Chapter History “All About Us…” In 1984, the Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated began as the Plainfield Area Mother’s Group. Co-organizers Judith Marshall and Pat Hembree, together with five other mothers, sought affiliation in a group that fostered the consciousness of children with regard to their African heritage. Jack and Jill provided an opportunity for enrichment of their children through family-centered cultural, social, educational and civic activities. Agreeing that Jack and Jill’s goals mirrored what they wanted for their own children, the group submitted an application for membership in 1985. In the spring of 1985, the application was accepted, and the group became known as the Union County Area Interest Group under the sponsorship of the Morris County Chapter. The group held its first Membership Tea in April 1985, and 23 new members were installed. The Greater Union County Chapter obtained provisional status during the National Convention on July 24, 1986. Twenty-seven mothers, beaming with pride that they were part of the National organization of Jack and Jill, were installed on September 20, 1986! Today, the Greater Union County Chapter is still committed to the goals and aims of the National organization. We provide our children with activities that will prepare them to be successful and productive members of society. These activities also allow them to share and work together, so that kinship and brotherhood/sisterhood is fostered and cultivated. For nearly 20 years, we have watched so many of our children who started in kindergarten, graduate out of Jack and Jill and go off to college. Their poise, determination, confidence and self-esteem were defined by their participation in Jack and Jill. This is perhaps what is so meaningful about the Jack and Jill experience. They have also developed friendships that will last a lifetime, as have their mothers. The Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill believes in the old African proverb that “it takes a whole village to raise a child.” That was true hundreds of years ago, and it is still true today. We look forward to increasing our village, and continuing to walk in the ways and ideals of our ancestors.         Distinguished Mother The Distinguished Mother is one who has had a positive attitude, a nurturing spirit, and has demonstrated commitment to the Chapter and to the organization’s aims. Throughout the course of the program year, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty and has positively impacted each life she’s touched. She has been a role model not only before the membership, but before the children. The needs of the Chapter outweigh her personal goals. We are pleased to say… Congratulations to our 2010 Distinguished Mothers...   Mrs. Holly Fields and Karla Raynor!    As Chapter tradition dictates, 2006 Distinguished Mother Deborah Enix Ross (r) presented a personal gift to 2007 Distinguished Mother Jacqueline Miller Shepard Previous Distinguished Mother Award Winners: Holly Fields & Karla Raynor - 2010 Michelle Armour  - 2009 Cheryll Porter - 2008 Jacqueline Miller-Shepard - 2007 Deborah Enix Ross, Esq. - 2006 Sandra Rice - 2005 Deborah Wright - 2004 Raquel Y. Horn - 2003 Brenda Hackett - 2002     Interesting Facts about Jack and Jill     The Jack & Jill Motto:   “Let’s work, let’s play, let’s live together.”   The Jack & Jill colors:   Pink and Blue    The Jack & Jill Objectives:   v   To create a medium of contact for children which will stimulate growth and development v   To provide for children and their parents a constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational and social program   The Jack & Jill Aims:   v   To aid mothers in learning more about their children through careful study v   To aid in the development of a fully integrated child educationally, emotionally, physically, recreationally and socially v   To seek for all children the same advantages which we desire for our own v   To support all National legislation aimed at bettering the conditions of all children     The Jack & Jill Flower:   The Pink Sweetheart Rosebud The Jack & Jill National Headquarters: Washington, D.C. Jack and Jill of America, Inc.