The App-A-THON was Inspired by the Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links’ Service To Youth Facet to focus on the national STEM initiative and Envision Lead Grow’s “8 Seeds to Success”; #App-a-Thon 2019 will introduced 87 young girls in the Hampton Roads area to the growing Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) industry on November 9, 2019 at Tidewater Community College  - Portsmouth Campus.  The event took place by offering a platform for girls to create interactive and engaging software applications (“apps”) designed to support their passions, or “What Makes Their Hearts Sing" on a platform called SCRATCH.

The APP-A-THON 2019 kicked off with a presentation on Software Development Life Cycle, by Stuart Anderson, Software Engineer training the girls about coding and how you setup your programs.  This was designed to give an overview of the value of software applications and introduce the latest in app technology, all in an interactive, age-appropriate setting. The girls learned the basics of app development and engage in hands-on activities such as mobile talent shows, scavenger hunts and/or other interactive games to reinforce lessons learned throughout the day.  Following a lunch break, the girls gathered in teams of ten to begin brainstorming apps for the “Glow Up!” challenge in February, with ten (10) Subject Matter Experts onsite to assist them from Norfolk State University and Sentara Healthcare Sysetms.

The schedule for the session included:

·        9:00 a.m. – Kickoff session with guest facilitators providing an overview of software applications

·        10:00 a.m. – Mobile scavenger hunt

·        11:00 a.m. – Introduction to latest app technology

·        11:30 a.m. – Mobile talent show

·        12:00 p.m. – Lunch break (provided)

·        1:00 p.m. – Girls organized in groups of ten to brainstorm apps for the “Passion Project” competition

·        4:00 p.m. – Closing session

“GLOW UP!” CHALLENGE – FEBRUARY 2020

Armed with training and knowledge about STEM applications, participants left the session to begin developing personal apps for the “Glow Up!” challenge to be held in February 2020 at Norfolk State University. Inspired by Envision Lead Grow’s “8 Seeds to Success in Business,” the “Glow Up!” challenge will encourage girls to develop apps based on things that “make their hearts sing.”

During the “Glow Up!” challenge, it is the goal for the 87 participants to return and demonstrate their apps to panels of pre-selected judges. Participants, together with their parents, guests and other community leaders, will be invited to a celebration to recognize the Top Ten projects of the day. In addition to celebrating the girls’ achievements, the Top Ten Celebration will also provide an opportunity to educate parents and community attendees on the importance and value of STEM as well. This event will include media presence as well as cash prizes awarded to the Top Three participants ($300, $200, and $100).

3rd Annual Jazz Brunch

The Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its third annual Power to End Stroke Jazz Brunch and Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Murray Center in Norfolk, Virginia.  This event was co-sponsored with the American Heart Association, Bon Secours Neuroscience Center, Sentara Health Systems and News WTKR.  The Co-chairs of the Health and Human Services Facet, Patricia King, MD (King and Associates, Psychological Services) and Beverly Roberts-Atwater, MD (Director of Residency Fellowship, EVMS School of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine) spearheaded this event.  Ms. Jessica Larche, news anchor of WTKR-TV gave the opening remarks.  Ms. Larche shared her personal weight loss journey with the audience.    

The Brunch included breakout sessions “Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of a Stroke Patient” presented by Beverly Roberts-Atwater, MD, “Psychology of a Stroke Patient and their Caregiver” presented by Patricia King, MD, “Simple Cooking with Heart Demonstration by Chef Dedra Blount, lead chef for the American Heart Association Mobile Kitchen, and “Minorities and Stroke” by Dr. Bryant Ramirez.   Participants also were able to have their blood pressure screened.  The featured speaker was Dr. Armistead Williams who is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  Dr. Williams is Stroke Director at Bon Secours DePaul Hospital.  After lunch, the attendees heard a testimonial by stroke survivor, Tyree Russell.  The music was provided by Elements Band.              

The American Heart Association is a National Partner of the Links, Incorporated.  A representative from the national office attended this brunch.  The American Heart Association provided gift bags for each participant that included tips on identifying the signs and symptoms of a stroke, a recipe book with heart healthy meals, and tips for improving cardiovascular health.  The Norfolk (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated provided logistical and financial support, facilitated workshops, and registered attendees.

For Additional Information:

Contact Patricia King, M.D., Health and Human Services Facet Chair, patkingmd@aol.com