Tallahassee Linkdom Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated A Message from Madame President Greetings! When the current chapter administration assumed office last year, we had a three-part vision for the chapter that included providing high quality programs and services, developing and sustaining genuine friendships within our chapter, and valuing traditions while being receptive to new opportunities. By all accounts, the chapter has made significant strides toward making this vision a reality. Every facet and program established goals, successfully executed plans, and added benefit to our community. Consequently, our chapter programs have been recognized locally and two of them – the Arts and the Leadership Development, Mentoring, and Character Education Program (commonly known as the Beau-
tillion) are being recognized at the 2015 Southern Area Conference as “best practices.” We have also made terrific strides in nurturing and fostering friendships. We have done this through chapter activities, Friendship month events, and visible support of our sisters being recognized at various events. (If you don’t believe me, just check out the chapter’s Facebook page.) We have re-instituted a couple of ritualistic ceremonies and reinforced the importance of maintaining chapter values through the informational pieces provided by our Protocol Advisor Geri Roberts. At the same time, we utilized electronic presentations at monthly meetings, determined technology proficiency levels of chapter members, and established an online presence via the chapter’s Facebook page and dynamic website., Thanks to Kimberly Hanker-
son, the chapter’s energetic Electronic Communications Chair, we now have an impressive, fully functioning website at www.tallahasseelinksinc.org. The above information represents only a n overview of chapter accomplishments; in fact, much, much more has been accomplished during the last year, thanks to the hard work, dedication and commitment of chapter members and the support of our community. Yet, there is still much to be done, including planning for the chapter’s 65th Anniversary celebration in 2016. Working together, we are ready for the challenge. I am excited about the future of the Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and hope you are too.
Debra Austin President
The Links that attended the signature
Inside this issue: 2015 Beautillion
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Mayors’ ’Tribute
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Link in the Limelight -
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Links in Action
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Annual Chapter Retreat
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Florida Links Day at the
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Arts Event - A Holiday
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International Trends - St.
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Birthday Corner
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Platinum & Alumna Corner 8
Links Leadership Glenda Newell-Harris, M.D. National President Eneid A. Francis Southern Area Director
Linked in Friendship The Tallahassee Chapter of the Links has been oh so friendly all year and enjoying every minute of it. Whether it was a song of friendship, a friendship chain, a whisper of a secret, a shared laugh, raising our arms, painting for fun or just setting aside the time during the Chapter meeting to talk about friendship it was done to make us feel closer and bring joy into our hearts for being so wonderfully blessed to know we have so many friends.
May 2015—Volume 1, Issue 2
friendship event in November will never forget painting with a twist. We painted a white rose, which was sometimes pink or a different color it really did not matter because the wine and tapas made every stroke of the paint brush seem like we were true artists. This was truly “Links Painting with a Twist”.
“Making New Link Friends” including the author, director and producer of the film who was also a Link.
We gathered in Thomasville to see the Vanishing Pearl an awesome documentary on the plight of the Oysterman in New Orleans. It was a powerful film and we participated in
EVERYTHING I SAY AND DO WILL BE DONE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP!
Throughout the program year we can proudly say we embraced the friendship’s committee’s initial mantra that as for Links in the Tallahassee Chapter;
Submitted by: Harriett Williams and Alexis McMillan
Debra Austin, Ed.D. Chapter President Kimberly D. Hankerson Public Relations Chairman
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Tallahassee Linkdom
5th Annual Beautillion Recent Florida Department of Education statistics show that the proportion of students who fail to graduate from high school is strikingly higher among the two largest minority groups: Hispanics and African-Americans as compared to nonHispanic whites. In addition, Department data reflected that student dropout rates are higher among male (25.7%) versus female (19%) high school students. Our chapter addressed these issues through a curriculum based Leadership Development, Mentoring, Character Education Program and Links Beautillion (Links Beautillion). This umbrella program celebrated achievements of minority male high school seniors while also encouraging, involving and inspiring them through high quality leadership development, mentoring, character education opportunities and scholarship awards. The Fifth Annual Links Beautillion was held on Saturday, March 7th, 6:00 pm at the University Center Club. Seven (7) Links Beautillion participants were selected based upon demonstrated achievements in: academics, leadership, sports, the arts, com-
munity service and/or church involvement. High school seniors participating in this leadership development, mentoring and character education program included: Terryon Larkins, Alex Ndekeng, and Mahari Smith of Rickards High School; Lawton Robinson of Leon High School; and Nathan Bur-
nett, John “Jay” Burt and Isaiah Tillman of Lincoln High School. The Links Beautillion culminating event, a White Tie formal presentation, introduced and celebrated our Beaux’s leadership, cultural and character enrichment program completion. This event also featured presentation of superlative awards to our Beaux. Winners were as follows: Academic Excellence - 1ST Place, Beau Nathan Burnett, 2nd
Place, Beau Alex Ndekeng; Outstanding Community Service - 1st Place, Beau Terryon Larkins, 2nd Place, Beau Mahari Smith, 3rd Place, Beau Alex Ndekeng, 3rd Place Beau Isaiah Tillman; Outstanding Leadership - 1st Place Beau John Burt, 2nd Place, Beau Lawton Robinson; Superior Entrepreneurship - 1ST Place, Beau Lawton Robinson, 2nd Place, Beau John Burt; and Best All Around Beau - Beau Mahari Smith. Beau of the Year honors were awarded to Beau Lawton Robinson. Forty eight (48) AfricanAmerican, male, seniors have been served by the Links Beautillion program over the past 5 years. Additionally, our chapter has awarded $42,700 in Links Beautillion scholarship awards during this period. 100% of former Beaux responding to a recent survey said the Links Beautillion encouraged them to aspire for more in life AND has helped to push them to be successful. Submitted by: Linda Dilworth
Tallahassee Mayors’ Tribute The Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is fortunate to have noteworthy members of our family who are exemplary leaders in their fields, well respected in our community, and caring and compassionate individuals. Of particular note is the fact that, after the recent Tallahassee elections, the chapter's family now includes the following:
3. Tallahassee's current mayor - Andrew Gillum
1. Tallahassee's first African-American mayor - James Ford 2 Tallahassee's first African-American elected mayor - John Marks
On Sunday, January 4, 2015, the Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated honored
these three public servants and their partners in service (Clinita Ford, Jane Marks, and R. Jai Gillum) at the home of Linda and Jerome Dilworth. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails were served and lively conversation permeated the air. Each honoree made brief comments about his public service experience and expressed appreciation for the recognition of their accomplishments. All attendees surely had a good time! Without a doubt, the 2015 New Year began in grand fashion – with family, food and fun!
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Link in the Limelight ~ Anita Favors Thompson Meet Anita Favors Thompson, Co-Chair of the Arts Facet ,Chair of the Courtesy Committee and the hardest working City Manager in the Country. Tell us about your family (parent’s name, any siblings, spouse, children, where you are from, etc): I was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Abraham and Barbara Neal. My parents, both deceased, were working class people who taught us strong values and raised us in the Baptist church. My father was a postman, who walked his mail route of 17 miles each day starting at dawn to deliver the mail. My mom was a clerk at a grocery store and later in a hospital emergency room, from which she retired. Dad was college educated and an Army Captain. Mom moved to Kansas City from Kentucky to 'find a rich husband.' Ha ha. I had 4 siblings, two are deceased. My brother who is one year younger and a sister who is six years younger live in Kansas City, Kansas. My daughter, Jocelyn, lives in Kansas City, Kansas with her hubby and my handsome, super intelligent and charming grandson Gibran who is 14. My
two sons live in Tallahassee-- one (Wayman, who is more well known in Tallahassee than I am) works for Goodwill Industries, and my youngest son, Ahmad, works for the Tallahassee Housing Authority. I have two grandchildren who live in Tallahassee, Ahmad Favors, Jr., 20, and Amelia Favors, 8. I have one grandson JaBriel who lives in Atlanta who is also 14. All of my grandchildren are the best looking and most talented ever born on this earth. My husband is Larry Allen Thompson who is an administrator and special projects manager for Leon County Schools. He runs the program called 50 Large, which is a gang prevention program for vulnerable young men.
What about your career…what kind of work do you do, for whom, and for how long? I work as City Manager for the City of Tallahassee. I have held this position since 1997. When and where were did you become a member of The Links, Incorporated? I became a member of the Links in Tallahassee in 2000 What attracted you to The Links, Incorporated? I was attracted to the organization because I admired the Links reputation of
committed community service and high values. I currently serve as Arts Facet CoChair, member of International Trends Facet, and am chair of the Courtesy Committee. I have previously served as Treasurer of the organization and Civic Event chair. What other organizations are you a member of? I am a member of many organizations, including the Delta Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Bethel AME Church, and former president of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, and Vice President of the International City/County Manager's Association. Very active in the community as a United Way volunteer and recently co-chaired the American Heart Association Heart Walk with my husband, Larry. I danced as a celebrity dancer with American Lung Association, and LOVE and support Riley House and all that it represents. What hobbies do you have or what do you like to do in your spare time? I have no to very little spare time. My job is 24/7 and my family is my joy. Love to dance, shop and read. I do plenty of shopping, some recreational reading, and not enough dancing. I Love flowers and beautiful landscapes, and my favorite stress releaser is gardening, which I also plan to have more time for in the future.
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Links In Action
Tallahassee Linkdom
May 2015—Volume 1, Issue 2
Links in Action
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Annual Chapter Retreat On Saturday, April 11, the Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated held its annual retreat at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tallahassee. According to President Debra Austin, the goals of the Retreat were as follows: 1. To foster member engagement and participation; 2. To identify chapter strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and 3. To develop preliminary programmatic plans for the 2015-16 chapter year.
chapter accomplishments during the 2014-15 year and emphasized the continued need for strategic planning, program alignment with national priorities and program improvement and improvement in the coming years. Dr. Cynthia Harris then led the chapter members in a personality style inventory exercise that proved both informative and fun.
Following a continental breakfast, chapter president Dr. Debra Austin provided opening comments. She applauded member and
Next Dr. Penny Ralston facilitated the SWOT analysis. In groups of five to six members, attendees identified chapter strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats and
used this information as a component of program planning for the 2015-16 year.
Finally, Dr. Delores Lawson, chapter Vice President, directed each facet in the process of programmatic planning for the upcoming year. At the end of the allotted time, the facet chairs reported to the entire group the results of the facet discussions. Although these preliminary plans will be finalized later, the discussions and subsequent recommended goals bode well for another year of transformational programs offered by the Tallahassee Chapter. The retreat’s evaluations were quite favorable and will be utilized to improve next year’s retreat. Thanks to all for making the 2015 chapter retreat a success!
Florida Links Day at the Capitol Co-chaired by our own Dr. Kelley Bailey, the 2015 Florida Links Day at the Capitol was held on Thursday, March 26, 2015. LDAC provides an opportunity for our organization to advocate for those legislative issues important to our communities and to network with those of similar interests. To underscore the importance of this event to the Tallahassee chapter, thirteen of our chapter members registered for this very important activity in the Southern Area. Beginning with a breakfast at the Governors Club, this year’s LDAC was quite informative
and provided invaluable networking opportunities for all attendees. The Southern Area Director Eneid Francis graciously welcomed all guests attending the breakfast that fea-
tured a speech by the Florida A & M University President Elmira Mangum. After the breakfast, attendees met with various legislators and constituent groups before joining other members of the African American community for a Solidarity Walk to the Capitol. Following a joint luncheon at the Civic Center, the Links were transported back to the Capital where the official group photo was taken and a couple of minisessions were held. As always, LDAC accomplished its goal of advancing legislative issues of importance to the Southern Area.
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The Arts Facet— A Holiday Affair On December 7, 2014, the Tallahassee Chapter hosted its fifth annual "Timeless Holiday Affair" at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee. Coordinated by the Arts Facet, the event has become known in the community as the activity that informally "begins" the holiday
season. Elegantly dressed members and their guests mingled in the theme-decorated facility, sipping wine and eating delicious hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds from the event support the Links Academy, an Arts program that provides, among other things, scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. This year's event began with a moving tribute to the late Charlotte Maguire, a stalwart supporter of the arts who passed within days of the event. Following this emotional moment, the
winner of the diamond pendant was announced to much fanfare and squeals of delight. Finally, guests were entertained by a former Links Academy student who sang and played the guitar superbly. Without a doubt, a good time was had by all!
International Trends Facet— St. Maarten Trip meaningful events:
From November 9 – 14, 2014, Dr. Debra Austin, chapter president; Dr. Clinita Ford and Dr. Ada Puryear Burnette, Co-Chairs of the International Trends and Services Facet; and Linda Dilworth, Immediate Past President and developer of the St Maarten program participated in a “Moms Away From Home” reunion and community visit to St. Maarten. Mr. Nigel Edwards, Associate Vice President for Student Enrollment, represented Florida A&M University. Community supporters included Mr. Harold Edwards and Mrs. Patricia Edwards. The days were extremely productive and busy. We were involved in the following significant and
Guests of Parliament where we met by invitation with newly elected St. Maarten Prime Minister and Head of State Sarah Westcot-Williams. Visits with the top educational officials and other country level educators; Numerous activities with administrators, faculty, and students at St. Maarten University; Visitations, presentations, and discussions by and with administrators, faculty members, parents, students and community leaders at several middle and secondary schools and us; Provision of a student alumni, parents, and potential students reception with meaningful presentations and dialogues; Conduction of a community forum of parents; The initiation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FAMU and the University of St. Maarten;
A review of the entire island and its history; and, These interactions were extremely valuable. Governmental officials, parents, and community members also expressed their deepest appreciation for what we are doing for their young adults. Although St. Maarten students attend many colleges and universities throughout the world, Tallahassee is the only place in which assistance is provided to help the students as done by the Tallahassee Links. The chapter should be very proud of this worthwhile program and its effect on the lives of the St. Maarten students. Submitted by: Clinita Ford and Ada Puryear Burnette
Birthday Corner - May ● June ● July ● August May 03: Debra Austin 03: Mary Kidd 04: R. Jai Gillum 09: Leslie Harper 09: Penny Ralston 11: Loretta Flowers 16: Kimberly Hankerson
June 02: Linda Dilworth 14: Harriet Williams 25: Celeste Hart July 06: Dorothy Brickler 13: Audra Pittman 18: Mary Roberts 20: Bertha Murray
August 04: Darice Richard 11: Deana McAllister 12: Margaret Lewis 13: Kimberly Crowell 19: Doby Flowers 23: Altha Manning 25: Marcia Owens 30: Thyria Ansley
Tallahassee Chapter ~ Platinum & Alumna Corner Let us continue to strengthen our chain of friendship. Please reach out and connect with our beloved Platinum and Alumna Members.
Platinum & Alumna Member
ALTHA MANNING (1981) Alumna Member
BETTYE STEVENS (1975) Platinum and Alumna Member
MARY KIDD (2000) Alumna Member
MARY ROBERTS (1975) Alumna Member
BESSYEE WASHINGTON(1975) Alumna Member
DOROTHY BRICKLER (1975)
A Tribute to Florazelle Swayze Telle For 103 years, the Lord blessed the late Florazelle Swayze Teele, to share her graciousness, love and wit with the world before calling her home on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Inducted into the Tallahassee (FL) Chapter in 1971, she served in numerous positions in the chapter, including President and Treasurer; and after many years of diligent service, she was accorded Platinum membership status, the highest award of distinction in Linkdom. Because our chain of friendship is broken with the demise of this very special Link, we take comfort in knowing that she is comfortably resting in the arms of the Almighty Father.
Florida’s First Links