HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1978-1979
Manatee Community Service League organized first edition of our newsletter, Apprise & Acquaint.
Survey of Manatee County elderly in cooperation with Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.
Show House I adopted as first fundraiser to be held in Spring. First project adopted to assist MCSL fund a shelter home for abused, abandoned and neglected children.
Sustainer Group organized.
Placement in nine areas of service.
Non-secret admissions policy adopted.
MCSL participated in Manatee Chamber of Commerce Street Bazaar.
Won an award from The Bradenton Herald for "Projects Benefiting the Elderly" (survey done in May).
Show House I Designer’s Party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Wes Magnon.
First Provisional Members invited (19).
First Provisional Coffee given by Sustainers
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1979-1980
"Team Up for Children," a symposium sponsored by Sarasota Junior League, attended by MCSL members.
"Bare Bones" Party (First Patron Party).
First Provisional Course given.
Second Patron Party, "Show House I" raised $22,577.72.
Two MCSL delegates sent to the Conference of Children and Youth in Tallahassee.
Self-evaluation Questionnaire.
First annual election of officers.
Obtained Federal Income Tax Exemption under Section 501(c)(3).
Obtained permit for non-profit bulk postage.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1980-1981
First Board Orientation Day.
Won Golden Gavel, "Service to Youth" category presented by the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Won "Top Organization of the Year" Award presented by The Bradenton Herald.
First AMP Seminar for membership board and Provisional class.
First Christmas Party for Active members, "Clause Pause in Mistletoe Madness" at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Heagerty.
Wine and Cheese Tasting Party raised $3,320 for Community Trust Fund at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Turner.
Participated in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair.
Economic Speaker, B.Carter Randall (combination fund raiser/service to the community) raised $2,400 for Community Trust Fund.
Eleven Provisionals introduced at the second annual coffee sponsored by the Sustainers.
Placed thirty-seven members in ten areas of service; three in approved creative placement.
Time Management Seminar presented to MCSL members and invited guests.
Newsletter became Sea Notes and sea oats as the official MCSL logo.
Co-sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Aladdin" with the Manatee County School Board bringing seventeen performances to all first and third grades in Manatee County. Members participated in follow-up programs with children.
Annual Dinner Meeting including Sustainer officers and members.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1981-1982
Second Board Orientation Day-- seminar on Group Dynamics and Leadership Training, Sue Bridges of Tampa Junior League.
Workshop for Admissions and Placement Committees and Board on Communicating; Interviewing Techniques.
Won The Bradenton Herald Award for Community Service to Youth.
Forty Active members placed in six areas of community placement service; twenty-five Active members doing in-League placement on Board and Admissions
.
First General Meeting combining Actives and sustainers; salad-dessert luncheon provided by Actives in honor of Sustainers.
Show House II Designer’s Party at home of Mayor and Mrs. William Evers.
Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Pinocchio" with the Manatee County School Board; one hundred forty-one creative dramatic workshops conducted by League members given in all county first and third grades.
Children’s Theater adopted as a continuing project for next year; budget of $5000.
Participation in Manatee Council of Arts Street Fair publicizing Show House II.
Twenty-six Provisional Members introduced at Annual Coffee given by Sustainers.
Show House II Empty House Party.
League Christmas Party for Actives and Escorts at Show House II.
Two completely new concepts approved as fundraisers for 1982-1983; a Feast of the Hunt, an elegant evening, and the publication of a Tidal Calendar.
Show House II Premier Party opens Show House for one month; tea room, boutique and plant sales included.
Show House II raised $25,000 for Community Trust Fund.
First project independently developed and initiated by MCSL and approved by General Membership: "A Discovery Place" tactile museum at the Manatee County Central Library with approval of County Commission and Library Board; approved budget of $10,000.
Investment Seminar for Women: Real estate, stocks and estate planning. Speakers: Jan Entwistle, Merrill Lynch; Valerie Boyd, Boyd Realty, and Ann Sheffler, Attorney.
Introduction of New Placement Booklet outlining community placements, In-League placement, fundraising committee responsibilities, new interview sheet and skills bank form.
Seminar on Drug Awareness, Pat Barton, Informed Parent Group, Naples, Florida.
Christmas Party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Wes Magnon.
Third project adoption of the year: Substance Awareness Project allocated $10,000 and geared toward drug education for parents and professionals.
First seminar on Volunteer Career Development, Joan Sprague, Sarasota Junior League, VCD Trainer.
First May luncheon honoring Board of Directors.
Annual Dinner Meeting for Actives and Sustainer at Bradenton Country Club.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1982-1983
Third Annual Board Orientation. Won Golden Gavel Award, "Continuing Project," for Children’s Theater presented by Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Fifty-seven Active members placed on seven areas of community service. Thirty-one Active members doing In-League placement on Board, Admissions and Newsletter.
October General Meeting held at Historical Park, which included Sustainers.
Fundraiser--Tidal Calendar presented and sales began.
Seminar, "Gain Awareness through Education (GATE)," presented by Marilyn Benveniste of Atlanta to Board and Drug Awareness Committee.
Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Peter and the Hungry Wolf." Nineteen performances were given and one hundred forty-two workshops conducted by League members to first and third grade students.
Approved fundraiser--Show House III.
Participation in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair publicizing The Tidal Calendar and Discovery Place.
Nine Provisional members introduced at annual coffee given by Sustainers.
Christmas Party for Active members at home of Dr. and Mrs. Walter Graham.
Opening of the Discovery Place "hands-on" tactile museum located at the Manatee County Central Library.
Group Meeting held in February with theme being "Just for You."
Fundraiser Feast of the Hunt game dinner held February 26, 1983, with a profit of $5000.
Introduction of new Placement Booklet outlining community placements, In-League placement, Show House III committees, interview sheets and skills bank form.
May luncheon honoring Board of Directors at Linda Edwards’ home.
Adoption of League’s first Five Year Future Plan.
Annual Dinner Meeting for Actives and Sustainers held at Bradenton Country Club.
Leadership Seminar for Actives and Sustainers; speaker Marilyn Benveniste of Atlanta.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1983-1984
Won Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel Award for Discovery Place under the category "New Projects."
First Vice-President, Kathy Kennedy, represented MCSL in Leadership Manatee, a seventy hour workshop on leadership and community issues.
Participated in "The Chemical People," a national public television project designed to fight drug and alcohol abuse.
Fifty-three Active members were placed in four areas of community service. Thirty-four Active members did In-League placement on Board, Admissions/Provisional, Show House III and Newsletter.
Actives Christmas Party held at home of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rickert.
Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "The Nightingale" with the School Board of Manatee County. Nineteen performances were given with one hundred sixty-one workshops conducted by League members to all county first and third grades.
Placed members on seven community boards as MCSL representatives.
Participation in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair publicizing Show House III and the Discovery Place.
MP skit written and performed by MCSL members for Active and Provisional members.
Adopted a "Gifts and Memorial Fund."
Children’s Theater adopted as a continuing project for next year; budget $6,650.
Funds allocated to hire employee at Discovery Place: budget $10,500.
Five new placement opportunities introduced.
New computerized accounting procedure in use.
Discovery Place first birthday party attended by over 400 people.
Approved Holiday Showcase for 1984-1985 fundraiser.
Show House III with Patron Parties, tea room, boutique and plant sales raised approximately $28,000 for Community Trust Fund. It was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Stivers.
Twenty-six Provisional members invited to Active membership and honored at New Member Coffee hosted by Sustainers.
Seventy-three volunteers for Discovery Place hosted over 9,300 visitors and eighty-two tours. Adopted a feasibility study to determine the need for a County Student Recreation Center.
Requested and received questionnaire for AJL to begin the AJL affiliation process.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1984-1985
Won Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel Award for the Drug Awareness Project in the category of "Service to Youth."
Won The Bradenton Herald "Community Service Award" in the Education category for Discovery Place Project.
Fifty-nine Active members were placed in eight areas of community service. Thirty-eight Active members did In-League placement on Board, Admissions/Provisional, Holiday Gift Showcase and Newsletter.
Placed four members on community boards in addition to the seven already serving.
Christmas Gala Evening held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles White.
First-Vice President represented MCSL in Leadership Manatee.
Information questionnaire for Association of Junior League’s application completed. First visit made by Patty Wilkinson, member of Association of Junior Leagues’ Board of Directors. Manatee Community Service League accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues’ applying process.
Joined Federation of Civic Clubs.
Holiday Gift Showcase with League Booth, Tea Time, raised approximately $8,000.
Adopted new final report for Fundraisers.
Participated in Council of the Arts Street Fair using new MCSL Booth constructed for special events. Publicized Discovery Place, upcoming Drug Awareness seminar and sold League Booth items.
Sponsored seminar for Manatee County on "Developing Capable Young People" presented by its author, Dr. H. Stephen Glenn.
Began Association of Junior Leagues’ Orientation Process. Orientation Visit made by Joan Krupa, Director, Area IV, and Jeanne Holeman,Coordinator of League Services. Letter of Agreement formulated between MCSL and Association of Junior Leagues.
Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Androcles and the Lion" with the School Board of Manatee County. Performances were given for one hundred forty-four first and third grades classes. Seventy-five workshops were conducted by League members for all county first and third grade classes.
Twenty new members invited to Active Membership and honored at New Member Coffee hosted by Sustainers.
Foster Grandparents Program at Bullock School adopted as MCSL project.
Seven new community placement opportunities offered.
Approved Holiday Gift Showcase for 1985-86 fundraiser.
Approved turnover of operation of Discovery Place to Manatee County Central Library.
New Placement record form and leave form introduced.
Orientation Program presented Susan Bridger’s workshop on "Creative Life Planning" presented to Actives, Sustainers and community guests.
Fifty-five volunteers hosted over 11,000 visitors and ninety-six tours to Discovery Place.
Conducted first group orientation for potential candidates for Provisional Membership and their proposers or sponsors.
Approved co-sponsorship of a Board Training Seminar with the Manatee County Federation of Civic Clubs.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1985-1986
Exemption from Florida State Sales Tax obtained.
Fact sheet about Manatee Community Service League designed and distributed.
Dissolution of Declaration of Trust-Administrative Fund and Community Trust Fund combined.
Sea Notes--began advertising sales to offset publication costs.
First family social held in summer--a picnic at the beach.
Drug Awareness Project wins The Bradenton Herald, "Service to Youth Award."
September 3, 1985, invited community to hear Pat Heldreth and Dr. Charles Harris speaking on "Developmental and Transitional Concerns in School-Age Children."
Resource Module on Substance Abuse presented to Manatee County School Board.
October 8, 1985, invited community to hear Judge Durrand Adams and James Bishop speaking on Juvenile Justice.
Entertained Sustainers with "Williamsburg" style brunch.
November 12, 1985, Sally Wiley from the Junior League of Tampa provided training for membership on Public Policy.
Second Holiday Gift Market held as major fundraiser-First Preview Party presented on opening night.
"Cape Cod" Holiday Party held at home of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Plum
First provisional Project completed-game room on Pediatric Floor of Manatee Memorial Hospital refurbished.
AJL Orientation completed.
AJL Orientation follow-up visit January 13, 14, 15.
February 8, 1986, AJL Board of Directors votes MCSL into Association of Junior Leagues. Children’s Theater Project presented twenty-two performances of "The Frog Prince" and eighty-five creative dramatic workshops.
Contract signed for turn over of Discovery Place to Manatee County through the Manatee County Library presented Library with $6,500.
Participated in Better Manatee Day for first time, purchased and helped install "Welcome to Manatee County" sign.
March 22, 1986, Celebration Party at the Plaza Club in honor of AJL Affiliation.
New Logo and colors for JLMC revealed.
New brochure about JLMC presented to membership.
Sent 2 delegates to both Fall and Spring SPAC.
Training for the first time.
New Active Coffee given by Sustainers for thirty-nine new Actives.
Foster Grandparents Project trained five "Grandparents" for Bullock School.
Stationery Sales, internal fundraiser approved by membership and begun.
Adopted three new projects for 1986-87, Poison Prevention Puppet Program, Community Public Service Announcements and Children’s Services Information Brochure.
Approved Foster Grandparent and Children’s Theater as ongoing projects.
Approved Holiday Gift Market as ongoing fundraiser.
Presented five new community Placements. Placed one hundred forty-three women in eighteen areas of the community.
Sustainer Skills Bank implemented.
Developed new forms for Gifts and Bequests. Implemented Dues Payment Plan.
Approved contracts for use in Projects and Community Placements.
Began giving placement credit to those women serving on Community boards.
Taskforce appointed to study giving of Community Grants.
League given office space and a headquarters refurbished and established.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1986-1987
A new Yearbook cover and interior were designed and distributed.
Family Beach Picnic was held August 24, 1986.
The Children’s Service Brochure was created and distributed in Manatee County.
The Public Service Announcement Committee broadcast announcements on WTRL throughout the year.
Gwennye Young, Area III Council Member, was guest speaker at the September General Meeting.
Two Public Affairs Members were chosen on SPAC Task Forces.
President Ann Graham attended Area III President’s Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina in September.
"Everything Stops for Tea," an English Garden Tea Party for all members was held at Sustainer Sara Miller’s home October 25, 1986.
A Headquarter’s Library was established.
The Poison Prevention Puppet Program (PPP) was created and presented to preschoolers throughout Manatee County. PPP was seen on a Channel 40 television show.
A Task Force Committee on grants was established. No policy change was established.
The Holiday Gift Market was held November 13-15. The theme was Williamsburg. Sustainers implemented for the first time, the Patron Party for the Holiday Gift Market.
"Holiday Reflections," a party for Actives and Provisionals was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. William Moss.
The Children’s Theater presented "The Brave Little Tailor" in all first grades in Manatee County.
Fourteen State Public Affairs Position statements were adopted by JLMC.
Group meetings were held in February.
Thirty-two Provisionals became Active members.
The Provisional project was renovating the family room of the shelter home for abused children.
A Wine and Cheese Party honoring new Actives was held at Sustainer, Wylene Graham’s home.
Four new projects for 1987-88 were approved by the membership.
Suzie Allen, Area III Director, taught Volunteer Skills Portfolio to interested Actives.
A new Placement Policy was established for those eligible to go Sustainer.
Three Active members attended the Association Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.
JLMC received second place and first place Public Service Announcements Awards at the Annual Conference of the Association of Junior Leagues.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales was approved as a fundraiser for 1987-88.
Nine issues of Sea Notes were distributed this year. The December and January issues were combined.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1987-1988
Board members received training at Board Orientations in June and August.
Socials: Family Beach Picnic, Roaring Twenties Christmas Party, First Annual Road Rally.
Photo directory of membership printed.
Won a Sarasota Herald Tribune "Merit Award for Public Information: for Poison Prevention Puppet Program.
Named "Outstanding Organization Overall" by The Bradenton Herald.
League representatives attended SPACConferences in Orlando in September and Tallahassee in April.
First Vice-President Paula Jonsson attended President’s Meeting in Orlando for President Mary Pope who was unable to attend.
First joint meeting with the Junior League of Sarasota at Dolphin Aviation in October where SPAC issues were presented and voted upon.
League member attended seminar on Teen Court and monitored Junior League of Sarasota’s Teen Court committee meetings.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap fundraiser netted $5.900.00 profit.
Two Future Planning forums held for membership input into Long Range Plan.
"Celebrate the Harvest" luncheon honoring Sustainers held at Tidy Island.
Sustainers held four luncheon meetings throughout the year.
Successful Holiday Gift Market produced over $27,000 profit. Sustainers hosted the Patron Party.
Performance of Children’s Theater production "Rumpelstiltskin"was presented to the first and third grades of twenty-two Manatee County Schools as well as JLMC membership and families.
Three League members attended Traveling Workshops on newsletters and financial forecasting.
Delegates sent to Regional Seminar on Membership in Philadelphia and Public Policy Training in Washington, D.C.
Membership voted to have a 10th Anniversary Celebration in 1988-89.
Panel discussion by state legislators on SPAC issues of concern to League at January meeting.
Seven group meetings held in February.
Trainings were offered to membership on leadership styles, delegating and time management.
Visited by Suzie Allen, immediate past Area III Director Chairing Council, Representing AJL on post-affiliation visit.
First Vice-President Paula Jonsson attended President-Elect meeting in Charlotte.
Provisionals created a simulated apartment at Joe Berta Bullock School for Handicapped as their Provisional project.
Sustainers hosted a Welcoming Party for twenty-three new Active members.
Past President Ann Graham elected to Area III Council as Public Relations Liaison.
Approved $15,000 project at HOPE of Manatee, shelter for abused women and their children.
Future Project Study on Teen Court approved.
Nine projects successfully completed: Children’s Service Brochure, Children’s Theater, Discovery Place Exhibits, Domestic Violence, Poison Puppet Prevention Program, Public Service Announcements, TAPP Brochure, Safe Homes, and Young Parents Care. Three projects were terminated: Domestic Violence, TAPP, and Young Parents’ Care.
Proclamation for National Volunteer Week received from governmental bodies on behalf of all volunteers in Manatee County.
Computer and copier purchased to reduce costs.
Public Affairs Chairman Robin Johnson named Chairman of the statewide Child and Family Welfare Task Force for the Florida Public Affairs Committee.
Placement interviews reinstated.
League instrumental in having bills to combat violence in the media introduced in both houses of the state legislature.
First Community Advisory Board selected.
Two delegates sent to AJL Annual Conference in Chicago.
League nominee, Patricia Petruff, won AAUW Leadership Award in the Business and Professional Category.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1988-1989
Board members received orientation and training at an overnight Board Retreat held in June.
President, Paula Jonsson, attended Presidents’ Training, San Antonio, Texas and the Annual Conference, Anaheim, California.
President Elect, Patti Holland, attended President-Elect Training, Atlanta, Georgia; "Train the Trainer", Orlando; President-Elect Training, Miami; Leadership Manatee, and the Annual Conference, Anaheim, California.
League computer used to store permanent records, minutes, yearbook, mailing lists, Sea Notes issues, placement book and assignment, and brochures.
Midyear revised budget and financial report mailed to membership for review.
Five continued projects were presented to the community: Safe Homes, Poison Prevention Puppet Program, Children’s Theater, Children’s Services Brochure and Public Service Announcements.
Hope Project, a coalition consisting of Entre Nous, Episcopal Church Women of Christ Episcopal Church, Manatee County Medical Society Auxiliary, Manatee River Doll Club, First Presbyterian Church and Zeta Phi Sorority, was implemented. This project was designed and coordinated by JLMC in coalition with other community organizations to renovate Hope of Manatee County, a shelter for domestic violence.
Two continuing projects were turned over to the community: Safe Homes and Poison Prevention Puppet Program.
The committee, Public Service Announcements, was integrated into Public Relations.
Two new projects were selected for 1989-90 year: a Domestic Violence Video and an East Bradenton Children’s Playground.
The Three Year Future Plan was updated.
Twelve Bylaw Amendments were approved.
Minimum requirements for membership to single placement were revised.
Trainings were presented: Improving Family Communication and Leadership and Team Development.
February group meetings were held. Topics included Antiques, Entertaining, Flower Arranging, PMS, Stenciling, Emotional Problems in Children and Adolescents and L.E.A.P. Program.
Provisional Project, the renovation of the Hope of Manatee County shelter’s kitchen, was completed.
JLMC hosted the first Get-Out-to-Vote at the September General Meeting. It was a coalition with the Chamber of Commerce.
Dorothy Ridings, publisher of the Bradenton Herald and former National President of the League of Women Voters, spoke at the January General Meeting.
The JLMC distributed Motion Picture Association of America (MPA) rating posters to local video stores, a follow-up to Junior League 1988 Video Legislation.
Held the first JLMC Community Advisory Board meetings and selected four new candidates to increase CAB to ten.
A redesigned and updated JLMC brochure was printed with corporate underwriting from Tropicana.
JLMC received the Bradenton Herald Golden Gavel Award for overall service to the community.
JLMC received the Sarasota Herald Tribune Silver Gavel Award for sponsoring the 1988 Video Violence Legislation. Presentation was made at the September General Meeting by Marjorie North.
JLMC celebrated a decade of service to Manatee County with a Gala at River Wilderness.
JLMC approved a gift of $7,000 in mini-grants for training in the nonprofit sector of Manatee County.
JLMC approved the hiring of part time staff to begin June 1989.
Sea Notes published eight issues of the JLMC newsletter.
JLMC members attended SPAC trainings and marketing, finance and training planning seminar sponsored by JLMC.
Marian Meeks was selected to chair the State Family Welfare Task Force.
Susan McSwain won AAUW Leadership Award in the Volunteer Community Service Category.
Sustainer, Jo Harrison, won AAUW Leadership Award in the Lifetime Achievement Category.
Sustainers held four luncheon meetings throughout the year, coordinated the HGM Patron Party and were represented on the JLMC Board.
JLMC produced seventy-seven thousand gross dollars through fundraising.
JLMC spent twenty-five thousand dollars on direct projects in the community.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1989-1990
Board members received orientation and training at Manatee Palms, Ropes, Escape to Reality during June.
President, Patricia Holland, attended President’s Training in Winston- Salem, North Carolina and annual conference in Toronto, Canada.
President-Elect Julie Taylor attended President-Elect’s training in Atlanta; President-Elect’s training in Savannah, Georgia and annual conference in Toronto, Canada.
AWARDS:
Sarasota Herald wooden gavel Community Service for Hope Project.
Bradenton Herald - First Place, Community Service Award.
Volunteer Services - Civic Award, Hope Project.
Model Project - Hope Project selected to be a model project at The Association of Junior Leagues International Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada.
Domestic Violence Video - The Association of Junior Leagues International Honorable Mention.
Domestic Violence Television Public Service Announcements - The Association of Junior Leagues International Honorable Mention.
FUNDRAISERS:
Holiday Gift Market produced profits of $31,500.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap produced profits of $9,000.
Stationery Sales produced profits of $3,000.
SOCIALS:
Valentine Party, River Wilderness
Road Rally, Ganey Ranch
PROJECTS:
4th Edition, 8,500 copies of Children’s Services Brochure were printed and distributed.
.
Children’s Theater completed 104 creative dramatic workshops of the Jungle Book.
Domestic Violence Video "Danger Behind Closed Doors" was completed it was aired on Channel 40, Paragon Cable and Channel 8.
East Bradenton Park Playground was completed and presented to the community at Better Manatee Day.
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
New JLMC banner and JLMC balloons.
Community Awareness Forum.
Street Fair Booth.
Radio Public Service Announcements on WDUV.
Television Public Service Announcements on Channel 40.
JLMC booth at Manatee County Fair.
Entered five categories for Public Relations competition at Association level.
Hired first League secretary.
Moved headquarters to Beachway Plaza, held Open House.
Get Acquainted social for fifty-four new provisionals.
Added four new Community Advisory Board members.
League representatives attended Fall Conference in Tampa and Spring Conference in Tallahassee.
Association of Junior Leagues changed name to The Association of Junior Leagues International.
Presented new Junior League of Manatee County tee shirts to membership.
Held Community Advisory Board orientation dinner at Bradenton Country Club.
Five mini-meets were held in October.
The Association of Junior League International announced VISA charge cards as fundraiser.
Community Advisory Board member spotlights in Sea Notes.
Public Affairs Printed a brochure featuring recycling.
Holiday Gift Market, "I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas", held November 9-11.
Improved billing systems, computerized financial record keeping, advance training in creative financing and fundraising by the Association of Junior Leagues International Financial Liaison.
Completed and approved audit.
SPAC contest, Trash Rappin’, to local high schools.
Commissioner and Community Advisory Board member, Kathy Snell, spoke on "The Importance of Advocacy in Public Policy Making".
Cynthia Serra, Citizen Against Crime, Education Training.
JLMC and Bradenton Herald host Jack Levine’s: Political Muscle for Manatee County Children.
Community Advisory Board members Future Planning Update.
Three-year future plan goals and objectives were approved and updated.
JLMC members attended traveling workshops in Orlando.
Received $200 from Publix George W. Jenkins Foundation for East Bradenton Park.
President’s Reception held for new active members.
Rural Health Center Project approved.
Eight bylaw amendments were approved.
Executive Board held luncheon for Sustainer at Dockers Restaurant.
Recycling Project approved.
Leadership Development course approved.
Sea Notes published eight issues of the JLMC newsletter.
Sustainers held three luncheon meetings throughout the year, coordinated the Holiday Gift Market Patron Party and were represented on the JLMC Board.
Junior League of Manatee County spent $21,125 on direct projects in the community.
Approved and purchased new Laser Printer and computer software.
Annual meeting held at River Wilderness.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1990-1991
TRAINING:
Board of Directors received training and orientation at Manatee Palms, Ropes, Escape to Reality. A nine hour course in Parliamentary Procedure was also provided to the Board by Jane B. Pratt, Registered Parliamentarian.
President, Julie Taylor, attended AJLI Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada.
President-Elect, Sally Mills, attended AJLI training in Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sally Mills and Brenda Cohenour attended Leadership Development Intensive Training in Chicago, Illinois.
Virginia Knowles represented JLMC at the Keep Florida Beautiful training.
The general membership was given the opportunity to participate in a Time Management Seminar offered by the Franklin Institute. Sixty-five members participated.
Sally Mills, Vicki Morrish and Cheri Taxdal participated in AJLI traveling workshops in Orlando.
1992 President Elect Brenda Cohenour and incoming President Sally Mills attended AJLI Annual Conference in Orlando.
Speakers scheduled on water quality and indigent health care addressed League.
AWARDS:
Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel: Domestic Violence Video
Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel: East Bradenton Park Playground
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners: Outstanding Community Service, Rural Health Service Parrish Clinic Renovation
Manatee County Chamber of Commerce: Keep Florida Beautiful Founding Sponsor
FUNDRAISERS:
Holiday Gift Market, "Babes In Toyland" theme, net revenues $34,000.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale net revenues $10,793.
Stationery Sales net revenues $1,158.
First Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament net revenues $14,500.
SOCIALS:
Road Rally and Bar-B-Que.
Colony Beach Club Clam Bake
PROJECTS:
Renovation of the Rural Health Service Clinic, Parrish, Florida.
Fifth Annual reprinting of Children’s Services Brochure, distribution of 8,500.
Continued Discovery Place involvement updating exhibits and researching 1992 project for complete renovation and hiring of personnel.
Recycling Teaching Kits developed and piloted at six area schools received overwhelming response.
Portable video equipment researched and ordered for viewing public presentation of the Domestic Violence Video, "Danger Behind Closed Doors".
Provisional projects included renovation of the Teen Room at the West Bradenton Girls’ Club and development of a Children’s Corner with play activities at the Rural Health Service Clinic in Parrish.
Children’s Theater presented the Asolo Touring Theater production "Aladdin’s Lamp" to local elementary schools.
A Farm Workers’ Health Fair and Fiesta was held at the Parrish Clinic, Manatee County Rural Health Service. Over 500 people attended with vital health screening provided to over 150 indigent people. Bike raffles, free food, music, pony rides and children’s activities highlighted the spring day.
Participated in Adopt-A-Highway program adopting Manatee Avenue West from 19th Street West to 5th Street East.
Participated in AJLI national immunization campaign locally publicizing the need for vaccinations for children.
ADMINISTRATIVE;
1991-1993 Long Range Plan developed and approved by membership.
Jeanne Davis hired as office manager to provide professional guidance to League.
Computer software upgraded, laser printer and expanded memory added.
Financial Policies and Procedures developed and approved by Board of Directors.
Self-Submission system refined by Nominating Committee.
Initiated development of Committee Policies and Procedure Manual.
Exchange and joint board meeting held for 1991 and 1992 Boards.
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Received $250 from Kiwanis Club of Bradenton.
Local public stands adopted in support of the Children’s Services, Referendum and Botanical Gardens, and Keep Florida Beautiful.
Increased medical care for indigent families was supported through advocating local and county support and in writing feature editorial.
Community Affairs continued to match League members with area nonprofit organization’s Boards of Directors. Three new members were welcomed to the Community Advisory Board: William Novak, Dorothy Ridings and Lois Flach
.
SUSTAINERS:
Presented annual Patron Party at the Holiday Gift Market.
Held holiday party for Sustainers at the home of Faye and Wayne Rickert, December 13,1990.
"Best Salad Luncheon" at Maureen Magnon’s home, March 14, 1990.
Sustainers supported League fundraising events and projects by volunteering to help whenever needed and asked.
The Annual Dinner was held at the Bradenton Yacht Club where fifty-two new active members were welcomed into service and the new 1991-1992 officers were introduced.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1991-1992
Executive Committee met in April for an overnight planning session for the coming League year.
All chairmen met in May for a Leadership Orientation.
Board members met again in May for an evening Board Orientation.
The IRS visited us in May for an audit of 1988-89.
A fax machine was installed in League headquarters.
In June we increased our office manager’s, Jeanne Davis, hours to full time.
In August we hired a part-time employee, Becky Arpaia, for Discovery Place.
August was the time for Arrangements to hold an end-of-the-summer party: "Beach Bash"at River Wilderness Country Club.
All of our General meetings, except for November, were held at Bradenton Christian School. The November meeting was held at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center.
President-Elect Brenda Cohenour, Public Affairs Chairman Connie Barnes and committee member Patti Quinn traveled to Pensacola in September for the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) conference.
Sally Mills, President, and Brenda Cohenour, President-Elect, attended the AJLI President/President-Elect Conference in Raleigh, N.C. in October.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap, our first fundraiser for the year, raised over $11,000 in profits.
An Active, Sustainer, Provisional coffee was held at Mary Anne Spencer’s home in September.
Recycling bags were made available through the Recycling Committee and we sold 144 to our members and the community.
The Recycling Committee distributed the recycling kits to the Manatee elementary schools in October.
Volunteers cleaned our adopted stretch of highway one Saturday in October for the Adopt-A-Highway program.
A newly designed HGM brochure was designed and 20,000 were distributed in Manatee, Sarasota and Venice counties.
Holiday Gift Market was held in November at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center for the first time. Attendance for three days was over 10,000 and our profits were over $43,000.
The Education Committee presented "Wednesday Workshops" for League members. The topics were: parenting, creating Christmas wreaths, flower arranging, landscaping and healthy cooking.
Paula Jonsson and an appointed committee "overhauled" our by-laws to correctly separate by-laws from standing rules and policies and procedures.
Children’s Theater presented "The Frog Prince" which was performed by Asolo Performing Theater. Every first and third grade class in the Manatee County Public Schools was given the performance. One hundred and sixty workshops were given by League volunteers.
League volunteers worked with the Supervisor of Elections to register Manatee County residents to vote.
Besides the overhaul of By-Laws, we voted in five revisions of our by-laws.
League members attended Chamber of Commerce "Business after Hours".
Sea Notes published nine issues and is looking forward to turning the newsletter into a quarterly publication.
Rubonia Community Center agreed to let Jane Pratt, Parliamentarian, attend their Board meetings to increase their awareness of parliamentary procedure.
The Rubonia Community Center was demolished and the new building is underway with a completion time set for September of 1992.
Sally Mills was Grand Marshal at the Rubonia Mardi Gras parade. League volunteers assisted the Rubonia Community Center to raise over $3,000 for the Center.
The Teen Peer Panel Program was presented in Manatee County Public Middle Schools through the Human Growth and Development classes.
The Children’s Services Brochure was printed in English and also in Spanish. We distributed 12,000 copies in the community.
The Arrangements Committee held a party for the holiday season at the Peridia Country Club for Provisionals, Actives, and Sustainers, and their spouses in December.
President Sally Mills and President-Elect Brenda Cohenour attended a Florida State Junior League’s conference held in West Palm Beach in January.
Nominating slated eleven League members to attend the AJLI trainings were in Orlando in April.
The Spring Swing Golf Tournament was held at El Conquistador Country Club and raised over $13,000.
A new copier was purchased for League headquarters.
Placement interviews were held at Ann Graham’s home in April.
The Sustainers held three dinner meetings and one luncheon throughout the year.
The Provisionals completed their provisional course and their project at the PACE Center for girls.
President Sally Mills and Second Vice President Stephanie Keezel, attended the Association of Junior Leagues International Annual Conference held in April.
A Community Advisory Board Luncheon was held in April at the Bradenton Country Club.
We netted over $67,000 in fundraisers and spent $47,000 on projects.
We admitted twenty-eight new actives at our May Annual Dinner held at the Bradenton Yacht Club.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1992-1993
Brenda Cohenour served as President until December and attended the AJLI President’s Training in Atlanta.
Ann Sisk assumed the Presidency in December, attended the AJLI President Elect Training in Atlanta (Fall) and Nashville (Spring), the SPAC/PE conference in Boca Raton and was accompanied by Laura Baden to Annual Conference in St. Louis (May).
Lynne Callahan, Stephanie Keezel, Sandy Ladika, Teri McCammack and Kerri Pearce attended the AJLI Organizational Development Institutes in Orlando on October 18 and 19.
Sponsored Grant Seminar for forty community members, held at the Christ Episcopal Church Hall on February 16, 1993, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sponsored Speaker’s Training by Judy Sedgeman on May 25, 1993 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Speakers at General Membership meetings included Senator John McKay (education issues), Captain Brad Steube (drug awareness), Rev. James Adams (Rubonia Community Center, Director), Alexandra Kazaks (fitness) and Joan Rupert, R.N. (Breast center awareness).
January mini-meets held at business locations and Active members’ homes on topics such as: home decorating, massage therapy, parenting, table arrangements, small businesses, healthy meals, flower arranging and other topics.
Holiday Decorating Workshop, presented by Nancy Ostrander, was held at the Barnett Bank Training Center on November 18, 1992.
The Executive Overnight Planning and Networking session was held at the Baden’s home on April 16 and 17, 1993.
Leadership Orientation included the "Ropes to Reality" program at Manatee Palms, chairmanship, financial policies and leadership training, held May 14 and 15, 1993.
Focusing Seminar presented by AJLI Service Provider, Catherine Forrester, was held at the Park Inn on May 14, 1993.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Rubonia Youth Center - Final construction, furnishing, assistance in hiring full-time director and securing funding grants, board training, building dedication on April 4, 1993 and participation in Rubonia’s Mardi Gras.
Rubonia Day Care Center - Researched the feasibility of adding a playroom.
Teen Peer Panel Program (TPPP) - Presented fourteen parent panels to middle school youths.
Discovery Place - Continued part-time coordinator, sponsored third grade tours and facilitated the close and eventual relocation of exhibits.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - Worked with this organization to provide age and gender specific personalized bags for displaced children.
Selby Day School/Children’s Haven - Renovated the nursery and play areas and held a grand opening ceremony on April 4, 1993.
AWARDS:
Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel - Teen Peer Panel Program.
Bradenton Herald Community Club Awards - Recycling Kits.
Manatee County School Board - Plaque for sponsoring school tours of Discovery Place/Central Library.
Keep Manatee Beautiful - Certificate for participating in Adopt-A-Highway.
FUNDRAISERS:
Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales held in October 1992 had proceeds of $10,400.
Holiday Gift Market, "Christmas Around the World", held November 5, 6, and 7, 1992 at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center, had proceeds of $41,600.
Third Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament, held at El Conquistador Country Club, had proceeds of $15,100.
SOCIALS:
Provisional "Get Acquainted" was held on Tuesday, August 18, 1992 at the home of Ann Graham.
Sustainer/Active/Provisional Tea was held on November 21, 1992 at the home of Mary Anne Spencer.
The Christmas Party was held at the Bradenton Country Club on December 19, 1992.
The Road Rally/Beach Bash was held at the Colony Beach and Racquet Club on Saturday, April 17, 1993.
The Membership Mixer was held on April 8, 1993 at the home of Connie Barnes.
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Placed 18 members, including two Sustainers, on community boards.
Held CAB luncheons on September 23, January 20 and March 17 at the Bradenton Country Club to discuss such topics as community programming, fundraising and advocacy and lobbying efforts.
Laura Baden, Cynthia Baird and Tami Johnson participated in the Task Forces at the State Public Affairs Conference in Boca Raton on September 25 and 26.
Cynthia Baird was our representative to the legislative session in Tallahassee in the spring.
PUBLICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Premiered the Sea Notes as a magazine and published four quarterly issues. Began them as monthly newsletter publishing nine issues.
Published first Annual Report and placed JLMC publicity booth at Snooty’s Party in the Park, Holiday Gift Market and Women’s Resource Expo.
SUSTAINERS:
High Tea was held on December 10, 1992.
"Bring Your Best Salad" was held on April 14, 1993 at noon at the home of Sandra Robinson.
Presented the annual Patron Party on November 5, 1992.
Held quarterly Sustainer Board meetings and provided Sustainer Representative as liaison to Sustainer and Active Boards.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Addition of the Pionex 486 computer and communication software to interface with AJLI’s Bulletin Board System Added portable phone, facsimile and answering machine to President’s home.
Held placement interviews at the home of Ann Graham on April 14 and 15, 1993.
Approved by-law changes on Public Affairs chairman tenure, provisional age requirements, standing rule on per diem travel reimbursement and personnel policies on sick leave and vacation.
Created Focusing Committee and Ad Hoc Cookbook Committee for next year.
The Annual Dinner Meeting was held at El Conquistador Country Club for awards of current leadership, induction of new officers and acceptance of new active members.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1993-1994
TRAINING:
Ann Sisk and Laura Baden attended AJLI President/President-Elect’s training in Charlotte, N.C. (October) , the Florida Leagues’ training in Clearwater-Dunedin (January) and AJLI’s Annual Conference in Dallas (May). Laura Baden also attended President-Elect training in Washington, D.C. (February).
The Organization Development Institute (ODI) held in Orlando was attended by Vicki Morrish, LuAnn Cajoleas, Debbie Meissner, Beth Duke and Sandy Bouwer.
An AJLI sponsored multicultural session held in Orlando was attended by Susan Wilcox, Julie Galvano and Sandy Deitrich.
The Board Orientation/Training overnight session for chairmen was held at DaySpring Episcopal Center in conjunction with the monthly board meeting on September 24 and 25.
The Executive Overnight Planning session was again held at the Baden’s island home on February 18.
The Chairman Orientation Overnight was held at the Day Spring Episcopal Center on May 21, 1994.
At the January and February General meetings, the Community Research Committee hosted community leaders who spoke on the most pressing needs for community services in Manatee County. From these discussions the membership chose to address the focus area of early childhood/parenting skills for our future community programs.
Other speakers at the General Membership meetings included Congressman Dan Miller at the September meeting and Citizens Against Crime at the March meeting.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Rubonia Day Care Center Playroom Addition - With $39,000 from JLMC, $10,000 from Taylor and Fulton and many corporate and individual in-kind donations of goods and services, the playroom opened on May 19, 1994.
Rubonia Community Center - This was the third and final year of service to this center. Included in the $1900 expenditure were salaries and equipment for the summer programs and Parliamentary trainings were for the board to allow it to function independently in the future.
Teen Peer Parent Panel - Presented teen parent panels in conjunction with the School Board to middle school youth. Additionally, a member of the panel spoke at our General Membership meeting. The $1,000 was used to train the JLMC members who facilitated the panels.
Discovery Place - The Discovery Place was moved to the South Florida Museum (SFM). A contract with the SFM was negotiated to provide continual operation of this hands-on museum for the next three years. With $5000, new furnishings and exhibits were purchased. An open house was held in October.
Public Health Department Waiting Room Renovation - The Provisional Class created a rain forest theme children’s waiting room with a $1,000 budget and lots of in-kind donations. The Open House held on April 14 was attended by local dignitaries and was featured in the media.
Campus Clean-Up/Green Up -This project used $350 to coordinate a clean campus program at several elementary schools and provide videos for award incentives.
AWARDS:
Bradenton Herald Community Club Award for the Rubonia Community Center as Best New Project .
Merit Award from the National Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) Bradenton Branch Award for our outstanding community service.
AJLI’s Public Service Announcement Award (PSA)), third place for the video "Where a Woman Can Make A Difference".
Cheri Taxdal received the Volunteer of the Year Award from JLMC.
Tina Herold was a recipient of a "Making a Difference Award" sponsored by the Just for Girls Club for her continuing volunteer work with girls in our community.
FUNDRAISERS:
Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales held in September and October had proceeds of $8,800.
Holiday Gift Market, "Holiday Magic", held November 19, 20, and 21, 1993 at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center had proceeds of $41,000.
Fourth annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament, held at El Conquistador Country Club on May 21, 1994 had proceeds of $17,000.
SOCIALS:
Casino Night was held on March 19, 1993 at the Dancing Bear Pub.
Spud social held prior to our March General Meeting.
The provisional Get Acquainted was held on April 19, at the home of Sandra Robinson.
SUSTAINERS:
Sustainer High Tea was held at President Ann Sisk’s home on November 4th.
Presented the Gala Preview Party (formerly the Patron Party) on November 19, 1993.
Held Sustainer Board meetings and provided a Sustainer liaison to the Sustainer and Active Boards.
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Held the Community Advisory Board (CAB) luncheons on September 22 and March 16 with facilitated discussions on fundraising, community programming, and membership retention.
Alex St. Paul, Maureen Dye and Laura Baden attended the State Public Affairs Conference in Sarasota.
PUBLICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Produced the PSA, "Where A Woman Can Make A Difference" in conjunction with five other Leagues in the West Central Florida area.
Premiered the Sea Notes as our Annual Report and discontinued it as a quarterly magazine.
Upscaled the Manatee Memos as our monthly newsletter.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 1993-94 year was "Focusing on our Future".
The Annual Dinner meeting was held at the Pier. The agenda included audio-visual presentations of our community programs, awards for all chairmen, acceptance of new actives into membership and the induction of the new officers.
The Ad Hoc Cookbook Committee researched the possibility of publishing a cookbook and determined the potential for large proceeds. However, because of the limitation of our finances and membership it would not be feasible at present to begin this fundraiser.
Continued office staff with a part-time employee (20 hours).
Approved By-law changes on Associate Member Status, Nominating Committee member eligibility, Future Planning Committee and Nominating Committee date lines, President-Elect duties, Publications Committee name, Future Planning and Executive Committee responsibilities for the annual goals and objectives.
All of the membership participated in the Organization Self Assessment (OSA) in lieu of the long range planning session. The results will continue to be presented in Manatee Memos and will be used to create our future Strategic Plan.
The Focusing Committee facilitated the membership visioning process "JLMC Women of Today Shaping the Community of Tomorrow".
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1994-1995
TRAINING:
Laura Baden and Susan Wilcox attended AJLI President/President-Elect training in Atlanta, GA (October ) the Florida League’s training in Fort Lauderdale (January) and AJLI’s Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA (May). Susan Wilcox also attended the President-Elect training in Chicago, IL (February).
ODI:
The Executive Board Overnight Planning session was again held at the Baden Beach house on Anna Maria Island.
The Board Orientation/Training Overnight session for Chairmen was coordinated with the Junior League of Sarasota and held at the DaySpring Episcopal Center.
In January eight Mini-meets took place with training topics to include the following: Line Dancing, Stress Reduction, Floral Arranging, Wreath Decoration, Theme Cooking, Successful Parenting, Antique Collecting and Party Planning.
Speakers at our General Meetings included the following: Senator John McKay spoke to us at our October General Meeting. Judge Durand Adams, Ken Pearson and Berniece Scott spoke to us at our February General Meeting on children in the court room as well as the impact JLMC can make on children if the Rogers Garden Project was passed.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
The following Done-in-a-Day Programs took place:
Collaborated with the Bradenton Herald in the Operation Paint Brush Program.
JLMC had volunteers at five poll locations for the Kids Vote Program.
Sneakers for Kids Program at Daughtrey Elementary School.
JLMC worked with Keep Manatee Beautiful to clean and enhance two locations that housed Welcome to Manatee County signs.
Other areas included the following:
Provisional Project - decorated the new trailer at Manatee Nursery School.
JLMC continue their support to the South Florida Museum’s Discovery Place with a final contribution of $4,400.
JLMC’s newest undertaking, the Rogers Garden Project was passed.
JLMC had representatives at the Bradenton Herald Round table Forum on child sexual abuse.
The Teen Peer Panel Program conducted presentations in PACE and King Middle School.
"One Can Drive" Program collected over 200 cans of food for the Manatee County Food Bank.
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
Public Affairs passed a Public Stand on Bicycle Safety and Bicycle Safety Education.
Community Affairs held the Community Advisory Board Luncheon on January 26th and breakfast on April 27th with discussions on fundraising and community programming.
SUSTAINERS:
In January, the Sustainers held a dinner meeting at the Bradenton Country Club. A Best Salad Luncheon was held at Ruth Sherwin's home in March.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 94/95 year was "Building Our League for Tomorrow:.
The Council System which was made up of three councils, Community, Finance and Membership was in place for the first time this year. Because of this new system the Executive Board was reduced from approximately 16 members.
Continued office staff with a part-time (20 hours per week) secretary.
The 1994/95 Long Range Plan was complete by the Future Planning Committee.
Community Research Committee completed a detailed outline on the possible Rogers Garden Project which was passed in April.
The Annual Dinner meeting was held at the Bradenton Country Club. The agenda included a slide presentation of the Provisional Project, a presentation on the School Readiness program, (as a part of the Rogers Garden Project to be conducted in August) the TPP Program and Environment/Preservation. The New Sustainers were roasted and welcomed. Awards were given to all Chairmen. Acceptance of new Actives into membership and the induction of the new officers took place.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1995-1996
TRAINING:
Susan Wilcox and Julie Galvano attended AJLI President/President-Elect conference in Louisville, KY (September). Julie Galvano and Deborah Bay attended the Florida SPAC Conference in Gainesville, FL (September). The Fall Organizational Institute, held in Orlando, was attended by Sandy Bouwer, Marilyn Vreugdenhil, Laura Seberg, and Cynthia Baird (October). AJLI Annual Conference in Phoenix, AR was attended by Susan Wilcox and Laura Seberg (May). Beth Duke represented JLMC in the 1995/96 Leadership Manatee class.
The Council orientation was held in August at the Holiday Inn Riverfront and featured Mimi Hull, professional trainer from Orlando, and several community leaders.
The Education committee sponsored seminars in wreath-making, memory books gourmet cooking, rubber stamping, and couples communication.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
The Rogers Garden Day Care Committee held a school readiness fair in August. They also worked with the City of Bradenton on the acquisition of the needed property and received a number of grants toward the construction of the center.
The Done in a Day Committee sponsored a number of short term projects including the "One Can Drive", Special Olympics, Better Manatee Day, Operation Paint Brush, Sneakers for Kids, collecting books for local health clinics and stocking "Grandma’s Closet" at a local elementary school.
The Provisional Class renovated and landscaped the recreation yard at the Adolescent Recovery Center of Manatee Glens.
AWARDS:
The Junior League of Manatee County received the Bradenton Herald’s Readers Preference Award for "Best Civic Organization" for the years 1995 and 1996.
Linda Braithwaite received the Spirit of the League Award from the members of JLMC.
Susan Thompson was given the President’s Award by President Susan Wilcox, from nominations received from the Executive Board.
FUNDRAISERS:
Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale was held in September and October and had proceeds of $7,500.
The 1995 Holiday Gift Market was held in November, with the theme "City Sidewalks: Parisian Holiday: and made a profit of over $6,000.
The Sixth Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament was once again held at El Conquistador Country Club and netted $12,400.
The JLMC considered joining with the Association of Interior Designers to present a show house in the Spring of 1996, but decided not to participate.
SOCIALS:
All of the General Membership Meetings began with social time and refreshments tied to different themes. Among the meetings, the September meeting was Western Night and featured line dancing instructors. The January meeting had healthy snacks and included an aerobics session. We also had the Third Annual Spuds Social before the February meeting.
The Holiday Gift Market Fashion Show and Luncheon was held November 11 and the Gala Preview Party was held November 16.
A Family Picnic was held in April at G.T. Bray Park.
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/PUBLIC AFFAIRS:
JLMC adopted a number of public stands presented by the Florida State Political Advisory Committee.
Quarterly breakfasts were held at the JLMC office for the Community Advisory Board.
SUSTAINERS:
The Sustainers held a fall dinner meeting at the Bradenton Country Club, with presentations by President Susan Wilcox, Treasurer Susan Thompson and Holiday Gift Market chair Sandy Mackie on the upcoming JLMC year.
The High Tea was held in December at the home of Jo McRae.
A dinner was held at the Bradenton Yacht Club in February. The speaker was Glenda Miller, who gave her point of view of life in Washington, D.C.
In the spring, several members attended a matinee performance at the Golden Apple Dinner Theater.
The Sustainers also participated in all fundraisers and attended the Annual Dinner, held in May.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 1995/96 year was "TEAM JLMC: Together Everyone Achieves More."
The Council System continued to be used and fine-tuned. The Bylaws were changed to reflect the new administrative structure.
The office was open 20 hours a week, staffed by a part-time secretary.
The Annual Dinner and May Meeting was held at El Conquistador Country Club. The Provisionals gave a presentation of their project and were welcomed as Active members. The new Sustainers were bid farewell by the Active members and welcomed by the Sustainers. Awards were given to all chairmen. The gavel was passed and the induction of new officers held.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1996-1997
TRAINING:
President-Elect, Laura Seberg and President, Julie Galvano, attended the AJLI President/President-Elect Conference in Toronto, Canada in October. We also attended the AJLI Annual Conference in Atlanta Georgia in May. Laura Seberg also attended the President-Elect training in Tulsa, Oklahoma in January.
The Board training was held in August at the Bradenton Yacht Club. Mimi Hull, a professional trainer and also a former President of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, directed the training. We had 25 people in attendance.
ODI:
Jane Pratt and Patricia McKeithen attended ODI Training which was held in Orlando in October. They returned with a great deal of information and ideas to share with JLMC.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Done-In-A-Day - The following Done-In-A-Day projects took place: Operation Paint Brush, Kids Voting, Adopt-A-Family, Sneakers for Kids, Grandma’s Closet, Victim’s Waiting Room and Better Manatee Day.
AJLI Presidential Visit - We were very fortunate to have the AJLI President, Carol Kleiner, speak at our February General Meeting at the Art League of Manatee Community. The event was a wonderful opportunity for our League and was a great learning experience for everyone. She spoke about AJLI and the "Power of Our Association."
Rogers Garden Committee - Our Rogers Garden Committee worked extremely hard making preparations for the Rogers Garden Day Care Center. This committee’s hard work and determination made the hopes of a day care center a reality.
Upcoming Projects
We also researched and voted in two projects for the coming year. . . Family Fun Reading Partners and Crimes Against Children.
AWARDS:
JLMC was awarded the Bradenton herald Club Award for "Overall Service to the Community" for our "Done in a Day Projects."
We also won the Bradenton Herald Reader’s Preference Award for the "Best Service Organization."
Andrea Harmon received the "Spirit of the League Award."
Connie Novak received the "President’s Award."
FUNDRAISERS:
All JLMC members including Actives, Provisionals and Sustainers helped make our fundraisers a success.
Sally Foster Gift Wrap- Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sales were held in September and October and raised over $7,900.
Holiday Gift Market - Holiday Gift Market was held November 14th, 15th and 16th at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center. We raised over $45,000.
Spring Swing Golf Tournament - The Spring Swing Golf Tournament was held on May 31st at the El Conquistador Country Club. JLMC raised over $18,000.
SOCIALS:
We had fun and festive socials prior to many of our General Meetings. Some of the socials included: Ice Cream Social, Sub Social and Chili Social.
Our Holiday Gift Market "Gala Night" was also a festive occasion of all who attended.
Our Sustainers also held socials throughout the year.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
We were very fortunate to have an exceptional Provisional Class this year. The Provisional Project was the rejuvenation of the 13th Avenue community Center’s Reading and Activity Rooms. The entire class worked together to make the project a complete success.
SUSTAINERS:
Our Sustainers had a very active year. Socials included the Annual Holiday Social.
The Sustainer Board included: Mary Beth Bustle, LuAnn Cajoleas, Paula Jonsson, Patsy Pomeroy and Janice Stinemetz. Patsy Pomeroy also served as the Sustainer Representative and was member of the executive council.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The Theme for the 1996/97 League year was "Expanding Horizons ...Embracing Community.
JLMC relocated its Headquarters to the Professional Building in the Summer of 1996 thanks to Bill Grimes.
Jayne Kocher took over as our Office Manager in August 1996.
The Annual Dinner was held at the Bradenton Country Club. The agenda included Committee reports, presentation of New Actives, Presentation of the Provisional Project, New Sustainer Recognition, Special Recognition of our Office Manager (Jayne Kocher), Special Recognition of Daryl Shepherd for her AJLI Leadership Position, and Recognition of the Community Advisory Board. The Presentation of Awards began with a "Hats Off" dance routine to "One Singular Sensation," presented by Executive Council. Awards were presented to all Council Members, Chairmen, Sustainer Board Representatives, and Perfect Attendance recipients. The Done-In-A-Day Award was given to Dottie Turner. The President’s Award’s recipient was Connie Novak and the Spirit of the League Award was presented to Andrea Harmon. The induction of new officers and the passing of the gavel ended the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1997-1998
TRAINING:
President, Laura Seberg and President-Elect, Hope Stephenson attended the AJLI Presidents/President Elect September Conference in Denver, Colorado. They also attended the SPAC conference in Clearwater, Florida in addition to our Public Affairs Committee. Hope Stephenson attended the President-Elect. February training in Washington, DC. The 1998 AJLI Annual Meeting was attended by Deb Bay, Hope Stephenson, Laura Seberg and eleven JLMC delegates.
The Council Training was held in June at the Harley Sand Castle Resort on Lido Key, Sarasota.
Cynthia Humphrey, a professional trainer and also a former President of the Junior League of Sarasota, directed the training. We had 37 League members in attendance.
ODI: JLMC did not participate in ODI training this year so the budget could be reserved for the AJLI Annual Meeting attendance of eleven additional members.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
PAL Children’s Activity Room - The Project refurbished the children’s activity room as a learning/recreational center in the Police Athletic League building. The room is a part of the Crimes Against Children unit of the Children’s Protective Investigation Section of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Reading Partners Programs - The Project started with the distribution of books and school supplies to over 200 children in Bradenton and Palmetto. Over 50 children were enlisted in the Reading Partners Program to improve their reading skills. This project was in coalition with the Educational Consultants Consortium, PAL and Crimestoppers.
Done In A Day - Projects contributed over $26,000 and 500 man hours. This year’s projects included back to school bags with the Salvation Army, a food donation/drive for Meals on Wheels, a Career Closet at Jobs Etc., Coastal Cleanup, Operation Paintbrush, Adopt-A-Family/Guardian Angels Foster Parents Association, Adopt a Family gift wrapping, Christmas goody bags for Women’s Resource Center, Christmas Card Party with Neighborly Day center East, baby baskets for MOMM’s Place, blood drive and bone marrow donor registration at the Manatee Community Blood Center, book drive for various day cares and preschools, Better Manatee Day, Lewis Park playground equipment donation, AIDS council of Manatee pantry restock donation, renovation of the Meals On Wheels Senior Day Care duplex and cleanup at the Palma Sola Botanical Gardens.
TOTS Daycare - Previously know as the Rogers Garden Day Care Center was renamed TOTS and incorporated this year. The project met delays in securing a location for the day care facility. The project continues to move slowly towards our dream of meeting our communities need.
Red Cross Donation - $5,000 special donation to the Red Cross designated for 1998 tornado devastation in Central Florida.
Provisional Projects - Grandma’s Closet, Sneakers for Kids, and Career Speaking.
Projects for 1998/1999 - Done In A Day, Reading Partners Program, TOTS, Inc., Hope Family Services, and Child Watch.
AWARDS:
Marilyn Vreugdenhil received the Spirit of the League Award
Hope Stephenson received the President’s Award
FUNDRAISERS:
We raised over $75,000 with our three fund-raisers. The approximated contributions are Sally Foster (15%), Holiday Gift Market (75%), and Spring Swing (25%). In addition, we solicited over $20,000 in donated goods.
SOCIALS:
We toasted in the new year with a Wine & Cheese Tasting at the September General Meeting. Each General Meeting had a theme: Halloween Trick or Treat, Holiday Cheer, Pizza & Pasta Party, Mardi Gras, Dinner Meeting, Provisional Class Reunion, and Oscar Night.
Our Holiday Gift Market Gala Night offered a festive occasion. In addition, a family picnic was held in February and Moonlight Horse Riding in April.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS;
This year we welcomed 33 new provisional members to membership. They made an outstanding contribution with Grandma’s Closet, Sneakers for Kids, and Career Speaking Community Projects.
SUSTAINERS:
A Sustainer Involvement Taskforce met to discuss potential sustainer interaction. A survey was conducted among Sustainers to determine desired level of activity. We also obtained more detailed information of members since sustaining. A Sustainer was identified to participate on each council in addition to the traditional Sustainer placement on the Executive Board. Several socials were held, including the Annual Holiday Social.
Sustainer Board Members: Linda Braithwaite, Mary Beth Bustle, Paula Jonsson, Susan McSwain, Janice Steinmetz, Cheri Taxdal.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 1997/1998 League year was " To Lead is To Serve". The Office Relocation Taskforce worked extensively with the Bradenton Woman’s Club to form a coalition towards restoration and preservation of their historical building located at 1705 Manatee Avenue West. This is in consideration of a Foundation or Trust to be formed between the two organizations to recognize and preserve the heritage of women’s volunteerism in Manatee County. We would then house our office and general meetings in the building.
The Annual Awards Dinner was held at the River Park Hotel with an JLMC Oscar Night . The agenda included AJLI Annual Conference report, recognition of Daryl Shepherd for AJLI Leadership Position, presentation of Provisional Project and New Actives. Recognized Sustainer Board and Sustainer Members present followed by New Sustaining Members Roast. Presentation of Awards began with Spirit of the League given to Marilyn Vreugdenhil, Done In A Day Awards to Jane Pratt, Laura Seberg, and Jayne Kocher. The President’s Award was given to Hope Stephenson. Acknowledgment of outgoing Chairs, Executive Council, and Office Manager-Jayne Kocher. Entertainment provided by the Exec Family Singers. Introduction of incoming Executive Council. Outgoing Presidents remarks, passing of the gavel and Incoming Presidents remarks.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1998-1999
TRAINING:
President, Hope Stephenson, and President-Elect, Deborah Bay, attended the AJLI Presidents/ President-Elect October 1998 Conference in Beverly Hills, California. Deborah Bay attended the 1999 January President-Elect’s Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, a February Florida President/President-Elect Conference in Miami and a March luncheon with AJLI President, Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker in Ft. Myers. Both President Stephenson and President-Elect Bay attended the 1999 AJLI Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri in April, 1999.
The Council Training and Notebook Exchange Dinner were held in early June 1998 at the Holiday Inn on Lido Beach, Sarasota. The Immediate Past President of Ft. Myers Junior League, Myra Hale, directed the training. Over two dozen members attended.
Sandy Kezar and Laura McKeithen conducted a Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator session for Executive Council and all Chairs in late August at the home of President Hope Stephenson.
We had speakers at the October General Meeting on local educational tax issues.
Sally Leland attended the 1998 November Organizational Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Congressman Dan Miller spoke to the membership at our January General Meeting.
Seven mini-meets with fun, educational topics were presented in lieu of a February General Meeting.
Russ Kitching came to an Executive Board meeting to discuss Parliamentary Procedures and ways to streamline meetings.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Reading Partners Program -The project, in its second and final year, began with a Back-to-School Bash at two youth centers in Bradenton and Palmetto. Books, school supplies and the Manatee County Health Van were available for hundreds of local youths. JLMC also provided incentives for staying in the reading program during the year. This project was in coalition with the Educational Consultants Consortium, PAL and Crimestoppers
Done-In-A-Day - Projects contributed over $20,000 and over 500 woman-hours. The 1998/99 projects included donations to the AIDS Pantry, MOMM’s Place, Daily Bread, Sneakers For Kids, Grandma’s Closet, the Women’s Resource Center, SOLVE, Adopt-A-Family, Salvation Army and Guardian Angels. League members worked with Mote Marine Laboratory to bring the sea to elementary school children. League members volunteered time with the Better Manatee Day, Coastal Clean-up, Easter Seals, Special Olympics, Project Safe Place, and the Breast Cancer Buddy Check community projects. League members also donated blood to the Manatee Community Blood Bank.
Provisional Project - The provisional class of 1998/1999 refurbished exhibits at the South Florida Museum’s Discovery Place.
Childwatch Tour -The first Child Watch Tour was held in April. The focus of the tour was child abuse.
HOPE Shelter Services - JLMC members renovated the offices of the HOPE Shelter Services, in coalition with several local businesses.
TOTS Daycare - We monitored the progress of the TOTS Program and eventually made the decision to withdraw from TOTS for lack of forward momentum within the community involvement.
Community Advisory Board: Two Advisory Board luncheons were held at the Riverpark Hotel to discuss a variety of subjects.
1999/2000 Projects: Done-In-A-Day, Child Watch Tour, Heritage House, Art Reach Junior, Community Grants (research project phase).
AWARDS:
Spirit of the League Award - Robin Thompson
Pressident’s Award - Andrea Harmon
Bradenton Herald’s Readers Choice Award for Best Civic Organization
Organization Development Communications Award - 1998/99 Annual Conference for JLMC Trifold Brochure
FUNDRAISERS:
We raised almost $72,000 to finance the projects, training and administration of the 1999-2000 Junior League fiscal year. This funding came from the combined efforts of three major fundraisers: Sally Foster Gift Wrap, Holiday Gift Market, and the Spring Swing Golf Tournament, and many fantastic Corporate Sponsors, including (but not limited to) a corporate underwriting of our newsletter, Manatee Memos, by the Celebrate 2000 organization. We also received funding from Mulock, Thompson and Greco that enabled us to produce two commercials. One advertised the Holiday Gift Market and the other was a JLMC public image commercial.
SOCIALS:
We started the 1998-99 League year in September with a wine and cheese social held at the Bradenton Women’s Club. The Holiday Gift Market Gala Night was great again this year. The silent auction was a lot of fun. Refreshments were catered by the Twin Dolphins Restaurant. The January General Meeting was held at the Twin Dolphins Restaurant in conjunction with a talk from Congressman Dan Miller. In March, a Family Easter Egg Hunt/Picnic Lunch was enjoyed by many members and their families at the Gamble Plantation.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
Twenty Provisional members completed the provisional course and became Active members at the Annual Meeting in May. Our Provisionals refurbished exhibits at the South Florida Museum’s Discovery Place.
SUSTAINERS:
The Sustainer Representative to the Executive Board was Cheri Taxdal. The Sustainers held several socials, which included two dinners and the High Tea in December. A Past Presidents’ Luncheon was held wherein we discussed what should be included in the JLMC Yearbook as far as each year’s history was concerned.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 1998/1999 JLMC year was "Make It Count." We started the year by cleaning out the JLMC storage unit in Ellenton.
Two of our biggest challenges came in the area of the JLMC headquarters. First, our office manager resigned. A brilliant Task Force, led by Liz Bright, narrowed all applicants down to three and we hired Marie O’Brien in the latter half of February.
We also had to move our offices, which were located in the Professional Building on Manatee Avenue. This information came to us in April of 1999. A Task Force was formed to find a new location over the summer.
The Annual Awards Dinner for "Hope’s Angels" was held at El Conquistador Country Club with a theme of black leather and motorcycles presiding. The Reverand Dr. Robert Spivey, father of the out-going JLMC President, gave the invocation. The Reading Partners Project Choir entertained the membership before dinner. The agenda included recognition to the law firm of Grimes, Goebel, Grimes, Hawkins & Gladfelter, the Community Advisory Board members, Attorney Ed Vogler, and Insurance Agent Corky Taylor. Bill Hawthorne received the First Annual Friend of the League Award for his CPA services. There was a ratification of the budget, presentation of the Provisional project, recognition of new Actives and a new Sustainer Roast. Andrea Harmon received the President’s Award and Robin Thompson received the Spirit of the League Award. Old and new Chairs and Executive Board members were recognized. The gavel was passed from the Outgoing President to the 1999/2000 President, Deborah Bay.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1999-2000
TRAINING:
President Deborah Bay and President-Elect Lisa Johnson attended the AJLI Fall Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in October. We also attended the AJLI Annual Conference in Miami Beach, Florida. Lisa Johnson also attended the President-Elect training in Washington, D.C. in January, 2000.
Board Training was a collaborative effort with The Junior League of Sarasota. It was held in June, 1999 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota. The training was led by the President, Deborah Bay, of the Junior League of Manatee County and by the President, Gloria Koach, of the Junior League of Sarasota. Cindy Kane, who was the 1999-2000 President of the Junior League of South Brevard and a professional trainer, helped with the training. Holly Vanture, who was the 1999-2000 President of the Junior League of Greater Orlando, also helped with the training.
ODI:
Maureen Dye, Annette Larkin, and Bobbie Windham attended ODI training that was held in Boston, Massachusetts in February, 2000. They received much welcomed information regarding JLMC’s future and started a network for sharing ideas with other Junior Leagues across the nation.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Done-In-A-Day - The Done-In-A-Day Committee organized a campaign for "2000 cans for 2000" and collected 2000 non-perishable food items for donation to community food banks. This was done as a cooperative effort with the Junior Leagues across the country to celebrate our direction in the year 2000.
There were also sixteen Done-In-A-Day projects completed this year. One of these included JLMC members who helped to build two Habitat for Humanity homes. This is the first year that we have participated in a Habitat for Humanity project. We helped build one in Bradenton and one in Palmetto.
PROVISIONALS:
We welcomed 18 new Provisionals this year. Together they were able to complete two fine projects. They worked to refurbish the H.O.P.E. Shelter in December, 1999. They also updated the office and living spaces of the S.O.L.V.E. House in the Spring, 2000.
These women worked very cohesively and accomplished much as a collective group. The Provisionals who became Actives were: Tracy Baker, Kathryn Effley, Laura Hahn, Pam Hemmel, Keely Himmel, Kelly Joseph, Georgette Lodwick, Lisa Mackey, Amy Sue Magowan, Angie Marcinko, Cynthia Minick, Vaishalee Patel, Jennifer Sabin, Christy Sandhoff, Amy Schmichel, Diane Sedillo, Lisa Sokos and Lauren Stanell.
1999/2000 PROJECTS;
Art Reach Jr. was a collaborative project with the Art League of Manatee County and Manatee County Nursery School. Another project was Heritage House, which was a collaborative project with Manatee Community College.
The Community Grants Committee concluded its research year. They will begin accepting applications from community organizations to award small community monetary grants. This committee will now be combined with The Community Research Committee.
2000/2001 PROJECTS:
Six projects were approved by our membership for next year. They will include projects in partnership with: Bradenton Housing Authority, Manatee Children’s Services Young Men as Fathers Program, Manatee County Nursery School, Manatee Glens, Palmetto Boys and Girls Club and Rubonia Community Center.
AWARDS:
The Junior League of Manatee County received the Bradenton Herald’s Reader’s Preference Award for the "Best Civic Organization."
Kobee Masiello received "The Spirit of the League Award."
Katherine Buckley received "The President’s Award.
FUNDRAISERS:
We continue our fundraisers: Holiday Gift Market, Sally Foster Gift Wrap, and the Spring Swing Golf Tournament. These three were voted on to continue for the 2000/2001 JLMC year.
SUSTAINERS:
Our Sustainers were very active this year under the leadership of Sustainer Representative, Maria Hussey. The Sustainer Board Members included: Carol Adams, Linda Braithwaite, Barbara Buckle, Susan Clark, Jean Couser, Janet Croll, Sandy Drapala, Patricia Durbeck, Patsy Frye, Polly Gaar, Jo Harrison, Patsy Pomeroy, and Dale Rutkowsky.
Patsy Pomeroy chaired the Holiday Gift Market Sustainer Committee, which was a great success. Polly Gaar hosted the final Sustainer Luncheon at her lovely home in April. Another Sustainer, Jane Wade, allowed us to hold our Placement interviews at her home in April. The women who became Sustainers for the 2000/2001 year have 149 years of service as a group. These new Sustainers include: Laura Baden, Marianne Barnebey, Deborah Bay, Robin Carter, Francine Diemer, Beth Duke, Kris Gause, Kathy Head, Sandy Mackie, Debbie Morrish, Jane Pratt, Mary Anne Spencer, Hope Stephenson, Mindy Swartling and Robin Thompson.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 1999/2000 League year was "The Junior League is Moving On...Influencing the Future!" The Relocation Task Force helped JLMC find a new home to better meet its immediate and future needs. We moved in on August 1, 1999. The new address is 410 Cortez Road, Suite 400, Bradenton, Florida 34207.
The Annual Dinner and Meeting was held at The Bradenton Yacht Club with the theme, "Who Wants to be a Junior Leaguer?" The agenda included: An Executive Council Skit (to the tune of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"); Introduction of our new Actives; A Sustainer Roast for our 15 new Sustainers; Acknowledgment of years of service; Presentation of Awards; Acknowledgment of Outgoing Chairs, and Introduction of Incoming Councils. Presentation of Awards went to: Kobee Masiello for "Spirit of the League," and Katherine Buckley for "President’s Award." Three of our Community Advisory Board members were given the "Friend of the League" Award. The recipients were: Stan Sephens, Maureen Zaremba and Chuck Pratt. We concluded the evening with outgoing President’s remarks, passing the gavel, and incoming President’s remarks. The meeting was concluded at approximately 9:32 P.M.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2000-2001
TRAINING:
President Lisa Johnson and President-Elect Tammy Woodward attended the AJLI Fall Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas in October 2000. Tammy Woodward also attended the AJLI President-Elect Training in Atlanta,Georgia in February 2001. They both also attended the AJLI Annual Conference in New York City in April 2001. It was the Centennial Celebration recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Junior League.
The notebook exchange was held at Tammy Woodward’s home, poolside.
Board Training was again a collaborative effort with the Junior League of Sarasota. It was held in June 2000 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota. The Presidents of both Leagues, Lisa Johnson (JLMC) and Minna Franszek (JLS) led the training. Cindy Kane, who is a professional trainer and the 1999-2000 President of the Junior League of South Brevard, assisted with the training.
Dana Preston attended the SPAC Conference in September. SPAC worked this year to influence state legislators to pass a bill regarding booster seat requirements in automobiles for children from the age of four to eight years.
Five mini-meetings with fun and educational topics were presented in lieu of a January General Meeting. Our October General Meeting was held in coordination with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. Kenneth Wooden, a well-known speaker and the author of "Child Lures," presented the ways which predators lure children. He provided many tips for keeping the family safe.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Family Heritage House: Work was completed on the Family Heritage House in September, which began during the previous year. This project was an African American Heritage Museum that is located at the East Bradenton Head Start. Junior League collaborated with Manatee Community College to organize, set up and implement the relocation of the Museum to a new site on the MCC Campus. The Heritage Museum serves as a historical site and hosts several related exhibits. It is available to the public and is a site for school field trips.
Young Men as Fathers (LEAD Program): This organization was provided with funding and volunteers needed to retain the program. The program serves to counsel and guide young men that have become fathers, or are going to become fathers. It also counsels those who are at high risk of becoming fathers.
Manatee County Nursery School: Monthly parties were held for the children featuring different countries and cultures. The children learned about the countries of their curriculum and the monthly parties brought it all together.
Rubonia Day Care/Manatee Glens/Boys and Girls Club: All three of these projects involved the renovation of existing rooms. At Rubonia Day Care and The Boys and Girls Club, space was renovated to add desks and computer centers where the children could work. At Manatee Glens, the lobby was renovated to permit a designated children’s area which would separate them from the adults.
Done-In-A-Day Projects: As usual, there were many short-term projects throughout the year. These included Grandma’s Closet, Guardian Angels, Adopt-A-Family, Car Seats for Safe Kids, baby boxes for hospitals, Habitat for Humanity,VOA Community Room renovation, Art Reach, Jr., and Sneakers for Kids. We attended the Children’s Summit and the Downtown Grand Reopening.
Provisional Project: The Provisional Class worked hard to renovate, decorate, and provide equipment for the computer lab/training building of the Women’s Resource Center on Manatee Avenue. A grand opening was held in April of 2001.
Grants: Grants in the amounts of up to $500 were issued to local teachers for supplies needed in the classroom.
Projects for 2001/2002: Done-In-A-Day (focusing on the Car Seat Program), PACE Center for Girls Award Luncheon, Grants, Foster Care Family Adoption, and Foster Kids Back to School Parties.
AWARDS:
Carol Masio received the "Spirit of the League" award for her outstanding achievement on HGM Silent Auction.
Annette Larkin received the "President’s Award" for her continued dedication and support.
FUNDRAISERS:
We continue our fundraisers: Sally Foster Gift Wrap, Holiday Gift Market (HGM), and the Spring Swing Golf Tournament. HGM raised over $50,000, which was a huge success! The Silent Auction alone raised over $13,000. We also started a "From the Heart" League Booth, which featured items hand-made by members.
For the 2001/2002 League year, membership has decided to drop the Golf Tournament. In its place, we will be hosting a Fall Social Dance in September, selling tickets, raffling items, and hopefully having fun together and making money as we kick off the year!
SOCIALS:
Socials were held after the General Meetings at various locations such as, The Outback, Boiler Room, TK O’Shae’s, etc. Meetings were usually one hour and a half and the socials usually lasted longer. In December, all three Councils met at Eileen Griffith’s home for a Christmas Party.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
Twenty-three Provisional Members completed the provisional course and became Active Members at the Annual Dinner Meeting in May.
Sandra Dietrich was the Sustainer Representative to the Executive Council. The Sustainers held several socials, which included a fall and spring dinner and the High Tea in December. A Past Presidents Luncheon was held in January at the Bradenton Country Club.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for the 2000/2001 year was "Developing Women to Develop Communities."
Our Headquarters Committee continues to research the feasibility of JLMC owning its own home.
Two Community Advisory Board (CAB) Luncheons were held during the year at the Twin Dolphin Grill. Topies included JLMC community projects, fundraisers, and the community’s perception of The Junior League of Manatee County.
The Annual Dinner Meeting was held at the Twin Dolphin Grill with the "l00th Birthday Party" as its theme. The agenda included the introduction of the new Active members, a Sustainer Roast, presentation of the Provisional project, presentation of the Awards, and recognition of the outgoing Council members and Executive Council members. The gavel was passed from the outgoing president, Lisa Johnson, to the 2001/2002 president, Tammy Woodward.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2001-2002
TRAINING:
President Tammy Woodward and President-Elect Dana Preston attended the Annual Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas in May 2002. Dana Preston also attended the AJLI President-Elect training in Orlando, FL in February 2002.
Board Training was held at Daysprings. Pathfinder, a non-profit organization, helped our future leaders with cooperative skills. The notebook exchange was held after the Board Training.
In September, our guest speaker was Father Dennis Kezar who spoke on having compassion for each other. In October, we were entertained by Robin Thompson, Patsy Pomeroy and Jane Wade who spoke about our history. At our mini-meets, we held a brief meeting where projects and fundraisers were presented. After the meeting, we worked on crafts for the JLMC booth at the Holiday Gift Market in November 2002.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Grants: Grants were provided to the public elementary schools in two different categories totaling $10,000. The first group of grants were awarded on the basis of applications. Teachers applied for grants for specific purposes, such as educational materials to supplement their curriculum. Eleven grants were awarded in varying amounts for a total of $5,000. The second round of grants were based upon a budget amendment voted on by the membership in September. Recent news articles citing budgets for all schools in the county inspired members to dedicate an additional $5,000 to be spent evenly among the twenty-six public elementary schools. These funds could be used for anything from clinic and office supplies to educational materials. Members "adopted" a school and purchased the items as requested.
Back to School Party: In August 2001, JLMC took on a new project, "The Back to School Party." This party was for 300 foster children in Manatee County. The party was given for these foster children (from the age of two to eighteen years) to get them excited about going back to school, and most importantly, JLMC gave each child a new back pack filled with school supplies. This party was a huge success and JLMC is doing the project again in 2002.
PACE Award Luncheon: In April 2002, Junior League of Manatee County sponsored the first annual "She’s Setting the PACE Award Luncheon." The luncheon benefited the PACE Center for Girls of Manatee County, a nationally recognized program which provides alternative schooling for at-risk girls. The award luncheon recognized three women in the community who had each overcome a significant obstacle to success. The luncheon also recognized a former PACE Center student who, after her time at PACE, went on to achieve personal and professional success. The community was invited to attend the luncheon and the fifty PACE Center students were guests at the luncheon. Each honoree spoke to the luncheon attendees and shared her experiences and particular strategies for coping with adversity. The luncheon sold out and was such a hit that JLMC will be holding it again next spring.
Foster Home Adoption: A local foster home was adopted by Junior League to provide them with support and supplies for their home. The outside was renovated to provide a safe and fun play area. The inside had minor remodeling work and was stocked with toys and linens.
Done-In-A-Day Projects: As usual, there were many short-term projects throughout the year. These included the Children’s Summit, Car Seat Safety for Safe Kids, May fest at Palma Sola Botanical Park, and Grandma’s Closet.
Provisional Project: The Provisional Class worked hard to renovate, decorate, and provide equipment for Manatee County’s Runaway Shelter. A grand opening was held in April 2002.
Projects for 2002/2003: Done-In-A-Day, PACE Center for Girls Award Luncheon, Grants, S.O.L.V.E. House, and Foster Kids Back to School Parties.
AWARDS:
Maureen Dye received the "Spirit of the League" award for her outstanding commitment to Junior League. Maureen has given Junior League seventeen years of her time and energy.
The Executive Council was awarded the "President’s Award" for their hard efforts and all of the support they have shown to Junior League. It was a great year because of this group of ladies.
FUNDRAISERS:
We continue our fundraisers, Sally Foster Gift Wrap and Holiday Gift Market. We made over $40,000 at the market. The Silent Auction alone raised over $11,000. We continued our "From the Heart" League Booth, which featured items hand-made by members. Our newest fundraiser was Fall Fling, which was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Angus Graham. Fall Fling made approximately $7,000 and was a wonderful social gathering for League members and guests. Community Partners raised $14,500 in cash donations and $43,376 of in-kind donations. We continue to promote this very successful endeavor.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
Seventeen Provisional Members completed the provisional course and became Active Members at the Annual Dinner Meeting in May.
SUSTAINERS:
Our Sustainers were very active this year under the leadership of Sustainer Representative Robin Thompson. Robin worked with many sustainers in preparing our Annual Fall Dinner, which was held at the Bradenton Country Club. Also, we celebrated Christmas with a Tea at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Griffith.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The theme for 2001/2002 year was "Working Together to Remain a S.T.A.R. Team."
Our Headquarters Committee continues to research the feasibility of JLMC owning its own home.
A Fall Breakfast was held at League Headquarters to get reacquainted with our Community Advisory Board. A CAB luncheon was held in the Spring at the Twin Dolphin Grill. Topics included JLMC community projects, fundraisers, and the community’s perception of The Junior League of Manatee County.
The Annual Dinner Meeting was held at the Twin Dolphin Grill. The agenda included: The introduction of the new Active members, a Sustainer Roast, presentation of the Provisional project, presentation of the Awards, and recognition of the out-going Council members and the Executive Council members. The gavel was passed from the outgoing president, Tammy Woodward to the 2002/2003 president, Dana Preston.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR YEAR 2002-2003
TRAINING:
President Dana Preston and President-Elect Karen Miller attended the Fall Leadership Conference in Los Angeles, CA in Oct 2002. Karen Miller attended the AJLI President-Elect training in Houston, TX in January 2003. Karen Miller and Cyndi Dunn attended Annual Conference in Nashville, TN in May 2003.
Board Training was held at home of Dana Preston. Laura Seberg profiled all chairmen and helped our future leaders with cooperative skills. The notebook exchange was held during lunch after the Board Training.
Lynne Callahan came to speak at our September General Membership Meeting about the may hats she is wearing: Sustainer Representative, Chair of HGM Silent Auction and as advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness. In October, our guest speaker was Michael Wood from the Manatee County Planning Department, who spoke about a citizen-based visioning process for Manatee County, called Imagine Manatee. In November, Mary Beth Ditmar from the Ronald McDonald House and Linda Agresta from the Manatee County School Board ESOL Program came to speak about potential future projects. In January, we held mini-meeting at several local businesses and members’ homes. In March, Michelle McCarthy spoke about the Manatee High School’s upcoming “Challenge Days”, needing adult facilitators to work with groups of teenagers for resolving conflict. In April, Janet Vogle from the American Cancer Society came to speak about the Relay For Life fundraiser.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Grants: Sixty-nine teachers applied for grants for specific purposes, such as educational materials to supplement their curriculum. Twenty-nine grants were awarded in varying amounts for a total of $10,000.
Back to School Party: In August 2002, JLMC held their “The Back to School Party” at West Bradenton Baptist Church Gymnasium. This party was for 130 foster children in Manatee County. Each child received a new back pack filled with school supplies purchased by JLMC. Some supplies were donated by Manatee Religious Services and JP Morgan. The project continues to be a huge success and JLMC is doing the project again in 2003/2004.
PACE Award Luncheon: In April 2003, Junior League of Manatee County held the second annual “She’s Setting the PACE Award Luncheon.” The luncheon benefited the PACE Center for Girls of Manatee County, a nationally recognized program that provides alternative schooling for at-risk girls. The award luncheon recognized two women in the community who had each overcome a significant obstacle to success. The luncheon also recognized a former PACE Center student who, after her time at PACE, went on to achieve personal and professional success. The community was invited to attend the luncheon and the fifty PACE Center students were guests at the luncheon. Each honoree spoke to the luncheon attendees and shared her experiences and particular strategies for coping with adversity. A third annual luncheon will be held as a project for the 2003/2004 year.
Solve House: A committee worked with the Solve House, supplying all the furnishings for their new building to house pregnant women in crisis. All furnishings have been collected by JLMC and stored by Solve, Inc. until the building is complete. A small committee will work with Solve in the 2003/2004 year to complete the transition of furniture and supplies to the new building.
Done-In-A-Day Projects: We continue to have success with our Done In a Day projects. We have teamed up with the Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Women’s Action Committee to deliver shoes to needy elementary students, Pace Center to have a pizza party and provide gift baskets to the girls, and Keep Manatee Beautiful for Coastal Clean-Up. We also provided
a volunteer booth for Children’s Summit, meals to the Ronald McDonald Houses and gifts for migrant children during Christmas. This Spring, We also teamed up with Safe Kids for a car seat check-up, bought and wrapped baby items for MOMM’s Place and donated food to Our Daily Bread.
Provisional Project: The Provisional Class worked hard to renovate, decorate, and provide a warm atmosphere for the Salvation Army’s Women and Children’s Homeless Shelter. An open house was held in May 2003.
Projects for 2003/2004: Done-In-A-Day, PACE Center for Girls Award Luncheon, Grants, S.O.L.V.E. House, Foster Kids Back to School Parties and Renovations of a Girls Group Home owned by the Manatee Children’s Services.
AWARDS:
Darcy Tippet–Leahy received the “Spirit of the League Award” for her outstanding commitment to the Junior League. She was always ready to help this year and even stepped up to Co-chair HGM along with chairing Sally Foster.
Deb Bell was awarded the “President’s Award” for her tremendous commitment to the implementation of the New Logo and PR Campaign. Her professional work ethic and true talents are invaluable to Junior League.
FUNDRAISERS:
Our membership has had a busy fall season of fundraising. Last year we voted to continue our three same fundraisers: Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale, Fall Fling Social, and Holiday Gift Market. Although we did not set any record sales, we met our goals. We are excited that the Junior League of Manatee County will maintain and possibly increase our total dollars into the community for the 2003-2004 year. This success is greatly due to the tremendous amount of support from our Community Partners. We are very thankful for the abundant sponsorships, especially during an uncertain economic time. The donations of money, time, and supplies are truly remarkable.
We continued our same fundraisers, Sally Foster Gift Wrap, Fall Fling and Holiday Gift Market for the 2003/2004 year. We voted in several financial obligation packages to give our membership more flexibility with our fundraising.
We met our goal for HGM, $37,000. The Silent Auction, headed up by our Sustainers, alone raised over $7000. We continued our “From the Heart” League Booth, which featured items hand-made by members. Fall Fling “Beach Ball” was held at the beach of the Sandbar Restaurant. Fall Fling made around $10,000 and was a wonderful social gathering for League members and guests. Community Partners raised $17,000 in cash donations and in-kind donations.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
Twenty-five Provisional Members completed the provisional course and became Active Members.
SUSTAINERS:
Our Sustainers were very active this year under the leadership of Sustainer Representative Lynne Callahan. Our Annual Fall Dinner was held at the Bradenton Country Club. Also, we celebrated Christmas with an Open House at the home of Lynne Callahan. A Spring Dinner was held at the French Café.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The 2002/2003 year began with the adoption of a new logo and PR program created by AJLI. We began to share an identity with AJLI and other leagues. It took all year for Debbie Bell, Communication chair, to implement the new logo into all operations of JLMC. We began to plan for the future by implementing a communication plan for JLMC’s future. We will have an operating website for the 2003/2004 year. The theme for 2002/2003 year was “Mission Possible”. The members were educated about the shared mission statement of JLMC and AJLI.
Our Headquarters Committee began the silent phase of a capitol campaign program. The committee also continues to research the size and location of a future home.
We also reintroduced the many flexible Membership options JLMC has to offer as a member. There are personal leaves and meeting attendance options for request to the Placement committee.
The Annual Dinner Meeting was held at the Bradenton Country Club. The agenda included: The introduction of the new Active members, a Sustainer Roast, presentation of the Provisional project, presentation of the Awards, and recognition of the out-going Council members and the Executive Council members. Our new Website was introduced. The gavel was passed from the outgoing president, Dana Preston to the 2003/2004 President, Karen Miller.
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President Karen Miller and President-Elect Cyndi Dunn attended the AJLI Fall Conference in Seattle, Washington in October 2003. Karen Miller, Cyndi Dunn and incoming President-Elect Darcy Leahy attended the AJLI Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois in April 2004.
An all-day board/council training workshop was held in the banquet facilities at the Twin Dolphin Restaurant on May 17, 2003. Marion Scroge, our AJLI liaison from New York, led the training session on team building. Karen Miller facilitated the second half of the day with notebook review.
The ODI conference was held in Tampa in February 2004. Attendees were Lisa Sampson, Darcy Leahy, Rose deClaire, Carmen Leavitt, Robin Bishop and Suzanne Ward. After a wonderful and informative three days, these ladies were excited to look to the future of JLMC.
Karen Miller initiated a new tradition during General Meetings of having each speaker share a “Did You Know” fact about her committee or project with the rest of the membership. This was intended to promote greater understanding of people’s roles within League and generate interest in potential future placements.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Back To School Backpacks: Backpacks stuffed with school supplies were presented to 120 foster children at a “Back To School” pizza party held August 2nd in the gymnasium at West Bradenton Baptist Church. The children also received gift cards from an office supply store in January to replenish their school supplies.
Teacher Grants: Junior League distributed $10,000 in the form of 30 teacher grants to local elementary schools. More than 7,800 students benefited from projects funded by these grants. The committee received 76 grant applications.
She’s Setting The Pace Award Luncheon: The third annual She’s Setting The Pace Award Luncheon was held April 30th at Bradenton Country Club with nearly 200 people in attendance. The program recognized three outstanding women in our community and benefited the PACE Center For Girls. Tickets were $25 per person. League members created gift baskets to give to each PACE girl who attended the event. Several weeks after the luncheon, committee members presented PACE with a gift of $250 worth of books and a check for $3235.
SOLVE House: Junior League furnished and decorated 10 bedrooms in the newly built addition to SOLVE House. A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Wayne Poston and Representative Bill Galvano was held in March.
MCS Group Home: The committee renovated a boys’ group home for foster children for Manatee Children’s Services, adding a pool table, refrigerator, microwave and new carpeting, amongst other things. The committee hosted an Open House in April.
Done-In-A-Day/Night: Projects included collecting khaki pants and gift basket items and hosting a pizza party for PACE, adopting 100 migrant students for Christmas, collecting boxes of Valentines for schools, collecting and stuffing baskets of baby supplies for MOMM’s Place, participating in a car seat safety drive, collecting meal kits for Our Daily Bread, and preparing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House at All Children’s Hospital. We also teamed up with the Women’s Action Committee in October to purchase and sort 204 pairs of new sneakers and socks that were distributed at 11 local schools.
Provisional Project: The Provisional Class renovated a home belonging to Manatee County’s foster children program. They landscaped and beautified the yard, painted and created a beautiful lanai, and added a new hot water heater, gas grill and patio furniture. The class hosted an Open House and cookout in April to celebrate their achievements.
Projects approved for the 2004/2005 league year include: Teacher Grants, Done-In-A-Day/Night, Back To School Backpacks, Provisional Project, PACE and Habitat For Humanity.
Awards:
Spirit of the League Award: Bobbie Windham received this vote, by popular vote of the membership, for her endless enthusiasm and remarkable dedication to all things Junior League.
President’s Award: Karen Miller chose Annette Larkin to receive this award in recognition of her special thoughtfulness and willingness to tackle tough projects with a smile.
Special Recognition: A special “thank you” was given to office manager Marie O’Brien in recognition of her support and hard work on behalf of Junior League.
FUNDRAISERS:
We had a busy and productive year. We began our fundraising efforts early with Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales in August, due at the first General Meeting. This project netted $6,289. The member obligation for this fundraiser was increased for next year to $50 per person. Our next event, the second annual Fall Fling, was held October 18th at the Sandbar Restaurant and included a wonderful buffet, raffle and live reggae music. Our proceeds were $7,780, thanks to the hard work of our members and community partners. This event will be moved to spring for the following year to allow more planning time and spread out the burden of financial obligations. Last but not least, the 19th annual Holiday Gift Market was a great success, bringing in $67,454. We enjoyed the benefits of a hard-working HGM committee and tremendously generous community partners. Community Partners generated an estimated $17,500 in cash and $148,000 in-kind donations, which greatly enhanced our ability to accomplish our goals and objectives.
This year saw the kick-off of our Headquarters Campaign to raise money for our permanent home. The committee hosted a series of informational meetings and produced a brochure to increase awareness. Pledges for the year totaled $48,425 including a $25,000 donation from Junior League of Manatee County.
ADMISSIONS/PROVISIONALS:
Nineteen Provisional Members completed the provisional course and became Active Members at the March General Meeting so they could vote on next year’s projects. At their holiday party, they adopted and wrapped presents for three migrant children instead of conducting a gift exchange.
SOCIALS:
Each General Meeting was preceded by a social hour, beginning at 6:15.
The Provisional Mixer was held at the home of Andrea Harmon on May 20, 2003.
A holiday party/meeting was held for all council chairs and Executive Board members at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Lee Harmon.
We celebrated the 25th anniversary of JLMC as a service organization at the January General Meeting at the Twin Dolphin. We were entertained by remarks from past presidents and a computer-generated video presentation of our history.
Other fun social events included: a football party held at the home of Andrea Harmon for all those Bucs fans; a nighttime horseback riding outing, complete with bonfire; and various after-meeting socials at Sweetberries, Applebee’s, Atlanta Bread Company, Outback Steakhouse, and Java & Jive.
SUSTAINERS:
The Sustainer Representative to the Executive Board was Deborah Bay. Sustainers held three socials: the Fall Social (dinner) was held at Bradenton Country Club, the Christmas Tea was held at Andrea Harmon’s home, and the Spring Dinner was held at the Bradenton Country Club in April.
A Past President’s Luncheon was held at Bradenton Country Club in February to provide a review of the year to date. Katherine Buckley, chair of the Headquarters Campaign, came to speak on that topic.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
This year’s theme was “25 Years of Service.” We began the year with a new website (www.JLMC.info). The new Executive Board gathered for the first time on May 7th.
Two Community Advisory Council (CAC) luncheons were held at Bradenton Country Club. Topics of discussion included our community projects and the headquarters campaign.
Members received all-new yearbooks this year, including new notebooks donated by Bradenton Herald. Future updates will be added as needed. We continued the tradition of printing a membership photo directory and added a new listing – a preferred business directory that lists members/spouses and their respective businesses or employers. This was done to encourage members to patronize and support each other professionally.
Placement interviews were held in the library at Christ Episcopal before the April General Meeting.
The age cap restriction was lifted for future Provisionals, thus following a growing trend throughout AJLI and opening our League to many potential new members of any age.
The Communications Committee used grant money and leftover advertising funds to purchase a new laptop computer, printer and software that will be used to produce future issues of Manatee Memos. Printing and mailing costs for the year were underwritten by Bradenton Herald.
We branded our new logo and increased our recognition in the community with the addition of new baseball hats, t-shirts, tote bags and coozie cups.
We partnered with the Herald-Tribune to produce a 32-page special section for Holiday Gift Market publicity that greatly aided in increasing attendance at our event.
The Annual Dinner was held May 11 at Twin Dolphin Marina Grill. Attended by over 100 guests, the evening included complimentary tropical drinks and appetizers as well as live steel drum music and special gifts. Agenda highlights included: the introduction of new Active members, a traditional Sustainer salute, presentation of awards, recognition of committee members and chairs, introduction of new Executive Council officers, a special DVD presentation from AJLI, and highlights om all community projects. The gavel was passed from outgoing president Karen Miller to the 2004/05 president Cyndi Dunn.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2004-2005
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HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2005-2006
TRAINING:
President Darcy Tippett Leahy and President-Elect Betsy Pennewill attended the Fall leadership conference in Cincinnati, Ohio in October 2005 and the Annual Leadership Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in May 2002. Jennifer Grondahl, Mimi Sheffer, Jennifer Peeples and Melanie Teves Bell attended the ODI Conference in Atlanta in February.
Board Training was held on Anna Maria Island. The executive council spent the Friday night at the beach in the condo to discuss the plans for the year ahead. Cindy Dunn, Bobbie Windham, and Andrea Harmon were the facilitators of the day focusing on getting ABack to the Basics@ which was the theme of the year. The theme of the training was ABasic Training@ with a military flare throughout the year. The notebook exchange was held after the Board Training.
This year we focused on membership satisfaction and getting our membership to a place where members were not double placing. We upsized the numbers on our committees but downsized the overall amount of committees so that members would have a chance to get to know one another better and most of the one and two man committees were eliminated. We gave out Adog tags@ as gifts to the different committees for a job well done and for those who went above and beyond, they received AReisen@ candy bars because they were the reason that job was a success or ALifesavers@ because they came through in a pinch or M=Azing candy bars because they were simply amazing!
We began to sit in tables of 10 whenever possible and chose not to have a February meeting because of Valentine=s Day. We moved up many of our finance and voting deadlines so that we could begin to focus on notebook exchanges and training at the March and April meetings.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:
Grants:
Teacher Grants were open to elementary school teachers this year. The application packets were distributed to principals in August and returned to Nancy Kienzel at the school board by October. She then forwarded the 26 approved applications to the committee who made the final decisions. $14,172.86 in grants was awarded to the winners of the grants for specific purposes such as educational materials, which would help to supplement their curriculum.