Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

Transcription

1 June 2011 Volume 3 Number 3 Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Monthly Newsletter In This Edition: Lemonade Day at Project Row Houses Nurturing Our Ivy Page 3 EYL 8th Grade Graduation Program Activities Page 4 = Asthma Awareness Month Calendar of Events Page 5

2 June South Central Region Chapter Of The Year Dear Sorors, MESSAGE FROM THE BASILEUS Soror Tamara Cubit This is our last meeting before we go on our summer vacation and return in September. But we still have several activities and events that we must complete. At this month s sorority meeting we will host our 2 nd Annual Legacy Parade, our Transitional Ceremony for recent graduates of our undergraduate chapters, and the Bringing in the Green vendor fair, which will showcase our sorors who are entrepreneurs, business owners or providers of other services. The winners of our Black Dollar Days contest will be announced and, finally, our 23 debutantes will be introduced. You do not want to miss this very exciting and fun-filled meeting. Contact Soror Marianne Walker if you plan to attend Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in July. Note also, Sorors that important information is available on the chapter and corporate office websites regarding the President s Environmental Youth Award, a program that honors a wide variety of environmental projects developed by young people (kindergarten through high school students) to promote environmental awareness. The deadline for this project is December 31, Also the 2011 AKA Public Policy Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from September 19, 2011 to September 21, 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 on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at sorority meeting. Sisterly, Soror Tamara 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 June South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ JUNE HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE The June Hostess Service Committee members have partnered with the Social Justice Initiative Committee and are asking sorors to bring the following school supplies: backpacks, markers, highlighters, pencils, pens, colored pencils, and notebook paper to sorority meeting. The donated items will be given to children of incarcerated parents in August. 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 Clarice Gatlin whose brother passed; he is also the uncle of Soror Revona Gatlin Davis and Soror Devona Martin. Soror Joan Hampton whose brother-in-law passed. Soror Myra Jackson whose mother passed. Soror Una Topps whose nephew passed. Soror Jamie Watson whose father passed. Please continue to keep the following sorors in your thoughts and prayers: Soror Bobbye Harris who is ill. Soror Hilda Gentry who had surgery and is at home resting. Soror Minnie Lott who had surgery and is at home resting. Soror Demetria Williams who had surgery and is at home resting. Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster, Mary Butler, Aleice Conley, Lillian Cook, Franceta Lane, Melba Moreland, Ruby Mosley, Ora Lee Piper, Ritchie Routt, Polly Sparks Turner and Angela Wright. JUNE HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE Chairman: Janice Granger Co-Chairman: Edna Forte Co-Chairman: Patricia Grant Committee: Fontaine-Handy-Quaye THANK YOU - May Service Hostess Committee with Soror Maurie Carpenter serving as chairman and Sorors Katherine Brown and Frances Brown as cochairmen. Sorors Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Sheri Cole, Alicia Duplechain, Shonthenia Edwards, Beverly Maddox, Natosha Roberts and the Philacter Team. The following proof reading 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 web site. Dues received after January 15, 2011 are assessed a $9.00 late fee. This late fee does not apply to Life Members. Also, the chapter assessment of $ for the 2012 regional conference is due September 30, CONGRATULATIONS Sorors Genora Boykins, Annette Cluff, Shirlette Milton, Angela Gobert- Conway, Erika Gloyd. These sorors were selected to appear in Who s Who in Black Houston, Fifth Edition for their outstanding achievement. Soror Xenith Green and Elliot gave birth to Reagan Brielle Green on Thursday, May 26, She weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and is 19-1/2 inches long. A Sisterly Thank You From... Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, South Central Regional Director Soror Kim Topps Soror Natalie Carroll Soror Una Topps Soror Annie Duffield Soror Polly Turner Soror Hilda Gentry Soror Melba Henry Soror Jonita Reynolds Soror Glenniece Stewart Sisterly Reminders The Texas AKA Specialty License Plates are now available to order: PLPD129 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. When submitting photographs, attach them in JPEG format to s. Photographs embedded in the body of s or Word documents cannot be used. Correspondence received after the deadline will be printed in the next month s newsletter, at the discretion of the Basileus. Chapter Website 3

4 June South Central Region Chapter Of The Year MARCH OF DIMES WALK On the weekend of Sunday, May 1, 2011, twenty-three members participated in the 5K March of Dimes Walk at University of Houston's Robertson Stadium. The race was sponsored by the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization, for pregnancy and infant health. This year, the walk raised $3.2 million to benefit the Texas Medical Center for prenatal and neonatal care research and programs. Our chapter donated $1, I would like to commend Soror Rhonda Jordan who coordinated the walk. ASTHMA AWARENESS FORUM May was Asthma Awareness month and on Friday, May 6, 2011, the Health Committee collaborated with several organizations and hosted an asthma forum held at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The theme for the forum was Healthy Communities, Children with a Future. The purpose of the forum was to engage families interested in receiving information on resources for the prevention and management of asthma among children. Over fifty parents attended and learned information about the disease. The guest speaker spoke with the attendees about understanding and controlling asthma with their children. While the parents enjoyed the forum, twenty pre-school and forty middle school students were able to participate in a puppet show, story time and Ozone Theatre activities about asthma. After the forum, vendors were available to give more information to the participants. This was a collaborative effort with the following organizations: Houston ISD, U of Texas Public Health, American Lung Association, Air Alliance Houston, Houston Public Library, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Community Health Choice, GlaxoSmithKline and the 100% Campaign Chip/Children s Medicaid. Hats off to Soror Pat Sibley, Soror Rhonda Jordan and the twenty-five sorors that volunteered to make this event successful! PARLIAMENTARY TIP The bylaws may authorize a board or committee (or even a relatively small assembly) to meet by video conference or teleconference. If they do, then such a meeting must be conducted by a technology that allows all persons participating to hear each other at the same time (and, if a video conference, to see each other as well). Robert Rules of Order Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, p PROTOCOL TIP When referring to the people on the dais, say members of the dais, dais participants, or dais guest not the dais. Example: It is my pleasure to introduce to you the members of the dais. The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol. EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS HONORED AT CITY HALL Houston Mayor Annise Parker presented a proclamation to Alpha Kappa Omega sorors and the Emerging Young Leaders proclaiming Tuesday, May 17, 2011, as Emerging Young Leaders Day in Houston, Texas. The young ladies were excited and happy to spend an afternoon visiting City Council Chambers and witnessing how our city carries out the day-to-day business operations. City Council Member, Jolanda Jones, met the young ladies and presented each with their very own proclamation. It was truly an honor and new experience for our girls to take this field trip downtown demonstrating the profound connection of our youth and civic engagement. Forty Emerging Young Leaders and eight sorors attended this event. Soror Margie Taylor and Soror Karen Aubrey are the chairman and co-chairman of this committee EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS GRADUATION CEREMONY Friday, May 27, 2011, was graduation day for our first class of 8 th grade Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) girls from Attucks Middle School. It was a perfect day as the eighth grade EYL girl participants bid farewell with a wonderful graduation ceremony and reception. The graduation took place in the school auditorium where hugs and celebratory cheers raised the roof for families and friends as the middle school class of 2011 paraded down the aisles. The young ladies received special attention because each girl wore her custom designed pink graduation sash and made a stunning statement for EYL solidarity. After the ceremony, the parents and families were invited to our very own pink and green room for a cupcake and punch reception. Special gifts and awards were presented to each graduate. I would like to applaud the twenty-five sorors who participated. Soror Rosa Rush and Soror Vickie Windham did an excellent job in planning and executing this activity. LEMONADE DAY: LESSON IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Third Annual Lemonade Day was held on Sunday, May 1, Our chapter registered 570 nicely decorated Lemonade Stands. Several of the stands were located at Project Row House where John Sheptor, CEO of Imperial Sugar, and Michael Holthouse, founder of Lemonade Day stopped by to savor the sweet taste of different lemonades. Lemonade Day is a fun, free, community wide, educational initiative where youth learn how to select a site, advertise, purchase supplies, develop and price their products, serve customers, make a profit, basic accounting, open a bank account, and ultimately give back to the community. Congratulations to Soror Lucy Bremond, coordinator, and to everyone who participated in another amazing Lemonade Day! UPCOMING REGIONAL AND NATIONAL EVENTS July 13-17, 2011 A Leadership Seminar: Atlanta, GA. The theme is Leadership & Service: A Timeless Mission. October 29, Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat; Time: TBA; Place: TBA March 22-25, th South Central Regional Conference; Houston, Texas 4 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

5 June South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ CALENDAR of EVENTS JUNE 2011 AUGUST Wed 4-Sat 7-Tues Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Clara Cooper Social Justice Initiative; 10:00 AM-1:00 PM; Change Happen, 3353 Elgin, Houston, Texas 77004; Scrapbook Project with children of incarcerated parents Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Lillian Bourgeois 13-Sat 20-Sat Fri - Sat Mid-Year Program Planning Meeting; 8:30 AM-12:00 Noon; Houston Area Urban League; Contact: Marianne Walker High School Leadership Development Committee; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Back 2 School Retreat; University of Houston Central Campus College of Engineering; Contact: Kim Topps Undergraduate Round-Up; Houston, TX 15-Wed 18-Sat 20-Mon Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit 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 23-Thurs Connection Committee; 6:30 PM; Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, (Cleburne & Tierwester); 82 nd Legislative Session Wrap-Up and Reception, From the State Capitol to Houston A Recap of the Session ; Contact: Dawn Randle SAVE THE DATES!!! CHAPTER RETREAT Global Leadership Through Timeless Service Thinking Outside the Box DATE: Saturday, June 25, 2011 TIME: 8:30 AM 4:30 PM PLACE: Houston Community College-Southeast Campus, 6815 Rustic Avenue, Houston, Texas COST: $30.00 ATTIRE: Business Casual DEBUTANTE BALL DATE: Saturday, July 2, 2011 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Wortham Theatre, 500 Texas, Houston, Texas COST: $50.00 ATTIRE: Formal 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: Monday, June 13, 2011 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 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 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 Emerging Young Leaders - 6th and 7th Grade Awards Emerging Young Leaders at Houston City Hall