SERVICE DRIVENColumbia (SC) Chapter of The LinksTHROUGH IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMING FRIENDSHIP & SERVICEEVERY JOURNEY MOVING WITH 1 OCTOBER EDITION Connect Five: Driving Impact Forward Driving Force- Alumna Members

TABLE OF CONTENTS WelcomeConnect Five -Innovation on WheelsPERFORMANCEROAD READY Aerodynamics of 2026-2027: Programming In the Fast Lane Friendship: OUR Driving Force READ, READ, READ: Community Reads, Columbia Links Reads, and Children Read Services to Youth (Jubilee) Health & Human Services (Walk & Fe,\\) International Trends (International Peace Day) National Trends and Services (Democracy in Action) The Arts (Lap Quilts, Read Alouds, Planning Opera Assemblies & Art contest) Calendar of Upcoming Programming 2 Are WE There Yet?

Building Momentum: Programming in the Fast LaneBuilding Momentum: Programming in the Fast LaneCan you remember the first book that completely swept you away? Maybe it was a mystery you couldn’t put down. Or a book full of characters that made you laugh. Maybe it was a character who felt like your best friend. Or a book that took you somewhere you’d never been or helped you imagine someone you could become. GET TO KNOW THE DATA As a result, nearly 2 in 3 children aren’t reading at grade level by their 10th birthday. Third grade is a critical turning point for kids. It’s when reading stops being the lesson and becomes key to understanding math concepts, science texts and the world around them. For kids to be reading by third grade, they need access to qualified teachers, books and resources in school and at home, quality early learning materials and a safe space to learn and explore. FUELING A LOVE OF READING Reading aloud to children in grades 3–5 is a way to support their learning and love of reading. When adults read aloud, students hear fluent reading, learn new vocabulary, and improve their listening and comprehension skills. Reading aloud also gives children the opportunity to explore interesting stories, characters, and ideas that may be more challenging for them to read independently. It encourages students to ask questions, make predictions, and connect stories to their own lives. Most importantly, reading aloud creates a positive experience with books and helps children see reading as an enjoyable activity rather than just a school assignment. In communities with few or no libraries, families often live in book deserts — places where children have little or no access to books of their own. Schools face resource shortages. Childcare options are limited. Opportunities to build strong reading skills can be out of reach before children even start kindergarten.AERODYNAMICS OF PROGRAMMING | SERVICE DRIVEN- 0 3 -

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Connect FiveSmart Goals 1 By the end of the school year, provide engaging read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students in grades K–5 at Carver Lyon, with each participating student receiving opportunities to hear age-appropriate, diverse literature read aloud. The Chapter will track the number of students served, read-aloud sessions conducted, and books shared to measure participation and engagement. S E R V I C E S T O Y O U T H | S E R V I C E D R I V E N 5 2 By the end of the school year, the chapter will provide at least 750 age-appropriate, high- interest books to students in grades 3–5, ensuring that participating students have access to books they can take home and enjoy. Progress will be measured by tracking the number of books distributed, students served, and participating schools or classrooms. The Scholar Connection: Turning Pages, Building Futures (N) I Read, You Read, We Read (SA) The Art Connection: Protecting Our Legacy (N) Overture: ALook Inside Opera (SA) Program Goal: Increase Early Childhood Literacy [N] Focus Area 1: Lower & Upper Elementary Students (Grades Pre-K– 5th) [SA] Chapters are asked to direct intentional programming to all elementary school scholars to expand the impact of this critical need for literacy support Focus Area 2: Cultivating a Love of Reading Through read-alouds, chapter book studies, and interactive literacy activities, we aim to help children see themselves in stories and to see reading as joyful, empowering, and essential. We encourage chapters to donate class and home sets of culturally affirming books to schools, classrooms, and families. [SA] FUELING GROWTH THROUGH LITERACY

JUBLIEE FESTIVAL AND LITERACY INITIATIVESPartnerships: 500 of 750 books distributed DJ Roy Neptune's, Carver-Lyon Cheerleaders, Scholastic Books, Miss Tyga's Body Art and Face Painting, The Center for Civil Rights History, Riverbanks Zoo, Afterschool Alliance, SC Cater Robotics Demonstrations, SC ETV and Smart Cat, Auntie Karen's, Links Educational Play Zone, and Ebenezer Church Playground The Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated partnered with Historic Columbia to create the Jubilee Kid Zone, offering children and their families meaningful opportunities to learn, create, and explore. Through engaging, hands-on activities, children: explored STEM and robotics through interactive demonstrations. built their personal libraries by choosing a book to take home. promoted healthy choices by creating nutritious, delicious smoothies. experienced the arts through an engaging opera read-aloud. learned about civic engagement and history by helping create the “We Shall Be Heard” mural, which celebrates the Civil Rights Movement's history and impact through the voting process. 6Approaching Our Destination- Full SPEED Ahead 20 of 53 members engaged and (1) Alumna September 19, 2026 Read Aloud to 15 students Services to Youth | SERVICE DRIVENArt Connection: The Art Committee planned an opera-themed read-aloud featuring Welcome to the Opera: The Magic Flute.

Z o o A r tific ats 7 A r t - D a n c e T e a m P a r t n e r s h i p s S T E M - R o b o t i c s L i t e r a c y Democracy S m o o t h i e D e m o Jubliee Connects Five

- 0 4 - S E R V I C E S T O Y O U T H | S E R V I C E D R I V E N Jubliee was once again a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special. Your sponsorship allows Historic Columbia to keep Jubilee welcoming and accessible to our community while creating a festival that celebrates the rich history, stories, creativity, and culture that have shaped Columbia and South Carolina. Just as importantly, we loved seeing so many of our sponsors and their teams out at the festival engaging directly with our guests and adding to the energy of the day. -David, Director of Advancement of Historic Columbia 8

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Connect FiveSmart Goals 1 11 I N T E R N A T I O N A L T R E N D S A N D S E R V I C E S | S E R V I C E D R I V E N By the end of the school year, provide engaging read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students in grades 3–5 at Carver Lyon, with each participating student receiving opportunities to hear age-appropriate, diverse literature read aloud. The Chapter will track the number of students served, read-aloud sessions conducted, and books shared to measure participation and engagement. 2 The Global Connect: Learning Without Borders [N[ The International Trends and Services Facet is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of African descent worldwide. [SA] Program Goal: Increase educational opportunities in the African diaspora [N] By the end of the week following the Peace Pole installation and presentation for National Peace Day, each student will write one positive word about peace and one letter to a student at the chapter’s adopted school in Nairobi, Kenya. Teachers will collect 100% of the completed words and letters for chapter members to mail to Kenya, and the chapter will measure participation and growth in cultural understanding through student reflections.Peace in Every Journey Connecting communities across borders through friendship, and understanding. Focus Area 1: Chapters are asked to direct intentional programming to all elementary school scholars to expand the impact of this critical need for literacy support [SA] Focus Area 2: Through read-alouds, chapter book studies, and interactive literacy activities, we aim to help children see themselves in stories and to see reading as joyful, empowering, and essential. We encourage chapters to donate class and home sets of culturally affirming books to schools, classrooms, and families. [SA]

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GLOBAL CONNECTIONPartnerships:Sheriff Department, Police Department, Rotary Club, Richland One School District and Carver Lyons Elementary School students , teachers and administrator. 13Approaching Our Destination- Full SPEED Ahead 13 of 53 members participated and (1) alumna member September 29, 2026 Read Aloud to 426 studentsAll 20 classroom teachers received the book, Peace Week in Ms. Fox’s Classroom for their classroom libraries. WIS TV, Spectrum News, SC, Columbia Star, Richland One ROTV and Richland County Sheriffs’ Department FacebookMedia: Students at Carver Lyon celebrated International Day of Peace with a permanent Peace Pole. The Honorable Richard Lott, Richland County Sheriff, led an engaging discussion on compassion and global citizenship. Following the dedication, community leaders read aloud Peace Week in Miss Fox’s Class to the students, who then participated in a pen-pal writing activity with students at a girls’ school in Nairobi, Africa. International Trends and Services| SERVICE DRIVEN

Mapping It Out: School Demographics04 Carver Lyon Elementary School (Richland One School District)Grade BandsK/PreK (105) African American (76)1-3 (205)Asian (2)Hispanic/Latino (18)Two or More Races (3)MaleFemale09021332931154Notes: 1440364950 African American (156)Asian (3)Hispanic/Latino (28)Two or More Races (7)4-5 (116)7779 African American (87)Asian (1)Hispanic/Latino (16)Two or More Races (3)White (6)White (11)White (9)65120811825334631011046848 Enrollment (426)219207

Sheriff Lott shares messages of peace and kindness with the third-grade students at Carver Lyon. Carrying Peace Around the World at Carver Lyon 15 A special day for Carver Lyon students to celebrate kindness, promote peace, and honor the diverse cultures that make their school community unique.

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P E A C E P O L EM a n d a r i n , S p a n i s h , G e r m a n , F r e n c h a n d B r a i l l e . 17

18 WIS-TV Live Interview

Community Reader 19

read aloudIt’s Time to 20

A rt 21 M u s i c p e rf o r m a n c e P a r t n e r s h i p s G lo b a l C o n n e c ti o n L i t e r a c y Democracy International Peace Day Connects Five O u r S t o r y

As part of the Walk for Healthy Living, members of the Columbia Chapter spoke with people along the route about the upcoming election. Members asked whether participants were registered and had a plan to vote, creating an opportunity to share information and answer questions. Members reminded people of the early voting dates and locations available in their area. These conversations connected the day’s focus on healthy living with the importance of civic engagement and planning to vote.22 Health and Human Services- 20 of 53 members participated at the Columbia Mall

23 Once Upon an OperaOnce Upon an Opera Focus Area 1: Lower & Upper Elementary Students (Grades Pre-K–5th) Chapters are asked to direct intentional programming to all elementary school scholars to expand the impact of this critical need for literacy support Focus Area 2: Cultivating a Love of Reading Through read-alouds, chapter book studies, and interactive literacy activities, we aim to help children see themselves in stories and to see reading as joyful, empowering, and essential. We encourage chapters to donate class and home sets of culturally affirming books to schools, classrooms, and families. P2: Showcase and support underrepresented visual, vocal, literary and performance ARTISTS [N] Focus: Showcase and celebrate Black excellence in opera to encourage Black representation both onstage and behind the scenes [SA] The Art of Connection: Protecting Our Legacy Collaboration with HBCU: Claflin University - Opera Assemblies. Lap Quilt [SA] Art Contest [SA] Audio Commercials for WLINKS GPS for The ARTS

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 Books Distributed Read Alouds Partnerships Marketing Engaged Links Community Outreach24dometer Update September & October Connect Five

25WLINKS PSAs Week of September 28 VOTING MEDICARE FRAUD

STEM EXTRAVAGANZA 10/08 Little Libraries October 28 Little Libraries October 28 Art Contest Umbrella-Links Day: A Healthier Community Starts Here. STANDING MEETINGS 26 10.13.26 Arts Meeting 8:00 pm 10.19.26 HHS Meeting 8:00 pm National Trends & Services Meeting 7:30 pm 10.27.26 Services to Youth Meeting 7:30 pm Burtom Park Elementary School 10:00 a.m.Services to YouthServices to YouthServices to YouthServices to YouthN O V E M B E RN O V E M B E R14TH14THD E T A I L SD E T A I L SCOMING SOON COMING SOON