A monthly newsletter from the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, a service organization, focused on their programming for the 2026-2027 year. The theme is "Connect Five: Driving Impact Forward."
This is the October 2026 edition of the newsletter for the Columbia (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, a service organization. The theme is "Connect Five: Driving Impact Forward," and it is directed at chapter members and community partners.
The newsletter opens with a table of contents and a section titled "Building Momentum: Programming in the Fast Lane." It discusses the importance of third-grade reading proficiency, citing that nearly 2 in 3 children are not reading at grade level by age 10. It promotes read-aloud sessions for grades 3-5 as a way to build literacy and a love of reading.
The "Aerodynamics of Programming" section introduces the chapter's "Connect Five Smart Goals." Goal 1 is to provide read-aloud sessions to at least 300 students in grades K-5 at Carver Lyon. Goal 2 is to distribute at least 750 age-appropriate books to students in grades 3-5. The newsletter also outlines focus areas for literacy: lower and upper elementary students, and cultivating a love of reading through culturally affirming books.
A major feature is the Jubilee Festival and Literacy Initiatives. The chapter partnered with Historic Columbia to create a Jubilee Kid Zone. Activities included STEM and robotics demonstrations, a book giveaway, smoothie-making, an opera read-aloud, and a civic engagement mural project. Partnerships included Scholastic Books, Riverbanks Zoo, SC ETV, and others. 500 of 750 books were distributed at the event.
The newsletter reports on a September 19, 2026 read-aloud event with 15 students, and an opera-themed read-aloud featuring "Welcome to the Opera: The Magic Flute." It also introduces an International Trends goal: after a Peace Pole installation for National Peace Day, students will write positive words about peace and letters to a school in Nairobi, Kenya.
The document includes a calendar of upcoming programming, a salute to "Driving Force" alumna members, and a thank-you letter from Historic Columbia's Director of Advancement. It closes with a section on "Connecting for Success" and repeats the Connect Five Smart Goals for International Trends.