1969-1979

After careful study, the League approved the establishment of new headquarters at 2715 State Street.
Hosted a golf exhibition and clinic featuring Arnold Palmer, Tom Aaron, and sportscaster Chris Schenkel.
The Placement Committee thoroughly explored open placement options and voted to implement the new program the following year.
The Saginaw Volunteer Bureau achieved accreditation from both the Volunteer Bureaus of America and the Michigan Association of Volunteer Bureaus.
The Thrift Shop made a significant contribution to the Community Trust Fund, continuing its essential role in supporting League initiatives.

League By-Laws were amended to raise the age of admission from 18 to 21.
Ongoing programs included Youth Protection, the Friendship Club, and Special Education support at Handley School.
A new puppet program was launched through Project BRITE, designed to motivate underachieving students to remain in school.
The Television Committee debuted a new program, “Arts in Action,” in collaboration with Delta College’s Channel 19. The series included artist profiles and field trips to Interlochen and the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The Young People’s Concert Series celebrated its most successful season to date.
The membership voted to participate in the Grand Opening of the new Civic Center, scheduled for May 1972.
Open Placement was introduced and quickly embraced by members.
An in-League auction party raised additional funds for the Administrative Fund.

A new Statement of Purpose was approved at the Annual Conference, alongside several By-Laws and Policy changes.
Proxy Voting provisions were added to the By-Laws.
The Television Committee contributed to producing 150 episodes of the program “Day by Day” on Channel 19.
Garden Club V was established.
About 75 Active members and 30 Sustainers participated in planning and executing the Grand Opening of the new Civic Center as part of their placement.
The tradition of Men’s Night was revived in March.
Members fulfilled placement commitments by serving in 26 different community areas across Arts, Health and Welfare, and Education.

The Public Affairs Committee hosted the State Public Affairs Conference.
Membership voted to host a Golf Exhibition in May 1973.
The Thrift Shop made a significant contribution to the Community Trust Fund.
Membership approved co-sponsoring the Michigan Artrain exhibit with the Saginaw Art Museum.
The League decided to conclude involvement with BRITE Puppets, Big Sisters, Friendship Club, and the Walk-In Center at the end of the placement year.
The Children’s Theatre project was co-sponsored during the summer with Pit and Balcony.
The Association of Junior Leagues (AJL) restructured into six geographical areas.

The second Golf Exhibition was held on May 28, 1974, at Bay Valley Club featuring Jack Nicklaus, Laura Baugh, Dave Marr, and Tom Stewart, raising significant funds.
Membership approved changing the administrative and fiscal year from April 1–March 31 to June 1–May 31, following recommendations from the Advisory Planning Committee and the Board.
The Public Relations Committee organized three events to celebrate the League’s 40th Anniversary: a TV appearance, a cocktail party, and a special tabloid in the Saginaw News.
The Admissions Committee introduced a Proposer Coffee to welcome new members.
Interest Groups were created and approved, with classifications including Arts, Health and Welfare, Education, Environment, and Criminal Justice.
The Michigan Artrain visited Saginaw in October, attracting approximately 7,000 school children and 9,000 adults.

Signed a contract on October 8, 1974, for the American Wind Symphony’s appearance in August 1976.
The 24th Annual Thanksgiving Ball was held in December and renamed the Holiday Ball, featuring a 40th Anniversary tribute to Past Presidents and Sustainers.
An Ad Hoc Committee was formed to oversee the relocation of the Thrift Shop.
The INNER LINK home opened following renovations completed by League members.
Chrysallis began receiving funding starting in November.
The President hosted monthly birthday coffees for members celebrating their birthdays.
The AMP program was introduced to the membership by AMP Planning Coordinators; Mary Princing was elected Area Council.
The League leased a new Thrift Shop building at 110 S. Washington, with a three-year lease and a two-year renewal option.
Two Professional members attended “The Awakening Majority” conference in Los Angeles.
The Junior League Singers made 23 appearances, including on TV’s “Valley Today.”
The Finance Committee established mini-project budgets.
A Community Advisory Board was in the process of being established.

The Thrift Shop opened this fall at 110 S. Washington under new manager Marion Tope, following a summer of relocating and decorating.
The Association Management Process was implemented across all League committees.
Saginaw’s first Ethnic Festival, sponsored by PRIDE, was held on August 23.
Mary Princing served as a member of the Area IV Council.
The Junior League’s newly formed non-member Community Advisory Board held an orientation and breakfast meeting in December.
The 25th Annual Holiday Ball took place in December at Unity Hall in the Civic Center, preceded by planned dinner parties and attended by 600 members and guests; the event was coordinated by the Public Relations Committee.
Provisionals hosted 150 parents and children at the 20th Annual Foster Parents Tea on February 8, 1976, at the Bradley House.
Career Development, focusing on self-management, was introduced by two League members trained by Alene Morris and the AJL.
New AJLA accounting procedures were implemented.

The American Wind Symphony Bicentennial Odyssey took place over two days in August at Ojibway Island as the Junior League’s Bicentennial gift to the community.
The Job Opportunities for Youth (JOY) program was launched in partnership with the Saginaw Chapter of the American Red Cross.
PRIDE, Inc. received funding support for the Downtown Demonstration block project.
The Learning Disabilities Tutorial Program expanded to two Saginaw Township schools, with funding assistance from the League.
A part-time secretary was hired to support Headquarters operations.
The Public Relations Committee published a folder on obtaining effective publicity, which was distributed to various agencies and organizations.
The first joint Michigan Board meeting was held in Lansing.

The Wise Penny presented the Community Trust Fund with its highest net profit to date.
The Standing Rules underwent a complete revision and update.
The Provisional Class redesigned the Foster Parents’ Tea into a Pancake Supper format.
The membership approved hosting a Decorator Showhouse fundraiser in the fall of 1978.
Provisionals compiled a booklet outlining educational opportunities for preschool children in the Saginaw area.
The Child Advocacy Interest Group played a key role in establishing a Parents Anonymous chapter in Saginaw.

The first Decorator Showhouse took place October 8-28 at 1631 Brockway, contributing significantly to the Community Trust Fund.
The Organization Self-Assessment Survey was completed by approximately 90% of the membership.
Continued support was given to the Art Goes to School Project and the Saginaw Valley Crime Commission.
The Education Committee offered members classes in CPR, First Aid, and Disco Dancing.
The Education and Child Advocacy Committees presented an Advocacy Workshop featuring Ken Wooden.
Provisional Class B hosted a Foster Parents Spaghetti Dinner.
Membership approved the Advisory Planning Committee’s recommendation to establish a Community Vice-President position.
Active dues were increased to $38.00, and Sustainer dues to $30.00.
The Wise Penny presented another generous contribution to the Community Trust Fund.