| Current Members | |
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Marcy Dent
I joined Junior League of Cedar Rapids for two reasons, to meet people and to have an impact on my community. The first reason was easy to fulfill – I met wonderful, interesting, sincere women who are today my best girlfriends. The impact, however, surprised me. We’ve made an impact on the community to be sure, but perhaps the biggest impact I’ve made personally is on my daughter. When asked recently by a family member what she wanted to be when she grew up she answered, “a teacher, like Mrs. Carstensen, and a volunteer, like my mom.” I’ve taken both of my children with me on various Junior League project opportunities, and obviously it’s been great for them to see that a small effort can make a big difference. So if all of us as members can influence one other person to volunteer and make an impact, then we’ve done a much bigger job than we set out to do. |
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Ann Oleson I joined Junior League three years ago in order to meet new women outside of my other circles. There aren’t words to describe how unbelievably talented the women of Junior League of Cedar Rapids are. They are leaders, role models, humanitarians, and volunteers who believe in making a difference in the lives of others. My most significant Junior League experience was the role I played in Ladies Titan Tire Challenge. I lead the marketing effort creating a comprehensive campaign from logo development to web site development to the soliciting and execution of over $50,000 worth of media that was donated by sponsors. We had over 50 mentions in the news and given front page of the sports section articles. I have never worked with such an amazing group of individuals, over 15 directors of different areas for an international tournament. Junior League has not only allowed me the opportunity to meet other women and develop strong friendships but has given me training opportunities including attending national conferences, leadership roles, skills development, and the opportunity to serve on a board with inspirational women that truly make a difference. |
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Anne Parmley My greatest memory and accomplishment as a member of JLCR and the most fun I have had in a long time was all due to JLCR's involvement in the Ladies Titan Tire Challenge. I was asked by League to serve as Volunteer Chair for the tournament. Initially I had it in my head that I would need to recruit about 200 volunteers to serve the various roles necessary to support the event. Well only a few weeks before tournament week, when I had all the volunteer needs from the various committee chairs, I realized we were only half way there! In the end we had just shy of 400 JLCR and community volunteers! They were the best group of volunteers one could ask for; I can't imagine there are very many volunteer-led events have so many dedicated, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers. Not only did I get to network with all the volunteers getting them ready for the tournament, I also made valuable new connections in our community that will serve me for years to come. When it was all said and done... I was ready to take on the Masters! |
| Sustainers | |
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Deana Berg During my involvement in League I am proud to say that I have seen 8 different presidents and boards come and go and some fabulous projects! I worked in Bever Park to make EIEIO a reality, along with chanting during meetings what EIEIO stood for. I counted coins and dollars when we were saving the Science Station. I recall sitting at Taylor Elementary and this young girl telling another young girl a story that would have made a sailor blush. I served on the Fall Fundraiser (UHM), I was on the committee for the 1st BK, mini-fundraiser's, DIAD, I have served as an Advisor two different times, Social Committee, and lastly Assistant Nominating Chair and Nominating Chair. I truly feel over the years that League has given me so much. I will take from League some of my best friends, a ton of memories, and the satisfaction that not only did I learn to give to my community, but that I was blessed by working with amazing women! |
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Dorea Burkamper |
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Alison Noonan Alison shares that “the first week I moved to Cedar Rapids from Chicago, I met a terrific Junior League member. After getting to know her, she invited me to Welcome Night. Needless to say, after that night I was hooked! I will always be proud to have been involved in such a tremendous organization. I should now thank my friend who invited me to Welcome Night all of those years ago, because I have truly met some of my favorite people in Cedar Rapids through Junior League!! Thinking back over the years, I have so many wonderful memories, however, the one that always comes to mind is painting the barn at EIEIO. Although I am a terrible painter, it was tough work, and the paint stained my hands for weeks, I had a blast out there with fellow league members.” Alison’s favorite placements have been Butterfly Kisses Chair, serving on the board, and being an advisor. |
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Jen Smith "JLCR is such a wonderful group of women who are committed to our community and organization. I am proud to say I have been an active member of such an amazing group!” One of Jen’s fondest memories of JLCR is her provisional project to improve the living room and kids play area at the Madge Phillip center. “We had a vision and the results far exceeded our own expectations while forming great friendships within our class.” Jen is grateful for the friendships she has made while working on various projects and fundraisers. Her favorite placement was being an advisor and learning how our organization operates. Parting thoughts from Jen? “League is filled with dedicated members that now how to execute and achieve results. |
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Shantelle Smrha Shantelle Smrha joined JLCR in 2000. During her nine years, Shantelle has served as V.P. of Membership, V.P. of Finance, V.P. of Administration, Membership Development Co-Chair/Chair, At-Large Board Member, EIEIO Treasurer, Mini-Fundraiser Co-Chair, and Butterfly Kisses committee member. When asked what she would like new members to know about JLCR, she answered by saying: “Being a member of the Junior League is an experience where you should always feel free to dream big, fail, learn from your mistakes, change course, and live to dream again with greater purpose and resolution than ever before. As with everything the Junior League does, this purpose and resolution benefits our community in countless ways as you take those lessons with you through life. Now volunteering isn’t always so rewarding. There will be times when you wonder why you bother. When the last thing at the end of the day you want to do is go to another meeting. You’ll wonder if anyone even knows or cares how hard you’ve worked. And, during those times, you must stop and try to imagine Cedar Rapids without Playtime Poppy, without the Madge Phillips Center, without the Science Station. Volunteering then takes on a new light. It no longer seems like a chore, but rather something you do, because you can, and because someone needs your help. The Junior League truly has made a difference in our community. And, our organization continues to make a difference right now, today and tomorrow with your help.” |
********************************************************************************************************************* "I loved seeing the ASAC clients and their families when last year's New Member Class unveiled their new rec room - they were so excited to have a new space and I was really proud of all the hard work that went into making it happen." Members...Submit Your Stories Here |