Waco Jack and Jill

December Highlights

2017-01-02T11:12:00.005-08:00

New Year Post

2017-01-02T08:13:00.002-08:00

Greetings:

Happy New Year! First, I would like to thank you all for your contributions to the Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill America, Incorporated. Without the participation of Central Texas mothers and children, this chapter would not be possible.

On many levels, 2016 was a successful year for the Waco Chapter. Before leaving her post, President Emeritus Connie Nichols placed the chapter in a great position for success and prosperity.

My vision before beginning my tenure as the Waco Chapter President in May was to build upon the programs in place and to continue to focus on our children. I believe we are doing awesome job focusing on our children. Each meeting offers stimulating activities for attendees that are fun, philanthropic and educational.

Thanks to the participation of our mothers and children, we had many successful events, community service projects and travel experiences in 2016. Together, we made donations to the Salvation Army, Souper Bowl of Caring, Scott & White Hospital, Nurse-Family Partnership and our adopted family. We participated in the Doris Miller Y Trunk or Treat, various early voting initiatives, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the March of Dimes online donor campaign.

We attended the 2016 Children's Cluster in Austin, Mothers Meeting in Palm Desert, teen conference in Beaumont and Area Work Day in Houston. Our children not only participated in these events, but also won various awards! For this success, we are thankful! Our children are learning about STEM-related careers, social responsibility and the importance of giving back to the community. They are building their skills as leaders, speakers and philanthropists.

Most notably, we attended the grand opening of the new Smithsonian African American Museum of Art and Culture as a chapter!

To view chapter highlights of the most recent months, please visit these links:

AUGUST: http://hewitttx.wixsite.com/wacojnj/chapter-updates

OCTOBER: http://hewitttx.wixsite.com/wacojnj/october-update

NOVEMBER: http://hewitttx.wixsite.com/wacojnj/november-update

DECEMBER: http://hewitttx.wixsite.com/wacojnj/copy-of-january-update

Continued blessings and success to our chapter, mothers and families!

Sincerely,

Mia Moody-Ramirez

President

Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated

November 2016 Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill Updates

2016-11-17T13:31:00.001-08:00

October 2016 Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill Updates

2016-11-17T13:27:00.004-08:00

August 2016 Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill Updates

2016-11-17T13:27:00.002-08:00

2014 Jack & Jill Cluster Meeting in San Antonio, Texas

2014-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Central Texas Children's Cluster 2014 (San Antonio Host Chapter)

San Antonio, Austin and Waco Jack & Jill of American, Inc. Chapters

gather in San Antonio for the 2014 Cluster meeting.

Volunteer Hour Tracking Apps

2013-05-07T21:53:00.002-07:00

Tracking volunteer hours is one problem that members of several organizations that I am in have. In order to make the task easier, I suggest the two iPhone apps below. The first one allows individuals and the chapter to track hours and to earn prizes by participating in a national contest. The second one allows users to track hours and email them to a program administrator. I recommend using both apps. I have provided descriptions below:

App 1: Reward Volunteers (http://www.rewardvolunteers.coop/faq.php)

Reward Volunteers is a free, easy way to track the time individuals and organizations spend volunteering in the community — and to earn rewards for contributions.

Individuals and organizations may use the Reward Volunteers iPhone app or Web widget to log volunteer activity and to get friends involved by sharing on Facebook or via email. Users can also take pictures using the iPhone app and share them on Facebook.

Users earn points by sharing their activity on Facebook or via email. The more "likes" and comments posts receive, and the more emails from friends, the more points individuals and organizations earn. The more hours a person logs at the organization of their choice, the more opportunities for them and the organizations they serve to win cash and prizes.

The iPhone and web app, created by Chalo Inc. in partnership with the Cabot Creamery Cooperative, uses Facebook Connect to help volunteers track their hours, share photos and post activity to Facebook (http://mashable.com/2012/03/30/reward-volunteers/).

An example of how the app may be embedded on a website is show here: http://hewitttx.wix.com/wacolinks2#!photo-gallery.

App 2: Volunteerica (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/volunteerica/id532676565?mt=8)

With Volunteerica, volunteers record their hours worked, what they did, and any donations collected. When they're done, they may email the report to their coordinator as a spreadsheet.

This simple app makes it easier for volunteers to track and submit their data, which increases participation and accuracy. The data is delivered to the coordinator in a standard, .csv format, which is easily read by any spreadsheet program.

(Note: users can only record service time in hour increments, so they will need to round up or down).

2013 Jack & Jill Cotillion Ball

2013-03-29T16:37:00.001-07:00

The Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill will sponsor its annual Cotillion Ball on April 13, 2013. The much-anticipated event offers participants eight months of classes and various workshops.

Dr. Terri Woods-Campbell, program chair, said participants also take ballroom dance lessons to prepare for the event, which culminates in a formal dance.

"We are very pleased with the skills they are acquiring," Woods-Campbell said. "Participation includes several practice/classes in which the participants learned many skills from how eat at a dinner setting to learning how to Waltz."

The purpose of the Cotillion is to promote high self-esteem & standards, strong morals & values, community service, refined social skills, respect, and friendship among young people in their junior and senior year of high school. It is also a chapter fundraiser.

"We hope our program will create opportunities for participants to learn and practice leadership skills, improve their character, give back to the community and work on becoming better citizens," President Shelia Brown said. "This is something they are not developing elsewhere."

Cotillion participants and parents are overwhelmingly pleased with the number and quality of activities undertaken.

This is a wonderful experience leading up to a night of wonderment and beauty as the chapter introduces these eager young men and women to the community. The event will be held in April.

It is the culminating experience for many young Jack and Jill participants, something they will remember for the rest of their lives.

2013 Teen Summit

2013-01-23T07:04:00.000-08:00

Jack & Jill of America, Waco Chapter

2013 Teen Summit

Are you a teen-ager getting ready to graduate from high school? Do you have questions about scholarships and the application process?

If you answered yes to these questions, join us for an informative and interactive college-readiness conference on Feb. 23, 2013.

The event will offer the following:

ü Networking and team-building activities

ü Panel and small group discussions

ü Scholarships and admissions information

ü Tips on how to transition from high school to college

ü High school and college student speakers

ü Various schools/institutions represented

Online registration: http://hewitttx.wix.com/wacojnj#!summit

FB event: http://www.facebook.com/events/551405198204816/

To ask questions or for more information, e-mail us at: jnjwaco1955@gmail.com

FREE FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Waco Chapter History

2013-01-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Waco Chapter History

It was in the Fall of 1955 that a group of sixteen interested mothers saw the need for the Waco Community to be enhanced by an organization which helped to unify the Black family and promote cultural, civic, religious and educational activities for Black youth. In the fall of 1956, one year later, the Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated had its birth. The chapter’s first president was Mrs. Jewel Graham. Our illustrious charter members are:

Mrs. Eula Arnic (Henry)

Mrs. Vera Dever

Mrs. Flourine Green

Mrs. Jewel Graham

Mrs. Dolores Harris

Mrs. Nanette Hutchison

Mrs. Theresa Jackson

Mrs. Virgil Lane

Mrs. Bettie Peoples

Mrs. Dorothy Radford

Mrs. Theresa Ritcherson

Mrs. Lillie Tann

Mrs. Gloria Warren

Mrs. Loyce Wilkins

Mrs. Margaret Wilson

Mrs. Odessa Wilson

The Waco chapter hosted a Mothers’ and Teen Conference in June 1961, a Teen conference in June of 1972, a Mothers’ conference in July 1979 and a Teen conference in June 1986. The Waco chapter has also hosted several Area Retreats in the past.

Members in the Waco chapter to hold regional offices were Mrs. Gloria Gerald-Warren, Secretary-Treasurer 1961-1964 and Mrs. Ethel Hamilton-King, Secretary-Treasurer 1977-1979. Mrs. Ethel King also served as Regional Parliamentarian and Nominating Committee Chair and Regional Associates Chair 1991-1995. Mrs. Ethel King served as National Nominating Committee Chair in 1976.

Waco Chapter teens to hold regional offices were: Ms. Delores Warren-Walker, Ms. Sheryl Warren, Ms. Debra Harris Vice-President, Edwin D. King, 1978-1979 Teen President, Mrs. Rhonda King-Harmon, 1980-1981 Teen President, Johnny Neal, 1988-1989 Teen President and Odell Woodson, Jr. 2009 Regional Time Keeper.

The Chapter currently, after a revamping process, presents Debutantes and Beaux annually at a Cotillion Ball. The participants over the course of 8 months participate in a leadership conference, etiquette training courses, ball room dancing lessons and must complete at least 20 hours of community service. The last 2 years have produced a total of 11 participants in our Cotillion process. They have all matriculated into college and are thriving!

The Waco chapter’s local projects include:

Feast of Sharing, Doris Miller YMCA, Caritas, Jack & Jill of America Foundation, TSTC Women’s Resource Center, Children’s Cluster (Host– April 2009), Hillcrest Hospital (Valentine’s Day Cards for those hospitalized), Woodland Springs Nursing Home (Sunshine Flower Project and Christmas Ornaments), Carver Park Baptist Church (Feed My Flock Meals for the Homeless), Tolliver Baptist Church (Thanksgiving Baskets), J.H. Hines Elementary School Family Day, American Heart Association (Jump Rope for Heart and Jazzing for a Healthy Heart), Boys and Girls Club.

The Waco Chapter has come a long way since 1956. We have had our ups and downs but we are like the Phoenix that rises from the ashes!

One of our two active associate members, Gloria Farrow, was honored in 2010 at Area Work Day in the Woodlands for 25 years of service to Jack and Jill of America.

Mrs. Farrow has served as Teen Sponsor for the Austin Chapter before moving her membership to Waco. Her hard work and dedication has lead to success for both the Austin and Waco chapters. Mrs. Farrow took a short leave of absence but recently has become active again as an associate with Waco’s current members to give us guidance and leadership as we work to rebuild our chapter. We are grateful to Mrs. Farrow for her wonderful work and we thoroughly enjoy working with her as an associate member.

Our second associate member has just completed her tenure as an active mom. Debra McDavid, who will participate this year as an associate, is excited to transition into her new role with our chapter!

Another “Historical” member of the Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America was Ethel D. Hamilton King (1934-2006). Mrs. King became a member of the Waco Chapter in 1961. She was a cornerstone with the Waco Chapter and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held a special place in her heart. Ethel served as a National Nominating Committee Chairperson, Regional Secretary-Treasurer (1977-1979), Regional Parliamentarian, Regional Associate Chairperson (1991-1995), and served in each office of the local Waco Chapter. She was the first Chairperson of both the Waco Debutante and Beautillion Society Balls in 1964 and 1975 respectively. She was a life member of Jack and Jill of America and served as Lead Teen Sponsor until her transition in 2006. Ethel is the only member of the national organization with consecutive membership for 45 years! The national organization named her “The Diva” of the South Central Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She was honored with numerous awards and certificates during her lifetime by Jack and Jill of America as well as various organizations with whom she was associated.

We are proud to have both Mrs. Farrow and Mrs. King as part of our Waco Chapter history and we celebrate their achievements with our diligence and hard work as a chapter!

Most recently the Waco Chapter has looked to expand our community service efforts to include Breast cancer awareness support and financially supporting an East Waco Little League baseball team. We are ever reaching in our endeavors to honor our past and celebrate our future as our children grow!

Teen's Tailgate for a Cause

2012-11-21T07:23:00.002-08:00

In recognition of breast cancer awareness month, the Teens in the Waco Chapter sponsored Tailgate with a Cause in October. The group of nine teen-agers tailgated in the ESPN Tailgate Zone during the Oct. 13 Baylor game. They provided delicious food, fun and fellowship for participants and accepted donations from other tailgaters. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society.

Jack & Jill at the Bronze Eagle Fly-In

2012-10-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

More pics http://www.flickr.com/photos/miamoody/with/8107133536/#photo_8107133536

The Bronze Eagles Flying Club of Texas held the second-annual Waco Fly-In Saturday, Oct. 22, 2012, at Texas State Technical College.

Inspired by World War II fighter pilots—The Tuskegee Airmen—the organization gives youth an opportunity to explore the world of aviation.

Coordinated through the efforts of the Bronze Eagles Flying Club, Greater Waco Aviation Alliance, TSTC, The Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc., and various other volunteers, the event offers students across McLennan County exposure to the aviation and aerospace career opportunities available from local employers and beyond.

In addition to the presence of local companies and career paths, more than 20 pilots will provide airplane rides to youth via private aircrafts further add to their aviation experience.

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 Connecting Link Jesse 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.

The inaugural Waco Youth Fly-in, held last Oct. 22 at the Texas State Technical College Airport, was a resounding success.

"This is a great program for the community," said Demetra Kennedy, Waco Chapter of The Links Fly-In chair, who estimates that more than 205 children attended last year. "People have asked us to repeat the Fly-in."

In addition to Fly-ins, the group participates in flying competitions, including the BPA’s annual Operation Skyhook competition in Pine Bluff, Ark.

Jack & Jill 2011 Rededication Ceremony

2012-03-05T15:52:00.001-08:00

Jack & Jill 2012 Rededication Ceremony

Dedicating means setting apart for a particular purpose. Organizations such Jack & Jill include rededication services each year to show dedication to the organization's principles and purposes.

A rededication ceremony is a time when members renew their commitment to the organization, according to its guidelines. Ceremonies require some planning and a few materials including candles to create a reverent atmosphere with dimmed lights and a spotlight on the individuals taking vows of rededication.

Participants dress in white attire and recite an oath of dedication before receiving a token of the rededication such as a sash, pin, plaque or flower. The ceremony may be held at a member's home, at a park or anywhere the membership chooses.

These are photos of our 2011 rededication ceremony held at a member's home.

Letter from Jack and Jill President

2012-02-22T13:50:00.000-08:00

Mothers of the Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill,

I look forward to serving as your President for the next two years. I am thankful for the mother’s vision and commitment to enriching our children’s lives and giving to our community.

Shortly after his inauguration, President Obama issued a call to service urging Americans to serve their communities and country in whatever way possible. As a chapter we will make a difference in our community.

Over the next two years our chapter will be guided by the National programming theme, “Achieving Excellence, Inspiring Greatness, Motivating our youth to Lead and Serve! (AIM). “ As a chapter we will AIM for Timeless Services, Aim for Healthier lifestyles, AIM for youth leadership development and AIM for youth financial awareness.

Mothers it is imperative that we prepare our youth for challenges that they will face in the future by instilling valuable attributes that will sustain our children on their journey.

In a society in which social fabric is visibly deteriorating; when lax moral consciousness is a norm rather than a deviation; our mothers are preparing to create a community that will spotlight the positive attributes from our past, the present and the future. As we continue to rebuild our chapter we have planned age appropriate activities that will incorporate our programming theme as well as continue to increase presence in our community.

“Above all we must realize that each of us makes a difference with our life. Each of us impacts the world around us every single day. We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place or not be bother.” --- Jane Goodall

There is work to be done and Waco Chapter Jack and Jill mothers we need each of you to make this program year a success. Let have a productive year!

Sincerely,

Shelia Brown, Waco Chapter President

Waco Jack & Jill Jazzing for a Healthy Heart, A Roaring Success

2012-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

Dancing is a healthy way to lose inches.

Healthy snacks, dancing and music by Smooth Jazz Generation were highlights of Jack & Jill's second-annual Jazzing for a Healthy Heart on February 18 at the Clifton House in Waco, Texas.

Held each February, the fund-raiser encourages attendees to exercise and to eat healthy portions. Auction items included jewelry, party packages and paintings donated by Jack & Jill members and their friends. Proceeds from a silent auction are donated to the American Heart Association, which uses all revenues from local and national Go Red for Women activities to support awareness, research, and education to benefit women.

Chair Connie Powell said these funds help women by offering educational programs, advancing women’s understanding about their risk for heart disease and providing tools and motivation to help reduce it .

"We can take care of our hearts by being physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet and being educated about heart disease and its risk factors," Powell said.

Making simple changes can make a difference, Powell added. For example, dancing is a fun way to stay in shape. In addition, people can continue to eat their favorite foods but in smaller portions.

President Shelia Brown adds that Jazzing for a Healthy Heart is a fun way to help people learn about taking care of themselves.

"This is Waco Jack and Jill's way to help the community," Brown said. "We make sure it is classy, fun and educational!"

Program Chair Terri Woods-Campbell adds that Jack and Jill members are excited that the event continues to grow in popularity. She notes that it had an increase in attendees this year.

"We look forward to many good years to come," she said. "Way to go Waco Chapter."

Pixs on the Waco Trib.com

http://www.wacotrib.com/photos/Jazzing-for-Healthy-Heart-Feb-.html

Jazzing for a Healthy Heart 2012

2012-02-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Waco Chapter Presents:

Jazzing for a Healthy Heart 2012

Did you know...

That heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year, claiming over 433,000 American Women each year?

Did you know...

That we can make a difference?

The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® works every day to fund research and fight this killer so that more women can be saved. But they need our help. Please join the Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to raise awareness about heart disease among women and the funds to ensure the research that could save a woman’s life never has to be denied.

The American Heart Association uses all revenues from local and national Go Red For Women activities, like National Wear Red Day, to support awareness, research, education and community programs to benefit women. These funds help women by offering educational programs, advancing women’s understanding about their risk for heart disease and providing tools and motivation to help women reduce their risk to protect their health.

It is their mission and belief that together we can make a difference. This February 18 we can join their mission, raise funds and rally support to fight this silent killer.

The Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. can Make It Our Mission to fight heart disease among women:

· Attend the Jazzing For a Healthy Heart Event and wear red accessories on February 18, 2012, from 6pm-9pm at the Clifton House, located at 2600 Austin Avenue

· Help raise funds through participation in the Silent Auction for lifesaving educational programs and the development of new treatments to fight heart disease

· Make our community aware of heart disease, its impact on women and how we can fight back

· Love our hearts by being physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet and being educated about heart disease and its risk factors

On February 18, 2012, let’s Make It Our Mission to save lives.

Together we can make a difference.

Tickets for the event are $20.

2012 Children's Cluster

2012-02-11T11:49:00.001-08:00

Children's Cluster 2012

Aiming For Future Leaders

Waco Chapter Hosts the Austin Area

Saturday March 31, 2012

Registration will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 am

Conference begins promptly at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

First Baptist Church Woodway

101 Ritchie Road Woodway, TX 76712

We are looking forward to an exciting Austin Area Children’s Cluster this year! Registration begins February 15 at noon and ends on March 22 at midnight. Please note that late registration fee of $10 will be assessed after the March 15 early bird deadline!

We have made registration easy! Each mother can register and pay online. However, there is a $5 convenience charge. Mothers may also choose to register online and pay by check. The Cluster chair of each chapter will be responsible for sending one (1) chapter check for all registrants in their chapter who elect to pay by check. In addition, the Cluster chair should mail all participants’ liability forms and a printed e-mail confirmation from the registration site. The Cluster Chapter check payment deadline is March 15, 2012.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5hkc92s09321490&llr=qg5jb7iab

Lastly, our community service project is collecting books authored or illustrated by or about African Americans for donation to a local elementary school. We would like for each registrant to purchase and bring at least one book. Of course, participants may bring more.

Thank you in advance for your attention and speedy response. We look forward to seeing you on March 31, 2012!. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail the Jack & Jill chapter at wacojnj1955@gmail.com or call me at (312) 933-8062.

Yours in Jack and Jill of America, Inc and In the Spirit of Excellence:

Connie Davis Powell, Chair

2012 Jack and Jill National & Regional Important Dates

2012-01-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

2012 Jack and Jill National & Regional important deadlines to keep in mind:

January 15th Deadline Submisions for Up the Hill

January 31st Legacy Applications due to National HQ

February 15th SCOPE submissions due

March 31st Cluster Meeting

May 15th Foundation Contributions

May 31st Member Dues Deadline

July 25th – 29th 75th Anniversary National Convention - Philadelphia, PA

Jack & Jill Children's Cluster 2012

2012-01-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

The Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill is gearing up for an area Children’s Cluster meeting on March 31, 2012. The event is for member youth between the ages of 6 to 12. Attendees will include children from Waco, Austin and San Antonio.

Established in 1938, Jack & Jill of America, Inc. is a not-for-profit family organization that seeks to provide cultural, social, civic and recreational activities that stimulate and expand the mind to enhance life of African American children within the community.

The Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., has served the Waco Community since its establishment in 1956, by providing opportunities for children to participate in civic, cultural, educational and religious activities. The goals of the Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill are:

to create a medium of contact for children, which will stimulate their growth and development;
to provide constructive educational, cultural, civic, recreational, social and service programs for children;
to aid mothers in learning more about their children and childcare through educational conferences and workshops; and
to seek for ALL children the same advantages we desire for our own.

Club members are reaching out to businesses within the community to support this event. If you would like to donate goods or services, please feel free to contact Cluster Chair, Connie Powell, at 312-933-8062. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Jack and Jill Christmas Project

2011-12-21T05:26:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Christmas,Youth sponsor, Tasha Curry, sponsored a Christmas craft party at her home Saturday. Participants decorated Christmas ornaments and filled stockings with small gifts such as toiletries, ornaments, and cookies.

Jack and Jillers will pass them out to residents of the Woodland Nursing home.

"We want to introduce them to the importance of community service," Curry said.

The party host served chili dogs, drinks, Christmas cookies and an assortment of other goodies. Attendees believe the work session was a success.

"The ornaments turned out beautiful," said Vice President, Connie Powell, who helped chaperone the party. "I was pleased with the time and great detail they put into painting them."

Jack and Jill attendees had a wonderful time.

"I can't wait until our next event," said Timothy Hall-Ramirez. "I had a great time!"

Letter from Jack and Jill Program Manager

2011-11-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

I would first like to thank you all for your continued support in my tenure as your Program

Director! In the words of Carole Borden, former National Program Director,

“programming is at the Heart of what we do” in Jack and Jill. It is my hope to perpetuate

this sentiment as we move forward with this program year. We have a busy and exciting

year ahead of us.

As we embark upon the multitude of activities planned I hope each of you

does so with a spirit of cooperation. This program year proves to be one of our busiest yet!

We have many events scheduled to support the national theme and programming thrusts, to

include the Bronze Eagle fly-in, “Take your kids to vote” voting education, sitting in on a

City council meeting, MLK national day of service, regional host for Children’s Cluster,

our second annual Cotillion Ball, the “Let’s Move” healthy living initiative and many more!

Our chapter has struggled in the past but together we have overcome our history to emerge

as a stronger and more united chapter in support of our children and our community!

Going forward, I charge each of you to “Aim for Timeless Service” as our chapter follows in

step with our region to bring Jack and Jill of America into a new age!

Sincerely,

Terri Woods-Campbell

Program Director and Cotillion Chairperson

Greetings Mothers of the Wonderful Waco Chapter!

Note from Tasha Curry: Youth Leader

2011-11-18T18:29:00.001-08:00

As the holiday season approaches, I’m looking forward to all the festive activities that come along with it. Like last year, we will visit Homestead Heritage for their craft fair during Thanksgiving weekend. The kids enjoyed seeing how you can still make soap and a jump rope at home without buying it at Wal-Mart! It was an enjoyable atmosphere and we had 100% participation from the 2 to 12 year old age group.

Also, in December, we will come together and celebrate the official start of the Christmas season by attending the Downtown Waco Christmas Parade and tree lighting. Nothing says holiday spirit like braving frigid temperatures with friends while sipping on hot coco wondering when the parade will end!

In addition, another fun activity is the Christmas Craft Workshop sponsored by The Links, Inc., where last year, the kids made gingerbread houses, decorated ornaments and took pictures with Santa. I know it’s going to be just as fun this year.

Finally, lest we forget that the holiday season may not be joyous for everyone, we will decorate bibs, ornaments, and collect small gifts for the residents at the Woodland Nursing Home to show our support and concern for them during time. I will send out additional information as these dates approach.

Thank you for your support and I look forward to a great end of year activity season.

Jack and Jill Participates in Art Center's Pumpkin Event

2011-11-01T23:09:00.000-07:00

The Waco Chapter of Jack and Jill shared in the festivities of this year's Pumpkin Event sponsored by the
Art Center on Oct. 30. The event included 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 Jack and Jill mothers have a great time, but their children 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 group also passed out bags filled with goodies such as candy, pencils, erasers, ghosts and goblins.

"This was a great way to reach out to the community," said Terri Woods-Campbell, who coordinated the event along with Josette Ayres.

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.

Fly Guy pumpkin

2011-11-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Timmy and Bill won first place in Spring Valley's sibling's category for their pumpkin, Fly Guy. Bill came up with the idea and Augie and I helped him execute it. We used green floral styrofoam balls painted white to create his huge, bulging eyes. Foil covered cardboard served as his wings. As a finishing touch, Augie painted the pumpkin tan and attached a foam nose.

Fly Guy turned out pretty cute. Timmy and Bill were happy when people actually recognized him.

The Fly Guy series contains some of his favorite books. It details a friendship that transpired after a boy and fly meet and form a beautiful friendship. Using puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun.

Jack and Jill Participates in Waco's First Bronze Eagle Fly-in

2011-10-21T14:27:00.000-07:00

Caden Powell, Timothy and Bill Hall-Ramirez

Jack and Jill participated in Waco’s first Bronze Eagle Fly-in with hundreds of participants from all walks of life.

Co-sponsored by the Waco Chapter of The Links, Inc. and the Bronze Eagles, the event targeted African Americans, Hispanics, girls and members of other groups that are underrepresented in STEM-related occupations.

Demetra Kennedy, 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 pilots, an astronaut, experience flying in a plane, and to learn about Black pioneers in aviation. Participants also operated flight simulators and experienced the world of air traffic control.

Jack and Jill members, Timothy and William Hall-Ramirez, were featured on KWTX's 10 p.m. newscast. KWTX Video

“It was awesome,” said Timothy. “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 Jesse Hayes, whose children are in Jack and Jill.

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 Vice President Connie Powell said the Fly-in was successful on all accounts.

“I hope they sponsor it every year,” she added.

Movie created by Timothy Hall-Ramirez

Timothy and William