Advantage - Vol 1 Issue 6

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 6

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

inside this issue Greetings from the Area Director

Bylaws and Standing Rules Equate to Orderly Chapters

Page 3

Page 14

Congratulations to the New Southern Area SHLI Class

Archives: What to Throw Away, What to Keep

Page 4

Joys and Pains of Being a First Term Chapter President Page 6

Ready, Set, SHOP Making the most of the Assembly vendor experience Page 16

Mitigating Risks in Linkdom

Friendship: The Greatest Miracle of All

Page 8

Page 22

Healthy Linking

Angels in Red Dresses

Ethical Missteps

Page 9

Chapters celebrate Heart Health Month

Mentoring Key to More Minority Males in STEM

Page 31

Page 12

2

Page 15

Coffee & Conversations Page 52

* Cover photo: New Orleans area sister chapters march for HIV awareness

Dear Link Sisters, Spring is the favorite season for many people, and it is certainly easy to understand.

With spring, the first flowers begin to bloom and the world turns a lovely Links green.

It’s the season of renewal and a time for celebrating life.

Spring is also the time for renewal and celebration in The Links, Incorporated. During springtime, chapters will elect and install new officers and welcome new members into our circle of friendship and service. This year, chapters in the Southern Area extended invitations to membership to about 200 dynamic women. We are looking forward to welcoming these women into Linkdom. Many former members will also be reinstated to membership.

Eneid A. Francis Southern Area Director

Additionally, spring provides our chapters with the opportunity to reflect on what they have accomplished and where they want to go. Last fall, we engaged in strategic planning and set the course for the future. Take some time to review your goals and congratulate yourselves for your progress in reaching those goals.

The Southern Area, composed of 77 chapters in seven states and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, with close to 4,000 members, represents the largest Area in The Links, Incorporated. This concentration of service-oriented women is poised to improve the lives of the individuals in the communities we serve. We can play a pivotal role in helping to correct the disparities in the African American community in matriculation rates, college admissions, obesity and home foreclosures. Through our awesome coalition of determined women dedicated to friendship and service, we are Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service.

In the spirit,

_|Ç~ XÇx|w 3

The Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated is pleased to present the area’s 2012-2014 Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute Cohort V Fellows

Cassan Blake N. Broward County (FL)

Susan Branch Charlotte (NC)

Cori Brock Cooper Pontchartrain (LA)

Sidney Echevarria Piedmont (NC)

Kimberly Ford Greater Huntsville (AL)

Yolanda Hill Baton Rouge (LA)

Vera Jordan Montgomery (AL)

Paula Orr Charleston (SC)

Tammy Reed Dade County (FL)

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Royshanda Smith Greater Mobile (AL)

Countess Thompson Natchez (MS)

Tara Reid - Jones Triangle Park (NC)

_|Ç~áÑxÜtà|ÉÇ “The Spiritual Side of Success” One day, two brilliant thinkers found themselves sitting next to each other on an airplane. They started talking and soon began a lively discussion about literature, politics and science.

After a time, one of the ladies said, “By the way, I’m an astronomer. What kind of work do you do?” The other lady replied, “I’m a Theologian-a Bible Scholar.” The astronomer says, “You know, I’ve never understood how a person could spend their entire life studying the Bible when the whole thing is summed up by, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Theologian smiled and said, “That’s an interesting coincidence, because I’ve never understood how a person could spend their entire life studying astronomy when the whole thing is summed up by, Twinkle, Twinkle little star, how I wonder what you.”

The Biblical Principles for true success in our realistic bottom-line world can be summed up in these 5 dynamics: 1. Believe the truth about yourself; don’t underestimated or exaggerated your potential, position or abilities. Play your part, but stay in your lane. See yourself as God sees you.

2. Discover the Blueprint for your success; follow your Divine design for this leads to your inner peace even if the road is bumpy.

3. Play by the Rules; in our hearts, we know right from wrong. Doing business ethically is simply a matter of adhering to a system of moral values.

Good Character is doing what’s right even when no one is looking.

4. Check your own self; we all have limitations and shortcomings. Rid yourselves of attitudes and practices that you know deep down are not right.

5. Love Others; Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. We were created to live in unity. Not only will you benefit in the long run, but so will those who are around you. - Joy Wallace 5

There’s a First Links in Leadership

by Kenyonn Demps For a moment, I want you to close your eyes and reflect on your personal journey into Linkdom.

How were you inducted? What year? Who was present? How did you feel? Did your chapter embrace you with Link hugs, kisses, spirit, and an armful of Link gear?

For most of us, that’s exactly what happened. The induction is our special time.

It just feels good!

Now, I want you to think about your chapter. What’s going on within your chapter? What is your status as a member, a chairperson, and as a friend? Are you doing what you promised? Are you maintaining your pledge? The answers are what legends are made of.

However, the orchestration of everything that happens within and surrounding our chapters are lead by one person- the chapter president. Have you ever pondered about the position?

Do you see yourself fulfilling that role

Time for Everything

if you have not already done so?

Does it scare you? Does the challenge excite you? What do you believe your chapter president thinks about being the president?

As I am writing this, I can’t help but chuckle (sisterly, of course) about a fellow Link sister who asked years ago what the job description looked like for the chapter president. I had to laugh out loud the more I thought about it… Not because it’s was that funny, but because the president’s role is ENDLESS. Many first term presidents have revealed they spend an average of 5-10 hours a week serving their chapter.

That’s a lot of time for already busy successful women. Chapter presidents cannot be selfish with their time.

First we will not let them (smile) and second, there’s always service to perform and programs to plan.

Though many of our first term presidents previously served in other capacities within Linkdom and other organizations, presidential leadership

in Links can be an eye–opening, humbling experience. If you read about leadership or Google it, you will see “visionary” as a key word. Leadership in Linkdom requires a visionary leader.

Much of this acknowledged ‘on the job’ training is innate before a president takes office.

Eileen Davis-Jerome of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter stated “I am a lefthanded, right brained, (I think out of the box) visionary. While some may think that I am delusional. I like to think I am respectfully, creative.”

Barbara Crenshaw of Natchez Chapter believes she has “implemented core values.” She feels she has communicated the vision, empowered relationships, and demonstrated innovative actions within her chapter.

Let’s set the record straight. Being the president of your Link chapter is an honor. Your chapter nominates and votes for you to take the lead. They trust you. They are saying in so many words, we know you can get the job done! The tricky part of this is our first term presidents need us to stay true to what we have pledged. In many cases,

FIRST TERM CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

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Barbara Edwards Dade County (FL)

Betty Cody Jacksonville (FL)

Eileen Davis Fort Lauderdale (FL)

Faye Tate Williams Durham (NC)

Katrena Grant Tuscaloosa (AL)

our presidents are in good hands.

Betty Cody of the Jacksonville (FL) Chapter admitted having a fantastic Executive Board is the secret to her success and Faye Tate Williams of the Durham (NC) Chapter feels she has been “supported by her chapter overwhelmingly”.

Unfortunately, that feeling is not universal.Several first term presidents wish they could wave a magic wand and make their role as president easier by: 1. Generating increased support from their charter members 2. Freezing time 3. Leading peaceful, “let’s agree to disagree meetings” 4. Enforcing members to read the bylaws 5. Securing a easy way to tell members that “integrity” is the only way to report data on Link reports 6. Reigniting Link passion within those members who prefer to write a check instead of serve, and, 7. Decreasing the demands and deliverables from area and national It’s not easy being a leader. It’s not fun holding people accountable, and its definitely not trouble-free being a visionary. However a first time president does receive some wonderful experiences. Carolia Malone of the Columbus (GA) Chapter expressed her joy in seeing contentment in asking her chapter what type of programs they wanted to be involved in. The chapter listed them and so far, all besides one has been fulfilled. Katrena Grant of the Tuscaloosa (AL) Chapter noted her greatest joy as “seeing the goals of the organization come to fruition in the local community.” As a recipient of a

grant for the Youth Leadership and Greater Miami (FL) Chapter believes Mentoring Program, SuccessLinks, her most radical decision was impleeveryone in her chapter was excited. menting four Childhood Obesity PreOthers find their joy through the orga- vention programs simultaneously at nization’s foundation. Renee Jones of four different sites within a six month the Greater Miami (FL) Chapter period from the south to the north end shared, “we strive to celebrate Friend- of Miami-Dade County. ship Month not only in November, but Through trials and triumphs, our first throughout the entire year.” term presidents have to be The life of a first time chapter amazing president can be rewarding, spirited, humbling, exhausting, JOB TITL E: Chap t exhilarating, frustrating, and at RESPONS IBLE TO er President times radical decisions have and t : The cha he pter to be made. Barbara Edwards comm unity of the Dade County (FL) DEP ARTMENT : Chapter shared, “immedi- Al l facet s, ately following a very suc- c ommitte e cessful planning retreat, I and sub s attended a Southern Area -comLeadership Summit.

I mittees called my Executive Board PERKS: Unli mited s erv from the Summit and told opportuni t i e s and b ice them we were not going to friendsh oundles ip s implement the service DUTIES: Transfo project we had worked so leader rmation ship al hard developing at the HOURS : 24/7 retreat. I recommended that we postpone it. Instead, I wanted the chapter to implement the women in and Childhood Obesity Prevention Curricu- out of chapter meetings. Mendee Bulllum Project encouraged by the South- Ligon of the St. Petersburg (FL) Chapern Area leadership at the Summit. As ter concluded, “being president means it turned out, everyone agreed and it representing our organization locally was a highly successful umbrella proj- and also leading and assisting chapter ect.” members in the direction proposed by Another first term president men- our national organization.” tioned her most radical decision was We have some very awesome women removing chapter members who had who have stepped up to lead our chapnot met their Link obligations and ters. Let’s remember to always reEileen Davis-Jerome of the Fort Laud- spect and support our leadership. erdale (FL) Chapter’s most radical de- Together we will continue to Effect cision was “maximizing the use of change through the power of friendmembers’ talents.” Renee Jones of the ship and service is a cohesive effort.

CHAPTER

PRESIDE

NT

FIRST TERM CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Renee Jones Greater Miami (FL)

Mendee Bull Ligon St. Petersburg (FL)

Sharon Reed LeFleur’s Bluff (MS)

Barbara Crenshaw Natchez (MS)

Remember, our presidents need us! As we continue providing unconditional support, respect, and service along their side, we can persevere in moving mountains, changing lives, and making a positive impact.

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Xà{|vtÄ `|ááàxÑáM Mitigating Risks in Linkdom

by Selma Robinson-Ayers Ethics,, Chair “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Ethics is paramount in maintaining a culture of integrity;, and as members of The Links, Incorporated, we have the ultimate responsibility to carry out the day-to-day business of the organization in an ethical manner. An ethical misstep can have severe consequences for members and widespread repercussions forCchapters. By understanding the guiding principles and recognizing and mitigating risks early, we can advance our culture of integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards of conduct inLinkdom!

As part of the Southern Area’s commitment to provide enhanced communications and continuous education, the Commission on Ethics and Standards would like to share some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as a valuable resource in understanding the Standards and ensuring compliance with the Code!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The Standard: Financial Operations Q: A Link’s chapter sponsored a fundraising luncheon honoring “Youth Role Models”- wherein community funds and public donations were secured. Applications for role models were solicited from the community and winners would to be recognized with plaques and monetary gift certificates. The grandson of a Link’s member was recommended as a candidate. Would it be appropriate to award and recognize a Link’s grandson as the Top Role Model?

A: In accordance with Standard 2: Financial Operations, B. Recusal from Participation in Sponsored Public Fundraising Activities Involving, Lotteries, Auctions (silent and live), Awards, Gifts or Prizes, the situation as described would be inappropriate.

“Members and their immediate family members shall recuse themselves from participating” (in such activities) “and shall not accept any prize or gift at any such event.”

The Standard: Conflict of Interest Q: A dynamic and savvy new member-with exceptional fundraising credentials - was appointed by the president to chair the Chapter’s Funds Development Committee. During the course of the year, the chair secured huge, sponsorship donations from several businesses with which she has a relationship. It was noted by the financial secretary that checks made payable to the chapter had been presented by the member as payment for her dues.When questioned, the member stated the sponsorships had been provided by the businessesspecifically for her dues. Can monies donated to chapters by

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sponsors be designated as payment for a Link’s dues? Has the member violated the Organization’s Code of Ethics and Standards?

A: Standard 2: Financial Operations, A. Use of Public Funds states: “Monies collected from the public for service projects and other charitable activities shall be used for the stated purposes only.” If the member in fact asked for the funds to sponsor her dues, and the businesses provided the funds specifically for that purpose, then no violation of Standard 2: A. has occurred and the monies can be designated as such.

However, the potential for a Conflict of Interest may be of concern in this situation and the nature of the relationship between the member and the businesses should be explored.

Standard 5: Conflict of Interest, A. Refraining from Engaging in a Conflict of Interest states: “To promote further our core values of integrity, honesty, responsibility and accountability, each member shall refrain from engaging in any activity or action that constitutes a conflict of interest or that gives the appearance of a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may be potential or actual and can be caused by a personal relationship, a financial relationship or in rare cases, an unwavering position or belief.”

The determining factor in this situation would be whether or not the member has a financial relationship with the businesses, and whether said relationship was misused to seek the funds. If this is the case, then a violation of Standard 5.A. has occurred.

Next issue: Communiations

Healthy Linking

MIND

BODY

SOUL

Know the Equation for Effective Weight Loss

by Cori Brock Cooper For example, a woman that is 43 years old, 5’7” Chair, S.A. Health and tall, and weighs 175 pounds would have a RMR of: Juman Services (10 x 80) + (6.25 x 170) Every year most of us make – (5 x 43) – 161 = 1,487 the same resolution; - lose calories To know the numweight, exercise more, get organized, or make a ber of calories job transition.

So who’s to say, you can’t have all of the above? you need to conHaving it all, takes preparation, knowledge and sume daily to commitment. While developing a mantra and maintain your starting to develop new healthy habits are critical, weight, multicommitting to our resolutions means having a ply your RMR plan. Let’s start with “lose weight and exercise by your level activity. more.” The foundation of losing weight is “calo- of table ries in, calories out.” Unfortunately, most of us See don’t know how many calories we need to con- below. sume daily and as a result, we don’t know how to The RMR in the decrease our dietary intake to promote weight loss. The key to a healthy weight is understanding previous example your metabolism. Metabolism is the process by was 1,487. Therefore, which your cells use and store energy. As we age, the equation for a our metabolism slows due to decreased muscle woman that works at a desk mass and decreased cell turnover; therefore, our daily and walks for 30 minutes - 3 caloric needs decrease. An equation is available days per week while socializing with a friend is as to calculate your metabolic rate and caloric needs. follows: 1,487 x 1.375 = 2,045 calories For women, the equation is as follows: (10 x weight) + (6.25 x height) (the number of calories you can – (5 x age) – 161 = eat daily without gaining weight) To lose weight, you must subtract 500 calories Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) from that daily total, (i.e.) 1,545 calories. or calories burned at rest [weight is in kilograms (pounds divided by 2.2) Calculate your RMR and if you want to lose and height is in centimeters (inches multiplied by weight, subtract by 500! Start working on keeping 2.54)] your metabolism in check today !

1.2 Sedentary – barely or no exercise

1.375 1.55 1.725 1.9 Lightly Active – Moderately Active Very Active – hard Extremely Active – easy exercise 1 to – moderate exerexercise 6 or 7 very hard exercise 3 days per week cise 3 to 5 days days a week and/or a physical 9

Links get ready for the

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Customizable official Southern Area Charm pin with THREEstarter charms $50

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS Items will be available online with proceeds to benefit the Southern Area 10

Southern Area Crystal Ring $20

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Mentoring, Financial Aid Key to

by Dorothy Rowley When it comes to propelling the careers of young African Americans into the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the numbers are sorely lacking. They are even more dismal among black males, who – along with their Latino counterparts – now bear the distinction of being equally disenfranchised from entering and succeeding in STEM. But Ray Jones, an associate professor at Clemson University in South Carolina, who was among 200 individuals who attended a recent symposium on the matter, said there are several reasons for the absence of minority males in STEM programs. “ C o m i n g through the early grades, our male students are not prepared with an academic foundation or disposition to compete in STEM fields,” Jones said. “Many are still not ready by the time they reach high school to enter STEM programs as for most of our black males, it’s not been sexy to get into science and math.”

Jones alluded to the “tremendous” need for role models in the black community, saying for instance, that there are not enough Ph.D.s in South Carolina to en12

courage kids. “As a result, many of them are unaware of the possibilities in STEM – it’s just something that they don’t routinely know about,” Jones said.

According to findings from the landmark study, “The Quest for Excellence: Supporting the Academic Success of Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Disciplines,”

it is incumbent upon high-achieving minority males already working in STEM initiatives to mentor youth in order to spawn and nurture their interest in those disciplines.

The 73-page study – which was distributed during the February 28 symposium at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters in Southwest

– states that encouraging black youth toward STEM programs can be further buttressed through involvement in undergraduate research and financial support.

Overall, the purpose of the symposium, that was sponsored by the Minority Males in STEM Initiative (MMSI) of the Washington, D.C.based Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), was to collaborate with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and NASA to find ways to better support the academic success of minority males who choose to major in STEM disciplines at the gradu a t e level.

A larger reason for the lack of minority students in STEM has hinged on fear of racial antagonism. That alone, has kept many away from those disciplines, according to a recently published book by Maya A. Beasley.

The author notes in “Opting Out,” that oftentimes black students at elite universities already grapple with social and institutional obstacles of their own which “ultimately drive them away from the high-status, high-paying jobs that they’re qualified for in fields such as engineering, science, finance and information technology.”

More Minority Males in STEM Beasley, who also believes schools are partly to blame, maintains that in order to attract and retain more black students in STEM, schools like the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, have created special scholarship programs to get more minority students into these fields.

Beasley also points out that while black students who graduate from the more prestigious colleges and universities tend to gravitate to jobs outside of STEM disciplines, fear of being possibly targeted in affirmative action lawsuits could hinder those colleges from doing more to promote STEM initiatives aimed at minority students.

“Unfortunately, racial representation is a cycle: the more African Americans there are in an occupation or academic field, the more there will be in the future,” Beasley wrote.

Meanwhile, findings in the APLU report – gleaned from methods that included reviews of background literature and related policy and examining successful programs – were based on a survey of nearly 1,500 STEM students. More than 100 STEM faculty and about 70 university administrators at 14 higher education institutions also participated in the survey which was conducted during the fall 2011 semester. Among the cross section of colleges and universities that participated – offering their practices in recruiting, retaining and graduating minority males were the traditionally black Delaware State University, Florida A&M University and the Southern University system.

“This report – which in my personal opinion, is the first of its kind – reveals what four-year universi-

ties are doing to specifically serve minority males in STEM disciplines,” said Lorenzo Esters, APLU vice president and MMSI project director.

Esters, 36, said the report “reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly about the state of minority males in STEM in the U.S.” He said the documentation also highlights opportunities to change systems and processes to more effectively support a unique segment of the U.S. population – all of which are seen through the lived experiences of minority males themselves, and sheds light on what it takes to support them.

“Particularly, the students we surveyed who were successful minority males,” Esters said, “they had an average GPA of 3.0 or 3.49, and what we found is that many of these students were from low-income backgrounds.”

Esters continued: “There were certainly implications for us . . . We need to find ways to support these

students financially that include Pell Grants and institutional scholarships. We need more welcoming relations between faculty and students – inside and outside the classroom – and to ensure that students from low-income backgrounds are exposed to what it means to go to college.”

APLU staff associate, Jamel Hodges, 37, added that the study found that males at HBCUs felt their mentors were very supportive in their quest for STEM-related education. He said that although a lot of work remains to be done “at all levels of the education pipeline,” opportunities for improving outcomes are limitless.

“The influx of people in these fields helps them as well as their mentors,” said Hodges who recently completed work on his doctorate degree. “I want to put to use my dissertation and passion to help minority students succeed, into practice.”

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by Rozlyn Fuse-Hall S.A. Parliamentarian Bylaws are rules that outline the order for conducting its affairs and its members within our chapters. Bylaws note the chapter’s official name, purpose, structure and basic procedural rules. In many instances, bylaws are interpreted as “the law” in a chapter; however, we should treat them as the rules that they are and not use them as instruments of control. Bylaws ensure that standards of operations are established; they are published so everyone will know how to conduct the business of the chapter, and they can be used to ensure that order is maintained and business is conducted in an effective and efficient manner. Further, our national parliamentarian notes, “In order to give the chapter the greatest freedom to act within its object, bylaws should be made no more restrictive nor more detailed in specification than necessary.”

Bylaws are intended to provide a foundation for the organization, changing infrequently. When amending bylaws, chapters should consult the bylaws as to how such amendments shall occur. If the bylaws are silent, then the parliamentary authority, usually Robert’s Rule of Order Newly Revised (the current edition is the 11th edition), outlines how amendments should occur. Previous notice shall be given before the adoption of any amendments. Further, it is advised that amendments are written and distributed to the membership before the vote occurs. Moreover, the amendment should note what section is being amended with the original language; another column that notes the proposed language, and then a column that notes how the new amendment would read if adopted. The proposed language should be specific. Most importantly, bylaws must be voted upon. A chapter may amend “bylaws at any regular business meeting by a vote of the majority of the entire membership; or, if the amendment was submitted in writing at the previous regular business meeting, then they may be amended by a twothirds vote of those voting, a quorum being present.” (RONR, p. ) Drafting the amendments should be deliberative and thoughtful. Wording is critical. Amendments may “insert” or “add” new language within existing language. Adding language occurs when you are putting new information at the end of the existing language. An amendment may “strike out and insert” language by striking through the old language and inserting the new language. To “substitute” is to strike

out an entire paragraph and insert another. A substitute is a technical parliamentary term that is not applied to anything less than a complete paragraph of one or more sentences.

As noted earlier, bylaws should provide the framework for conducting business and behavior of the chapter members; however, a great partner to bylaws that is not often used is standing rules. Standing rules are administrative in nature, providing the details that are mentioned in the bylaws. Moreover, standing rules provide greater flexibility in altering, since these may be changed with a simple majority and may not require prior notice. These rules compliment bylaws as illustrated by the example below: EXAMPLE: Bylaw: Section III, Membership A. A member is in good standing if all dues are paid in full and her service hours requirement has been met.

Chapter Standing Rules: 1. Dues are paid in full when the total amount of dues of $600 is paid to the treasurer on or before February 1 each year.

2.The service hour requirement is met when 48 hours of service as approved chapter, area, or national activities have been completed between May1 - April 30th.

Standing rules assist the chapters with the details that may make bylaws too rigid and inflexible. Chapters are encouraged to review their bylaws and explore the use of standing rules where it may be better suited for detailing information that is likely to change frequently. Chapter bylaws should align and not conflict with national bylaws. However, each chapter’s bylaws, while following the bylaws template (which I am happy to share with anyone), should reflect how they will conduct their business in accordance with our national organization.

All chapter members are encouraged to become familiar with our documents, such as the National Constitution and Bylaws. Only national has a constitution; respective chapters should not have constitutions. Chapter charters establish your essential characteristics and chapter bylaws outline how you will conduct business and the behavior of your members.

The Manual of Procedures outlines many of the processes for conducting our affairs. Moreover, we have the protocol manual, Code of Ethics and the Financial Handbooks. All of these documents can be found online at www.linksinc.org in the “Members Only” section. And of course, I am happy to assist anyone at anytime. As Link sisters, orderly service is the name of our game. With our bylaws and standing rules in order, we will remain on top of our game!

Bylaws + Standing Rules =

ORDER

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A R C H I V E S

What to Throw Away What to Keep

By Link Kimberly Sweet Southern Area Archivist Not just a dusty file or faded photograph, Chapter archives bear witness to what we have accomplished and lay the foundation for what we hope to do in the future. If these records tell our "story", which details make it in and which get left out?

There are no hard and fast rules.

Your intuitive sense of what is important is likely right. To ensure that all your bases are covered and critical details aren't deleted, here are some general guidelines of what should be included. These items are generated by the Chapter and affect Chapter members.

Operational documents are defined as items which govern the body. They include: -Chapter Charter -The Links, Incorporated's Constitution and Bylaws -Area and Chapter Bylaws -Manual of Policies and Procedures -National, Area and Chapter Budgets -Organizational Charts (which delineate authority and define responsibility) Procedural documents detailing decisions made and business conducted. They include: -Chapter, Area and Assembly minutes and agendas -Chapter, Area and National Officer Reports -Chapter Legal Documents/Testimony -Chapter and Area Financial Statements Program Materials evidence of service projects chosen, planned and executed.

-Chapter, area and national program handbooks -Planning documents, calendars, timelines -Chapter grants (including applica-

tions and supporting documentation) -Chapter honors and awards (including criteria and description of the awarding body) Leadership Rolls list members' terms of service and recognition of their efforts.

-Chapter officers and committees -Chapter delegates to area and national committees -Area and national appointments of members -Chapter member honors (professional recognition or citations from community and other organizations) Publications include items printed and distributed (including those circulated electronically) to members or the community.

-Chapter, Area and National Histories (both written and oral) -Directories, membership rosters, event brochures, etc. Communication files recount information shared and exchanged among members and with the community.

Correspondence (including e-mail) on Issues, Projects and other Matters.

-News releases -Speeches (texts or transcripts), position papers, proclamations, etc.

Materials and Media from Functions and Events document the results of involvement in both community programs and projects.

-Printed programs, invitations, brochures, posters, fliers (circulated by hand, mail or electronically) -Scrapbooks and

memorabilia (including printed marketing materials or souvenirs) -Awards -Printed photographs (Black and White preferred and at least 5 X 7 in size or saved on a CD/jump-drive) -News clips, audiotapes, videotapes, DVDs, digital collections Seem like a lot? Not if you organize and collect your information on a regular basis (as often as monthly) and review files at the end of each year with each change in administration.

Is your chapter still operating out of boxes in your garages? Increase your chapter's efficiency by converting those files to a jump-drive or other digital storage which will make archive maintenance less time-consuming and more effective. The resulting records will yield a treasure trove of information- just when you might need it most on topics ranging from last month's details on chapter fundraising to 30 yearold memorabilia from a chapter's chartering for use in an upcoming anniversary celebration.

Remember, to think of archival work not as a look at the past, but rather as an important foundation- upon which we achieve meaningful work in the future!

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Ready, Set

SHOP

16

by Natille Duncan 2013 Area Conferences. This certifiSouthern Area cation does not grant any vendors the Vendor Chair right to sell any products bearing The Alright Link Sis- Links, Incorporated logo online or at ters, we’re down to any other events. the wire and it’s ofQ: I’m enjoying the conference ficially shopping and vendors; however, I need to season! If you’ve stay within my budget. Can I still not yet hit the stores in order to snag look fabulous on a budget? some fabulous new spring finds, the Yes, you can be frugal and fabulous vendors at the National Assembly in while enjoying the conference and the Orlando, Florida, will meet your needs. vendors. Most vendors showcasing From clothing and accessories to sta- merchandise from their boutiques are tionery and artwork, the vendors already offering great deals in order to should have it all! make room for seasonal fashions and Why should I purchase products accessories. Meet and establish conand services from an approved ven- tact with vendors, and take advantage dor with The Links, Incorporated? of the many great offerThe Links, Incorporated expects ings at the conference. vendors to sell authentic garments and Several vendors you accessories. An application must be completed The vendor experience is a well and approved prior to par- anticipated facet of conference ticipating as a vendor for and assembly attendance. It is The Links, Incorporated. often the only opportunity The Vendor Approval and Certification Process is a Links have to stock up on Links tool used to identify ven- paraphernalia and often offers dors interested in selling exclusive shopping experience. products and providing services at the 38th National Assembly met at the last conferand 2013 Area Conferences. The ap- ence (even in a different proval and certification program con- region) may even contact you to inform sists of two parts: vendor certification you of their location in the vendor area and The Links, Incorporated logo ap- and fabulous items being showcased. proval. Vendors who would like to use Be considerate to vendors and the vathe Links, Incorporated logo must riety of goods they have to offer. meet certain qualifications prior to I made a purchase at the conferbeing approved to sell any and all mer- ence and now have decided to rechandise and promotional products turn the item for exchange and/or bearing The Links, Incorporated logo refund. What can I do? at the 38th National Assembly and Vendors want you to be satisfied with

your purchases; however, inquire about return policies prior to making purchases. Some return policies may include exchanges only, store credit only, all sales final, or a vendor may offer full refunds. More often than not, a vendor will offer you an exchange or refund within a reasonable amount of time, but remember to ask about the return policy details which may be printed on the receipt or their business card.

How can I recommend a vendor to participate at the next National Assembly or Area Conference?

For further information regarding

vendor recommendations for The Links, Incorporated, please contact the following: The Links, Incorporated Attn: Janelle Mungo 1200 Massachusetts Avenue Washington, DC 20005 Until the next issue - remain focused, friendly and fashionable!

All chapters are requested to have at least ONE member register for each session of the Communications Webinar 21( 92,&( 21( %5$1' &RPPXQLFDWLRQV :HELQDU 6HULHV 3HUIHFW 7LPH IRU D /LQNV 1LJKW 2XW )RU )XQ )ULHQGVKLS DQG &RPPXQLFDWLRQV %\ /LQN .DWK\ :DGH &LQFLQQDWL 2+ &KDSWHU &HQWUDO $UHD &RPPXQLFDWLRQV &KDLU

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Details printed courtesy of the Central Area 17

Shown above is four-year-old Elsie Vanderpuye in Liberia wearing a dress provided by the Vicksburg (MS) Chapter. The dresses, were designed by chapter’s International Trends and Services facet chair, Jan Duncan (inset).

Vicksburg (MS) Dresses African Orphans for Emotional Success The International Trends and Services Facet of the Vicksburg (MS) Chapter is making a difference in the nation of Liberia.

Under the guidance of facet chair Jan Duncan, the chapter recently sent a wardrobe of dresses for young girls to the Mission of Hope Orphanage in Gbarnga, Liberia for the use of young orphans. The signature project represents a first in the Southern Area's diverse international outreach.

“Our mission is to change the life of women around the world with every stitch and seam we create,” said Link Jan. Under her guidance, the dressers were designed and personally sewn for the youngsters.

No doubt a perfect marriage for 18

Links and the country, their goal is to combine fashion and charity to help the women of Haiti and Africa.

Dresses for Africa is an exchange of change for worldwide change, where everyday citizens can make a contribution by making dresses knowing that these little dresses will be donated to organizations committed to helping women and children all over the world. It was began in 2007 by Rachel O’Neill .

Today the concept has impacted the lives of over 10,000 young ladies who might not ever had the opportunity for a new dress – something every young lady should have at least once.

The dresses are distributed through missionaries, who take

them to orphanages, churches, and schools in Africa. The response has been overwhelming for more seamstresses to donate their talent. Innovative concepts chapter’s can incorporate include dress making parties or making assembly kits to partner with another chapter to actually sew. To make one dress, it takes approximately 1 hour and 20(minutes). “A small price to pay to impact the self esteem of these little girls hope and let them know that they are worthy,” says Link Jan. For more information on how your chapter can become a part of this project, Link Jan welcomes all questions. She can be reached at drjduncan@rocketmail.com.

New Orleans (LA) Hosts Monthly Mentoring Programs Exploring STEM Careers The New Orleans (LA) Chapter developed a mentoring program to encourage students to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This project is a component of the chapter’s Services to Youth Committee’s on-site tutoring program for Bethune Elementary School (3rd through 6th grades). The program has several tiers designed to help students’ enhance their vocabulary, spelling, grammar, math and science skills.

Additionally, the tutoring program aims to boost the students’ self-confidence, enhance their public-speaking skills, and improve language usage.

The mentoring program is based on the STEM career initiative designed to expose and prepare African American youth for 21st Century careers. It is the goal of the New Orleans Chapter to help close the education gap and encourage students to pursue higher education programs that focus on STEM fields.

The STEM sessions introduce students to various careers through a speaker’s bureau that features professionals in various fields such as avionics, genetics, culinary arts, engineering and epidemiology. Each

Dr. Conyers reads to the children as Edna Moore, New Orleans Chapter President, looks on. speaker demonstrates how science, speaker in February. Dr. Conyers intechnology, engineering and math spired the children as he presented play a part in their careers. The ob- captivating information on space exjective of the mentoring program is to ploration. help students realize the impact that The chapter hopes that program STEM related careers have on our participants will be motivated to comcommunity. Dr. Howard Conyers pete effectively in a global workforce works as an engineer at National that relies on science, technology, Aeronautics and Space Administra- engineering and math related areas tion (NASA) and was the featured of expertise.

Please plan on joining your fellow Southern Area Links at the National Assembly Hospitality Suite Thursday, June 28, 2012, 7-9 p.m

Southern Area Breakfast Saturday,June 30, 2012, 7- 9 a.m.

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South Florida Chapters Join Forces Against Childhood Obesity

Shown above is the Miami Cluster of The Links, Inc. Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative Billboard. Right, youth participants enjoy a healthy salad.

MIAMI – In February, three South Florida chapters of The Links, Incorporated joined together to launch the Miami Cluster of The Links, Inc. Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative. The successful initiative created awareness among parents and children about the health risks associated with childhood obesity and the importance of eating healthy and getting regular exercise. Through a grant from The Links Foundation, Inc., the three chapters - Dade County (FL), Greater Miami (FL), and Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL) – worked collaboratively to host a town hall meeting at Golden Glades Elementary School and a Student Summit at Nathan B. Young Elementary School.

The student summit also featured nationally-recognized Dietician Rojean Williams and Chef Michael Schwartz, better known as the “Short Chef.”

Both Rojean and Schwartz gave cooking demonstrations and presentations on preparing and eating healthy

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meals. Students also participated in several physical education activities to stress the importance of regular exercise.

The initiative’s two-pronged purpose includes educating the black community about the childhood obesity epidemic and forming an Obesity Prevention Advocacy Task Force. The goal of the initiative and awareness campaign is to reach 5,000 black households with a message of healthy eating and healthy choices.

In addition to the town hall meeting and student summit, the Miami Cluster Task Force commissioned a community advocacy task force comprised of health professionals, elected officials, civic activists, and local business men and women. To expand awareness, the Miami Cluster Task Force partnered with Clear Channel to create a billboard encouraging children to eat healthy and make good choices. The billboard is located two blocks north of N.W. 167th Street on N.W. 27th Av-

enue.

“It is imperative that we teach all children the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle with healthy food choices,” said Arleen Poitier, member of the Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. and Miami Cluster Childhood Obesity Task Force Chair.

“Children should exercise 60 minutes a day and consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day as well.

These important measures will certainly help with preventing Type 2 diabetes in our community.”

For more information about the Miami Cluster of The Links, Inc. Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative, please visit www.linksincsaccop.com.

Pontchartrain (LA) Sheds Light on Minority Health Disparities Links Cori Brock Cooper and • Chapter members securing at led by the Pontchartrain (LA) ChapConchetta White Fulton of the least 15 partners who will provide ter of The Links, Incorporated.

Pontchartrain Chapter in New Or- an additional 1,000 pounds of food • The Pontchartrain Chapter leans, LA recently showcased the items annually to JTRA. adopted an orphanage in Haiti to chapter’s community service and • Raising awareness through at demonstrate global commitment to their professional work during the least two media appearances, one decreasing hunger and poverty.

5th Annual Health Disparities Con- special event, and collaboration In addition to the presentation on ference held March 6-8, 2012. The with at least two governmental, Project LIFE, Link Conchetta preXavier University of Louisiana Col- non-governmental, or community sented research entitled An Examlege of Pharmacy’s Center for Mi- organization entities between Au- ination of Ethnic Health Disparities nority Health and in Osteoporosis Among Health Disparities Women in the City of Research and EduNew Orleans. This recation (CMHDRE) search sought to examhosted the conferine the knowledge of ence, with the theme women concerning os“Achieving Health teoporosis and its efEquity through Acfects. Once incorrectly cess, Advocacy, thought by AfricanTreatment, and PolAmerican females to be icy Development.” non-existent in their Link Cori prepopulation, the data sented the Pontcharanalysis provided usetrain Chapter’s ful insight into the Umbrella Program prevalence of risk facProject LIFE—Links tors of osteoporosis Increasing Food Xavier University College of Pharmacy Practice Resident Liliana among a predomiand Energy. Project Cosenza, Pharm,D. (R), Link Conchetta White Fulton, Pharm.D., FASCP. nately African American LIFE seeks to transform the New gust 2010 and April 2012. sample of women in the City of Orleans metropolitan area and Haiti • Adopting the Hope for Haitian New Orleans. by forming collaborative partner- Children Foundation and providing Greater education on the disease ships that address hunger and clothing, food, money, supplies, and its associated sequelae could poverty in both locations. These and books between August 2010 reduce African American women's goals are accomplished by: and April 2012 to feed and care for risk of the disease. Lastly, further • Impacting hunger and poverty the 39 children at its Espoir Pour research with a larger sample size through Chapter provision of 1,500 Les Enfants Orphanage and the 76 is necessary for more robust exampounds of food between August additional children who attend its ination of these findings. The re2010 and April 2012 to Just The school daily. search continues with a second Right Attitude (JTRA) Food Bank As a result of their initiatives, Proj- poster accepted for presentation and thus enabling JTRA to provide ect LIFE has recommend and im- during the International Symposium meals Monday through Thursday plemented the following: on Osteoporosis Translating Reeach week to the needy and boxes • New Orleans City Council de- search into Clinical Practice of groceries to individuals and fam- clared November 8th “Just the (ISO12), April 25-28, 2012, in Orilies, and residents of three senior Right Attitude Food Bank Day.” lando, Florida. citizens complexes.

• An Annual Day of Service was 21

Friendship

by Buzzle Staff

Today's world is complicated, to say the least. Countries at war with each other; a constant threat of terrorism; global economic turmoil; civil unrest; moral and ethical battles in our courtrooms; heated policy debates in our schools, our churches, our workplaces, and even our homes. It seems like every day the news just keeps getting worse and worse.

In the face of despair and disillusionment, many people turn to bad habits to distract them - drugs, drinking, gambling, pornography, overeating, or anything that will give them some temporary relief and take their mind off what's happening in the real world. But the key word in that statement is the word "temporary."

For a permanent solution to easing tension and soothe the rough waters of the world, you can't beat the support and encouragement of a friend.

Friendship is one of the most basic, most essential human experiences. Every major religion in the world has described the importance of friendship, from the Greco-Roman story of the friendship of Pylades and Orestes, to the tale of David and Jonathan in the Abrahamic religions. In the Bible, Jesus said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Discussions and analysis of friendship is included in many disciplines, including sociology, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, and even zoology.

The idea of friendship consists of a basic understanding between people, involving a complex array of emotions - mutual interests, affection and esteem, respect, and the ability to offer help or service to others in times of need. Friends are glad to see each other and welcome the opportunity to spend time together.

Some friends exchange advice with each other; some exchange recipes, books, movies, and hobbies; some exchange jokes; some exchange e-mails and letters.

Friends help each other in times of trouble and exult with each other in times of joy and excitement. For many people, friendship is an elaborate, ongoing dance of keeping things equal and staying in touch;

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for others, friendship is as simple as just knowing that you have someone you can trust to always be there for you.

Friends - true friends - are honest, supportive, encouraging, empathetic, and loving. They don't care about how much money you have, where you work, what kind of background you come from, or what you will be able to do for them. One popular anonymous quotation gives a very good definition of the value of a true friend: "Money might make you wealthy, but a real friend makes you rich." Many famous authors and poets have expounded on the value of friendship: "A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway."

- Fr. Jerome Cummings

"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies." - Aristotle "Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil." - Baltasar Gracian (1647) "A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." - Walter Winchell "Your friend is your needs answered." - Kahil Gibran The poet Robert Louis Stevenson said, "A friend is a present you give yourself." And Marlene Dietrich added to that sentiment: "It's the ones you can call up at 4:00 a.m. that really matter." The times we're living in now are certainly proving that statement to be true.

The greatest miracle you can experience is to have a true friend who will always be there, no matter what a friend that you can call up at 4:00 a.m. if you need to, and even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

the greatest miracle of all

Jackson (MS) Beautillion Celebrates 25 Years of Cultivating Young Black Males for Leadership

The Jackson Chapter with their Beaus The Jackson (MS) Chapter held its 14th biennial Beautillion fundraiser on March 24, 2012, during a spectacular black tie affair. The chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary of cultivating young and talented black males for leadership. Each Beau was presented in recognition of his demonstrated achievements in academics, sports, the arts, leadership, and his overall commitment to the advancement of his community. Sixteen (16) handsome, accomplished, and smart young men from the Metro Jackson area participated in self-help workshops, father/son dinners, etiquette classes, community service projects, worship services and dance lessons.

In addition, they gained extensive knowledge about the rich history of The Links, Incorporated and the role it has played in society. During the event, the winner of the 1986 Beautillion, Attorney Malcolm O. Harrison, commented on his Beautillion experience and encouraged Beaux to continue striving toward making an impact on the community and the world.

Chapter President Mavis James gave special recognition to Link Janice Dun-

can, due to her leadership and vi-

Left, Chapter President Mavis James lauds member Janice Duncan. Right, Beautillion winners are (L-R) Mr. Image, Jonathan Taylor, Mr. Esquire, Jaren Reeves-Darby and Mr. Debonair, Johnathan Smith.

sionary guidance by introducing the Beautillion concept to the chapter 25 years ago.

The winners of the 2012 Beautillion are first place (Mr. Esquire) Beau Jaren Reeves-Darby, son of Link.

Vonda Reeves Darby and Dr. Alvin Darby; second place (Mr. Debonair) Beau Johnathan Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sutter Smith; and third place (Mr. Image) Beau Jonathan Taylor, son of Link Jasmine Taylor and Dr. Herman

Taylor.

The Beautillion continues to provide an avenue to showcase the positive images of youth in the community and proceeds are used for scholarships, and to fund community service and facet work of the Jackson (MS) Chapter. The event was chaired by Edith S. Rayford and co-chaired by Evelyn Johnson and Frances Ashley.

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Mississippi Chapters Attend 2012 LDAC

Senators Kenneth Wayne Jones, Hillman Fraizer, and Representative Chuck Espy, were among the many legislators who participated in Mississippiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Links Day at the Capitol on March 1, 2012, in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capitol of Jackson, Miss.

After being recognized for their contributions to the community, Links representing Mississippi chapters had the opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss prevention and education regarding Childhood Obesity and Charter

School legislation. LDAC Chairs, Links Rhea Bishop, Evelyn Johnson, and Irene Jones, also invited other officials to participate in the lunchtime panel, including Mississippi NAACP President, Derrick Johnson.

SOUTHERN AREA C HAPTERS The time is now to start organizing your local media clippings?

Hopefully, everyone has been saving their local media clippings and reels. Chapters will receive information shortly from their Regional CPR Chairs on submitting their local media reports and an update on the standings of the Southern Area Newsmaker Award.

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Shown above center is teacher and sponsor Zakayia Jenkins, surrounded by the W.J. Christian School’s, Junior United Nations Team

Birmingham (AL) Sponsored UN Team Wins Awards W.J. Christian School’s Junior United Nations Team brought home two awards at the student run United Nations Assembly held recently. The team is sponsored by the Birmingham Chapter. The seventh grade delegation represented the African nation of Ghana.

Team member, Jarian Lee, received the “Outstanding Boy Delegate” award and the “Erin McPherson Award for Outstanding Leadership.” Other team members were: Jarian Lee, Maya Martin, Lia Barnes, Zachary Pruitt, Andrew Robinson and DeLanya Storey.

The Junior United Nations Assembly (JUNA) is a student run model United Nations Assembly for Alabama students in grades six, seven and eight. The two day event included: a parade of nations, opening assembly, committee meetings and General Assembly meetings - in which resolutions are were presented, discussed and voted upon. JUNA develops skills in public speaking, critical thinking, teamwork and leadership.

Members of the chapter worked with the team prior to the assembly them in preparation for the January event. In October, they conducted a “speed lesson” on the United Nations. Each Link presented a United Nations topic to a group of six students and then rotated to different tables every 10 minutes. It was a fun, interactive way for the students to get immersed and introduced to world issues.

In November, Gwen Amamoo, Cherrye Parker and Scotty Colson - from the “Birmingham-Ghana Sister Cities Commission”- introduced the students to the country of Ghana with pictures from their recent trip.

In addition to providing scholastic resources to the students, the Birmingham Chapter paid for the students’ sponsorship and costume fees. Zakayia Jenkins is the team’s teacher sponsor; Michael Davis (Connecting Link) is the school’s principal. The Birmingham Chapter’s President is Vanessa Falls and International Trends and Services Committee Chair is Samuetta Nesbitt.

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Get Your copy of the

Southern Area History Book AVAILABLE NOW

“Embracing Our Legacy” profiles the Southern Area Directors, National Presidents with Southern Area ties, and has information on each of the 77 chapters Delivered to your home for $27 For information please e-mail archiveschair@salinksinc.org The book will also be available at the Southern Area Boutique at the National Assembly for $20 26

Alexandria (LA) Chapter Educates, Informs, Inspires and Tributes Throughout the Community

Alexandria Links table at the Community Showcase

Chapter members participate in the Black History Month Parade.

The Alexandria (LA) Chapter hosted a Community Showcase at the Broadway Resource Center to encourage and highlight volunteerism in the local area.

Organizations were invited to describe their role in assisting the community and how they can be supported in those endeavors. The Alexandria Chapter of the Sickle Cell Anemia Research Foundation and Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc. were among the participating organizations. The National Trends and Services Facet of the Alexandria Chapter also hosted a booth in the exhibit. Several churches and community members attended the event that was free and

Link Maxine Gaines - representing Sisters on a Mission (African America cancer survivors), B. J. Gallent - recruiter for CASA, & Link Barbara Banks - board members for Cenla Community Action Committee.

Alexandria Rosebuds

open to the public.

TEACHING LEGAL CONSEQUENCES TO MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH Alexandria’s newly elected City Marshal, Mr. Terence Grines, participated in the Alexandria Chapter’s Project Lead Initiative. Marshal Grines addressed the chapter’s mentees, The Links Rosebuds - which included a group of 30 young ladies who are students attending Arthur F. Smith Middle School. The topic of his discussion was behavior and consequences with respect to the law.

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Birmingham Teaches Healthy Eating Habits

North Birmingham Elementary School students with Links Vanessa Falls and Cheryl Cephus-Vickers.

Parents of students at North Birmingham Elementary participating in the Kids’ Edition Curriculum, with members of the Birmingham Chapter (AL) should not be alarmed when their children come home talking about preparing meals with low fat ingredients and requesting

fresh fruits and vegetables. On February 28th, the students participated in Session Five of the Kids Edition Curriculum.

This session focused on healthy meals: planning, shopping and preparation. The students, dressed in chef’s hats and aprons, were

divided into groups and placed in one of five food stations. Rica Lewis Payton, Co-Chair of the Health and Human Services Facet, briefed the students on the objectives of the session and talked about healthy snacks, and what makes a snack healthy. Each student helped prepare a delicious healthy snack. After preparing the meal the students rotated to each of the five stations to taste the other snacks which included Sandwich Cutouts, Snack Fruit Kebobs, Breakfast Parfait, Cherry Cream Cheese and Trail Mix. They were given the recipe for each of the snacks so that they could take them home and share with their families. They were also provided “Ten (10) Tips for Healthy Eating”, along with a quiz to determine whether their eating habits were healthy with the goal of taking steps to improve.

The goal of the program is to teach children healthy eating habits so parents can keep them at a healthy weight. The habits learned when they are young will help them maintain a healthy lifestyle when they are adults.

Members assisting with this cooking project were: Links, Rica Lewis-Payton, Cheryl Cephus-Vickers, Tamara Travis, Karla Fields, Samuetta Nesbitt, Iris Williams, Camelia Holmes, Diann Jackson, Kim Hitchens, and Vanessa Falls.

Winston-Salem (NC) Hosts Black History Month Exhibit on Gullah Culture In celebration of Black History Month, The International picted were photographs of three pilgrimages made by the Trends and Services Facet of The Winston-Salem Chapter Gullah people from Georgia and South Carolina to Bunce of the Links, Incorporated in colIsland in 1989, 1997, and 2005. laboration with the International The Gullah people have manPrograms Department of Winaged to maintain their specific ston-Salem State University coidentity and so much more of sponsored the Bunce Island their African cultural heritage Exhibition from January 28, than any other group of African 2012-February 10, 2012, at The Americans.

Delta Fine Arts Center in WinThe week- long exhibition, enston-Salem, NC. lightened more than 300 church, The exhibit, produced by Proschool, senior citizen groups, fessor Joseph Opala of James and other individuals from the Madison University, is a historicommunity who were personally cal photo documentary which foenlightened by Link Docents, Toy School Day at the Exhibit cused on the Bunce Island Slave Beaty, Carolyn Black, D’Walla SimCastle in Freetown, Sierra Leone on the ‘rice coast’ of Africa mons Burke, Kay Clark, Cheryl Dickson, Joia Johnson, where arguably the largest number of slaves was brought Rose Marie Norman- ITS Chair, Connecting Link-B.G. Norto the United States. It consisted of a series of 20 door- man, Rosa Tribble Wilson, and P. J. Williams who guided sized display panels containing images and text on Bunce attendees daily through the experiential exhibition with stoIsland’s history and its links to African Americans. Also de- rytelling and other technological caveats.

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F Celebrating friendship not just one R month, but all throughout the year Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce Chapters I join each other for a polo match and a day of friendship E N D S H I P 3 6 5 30

LaMargo Sweezer-Fisher, Heir-O-Link Jerome Stone and Candace Stone

Jovita Williams and Heir-O-Link Rashondia Gaines

Taunya Bryant and Arlena B. Lee with Heir-O-Link Arlena D. Lee

Myrna Bridges with friend Lynne Williams and Ruth Bridges from the Penn Town (PA) Chapter

The West Palm Beach (FL) Chapter recently invited their neighboring Fort Pierce (FL) Chapter to Wellington, Florida for a friendship activity and to enjoy the festivities of an International Polo Match. Sisters brought their beautiful hats and fashionable polo attire. The match was fun and exciting for the Links who enjoyed the camaraderie of the two chapters. Both chapters look forward to supporting each other in service and friendship in the near future.

Angels with a red dress on!

LINKS EDUCATE AND INFORM DURING HEART HEALTH MONTH

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National Vice President Keynotes WinstonSalem’s (NC) Heart Healthy Weekend Under the guidance of the Health and Human Services Facet, the chapter presented their annual Woman to Woman: Heart to Heart outreach evening with the Junior League. The evening included a reception complete with a healthy repast and an Educational Forum and Panel Discussion. The panel was comprised of female medical and mental health and nutrition professionals. These informed women began the discussion with brief overviews of their specialties, followed by questions from the audience.

Outreach continued the following day with the annual Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 3rd. The event was an afternoon of education and inspiration as two local women survivors of heart disease shared their experiences, the excellent care received at the hospital and the necessary life enhancing changes Shown above: (Front row) L-R are Links Mable Stevenson, Brenda which they have made. National Vice President Hodge, Chapter Vice President Rosa Wilson, PJ Williams, Carolyn of The Links, Incorporated, Dr. Glenda NewellBlack, Kay F. Clark. (Back row) from left; Links Linda Jackson Harris served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Harris Barnes, Rose Marie Norman, Amy White, Chapter President Janet is also the daughter of Winston-Salem (NC) Wheeler and National Vice President Dr. Glenda Newel l-Harris. chapter member, Virginia Newell.

This February, known across the nation as Heart AwareHer address urged attendees to take charge of their ness Month, the Winston-Salem (NC) Chapter collaborated health through knowledge and prevention. She referenced with the American Heart Association, Forsyth Medical Centhe steps enumerated by the survivors and encouraged all ter, the Mayor’s Office and the Winston Salem Junior to become more proactive and committed to taking perLeague to raise awareness about the leading cause of sonal steps to improve their health through the lowering of death among women, heart disease. risk factors subject to behavioral changes.

Charlotte Links Wearing Red

To celebrate one of the Heart Links to Heart Health signature program goals, chapter members dressed in Red for their February Chapter meeting. As part of the agenda program, the Health and Wellness Committee presented “Heart Healthy Facts” to the chapter. One of our younger members talked about an experience that encouraged her to make a big life style change and brought home the message of the importance of knowing your “numbers!” Your Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, and Cholesterol numbers. No matter your age, Heart Health counts.

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Go Red for Women Fashion Show and Heart Disease Symposium Presented by the Augusta (GA) Chapter

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, the Augusta (GA) Chapter presented a “Go Red for Women Fashion Show and Heart Disease Symposium.” More than 100 participants attended the event that was held at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. The event was free to the public and included a fashion show, light refreshments and door prizes.

The fun was accompanied by a lecture given by local cardiologist, Dr. Mac Bowman. He is currently a partner with Augusta Heart Associates in Augusta, GA. And completed his cardiology training at Brooke Army Medical Center in Ft. Sam Houston, TX. Dr. Bowman informed the audience that the symptoms of a heart attack for women might be very different than the symptoms for men. He encouraged everyone to ask their personal physician to order an advanced lipid profile blood test. This includes additional tests that are more specific for heart disease and goes beyond checking cholesterol, LDL, and HDL. Dr. Bowman gave examples of patients with normal cholesterol levels that suffered heart attacks and were later found to have abnormal advanced lipid profiles.

He also discussed the importance of maintaining a

normal blood pressure below 135/75 mmHg and a balanced diet and regular exercise 5 to 6 days/week were recommended to maintain a healthy weight.

Kimberly Scott of the local ABC affiliate (WJBF) served as Mistress of Ceremonies. The Health and Human Services facet, chaired by Link Miriam Atkins, was joined by the following community partners in presenting the program: The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Cassi’s Fotography & Graphic Design, Unique Events & More, Jennifer’s Cakes, Red Top Cake Shop, Tracy Lynn Jewelry, Kharisma Hair Studio, Kimberly Kelly, and Komika Robin. Clothing for the Fashion Show was provided free of charge by Macy's, David's Bridal, Curvitude Boutique, Elegant Bridals and Designer Cosigner of Augusta.

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The Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated, purchased a family home, food and supplies for Habitat For Humanity, Haiti. The check was presented to Robin G. Mahfood, President of Food for The Poor, on February 3rd, (Go Red for Heart Day) by Sister Links: Patricia Carter, Corresponding Secretary; E. Pearl Maloney, Vice President, Membership; Dr. Eileen Davis-Jerome, President; and Jeannie B. Floyd, International Trends Committee Chair. (Shown right).

Fort Lauderdale (FL) Purchases Home, Food and Supplies for Haitian Relief

Brevard County Celebrates Heart Health

On February 25th, at the monthly meeting of the Brevard County (FL) Chapter, members enthusiastically embraced a “Heart to Heart” theme by viewing an NIH, National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute (NHLBI) produced educational video on Women’s Heart Health featuring practical tips on preventing heart disease and maintaining a healthy heart. Each member received a heart scarf, literature from NHLBI - that included information on the importance of exercise and nutrition in maintaining heart health, and a Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style cookbook. Members were asked to support heart health and prevent disease by incorporating some of the recipes and heart healthy tips in their daily regime.

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Albany (GA) Introduces Art Through Opera The Albany (GA) Chapter sponsored a production by the Atlanta Opera entitled, “Rabbit Tales.” This world premiere Atlanta Opera commission is based on the Br’er Rabbit stories by Joel Chandler Harris. The contemporary, light-hearted opera combines several story lines from Native American, African and Cajun Folklore. On Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Albany High School, nearly 2,000 elementary students attended the first showing for the Dougherty County School System.

A repeat performance was given for more than 300 K-5 students in the Lee County School System on the following day.

Students cheered the performers as the story for the opera unfolded. The production company provided lesson plans prior to the event so the

music teachers would have an opportunity to prepare students for Rabbit Tales. Beginning in Dougherty County in 1991, this was the 21st consecutive year the chapter has worked to keep alive a love for the performing arts by sponsoring the Atlanta Opera for area elementary students.

The Arts Facet, chaired by Karla Heath-Sands, in partnership with Mrs. Jane Willson and The Dougherty County School System Music Department presented the event. Additional members of the Arts Facet are: JoAnne Taylor (Co-chairman), Connie Adams, Flo Hill, Joyce Griffin, Brenda Hodges-Tiller, Sandra Parker, Obzeine Shorter, Lula Stokes, and Valerie Thomas.

Jackson (MS) Partners in “Ladies Night Out”

Pictured from left to right - Terryce Walker, Delores Bolden Stamps, Geraldine Chaney-Buie, Mavis James, Denise Owens, Jasmine Chapman, Limmie Flowers.

The Jackson (MS) Chapter- Theater featured a premier at the recently partnered with the Jack- movies with pink carpet, male son-Hinds Comprehensive Health servers handsomely dressed in Center (JHCHC) and the American tuxedos, gifts for attendees and Cancer Society to present “Ladies door prizes.

Night Out.” This impressive night This health initiative featured wellof activities at the Historic Alamo ness brochures, breast cancer

screenings, and a groundbreaking original movie featuring an all-star cast entitled “Five.” The movie, is an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of breast cancer on people’s lives. It highlights the shared experience each short film’s title character endures from the moment of diagnosis, through an interconnected story that uses humor and drama to focus on the effect breast cancer and its different stages of diagnosis have on relationships and the way women perceive themselves while searching for strength, comfort, medical breakthroughs and a cure.

As a result of this event, several women who participated in breast cancer screenings were referred for further testing.

This initiative brought awareness to the importance of early detection. Link Jasmine Chapman serves as Executive Director of the JacksonHinds Comprehensive Health Center.

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For the Baton Rouge and La Capitale Chapters, it is a monthly activity called a Links’ Mixer that has become a “much anticipated” event. What was originally a “Happy Hour” occasion designed to provide members the opportunity for additional linking time with one another, members of the other

Baton Rouge (LA) Holds Monthly Friendship Mixer with Sister Chapter

needs identified by the charity.

March 14th marked the third anniversary of the “Links’ Mixer” which now includes a brief meeting to discuss and select the next charity for support.

The Links’ Mixer, the brain child of Link Charlotte HenDoes a glass of champagne, crab cakes, derson of The Baton stimulating conversation, laughter, music, Rouge Chapter, has and hugs all while providing service to the created a bond of cacommunity sound like a great idea? maraderie between the two chapters and provided assistance chapter, and alumni members, has evolved into a social event with bene- over the past three years to over 17 orfits. The Links’ Mixer is held at a dif- ganizations such as St. Vincent de Paul ferent restaurant each month and a Society, the Baton Rouge Food Bank, charity is pre-selected as the service the Battered Women's Shelter, Comproject to which participants con- munity Association for the Welfare of tribute. Contributions are based on the School Children, Grandparents Raising

Grandchildren, Young Leaders Academy, Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Battered Women's Program, YMCA, Dress for Success, Big Buddy Program, Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, Baton Rouge Autism Speakers Series, Baton Rouge Child Advocacy Center, and the Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge. The participation has increased over the years and members of both chapters are hopeful that the support for the Links’ Mixer continues far into the future.

Columbia Hosts STEM Mentorship Dinner for Youth

36

in technology, her educational preparation and the career opportunities that exist in the field. This event was the first of a series of planned mentoring activities for the W. A. Perry S.T.E.M. participants.

The program is funded through a grant that is used to defray costs and assist in the implementation of the mentoring activities for the S.T.E.M. project. Members of the chapter who work in S.T.E.M. related careers were also in attendance serving as resources and discussing career options at the taBettie Wilson, Karen Johnson, Quantina Haggwood, Principal, Benettables with the girls during the family-style Bell, Debra Brathwaite and the WA Perry S.T.E.M. participants. dinner. In attendance to share with the The National Trends and Services Facet of the Columbia girls were Dr. Benetta Bell, DDS, Dr. Karen E. Johnson, (SC) Chapter, recently held a mentorship dinner for girls at DDS, and Dr. Janice Coleman, obstetrician. The chairperson W.A. Perry Middle School. The facet is focusing on Sci- to the National Trends and Services Facet is Dr. Debra ence, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Brathwaite. Link members who supported the endeavor (S.T.E.M.). The chapter has partnered with W.A. Perry to were Olive J. Foster and Mary Miller McClellan. develop a mentoring relationship for girls to encourage them The principal of W.A. Perry Middle School, Dr. Quantina to pursue S.T.E.M. fields.

Haggwood, and her staff have embraced the S.T.E.M. colThe keynote speaker for the mentorship dinner was chap- laborative initiative with the chapter and were participants ter member Bettie Wilson, who by profession - is a Senior at the mentorship dinner.

Information Security Engineer. Ms. Wilson delivered an inFor additional information, visit our website at: spirational message to the young girls empowering them to, www.columbiasclinks.org.

“Take Control of your Future.” She highlighted her career

Fort Lauderdale Launches Childhood Obesity Prevention FIT- 4- FUN - LIFE© Program Members of the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter’s Services To Youth and Health And Human Services Committees recently launched the 2012 Childhood Obesity Prevention Program at the Central Charter School of Broward County.

The program provides after school services to approximately 50 children with a series of spring workshops, including: Building Better Bodies and Making Wise Choices, Selecting Nutrient Rich Foods , Fit4-Fun (Physical Activity) Healthy Meals: Planning, Shopping and Preparation. Workshops are open to students and parents.

The program’s S.T.E.M. componen introduces students to careers in the Health Sciences. Cynthia Borders-Byrd chairs the STY Committee and Jasmin Shirley chairs the H and H S Committee. Dierdre Satterwhite-Wilson presented an Art Component: the 2011-2012 National Poster Art Contest theme, Healthy, Active and Wise focusing on Childhood Obesity Prevention and supporting positive health, wellness and exercise habits.

Chapter President, Eileen DavisJerome introduced students to School Board Chair, Benjamin Williams, who addressed students at a workshop, encouraging them to continue their program exercises. Project partners have included: New Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Commit 2b Fit, Inc., Broward Health, Bank Of America, Central Charter School, and Whole Foods.

GR REAT TER MIAMI CHAPTER T

2012 Book & Author Luncheon 2012 BO OOK & AUTHOR LUNCH EON Featuring AcclaimedCAuthor FEATURING INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR

Terry McMillan TERRY MCMILLAN

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012 1 11:00 A.M. SILENT AUCTION ~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT HILT L ON MIAMI DOWNTOWN W 1601 0 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD MIAMI, FL 33132 Visit www.greatermiamilinksinc.org or call 30 3 5.788.5180 for ticket information.

37

Azalea City (GA) Celebrates African American

Members of the Azalea City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated received a certificate from Governor Nathan Deal congratulating them for their work in celebrating the contributions made by current and former members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. Links pictured left to right: Judge Yvette Miller, Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, Ellen Wade, Kathy Amos Lamar (Chapter Vice President standing in for President Michele S. Gandy), Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, Dr. Lucretia Payton-Stewart, Josephine Reed-Taylor, Deidra B. Dennie, and Virginia W. Harris.

The Azalea City (GA) Chapter has presented a new exhibition with an oral history film based on the history of Georgia’s Black Legislators that will be placed at the Auburn Avenue Research Library.

The first group of Reconstructionera African American elected officials in Georgia included three state senators – Aaron A. Bradley, George Wallace and Tunis G. Campbell Sr. – and thirty state representatives elected to serve in the Georgia Legislature in 1868.

These African American Legislators were expelled from the Georgia Legislature, approximately two months after they were elected, because they were Black. This is a Black history fact that many have forgotten. The achievements of Black elected officials in Georgia such as Julian Bond, Grace Towns Hamilton, and Leroy Johnsonmust be embraced in history for the 38

benefit of future generations.

The plight endured by Georgia Legislators is the reason behind the new exhibit entitled “Georgia Legislative Black Caucus: Remembering Our Legends and Honoring Our Torchbearers.” Viewing began March 31 through May 13. It includes an extensive collection of rare documents and personal papers that depict the social, political, economic, and moral issues, from past and current Georgia legislators. The exhibit is a significant milestone in recalling Georgia’s history which will focus on the contributions of the men and women who have been a part of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC).

The purpose of the exhibit is to honor those Black men who were expelled from the Georgia Legislature in 1868, and honor and pay tribute to Senator Leroy Johnson, who served from 1963 to 1975 as

the first African American to serve in the Georgia Assembly since Reconstruction.

The chapter will sponsor a “White Glove Affair” reception following the exhibition’s ribbon cutting on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at 3:30 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity to examine the rare documents that have impacted Georgia’s politics. A documentary entitled “The African American Georgia Political Legislative Journey,” is being created which features the oral history, recorded as interviews, from many Legends and Torchbearers, past and current Black Legislators, who are telling their stories about politics in the Georgia dome. The film will be shown during the reception and will remain as part of the exhibition and the archives at the Research Library.

Emeritus Associate Professor, Link Lucretia R. Payton-Stewart,

Georgia Legislators, Past and Present (Georgia State University DepartSmyre, elected in 1974, was the ment of Educational Policy Studies) youngest member elected at 26, is serves as chairperson of the chapone of the deans of the Assembly. ter’s archives committee. The abRepresentative Carolyn Hugley, sence of information about Black elected in l992, serves as the Georgia Legislators was discovDemocratic Minority Whip and ered while collecting material for is a formidable member of the the chapter’s archives and Women’s Legislative Caucus. wanted to do something about Representative Stacey this oversight. She adds, Abrams, serves as the “The momentum of this projHouse Minority Leader. ect escalated and we were She is the first woman to fortunate to secure the cooplead either party in the eration and partnership of Georgia Assembly and is The Georgia Humanities the first African American Council and the Georgia to lead the House of RepLegislative Black Caucus.” resentatives.

The Georgia Legislative The collection’s papers Black Caucus is the largest and other materials were all legislative Black caucus in the donated to the exhibit by United States. In 1976, the members of the Georgia GLBC commissioned a six-foot Legislative Black Caucus, tall bronze historic marker acoffer to the public an opportuknowledging the Black men who nity to remember the Legislawere expelled from the Georgia tors who started the journey in Legislature in 1868. This marker The Expelled Because of Their was vandalized in the 1980’s, but Color Monument on the northeast has recently been restored and curcorner of the Georgia State Capitol rently stands on the grounds of the grounds facing Capitol Avenue.

Georgia State Capitol. The GLBC 1868 and passed it on to our prestook this occasion to re-dedicate ent-day legislators. “We must never the historic marker and where it re- that are extraordinary in their lead- forget,” said Azalea City Link Presmains as a memorial to these men ership. Representative Calvin ident, Michele S. Gandy. and their contribution to Georgia’s history.

State Senator Emanuel Jones, Chair of the GLBC, states, “The current members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus are extremely honored and proud to be a part of “Remembering our Legacy and Honoring our Torchbearers” and we will continue to build on this rich history left to use from those whose shoulders we stand on. We continue to draw from their strength and fortitude.”

Today’s Black elected officials Savannah, Georgia serving the General Assembly of Georgia include many legislators

* SAVE THE DATE *

Southern Area Leadership Summit

October 4-6, 2012

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South Carolina LDAC Addresses Voter ID and Voter Registration Columbia (SC) Links Day at the Capitol (LDAC) was held at the South Carolina House of Representatives with members from The Links, Incorporated visiting legislators to address voter ID and voter registration issues. 45 members from chapters in Charleston (1951), Columbia (1952), Greenville (1953), Orangeburg (1964), Spartanburg (1975) and Aiken (1989) were in attendance. Chapters in South Carolina are listed according to the year each chapter was founded (and not in alphabetical order).

LDAC is the annual legislative day where members across the state come to the State House to meet with legislative leaders to discuss major policy issues of concern in the communities Links serve. A primary focus of the National Trends and Services Committee of The Links, Incorporated this year was voter education and voter participation. This issue is critical to educating the public and ensuring that the electoral process in South Carolina remains available and accessible to all voters and completely transparent in its procedures.

The group was introduced from the floor in the State House by Representative J. Seth Whipper and received a standing ovation followed by a picture opportunity with each legislative delegation.

Immediately following their introduction during the morning session of the SC House, members of The Links and their guests sponsored a forum on voter ID and registration at the Capitol City Club for the black legislative delegation.

The speakers were: Senator Ger40

ald Malloy, Representative Gilda Cobb Hunter and Dr. Lonnie Randolph of Columbia (President of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP).

Challenges emphasized by the speakers included: 1) getting organizations to be creative about working in their communities and on local college campuses to get people registered to vote, 2) initiating grassroots’ efforts to get people to the polls, 3) organizing churches to become involved in encouraging their members to vote, and 4) encouraging those who may need to vote absentee ballot, to do so, as one of their legal options.

Marguerite Archie-Hudson (Charleston) is the Southern Area Chair of Legislative Issues, Public

Affairs and Disaster Relief. The Charleston (SC) chapter was responsible for organizing this year’s LDAC. Tamara C. Curry and Virginia Weaver were co-chairs.

Others assisting them with this year’s event included : Mignon Clyburn, Lisa King and Juanita Middleton (Charleston); Brandolyn Pinkston (Program Committee CoChair), Lynne Rogers (Program Committee Co-Chair), and Karen Rutherford (Columbia); Flora Ratliff and Linda Russell, both on the Program Committee (Greenville); Gloria McCutcheon and Georgia Montgomery (Orangeburg); Kira Reaves and Rhonda F. Young (Spartanburg); and Beverly Clyburn and Rosemary English (Program Committee) (Aiken).

Busy February Highlights Brunswick (GA) Chapter’s Wear Red Luncheon and Annual Men of Distinction On February 27, 2012, the Brunswick (GA) Chapter celebrated the culmination of Women’s Heart Health Month. Activities held during the month included wearing red on February 3, 2012, to celebrate National Red Dress Day. Health and Human Services Facet Cochair, Link Marvara Green, encouraged her male and female co-workers at Coastal Regional Commission to wear red with the Links to honor the day. Link sisters were also asked to wear red every Friday during the month to celebrate heart health month and to have a discussion with at least two women about the importance of heart health.

The Ladies in Red Luncheon was held at Southeast Georgia Regional Medical Center where a heart healthy lunch was provided.

Sixty-two ladies, all dressed in red, attended and were excited to be a part of the activity. The chapter gathered gifts as door prizes and presented each participant with a door prize. This was the first time the Brunswick Chapter has held this event, but it certainly will not be the last.

One of the attendees was an 87year old, cardiac surgery patient who told the story of her experience. This August, she will celebrate 40 years of “life after quadruple by-pass surgery.” She inspired three others to share their stories of living with heart disease after surgery. Each respondent was given a red rose and a standing ovation in celebration of his/her success and longevity.

Mr. Adam Butler, of Care Improvement Plus, and Ms. Rebecca Miller presented information on Heart Disease Prevention and Liv-

ing with Heart Disease. They stated the worse time for heart attacks is the weekend because most physicians are not working during that time. Many heart attacks occur on Sunday because people are preparing for the upcoming week and are stressed about returning to work on Monday. Mr. Butler was very knowledgeable regarding his subject and presented the informa-

tion in an entertaining manner that was easily understood by everyone. He told the story of his 85pound weight loss journey and entertained questions as he progressed through the presentation.

Handouts and pedometers were also distributed to motivate everyone to live a heart, healthy lifestyle and empower them to take heart health seriously.

Shown above are the 2012 honorees at the Men of Distinction event: (L-R): Griffin Lotson, Robert Griffin, Charles Jordan, and Nathan Gilbert. Back from left: Peter Baker, Bryan Thompson, Craig Peeples, Floyd Phoenix, Craig Campbell, Joseph Lanham, and Duane Harris.

2nd Annual Men of Distinction The Brunswick (GA) Chapter hosted their second Men of Distinction Recognition Banquet in February.

The event was well attended and included a capacity crowd of sponsors, patrons, and guests at the Grand Oaks Hall on Jekyll Island. This year’s eleven honorees were recognized for their involvement and commitment to their communities of Camden, Glynn and McIntosh counties. Dr. Jerry L. Hardee, a native of Brunswick, was the guest speaker.

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Savannah (GA) Hosts 11th Annual New Beginning Youth Art Exhibit The Savannah Chapter (GA) opened the 11th Annual New Beginning Youth Art Exhibition with a reception on February 7, 2012.

The goals of this program are to provide positive publicity and recognition for talented art students - as well as support for school programs. The exhibit celebrates the talent of local middle school and high school students. More than 350 works from 13 middle schools and eight high schools were featured. Since 2003, The New Beginning Art Exhibition has been included on the list of activities during the Black Heritage Festival week sponsored by the City of Savannah and Savannah State University. This year, the exhibit was based on the 2012 Black Heritage Festival theme, “Journeys, Passages, and Transitions.” Angel Miew Xinn Ang’s

mixed media, “A Nation Under Our Feet,” won Best of Show. Angel is a student at Savannah Arts Academy.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is a valued partner with the

chapter. Together, the following objectives are being met: Encourage the development of young and talented artists enrolled in local middle and high schools; ̦Provide a professional forum for the young artists to display their art work; and Celebrate the culture and history of diverse groups of people through the medium of art.

The members of the Savannah Chapter are proud to say that The New Beginning Art Exhibit has become a very popular event and is held in high regard by school leaders, art teachers, students, parents and community partners. The exhibit was available at the Gallery S.P.A.C.E. from February 7 – March 2, 2012, and was available during the month of March at the Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport Art Gallery where it was open to the public.

LaGrange (GA) Provides Free Dental Care to Youth Saturday, February 25, 2012, was a very special day for the children of Newnan, Georgia, and the LaGrange (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

Youngsters ages 2 to 14 braved a miserably, windy day and attended a free dental and obesity health fair. The event took place in Newnan, Georgia on the parking lot of the Golden Corral 42

restaurant from 9AM to 2PM. The children received free dental screenings by local dentists who are also Connecting Links. Dr. Jordan A. Brunson (Lisa) and Dr. Charley Cheney (Tash-Marie) secured and manned the “Help A Child Smile” mobile van. Approximately thirty children received free dental screenings and several will receive complimentary follow-up dental services. Children with severe problems were referred to orthodontists and other dental specialists. In addition to the free dental screenings, participants also received fruit, water, healthy recipes and information on childhood obesity.

The Health & Human Services

Facet began planning this event in October of 2011 for the February Dental/Obesity Fair in observance of Children’s Dental Health Awareness Month. In preparation, dedicated facet members secured a location for the event, designed flyers and posters, distributed information, met with school system and health services officials, social services groups, and local newspapers. Local businesses were solicited for samples and merchandise for the giveaway bags - as well as information on childhood obesity.

The project also had overwhelming commitment and support from the chapter with a near 100 percent attendance.

Georgia LDAC Unites Links With Their Legislators to Rally For Combating Childhood Obesity Links Day at the Georgia Capitol 2012 took place on March 14th with members of The Links, Incorporated from 15 Georgia chapters located in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Fort Valley, LaGrange, Macon and Savannah attending this full day of activities.

Georgia Legislators, who are members of The Links, Incorporated - Senator Freddie Powell

Appeals, and Patsy Jo Hilliard Atlanta (GA) Chapter- former Mayor of East Point- moderated the panel that included: Dr. Henri Treadwell Atlanta (GA) Chapter, Director and Senior Social Scientist for Community Voices and Professor at Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Bradley Scott, Senior Education Associate with the Intercultural Development Research Association;

Former Southern Area Director, Mary Currie, addressed the Senate and reminded them that “childhood obesity has become an epidemic in Georgia as one in every three children in our state is overweight or obese.” She also spoke about how obesity adversely impacts student performance and student achievement.

Legislators who met with Links,

Sims of District #12 Albany (GA) Chapter and Representative Carolyn Hugley of District #133 Columbus (GA) Chapter – also served as honorary chairs of the event and welcomed the group of 125 plus women to the Georgia Capitol. It was a lively panel dialogue devoted to the topic of “Understanding the Linkages Among Childhood Obesity, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education (S.T.E.M.) and Closing the Achievement Gap” that kicked off the discussions for the day.

Judge Yvette Miller Azalea City (GA) Chapter, from the GA Court of

Dr. Carmen Sidbury, Associate Provost for Research at Spelman College, and Tiffany Calloway Ferrell, Director of Regional Operations, AGL Resources, Inc. Link members continued to pursue the challenges of childhood obesity and closing the achievement gap when meeting with their legislators from throughout the state.

The delegation visited the Senate where Lt. Governor Casey Cagle acknowledged The Links, Incorporated prior to Senator Gloria Butler presenting a resolution recognizing The Links on the floor of the Senate.

included: Senators Emanuel Jones (Chair of the Black Caucus), Donzella James, Ed Harbison, Vincent Fort, Lester Jackson, Miriam Paris, and Gail Davenport. Other members of The House of Representatives who visited included: State Representatives Calvin Smyre (“Dean” of the Legislators), Roger Bruce, Billy Mitchell, Nikki Randall, Calvin Hill, Keith Heard, Winfred Dukes, Hardie Davis, Steve Henson, Wayne Howard, Quincy Murphy, Dar’shun Kendrick, Nikki Randall, Rahn Mayo, and Virgil Fludd.

Continued on next page 43

Southern Area

ELECTED

of The Links, Incorporated ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2011-2013

APPOINTED

ENEID A. FRANCIS Southern Area Director

TAMARA Y. LEE

ANNE T. HERRIOTT

JANICE R. NELSON

Vice Director

Secretary

Treasurer

ROZLYN FUSE-HALL Parliamentarian

DAISY WALKER Program Coordinator

BRENDA JAMERSON STY

LUCINDA R. SULLIVAN Ed. Linkage

MIGNON B. EARLY Co-Chair Programs

CORI BROCK COOPER HH Services

CHARLOTE HENDERSON Financial Secretary

KAREN M. COMBS The Arts

NATILLE DUNCAN Ruth W. McKay JUANDA MAXWELL Fund Dev. Rituals Vendors

SHARLYN W. SMITH Int’l Trends RUTH TERRELL Conference & Event Planning

OPHELIA NICHOLSON

BESSIE ISOM

Nominating Committee Chair

Rep. to the Links Foundation

SYLVIA PERRY Communications/PR

DENISE MARGUERITE COOPER A. HUDSON Nat’l Trends Leg. Affairs And Services Technology

FAYE HARGROVE Organizational Eff.

SELMA ROBINSON Ethics

MAXINE SMITH Awards & Recognition

JUNE MICHEAUX Protocol KIM SWEET Archives & History

Southern Area Chapters

More than 125 Links Attend Georgia LDAC Continued from page 43 Following lunch in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, special recognition and honors were given to several deserving public servants and elected officials including- Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed. He was celebrated for his support of Atlanta’s children through his efforts to establish the new Centers for Hope, and State Representative, Nikki Randall, was also honored for her work with Healthy Children in Georgia.

Service awards were also given to Dr. Henrie Treadwell, a member of the expert panel and Chairperson of the Links National Childhood Obesity Initiative; and Immediate Past Southern Area Director, Link Mary

44

Currie. Link Mary was honored for her foresight in leading the charge with the childhood initiative in 2007- during her administration as the 17th Southern Area Director of The Links, Incorporated.

Georgia Links Day at the Capitol 2012 was chaired by Dr. Ruth Simmons-Herts, a member of the Magnolia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Link Simmons-Herts stated, “I did not do this alone. I had the best team of Link sisters working with me. The entire team did a superb job. This 2012 Day at the Capitol was the largest delegation of members to participate in our program in Georgia. We thank all Georgia Links who joined us here today.”

The 18th Southern Area Administration welcomes you to utilize SOLACE

S O L A C E Support

of

Links

All

S

O

A

C

E

Support of Links All Concern Encouraged The Southern Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Florida - Georgia Bahamas -North Carolina Louisiana - MississippiSouth Carolina - Alabama

Concern

Encouraged

L

Visit the salinksinc.org and click on SOLACE

Technology Chair anonymously blasts your need to our sisters

You are connected with your voluntary donors

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 communications, will then send a confidential e-blast across the Area requesting members 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 treatment, donating blood, providing financial assistance to sending words of support or cards.

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A MODEL FOR SUCCESS

New Orleans (LA) Creates National Read in Day Program The New Orleans (LA) Chapter has established an incentive-based National Read in Day program at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Services to Youth Facet Committee initiated the program that is no longer referred to as a “day” since it is conducted one hour, each week, during the academic school year. The book selected for the Winter/Spring 2012 program year is The Young Landlords by Walter L. Dean. The Links’ program facilitator leads the 27 student-participants in reading one

Students excitedly read their provided books. ness, (2) to books. develop public The teachers, administrators and s p e a k i n g the members of The New Orleans skills, (3) to Chapter (LA) of The Links, Incorpobuild reading rated are exceptionally proud of the c o m p r e h e n - student-participants who have exsion and self citedly embraced reading this book c o n f i d e n c e , that is above their current reading and (4) to en- level. Congratulations! As we hance pronun- progress with the program, we will chapter of the book during each ciation and vocabulary. continue to emphasize reading meeting. To date, student-particiIncentives have also been incor- comprehension skills and stratepants have completed 14 chapters porated into the program and are gies via the Game Day exercises. of the 20-chapter book. awarded during the National Read Bethune’s vice principal attended The Young Landlords is an en- in Day Game Day component. Game Day and was so impressed gaging story of five young friends During Game Day sessions, stu- with the concept of the entire prowho become landlords and work to dent-participants are divided into 4 gram- especially the skill-building improve the conditions of a Harlem teams that are given 23 questions strategies and student enthusiasmapartment complex, ‘The Joint’. to answer based on a prior reading that she has decided to use the This story offers the reader, and in assignment of two chapters of the chapter’s National Read In Day and this instance, our eager Bethune book. The teams are awarded Game Day programs as a model to students, an opportunity to: (1) to prizes that include various items teach other subjects in the school. gain knowledge of owning a busi- such as tickets to the local zoo or 46

Monroe-Grambling (LA) Sponsors Health Awareness Seminar: Phase III The International Trends and Services Facet of the Monroe-Grambling chapter recently hosted the Health Awareness Seminar: Phase III on February 24, 2012, at Grambling State University. This seminar was third in a series of six. The previous health awareness programs were held on October 22, 2009, and February 28, 2011. The theme for Phase III was Make Time for HEALTH. Program participants will obtain the following objectives: • Identify and discuss some important components that are necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle and help prevent obesity; • Describe the HEALTH Model as a tool for helping to promote healthy living.

Link Katina Beverly of the Monroe-Grambling (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was the featured Patricia Battle stands next to one of the informative displays.

E represents Exercise Properly; speaker. Dr. Beverly is a pediatric dentist practicing A represents Attitude of Commitment to Health and in Monroe, Louisiana and provided an excellent multiWellness; media presentation that focused on the importance of L represents Linking Good Health Habits to Daily good dental care as a tool to promote healthy living.

Use; Her presentation was followed by a question and anT represents Taking time for Health Check-ups; and swer period. Mr. Tavell Kindall, a registered nurse and H represents Healthy Lifestyle is the first priority.

Assistant Professor of Nursing at Grambling State UniIn honor of American Heart Month in February and versity, prepared an outstanding presentation and distributed a very informative handout to all participants. Literacy Week during February 8th -12th, the candiHe focused on the importance of eating healthy foods dates in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and exercising properly to help promote and maintain planned and designed the Health Awareness Literacy Projects that focused on the use of children’s books to a healthy lifestyle.

During the seminar, teacher candidates and ad- stress important tools for promoting healthy living. The vanced candidates from Grambling State University program was well attended by the target audience that presented the Health Awareness Literature-Based included community leaders, teachers, administrators, projects they had designed and implemented in the el- K-12 parents/guardians, and representatives from ementary classroom. They shared creative interactive community organizations. The program was adverproject boards and story boxes related to a specific tised at community agencies, churches, and PK-12 health related children’s book. The audience had an schools. Grambling Radio Station, KGRM, and the opportunity to participate in the literature-based health Grambling State University Media Relations Division awareness activities that the students completed in the also provided publicity. The program received rave reclassroom using the interactive teacher-made devices. views from all participants.

The Monroe-Grambling Chapter formed partnerships This activity was designed to use literature for children and youth to emphasize the importance of good nutri- with the Grambling State University School of Nursing tion, proper exercise, and frequent medical check-ups and Department of Curriculum and Instruction as well as the North Louisiana Reading Council. Link Loretta to help promote healthy lifestyles.

Using the theme Make Time for HEALTH, the Mon- Jaggers serves as International Trends and Services roe-Grambling Chapter emphasized the HEALTH Facet Chair and thanks the following members of her acronym with each letter representing an important committee: Links Jean G. Brown (Co-Chair), Shirley Henderson, Gertrude Roebuck, Arlena Stringer, and phase of the process.

Koyne Smith.

H represents Healthy Foods; 47

Crescent City’s (LA) Red Umbrella Parade Brings Attention to Louisiana’s HIV Epidemic

On Saturday, March 10, 2012, members of the Crescent City (LA) Chapter sponsored a Red Umbrella Second Line Parade. Hundreds of citizens participated in this National Trends and Services program. The purpose of this Second Line parade was to raise community awareness about the alarming and rising rate of HIV infections in the New Orleans' African American community. The "sea of red" traveled through the 7th Ward of New Orleans, and into thehistoric neighborhood, The Treme.

Everyone wore red, had a red umbrella or red feather boa to symbolize the unnecessary and needless toll HIV continues to plague the minority community. WDSU TV's medical editor, Dr. Corey Hebert, and 106.7FM radio hostess, Kelder Summers, hosted the event.

Featured speakers gave their emotional accounts of being personally impacted by the disease.

State Rep. Austin Badon, who represents Eastern New Orleans, addressed the crowd. In addition to the speakers, Michael Hickerson who is the creator of the Red Umbrella Coalition, and Link Piper Griffin, who was recently sworn in as the new Chief Judge of the Civil District Court for Orleans Parish, were on hand to motivate the crowd. Nikki Napoleon, continued through tears, as she read 48

an emotional poem entitled, "She is Leaving the Planet." The poem was in honor of her sister who died from HIV/AIDS. Her inspirational work touched the crowd. Deon Haywood with Women And HIV/AIDS, a nonprofit organization, also spoke. Her message was one of hope and concern about the lack of HIV prevention programs for women with substance abuse, sex abuse, transgender women and women in poverty. The event was also recognized by a city proclamation to the Red Umbrella Coalition.

Louisiana ranks 5th in the U.S. for AIDS cases and 12th in AIDS cases reported in 2009. Also, 61 percent of people in the metro area living with HIV are African American. In 2010, 72 percent of new diagnoses were African American and 25 percent were female.

This is the second year the Red Umbrella Parade has been sponsored by Crescent City. The Red Umbrella Coalition’s mission is to create a healthier community by reducing the rising rate of HIV/AIDS infections among African Americans in New Orleans through: education, awareness, advocacy, and prevention strategies to dispel myths, stereotypes and misinformation.

For more information visit hivnola.com

Jason Marsalis Headlines Columbus (GA) Chapter’s Emerald Ball, H.S. Jazz Workshop

Shown above at the Emerald Ball are Columbus (Ga) chapter members.

Shown right are students receiving instruction from Jason Marsalis.

The Columbus (GA) chapter celebrated its 11th Links Day and Emerald Ball on Saturday, March 10, 2012. The special guest for the occasion was world-renowned jazz drummer and vibraphonist, Jason Marsalis.

Mr. Marsalis is the youngest son of Ellis and Dolores Marsalis and the youngest sibling of Wynton, Branford, and Delfeayo of the famous New Orleans Marsalis jazz family. The Services to Youth Facet Committee coordinated a Links Day celebration that began with a free music workshop at noon in the Studio Theatre of the Rivercenter for the Performing Arts.

Local high school musicians- with an interest in jazz- were invited to participate in the workshop led by Marsalis and hosted by The Columbus, Ga. Chapter.

The day of celebration continued with the chapter’s signature fundraiser, the Emerald Ball, that was held at Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Ga. Over two hundred guests enjoyed an

evening of dinner and musical entertainment provided by Jason Marsalis and The Atlanta Soul Band. The evening’s festivities included a “Key to the City” to Marsalis by Columbus Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. The program for the evening highlighted the chapter’s many accomplishments in service to the community. The event also marked the inaugural presentation of the June Russell Wright Scholarship for Nursing Education.

This award is granted in honor of deceased chapter member, June Wright, who was a devoted member of The Links, Incorporated for 37 years and a dedicated nurse for 34 years. The $1,000 scholarship was presented to 4.0 Columbus State University nursing student, Ms. Breanna Miller.

Proceeds from the Emerald Ball fund the chapter’s community service projects that include: helping local youth attend summer camps, hosting poster arts contest for stu-

dents at the Boys and Girls Clubs Inc., preparing Christmas gift bags for residents at The Ann Elizabeth Shepherd Home for Girls, donating fifty $25 gift cards to families serviced by The Department of Family and Children Services, collecting gently worn shoes for Soles4Souls, and supporting the arts through a Walk-of-Fame at The Liberty Theater, Columbus Georgia's first African-American theater in the city -which was originally built in 1924.

Valerie Richardson served as chairperson of the Ball, and Carolia Malone is the Chapter President.

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Have You Missed an Issue of the Advantage?

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

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

The Southern Area

ADVANTAGE

ADVANTAGE

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

Volume 1

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

Isssue 1

Volume 1

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Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

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The Advantage - the new E-Zine of the 18th Southern Area Administration - is full of program and operational information in addition to chapter news and details to enhance your Link friendship experience!

Past issues can always be viewed via the Southern Area website at salinksinc.org. to the right of the homescreen 50

Birmingham Chapter Presents Check to Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise

L to R: chapter members Diann Jackson, Cathy Bradford, Marva James, Carnetta Davis, Tamara Travis, guest LisaRaye McCoy, Chapter President Vanessa Falls, Camelia Holmes and Carol McElderry.

Members of the Birmingham tive was hosted by the Birmingham tive Director, expressed her overChapter recently presented a Chapter Health and Human Serv- whelming gratitude for the donation $5,200 check to the North Central ices Facet at the home of Link Car- and for the partnership with the Alabama Birmingham affiliate of netta Davis and Connecting Link, Birmingham Chapter. In Working Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Norm Davis. Assisting African together, the Susan G. Komen and donation is specifically earmarked American women who are finan- the Birmingham Chapter of the for the Komen “Circle of Promise” cially unable to afford mammo- Links, Inc. “will” make a significant initiative that is designed to further grams was the primary focus of this impact among African American the education of African American endeavor. Those attending con- women in the fight against breast women in the fight against breast firmed their commitment to this cancer. cancer. Komen, in partnership with project through their generous conthe Birmingham Chapter, has tributions. In addition to their contripledged to make a positive differ- butions, individuals shared a ence in the lives of African Ameri- wonderful evening of down home, Link Jo Neal Freeman of the can women surrounding the southern hospitality with Komen Albany (GA) Chapter has increase of breast cancer aware- representatives, Links members passed. Link Neal served as the ness, support and empowerment. and our special guest - LisaRaye Passionate about Komen and the McCoy, the Susan G. Komen Circle Vice President of Program and Circle of Promise initiative, the of Promise Global Ambassador and the first lady of AlChapter sought to take action. On well renowned actor/entertainer. bany State UniverFriday, October 27, 2011, individuThe reception was outstanding. als from throughout the community The goal, mission and purpose of sity. Link Neal will gathered to contribute to this most the event were accomplished. be missed and may worthwhile cause. A reception to When the check was presented, she rest in peace. support the Circle of Promise initia- Ellen Vahariadis, Komen, Execu-

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History Never Shows the Titanic Had Black Passengers on Board As America commemorates the anniversary of the Titanicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sinking and the blockbuster movie that told itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; story, many people are not aware that there were actually Black passengers aboard. Joseph Laroche, a Haitian-born, Frencheducated engineer traveling with his family, is believed to be the only black man among the passengers on the Titanic.

When the Titanic set sail, Laroche, 26, his pregnant wife, Juliette, 22, and their two daughters were on board to leave France enroute to Haiti because Laroche couldn't find work in his profession as an architect because he was Black. He had decided to return to his homeland where his uncle was the president and his job prospects would be much better.

The young Laroche grew up in a well-to-do Haitian family. When he was 14, his parents sent him to France to study engineering. There he met Juliette, who was white and whose father owned a winery.

Laroche's mother had sent the family first-class tickets to travel on the French liner France. But just before depar-

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ture, the Laroches learned that the ship wouldn't allow them to dine with their children. Out of concern about the younger daughter, who was sickly, they traded their tickets for secondclass tickets on the Titanic.

According to museum exhibits, the family boarded the Titanic on the evening of April 10, 1912, at Cherbourg, France.

They spent most of their time enjoying the British luxury liner. But some crew members did make Joseph Laroche and family in Paris. He and his childisparaging com- dren were the only black passengers on the Titanic. ments to Laroche stolen.) He then placed his family in and his daughters, believing they a lifeboat and stayed on the ship were Italian or Japanese because helping get other women and chilof their darker skin. dren to safety.

On the night of April 14, Laroche He told his wife he would meet was in the smoking parlor with her in New York. But he didn't surother men traveling second vive and his body was never found. class when he felt the ship hit Juliette Laroche, their two daughthe iceberg. He ran back to ters and unborn son survived, and his room to check on his when they eventually returned to wife and daughters.

France, her father had lost his winWhen the ship began to ery during World War I. The family sink, Laroche placed the lived in poverty for a few years until family's money and valu- she won a settlement from the Tiables in a coat and draped tanic disaster. it around his wife's shoulThe 100th anniversary of the Tiders. (The coat was later tanic's sinking is April 15th.

Natchez (MS) Presents Annual “ Day of The Arts With The Links ” Featuring The Lion King Members of The Arts and Services to Youth Facets of The Natchez

activity in the field of The Arts for underprivileged, middle school stuThanks to the dents. The objectives of the proNatchez (MS) gram facet are: to encourage appreciation and support for culChapter, tural enrichment of the arts, to emmany youth power artists to be an integral part will witness of global art, and to assist youth in developing artistic talents. their first For the last several years, the artistic live chapter has emphasized healthy performance eating and lifestyles. The “healthy Chapter (MS), have implemented a tween” aspect of the program is esprogram for Tweens (children ages pecially pertinent to Mississippi, the 9-12) in five counties - Adams, Clai- nation’s most obese state. This borne, Lawrence, Lincoln and Pike year, the chapter will provide the – all within a fifty mile radius. Each performance of the musical, The year, the organization provides an Lion King to approximately 150 chil-

dren and adult sponsors from designated youth groups.

The “Imagine Me” Obesity group will be in attendance. Most of the children have not experienced a live, musical performance. The musical will be performed by Jubilee Performing Arts Center - which is a small private, performing arts school comprising a majority of African American tweens and teens. This annual event will occur on the Natchez Campus of Alcorn State University Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. The chapter will also provide healthy snacks and lunch throughout the afternoon.

Brevard County’s (FL) Barbara Moore Lauded for Leadership According to Link Barbara Moore of the Brevard County (FL) Chapter, she never meets a stranger, only family. With this life’s philosophy, the organization, LEAD Brevard, a 22-yrs old organization, recently awarded her the Leadership Icon Award. The honor is given to an individual who has exhibited the main pillars of its mission statement by creating, developing, encouraging, and supporting young professionals in the area for leadership.

Link Moore, president and CEO of Child Care Association of Brevard for 39 years of service, was acknowledged for serving as an example for young leaders. Her organization helps families secure social services for their children and help parents become self-sufficient. She established the county’s first after school program.

Barbara Moore sits next to her award.

She said while she is honored to tion to make some big impact,” receive the award, she doesn’t un- says Moore. Feeling motherly to derstand all the hoopla for doing everyone, Link Barbara shares, what her father once told her to do. simply put, “it’s a matter of showing “He wanted us to serve and realize concern and care for other people,” it was our responsibility to give a philosophy revealed not only in back. I feel great in being in a posi- what she says, but in her actions.

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Buckhead/Cascade Supports the Enchanted Closet No girl should have to miss her prom simply because her family can't afford a dress. The Buckhead/Cascade City Chapter has partnered with the Enchanted Closet to offer a solution to financially challenged families that have to choose between paying for prom expenses or household needs. This year, the Enchanted Closet celebrated its 10th Annual Prom Dress Giveaways on Saturdays, March 3rd and 31st. The members of Buckhead/Cascade City Chapter didn’t have to dig too deeply into their closets to find over 30 gently used ball gowns to donate to the cause.

Link Beryl Clark, Bonita Johnson, President and CEO, Enchanted Closet, Bonita Johnson is the Enchanted and Link Leslie Hamilton Thomas.

Closet President and CEO and said, women.”

“We are fortunate to have the support of the The Enchanted Closet, Inc. is a nonprofit organization Buckhead/Cascade City Chapter of The Links, Incorpo- benefitting the Girls of Metro Atlanta. They have enrated. There are so many young girls in need and we ap- chanted the lives of more than 4,000 metro Atlanta girls, preciate the ongoing dedication of these socially conscious not just for a night, but for a lifetime.

Leading Cardiologist Enlightens LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter on Heart Health

By Link Kimberly Sweet Many people associate heart attacks with men, but they aren’t the only ones at risk. In fact, heart disease is the leading killer of women in the United States. The Heart Truth Campaign, National Wear Red Day and our own Heart-Links efforts have made a difference educating women about cardiovascular health. The major thrust of recent efforts, however, hails from medical research.

Members of the LeFleur's Bluff Chapter (MS), recently received an update from one of the country's leading cardiovascular medical researchers.

Connecting Link Dr. Herman Taylor, Principal Investigator of the Jackson

Heart Study, addressed the group as part of its observance of American Heart Month.

The Jackson Heart Study is the largest single-site, prospective, epidemiologic investigation of cardiovascular disease among African Americans ever undertaken. It is a population-based longitudinal study based in Jackson, Mississippi. At 36.3 percent, Mississippi has more African American residents than any other state.

Since there is a greater prevalence of cardiovascular disease among African Americans, the purpose of the Jackson Heart Study is to explore the reasons for this disparity and to un-

Have You Registered for the Southern Area’s Green Pages Resurce Guide?

Register your profession, hobby or interest in our upcoming members only, online resource guide. You never know when you may have an opportunity to be of service or be in need of assistance.

Visit WWW.SALINKSINC.ORG 54

cover new approaches to reduce it.

The study also aims to involve our community in significant medical research and prepare minority students for careers in health sciences.

While the study's definitive results aren't expected for awhile, there are some early conclusions which Taylor says should prompt some important lifestyle changes. He told LeFleur's Bluff members that daily exercise, along with a diet low in fat, bad cholesterol, sugar and calories can make a difference. Additionally, those affected by high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity should work to control and reverse those conditions. Finally, Taylor also urged all smokers to immediately quit.

Several members of the LeFleurs Bluff Chapter are enrolled in the study and hope that their participation, along with the input from thousands of others, will bring about the ultimate goal of the project which is to "transform a history of African Americans’ heart disease into a legacy of heart health."

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 LeFleurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Chair, Vendors Natille E. Duncan Jackson (MS) Chapter vendorschair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Communications Team REGION 1

EDITORS AT LARGE

JOY WALLACE St. Pete (FL)

Florida, South Carolina and the Bahamas Email: wallacejoy27@yahoo.com REGION 2

KIMBERLY LaMOTTE La Capitale (LA)

KENYONN DEMPS Jacksonville (FL)

Louisiana and Georgia Email: LinkKimberlyLaMotte@yahoo.com REGION 3

NATILLE DUNCAN Jackson (MS)

Mississippi, North Carolina and Alabama Email: krossdun@yahoo.com

THELECIA WILSON Bold City (FL)

A D VA N TA GE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS We encourage you to submit your information by the 15th of the month for inclusion in future issues. Submitted events must have occurred within the past 30 days. 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.

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