Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Monthly Newsletter

Transcription

1 February 2011 Volume 3 Number 2 Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Monthly Newsletter In This Edition 2011 National Founders Day Nurturing Our Ivy Page 3 HMAC Founders Day Program Activities Page 4 MLK Day of Service and Emerging Young Leaders Calendar of Events Page 5

2 February South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ Dear Sorors, I would like to thank Soror Marianne Walker, for presiding over the January sorority meeting while I attended National Founders Day in Little Rock, Arkansas. In observance of Black History Month, the African-American History Committee invited Mr. John Linton, Transportation Director for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, as our guest speaker at this month s sorority meeting. He will share with us his memories of the civil rights movement. Also, several art pieces will be available for sale at the meeting. Congratulations to the following sorors who were elected to serve as 2011 delegates to the 79 th South Central Regional Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico: Tamara Cubit, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, Xenith Green, Etta Hill, Helen Houston, Camilla Jackson, Pamela Lazard, Chantay Morris, Anitra Provost, Mary Smith-Johnson, Marianne Walker and Vickie Windham. As a reminder, all first-time silver, golden and diamond sorors should contact Soror Sandra Campbell at or by at sm.campbell@comcast.net. Volunteers are still needed to assist with the scrapbook project, contact Nkenge Berry-Owens at or by at nberryowens@gmail.com. Please continue to RSVP if you plan to attend sorority meeting. An accurate count is necessary for an appropriately organized and successful meeting. I look forward to seeing you at sorority meeting on Saturday, February 19, Sisterly yours, Tamara Cubit MESSAGE FROM THE BASILEUS Soror Tamara Cubit 2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BASILEUS Tamara J. Cubit ANTI BASILEUS Marianne Walker GRAMMATEUS Karen Y. Grays ANTI GRAMMATEUS Karen Aubrey EPISTOLEUS LaDonna H. Harris TAMIOUCHOS Paulette Frederick PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Sandra Campbell ANTI PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Andrea Stamps PHILACTER Brenda Davis HODEGOS Cheryl Mitchell IVY LEAF REPORTER Nkenge Berry HISTORIAN Jo-Carolyn Goode GRADUATE ADVISORS: Mary Smith Johnson Gamma Psi, TSU Pamela Lazard Omicron Gamma, UHD PARLIAMENTARIAN Rita Roberts CHAPLAIN Margie Taylor MEMBERS-AT AT-LARGE Helen Houston, Edwina Johnson Demetria Williams 2 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

3 February South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ FEBRUARY HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE The February Hostess Service committee members are asking sorors to bring the following nonperishable canned goods to sorority meeting: green beans, peas, carrots, corn, canned meat, dry beans, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, canned juices boxes, peanut butter, boxed cereal, instant oatmeal or grits. These items will be donated to Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church s food pantry. Additionally, in observance of Black History month the committee is asking sorors to wear African American attire to sorority meeting. Nurturing Our Ivy Please inform Soror Cheryl Mitchell or the Basileus as you become aware of those who are ill or otherwise challenged. Condolences and Prayers: Soror Bettye Sledge who became an Ivy Beyond the Wall. Soror Gwendolyn Graham whose husband passed; he is the brother and uncle of Soror Mae Rose Smith and Soror Quiana Smith respectively. Soror Loris Anderson whose brother passed. Soror K Netha Jones and Soror Jessica Jones whose niece and cousin passed respectively Please continue to keep the following sorors in your thoughts and prayers: Soror Marva Adams granddaughter who was hospitalized. Soror Nomeva Trini Charles mother and grandmother who were hospitalized after being involved in a car accident. Soror Glenneice Stewart s father who is ill. Soror Jamie Watson s father who is ill. MARCH HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Alice Walker Co-Chairman: Saundra Wiley Co-Chairman Jana Williams Committee: Waddy-Young January Hostess Committee with Soror Rosa Rush serving as chairman and Sorors Marlene Roberts and Shewanna Rochon serving as co-chairmen. Sorors Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Alicia Duplechain, Shonthenia Edwards, Beverly Maddox, Sheri Cole, the Nominating Committee, Teller s Committee and the Philacter Team. The following proofreading team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Kim Harris, Helen Houston, Yvonne McCree, and Bettye White. Dues for 2011 are $ ($ for Life Members). Dues can be paid online at the chapter s website. Dues received after January 15, 2011, are assessed a $9.00 late fee. This late fee does not apply to Life Members. Soror Dawn Randle graduated from Texas Southern University, Saturday, December 11, 2010; Doctorate in Educational Administration. Soror Chanique Ecby and Marcus gave birth to Mason Reese Ecby, Wednesday, December 22, He weighed 7lbs and 3oz. Soror Nkenge Berry-Owens and Rodney gave birth to Kamilah Tenne Owens, Friday, January 14, She weighed 6lbs. and 13oz. Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster, Franceta Lane, Melba Moreland, Ruby Mosley, Ora Lee Piper, Ritchie Routt, Polly Sparks Turner and Angela Wright. A Sisterly Thank You From... Soror Shirley Alfred Johnson Soror Myra Jackson Soror Lillian Cook The Family of Soror Ruth Soror Mary Collins Strange Soror Tommye Harrison Sisterly Reminders The Texas AKA Specialty License Plates are now available to order: PLPD129 The data forms will be available at this month s meeting and on the chapter s website. Please fill out the form and return to Soror Janice Warner so you can be included in the 2011 chapter directory. Sorors, please update your personal information on the chapter s website at NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION PROTOCOL Editor Tamara J. Cubit Newsletter Design / Distribution LaDonna H. Harris Articles must be submitted and received by the Basileus no later than the last day of the month preceding the next sorority meeting. Articles must be limited to 150 words; submitted in Microsoft Word format; Arial, 12 point font; insert only one space between sentences. Correspondence received after the deadline will be printed in the next month s newsletter. Chapter Website 3

4 February South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ HMAC CELEBRATES FOUNDERS DAY On Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the Hilton Post Oak Hotel, Houston Metropolitan Area Chapters (HMAC), held our annual Founders Day Luncheon Celebrating 103 years of service to the community. The theme for the luncheon was Global Leadership Through Timeless Service Our Legacy Continues Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, South Central Regional Director, was the guest speaker. She gave a motivational speech reminding sorors of the true meaning of serving all mankind and sisterhood. Prior to the luncheon, Soror Mattelia B. Grays, 18 th Supreme Basileus, conducted the rededication ceremony. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was also in attendance and gave greetings from Washington, D.C. urging sorors to voice their concerns about the proposed cuts in education. Under the leadership of Soror Mary Butler and Soror Ardener Franshaw, the AKA Chorale sang two selections. Accolades go out to our chapter for receiving two awards: 1 st Place Reactivation Award and 1 st Place American Diabetes Association (for our contributions). Finally, I would like to thank Soror Thearodesia Williams and Soror VeRonique Williams, chairman and co-chairman of Founders Day NATIONAL FOUNDERS DAY (continued) Our undergraduate sorors interacted and engaged the elderly residents in games and donated current issues of magazines for their reading pleasure. Also, we cleaned and organized the home of the late L.C. and Daisy Gatson Bates, counselor to the Little Rock Nine. In keeping with Initiative IV, Social Justice, we visited a domestic violence shelter, read to children, cleaned a children s play area and organized a library. At the Our House Project, we cooked, prepared and served lunch for residents and passed out bags filled with tooth brushes, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene toiletries for the Arkansas Children Hospital. Finally, we sorted all donations received during the weekend (books, winter hats, scarves, gloves, socks and shoes) and prepared them for distribution. We engaged in an array of service projects supporting Global Leadership Through Timeless Service Program Initiatives. On Saturday, sorors visited the Little Rock Central High School, the museum and visitor s centers. The Founders Day luncheon was held at the Statehouse Convention Center, where Soror Carolyn House Stewart was the guest speaker. In keeping with the theme she gave an inspiring speech. Afterwards we participated in a Social Justice and Human Rights Roundtable. The weekend culminated for many sorors by attending the Rededication Ceremony and Ecumenical Service. SORORS AND EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS SALUTE DR. KING WITH A DAY OF SERVICE TO ALL MANKIND In honor and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., forty sorors along with thirty-nine Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) participated in a day of service on Monday, January 17, 2011, at the Manda Ann Nursing and Convalescent Home. We enthusiastically hosted several activities which included: critical reading exercises, memory stimulation activities, a sing-along and line dancing with the residents. The sorors and the Emerging Young Leaders served fruit, cookies and punch. Additionally, each resident received a Martin Luther King, Jr. biography card. Several residents were visited in their room. Fun and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Soror Rosa Rush did an excellent job in planning and executing this activity NATIONAL FOUNDERS DAY It was a historic weekend for the more than 1,300 sorors including 15 from Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, who attended National Founders Day in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 13 thru January 15, The theme was Reflection & Remembrance of Timeless Service. Our first event was touring Heifer International where Soror Carolyn House Stewart, Supreme Basileus, presented the company with a $50,000 check from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After the presentation at Heifer International, we boarded buses and volunteered at two of the following activities: Diabetes Seminar and a Blood Drive. Some sorors fed the homeless and distributed books at Horace Mann Middle School, while others weatherized homes in the Little Rock area in partnership with the Central Arkansas Development Council and Net Communications. Many sorors assisted in the preparation, execution and clean-up of the Martin Luther King Birthday Bash. 4 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas YOUR EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE It is estimated that Americans have 1.5 billion pairs of unused shoes lying in their closets. Most of us take shoes for granted, sometimes forgetting that there are millions of men, women, and children around the world and in our own cities and towns who lack basic protection for their feet. Surely, we can help those in need! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in partnership with Soles4Souls, Inc. will make a tangible difference. Each Regional Conference will collect and distribute your new or gently worn footwear to a person in need, whether they are victims of a natural disaster or subject to living in extreme poverty. HOW CAN YOU HELP? *Each registered soror is asked to bring at least one pair of men s, women s and/or children s shoes to your 2011 Regional Conference. * Drop your shoes in the boxes conveniently located in the conference registration area. * Check your registration materials for specific drop off dates and times. * We will gladly accept new and gently used shoes that are clean and in good condition. * Please rubber band or tie each pair of shoes together. * Know that you made a difference in the life of someone with your donation. About Soles4Souls Nashville-based Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 4.3 million pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries. Visit for more information. PARLIAMENTARY TIP SO MOVED! This is a common statement which means nothing. One must state the actual motion so as to avoid confusion in the audience. Everyone has the right to know exactly what is being moved and discussed. "So moved!" is vague and pointless. PROTOCOL TIP Use the term "Chairman" or "Chairmen" not chair, chairperson or chairwomen."

5 February South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ CALENDAR of EVENTS 2-Wed 4-Fri 5-Sat 5-Sat 8-Tue 16-Wed 19-Sat 21-Mon 24-Thur 26-Sat 28-Mon FEBRUARY 2011 Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Contact: Clara Cooper Connection Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Faye Phillips American Heart Month, Pink Goes Red for a Day Health Initiative Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Parent meeting; 9:00-11:30 AM; Attucks Middle School, 4330 Bellfort; Contact: Margie Taylor AKA Day at the Museum; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM; African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street, Freedman Town; Contact: Diana Merritte Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Lillian Bourgeois Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit Social Justice and Human Rights Committee meeting; 7:00 PM Power Center; Contact: Sahira Black AKA Bible Cluster; 6:30 PM; PLACE: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps High School Leadership Development Committee; 8:00 AM-Noon; SAT Reading and Math Boot Camp; Jack Yates Senior High School, 3703 Sampson Street Houston, TX 77004; Preregistration is required AKA Day at the State Capital; Austin, TX; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Cost: Pending; Contact: Faye Phillips N E W S F L A S H Reservations for Sorority Meeting: Sorors, we are still requesting that you call or respond to your evite to make reservations for all sorority meetings. Please refer to the information below and call your representative, according to your last name, no later than: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by 8:00 PM Katharine Brown A Bo Nekeidra Brown Br By Lena Gilmore C E Rhonda Haralson F G Demetria Williams H I Melba Henry J Lillie Jones K L Gloria Melton M P Sydna Paul R S Cheryl Mitchell T V Yavaunda White W Z Wed 3-Thur 13-Sun STAYING CONNECTED Chapter Programs & Committees: Soror Marianne Walker Anti-Basileus marianne-walker@att.net Dues, Reactivation, Transfer, Golden/Silver Star/ Life Member: Soror Sandra Campbell Pecunious Grammateus 5503 Linden Grove Ct., Sugar Land, TX sm.campbell@comcast.net Courtesies: Soror Cheryl Mitchell Hodegos cherylk.mitchell@gmail.com Information to be published in The Jewel : Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com Change of Address, or not Receiving The Jewel : Soror LaDonna Harris, Epistoleus lmharris@swbell.net MARCH 2011 Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Contact: Clara Cooper High School Leadership Development committee meeting; 7:30 PM; Teleconference; Contact: Kim Topps AIDS Walk; 8:00 AM; Sam Houston Park (Downtown Houston); Contact: Patricia Sibley 16-Wed Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit 19-Sat 21-Mon Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit Economic Security Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Erica Moore Connection Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Faye Phillips Social Justice and Human Rights Committee meeting; 8:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Sahira Black 24-Thur AKA Bible Cluster; 6:30 PM; PLACE: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps UPCOMING REGIONAL and NATIONAL EVENTS March 31 - April 3, 2011 ~ 79 th South Central Regional Conference Albuquerque, New Mexico July 11-17, 2011 ~ Leadership Seminar; Atlanta, Georgia. Minutes of Chapter Meetings: Soror Karen Grays Grammateus kyg08@aol.com Tickets/Invitations to Chapter Events: Soror Kim Harris Ticketron Committee Chairman kharris627@att.net Constitution, Manual of Standard Procedures and Chapter Bylaws: Soror Rita Roberts, Parliamentarian robertsrita@hotmail.com Death of a Soror or someone in a Soror s immediate family: Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, Inc.: Mrs. Regina Carrington President, Board of Directors regina1908@ymail.com Chapter Website 5

6 January 2011 Program Planning Meeting African American History Program