lagniappe summer covers d - The Junior League of New Orleans

LagniappeLeague membersin the community:Tackling New Orleans'mental healthpage 26Junior League of New OrleansSummer 2007GreenCharterUpdatepage 12NON PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. POSTAGE PAIDPAIDPERMIT NO. 593NEW ORLEANS LAPlate Project—Serving up success

EJGHPERFECTING THE ART OF TEAMWORK.The new S-Generation HD DaVinci Robotic Surgical System allows East Jefferson GeneralHospital prostate and hysterectomy patients shorter hospital stays, quicker recovery,less post-operative pain and a faster return to regular activities while lowering therisk of complications.Every DaVinci procedure is staffed by our elite Robotic Surgical Team, chosen for their skillsets and experience, then trained for the unique aspects of advanced robotic surgery.The Robotic Surgical Team and the new S-Generation HD DaVinci Robotic SurgicalSystem help EJGH stand alone in the field of minimally invasive procedures.Committed toPatient Care andClinical Excellence.from left:Brooke Jones, RNMichelle Blanke, RNSean Collins, MD, UrologistKelly Jenkins, RN, Team LeaderLisa Hoffman, CSTEast Jefferson General Hospitalbeyond the cutting edge.

On the CoverStudent Kyla Creecy and Plate ProjectChair Catherine M. Ellington get artistic.In Every IssueLetter from the President 4Letter from the Editor 6ontentsSummer FeaturesCommunity Affairs 8Power Ties — Ready for the Real World 10The League and Green Charter School 12Development Update 13Plate Project: Serving up creative minds 22In LeagueEndowment 14Annual Reports 16League Faces: Photo Page 20Crescent City Cookbook Selection 25League Members in the Community 26PublisherNew Orleans Publishing Group LLC111 Veterans Memorial Boulevard,Suite 1440Metairie, LA 70005504-834-9292Custom Publishing EditorRenee Aragon DoleseLayout & DesignLisa Finnanwww.jlno.org 3

Letterf r o m t h e E d i t o rWELL, HERE WE ARE, another League year completed andso much accomplished! Laura, the board, and all our committee chairs havedone such a fabulous job this year with moving forward, creating newfundraisers, raising awareness in the community — it’s just incredible. Fromour new logo and website to the commitment of Sustainers and Actives inour Endowment efforts, we have much to be proud of.On a personal note, I’d like to thank Hallie White — next year’s editor ofLagniappe- and the very talented Lagniappe committee, who have all reallyput their heart and souls into showcasing the League. Virtually the entirecommittee “re-upped” this year after the Katrina year and have never wanedin their efforts to put together a fabulous magazine.Below, I’ve chosen to use this ‘Editor’s notes’ page to share with you theaccolades and awards our League has won at the AJLI conference. To me, itsums up what a wonderful year we’ve had.And with that I leave you in the very capable hands of Hallie!Cheers,AnnJLNO receives AJLI AwardsAt the AJLI Annual Conference in Boston, JLNO received two awards! JLNO received the 2007 Collaboration Award forthe Junior Leagues Rebuilding New Orleans project, which also included a $3,000 grant award. JLNO was also awardedHonorable Mention for the 2007 Community Impact Award, also for the Junior Leagues Rebuilding New Orleans project.Congrats to the Junior League of New Orleans! A special thanks to those who worked on the award applications, LynnBrown, Laverne Saulny, and Brenda McCard. Another special thanks to the Junior Leagues Rebuilding New OrleansChairs, Wendy Beron, Ellen Coleman, Liz Creel and to everyone who contributed to the project’s success.6 Lagniappe

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CommunityAffairsDespite post-Katrina hurdles, the 12-member committee makes its markBy Neely GriffithWHEN LEAGUE MEM-BERS AMY STALLINGSand Catherine Koppel agreed to cochairthe League’s newly formedCommunity Affairs Committee, theycould not have anticipated the magnitudeof the task ahead of them.Formed in 2005 to promote publicawareness of the League’s mission,projects and activities, the 12-membercommittee has had to carry outits mandate in the constantly evolvingpolitical and social climate thatcharacterizes post-Katrina NewOrleans. Nevertheless, despite thisunforeseen setback, the young committeehas achieved significant successesover the past year — forgingstrong relationships with some ofthe community’s most influentialmembers and increasing the profileof the League.The Community AffairsCommittee carries out its objectivesprimarily by organizing communityoutreach programs designed toengage prominent communitystakeholders in open discussion ofthe League’s goals with respect tochildren’s education. Last March,the committee held the first ofwhat will ultimately be several ofsuch programs — a luncheon atthe law firm of Milling BensonWoodward, LLP — which provedan enormous success. “We invitedcommunity leaders who areinvolved in either nonprofit organizationsor who are business leaderswho are very involved in children’seducation. So we had a prettydiverse group of people,” says cochairAmy Stallings. “Some peoplewere involved in charter schools,some of them in public schools,and some were school board members.... The idea being that everyonewho came to the luncheonwould share ideas with each otherregarding children’s education.”During the luncheon, Leagueleaders Gina Warner and LauraPolitz gave a brief presentation onthe League’s past efforts to improvethe quality of education for NewOrleans-area schoolchildren, such asthe initiatives at Green Charter5309 Airline Drive • Metairie, LA 70003 • (504)736-9917 • www.stmsaints.comCongratulates the Class of 2007 andproudly announces their college acceptances.American UniversityAuburn UniversityAustin CollegeBaylor UniversityBirmingham-Southern CollegeBoston UniversityBrown UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCentenary CollegeClemson UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of William and MaryColumbia UniversityDePaul UniversityEarlham CollegeElon UniversityEmory UniversityFurman UniversityGeorgia TechHendrix CollegeJames Madison UniversityKenyon CollegeIowa State UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLoyola University ChicagoLoyola University New OrleansMacalester CollegeMiami University in OhioMillsaps CollegeMuhlenburg CollegeNicholls State UniversityNortheastern UniversityOccidental CollegeOglethorpe UniversityPurdue UniversityRice UniversityRhodes CollegeSavannah College of Art and DesignSoutheastern Louisiana UniversitySouthern Methodist UniversitySpring Hill CollegeUniversity of MiamiSt. Edward's UniversityUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborSt. John's UniversityUniversity of MississippiSt. Joseph's UniversityUniversity of New OrleansSt. Louis UniversityUniversity of North Carolina - Chapel HillTexas A & MUniversity of North Carolina - CharlotteTexas Christian UniversityUniversity of PennsylvaniaTrinity UniversityUniversity of PittsburghTufts UniversityUniversity of RochesterTulane UniversityUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of Southern MississippiUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of Texas - ArlingtonUniversity of California - Irvine University of VirginiaUniversity of California - Riverside Vanderbilt UniversityUniversity of California - Santa Cruz Vassar CollegeUniversity of ChicagoWashington and Jefferson CollegeUniversity of Colorado - Boulder Wake Forest UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaWashington University in St. LouisUniversity of Louisiana - Lafayette Wofford CollegeUniversity of Massachusetts - AmherstSt.Martin’sEpiscopal School,a co-ed, prekindergarten through grade 12 independent school, doesnotdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, national or ethnic origin.8 Lagniappe

Middle School. The presenters alsogave attendees a glimpse of theLeague’s plans for future programs.“The subject matter ended up beingvery diverse,” says Amy. “It wasn’tjust the Junior League talking topeople about the Junior League. Itwas everyone contributing and sharinginformation about whatever it isthey are doing now — or what theyintend to do in the future — andtrying to rebuild.”Co-chair, Catherine Koppel,agrees. “It was a very helpful setup,I think, for a lot of people whoattended in that they were able tomeet us, see what we do and learna little bit about us. But they werealso able to meet each other andcome up with ideas, make contactsand learn a little bit more aboutpeople who do similar work.”Indeed, the list of those individualsparticipating in the debatewas quite impressive. Amongthose in attendance were representativesfrom Volunteers of America,the National Council of JewishWomen, Young Audiences ofLouisiana and United StatesMagistrate Judge Karen Roby.Without doubt, a remarkable startfor such a young committee.Building on the success of theMarch luncheon, the committee willhost another community outreachprogram on May 9, 2007. This time,the event will be a breakfast targetedspecifically toward women’sleadership organizations with a specialinterest in early childhood education.League sustainer andChairwoman of Citizens for OneGreater New Orleans, RuthieFrierson, will give a presentation ongrass roots organizing for nonprofitorganizations. Like the March luncheon,the breakfast will be a networkingevent designed to raise theLeague’s profile in a setting that isalso beneficial to attendees.Given the enormous amount ofplanning involved in organizingthese community outreach programs,one would think that thecommittee would stop there. To thecontrary, the Community AffairsCommittee has also undertaken thedaunting task of compiling aCommunity Affairs database, essentially,a comprehensive directory ofcommunity leaders and stakeholderswho either share similar goals to theLeague, or who possess resourcesthat might assist the League in carryingout its objectives. Though notyet complete, the database alreadycontains contact information for“hundreds of people ranging fromsocial service agencies to electedofficials,” says Catherine.“[The database is] good for anumber of reasons,” Amy adds.“Because we often look for partnersfor projects, if we are not activelyreaching out to these people on aregular basis then we are limited inthe amount of projects we can doand the versatility of those projects.Essentially, the database will ensurethat we’re interfacing with the kindof people who can make sure ourorganization is successful.”Without a doubt, the 12 membersof the Community AffairsCommittee have done a remarkablejob. The tremendous benefits to theLeague, which are sure to resultfrom their efforts, are something ofwhich we can all be proud.The Lactation Center atChildren’s Hospitaloffers ongoing support for experienced orfirst-time breastfeeding mothers.Located in The Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital200 Henry Clay Ave.Open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Monday – Friday(504) 896-9591Our Services Include Breastfeeding Support Group Working Moms Breastfeeding Classes Individual Consultation with a Board-CertifiedLactation ConsultantRetail Items Maternity/Nursing Bras Breast Pumps Specialty “Mommy” and “Baby” ItemsA CommunityService ofBring this ad to The Lactation Center for 10% offany single purchase. (Good through September 30, 2007.)www.jlno.org 9

OWERTiesReadyfor theReal WorldBy Hallie White10 Lagniappe

An important business lunchtook place at Cannon’s Restaurant on Feb. 9,2007. In attendance was a polished group ofstudents from Green Charter School’s eighthgradeclass — 80 in all — along with the Hon.Sonja M. Spears and a host of leaders from theLeague and the community at large. The studentswere dressed to impress as they showedoff their new table etiquette and conversationskills, having just completed five weeks ofPower Ties training.Power Ties is a career development programcreated by New Orleans Outreach that offerssessions in job preparedness for eighth-graders.In 2005, the Junior League of New Orleans partneredwith New Orleans Outreach to providefinancial and volunteer support for a Power Tiesproject at Green Charter School. Project ChairCatherine Freeman and Vice Chair MamieGasperecz are now wrapping up their secondsuccessful year with the program.The Power Ties sessions at Green are taughtby League women from a variety of vocationalbackgrounds. The effectiveness of the programstems in large part from the personal interactionbetween the students and volunteers. Catherinedescribes the mood of the students at their firstsession as “apprehensive...We are feeding theminformation that they’ve never been exposed to.”But as the volunteers talk about their own jobexperiences over the years and how they haveacquired the positions they have today, the studentsare encouraged. “They always get a kickout of it when you tell them about your first job.It makes it easier for them to understand thewhole process,” she says.During the sessions, students learn how tocompose cover letters and resumes, how toprepare for interviews and what to wear, howto conduct themselves in business settings, howto fill out job applications, and even how todeal with job-related stress. Our actives teachthe students to view their day-to-day duties atschool and home as resume-worthy job experience.Suddenly a stint as a hall monitor,babysitter, lawn mower or tutor becomes thepotential staging ground for summer employmentand other future jobs.The most important outcome of Power Ties isthe hope it fosters for the upcoming generation.The program teaches children not only to setgoals for themselves, but to define the stepsthey should take to arrive at those goals. Onecomponent of the curriculum is career visualizationin which students are asked, “Where doyou see yourself working in 15 years?” Catherinestates, “We want them to understand the differencebetween a job and a career, and to see thatyou start with small jobs in order to work forsomething greater in the long run.”As a special treat the students were bused onApril 20 all around the city to observe “reallife” professionals at work in their own careerenvironments. Destinations included ABC 26News, Crescent City Veterinary Hospital, severallaw firms and more.Of course, the most exciting day was theCareer Fair on Feb. 9. Armed with their newresumes on fine paper stock, the students strodeinto League Headquarters for individual mockinterviews. The interviews were conducted byover 35 volunteers - League actives, sustainersand many others from the greater community,including members of the New OrleansOutreach Board, Ochsner Health System staffand the Times-Picayune. Once the interviewingwas completed, the whole crew walked over toCannon’s for a business lunch. Mamie engagedSonja M. Spears, the youngest judge to be electedto First City Court, to attend thelunch as this year’s inspirational speaker.Spears shared her career journeyand ensured the attentive group thatthey already possess the power to dictatetheir futures. At day’s end,Catherine and Mamie were overjoyedwith the students’ accomplishments.Catherine reflects, “It was so rewardingto see how confident they were.You could tell they put a lot of timeinto their dress and their work. That’swhen it really hit everyone what hadhappened with this group.”To the students of the GreenCharter School Class of 2011-we’ll bewatching for you!Students await their Power Ties “interviews”at Junior League Headquarters.www.jlno.org 11

Feeding young mindsThe League and Green Charter School continue a fruitful team effortBy Veronica LyonsRAISING KIDS in today’sworld is no small undertaking,and keeping themphysically fit and eatingwell-balanced meals canmake the task downrightdaunting.The week of April16, the Junior Leaguehosted the Healthand Nutrition Fair atthe Green CharterSchool in order togive parents a helpinghand in this area. Thefair was designed toaid parents in thesometimes difficult taskof keeping kids on ahealthy exercise and nutritionregime. The responsewas overwhelmingly positive,with 55 parents having accepted toattend prior to the event.In this day in age, with so manysedentary distractions monopolizingour children’s time and attention, itis even more essential that parentsimpress upon their young ones theneed for exercise. Indeed, with ourexceedingly busy lives, risingexpenses and all-too-availablemicrowave and take-out meals, parentsare in greater need of mealsthat are quick and healthy but don’tbreak the bank. The fair addressedall of these needs and concerns andprovided parents a resource guidefor locating doctors in differentmedical fields at the following hospitals:LSU, Ochsner and Children’sHospital. In addition, the resourceguide will contain a series of lowcostrecipes that can be whippedup in the spur of the moment.The night of the fair, parents wereserved dinner and provided with ashopping list and description of thepreparation. The night featured lecturesgiven by a nutritionist andpediatrician from the faculty ofOchsner Hospital and the healthtopics covered were geared towardparents of children grades kindergartenthrough eighth. Voodoo ticketswere raffled off and complimentaryAmerican Heart Associationjump ropes were available for parentsto take home. The JuniorLeague organizers of this fair, particularlyReed Green and JenniferRosen, have more workshops of thiskind in the works and want to makesure that those parents who attendedthis function have a voice inchoosing future topics. The eveningis just one more example of the wayin which the Junior League and thecommunity work so well as a team.Also, the current Green CharterSchool committees hope to makeavailable a summer camp resourcemanual to help parents at theschool find suitable summer placementsfor their children.Summer can be a trying timefor both parents and kidsalike, and the resourcemanual will provide a listof summer camps aswell as how to applyfor scholarships.Next year we willsee a consolidation ofthe three GreenCharter SchoolCommittees. Currentlywe have a GreenParent Learning CenterCommittee, a GreenBeautification Committeeand a Green Teacher andStudent Support Committee;but next year, these three willbecome one mega-committee.Schools and, particularly charterschools, are constantly changing,and those involved realized that itwas too hard to answer GreenCharter’s needs with the existingthree committee model. The nextcommittee will not have such a limitedfocus, but instead, will be able toexpand to take on the needs of theschool as they arise.Finally, Green Charter Schoolrecently had the unique opportunityof hosting President George Bush.In town to review Post-Katrinadevelopment and interested in theprogress being made by charterschools, the president spoke toGreen students in their cafeteria. Hepromised them that Congressunderstands the importance of allocatingmoney for education - musicto the ears of our public school system!Exciting opportunities andprojects have resulted from our relationshipwith Green Charter School,and 2008 is looking to be equally, ifnot more amazing!12 Lagniappe

DevelopmentUpdateBy Audrey MortonBESIDES MEMBERSHIPdues as the main source of incomefor the League, have you ever wonderedhow the Junior League roundsup its monies? While all thosefundraisers and event fees mightseem like they add up, it’s actuallythe hard work of the DevelopmentCommittee that tries to drum upsponsorship for the League.“This area of the League has reallyevolved,” Development vice chairErin Bolles said.The committee consists ofwomen who specifically target corporatesolicitations, endowment,fundraising and grant writing. Thisway, the League can be less relianton events and fundraisers.However, both serve dual duty —“not just to raise money, but to getthe Junior League name out there,”added Brenda McCard, Planning &Development Council director.“Development is the same-educatingthe corporate communityabout the League and our missionand our focus,” said Brenda. “It’s asuccess any time we can go outand educate about the League.”This year’s sponsorship moneycame from three partnerships withCapital One, Lee Michaels and EastJefferson General Hospital (EJGH).Capital One has remained aPreferred Partner for several yearsnow, which was started when thebank was Hibernia. Even with achange in ownership, they haverenewed as partners with the League.In addition to a preferred partnership,EJGH has signed on tosponsor the League’s SpeakerSeries for the past two years. And,when the League was doing itsrebuilding project in 2006, EJGHdonated an ambulance and doctoron standby just in case Leagueworkers needed medical assistance.LeeMichaels isa gold levelpartnerbecause they havedonated cash as wellas merchandise totaling $20,000.“We’re trying to get people tocommit three years for PreferredPartnerships — a longer commitmentinstead of having to seek itout every year,” Erin said.Brenda added that it’s a nationwidetrend that larger Leaguesacross the country are starting tolook at development and bringingin corporate partners. New Orleansis included in one of the Leaguesdoing this. And, that doesn’t justmean money. If corporations can’tgive money, there are multitudes ofother things they can do and thedevelopment committee can informthem of those opportunities.The endowment sector has dealtwith some changes this year. Thepast few years, there’s been anendowment drive to try to getLeague members to raise theendowment fund. History hasshown that it’s usually sustainerswho made the majority of gifts tothe fund. Now, the developmentcommittee is researching an annualappeal in an effort to seek moreendowment funds, said Erin.“We were absolutely thrilledthat we were in the financial positionthat we didn’t have to tapinto the endowment fund afterKatrina,” said Brenda.Another aspect that you will noticea change will be in grant writing.“We’re going to make a big push(in grant writing) next year,” saidErin, who will be the Developmentchair next year.Brenda said the committee islooking at getting multi-year commitmentsfromcorporations, aswell as lookingahead for aconstant stream ofincome.This being the first true activeLeague year for development afterHurricane Katrina, a lot of the focuswas reassessing, planning and a lotof experimentations, Erin said.“I think we did well — especiallygetting three preferred partnerships,”she said. “Next year, I expect us to bea little more aggressive in our efforts.Again, this year the Developmentcommittee wanted to get out of thereactionary phase.What the DevelopmentCommittee noticed this year and isstarting to change involves workingclosely with marketing to standardizelanguage in letters forfundraisers. The committee willinput the donor database all ontoone system online. This allowssome conformity in the databaseand access on the League’s Webpage, so the verbage has alreadybeen approved by the board.“This is for perpetuation of theorganization,” said Erin.Since the storm, Erin mentionsthat this is a really interesting timein New Orleans with a changingfinancial/income base.“I’m looking forward to nextyear. I think we’ll accomplish alot,” she said.While not a huge committee —“about eight people” — Erin said,she encourages women who aretruly interested to join the committee.“Anyone who can go out andspeak passionately on behalf of theLeague — as long as you don’tmind going to ask for money,” saidErin. “I think it’s a really challengingplacement, but I enjoy it.”www.jlno.org 13

EndowmentThe Junior League wishes to thank all of those who havecontributed to the Endowment Fund since Hurricane Katrina...Libby and Mark AdamsJulie AlexanderAlmar FoundationBarbara K. AmedeeCecile Grace BallardSheila BartosicMelissa BeaughRubie C. and Bryan BellThe Benevolink FoundationAdelaide Wisdom BenjaminMr. and Mrs. Emanuel V. Benjamin, IIIWendy and Thomas BeronMadeleine S. BlesseyJackie BohLucy BosworthKathleen BuckleyBarbara and Peyton BushRosemonde and Carlo CapomazzaWalter Carroll, Jr.Kate and Shaun ClarkeJeanie ClintonJudith CobbEllen and Grant ColemanDeborah ConeryMary Clare and Danny ConwillLiz and Terry CreelDr. Tracy B. CurranWendy and Joseph R. DalovisioDrs. Karen and Jay DeSalvoNatalie DonnellyLaurie DoyleLuann DozierKathy and John EastmanMrs. Charles L. FainSybil and Blair FavrotDenise FerrierElizabeth Nicholson FischerCatherine and Peter FreemanLulu and Billy FreibergMrs. Harold A. Fuselier, Jr.Ashley Lykes GearyKatherine Waters GeldermanVickie GilbertGwathmey and Fritz GomilaCynthia Rainold HammondMrs. William T. HardieKathy HebertWendy Delery HillsLanier Long HosfordYancey Carolyn JonesSusu KearneyKeller Family FoundationElizabeth LandisEleanor LaneSally and Jay LapeyreSybil LawsonElizabeth LeBlancJane LegierDiana LewisLynn and Arthur MannOlivia ManningLeila MatthewJane Dart MaunsellMonique and Bob McCleskeyDee McCloskeyRebecca MetzingerWendy Walk MichellAnne and King MillingLynda MoreauAshley Keller NelsonHarriet Hurley NelsonErika and Jude OlingerAllison PlaisanceLaura and Paul PolitzGlynn M. PooleDeirdre Burke ProvostyKay and Michael RapierDebra ReesMrs. Charles S. ReilyCaroline S. RobertDrs. Lisa and Robert RossPam RundleGeorgia and Dick SimmonsCarol SkriloffVirginia SpencerGabriella St. AmantTenet Healthcare FoundationGretchen ThibervilleKatherine ThomeThe Estate of Virginia Nelson ToombsMelanee and Steve UsdinCharlene and Wade WalkVirginia Eason Weinmann, EasonWeinmann FoundationMarion and Andy WeinstockErin WestinBrandy WhisnantCharlee and Richard WilliamsonSusan WormserAlice Marquez WrightIn Honor OfCecile Grace Ballard in honor of Liz CreelBetty Bobbitt Byrne, President of the Montgomery, Alabama JL in honor of Laura Politz’s 40th birthday, February 13, 2007Philip Claverie in honor of Laura ClaverieEllen Coleman in honor of Laura Politz and Gwathmey GomilaCarolyn Shelton Fitzpatrick in honor of the 2005-06 and 2006-07 JLNO Executive BoardsThe Garden Club of the JLNO in honor of Carol YorkGwathmey Gomila in honor of Wendy Beron for conducting such an excellent Board Training for the incoming 2007-08 Board.Gwathmey Gomila in honor of the 2007-08 JLNO Board of Directors14 Lagniappe

Margot Jones, Cathie Eustis, and Julie Poitevent in honor of their mother Cherie Schneider on her birthday March 29, 2007JLNO Board of Directors (2005-06) in honor of Liz CreelJLNO Board of Directors (2006-07) in honor of Laura PolitzShingo Dameron Manard in honor of Alice Marquez Wright upon the occcasion of her selection as Sustainer of the YearNancy and Nick Matulich in honor of Dominique Matulich and Julien Meyer on their WeddingKay and Michael Rapier in honor of Ruthie FriersonLaura Shaw Shields in honor of Alice Marquez WrightClare Brierre Stewart in honor of Alice Marquez Wright on her selection as Sustainer of the YearLinda and Bruce Worley in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. McIntyre (Pat and Bobby) on the occasion of their 50thwedding anniversaryIn Memory OfConstance and Buckner Barkley in memory of Kitty F. Duncan and Caroline T. SharpThe Baus Family in memory of Warrene Suthon and Jim Ely, IIIDonna Bologna in memory of Jim Anderson, son of founding member Mittie AndersonMr. and Mrs. Peter G. Burke and Family in memory of Mrs. F. Evans FarwellWalter Carroll, Jr. and Deborah Conery in memory of Dorothy Carroll and Ann CarrollNinette Eastman in memory of Elsie Flower and Joan GearySybil and Blair Favrot in memory of Eleanor LoganSybil and Blair Favrot in memory of Mrs. John E. Pottharst, Jr. and Mrs. Cyril P. Geary, Jr.Ella and Chip Flower in memory of Mrs. James M. Baldwin (Heddy)Jane and Richard Fox in memory of Elsie FlowerEileen Gamble, Yvette Semmes, and Liz Landry in memory of Charles Wallace HillThe Garden Club of the JLNO in memory of Dorothy Carroll, Jane Farnsworth, Elsie Flower, Joan Geary, Elizabeth Jahncke,Monita Rowley, and Julia ShawThe Garden Club of the JLNO in memory of Titine Pottharst and Warrene SuthonThe Garden Club of the JLNO in memory of Lynne Hecht FarwellJLNO Board of Directors (2005-06) in memory of Elaine Ford Lilly and Dorothy CarrollJLNO Board of Directors (2006-07) in memory of Caroline Sharp and Tucker Horace Couvillon, IIIJLNO Board of Directors (2006-07) in memory of Jeffrey Colin VaughanJLNO Board of Directors (2006-07) in memory of Madeline Cox, Warrene Hayne Suthon, James Andrew Ely, IIIJLNO Board of Directors (2006-07) in memory of Lynne Hecht FarwellJunior League Book Club in memory of Alice Maley and Sophia BlanksJunior League Interior decorating Club in memory of Mrs. Richard C. Jaubert (Mary Alice)Junior League Interior Decorating Club in memory of William A. SlattenClaudia Kelleher in memory of Flora Hardie FennerElizabeth K. Neal in memory of Mrs. Walter Carroll and Ann CarrollHarriet Hurley Nelson in memory of her mother, Murray Pearce HurleyGene Ann Pettit in memory of Dwight Humphreys and Jeanne WinserCherie and George Schneider in memory of Mrs. Walter CarrollClare and John Stewart in memory of Norma Jean Bougere BaldwinDr. and Mrs. Richard L. Strub in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Monsted(Evelyn Walker) and Mr. William Anthony SlattenSustaining Investments in memory of E. Burton White, Jr.Melanee Usdin in memory of Katherine “Kitty “ Foster Duncan and Lucile Isacks AndrusPatricia Brown Waters in memory of Dorothy Carroll and Elsie FlowersVirginia and John Weinmann in memory of Marie Louise Legier Kuhnerwww.jlno.org 15

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LeagueFacesSustainer Tea hostessElizabeth Seaver andLaura Politz at theSustainer Tea.JLNO President Laura Politz accepts AJLI award onbehalf of JLNO from AJLI President Sandi Kemmish.Jane McCall, Alice Wright and Anne Grace. 20 Lagniappe

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ArtfulEndeavorThe Junior League’sPlate Project servesup creative mindsin Central CityBy Catherine KoppelIT’S A SATURDAYMORNING in an art pottery studio.The artists are gathered at atable, hunched over their unfinishedplates and platters listening to thecommands of the art master. “I have ashow to put on,” she says as she scurriesfrom artist to artist, mixing painthere, guiding an artist’s brush there.“So focus!” The artists heed the commandand work faster. Some sketchpictures they will transfer to the pottery,and others paint flowers and treeson the piece they’ve chosen as theircanvas. One woman glazes an oblongfruit bowl with a thick, pink liquid thatwill dry clear and glossy.If you’re thinking it’s the Deruda potteryfactory, in the Tuscan hills of Italy,think again. It’s Central City at the St.John the Baptist Community Center.And this is the Plate Project, a collaborationof the Junior League andKIDsmART. The Plate Project is aSaturday placement that strives to teachkids the fundamentals of financial andliteracy skills through a visual artisticplatform. And mastery of those skillsreaps real rewards. “Students earn astipend when they come to work, creatingplates and other items from wetclay to a beautiful, professional endproduct,” says Plate Project chairCatherine Ellington.“Students put a portion of theirweekly stipend to an interest-earningsavings account. The project culminatesin a shopping trip where students usetheir savings to purchase a special itemthey have been saving for,” Ellingtonsays. After their piece of art is finished,the students write a narrative explainingthe inspiration for their piece. She says,“the narrative reinforces writing skills.”During holidays, the students areable to take some of their masterpieceshome to give as gifts, and somestudents help to sell the plates at venuesacross the city. The plates havePlate Project participants flex their creative muscle.been sold at Rhino Art Gallery, OrientExpressed, local farmers’ markets andJunior League fundraisers such asCosmo on Canal.Students this day were in full productionmode, preparing for a galleryopening at Rhino on May 19. As theday progresses, Dixie, an artist providedby KIDsmART, is working at a frenziedpace. As she mixes paint and surveystheir work, she reminds the studentsof their impending obligationand sternly implores them to worksilently and quickly to produce asmany pieces as possible for their show.Two League members back upDixie, attending to students whoneed a new brush or paint or someadvice and encouragement. Ellingtonsays, project volunteers generallywork four shifts between Octoberand May and are encouraged toschedule their shifts back to back toprovide continuity with the students.The volunteer’s day starts at 9:45 a.m.and ends at about noon after straighteningup the studio.Having artistic ability is not essentialto becoming a volunteer in thisproject, Ellington says, because theprofessional artist instructs studentson how to bring the project from ideato object d’art.Sometimes the artist presents atheme for students to explore, “fromstudying individual artists, art formsand periods to talking about differentcultures and abstract ideas,” accordingto KIDsmART literature.In a glass case along the wall ofthe studio, past projects line theshelves. Bright backgrounds withvibrant flowers or animals cover platters,spoon rests and bowls. Alonganother wall sits the pottery roller,where clay is pressed against canvasto shape future projects.After breakfast, the kids either startwork on wet clay or sketch out designson paper for dry pottery designs.“They have to have a game plan,”Ellington says. “Then the artist will tellthem what medium to use.”From start to finish, students say,the creative juices flow.“Your plate is yours,” says Araisia22 Lagniappe

Collins. “There’s no wrong way to doit. You can’t be scared to do whatyou want to do.”Araisia, 13, has been with the projectfor four years. The McDonogh 15eighth-grader, who will attend IsadoreNewman in the Fall, appreciates thefinancial rewards of participating in thePlate Project as well.“You get $3 every Saturday, and youcan save it up,” Araisia says. “Then,they take us shopping. And if youwant to spend it you can. Sometimes Ispend it and sometimes I keep it.”The students aren’t the only oneswho feel rewarded. “I love this project,”League member Susan Taylorsays. “I chose it because I like art, andit seemed to be an interesting project.”Taylor, who works overnights as anemergency room doctor, adds, “I thinkit’s important for kids to have a creativeoutlet.”“It’s a great project” Ellingtonagrees.“It provides a balance betweenstructure and freedom so that ideasare both encouraged and developed.”The Project works for members whoare looking for a hands-on placement,where they can connect with kidsfrom the Greater New Orleans community,”Ellington says.KIDsmART’s mission for the projectis described in its renewal applicationas “working with youth in Central Cityto build self-esteem, learn work skills,responsibility, teamwork, craftsmanshipand financial literacy skills. Theproject establishes a link between artand entrepreneurship... KIDsmART’smission to teach positive life skills tounder-resourced children throughthe arts dovetails with the JuniorLeague vision of improving children’seducation.”The Plate Project is in its sixth yearwith the Junior League, having beenapproved as a project in 2001. And,according to Catherine Ellington, “theproject is as relevant as ever.”After Katrina, the St. John theBaptist Community Center reopenedto assist in the recovery of the CentralCity neighborhood.“It was important post-Katrina toensure the children returned to theirnormal lives,” Ellington says. “The studentswere eager to begin the projectin the spring of 2006, and eventhough participation was not required,JLNO volunteers were just as eager toreturn to the program.”“The Plate Project replenishesitself naturally,” Ellington says. “Askids learn about the project frombrothers and sisters and people inthe neighborhood.” And, she adds,“League members have enthusiasticallyasked to be pre-placed withthe project.”As quitting time nears at the studio,the artists are listening to popular musicplaying on a boom box. The back dooris open, and the faintest breeze is waftingin from a tropical garden right inthe heart of Central City.As they put the finishing toucheson their pottery pieces, the studentswork hurriedly, anticipating thereward for their hard work.www.jlno.org 23

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Crescent City CookbookSelectionMy assignmentwas simple.Pick a recipefrom a JLNO cookbook,cook or bakeit, photograph theresults and submitmy comments. My first instinct was tobrowse the recipes for desserts, and thereare plenty of temptations. However, myboyfriend and I are still trying to lose ourpost-Katrina weight surplus, so I headed tothe Vegetables, Rice, Pasta and Grits sectionof “Jambalaya,” and came across a recipe forYellow Squash and Tomatoes. Well, let metell you, we did not suffer at all, thanks tothe bacon and cheese on top of the healthfulveggies. Not one to strictly followrecipes, I added an 8-ounce can of organictomato sauce for extra color (and vitamins),and if I do this over again, will add even more cheesethan the half cup the recipe calls for. Also, the instructionsstate to pour the mixture into a 1-quart baking dish, but Iused a 2-quart casserole, and even it was full. This dishwould make a great dinner party side dish, as you couldprepare it ahead of time, then slip it in the oven or boilerat the last minute to brown.— Charlotte LivingstonYellow Squash and Tomatoes2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon salt1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1/2 teaspoon black pepper2 large tomatoes, peeled, chopped 1/8 teaspoon Tabascoand drained ( about 2 cups) 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese1 teaspoon sugar 4 slices uncooked, bacon, cut into2 1/4 lbs yellow squash small piecesMelt butter in a large skillet. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes or until softened.Add tomato and sugar and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat and addsquash and salt. Cover and cook until tender. Season with pepper andTabasco sauce. Pour into a shallow, 1-quart baking dish. Top with Cheeseand bacon. Broil 10 minutes or until browned. Yields 6 to 8 servings.www.jlno.org 25

League Membersin the Community:MoniqueKerriganBy Celeste Eustis26 LagniappeAs humans, we struggle with mentalhealth issues on an ongoing basis, butnothing exacerbates those issues morethan a crisis like Hurricane Katrina.New Orleans Junior League memberMonique Kerrigan has witnessed themental health struggles of NewOrleans citizens and can relate tothese issues on more than one level.Prior to Katrina, Monique was fortunateenough to be a stay-at-homemom with her two children of ages 2and 5. In August 2005, HurricaneKatrina and the events that followedsent her life in a new direction. Likeso many others in New Orleans,Monique’s life felt like it was spinningout of control. The company her husbandworked for was destroyed andchose not to reopen, the rental propertythey owned was destroyed, andtheir primary residence was left uninhabitable.Monique and her husbandwere faced with a number of majordecisions that were overwhelmingand left her unable to function onmany levels. Fortunately, Moniquewas quick to realize she was sinkinginto a deep depression, and she knewthat one of the best ways to fight adepressed state of mind was to “getoutside of herself.” Since she neededto look for work anyway, she choseto find a job that would help others.So began her experience with themental health struggles of our NewOrleans citizens.Monique took a position as aCrisis Counselor with CatholicCharities, working on the LouisianaSpirit Team. The team is a cooperativeof the Department of HomelandSecurity and the LouisianaDepartment of Health and Hospitalsand was formed to address post-disastermental health issuesin Louisiana. The twoorganizations contractedwith various providersthroughout the state,Catholic Charities being thelocal agency performingthe mission.Monique’s work experiencesbegan in outreach.She and her coworkerswalked through neighborhoods,offering residentsand workmen an outlet totell their “hurricane stories.” “Mostpeople we met were relieved tohave someone care and listen,”remembers Monique. Today, theprogram continues to have peoplecanvassing neighborhoods, welcomingthe residents who are stillreturning. Monique, however, transferredto another crisis team inJanuary of 2006.For the past year and a half,Monique has worked in a dyad withanother Crisis Counselor, focusingtheir efforts on the lives of children inour city. Their work began in theBelle Chase Primary School, whichwas one of the only schools open inPlaquemines Parish at the time. Theprimary school had 1,000 studentsfrom Pre-K through grade four, mostof whom were bused from their trailersat the mouth of the river eachday. Almost all of them had significantlosses. Monique and hercoworker developed a series ofgroup activities to help the childrenexpress their losses, learn positivecoping skills and, of course, have alittle fun in the process.In May of 2006, Monique and herteam began concentrating on schoolsin Orleans Parish. Currently, they arefocusing on a school located in theTreme neighborhood with students inPre-K through eighth grades. Not onlyhave many of these children sufferedlosses, but their family circumstancesPhoto by Mary Patersonmake it more difficult to recover. Theirtraumas were significant, numerousand are not solely limited to the hurricanes.“A large number of these childrenwere rescued after Katrina. Manyhave lost family and friends to the disasteror the violence that continues inour city. These children strugglewith basic social skills,” explainsMonique. “Our job is to give them asafe place to unload, offer somealternative behaviors and providetime to just be kids.” Monique andher team usually hold four groupsessions a day and spend theremainder of the school day workingwith students individually andoffering moral support to the staff.Over the past two years, Moniquehas witnessed more than anyone thereality that our city’s mental healthissues remain much larger than itsability to provide services. Any one ofus can witness the repercussions ofthis dilemma by watching the violenceon our local news programs. Ashumans, we all react in some way tothe traumas we face. Monique hasrealized that people on different economiclevels may react differently, buteveryone reacts, and crisis counselorscan help make sure people react inan effective manner. “Often our copingskills remain static,” Monique says,“even as the events we face change. Iencourage everyone who has beenaffected...and wants counseling, to call

1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak withsomeone or get an immediate referralto a crisis counselor.”Erin Martin,PhD, LPC, RegisteredPlay TherapistBy Jennifer WallErin Martin is an Assistant Professorat LSU’s Health Sciences Centerwhere she teaches counselingcourses to graduate students. Erinalso has an active private practicewhere she specializes in playtherapy.Erin, a native New Orleanian,obtained her Bachelor of Arts inPsychology from the University ofMississippi in 2000. In 2002, Erinobtained her Master of Education inCounselor Education from theUniversity of New Orleans. Shethen returned to the University ofMississippi, where she completedher Doctor of Philosophy inCounselor Education in 2005.Erin began practicing in 2001,and has since earned numerous professionalcertifications such asNational Certified Counselor,Louisiana Licensed ProfessionalCounselor, Mississippi LicensedProfessional Counselor andRegistered Play Therapist. In May,Erin will become a Registered PlayTherapist Supervisor.Erin has also been activelyinvolved with the Louisiana andMississippi Associations for PlayTherapy. Her research interestsinclude intergenerational attachmentPhoto by Sarah Raulspatterns, play therapy and filial playtherapy, and family systems/childparentrelationships.Erin’s educational and professionalachievements are clearly impressive.Perhaps more impressive is herclear passion for play therapy andits benefits for children and theirfamilies. As a play therapist, Erinoffers children the ability to gaincontrol of their situations by givingthem the tools needed to effectivelycommunicate. Erin explains thatplay is a child’s natural form ofcommunication just as talking is anadult’s natural way of communication.Play therapy provides a nonthreateningway in which childrencan express themselves throughmetaphors.Play therapy benefits a widerangeof children. For example, Erinhas worked with children who havebeen abused, children who sufferfrom conduct or behavioral disorders,and children who are dealingwith sibling rivalry issues. Her goalhas been to help these children preventor resolve difficulties throughplay and to achieve optimal growthand development.CONGRATULATIONSLouise S. McGeheeSCHOOL · FOUNDED 1912Erin’s practice is not limited tochildren. She also works with parents,helping them to develop betterrelationships with their childrenthrough counseling. In particular,Erin cites her research regardingattachment disorders, noting thatparents who are educated about theattachment process are able toimplement certain child-rearingtechniques to combat attachmentdisorders.Erin joined the JLNO this year asa provisional, and is already lookingfor ways to use her professionalexperience to benefit the Leagueand the projects it supports. Forexample, Erin says she is interestedin getting involved with localschools, such as Green CharterSchool, and teaching students selfexpressiveactivities and techniquesto implement into their daily lives.She is also interested in participatingin educational meetings regardingways to improve child/parentrelationships. We are fortunate tohave Erin as a member.On a personal note, Erin is gettingmarried in June to Patrick BradyDugan.Congratulations to McGehee Alumna Ruthie Jones Frierson, Class of 1958, on receivingthe Times-Picayune Loving Cup Award. The Students United for NOLA, our recent lobbyistsin Washington, D.C., our student body and the McGehee family send our thanks for yourwork as Founder and Chairman of Citizens for 1 Greater New Orleans.You are a shining example ofwhere McGehee Girls Go from here.504-561-1224 2343 Prytania Street, New Orleans www.mcgehee.k12.la.usLouise S. McGehee School is open to all qualified girls regardless of race, religion or ethnic origin.Named as one of Tulane University’s 2007 Newcomb Alumnae of the Yearwww.jlno.org 27

Help your friends and neighborsRebuild their Kitchens!Crescent City Collection . . . .$26.95 plus tax $29.38Jambalaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17.95 plus tax $19.57Plantation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23.95 plus tax $26.11Cookbook Trio**NEW** . . . . . .$60.00 plus tax $65.00Gift Wrapping**NEW** . . . . . . .$2.00 per bookTo order your cookbook, go on line atwww.jlno.org.28 Lagniappe

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