jsj_april

Don’t miss in this issue:

Age Group Activities

Teen Conference

NEW! Did You Know?

Parliamentary Procedures

Volume IV, Issue vi

P R I N C E W I L L I A M C O U N T Y C H A P T E R , J A C K & J I L L O F A M E R I C A , I N C .

THE JAY STREET JOURNAL

April 2012

“ A l l t h e n e w s t h a t ’ s f i t t o e n c o u r a g e , m o t i v a t e , i n f o r m , o h y e a h a n d p r i n t ! ”

The 2012 teen conference was held at the Gaylord Hotel in the National Harbor, MD from March15th to18th. This year’s theme was “Light the Dark, Make a Mark!”. The PWC teens worked really hard to complete awesome projects for each of the competing categories. We decided to use a Star Wars theme to get our message across. I am so proud of my chapter because we won 1st place in both the banner and scrapbook competition. Although we did not place in the display category, I am still not convinced we weren’t the best. I think the judges decided they couldn’t give PWC all the awards!

This year marks my third teen conference and I can honestly say each one has gotten better and better. The biggest difference this year is, as Teen Vice President, I attended as the alternate for our chapter. The perspective was definitely different. I was able to be more involved in the plenary sessions, making them a lot more interesting. Another highlight, was meeting so many new people. I had the opportunity to do so since I was sitting with other alternates, as well as delegates, from chapters across the Eastern Region. Additionally, as the PWC 2012 Distinguished Teen, I dined with other recognized teens. It was so awesome meeting new people and making new friends. I look forward to seeing them again. Some of us have already made plans to meet up at a few upcoming J&J teen parties.

Another highlight was the talent showcase portion of the conference. This was the second year the regional team organized the show. The teens performed solos, duets, dance routines and, poetry reading, among other talents. The Eastern Region is full of teens with brains, talent and personality!

I am looking forward to next year. Sadly, it will be my last but I will be able to look back on nearly ten years of having a fantastic time with my J&J friends.

“Light the Dark, Make a Mark!” 2012 Teen Conference Michaela Parker, Teen Vice President

BLACK

FAMILY DAY

AJAX

Amusement

Herndon, VA

See evite for more

details

K IDS’ KUDOS’ KORNER Welcome to Kudos’ Korner. Where we give accolades to the achievements and

accomplishments of our children.

Congratulations to the following PWC Jack & Jillers:

...to all our Honor Rolls students. Especially those that made

Principal’s Honor Roll. Keep up the good work!

...to Michaela for being voted 2012 Distinguished Teen.

...to Connor and his team for winning the regional competition

for National History Day. Good luck at the state championship.

...to AJ for being named MVP for the All Conference

tournament.

...to Caleb for being named the MVP of the winning 5th grade

team at the Shamrock Shootout at Battlefield High School.

...to Trinity for scoring Superior at the Virginia Music Festival.

Also congrats on her baptism last month.

...to Daniel for being ranked 12th nationally in fencing. And for

winning a gold medal in the 5th grade Virginia competition,

...to Nia for performing two classical pieces at the Prince

William National Federation Junior Music Festival and for

scoring a perfect score in level IV theory.

THE JAY STR EET JO UR N AL

Reading ROCKS!

What is PWC reading? Below are some of

the favorite books PWC kids and parents

recommend.

Michaela’s favorite ~ “The Great

Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Happy Birthday to our

May Babies

Is turning On

Nicholas Arnold 14 5/7

Andrew Topps 17 5/12

Megan Melbourne 13 5/12

Mark Melbourne 13 5/12

Dylan Boyce 6 5/29

May

Birthdays

SAVE-THE-DATE

Please join us for the 2012 Officer Installation and

New Member Initiation on

Sunday, May 20, 2012, 3PM Dominion Valley Country Club

See evite for details

Don’t forget to wear your uninterrupted white!

What is the right way to conduct ourselves during a debate? Robert’s

Rules says…...

1. Remarks are limited to pending motion; 2. Members refrain from commenting on the motives of other

members; 3. All remarks are addressed to and through the chair; 4. Members refrain from using the names of other members, for

example “…the member presenting the report; or the member stating the question…”;

5. Members refrain from adverse remarks about previous actions of the assembly unless it is intended to introduce mo-tion to rescind, reconsider, or amend;

6. The maker of a motion either takes a favorable position of the motion, refrains from speaking on the motion, or withdraws the motion;

7. Members refrain from disturbing the assembly with side conversations, walking across the floor, or other actions which may be distracting;

8. The chair refrains from exercising the right to debate in order to maintain the position of impartiality; 9. When the chair rises to speak within the presiding officers’ privilege, any member who is speaking steps back slightly if

standing at a microphone or podium, or the member takes a seat.

Let’s govern ourselves according and keep our eyes of the mission!

PAGE 3 THE JAY STR EET JO UR N AL

Notes from Our President Looking Forward Pamela Parker, Chapter President

As I think about the upcoming year and the potential it has in store for us, I get so excited! We continue to grow every year thanks to the dedication and commitment from the mothers and families in our chapter. I am so proud to have served as President for the last two years. I admit I was nervous and intimidated ini-tially. The thought of being responsible for leading an already well oiled chapter was somewhat daunting to say the least. But with the support of a wonderful executive board and encouraging words from so many chapter mothers, it made the job a little less

challenging.

There is so much more we can accomplish if we stick together and remember the purpose…..nurturing our youth to succeed. Always keep our eye on the mission. If we focus and work

towards the same goal, we’ll remain on the same page.

This month has been a groundbreaking one of new activities never been done before. Our AIM fitness activity was well at-tended and enjoyed by all participants. The flash mob workout

Parliamentary Procedures: Decorum in Debates Shirley Miller, Chapter Parliamentarian

was unique and special. It was interactive and a perfect way to get the message out about adopting healthy habits for our chil-dren. Equally as unique and special, was our fundraiser. The “Denim & Diamonds Affair” was beyond expectations and we

raised considerable funds to boot!

I repeat, all we have to do is stick together to do great things. No one person can do it all. Each puzzle piece is critical to the whole

picture.

PARKER PRINCIPLE:

Stay the course and remember the

mission!


Did you know…….?

Celeste Arnold and her family have been members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. since 2001. Celeste joined the Katy/Prairie View Chapter in Houston, TX. The Arnold’s moved to the Bristow, VA area in 2004 where they joined the Prince William County chapter in 2006. Celeste and her husband Rob have four children, Robert III, 29, Nicholas, 14, and twin daughters

Sydney and Clarke, 9.

Celeste has been an active member of the PWC chapter. She has served in a few different roles. Currently, Celeste is the Recording Secretary. She has also served as chair of the Community Service and Foundation Committee. Celeste sees to it that Nicholas, Clarke and Sydney take part in as many age group and chapter activities as possible. The Arnolds are

taking full advantage of all Jack & Jill has to offer!

Did you know…….?

Celeste is a former on-air personality in television news broadcasting. She got her start in tv broadcasting as a general assignment reporter for NBC Affiliate KETK Channel 56 in Tyler, TX. In addition to her reporting duties she became a morning cut-in anchor, followed by a weekend

anchor. She the rose to the station’s 5PM anchor/producer.

In 1991, Celeste left KETK to host a magazine program called “Insights” at CBS affiliate KDFW-TV in Dallas, TX. She also filled in at the anchor desk when needed. A highlight of her time as host/producer of the award-winning program was being nominated for an Emmy for a special on race relations in Dallas. Celeste also produced and anchored a health report that ran

on NBC Affiliate WDSU-TV in New Orleans.

Celeste left the television news business to raise her family. She still does work that keeps her close to her roots as a media

consultant as well as a Contractor with the Prince William County Schools.

PWC Mothers On the Move...

Do You Know Celeste Arnold? Welcome to our newest feature in the Jay Street Journal Newsletter. Learn more about the fantastic

mothers of Prince William County VA Chapter. Where they are from, what they’ve done and where they’re going. ENJOY!

New Feature


Most people know that George Washington was our nation's first President. But DID YOU KNOW…...?

…….George Washington was born in Virginia?

…….George Washington never attended a college or university?

…….George Washington never had any children but raised two step-children?

…….George Washington was not affiliated with a political party?

…….George Washington was the only president to be elected unanimously?

…….George Washington was the only president that did not live in the White House?

Some of these interesting facts and more were learned by Group I Jack and Jillers on a recent trip to George Washington's estate

at Mt. Vernon near Alexandria, Virginia on March 10. Group I had the opportunity to watch an exciting action adventure film about a

young, heroic George Washington fighting in the French and Indian War, and later leading the Army across the Delaware River.

The film also showed him courting his future wife, Martha Custis.

After watching the film, the Jack and Jillers toured the beautiful mansion, which overlooks the scenic Potomac River. The 500 acre

estate with its 14 rooms and vibrant colors was certainly a sight to see. No tour of Mt. Vernon would be complete without a visit to

the gift shop, filled with colonial themed toys, books, and novelty items.

Group I had an enjoyable time learning about the man known as the "Father of Our Country."

A Visit to the Historic Estate of George Washington Cimmerian Coleman, Contributing Writer


This year, we decided to follow in our mom’s footsteps by sponsoring an

activity that combined their love of sports with their commitment to service.

Maya: My mom loves sports, especially track. In fact, she won a gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, CA. My brother, Isaiah, and I were not born yet but we have seen lots of pictures and news articles that my grandparents have saved of her. My mom used to work for the Special Olympics and now works for the USA Track and Field. She likes rooting on all ath-letes, because she knows that it helps to give them confidence. What I like most about my mom is that she is a role model for me and my friends. She gives back to my community by encouraging young girls to be the best they can be in sports

and in everything else.

Logan: My mom loves sports, too. She was a cheerleader growing up, but I don’t know if that counts as a real sport. But, she is a BIG fan of basketball. I think it is because my mom fell in love with my dad during the NCAA Tourna-ments. What I like best about my mom is that she is really good at helping people raise money to help out kids. She

especially likes for kids to be able to afford to go to college and to feel better when they are not feeling so well.

On March 16, 2012 the chapter helped cheer on over 800 Special Olympics athletes at the annual March Madness competi-tion and opening ceremonies. I think we were all surprised at how inspiring it was to see how these athletes overcame their disabilities, and excited for how proud the athletes felt by participating in the sports. As you can see from the looks on our

faces, the event was awesome.

So what did some of our young community activists say about the event…..

Daniel – I liked the Unistars’ performance and their teamwork. They were

cool to watch.

Megan - My favorite thing was the lighting of the torch. I really liked how everyone around the young man with the torch was supportive of him. You could tell how proud he was. You could see it on his face and in how

he walked. I was proud for him. It was inspiring to watch.

Mark - I learned that kids with special needs don't care about their dis-abilities; they just want to have fun and do things like everyone else. They didn't let their disabilities in the way of what they wanted to do. I loved the way the crowd cheered them on. I was glad to be part of that. I also really liked the young man who read the Special Olympics Oath. I loved his spirit. I also really liked the oath "Let me win, but if I cannot win

let me be brave in the attempt."

Maya – I remember the lighting of the torch, and especially liked seeing the officers with special needs integrated with the

other officers.

Nia - I most enjoyed cheering for the carrying of the Torch and observing the lighting of the Olympic Flame.

Sinclaire - The joy and excitement on the participants' faces was the best thing about the event. I was proud of everyone who

Transforming Lives Through the Joy of Sports Maya Mosley and Logan Russell, Youth Contributing Writers, Grade 3


Transforming Lives (Cont’d.)

took time to create a special event for them.

Logan, Sade’, Clarke, and Sydney seemed to have the most fun as they danced the night away at the after party for athletes and

friends. It was their first time ever at a dance, and they enjoyed showing the crowd their moves!

Here are a few things that we found out that you should and should not say about these athletes.

SAY........ INSTEAD OF........

child with a disability disabled or handicapped child

without speech; nonverbal mute or dumb

developmental delay Slow

emotional disorder; mental illness crazy or insane

deaf, hard of hearing deaf and dumb

uses a wheelchair confined to a wheelchair

person with mental retardation Retard or mental

has a learning disability is learning disabled

person without a disability normal, healthy, able-bodied

person with a physical disability crippled, lame

seizures fits, spaz attack

has a chronic illness Sickly

http://www.jeffcitymo.org/parks/images/SO-LOGO.GIF


2012 Teen Conference Michon Sobers, Teen Editor

Teen Conference this year was in The National Harbor in Washington DC and it was really enjoyable. At teen conference we

had to attend meetings with all 52 Eastern Region chapters to discuss events, elections of new officers, and listen to guest

speakers. The first night at teen conference was really tiring because we did not go to bed until 1AM and it did not help that

we had to wake up at 7AM the next morning. One of the days at teen conference included going around and exploring the

National Harbor as a chapter. This particular day we went on the cruise ship “The Odyssey,” to eat and dance, while observ-

ing the nice view of the Potomac River. After we ate, our chapter teens went to Cake Love (bakery) to eat some of their deli-

cious cupcakes! The coconut cupcake was so good that it blew me away! The following days to come were also fun. We had

workshops that talked about important topics in the black community. We also had a dance party after the senior gala, and we

watched a powerful movie that talked about domestic violence. The highlight of the conference was the night our chapter won

two trophies: one for our scrapbook and one for our banner. Teen

conference includes a lot of workshops, formal and informal func-

tions, and the opportunity to meet teens from different chapters.

This year our teen chapter was able to come together at a location

different than we usually meet at and have a great time at teen

conference!


Teen

Conference

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2

3

4 5

Black Family Day

AJAX Amusement

1

6

7

8

9 10

11

12

13

14 15

16

17

EB Mtg

18

Mother’s Mtg

19

20

Officer

Installation/

Member

Initiation

21

22 23 24

25 26

27

28 29 30

May 2012

PAGE 10 THE JAY STR EET JO UR N AL

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark Your Calendars

NEW DATE

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