The official magazine of the Junior League of Salt Lake City Volume 2, Spring 2022 Moving Mountains Since 1931
DEDICATION We dedicate this edition of Women Elevated to all the incredible and inspiring Junior League members who came before us; To the women who worked tirelessly to build our League into the organization it is today, allowing us to continue building better communities; To the efforts of the 2021-22 Communications Council for giving life to this project through interviews, long writing sessions and sincere dedication to creating what is surely to be a legacy of Women Elevated publications. Finally, to all current Junior League of Salt Lake City members who continue to show that we can do hard things in light of a global pandemic. May this issue bring joy to your day and remind you that #TogetherWeRise. COMMITTEE ©2022 Junior League of Salt Lake City (JLSLC ) | The newsLINK Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Women Elevated is published once per year by The newsLINK Group, LLC for The JLSLC and is the official publication for this association. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. Every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at 855.747.4003. Karmel Harper, Communications VP Jessie Haus, Jennifer Fitzgibbon, Alex Boulanger Women Elevated 2
4 President’s Message By Whitney Fenech, JLSLC President 2021-22 6 Meet The Board 10 JLSLC’S Community Council Provides Comfort, Joy, and Service By Devon Callens 12 Women Helping Women Boutique By Jessie Haus 14 Junior League Shows How Much It Cares With Its Annual “CARE Fair” By Jennifer Fitzgibbon 16 At the Junior League of Salt Lake City, We Move Mountains 18 Better Together By Corttany Brooks 20 The Junior League Addresses Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) By Carolyn Hayden Garner 21 Provisional Classes By Jessie Haus 23 Sustaining The JLSLC By Kristin Kraus 25 Navigating New Normal: How Members are Functioning Virtually vs. In-Person By Jennifer Fitzgibbon 26 The Ladies of the League Were Keeping Busy in March By Jennifer Fitzgibbon 28 3 Delicious Recipes 30 Recognition of JLSLC Supporters 31 Friends of the League CONTENTS 18 10 3
Women Elevated 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We began 2021 with optimism that an end to the COVID-19 pandemic was close at hand. As vaccinations became widely available, many of us celebrated summer by ditching our masks as often as possible. It was a few months of bliss and hopefulness for a complete return to normal. However, the pandemic had other plans, and as vaccinations declined, new variants emerged. The world had to shift course again. Despite the ups and downs of 2021, we remained optimistic and even more committed to our mission – developing the potential of women and improving our community through effective action, education, and leadership. In 2020, we learned how to better our community through virtual means, and 2021 taught us how to merge the virtual and in-person to create a new, hybrid way of looking at community service. We are confident that, despite the challenges we faced, we created a better, more effective experience for our members, community partners, and those we serve. WHITNEY FENECH President
As we celebrate 90 years of commitment to the Salt Lake community, we reflect on all of the women who have come before us and look forward to the potential of all the women who are yet to come. The Junior League of Salt Lake City would not be what it is today without all of the smart, passionate, and powerful women who have given their time and talent over the past 90 years. JLSLC has been involved with many projects throughout the decades, beginning in the 1930s with the YWCA. The 1960s brought about the Hogle Zoo and Utah Museum of Natural History Docent programs and Neighborhood House; KUER, The Rape Recovery Center, and Wheeler Farm emerged in the 1970s. Alliance House, The Sharing Place, and our anchor projects – CARE Fair (Community Assistance and Resource Event) and Women Helping Women – began in the 1990s. The new millennium saw the expansion of CARE Fair and Women Helping Women, along with the start of other projects including Kids in the Kitchen – which provided educational programming on healthy eating for elementary-aged students and their parents – and, most recently, the launch of our Human Trafficking Awareness initiative. Even as we recognize the need to continually shift our operations and adjust our focus to fit the needs of the ever-evolving world around us, our drive to better our community remains at the core of everything we do. I am grateful for the opportunities of service, growth, and education the Junior League has given to me, and I am honored to share this experience with so many remarkable women. I hope you enjoy the stories, photos, and memories that have been written and shared by our members. This League year culminated in our 90th Anniversary Garden Party Gala, our first in-person fundraising gala in three years where we raised over 4X our fundraising goal. It was a beautiful day of friendship, nostalgia, celebration, and optimism for the next 90 years. Together, there is no limit to what we can, and will, accomplish! With Gratitude, Whitney Fenech JLSLC President 2021-2022 As we celebrate 90 years of commitment to the Salt Lake community, we reflect on all of the women who have come before us and look forward to the potential of all the women who are yet to come. 5
MEET THE BOARD Whitney joined the League in the fall of 2014. Her family had just moved back to Salt Lake from Las Vegas. Whitney knew several women who were part of the Vegas League and always wanted to join but did not have the opportunity to join in Vegas. She has been on both projects and as the Director of Women Helping Women. She has also been a member advocate, Nominating Director, Membership VP, and now serves as President. WHITNEY FENECH President Janine joined the JLSLC in 2017 when she was new to Utah and wanted to meet new people and learn more about the city and give back to the community. Her first placement was as a member of a combined SOO/SPAC Committee, and Janine spent most of her time working on the revival of the Strategic Plan. Janine really enjoys governance and how the League works, and while working on the plan, she also worked on the creation of the Legacy Project. JANINE BARTLING President Elect Sarah has been a member of the Junior League of Salt Lake City since 2011 and has loved all of the opportunities membership has given her over the years, from both a personal and professional development standpoint. As a member of the JLSLC, Sarah has been able to serve the League in a variety of placements and leadership positions, including the creation and publishing of the League’s cookbook Salt to Honey, Vice President of Finance, Member Advocate, Nominating Director, Membership Vice President and then President for the 2020-21 league year. Professionally, Sarah is the Vice President of Strategy & Insights for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit that raises funds for children’s hospitals throughout North America. When not working and volunteering, Sarah loves to travel and do photography. SARAH WATERS Past President Women Elevated 6
MEET THE BOARD Bridgette has been a member of the Junior League since 2017 and has loved being able to make an impact within the community and share her passion for volunteering while creating new friendships. Originally a member of the JL of Fort Myers, Florida, she transferred to the JL of Denver before moving to Utah and joining the JL of Salt Lake City in 2020. She has served on various committees as a member in FUNdraising and Communications, as well as on the Board as Treasurer with the JL of Fort Myers and now the VP of Finance with the JL of SLC. Bridgette is excited to continue giving back and is passionately focused on the areas of domestic violence, mental health issues, suicide prevention and homelessness. When not working or volunteering with the League, Bridgette is an assistant scoutmaster and single mom to an amazing young man and two rambunctious canines. The friendships, experiences and leadership skills she has been able to grow and develop throughout her time within the League have been truly inspirational and unforgettable. BRIDGETTE FERRIER Finance VP Karmel joined the League in 2019 and was named Provisional of the Year for her work with Encircle in Salt Lake City. She has served on the CARE Fair Committee and as External Communications chair. Her role as Communications VP has given her the opportunity to work with the various League committees and their efforts in the community. Outside of the League, she works as Associate Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. In her personal time, Karmel spends time with her husband, kids, and Goldendoodles. KARMEL HARPER Communications VP Devon joined the Junior League of Salt Lake City in 2019, shortly after moving to Utah. She was excited to meet like-minded women with a passion for volunteering and a heart for their community. Upon completing her provisional term, Devon selected the Community Council and has been serving that committee ever since. She first served as an engaged member, then as Director, and currently serves as the Vice President of Community. Devon has been an advocate for service from childhood and was awarded the United Way Volunteer of the Year award in 2006. Outside of the League, Devon serves as a teacher, coach, and mentor in the Salt Lake community. She is excited to continue to build community relations and coordinate projects as we grow through this pandemic and into the next chapter of JLSLC. DEVON CALLENS Community VP CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 7
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Hallie has been with The Junior League of Salt Lake City since 2018. She initially joined with a friend and honestly never would have without a push. She has always been very introverted and struggled with making friends. When she initially joined, she never imagined blossoming into a leader. The Junior League saw something in her as she would never have. Now, she’s proud to be who she is and a part of the League. She has found a new love of self and fundraising and is so thankful for JLSLC. HALLIE TAYLOR Fundraising VP June has been a member of the league since 2016. She enjoys “giving back” through volunteerism. She was the Director of the last traditional CARE Fair in 2019, as well as the Director of Women Helping Women in 2021. As the VP of Projects, she has enjoyed the challenge of providing alternative services to these populations in the age of COVID. She is also a medical doctor and content expert on COVID-19 and has given several updates on COVID vaccination case trends at GMMs. DR. JUNE STEELY Project VP Hannah joined the Junior League in the spring of 2017. Her mom was a member of JLSLC in the 1980s, and when Hannah relocated from Washington, D.C., she knew the League would be the perfect way to meet new people while making a positive impact on the community. She served on the Fundraising Committee and Programs & Arrangements Committee before joining the Membership Council. For the past three years, she has collaborated closely with members as an Advocate, the Nominating & Placement Director and is thrilled to be serving as the Membership VP this year. HANNAH ELDREDGE Membership VP MEET THE BOARD Women Elevated 8
MEET THE BOARD Chanda joined the Junior League of Salt Lake when she moved back to Salt Lake in 2010. She was looking for friends and wanted to have an impact on her community. She has served on many committees within membership and projects. The Junior League CARE Fair has a special place in her heart, and she has actively participated in the event for the last ten years. She has gained experience within Junior League committees that helped develop her career in project management. Kristin joined the JLSLC in 1999 after she moved to Salt Lake City because she wanted to meet other women interested in helping in the community. Kristin enjoyed serving on several project committees and in the communications council, sharing the story of the JLSLC. After serving on the board as Communications VP and Recording Secretary, she served as President in 2013-2014. Even after becoming a sustainer two years later, Kristin has continued to be involved with the League on the investment committee and shifts at CARE Fair and Women Helping Women. During her time as a member, Kristin named one of our community projects (EPIC) and cooked every recipe in our Always in Season cookbook. After more than 20 years as a member, she has been glad to get reinvolved on the board as the sustaining advisor. CHANDA JENKINS KRISTIN KRAUS Recording Secretary Sustainer Advisor 9
By Devon Callens JLSLC’s Community Council Provides Comfort, Joy, and Service This year, the Community Council has been busy finding ways to impact our neighbors while maintaining COVID protocols to keep everyone safe. They worked to create opportunities for members to serve in person and from the comfort of their own homes on several occasions. They began an ongoing project to provide care bags to the patients receiving treatment for Cystic Fibrosis in the hospital to provide comfort and a bit of joy. They continued their service projects with a done-in-a-day garden clean-up at Wheeler Farm, a Legacy Project of JLSLC. Ten women spent a warm July day gardening so that visitors to Wheeler could enjoy its beautiful scenery. When weather permitted, they could take their passions back outside with trail clean-ups around the city. Journal Making for the Rape Recovery Center became a wonderful project for months when things were in transition and the council wanted to offer hybrid options. Some members chose to decorate journals from home, while others could contribute at headquarters. The Community Council also made decorations for Harmony Home Health, served lunch with the Volunteers of America, collected back-to-school items for schools in need, and much, much more. Pantry U Donation Wheeler Clean Up The Wheeler Crew Journal Making Women Elevated 10
Trail Clean Up Around SLC Delivering Bags for Cystic Fibrosis 11
The way you present yourself in the workplace communicates a message of ability, confidence, selfrespect, and composure. The outfit and the accessories you choose to put on each morning before work are the most visible forms of self-presentation. Not to mention, the simple act of dressing for success can, in turn, make you feel like a success. In a world where first impressions (and lasting impressions) are critical, it is vital for any working woman to dress her best in a way that proclaims to the world accomplishment and success. In Salt Lake City, the Women Helping Women clothing boutique helps local women present their best selves in the workplace through the important role proper attire plays in any office. Having well-fitted professional clothing is absolutely vital for any woman to succeed in the workplace. Without the ongoing assistance that the Women Helping Women clothing boutique provides, many local women wouldn’t be able to start their first day of work with an office-appropriate outfit. When the COVID-19 pandemic broke headlines in March 2020, the world shut down overnight. But the Women Helping Women clothing boutique in Salt Lake City couldn’t let all its operations come to a complete halt, not while more women in our community needed help with items necessary to present their best selves to the world. Lisa Romero, director of the Women Helping Women committee of the Junior League of Salt Lake City, shares how the committee continued to assist women entering the workforce transitioning toward self-sufficiency during the pandemic era and social distancing. “When the shutdown started because of the pandemic, we put together hygiene kits for women in need. We would ask them their bra size and put together a kit with bras, underwear, socks, camisoles, hairdryers, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and more. We would send those directly to the referral partners to distribute to the women.” The Women Helping Women clothing boutique provides professional clothing to local women entering the workplace and getting back on their feet. The boutique originated from a project where an individual provided clothes to students at the University of Utah. It eventually became the boutique we know today and has helped hundreds of local women yearly. In a non-pandemic year, the women are referred to the boutique through community partners such as the YWCA, Workforce Services, and Odyssey House. The women referred to the boutique get to “shop” for nine professional work outfits, free of charge. After the women are referred to the boutique by community By Jessie Haus WOMEN HELPING Women Elevated 12
WOMEN BOUTIQUE partners, they have up to one year to do the shopping and receive help putting together the best outfits from volunteers at the boutique. When the in-person shopping ended in March 2020 due to the pandemic, the hygiene kits were the “star of the show” from March 2020 to June 2021. As of June 2021, the boutique is back open and running to shop for outfits again. During this past fiscal year through the pandemic, 379 individuals were helped by Women Helping Women. Now that things are re-opening again, they expect even more women to be helped this upcoming year and beyond. How can you contribute? Right now, the Women Helping Women boutique is asking for you to donate your time to volunteer. There are about 12 committee members on the Women Helping Women committee of the Junior League of Salt Lake City, each with their own full-time jobs, families, and lives. To open the boutique for a shopping shift, there needs to be at least 2 volunteers. You can contribute to work a shift by signing up on www.jlslc.org. Junior League members who donate time to help at the boutique are most valuable in this operation. The Women Helping Women clothing boutique provides professional clothing to local women entering the workplace and getting back on their feet. The boutique originated from a project where an individual provided clothes to students at the University of Utah. It eventually became the boutique we know today and has helped hundreds of local women yearly. 13
Junior League Shows How Much It Cares With Its Annual “CARE Fair” For members of the Salt Lake Junior League, they may already know that the Junior League Community Assistance and Resource Event (CARE) Fair is an event for families needing routine medical, dental, and vision services along with community assistance information. Typically, major hurdles such as time, language, financial, and transportation constraints prevented some Utah families from receiving basic health and human services. The CARE Fair eliminated many of those barriers by bringing together community agencies and medical service providers at one time and in one place. These medical services are provided free of charge at the CARE Fair event held at Horizonte Instruction and Training Center in Salt Lake. In addition to free health and dental services, families can receive free bike helmets and car seats on a first-come, first-served basis at CARE Fair. Upcoming CARE Fair events include a mini dental fair in the spring of 2022 and the full CARE Fair at Horizonte Instruction and Training center in July 2022. By Jennifer Fitzgibbon Women Elevated 14
Speaking to Lindsey Whinnery, 2021-2022 CARE Fair Director, about the past two years and shifting how things are done due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, “We have been doing virtual committee meetings, primarily because we have a higher turnout. But returning to hybrid meetings soon to provide a more engaging committee for our members.” Since the annual CARE Fair is a busy event, with people filling the hallways of Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, things had to change to apply to social distancing guidelines. In the spring of 2020, instead of hosting another busy CARE Fair, the committee donated their personal protective equipment (PPE) – kept in storage from previous fairs – to the University of Utah Health. In the fall of 2020, Whinnery said they issued dental vouchers over a several-month period. In the spring of 2021, they prepared dental bags of toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc. and distributed them among the community. In June 2021, the League partnered with Nomi Health and hosted a free vaccine event at Horizonte, where they distributed free Johnson & Johnson vaccines and the first dose of Pfizer vaccines for children ages 12-17. It is important to note that League member June Steely — the 2021-2022 Junior League Vice President of Projects and a past CARE Fair director — is now the Medical Director at Nomi Health. She arranged for rapid COVID testing for future events, which is critical for us to bring back these events. Also, at the June 2021 CARE Fair event, the League once again continued its usual routine of distributing free bicycle helmets and infant car seats on a first-come, first-serve basis. And like before, a vehicle and a qualified child had to be present for the installation. JLSLC looks forward to the July 2022 CARE Fair at Horizonte Instruction and Training Center, in Salt Lake City. 15
At the Junior League of Salt Lake City, We Move Mountains The success of our campaign was recognized at the Association of Junior Leagues International Convention in Dallas, Texas, on May 13, 2021. Communications VP Karmel Harper was selected to present our campaign to share with other Leagues from around the world. Women Elevated 16
In January of 2022, the Junior League of Salt Lake City re-introduced itself in the Salt Lake City market in a big way. Although we did not have a large budget for a branding campaign, ironically, the decreased spending due to pandemic guidelines – such as the lack of in-person meetings and travel expenses – freed up unrestricted funds to give us a budget of $10,000 toward a two-month advertising campaign in January and February 2022. JLSLC partnered with Salt Lake City’s Fuel Marketing, a primarily women-run advertising agency with exceptional expertise and strong media relationships. Fuel Marketing founder, Donna Foster, said, “We deeply understand the Junior League of Salt Lake City’s mission for building better communities and are honored to amplify their message, spread their purpose, and help empower women.” As the majority of advertising campaign budgets go toward the high cost of media space such as TV commercials, JLSLC initially planned to use already created assets and commercials from the “Unstoppable” campaign produced by the Association of Junior Leagues International. We thought we could not afford to film a new commercial. However, Fuel strongly believed the message needed to be localized, using actual JLSLC members. Within a matter of five days in November 2021, just prior to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, JLSLC gathered various members to appear in the commercial, printed “Moving Mountains since 1931” T-shirts for the filming, and spent a day at Salt Lake City’s Impatient Cow Productions, to film. The members who showed up represented the diversity of the Junior League of Salt Lake City and the breadth and scope of our membership. The group included members of all backgrounds and ethnicities, from current and new members to sustainers who have been with JLSLC for decades. Michelle Mendoza said, “Shooting the commercial was such a fun experience! As someone https://vimeo.com/impatientcow/ review/655541029/c82944e99b who is pursuing a career in marketing, this was such a great way to see the other side of advertising and content creation. I feel grateful to have been a part of such a big milestone for JLSLC.” The commercial ran on Salt Lake City’s top TV network, KSL, as a public service announcement and paid media. Thirty-second spots and 15-second spots aired on TV, as well as on social media. JLSLC’s president, Whitney Fenech, also appeared on KSL’s lifestyle show, “Studio 5.” Our campaign resulted in over 1 million Women, Age 21+ impressions and two full-capacity Prospective Member Open Houses for the Spring Provisional class. Although we were limited in the scale of our service projects, they were still highly impactful by mobilizing volunteers, including community partners, and contributing to the JLSLC members’ growth. The success of our campaign was recognized at the Association of Junior Leagues International Convention in Dallas, Texas, on May 13, 2021. Communications VP Karmel Harper was selected to present our campaign to share with other Leagues from around the world. Harper said, “The impact and strength of our Moving Mountains branding campaign presents the Junior League of Salt Lake City as a pillar in the community for over 90 years, while also conveying hope, leadership, optimism, diversity, inclusion, and joy. It has contributed to a reinvigorated Junior League of Salt Lake City we plan to build upon and grow.” Scan here to watch our Moving Mountains campaign: 17
By Corttany Brooks BETTER TOGETHER Even with social distancing, Zoom calls, and evolving safety protocols, the Junior League of Salt Lake City has remained connected. As a new member in spring 2021, my experiences with JLSLC have been shaped by this new world in which we live. Admittedly, I wasn’t sure what to expect joining the League during a pandemic. While more established members do (and should) fondly reminisce on times before event caps and virtual formats, I see an organization that has remained a family and undertaken creative solutions to keep members engaged and rewarded for their membership. On June 1, 2021, we started the first day of a new League year. Of course, any new year isn’t complete without a celebration. We rang in the new 2021-2022 JLSLC year Dinner at Big Willie’s Zoo Brew — JLSLC Members with Joey Fatone of *NSync Women Elevated 18
with a potluck New Year’s Party hosted by our Membership Outreach Director this year, Michelle Mendoza. We followed up our potluck with a Saturday morning hike through Adams Canyon for our more adventurous members and their furry friends who love the outdoors. In July, JLSLC brought back a favorite — Dinner Club. Members enjoyed a lovely evening at One-O-Eight Bistro. It’s so simple, but after the protections we had to take during the 2020-2021 league year, it felt incredible to enjoy each other’s company in a restaurant. Dinner Club has remained a crowd favorite with an August event at BTG Wine Bar. Then, in October, members brunched in the presence of queens at the Quorum of Queens Drag Brunch at Leatherheads in Draper. In August, members raised a glass to animal conversation at Bobcats, Brews, and Bye, Bye, Bye. We had a fantastic time at the Hogle Zoo Brew event, which raises funds for the zoo’s partners in animal and habitat conservation. Each Zoo Brew event is dedicated to a specific animal in need of conservation support, with the August event dedicated to our local bobcats. At the event, JLSLC members enjoyed some exceptional company – Joey Fatone from *NSync. He even autographed a photo addressed to JLSLC. September was a busy month for Junior League Events, but members still made the time for social get-togethers, including JLSLC Yappy Hour, a Clothing Swap Party, and a night out at Big Willies Bar and Grill. We love getting together with other members, but introducing our pups and watching them romp around at the dog park was certainly my favorite dog park trip in September. And, it’s an event the Membership Outreach Committee hopes to make a routine event. At the Clothing Swap Party, members seized the opportunity to send their old favorites to new loving homes while updating their own looks. JLSLC closed out the month with a night out on the town at Big Willies. Member Angie Cloyd, a co-owner of Big Willies, even donated a portion of the sales to JLSLC. In October, a few of us and one brave, furry friend met in the pouring rain (couldn’t pass up the T. Swift reference) for the Fall Festival at Cross E Ranch. But really, members and guests remained relatively dry and loved the apple cider donuts, pig races, corn maze, and even sludging through the mud for the perfect pumpkins and sunflowers. In November, JLSLC celebrated our annual Favorite Things party with a second party scheduled in virtual format. By the end of the party, which Erin Fischer kindly hosted in her home, members received three new items and lots of ideas for holiday gifts. Whether you’re like me and put up your tree before Thanksgiving or wait until late December, we were eager to see everyone at the yearly Holiday Party. Members learned to craft a delectable drink they could use to impress at their own holiday get-togethers; there was fun trivia, a raffle, and a special prize for the best ugly sweater. The Membership Outreach Committee is committed to keeping social events safe and fun, with a mix of new and traditional experiences for all the League. We can’t wait for you to see all we are planning! If you are interested in learning more about Membership Outreach or have an idea for an event, please don’t hesitate to contact us. These past eighteen or so months have been a whirlwind, but JLSLC persevered through a league year (plus) of canceled fun and the uncertainty of not knowing what tomorrow may bring. Through it, our members have shown strength, community, and resilience. No matter what the future may hold, one adage remains the same — we are truly better together. A Play Date at Yappy Hour 19
By Carolyn Hayden Garner The Junior League Addresses Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Unfortunately, over the past year, we heard about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Yes, it is unfortunate because DEI should have been a realistic and viable term since the existence of mankind. It is very important to first understand the definition of DEI. Diversity is the presence of difference within a given setting. Equity is the process of ensuring that processes and programs are impartial, fair, and provide equal possible outcomes for individuals. Inclusion is providing an inclusive environment for people to share, feel safe, and thrive without judgment. The Junior League of Salt Lake City (JLSLC) recognizes it is imperative that DEI is not used generally. Instead, JLSLC is taking proactive measures to educate, engage and challenge our members to join the ongoing conversations that ultimately enact change. The League has taken a posture to form a role and committee to bring insightful and practical content to ensure the stability of the organization. As the League grows, traditions and antiquated thought processes must become agile as we continue to serve our communities and be recognized as an organization that “walks the talk.” One of the first steps the League has taken in its commitment to DEI is the adoption of the following DEI statement: At JLSLC, we have a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This commitment is ingrained into our values, and our organization is strengthened as we embrace the full spectrum of humanity. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or national origin, is respected, and that philosophy is active in our mission to develop women and impact our communities. As part of our commitment to DEI in the League and the community, the JLSLC has created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee responsible for creating educational opportunities for League members and ensuring that we honor our DEI statement when working with community partners. Over the next months, there will be discussions – icebreakers for some members – and continuous conversations for other members. DEI is not instantaneous, and it can be an uncomfortable work in progress. It will stimulate a different mindset and help with the continuous shift to provide a roadmap to teach members how to recognize, respect and embrace differences. To start the conversations among members, the DEI committee has hosted monthly discussions to bring topics to membership and create an opportunity for dialogue. Topics included “Unconscious Bias,” “Hidden Disabilities,” and “It’s OK to be Different.” We are confident we are headed in the right direction, and the path forward will be rewarding to those who participate. Women Elevated 20
By Jessie Haus PROVISIONAL CLASSES I cannot say the 2021 Fall Provisional class had a normal Junior League provisional experience. But has anything in the last two years been “normal?” When the world went remote, so did the Fall 2021 Provisional class. We pulled out our laptops and got to know each through a sometimes fuzzy and prone-totechnical-issues webcam. A Zoom login and internet connection replaced the downtown Junior League building meeting room, and we ended up getting voted in through a virtual Zoom Holiday Party (virtual cocktails included!). But, being 100% remote did not stop the Fall 2021 Provisional class from being one of the most successful classes yet. (And I’m not just saying that because I was a member of it). At the end of our provisional project, the 2021 fall class created twenty bath kits to help twenty newlyhoused families. That’s a lot of people whose lives we helped! The kits were delivered to the Magnolia House and were distributed to newly-housed people in Magnolia’s apartments. After three months of learning the ins and outs of what makes the Junior League tick (and a COVIDfriendly scavenger hunt around the city), we girls got together for our first provisional project. We decided on putting together bath kits for newly sheltered people who were previously homeless. The Magnolia House and the Road Home asked for donations for people moving out of shelters and into more permanent housing. An issue the Magnolia House noticed was people moving into permanent housing, finally having a stable roof over their head, but not being able to afford normal household items to make a house liveable. The 2021 fall class fundraised to put together these bath kits to help make the transition from homeless to permanent housing a bit easier. We asked family, friends, and coworkers for help in buying the items needed to create these bath kits for some of the most vulnerable populations. Something as simple as having soap and a pair of underwear can make a huge difference in someone’s life. We put together an Amazon wishlist for donors to buy the items directly, or they had the option to Venmo us, and we would order the items with the proceeds. I believe we were all shocked at how much help we received in making others’ lives a bit better. In the end, we had enough donations to put together twenty bath kits, and our original goal was only ten. For a class that only met virtually, we did a pretty great job. The Fall 2021 Provisional class is so excited to be a part of Salt Lake’s Junior League, and we look forward to many more times ahead (hopefully inperson this time). 2022 Classes Bath Kits 21
Women Elevated 22
23 By Kristin Kraus SUSTAINING THE JLSLC The JLSLC has 200 Sustainer members who are the often-invisible foundation of the organization. Sustainers have previously served a minimum of six years as Active members before moving into a supportive position where they can continue their community work in other organizations while assisting the Junior League by fundraising activities, volunteering at JLSLC projects, and serving as advisors on the Board, Investment Committee, and other committees as needed. Sustainers pay annual dues that offer a reliable stream of income for the organization that can help with budgeting and planning. Sustainer members are also the history of our organization and an inspiration for our continuing work supporting women and children in the Salt Lake community. Our current projects, CARE Fair and Women Helping Women, are the successes they are because of the hard work of the Sustainer members who founded them and the unceasing work of Active and Sustainer members alike over the years. Each project counts on Sustainers to serve shifts to supplement the Active volunteers. Similarly, our 90-year history here is built on generations Our current projects, CARE Fair and Women Helping Women, are the successes they are because of the hard work of the Sustainer members who founded them and the unceasing work of Active and Sustainer members alike over the years. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
of women who have developed programs from the ground up and subsequently shared their learning and expertise with other groups. Although programs that the Junior League helped launch still exist – Wheeler Farm and the Family Support Center are just two of those – many others were founded or developed by women who started in the JLSLC: they saw a need to be addressed and established a new organization after they had reached Sustainer status. In many ways, Sustainer membership is the goal of each Active member when she joins. Although many of us appreciate the other benefits we attain while volunteering with the League, one of the key advantages of membership is the training and skill-building that each member achieves as she tackles new roles in the organization. For instance, many members participate in event planning and fundraising, two critical skills for nonprofits. Once those skills are fostered, Junior League members become sought-after resources for other nonprofit organizations, who know that our volunteers are knowledgeable and committed. Sustainers Wendy Warner, Jennifer Kelsey, and Melany White-Flory log in to Zoom for a lunchtime meeting four times a year to serve on the League’s Investment Committee. During the meeting, the group of Active and Sustaining members discusses the status of JLSLC accounts with the League’s investment advisor to ensure the financial position of the League stays strong. When the Girl Scouts of Utah needs to plan its annual Camp for a Cause event, it turns to its board members, Annie Bennett, Ann McCoy, and Loren Micalizio, for their expert advice on managing an event run by volunteers. These JLSLC Sustainers continue supporting women and children through participation in both organizations. Knowing the importance of having unrestricted funds to keep the lights on at JLSLC headquarters and to support the training of members, Annemarie Boswell has committed to making an annual donation to the Friends of the League campaign. Everyone knows that CARE Fair takes many, many volunteers to be successful each year. Several Sustainers have participated regularly in specific parts of the event because they are so moved by the mission. No matter how they do it, JLSLC Sustainers participate with the League and with the community in a multitude of ways that are critical for the health of our organization and others. We salute these members and thank them for all that they contribute. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 Women Elevated 24
By Jennifer Fitzgibbon Navigating New Normal: How Members are Functioning Virtually vs. In-Person For the second year in a row, members of the Junior League of Salt Lake complete most of their league duties virtually. For some, it is a struggle, which does not imply that members are not handling their roles well; everyone is doing the best they can. But navigating everyday tasks and league roles without a lot of human interaction while also trying to stay safe from illness is a struggle no matter what. Before the pandemic, members were required to show up to in-person meetings either at headquarters, a restaurant or a member’s home, along with numerous in-person events and social functions. It’s no surprise that this may be our new normal, not only for the League but for our personal and work lives as well. We’ve all become experts on Zoom, FaceTime and Google Hangouts, but will the day finally come that we can sit down again and face each other without worry? I myself do not feel quite as involved in the League as before, not only because I gave birth to twins shortly before the pandemic happened but because I am also navigating a new job, while – like everyone else – trying to do things virtually, which is just not the same. Tasks can be forgotten, Zoom meetings missed due to bad internet or missed emails. I often find myself navigating between working, watching toddlers, or the Junior League. I spoke with Chanda Jenkins, the 2021-2022 League Recording Secretary, a role I held in 2019. This role requires attending board meetings and recording what is discussed at the meetings while also contributing to decisions being made. Chanda has been in the League since 2010 and has held numerous positions since then. I asked her if she wanted to tell me what it’s like doing board meetings on Zoom compared to in-person meetings. “I think because almost everyone has, is or part-time working virtually, I think everyone has a good grasp about the virtual meetings. I think the board would like to meet in person, but with numbers being what they are, we are always going to move on the side of caution,” said Jenkins. It is well known by now that the pandemic has gone in waves, with case numbers dropping in the summer months and then rising again in the winter. The omicron variant brought an extremely high case count during December and January, with even the fully vaccinated and boosted getting breakthrough infections, which no League member wants to deal with. Jenkins admits that virtual meetings have their benefits. “We can still cook dinner with our families, and we can still wear sweatpants! I feel I get those few more moments of prep time working virtually. However, it has been a bit more work building those relationships that make working virtually easier.” According to a 2020 Forbes.com article, there are ways to build relationships and have a little fun in virtual meetings, including: 1. Start with some personal chat. 2. Share photos unrelated to work. 3. Introduce your pets. 4. Ask a “connection question.” Do exercises and movements to lighten the mood, and ask everyone to share a story around a shared topic. 5. Celebrate birthdays. 6. Get creative with your video background, such as a favorite place visited; this can serve as a meeting icebreaker. 7. Have virtual coffee and lunch meetups. 8. Organize contests and happy hours. 9. Have different team members act as host. 10. Give everyone their moment in the spotlight. Try to end the meetings with activities where every employee can get a little time in the spotlight. No matter what the future holds, members of the Junior League of Salt Lake City are here to continue doing what they do best: serving the Salt Lake community. 25
Keeping Busy in March It is important to note, members are encouraged to bring friends and spouses to these social events, which could also be considered a good networking opportunity. The ladies of the Junior League are now looking forward to next year’s March events. Maybe another sushi making class will be on the agenda? The Ladies of the League Were Wine Party Wine Party Making Sushi! Angie Cloyd Elizabeth McMillan — Speaker Presentation An evening at Big Willie’s By Jennifer Fitzgibbon Women Elevated 26
The Junior League of Salt Lake’s month of March was a success! Not only were the ladies of The League happy to see each other’s faces in person again, but there were many new exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. For the ladies of the Junior League, March is always a month of fun social events. These socials give us a chance to catch up, mingle, learn a new skill or fundraise for a good cause. They may include a wine party, paint night, a night out at a basketball game, a hike or many other events that all would enjoy. The 2022 March festivities kicked off with the Mardi Gras luncheon support event. Members served lunch to seniors at the Murray Senior Center while listening to live music and celebrating Mardi Gras. March 11th consisted of League members enjoying delicious beverages and food at Big Willies Sports Bar in Salt Lake City for a good cause: to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. The ladies raffled off Jazz gear and tickets for the March 14th Jazz game against the Timberwolves. Members also entered by purchasing items from the Cystic Fibrosis Amazon wish list in order to create Cystic Fibrosis Comfort Bags for patients at the University of Utah. Angie Cloyd expressed, “What a fun night raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis bags and catching up!” March 12th was another fun filled night when the ladies enjoyed good wine and good company at a wine tasting party at the Junior League Headquarters. Each member was encouraged to bring two of the same bottles of their favorite wine to taste, and then vote on their favorites with the winners taking home the prize bottles! The ladies gathered at Mint Tapas and Sushi in Sandy on March 26th to learn how to roll sushi and of course, eat it! Mint Tapas is known for their sushi making classes, a fun activity for people who love sushi and those who are new to the fishy dish. The class included learning how to make: Shrimp tempura hand roll, Salmon Nigiri, and Citrus Rolls. “We all created yummy masterpieces today! Sushi making at Mint Tapas and Sushi was so much fun (and delicious)!” Said Karmel Harper, Vice President of the Communications Committee. Other March events included a speaker presentation at Junior League Headquarters on Women and Positivity presented by Elizabeth McMillan. McMillan is the director of communications for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). She studied the relationship between quality of life and transportation. Using the principles of positive psychology, she sought to grow the good both internally at UDOT and in Utah's communities. It is important to note, members are encouraged to bring friends and spouses to these social events, which could also be considered a good networking opportunity. The ladies of The Junior League are now looking forward to next year’s March events. Maybe another sushi making class will be on the agenda! 27
A SALT TO HONEY RECIPE: SALTED FUDGE BROWNIES When I first joined the League, part of our new member duties was to throw a Kentucky Derby party. We all had to bring a dish from our wonderful Junior League of Salt Lake City cookbook, Salt to Honey: Recipes for Great Gatherings. Since I love sweets, I chose to do the salted fudge brownies. It turns out these are not your ordinary brownies. Not only are these made from scratch (I was used to the store-bought brownie mix), but they included ingredients I had never purchased before, including baking cocoa and unsweetened chocolate. INGREDIENTS ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips ¼ cup baking cocoa 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon sea salt DIRECTIONS Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter, chocolate and chocolate chips in a large saucepan over very low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Whisk in the baking cocoa, sugar, eggs and vanilla in the order listed. Whisk in the flour one-third at a time. Pour into a buttered 9x9-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top and swirl with a knife into the batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges pull away from the sides of the pan and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out with a little batter. Cool in the pan at room temperature for one to two hours or until firm. Makes 16 brownies. I promise the effort put into these awesome brownies is worth it! Jennifer Fitzgibbon 3 DELICIOUS RECIPES Recipes from Salt To Honey, Recipes For Great Gatherings by Junior League of Salt Lake City Women Elevated 28
FRENCH TOAST WITH PECANS There is no better dish to prep for the weekend than French Toast with Pecans. In our Junior League Cookbook: Salt to Honey: Recipes for Great Gatherings, there is a great and it’s an easy recipe to follow. INGREDIENTS 1 loaf of rustic bread 8 eggs 2 cups half-and-half 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon nutmeg ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon mace ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, softened 1 ⅓ cups packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons dark corn syrup 1 ⅓ cups chopped pecans DIRECTIONS First, cut the bread into slices. Cut each bread slice into halves. Layer the bread in a heavily buttered 9x13-inch baking pan to within ½ inch of the top of the pan. Combine the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, and mace in a bowl and mix well. Pour over the bread — cover and chill for 8 to 12 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and pecans in a bowl and mix well. Spoon over the bread mixture. Bake for 50 minutes, tenting with foil halfway after 25 minutes. CHAMPAIGN COSMOPOLITAN What better way is there to celebrate than with a fruity pink drink? A Champagne Cosmopolitan will definitely hit the spot. INGREDIENTS 1 cup Cointreau 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail ½ cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons superfine sugar 2 (750-milliliter) bottles of Champagne or other sparkling wine DIRECTIONS Mix the Cointreau, cranberry juice cocktail, lime, and sugar in a small pitcher and mix well. Chill uncovered for 2 to 4 hours. Stir the juice mixture. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the juice mixture in a martini glass. Add enough Champagne to fill the glass. 29
Recognition of JLSLC Supporters Recognition for Corporate Sponsors is based on their annual contributions to the JLSLC. Individuals are recognized for contributions made in 2019 and 2020. TITLE SPONSORS: $20,000+ PLATINUM SPONSORS: $10,000-$19,999 GOLD SPONSORS: $5,000-$9,999 SILVER SPONSORS: $2,500-$4,999 Henry W. and Leslie M. Eskuche Foundation Marriner S Eccles Foundation PacifiCorp Utah Medical Association Foundation BRONZE SPONSORS: $1,000-$2,499 Enterprise Holdings Foundation Gayle and Richard Denman Charitable Trust Masonic Foundation of Utah Sweet Candy Fund for Health and Wellness DKJ Memorial Foundation Cathy Argus Women Elevated 30
FRIENDS OF THE LEAGUE Alice Anderson Sue Ball Annemarie Boswell Ashley Burt Angie Cloyd Barbara Dennis Courtney Dent Cara Dziuda Annie Evans Whitney Fenech Carol Firmage Joan Firmage Donna Foster Barbara Gaddis Abby Gottsegen Ph.D. Lisa Grau Jessie Haus Joan Hendrickson Jennifer Imes Chanda Jenkins Amy Kennedy Kristin Kraus Evelyn Lee Krista Lemoine Heidi Makowski Jonette Mangum Mary McCarthey Cynthia Merrell Anita Miner Janice Nelson Laura Nelson Kim Rose Jacqueline Rosenblatt Jennifer Schmidt Alene Schwei Linda Smith Cindy St. Clair Kaye Stackpole Sally Steele Maggie Strasser Heather Warner Sarah Waters Susan Wieck 31
www.thenewslinkgroup.orgRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQxMjUw