SisterLynk

Upcoming Events: 2012

February 9th, 2012: Diana Greene, Photographer - Perform @ SECCA

For a special evening, Sisterlynk members are invited to gather at SECCA at the invitation of photographer/writer/teacher Diana Greene. 'A Dozen Dresses' is a narrative photo collection created and performed by Diana as a part of the ongoing series 'Perform @ SECCA'.

 

Date TBA: Julia Craven Howard, House Representative, North Carolina

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Past Events: 2012

 

January 19th, 2012: Social/Business Meeting

A Social/Business Meeting was held this month to discuss upcoming programs and goals for the brand new year of 2012.

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Past Events: 2011

 

November 17th, 2011: Celebration! Celebration! Celebration!

It was that season of the year again----when we came together to celebrate the good times we’ve had together, to welcome new friends, to honor those who have been our speakers across the year’s ongoing program series: “Making One’s Life,” to applaud our Board of Directors for their commitment, and to give recognition to the 2011-2012 recipient of the Alice Conger Patterson Scholarship. Each year since SisterLynk began, we’ve been hosted by Linda Crumpler, not only a chemist by career but also a “kitchen chemist!” Her gourmet meals are lovely, and once again she is openied her home to host us at our end-of-the-year celebration of SisterLynk for our members, friends, Board of Directors, speakers and scholarship honoree. This year Linda prepared and served her special recipes from a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen, designed by her, to accommodate her delight in cooking up delectable dishes.

We do hope everyon enjoyed this special evening of sharing stories, talking about the year’s experiences, gathering updates, and looking ahead to our own individual and collective goals----and dreams!

Thank you to Linda - our wonderful and most gracious host - from all of us who were lucky enough to attend!

 

October 20th, 2011: Dr. Linda Stine, Digging For Clues - Travels in Time

Dr. Linda Stine talked about some of of her travels as a professional archaeologist, digging at sites ranging from 9,000 years ago to as recent as the 1950’s. Despite that span of time, she loved entering each moment and exploring those worlds and digging for the clues to discover who lived there, what they did, and what we can learn from them as well.

Linda’s journey, like that of so many of us, has had its twists and turns---from those digs across continents to running her own sole proprietorship to becoming a professor at UNCG.

As an historical archaeologist, she focuses on how diverse social groups expressed their ideology and managed their socioeconomic relationships. She works with her students to understand what this button meant or that nail, what this dip in the earth means or that oddly placed stone. They are all clues. Now she takes her students along with her to various community archaeology projects such as this summer’s dig at the site in Battleground Park, believed to be the where the “town” of Guilford Courthouse once stood.

We thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and the fun of being together and exploring one another’s journeys as SisterLynk continues to converse about “making one’s life.”

 

September 15th, 2011: Laura Fennell, On Becoming

As we live our lives, we may not even be thinking about making ourselves. We’re traveling along, being confronted by day to day, and just dealing with that: day to day, day by day. Life happens! But, do we make it happen? If so, how? When do we question the path we’re taking? Is it downhill or uphill? Is it a destructive choice or constructive?

Laura Fennell, personal trainer, wife, mother, marathoner, more----talks about turning from addictive behavior to healthful living. In our living room conversation, join us. Meet an entrepreneur who is intentionally making her life by consciously examining the forks in the road.

Life is about deciding “self”----- As Steve Jobs said in his famous speech to Stanford graduates: “Your? time is limited, so don't live their lives, live your own life.” Come and listen to Laura talk about the choices she has made as she lives her “own life.” Directions to the host home will be sent to you after you rsvp to info@sisterlynk.net.

Please RSVP to info@sisterlynk.net for directions to join us for a wonderful evening!

 

June 16th, 2011: If It's Tuesday, It Must Be Paris

If it's Tuesday, it's Paris (this week, perhaps London the following week). And, if it's Friday, it could be Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Bangladesh, or Cairo.

How do you make a life all over again after a career overseeing Analytical research laboratories at one of the largest companies in the US? How do you re-think yourself after a downsize? What about taking all that expertise and turning it into a consulting opportunity that takes you around the world? As a scientist----a chemist, Linda Crumpler did just that.

But is that all there is to making one's life? What about the in-between times? Life is not a straight line, nor is it one career --- or career only. It includes the in-between times which are as important as the seemingly singular path of business or professional. For Linda, those "tween" times include a husband of almost 35 years, a son, orchids grown in her backyard greenhouse, knitting, cooking----and not just your everyday opening of the refrigerator and deciding what to have. No, in her brand-new re-designed kitchen, Linda composes dishes to live for just as she composes other aspects of her life.

May 26th, 2011: Annual Meeting & Potluck

it’s one of our favorite times - when we give thanks to those who have been our organization’s leaders and when we welcome new leaders. But, if you've ever been to a Sisterlynk meeting...you KNOW!... it's also about the camaraderie and sense of community that brings us together. We don’t just have a business meeting to make the changes; we have a Celebration with food and refreshments in a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

We hope you were able to come to our Celebration of Change Pot Luck--- whether as an official member of SisterLynk, or a curious reader of our website, or someone who has a passion for empowering others. That’s what we’re all about---and we hope you found that camaraderie and spirit at this special event, as well.

Please RSVP to info@sisterlynk.net for directions to join us for a wonderful evening!

April 28th, 2011: Kathy Proctor, President Obama's Guest, State of the Union Speech

When Kathy was growing up in Trinity, North Carolina - she never imagined that her dreams would take her all the way to the White House. Kathy, a student at Forsyth Technical Community College, met President Obama during a trip to North Carolina last December. That chance meeting led to a wonderful opportunity.

During the speech, Pres. Obama said, "One mother of two, a woman named Kathy Proctor, had worked in the furniture industry since she was 18 years old. And she told me she's earning her degree in biotechnology now, at 55 years old, not just because the furniture jobs are gone, but because she wants to inspire her children to pursue their dreams, too." "He asked me if I had seen the layoffs coming," She says, "I told him I decided to retrain for a new career because those furniture jobs kept disappearing." It was wonderful to hear Kathy share her story of her own particular journey - an inspiration for both her past and her dreams for the future.

March 17th, 2011: Ann Bonner & Alice Patterson - A Dialogue About Racism

Alice Patterson and Ann Bonner began a dialogue about the influence of racism in and on our lives, in and on their lives. The evening session engaged all of us in examining the issue of racism as it may have influenced our own life and journey. All in attendance enjoyed a wonderful and engaging evening of fellowship in the sharing and listening and learning.

January 20th, 2011: General Business Meeting

Sisterlynk held a general business meeting open to all members, guests and anyone interested in finding out more about our organization. The turnout energized and recommitted our interest in increasing our scholarship fund in 2011. Join us to find out how you may help!

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Past Events: 2010

October 21st: Sisterlynk Members, Special Program

Sisterlynk members shared a special evening of conversation and of course, delicious food and drink! An impromtu agenda due to a last-minute program change - ended up creating an engaging and warm informal get-together! To hear and enjoy how very similar our many paths have been yet discover the unique stories of each...it was a treat for all. Thank you to Alice Patterson for leading this last-minute program which we all truly enjoyed!

September 23rd: Miriam Delaney Heard, Attorney for Legal Aid of NC, Greensboro & Author

While juggling the roles of wife and mother, Miriam Delaney Heard chose to pursue her passion for writing by completing her B.A. in English with a Minor in Creative Writing in 2006 at Salem College in the Continiung Studies program. Earning prizes and impressive scholarships, she went on to receive her J.D. from Elon University School of Law in 2009 as a member of the charter class. Miriam shared her story of how she has made and continues to make an interesting life for herself, her family, her community, and those who seek out her professional guidance as a lawyer at Legal Aid in Greensboro, North Carolina, while also pursuing her love of writing. Our thanks to Miriam for a wonderful evening as our guest and a new member of Sisterlynk!

July 15th: Mid-Summer Social and Business Meeting
A Sisterlynk member generously hosted our mid-summer social with light hors d'oeuvres and beverages at her home. We chatted, sipped and visited while getting in some brainstorming and a short business meeting. We continue to develop our programs, events and scholarship fundraising efforts. We discussed our mission to expand our current programs and increase our scholarship funds - all while enjoying a relaxed and fun-filled evening.

June 17th: Ena Stackhouse - Owner, Enaja Safaris and Tours
Sisterlynk member Ena Stackhouse hosted and presented an engaging story of her life and travels as owner of her own safari tour company. From bungee-jumping to hedgehog-holding, from Kenya to Mt. Kilimanjaro - Ena has led a life most would consider one wonderful adventure after another. Thank you to Ena for sharing her beautiful pictures and exciting experiences and also for providing us with such a lovely evening of great food, drinks and conversation.

May 20th: Ruth Anderson - Writer and Executive Director - The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro
Continuing our series of conversations in 2010, Ruth Anderson offered her own story of transformation from a constricted, stressful place to living authentically from the heart. At the nonprofit leadership school, she leads in how to engage one’s whole, authentic self and offers ways that others can make the same kind of transformational shift she did - no matter a woman’s age or stage.

April 15th: Emily Herring Wilson - Author, Lecturer, Organizer
Sisterlynk members enjoyed an evening of conversation with the award-winning author, Emily Herring Wilson. A MacDowell Colony Fellow and recipient of a North Carolina Award and the Caldwell Award - Emily shared her passion for gardens and writing. In her talk, she spoke about women she has known, books she has written, and ways in which each of us might tell our own stories.

March 18th: Diana Greene - Writer, Photographer, Teacher
Diana Greene shared how living life with a sense of wonder means never waiting for someone to open the door for you. Timidity and fear too often hold women back from living life fully. Diana discussed how she's trained her ear to listen to the inner voice that says, "Go ahead, open the door." She led the group in a short writing exercise - opening the way to encouraging each of us to listen to our own inner voice.

February 18th: Ginger Hendricks, Bookmarks - Executive Director

“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” – Walt Disney

As SisterLynk explores the 2010 theme of "Making One's Life," Ginger Hendricks, the newly appointed Executive Director of BOOKMARKS, began this series of monthly talks. Ginger shared her six-month search for a new job and the work that she has done over the past several years to create a more fulfilling life. She learned that when she identified her passion and what truly made her happy, she began to invent her future – both personally and professionally.

Bookmarks holds an annual book festival (mark your calendars -- Saturday, September 11, 2010!) along with other book events throughout the year in Winston-Salem and in the Triad area. Please visit the website for more information on the festival - www.bookmarksbookfestival.org (not updated with 2010 information yet, but it will be soon!)

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 Past Events: 2009

 

November 19th: Holiday Gathering
We gathered at the home of host Linda Crumpler for our last get-together for the year! This year's holiday gathering was just as popular as last year's - with delicious food, drink, conversation and company. We celebrated a year of inspiring programs and meetings, shared interests and reaching our goals together as SisterLynk.

October 29th: World Villages & Bev Hamel - Community Shopping Event Fundraiser
We were excited to have sponsored a Community Shopping event at the World Villages in Winston-Salem. This truly was a unique night of fundraising for our scholarship fund. SisterLynk member and author, Bev Hamel generously donated $5.00 per book sold during the event. Selling twenty books during the evening increased our educational scholarship by $100! SisterLynk sincerely appreciates the addition to our fundraising efforts. Thank you, Bev!! The evening was a "win-win-win situation" - proving that working together and in support of one another - can bring us all more. These are the goals of Sisterlynk...encouraging the support of the individual, the community and in turn, the world. Thank you to World Villages! Information on 'shopping events' at World Villages can be found on their website (click here!).

October 15th: Working Meeting
SisterLynk hosted a 'working' meeting and prepared a mailout advertising our sponsorship of a 'booksigning and Community Shopping event' at World Villages on October 29th. This unique event was held In support of our focus on raising scholarship funds in our educational scholarship managed by the Winston-Salem Foundation. While we called it a 'working' meeting, we had plenty of fun (and donuts! thank you Cathy!) as we worked on getting the word out about this special event! More information is available on the World Villages website (click here!).

September 17th: Fall Potluck & Social
We gathered together for a wonderful and delicious opportunity to accomplish several goals this month. A new slate
of officers was elected to our board and will begin to serve in their positions in January, 2010. Congratulations to our upcoming Board members : Peggy Jenkins-Yontz, President ; Jennifer Dunn, Vice-President; Ina Owen, Treasurer; Cathy Golding, Secretary.

A special thank you to all current Board members who have volunteered their time and efforts to the establishment and continued growth of SisterLynk. We are each grateful for all of your dedicated service to our special organization!

We enjoyed good food, camaraderie and an energized move towards our goal of increasing funding for our educational
scholarship. Our member and published author, Beverly Hamel, suggested a fundraising event partnering World Villages of Winston-Salem and a booksigning for her new book "Bethania, The Village by the Black Walnut Bottom".

May 2nd: Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure®
On May 2, 2009, our SisterLynk team once again participated in the Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure. This was our second year of 'fun with a mission' and helping a great cause!

The money raised through the Race will fund vital education, screening and treatment programs for underserved women in our own community and support the national search for a cure. Sisterlynk is proud to have been a part of this special event. To all who supported the team, whether by walking, running or donating, we thank you for helping us make a difference.

Go Team SisterLynk!

February 19th: Celebrating Nonprofit Initiatives

Mary Martin Niepold shared her experience in the nonprofit sector through the development and as founder of the Nyanya Project. It was an inspiring and moving story of the power of one woman's dream to make a difference. Please click here to link to this amazing and worthwhile nonprofit agency supporting the grandmothers in Africa who raise their grandchildren orphaned because of AIDS.

January 29th: We held our Open House to kick off the new year!  This was an open invitation for anyone to learn about our organization and some of the exciting events we have planned for 2009.  The well-attended event brought together current members and guests for a mix of wine, food and inspiring conversations about ourselves and how our connections can expand our lives and those of others!  SisterLynk wishes to thank our guests and members alike, for a memorable fun evening! 

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Past Events: 2008

October 16: Part 4 of  BRAINSTORM: We continued to discuss  projects, volunteers, time and funding to take forward as we build community by doing good in the world.

May 26: Mothers' Morning Conversation
Held for the first time, new moms gathered to discuss what matters for them, while the host enjoyed holding the young ones!

May 9: Theatre Night Out
A group saw Dixie Swim Club at the Broach Theatre in Greensboro. Here's what the Broach website said about the drama: "From the creators of Dearly Beloved, this is a new comedy about a championship girls swimming team and the life long friendships they develop. Each year, the girls get together for a beach weekend to laugh, drink, and reminisce. It's a play with wit and heart."

May 3: Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure®
SisterLynk  helped raise funds to support the 2008 Komen NC Triad Race for the Cure®. We helped the Triad North Carolina Affiliate of  Susan G. Komen for the Cure to give back by funding vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs.