Don't forget our November General Meeting November 6th at MOSH

Lucky us our next General Meeting is at the  Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville next Tuesday, Nov 6! The social starts at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m.

Don't forget to bring your "I VOTED" sticker to the meeting for a chance to win a delicious treat, compliments of the Public Affairs Committee!

DIAD of the Day, "Teach Better Together"

way to go ladies!!

On September 15th JL volunteers joined  to help facilitate the Teach Better Together conference at the Hyatt  Regency Jacksonville RIverfront. This first year conference hosted by WJCT and Community First Credit Union of Florida and was for educators and included several breakout sessions and speakers.

WJCT is committed to literacy and lifelong learning, from our awardwinning PBS KIDS programs to our community outreach, links to 

standards-based PBS lesson plans, and more. TEACH is part of WJCT’s 

mission to “provide programming and services that celebrate human diversity, 

encourage joyful learning and promote civic participation, all to empower 

citizens to improve the quality of their lives.”

To find out more about WJCT click on their homepage. For DIAD sign up check out our JL calendar 

You're invited to VOTE on Nov. 6

HELPFUL HINTS FOR VOTERS

• Check your registration status and find you polling place here.
• Consider Early Voting to avoid the crowds and last-minute rush. 
• Move since the last election? Find out more information here.
• BRING YOUR PHOTO ID TO THE POLLS! 
• If you think your signature has changed, update it with the Supervisor of Election

Since earning the right to vote, women have greatly affected elections by focusing on the character of the candidates and the policies and issues that will have an effect on the lives of their family. This year, the public affairs committee encourages all Junior League of Jacksonville members to be informed voters.

Weighing the information
Consider this: News broadcasters can have an agenda too. Research more than one media outlet for the "facts." Check out the Pulitzer Prize-winning Poltifact presented by the Tampa Bay Times or Project Vote Smart, a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to voter education.

Note sure where the candidates stand? Find out more!

MITT ROMNEY        BARACK OBAMA

 
BONUS! BRING YOUR “I VOTED” STICKER TO THE NOVEMBER GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A DELICIOUS TREAT, COMPLIMENTS OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE!

Leaders Wanted for our Board and Nominating Committee!

Looking to serve like these lovely ladies on our current board?

Ever thought about being on the Board of Directors? We are calling all members who have chaired a committee for a year, or have vice-chaired a committee for 2 years (current year counts for both), to join us for the Board Eligible Reception.

October 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Bonnie McCormick's house 

(3306 Knight Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205) 

Please RSVP to Jamie Laster at jlaster22@gmail.com.  Cannot make it and still interested?  Contact Jamie Laster and she will be happy to assist!

Looking for another important way to serve? Join our Nominating committee!

The Nominating Committee will have three vacancies for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 terms. Elections will be held with the Board of Directors slate. Members who have been active in the League for at least 3 years or have served on the Board or as a committee chairman for at least one term are eligible to serve on the Nominating Committee and are elected to a 2-year term. If you have an interest in serving on the Nominating Committee, please contact Jamie Laster atjlaster22@gmail.com

Last chance to buy discounted Holiday Market Tickets!

Hurry! TODAY Monday, Oct. 15 is the LAST DAY to buy Holiday Market special event tickets at discounted prices. Go to our online store NOW to buy your tickets!

          Friday, Nov. 30 - Sunday Dec. 2, 2012 

        Hyatt Regency, downtown Jacksonville

Holiday Market is a brand new Junior League of Jacksonville event. General admission is $5 per day, and three special events are offered at $15 per person. Participation in some events is limited. 

Help give Jacksonville a vision for greatness!

Our friends at Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. (JCCI) is conducting a survey for the community to vision Jacksonville in 2025(JAX2025).

This initiative will attempt to involve 10,000 residents in developing priorities, setting goals and identifying steps to accomplish them to help Jacksonville to better achieve its potential by the middle of the next decade.

We will be welcoming a representative from JCCI to give us more details at the November joint council meeting. 

To get involved and take the survey at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2012-09-20/story/jacksonville-needs-vision-greatness#ixzz2903PnsDk

Race for the Riverside House

What: The Human Race (walkers welcome too!)

The challenge: The Junior League Committee with the highest donation raised per member wins bragging rights and a wine tasting event for your committee

When: Saturday, October 13, 2012, 8 a.m.

Where: St. Johns Town Center



What do you need to do?

1. Register for the Human Race (you can register online here). The entry fee for the 5K is $40 (through 10/6) scaling up to $50 on race day. The entry fee for the 1 mile fun run is $24.  Half of each member's entry fee comes back directly to the Junior League.  Remember to specify the Junior League of Jacksonville as the organization for which you are running/walking.  Registration closes on October 10.

2. Ask your friends and family members to support you by making a donation.  100% of all donations come back directly to the Junior League. 

3. Collect your pledges and return your pledge form and all money raised to Tammy Morreale. 

We'll tally up the actual dollars raised and will announce the winning committee at the November general membership meeting.

Please contact Tammy Morreale (tammy.morreale@us.pwc.com or 904-608-7431) with any questions.

Join us at Ann Taylor on Aug. 11

Have you been to the new concept store in St. John's Town Center yet? Give us your review in the comments section below.

Chevy Leadership Drive with Junior League of Jacksonville

By Jennifer Symmes (Jacksonville)

The Junior League of Jacksonville is known for active community involvement with local schools, children’s groups and many other worthwhile organizations. Junior League women devote their weekends and free time outside of their own careers and families to lend a hand wherever needed. We thought that since these ladies give so much, it would be nice to give back to them with a special day of driving, relaxation and a very special volunteer project with some exceptional kids.

The day began at Mochi Frozen Yogurt for a quick bite of Fro-Yo and socializing. From there, the ladies drove off in a Chevy caravan including a Cruze Eco, Traverse and Equinox to “Yes You Canvas!”, a studio that specializes in teaching simple painting techniques to artists of all skill levels and ages, for a spring party with children from Compassionate Families. Compassionate Families is a local nonprofit organization that works with kids who have lost a loved one to homicide.

With the help of our Junior League volunteers and fantastic “Yes You Canvas!” art instructor, the kids learned to paint an owl design that they were able to take home. After painting and snacks, the Junior League ladies drove to their last stop, Nail Time, for pedicures and relaxation to end the day.

Take a moment to watch our quick video recap below and check out our Chevy Leadership Drive album on our GM in the Southeast Facebook page.

http://drivingthesoutheast.com/chevy-leadership-drive-with-junior-league-of-jacksonville/

 

 

Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Jake's Story

Lyme Disease is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases in the nation. It is caused by the bite of a tick infected with the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi, and poses the highest risk to children ages 5-14. Contrary to some opinions, Lyme Disease does exist in Florida. Read below to educate yourself on methods to recognize, prevent and treat the disease. Then read about Jake, an 8-year-old Floridian who, with his parents, faced an enormous struggle not only in combating the disease's devastating effects but in finding a doctor to properly diagnose it.

How to Recognize the Symptoms

Early symptoms can be flu-like and some people may develop a bulls eye rash. While a rash is unique to Lyme Disease, it is not always present. Later symptoms can mimic illnesses such as Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Lyme Disease is often misdiagnosed.  Many victims do not remember being bitten by a tick and have no history of tick attachment.

Simple Ways to Prevent Lyme Disease

• Avoid likely tick-infested areas such as wooded, bushy areas or places with high grass and leaf litter. If you can't avoid these areas, ensure your children are sprayed with insect repellent containing DEET, covering both their clothes and exposed skin. Dress them in light-colored clothing, including a hat, long sleeves and pants. Tuck their shirts into their pants and their pant legs into their socks. Before going indoors, perform a tick check on your children, as well as yourselves.

• Have your pet vaccinated for Lyme Disease or use medication that will prevent tick bites. Consult your veterinarian for more information. 
• Add a tick preventative to your monthly lawn service. Remember that knowledge is power. We protect ourselves from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sunscreen. Take necessary precautions to prevent tick bites that could result in Lyme Disease!  

What to Do if You Find a Tick

• Remove it. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing. Remove any parts of the tick that remain in the skin with your tweezers. 
• Save the tick!! Place it in a plastic bag with grass, leaves, or a moist paper towel. Label the bag with your child’s name, site of the bite, and how long the tick was attached. Store it in the refrigerator until you can have it tested by a lab, health department, or a veterinarian.
• Clean the site of the bite and your hands with alcohol, iodine, or soap and water. Also, contact your child’s pediatrician. 

For more information, visit the Northeast Florida Lyme Association website at http://www.nefla.org/ or call (904) 631-6536.

Jake's Story -- by Dave and Amy Alex

Our son Jake was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last year. We learned a lot and hope that by sharing his story, we can provide information about this disease that empowers other parents.


“Hi, my name is Jake and I have Lyme Disease. I am eight years old and attend Beaches Episcopal School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Until last May, I was a typical, happy, and energetic kid. But all of that began to change at the beginning of last summer. I was really tired all of the time and did not want to do anything but lay on the couch. It was a different kind of tired, not sleepy, but just exhausted. I had what my Mom called a low grade fever every single day and sometimes my head, knees, and ankles would hurt. 

I spent my summer mostly in different doctor’s offices. I had a lot of blood work done, which I really hated. But, my Mom got some cream that made my arm numb so that I could not feel it. I had lots of procedures done like x-rays, something to look at my heart, some other thing where they stuck wires all over my chest, and they used some thing to run all over my body and I could see these pictures on a screen. I hated that, too. I would have rather been at the pool, but really I was too tired anyway. I  had to quit the swim team because it started getting too hard for me to swim the length of the pool. 

My Mom and Dad kept taking me to different doctors because they said no one could find anything wrong. If there was nothing wrong with me, why did I feel so rotten? I couldn’t even walk sometimes because I was so tired and my Dad would have to carry me places. I had to ride in a stroller on the way home from the beach one afternoon in front of my friends because my ankles hurt so badly. And my house isn’t that far from the beach! I just wasn’t getting better and I was tired of being sick ...”

 

Every physician that examined Jake last summer asked if we had been camping. When we responded, “Yes, Jake and his Dad camped with the Cub Scouts in Hastings in late March,” Lyme Disease was quickly dismissed because, “Lyme doesn’t exist in Florida.” Jake’s blood work was unremarkable for signs of autoimmune diseases and cancers. Because everything looked good on paper, he was diagnosed with a viral syndrome and chronic fatigue that would resolve in six months. But, otherwise he was a perfectly healthy boy. Meanwhile he continued to deteriorate. As parents, we knew in our hearts that something was terribly wrong with our child and that the doctors were missing something. At one point in July, he presented so badly that we truly felt like he was dying right before our eyes. But according to his doctors, there was absolutely nothing detrimentally wrong with him. We felt the doctors thought we were crazy.   

A breakthrough came when a friend took it upon himself to do some research and, feeling very strongly that Jake had Lyme Disease, convinced us to find a Lyme Literate Doctor. We were fortunate to find one, who determined after further testing and evaluation that he did indeed have the disease. Jake immediately began aggressive treatment, both Western and alternative therapies, and has made remarkable progress. Had more time passed without a diagnosis and proper treatment, his excellent prognosis would have been drastically different. It has been a roller coaster recovery process. The Jake before Lyme Disease emerged with his boundless energy. His full of life personality shone through once again. We still continue to manage his disease, but we hope that one day he will be Lyme free! 

  

Junior Leaguers Support Local Farms

Joining the Jacksonville Community In the Pursuit of Fantastic, Affordable Food!  

On Sunday, April 22 several of our Junior Leaguers were among members of the Jacksonville community who turned out for a grand event called "Tour de Farm."  And in case you're wondering, YES -- this did constitute an opportunity to don cute rubber boots and trek through fields.



Left to right: Junior Leaguers Marissa Waschka, Faythe VanPelt, Gina Floresca and Bonnie Rowland

Tour de Farm consisted of four tours with a total of twenty possible farms or wineries. Stops included: Log Cabin Winery, St Johns Oaks Vineyard, Sykes and Cooper Farms, Blue Sky Farms and lunch at Black Hog Farm.



Junior Leaguers and Friends at Log Cabin Winery



 According to JLJ member Bonnie Rowland, the most popular spot on the tour was Black Hog Farm located in Palatka, Fla.  "Chef Guy Ferri of Black Sheep Restaurant prepared lunch with Black Hog Farm products, including sausage, pulled pork barbeque and fingerling potato salad," says Bonnie. "Visiting with the newborn spring animals and feeding the donkeys were the highlight of this stop!"



Marissa Waschka feeds the donkeys at Black Hog Farm



JLJ tour go-ers rounded out the day by learning about potato production and distribution at Blue Sky Farms, and went home with some farm-made Datil Pepper products purchased at Sykes and Cooper Farm.

Tour de Farm is sponsored by Slow Food First Coast (SFFC), a Jacksonville organization working to promote the availablity and awareness of local nutritious food -- for people of all income levels.  SFFC's objectives includes: promoting the production and consumption of near-extinct foods, such as the Datil Pepper; givinging their stamp of approval (AKA the “snail of approval”) to local restaurants; and supporting partnerships with local farms and wineries.

For more information, visit:

www.slowfoodfirstcoast.com

www.blackhogfarm.com

www.sycofarms.com

www.logcabinfarmwinery.com



Junior Leaguers on the Run!

Spring has sprung and Jacksonville Junior Leaguers have been busy... running! Check out the great photos from our members who have participated in road races over the past few months.


Julie Merten (far right) and Natalie Taylor (far left) are pictured here with a friend after completing the 26.2 With Donna half marathon on Sunday, Feb. 12. The annual event, based in Jacksonville, is the nation's only marathon dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research and support.

Looking good (but maybe a little cold?), ladies!

Julie is a New Member of the League this year, and Natalie currently serves on the First Year Active commitee.

Blake Barkoskie finished her first ever Gate River Run in March. Way to go! Blake is pictured at left, smiling at the finish line between her "Running Buddies."

Blake currently serves as chair of the Placement Committee and is a member of the Community Research and Project Development (CRPD) Committee.

On Sunday, March 18, Elizabeth Green completed the New York City Half Marathon. She ran in 2:14:35, shaving 6 minutes off of her previous half marathon ...

Which she ran just 5 weeks earlier -- The 26.2 With Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer in Jacksonville, Florida. Way to go, Elizabeth!

This past year Elizabeth has served on the Membership Enrichment and Training Committee as well as the Nominating Committee.

Kathy Waller participated in the Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland in California on Sunday, January 29.

"I love running and organized a girlfriends' getaway to run a half marathon," says Kathy. "I figured I'd have some fun with my friends and get the side benefit of a little training plan to keep me in shape!"

She says she was "completely starstruck" when she ran into movie star Sean Astin at the finish line.

Kathy serves as secretary of Junior League of Jacksonville's 2011-2012 Board. Learn more about Kathy by re-visiting her board member profile!

Jaime Haskin completed a relay in the 26.2 With Donna: The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer on Sunday, February 12. Jaime says she had a great time, and didn't let the record-setting cold temps of the day dampen her spirits!

Jaime is part of the first-ever Junior League of Jacksonville Spring New Member class.












Katrine Strickland completed the 35th Annual Gate River Run on Saturday, March 10. She didn't set any records, but was running for two! Congratulations to you and your (soon-to-be-bigger) family, Katrine!

The Gate took place in downtown Jacksonville and attracted more than 17,000 participants. It is currently the largest 15K race in the US.

Katrine currently serves on Junior League of Jacksonville's 2011-2012 Done-In-A-Day (DIAD) Committee.

Dig A Little Deeper: The Shannon Miller Foundation

Join thousands from the community for the Shannon Miller Lifestyle Women’s 5K and 1 Mile Children’s Fun Run on Saturday, April 7th! Visit race vendors and enjoy a community health fair with free health screenings. Bring the whole family for a day of health and fitness at the Jacksonville Landing; fitness, community and plenty of fun. Register Today!

EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday April 7th, 2012
Time: Children’s 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:00 a.m.; Women’s 5K Run/Walk: 8:30 a.m.
Place: The Jacksonville Landing

Proceeds from the race benefit the Shannon Miller Foundation to fight childhood obesity. The Foundation works with programs in our community that encourage children to become more physically active, provides nutrition training in local schools and advocates for healthy lifestyle choices. It is founded by Shannon Miller, 7-time Olympic Medalist, Jacksonville resident, cancer survivor and mother.

The Shannon Miller Foundation's mission is an important one that is close to the Junior League of Jacksonville's heart. Many of our members are looking forward to volunteering at the Shannon Miller Lifestyle event on Saturday, April 7th.

"It is shaping up to be a record breaking year, and we are so excited to have the Junior League involved with our event!" says Jackie Culver, Executive Director, Shannon Miller Foundation. "We are so grateful to the Junior League for all of the work they do in our community.”

Celebrating Our New Members

Congratulations to the Junior League of Jacksonville's Fall and Spring New Member classes! These ladies have been working hard all year to fulfill their obligations and have made many meaningful contributions to the League. 2011-2012 marks the first year JLJ has ever enrolled two separate classes. We welcomed not only a near record-breaking number of new members, more importantly, we enhanced our organization with some of the brightest, most dedicated women in Jacksonville.


Above: New Spring Members helped host a celebration at Annie R. Morgan Elementary on March 17.

Each year JLJ New Member classes must complete a final project. This year's Spring Class just wrapped up. At two separate events in March, more than 50 New Members came together to plan and execute year-end celebrations at our C.A.R.E.S. schools: Annie R. Morgan Elementary and George Washington Carver Elementarty. JLJ has been working with both schools throughout the year, providing volunteers for one-on-one tutoring in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade math, reading and language during Saturday School. The goal of the extra training is to prepare students to score well on the upcoming FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test).

"The events were a great success and brought much joy to the children and their teachers,"says Heather Douglas, chairman of the New Members Training Committee. "The students were thrilled to be rewarded for their academic accomplishments. Great job, New Members!"

The Annie R. Morgan celebration was held on Saturday, March 17 and the George Washington Carver celebration took place Saturday, March 3. New Members, in partnership with JLJ transfer members, worked with school adminstrators to plan and host the celebrations at each school. The celebrations included an awards ceremony, gifts and prizes and a celebratory lunch.


Above: Students enjoyed pizza, sandwiches and cake served up by JLJ Spring New Members.

During the ceremony many students were recognized for their dedication to improve their FCAT scores. Some even attended every Saturday school session! The top 25 attending students were awarded a medal by their principal, and every student received a bag, a book and a chance to choose a gift item donated by the JLJ New Members. The gift pile, pictured below, included everything from footballs to Barbie dolls, Crayola art sets, and more. At Annie R. Morgan the first item chosen was a Florida Gator football -- authographed by former UF head coach Urban Meyer!

Meet New Member Suzie Hutto!

You may not know or have met her yet, but Spring new member Suzie Hutto has a huge passion for the Jaguars. Besides getting involved with Junior League this year, she also recently became a brand new member of the 2012 Jaguars Champions Club. The Club is comprised of fans committed to helping the Jaguars remain competitive, and to ensure the long-term success of Jacksonville as an NFL community.

"I love Jacksonville, and the Jaguars being in our city really benefits our community. I hope to help fill our stadium so we can keep them here for years to come! If anyone is interested in season tickets, adding on seats to your existing account, or upgrading your current seats, I am here to help make it happen for you with outstanding personal service!"


The Jaguars are one of the largest economic drivers in northeast Florida, and the Junior League of Jacksonville's members recognize the true value of an NFL franchise to the city and the people of Jacksonville. The Jaguars Foundation has given millions of dollars to local youth-serving agencies in Jacksonville since its inception.

Make sure to secure your seats before the end of April to get the 30-Game Plan (lock in price of tickets for 3 years)! Just call or email Suzie Hutto at 904-885-2713 or shutto@gmail.com if you are interested.

"New owner, new coach, new ERA for the Jags! I'm all in! Are you 'All in'?"

A Whale of a Makeover!

The Junior League of Jacksonville added a new community component to our 21st annual Whale of a Sale - with a Whale of a Makeover for one teen transitioning from foster care!

For over 20 years, the Junior League of Jacksonville’s Whale of a Sale fundraiser has brought the community gently used, quality merchandise at low prices while raising much-needed funds for JLJ’s community projects that benefit children and families in Jacksonville. This project has been a great opportunity for JLJ volunteers to add a positive community impact component to the event.

For the first time, JLJ members are using items, including furniture, decorative items and clothing, donated to the annual Whale of a Sale fundraiser to decorate the new apartment of Caneilua Barber, an 18-year-old woman transitioning out of the foster care system.

Carneilua, or CC as she prefers, came into foster care at age 16, following the death of her mother, and aged-out of care when she turned 18 in October 2011. She attends Drop Back In Academy. She plans to attend college to study criminal justice and aspires to be a judge. As a young adult transitioning out of foster care, CC is receiving services through the Independent Living program offered by Family Support Services of North Florida (FSS).



League members started at 7am on Sunday the 19th painting and decorating CC's apartment, getting it ready for the Big Reveal.

At 4:30 Sunday afternoon, the reveal came!

"I'm so excited! Its gorgeous!" said CC, "This is way past what I imagined and what I ever thought was going to be in here!"

"We are so excited to be a part of giving CC a room that reflects her personality, as she moves in to her first apartment," said Becky Patel, Junior League President. "She is a lovely girl and we're excited for her as she begins this new phase of her life."

Interested in seeing what Whale of a Sale can makeover in your house? Don't miss out - join us at the Preview Party, Friday, Feb. 24th! Tickets are on sale now.

More Makeover Pictures!





Special thanks to Corporate Suite Shoppes and Cort Furniture for their help in making over CC's apartment!

Check out the news coverage on the makeover:

Update: Whale of a Makeover

We will be completing an extreme room makeover for Elizabeth, a 17-year-old girl transitioning out of foster care, and we need your help to fulfill her wish list! Any donations will count towards Whale of a Sale quota. Our recipient was specific on what she would like but anything that resembles the items still needed below would be greatly appreciated!

Please bring what you can to the drop off scheduled for this Saturday or to schedule a pick up or drop off, please contact the Whale of a Sale Community Outreach Vice Chair, Erin Chamberlain, with any quesitons at (352) 514-3750 or erin.chamberlain@fmr.com.

Bathroom: She would like an Island/Beach theme.

Shower Curtain- Palm tree
Rainfall shower head
Matching trash can, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser , Kleenex and Q Tip holder-
prefers the stainless/silver
Shampoo/soap rack for inside shower for storage
Square storage bins to hold products for under the sink (no preference in color or
material)
Toilet plunger and toilet brush cleaner
Full length mirror to hang on the door
Stainless steel/silver toilet paper holder
Magnifying face mirror (for eyebrow plucking)
Paintings of palm trees/beach scenes
Shower radio

Bedroom: She has very modern/contemporary taste.

Dark and light blue light weight down comforter
Lamps on each end table, silver with white shades (modern)
Large picture of an island or beach, possible palm trees or hammock for above the bed
Silver lamp for desk
Alarm clock for night stand
Silver curtain rod
Light blue or beige modern curtains (darker then the walls)