Members of the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) gathered at the Pour House in Hollister, MO recently to install new officers for the 2024-2025 year, induct new Active Members and recognize several women for their contributions during the 2023-2024 year.

Board members serve one-year terms and are selected from the membership. The new board members are Marcia Vander Laan, President; Kelly Anstaett, Vice President; Annette Sain, Recording Secretary; Sheryl Schiller, Corresponding Secretary; Shamron Baur, Treasurer; Paula Eighmy, Asst Treasurer; Colleen Neill, Finance Chair; Paula Gillispie, Projects Chair; Sheila Martin, Education Chair; Paula Gillispie, Membership Chair; and Colleen Neill, Ex- Officio.

JATC welcomed new Active Members Sharon Ballew, Kristi Gabel, Debbie Lee, and Susan Thibeault-Linton. Women initially join as Provisional Members to determine if they wish to make a commitment to become Active Members with the organization to serve the community. These women who were inducted into the organization as Active Members had participated in service and finance projects, attended Chapter meetings and completed training during the 2023-2024 year. They also initiated a new project Turn Off/Tune In which involved a family game night consisting of 17 families and 24 children. This event was held in conjunction with Elevate where Cathy Brown, a Life Member of JATC, is the Kid’s Director.

Several members were recognized at the dinner for their contributions. The Gift of Service award was given to Kelly Anstaett for the member with the most service hours. Paula Gillispie received the Gift of Time award for the most total hours. The Crown Award was given to Bobbie Wydeen, the member chosen by the current President who represents the 5 jewels on the NAJA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service.

JATC membership recruitment is starting now. If you are looking for a way to make a difference in your community and have a heart for children, JATC may be just the ticket. Membership in the organization is open to women over 21 years of age. Informational meetings will be held on June 6 @ 11 am, July 23 @ 5:30 pm, and August 15 @ 5:30 pm. If you are interested, contact Paula Gillispie, Membership Chair, at 417-294-2745.

JATC is more than a nonprofit organization, it’s a group of women united by a single cause and dedicated to helping the children of Taney County. That’s the magic of JATC. It was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1998 and continues to grow and thrive throughout Taney County. Approximately 50 members annually contribute more than 4,000 volunteer hours as they strive to improve the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children in Taney County. Their motto is “Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, Changing Lives.”

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