A HISTORY OF THE
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF STAMFORD-NORWALK, INC.
Critical Milestones in the Movement
1901
The Junior League is Founded
In 1901, Mary Harriman, a 19-year-old New York City debutante with a social conscience, forms the Junior League
for the Promotion of Settlement Movements. Harriman mobilizes a group of 80 other young women, hence the name
"Junior" League, to work to improve child health, nutrition, and literacy among immigrants living on the Lower East
Side of Manhattan. Inspired by her friend Mary, Eleanor Roosevelt joins the Junior League of the City of New York in
1903, teaching calisthenics and dancing to young girls at the College Settlement House.
1907-1920
The Movement Expands
The second Junior League is formed in Boston, MA in 1907 and is soon followed by the founding of the Brooklyn, NY
Junior League in 1910. In 1912, The Junior League of Montreal becomes the first League in Canada. The rest is
history.
Junior Leagues shift their focus from settlement house work to social, health and educational issues that affect the
community at large. The Junior League of Brooklyn successfully petitions the Board of Education to provide free
lunches in city schools. In 1914, the founders of the Junior League of St. Louis march for women's suffrage.
During World War I, Junior Leagues play an active role, selling bonds and working in Army hospitals. The San
Francisco Junior League forms a motor delivery service that serves as a model for the nationwide Red Cross Motor
Corps.
1920s-1930s
In 1921, approximately thirty Junior Leagues create the Association of Junior Leagues of America (AJLA) to provide
professional support to the Leagues. Dorothy Whitney Straight becomes the first AJLI President.
During the 1920's, the Junior League of Chicago pioneers children's theater, an idea that is subsequently taken up
by more than 100 Leagues across the country.
Junior Leagues respond to the Depression by opening nutrition centers and milk stations. They operate baby clinics,
day nurseries for working mothers, birth control clinics and training schools for nurses. Junior Leagues also establish
volunteer bureaus to recruit, train and place much-needed volunteers in the community. Many Leagues create State
Public Affairs Committees (SPACs) to influence public welfare policy.
The Junior League of Mexico City joins the Association in 1930, further expanding the international nature of the
organization. By this time more than 100 Leagues are in existence.
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1940s
During World War II, Junior League members play a major role in the war effort by chairing hundreds of war-related
organizations in virtually every city where Junior Leagues operate. Canadian and American League members serve
overseas. Oveta Culp Hobby, a Houston League member, leads the Women's Army Corps.
In 1943, the first Junior League cookbook, a compilation of handwritten recipes by the Junior League of Minneapolis,
appears and raises over $3,000 for the organization.
1950s
By the 1950's, nearly 150 Junior Leagues are involved in remedial reading centers, diagnostic testing programs and
programs for gifted and challenged children. Leagues collaborate in the development of educational television and
are on the forefront of promoting quality programming for children. In 1952, the Mexico City League establishes the
Comité Internacional Pro Ciegos, a comprehensive, international center for the blind.
By the end of the decade, Junior Leagues are involved in over 300 arts projects and multiple partnerships in many
cities to establish children's museums. The 1950s also marks the growth of regional Junior League cookbooks as a
key fundraising tool, spearheaded by the Charleston League who aggressively and successfully markets its
"Charleston Receipts" cookbooks to food editors and critics around the country.
1960s
In this period of great turbulence and social change, Junior Leagues rise to meet the many challenges. As the
decade progressed, nearly half the Leagues had health and welfare projects, including alcohol programs, adoption
services, clinics, convalescent care and hospital services, and many Junior Leagues begin to add environmental
issues to their agendas. The Junior League of Toledo produces the educational film, Fate of a River, a report on the
devastating effects of water pollution. Leagues also establish programs addressing the education, housing, social
services and employment needs of urban residents.
By now, more than 200 Leagues are part of the Association, which dedicates itself anew to building leadership skills
and increasing membership diversity.
1970s
In 1971, the Association changes its name to the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. (AJL). Throughout the 1970s,
Leagues expand their participation in public affairs issues, especially in the areas of child health and juvenile justice.
In 1973, almost 200 Leagues work with the National Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the U.S. Justice
Department on a four-year program seeking to improve the criminal justice system. In Canada, the Canadian
Federation is formed to promote public issues among the Canadian Leagues.
In 1978, the first Junior League outside North America is established in London.
1980s
211 Junior Leagues
During the 1980's, Junior Leagues in the U.S. gain recognition for advocacy efforts to improve the child welfare
system. U.S. Leagues also help gain passage of the first federal legislation to address domestic violence. More than
100 Leagues develop the "Woman to Woman" campaign that actively and comprehensively tackles the impact of
alcohol abuse on women. The Canadian Federation holds its first national conference focusing on violence against
women and the negative impact of pornography.
In 1981, Junior League of Phoenix member, Sandra Day O'Connor, becomes the first woman to be appointed a
Supreme Court Justice of the United States.
In 1988, the Association officially becomes the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI), better
reflecting the international scope of the member Leagues.
In 1989, the Association is presented with the prestigious U.S. President's Volunteer Action Award.
1990s
294 Junior Leagues
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In the early 1990's, 230 Leagues participate in a public awareness campaign to encourage early childhood
immunization called "Don't Wait to Vaccinate." In 1998, Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker becomes the first Hispanic
President of the Association.
The Junior Leagues renew their dedication to the Junior League Mission. The Association's Board adopts Goals to
guide and position the Association for its second century. The Goals stress the importance of the Association in
helping Junior Leagues develop women for community leadership, achieve a shared, positive identity, and function
as strong, viable and healthy organizations, consistent with the Junior League Mission.
2001-Present
The Junior League's Second Century
In 2001, Deborah Brittain, the Association's first African-American President, presides over the Junior League's
centennial celebration. Maya Angelou, Nane Annan, and Gloria Steinem, among others, address the members at the
Association's Annual Conference in New York City, site of the first Junior League.
AJLI co-chairs the U.S. Steering Committee for the United Nations' International Year of the Volunteer (IYV) with the
Points of Light Foundation. As part of IYV activities, President Vicente Fox recognizes the Junior League of Mexico
City's members for their "high level of social leadership and human quality."
In 2002, the Association launches the Junior League PR/Marketing Campaign, which includes a new brand logo and
tagline. The Association's Board of Directors also launches its "Healthy League Initiative," a formal self-evaluation
process designed to ensure that each League continues to achieve its full potential in its community by assessing its
strengths and weaknesses.
In 2006, 228 League members of AJLI participate in the launch of The Junior Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen, and
initiative to address the problems associated with childhood obesity and poor nutrition. In fall of that year, the Junior
Leagues’ Kids in the Kitchen initiative continues for a second year with participation by over 255 Leagues.
At Annual Conference 2006 in Salt Lake City, UT, Junior League of Fort Wayne member, Sandi Kemmish, becomes
the 44th President of The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc.
That fall, over 600 volunteers from Leagues across the Association join the Junior League of New Orleans for the
“Rebuilding a Better New Orleans” initiative.
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A HISTORY OF THE
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF STAMFORD-NORWALK, INC.
1923
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1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
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1939
1941
1942
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1944
1945
1946
1948
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1949
1950
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1951
1952
1953
1954
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1931
1932
1934
1935
1936
1938
1955
1956
1957
1958
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1959
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On February 9, the first officers of the Stamford Junior League elected; there were 40 members serving six
charitable organizations.
Articles of Incorporation filed, April 30.
Courses in Braille organized under the auspices of the Stamford Red Cross.
The Players' Committee presented its first real offering, "The Silver Threads."
League increased to 129 members, working for 11 organizations.
A rigid program of economy instituted, in keeping with the times.
A "Follies" presented at the Palace Theatre, with a net profit of $4,254.94, divided equally among five
Stamford philanthropic organizations.
Volunteer work started for the Stamford Girls' Club and the Stamford Community Chest.
League commended for its assistance to Unemployed Relief Committee.
Funds contributed toward equipping a dental hygienist's room at the Visiting Nurse Association.
Cooperative effort started with the Big Sister organization and with the Girl Scouts.
Book Wagon presented to the Stamford Hospital.
Free placement system of volunteer service substituted for the hour system.
Child Guidance Clinic established, February.
"Buy at Home" campaign sponsored by the League and the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.
County Fair held at the Stamford Armory, May.
Stamford Hospital Hostess Desk started as a League project.
Colleen Moore's doll house shown locally for the benefit of the Charity Account.
The Corridor Shop opened at the Stamford Hospital under the joint auspices of the Hospital Aid Society
and the League, April 7.
The Stamford Workshop (Rehabilitation Center) started with a gift of $1,000 from the League.
Radio Committee broadcasted "Books Bring Adventure" over WSRR.
A.J.L.A. Citation for Outstanding Achievement in Community Service awarded the League.
Stamford Children's Festival sponsored by the League to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Net proceeds of
$2,945 dedicated to the formation of the Stamford Arts for Youth Council.
Children's Theatre organized; their first production, "Sleeping Beauty."
Jottings expanded from a four-page news sheet to a sixteen-page magazine with advertising.
Auction held at the Darien Community Association House, netting $2,000 for the League's Community
Account. $1,300 of this was given to the Child Guidance Clinic toward the salary of a permanent staff
psychiatrist.
Radio presentation, a series of live programs, "The Magic Music Box," over WSTC, for in-school listening.
Glee Club formed.
Branch of Toy Clinics of America, Inc. formed as a new project
Radio presentation, "Outdoor Adventures," in cooperation with the Stamford Museum, expanded audience
to include Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and Norwalk.
Children's Theatre trouping schedule of The Midnight Ride" expanded to include both Norwalk and
Greenwich.
Provisionals' project, a benefit Children's Movie, netted $1,600.
Greenwich Area Group officers elected. Their project, a 3-day Puppet Institute with AJLA Puppetry
Consultant.
Two meetings a year made a requirement for each member.
$2,000 given by League to new Psychiatric Clinic for Children, Inc.
Club rooms moved from Women's Club in Stamford to New Stamford Museum and Nature Center.
Follies, first in 20 years, netted over $9,000. Title, "A Kick and a Promise."
A project to establish a recreation program at Southfield Village in Stamford accepted.
Dues raised from $15 to $20.
Radio produced original series, "Colony 5 - the Story of Connecticut."
Greenwich Unit became an Applying Unit and collected 10,000 books for Fairfield Mental Hospital
Areas established in Stamford, Darien, New Canaan and Norwalk.
Membership, including Greenwich, reached 931
A second Provisional Course, held in June, was inaugurated.
$6,000 given to Southfield Village which helped pay salary of professional recreation director and start
recreation programs.
The first Annual Debutante Ball was given for 16 debutantes.
The Auction, Cruise Ball tickets, Debutante Ball and Cookbook sales raised over $4,000.
New Canaan agreed to run the New Canaan Outdoor Art Show for the Chamber of Commerce for two
years.
The Greenwich Unit became the Greenwich Junior League.
Art Education for fifth grade began in Darien.
A Community Calendar for Stamford was begun for the Community Council.
A Guidebook, Going Places, was written as a community service.
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1960
1961
1962
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1963
1964
1965
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1966
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1967
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Fashion Show netted $4,000.
New Canaan turned the Outdoor Art Show back to the Chamber of Commerce as a completed project
Regional Conference held in Stamford.
The Art Education program was expanded to include schools in New Canaan and Stamford.
The League voted to work with Aid for Retarded Children & Society to Advance the Retarded. Over the
following two years, $18,000 was given to these two societies, as well as volunteer help.
Children's Theatre produced "Puss'n Boots". Radio produced an original series, "The Explorer's Log."
A Fashion Show, held at the Wee Burn Country Club, netted $9,000.
Children's Theatre sponsored a six-week workshop, conducted by leading theatre professionals.
Dues were raised from $20 to $30.
Three meetings a year a requirement for Active member.
League moved to 695 Summer Street; added a Finance Committee.
Volunteer help given to A.R.C. and S.T.A.R., along with $9,000.
Lay-Reader Program launched in New Canaan.
"Fashion International" show netted over $7,000.
Art Education lectures reached over 1,750 5th and 6th graders in Darien, New Canaan and Stamford.
Children's Theatre play, "The Last Dragon," trouped 41 performances to 15,000 school children.
Radio rebroadcast "Colony 5" and trouped a skit to the schools.
League voted in two new projects: Aid to Blind Services ($1,100) and support of Homemaker Service in
Stamford ($5,000 a year over two-year period).
League completed financial support of A.R.C. and S.T.A.R.; volunteer work for both was carried through
during the year; Provisional projects benefited each. Camperships were given to A.R.C., S.T.A.R. and
Southfield Village.
League sponsored Cole Brothers-Clyde Beatty Circus in Stamford; netted $9,000.
Sustaining dues changed from $30 to $20.
Legislative was broadened to Public Affairs Committee.
$1,100 given Connecticut Braille Association to pay salary of part-time executive secretary.
40th anniversary of Stamford Junior League observed at special meeting with agency heads and at Ruby
Ball
$3,000 realized from Silvermine-A.I.D. Show.
Art Gallery committee formed.
Guidebook, Going Places, revised.
$5,000 given Homemaker Service in Stamford.
$2,910 given Stamford Homemaker Service, an extension of our original gift of $5,000
League Headquarters moved to 66 Broad Street, Stamford
Art exhibits at Ferguson and New Canaan libraries staffed with League volunteers; Provisionals compile
cultural directory for Stamford and Norwalk; Tutor drop-out program voted in as project; "Cinderella"
trouped to schools.
STEP (School Tutorial & Enrichment Program) pilot project initiated in three Stamford schools, jointly with
the Stamford Volunteer Bureau
Homemaker Service given $8,500, second extension
Conference-in-Miniature held in February
Mrs. Dwight Marshall elected to Honorary membership
Arthur Fiedler Pops concert with New Haven Symphony Orchestra raised $3,000. Voted to have another
Pops concert next year.
Bal du Bateau netted $7,000 for C.T.F.
Bookwagon, after 30 years, turned over to the Stamford Hospital Jr. Auxiliary. League will support it for
three years on diminishing scale basis.
Provisional survey on public buildings for the Connecticut Commission on Architecture for Everyone.
Information compiled for a booklet to be published jointly with the Junior League of Greenwich.
Lease for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion in Norwalk signed on September 8. Headquarters set up in the
Mansion and long-term plan begun to restore the Mansion as public museum under sponsorship of the
League.
Name changed to Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc., April 1, 1966.
Provisionals completed a Stamford Youth Round Table Survey and an Area Camp Survey for the Stamford
Community Council. Helped with Stamford Fresh Air Picnic.
A second Arthur Fiedler Pops Concert with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra raised $1,500.
Alcohol Education project initiated with guidance from Fairfield County Council on Alcoholism.
Going Places paid back the original investment and netted a profit of $1,300; and a Community Arts Fair
was held in December, netting over $300.
Fall Provisional course changed to a night course
Trends & Resources Committee formed and included Project Evaluation and Public Affairs Committees.
Follies' "Loud and Clear" netted approximately $12,000.
Thrift Shop voted in as permanent fund raiser.
Mansion incorporated in the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Inc.
Mansion Ball netted $5,400. Advisory committee of museum curators and architectural historians
established.
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1968
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1969
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1970
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1971
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Guidebook, Going Places, revised.
Thrift Shop opened in South Norwalk as permanent fund-raiser.
League's Advisory Board of local businessmen established.
45th anniversary of the League celebrated by Sapphire Ball and a Conference-in-Miniature, "Promises to
Keep," which was open to the community. Public Relations published new brochure.
Sustainers sponsored A.I.D. Interior Design Show in the Mansion, raising $7,000 for restoration.
Mansion opened to public on summer Sundays with tours given by trained docents
League voted $10,500 donated to the Mansion.
Student Tutorial and Enrichment Program taken by the Stamford Coordinator of Volunteer Services.
Orientation and training sessions begun in Norwalk. $2,250 donated to the special Campership Fund set
up through Stamford Community Council.
Revised edition of guidebook, Going Places, paid back $5,205 of its original $5,489 loan from the League.
Urban Action Study Committee formed to increase understanding and concern for urban problems through
dialogues between Stamford inner-city residents and League members.
JLSN, one of 19 urban-oriented leagues in Northeast, each sending a team of two League members and
one community participant to first AJLA Community Leadership Seminar. Membership endorsed teams's
resolution to "support development of Inner-City Economic Independence."
League leadership instrumental in formation of COUP (Council on Urban Problems) in Stamford.
League votes $10,000 to Stamford Day Care Program and volunteers to serve on two "out-post" day care
center boards; $2,500 voted to the Campership Committee of the Stamford Community Council
Project Evaluation's resolution endorsed by membership: "The Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk stands
committed to the problems of the urban crisis. We feel the enormity and urgency of the problems in our
inner cities and we are prepared to commit ourselves to action with volunteers and money to improve the
quality of life in the inner cities of Stamford and Norwalk."
League supported the Mayor's Conference on Human Rights in Stamford with volunteers, art work, $100
for inner-city registration, and delegate participation.
Sustainers carry out successful summer Teenage Volunteer Program for 45, 15- and 16-year-olds.
Thrift Shop turned $8,000 profit.
Youth summer employment became a significant interest as League agreed to co-sponsor Project JOB in
Norwalk and provide volunteers to interview for Connecticut State Employment Service in Stamford.
Stipend assistance of $800 donated to Southfield Village Neighborhood Center for community organizer.
Program 1:1, tutorial program for three-year-olds, started in Norwalk's Karamuseum with $2,500; 15
volunteers and a volunteer coordinator.
Stamford Equal Economic Council formed to build black economic independence.
League continued support of Campership Committee with second grant of $2,500
Dues raised for Actives to $35, for Sustainers to $30
League collaborates for second year with Connecticut State Employment Service providing volunteers to
interview Stamford and Norwalk youth for summer jobs.
Rock & Rhythm supplants Duo-Piano as a committee and troupes rhythm instruments to Norwalk Day
Nursery
Spring Provisionals open Community Training Sessions to agencies in Placement Bulletin
Despite massive smoke damage, Thrift Shop surpasses last year's
profits and earns over $5,400 as scheduled.
Board size reduced from 39 to 21 and a Community Vice-President added on Future Policy's
recommendation. Also, decision made to elect both President and Executive Vice-President in even
years.
"Presidents' Ball" held in April to honor past League Presidents.
Guidebook Going Places revised for third time with first price rise ($1.75) since original publication in 1958
Thrift Shop gave Community Trust Fund $12,000. Hired a paid manager, began consignment, began a
Handcraft program to prepare boutique items and established way stations. Members' quota raised to $30.
"Hotline" established. Monthly in-League publication to provide fast
information to membership.
Gave $400 to Southfield Village Neighborhood Center to send representatives from Southfield to attend
Drug Dependency Institute, a National Training Center by the National Institutes of Mental Health.
First area Business Meeting held for credit.
Environmental Cluster published Eco-Tips, sponsored a bottle boycott, joined other Leagues to study
progress of New England River Basins Commission. Manned phones in Darien, answering ecological
questions.
Health & Welfare Cluster put out a fact sheet on drug treatment and prevention centers in our area.
Worked to assist the Drug Liberation movement to apply for a federal grant.
Housing Cluster attended seminar put on by Committee on Training and Employment. Helped CTE put out
issue of their newsletter. Studied housing section of Stamford's Master Plan, then participated with COUP
members in seminar on entire plan.
Mansion holds first annual membership drive. Second Candlelight Ball held in June. Three graduate
students of Columbia School of Architecture make measured drawings.
SEEC hires new director, moves location, puts members of Advisory Board on the Board of Directors.
League membership votes $12,000 for SEEC newsletter.
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1972 1973 -
1974 -
Program 1:1 enlarged to two facilities at Carver Center and the South Norwalk Congregational Church.
Membership votes $1,000 to Friends of Youth to pay the salary of a trained psychologist for one year to
guide 30 adult community volunteers working with potential teenage dropouts.
Community Resource Center for in-League use established in Junior League office.
Two Provisional courses combined into one. Course emphasizes participation rather than lecturing.
Name of Association of Junior Leagues of America changed to Association of Junior Leagues, Inc.
Sustaining age becomes optional at 40 to extend up to 45.
Admissions age requirements changed from 18 to 20 and 34 to 36.
Purpose of the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. and member Leagues changed.
Drug Committee begins trouping "Drugs Are Like That" as a pilot project in the Darien schools.
Environment Committee begins project to preserve the Five Mile River.
Housing Committee embarks on a long-term project to make a move about the housing situation.
Conducts a survey on attitudes about housing from cross section of people in our area.
Program 1:1 operates in five locations in Norwalk and one in Stamford and League gives additional
$2,500 to support this expansion.
Mansion designated as a national historic landmark by the Department of the Interior. Mansion
Education Committee takes mansion as a local historical site and develops program for use in and by
the local school systems, remaining $2,500 of the League's original $9,000 grant.
The Junior Leagues of Connecticut form a Public Affairs Council to pool their influence and speak with a
single voice to increase their impact and effectiveness in the field of state legislation. The Council, after
an in-depth study, endorsed the Inland Wetlands Bill which subsequently was enacted into law.
Professional group formed with clear guidelines for working members.
Public Relations Committee produces engagement calendar to be used in place of a brochure to tell our
League's story in pictures during our 50th Anniversary year.
Thrift Shop brings in $6,900 and Guidebook earns $1,200 and reprints.
SEEC given $1,200 to pay costs of newsletters and brochures.
Membership votes to require all Active members to take part annually in JLSN's community
commitments.
Project Evaluation Committee is established to review League and community requests before passing
requests on to the Finance Committee.
Art Committee takes handcrafts to the elderly.
$2,000 given to the Youth Council of ABRAXAS for the support of the ABRAXAS Drug Prevention
Program.
"Make a Difference - as a Volunteer" was theme for 50th Anniversary year which started in January.
Special activities for anniversary celebration included: Auction '73 in May; net profit over $33,000.
Anniversary Luncheon in January attended by AJL President, Area Directors, new Area Council
chairman. Fifty-year members were recognized. Three volunteer opportunity brochures (teenagers,
senior citizens, mothers) were printed and circulated to numerous community agencies and individuals.
Promotions of theme through a picture calendar, bumper stickers, traveling display to local banks,
special issue of Jottings, Stamford YWCA Salute to Women, interview on WSTC, picture pages.
Recognition of past presidents at Annual Meeting in May.
Voluntary Action Center developed in cooperation with Stamford Mayor's office and United Way.
Circuit Court study group formed in cooperation with Committee on Training & Employment, Greenwich
Junior League, Stamford-Darien Council of Churches and Synagogues.
Choices for '76, a program of community education on current problems presented through the Regional
Plan Association, was supported through volunteers and money.
Community Services Board organized for chairmen of action and arts programs.
Assistant Recording Secretary added to officer positions.
Area I Council formed representing 40 Leagues. JLSN member was elected to the first 8-member
Council.
Professionals held night-time meetings prior to regular business meetings.
Mansion Education program developed to serve local elementary school children.
Program 1:1 became incorporated, received foundation funding, expanded Stamford part of program,
was written up in AJL magazine.
Housing Committee completed survey on attitudes, presented written results entitled, "The Two-Headed
Coin," to membership and circulated copies to interested groups.
Drug film trouping expanded to New Canaan, Wilton and Norwalk.
Placement-Project Evaluation studied League community program. Actives signed up for placement in
the Community Program during April interviews. Two groups, Rock'n Rhythm and Housing, were
discontinued.
Voluntary Action Center (VAC) started in partnership with Stamford United Way and Mayor's office.
JLSN donated $10,368.
Community Return, a judicial project serving the Connecticut Circuit Court area, started in partnership
with the Greenwich League, Stamford-Darien Council of Churches-Synagogues, and the
Committee on Training & Employment. JLSN donated $3,000.
League secured $30,000 in local, state and federal grants for Program 1:1, VAC, Community Return.
League proposed change in AJL Policy IIA at Annual Conference which would allow AJL to take
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1975
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1976
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1977
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1978
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national legislative action (20 Leagues seconded the proposal).
Child Abuse Interest Group started in partnership with the Stamford Hospital Auxiliary and the Stamford
Council of Jewish Women.
Community Service Committees held Arts Festival for benefit of Yellow Balloon.
Environment Group started pilot project at East School, New Canaan.
League served as sponsor of Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Kandinsky Show.
Yellow Balloon showed 50% profit over prior year.
League ran volunteer training workshop for Conn. State Dept. of Corrections.
Sustainer Summer Teenage Program turned over to VAC.
Research reports compiled on the bicentennial and revenue sharing.
Community Return selected by state for NBC-TV public service presentation.
Sustainers start five interest groups.
The change of AJL Policy IIA, proposed by JLSN, allowing AJL to take legislative action, was passed
overwhelmingly by the delegates to AJL Annual Conference.
Three new projects, Norwalk Family Planning Center, Wilton YES and Westport Cancer Education
approved by membership.
The Drug Education Committee changed its focus to Alcohol Education.
Puppets Project was completed; memoranda of understanding drawn up between JLSN and 8 projects.
Yellow Balloon closed its doors in South Norwalk. Year spent searching for new location on Squab
Lane, Darien. Quota raised to $40 per member. New Y.B. standing rules written.
Executive Committee of Jr. Leagues of CT, consisting of the Presidents of the seven Leagues in CT
formed to handle the Public Affairs Task Forces on a state level and coordinate activities between CT
Leagues.
Provisionals update Community Service Directory for VAC Dance, "The Spring Fling," held in April for
fun!
Community Return, Mansion School Services, Program 1:1, VAC completed and turned over to the
community.
Childrens' Theater & Art Enrichment given extension as JLSN projects until 12/76.
Restructure of Executive Committee completed; allowing a one-year Presidency, with automatic
succession from Executive Vice President.
Move of office location to 6 Squab Lane, Darien.
Presidential Ball held to honor new President.
Career Development courses taught to JLSN members.
House Committee established - started art shows in Headquarters.
Began AMP planning cycle - took AMP to a community agency adopted new 2-year Goals & Objectives.
Career Development reached over 200 members - concepts included
in Placement Guide.
Two delegates attended "For Childrens' Sake," Association-wide conference on Child Advocacy - est.
Child Advocacy Interest Group and Advocacy Trainers - offered First Advocacy Training Session - est.
Child Advocacy Task Force under Public Affairs Council, Jr. Leagues of Connecticut.
Ten community leaders appointed for two-year terms to JLSN Advisory Committee.
Public stands included votes on Darien sewers, Bottle Bill and letter to Time magazine.
Going Places revision and reprint of 10,000 copies with $6,300 loan.
Administrative and Community Service Boards met jointly in "interim plan" as Board of Directors.
Functional Board concept adopted for 1978-79 year with "interim plan continuing" for 1977-78.
P.R. Brochure revised and reprinted and JLSN Fact Sheet developed.
Blue Notes celebrated 25 years of service.
Professionals became Evening Status members.
First JLSN Forum held.
Two new projects approved: CAPE (Child Abuse Prevention Education) with new programs, and New
Canaan Historical Society Education Program; plus study group, Natural & Architectural Preservation
Study.
Yellow Balloon contributed $10,000, hired part-time coordinator and benefited from special sales by
Provisionals, Sustainers and Transfers.
Projects phased into community: Art Enrichment, Cancer Education, Children's Theatre, Wilton Youth
Employment Service.
Layman's Guide to the River and River Life approved for printing 1,000 copies with $4,500 loan.
The Natural and Architectural Preservation Survey project; Stress Study Group; Evening Members
Study Group; CAPE expansion into parenting education approved.
The River Book, published September.
Child Advocacy Interest Group focused on family support systems.
Norwalk Family Planning project phased into the community.
Yellow Balloon earned $15,000 with special sales by Sustainers, Provisionals, Transfers and Evening
members.
Holiday Market approved as fund-raiser for Fall 1979.
A volunteer skills workshop series co-sponsored with five community organizations.
Hotline and Jottings combined as monthly publication.
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1979
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1980
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1981
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Board and administration restructured on functional basis; placement available for administrative
service; provisional term shortened.
Procedures for Public Action adopted by JLSN membership.
Functional Board structure provides for consolidation of Admissions and Provisional Committees. First
single calendar year concept of proposal to active membership initiated.
First JLSN Position Statement adopted under Public Action Procedures. Subject is children. Future path
for specific public action in support of articulated beliefs.
Community Fund of $200 created and approved to provide access to Junior League when project or
advocacy is not immediately appropriate.
Provisional members entertain League at Mother-Daughter Christmas Tea.
Child Advocacy Interest Group successfully convenes a community coalition for child protection in
Stamford.
JLSN membership defines four areas of future involvement: Board approves creation of Task Forces on
Elderly, Norwalk Seaport, Battered Women, and Emergency Shelter for Runaway Youth for Placement
in 1979-80.
JLSN members visit "Treasures of Tutankhamen" exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.
IBM Copier III leased for JLSN office use, revolutionizing procedures and paperwork.
First JLSN President, Miss Gertrude Ingersoll, dies after 56 years of League membership.
Yellow Balloon had revenue over expenses of $20,960.83.
Five new projects approved by membership: Domestic Violence Prevention; Norwalk Maritime Center;
VIE, Senior Rights Assistance; Friendly Visitors Service and STAR, the last two being specifically
geared to the needs of the Evening Actives. Youth Task Force merged with Child Advocacy Interest
Group (CAIG). Contingency voting used for the first time in approving all of the above.
Environment, NAPS, New Canaan Historical Society Programs phased out.
Christmas Potpourri held November 7-9; 28 booths, over 6,000 attendees, and net profit of $35,600.
Ad Hoc Committee formed to appraise Christmas Potpourri.
Membership approved committee's recommendation that it be continued as fund-raiser for 1980 and
1981, and voted to change name to Holiday Potpourri.
Yellow Balloon earned $19,491.
Dues raise approved: Actives, $60; Sustainers, $50; over 65, $35; Provisional fee, $40.
Position statements in areas of Foster Care for Children, Environment, Natural & Architectural
Preservation, Norwalk Maritime Center and Voluntarism adopted
by membership.
Membership approved changing fiscal year to coincide with membership year (both will run June 1 –
May 31).
Training Committee formed to market, schedule and coordinate JLSN training programs.
O.S.A. (Organization Self Assessment) survey administered February 1980. 79% of Actives and
Provisionals responded. Results should provide excellent future planning tool for JLSN in 1980's.
Provisional Class researched, wrote, published and distributed 16-page booklet, You Are Not Alone,
detailing services available to battered women in lower Fairfield County.
Recommendation to allow double shift credit for Saturday work at Yellow Balloon approved.
JLSN signed contract with David McKay Co. to participate in Eastern Junior League Cookbook and
received proceeds of $919.85.
Donated River books to area high schools, libraries, and the remaining 300 to the Six Town River Board.
Changed name of newsletter from Directions to Blueprints.
Provisionals refurbished Keystone House in Norwalk, printed a brochure for the facility, and gave clients
skills workshops. Changed the admissions deadline to November 1.
Ad Hoc Committee on Membership Practices educated the membership on diversification.
Public Service Announcement on JLSN ran for 11 months on CBS TV.
Bylaws changed to allow Treasurers to impose a fine for late dues payment and a more efficient method
of dues modification. First year to put dues bills in newssheet.
CCJL (Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues) held Connecticut Counterparts and State Provisional
Day.
Established committee rotation system, whereby at least two administrative committees will meet at
night each year for the Evening Actives.
Researched VIE/Senior Rights Assistance site and determined not viable for Stamford.
Alcohol Education, Blue Notes, Child Advocacy Interest Group, Domestic Violence Prevention
Education, Friendly Visitors, Norwalk Maritime Center, Project STAR, Stress, SPAC/Child Advocacy
continue.
CAPE's last year with JLSN involvement.
New programs: Wilton Historical Society Project and Early Childhood Development Center Task Force.
Received $960 grant from Exxon Chemical Corp. to purchase 4,000 pamphlets for battered women.
Approved Advisory Status, an honorary placement option for the trained active member who has been a
member of the Junior League for ten years or more.
Offered community groups training workshops in VCD, MBO, and Assertiveness.
Passed new position statements: Children, Public Education and Elderly. Public Action taken under
each.
Monies to Child Development Center of Fairfield, Literacy Volunteers of Stamford, and Child Care
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1982
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1983
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Council.
The Yellow Balloon earned $33,738. Hired a second paid employee. Instituted a "buy out" policy, so a
member could hire a another member to work her shift. For the first time, solicited clothes from retailers.
Second Annual Holiday Potpourri held at the Italian Center in Stamford, raising $39,351. Mayor Clapes
and Mayor Colins were Honorary Co-Chairmen.
Established a Pilot Interest Area on Children & Youth with $5,000 budgeted.
Published a Training Brochure to market JLSN workshops available to community groups.
Blue Notes presented a show, Kaleidoscope, to JLSN members and Community.
Approved Board restructure to the council system (six officers and six council directors).
Focus Areas approved; children, substance abuse, and art.
Raised the upper limit for admission into the provisional class to age 38.
Approved the concept of the purchase of property for a permanent Headquarters.
Extended Alcohol Education with an expansion into other drugs for 2 years.
Committed to a two-year childrens' concert series with the Stamford Symphony.
Approved a three-year Early Childhood Development Center program with the Darien YMCA.
All our position statements put on the same ratification schedule: every two years.
Arts Task Force and Cable TV Task Force were established.
Literacy Volunteers of Stamford became an approved Placement for our members.
Presented SPEAK OUT for future planning.
Project Fair was held for the membership in April before the Placement interviews.
Held the third Annual Holiday Potpourri at the Italian Center in Stamford, raising $43,507 CTF. Included
the first decorator showcase doll house raffle.
The Yellow Balloon contributed $28,714 and initiated a contest to pay the dues of the sustainer with the
highest donations.
Published first community newsletter, JLSN Newsline.
Restructured MBO, VCD, and Stress into one committee for next year capable of doing all three
courses.
The Pilot Interest Group on Children & Youth shared information and administered the Enabling Fund.
Gifts given to: to the Children's Bank & Holiday Gift Project of the Coalition for Children & Youth, and the
Stamford Children's Museum, Inc.
Approved funds for the Friends of Children to co-sponsor a public meeting concerning bills designed to
aid Amerasian children.
"19th Century Washables" opened April 25 at the Wilton Historical Society.
Domestic Violence Prevention produced and distributed a postcard on services available in Fairfield
County.
Sustainers reorganized and held functions by areas and League wide.
Community Research held two informal forums with members of the local Boards of Education.
Accepted 69 transfers.
CCJL held CT Counterparts and initiated a State Training Committee (STC).
SPAC/CA reorganized to become SPAC so they could expand their role outside of children.
Blue Notes celebrated 30th Anniversary.
Nominating sent 20 League members to 8 conferences and placed 5 members on community Boards.
Ad Hoc Committee on Membership Practices sent letter to the membership gearing up for a push
toward membership participation through admissions.
Meg Graham, 1980-82 President of AJL, was guest speaker at Annual Meeting at Woodway Country
Club.
Purchased Source Library building, 748 Post Road, Darien, as permanent headquarters and site for
Yellow Balloon.
In honor of JLSN's 60th anniversary, held a two-day Community Forum at the Stamford Marriott entitled,
"Forging Community Partnerships: Responsibilities, Resources, Results." Over 200 community leaders
attended.
Held 60th Anniversary country-western dance at the Italian Center. Sustainers organized it for entire
membership.
Instituted the Council System, grouping all projects and committees by similar interests and having a
Board of Directors comprised of 12 voting members and 3 advisors.
Accepted 55 for Provisional Course, voted 50 Provisionals to Active
Membership. Completed three Provisional projects.
Published brochure for New Canaan Nature Center; organized information for future JLSN slide show;
performed clean water assessment of Long Island Sound.
Yellow Balloon netted over $45,000 and fourth Annual Holiday Potpourri netted over $33,000.
Voted in two new projects: Art Appreciation, Cable TV.
Board voted to discontinue Stamford Symphony project after one year.
CAIG monitored dissolution of Youth Host Homes, Inc., and then disbanded as a committee.
Approved single slating for Admissions/Provisional and Nominating Committees.
Eliminated fund-raiser shift work for Actives over 40.
Community Research concentrated its efforts on substance abuse, children, arts, in line with JLSN focus
areas.
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1984
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1985
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1986
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1987
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Participated in Bloomingdale's gala dinner dance to benefit Maritime Center at Norwalk.
Adopted new or refined positions statements on Arts, Children, Substance Abuse, Volunteerism and
reratified those on Elderly, Environment, Maritime Center.
Membership Practices Committee held informative coffees for unsolicited applicants interested in becoming
members of JLSN.
Accepted 77 transfers.
Membership Council initiated Extra Service Volunteer Award
Moved into new headquarters at 748 Post Road, Darien. The Board initiated Capital Fund Drive to raise
funds necessary for addition of meeting room for headquarters. Provisionals organized Lilac Ball at
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion as fund-raiser for addition. Sustainers held a Fashion Show.
Cable Television Committee wrote script and filmed two programs that were aired on public access
television.
Two task forces were initiated - Latch Key Day Care Enrichment and Women in Transition.
Evening Projects Task Force published a pamphlet to be a resource for Women in Transition.
SPAC developed an enabling procedure for the JLSN and gained endorsement for SPAC position
statements on women and health.
Alcohol Education completed its long-term involvement in our communities.
Art Enrichment Committee, a new project, trouped the art/slide lecture program, "Wheels" to sixth graders.
Early Childhood Development Center ran five classes on parenting during a child's first three years of life.
Maritime Center Committee published a newsletter and provided assistance at Maritime Center office.
Wilton Historical Society members had an exhibit, "Three Centuries of Fashion Treasures".
The Yellow Balloon had a successful move to 748 Post Road and was right on budget.
Meeting room addition was completed, and an open house was held
Women in Transition Task Force was voted in as a project in November
The Women's Resource Center is scheduled to open in January 1986
Art Enrichment trouped the art/slide lecture program, "Wheels" to area fifth and sixth graders. Began
developing docent program for children
Early Childhood Development Center's newly expanded facility opened at Darien YMCA and conducted 11
parenting classes covering child's first three years of life
A new project, Kids on the Block, was voted in for four years
Norwalk Maritime Center produced education pamphlet, "The Hope" and two newsletters for Maritime
Center
SPAC and Community Research held a Public Affairs Seminar focusing on critical issues affecting today's
children. League members and community representatives attended the event which was filmed by the
Video Production Committee. The show was aired four separate times, on the local public access channel.
Video Production also taped several in-League training workshops
The JLSN purchased a computer which is housed at headquarters
Membership Diversity Committee held several informational coffees for interested applicants
A "Speak Out" was held in November and a "Speak Out Answers," in April
Advisory/Future Planning developed a three year plan which was approved by the membership
Kids on the Block trouped disabled puppet show to area third graders
Maritime Center Project was voted (1) a four-year extension (2) $120,000 over the next three years to fund
a Touch Tank exhibit, and (3) a Regional Seafood Cookbook Committee to help fray future League
expenses
Community Research proposed four new projects: Parent Seminars on Adolescent Sexuality; Pet
Companions; Woman to Woman II; Women's Crisis Center at Norwalk
Women to Women, Phase I, a project adopted in 1985, completed its community needs assessment
regarding women and alcoholism and report was released.
JLSN participated in Connecticut's 350th Women's Celebration in conjunction with the opening of our
Women's Resource Center, at the Darien-Norwalk YMCA
SPAC held a community seminar on teen pregnancy at the Congregation Church in Stamford in
partnership with the Norwalk March of Dimes and the Coalition of 100 Black Women
SPAC also participated in a Volunteers Advocacy Conference in Middletown, and held a legislative
workshop and reception in Hartford
Produced a 20-minute video on the history of JLSN aired on Cable TV and at the Annual Meeting
Advisory Planning made the following recommendations which were approved: (1) Contingency voting
procedure was revised, (2) Communications Council will be restructured for 1986-87, and (3) The
Admissions/Provisional Committee will become two committees - the Membership Committee which will
have membership diversity as its primary responsibility, and the Provisional Committee which will develop a
standardized Provisional course
Balloon Ball was held in April and several social events were scheduled
Provisionals hosted a "Shipwreck Party" and Silent Auction, which netted $4,000 for the JLSN commitment
to the Sea Star Tank
Art Enrichment trouped its Photography slide show to area sixth graders and terminated as a project of
JLSN
ECDC continued parenting classes, and implemented a successful parent support group
Maritime Center project volunteers planned and implemented the ground-breaking festivities and the
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1988
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1989
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holiday capital fund campaign kick-off at Lockwood Mathews Mansion. Produced an outstanding
newsletter. $40,000 of our $120,000 commitment to the Sea Star exhibit for the Maritime Museum was
presented
Pet Companions placed pets at area nursing homes and provided one-to-one relationships with the
residents
Woman-to-Woman produced an outstanding media event, and published a resource brochure listing area
treatment programs for women with an alcohol related problem
Women's Resource Center changed focus, and will now emphasize support groups for women and a life
planning seminar. New headquarters for the Center are located at 1372 Summer Street, Stamford
The Shelter for the Homeless Task Force was extended for another year. A volunteer program for the
Shelter was established and a volunteer coordinator was added to the Shelter's staff
An Arts Festival Task Force was created to explore the feasibility of an arts festival for Stamford
A position statement on the homeless and the hungry was approved
Parent Seminars was reinstated as a League program and will be a part of the Education/Training Council
SPAC held a legislative breakfast in Hartford
JLSN received a gift of stock which netted $2,700 for our commitment to the Sea Star Tank
The Hilltop Foundation granted $5,000, an unsolicited grant, to JLSN for the Sea Star Tank
JLSN Sustainers played a major role in the Area I Sustainer Conference in Hartford
Two JLSN members were elected to Association positions; another JLSN member will continue as a
second-year member of the Area Council as Nominating Chairman
The management audit was begun, as was investigation into the expansion of JLSN Headquarters
JLSN membership approved a Bylaw extending the maximum age for Provisionals to 40
ECDC classes were held at Head Start and Birthright in Stamford. Darien classes turned over to YMCA
Norwalk Maritime Center will open in the summer
The second $40,000 of our sea star tank commitment was presented
Pet Companions placed additional pets in Bridgeport and at the Lower Fairfield Center
Women's Resource Center offered a Life Planning Seminar and group discussions throughout the year
Domestic Violence task force became a project focusing on the children at the Women's Crisis Center in
Norwalk
$25,000 was approved over two years to fund the kitchen at the Shelter for the Homeless
"Adolescent Pregnancy: A Call to Action" held in collaboration with Community Action Network on Teenage
Pregnancy
The first annual report was published
JLSN, responding to AJL Admissions Task Force Report, approved changes allowing for open admissions
and instituted a Rolling Admissions process
A computer was donated to the Lower Fairfield Center
Sea Dreams Auction netted $43,000 for the Sea Star Tank at the Maritime Center
"Off the Hook" was published and became a major fund-raiser
Sponsored a symposium, "Child Care: A Call to Action," at Pitney Bowes, in collaboration with the National
Council of Jewish Women; additional funding provided by Champion and GE Capital Corporations
Sponsored a community presentation on the plight of the homeless, "Under the Bridge," in collaboration
with the Stamford Coalition for the Homeless, the Council of Churches and Synagogues, the Coalition of
100 Black Women, and the JL Greenwich
Approved a joint project with the JL Greenwich to develop a volunteer program at the Shelter for the
Homeless
Gave $12,500 to the Stamford Shelter for the Homeless toward a kitchen for Pacific House
Gave $40,000 to the newly opened Maritime Center at Norwalk, completing a $120,000 commitment for the
Touch Tank; held a Junior League Day at the Maritime Center to dedicate the Touch Tank
Turned over the Women's Resource Center to the Stamford YWCA; agreed to donate $10,000 as seed
money
Co-sponsored two community breakfasts with the Women's Crisis Center to develop public awareness of
domestic violence issues and worked with children at the Women's Crisis Center
Arts Task Force continued to research the feasibility of a major arts festival for Stamford, tentatively
proposed for October 1991; pilot project and funding approved to contract for a professional study
ECDC Task Force conducted a survey on child abuse prevention programs and co-sponsored a
symposium, "Addicted Babies: Born to Lose"
AIDS Task Force researched area programs
Redrafted and approved position statements; took public action on behalf of housing, homeless, schoolbased health centers, child care, and volunteerism
Housing Task Force drafted concepts for public action under housing position statement
Initiated the JLSN-Smith Corona Outstanding High School Volunteer Awards for National Volunteer Week;
8 Fairfield County students announced as winners
Community Research began work on a comprehensive strategic plan for project/program development
Advisory Planning conducted a telephone poll of all Active and Provisional members to obtain data on
demographics and preferences
Personnel Committee conducted leader-staff survey of paid-staff needs
"Off the Hook" reprint of 10,000 copies ordered; cookbook nominated for several awards
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1990
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1991
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Fund-raising shift requirements for Actives reduced by 1/3
Approved transition proposal for combining Nominating and Placement; approved Transfer/Social
committee
Conducted two joint Board/Council training opportunities;
Leadership raining held jointly with JL Greenwich
Continued to advocate implementation of Admissions Task Force recommendations by all Leagues; took
lead role in changing AJL Bylaws wording from "candidate" to "prospective member"
Two JLSN members served on the AJL Board of Directors, SPAC delegate elected SPAC Chairman for
1989-90
Initiated Annual President's Award, for outstanding League and Community service by an Active member
over the course of her JL career
Personnel Committee expanded to include the Capital Management function.
The Nominating and Placement Committees were merged and assigned advisors geographically.
Dues increase approved; $100 for actives and $85 for Sustainers; AJLI head tax increased to $27 per
member.
JLSN membership further reduced fund-raising shift time.
11th Annual Holiday Potpourri, held at Norwalk Armory has a successful year netting more than $40,000 in
three days with less volunteer hours required.
Off the Hook continued to receive national acclaim; volunteers hosted many exhibitions as well as cooking
demonstrations on cable TV.
Finance Committee updated all financial policies and procedures; established policies for our
Memorial/Endowment Fund.
JLSN co-sponsored the Women's Crisis Center Breakfast during National Domestic Violence Week. WCC
Project completed its final year of project status.
Staffing policies adopted to better manage our changing volunteer profile and league transiency.
Sustainers provided social functions, sent delegates to AJLI Regional Conference in Baltimore, ran midwinter lecture series and established a Sustainer Service Award which named Nancy Stoetzer and Nancy
Martin its first recipients.
Homecoming '89 was a special reunion by more than 200 members, 10 former JLSN Presidents. Guest
Speaker was Maridel Moulton, AJLI President.
SPAC conducted an issue selection survey; Priority issues were the environment, children, and
housing/homeless; held legislative breakfast in Hartford.
Eugenia Potter, AJLI Diversity Support Team trained on membership diversification retention and
collaboration.
Kids on the Block completed an extensive trouping schedule as well as trained Stamford teachers in a
new AIDS puppet program. Project was renewed for 3 years.
Shelter for the Homeless developed a new volunteer recruitment program as well as ran a Food drive.
Community Issues/Public Affairs Committee streamlined the project approval process and chaired the
newly established Project Review Ad Hoc Team. Family Day Care and Impact were approved as new
projects.
Housing Task Force produced a Section 8 Brochure in conjunction with Stamford's Housing Authority;
worked in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of New Canaan to propose new accessory
housing regulations.
A new ECDC project, "Better Beginnings", was approved for three years to assist mothers and babies in a
local hospital program.
A position statement on discrimination was approved by membership.
A new task force collaboration, on suburban ecology, formed with the New Canaan Nature Center.
President's Award was given to Joanne Santulli and an AJLI honor role plaque was established to honor all
JLSN women serving AJLI-most recently was Donna Wilson-Johnson.
Recipient of the City of Stamford's Youth Planning and Coordination Agency Award in appreciation of our
support for children.
Financial Assistance Fund was established to give temporary financial assistance to members.
Administrative structure changes were approved by membership which eliminated Membership
Management Council and incorporated the Parliamentarian function into our Recording Secretary position.
JLSN was donated an IBM-AT computer from Indata Corporation.
Launched Better Beginnings project in collaboration with St. Joseph's Hospital to provide new parent
education
Input and advice received from community advisors at two meetings; Robert A. Francis, Regional Director
of DCYS, Ken Finch,
Executive Director of New Canaan Nature Center, and Peter O'Hara,
Dean of Norwalk Community College, join ongoing advisors.
Initiated successful new fund-raiser, Paper Peddler, featuring personalized stationery items.
Created and adopted new name, logo, and location for fall fund-raiser, now called Winterfair to be held at
the Norwalk Jewish Community Center (formerly Holiday Potpourri).
New staff position added to Yellow Balloon; participated in outreach effort with Ed Mitchell's of Westport.
Implemented marketing plan for Off the Hook; conducted special promotional events in Stamford, Danbury
and Wilton; and encouraged member sales through internal sales contests.
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1992
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1993
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Shelter for the Homeless project organized breakfast food drive, created recruitment slide show and
completed 3 year commitment to Pacific House.
Improved office function through purchase of fax machine, new copier, and word processor for the office.
Welcomed Eugenia Potter, Diversity Support Team member and JLSN, to Joint Board/Council for meeting
for diversity brainstorming and follow-up to past training.
27 members sent to outside training sessions, including Annual Mentor Conference, Traveling Workshops,
Diversity Network, Leadership Institute, among others.
Multicultural Action Plan endorsed by Board with recommendation for emphasis on community outreach.
Presented with commemorative plaque at "An Evening at the Maritime Center" for efforts on behalf on
Norwalk Maritime Center.
Maureen Hughes received 3rd annual Sustainer of the Year award and 3rd annual President's award
presented to Benji Risman.
CAPAC developed new project proposal process; 2 new projects, Weir Farm and Prevention through
Education, were adopted.
First year of IMPACT committee highly successful: painted rooms at Chester A. Addison Community
Center; conducted toy drives; and led JLSN immunization campaign "Don't Wait to Vaccinate."
LEAF task force adopted as project, supporting New Canaan Nature Center's Project L.E.A.F.
Became Associate member of the Urban League.
Housing Project published 2nd brochure for Stamford Housing Authority; participated with St. Luke's
Community Services, Inc. in Child Care Task Force for proposed Franklin Commons transitional housing
project; assisted Mutual Housing Association in application screening for affordable housing; and
participated in a regional housing planning session.
CAPAC led research on new position statement on education, including having Superintendent of Stamford
Public Schools, Dr. Papallo, speak at the January Business Meeting.
Organized community seminar "Immunization: Past Present and Future" in support of Immunization
Campaign.
Over 80 articles about JLSN appeared in 9 town area newspapers.
Publicity Committee created slide show to highlight activities of the year for Annual Dinner.
Presented Kids on the Block to area schools, including AIDS script; attended Kids training in Boston.
Nancy Amidei spoke on advocacy at September Business meeting at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion.
Held a Community Night Panel at UConn-Stamford for the October Business Meeting. Participants were
Dick Shuster form St. Luke's, Curtis Porter from the Urban League and Karen Arms, Director of UConnStamford.
"Winterfair" held at the Jewish Center in Norwalk with live and silent auctions at black tie dinner dance
opening night.
Off the Hook was featured on "Cookin' USA", a nationally based TV show, in addition to our own special
events and cooking demonstrations. Also sold at "Winterfair."
Suzanne Plihcik, President of AJLI, spoke at the January Business Meeting.
To Evalyn Nulle, valued member of the Yellow Balloon staff, we bid a sad farewell, and Carol Smith joined
the staff.
A new project in collaboration with the Junior League of Greenwich, Family and Children's Services of
Norwalk, Family and Children's Services of Stamford and Family and Children's Services of Greenwich
called Home-Share plans to match up single parent families to share living accommodations.
The AJLI annual conference was held in NYC and in addition to the 3 delegates for the conference, 10
women attended the Friday program. Our Better Beginnings project was chosen as a model project and our
cookbook was sold there so that 20 JLSN members attended some part of annual conference.
Judy Mahony received the 4th Annual Sustainer of the Year award and Jane Peck received the 4th Annual
President's award.
Denise Cavanaugh spoke on Community Assets at the Annual Dinner held at the Inn at Long Shore.
Renovated attic and updated office space at League Headquarters.
Focus areas were identified as Child welfare, Positive Youth Development and Self-Sufficiency.
September Business meeting dedicated to issue of "diversity".
Blueprints was produced internally-9 issues, including 2 community magazines, 1 being 70th Anniversary
Issue.
Public Affairs Committee participated in environmental task force: Junior Leagues for Long Island Sound.
Awarded Certificate of Environmental Achievement from Renew America for contributing the Touch Tank to
the Maritime Center at Norwalk.
Selected as participant in AJLI's Leadership and Governance Demonstration Project.
Upgraded computer system with donation from Gartner Group.
2 members attended the annual conference of the Permanent Council for the Status of Women in
Connecticut.
Developed a League-wide Skills Bank for membership development and management needs.
The Training Committee developed a three year training curriculum based on membership needs.
Two new pilot projects approved; Adopt-A-School (an enrichment and mentoring program) and Stepping
Stones (Museum for Children).
Projects completed or discontinued were LEAF, Pet Companions, Prevention through Education and Weir
Farm.
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1994 1995
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Celebrated 70th Anniversary Community Volunteer Awards Ceremony and Luncheon with 22 honorees.
Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools Dr. Ralph E. Sloan spoke about desegregation of Connecticut
schools at business meeting.
Kim Lewis, '92 Winterfair Chair was honored as Outstanding Darien Volunteer at the Darien Community
Council's Volunteer Recognition Day co-sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield
County.
Leslie Shaffer, Executive Secretary, received the 4th Annual Sustainer Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mary Lee, Ways and Means Committee Chair, received the 5th Annual President's Volunteer of the Year
Award.
Communications Council showed the JLSN video at Annual Dinner at the Inn at Longshore.
CCJL organized a networking session for Council/Committee chairs within the seven leagues.
JLSN Family Picnic at Cherry Lawn Park in Darien.
Diversity/Sensitivity Training session led by Fran Smith from AJLI held at November Business Meeting,
community liaisons to Better Beginning and Kids on the Block Attended.
Held Facilitator's Workshop led by Boston Trainer attended by 13 JLSN, 1 JLGH and 3 JLG members.
Board removed Redding from our service area in conjunction with JLEFC removing Wilton from theirs.
Winterfair had 50 vendors, an opening night party and a raffle which contributed to net revenues 50% over
budget.
JLSN was co-proposer along with AJLI and four other Leagues on the Maternal & Child Health External
Policy Resolution which passed at Annual Conference.
Blueprints was produced 9 times including an all community mailing in May to 500 community leaders and
organizations.
Public Affairs Committee represented JLSN on Long Island Sound Task Force, The Children's Welfare
Coalition, and organized the Beach Clean-up at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk on Earth Day, attended by
over 50 JLSN Members and their Families.
Held Leadership & Governance Training in NYC at AJLI in January.
Held "Buzz Group" coffees with membership in March to train and speak out on Leadership & Governance
theories and dynamics.
Received Grants from: March of Dimes, Chase Manhattan Bank, Stamford Hospital Auxiliary and McGrawHill.
Off the Hook Cookbook achieved a final sellout of inventory and one copy was donated to each library in
JLSN 8 town area.
Direct Mail Package developed by Membership Development for use with Welcome Wagon and
Newcomer's Clubs in 8 town area.
Special Education Nursery Needs Assessment Committee was developed in collaboration with the Child
Guidance Center.
Resource Library, Adopt-A-School, Off the Hook Cookbook, Stepping Stones (Museum for
Children), and Share-A-Home Committees were disbanded.
Better Beginnings trained 50 League and community volunteers, visited 200 mothers at two
hospitals, held a holiday party attended by over 200 parents and children from the community,
developed a prenatal education and mentoring component to the program.
Luncheon was held and attended by 30 community leaders to present the goals and objectives of JLSN. As
a result, Community Advisors Committee was revamped, 13 new and 8 continuing advisors.
Building Families held Family Nights on Thursday during year at Franklin Commons with
different themes.
Impact Committee worked with the community on 6 wide ranging projects.
Publicity Committee developed and distributed 3,000 book marks, in honor of National
Volunteer Week, to libraries in 8 towns.
Yellow Balloon held two special sales; a toy sale in December and a tag sale in the Spring.
Penny Young received the 5th Annual Sustainer Volunteer of the Year Award.
Beth Eaton Koch received the 6th Annual President's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement.
Renee Buie and Sara Tucker received the First Volunteer of the Year Award for Outstanding
Community Service.
Theme for year was "Making a Visible Difference".
Ad Hoc Task Force met all summer to review League structure and reported results to Board in September.
Summer headquarters renovations included construction to reorganize office for more space, needed
maintenance and leasing a new Xerox machine.
Cocktail party honoring Community Advisors held in July, first of two meetings with them.
Funds Development proposed a one year pilot fund-raiser, American Girls Fashion Show and emphasized
building up the endowment fund.
CAPAD polled members on current focus areas to determine continued interest.
October business meeting featured Denise Barrett from AJLI speaking on "members as leaders" tying into
the Leadership & Governance project.
October coffees held to discuss Ad Hoc's recommendations on structural changes to the League.
Winterfair held at the Norwalk Armory with 3,400 attendees and netting $55,000.
The Special Education Task Force completed its work and was disbanded by the Board.
January business meeting featured a 4 person panel discussion of "Parenting in the 90's".
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February coffees held to discuss idea of dropping age requirements for membership.
Group of JLSN members helped Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum move its gift shop one March
weekend.
CAPAD brought new project Girls Achieve, and Task Force Learn & Serve to membership for approval.
During National Volunteer Week, 7th Annual High School Volunteer Awards held and an ad was placed in
the Stamford Advocate thanking community collaborators.
April Town Forum held with discussion on AJLI gender issue.
American Girls Fashion Show held at Saxe Middle School in New Canaan netting $19,000 over one
weekend.
Old Board/New Board Meeting held in May to approve PR tagline "Community Impact through Partnership",
revised personnel policy manual rewritten by Personnel/Capital Management.
JLSN honored by past projects, The Women's Crisis Center and The Maritime Center.
CCJL met four times and held Spring training event run by Katherine Segars for seven Connecticut
Leagues.
AJLI Annual Conference held in San Francisco and attended by four delegates. AJLI Mission Statement
revised to include "developing the potential of women."
Sustainer of the Year Award was renamed The Judy Mahony Memorial Award with Karen Aylward the
recipient.
Seventh Annual President's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement given to Lori Allen and the
second Annual Volunteer of the Year Award for Outstanding Community Service was given to Kris Foschi.
Age and Length of Service Task Force recommended and membership approved implementation of new
active status Associate Active", that, if chosen, significantly reduces requirements after four years of active
service. Members are eligible to go sustaining after eight years of active service. All references to age
except a minimum age of 21 have been deleted from membership criteria in any category.
JLSN participated in National "Week without Violence" in collaboration with the YWCA. Dottie Delo, Peer
Mediation Specialist, spoke at October Business Meeting that included JLSN Community Advisors and was
filmed by Channel 12.
Sustainers ran a successful Junior League Cookbook booth at 1995 Winterfair, which was held at the
Norwalk Armory and netted $37,000+.
Better Beginnings held their annual Holiday Party at Lathon Wider Community Center with over 400 people
in attendance. The Exchange Club Parenting Skills Center presented the educational seminar. The
Stamford Advocate covered the story on the front page.
Girls Achieve!, a science enrichment program for 4th and 5th grade girls completed its first year
successfully at Kendall Elementary School.
Learn and Serve Task Force published the Volunteer Training Manual to be used to train students in their
volunteer activities. Task force was disbanded.
Community Outreach developed four projects this year for membership participation.
Penfriends in Darien was made available to League members for corresponding with elderly shut-ins.
Our members participated in planning and training of students for the West Side United Neighbors Summer
Youth Employment program.
JLSN wrote and published a booklet commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Norwalk Mentor Program.
JLSN received a plaque and special recognition for our dedication to the project.
JLSN hosted a Family Fun Day at Cove Island Park in collaboration with the City of Stamford and the
Parks and Recreation Department, celebrating the installation of $32,000 playground piece by Saturn,
and kicking off the efforts of Cove Island Park Playground Partners to improve the entire playground.
Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield, honored JLSN (along with Deloitte & Touche LLP) for our deeprooted commitment to voluntarism in our community at their annual Volunteer Leadership Breakfast in
April.
Leslie Furst received the 1996 Judy Mahony Award from the Sustainers.
Community Advisors critiqued the Internal and External Factors impacting the Strategic Planning on
JLSN. Membership workshops discussing relevant issues were held three times throughout the year.
Leslie Shaffer, JLSN Executive Secretary, retired after 19 years of service. A reception was held in her
honor with 12 past Presidents in attendance.
Robin Sherwood received the 1996 Community Volunteer of the Year Award. Debbie Fuller and Lisa
Stout received the 1996 Presidents Award for outstanding League work.
Blue Notes hosted Symposium '96, a gathering of 8 women's singing groups throughout Fairfield and
Westchester counties.
Common Threads, the first newsletter about all of the activities and programs at Franklin Common, was
published in collaboration with St. Luke's Community Services, as a provisional project.
AJLI Annual Conference was held in Phoenix, Arizona. Four actives attending and two sustainers, as
there were special programs specifically designed for sustainers in conjunction with the new AJLI
Sustainer Task Force.
Membership approved a Strategic Plan for JLSN at Annual Dinner based on four years of internal and
external research with three main priorities: 1) Streamlining our community efforts into a signature
project, 2) Building the financial strength and fund development for JLSN, and 3) Training, recruitment
and retention of our members.
A new structure for JLSN was approved by membership. Corresponding and Recording Secretary
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positions were merged; new Board positions were created to oversee the three areas of JLSN Community Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Membership Vice President.
A position of Development Vice President was added to the Board to devote resources to corporate,
foundation and individual fund development.
Ad Hoc Training Committee developed a new training curriculum for all members to follow throughout all
levels of membership.
The formation of an Investment Committee to oversee the investment of JLSN Endowment and other
funds was approved by membership.
Betsy Rich received the 1997 Judy Mahony Memorial Award from the Sustainers.
KIDS ON THE BLOCK received the 1997 Community Volunteer of the year. Andrea Cross and Linda
McKee received the 1997 President's Award for outstanding League work.
Better Beginnings expanded their Prenatal Intake education and support services to the Family
Medicine Center at St. Joseph's Hospital in addition to the Stamford Hospital program.
Community Outreach completed three successful projects this year: Salvation Army gift and food
preparation in December, AmeriCares Homefront in May and the Summer Festival at Lathon Wider
Community Center in June.
Public Affairs Committee coordinated a Silent Witness display at a Women's Crisis Center forum on
Domestic Violence featuring Christopher Darien, Assistant District Attorney from Los Angeles.
For the 11th year trouping, KIDS ON THE BLOCK again visited over 2500 elementary school students
in area schools.
KIDS ON THE BLOCK was turned over to the "Understanding Differences" program in Wilton
Elementary Schools. A program is also being developed with Stamford High School drama students to
troupe the puppets in Stamford.
Blue Notes, started in the early 1950's continued to entertain senior citizens, church and service
organizations throughout Fairfield County, performing for over 3,000 members of our community.
Sustainers and Actives celebrated JLSN's involvement at two past projects hosted by The Maritime
Aquarium in Norwalk and Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum.
A JLSN team participated in Wilton Educational Foundation's Spelling Bee in April.
Imprints, a new newsletter specifically designed for Sustainers, was published four times this year.
Sustainers enjoyed the first successful year of a Gourmet group with over 80 members
participating.
75th Anniversary Planning Committee prepared plans to commemorate JLSN's 75th Birthday in
February, 1998.
Winterfair designed a new marketing insert for all area newspapers highlighting Community Service and
other areas of JLSN. The public response to the insert was very favorable with Winterfair netting
$41,000+. The Sustainers again ran their successful cookbook booth.
American Girls Fashion Show changed its venue to the Stamford Yacht Club for the fund-raiser's third
successful year at JLSN.
AJLI Annual Conference was held in Atlanta, Georgia. Two Actives attended.
Membership approved the creation of Project VISION, Volunteers Immersed in Stamford and Initiating
Opportunities in Norwalk. JLSN's new multi-faceted community program which will focus on helping
youth and families thrive and reach their full potential. All current JLSN projects will be folded into this
new initiative or turned over to the community.
The Board and Committees began implementation of the Strategic Plan, attended area group executive
interviews, wrote Strategic Plan Action Steps, Goals, Timelines, and Committee Procedures.
The Board oversaw the Strategic Plan implementation, wrote numerous broad-based policies, made a
transition to a policy governed organization and educated membership on all aspects of JLSN.
Polices were restructured and a new Policy Manual and Procedure Manual were created. They will be
added to in the future.
A new logo was designed for JLSN's 75th Anniversary, with the tagline "Shaping the Future for 75
Years".
JLSN's 75th Birthday Party was held on February 10, 1998 at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. The
intimate cocktail party atmosphere showcased past and future projects in the slide show, "Celebrating
our Past.... Shaping our Future".
JLSN held its 75th Anniversary Gala at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. This black-tie dinner
dance with a silent and live auction in conjunction with a Corporate Underwriting Campaign raised
$45,000+ to fund Project VISION. The joint Active, Sustainer and Provisional undertaking hosted 260+
including area mayors.
Duckie Peterson received the 1998 Judy Mahony Memorial Award from the Sustainers.
Lee Crouch and Martha Witte received the 1998 Community Volunteer of the Year Award, while Cathy
Linder and Sara Tucker received the 1997 President's Award. Three new awards were created. Melissa
Dobbyn was given the Provisional Award. Erinn Denson and Lisa Lillie received the First-Year Active
Award. Craigin Salsgiver and Rebecca Smith received the Finance Award. Awards were presented at
annual dinner held at Giovanni II's.
A JLSN Active member chaired (and restructured) SPAC.
JLSN hosted an Advocacy and Public Policy Panel featuring: The Honorable Christopher Shays,
Patricia Russo, Chairperson of Connecticut's Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, Kiki
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Karpen, President of Connecticut's League of Women Voters, and Robert Kocienda, Executive Director,
XCEL, Inc.
Two Active members attended the AJLI Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.
Public Affairs Committee coached the children and helped facilitate "Youth Forum '97" an informative
debate for the Norwalk Mayoral Race organized by XCEL, Inc. and Brian McMann High School.
Community Representatives continued to act as JLSN's eyes and ears in the community as they
attended the Mayor's Council on Youth and other Community Boards.
Girls Achieve! completed a successful and well attended program at Fox Run School in Norwalk. The
curriculum was gifted to the Norwalk City Schools for their future use. Girls Achieve will become part of
KidNet within Project VISION.
Better Beginnings held its 7th Annual Holiday Party at Lathon Wider Community Center attended by
over 200 children and their parents. They continued to educate women at Stamford and St. Joseph's
prenatal clinics, and they also researched and designed with the Provisionals a Childbirth Education
class to be held at the Community Center in South Stamford and prepared for transition into Project
VISION.
Blue Notes performed for over 3,000 members of our community, entertaining senior citizens, church
and service organizations.
Building Families worked with Kids Academy and prepared for transition into KidNet in Project VISION.
Volunteers assisted in providing a Summer Festival for Children at the Lathon Wider Community Center
in South Stamford. The day was a celebration for children achieving the next grade in school.
The Core Competency Training Curriculum was implemented League-wide. This included training from
outside speakers on the Strategic Plan, Policy Creation, Public Speaking and Time Management.
The Training Committee created a manual of backup material for the training curriculum which is in the
training library.
Ten Active members attended a joint training planned and executed by CT Council of Junior Leagues.
AJLI Annual Conference was held in Orlando, FL. Two Actives attended.
Leadership attended Spring (1997) coffees and Fall area cocktail parties hosted by Membership
Activities and Nominating/Placement.
Transfers became acquainted with JLSN through orientations and social gatherings.
Our class of 50 Provisionals participated in projects with several Committees: American Girls Fashion
Show, 75th Gala and Better Beginnings. A fourth project, "Career Day for Young Women" held at
Lathon Wider Community Center was a successful outreach project in conjunction with JLSN's new
Project VISION.
Blueprints, Blueprints-Extra!, and Imprints informed our membership on League issues and activities. A
new highlight of Blueprints was the "Governance Update" which educated members on how JLSN is
governed.
Winterfair designed a new logo and garnered much area publicity as they completed another successful
show.
American Girls Fashion Show gained more community support as they sold out their shows, and
surpassed budget.
Paper Peddler hosted numerous area parties and surpassed budget expectations.
Yellow Balloon opened a new and very successful "Bargain Room" as they reaffirmed their mission of a
thrift and consignment shop.
The Endowment Committee created the Tribute and Memorial Fund designed to give added recognition
to members and focused efforts on development of an Endowment Marketing Plan to be implemented in
Fall of 1998.
Sustainers held numerous successful trips and seminars in addition
to the Cocktail Party, Holiday Tea, Spring Luncheon, and
Gourmet Group.
Project VISION began its lasting impact at the Lathon WiderCommunity Center with JLSN’s opening
meeting at the Center and children participants remarks.
The Community Area Group challenged Membership to pledge an additional 500 volunteer service hours.
Better Beginnings held New Parent Education fall and spring classes.
Better Beginnings successfully transitioned hospital programs to Early Headstart.
Yellow Balloon held a very successful toy drive and sale.
Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues (CCJL) held training with Shar McBee in Waterbury.
Nine JLSN members went to the AJLI Organizational Development Institute’s (ODI) workshop in Brooklyn,
NY.
The February CCJL trip to the Capital in Hartford included 8 JLSN members.
New computers, printers, software, internet, and e-mail installed at JLSN Headquarters.
Winetasting social held in early spring.
Membership Activities held Internet training, “Mind, Body & Spirit” evening, Holiday wrapping party, new
monthly Book Group, and several cooking classes.
First JLSN General Appeal letter requesting donations for Project VISION sent in December.
Express Yourself, one of Project VISION’s programs, held events such as cake decorating, wreath-making,
junk art, etc.., and the first Teddy Bear Luncheon with over 160 parents and children launching the
Saturday reading program.
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Kidnet, another Project VISION program, visited the Neuberger Museum, the Westin Hotel, and the Merrill
corporation in Norwalk for computer career exploration.
Provisionals held a very successful Career Day for young women from Stamford high schools.
The American Girls Fashion Show was the largest with 6 shows, including a Friday night dinner show, and
most successful financially, to date.
Paper Peddler (stationery sales fund-raiser) had a banner income year.
CAPD and the Norwalk Project VISION team organized a very successful George Washington Carver
Center Clean-up Day complete with excellent community participation to refurbish, landscape, and build
play equipment for the outdoor area.
JLSN featured in Inside Fairfield County highlighting Project VISION and the Better Beginnings Holiday
Party.
New 4 hour community Service Responsibility approved.
Blue Notes attended Symposium ’99 and continued their trouping in our communities.
The Provisionals held a record breaking spring tag sale at the Yellow Balloon.
Task Force was set up to have a discussion about future fundraising of JLSN.
Membership heard from an outstanding panel of Sustainers on voluntarism.
AJLI Area I Representative, Cook Brogan, spoke to Membership.
The September membership meeting was postponed due to Hurricane Floyd. E-mail, postcards and
phone trees were successfully employed to reach members and inform them of the re-scheduled date.
Diversity and Sensitivity training was conducted at the October membership meeting to help all
members understand and appreciate our differences.
The Board of Directors approved a revised policy statement regarding multiculturalism.
A Four-hour community service requirement was implemented.
A new marketing video was created showing JLSN volunteers in action.
Focusing on our community initiatives, the video was designed for use in recruiting new members and
marketing to corporations.
Reading Explorers, a literacy program designed to improve the reading skills of elementary school
aged children was implemented at CTE’s Lathon Wider Community Center.
The first Reading Explorers Spring Celebration was held.
The Better Beginnings Holiday Party attracted over 200 children and their families.
In Norwalk, JLSN participated in two special projects, one with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center to
brighten rooms for mothers and children at the center, and the other with Artworks, working with
children to design stones to be placed at the new Heritage Park in South Norwalk.
The Provisional Class conducted a Garden Revitalization project at CTE’s Lathon Wider Community
Center. Significant underwriting and community support helped make the project a tremendous
success. The new garden/sprinkler area was dedicated to George Johnson, a former Stamford
representative, whose family was on hand for the ribbon cutting and dedication.
CCJL discussed a more cohesive integrated advocacy plans by the CT Junior Leagues.
The fundraising task force renewed all fundraisers, but reaffirmed an interest in streamlining JLSN’s
fundraising efforts.
We welcomed 20 new Provisionals into active membership.
Plans were initiated to restructure the Provisional Training Class to better accommodate the needs of
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the 21 century volunteer.
Dues for active members were increased from $100 to $126.
A new membership database was implemented to monitor requirements and all membership
information.
No problems were experienced due to Y2K.
E-mail became a popular mode for communication between members.
The Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues (CCJL) conducted
training with Brenda Lloyd Jones, which focused on mission based marketing and being an effective
spokesperson for the League.
CCJL sponsored a Habitat for Humanity house raising in the greater Hartford area, providing an
opportunity for the statewide leagues to work together.
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Blue Notes celebrated their 50 anniversary.
The President’s Award was presented to Wendy Pratt for her outstanding contribution to the Education
Training Council, Board of Directors.
Through the ongoing programs of Project VISION to address priority
needs of youth and families: Better Beginnings (New Parent Education and Families in Training),
Reading Explorers and The Garden Committee, JLSN continued to make an impact in the South
Stamford community.
Carver Reading Crew, a literacy program for elementary school aged children, was implemented by the
Fall Provisional Class at Norwalk’s George Washington Carver Center. This is the first ongoing
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community project that JLSN has had in Norwalk since the inception of Project VISION.
The Spring Provisional class took on as their project the George Johnson Summer Festival at CTE’s
Lathon Wider Community Center. The festival celebrates the academic accomplishments of the
children who participate in LWCC programs.
Partnered with Kings Highway Elementary School in Westport on a book drive, and collected
approximately 1500 books to be used by students in our literacy programs.
The Garden Committee was awarded a grant of $3,500 from the City of Stamford to rehabilitate the
Shannon Cross Community Garden. Volunteers from Temple Shalom in Greenwich and the
neighboring Spanish Nazarene Church joined JLSN members in a collaborative effort to beautify this
area.
The Board recommended Blue Notes transition to become financially and organizationally independent
from JLSN. The singing troupe will be supported through a community grant from JLSN next year.
The JLSN Community Leadership Award was created to recognize an individual from our area who has
demonstrated outstanding community leadership within our focus areas. The inaugural award was
presented to The Hon. Moira K. Lyons, Speaker of the House of Representatives in Connecticut at the
October Membership Meeting.
CCJL and our State Public Affairs Committee organized a highly successful “Day at the Capitol”, where
members met with our legislators to voice our support for bills to promote children’s mental health
services and to address the issue of bullying in our schools. Governor Rowland named April 25,
“Connecticut Junior League Day” in recognition of the Centennial of the Junior Leagues, and our
education and advocacy efforts in Hartford that day.
JLSN garnered outstanding media coverage over the course of the year, including Internet listings and
radio and television coverage as well as print media, especially for Winterfair and the Better Beginnings
Holiday Party. Both events had a record number of attendees.
JLSN was voted Fairfield County’s “favorite charity” by a readers’ poll conducted by Inside Fairfield
County (Brooks Community Newspapers).
A Headquarters task force was assembled and charged with researching options for reducing our
operational overhead and/or better serving membership needs. Upon their recommendation,
membership voted to significantly reduce our mortgage debt by paying $70,000 from our cash reserve
fund.
Enhanced JLSN property through the removal of an underground oil tank as well as two dead trees.
Initiated a successful new concept fundraiser, JIVE!, where small gatherings in member’s homes was
followed by a dance at Primo Nightclub in South Norwalk. The event was well-attended by both League
members and their guests, and was also well-supported by individuals who were unable to be present.
Established fundraisers also flourished; Winterfair and Paper Peddler saw revenues well above budget,
and Yellow Balloon had enhanced visibility with an outdoor tag sale in the Spring.
A semester system was adopted for the Provisional training course, and we welcomed 21 new
members into JLSN who completed the Provisional course.
Membership approved a new requirements system to provide greater flexibility for members, who will
now have an overall service requirement, rather than a combination of fundraiser, community service
and membership meeting requirements. Associate Active members will also have placement or
service requirements in the future.
A new structure for the Board of Directors was adopted, eliminating the vice president positions to use
our womanpower more effectively.
Instructional speakers over the course of the year included: Jennifer Rutledge, who led the CCJL
training on community collaborations and conflict resolution; JLSN member LaDonna Dakofsky, M.D.,
speaking on women’s health issues at the September Membership Meeting; Cynthia Mattioli,
addressing time management issues at the January Membership Meeting and Stephanie Ross of the
Human Services Council who discussed community needs assessment and programming. Seminars
on Internet skills and career counseling complemented the training curriculum for the year.
12 JLSN active and sustaining members attended part or all of the AJLI Annual Conference in New
York City, celebrating the Centennial of the Junior Leagues.
Improved technology applications at the League office, utilizing Quickbooks for financial accounting
and Act! software for membership database management.
Solicited membership input into the planning process through a series of speak-out meetings as well as
placement satisfaction surveys.
The Board of Directors drafted a new Strategic Plan for JLSN. This plan includes measurable goals
and will serve as our roadmap for the future.
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On September 11 , 2001, Terrorists hijacked 4 jets and use them to destroy the World Trade Center
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Twin Towers in New York City and hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. during an entire day of Terror.
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In response to the tragedies of September 11 , the JLSN Emergency Fund was established to support
regional service agencies’ efforts and individuals in need. During the outpouring of support that
ensued in the days following the tragedy, this fund was established with initiatives and participation
from both Actives and Sustainers. A vehicle was sought for which JLSN could directly and swiftly
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benefit those suffering from the tragic events of September 11 and any future tragedies. Donations of
over $5,000 were collected at the September membership meeting, Sustainer Fall cocktail party, and
through the mail. The funds were distributed to the New York Junior League Disaster Relief Fund, one
of our own members who lost her husband, and a small percentage was kept in this restricted fund to
answer the call of any future crisis situations.
A gathering of leaders was successfully held in Norwalk at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk on
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October 10 . 29 individuals from 24 different community agencies together with JLSN Board and
CAPD members attended and shared ideas relating to the needs in the community we serve,
challenges we face, and opportunities for community partnerships. Participants included
representatives from the Norwalk community centers, school district, museums, city government, and
police department, foundations and service agencies. Critical needs cited included affordable housing,
affordable childcare and childcare during non-traditional hours, programming for underserved youth,
drug prevention, after school activities, English as a second language training (ESOL) and mentoring.
Despite the last-minute change in venue from the Armory to the Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum
for the annual holiday market fundraiser (in response to the 9/11 tragedies and increase in security
measures), Winterfair enjoyed an extremely successful event. More than 1,400 people attended the 3day extravaganza, with close to record sales and commissions.
Successfully implemented a new “credit system” for membership requirements. In addition to their
committee placement requirements and financial obligations, members are now given the flexibility to
fulfill 12 credits per year in any way they choose. Attending membership meetings, training sessions,
volunteering for and participating with community service projects and fundraising endeavors, and
other Board-designated events are various ways that members may earn credits.
A variety of useful and dynamic training opportunities were offered throughout the year, through
multiple venues. Featured speakers were provided at membership meetings on topics such as
improving our communication and listening skills, understanding personality differences and how to use
this understanding in our volunteer work and everyday life, and local community and health issues.
Members ceased the opportunity for leadership development by attending various in-house training
sessions, local networking forums and training conferences throughout Connecticut and New Jersey.
Further, training-specific articles were featured every month in our newsletter, Blueprints.
JLSN was notified of the AJLI Deficit for the prior year. League members worked with other leagues –
large and small – and with Sustainers, AJLI Board members, and others to better understand the
situation, and to design policies and procedures to ensure a similar situation does not happen again. A
true sense of teamwork and Association was felt during this process with other leagues and with our
Sustainers that had not heretofore been felt.
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Throughout the year, we answered critical needs in the community by: Contributing to the reading
abilities and love of reading in children at both CTE’s Lathon Wider Community Center in South
Stamford and the Washington Carver Center in Norwalk through our weekly after-school programs
directly serving more than 40 children with reading difficulties in these communities;
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Soliciting numerous donations of new and gently used baby items that were given to expectant
mothers though our Better Beginnings New Parent Support Groups and at the Family and
Children’s Agency baby shower for expectant mothers in need held this Spring;
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Maintaining the Shannon Cross Community Garden in South Stamford and holding many
workshops on nutrition for community members, providing educational programs to youth in
partnership with groups such as SoundWaters, St. Luke’s LifeWorks, and the Avenues, as well as
built and staffed a farm stand to sell the fruits of their labor;
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Hosting our 11 Annual Holiday Party for over 300 children and their parents from South Stamford,
providing crafts, musical entertainment, and bi-lingual Santa’s for over 300 children, as well as a
seminar for their parents on CPR, first-aid and fire and household safety tips;
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Participating with more than 35 statewide child-serving organizations in a unique, communityengaging event, “Jump Start” at the Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk to expand and
strengthen the education resources of our community and further extend our mutual commitment
to enriching the lives of children. More than 1000 people attended this exciting event; and
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Facilitating new parent support groups and pre-natal parent education courses for many families in
South Stamford through our Better Beginnings Committee.
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Established Sustainer Advisors for every JLSN Active Committee. This new Advisor program was
received with resounding enthusiasm!
Membership Speak-Out sessions were used to discuss our community programs – what works and
what doesn’t, and members’ ideas and needs to facilitate programs that meet the critical needs of our
community.
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The 2 Annual Community Leadership Award for 2001 was presented to the Reverend Richard
Schuster, the Executive Director of St. Luke’s LifeWorks. The award was presented in conjunction with
a Presidential Letter of Recognition from the White House at an event held at the Lockwood Mathews
Mansion Museum for members and local community leaders.
AJLI President, Deborah Brittain visited JLSN and spent a day with various Actives touring our projects
in South Stamford, attending the Sustainer Holiday luncheon, answering questions regarding the AJLI
Deficit, and speaking at our Community Leadership Award presentation event.
A Fundraising for the Future Forum was held with Sustainers and Actives to critically analyze the keys
to a successful fundraiser, and determine which of our current fundraisers hold those keys and to
establish an efficient plan for our future fundraising efforts.
A Community Meeting of the Minds Forum was held with league leaders and community chairs to
devise a final plan for our community programs. This plan included turning over projects to the
community, refining current programs, and introducing two new pilot programs – LifeSkills and the
Mission Accomplished Committee. With these new directions, we hope to be able to continue our
analysis and evaluation of the needs in the community, the effectiveness of our programs, and
research additional ways we can serve our communities to meet the most critical needs.
Launched the first JLSN Official Press Kit that was sent to more than 100 members of the media,
including newspapers, magazines, and radio, television, and cable outlets. The league received more
medial attention this year than we have in any recent memory! And the good news is – it was all
wonderful, POSITIVE press!
Most successful Yellow Balloon Tag Sale ever was conducted by the Spring Provisional Class –
earning over $2,500!!
Mint Jubilee – the JIVE committee’s new idea for a spring fundraiser raised over $40,000 – which was
well over the projected budget of $14,000 – for our community programs. Further, a fun and festive
evening was experienced by all who attended this dinner/dance/silent auction held at the Country Club
of New Canaan.
Luncheon was held with the new Mayor of Norwalk, Alex Knopp, in our league office to discuss needs
in the city of Norwalk and how the JLSN can answer those needs.
The JLSN Public Affairs Committee attended the Connecticut Toxics Action 2002 Annual Conference in
April. One of 50 organizations that co-sponsored the event, JLSN participated in sessions that focused
on Sooty-Six legislation and Children’s Health and Asthma.
We welcomed 26 New Actives from our Fall and Spring Provisional Classes. They facilitated the Better
Beginnings Holiday Party and the Spring Yellow Balloon Tag Sale.
The JLSN Board of Directors and Membership created and approved
a three year (2003 – 2005) JLSN Strategic Plan using the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats) analysis approach. We identified our values, Key Result Areas, Goals and
Strategies as part of the process.
After membership had expressed an overwhelming interest in a single signature project for JLSN that
would answer marketing/PR, recruiting, retention, training, etc., needs, the CAPD (Community
Assessment/Program Development) Committee began a very detailed critical needs
assessment/selection process. They wrote and developed an RFP, Request for Proposal. They sent it
to over 200 community agencies, organizations and partners as part of the search process. JLSN
received back 32 proposals from the community.
An ad hoc review committee was established to review the recommended proposals and make
recommendations on their own to the JLSN Board of Directors. This committee was headed by the
President, Noelle Hughes, and had representation from the board, active members, sustainer
members, and community advisors.
At the March membership meeting, the membership voted on the project from two finalists.
Membership unanimously approved the Fairfield County Women’s Alliance Project at Norwalk
Community College in Partnership with the Junior League of Stamford-Norwalk, Inc., to be our new
signature project!
JLSN welcomed over 50 new members this year who successfully participated in the updated
provisional course and completed their necessary credits.
Enhanced JLSN property by the addition of a new sign that is bigger, closer to the Post Road, easier to
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read, states our address, and features the new JL logo.
Implemented a second successful year of the Sustainer Advisor program. One or two sustainers are
paired with a committee to act as a mentor, friend, and be a source of valuable knowledge and
expertise.
The Mission Accomplished Committee was very busy this year.
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JLSN in conjunction with September Smiles, an organization developed by widows of September
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11 who were expecting children at the time of the tragedy, donated clothes, toys, books, and
other baby items to the September Smiles Baby Care Product Drive. These items were delivered
to needy families in the New York area through Room to Grow, Inwood House, and Paige Whitney
Babies Center.
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In November, volunteers hosted 15 children from the George Washington Carver Center for a day
at the Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk.
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JLSN also hosted an “Angel Tree,” a holiday tree decorated with names and holiday wishes of
special families in our community. Members selected an “ornament” from the tree and were
responsible for buying and wrapping the presents and other items needed by the family.
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The 12 Annual Holiday Party was held at the Lathon Wider Community Center in Stamford, CT.
It was the tenth anniversary of Holiday Express, the volunteer band who consistently provides
much fun and entertainment for the families attending the event.
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JLSN sponsored a “Family Fun Day,” a day of enrichment for students in grades K – 8, who are
enrolled in the Achieve after-school program at the Nathan Hale School in Norwalk.
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JLSN sponsored a field trip for children in grades 4 – 6 from the George Washington Carver
Center to see a show at the children’s Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport.
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On October 2 , the Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues sponsored a training session, led by
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JLSN’s Jane Peck, entitled Membership Satisfaction in the 21 Century. Members from seven
Connecticut Leagues participated in the evening training event held at Norwalk Community College.
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The 24 Annual Winterfair, a Holiday Gift Market, was held from November 1 – 3, 2002, at the
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, in Norwalk, CT. A record-breaking attendance of 2,156
(highest number in the 24 year history), came to see over forty fabulous vendors.
Throughout the fall, the Paper Peddler committee was busy hosting parties to boost stationery sales.
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On October 19 , they also hosted a family photo day which featured the work of professional
photographer, Beth Capuano.
In the fall and spring, the Yellow Balloon Committee held successful toy and tag sales despite the very
wet weather.
JLSN’s PAC/SPAC (Public Affairs/State Public Affairs) Committee, in partnership with the Bridgeport
Child Advocacy Coalition hosted a Children’s Issues Forum in January at the Westport Library. There
were state legislators present to discuss and answer questions about critical issues such as: welfare
reform, education and affordable housing. PAC/SPAC also hosted an environmental forum in Darien in
the spring.
JLSN continued to uphold its Mission by training its volunteers. Several training opportunities were
offered throughout the year. Leslie Lewis of the Dispute Settlement Center, Inc. hosted an informative
training session in February entitled, “When Worldviews Collide and What to Do About It.” It was an
effective communication skills building training event. In March, a public speaking training session was
offered entitled, “How to Create an Effective Presentation on the Fly.” This session was led by Lenny
Laskowski, an international professional speaker and author of the book, 10 Days to More Confident
Public Speaking.
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JLSN celebrates its 80 Anniversary by honoring all its volunteers for 80 years of service to the
community at a cocktail party event at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The Third Annual Community Leadership Award was presented at the event to Laura Lee Simon by
last year’s recipient, Reverend Richard Schuster. This annual award is presented to an individual
whose leadership impacts the communities served by JLSN. The award was presented in conjunction
with a Presidential Letter of Recognition from the White House.
JLSN hosted the second Annual Mint Jubilee fundraising event at the Stamford Marriott.
Kathy Bendheim (PE) and Catherine Welsh (PEE) represented our league at Annual Conference in
Nashville, Tennessee.
JLSN continued to have outstanding media coverage throughout the year, with radio coverage and
print articles in local newspapers, the Stamford Advocate and Connecticut Family.
www.jlsn.org is now a reality! We have a website.
September 2003, launched the Fairfield County Women’s Center in
partnership with Norwalk Community College.
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May 2004, concluded the JLSN Life Skills Program at Malta House of Good Counsel.
Turned over Better Beginnings to the Darien YWCA.
Turned over the Carver Reading Crew to George Washington Carver Center.
Held 8 Mission Accomplished projects providing a variety of programs for the 227 JLSN volunteers who
contributed over 350 hours (excluding committee time) to the community through these done in a day
projects. Projects included two clean-up days, Cove Beach Clean-Up in partnership with Soundwaters
and Save the Sound and Darien Town Clean-up Day, two field trips with children from George
Washington Carver Center to Stamford Museum & Nature Center and to the Bridgeport Cabaret
Theater and the Angel Tree Project (gift giving to less fortunate families) in partnership with Nurturing
Families Network an initiative of Family Centers, Inc. of Stamford. We also held two Brain Games
Events (family science activity days)– one for Horizons in New Canaan and one at Nathan Hale Middle
School in Norwalk and an after school educational program for the children at Lathon Wider
Community Center in place of the Annual Holiday Party that had been cancelled due to snow.
Held a panel on the issues created for women and children because of war sponsored by PAC/SPAC
at our March 2004 Membership Meeting.
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Honored Rick Fuller, Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Center as the 4 recipient of
the JLSN Community Leader Award at our February 2004 Membership Meeting.
Held our first Legacy Bus Tour researched and planned by the spring provisionals and sponsored by
the sustainers.
Welcomed 13 new transfers and 56 new actives to close the year with over 200 actives for the first time
in years!
Won the AJLI Membership Development Award for our Provisional Program. This prestigious Award
recognizes Junior League efforts in response to the diverse needs of membership, as demonstrated by
measurable gains in satisfaction, retention and motivation of League members. Programs recognized
in this area demonstrate significant achievements in the creation of a supportive environment for the
personal and volunteer development of women. We are proud to be recognized as a best practice
amongst all 294 Leagues!
Updated our strategic plan for 2004-5.
Offered the following trainings based on a membership survey:
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Mitra Templin, from the Kansas City Junior League, led a two-day facilitation seminar for nine
members in November.
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A teambuilding and motivation training led by the Training Committee was the focus of our January
membership meeting.
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Sixteen members participated in the “Do It or Else ...I’ll Do It? Motivating and Delegating to
Optimize Team Results” March training led by Leslie Lewis, the Executive Director of The Dispute
Settlement Center in Norwalk.
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Leadership training was open to all members and included kick-off training in June, Chairing 101
offered at each of the first council meetings, and mid-year training on Mentoring in December. We
capped the leadership year with a Leadership Celebration in the spring.
The JLSN Website was launched in September with over 44,000 visitors in its first 9 months.
The JLSN Headquarters renovation was completed with new painting, lighting, landscaping, windows
and a massive organization of files in the attic– it is now a more flexible space with a warm, yet
professional environment.
Our by-laws and policy were completely revised and updated to create clear expectations and
guidelines for our membership and provide for better continuity
Continued the successful Sustainer Advisor Program
Not only did our membership meetings continue to draw record attendance numbers (some over 100),
our social events were extremely well attended including a Potluck socials and family bowling.
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A festive time was had by all who attended the 25 Annual Winterfair, held on November 7 -9 .
Winterfair netted over $50,000 even though our contracted venue suddenly became unavailable shortly
before the event. hree weeks prior to the event we were able to negotiate an arrangement and
reorganize all plans to hold Winterfair under a magnificent tent on the grounds of The Stepping Stones
Museum for Children.
Over the summer, the Yellow Balloon was painted and renovated. Yellow Balloon gross sales
increased slightly over last year to $37,811. The Yellow Balloon held a toy sale in December and a
Grand Re-Opening in May.
Paper Peddler held monthly specials at membership meetings and their fall sales events along with a
special spring sale generating over $9,000 for our community programs.
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The JIVE committee selected a “Think Pink” theme that was highly successful with over 250 attendees,
25% of whom were not league members. The event included a silent auction and netted approximately
$41,000 for JLSN community programs.
Fairfield County Women’s Center served close to one thousand women through more than 29
programs and provided more than 25 referrals.
Mission Accomplished held 8 projects. Members contributed 310 hours of volunteer time to the
projects including a Sound Beach Clean Up in cooperation with SoundWaters, a Halloween Party at
the Carver Center in Norwalk, the Angel Tree Project (providing presents for underprivileged families in
partnership with Family Centers, Inc. of Stamford), a Breakfast with Santa at the Lathon Wider Center,
an enrichment day for students enrolled in the Horizons’ mentoring program in partnership with
Horizons and New Canaan Country School, a social enrichment day for teens in the Kids in Crisis
shelter and an associated event at the Kids in Crisis nursery and finally the annual Brain Games for
participants in the ACHIEVE after school program in Norwalk, headquartered at the Nathan Hale
Middle School.
JLSN Presented the 5th Annual Community Leadership Award to Virginia Katz, Norwalk resident and
Founder of The Courage to Speak Foundation. The presentation occurred during Stepping Stones
Museum’s Community Day celebration.
Four new members were welcomed as additions to the Community Advisory Board: Rhonda Keist,
Executive Director of Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Durham Monsma, of Southern
Connecticut Newspapers, Inc., Chief Harry Rilling of the Norwalk Police Department and Gina Zangrillo
Reilly of the Darien Sport Shop.
Received at least 120 press mentions in a wide variety of area papers. Two local radio stations
broadcast interviews about JLSN events.
The Internal Marketing Committee launched Hot Topics, a bi-monthly electronic newsletter.
Web site usage increased throughout the year to an average of 361 hits per day.
Blueprints was made available to members in print and online beginning with the March issue.
The Training Committee complied and edited a curriculum and manual for Leadership Training.
Training was delivered on the following topics:
o The Achievement Gap
o Affordable Housing in Fairfield County
o Drug Prevention
o The Essentials of Writing a Speech and Giving a Presentation
o Fundraising
o How to Write a Compelling Press Release
o Leadership training was delivered 3 times during the year
The Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues sponsored a training day in which 10 JLSN members
participated.
The JLSN Board participated in an overnight Board Retreat at Enders Island in Mystic, CT.
Members mingled at Post Membership Meeting socials, Pot Luck Socials and the Active Book Group
each month.
JLSN presented the merits of our Provisional Education Curriculum to 200 PALS League leaders at the
AJLI Fall Leadership Conference in Miami, FL and separately was recognized for our strong ActiveSustainer relations and cooperation.
17 Active members were recognized for 5, 10 or 15 years of service to the Junior League.
The Recruiting Committee held 10 information sessions for prospective members.
42 Provisionals were voted into Active Status.
The Spring Provisional Class organized and launched a 5K road race – JLSN’s Bound Around the
Sound held at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. The race made close to $4000. Almost 150
runners participated.
Transfer Committee hosted a Fall cocktail party, Fall and Spring potlucks with the Provisionals
& Sustainers, joint shift work at the holiday gift wrapping event, family ice skating, a social at the Black
Bear & a Spring make over day at Saks Fifth Avenue in Stamford.
Paper Peddler held 16 sales events and implemented new operating procedures including a stationery
album catalog system.
The Silver Screen Gala was held November 6, 2004 at the Palace Theatre in Stamford.
Winterfair was held under a tent at the Italian Center of Stamford.
The Yellow Balloon exceeded previous year’s sales by 29% and budget by 5%. The committee and
staff instituted many new practices including events, marketing efforts, automated databases and
customer and competitive environment surveys. Member shift work was reinstituted with the addition of
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Thursday evening shop hours.
JLSN Sustainers provided more than 150 hours of shift work and countless hours to active efforts
through the Sustainer Advisor Program.
The Judy Mahony Award was presented to Connie Nussbaum and the Spirit Award to Lisa Bannerot.
Valerie Monaghan, JLSN Sustainer and Office Assistant, was recognized for her outstanding
contribution to JLSN as a member and 17 year employee.
JLSN participated in the Stamford Thanksgiving Balloon Parade, guiding a 40’ balloon through
downtown Stamford.
JLSN conducted the first online confidential member survey and received responses from almost half
of our Active Membership. We learned:
o 83% of respondents are married.
o 45% have no children while 36% have two or more!
o 42% are employed full or part time outside of the home.
o 17% are employed full or part time from a home office.
o 47% have begun or completed postgraduate degrees.
o Of our Active members,
o 15% are aged 20 – 29 years,
o 71% are 30 – 39,
o 12% are 40 – 49,
o 2% are 50+.
o 92% characterize themselves as satisfied to extremely satisfied with their overall league
experience and
o 51% volunteer for TWO or more other organizations!
The survey provided additional socio-economic information enabling
us to market the League to potential sponsors.
The Personnel and Capital Management Committee purchased a new computer and networked the
office computers and printer. The bid process was completed for a new office telephone system.
The Finance Committee was reconfigured and is now composed of all League treasurers and the
President-elect.
The Board approved the reinstitution of a Planning Council beginning in the 2005-2006 year. The
council will consist of CAPD and FAPD (also reinstituted) the Finance Committee and a new Strategic
Planning Committee.
The Strategic Plan was monitored and modified.
The complete overhaul of the JLSN Policy Manual and By-laws, begun in 2003-04, was completed.
The manuals are available to members on the JLSN website.
2005-2006 Board of Directors: Gina Blum, President; Lisa Ferraro, President-elect; Christin Murphy,
Secretary; Jeannine Carr, Treasurer; Jill Brennan, Communications Council Director; Jeannine
Egdorf, Community Council Director; Karen Gibbons, Fundraising Council Director; Andrea Banyas,
Membership/Training Council Director; Julie Halloran, Nominating/Placement Director; Jill Bornstein,
Planning Council Director; and Kitty Sample, Sustainer Director.
The Fairfield County Women’s Center in collaboration with Norwalk Community College has
successfully answered a need voiced by local students and the community for a center focused on
women’s issues. The FCWC is committed to promoting the self-sufficiency, personal growth, and the
overall advancement of women, and:
o Served 959 people in its third year.
o Delivered numerous programs on a wide variety of topics which included stress management, self
defense, empowering women, financial planning, personal organization tips, home ownership,
resume writing, interviewing skills, body image, and public speaking.
o Co-sponsored the New England Women’s Studies Conference at the College in February.
o Participated in the Fairfield County Heart Walk.
o Successfully transitioned to be a self-sustaining entity with ensured funding from the Norwalk
Community College Foundation for it’s continued success.
o Over the three-year history of the FCWC, from November 2003 through April 2006, 2,018 people
took advantage of this valuable community resource. Of those, 375 received assistance by
telephone and 1643 were visitors to the FCWC or FCWC sponsored programs, of which 779 were
NCC students.
Mission Accomplished delivered nine done-in-a-day community service events this year. Members
contributed over 320 hours of volunteer time to the projects which included:
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Stamford’s Cove Beach Clean up in cooperation with SoundWaters - over 1,650 items of debris
were collected.
o A Halloween Arts & Crafts Day at the George Washington Carver Center in Norwalk for fifty-five
children.
o The Angel Tree Project that provided gifts for thirty-five underserved children in partnership with
Family Centers, Inc.
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o JLSN’s 15 Annual Holiday Party at the Lathon Wider Community Center in Stamford with over
sixty children and their families in attendance.
o A Family Fun Night of activities and exhibits for over one hundred children at Stepping Stones
Museum for Children in Norwalk.
o An enrichment day for fifteen fourth graders and their eighth grade mentors enrolled in the
Horizons’ mentoring program in partnership with Horizons and New Canaan Country School.
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o JLSN’s 4 Annual Brain Games for more than 60 participants in the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program at the
Marvin Elementary School in Norwalk.
o Kids in the Kitchen, an AJLI initiative and Spring Provisional Project, addressing children’s health
and nutrition at Westover Elementary School in Stamford.
o JLSN participation in the building of the Mill River Playground in Stamford.
The Sustainers and PAC/SPAC coordinated a public forum on Emergency Preparedness, with over
one hundred people in attendance, where, in addition to the American Red Cross, either Town
Representatives or Emergency Management Directors represented all eight JLSN service area towns.
PAC/SPAC advocated for Connecticut to join 19 other states in adopting National Safe Haven
Awareness Day, to bring attention to existing laws designed to protect babies in danger of
abandonment. In response to petition, JLSN received a proclamation from Governor Jodie Rell
declaring April 4, 2006 National Safe Haven Awareness Day. ‘Baby shower’ items were also collected
for delivery to the Norwalk Shelter.
A Blood Donation Drive was coordinated for the American Red Cross at their recently opened ‘fixed’
blood donor site in Norwalk.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts were organized, providing funds. School supplies and over 25 filled
backpacks, for children relocated to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. The donations were received and
distributed by our sister League the Junior League of the Emerald Coast in Florida.
The 6th Annual Community Leadership Award was presented to Alonzo Virgil, CEO/Founder of
A.C.H.I.E.V.E. at Norwalk Community College in conjunction with a celebration of the success and
transition of the Fairfield County Women's Center. Speakers included Mr. Virgil, Mayor Richard Moccia
of Norwalk and Dr. David Levinson, President of Norwalk Community College.
The Planning Council, with the goal of evaluating current community and fundraising activities and
balancing those activities to meet the strategic goals and objectives of the League, was a new and
welcome addition this year. A three-year financial forecast and operating review of the League was
developed and presented to Membership in February, and through Blueprints, to help all members
understand the financial constraints of the League as we develop our next longer term community
project.
The Finance Committee spearheaded tightened financial policy around reimbursement of expenses,
the change of policy around cash reserve requirements, removing endowment and capital fund from
reserve calculation due to restricted funds and changing reserve requirements from 50% of annual
expenses to 33% of annual expenses.
The Strategic Planning Committee monitored and modified the Strategic Plan.
By-laws and Policy continued to be discussed, modified and updated as needed.
The CAPD Committee continued the development of a new community project.
o CAPD reached out to potential community partners through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process
and agency meetings, with 10 of 33 prescreened agencies returning project proposals that were
thoroughly evaluated by CAPD.
o An Ad Hoc Committee reviewed and evaluated promising proposals, but determined that none of
the proposals matched community need with member interest and availability.
o The Planning Council undertook development of a project to meet membership’s predetermined
area of interest, the Achievement Gap.
o Brain Games; Smart Minds = Smart Bodies, a project that mixes components of Mission
Accomplished’s successful Brain Games with children’s health, was initiated and additional work
will be done by CAPD through 2006-2007.
The new FAPD Committee, that evaluates current fundraisers, identifies opportunities for improvement
and identifies new fundraisers, made recommendations that resulted in the following:
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Bound Around the Sound Road Race will return to League in 2006-2007 as a community service
event to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy eating and exercise.
o Membership approved removing the Gala from Winterfair and holding a new cocktail party and
auction in the spring of 2007.
o The Bungalow Bash was piloted as a smaller, more social fundraising event, which could be held
throughout the year. Approximately 40 people attended this mini-fundraiser, raising $640 and
giving positive feedback.
The Winterfair with Gala Committee delivered two exciting events. The Winterfair Gift Market ran from
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November 4 -6 at the Norwalk DoubleTree Hotel and the Winterfair Gala took place on November 5
at the Stamford Yacht Club, raising combined income of just under $40,000. Congressman,
Christopher Shays was Honorary Chair for the Winterfair Gala.
Paper Peddler held almost 25 sales events, regular office hours and monthly specials, resulting in
income of over $11,000.
The Yellow Balloon Thrift and Consignment Shop raised approximately $40,000 in gross revenues, and
held 3 special events.
The League participated in Lord & Taylor’s Stamford Benefit Bash, raising $653.40 and benefited from
their publicity efforts.
JLSN urged members to raise money for the League by using the web search engine
www.goodsearch.com, where one cent goes to JLSN with each use.
The Development Committee revised and updated a donor database in electronic format, establishing
a process for tracking and reporting cash and in-kind donations, and successfully worked with all
councils to log solicitation requests and donations for 2005-2006.
Formal training on Grant Writing was well utilized and four grants were applied for totaling $11,100.
One $1000 grant was received from IBM for our work at the Fairfield County Women’s Center.
The “Annual Appeal: Building for the Future” campaign was launched in January 2006, raising over
$20,000 and exceeding our budgeted revenue by over $12,000. This was almost 5 times the actual
amount of 2004-2005 contributions and Active membership participation reached upwards of 40%, up
from 17% in 2004-2005.
JLSN received extensive media coverage due to distribution of 33 press releases resulting in coverage
in over 20 area papers and town websites, front page coverage on the Metro Woman Directory of
Fairfield County for an article highlighting the FCWC, and coverage on the local television news and
radio stations.
For the second year JLSN participated in the 2005 Stamford Downtown Thanksgiving Parade to
increase community visibility and local media coverage.
Starting with the December 2005 issue, our newsletter Blueprints made the move to electronic
distribution only, and not only reduced costs tremendously, but allowed the news to be more timely.
The previously bi-monthly electronic Hot Topics was reduced to one mid-month distribution.
Website usage increased throughout the year to an average of over 300 hits per day. Many internal
documents, including Membership and Board Meeting Minutes were posted to the website. Plans have
been made for an improved website by a new web provider for 2006-2007.
A new, full color, recruitment brochure was created and distributed around our service towns, to local
Welcome Wagons, and at public JLSN events.
Nine recruiting events, 4 in the fall and 5 in the spring were hosted for prospective members.
Locations varied, but the most successful were sessions held at the League office, with a wine
education/tasting recruiting event being most popular. Additionally, the League was brought to
prospective members with great success by hosting a ‘lunch and learn’ session at Pitney Bowes.
JLSN welcomed 32 new members! Eleven members of the fall class and twenty-one members of the
spring class were voted active.
JLSN took advantage of training by the Association of Junior League’s International. Two members
attended Fall Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio in October 2005, one member attended Governance
Conference in El Paso, Texas in February 2006, and two members attended Annual Conference in Salt
Lake City, Utah in May 2006. Additionally, four members attended an Organizational Development
Institute in White Plains, New York in October 2005, and one member attended the New York Junior
League Conference on Volunteerism in New York, in May 2006.
JLSN had the honor of serving as Secretary to this year to the Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues,
which organized a daylong training at the Junior League of Greenwich in December that 7 JLSN
members attended.
JLSN’s Jane Peck delivered Leadership Training to the Board of Directors, the Nominating/Placement
Committee, and to the Leadership Team in June and January.
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The 2005-2006 Leadership Team benefited from quarterly internal training combined with council
meetings.
A new internal training program for all members, PETALS, was launched. Created by the Fall
Provisional Class for their project, the acronym PETALS stands for JLSN training objectives:
Public affairs, Events and fundraising, Teamwork, About us, Leadership, and Self. By attending
various training sessions covering everything from financial issues to community service, JLSN
members can earn letters toward their PETALS credentials.
In March, 12 members attended a training session on Grant Writing and Fundraising led by Joyce Leiz,
Development Manager for Audubon Connecticut.
At the April Membership Meeting, Stamford Author-Educator Toni Ortner led a training session tailored
specifically for JLSN, called Unlocking Potential: The Power of Mentoring At-Risk and Multi-Cultural
Students.
A special Elizabeth Arden Spa night, Post Membership Meeting socials, Pot Luck Socials and the
Active Book Group gave members many opportunities to have lots of fun!
The Transfer Committee participated in several events this year, including the
Transfer/Provisional/Sustainer Potluck Socials and a Transfer/New Active/Buddy Social, and welcomed
16 Active Transfers.
The Nominating/Placement Committee improved the placement process with a first time electronic
distribution of placement information, including the 2006-2007 Placement Guide, and moved up timing
to allow placement notification to be distributed at Annual Dinner.
The number of League leadership positions was reduced to 39 planned for 2006-2007 from a total of
47 for 2005-2006. This reduction was due to:
o Combining External Marketing and Membership Recruitment into a new Recruiting/Public
Relations Committee.
o Eliminating the Transfer Committee and placing its role under Nominating / Placement.
o Eliminating various co-chair and the Assistant Secretary positions.
Members shared their opinions this year through electronic surveys, a November Speakout on the 3
R’s of Membership - Recruiting, Retention and Responsibility, and through regular Membership
Meeting evaluations. There was strong member participation in the Nomination Process, including
many straw ballots, and significant nominations were received for the JLSN Outstanding Volunteer
Awards.
JLSN’s 2006 Outstanding Volunteer Award recipients were:
o The Provisional Award - Mickie Turner and Heather Scott
o The First Year Active Award - Monique Elliott
o The Membership Award - Devon Rayment
o The Finance Award - Alissa Gray
o The Community Volunteer of the Year Award - Tamera Ward
o The President’s Award - Julie Halloran
There was increased member recognition of volunteers with kudos given at every Membership
Meeting. Additionally, there was recognition of women reaching key anniversary milestones (5, 10, 15
years) and members electing to go Sustainer, as well as new Actives.
JLSN Sustainers provided strong support to active events this year, giving numerous hours of service
at the Fairfield County Women’s Center and Winterfair, and provided countless hours of advisory
efforts serving as Sustainer Advisors to every Active committee.
The Sustainers held events including:
o Fall cocktail party at the Stamford Yacht Club
o Breakfast at the Winterfair Gift Market
o Tour of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Brooklyn Museum
o Trip to the Frick Museum
o Lecture on organizing clutter
o Emergency Preparedness Event in conjunction with PAC/SPAC
o Trip to Boscobel and the Dia:Beacon Museum
o Several luncheons and a very successful Super Bowl Party
o The popular monthly “Bag ‘n Book Group”
o Holiday Tea, featuring a young pianist
o Helen Ainson Fundraiser, in Darien, raising $180
o Spring Luncheon at the Country Club of Darien, where the Judy Mahony Award was presented to
Joan Barksdale and the Spirit Award to Peggy Craighead.
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The Personnel and Capital Management Committee saw to the installation of a new phone system with
voice mailboxes, the purchase of additional chairs for the Boardroom, and small office furniture. The
Personnel Policy Manual and a Crisis Management Plan were completed. Additionally, bank
negotiations resulted in reduced banking fees and increased interest rates, and the Committee agreed
on investing the Capital Fund and Endowment Fund to earn higher interest.
2006-2007 Board of Directors: Lisa Ferraro, President; Karen Gibbons, President-Elect; Nydia Marron,
Secretary; Courtney Terrillion, Treasurer; Angelica Oxford, Assistant Treasurer, Jeannine Egdorf,
Communication Council Director; Anne Liebergall, Community Council Director; Jennifer Triano,
Fundraising Council Director; Andrea Banyas, Membership/Training Council Director; Tamera Ward
Galvin, Planning Council Director; Leslie Kelly, Nominating & Placement Director; Lynn Marino,
Sustainer Director
Mission Accomplished hosted the following events:
A Halloween Party at the Carver Center
A knit-in party which had members knitting hats for newborns
Angel tree at the holidays for the Nurturing Families network in Stamford
Food drive and sorting for the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County
Bowling party with residents of ARI
Spring clean up at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter
Mother’s Day luncheon for single mother’s served by Malta House
September membership meeting hosted trainer Vicki Clark who discussed the importance of JLSN’s
activities for community impact.
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CCJL training was held on September 30 at Junior League of Greenwich with training lead by Vicki
Clark.
JLSN members participated in the Stamford Downtown Thanksgiving Parade.
Paper Peddler held more than ten parties throughout the year along with several other sales specials
through Blueprints and membership meetings.
PAC/SPAC promoted voter participation in the 2006 elections.
Speak out discussions were held at the October Membership meeting for member feedback on future
community programming.
Leadership Trainings were held in October, January and March.
Internal Communications launched a new JLSN website hosted by Closerware, which had 200 hits on
the fist day.
External Communications garnered 25 press mentions from September to May
47 Provisional members voted to Active Status. Fall provisional class provided an evaluation of
implementing a cookbook fundraiser for JLSN and spring provisional class hosted a tag sale at the
Yellow Balloon
Sustainer, Transfer and Provisionals hosted potluck dinners in the fall and spring.
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Winterfair was held at the Double Tree Hotel on December 1 through 3 . Girls Night Out preview
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shopping event was held in the evening of November 30 and Sustainers hosted a brunch and
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shopping event on Friday December 1 .
Yellow Balloon hosted the annual Toy Sale in November.
Sustainers hosted trips to the Morgan Library & Museum, a matinee performance of “A Christmas
Carol” at the Westport Country Playhouse, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lunch at the JL of NYC
with a tour of the Guggenheim Museum, and a tour of Kykuit, Rockefeller Estate.
Junior Leagues Rebuilding a Better New Orleans initiative had participation of more than 600 Junior
League volunteers who traveled from 200 cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
Theresa Younger, Executive Director, Connecticut Permanent Commission on the Status of Women,
addressed members at the February meeting regarding Connecticut legislative activities impacting
women.
CAPD hosted Kids in the Kitchen at the Carver Center which was attended by more than 100 children
and their families
FAPD proposed discontinuing operation of Yellow Balloon. Proposal approved by membership at the
February meeting.
PAC/SPAC promoted National Safe Haven Awareness Day with donations of infant formula, diapers
and clothing for the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
CAPD proposed 2007-2008 Community Project “Healthy Parents” in partnership with Stepping Stones
Museum for Children. Project approved by membership at the April meeting.
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JLSN board voted to replace the Fundraising Council Director on the PCM Committee with the
Sustainer Director.
Spring Spirits Wine Tasting event was held in April at the Waveny Carriage Barn with wine tasting
hosted by Merritt Wines and catering by Outdoor Cookers.
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PAC/SPAC hosted Bound Around the Sound at Sherwood Island Park on May 20 with more than 100
participants.
Long time Office Manager, Valerie Monaghan resigned from JLSN in May to spend more time with
family and traveling.
Membership Awards bestowed at Annual Dinner in May.
Erin Hand: Fall Provisional Award
Katie Neff: Spring Provisional Award
Erin Gottenberg, First Year Active Award
Leslie Wheeler, Community Volunteer of the Year
FAPD Committee, Julie Halloran, Sheila Ahern, Gina Blum, Jill Bornstein, Emily Mills and Dina Zarra
Finance Award
Tessa Huberty, Membership Award
Leslie Kelly, President’s Award
Sustainer Awards bestowed at the Annual Sustainer Luncheon in May
Robin Woods, The Judy Mahony Award
Jane Perkins and Kitty Sample, JLSN Sustainer Spirit Award
2007-2008
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2007-2008 Board of Directors: Karen Gibbons, President; Julie Halloran, President-elect; Nydia Marron,
Secretary; Angelica Oxford, Treasurer; Stephanie Fairleigh, Communications Council Director; Patti
Dormer, Community Council Director; Laurie Mendez, Fundraising Council Director; Jennifer Triano,
Membership/Training Council Director; Tamera Galvin, Planning Council Director; Karen Orphanos,
Nominating & Placement Director; Martha Witte, Sustainer Director
JLSN welcomes new Office Manager, Carrie Fossella.
JLSN Board members put together and delivered backpacks to the children at Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
JLSN members held a towel drive for the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
(JLSN) launched the Building Healthy Families initiative. JLSN community outreach and fundraising
efforts will be focused on the initiative, which will provide health, nutrition and fitness programs, as well as
education and resources, for community members of all ages.
2007-2008 Community Advisor Board: Mary Franco Norwalk Hospital Foundation; Tim Hodges Stamford
YMCA; Rhonda Kiest, Stepping Stones Museum; Dr. Johnnie Lee, City of Stamford; Moira Lyons Norwalk
Community College; Durham J. Monsma The Advocate; Gina Zangrillo Darien Sport Shop; Rev. Richard
Schuster St. Luke’s Lifeworks; Susan Weinberger Mentor Consulting Group; Valerie Shultz-Wilson Urban
League.
The Strategic Plan was modified and monitored.
The JLSN Board reviewed and modified Policy throughout the year.
Speakers at General Membership Meetings:
o Anne Liebergalll – JLSN Sustainer
o Nancy Sokolowski – RN, Norwalk Hospital
o Kate Lombardo – Executive Director, The CT Food Bank
o Cara Brook – JLSN Active
o Sandi Kemmish – AJLI President
o Laura Lee Simon – Chair Emerita, The CT Commission on Children
The Done in a Day Committee hosted the following events:
o NES Backpack Stuffing for Norwalk Emergency Shelter
o Cove Island Cleanup
o Malta House Play date with a Purpose
o Angel Tree
o CT Foodbank Collection and Sorting
o NES Valentine’s Celebration
o Malta House Mother’s Day Luncheon
In partnership with the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Healthy Parents held 4 events with
attendance of over 330 parents and their children.
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Led by President-elect, Julie Halloran, the Headquarters Taskforce, made of Sustainer and Active members
was created to identify options and make recommendations to the JLSN Board for the usage of the JLSN
building. The JLSN Board approved the taskforce recommendation that JLSN keep the current
headquarters property and consider options for renovation or new construction on our current site so that
the property better meets all of our needs and is more actively used. A committee will be formed in the
2008-09 year.
The Connecticut Council of Junior Leagues held training in late September. Trainer, Wally Hauck
presented L.E.A.D with Trust.
Karen Gibbons, President and Julie Halloran, President-elect represented our League at Fall Conference in
Minneapolis, MN.
Winterfair, held at the historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum raised over $32,000. An added
highlight of the event was the well-attended Preview Party hosted by JLSN Sustainers.
The Fall Provisional Class held a successful tag sale, raising over $2,000.
Actives and Provisional members participated in the Stamford downtown Thanksgiving Day Parade.
JLSN volunteers provided 80 gifts for 21 families for our annual Angel Tree.
JLSN Sustainers host a holiday gathering – Sip and See.
Four members represented JLSN at Annual Conference in San Diego CA; Julie Halloran, President-elect,
Stephanie Fairleigh, President-elect-elect; Martha Witte, Sustainer Director and Noelle, Hughes, Sustainer.
JLSN held two Kids in the Kitchen events; the first in December at the Yerwood Center in Stamford; and the
second in March at the George Washington Carver Community Center
JLSN celebrates 85 years of community service. AJLI President, Sandi Kemmish visited the League and
spoke to members at the February membership meeting held at the Lockwood Mathews-Mansion Museum.
CAPD presented a proposal for a new one-year community project, and membership approved the JLSN
Diaper Project. In partnership with Person to Person the project will provide disposable diapers to lowincome families. The project will be implemented in the 2008-2009 year.
JLSN members voted to continue the Healthy Parents Program at Stepping Stones Museum for the 200809 year.
Former JLSN President Sally Case passed away in March. Mrs. Case was instrumental in the preservation
of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a legacy project of JLSN.
Sustainers hosted several day outings as part of “Going Places”
Chelsea Art Galleries
Yale University Art Gallery
Stamford Symphony
Hill-Stead Museum Tour
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The Winterfair Committee secured the University of CT as the venue for the 30 Annual Winterfair to be
held in November 2008.
Spring Spirits wine-tasting and silent auction had over 160 attendees at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center,
raising $17,000. An added highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2008 Community Leadership
Award to Leslie Caney Berni, Board President of the Women’s Mentoring Network.
A successful Bound Around the Sound had over 150 participants.
The Spring Provisional Class raised over $2,200 at their Tag Sale
JLSN members completed 5,810 volunteer hours during the 07-08 year.
The Annual Appeal Campaign, “Impacting our Community” launched in fall, raised over $27,000.
17 JLSN members were honored for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of League service.
21 Provisional members were voted to Active status.
JLSN Volunteer Awards bestowed at Annual Dinner in May
o Stephanie Dixon – Fall Provisional Award
o Stephanie O’Brien – Spring Provisional Award
o Sheila Ahern Mundy – First Year Active Award
o Ashley Calhoun – Community Volunteer Award
o Christine Ladd – Finance Award
o Stephanie Fairleigh – Membership Award
o Rachel Guy – President’s Award
Sustainer Awards bestowed at the Annual Sustainer Luncheon in May
o Nancy Gilbert – The Judy Mahoney Award
o Nancy Helle – JLSN Spirit Award
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2008-2009
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2008-2009 Board of Directors: Julie Halloran, President; Stephanie Fairleigh, President-elect; Amy Bien,
Secretary; Angelica Oxford, Treasurer; Lesley Poulton, Communications Council Director; Ashley Calhoun,
Community Council Director; Rachel Guy, Fundraising Council Director; Laurie Mendez, Membership/Training
Council Director; Leslie Wheeler, Planning Council Director; Jeannine Carr, Nominating/Placement Director;
Martha Witte, Sustainer Director
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2008-2009 Community Advisor Board: Mary Franco, Norwalk Hospital Foundation; Rhonda Kiest, Stepping
Stones Museum; Dr. Johnnie Lee, City of Stamford; Moira Lyons, Norwalk Community College; Gina Zangrillo,
Darien Sport Shop; Rev. Richard Schuster, St. Luke’s Lifeworks; Susan Weinberger, Mentor Consulting Group;
Valerie Shultz-Wilson, Urban League. CAB members were consulted as needed during the year, but no group
meeting of the CAB was held during the year.
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JLSN welcomes new Bookkeeper, Linda McKee and Carrie Fossella continues as Office Manager.
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New Provisionals voted to Active Status: 9 in the fall 2008 and 18 in the spring 2009.
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The Strategic Plan was modified and monitored.
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The JLSN Board reviewed and modified Policy throughout the year.
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General Membership Meetings, locations and speakers:
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September – NC Library -- Judy Kilmartin from Person-to-Person
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October – United Methodist Church of Darien– Tracy Inall, Chair Healthy Families
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November – JLSN HQ -- Holiday open house and member speak-outs
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January – Wilton Library – Organizational Structure and Paper Peddler Proposals
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February – Darien Library -- Joanne Goldblum – The Diaper Bank (New Haven)
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March – NC Library -- Placement Fair
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April – Westport Library -- Teresa Younger -- CT Permanent Commission on the Status of Women
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May 20 – Annual Dinner at Country Club of Darien
Community Initiatives
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We touched thousands of lives with close to 4000 member volunteer hours.
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We celebrated the successful launch of The Diaper Co-Op, a new community project, in October 2008. We
began bi-weekly distributions of diapers to low income families in our community and distributed over 55,000
diapers by the end of our League year in May 2009. We enjoyed significant launch support from community,
foundation and corporate sponsors including Person-to-Person, The Community Fund of Darien, Darien Sport
Shop and The Fairfield County Community Foundation. Through local diaper drives and drop boxes, we
collected over 20,000 diapers donated.
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Highlights of the first year included a benefit shopping day to launch the project at the Darien Sport
Shop, a Family Fun Day in October and providing holiday and mother's day gifts for the babies and
mothers.
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The Co-Op benefitted from donations of funds and diapers from community foundations, corporations,
schools, churches and individuals. By the end of May, 47 babies were receiving diapers.
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In the second year of the Healthy Parents education outreach partnership with Stepping Stones Museum for
Children in Norwalk, JLSN provided parents in the community with the knowledge and skills to create a healthy
lifestyle for their families.
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At each of the four events, parents attended a seminar while children participated in related
activities provided by JLSN volunteers including yoga for kids, planting vegetables to grow at home and
playing games focused on good nutrition.
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Presenters included professional organizer Cara Brook and pyschotherapist Beth Counselman
Carpenter on Time and Stress Management; Stephanie Hightower Rendulic, Registered Dietician with
the Connecticut Department of Public Health and John Gersbeck of Whitsons Culinary Group, the
service provider for the Norwalk School District lunch program; Dr. David Katz of the Yale University
School of Medicine addressed childhood nutrition and obesity; and Claudia Duque Gislason of the
Center for Healthy Living at Greenwich Hospital advised the parents on reading nutrition labels.
Attending families received books, recipes and other materials to encourage healthy lifestyles at home.
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JLSN hosted its fifth Kids in the Kitchen event at the George Washington Carver Community Center in
Norwalk. Attendance surpassed all previous events, and the program was featured on News 12. The children
enjoyed learning about nutrition and health through preparing healthy snacks, music by the Zucchini Brothers,
games, crafts and physical activities. The Kids in the Kitchen initiative was launched by the Association of Junior
Leagues International (AJLI) in 2006 as a League-wide initiative designed to help communities address the
urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition.
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The Done in a Day committee presented monthly events and activities in coordination with our community
partners. Projects this year incorporated our focus on Building Healthy Families as well as many long-standing
projects including:
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Providing backpacks filled with school supplies to children at the Norwalk Emergency Shelter;
Participating in International Coastal Cleanup Day in conjunction with Save the Sound;
Collecting 475 coats for needy families through the One Warm Coat drive, including an all-day
event at the Winter Garden skating rink in Ridgefield;
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Donating and wrapping holiday gifts for our seventh annual Angel Tree project for families in the
Nurturing Families Network in Stamford;
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Presenting a program on aging and living independently along with games and activities at Post
House in partnership with Familiy Centers and Senior Services of Stamford.
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Collecting, delivering and sorting food for the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County;
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Renovating a garden at Brien McMahon high school in Norwalk in honor of Arbor Day
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Celebrating Mother’s Day by providing a photo session with professional photographer Julie
Stauffer and a festive luncheon for the moms and babies at Malta House and in our Diaper Co-Op
program. The mothers also received goody bags filled with personal hygiene products donated by
members and corporations including Pfizer and Starwood Hotels.
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Advocacy -- The JLSN Public Affairs Committee supported JLSN Community Programming by researching
issues related to diapers as they affect low-income families and potential programs to combat the childhood
obesity crisis. The committee coordinated a Community Diaper Forum featuring Joanne Goldblum from the
Diaper Bank in New Haven during the February membership meeting and developed the concept for a forum on
school nutrition in our service area.
Fundraising
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The 30th Annual Winterfair gift market was held at the UConn Stamford campus on November 14th and 15th.
The Thursday night preview party kicked off the weekend event, which featured more than 60 vendors and
attracted hundreds of shoppers despite wet weather. The event netted approx. $27,000.
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The Building Healthy Families Annual Appeal fundraising campaign garnered a positive level of contributions
in a very difficult economic period.
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The third annual Spring Spirits wine and beer tasting and silent auction, which was held at the Meadowlands at
the Darien Community Association in Darien, continued to increase in popularity. A highlight of the event was
the presentation of the 2009 Community Leadership Award to Dr. Madhu Mathur, Director of the Goldstein
Children’s Health Center at Stamford Hospital. The event netted approx. $21,000.
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JLSN Tag Sales hosted by the Provisional classes in the fall and spring not only surpassed previous profit
levels, but were also great team building exercises.
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After nearly 20 years as a fundraiser, the Paper Peddler personalized stationery sales program celebrated its
last year in operation with sales of holiday cards and monthly promotions which provided welcome support for
JLSN. The decision to discontinue Paper Peddler for next year was based on declining revenues as we saw
increased competition from online and mass market stationery and card merchants. The sale netted approx.
$2400.
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Fall and spring provisional tag sales netted approx. $6,000.
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Grants and contributions netted approx. $38,000. Funding for our education and community initiatives also
came from generous donations made by the following community, foundation and corporate sponsors:
o Person-to-Person
o The Community Fund of Darien
o The Fairfield County Community Foundation
o The Camulos Foundation
o First United Methodist Nursery School
o Verizon
Recognition
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Sustainer Awards bestowed at the Annual Sustainer Luncheon in May
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Mimi Findlay – The Judy Mahoney Award
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Linda Glowienka – JLSN Spirit Award
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Annual Dinner 2009 was held Wednesday May 20 at Country Club of Darien
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21 JLSN members were honored for 5, 10 and 15 years of League service.
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JLSN Volunteer Awards bestowed at Annual Dinner in May
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Amy Olsen-Esposito – Fall Provisional Award
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Kara Jennings – Spring Provisional Award
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Stephanie Decker – First Year Active Award
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Katie McCormick and Julie Keller – Community Volunteer Award
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Tammy Roberts – Finance Award
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Leslie Wheeler – Membership Award
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Angelica Oxford – President’s Award
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2009-2010
2009-2010 Board of Directors: Stephanie Fairleigh, President; Angelica Oxford, President-elect; Tammy
Roberts, Treasurer; Jacki Petrozelli, Secretary; Martha Witte, Sustainer Director; Sarah Neumann,
Nominating/Placement Director; Tracy Inall, Community Council Director; Rozeena Verda,
Communications Council Director; Patti Dormer, Planning Council Director; Lauren Winston, Fundraising
Council Director; and Leslie Wheeler, Membership/Training Council Director.
Summer 2009
The year began with Board Training led by JLSN's AJLI League Liaison, Pamela Moseley. The
Nominating/Placement advisors were also invited to attend. The group reviewed their Birkman
assessments, followed by a session on Governance and Strategic Planning.
Leadership Training was held Thursday, June 18th at the Darien Library. Popular AJLI Trainer Vicki Clark
gave an inspiring presentation on "Motivating, mentoring and creating a positive League atmosphere."
Vicki's visit was coordinated with the JLs of Greenwich and Westchester to share costs.
The first annual Select Accessories Auction and ladies night out was held at the League office on
Thursday, June 4th. The event was coordinated by Sustainers Andrea Cross, Martha Witte and Linda
McKee and raised more than $1,600.
Membership activities hosted a Dockside Potluck in Norwalk for members and their spouses or significant others on
June 9th. Gina Blum was the gracious hostess and photos from the event were featured in the inaugural issue of
Stamford magazine.
JLSN sponsored a table during the Darien Chamber of Commerce's Darien Sidewalk Sales & Family Fun
days on 7/10-11 to raise awareness of our community projects. A raffle was held with the winner receiving
a copy of the Kids in the Kitchen cookbook.
The new JLSN website, created and hosted by Digitial Cheetah, went live on August 6th.
President Elect Angelica Oxford hosted a Strategic Planning Retreat for the Board on August 26th.
The Done in a Day (DIAD) committee purchased and stuffed backpacks with school supplies for children
residing in the shelter at St. Luke's Lifeworks.
Ongoing training for using the new website continued through webinars and hands on training for
members at meetings and at the Darien Library technology center.
Diaper Co-Op Distributions continued twice a week through the summer.
Recruiting Sessions for the fall provisional class were held in August and September at the League office
and area establishments.
Fall 2009
The fall Leadership Training/Council Meeting was held on September 15th. The training focused on League
Communications 101. Presenters included Nicole Lyons of the All About Darien website who spoke about the value
of online events calendars, JLSN member Denise Cualoping gave an overview of using Linked In and Facebook to
market yourself and League events and Sustainers Nancy Helle and Nancy Lione spoke on the importance of
creating a communications plan and effective marketing methods. The evening concluded with a website training
session focused on useful tools for leaders.
The first fall Provisional Class was held on September 17th for a group approximately 25 women.
The DIAD committee coordinated JLSN participation in the annual Coastal Clean Up at Cummings Park in
Stamford on September 19th.
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The September GMM was held at the Darien Library on the 22nd and featured an overview of the new JLSN website.
A slide show of photos from the 2008-09 year was played during the social part of the meeting. Stephanie continued
the "kudos" tradition of recognizing individual member efforts over the summer.
The Headquarters committee reviewed preliminary designs for the potential new headquarters building.
The Sustainer Going Places group visited the Glass House in New Canaan and went on a tour of CT vineyards in
Litchfield County.
The annual CCJL Training event was held on Saturday, October 17th at the JL Greenwich headquarters
and focused on How to Be An Effective Communicator. Presenters included Debbie Fay of bespeak
presentations and Theresa Younger, Director of the CT Permanent Commission on the Status of Women
and President of the Board of the CT Council of Girl Scouts.
The AJLI Fall Leadership Conference was held in Denver, CO from Oct 22-24. President Stephanie
Fairleigh and President-elect Angelica Oxford attended.
The DIAD committee coordinated JLSN participation in the Feed My Starving Children food packing event
held at Middlesex Middle School in Darien on October 3.
A website training session was held at the Darien Library on October 14.
A celebration of the Diaper Co-Op One Year Anniversary and 100,000th Diaper Distributed was held at
the League headquarters on October 18th. Community partners, Diaper Co-Op families and JLSN
members were invited to attend the event which included kids activities, a bbq and a cake cutting with
Darien State Representative Terry Wood. The Diaper Co-Op partnered with the United Way of Western
Fairlfield County for their Healthy Baby diaper drive campaign, resulting in donations of more than 14,000
diapers and wipes as well as a financial contribution. Hudson County Bank held a diaper drive benefiting
the Diaper Co-Op as well as donating funding. The Sustainers also collected diapers at their annual
holiday Sip and See event. The committee also developed a survey for parents as they reached the end of
their year as diaper recipients.
The Provisional class enjoyed a tour of JLSN Community Partner Lockwood-Mathews Mansion on
October 24. The fall Sustainer-Provisonal Potluck was graciously hosted by Noelle Hughes. p
The fall Sustainer Cocktail Party was held at the Stamford Yacht Club on October 25th with more than 60
guests in attendance.
The October GMM was held at the New Canaan Library and featured a panel of Sustainers speaking on "Where the
JL Can Take You." Martha Witte moderated the panel which featured Lisa Stout of the Darien Community
Foundation, Lynne Marino of Merrill Lynch, Barbara Thorne, former Darien Board of Selectmen member, and Sharon
Driscoll, VP of Marketing at IBM.
JLSN Treasurer Tammy Roberts attended the AJLI ODI in Las Vegas from November 6-8.
Nominating/Placement director Sarah Neumann, assistant director Rachel Guy and advisor Leslie
Wheeler attended the ODI in Brooklyn, NY November 13-14.
The fall Provisional Tag Sale was held November 8th with sales of more than $3,500.
The 30th Annual Winterfair Gift Market was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa on November 1314th. More than 40 vendors participated in the event, which also featured author book signings and
activities for kids. The Sustainers held a breakfast in the atrium on Friday morning followed by shopping. A
spa and shopping night was held Friday evening for members and their guests, featuring mini-treatments
at the Agora Spa in the hotel.
The November GMM and holiday open house was held at the JLSN headquarters on the 18th. Board members
provided refreshments. Members then broke out into three groups based on numbers of years in the League -- two
years and under, three to five years and over five years -- for Speak Outs with discussions focused on Member
Satisfaction & Retention.
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The Membership Activities committee hosted a fall LNO at 1020 Post in Darien on November 20th.
The final fall provisional class was held at Alyssa Wool's house in Stamford. Provisionals reviewed their
accomplishments and placement options for the Spring.
The first Healthy Parents event of the year was held in partnership with Stepping Stones Museum for Children in
Norwalk. Guest speaker was Gavin Pritchard, registered dietician at Greenwich Hospital. The event was attended by
more than 70 parents and children.
The DIAD committee hosted Coat Drives at the Terry Connors Rink in Stamford, the Winter Garden Rink in
Ridgefield and the Darien skating rink and collected more than 400 coats on November 22nd. Coats were distributed
to Person to Person, Pacific House and the Norwalk Emergency Shelter. The Darien event was featured on News
12.
The DIAD committee collected food donations at the November GMM and throughout the month. The
donations were delivered and sorted by members at the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County on
December 5th.
The JLSN Sustainers celebrated the season with their annual Sip and See event at Woodway Country Club on
December 9th.
The Headquarters Building Committee worked with architect Neil Hauck to develop preliminary plans for a potential
new headquarters building for JLSN. The committee also developed a timeline for the project and began researching
and interviewing capital campaign consultants.
The JLSN Past Presidents holiday luncheon on December 17th was attended by 12 former Presidents. Architect Neil
Hauck presented the preliminary designs for a new headquarters building.
The DIAD committee continued the Angel Tree tradition by collecting gifts for 48 children served by Family Centers
of Stamford. A gift wrapping party was held at the JLSN headquarters on December 10th.
The Diaper Co-Op committee provided holiday gifts for the moms and babies participating in the diaper distribution
program. A gift wrapping event was held at the League headquarters on December 16th,
JLSN also began a partnership to provide diapers for the babies residing at Malta House
The Sustainers Going Places group went on a behind the scenes tour of the New York Public Library on December
3rd.
The Membership Activities Committee hosted a cookie swap and social at the JLSN headquarters on December
14th.
Winter 2010
Info Sessions were held for the spring Provisional class on 1/5, 7, 11 and 13 at the League office and various area
establishments. The first class for the spring was held on January 19th with 24 women beginning the class.
The second Healthy Parents event was held at Stepping Stones. Guest speaker Dr. Arthur Dobos from the Center
for Advanced Pediatrics provided parents with an overview of pediatric medicine while League members provided
activities including yoga for the kids. A healthy meal from Subway was provided for all attendees.
The January GMM was also held at Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones Director of Education Hyla Crane along with
Kevin Carter updated League members on the ongoing construction at the Museum and the new features coming
when the facility is completed.
The DIAD committee sorted food donations at the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County on January 30th.
President-elect Angelica Oxford attended the Winter Leadership Conference in Savannah, GA on January
29-30th. 1/29-30
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The Community Advocacy and Planning Committee coordinated a road trip to attend Women's Day at the Capitol in
Hartford on February 9th. JLSN members were hosted by Darien Representative Terrie Wood.
The Membership Activities committee hosted a movie night and social in SoNo on February 11th.
The February GMM was held at the Stamford Plaza Hotel. Guest speaker Debbie Fay of bespeak presentations
provided training for members on effective public speaking and presentations.
Spring 2010
On March 6th, the CCJL sponsored an AJLI Strategic Road Map Leadership session, held at the JL of Greenwich
headquarters. AJLI Liaison David Dosamantes moderated the presentation and discussion sessions.
The DIAD committee hosted an event with seniors served by Family Centers of Stamford on March 13th. JLSN
members and their families interacted with the seniors and enjoyed a healthy lunch.
The spring Sustainer/Provisional Potluck was graciously hosted by Sustainer Bernadette Lynch on March 24th.
The March GMM and Placement Fair was held at the New Canaan Library on the 30th. Stephanie Fairleigh
presented information from the CDC about the growing obesity crisis in the US, emphasizing the importance of our
Building Healthy Families focus. An additional daytime placement fair was held at the League office earlier in the day
from 12-2 pm and was well attended. The Nominating/Placement Committee introduced the candidates for the 201011 slate.
The April GMM was held on the 28th in the cafe at Lord & Taylor. Members were able to "pre-shop" for the benefit
bash charity sales event, with ticket sales proceeds going directly to the League. Members voted on the 2010-2011
Budget and Leadership Slate.
The CCJL sponsored the first statewide Kids in the Kitchen event on April 11th at the Arena at Harbor
Yard in Bridgeport. Kids from League community partnership programs participated in fun physical
activities, made healthy turkey wrap sandwiches and fruit parfaits for lunch, then attended the Sound
Tigers Hockey Game. JLSN invited kids from the Carver Community Center to attend the event.
President-elect Angelica Oxford and President-elect-elect Amy Bien attended the AJLI Annual Conference
in Orlando, FL, April 15-17.
In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, the DIAD committee coordinated Beautification Projects in
Westport, Stamford and Norwalk on April 17 & 24th.
The membership training committee sponsored a Persuasive Presentations Training facilitated by Debbie
Fay at the League office on April 22nd. Conflicts with other events led to low turnout, but attending
members were very satisfied.
The Annual Appeal, themed "Rally Around the Mission" raised more than $14,000.
On April 30th, members of JLSN’s Community Planning Committee participated in a roundtable conference, Diaper
Rights: Health, Hygiene and Public Policy, at Yale Law School.
The DIAD committee hosted a Mother's Day luncheon for the mothers in residence at JLSN Community
Partner Malta House on May 1st.
The Joint Transition Meeting of the 2009-10 and 2010-11 Boards of Directors was held on May 4th.
Woman Power allocations and Leadership placements were reviewed and Spring provisionals were voted
active. The 2010-2011 Board met for a planning session 5/18 and for Board training on 5/22.
The Spring Provisional's Tag Sale was held on May 2nd and raised more than $3,300. The final meeting for the
Spring class was held on May 5th at Stephanie Fairleigh's house. The class reviewed their accomplishments and
discussed placement options for the fall.
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The final Healthy Parents event for the League year was held at Stepping Stones on May 6th. Guest speaker
Rachael Sunny, the No Child Left Inside coordinator for the CT Dept. of Environmental Protection, spoke about the
many free or low cost outdoor activities in CT State Parks for families to participate in. League members provided
activities for children including zumba.
The Spring Spirits Cocktail Party was held at the Meadowlands at the Darien Community Association on May 8th.
Committee co-chairs were Amy Olsen-Esposito and Tori Rapport. A Hearts on Fire Diamond pendant was the prize
for the raffle. The new website allowed for easy check-in for attendees and check-out for silent auction winners. A
surprise appearance by Katie Couric capped the successful event.
The Sustainer Going Places group visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt’s National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY on May
18th.
With funding for hiring a capital campaign consultant not currently available, the Headquarters Building committee
determined the focus for the coming year will be on researching current member donations to non-profits, politicians
and schools and universities outside of JLSN, as well as working with Digital Cheetah to modify the website in order
to be able to record this information.
The annual Sustainer Luncheon was held on May 13th at the Country Club of New Canaan.The special guest
speaker was Moira Lyons, current JLSN Community Advisor, 2000-2001 Community
Leadership Award recipient and former Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives.The Judy Mahoney
Award was presented to Past JLSN President Nancy Lione. The Spirit Award was given to 2009-10 Sustainer
Director and Past President Martha Witte.
The Community Advisory Board meeting was held on May 20th at the JLSN headquarters. After a review
of current JLSN projects, the group focused on opportunities to develop an effective relationship between
the League and the CAB. New CAB members are Dr. Madhu Mathur, Director of the Goldstein Children's
Health Center at Stamford Hospital; Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the New Canaan Community
Foundation; Jennifer Hallissey, Director of Community Services, United W ay of Western Connecticut;
Richard Siegal of Fairfield County Bank; and Camilla Herrera, Editor of Stamford Magazine. Returning
members are Leslie Caney Berni, President of Women's Mentoring Network; Vicki Doyne, Senior
Manager at Deloitte; Mary Franco, President of the Norwalk Hospital Foundation; Rhonda Kiest, Executive
Director of Stepping Stones Museum for Children; Moira Lyons, Director of Government Relations,
Norwalk Community College; Valarie Shultz-Wilson, President, Urban League of Southern Connecticut;
Susan Weinberger, Founder of Mentor Consulting Group; and Gina Zangrillo, President of Darien Sport
Shop.
The Annual Dinner was held on May 26th at the Stamford Yacht Club and was attended by more than 80 members.
The members of the Fall and Spring Provisional classes who were voted active were introduced by Provisional
Committee Chair Alyssa Wool, who also presented the Fall Provisional Award to Christy Sims and the Spring
Provisional Award to Tara Pagano. Nominating/Placement Director Sarah Neumann recognized members with 5, 10
and 15 years of service. The winners of the Sustainer Awards were introduced by incoming Sustainer Director
Andrea Cross. President Stephanie Fairleigh welcomed the Past Presidents in attendance and presented the annual
awards. The First Year Active Award was presented to Tori Rapport. The Membership Award was presented to
Alyssa Wool. The Finance Award was presented to the treasurers of the Winterfair and Spring Spirits committees,
Amanda Seagaard and Melissa Davidson. The Community Award was presented to the Done in a Day committee for
coordinating successful community projects in almost every town in the JLSN service area. The DIAD committee
chairs were Kerry Safir and Sarah McIntosh. The President's Award was presented to Planning Council Director Patti
Dormer for her many years of service to JLSN, including serving as a committee chair, Nominating/Placement
Advisor and Community Council Director.
As of the May 4th Board meeting, the membership numbers were: Actives 113, Associate Active 11, Active Gold 10,
Non-resident Active 4, Leave of Absence 5, Provisional 23, Sustainer 265 for a total of 431. The majority of the
spring Provisionals were voted Active before the Annual Dinner.
2010-2011
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Summer 2010
The year began with Board Training led by Board Governance and Fund Development Consultant, Abbie
von Schlegell. Members of the 2010-2011 Board of Directors were Angelica Oxford, President; Amy
Bien, President-elect; Melissa Davidson, Treasurer; Stephanie O’Brien, Secretary; Andrea Cross,
Sustainer Director; Rachel Guy, Nominating/Placement Director; Tracy Inall, Community Council Director;
Darcy Smith, Communications Council Director; Julie Keller, Planning Council Director; Lauren Winston,
Fundraising Council Director; and Alissa Wool, Membership/Training Council Director.
Leadership Training was held Tuesday, June 22nd at the house of one of our sustainer members. After
some social time, groups were divided by council to provide an opportunity to discuss the plans for the
year ahead.
Membership activities conducted a membership survey regarding events for the year.
JLSN sponsored a table during the Darien Chamber of Commerce's Darien Sidewalk Sales & Family Fun
days for the third year to raise awareness of our community projects.
Members from Westport gathered for some beach fun at Compo Beach organized by Past President
Martha Witte and Fundraising Council Director Lauren McNeill. Richfield members attended a concert in
the park at Ballard Park organized by Community Council Director Tracy Inall.
The Done in a Day (DIAD) committee purchased and stuffed backpacks with school supplies for children
residing in the shelter at St. Luke's Lifeworks.
Ongoing training for using the new website continued through webinars and hands on training for
members at meetings and at the Darien Library technology center.
Diaper Co-Op Distributions continued twice a week through the summer.
Recruiting Sessions for the fall provisional class were held in August and September at the League office
and area establishments.
The Diaper Co-Op was featured on theDailyDarien.com
Fall 2010
Membership Activities organized a trip to NYC to attend the taping of the show “Whatever with Alexis &
Jennifer” and a cookie exchange at JLSN headquarters. The committee also hosted a training session
“Improving your Relationship at home, work and JLSN!”
The first fall Provisional Class was held on September 15th for a group approximately 15 women.
The DIAD committee coordinated JLSN participation in the annual Ocean Conservancy’s International
Coastal Cleanup at Cummings Park in Stamford on September 25th.
The September GMM was held at the Darien Library on the 28th and continued the education process on
the JLSN website now on its second year. A new version of the "kudos" tradition was introduced as a way
of recognizing individual member efforts over the summer.
The Headquarters committee began the fundraising assessment phase of the new JLSN headquarters
process.
The AJLI Fall Leadership Conference was held in Portland, OR from Sept 23-25. President Angelica
Oxford and President-elect Amy Bien attended.
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The second Select Accessories Auction was held on October 7 and raised over $1,500 and was
coordinated by Sustainers Andrea Cross, Noelle Hughes, Linda McKee and Martha Witte.
The Sustainer Going Places group went on a guided tour of Carnegie Hall, the Rose Museum and The
Whitney Museum of American Art
JLSN teamed with organizations in our area including The United Way and OPUS to conduct diaper drives
and increase awareness of JLSN’s Diaper Co-Op
JLSN members and leaders attended social and training events held by other Junior Leagues in our area.
The fall Sustainer Cocktail Party was held at the house of Al and Bernadette Lynch on October 17th.
The annual CCJL Training event was held on Saturday, October 30th at the JL Greenwich headquarters
and focused on how to make more effective use of Social Media and how to prevent security risks on
social networks.
The Provisional class enjoyed a tour of JLSN Community Partner Lockwood-Mathews Mansion on
October 30th. The fall Sustainer-Provisonal Potluck was graciously hosted by Lisa Stout.
The October GMM was held at the Stamford Marriott. Past President Martha Witte gave a mini training on
advocacy and members got a preview of Winterfair’s list of events and larger venue.
The fall Provisional Tag Sale was held November 7th with sales of more than $2,900.
The 32nd Annual Winterfair Gift Market was held at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa November 1213. More than 80 vendors participated in the event, which also featured author book signings, a cooking
demonstration and activities for kids including a visit from Santa. This hugely successful event raised over
$25,000 for JLSN’s community programs.
The November GMM and holiday open house was held at the JLSN headquarters on the 16th. Board
members provided refreshments. Break-out session were conducted in the areas of Community, Finance,
and Membership/Training
The Healthy Families committee presented a Kids in the Kitchen event at the Boys & Girls Club in
Stamford. Along with the JLSN volunteers, the Red Cross and the United Way offered programming as
well.
The DIAD committee hosted coat drives at Twin Rinks in Stamford, the Winter Garden Rink in Ridgefield
and the Darien skating rink and collected more than 200 coats on November 21st. Coats were distributed
to Person to Person, Pacific House and the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
The DIAD committee organized a food sorting event at The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County on
October 30th
The DIAD committee continued the Angel Tree tradition by collecting gifts for 40 children served by Family
Centers of Stamford. A gift-wrapping party was held at the JLSN headquarters on December 7th.
SBD Kitchens hosted a fundraising event to benefit JLSN on Dec. 2nd.
Winter 2011
41
JLSN hosted its first ever donor appreciation event at the Lockwood Matthews Mansion on Jan 6th.
JLSN, in coordination with Barrett Bookstore and the Darien Community Association, hosted Author Peggy
Orenstein for a book discussion of the release of her book “Cinderella Ate My Daughter”. Proceeds form
the even benefited JLSN Diaper Co-Op.
President Angelica Oxford and CAPD committee member Tara Ashmore represented JLSN by attending
Connecticut Nonprofits Week at the Capitol.
Info Sessions were held for the spring Provisional class on 1/5, 6, 11 and 13 at the League office and
various area establishments. The first class for the spring was held on January 19th with almost 20
women. The daytime provisional class began on January 26th.
Leadership Training was held on January 18th with an emphasis on Strategic Planning and was presented
by JLSN past President, Jane Peck.
The Sustainers hosted a Ladies Night Out at the Darien Historical Society. Those in attendance enjoyed a
tour of the costume exhibit “Ladies of Prospect Avenue”
The first event of the year for the Healthy Parents educational program was held at the Stepping Stones
Museum for Children. Programming featured a presentation by the Norwalk School District school lunch
program service provider.
The January GMM was held at the New Canaan Library. Carolyn Hoffman, President of the Junior League
of Hartford, was the guest speaker.
The DIAD committee coordinated volunteers to work at the Manna House of Hospitality preparing and
serving food for the residents of the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
The Sustainer Going Places group perused the New York Winter Antiques Show
President-elect Amy Bien attended the Winter Leadership Conference January 28-29
The Membership Activities committee hosted a movie night and social in SoNo on February 11th.
The February GMM was held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Parish. Guest speaker was Lynne Marino who
presented a brief introduction to the Myers Briggs personality test.
JLSN CAPD members Tara Ashmore and Christy Simms, and President, Angelica Oxford attended the
event “Hockey for Huggies” at a NY Rangers game on February 27th and collected diapers and donations
benefitting JLSN’s Diaper Co-Op.
Spring 2011
The DIAD committee hosted an event with seniors at the Martin Luther King Apartments in Stamford on
March 1st.
The MAC committee hosted a social event featuring a tasting of South American wines on March 10th.
The DIAD committee coordinated volunteers for a second event at the Manna House of Hospitality
preparing and serving food for the residents of the Norwalk Emergency Shelter.
The spring Sustainer/Provisional Potluck was graciously hosted by Sustainer Bernadette Lynch on March
24th.
42
The March GMM and Placement Fair was held at the Country Club of Darien on the 31st. The
Nominating/Placement Committee introduced the candidates for the 2011-12 slate. Angelica updated the
information presented the previous year by 2009-2010 President Stephanie Fairleigh on the childhood
obesity crisis.
The DIAD coordinated several beautification projects in our service area including events in Westport,
Norwalk and Stamford.
The Spring Spirits Cocktail Party was held at the Meadowlands at the Country Club of Darien on April 9th.
A men’s Breitling Chronomat watch was the prize for the raffle. The event, featuring unique silent auction
items and experiences, was a huge success and raised over $30,000.
The April GMM was held on the 27th in the cafe at Lord & Taylor. Members were able to "pre-shop" for the
Benefit Bash charity sales event, with ticket sales proceeds going directly to the League. Social Media
training was offered at the meeting.
The final Healthy Parents event for the League year was held at Stepping Stones on April 28th. The event
featured a screening of the documentary “Two Angry Moms” and a presentation by filmmaker, Amy
Kalafa.
The Annual Appeal raised more than $20,000.
The DIAD committee hosted a Mother's Day luncheon for the mothers in residence at JLSN’s community
partner, Malta House, on May 1st.
The Joint Transition Meeting of the 2010-10 and 2011-12 Boards of Directors was held on May 5th.
Woman Power allocations and Leadership placements were reviewed.
The annual Sustainer Luncheon was held on May 6th at the Roger Sherman Inn in New Canaan. The
Judy Mahoney Award was presented to Past JLSN President Julie Forrester. The Spirit Award was given
to Valerie Monaghan.
The Spring Provisional Tag Sale was held on May 1st and raised more than $3,100. The final meeting for
the Spring class was held at Angelica Oxford’s house. The class reviewed their accomplishments and
discussed placement options for the fall.
President-elect Amy Bien and President-elect-elect Sarah Neumann attended the AJLI Annual
Conference in Philadelphia, PA from May 12-14.
The Sustainer Going Places group visited Chelsea Galleries and walked the High Line in Manhattan on
May 17th.
A fundraising event was held at Vineyard Vines in Westport on May 24th.
The Annual Dinner was held on May 26th at Quattro Pazzi at Oak Hills Park in Norwalk and was attended
by more than 70 members. The members of the Fall and Spring Provisional classes who had been voted
active were introduced by Provisional Committee Chair Alyssa Wool, who also presented the Fall
Provisional Award to Meg McCarthy and the Spring Provisional Award to Kirstin Lane. President Angelica
Oxford welcomed the Past Presidents in attendance and presented the annual awards. The First Year
Active Award was presented to Sara Appleyard Adams. The Membership Award was presented to
Cameron Sokolik. The Finance Award was presented to Lauren WInston MacNeill. The Community Award
was presented to Tracy Inall and the President's Award was presented to Darcy Smith.
43
As of the end of the league year, the membership numbers were: Actives 123, Associate Active 11, Active
Gold 12, Non-resident Active 5, Leave of Absence 10, Sustainer 273 for a total of 434.
44
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
State of Connecticut
Office of the Secretary
Be it know that we, the subscribers, hereby associate ourselves as a body politic and corporate, pursuant to the statue
laws of the State of Connecticut relating to the formation and organization of corporations without capital stock.
The following are our Articles of Incorporation:
ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the corporation is THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF STAMFORD-NORWALK, INC.
ARTICLE 2. THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF STAMFORD-NORWALK IS AN ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN COMMITTED
TO PROMOTING VOLUNTARISM, DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL OF WOMEN, AND TO IMPROVING THE
COMMUNITY THROUGH THE EFFECTIVE ACTION AND LEADERSHIP OF TRAINED VOLUNTEERS. ITS
PURPOSE IS EXCLUSIVELY EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE.
ARTICLE 3. Said corporation shall have the power to acquire, own and hold such real estate and personal property as
may be necessary or convenient and for the promotion of its objects, and to mortgage, lease, sub-let or sell the same,
and to have and use a common seal.
ARTICLE 4. The classes, rights, privileges, qualifications and obligations of members are as follows: Only women over
20 years of age who shall comply with the requirements of the Junior League shall be admitted to membership by the
League. No members shall at any one time be a member of more than one Junior League. The classes of membership
shall be as follows:
a. Provisional. Provisional members are those who are engaged in complying with the requirements for admission to
Active membership. They shall be required to complete a Provisional course which shall meet the standards set by
the League, and they shall perform voluntary service for a period and in a manner satisfactory to the Placement
Committee of the League. Provisional members shall not be eligible to vote or to hold office.
b. Active. Active and Associate Active members are those who have completed the requirements for the Provisional
membership and who, having been admitted to Active membership, justify such membership through some form of
community service in quality and extensiveness to the Placement Committee of the League. They shall enjoy all of
the rights, privileges and obligations of Active membership as provided in the Bylaws. Only Active members shall
have the right to vote and to hold office.
c. Sustaining. Sustaining members are those who have completed 8 years of Active membership and have elected
to become a Sustaining member. They shall have all the privileges of membership except that they may not vote or
hold office.
ARTICLE 5. The said corporation is located in the Town of Darien, County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut.
ARTICLE 6. No director, officer, member or employee of the corporation shall in any way or at any time, either during the
life of the corporation or in the event of its dissolution, receive any part of the net earnings or any pecuniary profit from
the operations of the corporation, except reasonable compensation for service in effecting its purposes and objectives.
Upon any dissolution or liquidation of the corporation, all of its assets remaining after payment of its liabilities shall be
paid over to such corporations organized exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes and in
such amounts and proportions as the Board of Directors in its discretion may determine.
Dated at Stamford, Connecticut, this 30th day of April 1925.
GERTRUDE V. INGERSOLL, L. LOUISE SMITH, HARRIET R.T. KELLEY, CATHERINE S. HAND, EDITH NORTH,
MARGUERITE R. DALY, MARGARET WEED DOUGLAS, EDITH R. PITT, HELEN BRADFORD SMITH, ESTHER
ELIOT FORBES, and CLAIRE PHILLIPS JESUP
State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield ss: Stamford, April 30, 1925
45