Parishscope Summer 2014

j l sb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope 1

A PUBLICATION OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, INC. | SUmmER 2014

jlsb.org

PARISHSCOPE

2 j l sb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope

8535 Business Park DriveShreveport, LA 71105 318.797.2929 • sidpotts.com Follow Us

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8535 Business Park DriveShreveport, LA 71105 318.797.2929 • sidpotts.com Follow Us

Private Appointments Available

Be Original.Come in and play.

...with Fancy Yellow Diamonds.SPARKLE SHIMMER SHINE

Table of Contents4-5 Letter from the President

6-11 2014-2015 Incoming Board

13 Letter from the Sustainer Advisor

14-15 Sustainer of the Year: Julia Blewer

16-17 2014-2015 New Sustainers

18 Provisional Year in Review

20-21 JL Market—Shopping for a Cause

22 What Makes You LOL (Love Our League)?

24 Project Research and Development

25 Easter Egg Hunt

27 Safe Sitter Update

28 Done in a Day: Girls on the Run

/ Cinderella Project

30-31 Memorable Moments

32 Kids in the Kitchen

33 Looking Back...

34 Kitchen Tour

2013-2014 Parishscope Staff

EditorKelly Phelan Powell

Assistant Editormargaret mcDonald

Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee

Presidentmelanie Peacock

President-ElectElba Hamilton

SecretaryLila Knicely

TreasurerEmily Rice

Community VPDiane Libro

Membership VPmolly mcInnis

Communications VPEmily Nickelson

Ways and Means VPSusie Stinson

Nominating ChairmanKatie Baker

PR&D ChairmanHeather Fulco

Board Members

Placement ChairmanKatie Loomis

Assistant TreasurerTiffany Paine

Sustainer AdvisorGinger Lukacs

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The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. The Associa-tion of Junior Leagues International, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving com-munities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

While I’m so happy that we’re wrapping up another tremendously successful League year, I admit I am a little sad to end my tenure as Parishscope Editor. This position has been a terrific way to learn more about the many functions of the Junior League, and I’ve got-ten to know and work with dozens of my fellow members. It has truly been a privilege! The Summer issue is definitely my favorite. In it, we welcome our 2014-15 President, Elba Hamilton, along with the new Board members. We also bid farewell to this year’s President, Melanie Peacock, as she leaves us with some final words of wisdom, and we wish our new sustainers all the best as they begin to enjoy a little well-earned free time! Have a great summer, everyone, and I’ll see you this fall!

By Kelly Phelan Powell

Editor’s Note

Find us onCover photo by Daniel Strickland Photography


from the PresidentLetter

By Melanie Peacock

Building Better Communities—Inside & Out was the title of the first article I wrote last May as the incoming President of the Junior League of Shreve-port-Bossier. It is hard to believe that a year has now passed, but I do believe our communities are indeed better because of the work of the Junior League. Furthermore, the individual members of the Junior League are better equipped to serve our community due to the training and educational opportunities provided by the Junior League. Collectively, we have made a positive impact through our community projects created and staffed by the Community Council. These meaningful programs have been researched, well-planned, and efficiently executed so that they meet the needs of women and children at risk in our community. These service-oriented projects include Health Literacy Initiative, Super Safety Saturday, Kids in the Kitchen, University Health Bingo, Artist for a Day, Done in a Day, Between the Lines, Domestic Violence Educa-tion, and our newest project, Safe Sitter. Although our mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve com-munities, our community impact is greatly influenced by our ability to raise funds to support our programs. The Community Council members are the hands and feet that physically do the project work that touches lives in our community, while the Ways & Means Council members work to fund those efforts. This year was an extremely successful fund-raising year. Pepsi sales at the Revel exceeded budget despite two rainy weekends. Cookbook sales have been impressive due to the creativity and marketing efforts of the Cook-book Committee. Our 13th annual Junior League Market: Shopping for a Cause was “Lucky 13” indeed as the Market Committee introduced many new unique features to the event that afforded opportuni-

ties for increased revenues. Our “Glow in the Dark” 5K run was a tremendous success as we hosted an innovative evening run appealing to families as well as seasoned runners. Finally, we challenged member-ship and community partners to support the League through the first annual Give for Good Day, resulting in additional funding for the programs of the Junior League. Financially, we are a strong, well-managed organization and are appreciative beyond measure to our supporters. The Communications Council is also vitally im-portant to the success of the Junior League in achiev-ing our mission. They are busy writing press releases, producing our yearbook, providing training and education opportunities, publicizing events, updating Facebook, preserving historical records, research-ing technology for our headquarters, and producing Parishscope quarterly and League Links bi-monthly. The Communications Council has done a wonderful job coupling our fundraising efforts with our mission, making our presence and impact in the community the focus of our fundraisers. The Membership Council has also been hard at work educating our Provisionals, constantly commu-nicating with members regarding their experiences within the League, recognizing members for their achievements inside and outside the JLSB, keeping sustainers engaged and active, making sure our meet-ings and events are inviting and well-planned, and thoughtfully placing members in their volunteer roles within the League. Membership’s challenge at the beginning of the year was to ensure that our members feel engaged, necessary, and appreciated, and I ap-plaud them for being so successful in these efforts. In my first article last May, I challenged member-ship to: • Take advantage of all the educational opportunities


3

the League has to offer• Consider self-submitting for a leadership position• Embrace your current placement as an opportunity

for growth, no matter how big or small a job it may appear to be

• Think about why you became a member of the Junior League in the first place

My guess is that if you were looking only for volunteer work, there are countless other organiza-tions that offer that opportunity. If you are like me, you became a member of this organization not only to volunteer but also to connect and form friendships with other like-minded women, to receive training of-fered by the Junior League, and because you are proud of the legacy we leave behind with each passing year. I know I am a better person having served in the Junior League, and I am so honored to have had the oppor-tunity to work with such an amazing group of women. We have shared much together this year, and you have given me countless fond memories to treasure.

I am eternally grateful to those who had the confi-dence in me to mentor me, sharpen me, and ask me to serve in this capacity. I have witnessed great leader-ship, character, humility, integrity, faith, and intel-ligence in our members this year, and I have learned so much from this experience. I have laughed until I cried and cried until I laughed. Thank you to the Board of Directors who have been the best encour-agers anyone could hope to have – you have made my life full this year – and to all of the exceptional women who devote themselves to the Junior League. Serving as the President of the JLSB has been hum-bling, overwhelming, and one of the greatest honors I have ever been given. I owe the membership of this organization more than I could ever repay. With sincerest thanks,

Melanie Peacock, President

1. Annual Conference 2012: The JLSB was recognized for 80 years of service.

2. Annual Conference 2013 Delegates3. Opening ceremony at 2013 Annual Conference:

The Leagues form a procession in order of the year of their establishment—such an honor to represent the JLSB.

4. 2013-14 Board of Directors: I am eternally grateful to each of you for your friendship and tireless work this year.

5. My greatest source of encouragement and support. Thank you, Barrow, Russell, William, and Henry, for sharing me with the JLSB (and enduring many nights of take-out and “dates” with “Junior”)!

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45


It has been 10 years since I moved to the Shreveport-Bossier area and decided to join the Junior League of Shreve-port-Bossier. While I did not know exactly what my role was going to be, I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization of women that played an active part in the advancement of our local community. As I reflect over the last 10 years, I am appreciative of the work the Junior League does in the community and also the impact it makes on the lives of our members. Soon after joining the Junior League, I realized that this organization was committed to its mission. In a world of constant change, the Junior League’s adherence to its mis-sion, “JLSB is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers,” is vital to its determination to continue to make a difference. As we plan and prepare for a new League year, we will continue to move our mission forward by consistently finding new avenues to enhance our community and influ-ence the lives of our members.

Promoting Voluntarism“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

While our country was founded on the principle of voluntarism, the principle of devoting our free time for the welfare of others without the benefit of a reward is not as enticing as it used to be. The Junior League, however, takes great pride in promoting voluntarism. While we understand that over the last decade things have changed so that most of our members now have full-time jobs, we are still committed to meeting our members where they are and providing them with meaningful volunteer opportunities that fit their busy schedules and our mission. We all have placements within the League that require us to work either in the community or in League. My hope is that you will work in your placement with passion, knowing that no placement is insignificant and that all members are extremely valuable. We always remain grateful and humbled by all of the women that extend themselves for one another

and the community. We must continue to set the example, not only for our fellow members, but also for our families and the ever-watchful eyes of the Shreveport-Bossier community. There is no better way to promote voluntarism than by being passionate about what you do. Developing the Potential of Women Developing the potential of League members to be effective community volunteer leaders is at the core of our mission. We know from experience that strong leaders make strong communities. By investing in training our members to be effective collaborators, poised negotiators, and committed volunteers, we equip them to go out and serve our commu-nity. We will continue to focus on training about local issues and also national issues that could have a significant impact in our community. The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) has several initiatives that are being embraced by Junior Leagues around the nation: issue-based community impact and new membership and governance models. You will learn more about them this year, as we will be introducing the con-cepts to our members. Issue-based community impact relates to how Leagues are narrowing their focus of influence, and instead of being involved in multiple community issues, they are concentrating their efforts into one or just a select few is-sues in an effort to have greater influence in the community. New membership and governance models relate to how we conduct business inside the organization and the way we are structured. Leagues around the country are re-structuring toward having a Governance Board and a Management Board instead of just one board that attempts to handle governance and management at the same time. This is some-thing that will take time to implement, but we will begin this year by educating our members on the difference and the benefits of moving in that direction.

Improving Communities“A body is made up of many parts, and each one of them has its own use. That is how it is with us. There are many of us, but we are each part of the body under God, as well as part of one another.” – Paul of Tarsus

MovingMaking an Impact by

By Elba Hamilton, Incoming President

“Educate a boy, and you educate an individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community.” ~ Adelaide Hoodless

Mission ForwardOur

Board2014-2015


As we begin a new League year, my hope is that you will remember how caring members first made an impact on me when I joined the League. Bonds made in those early years with fellow members are one of the main reasons why I love the Junior League as much as I do, and they also fostered a love for a community that I did not even know much about when I first moved here. Just as those first members made me feel welcomed, we can extend ourselves and positively affect a new transfer or Provisional member this year. The more we develop these community ties among us, the more attractive we will be to those outside the League. This year we will introduce a new project, the Girls/Women Institute. It is my hope that this project, dedicated to train girls in different aspects of life, will significantly impact the lives of many girls in our community. We will also be working at a local elementary school through Meeting with a Mission. Any and all of the items collected at our general meetings will be going to Westwood Elementary School in Shreveport. As we partner with this local elementary school, what a great opportunity to improve the live of our young kids, teachers, and community! I hope you are as excited for the new year as I am and really hope that you will join me this year in making a posi-tive impact not only in our community, but also in the lives of our members. Whether you are a Sustainer, an Active, or a Provisional, we can all make a difference in someone’s life.

Elba Hamilton, Incoming President

President Elba Hamilton with Incoming President-Elect Lila Knicely and Incoming

Sustainer Advisor Toni Thompson

Elba and family


Heidi York Gerkin Communications Vice PresidentFamily: Husband, Ben; children, Lily (6) and Tommy (4).Career/Occupation: After working for 15 years as a news anchor and reporter, I turned my creative passion into a second career! I am now the owner of a sewing and embroidery business which I run out of my home. Fun Fact: Christmas cards are my thing! I start planning my annual Christmas card at least six months in advance. First Active Year: 2008What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I want to build on everything that Emily Nickelson worked so hard to improve within the Communications Council during her year as Vice-President. I especially want to grow our social media reach and help our League use social media more effectively.What keeps you motivated to stay so active in

the League?: There are so many reasons why I stay active in our League. I love seeing all the good we do in our community, and I love working with like-minded women. I’ve met some of my best friends in the League!What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: I’ve learned how to delegate! I tend to take on big jobs and try to do all the work myself. During my time in the League, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and seen how much can be accomplished when volunteers work together to get a job done!Why did you decide to join the League?: Hon-estly, because I love Junior League cookbooks! I really wanted to be a member of “that group” with the awesome cookbooks. Now I know that Junior League is so much more than cookbooks!Message to Elba: I’m honored to serve on the board under your leadership. You are a tremendous asset to our League, and I know you will make a last-ing impact during your year as president.

Christine Fortson Placement ChairmanFamily: Husband, Stephen; daughter, Lainey (6) and son, Owen (3)Career/Occupation: Business Assistant to mark Sealy, president of Sealy and Company (commercial real estate)Fun Fact: I have a degree in English and French. One summer in college, I had the good fortune of taking French classes in Paris for a month. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was there that I discovered my love for cooking. I like to cook and hope that one day my children will learn to ap-preciate my cooking!First Active Year: 2006-07What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: As Placement Chairman, it is my job to put our members in spots that will not only fulfill the League’s needs for the upcoming year, but also provide each member with a placement that gives

them a sense of accomplishment. What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: The League is an incredible group of women who all bring unique perspectives to proj-ects. I love the different personalities and friendships that are made because of common experiences that we share.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: Having a positive attitude will move mountains.Why did you decide to join the League?: It was a great way to meet people. I moved back to Shreve-port in 2003, and it was a different place from the town I left when I went to college. I got married, joined the League, and settled into making myself a part of the community of my hometown. Message to Elba: Elba, you will make a fantastic president, and I am so glad to be a part of the Board with you this year. You always have such a positive attitude and make everything seem so effortless.

Melissa Flores Project Research and DevelopmentFamily: Husband, Bud; Sons, Roy (5) and Jud (almost 2)Career/Occupation: Partner at Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & RobertsFirst Active Year: 2008What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to help develop the Girls/Women Institute into a meaningful project that will truly make a difference in the lives of the young girls with whom we

will be working.What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: making a difference in the community.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: How to work with people that I do not know. Why did you decide to join the League?: To volun-teer and meet people. Message to Elba: I am looking forward to working with you, and I know you will be a great president!

Board2014-2015


Lila Knicely President-ElectFamily: Husband, Jeremy; children, Anne Elizabeth (5) and Christian (2 ½) Career/Occupation: I have two jobs right now. I am an attorney and work for our very small, family-owned oil and gas company. This past year, I also began working as a realtor with Coldwell Banker Gosslee, which I love! Fun Fact: my guilty pleasure is what some people might call trash TV—I love The Bachelor, almost any Real Housewives franchise, and any show on ABC Family or The CW that would appeal to a 14-year-old girl!First Active Year: 2005What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: This year, I am really focused on learning and training to form a foundation for my time as President. I also hope to support and help Elba as

much as possible.What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: The other women I have served with on the Board. Their enthusiasm is contagious! What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: my time on the JLSB Board has taught me that to effectively lead our League, we must be servant leaders! Why did you decide to join the League?: I was excited to find an opportunity to volunteer my time with such a variety of projects while also meeting so many new people and building new friendships. Message to Elba: I have been so fortunate to work alongside you in so many placements throughout our time in the League. I have seen firsthand the countless reasons the League will be so lucky to have you lead us over the next year. I am truly honored to serve on your Board and to learn from you along the way.

Molly McInnis SecretaryFamily: Husband, Kyle; children, malloy (7) and twins Gardner and maisey (3) Career/Occupation: CPA, work part-time at East Ridge Country Club Fun Fact: I was on the golf team in high school.First Active Year: 2005What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to brush up on my knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure.What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: I love serving on the Board with women for whom I have so much respect. Elba Hamilton, Lila Knicely, and I were in the same Pro-visional class. I am so proud of them and impressed with their ability to juggle work, family, and leader-ship positions in the Junior League.

What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: The Junior League has taught me how to be a part of a team that makes things hap-pen. When volunteering at my daughter’s school or in other community organizations, I always breathe a sigh of relief when I find myself on a committee with other JLSB members. I know that they have the training and dedication to make sure we accomplish whatever we set out to do.Why did you decide to join the League?: During my first year in Shreveport, I met Jodie McJunkins, and she encouraged me to join the League. It was one of the best decisions I could have made. I have met some wonderful women over the years and learned so much about our community and its needs. Message to Elba: Elba, I am so excited to serve on the Board with you this year! I know you have some exciting new ideas, and I am looking forward to helping you implement them.

Kendra Meiki Community Vice-PresidentFamily: Husband, Gabe; children, Jordan Grace (10) and Christian Gabriel (9)Career/Occupation: Owner/Director of Shreve-port Dance Academy and Artistic Director of the Shreveport metropolitan BalletFun Fact: I love cake, especially birthday cake!First Active Year: 2010-11What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to bring my organizational and leadership skills to the table and to continue promot-ing our wonderful community projects that involve so many community organizations.

What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: I love giving back to the community. I am so blessed and love contributing time and talents.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: Junior League has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and help develop my leadership skills.Why did you decide to join the League?: I joined the League to continue to develop my leadership skills and to meet some more community-minded volunteers.Message to Elba: You are such an inspiration to me and I know that we as a League are in excellent hands!

Board2014-2015

Photos by Daniel Strickland Photography


Meredith Mighty Assistant Treasurer Family: Husband, Hugh mightyCareer/Occupation: Wealth management/Argent Trust Company, NAFun Fact: moved to Shreveport in may 2013, so still a newcomer!First Active Year: 2014-15What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: Help solidify and strengthen League finances.

What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: The positive impact our effort and projects have on our community. What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: many individual actions can de-velop individuals and change communities.Why did you decide to join the League?: The opportunity to give back to society alongside other educated and motivated women. Message to Elba: I look forward to working with you and to creating a wonderful League year with you at the helm! Best wishes!

Board2014-2015

Kristen Powers Ways and Means Vice-PresidentFamily: my husband, Ashley Powers, and I were re-cently married in November 2013. No human babies yet, but we do have one fur baby, Landry, our Lab/Border Collie mix. We also foster pups for the Great Pyrenees Rescue Society. Career/Occupation: Director of Development & Outreach for Robinson’s RescueFun Fact: In college, I owned a Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pig named Pudge, after one of the characters in the classic chick-flick, Shag. If you haven’t seen it, watch it!First Active Year: 2010What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I am looking forward to discovering new sources of funding support for our League’s com-munity projects. One of the possibilities currently on the table is a kitchen tour, which is very exciting! The other, less sexy contribution that the Ways and means committee should deliver in 2014 is an orga-nized system for tracking the gifts received by our sponsors and supporters. What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: The part of the League’s mission that states our commitment to “developing the potential of women” is what drives me to continue to serve. I have seen my friends and fellow League members grow to be strong leaders as a result of their work in the League, and I’ve also been the one on the other side of the coin…the one whose potential has been

and is still being developed by the opportunities and challenges the League has given me. What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: When I was market Chair in 2013, a fellow League member told me that in order to manage a group of 25 women who were serving as volunteers, I was going to have to “delegate and trust…delegate and trust.” This was something I repeated throughout that experience and have been able to use in my professional life as well. At the end of the day, it just really doesn’t matter if the napkins are pink or green, right?! We feel good and work harder when we feel trusted. I’ve also had to learn that you “catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” Why did you decide to join the League?: Because michelle Basco told me I had to! Haha! I worked with michelle at LSU Health Sciences Center, and she recruited me in 2009. I started asking around and realized that many strong businesswomen in our community were Active or Sustaining League members, including my good friend, Jennifer mc-menamin. I wanted to be a part of what they were a part of. Peer pressure is a…bear! Message to Elba: 2015 is going to be our year! You have so many great ideas that are going to set our League on course for positive change. I love your willingness to take chances. Rather than stand on the outside looking at other Leagues, saying, “I wish we could do this or that,” you say, “Let’s make it hap-pen!” This forward-thinking spirit is engaging. With you as our leader, we will experience success!

Tiffany Paine TreasurerFamily: Husband, StephenCareer/Occupation: Financial AnalystFun Fact: I am going to my first music festival in may! First Active Year: 2012-13What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: Continue the fantastic financial opera-tions our League has implemented.

What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: Knowing my job allows others to directly serve, impact, and improve the community.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: Quickbooks! (Haha, just kidding!) I have learned there is a greater good bigger than my personal agenda/commitments.Why did you decide to join the League?: To meet new girls and find a way to volunteer through an organization.


Calli Thompson Membership Vice-PresidentFamily: Spouse, Dhu Thompson; daughter, maggie (2)Career/Occupation: Instructor at Bossier Par-ish Community College and Northwestern State UniversityFun Fact: My fun fact is not fun at all! The first part of our honeymoon was spent in a shelter in Cabo San Lucas, mexico due to a Category 5 hur-ricane hitting the island. Luckily, it turned at the last second, and damage was minimal. However, we still spent almost 48 hours sleeping on cots on the ground in a hurricane shelter! First Active Year: 2008What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to continue to recruit motivated, committed ladies to the JLSB. I also hope to be a role model to encourage members to stay active and utilize their strengths to the fullest potential in order

to make the JLSB the best it can be!What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: I am motivated by seeing all the good things the JLSB does in the community and the people who are served by this organization. I get a feeling of personal satisfaction knowing that I con-tributed in a small way to the success of the League.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: The League has taught me practi-cal skills such as organizational skills, how to run/plan a meeting, and how to work with large groups of people effectively, but most importantly, it has taught me that what we do does matter. Even if only one person is touched/helped, it is worth it!Why did you decide to join the League?: I wanted the opportunity to serve in the community as well as meet new friends. The JLSB provides both of these things!Message to Elba: Elba, I am so excited to be work-ing under you this year. I look forward to a great year on the Board. With your leadership, we will accomplish great things!

Toni Thompson Sustainer AdvisorFamily: Husband, Jeff Thompson, married 23 years; children, Lillie (15) and Rowe William (11) Career/Occupation: Stay-at-home momFun Fact: It’s a random “fun fact,” but I cannot swim!First Active Year: 1997What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to support Elba and the Board in accomplishing their goals for the League. I also want to encourage all Sustainers to participate in League activities and interact with current membership. What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: I am motivated to stay active because

the League is so relevant and needed today. It is a valuable time of training for young women. What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: The League has taught me to be a responsible volunteer and to take seriously my com-mitment to community organizations. Why did you decide to join the League?: I liked what the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier has accomplished. I always loved reading articles in the newspaper about the League and was thrilled when invited to join.Message to Elba: I can’t wait for you to experience the depth of support you will feel from Sustainers as you go through this year. You have a support system that is bigger than you know! Enjoy the year —it’s going to be great.

Deidre Rollins Nominating ChairmanFamily: married to Lucien Rollins; children, James (5) and Jackson (1 ½ )Career/Occupation: Federal Civil Servant Fun Fact: I have had the awesome opportunity to visit 18 foreign countries!First Active Year: 2012-13What do you hope to contribute/accomplish this year?: I hope to bring the incoming Nominat-ing Committee together as a cohesive team to select the 2015-16 slate and promote the JLSB through the work we do. Oh yeah—and have a little fun, too! What keeps you motivated to stay so active in the League?: Seeing the real changes and positive influences our projects bring to the underserved in

our local community. So many lives are immeasur-ably touched by the work we do.What is the most important thing that the JLSB has taught you?: Preconceived notions are bust in this League! We are SO much more than bake sales and parties. Driven women are a force to be reckoned with! Why did you decide to join the League?: Initially, I was feeling drawn to doing some outreach to chil-dren in the area, based on what I do in my work-life. I felt like the JLSB was a good place to start, and I am so glad I did. Message to Elba: Elba, you really have been a shin-ing star for me during my entire League career. From advising me as a Provisional, to getting Between the Lines off the ground, and the support and joy that just radiates from you, I am so excited to serve on your Board!

Board2014-2015


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from the Sustainer AdvisorLetter

By Ginger Lukacs

A League Close to Our Hearts

It’s been years—for some, decades—since we were active members filling our time in our volunteer placements, meet-ings, and fundraising.

Over ninety thousand loyal sustaining members worldwide continue to support our younger Junior League comrades as they carry the torch for us all. What is it about the League that is still so close to our hearts? In a world that has many flaws, we believe that working together will bring out the best in each of us and that together, we can continue to thoughtfully and effectively make a difference around us. As Sustainers, we appreciate the many things to which the League opened our eyes, the training we received, and the opportunities we’ve had to make a positive impact on things that mat-ter. By supporting the League, we Sustainers are doing our part to ensure these good deeds con-tinue. “It is better to light a candle than to curse the

darkness.” – Chinese proverb often quoted by Eleanor Roosevelt who was a friend of JL founder Mary Harriman, and an involved member of the New York Junior League. In my role as Sustainer Advisor, I have at-tended board and general meetings where I have consistently been inspired by the energy and talent of our active members. There is no ques-tion that our League is being led into the future by capable women motivated to “light the way.” A heartfelt thank you to our Sustainer Advi-sory Panel who worked hard to make our year a success: Mary Boggs, Susan Hardtner, Sara Her-rington, Monica Lawrence, Jeanne Long, Vickie Meadows, Claudia Oliver, Michelle Q=Petersen, Maura Pugh, Sarah Margaret White, and Panel Liaison Katherine Douthitt. Toni Thompson will lead us into the next League year as the new Sus-tainer Advisor. We are fortunate to have her! Fellow Sustainers, it has been such a pleasure to spend time with each of you at the Sustainer Open House, the Tyler Shopping Trip, and es-pecially the Annual Sustainer Luncheon. If you haven’t been able to participate in recent Sus-tainer events, I hope you will jump in next year. We’ve missed you!

Save the Date!September 20, 2014

Photos by Powell Photography

14 j l sb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope14 j lsb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope

Sustainer

The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier boasts an impressive number of members, but those members might be surprised to learn that the League currently has around 500 sustainers. This significant number highlights the impor-tance and prestige of the League in the com-munity, and it showcases the love of the League that past members still hold. Each year, the JLSB nominates and selects one sustainer to win the prestigious Sustainer of the Year award. The Sus-tainer of the Year award is given to the sustaining member “who has used her talents and resources to improve the social and economic conditions of others and who exemplifies The Junior League Mission and Vision.” The Sustainer of the Year’s work in the community through volunteering has made a great impact in the Shreveport-Bossier area, and it creates a connection between the past, current, and future members of our League. This year, the Sustainer Advisory Panel was delighted to honor Julia Blewer with the illustri-ous Sustainer of the Year award. One sustainer spoke very highly of Julia, saying that she “has committed herself to helping others—not to do it with constant fanfare but with quiet support and love. She has learned how important it is to share yourself with others and live to volunteer. The Junior League was instrumental in giving her this start.” From the beginning of her life, Julia was always committed to serving others. After moving from New Orleans to Shreveport when she was six, she graduated from Centenary and became a teacher at Broadmoor Junior High. Joining the Junior League was “one of the four best decisions” of Julia’s life: Junior League members in her bridge club encouraged her to pursue membership, and when she was 27, she accepted an invitation to

become a provisional. “I accepted and thoroughly enjoyed and benefitted from my years in the League,” Julia said. While in the Junior League, Julia made some remarkable contributions. She was a member of the very first Revel Committee, and in 1979, along with Sara Lang as Chair, she was Co-Chair of the Revel. In 1982, she was President of the Revel Governing Board. As Junior League members know, the Revel is one of our greatest successes, and Julia’s work with this wonderful event ensured its success for the future. A fellow sustainer remembers “Julia working tirelessly at the Revel and making sure it was the best festival ever!” She also served as Recording Secretary of the League. Julia’s involvement was not limited to the League. Her involvement in both church and community highlight her dedication to helping others. As an honorary life member of First Pres-byterian, she has held positions as the President of Presbyterian Women and wedding coordinator, and she served on church session and diaconate. Her community involvement throughout the years is impressive. She was the recipient of the Wayne Drewery Award from the Council on Al-coholism and Drug Abuse of NWLA. She served on the boards of Samaritan Counseling Center, Glen Retirement Center, and Girl Scouts. She is the former President of the Shreveport Bar Auxiliary (the same year her husband, Ed, was the President of the Shreveport Bar). She served as Secretary of the Cotillion Duchess Club and is also the former Chairman of Cotillion, Dem-oiselle, and Les Boutiques de Noel. One of Julia’s greatest accomplishments has been working with women who are recovering from alcohol and drug

Julia Blewer

Yearof the

By Caroline Young

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abuse. For the last 34 years, Julia has worked to ensure that the women in our community who are in recovery are getting the assistance that they need. Her work with this endeavor has affected countless lives. Julia and her husband Ed have two children, Ed and Julie, and she has two grandchildren, Daniel and Robert. She is a dedicated member of First Presbyterian, and she currently serves on the Board of Oakwood Home for Women.


Jessica Bretz First active year: 2004Favorite placement: VP of Communications because I never believed I could hold a position that required such leadership! The League really pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and gave me confidence with all that I accomplished.Favorite League memory: While working on the

cookbook mardi Gras to mistletoe we did a LOT of cooking…it was so much fun to cook for League events while promoting the new book. Afterward, I felt like I could cater a party for 500!What will you do with your free time?: I wish I could say relax, but I’ll probably be helping out in my kids’ classes and shuttling my three boys around to sporting events. Hopefully, I’ll work in a vacation somewhere!

Shannon Lucas First active year: 2006Favorite placement: It’s hard for me to choose a favorite placement, as every League placement helped me grow as a leader and a person. My first Revel placement gave me a love for the festival—I have volunteered every year, in any capacity, since joining the League in 2005. Nominating Committee gave me insight as to how the League is a “business” and let me know that every placement is a growth op-portunity. Communications Vice-President gave me the confidence to know I could lead as an adult and learn. I loved working on Parishscope and the accom-plishment we all felt when an issue was published. However, my last placement as Cookbook Chair may be my favorite. I was asked to chair the committee having never been co-chair (and the year I was on the committee as PR Chair, we only had Revel to sell).

I loved working with and becoming friends with a group of wonderful women who I never would have met if I had sustained. Our committee was challenged with creatively marketing our Cookbook, and I think we came up with ideas that will change the way we utilize our cookbook as a fundraiser going forward. I really feel that I was part of something special this year. I’m so grateful for my fellow cookbook com-mittee members and Heather Brown and Christine Fortson for encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone.Favorite League memory: Gift-basket-making with my Cookbook Committee, bow-making with Lauren Anthony, and hauling cookbook supplies at market in wagons with Lowrey Woodward.What will you do with your free time?: Ha! Train for my first marathon. Pay more attention to my pets. Learn to iron clothes. Finally watch some television. Become a millionaire by re-inventing the Post-it Note!

Heather Brown First active year: 2004Favorite placement: All things market (or T&T, as we used to call it!).Favorite League memory: I really have enjoyed it

all. I especially enjoy all the friendships I have made with the ladies in the League!What will you do with your free time?: I plan on getting involved with the PTO at my son’s school, St. Joseph.

Michelle Everson First active year: 2004Favorite placement: Kids in the KitchenFavorite League memory: One of my favorite memories was collaborating and implementing with other League members a creative, welcoming, and joyful activity for the children at Sutton’s bingo. The commitment of each member present was uplifting

and encouraged participation from each child whether they were shy or ill. What will you do with your free time?: During my free time, I plan on becoming more active with my volunteer role on the board at First Presbyterian Day School, supporting the development of a resource center for families of children with special needs, and spending quality time with my family.

New Sustainers2014-2015


Molly Maranto First active year: 2007Favorite placement: Shopping for a Cause Spring market Co-ChairFavorite League memory: Getting to know the dif-

ferent market committee members and participating in three successful Spring markets.What will you do with your free time?: Get more involved in my children’s schools and volunteer at church.

Melanie Peacock First active year: 2004Favorite placement: President and market Chair-man. Of all my placements, these were the most challenging AND the most rewarding. Both put me in a position to work with and really get to know many exceptional women in the JLSB. Connecting with people and developing relationships is what made the Junior League feel like home to me.Favorite League memory: It will sound corny, but representing the JLSB at the Opening Ceremony at Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. marching in holding the JLSB place card was truly an honor, and it reminded me of the 10 women who have served as President of the JLSB during my mem-bership. I learned so much from each of them and feel very humbled to have walked in the shoes of

these predecessors. Vickie meadows, Jodi Penn, Kay deBerardinis, Ginger Lukacs, Tracy Prestwood, Toni Thompson, Jodie mcJunkins, martha Siskron, monica Lawrence, and Shelley Stone, you have each influ-enced and developed me in some way, and for that, I am truly grateful.What will you do with your free time?: I have a long list of things I would like to do “when the League year is complete.” I plan to remain very involved volunteering at our boys’ school, and I can’t wait to dust off my tennis racquet. These may sound like minor things, but I am also looking forward to cooking more and spending more time with my fam-ily. Oh, and planning a trip to Cancun – thanks to the purchase of a handful of market raffle tickets! Really looking forward to that!

Imelda Siegelson First active year: 2004Favorite placement: Cookbook ChairmanFavorite League memory: Watching the community come out for the big reveal of Mardi Gras to Mistletoe. Seeing the crowd enjoy the food and our cookbook

was great validation for all of our hard work. It was truly a night to remember!What will you do with your free time?: I will con-tinue to help build and sell the world’s best vehicles. During my off hours, I will be busy planning family activities and watching my son reach milestones.

Jennifer Varnadore First active year: 2005Favorite placement: Kids in the Kitchen Spring

Favorite League memory: Working with kids at Friendship Houses during Kids in the KitchenWhat will you do with your free time?: Hang out with my boys on the soccer fields!

Rachel Morgan Mary Pittman


Shreveport-Bossier CommunityBy Nicole Huskey

Provisional Members2013-2014

An Investment in the

As the 2013-2014 provisional members end their first year as part of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, it is incredible to see the im-pact they have made in the community and the impact the Junior League has made in them. They began the year with the provisional retreat, not quite knowing what was in store for them. The retreat showcased the new provisional members as a group of very diverse women from many parts of our state and country. It was an amazing opportunity to open the new year with acceptance and to learn the many talents the new members would bring to the Junior League this year. As the provisionals completed their place-ments, it was exciting for them to see the differ-ence they could make in their own communities. The League’s work helped members gain knowl-edge of and appreciation for their community.

Sarah Lafield, a 2013-14 provisional member, said the best experience from this year has been getting to know and love the community. She explained, “I’ve been more places across this city for meetings and community project sites that I never would have known about yet or gone to. For example, Robinson Film Center and First United Methodist Church in downtown Shreve-port, and I don’t have kids, but I’ve been to Sci-Port!” It’s hard to believe a year has come and gone, but the experiences shared with one another and the community have created new friendships and unforgettable memories. Being part of the Junior League this year has helped create a sense of togetherness and pride in the Shreveport-Bossier region for the League’s provisional members. This year has given them many opportunities to learn and invest in the community they call home.

Thank you for Supporting the Junior League on Give for Good Day!


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20 j lsb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope

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SuddenlinkThe Times

Ellis Home and Garden

Gold SPonSorS KVKI

SB MagazineSales Recruiting Consultants

SterlinG/Silver level SPonSorS Frito Lay

Christus Health Shreveport-BossierAly B’s Bakery

Patina Thrift StoreLe Rivage

Southern SoulHeart of HopeAshley Palmer

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Bronze level SPonSorS Graf Orthodontics

Wine CountryProgressive Bank

FitzGerald Contractors, LLCFairfield StudiosNorth East Sales

Marshall Rice, Attorney at LawBrookshires

KrogerCorporate OneSound MindsDrake Valet

Bistro Byronz

2014 PatronSSusan & Mike Adams

Dr. Michael & Debbie AngeloLauren Anthony & Shannon Lucas

Greg & Jessica BennettJulia Blewer

Mary McGee BoggsBridgett & David Bushnell

Heather & Jeff BrownBrandon & Mollie CheletteMary Vay & Rodney CobbCourtney & Savage, APLC

Elizabeth CraftsJay & Lee Davis

Kay & David deBerardinisClay & Ellen Erwin

Kim FitzGeraldChristine & Stephen Fortson

Minou FritzeHeather & Walker Fulco

Maureen & Keith GambleErin Leigh Waddell Garrett

Laramie Guillot & Julie McEachernElba & John Hamilton

Lisa HargroveMrs. L.M. Harrison

Ann & Tommy HarveyThe Harville Law Firm

Meg Frazier & Sarah HatfieldBetty & Bruce Henderson

Dr. Robert & Melinda HernandezAmanda Hodnett

Kristen & Michael Holmes Ginny & Brian Homza

Cindy & Jim IrvineLila & Jeremy Knicely

Monica & Todd LawrenceDiane & Joey Libro

Katie & Johnny LoomisMr. & Mrs. Patrick Lukacs

Lusk Eye SpecialistsBritney McDow

Maggie & Tem McElroyMolly & Kyle McInnis

Vickie & David MeadowsKendra & Gabe MeikiShelley & Craig Miller

Peggy & David MurphyAllison & Billy Murray

Audra L. MuslowClare & George NelsonEmily & John NickelsonMr. & Mrs. W.B. Ogilvie

Osborn Funeral Home – James & Peyton MayeauxTiffany & Stephen Paine

Melanie & Barrow Peacock Alex & John David Person Michele & Jon Q=Petersen

Angie PharesKelly & Blake Powell

Tracy & Roy PrestwoodRed River Chevrolet - Minou & Alvin Olsan

Emily & Marshall RiceLynn & Armand RoosMartha & Lew Ross

Alice Sample – Coldwell Banker GossleeSusan Schroeder

Leslie & Tommy ScottScuba Ventures – Leah & Jason Feldt

Martha SiskronShannon & Scott SmithAimee & Joshua Smith

Stacey Smith and Kelly Focht Jane Snyder

Jennifer & Chris Steadman Susie & Ford Stinson, III

Jennifer Taylor & Kila Bobier Calli & Dhu Thompson

Brittany TurnerKelley & Ben Vosburg

Dr. and Mrs. Buddy VosburgEmilie Wallace Charlotte Webb

Susan & Steve WhitelawMartha & Alan Yarbrough

Caitlin Yarbrough

FriendS oF the marketMaura Querbes Pugh

Jeri T. Kouns Ann & Frank Green

Leigh Bowman


Thank you, everyone, for making the

2014 Junior League Market –

Shopping for a Cause a tremendous success!

We are pleased to report

the Market raised $162,645!

Thank you for your support!


Heather Fulco, winner of the McCary’s Jewelers diamond raffle.


( L O V E O U R L E A G U E )

What Makes YouL OL ?

I love the Junior League because it made me fall in love with volunteering—a literal treasure trove of experiences that are deeply meaningful. With our hectic lives, we might not have made the time to volunteer except for the League. Volunteering is infectious—my daughter, who is not yet in the Junior League, has also fallen in love with it. Also, I now notice extra volunteer opportunities outside of the League, and I can’t help but sign up for more, because I find that it’s addictive and brings a happy rush. My preconceived notion of the Junior League as a society of beautiful women has happily been smashed and replaced with a new one—the beautiful experience of volunteering with women who are beautiful on the inside (and often on the outside, too!) but whose beauty is rivaled by the beauty of our shared volunteer experiences and the inner beauty of the people whom we serve. Now I am hooked—hooked on the high of volun-teering and humbled by the experiences of people who were not too proud to let us share their lives at a time when they needed our help.

Through the Junior League, we help make a difference in the lives of others without always realizing that we are changing our own lives. We make a difference by giving our time, energy, and resources to other women in need who we are not really that different from us—beautiful from the inside out.

In the Winter issue of the Parishscope, we put out a call for members to tell us, in a 10- to 15-second “elevator speech,” what makes them LOL—that is, Love Our League. The Parishscope team was astounded at the number and quality of entries. Nearly a dozen members submitted their speeches, and deciding the winner was definitely one of our more difficult tasks this year. But we finally settled on one that stood out thanks to its heartfelt and

personal message and the fact that it speaks to some of the preconceived notions women in the community might have about the League. Congratulations, Juliana Fort! Enjoy your $75 prize!


Juliana Fort


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Research Development& As we work throughout the year on our respec-tive placements, the Project Research and Develop-ment Committee is taking a look at Junior League’s community projects. Surveying our membership, receiving feedback from the head and assistant head volunteers, and looking at specific details of each current community project is what drives the com-mittee’s year along with researching new projects that fit our mission and our membership. Results from surveys over several years and input from membership led PR&D to research projects that would serve teen girls and/or young women. Looking to other Leagues throughout the country and their graciousness in sharing details of their projects, we presented a summary of our research to membership at the November Group Meetings. Based on our research and feedback from membership, we moved forward in developing a project that will begin in our 2014-15 League year. Partnering with the Volunteers of America Teen Club at the Highland Center, our volunteers will serve in their placements by planning sessions to work with high school girls once a month. The Teen Club is very excited about our new project, and we are looking forward to a successful first year for our newest project! Another new project is inspired by the desire to serve our local schools in need while working with the schedules of our membership. Meeting with a Mission Liaisons will serve as a link between Caddo Parish’s Westwood Elementary and our members for the 2014-15 year. At General Meetings, we will focus our donations on Westwood’s needs, and our liaisons will communicate those as well as the impact our assistance is having for the school. There may also be some Done in a Day projects where our volun-teers will visit Westwood and work directly with the students. Stay tuned! This project also gives us the flexibility to assist other community non-profit organizations or schools in years to come based on the recommendations of the League. While developing new projects is a major focus

of the year, we also evaluated our current projects to make any necessary changes or even discontinue some of them. These discussion points were presented to membership at the November Group Meetings as well. Changes were recommended for Revel Artist for a Day and Done in a Day. Artist for a Day has been scaled back in size to better meet our members’ needs and provide a more individual experience for children who visit our tent. With regard to Done in a Day, PR&D will now be charged with identifying the local non-profit organizations that most meet our mission, benefit from most from our members’ time and skills, and provide those volunteers with a meaningful expe-rience. Discontinuing a project is based on a variety of factors, including membership approval. While evaluating the Domestic Violence Education project, through our research, the project our members were volunteering for was not the placement to which our members had committed: educating the public on do-mestic violence. While the work our volunteers were doing is valuable and meaningful, it did not fit the original vision; therefore, it was proposed to continue our work with Providence House through Done in a Day. Domestic Violence Education involved only a small number of volunteers, while Done in a Day would allow more flexibility as well as greater partici-pation. Recently, Providence House announced that it will end the domestic violence aspect of its pro-gram; looking to the future, this may be an issue that the JLSB seeks to address in order to meet the needs of our community. PR&D strives to balance our members’ needs, interests, and input while serving the community. We appreciate the trust and support you have given the committee this year. Moving forward, next year brings continued commitment to the task of research and development for our League and the community of Shreveport-Bossier. We encourage all our members to be a part of the ongoing research and development process throughout the League year. PR&D is excited to see what the future holds for 2014-15!

By Heather Fulco

Project Easter Egg Hunt


Easter Egg HuntOn Saturday, April 19, JLSB members and their children, all decked out in their Easter finery, gathered at

Sustainer Maura Pugh’s beautiful home for an old-fashioned egg hunt. Everyone had a terrific time, and photo ops abounded! Maura, the members can’t thank you enough for this opportunity to share a special springtime

memory with friends and family. Your generosity made a lot of kids very happy!


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This past spring, Safe Sitter was introduced to the community to wonderful reviews—as a League member, I would love to say it was us and our charming teaching abilities, but to be frank, I feel it is more the girls who took time away from their friends and families to learn and increase their knowledge of safety skills, the roles of a re-sponsible sitter, and much more. Because of their level of dedication to the welfare of others, these students are now able to implement the skills they learned, whether it’s for a family member or as a hired sitter for profit. Safe Sitter students learn by reading, par-ticipating in games, and role-playing in order to master each skill. Students also have contact with

both an infant- and a child-size CPR doll while learning the life-saving Heimlich maneuver. Each skill is addressed as a situation so students can fully appreciate the importance of the skill as well as when to properly implement it. Because of the loss of a colleague’s child in the care of an adult nanny who did not know basic life-saving skills, Dr. Patricia Keener, an emergency room physician, felt an immediate call to action, and Safe Sitter was born. As a mother and an active participant in this program, I pray none of our students ever has to call 911 or use the Heimlich or any other medical skill we teach. But if they do, our job as a League placement will be far more valuable than we could imagine.

By Tanya Harville

Safe SItterUpdate


When we think of timeless high school memories, one that stands out more than others is the prom. This special dance is the last event before the end of the year, graduation, and the transition from high school to adult life. Many men and women fondly remember their own proms, and they are a staple of the traditional American high school experience. However, for some young women, attending the prom is impossible. Prom dresses are not affordable for some families, and the chance to attend this classic event is lost forever. The JLSB takes great pride in knowing that we are making a difference to the women in our community, and one such project that makes a great difference in the lives of high school ladies is The Cinderella Project of Shreveport. In 2012, The Cinderella Project of Shreve-port began, and the concept was quite simple: collect gently used prom dresses to donate to high school girls in need. In 2012, 50 girls at Fair Park High School received a free prom dress. This year, The Cinderella Project col-lected over 1,300 dresses, and more than 70 young ladies received a free dress. High schools across the area now take part in the project, including Booker T. Washington, Fair Park, Green Oaks, Huntington, and Woodlawn High Schools. A goal for 2015 is to include all schools in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. Ashley Busada, Co-Director of the Cinderella Project of Shreveport, expressed gratitude that the JLSB has again chosen The Cinderella Project of Shreveport as a Done in a Day Project. Members support this great cause in so

many ways, and donating dresses is just one of them. JLSB members also assist with a very important duty on the an-nual dress-giveaway day: They serve as personal shoppers for the girls. The Cinderella Project instills in these young women a sense of style and believes “that helping young women attend their prom empowers them with increased self-confidence.” Being able to attend prom in a beauti-ful dress can help young high school women experience the age-old tradition of the prom, create memories, and celebrate their accomplishments. We are delighted to continue making a difference and bringing joy to the lives of women in the Shreveport-Bossier area.


DayDone in a G I R L S O N T H E R U N A special race will be happening in our area soon: the Girls on the Run 5K. Girls on the Run is no ordinary 5K race or run, though! The girls running on May 10 have been involved in a special curriculum that promotes not only running skills but also confidence, happiness, and health. The Shreveport chapter of Girls on the Run was founded in August 2013, and the small groups of runners, along with their coaches, have been preparing for the an-nual 5K that showcases both their emotional and physical strength. Coaches help girls in grades 3 through 8 learn lessons about life while running. Running can provide girls with a strong sense of accomplishment; running a 5K can be a very challenging event, and finishing a 5K is a great morale booster. The runs that the girls complete

foster self-confidence that will last for years to come, and the running skills embodied at such a young age will also last the rest of their lives. As girls are running in this year’s 5K, they will be surrounded by support. Volunteers will hand out water and cheer for the girls as they make their way around the track at A.C. Steere Park. Businesses will be on hand, too, lending their support. Our future generation of Leading Ladies is getting very excited about the race, and we are happy to support this amazing group of runners!

C I N D E R E L L A P R O J E C T By Caroline Young



Memorable Moments


Winter Leadership Conference 2014

ODI Conference

Annual Conference 2013

JLNO Kitchen Tour

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Cookbook Move

Market 2014

Glow in the Dark 5K


Kids in the

Kids in the Kitchen Spring 2014 was a huge success for the Junior League in creating aware-ness of the importance of children learning nutritional concepts at an early age. This year, the Kids in the Kitchen Spring team decided to make some changes to their lessons to help bring excitement and new ideas to the program. One addition to the program was teaching the kids to read the nutrition information labels on the back of food products. “I think this was an important lesson for them because, let’s face it, the kids are going to eat packaged food. But if they can begin to look at these foods, understand what is in them, and make a better choice, then we are creating little successes that turn into life changes!” said Nicole Huskey, Kids in the Kitch-en team member. Another big change was the nutritious snack. This year, the children made apple nachos. It

was a fun and nutritious play on a classic favorite food. The kids helped make their treats using apple slices and adding toppings like raisins and granola. It was exciting not only to make but also to eat! Plus, the food items used were options readily available in homes, which was an impor-tant aspect of the team’s planning for the snack. They wanted it to be a food choice the children could truly make on their own. All participants enjoyed the 2014 Kids in the Kitchen Spring session, including the League members, all the volunteers at the centers, and the children. Each child walked away with an outdoor play ball, a water bottle, a daily menu sheet, and a healthy snack. We are moving in the right direction to help children in our community make better nutritional decisions that will stay with them throughout their lives!

By Katherine Adams K I T C H E N


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LookingBack...A Cook’s Tour Celebrates Its

50th Anniversary


First published in 1964, A Cook’s Tour of Shreveport is celebrating its 50th anniversary of favorite Southern recipes. Before the Internet, Food Network, and Pinter-est, the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier created a traditional cookbook featuring party fare, wild game, and old-fashioned sweets, to name a few. This community gem has served as a kitchen staple for many and can be found in homes across the nation. In 1962, the Junior League Ways and Means Com-mittee learned they would need $15,000 in order to sup-port current community projects. These projects included children’s theatre, art exhibits at local museums, youth concerts for area schools, youth education programs, and many others. Undeterred, the women decided that a few small activities and one large fundraiser could achieve this goal. This was a creative group of women, and interest-ingly, they contacted the Pro Golfers Association (PGA), but were informed there were no open dates on the 1963 circuit for a golf tournament, so they moved on to ad-ditional ideas. That fall, the committee presented a list of fundrais-ing events and activities for the membership to discuss: a rummage sale, a golf exhibition featuring Arnold Palmer, a 30th anniversary celebration, and a new cookbook. Because it would be a year or two before the cookbook would bring in profits, this was presented as a supplemen-tary money-raising activity. The straw ballot vote indi-cated the rummage sale as members’ first preference with a strong interest in the cookbook. With a vote of 121 to 7, more than 95 percent of the membership voted in favor of having a rummage sale as their 1963 major fundraiser. The Ways and Means Committee also made a motion that the League begin work on the publication of a cookbook. This passed by a vote of 104 to 19, which was an 85 percent majority. In 1963, led by Barbara Turner, the Cookbook Com-mittee collected, tested, and compiled recipes. Many of these came from League members, with a few submissions from area chefs and restaurants. Before it was sent to press, the committee selected artwork and the name A Cook’s Tour of Shreveport. Julie Sipple Dickinson and Jerry Wray designed the current cover, using the American Rose Center as inspiration. Initially, the League considered commissioning an artist out of Dallas to design the cover

but was quickly persuaded to utilize the talents of League members. Julie drew the cover and Jerry painted the im-age. Jerry is a professional artist and left the cooking to other League members. “Being and artist and being a cook don’t necessarily go together,” she said. “Most of the time, I burned the food while I was busy painting.” Jerry recalls time spent taste-testing all the recipes featured in A Cook’s Tour and commented that those were good times. In the fall of 1964, to prepare for the launch and introduction of their cookbook, the League planned a tasting party, publicity activities, and a press event at the home of Frances Smitherman. The new cookbook was well received by the public, and a second print was imme-diately ordered to keep up with demand. In January 1965, A Cook’s Tour was made available to retail outlets. The cookbooks were sold in 29 outlets throughout the Shreve-port area, 16 other Louisiana outlets, and 22 locations in the states of New Jersey, Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The original committee consisted of 16 women serv-ing various roles, including a gift wrapper! Cookbook sales in 1965-66 totaled $13,502.89, and in the first three years, approximately 18,000 cookbooks were sold. To date, the League has sold over 100,000 copies of A Cook’s Tour, and the 12th edition is still available for purchase in retail locations, online, and at JLSB headquarters. Today, you can find online bloggers cooking their way through Junior League cookbooks and gushing over the comforting, Southern recipes in A Cook’s Tour. Many have commented that these dishes bring back memories of family gatherings and bonding with their mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen. Must-try recipes include the Black Forest Cake, a recipe from The Shreveport Club, traditional dirty rice and cornbread dressing, and nostalgic teacakes. Two other cookbooks now join A Cook’s Tour in the Junior League’s long list of accomplishments, and proceeds still support community projects. Every Southern kitchen should have a collection of cookbooks, and if yours is missing A Cook’s Tour, add it to your arsenal of kitchen must-haves while it’s still in stock.

By Leslie Smith

Photo courtesy of LSUS Archives and Special Collections, Noel Memorial Library, Junior League of Shreveport Collection

34 j l sb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope34 j lsb.org | Summer 2014 Parishscope

Tour Junior League

On April 5, our Ways and Means and Proj-ect Research and Development teams took a day trip to New Orleans on a mission to learn more about the Junior League of New Orleans Kitchen Tour. Travelers included President-Elect Elba Hamilton, Assistant Ways and Means VP Kristen Powers, PR&D Chair Heather Fulco, and Cookbook Co-Chair Lauren Anthony. Ten hours on the road was well worth it, as we were able to collect valuable first-hand information from the JLNO and determine the feasibility of bringing a Kitchen Tour event to Shreveport-Bossier. The Junior League of New Orleans met us with a warm welcome. They greeted us with smiles at the entrance to each home, and we had a chance to visit with their leadership at each of the VIP stops. They offered answers to our many questions and will be very helpful to us as we continue researching a tour for our community. The JLNO Kitchen Tour consisted of 12 ex-quisitely decorated homes with beautiful, trendy kitchens that had been remodeled within the last five years, plus two VIP stops where food and drinks were served, sponsors were recognized, and raffle prizes were displayed. Our League is considering hosting our own kitchen tour in November 2014. The event would serve as a fundraiser for our League and would raise money via ticket sales, VIP upgrades, sponsorships, and raffle ticket sales. This project is still in the R&D phase, and we would love to

hear your thoughts and ideas. If it is a “go,” we hope to begin marketing the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier Kitchen Tour (official name TBD) during the Parade of Homes this summer. We will be partnering with the Home Build-ers Association of Northwest Louisiana for this event and they will be helping us with the selec-tion of the kitchens that will “wow” our guests! If you have any ideas that will help us during the planning process or know of anyone who would like to sponsor this event, please contact Kristen Powers at [email protected] or by call-ing (318) 780-4779.

By Kristen Gary Powers

K I T C H E N

Advertiser IndexDeAnn Arnold Photography ............................26Bridges to Beauty .................... Inside Back CoverCHRISTUS Schumpert....................................29Dr. Robert E. Goodman ......................................7Graf Orthodontics ............................................25

Lee Michaels ......................................Back Cover Progressive Bank ...............................................23Red River Bank .................................................12Sid Potts ................................. Inside Front CoverUrgent Care ......................................................19



Junior League of Shreveport-BoSSier, inc.

2601 Line AvenueShreveport, LouiSiAnA 71104

PRSRT STDU. S. POSTAGE

p a i DShreveport, LAPermit No. 856

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Parishscope Summer 2014