JLM Annual Award Winners - 2006-2007

As presented at the Annual Membership Meeting May 8, 2007

The Rebecca Herndon Bush Award for Outstanding Community Service - Keith W. Landon

Keith served on the Community Council this year as ITS co-chair and did an AMAZING job.  She agreed to this large position upon special request, not even revealing that she had already elected to do a “placement only” year to “lighten her load”.  As you are aware, it is a huge task to coordinate our efforts for the 56 families that reside at that facility.  With her co-chair, Jill Falke (a second year active), Keith managed this position with clarity, kindness and a professionalism that is rare to find amongst volunteers.  Because of her caring ways, we sent the ITS kids to summer camp this past summer – a first for our organization.  Because she made it look so easy and beneficial, we have included funds to do the same for this summer.  This may be a permanent benefit to the children who so desperately need summer activity (and their mothers as well), and Keith played a huge role in this change.  There have been other little extras that Keith has seen to at ITS as well, too numerous to mention here.  Monthly meetings at ITS have taken place regularly and to record attendance.  This is one of the 10 committees on Communications Council this year that no one needed to worry about as it was in the hands of an experienced JLM leader.

It was also helpful to have Keith’s experience and wisdom at council meetings.  She intuitively knows what the next step is, and politely recommends we make a motion, or consult with another council, or prod someone into leadership.  Her years of training in our organization shine through. 

Photo: Keith Landon with her two daughters accepts the award, the JLM's highest honor.

Volunteer of the Year – Jamie Adams

Jaime’s official placements for this year included the Provisional Committee as an Advisor and Assistant to the Chair, and as a member of the Headquarters Management Committee.  She created a special bond with her group of mentees that became apparent at the January area meeting.  Many of her Provisionals came to participate, and were very enthusiastic about their future role in JLM.  Jaime has also been invaluable to Christina Urena in her role as Provisional Chair. 

As a member of the Headquarters Management Committee, she has made sure our “public face” was at its best throughout the year. Recently she combined her roles to guide the provisionals in their “Gloves are Off” workday at headquarters. Her efforts that day led to her nomination for Superleaguer in April.

Jamie's “extras” are numerous...here's just a few:

• Donation of gifts for the Honeyshine Career Day speakers for the cost of materials only (7 arrangements).
• Donation of centerpieces for the WWMD Luncheon for the cost of materials only, including design assistance and countless hours of preparation before and after the event. The centerpieces were sold to the attendees for a profit that went directly to JLM (35 arrangements).
• Donation to the WWMD Luncheon of an “Orchids by Jaime” Gift Certificate.
• Donation of her time and efforts to the Training Committee for an “orchid care” seminar following the April morning GMM.

Jaime has served the League since joining in 2001 with the same enthusiasm each year.  She refuses to recognize any “requirements” of membership, rather she prefers to jump in wherever she is needed. Jaime is a tremendous asset to our organization and an individual who was deeply moved by the JLM's recognition. 

Photo: Jamie accepts award as 2006 recipient, Valerie Harvey, looks on.

Provisional of the Year – Elvira Larrain

Elvira was truly the most outstanding, enthused Provisional of the Year, who was at every Provisional event as well as other League events.  She always had a smile regardless of whether she was just attending or volunteering. The latter was more often the case, as she seemed to be "behind the table" helping out quite often, and often sent emails encouraging her fellow Provisionals to volunteer for the next Junior League event. She was consistently a cheerleader for the League and its wonderful volunteer projects, and she always had the League’s mission in her heart. Elvira has demonstrated great commitment to the League at this early stage in her membership and is an inspiration to us all. Great job, Elvira!

Photo: Provisional Chair Christina Urena presents award to Elvira Larrain.

Sustainer of the Year – Jeannett Slesnick

The recipient of the 2007 Sustainer of the Year, Jeannett Slesnick, is an extraordinary community leader, business owner, volunteer and mother (with both her daughter and daughter-in-law as members of JLM). Although a Sustainer, Jeannett is just as "active" as she was as an Active member, having received the JLM Volunteer of the Year Award in 1981.

Jeannett continues to attend more General Membership Meetings than most of our Actives, always ready to serve as a teller or help in any other way needed. This past year she opened her home for the VIP Reception prior to Miami Magic and has tirelessly supported every event and meeting that we have hosted this past year. She's truly an asset to this organization, dedicated to it for many years.

About Annual Award Process