Page 3 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2018- Online Magazine

a

letter

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We hardly made a dent in our firewood stash, and summer has arrived - time for
the pool and summer camps for my kids. The seed for this Summer edition was the
really planted in a conversation between me and my daughter Hannah a few years
ago, as we sat by the Talkington YWCA Sun ‘n Fun pool. Discussing the namesake
of that facility and the Talkington School for Young Women Leaders where she publisher
was planning to attend, she pondered, “Where else is their name?” So, as a family,
we began to pay attention. We could see the Talkington Dream Center sign from
the Interstate and TTU’s Talkington Hall while driving down 19th Street; there was
a sign at Meals on Wheels where my husband volunteers and
at the Science Spectrum exhibit, which has a detailed replica
of Margaret’s famous clothing store.

We discovered that J.T. and Margaret Talkington have made
a tremendous impact on our community. The extent of their
influence and generosity in Lubbock is hard to comprehend.
Our family had seen a lot of it just in our drives around town,
but as I put this edition together, we saw that it was so much
greater. Through communication with the Board of the
Talkington Foundation, we decided to dedicate this issue to
honoring their legacy. We reached out to the many recipient
organizations and asked them to describe “How have you
bettered our community with the funds/support that you have
received from the Talkington Foundation?” Their responses
were enough to fill this whole edition.

There are many things I have pondered as I have learned how
much they have done:
First, what a great honor and trust the Talkingtons left to the
members of the board of their foundation to distribute their
wealth among deserving organizations.

Second, think of how the ripple effect of their generosity will
benefit generations far beyond their lifetime!

Third, I may never have a great deal of money to give away,
but I can maintain the same attitude towards giving, and
model it for my children and others.

Fourth, our community is blessed by their generosity, but even more by their example.

Fifth, we can honor their memory, paying it forward by loving our city and giving in whatever way we are able.

Summer is upon us; some of you will have your grandchildren and wonder what to do with them. Of course,
hit the pool! You might see me and my kids. But also, check out the organizations you read about in the
following pages. Several are non-profits that need volunteers. Consider reaching out to them and partnering
with J.T. and Margaret and the Talkington Foundation and ask how you can help. Volunteering with your
children and grandchildren is honoring the legacy of this remarkable couple and following in their footsteps.
And the combined ripple effect of our service will be noticed far beyond OUR lifetimes!
Erin Agee

{ Thank you for those who have written in this edition, for sharing your knowledge {

and stories and helping to Link us. And thank you to the advertisers who make
this magazine a reality. Without all of you this would not be possible.