PathFinder - Apr 2010

Volume 4, Issue 7 of 14
April 2010
North Texas Business & Professional Women’s League, Inc.

“A Legacy of Service: Providing Reliable Resources That Empower Our Community”

PathFinder

Inside this issue: President’s Message

President’s Message  Dear Members,  

1   

Spotlight   ‐ Interviews  2  What a month April has been for the North Texas League.   

    Beverly J. Collymore  3  During this month we have made great effort to support 
    Kennice Gossip  each of our sister affiliate’s programs as much as possible.  

4  To witness the progress of the other clubs confirms my 

    Patricia B. Maples  5  decision as to why I chose to become a member of this 

    Charmaine Traylor  6  Association.  I am So Proud of the South Central District, 
and the National Association of Negro Business and 

PLeroaggruame C Naelwensrdoaorm     67 Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.  Kennice Gossip, President
NTBPWL, Inc.
Women’s History  8   2009-2011
As we slowly come to the end of our fiscal year, I am 

     Pictures  9  pleased to see that we continue to work toward promoting 

     Flyer       10  quality and useful programs. The Health Committee’s focus of promoting good 
health awareness was and is key to the North Texas League’s progress this year.  
League Calendar                    1  1 We are so excited about our “New You in 2010 Nutrition and Exercise Program.”  

Kufika ‐ Timeline  11 DR. KANDACE FARMER and LIZ RICHARDSON assure the League Ladies that this 

League’s Ghana Visit             12 program will help enhance our quality of life through the building of a more healthy 
body.   

       Pictures                                13               

 Life Membership                    14  Pathfinder Readers, please join the North Texas League as we attempt to Stomp 
Out Hunger in the Metroplex.  On May 8, 2010, we encourage you to donate 

canned goods to the North Texas Food Bank by giving your Mail Carrier your can 

goods.  Our Food Bank Chair, Lady Patty Lynn, would also like for you to take 

photos of you and your contributions and email your photos to 

[email protected].  The photos will be published in our May issue of 

Contact Information Pathfinder.  We thank you in advance for your support. 
Mailing:
 

NTBPWL Inc.,  
P. O. Box 1720
Cedar Hill, Texas God Bless You and God Bless America!
75106-1720
Phone: 972-896-0385 President Gossip

Fax: 972-237-2902  

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

THE NORTH TEXAS LEAGUE SPOTLIGHTS

The SPOTLIGHT of the APRIL 2010 edition is on our four beautiful Founders:

Beverly Collymore Kennice Gossip Patricia Maples Charmaine Traylor

Having just experienced a very successful Women’s History and Founder’s Day program, it was ideal timing to

SPOTLIGHT the North Texas B&PW League Founders. Now, just looking at this group of ladies you might
immediately think of the popular phrase, “just another pretty face” and you would be partially correct because they
are indeed all pretty faces. However taking a deeper look you immediately realize that they are not just pretty,
they are also intelligent and very accomplished. And we, the members of the league that they formed, are very
blessed and fortunate that they had the vision, foresight, and audacity to break away from a club that was well-
known, stable and successful to form a new club (in our case a new league) and had the fortitude to endure the
learning-curves, growing-pangs, etc. that is inevitable in such an endeavor.

So what type of women are our Founders you might ask? What background, what demeanor, what characteristics
did it take to make this leap of faith? Let’s take a look at their interviews: (in alphabetical order)

** BEFORE WE LOOK AT THE INTERVIEWS **

LET’S SEE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS

Write the letter(s) (all that apply) from the list to the Right that you think applies to each of our Four Founders)
Check your answers against the Interviews to follow on Pages 3, 4, 5, & 6

Beverly Collymore __ __ __ __ __ __ __ a) Plays the Piano
Kennice Gossip __ __ __ __ __ __ __ b) Enjoys Deep Sea Fishing
Patricia Maples __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Charmaine Traylor __ __ __ __ __ __ __ c) Contestant on Wheel of Fortune
d) Loves Gardening

e) Played bass clarinet
f) Loves Hunting Wild Game

g) Loves Traveling
h) Loves Reading Self- help Books
i) Won at State Fair for sewing Culottes
j) Played a Cello
k) Loves Event Planning
l) Loves Fishing
m) Loves Sewing

ENJOY!

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PathFinder April 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Beverly J. Collymore

 Where did you grow up? Flint, Michigan
 About your family; i.e. how many siblings etc: One younger brother
 Were you a country or a city girl? A city girl
 Did you play sports or a musical instrument? I played a piano, cello and sang in the school and college choirs.
 What do you do for fun? Roller-skating when I was younger, and working with Youth now. I also enjoy directing

choirs, going to the Opera, singing wonderful music, and dining in excellent restaurants.
 What are your hobbies? Sewing, working with choirs
 Any awards or special honors or recognition or degrees? Many awards and special honors

 Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University
 Bachelor of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University
 Master of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University and
 Master of Political Science from the University of Texas at Dallas
 Tell us about your immediate family, i.e. husband, etc. What does he do? I am a widow. My husband, Errold
Collymore, passed away in 2007.

How many children, grandchildren, ages, why they are the best ever. I have one son and one daughter. I have one
grandson - Gregory David Reaves, Jr., who will be graduating from high school this June. He is 18, wonderful,
handsome, and smart.
 What would we be surprised to know about you? I was a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune
 Where do you work and how long? I am retired from the IBM and Sprint Corporations; 1992 and 2000,
respectively. I just finished a position as Professor of American Government at Collin College in McKinney.

 What do you enjoy most about your job? Discussing American Government in today’s historical environment under
the first Black U.S. President, President Barack Obama.

 What advice would you share with our future Professionals? Do not neglect your Spiritual life as you soak up all
the positive and useful information and life lessons you can get every day. A strong spiritual life will help you make the
right choices in your life journey.

 What’s the one thing you know about life that you would like to share with the community? The successful,
effective and productive person does what they should do, when they should do it, whether they feel like it or not.

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Kennice Gossip

 Where did you grow up? Dallas, Texas
 About your family; i.e. how many siblings etc: I am the oldest of two; I have one brother. My mother is deceased and

I am the Caregiver to my father.
 Were you a country or a city girl? A city girl
 Did you play sports or a musical instrument? I played the piano and I also played softball
 What do you do for fun? I love gardening. Beautiful flowers brings joy to my soul.
 What are your hobbies? Traveling and reading self-help books.
 Any awards or special honors or recognition or degrees? I have several certifications, Cosmetologist Licenses, Loan

Officer Licenses, Senior Citizen Advisor certification. My first Business Woman’s award was given by the Iota Phi
Lambda Sorority in 1999. I’ve received several awards from our SCD, and 1 award from our International Division.
 Tell us about your immediate family, i.e. husband, etc. What does he do? My husband Kenneth and I have been
married for 30 years. August 10th we will celebrate 31 years of marriage.

How many children, grandchildren, ages, why they are the best ever. I have two wonderful sons: Keyun and
Kenneth II. I have 4 beautiful granddaughters: Kamariah, age &; Kennedi, age 7; Kailey, age 5 and Kira, age 4.

 What would we be surprised to know about you? I enjoy Deep Sea Fishing, I think I’m a great fisherman

 What does your company do/offer? GM Investments is a Property Management and Real Estate Investment Co., New
Beginnings Society is a Transition Housing Program for Ex-Offenders; X-Clusive Hair Salon

 What is your title? Owner

 What do you like most about owning your company? The businesses that my husband and I own are businesses that
empower people. GM - Provides shelter for renters and present opportunities for investors.

 What advice would you share with our future Professional who wish to own their business? Know your business
and strive to have excellent Customer Service. Always have a positive and productive outlook on life.

 What’s the one thing you know about life that you would like to share with the community? Trust God and know
that God will see you through your good times and challenging times. And know that the Best is yet to come.

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Patricia B. Maples

 Where did you grow up? Dallas (Oak Cliff)
 About your family; i.e. how many siblings etc: 4 Sisters (2 deceased) 6 Brothers (2 deceased)
 Were you a country or a city girl? A city girl
 Did you play sports or a musical instrument? Played piano
 What do you do for fun? Plan events, travel, meet people and serve on boards that assist people.
 What are your hobbies? Sewing, listening to all music according to the mood I’m in at the moment and helping others

to succeed
 Any awards or special honors or recognition or degrees? Distinguished Services Award El Centro Jr College, Nurse

of the Year Summit Health Care; Social Responsibility Award Texas Health Care association, Great 100 Nurses of DFW,
Member of the Year South Dallas Club, Metroplex Association of Gerontological Nurses of the Year , Distinguished
Leadership Award, International Affairs Division of NANBPWC, Inc. National Convocation of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) Ministers Spouse of the Year and Distinguished Services Award.
 Tell us about your immediate family, i.e. husband, etc. What does he do? My husband is Rev. Claude O. Maples,
we are in our 39th year of marriage. He is retired but serves on several boards in the ministry and community Service
boards, i.e. the YMCA, Greater Dallas of Community Churches and the Interdenominational Ministers Alliance.

 How many children, grandchildren, ages, why they are the best ever. We have one daughter, Stephanie Russakov. I
have two grandsons - Preston. Lawrence and Tyler Matthew and one loving son in-law David.

 What would we be surprised to know about you? I’m very sensitive and cry easy when hurt. But after my “pity”
party, I come back stronger every time.

 Where do you work and how long? Retired after 48 years of nursing. Currently the Wellness Minister at East Dallas
Christian Church and an Ordained Elder

 What do you enjoy most about your job? Planning programs to help others stay healthy

 What advice would you share with our future Professionals? You can always do more than what you think, the
more you give the more you will receive.

 What’s the one thing you know about life that you would like to share with the community?
Loving is so much easier than hating. God is constantly changing and growing us, we just have to be still and let Him.

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Charmaine Traylor

 Where did you grow up? Dallas, TX and Buffalo, NY
 About your family; i.e. how many siblings etc: 1 older brother
 Were you a country or a city girl? A city girl
 Did you play sports or a musical instrument? Played baseball and ran track in 8th grade, played the bass clarinet in

9th grade, won Science Fair in high school for building an Instant Hurricane, won ribbon in State Fair for sewing Culottes

 Tell us about your immediate family, i.e. husband, etc. What does he do? My husband, Jerry, and I own TrayloRv
Motor Homes. Inc. Jerry resigned from his position with Joseph T. Ryerson Steel Company in November 1987 to
manage the growing sales department.

 How many children, grandchildren, ages, why they are the best ever. 1 daughter, 2 grand-dogs. We are the best ever
because we are all the same crazy

 What would we be surprised to know about you? I love to fish and hunt wild game.

 Where do you work and how long? Traylor Motor Homes, Inc., 31 years I quit my job at Riekes Container
Company to manage the rental office. On December 31, 2007, we closed our Cedar Hill location and opened the doors
of our new dealership on February 18, 2008 in Palmer, Texas. Our company has grown to include service, repairs, parts,
supplies, storage and propane due to our staff’s hard work and perseverance.

 What does your company do? Recreational vehicle dealership

 What is your title? Vice President/Secretary/Treasurer

 What do you enjoy most about owning your business? Making my own decisions

 What advice would you share with our future Professionals who have a desire to work in the same capacity you
work in? Be ready to commit 24/7

 What’s the one thing you know about life that you would like to share with the community? Love and trust God.

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

PROGRAM NEWSROOM

As we begin to close out the League’s 2009-2010 Programs, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful support,
hard work and partnerships developed by the Committee Chairs and Committee Members in making this a memorable year
for the League in our local programs as well as the District Convention. I have no doubt the North Texas BP&W League,
Inc. will be well represented at the National Convention In Dallas.

You have blessed and inspired me to work harder in seeking greater programs for the 2010-2011 year.

Here celebrating you for the world of difference you have made in the League.

Thank you for going above and beyond…

Chair Program

Beverly Collymore Vocal Arts, /Health “Support Our Troops”
Brischelle Joyner
Charmaine Traylor Education “Adopt a School”
Women’s History & Founder's Day “Moving with Momentum in the Spirit of Sojourner to Assist
Evelyn Rosborough Haiti”
Geneva Hamilton Education , Health “Environmental”

Sylvia Littleton Health “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Komen/Race for the Cure”, “Healthy Heart”, “Blood
Drive”, “New U 2010”, “Let’s Go Red Day”

Economic Development , “Support Black Business Tour”;
Employment “Weekly Job Cast”, “Starting a Business”

Viveca Wilson Education “Kufika! 2010 Information Gathering”

Special acknowledgement in celebration of our new members and support to families in need.

Rhonda Randle-Clark Membership

Patty Lynn Food Drive “Our Neighbor’s Friend”

Coming up…

May 7 - League Ladies Night/Opera “Madame Butterfly”
May 22 - Support Our Troops
June 12 - Kawaidian Orientation (Workshop #1 Education / Fundraising); 2nd $150 Fee Due
June 19 - Kawaidian Induction Ceremony
July 21-24 – NANBPWC Convention

Murray G. Gray

 First Vice President & Program Chair 

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Women’s History – Founder’s Day Program

March 27, 2010

“Moving with Momentum in the Spirit of Sojourner to Assist Haiti”

The league’s goal for our Women’s History/Founder’s Day program was to enhance our attendee’s
educational awareness of issues impacting the Black community and the ways they can help Haiti
through volunteerism. We wanted them to hear first hand from someone that knows what has
happened, how it has affected the people and how they can help with not only donations but through
volunteering their time.

On January 12, 2010, the devastation and destruction in Haiti brought to light the dire conditions of
this impoverished country. The overwhelming amount of poverty, the vast number of orphaned
children and the lack of development and infrastructure are a few of the issues that plague the
world’s first Black republic. As we turn our focus and desire to aid those in need and attention to
Haiti, we are reminded of the suffering and human rights issues throughout our world. “Human rights
are ‘basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.’” As an abolitionist, preacher and
advocate for equality and justice, Sojourner Truth is a shining example of a human rights activist. For
future generations, Sojourner modeled the importance of compassion, awareness, advocacy,
activism and action.

Mrs. Esther Dureus-Reynolds the Founder and President of Beth-Hanan Foundation was our guest
speaker. She started with the history of Haiti’s and continued with the facts about their fight for
independence and freedom. She stated that the price of freedom was the main cause of their
economic problems. Her PowerPoint presentation gave us an image of Haiti before and after the
earthquake.

The League Ladies and guest appreciated the information that we received. We plan on continuing to
support Haiti by donating the proceeds from the program and sending clothing.

Thanks to Committee members Marilyn Barnes, Beverly Collymore, Dr. Kandace Farmer, Brischelle
Joyner, Elizabeth Richardson, Evelyn Rosborough and Viveca Wilson.

Respectfully Submitted,
Charmaine Traylor, Women’s History Chair

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Women’s History – Founder’s Day Program

March 27, 2010
Pictures

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Women’s History – Founder’s Day Flyer

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

North Texas League Calendar

May 2010 June 2010

S M T W T F S 1 – MediSend S M T W T F S 20 ‐ Father's Day

1 9 ‐ Mother's Day 1 2 3 4 5 LEAGUE RECESS
15 – Pathfinder Article Due         
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 N/A  ‐ Executive Board Meeting
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 18 – Executive Board Meeting

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 22 – Support Our Troops 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 N/A  ‐ General Body Meeting

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 – General Body Meeting 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 15 – Pathfinder Article Due

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 ‐ Memorial Day TBD ‐‐ Kufika Activity

30 31 30 - PROGRAM SUBMISSIONS 27 28 29 30

July 2010

S M T W T F S 4 ‐ Independence Day
1 2 3 LEAGUE RECESS
N/A – Executive Board 

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Meeting
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 N/A – General Body Meeting
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 15 – Pathfinder Article Due

21‐24  NANBPWC 
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Convention

Kufika 2010 - Timeline

MAY 10, 2010 Kufika Application, Recommendation Letters and 1st $150 Due (1/2 of Participation Fee)
June 12, 2010 Kawaidian Orientation (Workshop #1 Education / Fundraising); 2nd $150 Fee Due
June 19, 2010 Kawaidian Induction Ceremony

Contact Information:
Ms. Viveca C. Wilson at 214-729-4560
[email protected]
www.theleagueladies.com/Kufika.html

Viveca C. Wilson,

Kufika Chair

& NTL International Representative

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The North Texas League Visits Ghana, West Africa

My first visit to Africa was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience. This was my
first of hopefully many tours with NANBPWC International Governor, Dr. Beryl Dorsett and the
Africa Group. I was overjoyed to have two familiar faces on the trip with me, my mother and
fellow North Texas League member lady Patricia Maples. I was grateful to have Lady Maples
on the trip because she provided us with many helpful tips and historical facts throughout the
journey.

I met several NANBPWC Ladies from other parts of the United States and was truly
inspired by their stories and seeing the work they have been doing internationally, especially in
this region of Africa. Our tour took us through the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Central
Regions. We were welcomed by the Chiefs and Queen Mothers in several villages. We visited
the villages of Apaptrapa, Mampong Nkubeta, Aferie, and Bosomoiso, where I assisted the
nurses with the blood pressure screenings. The villagers were happy and grateful for the
donations that our group distributed and the medical assistance that was provided during the
visits.

Seeing and learning about the African culture and being reminded about the richness of
that land was unforgettable. Our tour included stops at Kwame Nkrumah Memorial, Ghana
National Museum, Manhyia Palace Museum, Cape Coast Castle Dungeons, Kakum National
Park, and The Ashanti Gold Mines. We bought all types of goods from the Bonwire Kente
Weavers, the Wood Carvers, and even tasted fresh cocoa from one of the plantations we
visited.

Being able to give out donations to those less fortunate was rewarding yet sad to see so
many people living with so much less than us. The reality really hit me when we entered the
villages and I realized that they live daily without what we would consider normal or basic living
needs. Many of the villages lack clean drinking water, electricity, and working bathrooms.
When I witnessed how little they have compared to what we have, it made me appreciated
even more what I have and give thanks to God for his many blessings. I will never forget my
brothers and sisters I met over in Africa, and will always continue to help those less fortunate
here at home and abroad.

Pictures from our trip to follow, enjoy.

Brischelle Joyner

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

Pictures from Ghana

NANBPWC LADIES GOLD MINE NANBPWC LADIES

BLOOD PRESSURE BLOOD PRESSURE SCHOOL

GOLD MINE DONATIONS KIDS

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PathFinder APRIL 2010, Volume 4, Issue 7

A Monthly Publication of
North Texas Business & Professional
Women’s League, Inc.

League Life Membership

North Texas League Life Membership Sisterly, 
Recruitment Plan Lady Patricia B. Maples,  Chair 
NTBPWL Life Membership 
 
During  the  75th  National  Convention  of  The  75th
National  Association  of  Negro  Business  &  National
Professional  Women’s  Clubs,  Inc.  will  induct  Convention
new life members on Friday, July 23, 2010.   
  of
As the League’s Life Membership Chair, I would  The National
like to encourage every member that desires to  Association of
become  a  life  member  to  do  so  at  this  Negro Business
convention.  & Professional Women’s
  Clubs, Inc.

Why You Should Become A Life Member & will induct
Why NOW? life members

  on

1.  Life Members are the “Major Blood  Friday,
July 23, 2010.
Vessels” of the Organization.  Sharing their 
Time, Talents and Treasures to ensure the pulse 
of the club never stop beating. 

2.  A one time $750.00 joining fee lowers your 

dues to $53 annually thereafter. 

3.   Life Members receives an additional 

beautiful larger club pin.  

4.  Life Members have voting privileges at all 

meetings on the local, district and national 
levels. 

5.  By becoming a life member at the 75th 

National Convention you will not have the 
additional travel expense to be inducted. 
6.  You can start a 5 year payment plan with 
only $50.00  HOWEVER, If you desire to 
become a Life Member at the 75th Convention 
you can start this payment plan and become 
one of the 75+ South Central District’s Life 
Members at the 75th National Convention. 
7.  You must be starting your second 
consecutive year term to become a Life 
Member … That means if you joined last year 
or before, you are now in your second year!