Sustainers Enjoy an Afternoon Social at Still Hopes Garden Room

Contributed by Mary Frances Jowers, Sustainer Outreach Committee Chair

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Sustainers, Actives and Junior Volunteers enjoyed an Afternoon Social coordinated by three Junior League committees:  Education and Development, Sustainer Outreach and Junior Volunteers.    

The Sustainers enjoyed looking at photos from years past that were part of a flower/photo centerpiece, and the Actives enjoyed hearing wonderful stories of League experiences from the Sustainers.  Many of the Sustainers who attended have been League members for over 60 years.  League President Mary Kay Owens led a champagne toast to recognize these members for their service, and the three longest-serving members attending received special recognition. 

As part of the afternoon, Sustainers completed a survey with questions including what their favorite placement was, most unusual placement and greatest challenge of being in the League.  Some of the responses were similar to what they would be today, especially those related to the challenges of balancing home and family, work and JLC and other volunteer commitments.  On the other hand, some of the responses provided an invaluable insight into a previous generation of League members.  For example, some Sustainers mentioned that challenge of having only one car within the family and having to share the car with husbands and other family members.  Sustainers explained that the provisional course was a great experience, though there was an exam at the end some compared to a law school exam.

Sustainers described many wonderful placements including working with the Marionette Theatre, the Speech and Hearing Clinics, the USO, the Columbia Museum of Art and even writing articles about interesting South Carolinians for the South Carolina Wildlife Federation publication.  Sustainers described working at the State Hospital, the Planetarium and editing “The Compact” – the League newsletter in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

This event enriched all who attended by providing valuable insight into the Junior League of Columbia throughout the years.  As we look toward the 90th anniversary and the future of the League, we can build of the experiences of those who have been in the League for years.