It is my pleasure to bring you greetings and a Happy New Year for the first time as

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1 ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER January 2009, Volume 1, Number EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BASILEUS Tamara Cubit ANTI-BASILEUS LaDonna Harris Staci Taylor-Fullmighter ANTI- Jo-Carolyn Goode It is my pleasure to bring you greetings and a Happy New Year for the first time as the Basileus of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am excited, honored, and delighted to have the opportunity to serve. Serving in this position is an awesome and yet rewarding experience. My promise to you is that I will always do my best while striving for excellence. I am very grateful for your encouraging words, cards, acts of kindness, and prayers as we continue to move our chapter forward. Over the next two years, I promise to be open, honest, fair, and sisterly. I will walk hand-in-hand with you, serve with you, and promote an inclusive structure with enhanced lines of communication. I am committed to execute and support the goals and objectives of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with particular emphasis on strengthening and supporting our great sisterhood. For over 80 years, our chapter has provided Effective Service Programs to all mankind. With your cooperation, we will continue to provide service to the Houston and surrounding communities. I ask that you continue to support the Heart of AKA: An Effective Service Program by participating in at least one of the five ESP Platforms: Platform I The Non-Traditional Entrepreneur, Platform II The Economic Keys to Success, Platform III The Economic Growth of the Black Family, Platform IV The Undergraduate Signature Program: Educational Advancement Through Technology, and Platform V Health Resource Management and Economics. Sorors, always remember, to whom much is given, much is required. May God continue to richly bless each of you and our great sisterhood. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at sorority meeting. Sisterly yours, Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas EPISTOLEUS Karen Grays TAMIOUCHOS Yavaunda White PECUNIOUS Mae King ANTI-PECUNIOUS Connie Steward PHILACTER Marianne Walker HODEGOS Rhonda Richardson REPORTER TO THE IVY LEAF Sheri D. Cole HISTORIAN Andrea Bonner GRADUATE ADVISORS Mary Smith Johnson Gamma Psi Glenniece Stewart Epsilon Lambda LaShonda Willis Omicron Gamma PARLIAMENTARIAN Rita Roberts MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Regina H. Carrington Helen Houston Edwina Johnson CHARTER MEMBER & CHAPLAINC Hazel Hainsworth Young Page 1

2 January 2009 SERVICE PROJECT Each soror is asked to donate $2.00, at our January sorority meeting, to the Alzheimer s Association for the following project: 10 Alzheimer Warning Signs Health Cards. (Our goal is to donate the cost of 5,000 of the 10 Alzheimer Warning Signs cards (approximately $ ) that are distributed at health fairs, presentations, and most any function where the Alzheimer s Association will be meeting large crowds. The Alzheimer s Association will acknowledge our donation and the fact that the material is made possible by Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) FEBRUARY HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: COMMITTEE: Soror Terrie Tillman Soror Margie Taylor Soror Sandra Tucker Spates Turner CHAPTER S 80 TH ANNIVERSARY HOLIDAY BALL Over 700 sorors, family and friends filled the Marriott Sugar Land Town Square for the chapter s Holiday Ball, Celebrating Eighty Years of Excellence, Service and Progress. Sorors Karen Grays, Melba Henry and Mary Williams served as chairman and co-chairmen, respectively. The chapter honored the following former Basilei in attendance: Sorors Regina Carrington, Patricia Roberts, Melba Henry, Gwendolyn Brinkley, Evelyn E. Thornton, Polly Sparks Turner, Charlotte K. Bryant, Gervasia Anglin, Faye B. Bryant, Mattelia Grays, and Clarice Lowe. Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara A. McKinzie, gave special greetings and Mr. Michael Williams, Vice President, Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., gave a toast. Hats off to the following corporate sponsors and underwriters: Optimum Personal Care, Inc., The Varnett Schools, Jones Electric Company, Inc., UBS Financial Ser vic es, Inc., Liber ty Bank & Tr ust, Lancôme Cosmetics, E & J Gallo Winery, Hilton Houston Post Oak, Hotel Indigo at the Galleria, Marriott Sugar Land Town Square and Soror Pamela Nolley. A special presentation of the ESP Sickle Cell service project was given by Sorors Karen Grays, Regina Carrington and Marva Adams. The program ended with guests singing and dancing to the sounds of Ray Parcee and the ALLSTARS, featuring Ms. Vanessa. The members of the committee did an excellent job in hosting this event. Page 2 Chapter Web Site: MENTOR MIXER Soror Thedrial Jackson and the membership committee hosted a successful Mentee/Mentor mixer on Saturday, December 20, The theme for the event was Extraordinary Service and Participation with 55 new sorors and 50 mentors in attendance. The topics included: Graduate Mentor and Mentee Responsibilities, Golden and Inspirational Words of Wisdom, and Chapter Expectations. Thanks to Sorors Mattelia B. Grays, Faye B. Bryant, Regina Carrington and Diedra Fontaine for their Extra Special Participation. PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Presidents and the Executive Director were in Houston for a threeday planning session held at the Hilton Americas Hotel. On Saturday, January 3, 2009, a reception was held and hosted by the NPHC-Houston. The following sorors attended the reception: Sorors Regina Carrington, Marva Adams, Gwendolyn Brinkley, Faye Bryant, Tamara Cubit, Mattelia Grays, Berna Greer, Yolanda Murdock and Patricia Roberts. SISTERLY LOVE The All-Kare Action and Family Outreach committees visited with several sorors in our chapter who are s ic k a nd shut-in and provided them with gifts from the chapter. I would like to thank Sorors Dorothy Booker and Demetria Williams for coordinating this event. The following sorors assisted with this activity: Dorothy Booker, Lillian Bourgeois, Renee Bourgeois, Ever Nell Carothers, Jackie Columbus, Karen Grays, Ardyth Guyer, LaDonna Harris, Joyce Hayes, Helen Houston, Charlene James, Edwina Johnson, Karen-Kai Johnson, Angela Price and Demetria Williams. LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! On Thursday, December 18, 2008, sorors and family members attended the taping of the show, Great Day Houston, hosted by Debra Duncan on KHOU-11, to promote our 80 th anniversary celebration. The show aired on Wednesday, December 24, The following sorors were in attendance: Rhonda Arnold, Karen Grays, Etta Hill, Alicia Johnson, Karen-Kai Johnson, Millie Mitchell, Staci Taylor-Fullmighter, Mae Rose Smith, Mary Smith Johnson, Denice Piggott, Margie Taylor, Qiyamah Taylor, Terrie Tillman, Polly Sparks Turner, Tushanna Washington, Mary Williams and LaShonda Willis. I would like to thank Soror Staci Taylor-Fullmighter for coordinating this event. Chapter Phone: & Fax Number: Layout & Design by Soror Carolene Goffney-Sharpe of Cal-Lyn Grafx

3 Nurturing Our Ivy NOTE: Please inform Soror Rhonda Richardson or the Basileus as you become aware of those who are ill or otherwise challenged. Bereaved: Soror Elnora Flewellen s mother, Mrs. Celestine Jenkins, passed. Keep time following sorors in your prayers: Soror CoWanda White Netherly is out of the hospital and resting at home. Soror Clara Cooper is recuperating from surgery. Soror Mary Butler is out of the hospital and resting at home. Soror Julia Holland is out of the hospital and resting at home. Soror Sandra Campbell s mother, Mrs. Cherrie Edwards Cotton, is in Methodist Hospital. Soror Jonita Wallace Reynolds mother-in-law, Soror Glenda Brown, remains hospitalized. Also continue to pray for Sorors Mary Jefferson, Aleice Conley, Ardener Franshaw, Sandra Thomas, Veronica Sabatier, Gladys Goffney, Micalyn Demaris, Clara Boyd, Karen Demaris, and Tasha Williams. January 2009 TRANSITIONAL MEETING The officer s transitional meeting was held on Monday, January 5, 2009, at the home of Soror Regina Carrington. The 2008 executive committee members transferred files, supplies and other materials to the newly elected 2009 executive committee members. The following sorors attended: Andrea Bonner, Lillian Bourgeois, Regina Carrington, Sheri Cole, Tamara Cubit, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, Karen Grays, LaDonna Harris, Edwina Johnson, Karen-Kai Johnson, Mae King, Pamela Lazard, Rhonda Richardson, Rita Roberts, Glenniece Stewart, Connie Steward, Staci Taylor-Fullmighter, LaShonda Willis and Yavaunda White. Sister 2 Sister Thank you notes from Soror Tamara Cubit for electing and supporting her as your next Basileus, Christmas greetings from Soror Gwendolyn Brinkley, South Central Regional Director, Christmas greetings from Soror Barbara A. McKinzie, Supreme Basileus, and Soror Betty James, Executive Director, Christmas greetings from Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young and thank you to Soror Tamara for re-appointment as Chapter Chaplain, Christmas greetings from Soror Marianne Walker and thank you for support and vote of confidence in the November election of officers, Christmas greetings from Soror Dorothy Wilson, Supreme Grammateus, Christmas greetings from Soror Juanita Sims Doty, South Eastern Regional Director, Thank you from Soror Amber Higgs (new Soror) expressing appreciation of Soror Regina Carrington s leadership, Thank you from Soror Yavaunda White for the lovely plant, phone calls and prayers, during recent recovery, Thank you for your business from the Jesse H. Jones Conference Center, The Power Center staff, Thank you from Soror Charlene James, for spa gift certificate in honor of her retirement, Thank you from Sorors Alta and Demetria Williams and family for your kind expressions of sympathy, Christmas greetings from Soror Jo Celeste Pettway, 21 st South Eastern Regional Director. SORORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Best wishes to Soror Carolyn Evans and Mr. Malik Shabazz, who were united in marriage on Saturday, November 22, 2008, Congratulations Soror LaTonya Davis Meyer on the birth of Trenton Joseph Davis Meyer, December 31, 2008; first grandchild of Soror Janice Davis, Congratulations Soror Minnie Bailey, who retired in January 2009 from teaching at Prairie View A&M University, University of Texas, Texas Southern University and Houston Community College for the past 30 years. AKA-NOMICS AKA-NOMIC$ QUESTION OF THE MONTH What is the minimum amount of money suggested for an emergency fund in the case of unexpected lay off? A. 6 months B. 3 months C. 9 months D. 12 months Correct Answer: A) 6 months...to the Newsletter Editing and Proofing Team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Carolene Goffney- Sharpe, and Bettye White address for the Chapter Basileus: tjcubit@yahoo.com Page 3

4 January 2009 The Kids Extravaganza Style Show Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009 Time: 3:00 PM Where: Third Ward Multi-Service Center (3611 Ennis Street) Ticket cost: $10.00 (Ages 6 and older) Free (Ages 5 and under) Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston Inc. invites you to attend its 28 th Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show Changing Trends in Fashion Yes We Can Sunday, April 5, 2009 Time: 1:30 p.m. ~ Ticket Cost: $50.00 Hilton Americas Houston Hotel 1600 Lamar Houston, Texas Parking: $10.00 Self-Parking ~ $12.00 Valet Page 4 Chapter Web Site: Chapter Phone: & Fax Number: Layout & Design by Soror Carolene Goffney-Sharpe of Cal-Lyn Grafx

5 January th Anniversary ~ Past Basilei First Responders Basilei s Transition from 2008 to 2009 Soror Regina H. Carrington, 2008 (R) Soror Tamara J. Cubit, 2009 (L) 2009 Executive Committee Front row (l-r): Sorors Staci Taylor-Fullmighter, LaDonna Harris, Tamara Cubit, Hazel Hainsworth Young, JoCarolyn Goode, Karen Grays, and Connie Steward. Back row (l-r): Sorors Helen Houston, LaShonda Willis, Glenniece Stewart, Mary Smith Johnson, Rhonda Richardson, Marianne Walker, Sheri Cole, Andrea Bonner, Regina Carrington, Mae King, Edwina Johnson, Rita Roberts and Yavaunda White (not shown). Meet the 2009 Alpha Kappa Omega Executive Committee