The Southern Pearl Newsletter, Volume 3, January, 2023

Volume 3
January 2023
Top Ladies of Distinction ● Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter ● Quarterly Newsletter
❑ Presidential Reflections
❑ Inspirational Words
❑ Sisterly Relations
❑ Chapter Events
❑ Acknowledgements
❑ Pearl Highlights
❑ Comedy Corner
❑ A Sister’s Recipe
❑ Looking Back
❑ Teens are Tops

Presidential Reflections
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you,
I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2023! I hope you all have had an opportunity to spend time with your
families, but more importantly, I hope you found time to renew and replenish your
mind, body, and spirit. Those things are essential to happiness, ultimately allowing us
to move forward. As we move forward, we must remember that we have much to be
grateful for and live our lives to the fullest every day!
As we embark on the second half of our programmatic year, let's reflect on why we
are here. Why are we members of Top Ladies of Distinction? Because of Alexis, Sanai,
Jahori, Antuan, Kyesi, Camron, Makayla, Kyla, Avery, and Amerie, naming just a few of
our Top Teens. The Perrine community, Richmond Heights seniors, Homestead
women, and our partners within Miami-Dade County. We chartered this chapter to
improve the lives, livelihood, and lifestyles of the residents of southern Miami-Dade
County. Let us remember our WHY.
The New Year is a time to re-evaluate, clean your slate and establish resolutions. Let it
also be a time to REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO THE SOUTHERN PEARLS MIAMI-DADE
CHAPTER OF TOP LADIES OF DISTINCTION, INC. As the pandemic may have shifted our
focus, let us return to service, sisterhood, family, and community. Be not dismayed,
for we are our sister's keepers. We will lift you and be the wall to support you, so
don't give up on us.
In the words of Gladys Knight -- keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always
count on your pearl sisters and me. For sure! In closing, I pray that your spirit is filled
with love, your mind with creativity, and your hands ready to serve the South Dade
communities with excellence. WE ARE THE SOUTHERN PEARLS OF MIAMI-DADE! Let's
do this!
Sisterly blessings,
Lady Regina

Looking Back…
October 2022
• Chapter Meeting - 15
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities
• Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Event; 16 - 23
• Status of Women Power in Your Purpose Summit - 26
November 2022
• Rock the Vote - 8
• Area IV All State Cluster - 12
• Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter Meeting - 15
• National March of Dimes Month
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities
• Chapter Meeting – 19 (Wear Purple Attire); send photos to
nymacon@yahoo.com
December 2022
• Area IV Christmas in Paris Fundraiser - 11
• Chapter Meeting - 17
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter
On October 16th - 23, 2022, we began collecting items for the
Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief event to benefit the Naples,
Florida community.

“Power in Your Purpose”, Top Ladies and Presenters in Action
The Status of Women and Tops Teens facilitated the “Power in Your
Purpose Summit on October 26, 2022. In attendance were Lady Christa
Dotson-Dean, Lady Natasha Myer-Spence, Chair, Lady Arlenna
Williams and Lady Lisa Bennett, committee members, and presenters,
Lady Belinda Gordon-Battle, Shanda Roberts and Bernie Maher. There
were approximately forty-nine virtual attendees.

Due to recent changes in Florida law, current requests for
a vote by mail ballot expired as of January 1, 2023. If you
want to continue voting by mail, please choose one of the
following methods to renew your request: Go online and
request vote by mail, call the vote by mail section at
305.499.8444, or go in person to the Elections department,
visit www.iamelectionready.org for additional
information.

Top Ladies, and Teens participated in the All-State Virtual Cluster

BLACK PANTHER WAKANDA FOREVER
Hostesses for Registration
Lady Kathy, Lady Christa, Lady Earline, Lady Karen
BLACK PANTHER WAKANDA FOREVER

On November 13,
2022, Top Ladies,
Teens, Lords and
Guests enjoyed the
Movie Premier of
“Wakanda Forever”.
A special guest
appearance with
Actress Sope Aluko,
a native of South
Florida was the
highlight of the
evening.
Wakanda Movie Night – Top Ladies, Teens, Lords and Guests

We had an awesome turn-out!

Top Ladies, Teens, Families, Friends, and Guests

Top Sellers
Thank you, Top Ladies, Teens, and Lords for
raising $2,751.00 during our Popcorn Fundraiser.

Lady Kathy L. Horton
On your nomination by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s
“Most Influential and Prominent Black Women in Business and
Industry” for 2022.
Lady Kathy L. Horton was featured as an Honoree in the Miami
Herald and Sun-Sentinel on December 18, 2022, and will be
recognized during the in-person Women’s issue awards ceremony
on February 18, 2023.

Lady Sharon Kendrick-Johnson
On your completion of the Heal and Light Leadership Academy at
the Catalyst for Miami.
Lady Sharon indicated that the program provided participants
with knowledge of health science, threats, solutions and how to
advocate for suitable housing, health care, and finances for the
community's citizens.

Lady Donndra Kee-Pearce
On the opening of your new business, Kharismatic Kare.
Kharismatic Kare is a medical apparel clothing line. The business
was created and established as a vision of quality, high fashion,
healthcare medical scrubs that can easily transition from work
(day) to play (night).

Lady Carmen Jones Carey
For your selection as the Miami Dade County Public Schools
South Region Principal of the Year! Dr. Carmen Jones Carey, is
the principal of Arthur & Polly Mays 6-12 Conservatory of the
Arts.

Lady Michelle Witherspoon
Congratulations to Lady Michelle Witherspoon, co-author of
“Calla Goes To College”. A Children’s book about Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In partnership with the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.,
Broward County Radiance Chapter and Top Teens, we
joined the NAACP Membership Informational Session.
December 8, 2022 @ 7:30 P.M.

Joint NAACP Informational Session: Southern Pearls, Miami Dade,
& Broward County Radiance Chapters

Sunday, December 11, 2022

The Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter would truly like to
thank our Top Teens Advisor, Felecia Townsend, Teen Sanai
Thomas-Abdoulaye, President, committee members, presenter,
and Top Teens who participated in the Cyber Security
informational Fall 2022 Workshop.

Cyber Security Presenter, Top Ladies, and Top Teens
Cyber Security Presenter, Top Ladies, and Top Teens

January 2023
• Chapter Meet and Greet, 15
• Pink and Blue Day of Service, 16
• 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser, 21
• Chapter Meeting, 26
February 2023
• Support “Wear Red Day (Post photos in Group Me)
• Chapter Meeting, 18
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities
March 2023
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities
• Chapter Meeting, 18
• TLOD, Inc. Leadership Conference; Orlando, FL; 16 - 19
April 2023
• Chapter Meeting, 15
• Pearl Partners/Sisterly Relations Activities

Our prospective Meet & Greet Orientation

5K RUN & WALK
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter came together for our
first annual 5K Race For Thyroid Disease and Cancer
Awareness Scholarship Fundraiser. Nearly, 200 Ladies, Top
Teens. Lords, guests, the community and approximately 10
sponsors were present.

5K Run & Walk for Thyroid Disease & Cancer Awareness
Sponsors

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter was happy
to have the following Sponsors in attendance for their 1 st Annual 5 K Run/Walk
for Thyroid Disease and Cancer Awareness on Saturday, January 21, 2023: Miami
Cancer Institute/BHSF, UHealth, CVS/CareMark, Educational Federal Credit
Union, Blinds by D, Kharismatic Kare, Miami-Dade County Parks and
Recreation, Miami-Dade County Police, The Demps Family, Delta Research
Educational Foundation and Community Health of South Florida, Inc., (CHI).
Lady Donndra, Ways and Mean Chair and Mr. Demps, 5K Sponsor

Lady Felecia Townsend Top Teens Advisor, Lady Regina
Sandilands, President along with Top Teens participated in the
5K Run and Walk for Thyroid and Cancer Awareness, the
Community Beautification Project, and the Girl Trek group
walking and aerobic exercise events. Top Teens received 50
Community Service Hours for their participation.

Top Teens of America, Advisors and committee
members participated in the Community Beautification
Thrust initiative. This initiative focuses on transforming
lives while making the world cleaner.
In addition, SPMD partnered with GirlTrek, which is a
nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire one
million Black women to walk to save their own lives.

On Sunday, January 24, 2023, Top Teens had a very special guest speaker, Circuit
Judge Michelle Delancy. Judge Delancy shared great insight on career paths,
staying focused, and dangers associated with social media. Judge Delancy stated
she was very impressed with the participation of the Teens and expressed her
support of future events.

~SAVE THE DATE~
41 st MARCH 16 - 19, 2023
Registration:
Will run October 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023
Conference Registration Fees
Ladies $295 - Teens $220 - Lords $200
Conference begins: 4:00 P.M. on March 16
Hotel: Renaissance Orlando @ Sea World
6677 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, Florida 32821
Hotel Pricing
$220 + $25 per night Resort Fee

• I was born in Bradenton,
Florida
• I am a proud graduate of
Wiley College
• I love baking
• I volunteer with the NAACP
Youth Council
• I am single and ready to
mingle
• I am a member of New Birth
Baptist Church
• My Bachelor’s Degree is in
Interdisciplinary Studies –
Global Child Development
• I am a Rocket

A mom visits her son for dinner who lives with a roommate. Over the course
of the evening, while watching the two of them interact, she started to
wonder if there’s more to their relationship. Reading his Mom’s thoughts,
her son volunteered, “I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, we
are just roommates.”
About a week later, his roommate said to him, “Ever since your Mom came to
dinner, I’ve been unable to find the silver plate. You don’t suppose your Mom
took it, do you?” He replied, “I doubt it, but I’ll email her to be sure.” He sat
down and wrote: Mom, After your visit last week, the silver plate has been
missing. I’m not saying that you did or didn’t take it, but the fact remains
that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Your Son
Several days later, he received an email from his mother which read: Son, I’m
not saying that you do or don’t sleep with your roommate. However, the fact
remains that if she was sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the
silver plate by now, exactly where I left it - Under her pillow!
Love, Mom

Sista’s Recipe
Submitted by Lady Willetta Bain
Bahamian Style Conch fritters
Ingredients:
2 lb bag self rising flour
1 lb conch tenderized and cut into small pieces
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium bell pepper chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
3 cups water
2 cups oil
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except the oil in a bowl
Heat oil in a medium pot for conch balls or a shallow pan for fritters.
Fry until golden brown
Flip the fritters when holes appear
Enjoy!

Top Teens of America
Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter
The Executive Board
Teen Sanai Thomas-Abdoulaye, President
Teen Kelly Tomlin, 1 st Vice President
Teen Alexis Dean, 2 nd Vice President
Teen Marisa Bobo, Recording Secretary
Teen Macaya Cobb, Assistant Recording Secretary
Teen Antuan Rolle, Treasurer
Teen Travon Bastian, Financial Secretary
Teen Delya Harris, Chaplain

Teen Delya won an art contest for Area IV and Teen Alexis won a prize

Congratulations to Teen Alexis Dean, the
daughter of Christa Dotson-Dean (First Vice
President) of Southern Pearls Miami-Dade
Chapter who performed at Carnegie Hall in New
York during the Holidays.

Teen Alexis was inducted into three Honor
Societies: National Honor Society, Rho Kappa
Honor Society and Tri- M Honor Society.

The Southern Pearl is a digital publication
produced by
Southern Pearls Miami-Dade Chapter
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Our goal and intent is to share information with our
membership and members of our service community.
We welcome your submissions.
Please send your announcements, accomplishments,
and other newsletter materials to the team by April 28, 2023.
Contact Publicists:
Lady Kathy L. Horton: klhorton45@gmail.com
Lady Arlenna Williams: tooleyaw@aol.com

Our Executive Board
Lady Regina Sandilands, President
Lady Christa Dotson Dean, 1 st Vice President
Lady Karen D. Harris, 2 nd Vice President
Lady Latoya Darbeau, Recording Secretary
Lady Dja Dugue-Wright, Assistant Recording Secretary
Lady Arlenna Williams, Corresponding Secretary
Lady Michele Paramore, Treasurer
Lady Alessandra G. Williams, Financial Secretary
Lady Lisa B. Bennett, Assistant Financial Secretary
Lady Kay Williams-Dawson, Chaplain
Lady Pamela Latimore, Parliamentarian
Lady Mary Williams-Ervin, Historian
Lady Dynise Perry, Sergeant-At-Arms
Newsletter Committee
Publicists: Ladies Kathy L. Horton and Arlenna Williams
Editors: Lady Susan Cambridge and Lady Lisa Bennett
Contributing Writers: Ladies Willetta Bain and Karen D. Harris

The Southern Pearl is published quarterly.
Next Publication Date:
May 30, 2023