TWO OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NAMED AS SUSTAINERS OF THE YEAR BY THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. Shreveport, LA—May 2009—Julia Sippel and Janie Richardson share the honor of Sustainer of Year given annually by the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. This award is an honor bestowed on individuals who epitomize the mission of the League even after leaving Active service. The League’s mission to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers shines vibrantly in the lives of these two extremely deserving ladies. Julia Sippel served the League in many capacities including, Rummage Sale Co-Chair, Arrangements Chairman, Publicity Chairman for "Parents League", Cookbook Committee, and Children's Theater. She chaired the opening and closing of the first "Red River Revel" and served as Chairmen of "The Follies", which was her final placement. Sippel wasn't exactly eager to become a sustainer. "I hated to turn 40 because back then you had to go sustainer at 40. I loved the League and league work and I didn't want to stop doing it," said Sippel. During her years as a sustainer, Julia has continued to serve the league and the community with passion and enthusiasm. Julia's work as a sustainer includes serving as Chair of the Sustainers' Revel Booth, Chair of the Sustainers' Canteen at Rummage Sale, Sustainer Advisor to the Publicity Committee, and Co-Chair of the Sustainer Book Club. She's presented entertainment seminars for League members and conducted sustainer workshops. This year she also hosted an educational workshop for active members in her home, where she shared her secrets to beautiful floral arranging. Sippel has used her League training to serve her community. She donates countless hours decorating and presenting floral programs to local organizations, including, the Ladies Medical Auxiliary, Women's Dept. Club, National Society of Daughters of The American Revolution, and First Presbyterian Church, where she's also served for 15 years as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the Women of the Church, Deacon, and Circle Chairman. Sippel has served as the March of Dimes Chairperson for Caddo Parish, and as a board member for numerous local organizations, including, The American Heart Association, YWCA, Shreveport Little Theater, Cotillion Club, Spring Street Historical Museum, and Colonial Dames of America. Sippel said, "My mother always told me, 'All the goodness, all the kindness, and all the love that you give to others will come back to you ten-fold'." She has lived by these words. For her, earning recognition as "Sustainer of the Year" is an honor and a small reward for living by this motto. "I am so touched, because I love the League so much. I also know my mother would be so proud." Janie Richardson joined the Junior League in the early 1970's and remembers being one of the first working women in the League. At that time, she was a reporter for the Shreveport Times. She went on to become the Director of Public Relations for Centenary College, where she earned her MBA in 1993. Janie was instrumental in creating Centenary's Office of Special Gifts and helped raised millions for the college. One of Janie's early League placements was serving on the board of the Allendale YWCA. "It gave me insight into the community that I never had before," said Richardson. In addition to her work at the Allendale "Y", Janie's active placements in the League included serving as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, and working on the Revel cookbook and on Red River Revel. She also chaired the League's 50th anniversary celebration. "One of my favorite parts of that was putting the children's programs back into the Revel," said Richardson. "It was also wonderful getting to honor some of the original charter members of the League and to hear their stories about the League's early years," she added. Richardson also has fond memories of working on Rummage Sale as both an active member and as a sustainer. Richardson continues to be actively involved in the League as a sustaining member, but is, perhaps, best known for her work in the community. She has used her League training to make a tremendous impact as a community volunteer and philanthropist. She is a founder of the Women's Philanthropy Network, which in its three years has already given more than $300,000 to Bethune Middle Academy. "We want to help lower the drop-out rate," Richardson said. "I get great joy from volunteerism," said Richardson. And it shows! Her long list of volunteer efforts include; The Hypogeum Society, Holiday in Dixie, the Shreveport Opera Guild, the Shreveport Symphony, the Meadows Museum, Volunteers of America, Goodwill Industries, the Centenary Book Fair, and the Centenary Muses. "I'm completely overwhelmed and honored to receive this award from my peers and especially from people who themselves have given so much to the community," said Richardson about her "Sustainer of the Year" honor. Next year she'll continue her work in the League as a member of the Sustainer Advisory Committee. Janie also hopes to create more leadership training opportunities within the Shreveport- Bossier Community.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER HONORS OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS AS VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR… WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY EVERYDAY
Shreveport, LA—May 2009—At the Annual May Dinner meeting of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc., numerous honors were bestowed on ladies who have given their time to bettering our community, but the most important honor by far was awarded to two ladies who have made a commitment to make the world around them better than how they found it through selfless acts of kindness. The award is Volunteer of the Year, for 2009, and this accolade was presented to Brandy McIntyre and Lesley Sawrie. Lesley Sawrie was Merchant Recruiter for the League’s spring Market, Shopping for a Cause. This year’s market saw more merchants than ever and was a huge success even in these economic times. Sawrie worked energetically to ensure the Market’s success. Through the funds raised at the Market, the League is able to support its 6 community projects and make an impact in the communities of Shreveport-Bossier. McIntyre was the Head Volunteer for Artist for A Day at the Revel— The "Artist for a Day" Tent provides a free hands-on project demonstration by a professional visiting artist for children attending the Red River Revel. The tent is financed and presented by the Junior League. A different project is offered each day such as sculpting, watercolor, and pencil drawing. Every child leaves the tent with his or her own masterpiece. Every year dozens of non-profit agencies in our area apply to the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for volunteer and financial support. Our rigorous process identifies the agencies that fit into our focus area of families at risk, and would most benefit from our volunteer and financial support. We provide over 10,000 trained volunteer hours devoted to these projects. Our operating budget of over $300,000 supports the Junior League mission to "promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective actions and leadership of trained volunteers." JODIE MCJUNKINS, NAMED PRESIDENT AND MARTHA SISKRON NAMED PRESIDENT-ELECT OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. Shreveport, LA – June 2009 – Local resident, Jodie McJunkins, has been named President of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier. McJunkins epitomizes the mission of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, which is an “organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism” and “improving communities through effective action.” McJunkins has been an active volunteer in the Shreveport-Bossier community for many years through League placements like Education Committee, Provisional Chair, Membership Relations Chair, Membership Vice President and Sutton’s Bingo. Outgoing President, Toni Thompson, speaks about McJunkins, “Jodie will transition well into this new role. She has the mission of the League in her heart.” A native of Shreveport, McJunkins is marred to Cantina Laredo owner and operator, Chris McJunkins, and a mother of two children, Alex, 9, and Mary Ellis, 6. Both attend South Highlands Magnet School. McJunkins credits the League for teaching her how to serve. She considers volunteering a hobby, something she loves to do. McJunkins’ main goals for the year include, empowering members by providing experiential training, raising the community's awareness of the Junior League’s mission and contribution to Shreveport-Bossier, developing partnerships with local non-profits, and moving into the new headquarters located at 2601 Line Avenue and celebrating the move with all 800 members. Additionally, local resident Martha Siskron has been named President–Elect. Also a resident of Shreveport, Siskron is married to Thomas Siskron a local Urologist at Signature Urology and has two sons, Thomas, 9, and Campbell, 8. Siskron wants to serve in the role of President-Elect in order to “fully touch every aspect of our League.” In her 11 years of service, she is “more excited than ever to see the impact [the League] can continue to make in the community.” Siskron’s goals this year are for the League to become more visible and accessible to the community by seamlessly moving into the new headquarters and to observe and learn as much as possible to continue the League's success in 2010-2011. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC.’S MARDI GRAS TO MISTLETOE COOKBOOK HONORED BY INDIE EXCELLENCE® BOOK AWARDS AS A FINALIST FOR THE BEST COOKBOOK of 2009 Mardi Gras to Mistletoe Does it Again…With this accolade, the honored cookbook now boasts 3 National Awards SHREVEPORT– May 2009 – The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc.’s cookbook Mardi Gras to Mistletoe was recognized by the Indie Excellence Awards—a competition judged by an independent panel of experts from all aspects—editing, marketing, publicity, and design—of the publishing industry. Winners and Finalists receive National Media & Industry Exposure. The cookbook was honored as a finalist in the Best Published Cookbook of 2009 category. Mardi Gras to Mistletoe has more than 200 Delicious Recipes contributed by League members, their families and favorite local restaurants. Each of the twelve chapters portray a month festivals and events, seasonal recipes, cooking tips and culinary trivia. The proceeds from Mardi Gras to Mistletoe will insure that the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier can continue to touch the lives of those in need in our community for years to come. Lucy Medvec, Cookbook Chairwoman, brags, “What a tribute to the countless hours of hard work put onto the making of this cookbook. This proves our League has one of the best regional food cookbooks around.” The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.
Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier changing name of its major fundraiser The goal for the three-day run is more than $100,000, said League president Toni Thompson. She thinks the amount, some $20,000 more than the $80,000 the event has raised in the past, is possible through in-kind support and controlling expenses. Proceeds go to the League's Community Projects, Community Assistance Program Grants and scholarships. "Our operating budget of over $300,000 supports the League's mission to 'promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,'" said the League, in a news release. The market kicks off Wednesday at Bossier Civic Center, Bossier City, with a Patron Preview Shopping event. It continues through Saturday and includes a special event on Friday, Girls Night Out — Cupcakes and Champagne. On Friday and Saturday, "Days of Our Lives" soap star Kristian Alfonso, who plays Hope Brady, makes a personal appearance in the booth of Hope Faith Miracles, the jewelry company she founded. She will talk to fans, show them how to wear her jewelry, sell it and sign the boxes it comes in. "I will be selling and chatting and helping the customer," said Alfonso, in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. Although the market has been a spring fundraiser for the League for seven years, the rebranding was necessary to describe the event and convey to shoppers during uncertain times the communities benefit from participation in it, Thompson said. "(It) is intended to help deliver a clear message of exactly what the event is all about. ... With tightening financial markets and escalating financial concerns, now was the time to unleash our new image — which has been welcome by our media and logo sponsors," Thompson said. The heart of the event is, of course, the merchant booths and their products. Almost 100 from all over the southeast, including Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Louisiana and beyond will set up shop for three days. "We are currently sold out of booths with a waiting list and have 15 percent increase from last year," said publicity chairwoman Eloise Graf. To recruit new merchants, officials traveled to other shows. "(Because) of our increased recruiting efforts, we have many 'first time merchants.' Visitors who attend our market will get to shop with merchants they haven't had in the Shreveport-Bossier City area before," Graf said. You'll browse through booths filled with for such merchandise as: art, food mixes, women's and children's apparel, and things that are monogrammed. Alfonso's Hope Faith Miracles is one of them. The soap star was inspired to start the company three years ago because she wore her own jewelry on "Days of Our Lives" and viewers always asked where they could buy certain pieces and, of course, it was not for sale. Sterling silver, wood and turquoise are among materials used for various pieces. She also uses cubic zirconias. "The sterling silver has a platinum look but is an affordable price. And the AAA cubic zirconia is rated like diamonds," Alfonso said. She is very involved in the business and even does some of the designs. "There is a lot of doodling on my manuscripts," Alfonso said. The line started with 10 signature fleur-de-lis pieces because of her love for the sign her mother introduced to her. It expanded from there. There are bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and watches. "And, they are affordable. You shouldn't worry about saving jewelry only for special occasions. Why not enjoy it every day," said Alfonso. So, you can shop to your heart's content for three days. You will be shopping for a cause. |
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