Junior Leaguers celebrate 85 years of service

Sugar Loaf — On Monday, Sept. 11, the Junior League of Orange County will kick off its 85th year of service to children and families with a special program featuring guest speaker Kathy Short Rabon, At-Large Director of the International Association of Junior Leagues International. Rabon has been a member of the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, FL since 1989, is a past president and served on that organization’s board for ten years. Rabon’s community and professional endeavors have focused on an entrepreneurial approach to generating change by recognizing community needs, developing partnerships and creating initiatives to foster collaborative solutions. The discussion for this meeting will focus on how Junior League improves the community through the development of women as leaders. Recent Junior League projects in Orange County include an infant literacy program in cooperation with the Catskill-Ramapo Library System and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County, and the development of a Foster Family Association to increase networking and open communication among foster parents. In the wake of these successful programs, Rabon will address the next steps to foster stronger relationships with community partners, while deepening the Junior League experience for current and potential members. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Seligmann Estate in Sugar Loaf. Wine, cheese and other refreshments will be provided, and there will be a 6:45 p.m. call to order. Reservations are requested at 344.8554. Membership in the Junior League of Orange County is open to all women over the age of 21. Meetings are held the first Monday of each month from September through June. For more information, call 344-8554.