40th Anniversary Program (17)

The Essex County (NJ) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated

C o n gr at u l at io n s !

E s s ex C o u n t y ( N J ) C h a p t e r, The Links, Incor pora ted On the 40th commemora tion of your organiza tion.

Our community apprecia tes your ser vice and dedication!

C o n n e c t i n g L i n k D a v i d R . Jo n e s CastleOak Securities C o - Fo u n d e r, P r e s i d e n t a n d C E O

L i n k S i s t e r s o f E s s ex C o u n t y ( N J ) C h a p t e r The Links, Incor pora ted May we continue to honor and fulfill the vision of o u r Fo u n d e r s w i t h p a s s i o n , ex c e l l e n c e a n d u n i t y.

To g e t h e r, l e t u s b u i l d u p o n t h i s r e m a r k a b l e l e g a c y o f 4 0 ye a r s , a n d i n s p i r e g e n e r a t i o n s t o c o m e.

With appreciation, Ta m m ye T i l l m a n Jo n e s Chapter President

Program Opening Processional Introducing The Essex County (NJ) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated Welcome Wren Mosee Lester and Yolanda Chestnut Ruffin 40th Anniversary Co-Chairs Invocation Jannie Butler 40th Anniversary Reflections Tammye Tillman Jones Chapter President Greetings Lisa Loury Lomas Eastern Area Director Remarks Ethel Issacs Williams National President, The Links, Incorporated Special Recognition Wren Mosee Lester Shariah Harris, Polo Player

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Program Tribute to Chapter Charter Members: Deborah Enix-Ross Chapter Vice President - Organizers Susan Rhue Jenkins, Karen Marie Calloway, Vivian Dunn Brown - Charter Members Ethelyn Bowers, Constance McAllister, Cynthia Cuffie, Patricia Clark, Joan Rhue Randall Our Programs & 40th Anniversary Video Julie Jackson Program Chair Fundraising & Keynote Introduction Cheryl B. Walker-Robertson Protocol Chair Keynote Address Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad Closing Remarks Wren Mosee Lester and Yolanda Chestnut Ruffin 40th Anniversary Co-Chairs

Dinner Served Dancing & Celebration

Menu Brooklake Salad

Baby arugula romaine hearts, white frisée, candied walnuts, crispy carrots, crostini toast, pomegranate dressing Warm French rolls and extra virgin olive oil

Choice of Entree

Petit filet mignon, sauce bordelaise Soy glazed crispy black sea bass, julienne vegetables Chicken Wellington – chicken breast, duxelles of wild mushrooms, puff pastry, truffle mushroom sauce Eggplant rollatini with marinara Entrees are accompanied by souffle potato cake, parmesan cheese, fresh asparagus and fresh carrots

Dessert Platter

Mini New York style cheesecake Mini warm apple tart White chocolate dipped strawberries Cheese, pita bread Assorted cake pops: red velvet, chocolate, vanilla 2 mini chocolate chip cookies with glasses of milk

Coffee, regular and decaf

The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

40th Anniversary Celebration Message from the President

April 19, 2026 Greetings Sister Links and Guests: As National President of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated, it is my honor to extend greetings on behalf of more than 17,500 members across 303 chapters to the Essex County (NJ) Chapter on your 40th Chapter Anniversary – A Polo & Pastels Affair. A heartfelt Congratulations! to the chapter officers, members, family, and friends as you celebrate this milestone year.

The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, chartered on April 26, 1986, was established under the leadership of organizers Susan Rhue Jenkins, Karen Marie Calloway, and Vivian Dunn Brown. Over the past four decades, the chapter has established a distinguished legacy of impactful service. This chapter has also provided distinguished leadership to our organization through its members including Immediate Past National Treasurer, Ethelyn Bowers, whom I’ve had the pleasure to serve alongside.

The chapter’s award-winning programs aligned with the organization’s five facets, earning honors such as the Hardiman-Johnson Award and national recognition for initiatives like “Roadmap to College.” Its community-focused work includes youth development through its signature Cotillion program; participation in national and local health and wellness events such as The Links Black Family Wellness Expo and Little Chefs; civic engagement through Operation Big Vote; and strong partnerships with local schools and cultural institutions. Since its chartering, the chapter’s influence has extended globally including building a school in South Africa, longstanding support of St. Mary’s Preparatory & Kindergarten School in Jamaica, and providing critical disaster relief where needed, thus demonstrating a commitment to both local impact and global responsibility.

As you commemorate this special occasion, I commend and salute Chapter President Tammye Tillman Jones for her outstanding leadership, and a special Thank You to the 40th Anniversary Chairs and Committee who made this day meaningful and memorable. Thank you also to the sponsors, supporters and community partners whose investments have fueled the work. Finally, to each Chapter Officer and Member, Thank You for your enduring commitment to uplift communities and advance the mission of The Links, Incorporated with distinction and grace.

On behalf of the entire membership of The Links, Incorporated, I applaud the extraordinary accomplishments you have made together. May you continue to embody - Friends Transforming Communities through Service.

With admiration and gratitude,

Ethel Isaacs Williams, J.D. National President

April 19, 2026

Dear Members of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter, It is with great joy and admiration that I extend heartfelt congratulations as you celebrate forty years of friendship, service, and transformational impact. The Essex County (NJ) Chapter has built a legacy distinguished by elegance, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to enriching lives both near and far.

Today’s Polo & Pastels celebration is more than an afternoon of beauty and refinement; it is a reflection of the grace with which you have served your community for four decades. From nurturing outstanding young women through the beloved Emerald and Ivory Debutante Cotillion to championing the arts across New Jersey’s cultural landscape, your work continues to affirm the power of purpose in motion.

Your partnerships that expand opportunity, whether in Newark classrooms, at the Tender Talents Magnet School in Uganda, or through the creation of a school and garden initiative in South Africa, speak to the Chapter’s extraordinary vision. This spirit of global citizenship and generosity defines who you are and inspires us all to reach higher in our collective mission.

As you mark this remarkable milestone, may you celebrate not only the years behind you, but the bright horizon ahead. May the bonds of friendship remain steadfast, the call to service ever strong, and the light of your legacy continue to shine for generations to come.

In Friendship and Service,

Lisa Loury Lomas, PhD Eastern Area Director The Links, Incorporated

The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

40th Anniversary Celebration Message from the Chairs

Wren Mosee Lester

Yolanda Chestnut Ruffin

On behalf of The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated it is our distinct honor and privilege to serve as Co-Chairs for our 40th Anniversary Celebration. This milestone marks four decades of unwavering friendship, dedicated service, and commitment to the communities in Union, Hudson, and Essex Counties in New Jersey. We are delighted to commemorate this occasion with a special event: Polo & Pastels: An Afternoon Gala. We appreciate the partnerships and sponsorships that have strengthened our mission and broadened our impact. Together, we have made Essex County and beyond stronger and more vibrant. We celebrate 40 years of excellence and positive impact through our community service programs in The Arts, Services to Youth, Health and Human Services, and National and International Trends.

We are deeply honored to lead this celebration and are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of our Chapter Organizers Susan Rhue Jenkins, Karen Calloway and Vivian Dunn Brown, our Charter members, ECCL members, sponsors, and community partners. Your generosity and commitment have been instrumental in helping us enrich the lives of those we serve through our impactful community programs and initiatives.

As we commemorate this significant event, we acknowledge the valuable relationships established and the accomplishments attained. We are thrilled you have joined us for this special event and to help us continue our legacy of service. Your presence and support will make a significant difference in our ability to positively impact the community now and in the future.

Thank you for walking this journey with us over the last 40 years. We look forward to our continued partnership and to celebrating with you.

Warmest regards,

Wren Lester

Yolanda Ruffin

Event Chairs, Polo & Pastels: An Afternoon Gala The Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

April, 2026 Dear Members of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links Incorporated: Warmest congratulations are extended to you as you celebrate 40 years of outstanding service, meaningful impact, and four decades of excellence in your community. This remarkable milestone stands as a testament to the vision, dedication, and collective commitment of the women who have carried forward the mission and ideals of our beloved organization through the years.

Across four decades, your chapter has distinguished itself through purposeful programs, compassionate outreach, and steadfast leadership. Your efforts reflect the very best of our organization’s enduring legacy.

I am proud to be a member of our beloved organization and therefore share in the pride of your accomplishments. Your chapter’s work contributes to the broader strength and reputation of our sisterhood and its enduring commitment to meaningful service.

This celebration is also personally meaningful to me, as my daughter, Dr. Wartyna L. Davis, is a member of your distinguished chapter. Knowing that she serves alongside such accomplished and dedicated women brings me great pride and confidence that the chapter’s legacy of excellence will continue well into the future.

As you commemorate this significant anniversary, may you also celebrate the countless lives touched, the communities strengthened, and the powerful example of service you have set for those who will follow.

Please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued success, growth, and impact in the years ahead.

With warm regards and admiration, Dr. Tyna D. Davis, PRP

National Parliamentarian of The Links, Incorporated

Rev. 05/2025

Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: Special Recognition: Charter Members

Karen Marie Calloway

Susan Rhue Jenkins

Ethelyn S. Bowers

Patricia Clark

Cynthia Cuffie

Constance McAllister

Joan Rhue Randall

NEW JERSEY SENATE NEW JERSEY STATE SENATOR BENJIE E. WIMBERLY SENATOR35THDISTRICT , PART OF BERGEN AND PASSAIC COUNTIES

301 MAIN STREET – STE. 360

PATERSON,NJ 07505 (973) 925-7061 FAX (973)925-7067 senwimberly@njleg.org

January 29, 2026 Dear Members of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, On behalf of the New Jersey 35th Legislative District, it is my distinct honor to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Essex County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, as you celebrate your 40th Anniversary, a remarkable milestone defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community uplift.

For four decades, your chapter has exemplified the very best of civic engagement. Through your dedication to expanding access to education, advancing health equity, and assisting those in need, you have demonstrated one of the most powerful and distinguished expressions of citizenship. Your work has not only transformed individual lives, but has also strengthened families, neighborhoods, and the broader fabric of our communities.

Your upcoming celebration, Polo & Pastels: An Afternoon Gala, reflects the elegance, purpose, and impact that define your organization. More importantly, your ambitious goal to raise over $40,000 in support of educational advancement, health equity, and global outreach in underserved communities speaks volumes about your continued dedication to meaningful change.

As you mark this 40-year legacy of excellence, please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed. I am deeply humbled by your service and grateful for the enduring partnership you represent between civic leadership and community empowerment.

May this anniversary celebration be both a reflection of all you have accomplished and an inspiration for the impactful work still to come. I extend my best wishes for a successful and memorable event, and for many more years of transformative service.

With profound respect and appreciation, Benjie E. Wimberly Senator

The Links Incorporated, Essex County (NJ) Chapter P. O. Box 3001 16 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052 Dear Members of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: On behalf of the entire City of Orange Township, I am pleased to join in the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. In 1986, as the country mourned civil rights icon Ella Baker and officially recognized MLK Day, the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links was founded locally to pursue facets of service designed to improve the quality of life and expand opportunities in our communities. The Polo & Pastels: An Afternoon Gala event is the perfect setting to showcase the important work of this organization. In doing so, we welcome the gathering of the Eastern Region’s most philanthropic leaders and decision-makers.

On the road to achieving your fundraising goal, we support your effort with our time, talent and resources. The programmatic thrusts involving educational advancement, health equity, and global outreach in underserved communities are the most critical issues of our time. As a mayor in urban New Jersey, I encourage all local leaders to stand with all Links members and prioritize the advancement of these life-changing programs.

Finally, in the true fashion of a Connecting Link, I will be fully supporting this event appropriately appointed in my seersucker attire with a pastel hue.

April 18, 2026 Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Dear Friends, On behalf of New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District, I am delighted to congratulate the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (ECCL) on four successful decades of service. Since the chapter’s founding in 1986, this organization empowers Essex County’s residents through various activities and programming. On the momentous occasion of its 40th anniversary celebration, I thank the Essex County Chapter of The Links, Inc. for notable contributions to our community and beyond.

The “Polos & Pastels” 40th Anniversary Celebration honors ECCL’s decades of service, the chapter’s community partners, and highlights the chapter’s expansive impact. Through community-centered service within facets of The Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services, ECCL provides invaluable opportunities to Essex County families and residents, epitomizing what it means to truly uplift our neighbors.

As your congresswoman for the 10th Congressional District of New Jersey, I am proud to extend my congratulations to the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated on its 40th anniversary. I look forward to supporting this organization in all of its future endeavors.

Sincerely,

LaMonica McIver MemberofCongress

Shariah Harris Shariah Harris , 28, is a graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. During her 4 years at Cornell, she played for the Women’s Varsity Polo Team. Capping off her career there, Shariah was named the Intercollegiate Player of the Year in 2020.

Shariah made history in 2017, becoming the first African American women to play in the highest level of polo in the US. Additionally in 2024, being the first African American women to play in the US Women’s Open Shariah continues to play polo at a competitive level while also juggling her career as a nurse in the operating room.

Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad Khalil Gibran Muhammad is the inaugural Professor of African American Studies and Public Affairs at Princeton University, where he directs the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project. He is the former Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and previously served as a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School.

An award-winning historian, Khalil’s work explores the intersections of race, inequality, and democracy in American history. He is the author of The Condemnation of Blackness and has contributed to major platforms including The New York Times, The New Yorker, NPR, and PBS. He serves as Board Chair of the Vera Institute of Justice and sits on several prominent boards, including The Museum of Modern Art and The Nation. He earned his B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. in U.S. History from Rutgers University, and holds honorary doctorates from The New School and Bloomfield College.

Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: Members

Tammye Tillman Jones President

Deborah Enix-Ross Vice President

Linda Gadsby Recording Secretary

Tatia Mays-Russell Co-Recording Secretary

Wren Mosee Lester Corresponding Secretary

Mary (Mikki) Murphy Treasurer

Frances Ferguson Financial Secretary

Recia Ann Howard Smith Parliamentarian

Mercedes Rivero STY Co-Chair

Robin Lewis The Arts Co-Chair

Leidene King The Arts Co-Chair

Julie Jackson Program Chair & STY Co-Chair

Linda Wise NTS Co-Chair

Joyce Wade NTS Co-Chair

Karen Cotton Chaplin ITS Co-Chair

Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: Members

Wartyna Davis ITS Co-Chair

Sherrie Pietranico-Cole HHS Co-Chair

Jannie Butler HHS Co-Chair

Yolanda Chestnut Ruffin Wellness, Body & Spirit Chair

Harriet Raghnal NaSheena Porter Poznansky Cheryl Walker-Robertson Protocol Chair Cotillion Chair HBCU Initiative Chair

Jehada Alexander Technology Chair

Pamela Brodie

Monica Elmore

Diane Barreiro Bundy

Hazel Estwick-Hurley

Felicia Bourke Archivist

Candi Carter

Cathy Garrison

Essex County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated: Members

Courtney Harris Lee

Constance McAllister

Erica Brown Oliver

Michele Ralph-Rawls

Rita Sallis

Brenda Scottland

Ali Ryan Scott

Karen Heath-Wade

Karma Brown Warren

Samantha Newman Webster

Alumnae

Charter

Patricia Browne Clark Sophia Coleman Beverly Cotton Cynthia Cuffie Lucille F. Farrell-Scott Joyce Wilson Harley Barbara H. Jones Bobbie Jean Polk Joanne Sanders Trudi Smith Whittle

Ethelyn Bowers Karen Calloway* Patricia Brown Clark Cynthia Cuffie Susan Rhue Jenkins* Constance McAllister Joan Rhue Randall *Chapter Organizers

Platinum Alumnae Susan Rhue Jenkins Joan Rhue Randall Linda Parks Robinson

Thank You to our Sponsors!

Platinum Emerald Ivory Fix Your Feet

Dr. Jordan Garrison & Mrs. Cathy Garrison

Rose

Lester Taylor Andrea Corpening

Friends of ECCL

In Loving Memory Essex County (NJ) Links

Ezola Adams P at r i c i a B a r k e r Ju a n i t a B e n j a m i n E lv a B r a n c h Theresa Brown Vivian Brown G w e n do l y n D a v i s A lt h e a G i le s Do r i s H a r r i s A r le n e Wo n g K i n g Jo a n Lo v e L i l l i a n Mo s s Rut h Po r te r Ju a n i t a Ro b i n s o n Re g i n a St a g g e r s S a n d y e A . W i ls o n

In Loving Memory Essex County (NJ) Connecting Links Earl Adams Lo i s B e n j a m i n Lawrence Branch Dr. J a m e s B r o w n William Brown Je s s e B ut le r Dr. J a m e s C l a r k Ho n . J a m e s C o le m a n Augustine Davis W i l l i a m G i le s , S r.

. Dr. He n r y H a r r i s C h a r le s Je n k i n s , S r.

Jo h n Lo v e , Es q .

Eu g e n e Mo s s D a v i d Pe n i s to n , S r.

O t h a Po r te r. S r. , E D A r t h u r De a n R a w ls Dr. He r b e r t Ro b i n s o n , S r.

C e c i l S a n de r s Dr. B u e l St a g g e r s A l b e r t St u rd i v a nt G e o r g e W h i t t le , Jr.

CONGRATULATES THE ESSEX COUNTY (NJ) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPORATED ON THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY!

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A CULTURAL SUMMER GATHERING IN THE HAMPTONS

THE HFAS FESTIVAL IN SAG HARBOR, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CREOLE FOOD FESTIVAL, PRESENTS A WEEKEND CELEBRATING ART AND CULINARY EXCELLENCE.

JULY

17-19

2026

SAG HARBOR

Visithfas.org for more details.

BOOTH #706-707, & 803 STUART MCCLEAN-HFAS18 FEATURED ARTIST

Alonzo Adams “Afterglow” Alonzo Adams was born in 1961 in Harlem, New York, and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey, by his loving mother.

His passion for art was ignited and nurtured from the vibrant streets of Plainfield to the country roads of North Carolina and was further enriched by his travels to Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. These experiences exposed him to diverse cultures and artistic influences, shaping his worldview and deepening his connection to his heritage.

Through his dedication to capturing the beauty and dignity of everyday Black experiences along with his duty to use his gift to speak out on social justice issues for African Americans, Alonzo has made an indelible mark on contemporary figurative art. ​ Inspired by artistic greats such as Charles White, Henry Ossawa Tanner, L’Hermitte, John Singer Sargent, and Rembrandt, Alonzo’s journey as an artist was marked by critical mentorships and pivotal opportunities. He credits Dr. David Driskell, a pioneering scholar and artist, for providing invaluable mentorship early in his career, which helped define his direction and goals as an artist. A transformative fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, funded by Dr. William Cosby, introduced Alonzo to the medium of oil painting, profoundly shaping his artistic style. Alonzo went on to earn a BFA from Mason Gross School of Art at Rutgers University and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania, grounding his talent in formal education and expanding his mastery of figurative art. ​ Recently, Alonzo Adams has achieved several significant milestones in his career. He celebrated his first museum exhibition at the Zimmerli Art Museum, a prestigious recognition of his work’s cultural and artistic significance.

Additionally, Alonzo’s art was featured in a museum exhibition at Rutgers Camden, highlighting his contributions to contemporary art. Beyond the gallery walls, he was commissioned by the city of Plainfield to create a mural, further cementing his connection to his hometown. Notably, Alonzo was also entrusted with a mural commission of the iconic Paul Robeson at the Rutgers football stadium, honoring the legacy of one of Rutgers' most renowned alumni and amplifying Alonzo’s own impact on the institution and community. These recent accomplishments underscore Alonzo’s continued influence and evolving legacy in the art world. ​ With over 35 years as a professional artist, Alonzo has received numerous accolades and awards in prestigious art exhibitions across the country. His work, celebrated for its vibrant and emotionally resonant depictions of African American life, has been recognized in various publications, including Art Business News, Black Enterprise, Images Magazine, Upscale Magazine, and ESPN Magazine. He considers fatherhood as his most important accolade as he takes pride in being a supportive father to his oldest son Jaylen Adams and youngest son and rising artist, Kyle Olani Adams. Through their legacy collaboration, Kyle and Alonzo continue to foster an intergenerational dialogue through their artistic relationship as father and son. ​ Today, Alonzo continues to create and exhibit his work, remaining committed to his mission of representing and celebrating the richness of the African American experience through art. His legacy as an artist, mentor, and cultural storyteller endures, inspiring new generations of artists and collectors.

proudly celebrates

40 years, of moving with intention— leading with grace, strength, and precision.

Like in the sport of polo, excellence is a team sport It is measured; It is disciplined; It is executed with purpose.

Today, we honor a chapter that understands: the power of team and the joy of winning for our community

“To play the game, you must know the rules. To win, you must know Protocol.” www.4Protocol.net Professional Development * BusinessDevelopment * PeopleDevelopment * Leadership Development

Cheryl Walker-Robertson, Chief Protocol Officer

Dennis R. Robertson, President, Elite Athlete Division

Congratulations Constance S. McAllister,Esq.

Charter Member Essex County Chapter (NJ) The Links, Incorporated 40 Years of Friendship & Service, Leadership & Grace We are Proud of Your Accomplishments Past Chapter President Eastern Area, The Arts, Chair Eastern Area, Int. Trends & Services, Chair Eastern Area, Nominating Committee

Connecting Link Robert McAllister Heir-o-Links Christopher and Leah

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO THE ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF ESSEX COUNTY (NJ) CHAPTER – THE LINKS INCORPORATED ON THE CELEBRATION OF 40 YEARS OF SERVICE IN EAST ORANGE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES

ETHELYN S. BOWERS CHARTER MEMBER IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL TREASURER MEMBER, WEST PALM BEACH (FL) CHAPTER

HONORING FORTY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SERVICE

​ Co n g r a t u l a t i o n s t o t h e E s s e x Co u n t y ( N J ) C h a p t e r o f t h e Links, Incorporated on your 40th Anniversar y! ​ We t a ke s p e c i a l B i g R e d p r i d e i n c e l e b r a t i n g o u r Co r n e l l and Link sisters: L i n d a G a d s b y, E s q . & Ta t i a M a y s - R u s s e l l ​ our commitment to the Links' values and your Y professional accomplishments embody the very best of our alma mater.

M a y t h e E s s e x Co u n t y ( N J ) C h a p t e r c o n t i n u e t o f l o u r i s h a n d lead for another forty years and beyond! ​ W i t h L o v e a n d S i s t e r l y Pr i d e , C l a u d i a C u r t i s , S t a c y Co w a n , P a t r i c i a G r a n t , I s a t u K a n u , K i m b e r l y R o b i n s o n , To n y a H a l l e t t , N i c o l e W h i t t i n g t o n D e m b y, R e g i n a L i t t l e H o l l i s , K r i s t i n B l a c k , S h a n i Wa u g h

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Pi Theta Omega Chapter

Celebrating 40 years of service to the Morris County Community We congratulate the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated on their 40 years of service to the Essex County community!

We invite you to our black-tie fundraiser in partnership with the Pearls of Wisdom Foundation.

The Pearl Gala

Sunday October 4, 2026 Brooklake Country Club Florham Park, NJ.

$225

3-4 pm Cocktail Hour and Celebration of Charter Members 4-8 PM Dinner, Dancing, Awards

Pearls of Wisdom fundraising activities will allow us to continue serving the Morris County community.

Reba Blake, President | Shannon Simon, Chairman | Latee Walton-McCleod, Vice Chairman

Co n g r a t u l a t i o n s to a l l o f t h e r e m a r k a b l e a n d a c c o m p l i s h e d w o m e n o f t h e E s s e x Co u n t y ( N J ) C h a p te r o f T h e L i n k s , I n c o r p o r a te d o n f o u r d e c a d e s o f s i s te r h o o d , l e a d e r s h i p , a n d d e v o te d s e r v i c e to y o u r c o m m u n i t y !

M a y y o u c o n t i n u e to i n s p i r e a n d u p l i f t o t h e r s t h r o u g h y o u r u n w a v e r i n g c o m m i t m e n t to e xc e l l e n c e f o r m a n y d e c a d e s to c o m e .

C h e e r s to y o u a l l ! !

Jessica Gray Erica Clyburn-McDay

Congratulations Yolanda Chestnut Ruffin &

Essex County Chapter 40 Years of Service to the Essex County Community Love your dear friends,

Dr. Crystal Davis, President, Morris County (NJ) Chapter & Dr. Michael Taylor, Connecting Link

2026 P o l o a n d P a s te l s Co m m i t te e O u t s t a n d i n g To M y S i s te r s I n S e r v i c e T h e E s s e x Co u n t y ( N J ) C h a p te r o f T h e L i n k s I n c o r p o r a te d F o r 4 0 y e a r s o f E xc e l l e n c e i n Co m m u n i t y S e r v i c e to t h e E s s e x Co u n t y Co m m u n i t y Bravo, we wear it well...continued success in all we do!

Cathy Garrison

Our Programming

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W E S T L A N E PA RT N E R S Proudly Suppor ting Polo & Pastels West Lane Par tners is honored to sponsor this distinguished e v e n t c e l e b ra t i n g c o m m u n i t y, e l e g a n c e , a n d t ra d i t i o n .

We proudly salute the Essex County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated for their unwavering commitment to service and leadership.

We are especially proud to suppor t Rita Sallis, a valued leader whose dedication and contributions c o n t i n u e t o s t r e n g t h e n b o t h o u r f i r m a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y.

P ro u d l y l ov i n g E C C L since 1994 - K a re n C h a p l i n