History

In the Spring of 1978, Pat Carrington (Mrs. Charles) attended the Conference on Children and Youth in Tallahassee. She was so impressed by the quality of input of the delegates who were members of various Junior Leagues that she returned home determined to organize such a group in Manatee County.

Early in August, 1978, Pat Carrington (Mrs. Charles), Maureen Magnon (Mrs. West), Linda Edwards (Mrs. Michael), Karen VanNess (Mrs. Robert), Glenda Miller (Mrs. Daniel), Sandra Robinson (Mrs. Harry L.), Polly Gaar (Mrs. William) and Jane Wade (Mrs. James U.) Met to lay the groundwork for forming a service league. At the outset it was decided to set a goal of becoming a member of the Association of Junior Leagues as quickly as possible. Toward that goal, contact was established with Mrs. Nancy Satchjen, Deputy Director of Field Services at AJLI Headquarters in New York.

Later in August, 1978, a large group of civically active women met at the Bradenton, Public Library and began the process of forming a Service League. By December of 1978, bylaws had been written, membership established and Manatee Community Service League (MCSL) was a reality.

The member of MCSL, desiring to broaden the base of our programs established a Sustainer category of membership in June, 1979. Invitations were extended to 150 to attend an informal coffee at the home of Gail Nash (Mrs. Shepard). The policies and programs of MCSL were explained, and 125 women joined MCSL as Sustaining members.

In March, 1986, the Manatee Community Service League became the Junior League of Manatee County and joined the Association of Junior Leagues, Inc. (AJLI) as its 264th member.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1978-1979

Manatee Community Service League organized first edition of our newsletter, Apprise & Acquaint.

Survey of Manatee County elderly in cooperation with Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

Show House I adopted as first fundraiser to be held in Spring. First project adopted to assist MCSL fund a shelter home for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Sustainer Group organized.

Placement in nine areas of service.

Non-secret admissions policy adopted.

MCSL participated in Manatee Chamber of Commerce Street Bazaar.

Won an award from The Bradenton Herald for "Projects Benefiting the Elderly" (survey done in May).

Show House I Designer’s Party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Wes Magnon.

First Provisional Members invited (19).

First Provisional Coffee given by Sustainers

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1979-1980

"Team Up for Children," a symposium sponsored by Sarasota Junior League, attended by MCSL members.

"Bare Bones" Party (First Patron Party).

First Provisional Course given.

Second Patron Party, "Show House I" raised $22,577.72.

Two MCSL delegates sent to the Conference of Children and Youth in Tallahassee.

Self-evaluation Questionnaire.

First annual election of officers.

Obtained Federal Income Tax Exemption under Section 501(c)(3).

Obtained permit for non-profit bulk postage.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1980-1981

First Board Orientation Day.

Won Golden Gavel, "Service to Youth" category presented by the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Won "Top Organization of the Year" Award presented by The Bradenton Herald.

First AMP Seminar for membership board and Provisional class.

First Christmas Party for Active members, "Clause Pause in Mistletoe Madness" at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Heagerty.

Wine and Cheese Tasting Party raised $3,320 for Community Trust Fund at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Turner.

Participated in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair.

Economic Speaker, B.Carter Randall (combination fund raiser/service to the community) raised $2,400 for Community Trust Fund.

Eleven Provisionals introduced at the second annual coffee sponsored by the Sustainers.

Placed thirty-seven members in ten areas of service; three in approved creative placement.

Time Management Seminar presented to MCSL members and invited guests.

Newsletter became Sea Notes and sea oats as the official MCSL logo.

Co-sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Aladdin" with the Manatee County School Board bringing seventeen performances to all first and third grades in Manatee County. Members participated in follow-up programs with children.

Annual Dinner Meeting including Sustainer officers and members.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1981-1982

Second Board Orientation Day-- seminar on Group Dynamics and Leadership Training, Sue Bridges of Tampa Junior League.

Workshop for Admissions and Placement Committees and Board on Communicating; Interviewing Techniques.

Won The Bradenton Herald Award for Community Service to Youth.

Forty Active members placed in six areas of community placement service; twenty-five Active members doing in-League placement on Board and Admissions

.

First General Meeting combining Actives and sustainers; salad-dessert luncheon provided by Actives in honor of Sustainers.

Show House II Designer’s Party at home of Mayor and Mrs. William Evers.

Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Pinocchio" with the Manatee County School Board; one hundred forty-one creative dramatic workshops conducted by League members given in all county first and third grades.

Children’s Theater adopted as a continuing project for next year; budget of $5000.

Participation in Manatee Council of Arts Street Fair publicizing Show House II.

Twenty-six Provisional Members introduced at Annual Coffee given by Sustainers.

Show House II Empty House Party.

League Christmas Party for Actives and Escorts at Show House II.

Two completely new concepts approved as fundraisers for 1982-1983; a Feast of the Hunt, an elegant evening, and the publication of a Tidal Calendar.

Show House II Premier Party opens Show House for one month; tea room, boutique and plant sales included.

Show House II raised $25,000 for Community Trust Fund.

First project independently developed and initiated by MCSL and approved by General Membership: "A Discovery Place" tactile museum at the Manatee County Central Library with approval of County Commission and Library Board; approved budget of $10,000.

Investment Seminar for Women: Real estate, stocks and estate planning. Speakers: Jan Entwistle, Merrill Lynch; Valerie Boyd, Boyd Realty, and Ann Sheffler, Attorney.

Introduction of New Placement Booklet outlining community placements, In-League placement, fundraising committee responsibilities, new interview sheet and skills bank form.

Seminar on Drug Awareness, Pat Barton, Informed Parent Group, Naples, Florida.

Christmas Party at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Wes Magnon.

Third project adoption of the year: Substance Awareness Project allocated $10,000 and geared toward drug education for parents and professionals.

First seminar on Volunteer Career Development, Joan Sprague, Sarasota Junior League, VCD Trainer.

First May luncheon honoring Board of Directors.

Annual Dinner Meeting for Actives and Sustainer at Bradenton Country Club.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1982-1983

Third Annual Board Orientation. Won Golden Gavel Award, "Continuing Project," for Children’s Theater presented by Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Fifty-seven Active members placed on seven areas of community service. Thirty-one Active members doing In-League placement on Board, Admissions and Newsletter.

October General Meeting held at Historical Park, which included Sustainers.

Fundraiser--Tidal Calendar presented and sales began.

Seminar, "Gain Awareness through Education (GATE)," presented by Marilyn Benveniste of Atlanta to Board and Drug Awareness Committee.

Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Peter and the Hungry Wolf." Nineteen performances were given and one hundred forty-two workshops conducted by League members to first and third grade students.

Approved fundraiser--Show House III.

Participation in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair publicizing The Tidal Calendar and Discovery Place.

Nine Provisional members introduced at annual coffee given by Sustainers.

Christmas Party for Active members at home of Dr. and Mrs. Walter Graham.

Opening of the Discovery Place "hands-on" tactile museum located at the Manatee County Central Library.

Group Meeting held in February with theme being "Just for You."

Fundraiser Feast of the Hunt game dinner held February 26, 1983, with a profit of $5000.

Introduction of new Placement Booklet outlining community placements, In-League placement, Show House III committees, interview sheets and skills bank form.

May luncheon honoring Board of Directors at Linda Edwards’ home.

Adoption of League’s first Five Year Future Plan.

Annual Dinner Meeting for Actives and Sustainers held at Bradenton Country Club.

Leadership Seminar for Actives and Sustainers; speaker Marilyn Benveniste of Atlanta.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1983-1984

Won Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel Award for Discovery Place under the category "New Projects."

First Vice-President, Kathy Kennedy, represented MCSL in Leadership Manatee, a seventy hour workshop on leadership and community issues.

Participated in "The Chemical People," a national public television project designed to fight drug and alcohol abuse.

Fifty-three Active members were placed in four areas of community service. Thirty-four Active members did In-League placement on Board, Admissions/Provisional, Show House III and Newsletter.

Actives Christmas Party held at home of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rickert.

Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "The Nightingale" with the School Board of Manatee County. Nineteen performances were given with one hundred sixty-one workshops conducted by League members to all county first and third grades.

Placed members on seven community boards as MCSL representatives.

Participation in Manatee Council of the Arts Street Fair publicizing Show House III and the Discovery Place.

MP skit written and performed by MCSL members for Active and Provisional members.

Adopted a "Gifts and Memorial Fund."

Children’s Theater adopted as a continuing project for next year; budget $6,650.

Funds allocated to hire employee at Discovery Place: budget $10,500.

Five new placement opportunities introduced.

New computerized accounting procedure in use.

Discovery Place first birthday party attended by over 400 people.

Approved Holiday Showcase for 1984-1985 fundraiser.

Show House III with Patron Parties, tea room, boutique and plant sales raised approximately $28,000 for Community Trust Fund. It was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Stivers.

Twenty-six Provisional members invited to Active membership and honored at New Member Coffee hosted by Sustainers.

Seventy-three volunteers for Discovery Place hosted over 9,300 visitors and eighty-two tours. Adopted a feasibility study to determine the need for a County Student Recreation Center.

Requested and received questionnaire for AJL to begin the AJL affiliation process.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1984-1985

Won Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel Award for the Drug Awareness Project in the category of "Service to Youth."

Won The Bradenton Herald "Community Service Award" in the Education category for Discovery Place Project.

Fifty-nine Active members were placed in eight areas of community service. Thirty-eight Active members did In-League placement on Board, Admissions/Provisional, Holiday Gift Showcase and Newsletter.

Placed four members on community boards in addition to the seven already serving.

Christmas Gala Evening held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles White.

First-Vice President represented MCSL in Leadership Manatee.

Information questionnaire for Association of Junior League’s application completed. First visit made by Patty Wilkinson, member of Association of Junior Leagues’ Board of Directors. Manatee Community Service League accepted into the Association of Junior Leagues’ applying process.

Joined Federation of Civic Clubs.

Holiday Gift Showcase with League Booth, Tea Time, raised approximately $8,000.

Adopted new final report for Fundraisers.

Participated in Council of the Arts Street Fair using new MCSL Booth constructed for special events. Publicized Discovery Place, upcoming Drug Awareness seminar and sold League Booth items.

Sponsored seminar for Manatee County on "Developing Capable Young People" presented by its author, Dr. H. Stephen Glenn.

Began Association of Junior Leagues’ Orientation Process. Orientation Visit made by Joan Krupa, Director, Area IV, and Jeanne Holeman,Coordinator of League Services. Letter of Agreement formulated between MCSL and Association of Junior Leagues.

Sponsored Asolo Touring Theater’s presentation of "Androcles and the Lion" with the School Board of Manatee County. Performances were given for one hundred forty-four first and third grades classes. Seventy-five workshops were conducted by League members for all county first and third grade classes.

Twenty new members invited to Active Membership and honored at New Member Coffee hosted by Sustainers.

Foster Grandparents Program at Bullock School adopted as MCSL project.

Seven new community placement opportunities offered.

Approved Holiday Gift Showcase for 1985-86 fundraiser.

Approved turnover of operation of Discovery Place to Manatee County Central Library.

New Placement record form and leave form introduced.

Orientation Program presented Susan Bridger’s workshop on "Creative Life Planning" presented to Actives, Sustainers and community guests.

Fifty-five volunteers hosted over 11,000 visitors and ninety-six tours to Discovery Place.

Conducted first group orientation for potential candidates for Provisional Membership and their proposers or sponsors.

Approved co-sponsorship of a Board Training Seminar with the Manatee County Federation of Civic Clubs.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1985-1986

Exemption from Florida State Sales Tax obtained.

Fact sheet about Manatee Community Service League designed and distributed.

Dissolution of Declaration of Trust-Administrative Fund and Community Trust Fund combined.

Sea Notes--began advertising sales to offset publication costs.

First family social held in summer--a picnic at the beach.

Drug Awareness Project wins The Bradenton Herald, "Service to Youth Award."

September 3, 1985, invited community to hear Pat Heldreth and Dr. Charles Harris speaking on "Developmental and Transitional Concerns in School-Age Children."

Resource Module on Substance Abuse presented to Manatee County School Board.

October 8, 1985, invited community to hear Judge Durrand Adams and James Bishop speaking on Juvenile Justice.

Entertained Sustainers with "Williamsburg" style brunch.

November 12, 1985, Sally Wiley from the Junior League of Tampa provided training for membership on Public Policy.

Second Holiday Gift Market held as major fundraiser-First Preview Party presented on opening night.

"Cape Cod" Holiday Party held at home of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Plum

First provisional Project completed-game room on Pediatric Floor of Manatee Memorial Hospital refurbished.

AJL Orientation completed.

AJL Orientation follow-up visit January 13, 14, 15.

February 8, 1986, AJL Board of Directors votes MCSL into Association of Junior Leagues. Children’s Theater Project presented twenty-two performances of "The Frog Prince" and eighty-five creative dramatic workshops.

Contract signed for turn over of Discovery Place to Manatee County through the Manatee County Library presented Library with $6,500.

Participated in Better Manatee Day for first time, purchased and helped install "Welcome to Manatee County" sign.

March 22, 1986, Celebration Party at the Plaza Club in honor of AJL Affiliation.

New Logo and colors for JLMC revealed.

New brochure about JLMC presented to membership.

Sent 2 delegates to both Fall and Spring SPAC.

Training for the first time.

New Active Coffee given by Sustainers for thirty-nine new Actives.

Foster Grandparents Project trained five "Grandparents" for Bullock School.

Stationery Sales, internal fundraiser approved by membership and begun.

Adopted three new projects for 1986-87, Poison Prevention Puppet Program, Community Public Service Announcements and Children’s Services Information Brochure.

Approved Foster Grandparent and Children’s Theater as ongoing projects.

Approved Holiday Gift Market as ongoing fundraiser.

Presented five new community Placements. Placed one hundred forty-three women in eighteen areas of the community.

Sustainer Skills Bank implemented.

Developed new forms for Gifts and Bequests. Implemented Dues Payment Plan.

Approved contracts for use in Projects and Community Placements.

Began giving placement credit to those women serving on Community boards.

Taskforce appointed to study giving of Community Grants.

League given office space and a headquarters refurbished and established.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1986-1987

A new Yearbook cover and interior were designed and distributed.

Family Beach Picnic was held August 24, 1986.

The Children’s Service Brochure was created and distributed in Manatee County.

The Public Service Announcement Committee broadcast announcements on WTRL throughout the year.

Gwennye Young, Area III Council Member, was guest speaker at the September General Meeting.

Two Public Affairs Members were chosen on SPAC Task Forces.

President Ann Graham attended Area III President’s Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina in September.

"Everything Stops for Tea," an English Garden Tea Party for all members was held at Sustainer Sara Miller’s home October 25, 1986.

A Headquarter’s Library was established.

The Poison Prevention Puppet Program (PPP) was created and presented to preschoolers throughout Manatee County. PPP was seen on a Channel 40 television show.

A Task Force Committee on grants was established. No policy change was established.

The Holiday Gift Market was held November 13-15. The theme was Williamsburg. Sustainers implemented for the first time, the Patron Party for the Holiday Gift Market.

"Holiday Reflections," a party for Actives and Provisionals was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. William Moss.

The Children’s Theater presented "The Brave Little Tailor" in all first grades in Manatee County.

Fourteen State Public Affairs Position statements were adopted by JLMC.

Group meetings were held in February.

Thirty-two Provisionals became Active members.

The Provisional project was renovating the family room of the shelter home for abused children.

A Wine and Cheese Party honoring new Actives was held at Sustainer, Wylene Graham’s home.

Four new projects for 1987-88 were approved by the membership.

Suzie Allen, Area III Director, taught Volunteer Skills Portfolio to interested Actives.

A new Placement Policy was established for those eligible to go Sustainer.

Three Active members attended the Association Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

JLMC received second place and first place Public Service Announcements Awards at the Annual Conference of the Association of Junior Leagues.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales was approved as a fundraiser for 1987-88.

Nine issues of Sea Notes were distributed this year. The December and January issues were combined.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1987-1988

Board members received training at Board Orientations in June and August.

Socials: Family Beach Picnic, Roaring Twenties Christmas Party, First Annual Road Rally.

Photo directory of membership printed.

Won a Sarasota Herald Tribune "Merit Award for Public Information: for Poison Prevention Puppet Program.

Named "Outstanding Organization Overall" by The Bradenton Herald.

League representatives attended SPACConferences in Orlando in September and Tallahassee in April.

First Vice-President Paula Jonsson attended President’s Meeting in Orlando for President Mary Pope who was unable to attend.

First joint meeting with the Junior League of Sarasota at Dolphin Aviation in October where SPAC issues were presented and voted upon.

League member attended seminar on Teen Court and monitored Junior League of Sarasota’s Teen Court committee meetings.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap fundraiser netted $5.900.00 profit.

Two Future Planning forums held for membership input into Long Range Plan.

"Celebrate the Harvest" luncheon honoring Sustainers held at Tidy Island.

Sustainers held four luncheon meetings throughout the year.

Successful Holiday Gift Market produced over $27,000 profit. Sustainers hosted the Patron Party.

Performance of Children’s Theater production "Rumpelstiltskin"was presented to the first and third grades of twenty-two Manatee County Schools as well as JLMC membership and families.

Three League members attended Traveling Workshops on newsletters and financial forecasting.

Delegates sent to Regional Seminar on Membership in Philadelphia and Public Policy Training in Washington, D.C.

Membership voted to have a 10th Anniversary Celebration in 1988-89.

Panel discussion by state legislators on SPAC issues of concern to League at January meeting.

Seven group meetings held in February.

Trainings were offered to membership on leadership styles, delegating and time management.

Visited by Suzie Allen, immediate past Area III Director Chairing Council, Representing AJL on post-affiliation visit.

First Vice-President Paula Jonsson attended President-Elect meeting in Charlotte.

Provisionals created a simulated apartment at Joe Berta Bullock School for Handicapped as their Provisional project.

Sustainers hosted a Welcoming Party for twenty-three new Active members.

Past President Ann Graham elected to Area III Council as Public Relations Liaison.

Approved $15,000 project at HOPE of Manatee, shelter for abused women and their children.

Future Project Study on Teen Court approved.

Nine projects successfully completed: Children’s Service Brochure, Children’s Theater, Discovery Place Exhibits, Domestic Violence, Poison Puppet Prevention Program, Public Service Announcements, TAPP Brochure, Safe Homes, and Young Parents Care. Three projects were terminated: Domestic Violence, TAPP, and Young Parents’ Care.

Proclamation for National Volunteer Week received from governmental bodies on behalf of all volunteers in Manatee County.

Computer and copier purchased to reduce costs.

Public Affairs Chairman Robin Johnson named Chairman of the statewide Child and Family Welfare Task Force for the Florida Public Affairs Committee.

Placement interviews reinstated.

League instrumental in having bills to combat violence in the media introduced in both houses of the state legislature.

First Community Advisory Board selected.

Two delegates sent to AJL Annual Conference in Chicago.

League nominee, Patricia Petruff, won AAUW Leadership Award in the Business and Professional Category.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1988-1989

Board members received orientation and training at an overnight Board Retreat held in June.

President, Paula Jonsson, attended Presidents’ Training, San Antonio, Texas and the Annual Conference, Anaheim, California.

President Elect, Patti Holland, attended President-Elect Training, Atlanta, Georgia; "Train the Trainer", Orlando; President-Elect Training, Miami; Leadership Manatee, and the Annual Conference, Anaheim, California.

League computer used to store permanent records, minutes, yearbook, mailing lists, Sea Notes issues, placement book and assignment, and brochures.

Midyear revised budget and financial report mailed to membership for review.

Five continued projects were presented to the community: Safe Homes, Poison Prevention Puppet Program, Children’s Theater, Children’s Services Brochure and Public Service Announcements.

Hope Project, a coalition consisting of Entre Nous, Episcopal Church Women of Christ Episcopal Church, Manatee County Medical Society Auxiliary, Manatee River Doll Club, First Presbyterian Church and Zeta Phi Sorority, was implemented. This project was designed and coordinated by JLMC in coalition with other community organizations to renovate Hope of Manatee County, a shelter for domestic violence.

Two continuing projects were turned over to the community: Safe Homes and Poison Prevention Puppet Program.

The committee, Public Service Announcements, was integrated into Public Relations.

Two new projects were selected for 1989-90 year: a Domestic Violence Video and an East Bradenton Children’s Playground.

The Three Year Future Plan was updated.

Twelve Bylaw Amendments were approved.

Minimum requirements for membership to single placement were revised.

Trainings were presented: Improving Family Communication and Leadership and Team Development.

February group meetings were held. Topics included Antiques, Entertaining, Flower Arranging, PMS, Stenciling, Emotional Problems in Children and Adolescents and L.E.A.P. Program.

Provisional Project, the renovation of the Hope of Manatee County shelter’s kitchen, was completed.

JLMC hosted the first Get-Out-to-Vote at the September General Meeting. It was a coalition with the Chamber of Commerce.

Dorothy Ridings, publisher of the Bradenton Herald and former National President of the League of Women Voters, spoke at the January General Meeting.

The JLMC distributed Motion Picture Association of America (MPA) rating posters to local video stores, a follow-up to Junior League 1988 Video Legislation.

Held the first JLMC Community Advisory Board meetings and selected four new candidates to increase CAB to ten.

A redesigned and updated JLMC brochure was printed with corporate underwriting from Tropicana.

JLMC received the Bradenton Herald Golden Gavel Award for overall service to the community.

JLMC received the Sarasota Herald Tribune Silver Gavel Award for sponsoring the 1988 Video Violence Legislation. Presentation was made at the September General Meeting by Marjorie North.

JLMC celebrated a decade of service to Manatee County with a Gala at River Wilderness.

JLMC approved a gift of $7,000 in mini-grants for training in the nonprofit sector of Manatee County.

JLMC approved the hiring of part time staff to begin June 1989.

Sea Notes published eight issues of the JLMC newsletter.

JLMC members attended SPAC trainings and marketing, finance and training planning seminar sponsored by JLMC.

Marian Meeks was selected to chair the State Family Welfare Task Force.

Susan McSwain won AAUW Leadership Award in the Volunteer Community Service Category.

Sustainer, Jo Harrison, won AAUW Leadership Award in the Lifetime Achievement Category.

Sustainers held four luncheon meetings throughout the year, coordinated the HGM Patron Party and were represented on the JLMC Board.

JLMC produced seventy-seven thousand gross dollars through fundraising.

JLMC spent twenty-five thousand dollars on direct projects in the community.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1989-1990

Board members received orientation and training at Manatee Palms, Ropes, Escape to Reality during June.

President, Patricia Holland, attended President’s Training in Winston- Salem, North Carolina and annual conference in Toronto, Canada.

President-Elect Julie Taylor attended President-Elect’s training in Atlanta; President-Elect’s training in Savannah, Georgia and annual conference in Toronto, Canada.

AWARDS:

Sarasota Herald wooden gavel Community Service for Hope Project.

Bradenton Herald - First Place, Community Service Award.

Volunteer Services - Civic Award, Hope Project.

Model Project - Hope Project selected to be a model project at The Association of Junior Leagues International Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Domestic Violence Video - The Association of Junior Leagues International Honorable Mention.

Domestic Violence Television Public Service Announcements - The Association of Junior Leagues International Honorable Mention.

FUNDRAISERS:

Holiday Gift Market produced profits of $31,500.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap produced profits of $9,000.

Stationery Sales produced profits of $3,000.

SOCIALS:

Valentine Party, River Wilderness

Road Rally, Ganey Ranch

PROJECTS:

4th Edition, 8,500 copies of Children’s Services Brochure were printed and distributed.

.

Children’s Theater completed 104 creative dramatic workshops of the Jungle Book.

Domestic Violence Video "Danger Behind Closed Doors" was completed it was aired on Channel 40, Paragon Cable and Channel 8.

East Bradenton Park Playground was completed and presented to the community at Better Manatee Day.

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

New JLMC banner and JLMC balloons.

Community Awareness Forum.

Street Fair Booth.

Radio Public Service Announcements on WDUV.

Television Public Service Announcements on Channel 40.

JLMC booth at Manatee County Fair.

Entered five categories for Public Relations competition at Association level.

Hired first League secretary.

Moved headquarters to Beachway Plaza, held Open House.

Get Acquainted social for fifty-four new provisionals.

Added four new Community Advisory Board members.

League representatives attended Fall Conference in Tampa and Spring Conference in Tallahassee.

Association of Junior Leagues changed name to The Association of Junior Leagues International.

Presented new Junior League of Manatee County tee shirts to membership.

Held Community Advisory Board orientation dinner at Bradenton Country Club.

Five mini-meets were held in October.

The Association of Junior League International announced VISA charge cards as fundraiser.

Community Advisory Board member spotlights in Sea Notes.

Public Affairs Printed a brochure featuring recycling.

Holiday Gift Market, "I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas", held November 9-11.

Improved billing systems, computerized financial record keeping, advance training in creative financing and fundraising by the Association of Junior Leagues International Financial Liaison.

Completed and approved audit.

SPAC contest, Trash Rappin’, to local high schools.

Commissioner and Community Advisory Board member, Kathy Snell, spoke on "The Importance of Advocacy in Public Policy Making".

Cynthia Serra, Citizen Against Crime, Education Training.

JLMC and Bradenton Herald host Jack Levine’s: Political Muscle for Manatee County Children.

Community Advisory Board members Future Planning Update.

Three-year future plan goals and objectives were approved and updated.

JLMC members attended traveling workshops in Orlando.

Received $200 from Publix George W. Jenkins Foundation for East Bradenton Park.

President’s Reception held for new active members.

Rural Health Center Project approved.

Eight bylaw amendments were approved.

Executive Board held luncheon for Sustainer at Dockers Restaurant.

Recycling Project approved.

Leadership Development course approved.

Sea Notes published eight issues of the JLMC newsletter.

Sustainers held three luncheon meetings throughout the year, coordinated the Holiday Gift Market Patron Party and were represented on the JLMC Board.

Junior League of Manatee County spent $21,125 on direct projects in the community.

Approved and purchased new Laser Printer and computer software.

Annual meeting held at River Wilderness.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1990-1991

TRAINING:

Board of Directors received training and orientation at Manatee Palms, Ropes, Escape to Reality. A nine hour course in Parliamentary Procedure was also provided to the Board by Jane B. Pratt, Registered Parliamentarian.

President, Julie Taylor, attended AJLI Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada.

President-Elect, Sally Mills, attended AJLI training in Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Sally Mills and Brenda Cohenour attended Leadership Development Intensive Training in Chicago, Illinois.

Virginia Knowles represented JLMC at the Keep Florida Beautiful training.

The general membership was given the opportunity to participate in a Time Management Seminar offered by the Franklin Institute. Sixty-five members participated.

Sally Mills, Vicki Morrish and Cheri Taxdal participated in AJLI traveling workshops in Orlando.

1992 President Elect Brenda Cohenour and incoming President Sally Mills attended AJLI Annual Conference in Orlando.

Speakers scheduled on water quality and indigent health care addressed League.

AWARDS:

Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel: Domestic Violence Video

Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel: East Bradenton Park Playground

Manatee County Board of County Commissioners: Outstanding Community Service, Rural Health Service Parrish Clinic Renovation

Manatee County Chamber of Commerce: Keep Florida Beautiful Founding Sponsor

FUNDRAISERS:

Holiday Gift Market, "Babes In Toyland" theme, net revenues $34,000.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale net revenues $10,793.

Stationery Sales net revenues $1,158.

First Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament net revenues $14,500.

SOCIALS:

Road Rally and Bar-B-Que.

Colony Beach Club Clam Bake

PROJECTS:

Renovation of the Rural Health Service Clinic, Parrish, Florida.

Fifth Annual reprinting of Children’s Services Brochure, distribution of 8,500.

Continued Discovery Place involvement updating exhibits and researching 1992 project for complete renovation and hiring of personnel.

Recycling Teaching Kits developed and piloted at six area schools received overwhelming response.

Portable video equipment researched and ordered for viewing public presentation of the Domestic Violence Video, "Danger Behind Closed Doors".

Provisional projects included renovation of the Teen Room at the West Bradenton Girls’ Club and development of a Children’s Corner with play activities at the Rural Health Service Clinic in Parrish.

Children’s Theater presented the Asolo Touring Theater production "Aladdin’s Lamp" to local elementary schools.

A Farm Workers’ Health Fair and Fiesta was held at the Parrish Clinic, Manatee County Rural Health Service. Over 500 people attended with vital health screening provided to over 150 indigent people. Bike raffles, free food, music, pony rides and children’s activities highlighted the spring day.

Participated in Adopt-A-Highway program adopting Manatee Avenue West from 19th Street West to 5th Street East.

Participated in AJLI national immunization campaign locally publicizing the need for vaccinations for children.

ADMINISTRATIVE;

1991-1993 Long Range Plan developed and approved by membership.

Jeanne Davis hired as office manager to provide professional guidance to League.

Computer software upgraded, laser printer and expanded memory added.

Financial Policies and Procedures developed and approved by Board of Directors.

Self-Submission system refined by Nominating Committee.

Initiated development of Committee Policies and Procedure Manual.

Exchange and joint board meeting held for 1991 and 1992 Boards.

COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS:

Received $250 from Kiwanis Club of Bradenton.

Local public stands adopted in support of the Children’s Services, Referendum and Botanical Gardens, and Keep Florida Beautiful.

Increased medical care for indigent families was supported through advocating local and county support and in writing feature editorial.

Community Affairs continued to match League members with area nonprofit organization’s Boards of Directors. Three new members were welcomed to the Community Advisory Board: William Novak, Dorothy Ridings and Lois Flach

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SUSTAINERS:

Presented annual Patron Party at the Holiday Gift Market.

Held holiday party for Sustainers at the home of Faye and Wayne Rickert, December 13,1990.

"Best Salad Luncheon" at Maureen Magnon’s home, March 14, 1990.

Sustainers supported League fundraising events and projects by volunteering to help whenever needed and asked.

The Annual Dinner was held at the Bradenton Yacht Club where fifty-two new active members were welcomed into service and the new 1991-1992 officers were introduced.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1991-1992

Executive Committee met in April for an overnight planning session for the coming League year.

All chairmen met in May for a Leadership Orientation.

Board members met again in May for an evening Board Orientation.

The IRS visited us in May for an audit of 1988-89.

A fax machine was installed in League headquarters.

In June we increased our office manager’s, Jeanne Davis, hours to full time.

In August we hired a part-time employee, Becky Arpaia, for Discovery Place.

August was the time for Arrangements to hold an end-of-the-summer party: "Beach Bash"at River Wilderness Country Club.

All of our General meetings, except for November, were held at Bradenton Christian School. The November meeting was held at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center.

President-Elect Brenda Cohenour, Public Affairs Chairman Connie Barnes and committee member Patti Quinn traveled to Pensacola in September for the State Public Affairs Committee (SPAC) conference.

Sally Mills, President, and Brenda Cohenour, President-Elect, attended the AJLI President/President-Elect Conference in Raleigh, N.C. in October.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap, our first fundraiser for the year, raised over $11,000 in profits.

An Active, Sustainer, Provisional coffee was held at Mary Anne Spencer’s home in September.

Recycling bags were made available through the Recycling Committee and we sold 144 to our members and the community.

The Recycling Committee distributed the recycling kits to the Manatee elementary schools in October.

Volunteers cleaned our adopted stretch of highway one Saturday in October for the Adopt-A-Highway program.

A newly designed HGM brochure was designed and 20,000 were distributed in Manatee, Sarasota and Venice counties.

Holiday Gift Market was held in November at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center for the first time. Attendance for three days was over 10,000 and our profits were over $43,000.

The Education Committee presented "Wednesday Workshops" for League members. The topics were: parenting, creating Christmas wreaths, flower arranging, landscaping and healthy cooking.

Paula Jonsson and an appointed committee "overhauled" our by-laws to correctly separate by-laws from standing rules and policies and procedures.

Children’s Theater presented "The Frog Prince" which was performed by Asolo Performing Theater. Every first and third grade class in the Manatee County Public Schools was given the performance. One hundred and sixty workshops were given by League volunteers.

League volunteers worked with the Supervisor of Elections to register Manatee County residents to vote.

Besides the overhaul of By-Laws, we voted in five revisions of our by-laws.

League members attended Chamber of Commerce "Business after Hours".

Sea Notes published nine issues and is looking forward to turning the newsletter into a quarterly publication.

Rubonia Community Center agreed to let Jane Pratt, Parliamentarian, attend their Board meetings to increase their awareness of parliamentary procedure.

The Rubonia Community Center was demolished and the new building is underway with a completion time set for September of 1992.

Sally Mills was Grand Marshal at the Rubonia Mardi Gras parade. League volunteers assisted the Rubonia Community Center to raise over $3,000 for the Center.

The Teen Peer Panel Program was presented in Manatee County Public Middle Schools through the Human Growth and Development classes.

The Children’s Services Brochure was printed in English and also in Spanish. We distributed 12,000 copies in the community.

The Arrangements Committee held a party for the holiday season at the Peridia Country Club for Provisionals, Actives, and Sustainers, and their spouses in December.

President Sally Mills and President-Elect Brenda Cohenour attended a Florida State Junior League’s conference held in West Palm Beach in January.

Nominating slated eleven League members to attend the AJLI trainings were in Orlando in April.

The Spring Swing Golf Tournament was held at El Conquistador Country Club and raised over $13,000.

A new copier was purchased for League headquarters.

Placement interviews were held at Ann Graham’s home in April.

The Sustainers held three dinner meetings and one luncheon throughout the year.

The Provisionals completed their provisional course and their project at the PACE Center for girls.

President Sally Mills and Second Vice President Stephanie Keezel, attended the Association of Junior Leagues International Annual Conference held in April.

A Community Advisory Board Luncheon was held in April at the Bradenton Country Club.

We netted over $67,000 in fundraisers and spent $47,000 on projects.

We admitted twenty-eight new actives at our May Annual Dinner held at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1992-1993

Brenda Cohenour served as President until December and attended the AJLI President’s Training in Atlanta.

Ann Sisk assumed the Presidency in December, attended the AJLI President Elect Training in Atlanta (Fall) and Nashville (Spring), the SPAC/PE conference in Boca Raton and was accompanied by Laura Baden to Annual Conference in St. Louis (May).

Lynne Callahan, Stephanie Keezel, Sandy Ladika, Teri McCammack and Kerri Pearce attended the AJLI Organizational Development Institutes in Orlando on October 18 and 19.

Sponsored Grant Seminar for forty community members, held at the Christ Episcopal Church Hall on February 16, 1993, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Sponsored Speaker’s Training by Judy Sedgeman on May 25, 1993 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Speakers at General Membership meetings included Senator John McKay (education issues), Captain Brad Steube (drug awareness), Rev. James Adams (Rubonia Community Center, Director), Alexandra Kazaks (fitness) and Joan Rupert, R.N. (Breast center awareness).

January mini-meets held at business locations and Active members’ homes on topics such as: home decorating, massage therapy, parenting, table arrangements, small businesses, healthy meals, flower arranging and other topics.

Holiday Decorating Workshop, presented by Nancy Ostrander, was held at the Barnett Bank Training Center on November 18, 1992.

The Executive Overnight Planning and Networking session was held at the Baden’s home on April 16 and 17, 1993.

Leadership Orientation included the "Ropes to Reality" program at Manatee Palms, chairmanship, financial policies and leadership training, held May 14 and 15, 1993.

Focusing Seminar presented by AJLI Service Provider, Catherine Forrester, was held at the Park Inn on May 14, 1993.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:

Rubonia Youth Center - Final construction, furnishing, assistance in hiring full-time director and securing funding grants, board training, building dedication on April 4, 1993 and participation in Rubonia’s Mardi Gras.

Rubonia Day Care Center - Researched the feasibility of adding a playroom.

Teen Peer Panel Program (TPPP) - Presented fourteen parent panels to middle school youths.

Discovery Place - Continued part-time coordinator, sponsored third grade tours and facilitated the close and eventual relocation of exhibits.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) - Worked with this organization to provide age and gender specific personalized bags for displaced children.

Selby Day School/Children’s Haven - Renovated the nursery and play areas and held a grand opening ceremony on April 4, 1993.

AWARDS:

Sarasota Herald Tribune Golden Gavel - Teen Peer Panel Program.

Bradenton Herald Community Club Awards - Recycling Kits.

Manatee County School Board - Plaque for sponsoring school tours of Discovery Place/Central Library.

Keep Manatee Beautiful - Certificate for participating in Adopt-A-Highway.

FUNDRAISERS:

Sally Foster Gift Wrap sales held in October 1992 had proceeds of $10,400.

Holiday Gift Market, "Christmas Around the World", held November 5, 6, and 7, 1992 at the Manatee Convention and Civic Center, had proceeds of $41,600.

Third Annual Spring Swing Golf Tournament, held at El Conquistador Country Club, had proceeds of $15,100.

SOCIALS:

Provisional "Get Acquainted" was held on Tuesday, August 18, 1992 at the home of Ann Graham.

Sustainer/Active/Provisional Tea was held on November 21, 1992 at the home of Mary Anne Spencer.

The Christmas Party was held at the Bradenton Country Club on December 19, 1992.

The Road Rally/Beach Bash was held at the Colony Beach and Racquet Club on Saturday, April 17, 1993.

The Membership Mixer was held on April 8, 1993 at the home of Connie Barnes.

COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS:

Placed 18 members, including two Sustainers, on community boards.

Held CAB luncheons on September 23, January 20 and March 17 at the Bradenton Country Club to discuss such topics as community programming, fundraising and advocacy and lobbying efforts.

Laura Baden, Cynthia Baird and Tami Johnson participated in the Task Forces at the State Public Affairs Conference in Boca Raton on September 25 and 26.

Cynthia Baird was our representative to the legislative session in Tallahassee in the spring.

PUBLICATIONS/PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Premiered the Sea Notes as a magazine and published four quarterly issues. Began them as monthly newsletter publishing nine issues.

Published first Annual Report and placed JLMC publicity booth at Snooty’s Party in the Park, Holiday Gift Market and Women’s Resource Expo.

SUSTAINERS:

High Tea was held on December 10, 1992.

"Bring Your Best Salad" was held on April 14, 1993 at noon at the home of Sandra Robinson.

Presented the annual Patron Party on November 5, 1992.

Held quarterly Sustainer Board meetings and provided Sustainer Representative as liaison to Sustainer and Active Boards.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Addition of the Pionex 486 computer and communication software to interface with AJLI’s Bulletin Board System Added portable phone, facsimile and answering machine to President’s home.

Held placement interviews at the home of Ann Graham on April 14 and 15, 1993.

Approved by-law changes on Public Affairs chairman tenure, provisional age requirements, standing rule on per diem travel reimbursement and personnel policies on sick leave and vacation.

Created Focusing Committee and Ad Hoc Cookbook Committee for next year.

The Annual Dinner Meeting was held at El Conquistador Country Club for awards of current leadership, induction of new officers and acceptance of new active members.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 1993-1994

TRAINING:

Ann Sisk and Laura Baden attended AJLI President/President-Elect’s training in Charlotte, N.C. (October) , the Florida Leagues’ training in Clearwater-Dunedin (January) and AJLI’s Annual Conference in Dallas (May). Laura Baden also attended President-Elect training in Washington, D.C. (February).

The Organization Development Institute (ODI) held in Orlando was attended by Vicki Morrish, LuAnn Cajoleas, Debbie Meissner, Beth Duke and Sandy Bouwer.

An AJLI sponsored multicultural session held in Orlando was attended by Susan Wilcox, Julie Galvano and Sandy Deitrich.

The Board Orientation/Training overnight session for chairmen was held at DaySpring Episcopal Center in conjunction with the monthly board meeting on September 24 and 25.

The Executive Overnight Planning session was again held at the Baden’s island home on February 18.

The Chairman Orientation Overnight was held at the Day Spring Episcopal Center on May 21, 1994.

At the January and February General meetings, the Community Research Committee hosted community leaders who spoke on the most pressing needs for community services in Manatee County. From these discussions the membership chose to address the focus area of early childhood/parenting skills for our future community programs.

Other speakers at the General Membership meetings included Congressman Dan Miller at the September meeting and Citizens Against Crime at the March meeting.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS:

Rubonia Day Care Center Playroom Addition - With $39,000 from JLMC, $10,000 from Taylor and Fulton and many corporate and individual in-kind donations of goods and services, the playroom opened on May 19, 1994.

Rubonia Community Center - This was the third and final year of service to this center. Included in the $1900 expenditure were salaries and equipment for the summer programs and Parliamentary trainings were for the board to allow it to function independently in the future.

Teen Peer Parent Panel - Presented teen parent panels in conjunction with the School Board to middle school youth. Additionally, a member of the panel spoke at our General Membership meeting. The $1,000 was used to train the JLMC members who facilitated the panels.

Discovery Place - The Discovery Place was moved to the South Florida Museum (SFM). A contract with the SFM was negotiated to provide continual operation of this hands-on museum for the next three years. With $5000, new furnishings and exhibits were purchased. An open house was held in October.

Public Health Department Waiting Room Renovation - The Provisional Class created a rain forest theme children’s waiting room with a $1,000 budget and lots of in-kind donations. The Open House held on April 14 was attended by local dignitaries and was featured in the media.

Campus Clean-Up/Green Up -This project used $350 to coordinate a clean campus program at several elementary schools and provide videos for award incentives.

AWARDS:

Bradenton Herald Community Club Award for the Rubonia Community Center as Best New Project .

Merit Award from the National Advancement for Colored People (NAACP) Bradenton Branch Award for our outstanding community service.

AJLI’s Public Service Announcement Award (PSA)), third place for the video "Where a Woman Can Make A Difference".

Cheri Taxdal received the Volunteer of the Year Award from JLMC.

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