Jill Rogers Barham - Junior League of Little Rock

A Legacy 

for Serving 

Little Rock 

Interaction l Holiday 2009 1

2 Interaction 

l Holiday 2009


contents 

holiday 

2009 

In Every Issue 

Letter from the Editor 6 

Letter from the President 8 

JLLR Calendar 36 

Corporate Sponsors 38 

Advertising Index 42 

Features 

Learned it in the League 11 

History of the Junior League of Little Rock 18 

Holiday House 2009 20 

ODI Conference 25 

Be Wise Immunize 26 

History of the League Building 30 

Bargain Boutique 35 

Sponsor Profile 40 

Building A Better Community 

Sustainer Alert! Cathy Mayton 15 

Building on Lessons Learned 16 

Built to Last: 2009-2010 Provisional Class 28 

Meet the Board 32 

Please Recycle This Magazine 

4 Interaction l Holiday 2009


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 

When I joined the League five years 

ago, I had recently moved to Little 

Rock. I was interested in being 

involved in a volunteer organization and I 

wanted the opportunity to get to know likeminded 

women in the area. I had no idea at the 

time just how rewarding the experience would 

be. As a provisional, I remember grumbling 

as I completed my fifth bargain barn shift, 

wondering why I was in the League. But all 

the shifts, money spent, and hard work during 

my provisional year were completely forgotten 

when I saw the tears in the eyes of the women 

at the Women’s Shelter when we unveiled their 

newly decorated posh dining room and pantry 

area. I was hooked from that moment on! The 

experience of seeing those smiling emotional 

women was my introduction to a multitude of 

special moments derived from seeing people’s 

lives being touched by the League’s services to 

the community. 

This year, our Holiday issue highlights all 

that the Junior League of Little Rock is and 

has been in the past, which is why you’ll see 

ornaments on our cover that represent our 

League building and community projects. We 

will cover each of our vital projects and show 

how much of a difference we are making in the 

community. Of course we couldn’t bring up 

the community projects without mentioning 

the successful fundraisers like 6 th K Café, 

Holiday House, and Bargain Boutique, which 

make those projects possible. We will give you 

a snapshot into our past with details about the 

history of our beautiful building, and a detailed 

account of how we got to where we are today. 

My favorite feature profiles ten of our amazing 

sustainers. These are the women we aspire to 

be, the women who stand out in Little Rock 

either because of their successful careers, or 

because of their heart for giving back to our 

community. 

Something that I had been missing during my 

early years of involvement in the League was 

the wonderful training opportunities available 

to members. Becoming the chair-elect and chair 

of a committee afforded me the opportunity to 

be trained on several different levels, including 

learning how to run committee meetings, 

delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, review 

financial statements, and manage multiple 

tasks at one time. I made time in my schedule, 

something I hadn’t done before, to attend the 

All League Conference, Lunch and Leads, and 

other various training opportunities the League 

offers. I’ve learned so much that can be applied 

to my career, and my other commitments in the 

community. 

I’ve learned that there is certainly no other 

organization like us in Little Rock. I challenge 

you to seize the moment that you have and 

make sure that you take every opportunity to 

train, meet new people, and make a difference 

in the lives of the women and children in 

Little Rock. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer Maune 


www.barse.com 


LETTER FROM 

THE PRESIDENT 

Dear Junior League of Little Rock Members, 

As I sit down to write this letter, we have 

had a small break from the usual August 

heat, and I find my mind turning to fall, 

back to school, football games and the beginning 

of a new League year. For me, fall always 

heralds a fresh start. There are new friends to 

be made, fresh school supplies, the football team 

is undefeated, and the promise of the holiday 

season begins to unfold. 

There are many new opportunities on the horizon 

this year with the Junior League of Little Rock. 

In keeping with our belief that the League is the 

premiere training ground for female volunteers 

and leadership in Little Rock, the 09-10 Board 

has chosen “Learn it in the League” as our theme 

for this year. 

As an organization, we provide our members 

with many different volunteer opportunities. 

The word “learn” has many different synonyms 

and many of them are experiences offered 

by the League. In this upcoming year, our 

members will “acquire” the knowledge needed 

to work as a team and get the job done. Our 

provisional members will “find out” what it 

takes to be an active member of the League. 

The 6 th K Café, Holiday House, Cookbook and 

Bargain Boutique committees will “ascertain” 

how to successfully raise funds to support our 

community projects. GROW, Nightingales, 

Night Owls, FACT, KOTA, Be Wise, Immunize, 

Buckle Up and Stuff the Bus committees will 

“determine” what it means to work together to 

help others. All the while, our Administrative 

Support, Mid-Month Mailout, Headquarters, 

Arrangements, Admissions Provisionals and 

Training, Placement, Technology, Training 

and Interaction committees will “see” what it 

means to be the eyes, ears and support for our 

organization. 

This year, in addition to the opportunities we 

normally have as a League, we are delighted that 

Little Rock will be the site of the Association 

of Junior Leagues International, Inc. (AJLI) 

Organizational and Development Institute (ODI) 

on February 12-14, 2010. This mission based 

training offered by AJLI will bring women from 

Leagues all over the country to Little Rock for 

this conference. What a wonderful opportunity 

for us to showcase not only our League, but also 

our fabulous city of Little Rock! 

It is an honor and a privilege for me to serve as 

President this year. However, I felt confident in 

taking on that role because of the remarkable 

group of women in positions throughout our 

League. We all work together toward fulfilling 

our mission of promoting voluntarism and 

improving the lives of women and children in 

our community. While the League provides the 

training, environment and opportunities for all of 

our members to develop their leadership skills, 

ODI will provide an additional opportunity 

for training. We are always in need of quality 

members and leaders who are passionate for 

the League, our mission and all that we do. I 

strongly encourage each of you to take advantage 

not only of the training opportunities offered by 

the League this year, but also to talk to your 

Placement Advisor about attending ODI. This is 

a fantastic leadership training opportunity being 

offered in our own city, and is a great chance to 

expand and improve our own skills. 

As you can see, we have many exciting things 

on our syllabus to accomplish together and many 

ways to “Learn it in the League.” The Junior 

League of Little Rock recognizes that we can 

all become better volunteers and leaders, just 

through our willingness to be teachable. By 

improving our own skills, we can improve 

people’s lives. 

Fondly, 

Courtney McLarty 



A publication of the Junior League of Little Rock, Inc. 

Volume XVI, Number 1 

Editor: Jennifer Maune 

Editor-Elect: Amanda Gibson 

Business Manager: Mandy Carter 

Advertising Chairman: Laura Connor 

Advertising Chair-Elect: Cathryn Sandel 

Staff Writers: Tamika Edwards, Sheena Lewis, Jill Rogers Barham 

Advertising Staff: Laura Biddy, Julia Crow, Lauren Cupp, Whitnie Hall, 

Tamara Holloway, Samantha Skyrme 

Staff Photographer: Anna Dickinson 

Graphic Design: Tim Sitler, Sitler & Henry 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

President: Courtney McLarty 

President-Elect: Julia Strickland 

Community Vice President: Aminah Eddings 

Membership Vice President: Jill Hartsfield 

Marketing Vice President: Kim Meyer-Webb 

Development Vice President: Kimberly Bowman 

Administrative Vice President: Maggie Young 

Treasurer-Elect: Kristen Minton 

Treasurer: Becka Webb 

Nominating Chair: April Robinson 

Sustainer Advisor: Cathy H. Mayton 

Mission Statement: The Junior League of Little Rock is an organization of women committed to promoting 

voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective 

action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. 

Vision Statement: Our vision is to be an organization of women whose collective efforts significantly 

improve the quality of life in Little Rock. 

Community Focus Statement: The Junior League of Little Rock works to improve our community through 

providing volunteers, funding and leadership support. These efforts, concentrated within the following 

areas of impact, give direction to our organization: protection and empowerment of children, health, 

education and welfare of women and the support and education of parents. 

10 Interaction l Holiday 2009 

Interaction is published by the Junior League of Little Rock two times a year. All rights are reserved. 

Reproduction without permission, except by other Junior League publications is prohibited. The office is 

located at 401 South Scott Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201; (501) 375-5557; www.jllr.org. 

on the 

cover 

Tree furnished graciously by 

Cantrell Gardens of Little Rock 

Photography: Tim Sitler

Learned it in the League: Life Lessons 

By Tamika Edwards 

For over 85 years, the Junior League of Little Rock has 

trained thousands of women as volunteers. No other group 

in the League knows the importance of this training like 

the League’s Sustainers. These exceptional women come from 

varied backgrounds and use the leadership training gained in the 

League to complement their repertoire of skills. They are leaders 

in their own right and are among the best in their fields. Although 

their roles in the League have changed, their commitment to 

service and their amazing leadership skills remain the same. 

They are known for their organization, timeliness and dedication, 

characteristics that are valued and nourished in the League. 

Here is a snapshot of those amazing women who exemplify 

the fundamental components of the League. They gained a 

significant amount of their leadership training in the League, and 

they used that leadership to build the Junior League of Little Rock 

into one of the most effective community service organizations 

in the state. We are grateful for their contributions and proud of 

their accomplishments. 

Kim H. Evans 

Attorney and Director, University of 

Arkansas at Little Rock Center for 

Nonprofit Organizations 

What are your job responsibilities? I 

coordinate the Nonprofit Management 

Graduate Certificate Program including 

securing faculty as well as recruitment, 

admission, and advising students. I also develop and direct the 

UALR Center for Nonprofit Organizations Center projects and 

programs. 

What you learned in the League? I have used the training in 

every possible way. From the League, I learned how to read 

basic audit and financial documents, run a timely meeting, set 

out a strategic plan, write policies and governance documents, 

talk to reporters, evaluate staff, use the review of skill sets to 

place people in the right positions, and collaborate with other 

organizations with like interests or goals. 

Years in the League: 15 

What was your favorite placement? President, and Admissions 

and Provisional Training (APT). 

Current Community Service: Board Member – Heart of 

Arkansas United Way, Southern Good Faith Fund, Carelink, 

Inc., UALR University District Community Development 

Corporation, e-STEM Public Charter Schools. Inc., Centers 

for Youth and Families, Inc., Association of Junior League 

International (AJLI) Strategic Planning Steering Committee. 

Words you live by: Baby Steps - metered change leads not only 

to reaching the goal, but also to understanding HOW the goal 

was met. 

Tobi Fairley, ASID 

Founder and President, Tobi Fairley Interior 

Design and Tobi Fairley Gallery 

How would you describe your work? 

I own a full-service luxury residential 

interior design firm and fine art gallery 

headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. I 

provide the interior design industry with the 

latest trends. 

What you learned in the League? The League has been a 

tremendous influence on my life and I have learned many 

valuable tools from the League which I credit to the success of 

my business. The League provided me with guidance as to how 

to be a better leader, how to work well in teams, how to work with 

a multitude of different personalities, how to most effectively 

develop plans to reach goals and how to most appropriately 

celebrate our successes. 

Each day presents a new set of challenges in my line of business, 

and I have realized that many of the things I learned during my 

time in the League have helped me to provide my clients with the 

highest level of service possible. In the design industry as is true 

in most organizations, it takes every team member to put forth 

their very best efforts to make our company thrive, just as every 

team member in the League must put forth their best efforts to 

reach their goals. 

Years in the League: 8 years 

What was your favorite placement? Nightingales and GROW 

PR Chair 

Current Community Service: Board of Directors, Central 

Bank; Board of Directors Arkansas Repertory Theatre; Business 

Alumni Advisory Board, Walton College of Business; National 

Museum of Women in the Arts, Arkansas Committee; Consortium 

Board of Directors, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; 

Interior Design Advisory Board, University of Arkansas; Co- 

Chairman, I.V. Party benefiting St. Vincent Infirmary 

Favorite Quote: “Life is Love and if you miss love you miss 

life!” 

Gwendolyn D. Hodge 

Assistant United States Attorney 


represent the federal government and its 

employees. 

How has the training you received in the 

League helped you professionally? Many 

of the women of today’s Junior League are 

professionals, or emerging professionals, who have developed 

skills in the workforce prior to joining the League. As we 

serve our community as League members and network with one 


another, the Junior League of Little Rock becomes an important 

element in continuing the skill development process. 

What were your favorite placements? Community Bank 

because it enabled me to work in the community and I enjoyed 

the In-League placements because it afforded me the opportunity 

to meet people within the League and network. 

Current Community Service: Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Inspiration: Prior to my matriculation in law school, I worked 

for John W. Walker, a local attorney. One of the things he always 

told me that truly stuck with me was that “Words have meaning.” 

As I engage in my professional activities and in my personal 

interactions, I always remember his advice as I strive to be an 

effective communicator. 

Sonya Schmidt Murphy 

President, St. Vincent Foundation, St. 

Vincent Health Care System 

What are your job responsibilities? I am 

the Chief Fundraiser & “Friendraiser” for 

the St. Vincent Health Care System. 

What you learned in the League? I utilize 

the Holiday House model of a steering 

committee, subcommittees and individual members to produce 

fun and successful fundraising and special events. It maximizes 

strengths, expedites successful execution and is a great training 

ground for participants who want to be more involved. Also, I 

learned that no one member serves and participates for the same 

reason another does. It is a leader’s role to help the individual 

identify the strengths, provide meaningful opportunities to serve 

and offer the desired “payoff” and sense of satisfaction tailor 

made for each member, leader, or contributor. 

What was your favorite placement? It is a tie between 

Merchant Chair, Holiday House and Marketing VP—loved 

both experiences. I learned a lot about other people and diverse 

strengths… not to mention a reminder of what an incredibly 

service-orientated organization that the Junior League of Little 

Rock is and has always been. 

Current Community Service: Chairman, Class XXV, 

Leadership Greater Little Rock, LGLR Board of Trustees and 

LGLR Alumni Board, Rotary Club #99 (Downtown LR), and 

JLLR ODI Committee. 

Favorite quote: One I learned in the League…“Well-behaved 

women rarely make history!” 

very helpful in my career. Most notably, the League helped 

me to better work with a wide variety of personalities to reach 

compromises in an effort to reach a common goal. I apply those 

skills every day in working with clients and opposing counsel in 

litigation. 

Years in the League: 12 - active years 

What was your favorite placement: My favorite placement was 

as the merchant chairman for Holiday House. I loved working 

with the merchants both before and during the show. 

Current Community Service: Arkansas Children’s Hospital 

Research Institute Board of Directors; Chair of Financial 

Planning Committee for the Junior League of Little Rock 

Words you live by: My mother always said that, if you are 

going to do something, do it right. I try to live by that motto and 

devote as much time as needed to accomplish whatever jobs or 

endeavors that I have committed to do. 

Wendy Flower Saer 

“Mayor” Saer, Safety Town. 

What is Safety Town? Safety Town is a 

safety program for five year olds entering 

kindergarten that I brought to Little Rock 

in 1984. It is a great way to get children to 

learn a lot of “grown-up” safety concepts 

in a fun, interactive environment. The St. 

Vincent Auxiliary now sponsors the program, but the League has 

helped with volunteers since its inception. 

How has the training you received in the League helped you 

professionally? I received a tremendous amount of training 

while in the League. I was first introduced to computers while in 

the league and now I could not live without one. Speaking to a 

large group was the biggest surprise - as provisionals, we were in 

such awe of all those women who got up and spoke in front of all 

those women. Who knew I would love it so much? 

Years in the League: 8 

What was your favorite placement? Chairman of Riverfest was 

my favorite. 

Current Community Service: In addition to Safety Town, I 

serve on several boards such as St. Vincent Foundation - IV Party, 

St. Vincent Auxiliary, CARTI, and Riverfest steering committee 

for the new Art Festival. 

Words you live by: Like my parents always said, “It is better to 

give than to receive.” 

Kathy Bennett Perkins 

Attorney and Member, Rose Law Firm 


work in the areas of general civil litigation 

and intellectual property. I also serve as the 

firm’s marketing director. 

How has the training you received in the 

League helped you professionally? The 

skills and leadership training gained in the League have been 

Brenda Lucille Scisson 

Public Relations Counselor, Stone Ward 

Advertising 


provide PR consultant services to several 

agency clients and am responsible for 

agency publicity. 

What was your favorite placement: I 

really enjoyed Bargain Barn - the excitement of preparing for 


the big day, seeing the gates open and the 

customers rush in. It was a wonderful 

bonding experience with other League 

members; we raised good money for 

League projects and we provided the 

community with quality products at 

“bargain basement” prices. 

What you learned in the League? 

I got into the League late in life, by 

most people’s standards, so most of my 

professional training was already in 

place, although I gained many new ideas 

for ways of doing things differently and 

seeing things from other perspectives. 

The League was excellent training for me 

in team-building and consensus building. 

It was an excellent networking experience 

that has served me well professionally, as 

well as personally. 

Current Community Service: I am 

very active as a Commissioner on the 

War Memorial Stadium Commission 

(governor appointment) and am also 

enjoying Rotary Club where I am on the 

program committee and have participated 

on the Broyles Award Committee. 

Words you live by: The Golden Rule: 

Do unto others as you would have them 

do unto you. 

On University, A Block North of Cantrell 

Angela Maynard 

Sewall, EdD 

Dean and Professor, 

College of 

Education, 

University of 

Arkansas at Little 

Rock 

What are your job responsibilities? I am 

responsible for the day-to-day activities of 

the College of Education, which is home 

to a number of certificate programs, 

approximately 28 degree programs, as 

well as master’s degrees in multiple fields 

and three doctoral programs. 

How has the training you received in 

the League helped you professionally? 

I have used the skills I acquired in 

the League in working with state and 

national boards as well as within the 

College of Education, in interactions from 

department chairs to directors. I had the 

opportunity in the 1970’s of attending the 

National AJLI meeting and speaking to 


the entire body representing the Junior League of Little Rock. 

Years in the League: 15 active years 

I served on multiple committees including the 1976 committee 

responsible for the Summer Arts Festival, which is known 

today as RiverFest. My favorite placement was being the First 

Professionals Representative on the League Board because it was 

a time of change and recognition of the value added by League 

members who were also professionals. 

Current Community Service: American Association of Colleges 

of Teacher Education, Board of Directors and Committee on 

Professional Development and Meetings, Arkansas Association 

of Colleges of Teacher Education Executive Board, Chair of 

the Executive Committee of the Arkansas Leadership Academy, 

National Association for Accreditation of Colleges of Teacher 

Education Unit Accreditation Board, Little Rock (Downtown) 

Rotary Club for 20 years. 

Who inspires you? My parents who taught me and modeled 

self-discipline and strength of character as well as my maternal 

grandparents who taught me “joie de vivre”, to have a sense of 

humor and to love learning. 

Susie Smith 

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief 

Operating Officer Metropolitan National 

Bank 


oversee several of Metropolitan’s divisions, 

including: strategic planning, corporate 

treasury management, finance, retail 

banking, marketing, bank operations and human resources; as 

well as other responsibilities. 

How have your League experiences benefited you? My 

experience in the league was very fulfilling. As a working mom, 

it provided an incredible outlet for me to develop wonderful 

friendships with so many fantastic women and it introduced me 

to so many needs of our community. It truly has been the most 

meaningful volunteer experience of my life. 

Current Community Service: Delta Dental of Arkansas 

Board Member, St. Vincent Development Foundation Board, 

The Downtown Partnership Board Member, Arkansas Women’s 

Forum, Arkansas Commitment Leadership Program Chairman, 

First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees 

What were your favorite placements: My favorite placements 

were Bargain Barn and Riverfest. I loved the great feeling on 

Saturday morning at Barton Coliseum when we opened the doors 

for the Bargain Barn shoppers. 

Word you live by: The Golden Rule – do 

unto others as you would have them do unto 

you. It truly can apply to every situation 

you face in life. 

Kay Gaines Stebbins 

Senior Associate for Boyette Strategic 

Advisors 

What are your job responsibilities? I am a public relations 

professional for an economic development and communications 

consulting firm. I manage projects and assist other team members 

with research and planning, including identifying potential 

targeted business opportunities, and recommending programs to 

support overall economic development efforts. 

What you learned in the League? My last placement in the 

League was Boardwalk, which placed me on the Centers for 

Youth and Families Board. I served nine years on the board, 

including terms as Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman. I could 

never have taken on leadership of a 30-member board with a 

$16 million budget without the skills I learned in the League. 

The League taught me how to work with a group of committed 

volunteers to achieve important goals for Centers and a variety of 

other community organizations. 


What was your favorite placement? My favorite placement 

was Kids TV, a program we did in conjunction with Arkansas 

Children’s Hospital to provide a weekly in-hospital television 

show that included games, arts and crafts, story time and special 

guests. 

Current Community Service: I currently serve as Clerk of the 

Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and am active in various 

other church activities. I also am a volunteer at Episcopal 

Collegiate School, and I just completed a nine-year term on the 

Centers for Youth and Families Board. 

Inspiration: Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small 

group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. 

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” The committed women 

of the League are perfect examples of that quote in action. 

Shelly Herzfeld Tucker 

Pharmacist, Freiderica Pharmacy 

What did you learn in the League? The 

very first and most important lesson I 

learned in the League is to get organized 

and live by my day planner. I overscheduled 

the weekend of my provisional retreat. I 

marched out and bought a good calendar on 

Monday. 


What were your favorite placements: My favorite placements 

were Nominating Chair and Placement Chair. I loved my four 

years on the placement and nominating committees working 

behind the scenes finding just the right member for each position. 

The League is filled with talented and interesting women. It was 

an exciting challenge to get to know each one well enough to find 

her perfect fit within the puzzle. 

Current Community Service: St. James UMC Children’s 

Council, Forest Park Elementary PTA, Episcopal Collegiate 

Parents Auxiliary 

Favorite quote: “Plan your work for today and every day, then 

work your plan.” Margaret Thatcher 


Sustainer Alert! By Cathy Mayton 

The Junior League of Little Rock is alive 

and well, bustling with ideas and energy. 

The excitement is contagious as 

they plan for the future and how 

they can address the needs of our 

community in the most effective and 

efficient manner. The Board of Directors 

of the League, along with the appropriate 

committees, has dedicated time to review 

each project to make sure it still serves 

a viable need, or that a fundraiser is 

still effective. Like all good 

organizations, members of the 

League constantly evaluate 

their efforts to avoid making 

the mistake of continuing a 

project simply because “that’s 

the way we have done it in the 

past!” 

To make sure that the League 

is serving our community in 

the most effective manner, the 

current Board of Directors is 

in the process of establishing 

a Community Advisory Board 

(CAB). Yes, many sustainers 

will remember this idea from 

years past! The purpose of 

the CAB will be to “provide 

viewpoints from diverse 

backgrounds and frames of 

reference to assist the League 

with its external focus and make it a 

stronger, more viable community force. 

Thus far, Mark Davis has put down 

his legal pen to serve on the CAB. Bob 

Hupp has stopped reading the latest play 

script to serve. Susie Smith stopped 

adding numbers on her bank calculator 

to serve. Kathy Webb took her wok off 

of the stove to serve. Vivian Flowers 

put recruiting at UAMS on hold to 

serve. Gregg Herning took a break 

from feeding the ducks and reserving 

rooms to serve! These are just a few of 

the wonderful community leaders who 

are willing to share their time to make 

a difference! The Board of Directors 

of the League is to be commended for 

staying connected to our community. 

These are difficult economic times, and 

we need to navigate them carefully while 

being equipped with the best knowledge 

possible. Our Community Advisors can 

offer us great advice. 

Like every other non-profit in central 

Arkansas, this is a difficult time for 

the League as we try to raise money to 

provide funding for our many outreach 

projects – from fundraisers like Bargain 

Boutique to Holiday House which will 

provide funds to sponsor G.R.O.W. 

Girls and our newest effort, SCAT Night 

Owls to name a few. As your Sustainer 

Representative to the Board, I am asking 

you for help. I am looking for three 

things: Wealth, Wisdom, and Work! You 

have heard that old adage and I would 

like you to consider giving at least two 

of the above: 1) Buy tickets to Holiday 

House, or buy cookbooks, 2) Serve as a 

Sustainer Representative to the League 

committee, or 3) Work a shift at Holiday 

House or Bargain Boutique. Put down 

your pencil, book, or calculator and as 

Nike says, “JUST DO IT” and help! 

After all, you are a Sustainer of a very 

active organization that provided you 

with invaluable training that has served 

you well. Let your training serve the 

League…one more time. 

Cathy Hamilton Mayton became a Provisional 

in 1983 and a Sustainer in 1996. 

Currently, Cathy serves as the Executive 

Director of the Episcopal Collegiate 

School Foundation, grades PreK-3 

through grade 12. She is married to 

Mike Mayton and in their spare time 

they runaway to their cabin on the Little 

Red River where they eat, drink and are 

merry…and sometimes fish! 


Building on lessons learned By Karen Fetzer 

opportunities presented itself when I 

was offered a job with an association 

management firm – nothing I had ever 

done before – I am not sure I knew jobs 

like that existed. I had the confidence 

to change my retail career path because 

I had training through the League. Let 

me digress a bit to say I didn’t always 

understand the assignments given me, but 

I trusted … trusted the system and trusted 

those that placed confidence in me. 

was given my next and possibly greatest 

opportunity to work for the Rotary Club 

of Little Rock. During the time between 

those two jobs I served on the Association 

of Junior Leagues International Board of 

Directors. This perfectly prepared me 

for my position as Executive Director 

of the Rotary Club. With my League 

training, a sense of greater purpose and 

the opportunities Rotary provides, I knew 

it was a “perfect storm”. 

I 

was never one of “those” people… 

you know the ones that always 

knew what they wanted to do when 

they grew up. I guess it is just my 

personality to let life come to me, to be 

open to possibilities and to grab hold of 

the opportunities allowed me. I believe 

my philosophy has served me well most 

especially in my career. I received my 

first real taste of volunteering in the 

community through the Junior League of 

Little Rock and credit this organization 

for training me for my career. I had 

worked in several aspects of retail for 

many years and while there are people 

that would say I was perfectly suited for 

that, I always felt I had more to give….I 

WAS one of those people….the ones that 

had been given much. 

The League exposed me to numerous 

opportunities to serve the community. I 

also learned the value of giving but most 

importantly I realized the obligation to 

give. It is not ok to wait for someone else 

to step up, it is not ok to simply identify 

a problem, need or deficiency, those who 

are able must take the next step and do. I 

realized I wanted to be a doer! 

While in the League, one of those 

My favorite saying is “that which does 

not kill us makes us stronger”...there 

were times in my League career I began 

to doubt it! My first opportunity in the 

League was as the Warehouse Chair 

for Bargain Barn. Since the warehouse 

space was donated that year we ended up 

moving several times, landing in the old 

VA Hospital on Roosevelt Road. After 

a year, Barn Sale Day was finally here 

and I have never felt better about an 

accomplishment that I did on that day 

when the last pallet of merchandise left 

the VA for Barton. 

The decision to accept the job with the 

association firm changed my life. From 

my job in association management I 

A quick side note- I did meet some of my 

best friends through the League….my 

best friend and I worked together on the 

75 th Anniversary – I did not know her 

until we were put together through the 

League. Nothing builds friendships like 

working side by side. 

Now I was one of “those people” the 

ones that are doing what they should 

be – even if it took me 20 plus years to 

figure it out. I use my League training 

every day. So I encourage you to try new 

things, be open the possibilities, embrace 

the opportunities allowed you – even 

the ones that may not have first blush 

appeal….you might be surprised where 

your journey may take you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Remembering What We’ve Learned: 

A Look Back at the Junior League of 

Little Rock’s Past By Tamika Edwards 

A 

s one of Arkansas’s oldest community service 

organizations, the Junior League of Little Rock began its 

journey in 1914 as an auxiliary to the United Charities, 

which was the forerunner to what is now The United 

Way. The League eventually wanted to establish its own projects, 

so it ended its seven year relationship with the United Charities 

and affiliated with the Association of Junior Leagues in 1922. In 

1929, the Junior League of Little Rock became incorporated. 

The League wasted no time instituting noteworthy projects. Its 

first project was the Baby Welfare Station, which provided medical 

examinations for infants and pre-school children and instruction in 

health care for mothers. After ensuring a strong start, the project 

was turned over to the City of Little Rock in 1937 to allow the 

League to establish more projects. 

Early on, the League recognized the need for cultural projects. 

In 1928, the League formed the Arts and Interest Committee. 

This committee’s work included children’s theater and Saturday 

morning movies. Additionally, members produced plays and 

created their own productions. 

During the 1950’s, the League produced Story Teller Hours for 

television. The Story Teller Hours promoted children’s interest in 

the Public Library’s facilities. Afterwards, the League financed five 

promotional films and made them available to schools, hospitals, 

and other television stations. 

Over the years, the League’s work in the Arts continued to thrive. 

During the 1957-1958 League year, 

the membership took on one of its most 

ambitious projects – the establishment of a 

community center of Arts and Sciences. Their 

work led to what is now known 

as the Arkansas Arts Center. 

Today, the Arkansas Arts Center serves the entire state. Following 

their work in the arts, the League again embarked on other 

ambitious projects such as Bargain Box, a major source of 

Community Trust Fund revenue and Gaines House, a home which 

helps women adjust to community life after hospitalization. 

The 1970’s proved to be even more fast-paced for the League. 

During this time, members worked on three major fundraising 

projects – Little Rock Cooks, Riverfest, and Bargain Barn – in 

addition to its community projects such as Volunteers in Public 

Schools (VIPS), Senior Citizens Activities Today (SCAT), 

Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN), and Arkansas 

Advocates for Children and Families. 

In 1970, a cookbook, Little Rock Cooks, became one of the 

League’s major fundraising techniques. In 1973, the original ten 

thousand copies of the cookbook were sold, and by 1977, the book 

was in its fifth printing. 

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, the League continued its 

fundraising and community efforts. In 1980, the membership 

voted to create another cookbook, Traditions, A Taste of the Good 

Life. In 1982, the membership approved the Advocate Exchange 

for the Handicapped and the Museum Education Expansion 

Program as new projects. The League also approved new projects 

such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Arkansas History and 

Culture Curriculum, supplemental funding for the Centers for 

Youth and Families’ Parent Center, and a consumer hotline, called 

“Seven On Your Side,” along with KATV, Channel 7, that began 

operation in October 1987. 

In the 1990’s the League implemented a new vision statement 

and moved toward a goal-centered methodology. As a result of 

the League’s shift, the membership maximized its community 

impact by concentrating on one large project rather than on several 

smaller ones. The League continued to finance its projects and 

involvements through Bargain Barn, Riverfest Novelty Sales, 

and League Publications. The League also gave $91,000 to the 

community and implemented one new fundraiser that proved to 

be highly successful: Holiday House, a holiday shopping market, 

which continues today. The projects and other involvement during 

this decade included Arkansas Children’s Hospital “Kids’ TV,” 

International Student Enrichment Exchange, Children’s Museum 

of Arkansas, Community Bank, Potluck, and the Arkansas 

Museum of Science and History, now known as the Museum of 

Discovery. 

As the League approaches the middle of the 2009-2010 League 

year, members can look back with pride. The success of the last 

nine years reflects the hard work and dedication of incredible 

women. During the 2000 to 2003 League years, Members 

successfully completed 12 community projects: ABC; ArtReach; 

Boardwalk; Buckle Up and Be Safe; Kota Camp for Fun; 

Community Bank; Education and Outreach through the Museum; 

Nightingales; Potluck; Project 2000; Project Safe Space; and 

Tomberlin. The League raised over $2 million to purchase and 


enovate the Woman’s City Club building and began occupying 

the building in April 2002. In 2003, the membership adopted 

a signature community project, GROW - Girls Realizing 

Opportunities Within, a leadership training program for middle 

school age girls. In its first year, the program graduated 26 

girls from Henderson Health Sciences Magnet, Pulaski Heights 

Middle School, and Forest Heights Middle School. 

The League also reached out other organizations by volunteering 

or contributing to the Little Rock Zoo, Susan G. Komen Race for 

the Cure, and National Conference for Community and Justice 

(NCCJ). After a tragic fire and permanent closing of one of its 

community placements, Tomberlin Community Development 

Center, the League modified its welfare 

to work project with the remaining partner 

agency, The Hope Center. The project was 

renamed Partners for Hope. 

From 1922 until today, League members 

have devoted their time, talents and 

skills to service, and played a vital role 

in the community. 

Their impact in the community is not surprising because it’s what 

the League is all about: “promoting voluntarism, developing the 

potential of women, and improving the community through the 

effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose 

is exclusively educational and charitable.” 

Note: the content of this article was adapted from the History of 

the League found at www.jllr.org. 

The League continued to develop 

new projects. In 2006, the members 

implemented Stuff the Bus, a program that 

provides basic school supplies to children 

in the most need in the Little Rock School 

District (LRSD). During the same year, 

the League officially changed the name 

of the building to Junior League of Little 

Rock and retired its debt on the building. 

In 2007, the League celebrated its 85th 

Anniversary and honored this momentous 

occasion by adopting Watson Elementary 

School. League members used this 

opportunity to help improve the learning 

conditions for every student in the school. 

From the celebration until now, the 

League continues to seek opportunities 

to expand its community and fundraising 

efforts and strengthen its membership. 

For example, the membership approved 

a new community project called Families 

and Community Together (FACT), which 

provides mentoring to teen mothers. 

Moreover, the League expanded many of 

its existing projects such as Nightingales 

and GROW in order to serve more in 

the community. The League also moved 

Holiday House to the State House 

Convention Center and completed its 

newest cookbook, Big Taste of Little Rock. 

In keeping with the League’s core values, 

the April general meeting is devoted to 

training members in organization, time 

management, communication, presentation 

skills, and successful meetings. 


Holiday House is a Gift that Keeps 

on Giving All Year Long By Jill Rogers Barham 

For 19 years, the Junior League 

of Little Rock’s Holiday House 

has been the kickoff event of the 

holiday season. More than 150 merchants, 

hundreds of League volunteers and 

thousands of patrons participate in this 

shopping extravaganza. Holiday House 

will take place this year at the Statehouse 

Convention Center November 11 th - 14 th . 

To the over 14,000 shoppers that are 

expected this year, Holiday House is a 

terrific opportunity to shop from local, 

national and international merchants all 

in one location. To the merchants, it’s 

a chance to offer their goods to loyal 

customers and to find new patrons all 

in one convenient location. To League 

members, it is the financial foundation for 

the community projects. 

Holiday House is the primary fundraiser for 

every community project organized by the 

League. These projects include Be Wise 

Immunize Buckle up and be Safe, Kota 

Camp Girls Recognizing Opportunities 

Within (GROW), Nightingales, SCAT 

Night Owls, and Stuff the Bus. Every 

parent of a child seeking treatment at 

Arkansas Children’s Hospital whose 

evening is brightened by a Nightingale 

volunteer, every GROW girl who holds 

her head a little higher and stands a little 

taller, and every child who gets to enjoy 

the experience of summer camp, can 

be attributed in part to the funding that 

Holiday House provides. Holiday House 

revenue has grown every year. In the last 

five years alone, the amount raised has 

gone from $181,000 to $265,000. 

The Who and The How? 

Holiday House raises funds through a 

variety of sources, including merchant 

booth rental fees, raffle ticket sales, the 

“Milk and Cookies” event, ticket sales 


and auctions during special events, and 

Santa’s Snack Shop. Of the more than 

150 merchants participating this year, 

there will be some tried and true favorites 

and some exciting new vendors. New to 

Holiday House this year are Tipton Hurst 

(beautiful flower arrangements and home 

accents); Ala Carte Alice (specializing in 

gourmet mixes, soups and breads); Bella 

Vita Inc. (home décor to help complete the 

beautiful life); Carmie’s Kitchen (Mexican 

dips- delicioso!); Monogrammed Gifts 

from Paris (c’est magnifique!); and 

TX (providing complete personalized 

engraving on-site). Sure to delight many 

Holiday House patrons, Sissy’s Log Cabin 

Jewelers, Jones and Son Fine Jewelers, 

Miller’s Mud Mill, New Cannan Farm, 

Beverly’s, Sweet Home Candles, and 

L & A Imports all will be returning as 

merchants this year. Holiday House is 

truly a one-stop-shop for your holiday 

season. 

Merchants Corner 

Why do merchants come back year after 

year? Amber Barham, Holiday House 

Chair, says the returning merchants cite 

the Junior League of Little Rock as being 

the most giving Junior League with which 

they work. Merchants are treated with 

respect and are welcomed with open 

arms to Little Rock. The League provides 

the merchants with good food and takes 

care of their needs. Merchants are also 

impressed by the fact that Holiday House 

has an all-female cast. Women juggling 

careers, families, children, their other 

League requirements and more manage to 

put together Holiday House. The League 

also manages to make it bigger and better 

each year. 

Barham also knows that Holiday House 

shoppers have established relationships 

with returning merchants and that shopper 

loyalty is a big reason merchants love the 

show! When recruiting new merchants, 

Holiday House seeks vendors that have 

unique, high quality products that meet all 

price ranges. The high quality and varied 

selection of merchants allows Holiday 

House to have everything from stocking 

stuffers to fine jewelry. The League 

also wants merchants that understand 

our mission and the fact that the League 

is a volunteer organization. This event 

is organized not to build the League’s 

coffers, but to help those who live in our 

community.

The Holiday House Committee— 

Leading Ladies! 

Holiday House serves as the start of 

the holiday season for most of us. For 

Amber Barham and the whole Holiday 

House Committee, the calendar is ringing 

with holiday spirit all year long. There 

are 53 committee members this year. 

The first meetings for Holiday House 

began in January. After many attempts at 

calculating, Barham says that “countless” 

hours are put into making Holiday House 

a success. A good estimate would have 

to include every active and provisional 

League member working at least two 

shifts, and each committee member 

working all year long and everyday 

during the week of Holiday House. This 

translates into a lot of hours, spread over 

a lot of people throughout the year, but 

the phrase “slow as Christmas” does not 

apply. The committee works hard and fast 

all year. After taking notes the whole week 

of Holiday House, the Steering Committee 

starts work in January and plans all 

summer. The rest of the committee comes 

on board in the summer and wraps up once 

Holiday House is finished in November. 

Holiday House: It’s The “Placement” 

To Be 

Within the League, Holiday House is an 

excellent placement opportunity. This is 

Barham’s fifth year on Holiday House. 

“That is all I have done as a League member 

and I cannot imagine doing anything 

else,” Barham explains. She keeps coming 

back because the funds are so important 

to the League and because the Holiday 

House committee is, “like a family.” 

When asked what someone considering 

Holiday House 

as a placement 

could expect on 

this committee, 

Barham says, 

“Expect to work 

hard, yet enjoy 

every minute of 

it. It’s a family 

atmosphere that 

you cannot help 

but love.” Amber 

says some weeks 

are non-stop 

phone calls and emails and the others are 

a bit lighter. “The best part is that you 

do not realize you are spending so many 

hours because it is fun!” The committee 

members spend countless hours from 

January to November, and during the 

week of Holiday House they pull 12-18 

hour days! Holiday House Committee 

member Kristen Saffa adds, “It is a great 

way to get to know a lot of people in the 

League that are not on your committee 

because of the shift requirements. She 

also says that working on the committee 

that is the financial foundation of the 

League is very fulfilling. 

2009-2010 Theme: Learn It in the 

League 

This year’s theme for the Junior League 

of Little Rock is Learn It in the League. 

Barham says the theme is perfectly 

exhibited on the Holiday House committee. 

You have to be organized, ready to work, 

and ready for the unexpected. No matter 

how many times you have volunteered, no 

matter your work or family experiences, 

there is always something new to learn. 

On the committee, you can hone your 

skills in event planning; booking caterers, 

musicians, and technicians; organizing 

volunteers; recruiting merchants; 

selling advertisements; budgeting on a 

grand scale; money management; time 

management; and as many kinds of 

logistical challenges as you could want. 

Plus, since everyone in the League works 

on Holiday House, if you learned it in the 

League, you certainly leaned some of it 

at Holiday House! Lauren Davis Miller, 

chair of the Children’s Event, “All 


I Want for Christmas,” says the event 

speaks especially to the theme Learn It 

in the League. “The children that attend 

League events this year will someday be 

the leaders of this city. League members 

know that children learn what it means to 

volunteer by watching us. Who knows, 

a future Junior League of Little Rock 

President or Holiday House Chair may 

attend this year!” 

Home for the Holiday House 

Holiday House is important to the Junior 

League of Little Rock for many reasons. 

Barham notes that it’s not only the 

primary fundraiser for the League but it 

has also become a tradition. People look 

forward to gathering their girlfriends for 

Ladies Night Out or to planning a date 

night for Preview Party where they can 

enjoy amazing food and entertainment 

while being the first to see what our the 

merchants have to offer. For every year 

that the League continues Holiday House, 

it becomes a family tradition for more and 

more people. Barham says that for her 

family, it’s the beginning of their holiday 

season. Her mother-in-law comes to help 

watch her two daughters, her husband 

comes during the private shopping, and 

some days her daughters spend all day 

there hanging out and learning from their 

mother’s hard work; “I think Adley (age 

6) truly thinks she is a Holiday House 

committee member.” By the last day of 

Holiday House,” Barham reflects, “we 

have purchased so many gifts that we 

have finished our shopping and can begin 

wrapping, decorating, and really enjoying 

quality family time together.” 

Holiday House is important to the 

community as well. The public has grown 

to love Holiday House as a family friendly 

time of holiday fun. They know they can 

come enjoy themselves and get quality 

products for everyone on their list! The 

public also sees the ways League projects 

touch our community in positive and 

lasting ways. 

Rock’n Around the Christmas Tree 

While the main purpose of Holiday House 

is charitable and its success is the result 

of lots of hard work, there are plenty of 


delightful events scheduled during the 

week to celebrate. Start your week with 

“Silent Night, Not Tonight” the Preview 

Party on November 11 th . The evening will 

go from 6pm-10pm and the $35 tickets 

will provide you beer and wine, shopping, 

a silent auction, a wine cork pull (new this 

year!), the musical delights of CRISIS! 

Band, and food from Palette Catering. 

The dress code for the event is snappy 

casual. 

On November 12th, have “A Very Merry 

Morning” with private shopping from 

9 am to 12 noon. Tickets for this event 

are $25 and include coffee provided by 

the Peabody Hotel, brunch provided by 

Palette Catering, and a chance to beat 

the crowds and get a head start on your 

holiday shopping. 

Later that night, head back to the 

Statehouse Convention Center in your 

heels and sparkle for Ladies Night Out— 

“Stockings and Stilettos.” The evening 

is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on November 

12 th . Tickets are $25 and will include a 

Mexican buffet, 2 margaritas or glasses 

of wine, all the shopping you want, a 

fabulous silent auction, and a Jones and 

Son Fine Jewelers Raffle! 

Auction! Auction! Bid all about it! 

The list of auction items that will be 

available grows and grows all year, 

according to Kristen Saffa, Auction 

Committee Chair-Elect, but some of 

the must-bid items include a painting 

by Robert Bean, a piano from Piano 

Kraft, a gift certificate for free tuition 

at Satori School for Arts (good for any 

of the 6 week long art classes, including 

photography classes, water color & acrylic 

painting, and pottery), a gift basket from 

Learning Rx, several local restaurant 

gift certificates, a giant giraffe stuffed 

animal from Pickles and Ice Cream, a Don 

Shula signed football, and Zoom! teeth 

whitening. 

All for the Little Ones 

On Saturday November 14 th from 9 am- 

12 pm bring your little ones and children 

of all ages to enjoy some “Milk and 

Cookies.” Only $5 provides wonderful 

stories read by Mrs. Claus while 

enjoying milk and cookies! Don’t miss 

this; Mrs. Claus gets increasingly busy 

as December 25 th approaches. Also on 

Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, come watch 

Arkansas’ best pastry chefs and local 

celebrities battle it out in the 3 rd Annual 

Gingerbread House Competition. The list 

of participants includes Blue Cake Co., 

Pulaski Technical Institute, and Gigi’s 

Cake Boutique. Stick around to finish up 

your shopping and to watch the houses be 

raffled off in the afternoon. A ticket will 

be drawn from each voting box and each 

gingerbread house will then go home with 

its new owner by the close of the show 

on Saturday. What a fun centerpiece a 

gingerbread house would be for your 

home decorations this year!

A museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage 

B2: Two-Line Lock-up 

1/3 

1/3 

1/3 

1/3 

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1/3 

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200 East Third Street • Little Rock, AR 72201 • 501-324-9351 • www.HistoricArkansas.org 


All I want for Christmas 

Skip forward a few weeks to December 

5th and don’t miss the Children’s Event, 

“All I Want for Christmas”. This event 

takes place at the League Building on 

Scott Street from 10 am to 12 noon. 

Tickets are $15 and include crafts, snacks 

and entertainment, and Joel’s Photography 

will be there taking pictures of the children 

with Santa Claus! 

Parking Your Sleigh 

Make a day of it! Besides the convenience 

of so many merchants in one location 

to get all your shopping done, Holiday 

House can be a fun and easy all-day 

affair. Parking is a snap! There is $5 

event parking in the city parking deck at 

2 nd Street and Main Street, the Robinson 

Center parking garage on President 

Clinton Avenue, and the River Market 

parking deck on 2 nd street. These are all 

short walks to the Statehouse Convention 

Center, and the Holiday House Trolley 

runs by all three parking decks and to the 

front door of the Statehouse Convention 

Center. 

Shop n’ Nosh 

Shopping works up an appetite! Santa’s 

Snack Shop (run by League sustainers) 

sells boxed lunches, snacks and drinks 

all day. This year for the first time 

The Peabody will also be providing a 

pasta bar during some of the general 

shopping and there will be a Peabody 

coffee/latte/espresso bar during all show 

times. (Caffeine to keep you shopping or 

volunteering all day!) 

Goals for this Year and for the Future 

Amber Barham says she has many goals 

for Holiday House 2009. Of course the 

primary goal is to raise as much money 

as possible so the League can provide 

more back packs, car seat education, and 

camp funds. Barham also wants League 

volunteers to have an amazing experience, 

make new friends, learn about new areas 

of volunteering, and know that all their 

hard work is completely worth it! 

What is Barham’s vision for the future of 

Holiday House? She wants it to grow into 

another hall at the Statehouse Convention 

Center; with more merchants, longer 

hours and additional days for shoppers to 

enjoy themselves; a bigger Gingerbread 

House Competition; and all of the League 

family- Sustainers, Actives, Provisionals, 

their family and friends- to attend the 

special events and bring first timers to 

Holiday House. 

And We Need a Little Christmas… 

For League members, Holiday House is 

an experience to enjoy and learn from. 

Holiday House benefits the community 

by providing a shopping extravaganza 

and a funding venue for the many League 

projects that make our community a better 

place. 

At Christmas Play and Make Good 

Cheer, for Christmas Comes but Once 

a Year… 

To wrap up this tale of holiday lore, the 

League invites you to bring someone 

to Holiday House who has never been 

before. Tell them of the many projects 

their ticket price supports. Tell them 

of the many children’s faces they have 

brightened with their event ticket price. 

Tell them of the ways they have helped 

their community by buying a perfect gift 

from a Holiday House merchant. Tell 

them to be sure to buy something fabulous 

for themselves! This year and in the years 

to come, the Junior League of Little Rock 

hopes its members, its merchants and its 

patrons will keep Christmas in their hearts 

all year long. 

Sample Shopping List that can be 

completed only at Holiday House! 

1. The latest and hippest purse for your 

sister—don’t worry, she will let you 

borrow it. 

2. Razorback gear galore for your 

husband and father- you know they 

can’t get enough! 

3. Something sparkling to go under the 

tree and then on your finger –make sure 

your husband or significant other knows 

that shopping at Holiday House isn’t just 

for women! 

4. Unique educational toy for your son 

or daughter—they are so gifted. 

5. A beautiful piece of handmade pottery 

for your mother – she will brag about you 

to her friends. 

6. Delicious dip mixes for all your 

children’s teachers—League version 

of an apple for the teacher. 

7. Pecan pie filling for your neighbor and 

another for your co-worker – maybe a jar 

for you, too. 

8.A camouflaged cooler for your 

brother—the gift that keeps chilling 

all year long. 

9. A one of a kind necklace for your one 

of a kind best friend—for her to sport on 

your ladies night out. 

10. The perfect outfit to make you shine 

this Holiday Season! 

PLUS…a Junior League of Little Rock 

cookbook, Big Taste of Little Rock, 

for the people on your list who have 

everything!!!! 

Holiday House Calendar of Events 

Special Events: 

• Preview Party: “Silent Night, Not 

Tonight” Wednesday, November 11 th , 6: 

00 - 10:00 p.m.; $35 tickets 

• Private Shopping: “A Very Merry 

Morning” Thursday, November 12 th , 9:00 

a.m. – 12:00 Noon; $25 tickets 

• Ladies Night Out: “Stockings and 

Stilettos” Thursday, November 12 th , 6:00 

- 9:00 p.m.; $25 tickets 

• Milk and Cookies: Saturday, 

November 14 th , 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon, 

$5 per child 

• Gingerbread House Competition: 

Saturday, November 14 th , 9:00 a.m. - 2: 

00 p.m. 

• Children’s Event: “All I Want for 

Christmas” Saturday, December 5 th at 

the League building, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 

Noon; $15 per child 

• General Shopping: Thursday, 

November 12 th , 12:00 Noon - 9:00 p.m.; 

Friday, November 13 th 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 

p.m.; Saturday, November 14 th 9:00 a.m. 

- 6:00 p.m.; $7 for a one-day pass or $15 

for a 3-Day pass 

All events are open to the public – 

but tickets for Special Events must 

be purchased in advance! 


Training Opportunity: Organizational 

Development Institute By Jennifer Maune & Tammie Davis 

 

 

The Association of Junior Leagues 

International (AJLI) provides 

regional training for Junior League 

members across the country. This 

training is called ODI (Organizational 

Development Institute) and occurs several 

times a year in various locations. The 

Junior League of Little Rock is proud to 

be the Host League for the conference to 

be held Friday, February 12, 2010 through 

Sunday, February 14, 2010. The training 

courses and the accommodations for the 

potential 200 delegates will be at the 

Peabody Hotel in downtown Little Rock. 

A committee was formed to plan this AJLI 

regional training. The ODI Committee 

includes: Courtney McLarty, Julia 

Strickland, Tisha Gribble, Sheila Vaught, 

Kim Meyer-Webb, JoBeth McElhanon, 

Beth McAlpine, Tonya Hooks, Ellen Hill, 

Sonya Schmidt Murphy, Cherry Landfair, 

and is chaired by Tammie Davis. 

On opening night, February 12, the Junior 

League of Little Rock will host a wine and 

cheese reception for the delegates at the 

Clinton Library Great Hall. The League is 

partnering with the Little Rock Convention 

Visitors Bureau for this event. 

There will be a “welcome table” near the 

registration for the conference which will 

be held at the Peabody. The committee 

will provide welcome bags filled with 

helpful Little Rock information as well as 

several treats from the League to welcome 

the out of town guests to Little Rock. 

As the event planning progresses, a 

Hostess Committee consisting of Sustainer 

members will be formed that will provide 

assistance at the welcome table and at 

the opening night reception. There will 

be several speakers for the Saturday 

conference luncheon who will focus on the 

power of volunteerism. Three speakers 

will be chosen to speak for 5 minutes 

each. The speakers will fit the Provisional, 

Active, and Sustainer categories. 

For more information about the ODI 

training, please contact the ODI Committee 

Chair Tammie Davis at 501-681-5735. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Be Wise-Immunize! 

By Sheena Lewis & Amanda Gibson 

T 

here has been much (sometimes 

heated) debate recently about health 

care reform and access to health care. 

Some of those most in need of health care 

services are children, and the Junior League 

of Little Rock, through a community project 

called Be Wise Immunize, is playing a 

strong role in helping children in need 

receive immunizations. Immunizations 

are preventative steps that help not only 

children, but also the community, remain 

healthy. Disease prevention is one of the 

integral components of the public’s wellbeing, 

and immunizations are a proven way 

to control the spread of communicable 

diseases. According to the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 

even though most children have received 

the recommended vaccines by age 2, 

there are still many children, adolescents 

(and even adults) who are insufficiently 

immunized. 

To help ensure children in our community 

have the opportunity to be immunized 

and screened for other health concerns, 

the Junior League of Little Rock has 

developed a community project called Be 

Wise Immunize. This project will provide 

a one day health fair scheduled for April 10, 

2010. The children who attend the health 

fair will receive immunizations, a vision 

and hearing screening, dental examinations, 

as well as other general medical services. 

In the future, the health fair will be held 

annually to benefit the children enrolled in 

schools that are participants of the League’s 

Stuff the Bus project. 

“There is a lack of general physicals 

received by the children in our Stuff the 

Bus schools, the schools that Be Wise 

targets,” says Be Wise Immunize Chair 

Elect Molly Young. She goes on to say, 

“The children do not see doctors because 

their parents may not be able to afford 

doctor visits. Another problem is that 

foreign born children typically are not 

immunized.” This factor has an impact 

on some of the schools in southwest 

Little Rock where there is a significant 

Hispanic population. Be Wise Immunize 

Chair Jennifer Pierce says, “The push to 

get children signed up with ARKids does 

not make it to the foreign born children.” 

ARKids is Arkansas’ public children’s 


health insurance coverage program. Pierce 

goes on to say, 

“The Junior League of 

Little Rock can help fill 

this gap with the Be Wise 

Immunize Health Fair by not 

only providing physicals to 

children, but also by giving 

them a referral to enroll in 

ARKids.” 

The Arkansas Department of Health also 

makes a point to remind parents to be sure 

their children’s immunizations are up to 

date. Vaccines for children prevent disease 

and protect them from the ones that are not 

vaccinated. It is also critical for parents to 

help protect their children against serious 

diseases before they return to school. 

ENTs, ophthalmologists, and optometrists, 

to perform the screenings and assist with 

overseeing the event. 

To find out more about immunizations, 

you can visit the Arkansas Department of 

Health website, www.healthyarkansas.com. 

League members who are also healthcare 

professionals: please lend a hand by 

committing to participate in this one day 

event! Contact Jennifer Pierce or Molly 

Young for further details. The Committee 

would love to have as many Members 

as possible involved with seeing that the 

children in our community are healthy. 

2008 Immunization Rates 

Arkansas 

74.4% of children age 0-18 months 

Nationally 

75.5 % of children age 19-35 months 

Vaccinations are used to protect children 

from chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, 

hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, 

polio, and pneumonia. Vaccinations against 

those particular diseases are recommended 

by the U.S. Advisory Committee on 

Immunization Practices (ACIP), the 

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 

and the American Academy of Family 

Physicians (AAFP). Children and students 

are required to furnish proof to schools and 

childcare facilities that they have received 

the mandatory immunizations. This helps 

reduce the potential outbreak of those 

diseases. Without proof, infants, children 

and students are not allowed to attend a 

childcare facility, school, university, or 

college in the State of Arkansas. 

The inaugural Be Wise Immunize 

Health Fair will be held at the Southwest 

Community Center on April 10, 2010. 

Additionally, April is National Minority 

Health Month. Having the health fair in 

the spring will help students to become 

current on their immunizations before 

the beginning of the 2010-2011 school 

year. The Be Wise Immunize Committee 

is working diligently to recruit and secure 

healthcare professionals such as nurses, 

physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, 


Learning it in the League: 

The 2009-2010 Provisional Class By Amanda Gibson 

T 

The transition from summer to 

autumn has now past, and with it 

come the familiar changes: settling 

into a school routine, football season, and 

planning for the holidays. The 2009-2010 

Junior League of Little Rock Provisional 

Class has been hard at work learning about 

the League and our community. 

The Provisionals kicked off the year with 

the traditional retreat on August 15 th . They 

learned about the structure of the League, 

heard from past League president Kim 

Evans, went on a scavenger hunt around 

Little Rock to learn about past League 

projects and important historical sites, and 

also met with the chairwomen of some of 

the events they’ll be working on this year. 

This year’s Provisional theme is the ABCs 

and 123s of Membership, and this is the 

second year the Provisional Class has been 

split into two groups- a fall group and a 

spring group. The fall group is called the 

ABCs while the spring group is called the 

123s. The ABCs are having their course 

sessions in the fall while the 123s will 


have their course sessions in the spring. 

Conversely, the 123s are working on their 

class project this fall while the ABCs will 

work on their class project in the spring. 

The Provisional Class projects are taking 

place at Geyer Springs Elementary School 

this League year. Geyer Springs is the 

newest school to benefit from Stuff the 

Bus, the League project that provides 

school supplies to LRSD students in need. 

In addition to their course sessions and 

class projects, the Provisionals will be 

completing three two-hour Community 

Ties shifts at different agencies or within 

League community projects, and they will 

be helping out with other League events, 

such as Bargain Boutique, 6 th K Café, 

Holiday House Children’s Event, and 

Touch a Truck. This year’s Provisional 

Class is also more engaged in their course 

sessions by planning icebreakers, greeting 

members, and helping plan the snacks. 

Some of the Provisionals have already 

jump started their League career by 

completing their Community Ties shifts. 

This year, the League is lucky to have 89 

talented Provisional Members from diverse 

backgrounds and career areas to help carry 

on the tradition of serving our community. 

Members of this year’s 

Provisional Class enjoy 

careers in many different 

areas, including nonprofits, 

legal, health care, government, 

sales, education, 

and homemaker. 

Their personal interests and hobbies are 

just as diverse and range from make up 

artist to sailing. The top two interests/ 

hobbies came in at exercise of some form 

(52%) and reading (36%). These were 

followed by travel, cooking, and outdoor 

activities, respectively. 

These women are dedicated to community 

service while juggling demanding careers, 

family, and hobbies in their spare time. 

85% of this year’s Provisional Class are 

professionally employed, 52% are married, 

and 35% have children. Just over onefifth 

of the Provisional Class has a family 

member that is, or has been, in the League. 

Additionally, 

the Provisionals’ top two 

motivations for joining the 

Junior League of Little Rock 

are, respectively, for service to 

the community, and obtaining 

leadership and organizational 

skill development and 

experience. 

Admissions, Provisionals and Training 

(APT) Chair, Beth McAlpine, is excited

about the caliber of this year’s class. 

“This year’s class is very well educated 

and many of them have volunteer 

experience already, so they are bringing 

many different skill sets to the League. 

Many of the Provisionals are looking for 

new jobs and careers, and see the League 

not only as a way to get training, but also 

to meet new contacts, both personally and 

professionally.” 

The women in this year’s Provisional 

Class hail from different backgrounds. 

Nonetheless, they are committed to 

working together to serve our community 

while learning about it and the League. 

It will be exciting to see what the future 

holds for the 2009-2010 Provisional 

Class! 


Built to Serve - The Junior League 

of Little Rock Building By Jill Rogers Barham 

reproductions to match the original door 

and the green tiles in the fireplace display 

the colors of a men’s social club. Several 

original wall mounted circulating fans 

remain in place. 

O 

ver the years, as condominium 

high-rises and modern office 

towers have sprung up in Little 

Rock’s city center, there remain islands 

of history in the stream of progress. They 

represent a Little Rock that slips away 

with each passing year. They represent 

an America where downtowns were the 

heart of the city and social and civic 

club involvement was the norm, not the 

exception. These historic buildings anchor 

our community and are a strong link to 

our past. From the Old State House to 

Trapnall Hall, from the Capital Hotel to the 

Lafayette Square Building, they remind us 

of the journey that has brought us here and 

of the many shoulders we stand upon. At 

401 South Scott Street you will find such 

an extraordinary building. It is a gathering 

place, a ballroom, and a civic center. It is 

a building that was built to serve. Today, 

it stands as the headquarters of the Junior 

League of Little Rock. 

The Benevolent and Protective Order of 

the Elks commissioned and constructed 

the building from 1908-1910 in the 

Second Renaissance Revival Style. The 

organization created a place where its 

membership could socialize and fulfill a 

civic mission. Its touches can still be seen 


in the antlered door knobs and the letters 

BPOE above the entry way. The Woman’s 

City Club purchased the building in 1927 

and it served as a clubhouse for meetings, 

bridge games, and luncheons for seventyfour 

years. 

On the second floor, after ascending the 

grand staircase, you will find one of the 

finest ballrooms in Arkansas. Throughout 

the years, this room has seen many of Little 

Rock’s cherished moments: its weddings, 

anniversaries, and many other happy 

occasions. For some, this building serves as 

a reminder of Cotillion, with pretty white 

gloves and a new dress. For those from 

another generation, it was soldier dances 

in World War II and World War I. Walking 

around the Ballroom, one recognizes the 

raised “wallflower” platform around the 

perimeter. This allowed women to be seen 

and asked to dance by a boy, maybe home 

from the War, or on his way to it. Looking 

up, the balcony has a very low wall, which 

allowed chaperones to keep a watchful eye, 

and small bands allowed them to be seated 

and still see the dancers below. 

On the first floor is a boardroom that has 

been used as a smoking room and a formal 

receiving parlor. The entry doors are 

The Junior League of Little Rock purchased 

the building in May 2001. The north meeting 

room was partitioned from a large L shaped 

card room to provide a small committee 

meeting space. After the partition, new 

doors and hardware were designed to 

match original doors. The red velvet 

drapes in this room are from the 1950’s. 

The celery green wall color pays homage 

to the “Elk green”. The kitchen looks 

much as it did for its whole history. Future 

phases of League Building renovation will 

update the vintage kitchen named in honor 

of Mrs. Bell and her daughters, Ann and 

Sylvia, who 

catered from 

the kitchen 

for over 70 

years while 

the building 

held the 

W o m e n ’ s 

City Club. 

To make 

the building 

s u i t a b l e 

for modern 

needs, new 

interior stairs were added along with a 

much-needed elevator in space formerly 

occupied by the south parlor. The brick 

walls were exposed during renovation, 

clearly showing the two phases of Elk 

construction. The 4 floor elevator opens on 

both sides with the south entrance providing 

wheelchair access to the building. 

Today, all meeting rooms are equipped 

phones, computer network connections and 

updated electrical circuits to accommodate 

business meetings and conferences. The

plaster work in the ballroom has been 

repaired, and the ballroom is being 

repainted. A lighting expert has been hired 

to repair the chandelier. The front door is 

being removed and completely refurbished 

to prevent further deterioration. There is 

also a plan to repair the top windows in 

the ballroom to open up and brighten the 

space. 

 

 

The grand staircase is anchored by heavy 

oak banisters, which were stripped in past 

years to a lighter color. The rails were 

designed for men’s hands and are much 

wider than normal. The green stained 

glass skylights above allows light into the 

central staircase. Corinthian oak columns 

support the third floor. The hardwood 

floors in the foyer have recently been 

replaced to match the perimeter boards, 

which are original. 

This building has been a center of life in 

Little Rock for over 100 years. It stands 

today as a lovely combination of the 

classical architecture of times gone by 

with the modern conveniences that are 

now so necessary. 

With the Junior League 

of Little Rock now firmly 

established here, the League 

Building will continue to be 

a center of life and service 

in Little Rock for many 

years to come. 

The Junior League of Little Rock Building 

is a landmark that was truly built to serve. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Board Profile By Jennifer Maune 

Courtney McLarty 

President 

Courtney is married to Jamie McLarty 

and they have two children, Mary 

Jett, age 7 and Cole, age 5. They 

have a dog named Milo. Courtney is 

an Attorney with the Pulaski County 

Public Defender’s Office. She joined 

the League because she had just 

moved back to Little Rock and she was looking for an avenue 

to meet people and get involved. “I have had the good fortune 

to work with fabulous women who have helped me grow as a 

leader, and who have taught me more than a thing or two about 

balancing family, career, and volunteering.” The most valuable 

thing that she’s learned in the League is how to think and plan 

strategically. She has had many rewarding experiences during 

her League years, but the most memorable was when she had the 

opportunity to mentor mothers with the Tomberlin committee. 

Julia Strickland 

President-Elect 

Julia is married to Reese Strickland, 

they have three children, Katie, 

Will, and Erin, and a black Labrador 

named Jack. She is employed 

at Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon 

& Galchus, P.C. as the Business 

Manager. The most valuable thing she’s learned in the League 

is that the most important contribution this organization 

provides is trained volunteers. “Members gain valuable training 

through their efforts serving on committees and participation 

in leadership conferences. Many of us discover talents and 

develop organizational and leadership skills, which empower us 

to improve the quality of life in our community.” Julia joined the 

League because she wanted to work with diverse and interesting 

women who value being involved in their community and want 

to be an integral part of something meaningful. Being a member 

has been a rewarding experience because of the positive life 

experiences she’s had, all the while enabling her to help others 

flourish and live up to their potential as well. 

Aminah Eddings 

Community Vice President 

Aminah is married to Khayyam 

Eddings and has two sons, Masai, 

age 6, and Khalil, age 2. She is a 

Mathematics Teacher at Hall High 

School. She joined the League for 

the opportunity to volunteer and give 

back to her community. Through the 

Junior League, she has learned that it’s both okay and sometimes 

necessary to step out of her comfort zone in order to get the job 

done. Her most rewarding experience has been seeing how all 

the work that Junior League members have done has a positive 

impact in the community. “Whether it’s “stuffing the bus” to 

provide school supplies to our youth or being a mentor to a young 

mother, we truly make a difference.” 

Jill Hartsfield 

Membership Vice-President 

Jill is married to Chris Hartsfield, 

and has three children, Grace 

Anne, Collier, and Parker. She is 

a Field Supervisory Consultant at 

Nationwide. She joined the Junior 

League to become more involved in 

the community. She has learned a lot in the League, and feels 

that amazing women, together, can accomplish anything. The 

most rewarding experience has been the opportunities Junior 

League of Little Rock has provided her to grow outside of her 

comfort zone. The experiences in the League have given her 

vital tools that have helped her both in other volunteer roles in the 

community and at her job with Nationwide. 

Kim Meyer-Webb 

Marketing Vice President 

Kim is married to Daniel Webb. She 

joined the Junior League of Little Rock 

because she really wanted to make a 

difference in the community. She has 

enjoyed working along side the other 


women in their marketing roles. Kim has 

learned how to play well with other smart, 

sassy women to make big things happen. 

She considers her role as Marketing Vice 

President to be very rewarding and is 

really looking forward to Holiday House 

in November. She is confident that this 

will be the most successful Holiday House 

in history. 

Kimberly 

Bowman 

Development 

Vice 

President 

K i m b e r l y 

is married 

to William 

Bowman and has two sons. She joined 

the League because of her desire to 

impact women and children, coupled with 

the excitement of meeting new people. 

The League has been a very rewarding 

experience for her because of the many 

skills she’s learned while being involved 

with the various committees. She has 

enjoyed being surrounded by committed, 

diverse and fun women. 

Maggie 

Young 

Administrative 

Vice 

President 

Maggie is 

married to 

Chris Young and has one son, Finley, 

age 3. She is the President of Southwest 

EAP. She joined the Junior League of 

Little Rock because she was recruited by 

a family friend who thought she would be 

an asset to the League. She has learned 

many valuable things during her service, 

but the most valuable tool she has learned 

is diplomacy. Maggie has enjoyed all of 

her placements within the League. She 

feels that it is always rewarding to watch a 

plan come together. 


Kristen Minton 

Treasurer Elect 

Kristen is married to Randy Minton 

and has a daughter, Addy Minton, 

age 2 and another little girl on the 

way named Ella Kate. She is the 

Associate General Counsel at Regions 

Insurance, Inc. She also teaches 

as an adjunct professor at William H. Bowen School of Law. 

Kristen joined the League to meet people and to get involved in 

community service. She has learned how to take a project from 

start to finish involving many moving parts and many different 

personalities. She has watched women deal effectively with 

each other to solve a problem and communicate to get a project 

accomplished. It has been very valuable to learn how to handle a 

difficult situation. The most rewarding experience that she’s had 

has been associated with the GROW project by watching some 

very quiet girls develop the confidence to be themselves and 

come out of their shells. 

Becka Webb 

Treasurer 

Becka is married to Brian Webb, 

and they have a son, Guy Franklin 

and a dog named Lily. She is the 

Treasury Supervisor at Verizon 

Wireless. Becka joined the League 

to give back to her community and to 

make new friends. The most valuable 

thing she has learned was best summarized by something that I 

heard Ellen Hill say, “There is a reason why you have two ears 

and one mouth, so that you can listen more than you talk,” which 

is something she strives to do everyday. The most rewarding 

experience she’s had has been working with the GROW Girls 

and watching them experience and learn new things. Seeing their 

smiling faces when they accomplish something they’ve never 

done before was priceless. 

April Robinson 

Nominating Chair 

April is married to Chase Robinson. 

She has a daughter Chloe’ Robinson, 

age 13, and a cat named Patch. She 

is employed at Baptist Health as a 

Human Resources Generalist. Her 

friend, sustainer Kelly Ross, really 

enjoyed being in the League and encouraged her to join. April 

was interested in the League because of her desire to meet new 

people and serve in the community. She has learned so much in 

every placement, but the most valuable things she has developed 

are organizational and leadership skills. She has enjoyed all of 

her placements - Cookbook, Holiday House, APT, R & D, and 

Nominating. Her most rewarding experience is working with 

other League volunteers to reach a common goal, knowing that it 

will impact the community! 

Cathy H. Mayton 

Sustainer Advisor 

Cathy is married to Mike Mayton. 

They have a cat named Sweetie Peetie. 

She works with 603 students and over 

100 faculty and administration at 

Episcopal Collegiate School. She 

originally joined the League so she 

could make a difference in our community. Cathy has learned 

that anything is possible while working together with friends. 

The most rewarding experience she’s had in the League involves 

the after school project at Cornerstone-tutoring where they had 

the opportunity to mentor young people. 


Shop for Bargains New and Old 

By Jennifer Maune 

A 

n e w 

t w i s t 

o n 

an old favorite, 

this year you 

will find a great 

selection of new 

and old clothing at Bargain Boutique. Celebrating its 5th birthday, 

Bargain Boutique is one of the Junior League of Little Rock’s 

fundraisers. This fun event helps provide funding for the League’s 

vital community projects that are making a difference in the lives 

of women and children in Little Rock. 

Bargain Boutique 

is a clothing 

consignment sale 

featuring clothes 

and accessories 

from women all 

The General Shopping will be on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission is free to the consignment sale. 

Both Preview Party and the General Shopping will be held at the 

Junior League of Little Rock building. 

The consignment sale is open to the general public. To find out 

more information on becoming a consigner, please contact Bargain 

Boutique Chair Lindsey Gray at 501-247-9723 or Publicity 

Contact Amelia Lewis at 479-903-6998. Don’t miss out on a 

fantastic opportunity of shopping great finds at the best price! 

across central Arkansas. The selection 

includes children’s clothing, women’s 

clothing, accessories, as well as items from 

local stores & boutiques. Shoppers will 

have the opportunity to browse through 

new and gently used merchandise at bargain 

prices. 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, February 25, 2010 a special 

preview party will be held from 6:30-9: 

00 p.m. Take advantage of shopping the 

consignment before the crowds while 

perusing silent auction items and enjoying 

delectable food and drinks. Tickets for this 

festive occasion are $15. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Junior League 2009-2010 Events 

October 

October 13 - 

Provisional Course 

Session ABCs, 

6:30 p.m. at the 

JLLR Building 

October 15 - 

General Meeting, 

6:30 p.m. at the 

JLLR Building 

October 17 - 6th K 

café, 7:00 a.m. at the 

JLLR Building 

November 

November 10 - 

Provisional Course Session ABCs, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building 

November 11 - Holiday House, Preview Party “Silent Night, Not 

Tonight”, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the State House Convention 

Center. Start your holiday season off right with a night of 

not-so-silent fun! Enjoy heavy appetizers & drinks while 

shopping. Live music by CRISIS! 

November 12 - Holiday House, Private Shopping “A Very Merry 

Morning”, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at the State 

House Convention Center. Enjoy brunch & coffee while 

you shop! 

General Shopping, 12:00 Noon - 9:00 p.m. at the State 

House Convention Center. Tickets $7 / $15 for a 3-day pass. 

Ladies Night Out “Stockings and Stilettos”, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. 

at the State House Convention Center. Get out with the 

girls! Treat yourself to a Mexican buffet and 2 drinks. 

November 13 - Holiday House, General Shopping, 9:00 a.m. - 

9:00 p.m. at the State House Convention Center. 

Tickets $7 / $15 for a 3-day pass. 

November 14 - Holiday House - General Shopping, 

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.. at the State House Convention 

Center. Tickets $7 / $15 for a 3-day pass. 

“Cookies & Milk”, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at the State 

House Convention Center. Don’t miss this popular event 

that your kids will love! Children’s story time with cookies 

& milk and a gingerbread house competition. 

November 24 - Nightingales Thanksgiving Meal, 5:15 p.m. at 

Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Offering a Thanksgiving 

meal to the families of patients at Children’s Hospital. 

Contact Sabrina Lewellen (682-5608, lewellens@arkleg. 

state.ar.us) 

December 

December 5 - Children’s Event “All I Want for Christmas” 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon at the JLLR Building. Don’t miss 

the chance for your kids to see Santa! Have pictures made, 

eat snacks, and enjoy lots of fun crafts at this annual event. 

December 17 - General Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building 

January 

January 12 - Provisional Course Session ABCs, 6:30 p.m. at the 

JLLR Building 

January 14 - Mid-Year Chair Training, Opportunity for all chairs 

and chair-elects to gather and “check in” with each other on 

the year’s progress; 6:00 p.m. at the JLLR Building; Dinner 

provided; Contact: Mary-Margaret Marks (240-2448; 

marymargemarks@gmail.com) 

January 21 - General Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR Building 

January 26 - Lunch and Lead; *Opportunity for all JLLR 

members to gather for a brown bag lunch and presentation 

by Renie Rule (sustainer) on the “Art of the Hard 

Conversation”; 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. at the JLLR Building; 

Drinks and Dessert provided (brown bag lunch); Contact: 

Mary-Margaret Marks (240-2448; 

marymargemarks@gmail.com) 

February 

February 9 - Provisional Course Session ABCs, 6:30 p.m. at the 

JLLR Building 

February 18 - General Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR Building 

Bargain Boutique Drop off 

February 24 - Bargain Boutique Drop off, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

February 25 - Bargain Boutique Drop off, 


8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon. 

Bargain Boutique “Preview Party”, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., 

Tickets are $15 or free if you are a consigner 

February 26 - Bargain Boutique: Women and Children’s 

Consignment Sale. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building. Includes new and gently used items, as well as 

new items from local retailers. Free admission. Contact: 

Lindsey Gray (247-9723, lindsey.gray@aceglass.net) 

February 27 - Bargain Boutique: Women and Children’s 

Consignment Sale. 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building. Includes new and gently used items, as well as 

new items from local retailers. Free admission. Contact: 

Lindsey Gray (247-9723, lindsey.gray@aceglass.net) 

Pick Up Items, 3:00p.m. - 4:30p.m. Contact: Lindsey Gray 

(501-247-9723, lindsey.gray@aceglass.net) 

March 

March 9 - Provisional Placement Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building, ALL Provisional’s 

March 31 - Membership Dues Must Be Paid by this Date 

April 

April 6 - Nightingales Spring BBQ, 5:15 p.m. at Arkansas 

Children’s Hospital 

April 10 - Be Wise: Immunize, Health and Immunization Fair, 

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Southwest Community Center. 

No cost. Open to the public. Contact: Jennifer Pierce 

(688-8859, jpierce@mwlaw.com) 

April 13 - Nightingales Spring BBQ, 6:00 p.m. at UAMS 

Family Home 

Provisional Course Session ABCs, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR 

Building 

April 15 - General Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR Building 

April 21 - Sustainers Spring Luncheon, 12:00 Noon at the 

JLLR Building 

May 

May 11 - Provisional End of Year Party - 

ALL PROVISIONALS attend 

May 20 - Annual Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the JLLR Building 

May 28 - May 30 - Riverfest 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Junior League of Little Rock Expresses Gratitude for the 

Contributions Made by Our 2009-2010 Corporate Sponsors 

PLATINUM 

GOLD 

SILVER 

BRONZE 

Bancorp South 

Coca-Cola Bottling Company 

Harbor Distributing 

Premium Refreshment Services 

Rx Catering 

COPPER 

Delta Trust & Bank 

Golden Eagle Distributing 

Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Center 

Lulav Eatery 

Middleton Heating & Air 

Small World Big Fun 

Southwest EAP 

UALR Children’s International 

The Junior League of Little Rock expresses appreciation for the opportunities provided in a grant funded 

through Bank of America to expand its community programs within the city of Little Rock. 



Sponsor Profiles: 

The Intel on Our Sponsors 

By Amanda Gibson 

The Junior League of Little Rock has extended its reach 

throughout our community of Little Rock, but without the 

partnerships forged with its sponsors, it would not have been able 

to accomplish all that it has. Our sponsors share the same passion 

for volunteerism and service to the community as our members. 

Here you can learn more about some of our Platinum sponsors. 

Presented by the Arkansas Arts Center in cooperation with the 

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the exhibit showcases more than 

200 magnificent artifacts including a majestic colossus of Ramses 

II, rich Egyptian art, beautiful amulets and jewelry, exquisite 

statues, and elegant stone objects. The exhibit runs September 

25, 2009 through July 5, 2010 and is a must-see for all ages. 

Our city also offers several family friendly attractions, including 

the state’s only zoo, a children’s museum downtown, a ride on 

the electric streetcar trolley, and the list goes on and on. You can 

travel to west Little Rock for an abundance of shopping, dining 

and additional entertainment choices. And, we would be remiss 

if we didn’t mention our more than 550 restaurants that offer a 

variety of dishes, from southern comfort foods to the finest of 

upscale cuisines. 

Experience Little Rock 

Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau 

The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau (LRCVB) is 

a full-service bureau, providing support in planning meetings, 

conventions or trips to the city including information on hotels, 

dining, attractions, transportation and much more. LRCVB offers 

visitors and residents information via the many information 

centers located throughout town. LRCVB is also the one-stopshop 

for calendar of events listings and all of the destination 

offerings at www.LittleRock.com. 

Little Rock continues to be a popular site for conventions, 

meetings and travelers from across the country, and throughout 

the world. Let us help you bring your professional organization’s 

next regional or national meeting to Little Rock. Contact LRCVB’s 

sales team at 501-376-4781 or email: lrcvb@littlerock.com. 

Now is also the perfect time for residents to get out and 

experience their hometown. Little Rock touts many truly unique 

offerings that can only be found here, such as the country’s 

newest Presidential Library complete with an exact replica of 

the United States Oval Office, great museums like the Old State 

House Museum, the oldest surviving state capitol west of the 

Mississippi River, major civil rights memorials of the Little Rock 

Nine and Little Rock Central High School, and the Big Dam 

Bridge, the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the country 

built only for that purpose. 

In addition to that fabulous line-up, Little Rock has recently 

celebrated new destination additions such as the opening of 

Heifer Village, a hands-on educational experience where visitors 

can learn about solutions that are currently being employed to 

combat global issues. Little Rock has also been chosen as one 

of only 4 locations in North America to host an ancient Egyptian 

Exhibition- World of the Pharaohs: Treasures of Egypt Revealed. 

This year we encourage you to treat yourself, at home, in Little 

Rock! With all of this to offer, it’s no wonder people are talking 

about Arkansas’s capital city, and the best news is that the 

majority of the destination attractions here are FREE! We also 

invite you to join our free Experience Little Rock membership 

program to get information about valuable dining specials and 

promotions within the city. So, the next time someone asks: 

Where Do You Rock? Tell them, Little Rock! 

For more information on events and all of the great things to see 

and do in Little Rock visit www.littlerock.com. 

Eric Rob & Isaac 

Eric Rob & Isaac is a full-service marketing/advertising/public 

relations firm formed in 2004 by experienced marketing 

professionals Eric Lancaster, Rob Bell and Isaac Alexander. 

Located in the thriving River Market district in downtown Little 

Rock, the agency has quickly grown and developed a reputation 

for both its creativity and strategic marketing efforts for clients 

like First Security Bancorp, Riverfest, 7-Eleven, Fox Ridge Senior 

Living Communities, I.O. Metro, North Little Rock Visitors 

Bureau, Doe’s Eat Place, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, 

CARTI, Little Rock Downtown Partnership, Methodist Family 

Health, Junior League of Little Rock and many others. 

For more information about the firm, visit ericrobisaac.com. 

KURB (B98.5) 

When you think about B98.5 in Little Rock, “Sports!” probably 

isn’t on the list of things that first pops into your mind. But 

“Kids!” may be on that list, in fact we hope that it is! But 

something unique has happened in Central Arkansas where 

sports + kids = B98.5. That unique thing is The Miracle League 

of Arkansas. 

From its inception, The Miracle League has been on the radar 

for B98.5. For those who haven’t experienced it yet, allow us 


to introduce you to one of the best uses of your time and that 

of your children! The Miracle League is a baseball league for 

children and adults that have been diagnosed with a wide range 

of disabilities. We have seen children who suffer with autism 

who have learned to focus and come out of their shell, and we 

have seen the joy on the face of a young girl who has spina bifida 

experience the thrill of rounding third and scoring a run to the 

thunderous applause of the crowd. 

The role that B98.5 took on early, and continues to take, is that 

of advocate, friend, volunteer. All of our on air staff at some 

point or another has volunteered at the Miracle League. The 

Miracle League matches “buddies” with each player. On any 

given Saturday morning you will find a member of our staff, or a 

family member of our staff, in the outfield at the Miracle League 

field helping out. 

You see, baseball is the vehicle that is used to reach these kids, 

both Miracle League players and the typical child that buddies. 

It’s not just the children that benefit. Come out to the Miracle 

League Field at Jr. Deputy and see for yourself. See the parents 

that get to sit in the stands for an hour and be parents instead of 

caregivers. See the brothers and sisters of these kids who will 

be on the field with them helping to run the bases. See the well 

known Arkansan in a role that you aren’t used to, but makes them 

so very human. See the love on the face of a child that has faced 

challenges beyond those that we will ever face, just because 

someone takes an hour to volunteer. 

Something that we have seen at B98.5 through our involvement 

has been the way that this sport has helped these children develop 

physically. So many of our Miracle League players have gained 

skill and confidence, and it has been such a blessing to watch 

from within as these children flourish. 

When we first heard about the Miracle League at B98.5, they 

had no money, no location and no players. Now, five years later 

it has grown to the point of running three leagues, including 

one for adults. It has become the beneficiary of one of the most 

anticipated events each winter and it has seen growth to include a 

Miracle League field being built in Northwest Arkansas. We are 

thankful for our relationship with the Miracle League, its players 

and their parents, and all the volunteers that make it all work. 

The Peabody Little Rock 

A AAA Four-Diamond property, The Peabody Little Rock offers 

unsurpassed luxury. From the well-appointed guest rooms and 

meeting spaces to the elegant dining in Capriccio Grill Italian 

Steakhouse, the hotel offers a chic experience for locals and 

visitors alike. 

A hotel designed with meetings in mind, The Peabody and 

the connected Statehouse Convention Center are the premier 

meetings and convention locations in the state. More than 40,000 

square feet of meeting space – plus an additional 200,000 in the 

convention center – accommodate the coziest gatherings to the 

largest galas. 

Peabody Service Excellence – extraordinary service, attention 

to the most minute details and flawless execution – ensures that 

meetings exceed expectations. The Peabody team services all 

catering to the convention center. 

In addition to the many major galas and business events hosted 

at The Peabody Little Rock, many weddings are hosted there 

as well. Popular venues for include the intimate Riverview 

and Pinnacle Rooms and the opulent Arkansas and Peabody 

Ballrooms. All offer prime views of the Arkansas River and 

surrounding city lights. 

The hotel’s top catering staff and culinary staff continually wow 

guests with artful presentation. Managers who specialize in 

planning wedding celebrations can assist couples in selecting 

the right rooms and setups for their cocktail parties, ceremonies, 

receptions and more. The catering team works closely with 

members of the culinary staff to make certain drinks, entrees, 

hors d’oeuvres and cakes reflect couples’ styles and designs. For 

the perfect final touch, The Peabody Little Rock guest services 

staff can surprise wedding guests with thoughtful touches, 

including guestroom turndown services, gift baskets and even 

in-car party favors, discreetly left by valets. 

Many visitors come to the hotel simply for leisure or one-on-one 

business meetings, though. Whether you seek an in-town retreat 

or a superior suite for a special colleague, The Peabody Little 

Rock delivers. Corporate accounts can be set up for businesses 

who book more than 20 rooms per year, and overnight and 

weekend packages can be found online at www.peabodylittleroc 

k.com. Guests enjoy the convenience of in-room dining available 

at any time, valet parking, complimentary newspapers and a 

state-of-the-art fitness center. 

And, of course, no visit would be complete without catching the 

Peabody Ducks. Guests of all ages enjoy watching the ducks 

march to and from their lobby fountain home in the hotel at 11 

a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. 

Young guests can now enjoy a unique adventure play area 

between the hotel and the Arkansas River: Peabody Park sports 

green space, tunnels, a tube slide, a climbing wall, a splash 

fountain, a spacenet and a “tree room.” The new, elevated Ozark 

Pavilion overlooks the river and splash fountain. 

For more information, call 501-906-4000 or visit 

www.peabodylittlerock.com. 


Advertiser Index 

Arkansas Academy of Dance 37 

Barce Jewelry 7 

Boots Barnett Warrick 26 

Boswell Mourot Gallery 7 

Daniel Webb 17 

Danyelle Walker 23 

Dr. Lamar Lane 9 

Episcopal Collegiate 43 

School 

Franklin Artists Entertainment 34 

Agency 

Hamilton-Mayton Antiques 43 

Harding University 42 

Historic Arkansas Museum 23 

Jack Nelson Jones 31 

Janet Jones Back Cover 

Junior League Building 19 

Junior League Holiday House 29 

Little Rock Paper Scissors 37 

Little Rock Prepartory Academy 17 

Little Rock Zoo 17 

Metropolitan Bank 39 

Mr. Wicks 13 

Oxford American Magazine 25 

Pampered Chef 16 

Pike Realty Group 7 

Ragsland 34 

Rare Finds 15 

Rejuvenation Clinic 5 

Richardson Monroe Dentistry 29 

Salon DeVal 33 

Signature Events 13 

Simmons Bank 3 

Sissy’s Log Cabin 27 

Star Bar Lounge 39 

The Anthony School 31 

The Little Gym of Little Rock 42 

The Women’s Clinic 35 

Tipton and Hurst 9 

Toby Fairley Interior Design 21 

Trapnall Hall 33 

Vondran Orthodontics 5 

UAMS 2

Jill Rogers Barham - Junior League of Little Rock

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