inside this issue: message from the sectional director · november 2016 volume 8, issue 1 1...

November 2016 Volume 8, Issue 1

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MESSAGE FROM THE SECTIONAL DIRECTOR

Inside This Issue:

Sectional Director Message 1-2

National Woman of the Year 3

South Harris County News 3

North Texas News 4

Beaumont News 4-8

Beauregard/Vernon News 8-12

Eunice News 12-15

Lafayette News 15-18

Pine Bluff News 18-24

Rayne News 24-25

St. Landry News 25-28

St. Martin News 28-35

Shreveport News 36

Journalist Message 37

Betty Wilkerson

Sectional Director

BRANCH NATIONAL

SECTIONAL

Greetings my beautiful sisters of the great South Central Section of the National

Association of the University Women. We’ve had an AMAZING start in the

New Year with South Central being well represented in the city of St. Louis,

Missouri at our National Convention. Not only were we there, but we brought

home many awards and recognitions. Thank you for the devotion and dedication

you have shown during the past two years. Let make the commitment to continue

to be great as we continues the program and works of our National Association of

University Women.

The charge to increase membership in South Central began with the chartering of our twenty-seventh

(27th) branch. The South Harris County Branch was chartered on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in the city

of Houston, Texas. Norma Cooper, branch organizer and first President was very instrumental in getting

twenty- six (26) new sisters onboard the SCNAUW Airline. I would like to thank our Forever Emeralds,

Mrs. Ollie Johnson and Dr. Ezora Proctor and our Sectional Lay Member, Stephanne Spikes for

supporting and assisting me with the chartering. We now have two branches in the city of Houston.

Continuing along the lines of increasing membership, we chartered our twenty-eighth (28th) branch.

Welcome aboard the North Texas Branch to the DFW area. This branch was chartered on Saturday,

October 29, 2016 in Irving, TX. Consuella Wilkerson, Juanita Winfrey and Katie Winfrey were the

organizers of the eleven (11) members. Consuella Wilkerson was elected the first President. Special

thanks to Forever Emerald Mrs. Ollie Johnson, Dr. Debra Yarbrough, Sectional Recording Secretary,

Kim Singleton, Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan Branch President and Benita Anderson, Dallas Fort

Worth Metropolitan Branch First Vice President for helping make this an awesome day in South Central.


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Director’s message continued…

Although we have yet to be successful in creating a new branch in the Nashville, TN area, we have seven (7)

new sisters that are members-at-large. It is the plan to continue to work with these ladies to get the numbers we

need for a chartering in the near future. You can help us by contacting family and friends in that area, that

qualifies for membership. I am excited to announce that we inducted seven(7) new members at our October 1,

2016 Annual Planning Training Meeting. Thanks to the branches who took advantage of the opportunity to be

able to place your potential members in front of South Centrals' most seasoned members to learn about our

organization. Because of you, we have "continued to soar high" in South Central.

The initial report from National showed a decrease in our membership, however, I know we will accept the

challenge of reclaiming our status. We can start by reaching out to old members and see if they are interested in

re-joining. Also you can seek out like minded ladies in your church and community that would be an asset to the

organization. Please be diligent in your quest to bring new women to your branches. Our goal is exceed 2015-

2016 totals and bring aboard at least two new members per branch.

Our next National Convention will be held in Los Angeles, California, in July 2018. The reason why am I

bringing this up now is because I would like each branch to start what I will call Campaign 2018. At the end of

the last calendar year there were approximately 1,800 NAUW members nation-wide and 755 of those members

are from the South Central Section. We should have more representation as officers at the National level. In

order to have this representation we must unite as branches in South Central and set the following goals: A)

support viable candidates in South Central who will step forth in 2018 and b) generate funds to have a large

number of members from each branch attending the Convention in Los Angeles. We will need warm bodies in

place to vote in order to secure the seats. All national positions will be open for election. Campaign 2018 will be

designed by each individual branch to determine how they can get the most of their members to Los Angeles.

So put your creative flows to work to let's prepare to Show Up in 2018. If you come up with an idea and want to

share it, please pass it on to me and I will share it with the other branches. I believe we will make an impact as

well as a difference in the National Association of University Women.

Our South Central Sectional Publicity Chair, Juanita Winfrey, has another bright idea. This committee would

like to create social media pages that will display all of the great work each of the branches are doing in your

communities. Please send the following to [email protected] :

a) pictures of your event (up to 3 pictures)

b) very brief description of event

c) date of event

d) Branch name and location

This will be an extension to the newsletter. We would like to publicize as much as possible.

Please continue to make this year the greatest one yet. The SCNAUW has taken off with purpose and pride.

Betty W. Wilkerson

South Central Section Director

mailto:[email protected]


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National Woman of the Year

NATIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR: SC SECTION LAFAYETTE MEMBER LINDA P ARMSTRONG

“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a

personal calling that is as unique as a

fingerprint—and the best way to succeed is

to discover what you love and then find a

way to offer it to others in the form of

service, working hard and also allowing the

energy of the universe to lead you.”

-Oprah Winfrey

New Branch Formed

South Harris County Branch

Chartered August 27, 2017

Houston, Texas

Norma Cooper

Organizer/First President


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On October 29, 2016, exuberance filled the

air as 11 lovely ladies bonded together to

serve one common goal of bettering their

community. These ladies chartered the North

Texas Branch in Irving, TX. What makes

this group of young ladies unique is that they

all come from various education

backgrounds but yet they all see the need to

serve their community. The lovely ladies

are: Chickitha Kind, Diamond Sanders, Karr

Stewart, Nina Yates, Kristen Wells,

Muneerah Travis, Sherita Baker, Tirrany

Nettles, Junaita Winfrey, Katie Winfrey, and

Consuella Wilkerson.

They are looking to take flight aboard

SCNAUW. ✈✈✈✈✈✈

New to South Central----North Texas

Beaumont Branch News---Debra Williams, reporting

Goodbye to a Faithful Sister

The Beaumont Branch was heartbroken as we

had to say goodbye to a sister who was faithful,

compassionate, beautiful, and a vital part of our

Branch. Judy Rufus will be missed and we

appreciate all of your prayers and condolences.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Beaumont Branch members Dr. Debra,

Charlotte Wilson and Bobbie Granger

represented at the Breast Cancer Color Splash

October 1st.


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Beaumont news continued….

Alzheimer’s Party

Chairman Mary Monroe (husband Hubert),

Sandra Henson and Delores Darby host a

party for Alzheimer’s residents. Sandra

took the extra step and walked in the

Alzheimer’s event.


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Homeless

Debra preparing to feed the homeless with

the ladies of House of Prayer.

Hall of Fame Inductee

The Beaumont Branch was elated when

President Williams was inducted in the

Hebert High School Hall of Fame for

excellence in medicine and outstanding

contribution to the community.

Political Action

The Beaumont Branch teamed with

Operation One Vote (founder Branch

member and former city councilwoman,

Bobbie Patterson) to host political forums,

and promote voter registration.


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Doctors in the House

The Beaumont Branch congratulates

members Tiffany Grogan and Tricia Times

on successfully defending their dissertations

and attaining their PhD’s.

Sectional Conference---Houston

Beaumont was in the house for the magnificent

Sectional Conference in Houston. All had a

great time, including first-time attendees,

learned a lot, and look forward to Monroe! We

really embraced the green and white! (Standing

- Patricia Goolsbye, Tyna Williams, Bobbie

Granger, Charlotte Wilson; Seated - Gwendolyn

Pierre, Debra Williams, National President

Evelyn Wright, and Toneenya Jones.)


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Speaking the Word

The Beaumont Branch was well represented by

member Dr. Lori Scott-Hunt who delivered the

message for the breakfast at the National

Convention in St. Louis. She was said to be

inspirational and encouraging. We are grateful to

have her as a member.

Beauregard/Vernon Branch News—

Stephanne Spikes reporting

Greetings to all my sisters in the “Great South

Central”, the Beauregard/Vernon Branch is geared

up and ready to work during this program year.

Installation of officers and the Rededication

Ceremony was held during the business session

prior to opening of the “Branch Retreat”.

Following this business meeting the newly elected

president, Ollie D. Johnson engaged the group in

a Leadership Workshop. Standing and Special

Committees were established, the responsibility of

each committee was discussed and committee

chairpersons were assigned. The members

engaged in a break-out session and the

chairperson completed the committee’s action

plan as discussed in all groups. The committee

chairs shared their plans for the year for approval.

A written copy was presented to the president for

review. She met with the executive committee

prior to the next meeting to finalize the proposed

plans to present for full membership approval.

President’s Message


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Beauregard/Vernon news continued….

President—Forever Emerald Ollie D Johnson

Eleven members from the Beauregard were

in attendance during the 57th South Central

Sectional Conference held the third week in

June 2016 hosted by the Houston Branch.

During the Beauregard/Vernon Branch Retreat

in July, a special business meeting was held

and new officers were installed, a

Rededication Ceremony was held since there

were two former members reactivating their

membership, and members donated School

supplies to be delivered to the schools the

branch is supporting during the 2016 – 2017

program year.

New officers are from left to right Ollie D

Johnson, President; Linda Fields, 1st V

President; Charlotte Cooper, 2nd V President;

Dena Steward, Recording Secretary; Sherilyn

Bergan, Financial Secretary; Elsie Clay,

Treasurer, not pictured is Paula Bright,

Corresponding Secretary.

Members’ participation in the Rededication

Ceremony


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This group is working on their plans to present for review during the July “Retreat”.

Pictured are School supplies to be delivered to

the schools the branch is supporting during the

2016 – 2017 program year.

In August, Stephanne Spikes delivered

school supplies to Pinewood Elementary

School while Linda Fields and President

Johnson presented the donated school

supplies to Carver Elementary. Pictured as

well is Linda Fields presenting school

supplies to Vernon Elementary – Middle

School. Not pictured are Elsie Clay and

Gloria Orgain who presented school

supplies to Parkway Elementary School at

Fort Polk.

Pictured below are Forever Emerald Ollie

Johnson, outgoing President Stephanne Spikes

and South Central Lay Member, and

Recording Secretary Dena Steward who were

delegates to the National Convention which

was held in St Louis, Missouri during the

month of July. Laura Scott, daughter of

former member Wilma Scott is pictured as

well.


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Beauregard/Vernon news continued…

During the month of September, the

Beauregard/Vernon Branch partnered with the

Lake Charles Branch to participate with them in

projects such as Habitat for Humanity in the

Lake Charles area. Scheduled projects for the

NAUW Branches to work together on during

this program year will be planned during the

year. Pictured below are members from the Lake

Charles Branch and Linda Thomas representing

the Beauregard/Vernon Branch as they put final

touches on a house in the Lake Charles

Community for A family to live. The group was

invited to meet the individual the house was

built for.

Linda Thomas stated that “It was a humbling

experience. The members from the Lake Charles

Branch were so welcoming and we all worked

great together. It was the icing on the cake to

meet the lady whose house they were helping to

build. She was so appreciative to the members

for giving up a Saturday morning to help her

family.”

The Health Committee chaired by Dena

Steward, planned a Sickle Cell Workshop

which was held in the Leesville community.

Shown in the second picture is the workshop

presenter Mrs. Etta Pete, Director of

Sickle Cell in Southwest Louisiana. The third

picture give you a peep to see the many

participants in attendance.


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Eunic

NAUW Beauregard/Vernon Branch Ways and

Means Committee put together a Tailgate Basket

Raffle complete with Hibachi Grill. The basket

was filled with all the essentials for tailgating.

The drawing for the raffle was held on October

11, 2016 and the winner of the basket and

Hibachi Grill was Mrs. Laura Clark. The

proceeds will assist the branch in providing

scholarships for deserving high school seniors.

Eunice Branch News----Denise

Antoine, reporting

Members of the Eunice Branch participated in

the Back-to-School Day with their Uniform

Drive and the Mr. and Miss NAUW performing

on the program. They also contributed to the

school supplies and food that was given to the

attendees.

At the first meeting of the Branch, President

Denise Antoine installed three officers,

Patricia D. Harrison as 2nd Vice President,

Angela F. Lee as Recording Secretary and

Lelia H. Adams as Corresponding Secretary.

New member with Dr Proctor


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Eunice news continued….

After the horrific flooding, financial donations

were made to the Special Flood Fund of the

South Central Section, relatives of members of

the Branch who were affected by the flood and

members of the Branch who were affected by

the flood. A financial donation was also given

to Eunice High School’s Uniform Fund to assist

those students who were unable to purchase

school uniforms and pay registration fees at the

beginning of the school year.

Members made special presentations to two

ministers in recognition of Clergy Month in

October. Rev. Jermaine Tezeno of True Light

Baptist and Rev. James Edwards of Calvary

Tabernacle were selected as the recipients for

2016 for their support and encouragement of

activities of the NAUW Branch. Present at

True Light were President Antoine, Shelsy

Williams and Patricia Harrison. At Calvary,

they were joined by Shakonda Arvie, Betty

Jordan and Turquois Guillory, the niece of

Rev. Edwards.

Members sponsored the Breast Cancer Month

Walk in recognition of those survivals of that

deadly disease. After the Walk there was a

guest speaker (survival) refreshments were

served, sharing of literature, gifts were given

and personal expressions made by participants.

Our speaker, Mrs. Sybil Neville gave a heart

wrenching description of her experience with

the disease. Others who had experienced

Breast Cancer problems came forward and

were presented a rose made from wood

especially for them by President Antoine who

recently lost her brother to his battle with

cancer. One person who is a nurse and

member of the branch, Betty Jordan also gave

some important points to constantly look for

and foods to avoid. She is also a survivor.


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Eunice branch news continued…

Members will observe American Education

Week November 14-18, 2016 by visiting

Glendale Elementary School their adopted

school this year. NAUW member Parveen

Kaur is a teacher of the 3rd grade there and

members will concentrate on that class for

reading to the students and doing other

projects with them. Others plan to visit

Highland Elementary where Shelsy

Williams works with the students there.

Finally Betty Jordan will instruct the group

on Diabetes during the November meeting.

During the month of October Members joined

other groups in recognizing “Stop the Violence”

by participating in the Annual Take Back the

Night walk at City Hall d. Representing the

Branch were Shakonda Arvie ,Shelsy Williams,

president Denise Antoine, Carolyn Baldwin,

Philomena Bernard and Betty Jordan.

Pamela Robinson September 14

Patricia D. Harrison September 28

Ardessie C. Francois October 24

Lelia H. Adams October 25

Equilla W. Brannon November 1

Philomena P. Bernard November 27

Betty V. Jordan December 23

Dr. Juliet Robinson Conde December 26


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Eunice news continued….

Edward & Ardessie Francois – 58 years on

November 21 Congratulations!

Lloyd & Denise Antoine - 29 years on November

28, Congratulations

Gladys L. Blount – Hospitalized

Denise W. Antoine, for the transition of her brother

James.

Lelia H. Adams, whose nephew has also

transitioned after a lengthy illness.

Quote:

“If you find it in your heart to care for

somebody else, you will have

succeeded.”

~~~Maya Angelou~~~

Lafayette Branch News---Elsie

Azare, reporting

Lafayette Branch Inducted new members

Kimberly Anderson, Danielle Bias,

Jacqueline Burney, Jeanette D. Charles,

Brenda H. Prejean, Jasmine Smith, Denise

Taylor, and Regina Watson

Lafayette Branch new inductees and

members


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Lafayette News continued….

ShaWanna Mouton was inducted at the planning

meeting in Pineville, LA

Forever Emeralds Johnson & Proctor Director

Wilkerson, and

National Chaplain Linda P. Armstrong

Newly inductee ShaWanna Mouton with

Forever Emeralds Johnson and Proctor Director

Wilkerson,

National Chaplain Linda P. Armstrong, and

Lafayette Branch members

Elsie Azare & Patsy Bienvenu volunteering to

help the 2016 Great Flood at the United Way

Lafayette Branch Meet & Greet with

prospective members at the Lafayette Main

Public Library

Linda P. Armstrong was honored as the

Sectional Woman of the Year award at the

South Central Conference in Houston, TX


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Lafayette news continued…

Congratulations to Quintella Baskerville

Newly Elected South Central Corresponding

Secretary

Congratulations to Lafayette

Placed for the branch scrapbook at

South Central Convention in Houston, TX

Patsy Bienvenu, member of Lafayette

Branch Soloists in the National Choir at

National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri

Linda P. Armstrong receiving her National

Woman of the Year award at the

National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri

With Executive Board members and

Congratulations on Newly Elected National

Chaplain


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Lafayette news continued…

Lafayette Branch 2016 Annual Retreat

with Inspirational speaker Samantha Chopin

Amos

Annual Retreat held at Vermillionville in

Lafayette with guest speaker.

Inspirational and Motivational Author Mrs.

Samantha Chopin Amos

"My Journey to Wholeness"

2016 Single Parent Recipient with

children and single parent committee

members

President Elise Azar presented a $100 stipend

to Dorian Gregory high school graduate, son of

Senetra Guidry-Gregory

2016 High School Scholarship Recipients

Four $500 scholarships were awarded to

Taylor Syrie, Chaley Boatman, Tatiana Butts

and Dominique Williams

Reading Literacy Committee members brought

donation of school supplies to

Gethsemane Christian Academy

Principal Pitre and staff


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Pine Bluff Branch news---Mary Liddell & Winnie Wilson, reporting

June 16-18 South Central Sectional

Conference, Houston, TX

NAUW Giving Back

PROUD Project chairperson Sharon Nicholson presents backpacks/school supplies to Jefferson

County Supervisor Dionne Walton along with other committee members and DHS/DCFS staff.


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Pine Bluff news continued…

Guided by the organization’s national theme…”

Progressive Women Remaining Relevant in a Global

Society”, the Pine Bluff Branch of the National

Association of University Women’s PROUD Project

continues to remain visible in the community and

recently presented backpacks and school supplies to

the Jefferson County DHS/DCFS office in Pine Bluff.

During the 57th South Central Sectional Conference

held in Houston, TX, the PROUD Project chaired by

Sharon Nicholson was one of five branch programs

throughout the section to receive a grant awarded to

assist a branch in continuing a program in its

perspective community.

PROUD Project which was initiated in 2011 focuses

on assisting those under privileged children who are

serviced by the AR Department of Human Services

Division of Children and Family Services in Jefferson

County. Since its inception, the Pine Bluff Branch

has made presentations during the fall/spring school

semester with backpacks and supplies that are

donated by the branch members. The grant will

increase the number of backpacks/supplies that can be

donated. Recently, Nicholson and committee

members Etta Kuykendall, Kimberly Williams,

Angela Paskel and Felicia Fisher were on hand to

make the fall 2016 presentation to Dionne Walton

Jefferson County DHS/DCFS Supervisor and staff.

Other members of the committee include; Elfreda

Boyd, Varnell Wallace, Erin Pilcher, Etta

Kuykendall, Tonya Lemons, Maxine Doolittle,

Earnestine Grant and Sharon Hildreth. Mary Liddell

serves the Pine Bluff Branch as President.

Pine Bluff Branch Annual Retreat

The Branch annual retreat was held on August 6,

2016 at the Delta River Nature Center in Pine

Bluff, AR. The theme for the retreat was:

Committee members were: Dr. Mary Brentley,

Chairperson, Josephine Adams, Jerlean Alley,

Virginia Barner, Dr. Mary Benjamin, Linda

Brunson, Bonita Corbin, Tanesha Ford, Earnestine

Grant, Mary Grant, Amanda Wells, Mary Liddell

and Dr. Jewell Walker.

August 13 Back to School/Health Fair

The Pine Bluff Branch (NAUW) partner with

Bethany Chapel Missionary Baptist church to host

a Back to School Festival and Health Fair. Youth

received bookbags, paper, pencils, and other items

to begin the school year. The youth signed a

pledge stating that as they began school that they

will do their best and remain drug free. Health fair

consist of HIV testing, Zumba by Marikka

Bender, organ donor sign up and other health

issues.

NAUW Pine Bluff Branch 2016 New

Membership Induction

Ashley McDonald, Jessica Yarbrough, Staci Irby,

Pamela Chesson, Patricia Branch-May,

Nicole Bates, Mardell Dilworth, Evangela Jackson,

Corliss Kinchen


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The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association

of University Women (NAUW) continues to make

progress by having a Fall Membership Drive on

Sunday, October 9, 2016.

The New Members Induction Ceremony was led by

Past National 2nd Vice President, Dr. Bettye J.

Williams. Other branch members participating in

the ceremony were: President Mary Liddell, Vice

President Dr. Mary Brentley, Kathy Richards, Dr.

Janette Wheat, and Varnell Wallace

New Members that were inducted into the

organization were: Nicole Bates, Patricia Branch-

May, Pamela Chesson, Mardell Dilworth, Staci Irby,

Evangela Jackson, Corliss Kinchen, Ashley

McDonald and Attorney Jessica Yarbrough.

Reclaim Member: Dr. Margaret Boyd-Owens.

Each new member was presented with a white

carnation along with a white binder. These new

members were energized and ready to exercise their

strengths, wisdom and knowledge to become a great

asset to the PB NAUW Branch. Their focus for the

New Year will be to continue the branches Young

Achievers and Leadership Development Program on

the campus of the University of Arkansas at Pine

Bluff. Focusing on the Mission of NAUW: The

mission of the National Association of University

Women is to serve women, youth and the

disadvantaged in our communities and in developing

countries by addressing educational issues,

advancing the status of women’s issues, and

strategically partnering with allied organization.

Black Lives Matter


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Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc presented Black Lives

Matter at Bethany Chapel MBC Church on

October 17th. The fellowship hall at the

church was filled up with youth, parents, and

community leaders. The young people asked

questions about how to respond when

encountering officers of the law, texting while

driving and sexting and other questions of life

in general. The panelist included Judge

Earnest Brown (Sixth Division Circuit Court),

Ivan Whitfield (Assistant Police Chief-Pine

Bluff Police department), Hosea Thompson,

(Sergeant, Pine Bluff Police Department), and

Milae Wilson, (Student Government

President, University of Arkansas at Pine

Bluff).

Political candidates discuss plans at

forum 10/20/16

Candidates for public office discussed their

specific plans to improve Pine Bluff during a

forum Thursday night at the Pine Bluff

Convention Center. The forum was sponsored

by the Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter of Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in collaboration

with the Divine Nine Panhellenic Council and

the Pine Bluff Branch of the National

Association for the Advancement of Colored

People.

Raven Harris, the news and public affairs

director at Bluff City Radio and co-host of

Arkansas Today on 99.3 FM, was the

moderator. Mary Liddell, president of the Pine

Bluff Branch introduced Ms. Harris to the

audience.

NAUW members that attended the forum

were Mary Liddell, Bonita Corbin, Staci Irby,

Kelly Bryant, Alice Horton, Mary Brentley,

Sharon Nicholson, Trudy Redus, and

Kimberly Williams


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Pine Bluff news continued….

GOOD NEWS coming from the

household of Kimberly Williams:

October 7, 2016, Kimberly Williams daughter, Kimerra Handley along with her teammates at Waston Chapel High School were presented with their Championship Rings for winning the 2016 Girls 5A Basketball State Championship.

October 11, 2016, Kimberly Williams attended

the Arkansas Community Colleges (ACC)

Conference in Hot Springs, AR and received

the 2016 ACC Outstanding Alumnus Award

from SEARK College.

inside this issue: message from the sectional director · november 2016 volume 8, issue 1 1...

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