The Links Celebrate the Holidays (December 2013)
It was an evening of wonderful fellowship at the Seasons in Washington Township! A special thank you to Link Jasmine, Link Minnie and the Membership Committee for planning a phenomenal Christmas Party! The food was outstanding. The venue was absolutely beautiful and Link Ora selected the most beautiful pointsetters to make the tables look extra festive. As our President so aptly remarked, "People make the party….make no mistakes you ladies clearly made this party as wonderful as it was."
News Archives 2014
News Archives 2013
Chapter Celebrates Another Successful Program Year (June 2014)
The community came out to the Richard Rodda Center to talk of their accomplishments and celebrate another successful program year. Facet chairs shared their experiences working on community projects which ranged from financial literacy for high school students to working with middle school youngsters in developing healthy eating habits by growing healthy foods for later consumption. Area students who participated in the annual poster contest also showed off their work to an appreciative audience. This event was well attended by our partners in the community and many of the children who took part in the programs talked about what they learned and how the projects impacted their lives. Link Bettye Easley, Program Coordinator, lead these important activities and was praised by Link President Christine Fowler-Phillips for her efforts in coordinating the work of the chapter as we look to make a difference in the lives of those in our community.
Chapter President Holds "Fireside Chat" (April 2014)
As she commemorates her first year leading the 40 year old organization, President Christine Fowler-Phillips held a "Fireside Chat" giving the membership an opportunity to weigh in on her tenure as a visionary leader of the Bergen County chapter. Over 25 members came out to applaud Link Christine's leadership and to offer some thoughtful insights as she begins the second year of her first term. Link Christine has focused on the theme "Good to Great", based on the bestselling book by Jim Collins. Members offered ideas on how the chapter could continue to build on the theme.
Links Feed the Homeless (March 2014)
For the 8th year in a row, the Bergen County Chapter of the Links, Incorporated played host to 113 of the county's least fortunate at the annual Feed the Homeless Luncheon. Held at the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, the guests were served a nutrious meal that included chicken, macaroni and cheese, salad, vegetables and fruit. Over half of the membership prepared and served the meal to the appreciative guests. Said National Trends chair Verdia Johnson, "It's a wonderful feeling to take part in such an event. We enjoyed it as much as our guests."
Happy 40th Anniversary (March 2014)
On Saturday, March 15, 2014, the Bergen County, New Jersey Chapter of the Links, Incorporated celebrated its 40th Anniversary with a festive lunch at Son Cubano's in West New York, NJ. The chapter welcomed back two charter members, Links Francis Raines and Jewel Thompson, who were joined by two charter members still active in the chapter, Links Theodora Lacey and Jacquelyn Styles.
3 Elected to New Terms on Executive Committee (May 2014)
In the April meeting, the nominating committee presented a slate of officers to fill open positions on the chapter's executive committee. Link Minnie Adams, who had been completing a term as Vice-President, was voted into that same office. Link Kenetta Bailey was elected Corresponding Secretary and Link Shirley Deering keeps her job as Financial Secretary. The trio ran unopposed.
9th Annual Mothers' Day Scholarship Awards Luncheon Hailed A Success! (May 2014)
It was a star-studded event at the Venetian on May 10th as over 500 people assembled to celebrate Mother's Day, 21 scholarship winners, our Mother of the Year Ann Hue Nichols Bennett and the Bergen County, New Jersey Chapter of the Links' 40th Anniversary. Links National President Margot James Copeland read a proclamation celebrating the Chapter's four decades of friendship and service and U.S. Senator Cory Booker credited the organization for helping him become the leader he has become. Senator Booker's mother, Carolyn Booker was a charter member of the Chapter
Reflecting on our Past; Planning Our Future (June 2014)
Link Alexia Hudson-Ward, chair of the Eastern Area Archives & History Committee, served as the chapter's facilitator in our annual June retreat. During our nearly day long gathering, Link Alexia provided the chapter with the historical framework helping us to share with each other the cultural heritage of our organization. Link Alexia also helped the chapter further identify opportunities to turn "good into great". Link Alexia shared her 4Ps Success Equation: Purpose + Partnerships + Participation = Perpetuity
National President Elected (July 2014)
Congratulations to National Vice President Glenda Newell-Harris who was elected the organization's 16th President at the 39th Assembly held in Maryland's National Harbor. Newell-Harris, who ran unopposed, is a board certified physician in Internal Medicine and a media spokesperson whose opinions on new advances in medicine and controversial medical issues have made her a valued medical expert. A native of North Carolina and a graduate of Miss Porter’s School, President-elect Newell-Harris received her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati of School of Medicine and her B.S. in Biology from Tufts University. She resides in the California Bay area with her husband Robert. The couple are parents of four children.
National President Comments on Death of Michael Brown (Sept. 2014)
In the wake of the senseless killing of a black teen in Ferguson, MO, National President Glenda Newell-Harris, M.D. called for patience and peace as state and national authorities continue their investigation.
Read the President's statement here.
Links Visit Hydroponic Farm (Sept. 2014)
On a very rainy Saturday morning, 13 Links (with one Connecting Link in tow), trudged through the water to visit Boswyck Farms in Astoria Queens. Boswyck, Dutch for Bushwick, was founded in 2008 by former computer programmer Lee Mandell who saw a need to bring fresh produce into "food desert" areas. "The group was met by Lee and his colleague Chole," said Program Coordinator Bettye Easley. "They gave us a wonderful tour of the facility." They began their tour viewing a paper mache' sculpture of a tree where hydroponic plants were grown on the limbs and continued through the farming facility learning about hydroponic farming and its advantages over soil based farming. The group learned that It is practical, sustainable and fun! The representatives at Boswyck Farms told the members how they can help us design, build, teach and play with hydroponics. Everyone who attended had a chance to ask questions but they were all left with some basic knowledge about hydroponics. Link Bettye says, "we are ready to get started and bring in subject matter experts to help us with our targeted population--the children and teens!!" -- reported by Link Bettye Easley
Bergen County in the House!! Members at the Nat'l Assembly (July 2014)
Fourteen members of the Bergen County, NJ Chapter of the Links, Inc. headed to the National Harbor outside of the nation's capital for the 39th National Assembly. The chapter joined with Link sisters from around the country to learn, listen and celebrate the successful impact we have had on our communities. While delegates conducted the business of the organization, Link sisters attended program and operations workshops and enjoyed the hospitality of the Gaylord Resort.
“Get Smart, Get Healthy ... Make Health a Habit!” (May 2014)
Poster Arts Competition Winners Announced
Close to 40 students from Teaneck, Englewood and Hackensack presented their entries for the 2012-2014 National Poster Art Competition. This year's theme was “Get Smart, Get Healthy... Make Health a Habit!”. The judges in this year's competition included artists Philip Smallwood and Muhammad Khalil who spent time deliberating over each entry choosing five to represent the chapter in the regional competition. This chapter event was spearheaded by Link Ernestine Lowe with assistance from Link Marsha Mackey. The 2014 awardees were Travis Betten, Shawn Samuels, Carlos Ballast, Tiberias Davis, and Eddie More.
Hopes Turns 50 (Oct. 2014)
Links Gwen Ramsey, Allison Davis, Nellie Jenkins, Bettye Easley and Hazel Cogar joined in the celebration as Link Ora Welch's (center) HOPES Community Action Partnership celebrated its 50th year with a successful gala! Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer (far right) joined in the festivities paying tribute to the organization and Link Ora's outstanding leadership.
Celebrating the Holiday Season at the Bergen Family Center (Dec. 2014)
The Chapter celebrated the start of the Holiday Season at the Bergen Family Center. The Center is Bergen County's oldest family service agency. It supports, strengthens and enriches families through innovative and quality services. The Bergen County, (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated has been a proud supporter of the center and each year, through its facets, we work"to do our share toward serving our community".
Oral Histories of Chapter Members Now In
Library of Congress
Link chapter members Donna M. Mendes, MD (left) and Allison J. Davis (right) were honored November 8th at the Library of Congress as their oral histories became part of its new digital video collection donated by The HistoryMakers. In accepting the valuable collection, the Librarian of Congress called the 9000 hours of interviews, photographs and papers, "a rich and diverse resource for scholars, teachers, students and documentarians seeking a more complete record of our nation's history and its people." Dr. Mendes was interviewed in 2007 for her extraordinary work in vascular surgery. Davis was interviewed in 2013 for her career in television news and as a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists. The vast collection of over 2600 African Americans includes the oral histories of President Barack Obama, Poet Maya Angelou, Musician Isaac Hayes, and former National Links President Margot Copeland.
Learn more about The HistoryMakers.
Chapter Celebrates Holidays in Grand Style (December 2014)
The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated celebrated the start of the holiday season in grand style at its annual party. This year, the festivities took place at Seasons in Washington Township where over 80 people dined and danced. Links Jasmine Adkins and Jill Stewart, co-chaired the event organized by the chapter's social committee.
Chapter Commemorates World Aids Day (December 2014)
In communities across the nation and around the world, it was a day to focus on the continued fight against the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS. While many advancements have been made, the rate of infection, particularly in the Garden State continues to increase. Over 35,000 men and women are battling the disease in NJ and on World AIDS Day 2014, members of the Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated (see photo below) attended a remembrance service and life celebration at Christ Episcopal Church of Hackensack to support the efforts of local community groups like Buddies of New Jersey, Inc., who advocate year round for the total eradication of HIV/AIDS. Links Althea Avery and Margaret Haynes, co-chairs of International Trends and Services facet, spearheaded the evening's event for the Links
Reflections on World AIDS Day from
President Christine Fowler-Phillips (December 2014)
In April of 2000, I started my career with Bristol-Meyers Squibb Virology. Working in sales and marketing allowed me the opportunity to witness a great deal in the HIV/AIDS world. I remember the first patient support group I conducted in Paterson, NJ and my first clinical trial site in Hackensack, NJ. These men and women told their stories about the daily challenges and the horrible stigma they faced each day. I knew that it was meant for me to make a difference in the lives of people living and affected by this horrific disease. My goal has always been one day at a time; one patient at a time.
There was a time not long ago when patients were taking up to 25+ pills a day. I am proud to say that my company was the first to bring the one pill once a day regimen to market. As I reflect on World AIDS Day, I am truly proud to work for a company that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people living and affected by HIV/AIDS and more important, it is a true honor to lead the Bergen County, (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated as we stand united in honor of World AIDS Day. We remember those individuals that have lost their lives to this horrible disease and we celebrate the lives of those who are still with us as they continue to triumph every day.
We still have a long way to go. The journey is not over!
Always the Best!
Link Christine
2015
Celebrating Black History Feb. 2015
The Bergen County, (NJ) Chapter of The Links Incorporated joined Bergen County Executive James T. Tedesco III and the Board of Chosen Freeholders in a celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 26. The celebration theme was “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”
The program emphasized the importance of celebrating African American historians as well as teaching young children about their heritage and rich history. Displays featuring the accomplishments and contributions of Bergen County African Americans adorned the walls of the fifth floor of the Bergen County Administration Building.
While Black History month was formally recognized and adopted by the nation in 1976, this year’s event officially named February as Black History Month in Bergen County. The Bergen County (NJ) Links featured a beautiful display showcasing their contributions and philanthropic work over the last forty years. It was spearheaded by former President Theodora Lacey. Link Theodora also serves on the county’s African-American Advisory Committee.
Link Christine Fowler-Phillips, Link Bettye Easley, Link Margaret Haynes, Link Shirley Deering and Link Tamara Spinner Zachery joined the 75 attendees who affirmed the County Executive’s sentiments, “Black History isn’t just for students and historians; we all benefit from have a greater understanding and appreciation for all facets of American History.”--by Link Tamara Spinner Zachery
Dancing the Night Away!
(for a healthy heart) Feb. 2015
Can you wobble? The Chapter and the American Heart Association sponsored an evening of wobble and more to call attention to Healthy Heart Month and the Go Red For Women campaign. One in three women die of heart disease or stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Education and lifestyle changes, however, can prevent 80 percent of cardiac issues. The annual event attracted close to 60 women and featured music and instruction by DJ Mojo and healthy snacks from Alston's Caterers. The organization's Health and Human Services facet organized the dance. Watch video right.
Our Global Reach of Service
The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Inc., extended its reach to Haiti as the International Trends & Services facet organized a Day of Service to assemble Kits for Kids for Haiti. Members assembled over 300 bags with toiletries and various educational items geared towards Pre-K and young primary school students.
Links March in Teaneck's 4th of July Parade
For over a decade, the Chapter has marched in Teaneck's 4th of July parade. Organized by Link Jackie McLeod, close to 10 members, joined by a few heir-o-links, proudly carried the banner in the annual event commemorating the nation's birthday. Link Ann Guillory supplied the flags and necklaces which were handed out to the crowd lining the streets of the parade route.
More Honors at
Regional Conference
The Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated received the Legacy Award for the Arts at the 43rd Eastern Area Conference for the work done with the Teaneck International Film Festival. The Legacy Award is presented to the chapters that have consistently provided outstanding programs over at least 10 years. The Chapter also received an Honorable Mention for "Best Practices" for our Umbrella Project focusing on guiding youth towards healthy eating through our aquaponics initiatives. "I am so proud of each one of our members for your true commitment to greatness," said Chapter President Christine Fowler-Phillips. Robin Cooper, chair of The Arts Facet and Bettye Easley, Program Coordinator were singled out by President Fowler-Phillips for their efforts.
A Tea for More than Two Title
A tea was held at the Harmony Tea Room in Westwood NJ on Sunday, October 4th to kick off the 2015-16 Chapter Mentor Program. The event was open to the chapter providing an opportunity to engage and get to know our new members, Seventeen Link Sisters attended the tea. Click the photo for the slide show.
2016
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A Season of Giving
he Bergen County Chapter (NJ) of the Links Incorporated joined the local chapter of 100 Black Women in providing gifts to the children at the Bergen Family Center at their annual holiday party. Members of both groups helped Santa distribute the gifts to close to 100 youngsters who wrote letters to the groups asking for specific items. Link Myrna Gillespie received a request for a pony but most of the youngsters asked for popular toys and games. In addition to receiving gifts, the youngsters entertained their guests with holidays songs of cheer! (click on slide show right)
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