6 SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016-THE CAROLINA TIMES
Making A Difference: TLOD, Lords and TTA on the Move
The Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) Durham Chapter,
Lords and Top Teens of America (TTA) have been busy and on
the move providing community service in the local area. TLOD
is a professional 501 C3 humanitarian organization, organized in
Tyler, Texas in 1964. Top Ladies of Distinction’s objectives focus
on five programmatic thrusts: its youth organization known as Top
Teens of America (TTA), improving the Status of Women, Service
to Senior Citizens, Community Beautification and Community
Partnerships.
TLOD recently held its very first Precious Orchid Scholarship
Pageant at CAARE, Inc. January 31, 2016 in Durham, NC to
provide financial assistance to young ladies and young men
planning to attend college or a secondary education. Mr. Jekai
Zatae Taylor age (10 years) won first place and Little Miss Chloe
Shanice Brown (10 months) was second place.
The Chapter lost one of its Charter members, Lady Dr. Sharon
Elliott-Bynum and members participated in her home going
celebration.
In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Top Ladies,
and Top Teens along with Top Lady Crystal Pittman (Area IV
Director, Miami Florida) and her Assistant Lady Sharon Heath
performed a Day of Service volunteering at CAARE, Inc. Members
helped in various projects such as gardening, organizing, cleaning
and enjoying lunch. Program activities and recognitions followed
the service projects.
During the holiday seasons, Top Ladies, Top Teens and Lords
brought cheer to the seniors, single parents (male and female),
and children by donating nonperishable food items and turkeys
at CAARE, Inc. TLOD also helped wrap Christmas toys for the
give-away.
The Top Ladies, Top Teens and parents partnered with CAARE,
Inc. during a Veterans Health Fair. Free health screenings for blood
pressure, glucose and HIV testing were provided. TLOD and TTA
provided healthy snacks for refreshment which included apples,
bananas, oranges, popcorn, homemade yogurt parfaits and water.
Two Top Teen inductions were held during the fall and spring
where fifteen teens were inducted in the Durham Chapter.
At the 39 th TLOD Syn-Lod Conference in Washington, D.C., the
Durham Chapter received several awards and recognitions: 5 Star
Chapter Award, Lady Dr. Thelma B. Brown received a Certificate
of Participation for Golden Service as Chapter President; March
of Dimes Participation Certificate, and former Top Teen President
Ariana Johnson received a National Educational Scholarship.
During the 50 th Anniversary of TLOD in Houston, Texas, Durham
Chapter received Community Partnership Award and the Boys to
Men Initiative recognition.
Several Top Teens, invited guests and interested teens enjoyed
a mentoring cook out sponsored by the Top Ladies at the Hillside
Park. The Durham Chapter also participated in the NCCU
Homecoming parade.
National Night Out (NNO) was conducted on the lawn of
Lady Dr. Thelma B. Brown. Lady Wanda Lunsford coordinated
NNO. Over 200 children received school supplies and book bags.
Attendees were able to interact with officers from Durham Police
Department, receive free health screenings for blood pressure,
glucose and cholesterol, weight management, and were served a
nutritious meal. Information was distributed on HIV Aides, Sickle
Cell Anemia, NAACP, NCNW, St Jude’s Research , SAT Exam
and SAT/ACT refresher courses. A list of the 25 partnership names
were displayed on a poster. Fraizer & Griffin Attorney’s Law Firm
was presented two free tickets to the Durham Bulls game for their
outstanding Sponsor Support to Top Ladies of Distinction Pen &
Pencil Program to give school supplies to disadvSntagecfchildren
of all ages and schools. Even after National Night Out, TLOD
continued to give out school supplies to children, teens and adults.