Waco Links, Inc.

The Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Honors Three Waco Links/Connecting Links

2012-02-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

Links Ella Shankle and Hazel Rowe

The Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.honored three Waco Links/Connecting Links earlier this year.

Recipients who havedistinguished themselves as leaders for excellence in education are: LinkHazel Rowe, Connecting Link Fredrick Moseley and Connecting LinkAlvin Pollard.

“They were selected based ontheir career accomplishments,” said Link Ella Shankle, who attended the event.

The mission of Phi Delta Kappa International is to promote high-qualityeducation, in particular publicly supported education, as essential to thedevelopment and maintenance of a democratic way of life. These goals areaccomplished through leadership, research, and service in education.

The organization's motto is "To Foster a Spirit of Sisterhood Among Teachers and to Promote theHighest Ideals of the Teaching Profession."

Message from chapter president:

2012-02-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

As I continue to serve as president of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc., I must reflect on our previous achievements and goals set in place by our membership. I firmly believe in order to be successful, we must build upon the shoulders of giants. I am thankful for our founders' vision and commitment to enriching the lives of our community members. As a chapter, we will continue to make a difference in our community.
As we build our chapter, we must incorporate numerous activities that will highlight our national programming themes as well as continue to increase our presence in our community.

“Above all we must realize that each of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, starting with our own families and local communities. It is my goal to impact the world as a chapter. Needless to say, there is work to be done and members of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. we need must work together to make this year a success.
Sincerely,

Josette Ayres, Waco Chapter President

Links Inc. Meet & Greet

2011-12-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Members of the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. and guests enjoyed a Meet & Greet on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Baylor School of Social Work in Downtown Waco.

About 50 members and guests attended the event coordinated by Link Vashon Sutherland, membership chair. The keynote speaker was Link Tanya Brice, Ph.D., who discussed the history of African-American women's organizations.

"Members of modern organizations might benefit from some of the same tactics used throughout history," Brice said. "We have a strong, rich history that we should never forget."

Brice included women such as Harriet Tubman and Mary McCleod Bethune in her discussion. She offered insight and tidbits of information not usually addressed in history books.

"The talk was interesting because she included some facts that I was unaware of before today," said Link Felicia Coleman, who chaired the decorations committee.

The Meet and Greet is held annually to allow members to mingle with women in the Waco community. The attire was dressy/casual and attendees enjoyed a variety of pastries, fruit and coffee, which were provided under the direction of Link Demetra Kennedy and her committee.

"I want to send out my sincere thanks to each of you for stepping and up and contributing to the success of the event," said President Josette Ayres.

Services to Youth Activites - Girls Conference in September

2011-11-26T17:06:00.000-08:00

By Demetra Kennedy

Waco Chapter partnered with Bledsoe Miller Recreation Center to present a one day conference for girls focusing on career goals, health/hygiene and fitness.

The Beauty Industry was used a platform to introduce girls to careers in hairstyling, salon ownership, and jobs focusing on the business aspect of manufacturing and marketing of beauty products. Presenters were Tyrone Campbell (hairsytlist), Mia Moody, Ph.D. (writer), Terri Woods-Campbell, MD (physician), Vashon Sutherland (engineer), Josette Ayres (marketing), and Connie Powell, JD (lawyer).

The Health/Hygiene workshop focused on two areas, which were Glitter Germs Experiment and Emergency Pack it up and Travel Kit. The Glitter and Germs activity focused on the spread of germs from one person to another and how hand washing reduces the spread of germs.

The Emergency Pack it up and Travel Kit activity was designed to help girls focus on what are the important items to pack when there is a dire emergency evacuation in their community. Basis of this activity was lessons learned from hurrican Katrina.

Links Felica Coleman and Connie Powell facilitated this activity.

A Zumba activity was conducted by Link Sonya Todd. This activity focused on how exercise can be fun and healthy.

Best-Dressed Links

2011-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Our first winner was Link Felicia Coleman (not pictured in the winning attire)

Our second winner was Link Terri Woods-Campbell (featured in her winning attire)

To encourage Waco Link sisters to wear green attire to meetings, President Josette Ayres and Link Vashon Sutherland instituted a monthly contest in which the best dressed member wins a prize and is allowed to walk the runway.

The chapter's first winner was Link Felicia Coleman who sported a crisp, frilly, white blouse with an elegant ruffled collar along with a sporty green jacket and skirt.

The second winner was Link Terri Woods-Campbell, who took the runway in a beautiful Links scarf, ruffled blouse and black slacks.

"Her matching travel cup helped seal the deal," said Link Vashon who spearheads the effort.

Link Ayres said she thinks the contest encourages members to put forth a little extra effort to look good when they come to monthly meetings.

"It is a great way to encourage our members to look their best in Links' attire," Ayres said. "It is fun and in good spirit."

Edna Hampton

Luwenda Pollard

Links Spread Joy at Woodland Springs Nursing Home

2011-11-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Links had a blessed time visiting members of the Alzheimer's wing of the Woodland Spring's Nursing home. About 12 members participated in the activity meant to bring joy to the facility's clients.

"It is always good when we can give back to the community," Link Felicia Coleman said after directing several traditional hymns.

The Links received a special treat when one of the patients began to play the piano. In addition to singing church hymns, Links members passed out travel-sized toiletries such as soap, lotion, vaseline and shampoo.

Heir-)-Links pitched in by talking to patients and spreading joy through smiles, hugs and handshakes.

"It is always nice to bring a smile to someone's face," said Heidi Hall, who formed a special friendship with a younger patient who recently sustained a motorcycle injury. "It is really hard to see someone there who is close to your age. But you never know where God is going to place you."

Links Friendship Month Activities

2011-11-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Waco Chapter had a great time at Link Vashon Sutherland's house on Saturday, Nov. 5. Vashon and her committee provided baked Irish and sweet potatoes and all the fixings. We also had delicious sweet potato and cream cheese pies baked by Link Sonya Todd.

The highlight of the afternoon was having the privilege to win door prizes. LinkVashon passed out creative and fun prizes such as relaxing bath salts, candles with cute sayings attached such as, "Enjoy these relaxing bath salts while you are hard at work for the Links, Inc.!"

Members had a great time during this Friendship Month Activity.

"It is always nice to hang out with our chapter," said Link Ella Shankle. "I love these ladies."

Other activities planned for the month include visiting Woodland Springs Nursing home, attending church services as a chapter and dining at a local restaurant after work. Good job membership committee!

Links Inc. historical photos

2011-11-07T18:53:00.001-08:00

The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. received special treats during the months of October and November when Link Beulah Barksdale shared historical tidbits and photos at regular meetings.

Upon the suggestion of Link Terri Woods-Campbell, who joined the organization two years ago, and wanted to learn more about its history, President Josette Ayres instituted a "Moment in Chapter History" into each meeting.

In October, Link Barksdale revealed this chapter was chartered when integration was at its heyday.

"Professionals were interspersed among work places that had many restrictions," she said. "We came together as friends. We wanted to know each other’s names, not have to watch our backs. It is still that way today. "

Barksdale said the organization has always worked in the community, caring for children, recognizing leaders and helping the African-American community. It has always been sisterly, very prominent and useful in the community.

"We are a tight-knit group," she said. "That means no unfriendliness, separate groups, no line sisters."

In November, Barksdale discussed the group attending its first national convention and shared photos from the event.

"When we were established in 1974, we had 12 members," she said. "We had lots of visitors from various cities. We had a great time."

Members were in awe at her display.

Link Ramona Curtis shared her thoughts on Barksdale's presentation and expressed the gratitude felt by the entire Waco Chapter.

"This is really beneficial," said Link Curtis. "I'm glad she shared these photos and information with us.

Waco Links, Inc. Participates in The Art Centers Pumpkin Event

2011-10-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. shared in the festivities of this year's Pumpkin Event sponsored by the
Art Center on Oct. 30. The event featured apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, games, a costume contest and more.

Links members helped participants create artistic masks using paper plates, paint, glitter, yarn and an assortment of other items. Not only did Links members have a great time, but Heir-o-Links joined in the celebration as well.

"I can't believe we got to carve a pumpkin," said Timothy Hall Ramirez, who cleaned his pumpkin alone, and carved it using a special kit supplied by The Art Center. "It was so much fun."

The event was free and open to the public. It is held annually at The Art Center of Waco, which is housed on the McLennan Community College campus.

Waco’s first Bronze Eagle Fly-in

2011-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Timothy and William

Waco’s first Bronze Eagle Fly-in was a success with hundreds of participants from all walks of life.

Co-sponsored by the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Bronze Eagles Flying Club (BEFC) of Texas , it targeted African Americans, Hispanics, girls and members of other groups that are underrepresented in STEM-related occupations.

Demetra Kennedy, Links chair, said the 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook indicates that by 2030 the global aviation industry will require 460,000 new commercial airline pilots and 650,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians,

“The good news is there are many scholarships available in the aviation field,” she said. “We need to make sure our children take advantage of them!””

The Fly-in gave local youth the opportunity to meet an astronaut/pilots and experience flying in a plane. Participants also operated flight simulators, learned about Black aviation pioneers and experienced the world of air traffic control.

Connecting Link, Jesse Hayes, and Heir-o-Links, Timothy and William Hall-Ramirez, were featured on KWTX's 10 p.m. newscast. KWTX Video

“It was awesome,” said Timothy who really enjoyed meeting pilots and an astronaut. “I may consider becoming a pilot.”

The Bronze Eagles Flying Club (BEFC) of Texas is a nonprofit charity flying organization and chapter of the Black Pilots of America, (BPA).

“We help disadvantaged youth in their endeavors toward higher education, particularly in the field of aviation,” said Hayes, who was instrumental in bringing the program to Waco.

The organization also offers a variety of services including: free familiarization flights, free aviation career training, and a National Summer Flight Academy for eligible students.

Links President Josette Ayres said the Fly-in was successful on all accounts.

“We may look at co-sponsoring it every year,” she added.

Movie created by Timothy Hall-Ramirez

Bronze Eagle Youth Fly-in

2011-10-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

By Demetra Kennedy, Chair

Waco Chapter of Links Inc and Bronze Eagle Flying Club of Houston partnered together to bring to the Waco Community the Bronze Eagle Youth Fly-in. This Fly-in was open to all of the Waco Community, but the chapter strongly recruited the participation of Black youth in the Waco community.

Black Youth have an opportunity because the 2011 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook indicates that by 2030 the global aviation industry will require 460,000 new commercial airline pilots and 650,000 new commercial airline maintenance technicians.

There were more than 205 children who participated in this event.

"Community support was great," said Demetra Kennedy, who chaired the event for the Links. "The community has asked we repeat the event in 2012."

The event provided youth the opportunity to do the following:
1. Meet Black pilots (including an astronaut)
2. Experience flying in a plane
3. Learn about Black pioneers in aviation
4. Operate flight simulators
5. Experience the world of air traffic control
6. Meet military and civilian pilots,
7. Tour TSTC Aviation Maintenance Hanger
8. Create aviation art
9. Compete in the Boeing Balse Wood Glider Throw
10. Gain hands-on experience in an Aircraft Sheet Metal Workshop
11. Experience the display of all the planes and helicopters (including some military aircraft)
12. Gain insight on the U.S, Air Force and U.S. Naval Academies.
13. Learn about Les Morris Summer Flight Academy run by Black Pilots of America.