Advantage - Vol 1 Issue 3

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

The Southern Area

ADVANTAGE

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

Volume 1

Isssue 3

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

inside this issue

In Her Footsteps

Writing that Grant

Lessons in Leadership from 14th Southern Area Director Joyce Dixon

What Appeals Most to Funders

Page 4

Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute Graduates Make their Mark on the Southern Area Page 5

Is There a Parliamentarian in the House?

Page 6

Healthy Linking for the Mind Body and Soul Page 7

Dear Link June Proper Protocol the Links’ Way Page 8 2

Page 9

Enhance Your Chapter’s Holiday Celebrations Page 10

Southern Area Attends 65th Anniversary Gala Page 11

Friendship Month Activities Page 15

Chapter Highlights Page 19

36 Tips for a Happier Life Page 25

How to Submit to the Advantage Page 27

* Cover photo: Columbia (SC) Chapter at their annual retreat.

Dear Link Sisters, What a joyous time it was in Washington, D.C. for our beloved organization's 65th anniversary. Spirits were renewed, our headquarters was rededicated, and Links from all over the country celebrated The Links, Incorporated’s 65 years of friendship and service in grand style.

The November issue of the Advantage culminates our annual celebration of friendship. Throughout the month, the Southern Area's 77 chapters strengthened their bonds of friendship, many of which are highlighted in the coming pages. A component of the Southern Area's Strategic Plan is that our chapters will increase their friendship activities by at least one dedicated activity. November's planned activities are a great catalyst for future events. We look forward to chapters sharing their continued events in future editions.

This edition also includes a specially commissioned article on the Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute. Cohort II graduate Kenyonn Demps of the Jacksonville Chapter shares the experiences of fellow graduates as they continue to make a difference throughout Linkdom and their respective comEneid A. Francis munities. The two year curriculum is a noted training Southern Area Director ground for its many graduates to ensure the Links’ legacy.

The application process has begun for SHLI Cohort V and chapter presidents are strongly encouraged to nominate emerging leaders in their chapters (age 25-45) for the leadership development program. Ten fellows will be selected from the Southern Area and the deadline is January 15, 2012.

Many chapters will not meet in December as Links traditionally take the month off to devote to holiday festivities. This will also conclude our final edition of the Advantage for the year. 2011 has brought celebration, transition and renewed focus to the world of Linkdom. Stay tuned for future highlights of the Southern Area's impact as we continue the legacy of The Links, Incorporated by Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service.

Throughout the Yuletide season, may God continue to bless you and your family as we prepare for 2012.

In the spirit,

_|Ç~ XÇx|w 3

Lessons in Leadership by 14th Southern Area Director

Joyce Martin Dixon I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit four magnificent years as the 14th Southern Area Director.

My two terms can best be described as a privilege and a challenge: a privilege because of the caliber of women in the Southern Area and a challenge because of circumstances that allowed us to spread our wings and soar. The Executive Committee and I soon learned that the goal, “Meet community needs,” was synonymous with diversity and began every undertaking with that in mind. One initiative became a National Signature Program - Linkages to Life. The organ, tissue and marrow donation awareness program is credited with reaching thousands of people through Donor Sundays and millions more via media coverage.

What makes a person a leader? After listening to professionals and reading books and articles on the subject, the following were chosen as my eight principles because of life’s experiences and it gives me great pleasure to share them with you.

1. Exercise faith. There were times when I worked on a project until the energy level was depleted and said: “Okay, Lord, it’s all yours.” The lesson learned was: He knows the shortcuts.

2. Learn something new everyday. A year ago I had never heard of a Webinar. If we don’t board the Learning Train, it will leave us behind.

3. Laugh. It does wonders for wrinkles, heart and soul.

I telephoned a friend, who is an aerospace physician, and asked: “Is this a convenient time to call?” Her reply was: “I was just watching cartoons.” That statement got my attention.

4. Develop a passion. Concentrate on doing something for somebody else. My passion, which is Linkages to Life,

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began fourteen years ago and is still going strong. Another dream was realized this month: we observed Donor Sunday in Washington and the worship service was totally awesome.

5. Love yourself. That is not easy for many of us. I have always loved to give, but when gifts were offered to me I said: “You shouldn’t have.” A friend compassionately told me this: “Other people also love to give. You take a blessing away from a person when you do not graciously accept a gift.” From that day until now, “bring ‘em on.”

6. Let things happen. Issues and incidents occur that we cannot control or just plain-out forget because our plates are running over. So, you left names of members celebrating birthdays off the agenda and Link Agitator complained. Let go and move on.

7. Discover what is unique about you. Are you a designer, writer, musician? Decide what it is and capitalize on it.

8. Share resources and talents. I chaired a committee that decorated dormitory parlors at my alma mater. Each time I drive by a building, a sense of accomplishment warms the entire spirit even though the only things visible from the street are the blinds.

Service to The Links, Incorporated during the past thirty two- years included: Area Director, Vice Director, Secretary; Chapter President, Secretary, Treasurer; and chair of committees on all levels. I am now National Linkages to Life Chair. The rich experiences and countless memories provided by you, my sisters, help make me the woman that I am and for that I thank you and love you.

We have much for which to be thankful.

Sing praises and have a very Happy Holiday season.

In Her Footsteps

Scott Hawkins Graduates Making Their Mark in the Southern Area

By Kenyonn Demps Have you heard the news? The Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute (SHLI) graduates are shimmering and empowered as they recollect their powerful transformation into becoming a brawny servant leader in their chapter and within their communities. Among the few hundred in the world of Linkdom, Sia Barnes (West Palm Beach), Darice Richards (Tallahassee), Stacey Cole (Dogwood City), Tequel Hager(Greenville) and Kyra Harvey (Magnolia) of the Southern Area are promising alumnae who have placed their leadership talent into action.

Since graduating from SHLI, Cole has served as Vice President of Programming and is currently serving as her chapter’s president. Hager served 4 years as her chapter’s president and Harvey served on the Heart Links and the Southern Area Nominating Committee.

SHLI has affected graduates both in an out of Links. “The SHLI was one of the best training programs I have been involved in. I felt that I CAN do this and do it well,” said Darice Richards of Co-hort III. As a result, Richards founded a nonprofit organization for women and children who are HIV positive and need reasonably priced housing. Barnes served the Southern Area Executive Committee from 2007-2011 and is currently serving on the National Ethics and Standards Committee.

These women, like other alumnae of SHLI have truly embraced President Margot Copeland’s “Leading with Excellence and Serving with Grace” in all portals of their life. SHLI Inaugural Dean and current Dean of SHLI Alumnae, Josephine Dunbar Davis, stated “Scott Hawkins is a very important initiative of The Links, Incorporated. It empowers emerging leaders by strengthening their bonds of friendship across chapters. SHLI enables a new generation of Links to identify with likeminded sisters nationally, supporting each other while: clarifying their leadership styles; honing their interpersonal

and communication skills and refining their leadership aspirations”.

Harvey, Barnes, and Cole agree that meeting women of like-minds and having a support is inspiring, nurturing, and fulfilling! Harvey continues her friendships with Jacqueline Johnson (Pensacola Chapter) and Maya Smart (Richmond Chapter) as they “blossomed during the Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute”.

Barnes embraces one of her dear friends in the Bahamas Chapter sharing “we have continued our friendship through marriage, the births of our children and through our professional and personal development.”

Cole also stays connected and looks forward to reconnecting with Joy Paige (Crown Jewel Chapter) and Valerie Miller (MetroManhattan Chapter).

As the Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute progresses into Cohort V, our Area Director, Eneid Francis is currently selecting applications for the Southern Area’s 20122014 representatives.

Ten candidates will be selected from each area along with nominees from past presi-

dents that will compose the class of 50.

Applicant criteria includes being between the age of 25-45, a minimum of three years of membership and demonstrated service within their chapter. Applicants must be nominated by their chapter president and the deadline for the completed application must be submitted by January 15, 2012 to the Area Director..

13th National President Gladys Gary Vaughn, established the institute in 2004 as a program that would mentor, lead, and challenge our young women to believe in themselves by accepting leadership roles and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Hats off to Link Gladys! Her vision has made a difference and altered the lives of women, men, and children across the world.

I L H

S

D E I IF

T R E C

Kyra Harvey

Sia Barnes

Darice Richards

Stacy Cole-B ell

Tequel Hager 5

Is there a

Parliamentarian in the House?

by Rosalind Fuse-Hall Southern Area Parliamentarian In any organization, most people have a familiarity with process and procedures, especially Robert’s Rules of Order. Since at least middle school, we’ve had a sense of how to make and carry a motion, how to be recognized from the floor, and the hierarchy of the officers, from the presiding president, to the vice chair and the recording secretary. As young adults, we learned the more intricate elements of consulting the actual book for more complicated motions and officers beyond the basics. As Links, we are an organization with national and chapter bylaws that govern our processes and procedures, citing our parliamentarian authority as ROR’s current edition .

This year, the current edition has moved from the 10th to the 11th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. The recent changes reflect “how parliamentary procedure is evolving to address opportunities presented by modern technology while incorporating well over a hundred years of organizational best practices.” (http://parliamentarians.org/news.php) Other changes clarify and align the deliberative and others delete the references to “legal” versus “illegal” process since RONR is a guidebook rather than a “lawbook.”

(Ibid.)

As Links, each chapter has a parliamentarian that serves as the resource person for assisting with the process and procedures. “Fundamentally, parliamentary procedure defines how groups of people, no matter how formal or informal, can most effectively meet and make decisions in a fair, consistent manner—and make good use of everyone's time. Even a basic background in parliamentary principles can help you and your organization hold more efficient meetings.” Parliamentarians are references to assist

with the president with processes and procedures for the orderly conduction of our business.

As reference resources, we are usually silent in debates and confer with the leadership to assist with carrying out the process.

Therefore, a good rule of thumb, to ensure orderly meetings, is to anticipate the process or procedural questions that may arise at meetings.

Asking good questions before the “heat of the moment” of a lively debate will assist all members. Further, as noted above, our meeting should be deliberative process—thoughtful and promoting questions that will clarify and inform the membership. But, asking good questions is harder than we think.

In our modern era of a knowledge base economy powered by information technology, you would thing that good questions would be the hear of our texting, tweeting, IMing, emailing and meetings. However, many of us can attest to the inquiries that raise more questions than providing answers. Often such confusion results from asking the wrong type of questions.

Yes, there are levels of questions, which will yield certain answers; therefore, we must all be conscious of the type of information that we want to elicit from the questions that we raise.

Most educators are familiar with Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning with thought-provoking questions. His six levels were designed to develop questions that progress from concrete to abstract levels of thinking. The questions posed at the first level are ones that we all know.

• Remembering: o Example: Who? What? When?

Where? How? • Understanding: Retelling in your own words: o Example: Did I understand that the question before the body is that we will …?

• Applying: Using the facts, rules and principles to relay an idea: o Example: In accordance with our bylaws, Section 1, the name of our organization is the _____ chapter of The Links, Incorporated, correct?

• Evaluating: Developing opinions, judg-

ments and decisions and tell why. o Example: After listening to all the opinions on this matter, is it the consensus of the chapter to support the suggested fund-raising events because it brands our organization, it ties directly with our facet and it is financially sound?

• Creating: Combining ideas to form a whole new idea. o Example: What would happen if …?

So, what does the question have to do with parliamentary procedure? More often than not, it has nothing to do with it. But, many sisters solicit a parliamentarian approach to address a situation that is governed by another reference source such as our Strategic Plan, Membership Manual, Rituals Manual or the Manual on Procedures.

For those questions, your chapter parliamentarian will gladly point you in the right directions; but, may not find the information in Robert’s Rules. More often than not, the answer is located on the national Links website (www.thelinksinc.org) in the “Members Only” section and we invite you to find the answers to your questions at this rich resource center. And, also know that if the question is truly one of that is not addressed by the national or chapter bylaws, standing rules or procedures, your chapter or Southern Area parliamentarian will find it in “the good book”—the 11th edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

Consulting the Good Book

Healthy Linking

MIND

BODY

SOUL

Links In Sync: Life Balance, Health, and Wellness

by Cori Brock Chair, Health and Human Services 4:00 AM, hit snooze until 4:30 AM, roll over, check the blackberry, return emails for 30 minutes….Okay, now I’m up… What emerges is another day with a list that will roll over to tomorrow and tomorrow’s list onto the day after that. So often we are too busy, filling every minute of each day with activities devoted to everyone else (i.e.) the kids, spouse, work. It’s not easy to get motivated lying there in bed at 5:15 in the morning, but now you have to make a decision - what are you going to do next?

In case you can’t decide, I have a suggestion. How about some ‘me time’? Time to care for yourself, mind, body and soul. I know it’s difficult to wake up and get moving early in the morning, but guess what, I have an answer for that too. Clearly if you don’t make time for yourself, no one else will force you. Therefore, it is up to you to equip yourself with the necessary tools to “deliberately” control what happens next.

The importance of “self-talk” or “mantras,” whatever term you prefer, is a critical component to winning the mind game when it comes to our health and our “me time”. While everyone will respond to different cues, it is often the first step in successfully moving toward a healthier lifestyle. Here are some general rules to get you started.

1. Keep it positive. For example, if you want to increase your time in a 5K, your mantra could be “run/walk faster” instead of “don’t slow down.”

2. Keep it simple and connect to it. You don’t want to have a conversation with yourself when you should be focusing on doing the thing your mantra is encouraging you to do.

This should be one word that connects you to the muscle you are working at that moment.

For example, I often say fire when my legs are screaming from running. “Fire” reminds me that I am burning the fat of the muscle I happen to be targeting at that time. Find that one word that works for you to keep you going.

3. Make it personal. If “fire” doesn’t mean anything to you, don’t use it! It has to be yours because it has to motivate you in the gym, doing your daily cardio, an exercise DVD at home, or whatever “me time” necesssary for your health and wellness includes.

For my morning mantra I like, “suck it up or suck it in” and when I’m running those last few miles, it’s “let’s get it!” What’s yours?

This column serves as an opportunity for members of The Links Incorporated to walk the walk and talk the talk. You can email me your questions, comments, concerns, or fears; you name it! Journey with me as we learn how to balance our ambitions with our personal health goals, our “me time”, and our unyielding commitment to serving others.

Make the Connection!

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Dear Link June

by June Michaux Chair, Protocol It is indeed my pleasure to serve as the Southern Area Protocol Chair as we transform protocol to the national prospective. For the next two years, you will hear from me regarding changes at the National level as well as to relay Protocol information, questions and answers and tips that I feel will be helpful to you as chapter presidents and protocol chairs and members.

If you have a question you would like addressed in an upcoming issue, email protocolchair@salinksinc.org.

Dear Link June, A: Yes, the chapter is responsible for courtesy Question: How do we request the appearance ground transportation for the Area Director. Upon of the Southern Area Director at a chapter her arrival, it is expected that two hostesses will event? meet her at the airport in the baggage claim Answer: Please refer to your area.

Protocol Manual on the NaQ:What about hotel courtesies and gifts? tional website. The answer A: Please designate a Link member to is found under Area Director serve as escort to the Area Director as guest starting on page 22. throughout her stay. Select items for gifts Please remember that you that will not create a problem when must submit the request to traveling. They should be placed in me 3 to 6 months prior to the the hotel room prior to arrival. Please event. Don’t forget the Guest refer to page 23 of the Protocol Appearance Questionnaire in Manual for more information about this process. how to handle courtesies. Don't forget to consult with me on the proQ:What expenses are incurred tocol arrangements for the Area Diby the chapter? rector.

I can be reached at A: When the Area Director is vis919-699-9650. iting at the chapter's request, travel That's it for now Sister Link! Hope expenses are paid for by the chapter. that this helps. Stay tuned for more of Dear Link June on....Proper Protocol in Linkdom.

Q: Is the chapter responsible for picking the In the meantime, remember to refer to the Protocol Area Director up from the airport?

Manual.

Proper Protocol... The Links Way.....

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QUICK TIPS 1. Find out which foundations have given grants in your region similar to your planned proposal! Talk to those who got funded and ask for advice and ideally copies of their successful grants.

2. Read the current guidelines for those foundations on what they will fund and when the grants are due. If a foundation says they won’t fund equipment, don’t ask them for equipment (unless it’s a necessary component of the part of the grant they said they’d fund!)

For example: A programmatic grant could ask for $50,000 in support equipment, but would not be considered if they called themselves a technology project. Semantics do matter a great deal! Do your homework!

Grant reviewers appreciate those who paid attention to their RFP’s .

3. Collect sample successful grants to use as boilerplate models. Many foundations will send you, on request, proposals from past funded projects, or at least will give you the addresses of past grant recipients, so you can ask them directly for copies of successful proposals. The more good proposals you read, the more you’ll understand how clear writing and following guidelines leads to funding.

4.Use the same terms in your proposal that the foundation used to describe what they want to fund. Buzz phrases push important buttons.

If they tell you what to tell them: listen, and be convincing as to how your project dovetails with their posted guidelines.

RFPs - Writing That Grant (What Appeals Most to Funders)

by Ruth Waters McKay Chair, Fund Development The momentum that comes from a great idea turning into a meaningful project can grind to a screeching halt if there’s no money to pay for it.

Since money doesn’t generally fall from the nearest tree, the search for funding opportunities can make or break your effort.

The internet is a great place to start looking for money to fund worthy projects. Opportunities are also announced by mail when you are already on a group’s mailing list. The local library is another good source for available grants, partnerships and donations.

Your J-O-B is to seek out the R-FPs. RFP is an acronym for ‘request for proposals’. The term is used by funders who seek groups who share their vision in terms of a particular outcome. The interested group responds to the RFP, outlining how their worthy project and the funder’s dollars together will bring about important change. The RFP usually provides a strictly defined structure to be used in developing the proposal. It is also very specific about the types of products or services to be funded.

While your idea may be creative and off the grid, your RFP response shouldn’t be. The proposal should address and perhaps even mirror the specifics included in the RFP, assuring the funder that any money

awarded will work toward the agreed upon goal. Keep in mind that competition is fierce because dollars are scarce. Your application won’t be the only one read. To get ahead of the pack, responses should be well formulated, perhaps referencing evidence-based data and including a strategic plan. Those details define the difference between an average proposal and a great one.

Funders are also attracted to proposals that communicate a picture of what the organization can do and that they are capable of implementing the proposal. Proposals must show the history of the organization and indicate how it will deliver promised results within the given time period. The applicant’s legal status and compliance attributes must also be included as well as the organizational strategic plan. This plan outlines the applicant’s vision, goals and objectives which must match, in some ways, the vision, goals and objectives of the funding entity.

In an effort to get more proposals prepared, approved and funded, Southern Area Chapter Presidents have been asked to appoint a member of their chapters to serve as a Liaison Fund Developer (LFD). The LFDs will work along with the Southern Area’s Fund Development Chair to build a network that will amaze as we move forward Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service.

Ideas to Enhance Your C Chapter’s Holiday Celebrations!

E L E B R A T I O N S

by Ruth Terrell Chair, Conferences and Event Planning The holiday season is a great time to share our commitment to friendship and service. If your chapter has a formal holiday soiree, or just does something festive at a meeting, here are several ideas that can make whatever you do more festive, unique and fun.

Trim a Small Tree Purchase a tabletop Christmas tree that is This is a great idea for your December meeting or a celebration with Connecting Links and sig- easy to move. Select a theme and have each nificant others. Ask each member to bring a member bring an ornament or trimming for the new, green colored gift item to share with a child tree that you decorate together. Or, for a new or senior citizen i.e., books, toys, scarves, knit twist, have an Origami ornament making sesgloves, etc. are all great ideas. These items can sion. Origami, the intricate Asian art of folding serve as centerpieces. You will be amazed at paper into shapes, boxes, flowers and more, is the color decor of "greens" and the diversity of a lot of fun and the objects are beautiful. Your gift items displayed that will provide a unique chapter may have a member who has the skill, focus for the room At the close of the event, and if not, look around your community for someone who is willing to work with you. (Arts donate the items.

Councils, Universities and Colleges often have expert teachers). When the items are comGift Boxes Purchase decorative inex- pleted, trim the tree and of course, donate! You pensive boxes with tops in may want to decorate more than one tree! holiday colors as centerpieces for each table. Wear a Hat! Hats are back. Ask each member to wear a Members are asked favorite hat, unique hat, or even her most beauto bring a small gift tiful hat to the December meeting. Carry the item for a man or “Hat” theme throughout by serving Hat woman or child shaped cakes or cookies, use festive hat to fit inside the cutouts to decorate the room, and you boxes.

Items might even have a “hat walk” with a hat could include prize for the crowd favorite. This can be small tissue packages, a fun time to check out your ‘hattitude”. night-lights, note pads and pens, Some of our members think that they foot warmers. Members will have “ can’t wear hats”, so invite a hat exlots of fun as they begin to trade pert (retailer) with samples to help and share items among the varthem find the kind of hat that works. ious tables to create compliEnjoy this season of celebration mentary and theme” boxes. Each and thanksgiving. completed box will be donated.

Sharing of the Green

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65

th Anniversary Memories

November 10 - 13 Washington, D.C. 11

65

th Anniversary Gala

Southern Area Table: Standing - Tamara Lee, Daisy Walker, Juanda Maxwell, Janice Nelson, Anne Herriott and Sylvia Perry. Seated - Charlotte Henderson, Selma Robinson- Ayers, Eneid Francis and Patricia Bivins.

Alice Venson and Barbara Darby Bold City (FL) Chapter

Cheryl Capers, Connie Cooper and Denise Cooper Savannah (GA) Chapter

Links from all over the Southern Area journeyed to Washington, D.C. to participate in The Links, Incorporated’s 65th Anniversary festivities. Activities included the dedication and tour of our national headquarters, a Friendship Ceremony, Donor Sabbath and the Black Tie Gala featuring Will Downing and the awarding of the Links Medal to Ebony Magazine. Take a look at a quick peek of some of the Southern Area Links who were in attendance.

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65

th Anniversary Gala

Barbara Crenshaw and Countess Thompson Jane Shaw-Jackson, Mavis James, Ivye Allen, Natchez (MS) Chapter and Juanita Sims Doty of the Jackson (MS) Chapter.

Delores Bolden Stamps, Candy Moore, Carlenia Ivory and Mary Currie.

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65

th Anniversary Gala

Bessie Isom, Sharon Wilson and Diane Bowe Pindling

SHLI Fellow Natille Duncan with Institute Deans Jan Collins-Eaglin and Deborah Brittain

Links Day at the Capital State Chairs Announced Link Marguerite Archie- Hudson, Southern Area Chair for Legislative Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief, is pleased to announce the following LDAC chairs for their respective states. Stay tuned to hear the date announcement and pertinent details from these dynamic ladies as Southern Area chapters prepare to influence policy and educate themselves on legislative issues.

Alabama Mississippi Susan Price - Montgomery Chapter Email: sussafussa@aol.com

Georgia Ruth Simmons-Herts - Magnolia Chapter Email: simmonsherts@aol.com Florida Thelecia Wilson - Bold City Chapter Email: thelecia@bellsouth.net

Louisiana Cheryl Gray - New Orleans Chapter Robyn Merrick - La Capitale Chapter Email: robynemerrick@cox.net 14

Rhea Williams-Bishop - Le Fleurs Bluff Chapter Email: rwilliamsbishop@gmail.com Irene F. Jones - Jackson Chapter Email: Irenetjones@gmail.com

North Carolina Kaye R. Webb -Triangle Park Chapter Email:kwebb@bellsouth.net

South Carolina Tamara Curry - Charleston Chapter Email: ekcurrypmg@aol.com Virginia Weaver - Charleston Chapter Email: vawdst@aol.com

November is Friendship Month

Let me tell you how great my Link sisters are ...

Friendship Month 2011 15

In Celebration of Friendship Month

Orangeburg Chapter

Orangeburg Chapter dons “pearls and black dresses” for

Breakfast at Tiffany’s ORANGEBURG, SC - An aura of sincere friendship permeated the 1869 Club at Claflin University as the University’s First Lady, Link Alice Carson Tisdale, treated the members of the Orangeburg Chapter to a mock “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The Friendship Month Celebration began with an invitation by mail to each member expressing the option of wearing your “little black dress” and pearls.

Upon arrival, members were seated at candlelit tables bearing individual place tags while listening to the original sound track from the movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The original centerpieces included decorative, colorful shoes, handbags, and jewelry from the closet of our hostess.

The scrumptious breakfast consisted of grits, eggs, sausage, salmon croquettes, waffles with syrup and seasoned butter, and a variety of bev16

erages, including virgin Mimosas.

While members were enjoying their breakfast and reminiscing about their childhood “play dress-up” days, they were interrupted periodically by the UPS man, who called out jelly bean colors and gave gorgeous gifts donated from high-end area boutiques to members holding the lucky jelly beans. These gifts included a specially created leather purse, a hand-crafted Christmas wreath, a pearl necklace with matching earrings, a Vera Bradley Bible cover and a mink hat.

At the conclusion of the breakfast, each member received a huge Tiffany’s wrapped diamond paperweight as a memento of the Friendship Celebration, symbolizing the many facets of the diamond: love, strength, class, culture, unparalleled beauty and brilliance.

In Celebration of Friendship Month

Shown (L-R) Barbara Darby, President of the Bold City Chapter and Betty Cody, President of the Jacksonville Chapter

Northeast Florida Link Sisters Celebrate Friendship Month with Afternoon Tea “Nice-teas” and more were on the menu for members of the Bold City and Jacksonville chapters of The Links, Incorporated. More than 50 ladies donned their Sunday best complete with decorative hats and gathered together for the second annual Friendship Tea celebrating Friendship Month held on Sunday, November 6th at Epping Forest Yacht Club in the area of Jacksonville, Fla. “It is always a treat to get together to celebrate the joys and rewards of friendship,”

said Barbara Darby, President, The Bold City Chapter. “Our organization, while established for service, was built on the principles of friendship.”

During the tea, members dined on savory appetizers and pastries, participated in an official ceremony of friendship, and shared fun table topics and laughter. In addition, Bold City President Darby and Jacksonville Chapter President Betty Cody, led toasts for an enriching and exciting year.

In 2009, Bold City member Wanda Willis

and Jacksonville member Karen Smith developed the Friendship Tea as an opportunity to connect and fellowship with sisters from the area chapters. Over the past two years, the tea has become a favorite among members and grown to include shared community service activities as demonstrated last month. Members of the Bold City and Jacksonville chapters of The Links, Incorporated participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a breast cancer awareness initiative.

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In Celebration of Friendship Month

Columbus Chapter Honors Alumna Members During Friendship Month

Alumna members: Sarah Stafford, Saundra Hunter, Helen Barnhart, and Pearllena Clay

Jacquelyn Egins (Alumna) and Rose McRae

Olive Vidal-Kendall and Belita Walker (Alumna)

Carolia Malone, Ann Davis, and Danya Albright

On Thursday, November 10, 2011, the Columbus, Georgia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated held a luncheon to honor Alumna Members in recognition of Friendship Month.

The Alumna Luncheon was held at the Chattahoochee River Club in Columbus, Georgia with over thirty members in attendance. Chapter 18

President, Carolia Malone, welcomed all members and guests, and Rochelle Jones served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Link Lula Huff introduced the Alumna members and highlighted their myriad of accomplishments throughout their many years of service and friendship to The Links, Incorporated. Other

highlights included a friendship toast along with the presentation of a certificate and a white rose to the honorees.

Alumna members present at the luncheon included: Links Helen Barnhart, Pearllena Clay, Jacquelyn Egins, Saundra Hunter, Sarah Stafford, and Belita Walker.

In Celebration of Friendship Month

Chapter Pres. Deborah Byrd-Walker giving closing remarks to participants at Girls Inc. Teen Conference

Margaret Z.Beard giving presentation on positive life choices

Christine Williams presenting on college preparedness

KeAndrea S. Jones and Michelle Williams-Bridgewater discussing social networking

Magic City Coordinates a Night of Friendship with a Day of Service BIRMINGHAM, AL - Just as friendship and service are intertwined into tenets of The Links, Incorporate,d the Magic City (AL) members likewise merged friendship with service by fellowshipping on Friday and transitioning to service on Saturday in observance of Friendship Month 2011.

The chapter’s Friendship celebration kicked off with members breaking bread together over a tasty Friday evening dinner on November 11th and the mutual enjoyment of a movie.

The celebration continued Saturday morning as the chapter was hard at work convening a teen conference in collaboration with

the Girls, Incorporated of Central Alabama.

The event, entitled the Strong, Smart and Bold Conference, was well attended by 80 girls in grades 9 through 12 from throughout central Alabama. Several chapter members facilitated and served as presenters in the breakout sessions which were held on November 12th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham.

The Services to Youth facet was highlighted as workshop topics included discussions in safe social networking, college preparedness, making positive choices and effective career planning. Magic City President Deborah Byrd-Walker, gave closing remarks

to the teens, encouraging them to aspire to greatness and to actively practice self love.

Workshop presenters were Links Margaret Z. Beard, Merika Coleman, Majella C. Hamilton, Sandra Z. Harris, KeAndrea S. Jones, Christine Williams and Michelle Williams-Bridgewater. Facilitators included Links Donna R. Lawson and Karen Winston Fox. Services to Youth Facet Chair is Terri Howard Gardner and KeAndrea Jones serves as Co-Chair.

Girls, Incorporated’s goal is to empower young ladies to realize their maximum potential through proper, age appropriate guidance and support.

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Bouquets and Best Wishes Marva Robinson Inducted into the Knoxville College Robert H. Harvey Alumni Hall of Fame Link Marva Robinson of the Wilmington, North Carolina Chapter was inducted into the Knoxville College Robert H. Harvey Alumni Hall of Fame during the Renaissance of KC Homecoming 2011, October 21-23.

2011. Link Marva was honored for her accomplishments as a lyric soprano whose national performances have spanned over a period of thirty years.

While a student at Knoxville, she competed and won second place in the Metropolitan Opera Regional Auditions in Memphis, TN and was a featured soloist with Young People of America, a summer tour ensemble performing in Denver, Portland and Los Angeles where

she debuted in a film documentary and record album. As an actress/singer, she received rave reviews for her lead role performance in Thalian Hall’s production of “Dream Girls”. Additionally, Link Robinson envisioned, coordinated and performed in Gala 2000, A Celebration of African American Music, a project sponsored by the Wilmington Chapter in collaboration with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to being recognized as a performer, she was applauded as an educator, choral director and civic activist.

She completed a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, retired from Brunswick County School System, served as the former Minister of Music for St. Luke AME Zion Church and is the current Director for the Williston Alumni Community Choir. Marva Robinson has

been a Link for nineteen years and served as Southern Area Rituals Chair from 2003 – 2007. Link Marva is also a member of the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the Board of Directors for the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.

The honor joins her with ten other distinguished graduates of Knoxville College who were inducted at the second annual Hall of Fame celebration.

Knoxville College is a small Presbyterian Historically Black College founded in 1875 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Hall of Fame was an initiative established in 2010 under the leadership of Knoxville’s President, Connecting Link Dr. Horace Judson, who is the husband of Link Gail Shorter Judson.

Nebraska’s Trailblazer Award Named for Tuscaloosa Chapter’s Barbara Scarbrough The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has named its newest employee award in recognition of the work of Barbara Scarbrough, an alumna member of the Tuscaloosa (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

The Barbara Scarbrough Trailblazer Award recognizes Nebraska DHHS employees who demonstrate outstanding and professional work with families and will be presented annually. Link Scarbrough’s legacy with the department is one of vision, leadership, and extraordinary achievement. She has dedicated her life to improving the lives of children and families.

Barbara Scarbrough, who was inducted into the Omaha Chapter of The Links in 1987, was a supervisor for the Nebraska department until the late 1990s. In its presentation of the award, the department 20

noted that Link Scarbrough’s commitment and compassion touched lives at every interaction. She came to work every day with the sole intention of making a positive difference in the lives of others — both staff and families served.

Her motives were selfless, her integrity untouchable.

She still continues to work in the human services field and is currently field liaison/adjunct professor at The University of Alabama School of Social Work. Currently, she works with college students who are completing internships and practicums in the community. Link Scarbrough continues to be motivated by seeing the growth of those she works with to help build and improve the quality of human service professionals in her community.

Most recently, she returned to Nebraska to present the first award named in her honor.

Camellia Rose Links Listed Among the Top Women of Atlanta

Miranda Mack McKenzie and Shelia Tenney

Links Shelia Tenney and Miranda Mack McKenzie were selected among thousands of women for the Sixth Annual Top 25 Women of Atlanta Awards. They were honored among other entrepreneurs, corporate executives and civic and cultural trailblazers. Rolling Out Magazine and the Steed Society, Inc. applauded the esteemed recipients at a formal reception and program/dinner at Atlanta’s premiere Twelve Hotel.

“We admire the Top 25 Women of Atlanta honorees for making history with their unparalleled achievements. We are grateful to them for all they do and give. Their level of service is why we have labeled them titans in the industry and community.

Their leadership allows others to follow the well-blazed trail they have marked,” said Munson Steed, CEO, Steed Media Group.

Link Sheila Tenney is the Director of Media Relations at Atlanta Metropolitan College where she spearheads the school’s communications strategy. Link Miranda Mack McKenzie serves as Area Development Director of the United Negro College Fund, and is responsible for the organization’s fundraising campaign in the metropolitan Atlanta market.

Augusta Chapter Celebrates Veterans Day by Selling a House to Wounded War Veteran for $5

by Miriam J.Atkins Augusta, GA - On Friday, November 11, 2011, wounded war veteran, SGT Kinga KissJohnson, became the proud owner of a house.

This date was most significant because it was Veterans Day. In the Fall of 2006, the Augusta, GA Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, embarked upon a project with the goal of helping a woman in need become a homeowner. They acquired a small house that was in need of repair and engaged friends to assist in the effort to clean up the property and the house. A cadre of community volunteers completed the renovations, which included painting, rewiring the electrical system, repairing the plumbing, replacing the aluminum siding, and providing a window HVAC system. Members of the chapter completed the home by donating appliances and the house was transformed.

Although the first tenant did not work out, the Augusta Chapter was not discouraged. Past President, Link Ann Johnson, contacted the Wounded Warrior Project, in search of a veteran in need of a home. The chapter established eligibility criteria that the tenant had to meet to purchase the home. After renting the

house for one year, SGT Kiss-Johnson (no relation to Link Ann Johnson) accepted the offer to purchase the house for a sales price of $5. In an interview with local Channel 6 news, a thankful SGT Kiss-Johnson said, “It’s a dream. We’re going to wake up and somebody is going to take it away.” Well, this is a dream that became a reality.

The Augusta, GA Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, in collaboration with the Wounded Warrior Project, is ecstatic about helping a veteran and improving Link Ann Johnson (left) receives a hug of gratitude from new homethe local community. owner and veteran, SGT Kinga Kiss-Johnson who recently purchased a renovated home from the Augusta (GA) Chapter for $5.

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Members of the Wilmington Chapter (NC) with school supplies donated to the Centre D’Etudes Classiques de Meyer (CECM) located in Jacmel, Haiti

Wilmington Links Make a Difference in the Lives of Haitian Children Through Support of School Since 2005, the Wilmington, North Carolina Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been supporting the educational needs of a very special school in Haiti. The non-profit school, the Centre D’Etudes Classiques de Meyer (CECM), is located in Jacmel, Haiti and serves over 300 students in grades K-13.

Upon learning of the school’s mission, its objectives to educate young children and its many needs, the chapter began supporting the school through the International Trends and Services Facet. Their contributions have included assembling and shipping multiple boxes of supplies each year. In addition, the Chapter hosted CECM’s president, Dr. Solanges Vivens, at a chapter meeting, where Dr. Vivens gave a firsthand account of the school’s activities and received a $1,000 donation.

The Chapter has been especially honored to have our national vicepresident, Link Dr. Glenda Newell Harris, deliver a message as speaker for this year’s annual Chapter Kaleidoscope Brunch, where Dr. Vivens attended as a special guest. This gave over 500 guests, including Wilmington’s mayor and city council member, the U.S. Congressman from the 7th District, members of the Winston-Salem, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, and Fayetteville (North Carolina) Chapters of The Links, Incorporated and other dignitaries an opportunity, not only to hear an inspiring speaker, but also to learn about the school, its mission and the Chapter’s support. A portion of proceeds from the brunch were used to help with needed school repairs from damages during the 2010 earthquake and support student enrollment. The school held its first gradu-

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ation of 17 students this year. A member of our Chapter traveled to Haiti to represent us and present the school with a $1,500 donation during the graduation ceremony. Because of the sustained support and many contributions of The Wilmington, NC Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the students prepared special handmade gifts for each member of the Chapter.

Dr. Vivens and everyone involved with the school have expressed their gratitude for the generosity and support from The Links, Incorporated. Throughout the years, and consistent with our theme of “Planting Seeds to Educate Youth,” support from The Wilmington, NC Chapter and others has made a difference as enrollment has grown from 30 to over 300 students and a budding first graduating class of students has expressed its desire to give back.

The Centre D'Etudes Classiques de Meyer is now 6 years old and has been filling a large void in the Haitian community by improving the lives of its children. The Wilmington, North Carolina Chapter of Links, Incorporated is pleased to have been able to provide tuition this year for eight (8) students to attend CECM and looks forward to continuing to support the school for years to come. There are many more children who would like to attend the school but, for financial reasons, are unable to attend. As the number of eligible children grows, so does the ongoing need of the school to expand and improve. Donations may be made to CECM by visiting the school’s website at http://cecmhaiti.org/.

(STANDING) L-R: Martha Scott Smith, Dr. Jean Bell Manning, President of the University of Liberia, Mary Miller McClellan and Dr. Mona Thornton. (SEATED): Gloria S. James and Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston.

Columbia (SC) Links Endorse Liberia’s “Change for Children Now”

by Mary Miller McLellan COLUMBIA, SC - Members of the Columbia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recently attended a Marketplace and School Benefit Dinner for women only at Benedict College. The event honored Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the 24th President of the Republic of Liberia and the first elected female Head of State in Africa.

The purpose of the ‘Change for Children Now Benefit Dinner” was to raise funds for the marketplace and school in Liberia, which will enable the children, who otherwise would not be educated, to attend school within a close proximity to their mother’s workplace in the market.

All proceeds from the Benefit Dinner in South Carolina will be used for the building of the Marketplace and School that will be known as “From the People of South Carolina to the People of Liberia."

The President of the Columbia Chapter, Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston, made a generous donation to the “Change for Children Now Marketplace and School Project” on behalf of the members of the chapter.

The event was held in celebration of the Investiture of Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr. as President of the Global African Methodist Episcopal Church Council of Bishops.

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Charlotte Chapter Links are on the Move CHARLOTTE, NC - Alumna and Past President, Link Daisy Spears Stroud received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Beverly Perdue on October 8, 2011 at her 90th birthday celebration. This is one of the highest civilian honors the governor can bestow on a North Carolina citizen. The award is given to residents in recognition of a proven record of service. Past recipients include such famous Tar Heels as Maya Angelou, Billy Graham, Michael Jordan, and Charles Kuralt. You can contact Daisy and share in the celebration of this special honor by emailing daisystroud@hotmail.com or via phone at 704-875-0114.

The chapter is honored to have had two recipients of this award in our chapter. Link Carlenia Ivory was also bestowed this honor in October of 2010.

Link Debra Plousha Moore was highlighted in the September-October, 2011 issue of Charlotte’s “PRIDE” magazine. The article,‘Culture of Care’… states “Debra Plousha Moore knows diversity and inclusion are at the heartbeat of success.” She is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Human Resources at Carolinas HealthCare System, the largest healthcare system in the Carolinas, and the third largest in the nation.

The entire article and pictures can be viewed at

www.pridemagazine.net.

In addition, this issue features an article, Gettin’ Fit, on the chapter’s International Trends and Services committee working out with students at Westerly Hills Elementary School. The project is a component of their Childhood Obesity umbrella project Initiative which seeks to teach children to swap video games for exercise and to choose fruit over french fries.

The Charlotte Chapter is also proud of their trailblazing member Link Karen Breach Washington. Dr. Washington is the 2010-2012 President of the North Carolina Pediatric Society, the state chapter affiliate of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has spent more than 25 years devoted to improving children's health and is the first African American physician to lead the Society which has over 2,000 members statewide including member pediatricians, students, residents and other health professionals.

Sisters are you enjoying our new format?

Please plan to make you or your chapter a part of future issues and become eligible for the

SOUTHERN AREA’S

Newsmaker Award The winning chapter will receive recognition at the Area Conference and a new chapter camera 24

Eligibility for the NEWSMAKER AWARD will be based on an ongoing point based system. Points wil be awarded for each item submitted to area and national publications beginning with the October 1, 2011 issue.

2. Additional points will be given for local media publication including newspapers, radio, television and web. Chapters are responsible for collecting and documenting data for April 1st reporting.

36 Simple Lessons for a Happy Life

1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

21. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

2. Memorize your favorite poem.

22. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or loaf all you want.

4. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

5. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

23. Read more books.

24. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

25. Trust in God but lock your car.

7. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

8. Love deeply and passionately. You may get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.

11. In disagreements, fight fairly.

No name calling.

12. Don't judge people by their relatives, or by the life they were born into.

13. Teach yourself to speak slowly but think quickly.

14. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

15. Say, "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

26. In disagreements, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

27. Don’t just listen to what someone is saying.

Listen to why they are saying it.

28. Share your knowledge.

It's a way to achieve immortality.

29. Pray or meditate. There's immeasurable power in it.

30. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.

31. Mind your own business.

32. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

16. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

33. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

17. Follow the three "R's": Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

34. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

35. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

36. Live with the knowledge that your character is your destiny.

20. Spend some time alone.

Author unknown

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

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

Southern Area Exec.

Committee Directory Vice Director

Chair, Programs

Tamara Y. Lee Tuskegee (AL) Chapter vicedirector@salinksinc.org

Daisy R. Walker Charlotte (NC) Chapter programschair@salinksinc.org

Southernareadirector@salinksinc.org

Chair, The Arts

Chair, Communications Sylvia Perry Bold City (FL) Chapter

asstprogramschair@salinksinc.org

Karyn M. Combs Pensacola (FL) Chapter artschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, National Trends & Services

Chair, Health & Human Services

Chair, Conference & Event Planning

Janice R. Nelson Bold City (FL) Chapter treasurer@salinksinc.org

Denise M. Cooper Savannah (GA) Chapter

Cori M. Brock Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter healthchair@salinksinc.org

Ruth H. Terrell Fayetteville (NC) Chapter conferencechair@salinksinc.org

Parliamentarian

Chair, Legislative Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief

Secretary Anne T. Herriott Miami (FL) Chapter secretary@salinksinc.org

Treasurer

Rosalind Fuse-Hall Tallahassee (FL) Chapter parliamentarian@salinksinc.org

Chair, Nominating Committee Ophelia Nicholson Shreveport (LA) Chapter nominatingchair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Rep. The Links Foundation, Inc. Bessie Isom Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter linksfoundationrep@salinksinc.org

Financial Secretary Charlotte Henderson Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter financialsec@salinksinc.org

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Area Director: Eneid A. Francis Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter (H) 504.284.3660 (F) 877.284.3660

Assistant Chair, Programs Mignon Breaux Early Greenville (SC) Chapter

nationaltrendschair@salinksinc.org

Marguerite Archie-Hudson Charleston (SC) Chapter publicaffairschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Services to Youth Brenda T. Jamerson Orangeburg (SC) Chapter youthchair@salinksinc.org

Education Linkage Lucinda R. Sullivan Augusta (GA) Chapter educationchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, International Trends & Services Sharlyn Wilson Smith Nassau (Bahamas) Chapter internationaltrends@salinksinc.org

Chair, Ethics and Standards Selma Robinson-Ayers St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter ethicschair@salinksinc.org

communicationschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Fund Development Ruth Waters McKay Bold City (FL) Chapter fundchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Protocol

Chair, Organizational Effectiveness

June W. Michaux Durham (NC) Chapter protocolchair@salinksinc.org

Faye Hargrove Augusta (GA) Chapter

Chair, Rituals

effectivenesschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Archives Kimberly Sweet LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter archiveschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Awards and Recognition Maxine Smith Charleston (SC) Chapter awardschair@salinksinc.org

Juanda F. Maxwell Selma (AL) Chapter ritualschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Technology Debra G. Lazare Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter techchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Vendors Natille E. Duncan Jackson (MS) Chapter vendorschair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Communications Team REGION 1

REGION 2

JOY WALLACE St. Pete (FL) Florida, S. Carolina and the Bahamas

KIM LaMOTTE

wallacejoy27@yahoo.com

REGION 3 NATILLE DUNCAN

La Capitale (LA)

Jackson (MS)

Louisiana and Georgia

Miss., N. Carolina and Alabama

LinkKimberly LaMotte@yahoo.com

krossdun@yahoo.com

EDITORS AT LARGE: Debra Lazare, Kimberly Sweet, Kenyonn Demps and Thelecia Wilson

Inside

the

AD VA N TA GE

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

We encourage you to submit your information by the 20th of the month for inclusion in future issues. Information can be sent from chapter members as well as Chapter Communications Chairs to their regional chair shown above. Members of the Area Communications Team are in contact with their region’s chapter Communications Chairs to ensure a channel of communication is maintained.

Be in the Advantage 1. 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 (including 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.

4. Going Places. Have you recently received a promotion? Celebrated a significant milestone? Getting married?

Graduating? Expecting? Elected to public office? Retiring? We want to know! Please share with your Area sisters as we join in celebrating your accomplishment.

EDITOR’S NOTE Hello my sisters!

I hope you have enjoyed our third issue of The Advantage. The Southern Area's Communication Team has worked very hard to provide quality, informative publications for our sisters and we hope it shows.

For each of us in the world of Links, the legacy of friendship and service can be a labor of love.

With successful careers, family obligations and other responsibilities, we continue to work within our chapters to contribute to our communities. Within this realm, we find our sense of purpose.

That same realization is what fuels us year after year, to rededicate ourselves to Linkdom. Ideally, it's almost like an inner passion shared with others, that you know you made a difference in someone's day or even life. Sooner or later, attending your meetings along with achieving your 48 service hour requirement, are an integrated part of your life. Most of my dearest friends are my Link sisters, and with much admiration I can say together, we make things happen. I look at their talents and contributions and am proud to call them my sisters. As we embark on a new beginning in 2012, take a moment to reflect on your Links' sense of purpose, exhale and smile. If you don't feel you have a purpose - find one. Like most things in life, the more you put into something, the more you will get back from it. The ride is not always easy, but the journey is a special one you can be proud of.

Happy Holidays, Sylvia Perry 27

The Southern Area Executive Committee wishes you and yours a joyous holiday season.

This issue concludes our communication coverage for the year.

We look forward to giving you more of the Southern Advantage in January 2012!

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