West Lakes Chapter
February 2015 Newsletter

     

President's Letter

 West Lakes Members,

 

As Valentine's Day approaches, I think of a quote from David Viscott, "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides."  It's simple and packs so much meaning.  However, we tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. 

 

Spread the love to those around you; remember that not only today, but each day you can make a difference in someone's life.  You don't need an excuse or a special day to show someone you care.  I encourage each of us to look ahead to the West Lakes Calendar and celebrate the wonderful opportunities that we have to let others know we care through the month of February.  We have an amazing Chapter Tea planned for February 8 and Pam Borton is excited to join us as guest speaker.   Indulge in your favorite sweets, embrace your loved ones and make someone around you feel good today!

 

Robin Brown

President West Lakes Chapter

Those who can...DO! Those who can do more...VOLUNTEER!

 
Upcoming Events:
please mark your calendar:
philanthropy highlights

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 article submitted by: 

Philanthropy co-VP, Mary Prouty

 

My daughters and I love to attend the theater.   We feel fortunate to live in a metropolitan area that provides a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the arts; whether it's theater, museums or dance.

 

When West Lakes Chapter added Stepping Stone Theatre in St. Paul as their 11th philanthropy partner last May, I had no idea of what to expect.  I knew the theatre served youth from diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds by teaching life skills through theatre.  In June, I had the opportunity to volunteer with my daughter Shea.  If you have ever volunteered at Stepping Stone, you know that part of the experience is the opportunity to stay to watch the play.  The production was enjoyable and the young actors were terrific.

 

During the holiday break, we volunteered again, this time Paige was able to join us.  The play was "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever".  The play centered around the five Herdman kids, considered the town delinquents. When they heard about delicious snacks being served after each Christmas pageant practice at a local church, they signed up for the pageant.  Through their hilarious interpretation of the Christmas story, not only do the Herdmans, but the entire town, learn the true meaning of Christmas. As I sat in the theater with my daughters, I glanced over and noticed them engaged in the play and laughing.  It was a great night!

 

Next time you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, consider Stepping Stone Theatre, it's worth the drive.

 

Please check the monthly volunteer calendar for Stepping Stone Theatre volunteer opportunities.

 

Upcoming productions:

January 30 - February 22   Four Little Girls:  

  Birmingham 1963

March 13 - March 29           Shooting Kabul

April 24 - May 17                  One Grain of Rice

July 11 - August 2                 Jack & The Giant Beanstalk

 

SteppingStone Theatre's mission is "to develop the whole child by using educational theatre programs, and fully staged productions to build self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of community while celebrating diversity in a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere."

 

 


Each year in the months of January and February, National Charity League, Inc. chapters from around the nation participate in "Service from the Heart", NCL, Inc.'s National Philanthropy Initiative supporting military families.  This year West Lakes Chapter will be making greeting cards as part of this national initiative for Operation Homefront. 

 

Date:        Sunday February 15, 2015

Time:       4:00-5:00pm 

Location:  Jill and Riley Zang's home

18913 Explorer Trail

Eden Prairie, MN 


Operation Homefront Card Making Take Home Option:

For those that are unable to attend the card making session on Saturday, February 15, please sign up to pick up (1) packet of cards to make at home.  There is a separate event on the chapter calendar for the take home option.  The packets will be available for pick up at the Chapter Tea on Sunday, February 8.  You must be signed up in advance to receive a packet (so we know how many to make).  Instructions will be included in the packet.  A due date and drop off location for the cards will be enclosed in the packet.  Each mother/daughter will receive 1 philanthropy hour.  You may log your philanthropy hour only after the packet has been dropped off.

 

Since we have a limited number of supplies, you may only participate in one of these options (either event OR take home).

 

Please visit the chapter calendar to sign up for the event or to register for the take home option.  Thank you for supporting this national initiative of NCL, Inc. and also our philanthropy partner, Operation Homefront.
null

Operation Homefront:

A national 502 (c)(3) nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence, and has met more than 590,000 needs of military families since its inception in 2002.  A four-star charity by watchdog Charity Navigator; nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members.

 
Julie Nelson: Kare 11 Anchor and Mom shared insights at January Patroness Meeting
 
julie nelson january P meeting Kare 11 Anchor and Mom, Julie Nelson, joined the Patroness Meeting on January 13, 2015.   She had some great tips to share based on her experience as a mother of two daughters and tapping into her pool of role models, experts, and mentors that she has had access to during her time as a news anchor.    A few of Julie's tips include:

- take advantage of car rides as opportunities to talk
- make sure your kids know that you love them 'without strings' 
- be able to laugh at yourself
- Be careful of the 'race to nowhere' with everyone's busy schedules

- take advantage of quiet time 

 

Thank you Julie for sharing your time and experience with West Lakes Patronesses.

 
Don't miss in February
 
Annual Chapter Tea
Stepping Stone Theater Highlights and Service from the Heart: Operation Homefront
Bylaws Revision Information
 
monthly inspiration









article submitted by:
Kim Brandser, Sustainer Chair

The Class of 2015 and 2016 Ticktockers gathered with the West Lakes Sustainers for the  Annual Sustainer Brunch on Sunday, January 4. Patty Goodburn graciously hosted this brunch at her home. Sustainers Hayley Brandser, Anna Johnson, and Katie LaCroix served as a panel where Ticktockers could ask questions, get helpful advice, and learn about their college experiences. "I loved having the opportunity to hear Anna, Katie, and Hayley talk about their life and experiences in college," said junior Lindsay Weliver. This event was a success, and we hope it continues to grow in the future as our daughters head off to college.

 
NCL, Inc. National Conference
ncl national conference 
WHERE:  Sheraton Seattle - Seattle, Washington 
WHEN: April 22-24, 2015

All NCL Patroness Members are
Welcome and Encouraged to Attend  

More information is available on the National Conference Website.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Patty Goodburn, VP of Communications.  The Board must be aware of your plans to attend as a West Lakes representative prior to registration so we can share accommodation/budget information with you.  It's a wonderful, enriching NCL experience!

 
mark your calendar

February 8, 2015
West Lakes Annual Tea
2:00-4:00pm
St. Paul Hotel

March 3, 2015
Patroness Meeting
7:00-8:30pm
Star Bank

Grade Level Ticktocker Meetings
dates vary by grade

April 12, 2015
New Member Orientation
12:30-1:00pm
Chapter Awards & Senior Recognition
2:00-4:00pm
Bearpath Golf & Country Club


Please visit West Lakes Chapter Website 

for further details and 

remember to RSVP for each event

 

Thanks to each of you for your support in continuing to grow and develop our chapter.  We had a successful membership drive (which closed on January 22) and will be delivering invitations to New members on February 11, 2014.

 

We look forward to meeting and welcoming our new Provisional Members at New Member Orientation on April 12, 2014.  They will also join us that day as we celebrate the year's accomplishments at our Annual Awards & Senior Recognition Event.

 
Chapter Bylaws Revision
 
As part of the national initiative directed by NCL, Inc., each chapter of the organization is in the process of adopting new chapter bylaws.  The West Lakes Board approved the bylaws template at the February 8, 2015 board meeting. Active Patroness Members will be voting to adopt the revised chapter bylaws at the Annual Tea on February 8, 2015.  Please take a moment to review the documents and ask any questions.  The new bylaws will be in effect for the coming 2015-2016 membership year (effective June 1, 2015).

  • Bylaws - new
  • Summary of Changes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions at all please contact Heather Bley, West Lakes Parliamentarian at hbley11@yahoo.com
 
Class of 2015:  Senior Questionnaire

 We are looking forward to celebrating and honoring the Class of 2015 at our Annual Awards & Senior Recognition event.  Seniors, please remember to return your questionnaires so that we have all of your information.

 
  


 
ticktocker corner
  
Class of 2015
article provided by Katrina Orthmann

 

  

The Class of 2015 January meeting was a quick check-in. The girls discussed important upcoming dates and events and started to get organized for the next meeting. Some girls attended the wonderful Sustainer Brunch before the meeting and shared what they learned with the rest of the group.

   

Class of 2016

article provided by Lindsay Weliver


 

This month the 2016 class heard Robin Brown speak about the upcoming Ticktocker election process this spring.  We accomplished our NCL focus point by bringing our favorite healthy snack with the recipe, and we categorized our snack as yummy, healthy, portable or easy.  We worked on making mini flower pots for residents at the colony for our philanthropy project in March.  The senior video is being planned, and we are making it a bit different this year.  The Class of 2016 is excited to start a new year with more volunteering and a self-defense class in the spring.

 

Class of 2017

article provided by Shelby Lyons

 

For our grade level meeting this month we went to the ropes course at MOA and challenged ourselves to overcome our fears as a team. Our goal was to see how far we could make it as a team. We decided to further challenge ourselves and do the zip line at the end. I don't think any one of us could say we weren't nervous, but we supported each other, and by the end every member of the group had a smile on their faces.
 

Class of 2018

article provided by Megan Kuntz
   The Class of 2018 had a meeting at Sara Haines house to talk about what roles we wanted to be in this next NCL year to get ready for the coming election process. We also watched a video called America's Obsession, which was about self image. It was all about how much Americans (mainly girls) obsess over how they look.
 

Class of 2019

article provided by Liz Marsh

 

For the month of January, the 2019 class had a "meal planning"  meeting.  We had a great time planning our meal (caesar salad, pizza and cookies), cooking our meal and the best of all eating our meal.  The night was fantastic and we left with smiles on our faces

Class of 2020

article provided by GLAD: Kristi Hall

 

The class of 2020's January meeting focused on fostering self-confidence and life skills.  The Minneapolis Airport Fire Department taught the girls fire safety, hand to hand CPR, how to use an AED and other basic safety skills.  They also treated the girls to a tour of the firehouse which included crawling around the in the trucks!