Journal
est. 1917
Volume 88, Issue 4 Winter 2006
Strong to the Finish
by Robin Stinnett, Member, Halloween Hustle Committee
Over 350 runners and participants of all ages attended the Halloween Hustle on October 21, 2006. Everyone’s
enthusiasm and warm smiles carried us through the chilly day for the 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s ½ mile on Harriett Island.
Pre-race promotion and exposure led to a solid turnout with close to 250 people pre-registering this year.
Running was not the only activity for the day. Kids and their family members enjoyed face painting, coloring sheets, and
jamming out to the fun music provided by Gene DiLorenzo of Media Loft. Some participants dressed the part with
costumes, including a team of our new members, the M&M’s. YEAH…way to go!
Race winners cruised past the finish line despite the cool temperatures. Patrick Cosgrove was the men’s overall winner
with a time of 17:17, and Jill Ellenbecker won the women’s with a time of 19:37. Spectators would agree that the kid’s
race stole the show. Even Sharky from UnderWater Adventures participated and led the way for the Kid’s ½ Mile Fun
Run. How exciting as everyone screamed and cheered on the runners to cross the finish line and receive their very own
race medal.
We send out loud cheers to our race supporters and sponsors which include: Saint Paul Pioneer Press, Underwater
Adventures, TCF, Whole Foods, Pawn America, Regions Hospital – The Birth Center, Mary Gallivan and Edina Realty,
Anderson Race Management, Bremer, Western Bank, Boyum & Barenscheer PLLP, Marquette Asset Management,
Pearson’s, Great Harvest Bread Co, Great Clips IMAX Theatre, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, CarX, Old Dutch Foods,
Peaceful People Imports, Mary Lynch – Taste of Home Entertaining, Northern Lights Pediatrics, Roxy Cleaners, Maggie
Suby Insurance Agency – State Farm, Brewberry’s and www.nebiz.org.
Halloween Hustle was a success because of the leadership of Susan Waldoch and Amanda Russler. Our team included
Shea Hermes, Quinn Kitchen, Laurel Gollinger, and Robin Stinnett and our fabulous Sustainers Genny Freier and Molly
Lueck. Thank you to Siira Gunderson for pulling double duty. She took the money, then ran with it. Well, she ran the 5K
that is. Loralee DiLorenzo and her husband Gene for bringing the music and the sound system! Additional thanks to
Dinah Swain Schuster, Susan Kingsbury, Debbie Lee and Peggy Cummings for all of your help and support. A special
thanks to Anderson Race Management for managing a wonderful race and again, our sponsors and supporters. The day
went so smoothly and most of all, people had fun! It was a great day for a 5K!
Mission:
The Junior League of Saint Paul is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women,
and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
president’s message
It’s football season, love it or And finally – as we finish up this season of celebrations, I
loathe it. I happen to love it (and want to celebrate all that you do as individuals and a
look forward to next year, when I group for your communities. I also want to recognize
may have time to watch a game your support community that allows you to be here –
or two!). And I’m reminded of your family, your friends, your place of work, your baby
the words of one of the most sitters, your pets - everyone! We know you give up time
celebrated football coaches of all with others to be with us –and we thank you, and them! –
time: I firmly believe that any for helping you be a volunteer. Below are my two girls
man’s finest hour is that moment that support mom in her efforts.
when he has worked his heart
out in a good cause and lies Happy winter, friends! 2007 is going to be a wonderful –
exhausted on the field of battle, and bold! – year!
victorious. – Vince Lombardi
Warmly,
I do hope you are not lying on Harriet Island, but I applaud
those of you who worked so hard on the Halloween
Hustle! Thank you Fun Run Committee, the runners who
ran, and the volunteers who made it happen. I know that
Dinah Swain Schuster
after the event, many of you did lie exhausted
President
somewhere…
Fundraisers, we all now know, are not for the faint of heart.
But you persevered, and generated the funds that support
our entire League. Thanks to your efforts, we can fulfill our
mission of improving the community and developing the
potential of women. Thanks to you, hundreds of women in
our League are being trained in the many talents of
voluntarism. Thanks to you, we can provide services for
women at Women’s Advocates, and start our new projects
next year. So - pat yourself on the back (or, lie victorious
on the field of battle, if that suits you).
Update: your current Board of Directors is excellent! As
we move into the midyear point, I have so enjoyed getting (Pictured above: Delilah and Carolina Schuster ready for
to work with this Board. Trick or Treating.)
Ahead these next 2 months: the Big Decision! We will be
voting on our new project in February. Please see Page 4
for more information.
Two Important General Meetings & Trainings ahead!
• January 9: Placement Meeting. Come learn about
your choices for Placement next year! Also: a review
of the final choices for our new project.
• February 13: VOTING MEETING. This is your chance
to be heard, and make the choice for our new project,
vote on our slate, build our new future. ALL ACTIVES:
Please try to attend!
2 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
features / table of contents
The Journal is a publication of the Junior League
of Saint Paul, Inc. Calling All Leaders!!!
633 Snelling Avenue North
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
by Debbie Lee, President-Elect and Jennifer Swenson, Past President and Member,
Phone: 651.291.7377 Placement/Nominating Committee
Fax: 651.291.8914
Direct all submissions and inquiries to Now that the straw ballots for the Board of Directors have been completed, it’s time
Sheetal P. Vedi, Journal Editor,
to think about the Leadership of JLSP for next year! Please consider stepping up to
at journal@jlsp.org.
be a part of a great 2007-2008 team!
Articles may be edited or excluded due to space
or content considerations.
Taking a leadership role in JLSP is a rewarding experience. You truly have
JLSP Headquarters office hours are:
Monday through Thursday influence on how JLSP members build a better community. Being a leader in Junior
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. League can be intimidating, but it need not be. You might think “I don’t have a clue
2006-2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS on how to lead a committee or motivate volunteers.” Since a core part of all
Dinah Swain Schuster Leagues’ mission is to train volunteers, you will learn how to or improve your skills
President
in these areas. JLSP does this extremely well!
Debbie Lee
President-Elect
Susan Kingsbury There are many opportunities to learn or improve skills that are valuable for
Chief Financial Officer leadership in our League and elsewhere: General Membership Trainings,
Siira Gunderson
Treasurer Leadership Team meetings and ODI (Organizational Development Institute,
Katy Dieperink sponsored by the Association of Junior Leagues International). Other more informal
Secretary / Headquarters opportunities are attending a Leadership meeting in place of your committee chair,
Administrator
Jenny Sullivan leading a meeting if the chair needs to be absent, or even attending a Board
Director of Communications meeting. All that’s needed is an open mind and a willingness to learn!
Christine M. Sand
Director of Community Outreach & Planning
Shea Hermes Skills learned through your Junior League experience are very transferable and
Director of Development valuable to other organizations. After having served as a Committee Chair for
Peggy Cummings several committees, Debbie Lee had the opportunity to be the Treasurer (a position
Director of Membership
Carolyn Blodgett, Mary Lynn Gillin,
that she self-nominated for three, yes three, times before she was selected!) and then
Kay Golden & Sheelagh Frost Russell CFO. Based on her Junior League experience, Debbie has been fortunate to be
Sustainer Representatives approached several times to be on her school’s board. Similar stories can be told
2006-2007 LEADERSHIP TEAM by many other past JLSP Leaders. As a matter of fact one of our past Presidents was
Communications recently asked to join the Board of Women’s Advocates.
Natasha Freimark
Communications Chair
Community Outreach and Planning
Past President Jennifer Swenson also sees leadership roles as opportunities for
Nancy Sauer personal growth that you may not have in your work or home life. It is also a way
Adopt-A-Shelter Chair to make stronger connections with other JLSP leaders.
Loralee DiLorenzo
Project Research Chair
If the call comes to take a leadership role, it comes because you show passion for
Development
Peggy Hansen our mission. Successful Leagues identify women with motivation, passion and a
ASID / Cookbook Chair willingness to be leaders. If you are interested in Leadership, let your Placement
Beth Schatz Advisor know. Join the Team for next year!
Fund / Resource Development Chair
Amanda Russler
Fun Run Co-Chair
Susan Waldoch
Fun Run Co-Chair
Caldwell Camero Table of Contents Correction ….
Next-to-New Co-Chair
Sara Ridder
President’s Message ~ 2
Next-to-New Co-Chair Features / Table of Contents ~ 3 In the November 2006 Journal, we
Membership Community Impact ~ 4-6 inadvertently recognized Mellissa
Ann Blatzheim Membership ~ 6-10 Hogan for work that Melissa Cook
Arrangements / Training Chair
Fiscal Responsibility ~ 11 had done. Thank you Melissa Cook
Katie Misukanis
New Member Co-Chair Communications ~ 12 for securing Next-to-New
Dianna Peterson Sustainer News ~ 13-14 Community Donations. We regret
New Member Co-Chair League Notes / Calendar ~ 15 the error.
Alyson Collette
Placement/Nominating Chair Thank You ~ 16
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 3
community impact
Mission Possible
by Loralee DiLorenzo, Chair, Project Research Committee
“Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to find a new project for the women of JLSP! It must engage the
membership, fit our mission and adhere to the newly adopted focus statement. “
Jill Droubie, Stacey Kanihan, Mary-Helen Mische, Sustainer Barb Westgard, and I accepted the challenge. We have had
an intense summer and fall, meeting almost weekly, to tackle this task. Fortunately, we had parameters, such as our focus
statement, “JLSP prevents abuse, and educates women and children in need,” which we (JLSP members) voted in last
year. It emerged as a result of the member survey and focus groups, and the work of the strategic planning committee.
With membership, Community Advisory Board, and community input, our personal research and surveying other Junior
Leagues, we started with more than fifty ideas. We developed a two-tier set of evaluation criteria to apply to the ideas.
Twelve passed the first tier and went on to be assessed further. Out of that, we developed three project ideas for you to
consider (descriptions of all three are listed below):
• Building Bonds: Encouraging Strong Parent/Child Connections Through Play
• Early Childhood Literacy: Creating a New Generation of Library Kids
• Exposing Children to Art: Creating Arts Literacy to Improve Academics
In a straw ballot at the General Membership Training in November “Exposing Children to Art” placed a distance third in
the vote. Also, since that meeting we have learned about numerous art projects in the community. Based on these facts
and the opportunities we believe are available with the Play and Literacy ideas we will not pursue the art project idea at
this time. We may find other ways to include art in our upcoming projects.
BUILDING BONDS: ENCOURAGING STRONG PARENT/CHILD CONNECTIONS THROUGH
PLAY
“Your children need your presence more than your presents.” ~ Jesse Jackson
Research
Parents have increased risk for child abuse if they have a perceived lack of bonding and a negative view
of their child. Change the thinking and you change the behavior. (Source: William M. McGuigan, a doctoral candidate in the
Department of Human Development and Family Science at Oregon State University, 2001).
A study done at Ohio State University found that as children go through early adolescence, parents become meaner toward
their children. While the children are actually becoming more sensitive, the parents are becoming more negative. A new report
from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says free and unstructured play is healthy and - in fact - essential for helping
children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones as well as helping them manage stress and
become resilient. (Source: "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-
Child Bonds, 2006).
Play fosters the development of non-cognitive factors that are essential for learning, including emotional self-regulation.
Children must be able to focus their attention on the task at hand and control their emotions when in the classroom. They must
be able to organize their behavior and listen to the teacher. Play has been shown to contribute to the development of social
skills, such as turn taking, following rules, empathy, self-confidence and motivation. Studies have also found the positive
effectives of play on children’s physical development, including muscle growth, coordination and obesity prevention. (Source:
The American Association of The Child’s right to Play, Playing for Keeps, The Alliance for Childhood). (cont. on Page 5)
2006 –2007 COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD (CAB)
Cindy Carlson - Western Bank Jan Cotroneo - Lawson Software
Todd Gimble - Gold’n Treasures Sue Haigh - Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Commander Beverly Hall - Saint Paul Police Department Dr. Julie McGlincey - Saint Paul Academy and Summit School
Jamice Obianyo - Ecolab Research Center Honorable Michael Paymar - MN State House of Representatives
Connie Skillingstadt - Prevent Child Abuse MN Lori Swanson - Pioneer Press
4 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
community impact
(cont. from Page 4)
Specifics of Project
• Create a “Hot Chocolate” or “Cup-A-Soup” program for St. Paul school children to bring home a warm, easily
prepared item to make and share with parents or caregivers and include a puzzle, book, game and list of inexpensive, easy
activities for parents and children to do together.
• Sponsor game afternoons/nights at rec centers, libraries and schools.
• Create a “Toy Chest” toy/game library.
• Develop a “Connect With Kids” or “Building Bonds” public service campaign, modeled after the “DO” campaign of
the American Heart Association.
Public Relations Opportunities
Project Research has found a groundswell of interest and information on the topic of Play. JLSP could be a part of a
movement advocating the developmental importance of Play, the benefits to families and parents, encourage research
into the results of the bonds created by playing.
Project Partners and Donors
We have possibilities of working with the St. Paul Public Schools, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, and St. Paul libraries and rec
centers to find groups of children with whom to work. There are many national organizations advocating play that can provide
data, ideas, and possible funding.
Donors could include local and national game companies, local and national retailers, other corporations, local and national
food companies and public and private grantors.
EARLY CHILD LITERACY: CREATING A NEW GENERAL OF LIBRARY KIDS
“I can’t believe it! Reading and writing actually paid off!” ~ Matt Groening, The Simpson’s
“The only behavior that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.”
~ McQuillan, 1998
Research
Public Libraries are helping to close the “book gap” by providing children of all backgrounds access to high-
quality reading materials and rich language experiences. (Source: The Role of Public Libraries in Children’s Literacy
Development, Celano and Neuman)
16% of parents with children age three years and younger do not read at all with their children. (Source: Listening to parents.
A national survey of parents with young children. KT Young, K. Davis, C. Schoen, et al.)
Reading difficulty contributes to school failure, which increases the risk of absenteeism, leaving school, juvenile delinquency,
substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy – all of which perpetuate the cycles of poverty and dependency. (Source: Listening to
parents. A national survey of parents with young children. KT Young, K. Davis, C. Schoen, et al.)
Of low-income children, almost one in four have less than 10 books of any kind in his or her home. (Source: High, Hopmann,
et al, 1999)
Specifics of Project
Focus on pre-kindergartners:
• Send a book and a library card to all 4-year-old children (about 3,000) in the city of Saint Paul. Include library information
in each package.
• Creation of an introduction to the library curriculum for 4 year olds and their families.
• Possibly create JLSP sponsored early child reading days at libraries – reading, donated food, etc.
Focus on babies (ages 0-2)
• Send all babies born in city of Saint Paul a library card and a book.
• Create and/or help redevelop a caregiver/baby reading curriculum to be used in the library setting.
• Include parent’s literacy in planning as a secondary gain in the success of program.
• Continue to encourage library use by babies/families - by mailing information, offering donated coupons for free gifts,
sponsoring library readings.
• Could include creation of a JLSP book – locally written, illustrated, our name prominent.
• Sponsor book drives at JLSP events. i.e. Fun Run, Next-to-New, Gala, etc. (cont. on Page 6)
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 5
community impact / membership
(cont. from Page 5)
January General Meeting
Public Relations / Possible Partners and Donors & Training
• Libraries
• Local printers, publishers, bookstores Tuesday,
• Local businesses for book drives. IE: Wild Games,
college/high school events January 9, 2007
• Corporations (Target)
• Local pediatrician offices; insurance programs, hospital
foundations.
• Corporations
• Library and school budgets
• Public and private grantors
IN CONCLUSION
Project Research believes we can serve our mission and focus
area with each of these projects in the following ways:
“Building Bonds through Play” prevents abuse by helping to
foster stronger connections between parents and children
and/or parents and care-givers. This project supports the
education of children by encouraging play, which is proven
to stimulate brain growth, lay the foundation for learning and Location: The Happy Gnome
improve academic and social success. Mothers will learn 498 Selby Ave
parenting skills. Saint Paul, MN 55102
With “Early Childhood Literacy,” JLSP will promote early Time: 5:30 p.m. registration / social
childhood literacy through the lifetime use of the Saint Paul 6:15 p.m. dinner
Public Libraries, educating children in need. This project can 6:30 p.m. meeting
possibly expand to improving mothers’ literacy.
Fajita Buffet: Build your own beef and chicken
Additionally, we have explored partnering with local youth fajitas. Served with warm flour tortillas, shredded
organizations like Neighborhood House, the YWCA lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, Pico de
Achievement program, Women’s Advocates, rec centers, and Gallo, house made salsa, sautéed onions and
public schools. Donations could be sought from book peppers, and sour cream.
distributors, publishers and others. Funding seems available
from corporations and public and private grantors. Black Beans and Rice, Baskets of chips and salsa
and Assorted Cookies and Bars.
Cost : $23.00 Dinner & Meeting
$5.00 Meeting Only
A reservation has already been made for all New
and Active Members. If you are unable to attend the
meeting or would prefer meeting only, you must call
the reservation line at 651-291-7377 or send an
email to arrangements@jlsp.org by noon on
Thursday, January 4th, 2006. Active Two, Active
Advisory, and Sustainers, please call or email to
make a reservation. We would love to have you join
us.
6 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
membership
Fall Recruitment Results in 38 New Members
by Jannae Lowe, Member, New Member Committee
The New Member Committee is excited to announce that 38 New Members have
joined the Junior League of Saint Paul during this fall recruitment period. This number
represents a striking 46% growth in our Active Membership. New Members have joined
from a wide array of cities including Saint Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, Lino Lakes,
Blaine and Hudson, WI.
The New Member Committee has been quite busy recruiting and engaging great
women to join the Junior League of St. Paul. We have hosted 3 New Member Socials, including a happy hour at the
Happy Gnome, and recently we held 3 Orientation Sessions. Fall recruitment has been very successful and we look
forward to adding additional New Members to our Spring class. Interested women may still join at any time and
participate in our meetings and projects, but will wait to go through Orientation in the Spring.
Read on as some of our New Members reveal what enticed them to join the Junior League of Saint Paul…
Rebecca Teitel … ”My main reason for joining JLSP was because of the opportunity to be involved with Women's Advocates.
The ability to assist others in their time of need and the opportunity to see your results first hand is the most rewarding part of
volunteering. I'm excited about the opportunity to work with my other New Members to make significant improvements to the
Saint Paul community.”
Tricia Knigge … ”I wanted an opportunity to get involved with my community and help make it a better place and the
opportunity to meet like-minded women that could help in my personal and professional development. The League really fills
a gap that I found after college. In college it was easy to get involved. Once I graduated, it was much harder to really get
involved with and stay connected to my community. It is nice to find an organization like JLSP that helps fill this void.”
Andrea Todd-Harlin … “Being involved in community service and taking charge of my own professional and personal
development.”
Sara Schmid … ”I wanted to join to do something worthwhile with my sister. I found myself volunteering for
projects/organizations that would either lose funding or were inconsistent and unorganized... that didn't make me a happy
volunteer! JLSP is a fun organization of women that are excited to do what they do and with more quality and quantity they get
a lot more done.”
Jennifer McBeain … ”I joined JLSP for a couple of reasons. My mother, Judith Wicker and many of her friends were in JLSP,
and they greatly appreciated it. I thought it would be a great idea to join to meet many professional women and start a great
networking group and friends. I also wanted to get involved with JLSP because of all the great things it does for the community.
I wanted to gain more knowledge of the community and share my time to help create a better community where I live and
work.”
Who knew our "Saintly City" wasn't always so Saintly....?
by Colleen O’Leary, Member, New Member Committee
On the gloriously beautiful fall morning of November 4th, 33 New, Active and Sustaining Members of the JLSP participated in
Civic Day. The day started with a light breakfast at Headquarters and then we were off to pick up our Saint Paul Gangster Tour
guide, Edna "The Kissing Bandit" Murray. Armed with a "gangster accent", a long strand of pearls, a red hat and long fur coat,
and her authentic "Tommy Gun" (disarmed of course), Edna took us through the city of Saint Paul. We saw the hideouts, places
of "business" and homes of some of Saint Paul's most notorious gangsters from the late 1800's through the mid 1900's. We
learned that Edna, our tour guide (a woman playing the character of a woman born in 1898 and lived in the city of Saint Paul),
was known as the "rabbit" for her ability to escape from prison. She took part in many robberies with her many gangster
boyfriends and would help by distracting the victims with kisses -- while her partner robbed them. (cont. on Page 8)
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 7
membership
(cont. from Page 7)
We saw the house off of Robert Street where Ma Barker The tour took us through downtown Saint Paul where we
lived. Legend has it that she trained her boys to shoot, rob learned about the “O’Connor Act" through which
and kill from the time they were small. Those boys, crooked politicians and police made Saint Paul a safe
Freddie and Doc Barker, grew up to be some of Saint haven for gangsters as long as they kept the crime out of
Paul's most notorious gangsters. We heard stories about the city and paid a kickback to their protectors. While this
Alvin "Creepy” Karpis who was known for his intense and was an unethical and ultimately illegal system, during
creepy stare. The Barker-Karpis Gang were responsible for those years Saint Paul housed a large number of
two significant Saint Paul kidnappings. Edward Bremer gangsters, yet had amazingly low levels of crime!
was kidnapped just after dropping his daughter off at
school at Saint Paul Academy - he was taken not far from It was a great historical tour and we laughed, learned a lot
the front door of the school! We stood on the ground that and at times were awed by the interesting history of our
overlooked Swede Hollow where William Hamm's house city. Leaving all thinking, “who knew our Saintly City,
stood. He was taken by the Barker-Karpis Gang in June of wasn't always so Saintly?”
1933 and held for ransom.
Meet the New Members ….
ALVA McMILLAN REBECCA TEITEL (on the left)
1. If you could do anything tomorrow with 1. If you could do anything
no time or money constraints, what would it tomorrow with no time or money
be? I would begin to visit and enjoy every constraints, what would it
top luxury spa both internationally and be? Travel around the world with
domestically. family and friends playing golf and
going to the beach.
2. If you could travel anywhere where would
it be? I would go anywhere that would fulfill 2. If you could travel anywhere
question number 1. where would it be? I love to travel and have been so
fortunate to have been so many places. My next trips would
3. Where have you lived? Minnesota, Texas, & North be Fiji, Tahiti, Australia and Japan.
Carolina.
3. Where have you lived? Paradise Valley and Scottsdale,
ANGELA URBANEK AZ, Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, and Minneapolis, MN.
1. If you could do anything
tomorrow with no time or money PRIYA RAJAMANI
constraints, what would it 1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or money
be? Travel around the world constraints, what would it be? I would launch a non-profit
studying each country's culinary initiative which has the money and power to influence the
arts and collecting stories to health and well being of millions. I would like to be a
compile into a novel . visionary who determines the strategy of this initiative.
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be?
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? I would
Greece. like to visit the many places in the world which are ridden
3. Where have you lived? I grew up in Coleman, with poverty, disease or war. Whenever I feel down beat, I
Wisconsin, a village with a population of 836. I moved to always think of those people who have had very few happy
Madison, WI to study at UW-Madison and continued to moments in their lives.
live and work there for a few years after I graduated. I
3. Where have you lived? I was born and brought up in India
moved to Minnesota in 2002 to attend law school, and I and have lived in southern part (Chennai) and in western part
liked Minnesota so much that I decided to stay. I've also of India (Pune near Mumbai). I moved to US approx. 10
lived briefly in London, England and I studied in Norway years back and have lived in Manchester, CT, Berkeley, CA
for a summer. and currently in St. Paul, MN. (cont. on Page 9)
8 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
membership
Meet the New Members cont. from Page 8 ….
CHERIE HAMILTON KAREN LIU
1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or money 1. If you could do anything tomorrow
constraints, what would it be? I would take a leave of absence with no time or money constraints, what
from my job and travel the world! would it be? I would open the nonprofit
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? My first
community cafe I have been planning
desire would be New Zealand; a close second would be the for years, right smack in a neighborhood
Greek islands and the southern coast of Spain. in need of revitalization (such as North
Minneapolis, parts of South
3. Where have you lived? I grew up in St. Paul, MN. Went to Minneapolis, or parts of St. Paul). And it
College in WI and CO. Lived in Denver, CO for about 10 years would be the pride and joy of community residents,
and then moved back to MN 2 years ago. I now live in Blaine, because it would belong to them!
MN.
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? A trip to
LYNN BERNING southeast Africa: Rwanda to visit the 13-year-old boy I've been
1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or money sponsoring since he was 7 through Compassion International
constraints, what would it be? I'd become fluent in Spanish (www.compassion.org), and Kenya, Botswana and Madagascar
and live in Mexico, Spain, and Portugal for a year each. I'd for the wildlife. This trip WILL happen, soon!
compile a book of travel family travel recommendations
based on my experiences. 3.Where have you lived? Des Moines, Chicago, and
Minneapolis
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? The
above, and Fiji. Hawaii would be nice, as would anywhere ERICA SCHMID
else with year-round sun. 1. If you could do anything tomorrow
with no time or money constraints, what
3. Where have you lived? I grew up in Wadena, would it be? If I could do anything
Minnesota. Lived in Mankato, Brooklyn Center, White tomorrow with no time or money
Bear Lake, and Woodbury, my current home. I've also constraints I would start my own Design
lived in Scarsdale, NY and Des Moines, IA. business. That would include everything
from Interior Design to stationary!
ANNIE BALLANTINE
1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or money 2. If you could travel anywhere where
constraints, what would it be? I would drop everything and would it be? If I could travel anywhere it
travel the world. I would go see Paris, Rome, Naples, would be Spain right now - I haven't been there yet!
Venice, Fiji, Norway, Hawaii, and then I would spend
sometime in the Caribbean. 3. Where have you lived? Italy for a summer during
college, Lawrence, KS while attending the University of
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? Naples, Kansas St. Louis, MS after I graduated college
Italy. I took Latin in college and my professor always used to
say, "See Naples and die". I guess this is because it's SAMANTHA STYLE
supposed to be so gorgeous. 1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or
money constraints, what would it be? I would fly to England
3. Where have you lived? I grew up in Duluth, MN and to spend part of the day sitting with my Grandmother (she
about five or six years ago I moved to St. Paul and I have is in an Alzheimer's home there). Then I would fly my
lived in St. Paul since! closest friends to London, and spend time enjoying the city
with them.
ABBY ROCHE
1. If you could do anything tomorrow with no time or money 2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? I can’t
constraints, what would it be? I would jump on a boat and choose just one place! China, Japan, Egypt, Russia...I'd do a
travel the world. world tour!
2. If you could travel anywhere where would it be? Africa. 3. Where have you lived? Many states in the US, England
and Nigeria.
3. Where have you lived? Mahtomedi, Ames, IA, St. Paul.
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 9
membership
Applause Awards
It is JLSP tradition to acknowledge members who go above
and beyond the “call of duty”. At the October General
Membership and Training Meeting Charie Faught and Sheetal
Vedi were recognized and here is why:
Charie Faught stepped up to the plate in true Junior League
fashion! She noticed a problem and attacked it head on.
During what was to be a quick stop at HQ for Next-to-New
business, she found water in the basement. She immediately
began cleaning it up, moving items out of the way and
contacted someone for assistance. She was just in time to save
many items stored in the basement, including more than 50
cases of cookbooks. It was a mess and took a couple of hours
to clean up. Thank you Charie Faught for the can-do, take-
charge attitude!
Prior to this summer, Sheetal Vedi had no experience in or
preparation for her current placement. But off she went for
training and took a Publisher class at the Science Museum to
learn the basics. But, like with everything she does, she took it
ten steps further. As Journal Editor, Sheetal is increasing our
advertisers, updated our look, and most importantly, she is
tying the Journal to our strategic plan, and organizing the
issues to reflect that. Hats off to Sheetal Vedi!
Photo Gallery: Sustainers Enjoying Their JLSP Membership at
Fall Sustainer Events
Photos from the wine tasting event above and lunch at Zelo below. Event details can be found on Page 13.
10 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
fiscal responsibility
Five Easy Ways to Raise $$$ WOW! Free
for JLSP Metro Delivery!
by Carrie Lindgren, Member, Fund Resource by Peggy Hansen, Chair,
Development Committee Cookbook
1. Round Up – C’mon…you’re already there anyway! OK, you already know what a great
Throw in an extra dollar or two when paying for the deal JLSP members are getting on
next General Membership Meeting. The more our cookbook, Always Superb:
members that Round Up (no matter the monetary Recipes for Every Occasion, but you can also get free
amount) the better our League looks when applying metro delivery when you purchase a least one case (10
for grants and other funds. books). This is a great time to take advantage of our
anniversary pricing on Always Superb. Some of the many
2. iGive.com – Are you already an online shopper? gift giving ideas include:
Register with iGive.com and JLSP will receive a
percentage of what you spend! If you shop within 30 * Holiday gift
days of registering, JLSP receives a $5 bonus. * New neighbor welcome
* Wedding gift
3. JLSP Logo Wear – Check out the cool hats, mugs, *Teacher gift
baby gear, sweatshirts, bags and so much more at * Child care provider gift
jlsp.org. Not only will JLSP receive a percentage of * Graduation gift
your total purchase, you will be promoting our League New home gift
as you wear your fabulous new items! * Client gift
* Thank-you
4. Tribute Fund – Not sure what to get your JLSP pal
who already has everything? Give a monetary gift in Cost for a case is $90 (includes tax). This special price is
her name to JLSP through the Tribute Fund. She will in effect during our 90th year (through 5/31/07). Outside
receive a note that a gift was given in her honor, and the metro, shipping charge is $5.00 per book or $15.00
you will receive the warm and fuzzy knowledge that per case.
your gift is actually being put to use for the good of
our community! Please contact Peggy Hansen at cookbook@jlsp.org or via
phone at 651.698.1950 to arrange delivery.
5. Mix It Up Meals – Go to Mix It Up Meals in White
Bear Lake, let staff know that you want JLSP to receive
a percentage of your purchase, and start cooking!
This is a great way to prepare for any guests you may
be expecting over the holidays.
(JLSP members Loralee DiLorenzo, Sara Ridder, Peggy
Cummings and Susan Kingsbury, gearing up for
Halloween Hustle)
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 11
communications
By-Laws
By Debbie Lee, President-Elect
Your By-Laws committee has been hard at work this fall! “Doing what” you ask! It is this Committee’s responsibility to
review all of JLSP’s By-Laws, Policies and Procedures for any updates and for accuracy.
• Our By-Laws are the laws that govern our League. Any changes to them must be approved by the Board AND
approved by you - the members.
• Our Policies and Procedures are the details that flush out how we operate as a League. Changes to these documents
are typically approved only by the Board.
This committee is chaired by the President-Elect each year. The other members are selected either by the PE or the
President. Since this committee is an Ad Hoc committee, all the other members are already placed on a committee and
take this placement on as a second placement.
Thank you to Catherine Guinan, Shannon McMahon, Anna Moser, and Sustainer Carolyn Blodgett for your hard work
over the last few months! Watch for more information from us after the first of the year!
Update on Junior Leagues Rebuilding a Better New
Orleans
by Debbie Lee, President-Elect
The week-long initiative of the Junior League of New Orleans came to a successful close on Sunday, October 8. The
Junior Leagues Rebuilding a Better New Orleans project mobilized close to 1000 volunteers over the course of nine days
and volunteers put in well over 12,000 hours of sweat and determination during the week’s projects. The fruits of their
labor are truly inspiring!
In the Freret St. area, volunteers leave behind many happy homeowners and a renewed neighborhood:
• 25 house projects, including gutting, sheet-rocking, painting, flooring, kitchen cabinets and bathrooms were
completed.
• 75 trees and shrubs were planted along the Freret St. corridor and in front of the many restored homes along with
general clean-up throughout the neighborhood.
• Cleaning and planting of a community garden and several homeowners’ gardens.
• Major clean-up of the neighborhood cemetery was completed.
• At Habitat For Humanity's Musicians' Village, sidewalks were poured and painting continued to complete the
construction of houses so that homeowners could return. In City Park, clean-up and planting continued throughout
the week and by Saturday, October 7, New Orleanians enjoyed a beautified new Band Stand that offered
hope and celebration over the weekend.
With restoration efforts at Willie Mae's Scotch House Restaurant, which included painting the restaurant’s exterior and
readying sheetrock for interior painting, Miss Willie Mae may be frying up her famous chicken sooner that she thought!
Wow! The response from Junior Leagues Rebuilding a Better New Orleans has been overwhelming. By the end of the
project, volunteers had made lasting friendships, touched people’s lives and truly made a difference for a community in
need. After the many volunteers who came from 200 cities in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. put away their tools and
prepared to return to their homes on Sunday, the most common question was, “when can we return?”
We are truly Women Building Better Communities!
12 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
sustainer news
Sustainer News JLSP Sustainer Book Club
by Kay Golden, Sustainer Representative
The JLSP Sustainer Book
At the wine tasting event, Kristen Club meets on the
Kowalski, proprietor of The Wine second Tuesday of the
Market in the Village at Mendota Heights month at 7:00 p.m.
and Brandt Grandy, one of her wine
reps put on a great evening at If you are interested in
Southview Country Club in West St. joining, contact us!
Paul. We tasted wines from Spain, Italy,
Australia, California and finished up
with a Sherry from East India. Some
interesting questions were asked by The reading list for 2006-2007:
some of our more traveled sustainers. It January 9 — Book: The Road to Coorain, Jill Ker
was not only fun, but also an educational night as well. Conway (can’t find it at the library)
Hostess: Karen Donnelly
Our trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art was wonderful as
many of us had not yet seen the new wing and that alone was February 13 — Book: The Year of Magical
worth the trip. It was beautiful and we encourage everyone to Thinking, Joan Didion (277 pages, 9 requests)
stop in and see it. After that, we were off to have a delicious Hostess: Christina Hart
lunch at the gorgeous Zelo's downtown Minneapolis. I think March 13 — Book: The Bookseller of Kabul, Asne
everyone enjoyed the bus ride were we could all talk together Seierstad (287 pages, 4 requests)
and not have to worry about parking. Many said they would Hostess: Elizabeth Streeper
like to do it again. Maybe next year the Walker?
April 10 — Book: The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos
We had a wonderful turn out at our Annual Sustainer Holiday Ruiz Zafon (486 pages, 5 requests)
Party. It was held at Sue Sorenson’s beautiful home on Hostess: Teddy Gesell
Summit Avenue. Many thanks to Sue for opening her
home to us. We had a fabulous time and collected over May 8 — Book: On Beauty, Zadie Smith (445
$800.00 in Target gift cards for Women’s Advocates. pages, 2 requests)
Hostess: Nancy McNee
A Tea around Valentines Day or another cooking
demonstration are some ideas we are tossing around for June 12 — Choose books for 2007-2008!
Sustainer events after the holidays. Stay tuned for more Hostess: Jean Haut
information.
Lifelong Impact of the Junior League
by Cindy Werner, Sustainer and JLSP Past President 1997-98
The October 2006 issue of the Journal began a series of articles written by Sustainers sharing their Junior League
experience, how they benefited from Membership and why JLSP has a special place in their hearts and lives.
Rushing out of the airport parking lot, I was in a hurry. My flight from New York had arrived late and I found myself
pedal to the metal since I HAD to be at my first Provisional meeting promptly at 6:30 pm. I was working at Medtronic in
a new job I was really enjoying. A few months earlier I had returned home to Minnesota after getting my MBA. I was
happy to be back home in St. Paul ( I'd grown up here) and happy to be with family and friends. But something had
changed. My old friends were busy with the lives they'd created since I'd left for college and graduate school. It was
great to be with them but some had new families, new jobs and other obligations. As I found myself settling in to my
new career I wanted to be involved in my home community. Linda Moore, a family friend, encouraged me to join Junior
League. With that I was off to my first Provisional meeting. (cont. on Page 14)
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 13
sustainer news
(cont. from Page 13)
Touted as the
With not a moment to spare, I careened up to the League après biking
Headquarters at the Griggs House (a somewhat intimidating
building--which in my first Active years I would quickly discover experience of
had bats with wing spans the size of 747s) I could hear laughter
and chatter coming from inside. I got there just as everyone was the year …
taking their seats and as I gazed around the room I saw only a
few familiar faces. The women who spoke were eloquent and
Pedal Pushers’ Pies & Guys
bright as they described what JLSP was about. I signed up. by Paula Soholt, Sustainer and Pedal Pusher
…was that extra dollop of cream to a great biking
My Provisional year seemed to move quickly and I soon found
season…
myself an Active Member serving on a variety of committees. I
was enjoying the meetings, the projects, and I discovered
JLSP Pedal Pushers joined together with our guys at
I LIKED fundraising! Most important, I'd met so many wonderful Mary Lynn & Chuck Gillin’s home for a memorable
new friends. I found them to be interesting, fun people who evening in what was to be our first annual Pies &
were genuinely committed to improving the community. Guys.
As the years whipped by, I served on many committees and was In efficient (we think) assembly line fashion, Pedal
given some of the best experiences and training I could have Pushers peeled apples, mixed pie filling and rolled
ever wished for. Moreover, it was fun. A lot of fun. buttery pie dough. If this wasn’t enough activity,
Louis Jones, our own Julia Child, jumped into the fray
We found humor in most everything: It helps to laugh when and whipped up apple custard tarts for dessert.
you've been digging through used mens pants and shirts for (Bakers are pictured below).
hours at Next-to-New...there's a certain bond that happens
when, you're half way home from working a sale shift and, Midway through all the pie mixing the guys decided
unbeknownst to you, the kid of one of your League friends is to stir things up a bit by playing Saturday Night Fever
hiding in the back of your car...you find yourself driving to Fargo tunes. Instantly the kitchen turned into one big disco
for a weekend conference in the depths of winter with someone scene; it was a hoot. Disco queens (Dixie Nelson,
you've never met...you're the "on call" person for your League Sue Sorenson, Carol Broback and Jill Greene)
friend whose husband is away on business and she's having the outperformed even John Travolta at his best. Without
baby--NOW...you're making breakfast at Dorothy Day and get question, Pedal Pushers know their moves!
complaints about the quality of your pancakes...you're walking
into a community presentation and your League partner turns to Once the flour settled, nineteen Pedal Pushers had
you and says, "YOU talk." assembled fifteen fresh apple pies while consuming a
gallon (or two) of Chef Mary Lynn’s turkey chili and
perhaps equal amounts of vino. Pies & Guys served as
We worked hard, we raised money, we planned fundraisers, we
a splendid celebration in conclusion of our first biking
thoughtfully designed projects which responded to community
season!
needs, we worked in the community, we worked with the
community, we trained ourselves, we trained others, we Interested in joining in on the fun? Stay tuned…the
supported each other, we supported others, we laughed, we 2007 biking season is soon to come!
challenged each other, the community was a better place
because we were there and we became better people. And we
made friends. Good friends.
As I rush off to another day's activities I realize I have a breakfast
meeting with two League friends, a business meeting with
another this afternoon, and a trip with yet another next week. I
joined the Junior League of Saint Paul to be involved in the
community and I was the one who benefited. I met the most
wonderful women and I made friends. Good friends. And the
beat goes on today...and it's one I am proud to be just a small
part of.
14 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org
league notes / calendar
Haute Mamas, Happy Honeys and Groovy Grannies
Hunter Andrew Iverson
Jennie and Ross Iverson proudly announce the arrival of their son, Hunter Andrew Iverson. He was born on November
2, 2006 at 11:20 a.m. and weighed 9 lbs 1 oz and was 22 inches long.
Congratulations to our Haute Mamas, Happy Honeys and Groovy Grannies!
Let’s celebrate milestones together!!! Please send birth announcements, engagements, graduations and personal
accomplishments to journal@jlsp.org.
January 2007
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6
Happy New
Year /
Journal articles
due @ 8:00 am
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
General Mem-
bership Meet-
ing /
Training
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Martin Luther Leadership Board Mid-
King's Birthday Team Meeting Year Retreat /
Islamic New
Year
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Board Meeting
28 29 30 31
www.jlsp.org Journal: Winter 2006 ~ 15
Journal
est. 1917
Volume 88, Issue 4 Winter 2006
THANK YOU TO ….
This section is dedicated to appreciating leadership, friendship, and service — the celebration of WOMEN BUILDING
BETTER COMMUNITIES.
Congratulations and Thank You to QUINN KITCHEN, LAUREN GOLLINGER, ROBIN STINNET, GENNY FREIER and MOLLY
LUECK for your hard work on the Halloween Hustle! ROBIN STINNETT for all of her sponsorship contributions! Sharky was a
great hit at the Halloween Hustle! LAUREL GOLLINGER for your adorable centerpieces at the October GMM. QUINN
KITCHEN for your outstanding job at the kids station, their were lots of smiles! GENNY FREIER and MOLLY LUECK, we can’t
thank you enough for all of your help with the Halloween Hustle! Thank You BETH SCHATZ for the gift certificates and for
delivering them! That was too much! DINAH SWAIN SCHUSTER, thank you for all of your support. PEGGY CUMMINGS AND
DEBBIE LEE, thank you for your help in securing sponsors! Thanks AMANDA RUSSLER for your attention detail! And special
thanks to LORALEE and her HUSBAND GENE DILORENZO for our sound system! JENNY WILSON for setting up our web link
on JLSP web site, Member Section. ALL OF THE ADOPT-A-SHELTER (AAS) VOLUNTEERS we’ve had so far for our fall events.
THE AAS TEAM: CAROLINE STONE, CINDY COULTER, CATHERINE GUINAN, RACHEL BERGER, JILLIAN GESSELL and LORI
KULLER. Thanks to EVERYONE who made FUN RUN a success!! MARY-HELEN MISCHE for her awesome research talents, JILL
DROUBIE for her fabulous presentation creation skills, BARB WESTGARD for her wonderful support and thought-provoking
questions. JENNY WILSON for her continued work with the web! SUSAN KINGSBURY for her financial prowess. CHRISTINE
SAND for finishing the Case Study Statement. JENNIFER SWENSON, friend and fabulous placement advisor! LAURA CANTRELL
for all her wonderful help getting the Annual Fund pieces together and looking great. CORY DALLAS and SALLY ENGLISH for
their presentations to the Active membership regarding I Give and Logo Wear. CARRIE LINDGREN for organizing the Annual
Fund. BARB WESTGARD for her perspective, SHEETAL VEDI because I cannot get enough of her energy, KATIE MISUKANIS and
DIANNA PETERSON for a great new member class! SARA YAEGER and JENNIFER SWENSON for their sound advice. ALYSON
COLLETTE for doing a great job with the straw ballot while planning and having her wedding on Nov. 18, 2006. Congratulations!
JANNAE LOWE, COLLEEN O’LEARY and MELLISSA HOGAN for chairing the upcoming new member projects. ANN
BLATZHEIM for planning a great November meeting. TO ALL THE ACTIVES and NEW MEMBERS for your continued hard work
and dedication to the League. It is a treat for us to be able to watch and marvel at all of your accomplishments --- from your
Sustainer Representatives: Carolyn, Kay, Mary Lynn and Sheelagh. DINAH SWAIN SCHUSTER and DEBBIE LEE for all you do
and support. CHRISTINE SAND for her leadership on XFC. SHEETAL VEDI for being fabulously BOLD! MELLISSA HOGAN
AND CHARIE FAUGHT for being great contributors on XFC. CAROLYN BLODGETT for joining the PPC.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to LIZ BOYD, SUE SORENSON, and PAULA SOHOLT for supporting JLSP by hosting lovely Holiday
gatherings in their homes.
Journal Editor
NONPROFIT
Junior League of Saint Paul, Inc.
ORGANIZATION
633 Snelling Avenue North U.S. POSTAGE
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104 PAID
651.291.7377, ext. 378 SAINT PAUL, MN
www.jlsp.org PERMIT NO. 1380
16 ~ Journal: Winter 2006 www.jlsp.org