1999 – 2009

1999-2000

Making a Difference in the Lives of Women & Children

  • After a successful Festival of Trees, sponsored by Active members at Saginaw Valley State University, the League designated the Festival of Trees as their primary fundraiser through 2022.
  • The Program Committee led several community outreach efforts, including Christmas Stocking Donations, a Valentine’s Day Party, and a Back-to-School Project—all of which were well received and very successful.
  • Members participated in several leadership development opportunities, including the President/President-Elect’s Conference, the Organizational Development Institute, and the Annual Conference.
  • A Wine Tasting Party was introduced as an internal fundraiser during the April membership meeting.
  • Membership increased to 69 active members, and new placement opportunities were identified for the upcoming year, including Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Cathedral District Youth Center.
  • The League enhanced its community impact by directing financial support to the United Kids Children’s Assessment Center.
  • This year also saw the adoption of a new JLSV Vision Statement: By maximizing the strengths of its trained volunteers, the JLSV will impact the community through leadership, volunteerism, and commitment.

2000-2001

Take A Step Forward

  • The Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region partnered with the Junior League of Flint for a joint meeting at the Candlelight Inn in Bridgeport, where they completed their first “Done in a Meeting” project.  Members donated gently used clothing to Dress for Success in a collaborative and uplifting effort that was both impactful and well-received.
  • Through collaboration with the Cathedral District Youth Center, the Junior League carried out several impactful “Done in a Day” projects, including an Open House, a Christmas Decorating Party, and an Easter Egg Hunt—each designed to foster community engagement and seasonal celebration.
  • The Provisional program was extended to a full year, during which members actively participated in League initiatives—raising funds at the Festival of Trees and planting flowers at the C.A.N. Council building. By the end of the year, nine Provisionals successfully achieved active member status
  • Several league members served on the CASA board to secure its future in the community.
  • Organized a yearlong event starting in December by adopting a family.
  • Held a Book Mobile event at First Ward Community Center, using the Saginaw trolley.
  • Several members served on the CASA board to help secure its future, and CASA was named the League’s Signature Project for the next three years, with a significant financial commitment.
  • At the May General Membership Meeting, a motion from the Program and Finance Committees named CASA the Signature Project for the next three years, committing $40,000 to its future.

 

  • Finance Committee initiated discussions on dues, resulting in an increase.
  • Several league members wrote a successful grant application, receiving $1,850 from the Saginaw Community Foundation for a new computer system.
  • Strong fundraising efforts:
    • Festival of Trees raised $22,000.
    • Feige’s Interiors furniture event raised $1,000.
    • Internal Wine Tasting event raised $2,200.
  • Donations to the community totaled $16,750.
  • Nominating/Placement Committee authored the Junior League Placement.
  • The Provisional class was extended to a full year. Provisional class raised over $1,000 at the Festival of Trees and planted flowers in front of the C.A.N. Council building.
  • 9 Provisionals achieved active status.

 

2001-2002

  • The theme for the League year was: “Honoring our Past, Reaching for our Future”
  • The first class of CASA volunteers was sworn in on May 30, 2002, including two Junior League of Saginaw Valley (JLSV) members.
  • The newly re-formed Community Research/Project Development Committee (CR/PD) began developing an application package and research methodology to determine future projects for the JLSV.
  • The Program Committee coordinated Done-in-a-Meeting projects at each general membership meeting, and several Done-in-a-Day projects, including:
    • Christmas tree decorating with the Cathedral District Youth Center
    • Dress for Success
    • Back to School initiative
  • The Finance Committee raised awareness and educated members about the JLSV Endowment Fund through the Saginaw Community Foundation.
  • Enabling Fund grants were given to:
    • American Red Cross
    • READ Association of Saginaw County
    • Midland Shelterhouse
  • The Fundraising Committee organized another successful Festival of Trees, raising over $20,000.
  • The Membership Committee trained two provisional classes and welcomed eight women into active service.
  • The Informer Committee required all submissions to be received in electronic format for the first time.

 

2002-2003

  • The theme of the League year was: “Educating Ourselves, Educating Our Communities”
  • JLSV received the Liberty Bell Award from the Saginaw Lawyers Association for participation in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).
  • The Community Research and Project Development Committee selected three finalists:
    • Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum
    • Saginaw Community Foundation
    • United for Kids
  • The Program Committee sponsored a Done-in-a-Meeting project each month, and members participated in:
    • A Christmas party for women and children at the Bay City Women’s Shelter
    • Reading to schoolchildren for March is Reading Month
    • Adopting a family in need from St. Charles for the year
  • Enabling Fund grants were awarded to:
    • YWCA of Bay County
    • Lutheran Child and Family Services of Michigan
    • Red Cross-East Shoreline Chapter Project Angel Program
    • 2003-2004 Saginaw Survivors of Suicide Support Group
  • Festival of Trees profited over $20,000; Bay Valley Resort was chosen for the 2003 location.
  • The Membership Committee coordinated two training opportunities:
    • Mentor Night: Past Gold Rose recipients Sue Sonntag and Marget Lennon provided training.
    • Provisionals completed a community project and a fundraiser, netting over $5,000.
  • The Nominating and Placement Committee diligently worked to fill the slate for the next League year, with two members selected to attend an ODI in Tennessee.
  • The Public Relations Committee successfully leveraged innovative resources for advertising Festival of Trees, and secured a story about JLSV in the Saginaw News.
  • After much deliberation, a cookbook project was approved as a new fundraiser.
  • Sustaining Directors, Leann Bauer and Sue Sonntag, served as excellent mentors for the Board of Directors.

 

2004-2005

  • The theme of the League year was: “Leading the way to make a difference for you (JLSV members) and the community”
  • The Public Relations Committee worked hard to promote JLSV and its programs/events.
  • The Program Committee completed:
    • 7 Done-in-a-Meeting projects
    • 3 Done-in-a-Day projects
  • The League concluded its involvement with CASA Saginaw County, Midland Children’s Museum, and the Taste for Learning project after 3 years.
  • The Community Research and Project Development Committee selected the Saginaw Art Museum Regional Education Wing as the new signature project for the next 3 years.
  • The SPAC Committee completed a 2-year focus on educating members about environmental toxins in the home.
  • The Finance Committee was busy throughout the year, focusing on building the Endowment Fund through the Saginaw Community Foundation.
  • The cookbook project progressed significantly after much hard work on recipe selection, design, and layout.
  • Festival of Trees was a huge success at its new location, Bay Valley Hotel and Resort.
  • The 70th Anniversary Party was held on April 30th at Horizons Conference Center.
  • The Membership Committee provided training materials and mini training sessions, including sessions with Past Presidents and Toastmasters.
  • Fourteen Provisionals were welcomed as Active members at the April General Membership meeting.
  • The Nominating and Placement Committee worked diligently to prepare members for placements throughout the year.
  • The President and President-Elect-Elect attended the Annual Conference in Chicago.
  • The Informer had another successful year, consistently providing valuable and professionally managed content.
  • Sustaining Advisors Culli Damuth and Melanie Hollman provided outstanding guidance to the Board.
  • AJLI launched the Healthy League Initiative to help evaluate the League’s performance.

 

2005-2006

  • The theme of the League year was: “Transparent Leadership”
  • A special committee, the Process Creators Special Committee, was established to create a process for new JLSV fundraisers.
    • This led to the restructuring of the Fundraising Committee into a Fund Development sub-committee under the Finance Committee.
    • Independent, year-long placement committees were created for major fundraisers.
    • The Fund Development Committee now oversees and evaluates all fundraising activities, researches new fundraising opportunities, and manages the JLSV Endowment Fund development.
  • The Finance Committee:
    • Dispersed $12,500 to the Saginaw Art Museum for the JLSV Signature Project.
    • Recommended and passed a dues increase to $126 for actives/provisionals and $106 for sustainers, effective in the 2007-2008 league year.
    • Donated $1,500 from the Enabling Fund to Exceptional Horseback Riders of Saginaw County and Emmaus House.
    • Awarded two $500 scholarships to area women through the Saginaw Community Foundation.
    • Contributed over $3,700 to the Endowment Fund, sourced from League fundraisers, GMM raffles, member donations, and a silent auction.
  • The Public Relations Committee:
    • Promoted the League’s fundraisers (Festival of Trees and the Cookbook).
    • Introduced e-mail blasts as a new communication method with General Membership.
  • The Fundraising Committee:
    • Successfully organized the Festival of Trees at Bay Valley, netting $19,900 with over 60 displays and 13 vendors.

2006-2007

  • The theme of the League year was: “Dynamic Women Making Community Impact”
  • JLSV won the Child Advocate of the Year Award from the Child Abuse and Neglect Council for their work with the CASA program.
  • The Program Committee:
    • Executed 4 Done-in-a-Day projects and 7 Done-in-a-Meeting projects.
    • Hosted a Kids in the Kitchen taste-testing event with Girl Scout troops from Hemmeter Elementary as part of AJLI’s childhood nutrition and obesity initiative.
  • The Membership Committee:
    • Welcomed 13 new members.
    • Held two training sessions on women’s health and wardrobe awareness at General Membership Meetings.
    • Participated in two out-of-town trainings, including one with Vicki Clark and another board training sponsored by Michigan State Council.
  • The Saginaw Art Museum Committee:
    • Kicked off the year with Festival Mexicano and continued with Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville.
    • Planned and executed the Children’s Art Festival.
  • The Cookbook Committee:
    • Sold 2,000 copies of the JLSV cookbook, Between the Lakes, generating $11,000 in profit.
    • Won the Midwest Region Tabasco Award in its first year of publication.
  • State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC):
    • Focused on early childhood education and care.
    • Testified before the House Education Committee in support of early intervention bills, which passed as Public Acts 118-121 of 2006.
  • The Nominating and Placement Committee:
    • Worked closely with membership, presenting a slate at the March GMM.
    • Began developing a League career path to help members pursue leadership positions.
    • Selected members to attend an ODI.
  • The Informer Committee kept the membership informed on the latest news and events throughout the year.
  • Thirteen Provisionals became active members at the April GMM, completing two projects:
    • Partnered with the YMCA to organize a daddy/daughter dance.
    • Raised over $1,000 with a mother/daughter American Girl luncheon at the Saginaw Country Club.
  • The President-Elect attended AJLI leadership development and governance conferences, including Fall Leadership, President-Elect Networking/Governance, and the Annual Conference.
  • Sustaining Advisors Anne Flegenheimer and Francine Rifkin:
    • Hosted two major events: the Fall Gathering in October and the Gold Rose ceremony in spring, honoring Roz McQueen and Leticia Stroebel.

 

2007-2008

  • The theme for the League year was: “Health and Wellness”
  • Focus on Volunteerism and Leadership:
    • JLSV members demonstrated dedication to improving the lives of women, children, and families, fostering health and wellness in local communities.
  • New Signature Project:
    • Introduced Facing Forward – Journey Into Womanhood, a mentoring program for at-risk adolescent girls in collaboration with Creative Spirit Center in Midland.
    • Chaired by Jackie Light, the program paired 20 young women with 20 adult mentors, focusing on positive interaction and creative expression.
    • Positive feedback from participants emphasized life-changing experiences.
  • Community Service Projects:
    • Led by Whitney Connor, Program Chair, highlights included:
      • 2007 Annual Holiday Party at the Bay Area Women’s Center.
      • 2008 Kids in the Kitchen: Jumpstart Your Health event at the Saginaw Valley Rider Center.
    • These events promoted health and wellness for participants.
  • Membership Growth:
    • 12 provisional recruits welcomed into active membership under Membership Chair, Terri List, and Provisional Trainer, Jennifer Pisarczyk.
    • Nominating and Placement Chair, Elissa Basil, sent six League members to AJLI’s Organizational Development Institutes and updated leadership interest indicators.
    • Investigated creation of an Active Gold Membership status.
  • Public Relations and Marketing:
    • PR Chair, Nicole Ferguson, launched the first JLSV website in April 2008, providing a resource for League members.
    • Sandra Lusars, Informer Committee Chair, made significant improvements in the design and content of the Informer to enhance communication.
  • Cookbook Success:
    • Between the Lakes sold at various events and locations.
    • Cookbook Committee, chaired by Marti Lisik, generated $23,457 in profit from sales of 976 books.
  • Financial Achievements:
    • Led by Finance Chair, Sara Garcia, JLSV raised $31,455 from the 2007 Festival of Trees.
    • $10,200 was given to the Creative Spirit Center for the Signature Project.
    • Enabling funds were awarded to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo ($400) and YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign ($1,000).
    • Two $500 scholarships were awarded to young women pursuing higher education.
    • Established an Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Saginaw Community Foundation.
  • 75th Anniversary Planning:
    • Special committee chaired by Renee Johnston planned for the League’s 75th-anniversary celebration in May 2009.
  • Sustainer Support:
    • Sustaining Directors Amanda Kitterman-Miller and Sue Sulfridge played pivotal roles.
    • Peggy Lotridge and Lynn Provenzano received Gold Rose recognition at the Spring Sustainer Gathering.