“Life Through Another Lens” features stories of NYJL members, in their own words, to shed light on how we experience the world and the NYJL through different lenses informed by our individual identities. In this edition, NYJL member Nancy Scully shares favorite memories and reflections from her 50+ years in the League.

What prompted you to become a member of the New York Junior League and how long have you been a member? 

I’ve been involved with the New York Junior League for over 50 years. My mother was very active in the Junior League, and I sort of grew up with the Junior League. During WWII, our family was very involved with it. I remember my brother and I tried to put our top toy on the rummage sale donation list to help someone less fortunate. We were always involved with giving, giving, giving and seeing how we could help other people.

How do you identify yourself?

I don’t identify myself in any way other than cheerful, enthusiastic, and upbeat. I will always say hello to you. I love the League, and I want everyone to have a great experience here. When I’m at the League, I always want to know what people are doing and how they feel because I’m anxious for everyone to have a terrific time here at the League. I am a nurse among other things, and I love people. I’m a people person. If you’re not smiling, I want to go over and figure out how I can make things better for you. 

What is one of your favorite memories or anecdotes from your time at the League?

One year, in the 1970s, another girl and I were so sad when June came and it was time to say goodbye to everyone, so we tried to prolong the season by hosting a picnic in the park. For 30 years, we organized this picnic in the park. And the only reason we gave it up was because we couldn’t get up from the ground anymore after 30 years! We met on the top of 72nd Street overlooking the sailboat pond, and we organized it beautifully. Everyone who came contributed something. And over time, the picnic grew to over 100 people. 

I’ve also been the head of a book group at the League for the past 35 years. I’ve read hundreds of books with the group. Last week, we had the best time discussing Bonjour Tristesse and everyone brought French food. It was so incredible, you couldn’t believe it. We’ve had such a good time together, and in June we are having a big party for our 35th anniversary.

My other favorite is the committee I am on now is the Building Work Group. It is all about the preservation of the Headquarters. Many years ago, I remember I was coming out of a meeting with a friend, and the President of the League at the time, Lisa Hathaway, said to us, “I was thinking we need to have a beautification and preservation committee, and I think you two should chair it.” We were dumbfounded! We didn’t know the first thing about preserving a building, but we wanted to help. Today, the present Preservation and Beautification committee preserves our home. The Astor House is our home when we are away from home, and it means a great deal to everyone here. We try to make the building say, “Hello, come in, you’re going to have a great time!” 

How would you describe the culture of the League? 

The League is all about how you can help somebody else. Friendly. Warm. Inclusive. Open. Interested. Everybody that I’ve approached here can’t wait to tell you how they are doing. And now we have a lot of Affinity Groups. We never had that during my earlier days at the League.

What would you recommend as one read/watch that reflects your experience as a League member and beyond?

I read all the time. What I think people should do is they should go up and sit in the Pine Room and observe. Just go up there and watch and talk to people. That’s what I do. I haven’t read a book that talks about the Junior League. Just go on up and say hello. 

Any final words of wisdom to share? 

Many years ago, there was a vacancy on the Board. The then-Board said, “Nancy, there’s a vacancy on the Board. Would you like to fill it?” “Oh my god,” I said, “I’d be delighted.” But I was very nervous. So I called my mother and asked her what to do. She said, “Nancy, put on your lipstick and put your hand out and say, ‘Hi, I’m Nancy Scully. I’m so glad to meet you. How are you?’ They will be talking to you for quite a while and be thrilled to tell you how they are.” I have been using that technique for quite a while, and it has worked quite well.