beyond the Hurricanes
By Heather Schueppert, Provisional Chair
Postponements, cancellations and a series of rescheduled programs have not weathered the positive spirits of our Provisional Class in 2005. While the hurricane season “dampened” many of our events and projects, the New Year has brought a whole new schedule of happenings. This amazing group of women will have finished their Mentor Group projects in January and February and then completed their “Gloves are Off” project in March. In addition to directly helping our community, the Provisionals will be learning more about the League by attending monthly trainings and Council meetings. All of their hard work will pay off as they attend their Provisional Commencement on Tuesday, April 18 at the Miami City Club. I continue to be proud and amazed by their enthusiasm and accomplishments and look forward to introducing them at the Annual Meeting as full-fledged Actives.
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