Training: Chef's Training at Sur La Table

Post By Helen Ungerman

What great fun it was to have experienced An evening of Hors D’oeuvres with the Junior League’s very own culinary extraordinaire, Chef Laura Neufeld! Held in the perfect location, Sur La Table at Town and Country Village, 17 eager to learn Leaguers set off to soak up the tricks of the trade. This wasn’t just actives and provisionals, but Sustainers and newcomers also.

After being buttered up with wine and cheese & scoping out the stores merchandise (it is not advised to have a glass or two of wine and then walk through your favorite kitchen utility store!), we all broke out into small groups and each chose to work on the appetizer that caught our eye, or should I say tummy?! I fancied the Gruyere Gougeres...just saying this aloud makes me feel like I’m reading a Fancy Nancy book. The best part about this hors d’oeuvres was how easy it was to prepare and you can make it ahead and freeze until your special occasion...delicious and oh so elegant to boot! Some of my other favorites were the White button mushrooms stuffed with pancetta, shallots & sage and the avocado salsa with poached shrimp served inside toasted corn cups (ALL SUPER YUM!)...

After the controlled chaos in the kitchen, we all sat at a large table together and enjoyed our delicious treats together. Chef Laura came out to talk about all of the dishes...what worked, what didn’t and I must say, as cliché as this sounds, it was an incredible training event. One which reminded me again why I was in THIS League, and why I can’t wait for more to come! Kudos to the Enrichment Committee who made this event a seamless success...and thank you ladies for washing all those dirty dishes and Cuisinart bowls! Finally some appropriate words from world reknown master chef Julia Child...“Never apologize for your food before you serve it to guests! You are always your own harshest critic.” A motto to live by for sure!

Leading: A Balancing Act

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense."
-- Harold S. Kushner



I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.



As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.

Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance

· Set your priorities ~ delegating tasks helps to accomplish more. Learn to distinguish between “have to” vs. “want to.”

· Have clear expectations ~ clear expectations lead to more support and less confusion. Stop trying to be perfect (we can only try to do our best every day).

· Use your limit setting skills ~ keeping firm limits helps you be prepared for unexpected results. Be willing to say no, and do not feel guilty.

· Give yourself the gift of transition ~ take the time to mentally shift from one role to another. Suggestion to use a landmark on commute as a cue to switch roles.

· Take care of yourself ~ you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Make time for yourself.

· Always work at finding balance ~ never give up. Keep a sense of humor.

So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.



I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!

Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (www.susanstonebelton.com).

March 2010 - Inspiration for Leaders

The Balancing Act of a League Leader

"I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense." -- Harold S. Kushner

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m really ready for spring to get here. It seems we have had a long winter, and while I’ve been pretty productive in the past months, it is exciting to know that longer, sunnier days are ahead.

As thoughts of spring cleaning and changing routines come to mind, I have a few tidbits of inspiration to share as March rolls in. The tidbits come from a great League training last year at the Gatehouse with a speaker named Susan Stone Belton. She shared these ideas and I haven’t put them away yet.

Ways to Achieve Work, Personal, and Family Balance

• Set your priorities ~ delegating tasks helps to accomplish more. Learn to distinguish between “have to” vs. “want to.”
• Have clear expectations ~ clear expectations lead to more support and less confusion. Stop trying to be perfect (we can only try to do our best every day).
• Use your limit setting skills ~ keeping firm limits helps you be prepared for unexpected results. Be willing to say no, and do not feel guilty.
• Give yourself the gift of transition ~ take the time to mentally shift from one role to another. Suggestion to use a landmark on commute as a cue to switch roles.
• Take care of yourself ~ you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness. Make time for yourself.
• Always work at finding balance ~ never give up. Keep a sense of humor.

So as you continue to lead your committees toward your year-long goals, remember to balance your home life, your League life, your career, and all the other aspects of life as best you can. You are a volunteer, a role model, and a leader. You inspire so many whether you know it or not, and the League is fortunate to have you as members of our leadership team.

I wish you balanced and healthy days ahead! Have a great month – and thank you for your care and leadership!

Some of this month’s sources include: Personal notes and content from Susan Stone Belton (http://www.susanstonebelton.com/).

Do you feel inspired? Do you have suggestions for future topics? If you have questions or comments, or just want to comment on what you’ve read, please send a note to the Nominating Committee.