Serving chapters in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina and The Bahamas

An E-Publication from the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated - Eneid A. Francis, Southern Area Director

The Southern AreaThe Southern Area

Volume 3 Isssue 10

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

MillionDollar Babies

ADVANTAGE

Succession PlanningPage 2

Protocol MattersPage 3

Principles for LeadershipCommunication

Page 4Ethical Decisions

that Affect ChaptersPage 8

The Ins and Outs of Links Day at the Capitol

Page 10

Charlotte (NC) Committee Focuses on Engaging Alumni

Page 12Cover Story

Page 13Southern Area

Celebrates Friendship Page 12

Southern Area ProgrammingPage 19

Executive Committee RosterPage 54

Submit to the AdvantagePage 56

Shown on the front is the chartering photo of the Mississippi Delta Chapter of the Links, Incorporated

Inside this Issue

My Dear Link Sisters

Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were wonderful and offered enriching moments for service, blessings and restoration.

Get ready because we have a very busy 2014 ahead of us. As we rise to meet the challenges our communities face, and embrace our annual

opportunity for expanding our friendship chain, I know that ourprogramming and the service we deliver will become even

more crucial to our ongoing success. We have much aheadon the local, Area and National levels.

Many chapters are in the process of membership intake.Links Day at the Capitol activities are being planned in allof our states. Our sisters are planning to be more effectivein their work by attending our Leadership Conference inOctober. Let’s not forget the lives we touch through ourwork with students in STEM and arts integration mentoring

as we improve the well being of those in our community andinternationally.

Those who serve you as members of the Southern AreaExecutive Committee members are also hard at work

making sure that your communications, programming, membership, finances and other services are delivered as efficiently as possible. Our webinar series

is in place to ensure our chapters have the information to run smoothly andeffectively. Finally, we are excitedly preparing for the upcoming National Assembly in Washington, DC. The Southern Area’s presence in the nation’s capital is sure to have a great impact on both the membership and the country.

Yes, 2014 has a full agenda. These are exciting times for women who are wellequipped to make a difference. I appreciate all that you do for each other and forLinkdom. Let us finish the good work we have begun by continuing to Effect Change through the Power of Friendship and Service.

In the spirit,

_|Ç~ XÇx|w

Eneid A. FrancisSouthern Area Director

By Karen M. Dyer, Ed. D.Chair, Leadership DevelopmentThe future-focused practice of identifying the knowl-

edge, skills, and abilities to perform certain functionsand then developing a plan to prepare multiple individ-uals to potentially perform those functions.

Succession planning is not just a task – it is a mind-set. Even though we are a volunteer organization, it isstill important to the success and viability of our Chap-ters to have given thought to succession – for officers,facet chairs, committee chairs, etc. As we take a crit-ical look at our chapter membership it is important tobegin planning for succession. Key to any successionplanning effort is readiness – helping our Members tobe ready to step into various roles.

It is not unusual for a Link Sister (muchlike what happens in other organiza-tions) to be asked to step into a leader-ship role because a) No one else iswilling. b) Everybody is supposed tohave a turn and now it’s your time. c) AMember is stepping down midterm be-cause of illness, work commitments,family commitments, or even Chapterpolitics, and someone needs to “stepup”. Without some form of successionplanning, the Link Sister is immediately charged tolearn role responsibilities, often with little or no transi-tion time. OJT (on the job training) is a powerful learn-ing experience but it doesn’t always have to be theonly way that Members learn to lead.

Establishing Readiness

When asked if you would characterize oneself as aleader, often the answer is “no”. Sometimes peopleneed to be “tapped” and encouraged to see them-selves as leaders. However, timing is everything.“Tapping” one to be a leader immediately prior to sub-mitting their name to the nomination committee is notbuilding capacity. Identifying Members for futureroles/responsibilities by talking with them beforehand,

ascertaining interests, skills, willingness to contribute,is a way to help build that leadership readiness,

An opportunity to “shadow” a particular officer orchair is one strategy for building readiness. Establish-ing co-chairs, with an experienced Chapter Membersworking with someone who may be “tapped to lead” inthe future can help position that person for a later date.It will also help them to not only have a better knowl-edge of the role but a deepened understanding of whatit means to be a leader in the Chapter.

Other strategies:

• Encouraging members to take on a leader-ship/co-leadership role during a local chapter event oreven an Area or National Conference/Assembly.

• Encourage Members to take advantage of the

Scott-Hawkins Leadership program. • Occasionally invite future leaders to attend/ob-

serve a Chapter Executive Committee meeting so thatthey can get a picture of the complete operations andcultural work of the Chapter.

• As you are thinking about bringing new mem-bers into the Chapter consider leadership as one ofthe skills needed to grow and strengthen your. Eventhough you want to provide ample time for a newmember to learn about your chapter and our organi-zation, they still can be “tapped” as a future leader witha focus on building readiness.

Succession planning/readiness is a process (not anevent) that all chapters need to consider now, notwhen the vacancy arises. Best wishes Link Sisters!

Succession PlanningEstablishing Readiness for

Building Leadership from Within

The future-focused practice of identifying the knowledge, skills,

and abilities to perform certain functions and then developing a

plan to prepare multiple individuals topotentially perform those functions.

@@ @ @ cÜÉàÉvÉÄ `tààxÜá @ @ @ @By Nona C. JonesSouthern Area Protocol ChairGainesville (FL) Chapter

Greetings, Link Sisters! I am pleasedto serve as your 2013-2015 SouthernArea Protocol Chair. I have already re-ceived a number of great questions,so I have selected two of the ques-tions that may be most relevant toyou:

Dear Link Nona,Q: Last year our chapter hosted a

health fair where we provided at-tendees with lunch bags as a tokenof appreciation for their atten-dance. The lunch bags had thename of our chapter along with theLinks logo printed on them. Somechapter members felt that it was in-appropriate to distribute thesebags to non-Links. It is time againfor the Health Fair and the samebags have come up again for distri-bution to non-Link attendees. Asthe new chapter president, I wantto make sure we follow proper pro-tocol as it relates to the logo. Is itpermissible for the chapter to dis-

tribute such items to non-Linkmembers?

A: This is a very good question and isa question that is not currently an-swered in our National Protocol Man-ual. As it is a privilege to be a memberof The Links, Incorporated and to be af-forded the right to wear or carry Linksbranded items, I would advise to notdistribute any Links branded items tonon-members. A person carrying Linksbranded paraphernalia could be mis-taken as a member. A way around thiscould be to simply denote, as an exam-ple, "Health Fair Sponsored by theGainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, In-corporated.”

Dear Link Nona,Q: Our chapter recently became

aware of a past national president’supcoming visit to our area to re-ceive an award from an organiza-tion headquartered here. Howshould we handle protocol for her?

A: This is wonderful news. At its core,Protocol is about ensuring that thespirit of Sisterhood and Friendship is ex-tended at all times to our Link Sisters;

especially to those who labor on behalfof the organization at its highest levels.Page 21 of our National Protocol Man-ual provides guidance for the case of asitting National President’s visit to yourarea when speaking for another group.I believe this guidance is similarly ap-propriate for a Past National President’svisit with a few tweaks:

- The Chapter President or designeeshould first contact the host group forinformation on hotel accommoda-tions, itinerary, arrival and departuretimes.- Local Chapter(s) may send fruit,

flowers or gifts to her room.- If invited, Link members may be

present when she speaks.- A Chapter President or designee

may want to send a note or telephonethe Past National President and ad-vise of availability to assist her.

- If Links wish to entertain her, a re-quest must be made to the hostgroup and Past National President.

Link sisters, I hope you found this infor-mation useful. Please continue to contactme at ProtocolChair@salinksinc.org.

Tá~aÉÇt

by Sylvia PerryChair, CommunicationsGreetings Link sisters. Through-

out our travels we often comeacross great advice. I am pleasedto share with you ten principlesthat I have garnered along theway, through a communicationsperspective, that any leader

would benefit from using.1. Everything communicates. The way programs,

policies, tools, and initiatives are designed and deliv-ered communicates more strongly than the market-ing and information about them. As a leader, how youact and what you do, communicates more clearly thanthe words coming out of your mouth.

2. Model the behavior you are looking for fromothers. Communicate with your members the wayyou would like to be communicated with — transpar-ent, open, with respect and trust are great standards.Do the things you believe matter. If you focus oneverything that’s going wrong, so will everyone else.

3. Have a point of view. It's much easier to haveconsistent communication when you have a clear po-sition and core values — whatever you want to callit. But whatever you call "it", you better have it. Justbe sure it is clear, easy to remember, makes sense forthe chapter, has an element of inspiration, differenti-ates you as an leader and will hold up when you’regone.

4. What you hear is as important as what you say.Communication is a two-way process. Have a numberof upward channels and do something with what youhear — and tell people about it. Positivity is conta-gious while loose lips still sink ships!

5. You haven't communicated anything until youhave been heard by your audiences. Understandyour chapter. Take a lesson from marketers — knowthe demographics and psychographics of your vari-ous audiences and tailor communication messages,content, style, and channels to them.

6. They both end in "tion" but there's a big differ-ence between "information" and "communica-tion". Communication influences thoughts, feelings,

and actions. Information simply informs. How youcommunicate depends on what you are communicat-ing. If you are trying to engage people, don't use e-mail or text. Pick up the phone and do some oldschool networking.

7. Communicate courageously. If you communi-cate openly and honestly, you will make some mis-takes, but those mistakes will be better than thebland, sanitized, and uninspiring communicationsyou receive when people are just going through themotions. There will be times when you don't have theanswer. Admit it. Your sisters will understand and willrespect your courage and honesty. Both are in shortsupply in the era of ‘here and now’.

8. Remember you are competing for attention.Most people receive hundreds of messages of differ-ent types every day. Your message competes with allof them. Each person selects what to pay attention toand what to ignore. Why should someone pay atten-tion to messages from you? That question could beanswered through your deeds and actions.

9. If it looks important, it must be important.How you package the communication about your ini-tiatives or programs has a big impact on the percep-tions of the subject at hand. Match the packaging tothe level of importance. And if you follow up, it mustbe even more important. Too many people think oncethey've communicated, they are done. They couldn'tbe more wrong. Redundancy matters.

10. Practice. Great communicators practice. Writerswrite and rewrite. Great orators like Martin LutherKing, Jr. and more contemporary speakers like ourvery own Patricia Russell McLoud practice and re-hearse. They are good at what they do because theywork at it.

And if you do just one thing, do this: Choose futureleaders for their communication skills as much as theirachievements. Those on the front line have the great-est influence over a chapter’s engagement. Leaderswho are good communicators get more mileage fromtheir direct reports than busy bodies whose strongskills lie in ‘all talk’. Leaders who are good communi-cators are the insurance policy for keeping your Linksisters focused, engaged, and productive.

Ten Proven Principles for ImprovingLeadership Through Communication

Links s Login s Learn

2014 Southern 2014 Southern Area Webinar SeriesArea Webinar Series

Your Southern Area is working for you!

Education LinkageJanuary 21st

International Trendsand Services

February 4th

ArtsFebruary 18th

Marketing Your Chapterfor Fund Development

February 20th

National TrendsMarch 6th

Legislative LinkageMarch 18th

Health and Human Service

March 31st

Protocol and RitualsApril TBA

EthicsMay TBA

* * WEBINARS BEGIN AT 9 PM* *For questions regarding any webinar

registration, contact Area Secretary AnneHerriott at secretary@salinksinc.org

The Bold City Chapter (FL) and Link Sister Emma JeanAikens are within our hearts as they mourn the loss ofConnecting Link Charles Aikens.

The Greater Mobile (AL) chapter is saddened by LinkDemoris Orey Barial passing. May she rest in peace.

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter mourns the loss of Heir-O-Link Nancy Denise Bernard, daughter of Link BobbieBernard. May Link Bernard rest in peace.

Our prayers and love are extended to members of theWilmington (NC) Chapter as they mourn the loss ofChapter President, Link Yolanda Brewington Norwood.She will be missed.

It is with deep sadness that the Montgomery (AL) Chap-ter mourns the loss of Connecting Link James EdwardCarter, spouse of Sister Link Deloris Carter.

The Charlotte (NC) Chapter has our condolences in theloss of Connecting Link Julius L. Chambers, husband ofthe Late Alumna Link Vivian Chambers.

With sadness we mourn the loss of Platinum MemberLink Mary Louise Copeland, Charter Member of theSpartanburg (SC) Chapter.

Alumna Link Doris Cummings of the Wilson-RickyMount-Tarboro (NC) chapter mourns the loss of Con-necting Link Elmer Cummings.

Our prayers extend to the Charlotte (NC) Chapter asthey mourn the loss of Link Bernice Dowdy. May she restin peace.

Our hearts were touched upon learning of the passingof Heir-O-Link Yvonne Michelle Gripper, daughter of LinkDorthy Gene Bowden of Azalea City (GA) Chapter, andConnecting Link William Bowden.

The Brevard County (FL) Chapter mourns the loss ofConnecting Link Titus C. Hall, husband of Link ClarissaE. Hall of Brevard County (FL) Chapter and the father ofLink Sandra H. Mays, Memphis (TN) Chapter.

The Pensacola (FL) Chapter has our condolences in thepassing of Platinum Member Dr. Sarah W. Haynes, whowas a charter member of the Pensacola (FL) Chapter.We will all miss her charm and leadership.

We mourn with our Sister Links in the Greater Miami (FL)Chapter the passing of Platinum Alumna member Gwen-dolyn M. Heastie Welters, mother of Link Martha Wel-ters. Link Gwendolyn and her commitment to service willbe sorely missed.

Link Carolyn Jones Dandy, charter member of the FortLauderdale (FL) Chapter, has transitioned. The SouthernArea mourns her loss with the members of the FortLauderdale (FL) Chapter.

Link Patricia Thomas Carter of the Fort Lauderdale (FL)Chapter is in our hearts as she mourns the loss of Con-necting Link Mack King Carter.

Our prayers join the Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter asthey mourn of the passing of Heir-O-Link Robert Jeffer-son, Jr., son of Link Zanobia Jefferson and brother ofLink Lonis Jefferson Swoope.

With sadness we mourn the loss of Alumna Link DorethaMoss Barnes of the Shreveport (LA) Chapter.

Link Saundra Newby Shorter of the Fayetteville (NC)Chapter has transitioned. May she rest in peace.

It is with great sadness that the Birmingham (AL) Chap-ter reports the passing of Link Dorothy "Dottie" Porter.Link Porter will be missed.

The Magnolia (GA) Chapter mourns the loss of AlumnaLink Alma Russell. May Link Russell be of peace.

We will all grieve for Link Portia Alexandria Scott, of theAtlanta (GA) Chapter. Our prayers go out to Heir-o-LinkMaryam (Demetrius) Jordan and their family.

We will all miss Platinum Link Mary Walker Solomon ofthe Columbia (CS) Chapter. Her family has our heartfeltcondolences.

It is with sadness that our Sister Link Sadie Burris Smithof the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter mourns the loss ofher husband Connecting Link Dr. Albert E. Smith. MayConnecting Link Smith rest in peace.

Our love extends to the Raleigh (NC) Chapter as theyannounce the passing of Alumna Link Susan B. Smith.

Link Tracy Stewart of the Crescent City (LA) Chapter andher family are in our hearts as they mourn the loss ofHeir-O-Link Byron (BJ) Joseph Stewart, Jr.

Remembering Our Lost Roses

By SelmaRobinson-Ayers,Chair – Ethics andStandards Com-mittee

It is a scientific fact that for every ac-tion there is a reaction. In ethicalterms we call this “action and conse-quence.” Ethics is all about choosingright actions (morally and legally) tomaximize good consequences withthe very best outcomes.

Effective decision-making is at thecenter of “right actions and good con-sequences.” Factors such as valuesand integrity; knowledge and expert-ise; personality and emotions; conflict-ing loyalties; and the tendency torationalize situations – all influencehow we make ethical decisions.These factors often complicate mat-ters and greatly enhance the chancesof making bad decisions, thus dimin-ishing the prospect of right actionsand good consequences. Decisionsoften happen quickly, but conse-quences can last a lifetime.

Throughout Linkdom, ethical deci-sions are made each day that not onlyeffect chapters, but have an impactupon the overall reputation and suc-cess of our organization. The LinksCode of Ethics and Standards is builtupon a set of core values that aredeeply rooted within the organization’shistory and philosophy. It’s a valuableresource that provides a set of clearprinciples and guidelines to assistchapters in effective decision-making.

Test your ethical decision-making

skills in the chapter situation

below! The actions and conse-quences could play out with relativelybenign, or more serious – repercus-sions, depending largely on howchapters (and members) react and re-spond. What would you do?

Ethical Decision: Using “Re-

stricted” Funds to Host Chapter’s

Christmas Party

During the October Meeting of theSt. John Knitty (SJK) Chapter of theLinks, Incorporated, a contentious dis-

cussion transpired as to whether ornot the chapter could afford to host itsannual Christmas Party. It was notedby the Treasurer that there were insuf-ficient funds in the “unrestricted” fundsaccount to cover the expenses; shethen suggested an assessment.

Several members adamantly ex-pressed their unwillingness to be as-sessed, after which a motion wasmade and seconded by two chartermembers to use $3,000.00 that was“just sitting” in the “restricted” fundsaccount. The Treasurer stated thatthe “restricted” funds were proceedsfrom the chapter’s public fundraiserand that using such monies that weredesignated for charitable contributionswould clearly violate our policies.

Her concerns were downplayed,however – as numerous members(opposed to an assessment) sidedwith the charter members on theissue. After being assured of chaptersupport, one of the charter membersabruptly “called for the question” tocease further discussion, stating thatthe situation did not pose a problemsince the chapter could easily raisemoney to replace the funds; or (betteryet) defer donations till next year; or

forego awarding the funds, altogether.“After all, no one’s looking over ourshoulders; we have supported thecharity for over a decade; and whathappens in Knitty stays in Knitty,” sheproclaimed!

Notwithstanding her opposition, thePresident called for the vote. If themotion is passed, the St. John KnittyChapter would use $3,000.00 of “re-stricted” funds to host its ChristmasParty.

The composition of a Links chaptermust be noted as the sum total of itsmembers’ values and attributes –whether perfect or imperfect. It is,therefore, critical that a member rec-ognizes the important role she plays(collectively and individually) in anychapter decision-making to ensureshe is well-equipped to achieve excel-lence in all her actions, and in the con-sequences thereof.

Bottom-line: A chapter must al-

ways strive for excellence in all its

decision-making activities. Re-

member, “…What happens in

Knitty stays in Knitty” is likened to

a famous cliché; however, THAT

(action and consequence) only ap-

plies to Vegas!

Consequences and Actions:Ethical Decisions That Effect Chapters

HOW WOULD YOU VOTE ?

Actions:“Yes” Vote – Motion is passed by a majority vote; “restricted”funds used to host Christmas Party; chapter violates Codeof Ethics and other governing documents

Consequences:

• Disgruntled chapter member raises issue to Area • Area Ethics Complaint filed against chapter• Area Hearing convened with Area Executive Committee • Violations substantiated/Complaint upheld• Possible sanctions: Probation, Suspension, Expulsion• Other: “Restricted” funds must be replenished ($3K)

Applicable Ethics and Standards

Code Section(s)

Standard 2: Financial OperationsA) Use of Public Funds – Monies collected from the pub-

lic for service projects and other charitable activities shallbe used for the stated purposes only.C) Self-Dealing and Misappropriation of Funds – Mem-bers shall not use organizational funds for personal use,seek improper reimbursement or otherwise misappropri-ate funds of The Links Organization.

Related Core Values:Honesty/Truth, Integrity,

Responsibility and AccountabilityRelated Governing Documents: Constitution and Bylaws; Financial Handbook

by Marguerite Archie-HudsonSouthern Area Coordinator

Links Day at the Capitol (LDAC) isan advocacy project of the SouthernArea of The Links, Incorporated. It isan annual one day meeting in eachof the seven State Capitol cities dur-ing the spring legislative sessions.Links Day at the Capitol presents a

unique opportunity for members of our seventy-sevenchapters, working through their LDAC State Chairs, tobring to the attention of state legislators and other publicofficials those issues of importance to our region, our stateand our individual communities. LDAC 2012 presents the opportunity for Southern AreaLinks to engage in dialogue with their legislative repre-sentatives about those critical issues that have major ef-fect on the communities we serve – issues of healthdisparities, childhood obesity, S.T.E.M. education, Mentor-ing, closing the achievement gapand electoral participation, amongothers. Each chapter in our regionhas at least one of these issues on itsagenda through its Facets, Umbrellaand/or Signature programming orother chapter activities. During theLinks Day at the Capitol visits chap-ter members present our policyagendas to our elected representa-tives and work with them to inte-grate our issues into the State’sLegislative priorities. As a formermember of a State Legislature (Cali-fornia) I can personally attest to thepower of dialogue and policy dis-cussions with professional women who are so identifiedwith effective change through dedicated public service.

Links Day at the Capitol also increases the visibility of theSouthern Area Links in the political arena. It is exciting tonote that in several of our State Capitols we have Link sis-ters who serve in our Legislatures and are delighted towork with us in facilitating the presentation of our legisla-tive agenda, helping us to understand the legislativeprocess and assisting us in building relationships with keymembers of the leadership, policy committees and in gen-eral making our visits extremely productive.

Members of the 78 chapters are strongly encouraged toattend Links Day at the Capitol. Our State Chairs and theircommittees are hard at work finalizing plans for the cur-rent legislative sessions. Several states have designed in-novative strategies to make their visits most productive.For example, the Florida Links Day at the Capitol, chairedby Link Sylvia Perry (Bold City (FL)) and scheduled forThursday, March 20, 2014 is being held in conjunctionwith the Annual Conference of Black State Legislatorssponsored by the Florida Black Legislative Caucus. Whata priceless opportunity for information, dialogue and forg-ing productive policy agendas!

The Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol has previouslyutilized a “Tool Kit” as a training model for effective inter-action with legislators and other public officials. The “ToolKit” consisted of (a) the Advocacy Handbook that explainshow members can use the Louisiana Legislative websiteto find information about bills, committees, their electedrepresentatives, etc; (b) the Legislative Scorecard pro-

vides for an in depth review of pro-posed legislation in the upcomingsession, analysis of those issues tosupport or oppose, discussion ofthese issues with chapters to solicittheir views, and serves as a guide fortracking these activities during theremainder of the legislative session;(c) Ongoing advocacy education-prior to attending LDAC memberslearn through their chapters aboutcurrent events that may have an im-pact on issues we care about andhow to advocate for our positions;and (d) Fellowship- LDAC serves as arare opportunity for Louisiana Link

sisters to come together as a group resulting in increasednetworking, partnerships, fellowship , friendship and serv-ice.

In a future issue of the Advantage we will share the re-sults of our LDAC visits including other innovative strate-gies employed by our very talented State groups tomaximize these legislative meetings.

Please attend the 2014 Links Day at the Capitol in yourstate by joining your state’s delegation to the state Capi-tol. Feel free to reach out to me to contact your state chairat MJasper11@aol.com

Links Day at the CapitolOur Voices - Our Agenda

2014 SOUTHERN AREA 2014 SOUTHERN AREA

LINKS DAY AT THE CAPITOLLINKS DAY AT THE CAPITOLSTATE COORDINATORSSTATE COORDINATORS

ALABAMA(9 Chapters)

Chair, Susan Price - Montgomery (AL)email: sussafussa@aol.com (334) 221-7070

Alabama Links Day at the Capitol: February 5, 2014

FLORIDA(19 Chapters)

Chair, Sylvia Perry - Bold City (FL) email: sylperry@aol.com (904) 412-3965

Florida Links Day at the Capitol: March 20, 2014

GEORGIA (15 Chapters)

Chair, Gail Toussaint-Washngton - Buckhead Cascade (GA) email: gtwlinks@gmail.com (404)612-8501 (Office)

Georgia Links Day at the Capitol: March 21, 2014

LOUISIANA(8 Chapters)

Chair, Cheryl Gray Evans - New Orleans (LA)email: cartiseg@aol.com (504) 324-0098Co-chair Robyn Merrick- La Capitale (LA)

robyn_merrrick@sus.edu (225)278-1756Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol: Wednesday, April 23, 2014

MISSISSIPPI(5 Chapters)

Link Irene T. Jones - Jackson (MS) email: Chapterirenetjones@gmail.com (601)497-3609

Co-chair Dorothy Thompson - LeFluer’s Bluff (MS)

NORTH CAROLINA(14 Chapters)

Link Kaye R. Webb Triangle Park (NC) email: kwebb@bellsouth.net (803) 705-4671

SOUTH CAROLINA (6 Chapters)

Chair, Beverly Clyburn - Aiken (SC) email: repclyburn@aol.comTBA

The Charlotte *NC) Chapter has made a conscious effortto stay connected to their Alumnae members.

A special committee “Link to Link,” was created to findways to be sure alumnae members stayed connected tothe chapter. The committee began a Buddy System, whereeach alumnae member was assigned two buddies to in-form themof all chapter activities, chapter meeting dates,retreat dates and special activities.

The Link to Link Committee’s Crowning Activity and Kick-

off was an Alumnae Tea attended by alumnae and activemembers. During the fall, the alumnae members were in-vited to High Tea, complete with an assortment of teas,sandwiches and sweets. The afternoon tea honoringalumnae with White Roses, also included musical selec-tions, a prelude by Derwin Friday, 5th and York and a spe-cial operatic presentation by Miss Queen City, TyNiaBrandon, Charlotte’s entry to the Miss North Carolina Pag-eant.

Charlotte (NC) Creates Special Committeeto Engage and Connect with Alumnae

Lto R (seated)

Links Daisy

Stroud,

Mary Harper,

Cora McMillan,

Ojetta Robinson,

Rosalia Durante,

Grace Chambers,

Lois Barnhill

(Standing) Links

Annabelle Boykin,

Bernice Rorie,

Barbara Brown,

Carol Scott,

Gwen Davis,

Glenda LaFlore,

and Catherine

Watkins

Link to Link

Committee

Members,

Rhonda Johnson,

Kathy Rideaux,

Linda Comer and

Ricky McCoy- Mitchell

The Mississippi Delta (MS) Chapter wasawarded a 21st Century Learning Commu-nities Grant through the Mississippi De-partment of Education. The grant is in theamount of $904,977 spread over the nextfive years with $238,152 being awarded thefirst year. The announcement was made atthe newly chartered chapter’s first Anniver-sary and Civic Luncheon.

The chapter collaborated with the Clarks-dale Municipal School District which is lo-cated in the Second Congressional Districtto implement a comprehensive programfor one hundred twenty (120) 7th and 8thgrade girls over the next five years. Thegoals of the grant are to increase academicachievement, increase skills and interest re-lated to science, technology, engineeringand mathematics (STEM), promote the arts(with empasis on classical arts), foster phys-ical, emotional and social well-being, andincrease awareness of obesity.

The goals will be accomplished through

a myriad of activities including before andafter school tutorial programs, mentoringprograms, Saturday Academy, summer en-richment programs, health and physical ac-tivity camps, as well as activities that willfoster relationships between the Links,school, home and community. This grantwill enable the chapter to continue totransform the lives of young women in theMS Delta through the five facets to assist inthe eradication of obesity, teen pregnancy,and poverty can be broken.

The grant will also afford the chapter theopportunity to expand its programminginto the Mississippi counties of Bolivar, Coa-homa, Humphreys, Sunflower, Panola, Tu-nica and Washington. These counties allhave a high incidence of poverty, obesity,teen pregnancy, under performing schoolsand high dropout rates.

To help sustain and impact communitiesholistically, the Chapter has partnered withcommunity and governmental agencies,

other non-profit agencies, civic and socialentities, and institutions of higher learningto ensure their goals are systemic in natureand are deeply rooted within the commu-nities.

This 21st Century Learning CommunitiesGrant program, referred to as, Young Ladiesin Training for Excellence and Service(Young LITES), will provide the services andmotivation needed to impact and changethe course of life for these young womenthrough the development of values andskills that will lead to promising careers andlifelong success.

During the Anniversary / Civic Luncheonfour civic leaders were honored: DonaldGreen (Clarksdale), Belinda Faye Morris(Batesville), Rev. Herron Wilson (Indianola)and Dr. Reginald Rodges (Cleveland) fortheir community service. Also fifteen com-munity partners were recognized for theirsupport of the chapter during their firstyear.

Shown above at the Mississippi Delta (MS) Chapter’s Anniversary Luncheon are (L-R) Left to rightJoyce McNair,

Co-Chairman Services to Youth and co author of grant, Dr. Vanessa Rogers Long, President and co author of

grant, Dennis Dupree, school Superintendent, Rosalyn Griffin, 1st Vice President and Dr. Wilma Wade, 2nd Vice

President and co author of the grant.

Southern Area’s Newest Chapter

Makes History with 900K+ Grant

Durham (NC) Chapter Visits Nasher ExhibitDurham (NC) Links attended a private tour

and screening of the exhibit and documen-tary film, "This is My Africa" ofWangechiMutu: A Fantastic Journey. Theexhibit presented more than 50 works fromthe mid-1990s to the present, includingdrawings, sculpture, installation and video.The exhibit at the Nasher Museum at DukeUniversity has organized WangechiMutu'sfirst survey in the United States, the mostcomprehensive show yet for this interna-tionally renowned, multidisciplinary activ-ity.Link sisters viewing the exhibit included Nellie Riley,

Felicia Farrar,Paula Flood, and Dianne Pledger

Let Me Tell You About My Girlfriends

In Celebration of Friendship

The Bold City (FL) Chapter celebrated their orga-nization's annual Friendship Month with a myriadif activities. Designed to pique the interest of thechapter's diverse membership, the MembershipCommittee held weekly events to accommodatebusy schedules. Planned events included a groupart class, Girls Night Out dinner and a movie and aworship service. Prizes we're given to the Link sisterwho attended all of the events and a each attendeesname was entered into a raffle for a gift basket fullof Link related goodies. Shown above are photosfrom the chapter's activities.

Yes You Canvas hosted the chapter's first Friend-ship Month activity on Thursday, November 7th.The private art class allowed the novice students tolearn basic fundamentals of art as they createdtheir own painting. In between, they enjoyed cama-raderie, snacks, cupcakes and light libations.

The second event of the month was held Friday,November 15th. During Girls Night Out, Link sistersenjoyed a family style dinner around a Japanese hibachitable and continued the evening with a viewing of the crit-ically acclaimed 12 Years A Slave that left not a dry eye inthe house. Following the movie, Links elaborated on thehistory they just witnessed and shared how grateful theywere they made the cinematic journey together.

On November 24th, members attended church at WaymanChapel AME graciously hosted by Link Cynthia Griffin andthe church's pastor, Connectng Link Rev. Mark Griffin.

Chapter members were made welcome from the momentthey entered the church with a special greeting from thePastor to the logo being shown on the jumbotron. The Grif-fin's epitomized the mantra that Links do to take care oftheir own. Chapter President Barbara Darby also hosted a President’s

Dessert Reception in her home.To encourage participation, the chapter’s membership

committee raffled a basket to all Friendship Month activityparticipants.

Bold City (FL) Celebrates Friendship Month withDiverse Activities Offering Something for Everyone

D i r l s N i g h t O u tY e s Y o u C a n v a s

W o r s h i p S e r v i c e o f R e m e m b r a n c e

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, members of the

Magic City (AL) Chapter gathered on top of Red

Mountain for a luncheon to celebrate twenty years

of “friendship and service” and “friendship

month”. The event was held at The Club, where the

chapter was chartered in 1993 by then National

President Marion Schultz Sutherland, Chapter Es-

tablishment Officer Marion Ridley Sweeney and

Southern Area Director Katie Bell.

The Friendship Ceremony was led by chapter

president, Charletta T. Sheehy who set a celebra-

tory tone for the event, which was chaired by vice

President Connie Sheppard Harris. Deidra Perry

served as Mistress of Ceremonies, and members

Connie S. Harris, Deborah B. Walker, and Margaret

Z. Beard participated in the program as well. A

photo presentation by Donna Lawson brought

memories and laughter to the crowd.

Charter members in attendance included:

Adriene Balton-Topping, Margaret Z. Beard, Diana

T. Chambliss, Connie Sheppard Harris, Bettye

Warren Mitchell, Charletta T. Sheehy, Sharon

Spencer, M.D., Juanita Jordan Vann and Deborah

Byrd Walker and Michelle Williams-Bridgewater.

Joining in the celebration were members in-

ducted from 2000 – 2012 Stacy Haynes-Nelson,

M.D., Sandra Z. Harris, Gloria Jemison, Nichelle

Gainey, Joyce P. French, Cheri Gardner, Terri

Gardner, Merika Coleman-Evans, Adrienne Roys-

ter-Bell, Mary B. Williams, Melissa Howard Smoot,

KeAndrea Stephens Jones, Donna R. Lawson, Lila

E. Hackett, Belinda J. Hall, Karen Winston Fox,

Barbara Regan, Marguerite Johnson, Nena Moorer,

Cecilia Crenshaw, LaJuana Bradford, Deidra K.

Perry and Brandi Rudolph Bolling, M.D.

Alumni members were invited to attend and were

honored with a white rose for their service to the

chapter. Alumni members present were Willa R.

McGlothan, Margaree Martin, Juanita J. Balton and

Sara Myers.

Connecting Links Leonard Smoot, Cleophas

Vann, Frederick Bolling, Clifford Hall and Rev-

erend James Myers and guest Ms. Diane Rudolph

also attended.

Magic City (AL) Celebrates Two

Decades During Friendship Month

The St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter ofThe Links Incorporated had a verybusy Friendship Month during Novem-ber 2013. They kicked off their celebra-tion of service and friendship bycontributing to seven local charities. Inan effort to boost camaraderie, mem-bers were encouraged to show theirteam spirit with a Fan-natical meetingtheme. During a program activity, theLink sisters graciously served dinner to

their signature project – the Rosebuds. A joint Founder's Day Celebration

was held between the Tampa (FL),host Bradenton/Sarasota (FL) and St.Petersburg (FL) Chapters in additionto a Church Fellowship and a DonorSabbath/Linkages To Life Program atPathways Christian Fellowship Churchfollowed by a luncheon at The Lake-wood Ranch Golf and Country Club inLakewood Ranch, FL.

To culminate Friendship Month, a“Secret Sister” exchange took place.For the month sisters were encour-aged to send to their secret sister ran-dom acts of kindness. These actsincluded cards, flowers and many,many gifts all delivered anonimously.In addition thechapter members do-nated African American Dolls for alocal Christmas Toy Shop and donatedcan goods for a local church pantry .

Chapter members attending the joint Founders

Day celebration included (top to bottom): Selma

Robinson-Ayers, Odessa Banks, Yvonne Alsup,

Faith Van, Tia Young, Joyce Thornton, Cynthia Jol-

liff-Johnson, Franca Sheehy, Patricia Stewart,

Donna McRae and June Peterman.

Ladies of the St. Petersburg Chapter with the do-

nated African American Dolls.

Vonda Jackson Colquitt, Chapter President;

and Selma Robinson-Ayers show their team

spirit at a chapter meeting.

St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter members serving their

“Rosebuds” dinner designed to instill the principle

of "serving others". The “Rosebuds” are the chap-

ter's program project. Link Members on the right are

shown front to back: Lori Taylor, Bonnie Davis, Kim

Jackson and Joyce Thornton.

St. Petersburg (FL) Innovatively Stays

Connected in Friendship, United in Service

by Chris HoenigDoctors have long said that diet

is a key in the fight against obe-sity, but a new study finds thatone food is more dangerous forBlack women than others: burg-ers.

Researchers at Boston Univer-sity’s Slone Epidemiology Centerfollowed nearly 20,000 Blackwomen who signed up as part ofthe Black Women’s Health Study.They tracked how often thewomen consumed eight specificnot-so-healthy foods: fried fish,pizza, Chinese food, Mexicanfood, fried chicken, burgers, soft drinks and French fries.The women who ate at least two burgers a week were ata 26 percent higher risk of becoming obese than thosewho didn’t.

Soft drinks were next on the list, with at least two drinksa day leading to a 10 percent greater risk of obesity inBlack women. “The association with burgers was strongerthan that with sugar-sweetened soft drinks,” study au-thors Deborah Boggs, Lynn Rosenberg, Patricia Coogan,Kepher Makambi, Lu-cile Adams-Campbelland Julie Palmer wrote.

Perhaps surprisingly,eating French fries withthe burger did not ap-pear to play a role, withno noticeable statisticaldifference betweenthose who ate Frenchfries and those whodidn’t. But age andweight did appear tobe factors that deter-mined how the partici-pants’ bodies wouldrespond, with youngerand healthier womenactually in more dan-ger. Risks increased forwomen who wereunder age 30 and had anormal weight at thestart of the study in1995.

“The identification ofindividual foods or bev-

erages that are associated withweight gain provides a basis forspecific and straightforward rec-ommendations to help preventobesity,” the researchers wrote.“Awareness needs to be raised thateven young women who havehealthy weights are at risk of be-coming obese if they frequentlyconsume these food items.”

All of the participants were be-tween the ages of 21 and 39; werenot classified as obese; and did nothave a history of heart disease orcancer at the beginning of thestudy. They self-reported their

weight every two years from 1995 to 2011 and filled outsurveys about their diets in 1995 and 2001.Nearly half of all Black Americans are obese, putting the

Black population at an already increased risk for thehealth problems that go along with it. Half of Blackwomen die from stroke or heart disease, two of the con-ditions linked with obesity, a rate that is twice that ofwhites.

The MostDangerous

Food forBlack

Women

Alabama

" UMOJA: The Spirit of Unity - Worksfrom the Collection of Carnetta andNorm Davis" was on exhibit from Au-gust 26 until October 4 at the Univer-sity of Alabama’s Paul R. Jones Galleryin the arts district of downtownTuscaloosa, AL. The exhibitionopened on August 28, 2013.

Earlier this year, fourteen selectionsfrom the couple’s collection were ex-hibited at the Hunter Museum of

American Art in Chattanooga, TN. An-other show featuring some of their artworks will take place in May of 2014at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA.

The Davis collection has more than100 works of African American artspanning the 19th to 21st centuriesand includes artists Henry OssawaTanner, Charles Ethan Porter, AllanRohan Crite, Benny Andrews, KevinCole, and Radcliffe Bailey, among oth-

ers. The couple allowed the UA De-partment of Art and Art History theopportunity to select 41 works fromtheir collection to exhibit.T he couple, residents of Birming-

ham, AL, has been collecting for someten years and seek works that help tellthe continuing story of the evolutionof African-American art.

Link Carnetta is a member of theBirmingham (AL) Chapter.

Carnetta and Norm Davis at the exhibit opening.

Birmingham (AL) Chapter Co Hosts Art

Exhibit Opening of Carnetta and Norm Davis

Florida

On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, The Treasure Coast (FL) Chapterkicked off the third component of their Linking Together againstSyndrome X program . This event entitled, Linking Together -Woman to Woman was held at The Gertrude Walden ChildcareCenter (GWCCC) in Martin County, Fl.

The Woman to Woman component is designed to provide in-formation about Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes Prevention,Cholesterol Management and Dietary Health to the 4o womenwho have children who attend the center as well as the teachersand other essential staff . At the kick-off, the participants wereinformed about the potentially devastating effects of SyndromeX, their baseline health statistics were taken, and they receiveda monthly calendar of events that includes a presentation froma prominent dietician, healthy meal demonstrations by an ex-ecutive chef, the development of tailored walking/exercise pro-gram and a special invitation to participate in our signaturetri-county event, Linking Together against Syndrome X and forRed Dress Heart Health on February 22, 2014.

Link Phyllis Gillespie assisting a parent with questions on

how she can bring the information regarding metabolic syn-

drome back to her community.

COMING SOON - COMING SOON - COMING SOON

The newly redesigned Southern Area

Website featuring the Southern Area Boutique !

COMING SOON - COMING SOON - COMING SOON

Link Wilhelmina Lewis explaining to the female parents and

grandparents how to identify symptoms of metabolic syn-

drome.

Link Jovita Williams; Link Myrna Bridges; Link Phyllis Gille-

spie, Executive Director of the Gertrude Walden Childcare

Center, Thelma Washington; Link Wilhelmina Lewis, MD;

Link Clare Nash: and Link Taunya Bryant.

Treasure Coast (FL) Talks ‘Woman to Woman’

The Brevard County (FL)Chapter of The Links, Incor-porated, was one of 36chapters selected from 276chapters to receive an AT&Tgrant via the Links Founda-tion, Incorporated, which isthe philanthropic arm ofthe organization. During aninterview with FLORIDATODAY, the chapter presi-dent, Dr. Ethel Newman,was asked how the AT&Tgrant was utilized. “Ourchapter’s Services to Youth(STY) Facet took on the re-sponsibility of fulfilling themission of the grant by cre-ating a program to help ouryouth get involved in Sci-ence, Technology, Engi-neering, and Math (STEM).”STY organizers, Dr. BarbaraMoore and Mrs. Kim Kassis,used the opportunity toteam up with Ronald Mc-Nair Magnet School inRockledge, FL., and NASAeducators from the Educa-tors Resource Center (ERC)at Kennedy Space Center(KSC) to fulfil the grant’sSTEM requirements.

This collaborative team ef-fort led to the creation ofthe multi-phased program,Stem-U-Lation: Left Brainand Right Brain, the firstprogram of its kind, for theparticipating organizations.McNair Magnet School wasselected to participate be-cause it has an educationalprogram, Advanced via In-dividual Determination

program, also known asAVID, on its campus. Thiscollege readiness systemfor elementary throughhigher education is de-signed to increase schoolwide learning and perform-ance. McNair’s AVID pro-gram, and the studentsselected by their teachersto participate in the Stem-U - L a t i o np r o g r a m ,met the cri-teria out-lined by theLinks Foun-dation. Mc-N a i r ’ sp r i n c i p a l ,R o s e t t eBrown andthe school’sA V I Dt e a c h e r ,Edith Miller,r e a d i l yagreed toparticipatein this inau-gural programas both wantthe very best fortheir students.On 19 September 2013,NASA educators from KSCbrought a portion of thespace program to the stu-dents on their home turf intheir own classroom. Dur-ing this interactive firstphase of the program, thestudents learned some ofthe software language forfuture space projects, used

lap top computers to writebasic computer programsand participated in a seriesof simulated launch activi-ties. On October 18, 2013,the students visited KSC toparticipate in a NASA class-room program called “Liv-ing in Space”, followed by atour of the new Atlantis ex-hibit at the KSC Visitor Com-

plex and the real orbiterAtlantis. In November, thechapter hosted the thirdand final phase of theStem-U-Lation: Left Brainand Right Brain programwith a beautiful closing cer-emony. This culminatingevent showcased the stu-dents’ learning experiencesduring the three monthlong program. Each of the

students received a person-alized certificate and asmall gift for their wonder-ful behavior and awesomeparticipation. Following aphoto op with the localmedia, the students, theirfamily and friends, schoolfaculty and a very happycrowd of attendees fromthe local community cele-

brated the successful com-pletion of program with aClosing Reception hostedby the chapter. While thisprogram may have beenthe first of its kind, it is des-tined to be a recurring pro-gram for the 276 chaptersof The Links, Incorporatedas the need for STEM edu-cation and engagementcontinues to grow.

Brevard (FL) Implements

New STY Funded Programming

Stem-U-Lation: Left Brain & Right Brain Closing Ceremony. L-R: Rosette Brown, Principal,McNair Magnet Middle School, Dr. Ethel Newman, Chapter President, Destiny Price, AVIDstudent, receiving a Certificate of Achievement and AVID teacher, Edith Miller.

Florida

Shown is Longineu Parsons with Randy Corinthian

Fort Lauderdale (FL) HostsJazz Concert for StudentsThe Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter Arts Facet Committee

recently collaborated with the Old Dillard Foundation tohost the Annual Cannonball Adderley Birthday Concert.Julian Edwin "Cannonball" Adderley was a jazz alto saxo-phonist of the hard bop era of the 1950s and 1960s. Hehas been recognized and honored as one of the nation'smost talented jazz musicians and is remembered for his1966 hit single "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and for his workwith trumpeter Miles Davis. Adderley taught at DillardHigh School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida prior to taking ad-vantage of the opportunity to perform and entertain glob-ally.

The Old Dillard High School is a historical site acknowl-edged as the 1st school for African Americans in Fort Laud-erdale, Florida. The school is on the National Registry andis now a celebrated museum. The Old Dillard School Mu-seum houses a room that honors Adderley and annuallyrecognizes his Birthday to celebrate his accomplishmentsand his connection and commitment to the students atDillard High School and the local community.

During the concert the students were able to observeand learn from two jazz greats-- Longinue Parsons andRandy Corinthian. Longinue, plays the trumpet and per-formed with the world famous entertainer CannonballAdderley during his illustrious career. Mr. Parsons hasbeen hailed by critics internationally as being one of theworld’s finest trumpet players. He is currently an associateprofessor at Florida A&M University.

The Arts Facet continues to seek opportunities to expandthe Arts in the community and to encourage students toconsider participating in the Arts in order to fully developtheir academic capabilities.

Florida

Treasure Coast (FL)Links Hands with Haiti

Shown above are Rev. Thomas and Link Shirley HinesAtkins load toys bound for Haiti courtesy of the Inter-national Trends Facet of the Treasure Coast Chapter.

The International Trends and Services facet sponsoreda successful "Linking Hands with our Friends in Haiti"showcase held on Sunday, November 10, 2013, in FortPierce, Florida at the New Destiny Family Worship Center.The showcase program was a well-attended event featur-ing music from the First Haitian Baptist Church of VeroBeach, FL, praise dancing from the Haitian Youth Groupand delicious Caribbean food.

The event was a great opportunity for Link sisters toview pictures and ask questions about the two missionswe support in Haiti as well as celebrate friendship. Inter-national traveler Link Shirley Hines Atkins also chairs theInternational Trends facet. Link Atkins has travel the worldin her role with the International Red Cross. She has wit-nessed and helped resolve emergency situations all overthe globe. Thanks to her efforts within the chapter, mem-bers are just a phone call away from a first hand accountin the area of International Trends.

Thanks to the generosity of Links Gloria Gary and JovitaWilliams, ITS chair Shirley Hines Atkins delivered toys toRev.Thomas on Saturday, December 28. Rev. Thomas andMr. Cazeau (teacher at the school in Haiti) will divide themand deliver them to Haiti. Their plan is to have them de-livered by 3 Kings Day,January 6.

Florida

The Services to Youth (STY) Facet of the Brevard County(FL) Chapter developed a multi-phased Science, Technol-ogy, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program using anAT&T grant. The chapter was selected for the grant by TheLinks Foundation, Incorporated. The focus of the grant isSTEM-ULATING: Left Brain & Right Brain. The chapter’sSTYFacet, partnered with the NASA Educator ResourceCenter (ERC) located at Kennedy Space Center, FL(KSC),and Ronald McNair Magnet School in Cocoa, FL tofulfill the mission of the grant. Forty students enrolled inthe Advanced via Individual Determination (AVID) pro-gram atMcNairwere selected to participate in the STY pro-gram. AVID, is a college readiness system for elementarythrough higher education designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance.

The first phase of STEM-ULATING: Left Brain & RightBrain took place on Thursday, September 19, 2013 on theMcNair Magnet School campus. NASA educators, JenHudgins and Samantha Thorstensen, from the ERC, en-gaged the AVID students in a basic programming activityusing NXT Lego Mindstorm robots. The students learnedthe NXT basic programming language and programmed

rovers to follow a moon path. The ERC educators set upseveral mini stations with laptops and robots that pro-vided the students a hands-on experience as well as theopportunity to participate in simulated launch activities.

The secondphase took place on Friday October 18, 2013at KSC. The students participated in a classroomprogramcalled 'Living in Space' where NASA educator, Jen Hud-gins, from the ERC, discussed the moon and Earth scalesand distances. The students also learned aboutthe retire-ment of the Shuttle Program and NASA's new SpaceLaunch System (SLS) design. The class ended with a LiquidNitrogen demonstration and discussion of the use of cryo-genic fuels on the Space Shuttle. Although the studentswere thrilled to be in the NASA classroom, they were mys-tified by thetour of the new Atlantis exhibit at the KSC Vis-itor Complex and the real orbiter Atlantis. The wellbehaved students were still chatting about their amazingexperience as they loaded the bus enroute back to McNairwhere a pizza lunch hosted by STY awaited them.The finalphase will showcase the students’ activities at a culminat-ing event at McNair prior to 30 November 2013.

Brevard County (FL) STY Facet Presents

STEM-U-LATING Left Brain, Right

Brevard County (FL) Chapter and the students enrolled in the AVID program.

Florida

The Dade County (FL) Chapter and Florida Memo-rial University (FMU) recently kicked off year threeof a successful community/school partnership con-necting volunteer mentors to student mentees.Lean Forward with Mentoring is an innovative ini-tiative designed to connect FMU students, specifi-cally freshman students, to successful business andcommunity mentors who will share their profes-sional expertise and their corporate and civic en-gagement experiences with students. The programsupports the university’s goal of retention and itspromise to provide needed guidance to students.Approximately 30 FMU students will be mentoredover the course of the school year by professionalmen and women who have volunteered to serve asmentors. Because of the popularity of social medianetworks, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, oneunique feature of the program is that communication between mentors and mentees through social media is highlyencouraged. Mentors stress to mentees the importance of appropriate social media postings and the impact postingscan eventually have on a student’s future career and postsecondary education plans.

Shown above is Dr. Cynthia Clarke, Dade County (FL) Links President (seated center, left) and Dr.

Roslyn ClarkArtis, FMU Interim President (seated center, right) pictured with mentors and FMU student

mentees of the Lean Forward with Mentoring Program, a partnership between the Dade County (FL)

Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Florida Memorial University. G. Reed photo

Dade County (FL) Links and FMU Kick Off Year Three of Lean Forward With Mentoring

Lean Forward Mentor Attorney James Rowan (left)

gives his mentee FMU student Ryan James advice

about law schools.

Florida

(Tallahassee, FL) – Members of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) have elected NonaJones, community and government relations director for Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), as sec-retary-treasurer of the organization’s board of directors.

FMEA represents the unified interests of 34 public power communities across the state, which pro-vides electricity to nearly 3 million of Florida’s residential and business consumers.

“Board members participate in regular meetings heldacross the state and are charged with setting the overalldirection of the organization,” said Barry Moline, FMEA’sexecutive director. “Nona has established herself as astrong leader on utility issues not only in Gainesville, butthroughout the state of Florida. We’re honored to haveher serve as our secretary-treasurer.”

“I am pleased to be chosen to serve as an elected mem-ber on FMEA’s board. This organization is helping ourstate’s electric industry stay at the forefront of the nationby keeping its members informed on legislative issuesand providing safety, training and customer service re-sources,” said Jones.

She added, “Vince Lombardi once said, ‘The achieve-ments of an organization are the results of the combinedeffort of each individual.’ Through FMEA, individual mu-nicipal utilities located across Florida are working to-gether to assure that our priorities remain focused on theconsumer.”

Jones is a graduate of Leadership Florida and LeadershipGainesville. She was honored as one of Gainesville’s “13under 30” community leaders by Home Magazine and a“Woman Who Makes a Difference” by the Girl Scouts ofGateway Council. She holds both her bachelor’s and mas-ter’s degrees from the University of Florida.Other officers elected to the FMEA board include Presi-dent Barbara Quiñones of Homestead; President-ElectBud Para of JEA; and Vice President Mike New of Alachua.

The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) represents the unified interests of 34 public powercommunities across the state, which provides electricity to more than 3 million of Florida’s residentialand business consumers.

Link Nona is member of the Gainesville (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa AlphaSorority, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America. She also serves as the Southern Area Protocol Chair.

Going PlacesNona Jones Makes History

in Florida Public Works

Link Nona Jones

Florida

The Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter announcedthat they were ready to implement the Third(3rd) phase of their award-winning UmbrellaProgram: Linking Together against SyndromeX, Woman to Woman - A Monthly Health Se-ries (October 2013 - February 2014).

Developed for The Gertrude Walden Child-care Center (GWCCC) and sponsored by TheTreasure Coast (FL) Chapter., this project'smain goal is to impart information to the

community that focuses on the medical con-dition commonly refer to as (metabolic syn-drome) or Syndrome X. After the openingceremonies took place, the participants wereeducated by a Nutritionist in the how's andwhy's of proper nutritional choices and pre-sented with keepsake journals to track theirprogress. After a lively Q&A session, a won-derful fellowship ensued.

The Kick-off event took place at 6:00 p.m.

on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at The GertrudeWalden Childcare Center located at 601 SELake St Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 283-6321

Many sister Links were available and cameout as they joined their newest chapter in-ductees and began the implementation oftheir outstanding new program phase.

Link Phyllis Gillespie is Chair of the GWCCCboard was the chapter's primary liaison.

The Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter Begins Phase 3 of Umbrella Program

Shown above are almumnae members (L-R) Johnnie Riley, Edith Francis, Yvonne Cooper, Betty Minton and Odessa Williams.

Brevard county (FL) Kicks Off Year With Friendship CeremonyThe Brevard County (FL) Chapter opened their September chapter meeting with a warm and memorable Ceremony

of Friendship. Many alumnae attended this meeting held at The Tides Club Heritage Room, Satellite Beach, FL. Thealumnae received roses from the ceremonial vase at the end of the meeting. All members reflected on and embracedthe beautiful ceremonial phrases. A Thomas Aquinas quote captured the spirit we felt: “There is nothing on this earthmore to be prized than true friendship.”

Florida

Seated Chapter President Elizabeth Jackson, Guest Facilitator Faye Hargrove and Chapter Vice Pres-

ident Kathryn Wilson. Standing members of The Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter left to right are Arlene

Shackelford, Clarece Nash, Stephanie Dunbar, Candace Stone, Tamara Williams, Theda Rucker, Wil-

helmina Lewis, Marilyn Dawson, Cheryl Glenn, Carol Gipson, Shirley Hines Atkins, Tanisha Gary, Bev-

erly Hinton, Lauren Gragg, Taunya Bryant and Phyllis Gillespie.

Treasure Coast (FL) Retreats With Area Organizational

Effectiveness Chair to Increase Bonds of FriendshipThe Treasure Coast (Fl) Chapter enjoyed their 2013 Re-

treat at the Bennity at Tradition in Port St. Lucie, Florida.Guest presenter and facilitator was Link Faye Hargrove ofthe Augusta (GA) Chapter. Link Faye serves as the South-ern Area Organizational Efffectiveness Chair.

The theme and purpose of our retreat was to encompasslearning how to develop our friendships within the chap-ter so that we can more effectively serve in friendship. LinkHargrove used Her book "BETTER CHOICES" to help us un-derstand the concept, "When We Know Better We Do Bet-ter". Link Hargrove inspired us to work hard on ourfriendships within our chapter.

The outcome of the retreat resulted in the chapter nowfirmly believing that with positive friendships, they arearmed to serve their community in a more enthusiasticand joyous manner. Facilitator Link Faye Hargrove and

Chapter Vice President Link Kathryn Wilson

by Joy WallaceThe St. Petersburg (FL) held their

Summer Retreat resulting in very pro-ductive working sessions. More im-

portantly, the chapter realized a

collective sense of purpose.As the decision is made to have a

chapter retreat, the realization kicks inthat for some members it will be a

conflict with sum-mer vacation plansand sadly to say,there will be thosemembers who arejust not interestedin attending. Theencouraging part,however, in this isthat, those who dochoose to attend,whether by sacri-fice or not, usually

come away with a great sense of sis-

terhood, appreciation and enlighten-ment. To foster sisterhood and friend-ships is a wonderful by-product of aretreat.Another great purpose of a retreat isnot only set your agenda for the up-coming program year and brainstorm ideas for fundraising projectsand umbrella and facet activities, butit can be a very useful avenue to reit-erate and remind ourselves that everymember is valuable and has some-thing to offer. To see ourselves as TheAlmighty sees us, His creation, allowsour minds to be opened and our cre-ative juices to began flowing. Whenall these things line up--in love--, yourretreat will be a successful event.

Standing left to right: Jacqueline Hubbard, Faith Van, Joy Wallace, Tia Young, June Kicklighter-Peterman, Centerback to front: Pat Stewart, Lisa Benson, Yvonne Alsup, Vonda Colquitt ( President -seated) Standing right toleft: Lori Taylor, Donna McRae, Kimberly Jackson Odessa Banks and Franca Sheehy.

INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RETREAT

- pounds of Respect- loads of laughter- mounds of ideas

- little food and good music- tons of relaxation

Yields: at least (1 yr) of a fantastic roadmap of plans for your Links chapter

St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter Retreat Defines Chapter’s Sense of Purpose

CALLING ALL FLORIDA LINKS

- - - Save the Date - - - Florida Links Day at the Capital 2014

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Join your sisters from throughout the state for a day of advocacy, networking and political education in

Tallahassee, Fl

7 am - 4:30 pm

Registration fee $40includes breakfast, lunch, reception, registration gifts and onsite transportation.

Special Guest Southern Area Director Eneid A. Francis

Guest SpeakerFlorida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince

Host Hotel: Aloft Tallahassee $125 a night200 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Fl 32301

Register TODAY!!! Ask for the Florida Black Caucus Rate (850) 513-0313

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL FLLDAC@SALINKSINC.ORG

Florida

As a National Partnership Activity, The Bradenton/Sara-sota (FL) Chapter’s National Trends & Services facet en-tered into a partnership with the Sarasota County Habitatfor Humanity. Together, they assisted Ms. Dawn Alexander(a single mother of three) in securing a home from paper-

work filing to moving in. Ms. Alexander’s home dedicationwas on February 23, 2013. Under the leadership of LinksGwendolyn Atkins and Bernadine Rice the chapter pro-vided sweat equity hours, gifts, furniture, appliances, anda photo album for Ms. Alexander’s new home.

The Bradenton/Sarasota (FL)Chapter of The Links, Incorporatedrecently held an International Sym-posium in the Herald-Tribune Con-ference Roomin Sarasota, Florida.

The Symposium featured threeprominent former ambassadorswho currently reside in the Braden-ton and Sarasota areas.

• Ambassador James D. McGeespent over 30 years in the ForeignService. He served as Ambassadorto the Kingdom of Swaziland 2002 -2004, Madagascar and the ComorosIslands 2004 - 2007, and Zimbabwe2007 – 2009.

• Ambassador Joseph M. Segarsspent over 26 years in the ForeignService. His service included assign-ments in South Africa, Jamaica,Nigeria and Tanzania. He was twiceCountry Officer in the Department‘sAfrica Bureau including Liberia, SierraLeone and Zimbabwe, Lesotho andSwaziland. He was appointed Ambas-sador to the Republic of Cape Verdefrom 1993 to 1996.

• Ambassador Barry L. Wells joinedthe Foreign Service in 1988. He wasappointed Ambassador to The Re-public of the Gambia by Secretary ofState Condoleezza Rice on December10, 2007. Ambassador Wells was thefirst African American Civil Service Of-ficer to serve as a U.S. Ambassador.

The Ambassadors shared the issuesand challenges which faced AfricanAmericans in the Foreign Service dur-

ing the early 1970s and the recentprogress that has been made.

Especially riveting was their countryspecific experiences and the delica-cies in maintaining positive diplo-matic relationships with the localgovernments while representing theinterests of the United States.Anotherhot topic area was the discussionaround more recent events in Libyaand Kenya. Ambassador McGeespecifically spoke about his personalrelationship with AmbassadorChristopher Stevens as well as issuesrelated to the security of the Ameri-

can Embassy in Benghazi.The Ambassadors alsodescribed

what it takes to be a good Ambassa-dor, career opportunities and theskills required to enter the ForeignService. This was followed by a veryenthusiastic and interactive Q&A fromthe audience. More than 70 peopleattended the event and there was aunanimous agreement that the pres-entation should be extended to highschool students to encourage themto consider the Foreign Service as acareer opportunity.

Bradenton/Sarasota (FL) Chapter Assists Single Mother in Dream for Home Ownership

The Bradenton/Sarasota (FL) Chapter Presents“The Role of U.S. Ambassadors in Today’s Global Crisis”

Chapter members are shown at the symposium: (L-R) Penny Jackson (Chair ITS Facet),

Joyce Locklear, Ambassador Barry Wells, Ambassador Joseph Segars, Adrienne Ward

Paramore (President), Shirley Miller, Ambassador James McGee, and Diana Smith.

On Sunday, November 10, 2013, members of theMiami-Biscayne Bay Chapter, attended New CovenantPresbyterian Church. Link Lillian Cooper, who is a mem-ber there, participated on the program and recognizedmembers and visitors as well as caregivers and veteransin recognition of Veteran’s Day. Members heard the ser-mon, ”Go and Build”, by the pastor,Rev. Dr. John C.Vaughn. Scripture lessons were from Hagai 1:3-15 and1 Corinthians 3:5-17.

Chapter President, Link Rosa Simmons, spoke duringthe “Minute for Mission.” She spoke about organ dona-tion and its benefits. She had polysytic kidney diseasefor over 20 years before going on dialysis for about 20months. Her younger sister was her donor for a new kid-

ney. Link Rosa told her story and explained that only ap-proximately 12 percent of African Americans are organdonors. Many patients of color, die due to lack of anorgan donation. African Americans die of kidney failuremore often than Caucasians. She revealed that onedonor can help save 50 lives and shared that anyonewith high blood pressure cannot be an organ donor,but can donate their skin for burn victims. Donors havethe right to choose which organ(s) they would like todonate.and can be made by family members afterdeath or as a living donor.

Link sisters in attendance were served a Sunday din-ner in the church fellowship hall immediately followingthe service.

Florida

MIAMI – Florida Memorial University (FMU) held its 12th Annual Scholarship Gala raising $250,000 for scholarshipsto benefit students. Dwyane Wade Jr. of the World Champion Miami Heat was the gala’s special guest and the universityhonored individuals in the community, including the Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for exem-plary volunteer service. The Dade County (FL) Chapter has partnered with FMU on many projects and initiatives, in-cluding Lean Forward with Mentoring, which is a mentoring initiative, designed to impact student retention andprovide needed guidance to students. Photo Credit: Mark Hill

Link Cynthia Clarke, President (center) and Members of the Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links,

Incorporated at the Florida Memorial University 12th Annual Scholarship Gala. The chapter was rec-

ognized by the university with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Florida Memorial Honors Dade

County Links for Volunteer Service

Miami Biscayne Bay (FL) Holds Donor Sabbath

Georgia

Albany (GA) Chapter Celebrates 30th AnniversaryThe Albany (GA) Chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary during the week of May 13 -19, 2013. Since May of 1983,

when the chapter received its charter, the organization has been recognized locally for outstanding services in thearts, services to youth, as well as services regarding national and international trends.

To celebrate this milestone, Mona Parker, served as chairperson for the celebration and Naomi Carroll coordinatedthe activities for the week. The week long celebration of activites included:

• Monday, May 13, 2013 Make Radium Springs Middle School Beautiful (planted flowers)• Tuesday, May 14, 2013 Thanksgiving in May (Donated food baskets to two families at Turner Elementary

School)• Wednesday, May 15, 2013 James H. Gray Senior Center (Volunteering at the center with the citizens)• May 13-16, 2013 Blood Drive with the American Red Cross• Sunday, May 19, 2013 The week ended with members attending church service as Bethel AME Church with

an inspiring message from Rev. Ernest Davis, senior pastor.The chapter culminated its 30th year with a benefit fundraiser in December coordinated by JoAnne Taylor and Link

Sonya Acree. Several 30-year members of the organization are still active in the chapter. They include Mona Parker,Constance Adams, Naomi Carroll, Martha Craft, Joyce Griffin, Suzanne Gordon, Brenda Hodgs-Tiller, Freddie Sims andParticia Victor.

The Atlanta (GA) Chapter celebrated its 60th Anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee Gala held at the

Ritz Carlton Buckhead in February. Members were resplendent in platinum and silver attire.

Georgia

Members of the Camellia Rose (GA) Chapter

Camellia Rose (GA) Kicks Off Youth Empowerment Program

The Camellia Rose (GA) Chapter held their Youth Empowerment Program kickoff at Jean Childs Young Middle Schoolin September. The Youth Empowerment Program is designed to help participating students increase their self-confi-dence and assist them in developing skill sets that will enable them to become change agents, and reach their fullpotential in their school and community. Additionally, the program provides information to educate the entire studentbody about important social issues so all students can become productive, responsible citizens.

More than 30 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students selected to participate in the program attended the kickoff.They listened attentively as Dr. Kelvin Griffin, school principal, talked about their responsibilities, and the importanceof being positive role models and change agents in the school. Ms. Lola Pando, school counselor, reinforced Dr. Griffin’sremarks. The Camellia Rose Program Chair, Pam Elliott gave an overview of the program, and chapter president, Deb-orah Lott-Barnes gave closing remarks.

After the program, students participated in a smoothie tasting bonding activity. After tasting four different smooth-ies, students voted on their favorite, The Double Peach Cream. A fun time was had by all.

Georgia

Link Beverly Lewis, Arts Facet Co-Chair, Aundria Dicker-son, Founder and Director of The Rock and Link MargieHarris, Arts Facet Co-Chair.The Brunswick (GA) Chapter launched its Arts Facet transfor-

mational program, Arts 101, with The Rock, a local after-schoolprogram. The Arts Facet will provide year-round support serv-ices that will engage youth (ages 6 - 16), integrating the artsthrough literature and the performance arts. Local youth willparticipate in guided lessons from southeast regional "artistsin residence" at The Rock in the spoken word, drama, creativewriting and dance.

Link V. Thomas, Chapter President, Larry Morris,MAP International Director of TransformationalPrograms and Link A. Lattany Reed, Chapter VicePresident.

The Brunswick (GA) Chapter will partner with MAP In-ternational this year to carry out the service goals ofthe International Trends and Services Facet. The goalsinclude sending a medical mission team to Liberiashipping 1,000 survival kits to women and girls in Haiti.

Partnerships Expand Brunswick (GA) Programming

The Arts International

Trends & Services

Save

the Date

39th National Assembly

July 2-6, 2014

Washington, DC

Southern Area

Leadership Summit

October 9-11, 2014

Greenville, SC

43rd Southern

Area Conference

May 13-17, 2015

Birmingham, AL

Georgia

The Buckhead/Cascade City (GA)Chapter hosted its signaturefundraiser “Linking Heart & Soul”Mardi Gras & Casino Night Cele-bration featuring casino games,New Orleans-style cuisine andlive entertainment on Saturday,October 15 at the AmericasMart.The organization raised $45,000

for non-profit partners: LivingWater for Girls, a therapeutic resi-dential program providing pro-fessional services and care forgirls 12 to 18 years old who arevictims of commercial sexual ex-ploitation; Jerusalem House, At-lanta’s oldest and largest providerof permanent housing for At-lanta’s low-income and homelessindividuals and families affectedby HIV/AIDS; and the WoolfolkBoys & Girls Club which providesdevelopmental programs andservices for youth.

Nearly 700 people includinghigh profile executives and localpoliticians attended the gala andwere entertained by multi-tal-ented actor and comedianJonathan Slocumb, second lineband ATL Brass Connection andSol Factor, one of Atlanta’s topR&B bands. The festive Mardi Grasthemed celebration highlightedthe traditions of New Orleanscomplete with creole-style foodand decorations, music, casinogames, silent auction and rafflesprizes.“This is an opportunity for us to

raise significant funds for ourpartners in an effort to make a dif-ference in the lives of youth andfamilies throughout Metro At-lanta and have fun at the sametime,” said chapter president, LinkGail Tusan Washington. “We havelong-standing relationships witheach of these organizations andwe will continue to support themthrough our volunteer efforts.

Buckhead Cascade City (GA) Raises$45K at “Linking Heart and Soul” Mardi Gras Celebration

Nancy Hall White, Gala Co-Chair; Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin Gale Co-Chair;Lisa Williams, Living Water for Girls; Christopher and Brittney Williams, Woolfolk Boys andGirls Club, Tiffany Rivera, Jerusalem House; Carolyn Young Gala Co-Chair; Gail Tusan.Washington, Chapter President

Links members participate in the festive Second Line Dance

Shirley Franklin, Gail Tusan Washington and Carolyn Young dance

and strut in the festive Second Line Dance

Louisiana

Link JinxBroussard’sBook Gets

Rave ReviewsLink Jinx Coleman Broussard of the

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter recently re-leased her newest book, African Ameri-can Foreign Correspondents: A History.The book has been receiving excellentreviews, and a book signing for her atDillard University in New Orleans overthe summer attests to the interest peo-ple have in it. The event drew almost100 people - many of them Link Sisters.

African American Foreign Correspon-dents: A History, doesn’t read like his-tory, but more like a story about theintrepid black men and women who reported from overseas for almost a century and a half “to tell the truth,” or to“tell the real story,” or “to tell our story,” as they often said.

These correspondents have been invisible in media, black and American history; yet their personal and career storieswere as fascinating as the stories they wrote from abroad.

They often had to fight for the right to go overseas to cover events, issues and individuals, which had an impact onAfrican Americans at home and people of color worldwide. In doing so, they gave visibility to marginalized peopleand created meaning and understanding for those who shared a common linkage with blacks at home.

They continually related that other nations treated nonwhite others as equals, and they called on America to do thesame. As one of the especially daring correspondents told Link Jinx, he wrote to change the status quo because hebelieved America could be a better nation if it upheld the democratic principles it espoused.

Link Jinx Coleman Broussard is shown with her new book.

In its 20th year of service to the com-munity, the Pontchartrain (LA) Chap-ter will be the recipient of a2013-2014 community partnershipgrant from the New Orleans Jazz andHeritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. Grant funds in the amount of $3,500

will benefit The Pontchartrain Chap-ter’s Arts Facet programs “Links Keepthe Music Playing” and “Visual Arts Ini-tiative,” which are administered at Mc-Donogh #35 High School in New

Orleans.Through the years, “Links Keep the

Music Playing” has provided annualdonations of musical instruments toNew Orleans-area public school bandprograms and other community-based music programs in the city.Similarly, the Visual Arts Initiative pro-vides funds for art supplies used in vi-sual arts classes such as paint,brushes, canvas, stretchers, easels andcleaning solutions. Visual arts stu-

dents are alsoencouraged to partici-pate in The Links, Incorporated's Na-tional Poster Art Contest.

The grant funds will be used to: 1.)increase resources available for instru-ment repair and purchase, 2.) en-hance the amount and type ofsupplies available to art teachers andstudents, and 3.) purchase sheetmusic and supplies for vocal artsclasses.

Pontchartrain Chapter Awarded

Grant for Arts Facet Programs

Louisiana

Eighth grade girls at McDonogh #35High School in New Orleans onceagain have an opportunity to partici-pate in the Pontchartrain Chapter’sLINKS Reaching New Heights—RisingStars Mentoring Program. In its sec-ond year, the first in a series ofmonthly mentoring sessions was heldin September generating interestfrom approximately 20 girls and theirparents.

The acronym LINKS in the mentoringprogram’s title stands for L-Leader; I-Independent Thinker; N-NaturallyBeautiful; K-Kind; and S-Successful.These are attributes that each girlshould portray when finished withthe nine-month program. This year,the chapter’s first mentoring sessionwas held on Saturday, Sept. 28. Thementees along with at least 25 Linksmembers worked in small groups tofoster a love of personal growth andsisterhood.

Throughout the duration of the pro-gram, each mentee learned about theimportance of being self-confidentthrough one-on-one activities with aLinks member. The mentees werealso pinned after being sworn in tothe program.

Josline Gosserand Frank, Services toYouth Facet chair, explained to theteenagers and their parents that theycan expect phone calls from the Linksmembers to randomly check on theirprogress.

“We want to keep an ongoing rela-tionship during the program and con-tinue this relationship afterwards,”Frank said. “I want to be the momaway from home to your daughterswhile they are at school.”

Part of McDonogh #35’s mission isto provide interactive programs thatare supported by teachers, staff, stu-

dents, parents and the community, sothe Pontchartrain Chapter’s programfits into the school’s strategic goals.

The session was filled with mo-ments of laughter and personal sto-ries from the Pontchartrain Chaptermembers about some of their per-sonal struggles when they wereteenagers, which created an environ-ment of sharing. Chapter memberssaid this is all done in an effort to be atrue inspiration and show the beauty

and responsibilities that come alongwith growing into a positive woman.

Some of the planned activities thatwill be conducted as part of the men-toring program include college-preparatory workshops, art lessons,health seminars, etiquette sessions,food drives and Christmas and Kwan-zaa activities. The mentees will keeptrack of their experiences throughjournal writing.

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter Partnership with McDonogh Continues to Yield Positive Results

Shreveport (LA) Chapter JoinsForces with River Bend Rotary

to Build Community GardenThe Shreveport (LA) Chapter and the River Bend Rotary Club partnered to

build a community garden at Caddo Heights Math Science Elementary Schoolon Saturday, August 3, 2013. The garden was financed by the River Bend Ro-tary Club and will be an extension of the "Healthy Lifestyles" program taughtto third graders. Shown above behind the garden forms are members of thechapter of which Joyce Patton is President and Beverly Johnson is Vice Presi-dent of Programs and the River Bend Rotary Club, of which Gerald Adams isPresident and Eric Hill, Principal of Caddo Heights.

Louisiana

Crescent City (LA)

Participates in

Susan G. Komen

Race for the CureOn October 26th, a members

from the Crescent City Chapterof The Links, Incorporated tookpart in the Susan G. KomenRace for the Cure. Chaptermembers met early for a pre-warm up to the walk and could-n't be missed in the sea of pink,as chapter members woregreen and white bandanas withchapter t-shirts. Our festive'second line' umbrellas toppedoff our outfits. Many membersalso participated in therace/walk that included acourse outside of the famed City Park.This year, members walked and ran in honor of our Sister Links whoare breast cancer survivors: Beverly Wright, Patrice Samms, Tracey Stewart, and JennetteDobard.

The event was chaired by Links Dottie Reese and Tyra Soroparu. Link Dottie Reese also serves as chair-person for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Please plan to make you or your

chapter a part of future issues

and become eligible for the

SOUTHERN AREA’S

NewsmakerNewsmakerAwardAward

The winning chapter will receiverecognition at the Area Conference

and a new chapter camera

Sisters are you

taking Advantage ?

Eligibility for the NEWSMAKER AWARDwill be based on an ongoing point based

system. Points will be awarded for each

item submittedand accepted to area and

national publications beginning with the

this issue.

2. Additional points will be given for local

media publication including newspapers,

radio, television and web. Chapters are re-

sponsible for collecting and documenting

data for May 1st reporting.

Louisiana

Crescent City (LA) Links Honor TenOutstanding Professionals in New Orleans

On September14th, The Crescent City (LA) Chapter hosted the Champions forChange fundraiser honoring ten people who have made a significant difference byserving as a catalyst for positive change. Individuals who were recognized include:artists Terrance Osborne and Anthony Bean of the Anthony Bean Theater, and cham-pions for our youth, Lloyd Dennis of the Silverback Society and Bivian "Sonny" Lee,founder of the Son of a Saint foundation. Other recipients include: Dr. DeneseSh-ervington - Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies; Dr. Eric Griggs– ResearchMD’s Fam-ily Practice; Beverly McKenna - The New Orleans Tribune & Le Musee', de f.p.c.; TracieWashington- Louisiana Justice Institute; Keith Doley -Consul for South Africa andMarie-Jose' Poux - Hope for Haitian Children Foundation.Our mission was to raisemoney to provide scholarships to deserving children and sustain our successfullocal programs, like our award winning International Cultural Awareness Program,our commitment to preventing childhood obesity, mentoring young people andensuring our collective champion for social issues. More than 800 people participated in the celebration. Of special note was retired

Lt. General Russel Honore’ who was onhand to pay tribute to the 2013 Championsfor Change. Guests were also treated to a fashion show sponsored by Macy’s titled,“Links in Minks. in addition to being entertained by several local artists.

All proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support our programs and providecollege scholarships to high school students.

STANDING: Cheryl Alexander, Natalie Barnes, Joyce Wright, Tracie Boutte, Ramona Baudy, Beverly-

Matheney, Janice Manuel, Janice Taylor and Edith Jones. FRONT: Dottie Reese, Margaret Montgomery,

Cheryl Smith and Lynette Causey.

Chapter members

strut their stuff from

their personal collections.

Louisiana

The members of the Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter recentlypresented a Town Hall Meeting: Combatting ChildhoodObesity at the ExxonMobil YMCA in Baton Rouge. Theevent, funded by a $1,500 grant from The Links Founda-tion, was written by Baton Rouge Chapter President, Dr.Brenda Birkett, and made possible by The Links Founda-tion The objective of the grant was to explore and developa plan of action to address the issue of childhood obesityin the Baton Rouge community.

Built upon the efforts that have already been undertakenby the Baton Rouge Chapter to address the childhoodobesity issue, the Town Hall Meeting involved a panelpresentation including moderator, Connecting Link Dr.Jonathan Taylor, a bariatric surgeon; Dr. Robert Newton,Jr., University Professor and Research Director; Dr. NadineMann, Public School Director of Child Nutrition; LouisianaState Senator Sharon Broom, who has sponsored relevantlegislation; and Dr. Yolanda Hill, Occupational Health Spe-cialist and member of the Links National Childhood Obe-sity Project Committee. Following the panel presentation,the presenters answered questions posed by the audi-

ence, which included health and wellness professionals,social service professionals, community advocacy groups,parents and local council/legislative members. Partici-pants were then engaged in group discussions and com-pleted a survey about their view on what contributes toand how to prevent childhood obesity. These sessionswere facilitated and recorded by Links members.The Baton Rouge Chapter in partnership with ExxonMo-

bil YMCA, the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative, Southern Uni-versity’s Agricultural Center and School of Nursing, StateRepresentative Dalton Honore, State Senator SharonBroome, Louisiana Public Broadcasting and Mount PilgrimBaptist Church Family Life Center, envisioned an eventthat would allow policy makers, key stakeholders, con-cerned citizens and parents to generate language thatwould lead to a plan of action. The chapter will use thedata, from discussions and the survey,collected during theTown Hall Meeting to develop that plan. Future commu-nity meetings and child-centered activities will be hostedto address this threat to the health of children in the com-munity.

Shown above participants in the workshop. Shown

left are event speakers Dr. Robert Newton, Dr. Na-

dine Mann, Dr. Yolanda Hill, Sen. Sharon Broome,

Dr. Jonathan Taylor and Dr. Brenda Birkett.

Baton Rouge (LA)Presents Town Hall Meeting:

Combatting Combatting Childhood ObesityChildhood Obesity

Jewels, Jeans and

In-Between!

The Jacksonville Chapter uses the proceeds from the Western Gala to support the UNCF, The Sickle Cell Found

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2014Jacksonville Fairgrounds

$55 per person

7:30pm - 12:00 midnightDinner served 8:00-9:00pm

Boots meet Bling in this twist on the Western Gala!

Title Sponsor

Jacksonville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated presents:

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Mississippi

Shown above with special guest, Southern Area Director Eneid Francis are members of the Jackson, Columbus-Lowndes, Natchez and Vicksburg, Mississippi chapters

On Saturday, November 23, 2013, the Jackson(MS) Chapter observed its 54th Founders' Day in the storied WoodworthChapel on the campus of Tougaloo College. Link Eneid Frances,18th Southern Area Director of The Links Incorporated,and Charter Member of the Ponchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links Incorporated, provided a historical and contem-porary explanation of "What it Means to be a Link Today." Starting with our visionary founders, Margaret Hawkins andSarah Scott, Link Francis deftly illustrated how their goal to build an organization of women that would enrich,ensure,sustain economic survival and culture of African Americans 67 years ago, is probably more compelling today.Her remarks were enthusiastically received by the audience.

The Jackson (MS) Chapter was graced with the presence of twenty-seven members from the Columbus-Lowndes(MS), Natchez (MS) and Vicksburg (MS) Chapters. Following the Founders' Day Ceremony, Link Beverly Wade Hogan,President of Tougaloo College, hosted a lovely reception for attendees. Despite the unpleasant weather, friendshipand good cheer were in abundance.

Jackson (MS) Hosts Founder’sDay Celebration with

Chapters Throughout the State

The 18th Southern Area Administration welcomes you to utilize SOLACE

S O L A C ES O L A C ESupport of Links All Concern Encouraged

The Southern Area’s new initiative, SOLACE, allows Links

and their families who are experiencing a crisis due to death,

catastrophic illnesses, sickness, or other life altering events,

to receive meaningful and compassionate support from

Links throughout the Area who can assist them.

The way the program works is simple:1. A Link will go to the Southern Area website, click on the SOLACE link to send a

confidential communication discussing her need or the need of a chapter member.

2. The Southern Area Technology Chair, who is responsible for monitoring the com-

munications, will then send a confidential e-blast across the Area requesting mem-

bers for assistance.

3. The donor(s) will then be connected to the Link in need. Assistance can range

from donating hotel points, airline miles, arranging appointments for medical treat-

ment, donating blood, providing financial assistance to sending words of support or

cards.

S

ECALO

Visit the salinksinc.organd click on SOLACE

Technology Chair anonymouslyblasts your need to our sisters

You are connected withyour voluntary donors

Florida - Georgia

Bahamas -North Carolina

Louisiana - Mississippi-

South Carolina - Alabama

Support

of

Encouraged

Concern

All

Links

2

During a welcome reception held in her honor at theWashington Duke Inn this summer, Link Debra Saunders-White accepted a check in the amount of $50,000 fromthe Durham (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Afterthe presentation, the newly hired chancellor was humbledas she remarked, "I so appreciate the Links joining me aswe make student scholarships our number one fundrais-ing priority."

The Durham (NC) chapter began this initiative in 2006with an initial challenge to raise $10,000. When that chal-lenge was met, subsequently the goals were increased to$25,000 and then, $50,000, which was reached in June,

2013. According to Scholarship Committee Chair NellieRiley, the purpose of the Endowed Scholarship Fund is to"continue with the long tradition of African Americans'commitment to education and the provision of scholar-ships to deserving students. This Scholarship EndowmentFund at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is alegacy for the Durham (NC) Chapter of The Links, Incor-porated. It embodies the Links' mission of leading, givingand serving to enrich, sustain and ensure the culture andeconomic survival of African Americans and other personsof African ancestry."

Durham (NC) Chapter

Donates $50,000 to NCCU

Durham (NC) Chapter PresidentLink Faye Tate Williams andLink Debra Saunders-White

Shown left is DwightPerry, Chairman NCCU

Trustee Board, withDurham (NC)  chapter

members Chapter President Faye Tate

Williams, Chancellor ofNCCU, Debra Saunders-White, Nellie Riley, En-

dowed Scholarship Chair,June Michaux, ImmediatePast President, and KimSaunders, NCCU Trustee

Board Member

North Carolina

Triangle Park (NC) Chapter Hosts WelcomeReception for New NCCU Chancellor

The Triangle Park (NC) Chapter (TPC) hosted a reception inhonor of Dr. Debra Saunders-White who officially became theeleventh Chancellor of North Carolina Central University(NCCU)on June 1, 2013. Dr. Saunders-White, the first woman ap-pointed to the permanent position of Chancellor in the Univer-sity’s history, is also a member of The Links, Incorporated.

The chapter invited sister Links from the Raleigh and Durhamchapters, family and friends to join in the formal welcome andcelebration of the new Chancellor. The Saturday afternoon re-ception was an elegant affair, complete with waiters passinghors d’oeuvres and entertainment by Harpist Winifred Garrett.During the program, the chapter presented Dr. Saunders-Whitewith a commissioned pottery piece created by TPC memberCynthia Harrell.

Links at the reception (shown right) included Cynthia

Harrell (artist), Debra Saunders-White, Marguerite Pee-

bles and Kaye Webb.

North Carolina

Wilson-Rocky Mount-Tarboro (NC) Candidates

Educate Community on Financial LiteracyRecent statistics suggest

that the net worth of Blackhouseholds have de-creased by 53 percentwhile rates of unsecureddebt in the Black commu-nity have increased by 27percent. In response, thecandidates for member-ship of the Wilson-RockyMount-Tarboro (NC) Chap-ter planned and hosted itsinaugural “Link-Up to Fi-nancial Success, Wealth,and Health” in Greenville,NC. The project is the be-ginning of a bi-annual ef-fort to provide financialeducation to youth,women, and families inWilson, Rocky Mount, Tar-boro, and their surrounding areas.

During the workshop, the enthusi-astic participants enjoyed a session

entitled “Me and My Money: Blame iton My Brain” given by Ms. JenniferPurnell a financial advisor with Ed-

ward D. Jones. Followingthe workshop, partici-pants engaged in an in-teractive panel discussionwhich included Ms. Pur-nell and Mr. CharlesMoore, former Director ofSocial Security Adminis-tration and Mr. Terry Jor-dan, Vice President of FirstCitizens Bank. Mr. Moorehighlighted important as-pects of the retirementprocess including spousalbenefits and applying forMedicare. Mr. Jordan ad-vised participants on thebest practices for bank-ing, investments, andmaintaining good credit.Participants left with

goodie bags filled with financial edu-cation materials to help them sustainthe lessons learned that day.

Pictured from left to right following their induction are: Jen-

nifer King Congleton, Vice-President/Membership Chair,

New members: Terrie Moody, Evelyn J. Johnson, Link Ber-

nice Dawson, Link Eboni Baugh and President, Terri Lowe

Anderson.

Shown above at their induction are Monica Smith Aaron, Candice Wooten Brown,

Shannon Meares McCain, Jacqueline Lewis Pettiford, and Sandra Miller Jones.

j|ÇáàÉÇ@ftÄxÅ ;aV< \Çwâvàá Y|äx

North Carolina

The Winston-Salem (NC) Chapter recently extended the“circle of friendship” by welcoming five new women intoLinkdom. Monica Smith Aaron, Candice Wooten Brown,Shannon Meares McCain, Jacqueline Lewis Pettiford, andSandra Miller Jones were inducted into the chapter on Fri-day, May 17, 2013 during a ceremony held at the Pied-mont Club in Winston-Salem.

As part of the membership process, the candidates de-signed a program recognizing the continued strength andtenacity of the women of the Hawley House, a residentialwomen's substance abuse recovery facility for womenages 18 and older with addiction issues. This programfeatured a life skills workshop entitled “Navigating Life’sObstacle Course – New Coping Skills for Difficult Times.”

Held at the Gateway YWCA in Winston-Salem, this event

brought together residents and alumnae of the HawleyHouse with other women in the community in order toencourage open discussion, build bridges, and learn fromothers, in order to meet and overcome the challengesfaced by women in everyday life. The workshop was fa-cilitated by Ms. Chiquita Tillman McAllister, Fiscal Officerwith the Cooperative Extension Program at North CarolinaA&T State University. Each Hawley House participant wasgiven a small gift bag with scented soaps and lotions,along with other gifts to commemorate the event.

The Winston-Salem Chapter was honored to support theHawley House as a part of this initiative, and looks forwardto continuing to impact the lives of women and girls inForsyth County.

Triangle Park (NC) Chapter White Rose

North Carolina

Close to 400 people gathered to celebrate theTriangle Park (NC) Chapter’s (TPC) 20th AnnualWhite Rose Luncheon this past June. The after-noon program focused on the chapter’s theme:Touching Lives in Our Communities. TPC pre-sented monetary contributions to five commu-nity organizations in the three counties that itserves – Durham, Orange and Wake Counties.The organizations were selected for their out-standing work with each of the five facets.

SERVICES TO YOUTHThere is still a digital divide in the Triangle area that theTPC is working to overcome through the Services to YouthFacet. Through a partnership with the nonprofit KramdenInstitute, an organization that refurbishes donated com-puters to award to low income students whose homeshave no computer, the TPC identifies recipients in collab-oration with local school districts, and organizes computeraward events. Students and their parents come to a cen-tral location to receive the computers and instruction onhow to use them. Over the past five years, TPC hasawarded over 1,300 computers to students in our servicearea. Kramden Institute was the recipient of a monetaryaward for their work with Services to Youth.

THE ARTSThe Arts Facet recently implemented a pilot program, TPCAcademy for Arts and Humanities, to expose students tovarious forms of artistic expression. TPC partnered withGlobal Scholars Academy, a charter school in Durham, NCthat does not offer music classes. More than 50 studentsin the third-fifth grades were given six weeks of music andperformance instruction. At the end of the school year,the students performed for over 100 family and commu-nity members, friends and TPC Links. Global ScholarsAcademy was presented with a monetary award for theirwork with The Arts. TPC Academy for Arts and Humanitieswill continue during the current school year as the chap-ter’s umbrella program.

NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICESThis facet partnered with local schools, churches and com-munity health centers to conduct numerous voter regis-tration and education drive activities in Durham, Orangeand Wake Counties. Through the efforts of TPC volunteers,more than 1,500 people were registered to vote in thethree counties. At the White Rose Luncheon, a monetaryaward was presented to the North Carolina Chapter of theNAACP for leading the fight for voter rights, equality, jus-

Link Dijuana McDougal, Link Mary Phillips and

Ms. Angela Lee (Grape Arbor Development Cor-

poration) examine the equipment before students

arrive for the Computer Award Event.

Link Angela Berry and Link Ruth Reid-Coleman

distribute materials to students for the TPC Acad-

emy of Arts and Humanities.

Luncheon Highlights Community Service

North Carolina

NAACP for leading the fight for voter rights, equality, jus-tice and fairness.

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES“Personal Best” was a TPC project that provided womenat a Triangle area shelter with personal care items and

clothing. The International Trends facet went a step fur-ther and took the idea across the ocean. After learningthat female students in developing countries often missschool because they do not have adequate supplies fortheir monthly cycles, TPC partnered with the missions armof a local church to provide personal hygiene items to girlsat the Kinyogori Primary School in a remote village ofKenya. The World Overcomers Christian Church was pre-sented with a monetary award for their work with Inter-national Trends and Services.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESEach week during the school year, a group of TPC mem-bers meet at the local food bank to collect nutritious foodthat is then bundled for distribution to elementary schoolstudents. The goal is to help eliminate food disparities inour community; and the backpacks of food that we pro-vide are, in some cases, the only food that the childrenmay get over the weekend. Through this facet, TPC filledapproximately 1,650 backpacks during the 2012-13school year. A monetary award was presented to TPCpartner, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Car-olina, in recognition of their work with Health and HumanServices

Link Kaye Webb and Ms. Elaine Brown, Wake

Health Services, Inc., conduct voter registration

at a community health center.

TPC Links deliver personal hygiene kits and clothing to a Durham shelter.

Carol Malloy Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Link Carol Malloy, of the Wilmington (NC) Chapter and a retired member of theSchool of Education faculty at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, was hon-ored recently with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council of Teach-ers of Mathematics for her service to the field of mathematics education.

She received the award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics Education dur-ing the NCTM’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado.

Link Malloy retired from the UNC CH School of Education in 2009 after a 15-yearcareer at Carolina, teaching secondary mathematics methods courses in the Masterof Arts in Teaching program, curriculum and foundations courses for graduate stu-

dents and mathematics for middle and elementary pre-service students.Excerpts from an article in Carolina Women in the News posted on September 25, 2013 include:

“Following her retirement from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, Malloy has continued to be actively in-volved in NCTM. She has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to mathematics education, and has extensive experi-ence as a mathematics teacher at the middle school, high school, and university levels in urban school districts. Notonly did she provide a strong foundation in mathematics education to her students, but she also emphasized the roleof mathematics education for addressing inequities in education.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Malloy has worked to address the inequities that African American, Latino, and NativeAmerican students face in learning mathematics. Her vision is that every mathematics educator must provide AfricanAmerican students with full access to high-quality mathematics education for success in the classroom and society.Her passion is deeply rooted in data and real-life evidence demonstrating that all students can learn rich, high-levelmathematics if given opportunities to engage in worthwhile, rigorous mathematics tasks in a supportive environment.”

Link Dorothy Sheridan DeShields, Vice President of theWilmington (NC) Chapter, was recently awarded the Life-time Achievement Award sponsored by Wilmington’sdaily paper, the StarNews. According to the StarNews,“The Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to honoroutstanding individuals who have given substantially ofthemselves for the improvement of the communities ofWilmington and Southeastern North Carolina, particularlyin the areas of economic development, education, charity,health, preservation, arts and the environment. They haveused their talents and time with unselfish dedication intheir pursuit to make our region a better place to live,work, and play.”

The Wilminton, NC native has spent 37 years working inand supporting schools in Southeastern North Carolina.Her education career includes teacher, elementary andmiddle school principal, and central office administratorin New Hanover and Pender counties during her career.

In addition, she servedtwo terms on the newHanover School Board.One of her top achieve-ments came in 1993,when she was principalof Gregory ElementarySchool and worked toturn it into New HanoverCounty’s first magnetschool: Gregory School of Science, Mathematics andTechnology. She retired as New Hanover County Schools’executive director for quality development in 2003.

She’s also a product of New Hanover County Schools,graduating from what was then Williston Senior HighSchool. She completed two degrees in education: a bach-elor’s degree from St. Augustine College and a master’sdegree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Dorothy Sheridan DeShields

Receives Lifetime Achievement

North Carolina

North Carolina

Mary Alice ThatchHonored as

Publisher of the YearLink Mary Alice Jervay Thatch, mem-

ber of the Wilmington (NC) Chapterand Chair of the Communications andPublic Relations Committee, was re-cently selected Publisher of the Yearby the National Newspaper PublishersAssociation . Link Thatch is publisherof The Wilmington Journal, which hascovered the African American com-munity in Southeastern North Car-olina for more than 86 years.

The NNPA represents more than 200African American community news-papers nationally. Thatch won theaward due, in part, to her leadershipwith the Wilmington Ten Pardon of In-nocence Project, which successfullypushed for North Carolina’s formerGovernor Beverly Perdue to pardonthe Wilmington 10.

Link Thatch’s grandfather startedthe Wilmington Journal in 1927. Aftera career in education, she returned towork in the family newspaper busi-ness. “It is a part of me,” she says.

Newly Inducted Links Making BigImpact on Charlotte (NC) Chapter

On Saturday June 1, 2013 four outstanding women were inducted into TheCharlotte Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Carla Archie, Rosalyn Dixon,Rhonda Johnson, andYolanda Johnson.Carla Archie is the daughter of Link Ruby Archie, Danville, Virginia Chapter.She is Senior Counsel for Wells Fargo Bank. Carla is President –elect for theMecklenburg County Bar Association, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha,Sorority.

Rosalyn Dixon is a native of Charlotte and from a long line of educators.Rosalyn owns and operates3 daycare centers, “Dixon Academy” in Charlotte,Concord and Harris-burg, NC. She employs60 people and services250 children. Rosalynis a graduate of Uni-versity of North Car-olina, Charlotte with adegree in Sociology.She serves on theBoard of Partnershipfor Children of Cabar-rus County, FamilySupport Board ofCharlotte and is amember of AlphaKappa Alpha Sorority,Inc.

Rhonda and YolandaJohnson are the daugh-ters of Link Z. Sue John-son of the Charlotte Chapter. Rhonda is a graduate of A&T State Universitywith a degree in Engineering, and a MBA in Marketing from Clark -AtlantaUniversity. Her volunteer work includes Project Lift, an education programto “lift”the educational level of poor performing schools, and the Lupus Foun-dation Board.

Yolanda is a graduate of North Carolina Central University with a degree inBusiness Finance. She received her law degree from Loyola University.Yolanda serves on the Board of the Bruce Irons Foundation, a foundation thatgives underprivileged children a chance to experience summer camp. They own SB&J Enterprises a family business, where Rhonda is COO andYolanda is CEO. All four of our new members have jumped into “Link Action”, serving actively

on a facet, and on two committees. They have spearheaded a number of proj-ects already including the Services to Youth STEM Grant, Alumnae Tea, Pub-licity Co-chair, and Girl Talk with National Trends.

For their candidate project, they documented and videotaped our Alumnaemembers as they recalled our chapter’s history.

Rhonda Johnson, Rosalyn Dixon,

Yolanda Johnson and Carla Archer

The Aiken Chapter recently inducted Vina M. Abrams, SheilaJennings Brown, Lavern Tobias Byrd, Kay M. Coleman, BrandyByrd Gantt, and Anne Jones Gunby at Woodside CountryClub in Aiken, SC.

True to their purpose, these newly inducted members usedlongstanding,traditional values to educate and enrich thelives of Newberry Countyyouth and their families astheir service project. Throughtheir pledge to service, theladies partnered with localchurch youth and the New-berry County Literacy Councilto help children and theirfamilies learn about goodtable manners and etiquette.The Newberry County Liter-acy Council works with chil-dren at Newberry ElementarySchool to implement Familiesand Schools Together (FAST),which is a research-basedprogram founded by Dr. LynnMcDonald from Madison,Wisconsin.

In the absence of Mrs. Bar-bara Chapman, Executive Di-rector of the Newberry LiteracyCouncil, Mrs. Sheila Brownkicked off the event by welcoming those in attendance, andthen she allowed the participants and their families to intro-duce themselves. Mrs. Vina Abrams, also extended greetings,introduced the participants, and explained the purpose ofthe lesson.

To gauge participants' existing knowledge, Mrs. LavernByrd read aloud 17 questions about table manners and hadthe students signal the correct answers by raising a pencilwith either T or F printed on it. She provided immediatefeedback by giving the correct answers and telling the stu-dents that each presenter would fully explain the pretestquestions in her presentation. Mrs. Anne Gunby followed byleading a discussion about napkin etiquette. After giving thestudents information on placing, unfolding, and using thenapkin, she asked for two volunteers. Using cloth napkins,the two students successfully demonstrated in front of thewhole class what they had learned about proper use of anapkin. These students amazed the other participants withtheir delicate approach for folding a formal napkin.Mrs. Kay Coleman later explained to the students, using two

example pictures, the proper way to set the table. She thenextended her lesson with “Good Manners to You!” After ex-plaining proper table manners and receiving positive feed-back from the students, Mrs. Coleman encouraged thestudents to view the actual formal table setting of fine chinathat was on display.

Mrs. Brandy Gantt and Mrs. Sheila Brown addressed theDo’s and Don’ts for dining by using satire to demonstratewhat is or is not appropriate dining behavior. The students’interests heightened and the mood lightened when Mrs.Gantt and Mrs. Brown created “unrefined” scenarios andmimicked examples of bad table manners.

After the instruction ended, Mrs. Abrams recognized Mrs.Beverly Clyburn, Mrs. Virginia Samuels, and Mrs. DeloresSteward, also members of the chapter who traveled fromAiken, SC to show their support for presenters, participantsand their families. After thanking the students for their at-tendance and exemplary behavior, Mrs. Abrams gave themcertificates of participation.

To conclude the event, a student blessed the food, andeveryone enjoyed a delicious spaghetti meal catered by Mrs.Lillie Bates. While dining with their peers and families, thestudents were able to put to practice all that they hadlearned about “Table Manners.” At the end of the event, eachstudent left with a gift bag and a wealth of information toshare with others.

Aiken (SC) Expands Its Reach

Pictured from left to right: Sheila Jennings Brown, Kay M. Coleman, Lavern Tobias Byrd, Vina M. Abrams, Brandy Byrd Gantt, and Anne Jones Gunby

South Carolina

Vice DirectorTamara Y. Lee

Tuskegee (AL) Chapter

vicedirector@salinksinc.org

SecretaryAnne T. Herriott

Miami (FL) Chapter

secretary@salinksinc.org

TreasurerJanice R. Nelson

Bold City (FL) Chapter

treasurer@salinksinc.org

ParliamentarianSharon Reed

Jackson (MS)

Tallahassee (FL) Chapter

parliamentarian@salinksinc.org

Chair, Nominating

CommitteeKathy JonesColumbus-Lowndes (MS) Chapter

nominatingchair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Rep.

The Links Foundation, Inc.

Bessie Isom

Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter

linksfoundationrep@salinksinc.org

Financial SecretaryCharlotte Henderson

Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter

financialsec@salinksinc.org

Chair, ProgramsCori Cooper

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter

programschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, National Trends

& ServicesDenise M. Cooper

Savannah (GA) Chapternationaltrendschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Legislative Issues,

Public Affairs and

Disaster ReliefMarguerite Archie- Hudson

Charleston (SC) Chapter

publicaffairschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Services to YouthBrenda T. Jamerson

Orangeburg (SC) Chapter

youthchair@salinksinc.org

Education LinkageKelley Bailey

Tallahassee (FL) Chapter

educationchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, International

Trends & ServicesSharlyn Wilson Smith

Nassau (Bahamas) Chapter

internationaltrends@salinksinc.org

Chair, The ArtsBeverly Norwood-Matheny

Pensacola (FL) Chapter

artschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Health

& Human ServicesYolanda Hill

Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter

healthchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Ethics and

StandardsSelma Robinson-Ayers

St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter

ethicschair@salinksinc.org

Leadership DevelopmentKaren Dyer

Greensboro (NC)

kmdyer@triad.rr

Chair, Organizational

EffectivenessFaye Hargrove

Augusta (GA) Chapter

effectivenesschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, ArchivesKimberly Sweet

LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter

archiveschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Awards and

RecognitionMaxine Smith

Charleston (SC) Chapter

awardschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, CommunicationsSylvia Perry

Bold City (FL) Chapter

communicationschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Conference

& Event PlanningRuth H. Terrell

Fayetteville (NC) Chapter

conferencechair@salinksinc.org

Chair, ProtocolNona C. Jones

Gainesville (FL) Chapter

protocolchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, RitualsJuanda F. Maxwell

Selma (AL) Chapter

ritualschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, VendorsNatille E. Duncan

Jackson (MS) Chapter

vendorschair@salinksinc.org

As a pledge for my administration, we will have an open door policyfor all Links. The Executive Committee is here to discuss everythingfrom membership issues and facet questions to grant writing and protocol.

If you have a question or concern for any member of the leadershipteam, feel free to contact us. Eneid

Southern Area Exec.

Committee Directory

Area Director:Area Director: Eneid A. Francis

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter

(H) 504.284.3660 (F) 877.284.3660 Southernareadirector@salinksinc.org

How Communication

Works in the Southern Area

TAMMY REEDDade County (FL)

Georgia and

North Carolina

Region3Com@salinksinc.org

KIM LaMOTTELa Capitale (LA)

VIPCom2@salinksinc.org

REGION 3REGION 2

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONSWe encourage you to submit your information when the CALL TO

SUBMIT is received from your regional chair for inclusion in future

issues. Information can be sent from chapter members as well as

Chapter Communications Chairs to their regional chair shown above

at any time preceding the CALL, but not after . Members of the Area

Communications Team are in contact with their region’s chapter

Communications Chairs with the chapter president ALWAYS ccd to

ensure a channel of communication and accountability is maintained.

Be in the Advantage1. Stories/articles on your various programs - Please submit

QUALITY high resolution photographs in .jpeg or .bmp format and

details surrounding your program. If there are less than five people

in the picture, please include names (L-R) for EVERYONE (includ-

ing children) on the photo. “Cell phone” quality photos will not be

published/accepted.

2. Upcoming dates. Is your chapter celebrating an anniversary,

hosting a fundraiser or having a special event? Share the news with

your sisters! You never know just who may come. Please be sure to

include a contact number and email address for more information.

3. Post-event information. After your special events, please feel free

to share your photos and details. No information will be accepted for

an event occurring before the last Call for Submission

4. Going Places. Have you recently received a promotion? Cele-

brated a significant milestone? Getting married? Graduating? Ex-

pecting? Elected to public office? Retiring? We want to know! Share

with your Area sisters as we join in celebrating your accomplishment.

REGION 1

We are divided into three “regions” with each region having its own chair. The Area Director is ourExecutive Editor. Your area team is also available toproof documents for public dissemination and assistwith your communications needs both internally andexternally. All you have to do is ask! The SouthernArea is the largest area in the Links Diaspora with78 chapters and nearly 4,000 Links. Our threechairs ensure all of our chapters receive the personal attention they deserve with an appropriatechannel of communication.

NATILLE DUNCANJackson (MS)

Mississippi, LouisianaAlabama andThe Bahamas

region2com@salinksinc.org

Special Projects

JOY WALLACESt. Pete (FL)

Florida and South Carolina

region1com@salinksinc.org

SYLVIA PERRYBold City (FL)

Chair

Member at Large

EDITORSMaxine SmithCharleston (SC)

Kimberly SweetJackson (MS)

Laurel BoydPensacola (FL)

KENYONN DEMPSJacksonville (FL)

Features andSpecial Projects

VIPCom@salinksinc.org

Chair

Laurel BoydPensacola (FL)

Member at Large