Why I joined the Junior League...

Allison Fillman
2014 JLGNF Marketing Chair

Moving from New York City to John’s Creek, GA was a HUGE change for me! Not only was I recently married, buying my first home and starting a new job, I did not have many friends (or any family) in the greater Atlanta area.

I had a very basic understanding of The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. I had friends that were in different chapters (New York City, Montclair, NJ, etc.). My original perception of Junior League was that it was for stay-at-home moms who baked pies and wore pearls and heels (which was NOT me)! So, I never joined.

Renee Adams and Allison Fillman

After moving to John’s Creek, I wanted to get involved in my new community, meet new friends and learn more about my town. My friends (in other AJLI chapters) encouraged me to seek out the local Junior League chapter. This is how I found The Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties. 

Quick Dinner recipe from JLGNF's "At Your Service" Cookbook

Rushing around the house, getting your kids to soccer practice and trying to prepare a healthy meal for your family can be quite a challenge. The JLGNF’s “At Your Service” Cookbook can help you and your family by offering delicious, quick and easy recipes that you can prepare ahead of time or on the same day. The Chicken Tetrazzini recipe on p.98 proved to a great recipe that our family will enjoy over and over again. I even used a store bought rotisserie chicken to speed up my time in the kitchen which is great way to incorporate flavor without compromising taste or quality.

Delicious Breakfast Treat from JLGNF's "At Your Service" Cookbook

Back to school means back to rushed morning routines for many of us. So why not slow down this weekend and enjoy a delicious and decadent breakfast treat?  Pain Perdu from At Your Service (p 46 ) is a simple and quick recipe that provides a tasty beginning to your day.

Pain perdu or "lost bread" in French, is a great way to reclaim stale or "lost" bread. The hard bread is softened by dipping in a mixture of egg, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. The slices cut on a bias are pan-fried in butter and traditionally dusted with powdered sugar and served with jam or syrup on the side.

And my mother used to ask me why I spend my free time tied up with the Junior League….

 

Ashley Shoemaker
VP, Membership

I was excited when my friend Anne Marie moved to the Suwanee area, just down the road from me.  Most of my girlfriends from college were married and busy with their own lives.  I on the other hand, was dating a great guy, but found myself in a bit of a lull in my personal and professional life.  I had recently left my job as a staff nurse in the NICU at Northside Hospital.  I was tired of working 12 hour night shifts and I was ready to try my hand at a normal nine to five job like the rest of the world.  I landed a great (or what I thought was a great) gig working as a NICU Case Manager for a national insurance company.  The best part about it was that I was going to get to work from home…in my pajamas, drinking coffee, and watching Days of our Lives everyday.  What could be better?