“There are over 1.4 million geocaches hidden around the world and more than 500 within a 25 mile radius of downtown Sioux City,” explains Lesa McDermott, project chair for Junior League of Sioux City. “The caches are hidden by local players for the enjoyment of those who may seek them. Junior League has recently hidden ten caches around Siouxland in locations that represent the organization’s history. And in an effort to make this activity more accessible to members of our community Junior League will provide seminar attendees with knowledge and tools to begin their geocaching experience.”

Saturday’s seminar is a kickoff for Junior League’s local geocaching project, an activity which encourages individuals and families to get outside, get moving and adopt healthy living in the Siouxland Community.  Following the seminar, people can return to the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center throughout the summer to rent geocaching kits, which were provided courtesy of the Junior League of Sioux City.

Get started with your geocaching experience with a little expert advice! Saturday’s seminar will be conducted by expert geocacher, Duane Kraayenbrink, who has found over 2,700 geocaches and has placed over 100 geocaches himself.  The seminar is free but space is limited so pre-registration is encouraged. Sign up by calling the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at 712-258-0838.  A limited number of GPS units will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible. We hope to see you there.

# # #

About Junior League of Siouxland:
The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

Kids in the Kitchen committee members from JLSC have traditionally been focused on healthy eating habits as means of dealing with problems relating to childhood obesity.  Through volunteer  work at Hunt Elementary, it has been identified that many school-age children are responsible for the preparation of meals for themselves and younger siblings (because their parents are at work).  The reality is that these kids need to cook for themselves and younger siblings, because an adult simply is not available. “Given that reality, we want to provide these kids with education designed to help keep themselves and their families safe from kitchen injuries,” says Teresa Eames, JLSC Kids in the Kitchen committee chair.

JLSC volunteers will be joined by other community volunteers including staff from Siouxland Paramedics, Inc and Siouxland District Health for this event.

Community members can support Evening Bling by donating gently-used party wear such as dresses, gowns, men’s formal wear, shoes, purses and jewelry. Patrons bringing in donations during the kickoff event on January 21^st will receive a 50% off coupon good toward any item in the shop, up to a value of $15. Donations can be brought to the back door on the side of the building where refreshments will be served. 

 “Join us in celebrating our new partnership Women Aware,” invites Angie Schneiderman, Junior League President. “Your support of Evening Bling helps fund our collaborative focus to develop the potential of women.  Check out the high quality, gently used thrift offered at a reasonable price through Junior League’s Discovery Shop and support the program to make a direct investment back into the community.”

Following the kick off, Evening Bling will be an ongoing program run out of the Discovery Shop year-round. These items will be sold to shop patrons and all proceeds will be used to support women’s programming provided by Women Aware and Junior League. 

According to Women Aware Board President, Ann Knutson, “The funds raised through Evening Bling will help us provide solution-focused counseling that connects over 800 women a year to the resources they need to succeed in their homes and their communities.”

Evening Bling, run out of the Discovery Shop, is only sustainable through community backing. Community members are encouraged to support this cause and the Discovery Shop through both patronage and donations.

About Junior League of Siouxland:
The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

About Women Aware:
Women Aware is a United Way of Siouxland agency to help transform the emotional and economic future of people in transition through advocacy, education, information and referral.  Established in 1979, Women Aware provides an array of services including workshops, intense problem-solving counseling, housing and employment planning as well as referrals to other community resources that will help individuals attain self-sufficiency.  For more information, visit www.womenawarescia.org.

Events the JLSC has assisted with recently include picnics, food bank distribution, holiday parties, egg hunts, and water distribution for races. One notably successful project that was recently completed in conjunction with Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City was a building “refresh” project. Junior League ladies helped to freshen up and decorate one of the organization’s community rooms. Funds were used for new paint and rugs were donated for the floors. This Done in a Day project was a success not just because of the way the room turned out, but more importantly because it gives the youth members using it a place to feel more at home. 

Consider what Junior League can do to help your organization. Volunteer placements are generally scheduled in four-hour shifts for a half or full day event.  In addition to volunteer support, the JLSC will donate up to $75 per project to help with costs such as supplies or refreshments. This funding is made possible by the JLSC’s signature project, the Discovery Shop thrift store located at 316 W. 7^th Street. The support of the community allows the Junior League of Sioux City to invest back into Siouxland.

For 90 years, the JLSC has established a reputation of excellence by adopting community projects and providing organizations with the volunteer and funding support needed to succeed. Turn in your applications for support today! Organizations can access the “Done in a Day” application online at www.juniorleagueofsiouxcity.com/community-projects. For additional information or questions contact the Junior League office at 712-255-6619.

# # #

About Junior League of Siouxland: The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

 “This is a wonderful free annual event, that Junior League members enjoy putting on each year because of the joy that it brings to all that attend,” says Rhonda Mohrhauser Junior League’s Santa Day Committee Chair.

The Discovery Shop has been in business for more than 40 years and it is Junior Leagues main fundraiser.  The sales of the Discovery Shop go back directly into the community through the Junior League projects.

# # #

About Junior League of Siouxland: The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

In an effort to make the projects we support have greater impact in our community, The JLSC spent the 2009-2010 League year researching community needs and matching them with the interests of our members. Based on our findings, the JLSC has adopted the following focus statement as a framework within which 2012-2013 projects will be chosen: Promoting the Value of Healthy Living in Our Community.

If a local organization has a project idea that aligns with this statement, now is the time to submit an application to JLSC. Project applications are due by 5 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2011. Applications can be accessed online.The form must be filled out and returned to the Junior League main office located at 316 W. 7th Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51103.

If a group needs assistance filling out the project proposal application, or if people have questions about the potential of a project, please attend the FAQ Session to consult with a Junior League member. The FAQ session is being held on Tuesday, October 18^th at 6:30pm at the Junior League main office

Once received, project applications will be reviewed by the JLSC Project Development Committee and evaluated based on need, feasibility and goals. Please note, it is important for all project proposals to have a volunteer component. The JLSC is a training organization. Through projects we seek to address a community need and provide a meaningful experience for our members to take part in. For those seeking to be part of the volunteer experience, we encourage you to consider membership. For membership information, please check out the “Why Join Junior League?” section of our website.

###

About Junior League of Siouxland:
The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

Elected as board President, Angie Schneiderman of Berenstein, Moore Law Firm, has been a League member since 2003. Schneiderman’s League leadership has previously included Discovery Shop Chair, VP Finance, Food Bank Committee, DIAD Chair, Membership Advisor and Membership Development. “When I moved here nine years ago, Junior League provided me with roots in the community and a volunteer home in which to learn, grow and give back.  I’ve learned leadership skills and made many friends with Junior League, all while benefitting the community.  I am excited to lead this organization into its 91^st year of existence as we aim at Promoting the Value of Healthy Living in our community.”

Fellow League members leading the organization’s volunteer efforts this year include: Angela Ericson of Sioux City Parks & Rec, President-Elect; Michelle Bostinelos of SIMPCO, Secretary; Norita Breyfogle, VP of Operations; Laura Schmitt of Crary, Huff Law Firm, VP of Community; Julie Burhoop of Cannon, Moss, Brygger & Associates Architects, VP of Membership; Mandie Norby of St. Luke’s Health System, VP of Marketing; Cyndi Craig of IBC Insurance, Discovery Shop Chair; with Gwyneth Grey of Kay Flo Industries, Karrie Hruska of Berenstein, Moore Law Firm, and Sue Jerdee as Board Members at Large.  Pat Krage of Security National Bank will serve as Sustaining Director to the Board.

The Junior League is proud to have served Siouxland for 90 years with voluntarism and community-centered projects.  This year’s leadership slate is eager to continue the tradition and welcomes the involvement of new members. Learn more about membership opportunities.

# # #

About Junior League of Siouxland:
The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.

The saying goes, many hands make light work. This is certainly the case with the latest initiative established by the Junior League of Sioux City (JLSC). A new program called Structured Learning has been created in collaboration with Sioux City Community Schools, Morningside College Department of Nursing and Midwest Trauma Services Network.

Structured Play is a mental and social health project, which utilizes physical activity and play to enable children to learn effectively and succeed academically. This program is being piloted at Hunt Elementary School in Sioux City to inspire an enhanced learning environment.

Expected to help children learn effectively and succeed academically, this program uses simulation exercises taught by trained volunteers. The volunteers are being oriented into the program on September 19-21^st and the Structured Play program will be added to the school curriculum for Hunt first graders starting the last week of September.

Hunt Elementary first will utilize organized activities, which are usually completed in groups of 10-13 children, with 2 adult leaders.  The activity will include an objective that creates an opportunity for children to interact with each and solve a challenge. Following each activity, the children are briefed on what took place during the activity in terms of social interactions, role playing, recognizing emotions, and how they manage their emotions in the face of a challenge.  This helps reinforce social skills and allows a child to blend into a social group.

The Structured Play project is at the heart of Junior League’s current focus to “promote the value of healthy living in our community.” It is ideal to implement this focus by taking a vested interest in the youth of Siouxland, which is why League members have been so active in implementing the project in a timely fashion.

“This year JLSC has put a greater emphasis on volunteering in areas that support our group’s focus. Structured Play is a perfect example of how focusing on health is a holistic approach to nurturing the mind, body and spirit of those we are serving. League members are eager to enhance the mental and social health skills of our youth and prove what a positive difference a focus like this can have on a community,” say Angie Schneiderman, President of Junior League of Sioux City.   “We are investing in our future with these students.”

Junior League initially got involved with Hunt Elementary through the Adopt a School Project. The original intention was to donate needed school supplies and activity sets to enhance the learning environment for Hunt Students. However, as League members saw the faces of students light up when the equipment arrived, the group became inspired to do more. These inspirations lead to JLSCs decision to partner with key community organizations in an effort to develop the Structured Play program.

“Structure Play extends Junior League’s involvement from just donating needed supplies and equipment to developing the minds and bodies of children in our community,” says Jacilyn Joaquin, Junior League Project Chair. “The roles of our partner organizations have been instrumental. This project would not be possible without their support.”

Midwest Trauma Services Network and the Morningside College Department of Nursing have played integral roles in helping to implement this project. Midwest Trauma Services Network will instruct the “Structured Play” training for volunteers and then teach the curriculum to students of Hunt School’s first grade elementary classes. Morningside College nursing students will serve as the trained volunteers to assist with the “Structured Play” activities and then measure productivity through follow-up research.

The Junior League of Sioux City is proud to be working with respected community organizations to bring this valued program to the children of Hunt School. Volunteers interested in becoming involved with this program or other Junior League projects click here to learn about membership opportunities.

# # #

About Junior League of Siouxland:
The Junior League of Sioux City is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Junior League of Sioux City is always looking for new members who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.  The organization is a member of the Association of Junior Leagues International, which in its 105th year is comprised of over 300 Leagues and 200,000 members. The Junior League of Sioux City is in its 90th year of serving Siouxland.