Members of the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County (JATC) gathered at the Branson Tri-Lakes Community Room recently to install new officers for the 2023-2024 year, induct new Active Members and recognize several women for their contributions during the 2022-2023 year.

Board members serve one-year terms and are selected from the membership. The new board members are Colleen Neill President; Shanna Tilley, Vice President; Sheryl Schiller, Recording Secretary; Mandy Farrow, Corresponding Secretary; Robin Osbern, Treasurer; Shamron Baur, Asst Treasurer, Lajean Wild, Finance Director; Paula Gillispie, Projects Chair; Shanna Tilley, Education Chair; Paula Gillispie, Membership Chair; and Paula Eighmy, Ex Officio.

JATC welcomed new Active Members Kelly Anstaett, Shamron Baur, Mandy Farrow, and Bridget Meazel. 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 2022-2023 year. They also initiated a new project Celebrate Reading/Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss which had Storytime, Craft Time, and Birthday Treats including a book for each child attending.

Several members were recognized at the dinner for their contributions. The Gift of Service award was given to Sue Kelly 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 Lajean Wild, the member chosen by the current President who represents the 5 jewels on the NAJA Crown: Charity, Youth, Health, Leadership and Service. Special recognition was also given to Madeline Allin for her many years of service to both Junior Auxiliary of Taney County and the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries.

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. If you are interested, contact Paula Gillispie 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.

JATC is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries which is made up of nearly 100 Junior Auxiliary Chapters throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. It was founded on the principles of helping children and making a difference in their lives; it provides women the opportunity to serve and be a vital part of their communities. The objectives of the association are to unite in one body all Junior Auxiliary Chapters and members to promote the work and mission of Junior Auxiliary. Their slogan is “Caring Hearts, Helping Hands, Changing Lives”. For more information on the JATC visit www.jatcmo.org or contact us at jatcmo@gmail.com.