The JLC Goes to Washington

Submitted by Carla Moore, President of JLC

Last Wednesday, I had the enormous honor of representing the JLC on Capitol Hill for the Association of Junior League’s “Hill Day” in conjunction with its 2013 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. Immediate Past President Mary Kay Owens and I left Columbia in the early hours of May 15 to travel to DC to call on members our Congressional Delegation. I am proud to say that the JLC was one of about 24 Leagues (there are 293 internationally) participating in this important event.

Mary Kay and I were fortunate to meet with a senior staff member in the office of Congressman James Clyburn when the Congressman was called home to SC for an emergency. The staff member said she had asked to take the meeting with us because she knew and respected the League. We did our best to recruit her for the Washington, DC League!

Next, we had an exceptional meeting with Congressman Joe Wilson. Congressman Wilson and his staff spent a great deal of time with Mary Kay and me talking about the impact of the JLC and how we might be a resource to his office. We were delighted to learn that Congressman Wilson’s mother was a past member of the JLC.

Our final appointment for the day was with Senator Tim Scott’s health care staff member. Ironically, her mother was a former member of the JLC. We had a great conversation about healthy children and opportunities for collaboration with the Senator’s office.

On Friday, along with President-Elect Ginny Hairston, we joined our friends with the JL of Greenville and Anderson for a brief meeting and photo with Senator Lindsey Graham. As you might imagine, the Senator had a lot going on so we felt very lucky to have a few moments of his time.

The collective voice of the Junior Leagues was definitely heard last week on Capitol Hill. I am so proud that Columbia took part.

Healthy Kids in Transition Had Fun in the Sun!

Yesterday afternoon, some Junior League of Columbia members and I had a wonderful time lending a hand at the Family Shelter on Two Notch for a Healthy Kids in Transition Activity, organized by Kim Toogood. The children enjoyed two different bounce house obstacle courses, a balloon artist and an interactive Mother's Day craft station.

The JLC donated a new basketball hoop, new basketballs, two high chairs, a baby carrier and gave each child a gift bag complete with the Junior League's book on the ABCs of Healthy Eating, a toothbrush and healthy treats.  Following the activities, we served the children a healthy dinner.

The families were very appreciative! Thank you to Kim Toogood and the Healthy Kids in Transition Committee!

Post by: Sarah G Wood

2012-2013 Junior League of Columbia Award Recipients

On Thursday, May 2, the Junior League of Columbia celebrated the 2012-2013 year at The Palmetto Club. This annual event is a time where JLC honors and recognizes the League members and friends who have dedicated themselves to our mission and vision. We are honored to recognize the following League members and friends of the League! Congratulations!

President's Award

This award recognizes an Active member in good standing who continues the tradition and vision of making the JLC a better organization through outstanding "in-League" service to the JLC.

Ginny Stout Hairston

Katharine Heath Manning Perry Award

This award recognizes an Active member in good standing who has excelled in community voluntarism and activism, through her Junior League placement and through extensions of her JLC work and training.

Pamela Adams

Nancy Mayer Dunbar Leadership Award

This award recognizes an Active member in good standing who has exemplified successful leadership qualities.

Mary Frances Jowers

Friends of the League Award

This award recognizes community organizations or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the JLC and its stated purpose.

Franklin Jones and Amanda Payne

Kinsey Black Jones Memorial

This award recognizes an outstanding recent Active member (a first, second, or third-year Active) who has advanced the volunteer ideals of the JLC by epitomizing superlative service in her placement.

Kim Jamieson

Provisional of the Year Award

This award recognizes a Provisional member(s) who has exemplified successful leadership qualities and demonstrated commitment to the JLC.

Kathleen McDavid

Tara Felder

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award recognizes one Sustaining member who exemplifies the purpose of the JLC - that of voluntarism - who has translated her volunteer training into outstanding community commitment and involvement and who continues to demonstrate an interest in the JLC.

Caroline Finlay Meyer