Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

Volume 17 | Issue 1

3 BASILEUS MESSAGE

5 CALENDAR

7 PROGRAMS

12 OFFICER REPORTS

17 COMMITTEE

REPORTS

19 AWARDS

22 INTERNATIONAL

SISTERLY RELATIONS

DAY EVENT

26 2017 FOUNDERS’ DAY

27 2017 COMMITTEE

CHAIRMEN LIST

30 PHOTO GALLERY

2

Submitted by Soror Toni Carter Pearson

SPIRIT & INSPIRATIONChairman: Soror Tujuanna Williams

Co-Chairmen: Sorors Regina Hawkins and Beverly Anderson

No Question

Did you dance into the light of this brand new year

Did you look to heaven and thank God

for bringing you here

Did you twirl and lift your hands…

praise Him for this new chance

Did you leave the darkness behind…did you dance

Did you give honor to loved ones He took Home last

year

Did you recall happy memories when you

missed them being near

Did you thank God for His example of love, which

you saw in their every glance

Did you leave the sadness behind…

they are with God…we can dance

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

3

Greetings From The Basileus

Soror Rhonda Luss

continued on the next page >>

Sorors, we closed out 2016 with a fabulous Holiday Luncheon at the Crystal City Hyatt. A

heartfelt thank you goes out to the Sisterly Relations Committee, Soror Stephanie Woodland

Kelly, Chairman, and the Contracts Committee, Soror Irma Bogan, Chairman. The next week we

threw a festive celebration and holiday luncheon for the Senior Citizens at Drew Model School.

Showers of tea roses to the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon Committee, Soror Darlena Ricks

and Soror Carla Haynes Harper, Chairmen. What a great way to close out 2016!

Joint Chapter Meeting: The January General Body Meeting is a joint meeting with our

undergraduate Chapter, Sigma Alpha. Soror Althea Matteson, Basileus, Sigma Alpha Chapter

will be presiding. The attire will be white top with LNDS Pin and scarf and/or kerchief.

End-of-Year Reports: Thank you to the officers and committee chairmen for submitting your

end-of-year reports on time. All fourteen reports have been submitted, and the last report, the

Statement of Financial Operations, will be submitted no later than January 7, 2017. The

following end-of-year reports were submitted:

Report #1 Budget (2017 Budget)

Report #2 Statement of Financial Operations (chapter suspense Jan. 7, 2017)

Report #3 W-9 Summary Statement

Report #4 Program Report (Launching New Dimensions of Service)

Report #5 Standards

Report #7 Connection

Report #8 Membership

Report #9 Archives

Report #10 Hotel Expenditure

Report #11 Foundation

Report #12 Graduate Roster of Officers

Report #13 Web Presence

Report #14 Officers and Committee Roster

Report #15 Bylaws

Report #22 Strategic Plan

Worship Service: Please join me Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at the Antioch Baptist Church, 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia 22039. Let’s start 2017 off with the word, prayer, and fellowship.

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

4

Committee Sign-up: This is the last month that the paper copy of the committee sign-up

sheets will be displayed at Chapter meeting. After the January meeting, committee sign-up

can be performed online. Please choose your committees now.

Chapter Dues: Sorors, please pay your 2017 Chapter dues. You can pay in full or make a

partial payment. Chapter dues are $320; $195 for Life Members. Remember, all dues received

after January 20, 2017, will be accessed a late fee.

Graduate Advisor Certification: The postmark deadline for submitting documentation and

fees for any 2017 Regional Conference to the International Graduate Advisors’ Certification

Training Committee and Corporate Office is February 3, 2017. The postmark deadline for

submitting documentation and fees for the 2017 Leadership Seminar to the International

Graduate Advisors’ Certification Training Committee and Corporate Office is April 28, 2017.

Sorors must be registered for the conference at which the Graduate Advisors’ Certification

Training is to be received. Also, certification and recertification expire after three years on

December 31st; you must be recertified prior to your expiration. Sorors who fail to recertify

prior to her expiration will have to complete Level I training again.

Ivy Tree of Honor: The Ivy Tree of Honor mural displayed on the 3rd floor of the Corporate

Office is being expanded to raise funds for the Corporate Office Improvement Plan (COIP).

The contribution levels are as follows:

Individual Soror - $1000

Chapter Large - $2500

Contributions will be accepted throughout 2017.

Regional Scholarships: Please apply for Regional Scholarships. Mid-Atlantic Regional

Scholarships are made available through Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement

Foundation (EAF) Endowment Funds and were established to support the education of

undergraduate and graduate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated members of the Mid-

Atlantic Region. Scholarship application forms are posted on the Mid-Atlantic Region’s

website. The application deadline is February 15, 2017. The Regional Director, Soror Joyce

Henderson, strongly encourages sorors to apply for the scholarships.

EAF Chapter Challenge: The 3rd annual EAF Chapter Challenge entitled the Emeralds & Pearls

Chapter Challenge encourages all Mid-Atlantic sorors to donate $19.80 in honor of the year

EAF was founded (1980). Each chapter that meets 60% participation will be recognized at the

Barbara K. Phillips Educational Advancement Foundation Breakfast during the 64th Mid-

Atlantic Regional Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. The EAF Emeralds & Pearls Chapter

Challenge flyer and chapter worksheet are attached.

~ January 2017~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 2 3 4 5

ExecutiveCommittee

Meeting

6 7

General Body Meeting

8WorshipService

Antioch Baptist

Church

Pearl Drop submissions

due every Sunday

9

Membership

Committee

Meeting

10

Project Stepout

11 12 13 14

Leadership Development

15

Happy Founders’ Day

International Sisterly

Relations Day

16MLK Day

Community Impact Day

ASCENDSM

17 18 19 20

Deadline for Chapter dues

payment

21

22

Meal ServiceCarpenter’s

Shelter

23 24

Project Stepout

IFNV Board Meeting*

25 26 27 28

Founders’ Day Observance

29 30 31

*IFNV event - for informational purposes only

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

5January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

Sunday January 8, 2017

11:30 a.m.

Worship Together

Antioch Baptist Church

6531 Little Ox RdFairfax Station, VA 22039

7

Message From The Anti-Basileus

Soror Robin McCoy

Happy New Year Sorors! I thank you for the

opportunity to serve as your Anti-Basileus for

the next two years! I look forward to working

with you to further “Impact the Lives” of the

residents of the Alexandria and Arlington,

Virginia communities. Let’s Roll with the start

of the second half of Launching New

Dimensions of Service in 2017. Please plan to

arrive at the Lee Center no later than 9:30 a.m.,

Saturday, January 7, for our Celebratory

Kickoff, Mardi Gras Style. The Program

Chairmen are excited about the upcoming

Program Year. Stay tuned for details on our

upcoming events.

Tea Roses and Pearls to Soror Tamara Rowe and

the 2016 Program committee for their

outstanding work executing our Program Targets

for 2016.

The 2016 Program Year concluded with some

exciting events. Soror Tamara Rowe and the

2016 Program Committee members send special

thanks to the sorors who led, coordinated and

participated in the events.

Sorors Darlena Ricks and Carla Haynes Harper

for chairing an outstanding Senior Citizens

Holiday Luncheon. We hosted approximately

150 seniors from the Alexandria and Arlington

communities. Our prospective debutantes and

the many sorors in attendance served the seniors

a delicious holiday meal. The event also

included the singing of Christmas Carols and

Bingo, led by Soror Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding.

Thanks to all sorors who donated gift cards,

Thank you Soror Geneva Greene for

coordinating the Cultural Activity for

ASCEND. Due to inclement weather, the event

was rescheduled from December 17th to

December 21st.

Thank you to all sorors who responded to Soror

Tamara Rowe’s Text Blast for Think HBCU

donations via the corporate website. A few

made donations to more one than one HBCU.

Please join your local alumni chapter.

Thank you to all sorors who have donated for

the Founders’ Day Service Project. Please see

the Founders’ Day report for details concerning

the service project.

which served as prizes. At the conclusion of the

event, our guests were each provided with a

seasonal wrap. Thank you to Sorors Sherry

Billingsley and Rochelle Brown for

coordinating the gifts. Several of our guests

said they were planning

to come back in 2017.

Kudos to the members of the Project Stepout

committee. The committee members

concluded the 2016-year, Tuesday, December

13. The young ladies made Christmas cards

and were treated to pizza afterwards. They each

received a gemstone bracelet as a holiday gift.

Project Stepout will meet January 10th and 24th,

2017, at the Charles Houston Recreation

Center, 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA

22314 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

International Programs

Target I: Educational EnrichmentSoror Blanche Maness, ChairmanSoror LaVonne Shingler, Co-ChairmanSoror Geneva Greene, ASCENDSoror Ayanna Puryear, One Million BackpacksSoror Christina Carter, Think HBCUContact us at: education@aka-zco.org

8

ASCEND

ASCEND Scholarly Notes January 11: ASCEND Committee Meeting

Teleconference, 7:00 p.m.

We will kick off the year with our first committee planning discussion. For meeting logon

information, contact Soror Geneva Greene.

January 16: MLK Day of Service

10:00 a.m.

Join the ASCEND scholars and volunteers as we participate in the Community Impact Day in

recognition of Martin Luther King's Day.

January 21: Powerful Presentation

Location TBD

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

ASCEND scholars will be given tools on how to powerfully present their ideas and interests

in professional settings.

Note: We are inviting more students to join ASCEND. If you know of any juniors and seniors

interested in college and cultural exploration, please email ascend@aka-zco.org. Also,

contact Soror Geneva Greene at geneva.greene@yahoo.com with any questions.

The ASCEND Scholars, accompanied by Sorors Veronica Jackson, LaVonne Shingler and

Tamara Rowe, attended an outstanding performance of The Black Nativity, Wednesday,

December 21st. The performance was at the Theater Alliance in Anacostia, Washington,

D.C. Soror Tamara was asked to dance with the cast during the latter part of the

performance. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The group met for

pizza prior to the event.

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

International Programs

9

Target II: Health PromotionSoror Jacqueline Guillory, ChairmanSoror Melissa Finney, Co-ChairmanContact us at: health@aka-zco.org

Sorors,

Happy New Year! January is the month where New Year’s resolutions are born and your

motivation is at an all-time high. It’s a great time to think about what you want to change in the

upcoming year. Many of us have a standing New Year’s resolution that we commit to anew

every January only to lose momentum somewhere along the way. Health and fitness are usually

at the top of the list of broken resolutions. Possibly because we seek immediate results when it

comes to losing weight. By incorporating a balanced diet and a reasonable amount of exercise

in your daily living, the long-term effects will astound you. The key is to have patience and

discipline while allowing your body to do the rest. Old habits can be hard to break, but making

small changes such as lowering your sugar and sodium intake can make a world of difference to

your health. Let’s get AKA-fit and fabulous in 2017!

Target III: Family StrengtheningSoror Melanie Barrington, ChairmanSoror Betty Morrison, Co-ChairmanContact us at: family@aka-zco.org

Sorors, as we begin our New Year, let’s reflect on the many blessings from 2016. This is the time

to unfurl new gifts and to unveil new opportunities as the New Year welcomes you.

Family Strengthening will share once again in a moment of joy and pleasure with those who are

homeless facing the start of another year. We will serve the homeless as part of our bi-monthly

meal service at the Carpenter’s Shelter located at 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA. The

next meal service is scheduled for Sunday, January 22, 2017. Lunch will be served from 12:00-

1:00 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey

at saundra.mcculloughcobey@verizon.net. Please wear comfortable clothing. Sorority

paraphernalia is encouraged.

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

10

Other opportunities to serve at the Carpenter’s Shelter in 2017 are as follows:

Sunday, March 26, 2017 Sunday, May 28, 2017 Sunday, July 23, 2017 Sunday, September 24, 2017 Sunday, November 26, 2017

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

– John Holmes

Happy New Year to You and Yours! ~ Saundra McCullough-Cobey

Date Time Activity Location

Jan. 5 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Nannie Lee Center

Jan. 7 10:00 a.m. Joint General Memebership

Meeting

Nannie Lee Center

Jan. 8 11:30 a.m. Worship Service Antioch Baptist Church

Jan. 10 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center

Jan. 14 10:30 a.m. Leadership Development Arlington Mills Community Center

Jan. 15 4:00 p.m. AKA Day at the Movies:

Hidden Figures

Regal Springfield Town Center

12

Jan. 16 10:00 a.m. MLK Day of Service & ASCEND Charles Houston Center

Jan. 21 10:30 a.m. ASCEND Nannie Lee Center

Jan. 22 11:30 a.m. Bi-Monthly Meal Service Carpenter Shelter

Jan. 24 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center

Jan. 24 7:00 p.m. *IFNV Board Meeting Nannie Lee Center

Jan. 28 12:00 p.m. Founders’ Day Observance Fort Belvoir Officer’s Club

January Activities at a Glance

*IFNV activity for information only.

Launching New Dimensions of Service

Second Half Kick-offMardi Gras Style

9:30 a.m.Saturday, January 7, 2017Nannie Lee Center Lobby

Attire: White top and LNDS scarf,pin and/or kerchief

Let’s toast in a New Year of service!

Soror Jessica SimsContact us at: hostess@aka-zco.org

OFFICER REPORTSHodegos Report

12

January Birthday Celebration: Calling all January birthday celebrants! Please join us for our monthly birthday luncheon. Immediately following our January General Membership Meeting, the luncheon will take place at Southside 815, 815 S. Washington St, Alexandria VA 22314 from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. All sorors are welcome to join the celebration!

Announcements: • Congratulations to Soror Danyale Dow on the birth of her new baby boy, Mikhail Steven Dow,

born on November 29th.

• Kudos to Soror Barbara E. Bouldin, who was recently appointed to the Senior Executive Service

with General Service Administration (GSA), Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Soror Bouldin

is the first African American woman to serve in this position with GSA-OIG.

• Congratulations to Soror Rhonda Luss for receiving the Eagle Award for Excellence in 2016 from

the National Guard Bureau, Joint Staff (J6).

Save The Date:

Pi Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will celebrate 30 years of Sisterhood and

Service on April 2, 2017.

Prayer Request:

Soror Lula Lang – Jeter is recuperating from an illness.Soror Audrey Prout suffered a heart attack.

Jessica Simms January 1

Hazel M. Cameron January 1

Courtney Lea Walker January 1

Jennifer Wallace January 1

Caroline Howard January 4

Sandra L. Poindexter January 4

Sarah Bowers January 4

Tamiko Francis January 5

Joyce Parrish January 7

Amanda Pratter January 8

Vanessa Russell January 8

Geraldine Lewis* January 11

Nadia Ryder January 11

Tawanda Thomas January 12

Cora L. King January 12

Beverly H. Anderson January 14

Martha W. Conner January 15

Zuwana Johnson January 16

Lisa Wilson January 20

Altonia Crenshaw January 22

Aisha Jefferson January 23

Susie Smith January 26

Melodie Barefield January 28

Yolanda Barbier Gibson January 30

Monique Glover January 30

Joy Page Ngwenya January 30

Clarice Crudup* January 31

Kellee Edmonds January 31

13

Bereavement:Soror Julia Pryor lost her husband, Mr. James Pryor. Sorors June Monterio and Thomasine Coates lost their mother, Mrs. Irene J. Harris. Soror Melissa Finney lost her uncle, Mr. Turhan Carter. Soror Gretchen Johnson lost her grandfather.

Reminder: Please check your information in the on-line ZXΩ directory. This is the information used to send flowers, cards, and lists your birthday in the Ivyette.

If you have any announcements that need to be read during the meeting, please submit them no later than January 4th to hostess@aka-zco.org. Please remember, no announcements will be accepted on the day of our Chapter meeting.

Pecunious Grammateus Soror Crystal LanderContact us at: payments@aka-zco.org

Important Notice Regarding Chapter Dues

Sorors, to receive credit for your 2017 Chapter dues for January 1, 2017 you must:

Pay full amount of dues. Dues for regular members are $320. Dues for life members are $195.

Owe no outstanding debts to the Chapter (rare)

If your name differs from PayPal, please email corporate office or review your records. IT IS

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ALERT THE PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS AND ANTI-PECUNIOUS

GRAMMATEUS.

Payments for all events

Please be mindful that the payment team only collects funds for each event. It is the organizing

committee who maintains the RSVP list and able to make changes to the RSVP list. Therefore,

after payment has closed, and you change guest(s) names, IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO

ALERT THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF ANY CHANGES PRIOR TO CHECK-IN for the respective

event.

Reactivating and Transferring Sorors

We welcome all sorors joining ZXΩ; however, we must receive PAYMENT AND COMPLETED

PAPERWORK to finalize the process for each soror. If both are not received, the soror's

transfer or reactivation will not be processed. This is very important.

Should you have questions regarding payments, please contact us at payments@aka-zco.org.

14

Graduate AdvisorSoror VaShawn Guice VealContact us at: gradadvisor@aka-zco.org

PhilacterHappy New Year Sorors!

Let us all begin 2017 with a renewed spirt of service, self-discipline, and sisterly love. Please remember to sign in at each Chapter meeting. If you invite a soror to a Chapter meeting, please remind them that the attire for the meeting is business, and they must present proper identification upon arrival, or we will not be able to grant them access into the General Membership Meeting.

All visiting sorors must present one of the following items along with a photo ID to gain entrance into the Chapter meeting:

1. Financial Card (old or new)2. Copy of her Certificate of Initiation3. Faxed verification letter or email confirmation from the Corporate OfficeIf you have questions or need your attendance record, please contact us at keeper@aka.com.

Soror Yvette DarnabyContact us at: keeper@aka-zco.org

Happy New Year Sorors!

Sigma Alpha Chapter submitted all End-of-Year Reports Monday, December 19, 2016. The 2017 dues were also collected from one member, Soror Althea Matteson.

The sorors of Sigma Alpha Chapter celebrated Christmas with family and friends. Plans for a New Year's dinner with the ZXΩ Chapter Basileus, Graduate Advisor, and the Graduate Advisor's Council is currently underway.

Sigma Alpha Chapter Basileus, Soror Althea Matteson, will join us for the first joint meeting of 2017.

I look forward to serving as the Graduate Advisor for 2017 and will continue to work with the leadership at Marymount University and Strayer University.

15

Sorors, thank you for your continued support! Articles featuring Zeta Chi Omega sorors are

included in your latest Ivy Leaf:

2016 MLK Day of Service article -- page 84 Ivy Beyond the Wall article on Soror Elaine Trivers – page 121

We welcome more articles! When submitting your articles to the Public Relations Committee,

please note the following:

Submit Ivy Leaf articles to the Public Relations Committee at: media@aka-zco.org. Your submissions should be newsworthy. The Ivy Leaf editors will not publish a soror’s

attainment of ordinary academic degrees, or retirements, etc. The content of each article should be to-the-point and timely.

The deadlines are: o December 15th for the Spring Issueo March 15th for the Summer Issue o June 15th for the Fall Issueo September 15th for the Winter Issue

Each article should be typed double-spaced. Include a heading and photo caption. Articles for “The Social Scene,” “Undergraduate Spotlight,” “Chapter News” and “Chartering

Report” should not exceed 250 words. Articles for “Accomplishments and Awards” should not exceed 175 words. (These word

counts do not include headings and captions.)

There is no charge when submitting an article without a photo. The rate for an article

accompanied by a photo include: $75 to include a headshot photograph for “Accomplishments

and Awards.“ Your photo should be sent to media@aka-zco.org or mailed to Zeta Chi Omega

Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, Virginia 22313. Photos will not be returned.

Ivy Leaf Reporter Soror Gloria Bell

Contact us at: media@aka-zco.org

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Arlington Mills Community Center

909 S Dinwiddie St

Arlington, VA 22204

4th Floor, Room 418

Saturday, January 14, 2017

10:30am – 2:30pm

Attire: AKA Casual

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

17

Membership CommitteeSoror Tonya Perkinson, ChairmanSoror Erika Bouknight, Co-ChairmanSoror Tanya Parham, Co-ChairmanContact us at: membership@aka-zco.orgHappy New Year Sorors! The Membership Committee

hopes that everyone had a safe and joyous Holiday Season!

We want to extend a warm Zeta Chi Omega welcome to all of our newly reactivated and transferred

sorors! We look forward to getting to know and working with you. Eighteen (18) sorors reactivated with

Zeta Chi Omega in 2016. Let’s continue the good work of reclaiming our precious pearls! Be on the lookout

for the revival of “New Soror Corner” where you will get to learn a little more about some of our new

members!

Chapter Polo Shirts: Chapter polo shirts will be available for order via the Chapter website as well as

before and after the January General Membership meeting. The cost is $25 for women’s fit and $30 for

men’s fit. If you placed an order prior to the December 2016 General Membership meeting, your shirt will

be available for pickup before and after the meeting.

Chapter Name Badges: Chapter name badges are available for order via the Chapter website as well as

before and after the January General Membership meeting. The badge is the current, bright pink badge

that was sold last year. The cost is $10.

Preparation for MIP Request: In preparation for the Chapter’s submission of our request for authorization

to conduct a Graduate Membership Intake Process, the Membership Committee is now collecting Guide to

Sponsorship Forms. The form is available on the Chapter website. Sorors should either mail their completed

form to the Chapter P. O. Box (attention Membership Chairman) so that it is received no later than Friday,

January 6, 2017, or submit to Soror Tonya Perkinson, Membership Chairman, no later than adjournment of

the General Membership meeting on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

Standards Committee Soror Amanda Pratter, ChairmanContact us at: standards@aka-zco.org

The Standards Committee would like to thank all Chapter members for their assistance in completing the Chapter Self – Assessment forms. Your participation in this effort is greatly appreciated. The committee has been collecting and reviewing 2016 event evaluations and will provide feedback to the Chapter in January.

As we begin the New Year, please remember that we will continue to use the automated program and event evaluations. Committee chairmen please send your attendee lists to evaluations@aka-zco.org so that sorors can evaluate programs and events in a timely manner. Please contact Soror Amanda Pratter, Chairman, if you have any questions.

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

COMMITTEE REPORTS

18

Technology Committee Soror Leslie Dey, Chairman

Contact us at: technology@aka-zco.org

Happy New Year Sorors! Is this a New Year, New

You? Have you changed your address, phone

numbers or email address? Please log into the Zeta

Chi Omega website and ensure all your information

is correct. The information on the website is used by

the Hodegos to gather birthday month information

and by your Chapter sorors when they want to reach

you and their directory is not nearby. If you have

changed your last name, please contact Soror Leslie

Dey directly. Please note, to update your

information with the corporate office, please go to

aka1908.org.

Directory Committee Soror Erika Bouknight, ChairmanContact us at: directory@aka-zco.org

On Saturday, January 7, 2017 and Saturday February 4, 2017, the Directory Committee will

take photos (head shots) of newly transferred/reactivating sorors, sorors who have outdated

photos or sorors without an existing photo in our database. The attire is black top, and don’t

forget your pearls. Picture taking will occur from 9:00 am - 9:55 am.

The 2017 Directory will include the following information about you:

• Address

Telephone number(s)

Birthdate

Initiating chapter and year

Email address

Photograph

If you are having trouble accessing the Member’s Only section, please contact Soror Leslie

Dey at 703-626-3345 or LDEY@yahoo.com. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more

about the Chapter’s technology and/or you’d like to be a part of the Technology Committee,

please sign up!

To ensure that the contents of the directory are accurate, please log on to the “Members Only”

section of our Chapter website, click “Edit ZXΩ Member Information,” and update your member

profile. Contact information will be taken solely from the Members Only database.

The Directory Committee will distribute the 2017 Chapter Directory at the March General Body

Meeting. Sorors who are financially active by February 4, 2017 will be listed in the Membership

directory.

Awards Committee

19

Award Submissions for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

Happy New Year Sorors!!!! THE TIME is April 26-30, 2017; THE PLACE is Raleigh, NC, THE EVENT is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference! Sorors, Committee Chairmen, Co-Chairmen, it is time to showboat your hard work and efforts demonstrated in 2016!!! It is time to SUBMIT for regional awards recognitions. The criteria is the same as last year and can be found in the MAR Awards Handbook, available on the MAR ‘Members Only’ site.

We are Zeta Chi Omega Chapter and can conquer and step-up to any challenge! Let’s show the other Chapters in the MARVELOUS Mid-Atlantic what WE have been doing for Alpha Kappa Alpha! This IS our TIME!!!! All individual and chapter award recommendations are the responsibility of the recommender, which means the Soror(s) is/are responsible for the write-up, supporting documentation(s), and final submission to the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee is here to assist.

Please read thoroughly the Awards Handbook. Submissions must be complete and will automatically be returned if the requirements and documentation are not met; therefore, it is important to review the Awards Handbook for information on the criteria and report format for each award. Submissions due dates are listed below:

Sorors can submit individual nominations for the following awards: **Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring Soror) Leah K. Frazier (Leadership w/Global Perspective) Marguerite Adams Award (Political Action) Graduate Leadership Award (Outstanding Leadership in Region) Helen Cauthorne Award (Graduate Advisor Award) Eula Edmonds Glover Award (Volunteer Community Service) **Annie L. Harvey Award (Outstanding Graduate Soror) Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the Year) Margaret B. Moss Award (Outstanding Retired Graduate Soror) Evelyn R. Syphax Award (Outstanding Graduate Writer) Bernardine Stoneham Smith Bailey Award (Graduate Journalism) Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph Award (Civic Leader) Barbara K. Phillips Award (Leadership Development) Mid-Atlantic Region Arts and Crafts (Class I - X) **Economic Security Initiative Program Award (Citizen of the Year)

Chapter Awards: Graduate Achievement Award (Membership 76 and above) Janice Mack Award (Reactivation - Membership 76 or more) Doris R. Asbury One-to-One Award (Graduate Newsletter) AKA Connection Award continued on the next page >>

Soror Tifani Burgess, Chairman

Soror Stephanie Harrison Hubbard, Co-Chairman

Contact us at: awards@aka-zco.org

20

Wanza Bagnall Webb Award (Outstanding Service to Children w/Special Needs or to Senior Citizens)

Outstanding Graduate Chapter program Carolyn L. Lattimore Award (Outstanding Achievement in Education) Graduate International Program Awards

TIMELINE: MAR AWARDS SUBMISSIONS

Deadline Item/Event Submit To:

Jan 7, 2017 **Chapter-endorsed Award nominees selected**

Feb 4, 2017 All submissions due Drop-off only @Lee Center

Lastly, congratulations to the sorors recognized at the December 2016 Chapter meeting, for End of Year Awards. They are: Soror Melissa Finney (Attendance Award); Soror Pamela Snowden (Ms. Precious Pearl), Soror Sonya Stephens (Ms. Pink and Green); Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey (Special Achievement Award); Soror Tamara Rowe (Soror of the Year); and Sorors Aretha Cunningham, C. Starr Garrett, Ade’Leaka Gore, Jacqueline Guillory, Jacqueline Roundtree, and VaShawn Guice Veal (Unsung Soror Award).

The Awards Committee members are here to assist and address your questions. Remember, in order to WIN, you MUST submit. Let’s go for the PINK AND GREEN…WE ARE TEAM AKA-ZXΩ!!!

Soror Aretha Cunningham, Chairman

Soror Essie Matthews, Pianist

Soror Veronica Jackson, Director

Sorors, we are getting ready for Founders’ Day! Come lift your voices and sing with the ZXΩ

choir! Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 9:00 am on stage at the Lee Center, we will rehearse two

selections for our celebration.

Music Committee

Diamond Golden Silver CommitteeSoror C. Starr Garrett, Chairman

Soror Joyce Myrick Brooks, Co-Chairman

Happy New Year, Sorors! If you are new to the Chapter and have reached “jewel” status, please

let us know so that we can add you to the DGS jewels listing. As a reminder, please note that

the Jewel Application forms, to include the Life Membership and Life Member Gold Card Order

forms, are located on our Chapter website under Members Only:

Documents-->Corporate Documents

TEA ROSES to all DGS Buddy Sorors for your continuous support of the Buddy Soror Program.

Please know that your buddy and the DGS committee chairmen appreciate all that you do.

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3rd Annual EAF Chapter Challenge

Emeralds and Pearls Chapter Challenge!!! All Mid-Atlantic Region Chapters are being challenged to participate. Each member of Zeta Chi Omega is asked to donate $19.80 (the year EAF was founded) to support the Educational Advancement Foundation. Each chapter that meets 60% participation will be recognized at the Barbara K. Phillips Educational Advancement Foundation Breakfast during the 64th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. We want to be recognized at MARC. Zeta Chi Omega accepts the challenge!!! Sorors, let’s lead the way as we celebrate 37 years of Launching New Dimensions of Educational Excellence (1970-2017). Thank you for your continued support of EAF.

Educational Advancement FoundationSoror Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding, Chapter CaptainContact us at: eaf@aka-zco.org

Sisterly Relations CommitteeSoror Allyson Hilliard, ChairmanSoror Undra Graves-Guyton, Co-ChairmanContact us at: sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org

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Happy New Year to you from your Sisterly Relations Committee!!! Soror Undra and I are excited

to serve as your new Sisterly Relations Chairman and Co-Chairman.

International Sisterly Relations DayWe look forward to seeing sorors celebrate International Sisterly Relations Day on January 15,

2017. We have a theater to ourselves to see ‘Hidden Figures’, a biographical drama that tells

the story of three brilliant African-American women at NASA -- Katherine Johnson (Taraji P.

Henson), Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), all of whom are

members of our beloved sorority. They serve as the brains behind one of the greatest

operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement

that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race, and galvanized the world.

Hidden Figures- ZXΩ Private Viewing

January 15, 2017, 4 pm

Regal Springfield Town Center 6859 Springfield Mall

Springfield, VA 22150

Tickets $14

Doors open at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased via the Chapter's website or at the January Chapter

Meeting. Sorors can also purchase tickets for their family and friends. NO REFUNDS!

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Holiday Party

A special thank you to the Sisterly Relations Committee and all who worked so hard and made

the holiday party a huge success. Over 200 sorors were in attendance at the Hyatt Regency

Crystal City on December 3rd. Everyone had a wonderful time eating, laughing, giving gifts and

fellowshipping with each other. The luncheon was a fantastic way to end 2016, and we look

forward to what 2017 holds.

Sister Circles

As we begin a new year, we encourage all of our Sister Circles to do some activity to set the

sisterly tone for the whole year. Sisterly Relations play a major role in strengthening the bonds

that unite us as sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha. It is at the heart of our sisterhood. Each of us plays a

critical role in fostering sisterly relations by “nurturing our ivy.”

You can now reference the list of Sister Circles, their respective Sister Circle Leaders (SCL) and the

specific geographic areas that comprise each SC on the chapter website.

If you have not been assigned to a SC or require clarity as to which SC you have been assigned, let

us know. Also, we encourage you to confirm that your address information is up to date in the

Chapter database. We appreciate greatly hearing all of the wonderful things our SCs are doing.

“You Go Soror”

Please remember to fill out a “You Go Soror” form to recognize sorors that embody sisterliness.

Email the below format to sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org, and each soror will get recognized at the

General Membership meetings.

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History Committee Soror Mathelle K. Lee, Chairman

Soror Carolyn Rowe, Co-Chairman

Just like the Sankofi bird of African folklore, we look back at 2016 as we move forward in 2017.

This dynamic, premier Chapter of over 375 members received many accolades for its

accomplishments, achievements and "service to mankind" during 2016.

Brief Highlights of 2016

• Chapter members sponsored many local Chapter and international projects

• Endless hours were given in service to the community and those in need

• Over 100 members attended the Metropolitan Founders’ Day at the McLean Hilton.

• 137 sorors registered for the 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Virginia Beach, VA

• Soror Joyce Henderson was re-elected to the position of Mid-Atlantic Regional Director

• Won 7 chapter awards at the Mid-Atlantic Conference, including the Alma B Diggs Award for the largest graduate attendance and the Launching New Dimensions of Service 2015 Award

• 18 sorors received Silver Star status

• Soror Patricia Mobley Wallace received Golden Soror status

• Zeta Chi Omega Stroll Team, under the direction of Soror Marquita Davis, performed an outstanding routine at the Mid-Atlantic Conference

• The 60th Anniversary of Zeta Chi Omega was held at the Ritz Carlton, Pentagon City

• 120 sorors registered and 116 attended the 67th Boule in Atlanta, Georgia

• 14 young ladies were presented to society at the Debutante Cotillion

• The retreat was held on August 20, 2016 at Drew Model School, Arlington, VA

• The 58th Annual Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show was held at the McLean Hilton on November 13, 2016

• Holiday Luncheon/Meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City on December 3, 2016

• Five sorors became Ivies Beyond the Wall: Barbara Brooks, Beatrice Gilkes, Katrina Moss, Elaine Trivers

The complete 2016 Annual History of Zeta Chi Omega will be filed in our archives and available

at a later date. We invite you to join this committee and help us perform a very important

Chapter function, preserving our history. We are planning several worthwhile historical

projects, including a cookbook with historical notes and submission of several outstanding

members for historical recognition.

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The Numbers

Over 150 Seniors in Attendance

61 Soror Participants / Volunteers9 Non Soror Volunteers (prospective Debs, sister of a Deb, caterer assistants)

34 Gift Cards for Bingo Game Prizes ($5 value – CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Starbucks, Target)

12 In-Kind Contributions for Bingo Game Prizes (socks, stationery, mugs)

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

Soror Darlena Ricks & Soror Carla Haynes Harper, Chairmen

We would like to send tea roses and special thanks to the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon

Committee members, Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia, Seasonal Wraps Committee, sorors,

prospective debutauntes, volunteers, the caterer, and the Drew Community staff for all of the

support that helped make the event a success. From the Bingo ‘task force’, the line dance squad,

the holiday choir, servers, the set-up and break-down crew, and the logistics team of sorors who

coordinated getting decorations to and from the venue – starting with the centerpieces at the

Chapter holiday luncheon. This was definitely a team effort,and we are most thankful and

grateful for everyone who contributed to the program. The guests enjoyed the food, games,

sing-along, dancing and gifts. We would not have been able to do this without you. Thanks

again!!!!!!!

2016 Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon

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2017 Founders’ Day Celebration

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN TO FOUNDERS’ DAY !

“Honoring Our Legacy, Preserving our Future—Celebrating 109 Years of Sisterhood”

Alpha Kappa Alpha women all over the world proudly wearing their precious 20 pearls. AKA,

they founded January 15, 1908 at Howard University on that historic date.

Sorors, the countdown has begun for our wonderful celebration luncheon which will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Fort Belvoir Officers’ Club, Mount Vernon Room, 12:00 pm -3:00 pm. The luncheon is open to all sorors. This would be the ideal time to invite an inactive soror! The cost is $40 per person and the attire is pink, green or pink and green, no pants. Tickets are available for the 2017 Founders’ Day Celebration on our website via PayPal. There will be one last opportunity for you to purchase your ticket at the January Chapter Meeting. Please make sure you have provided your pre-vetting information (name as it appears on your driver’s license, driver license number and driver license state) to Sorors Darhyl Jasper or Frances Woods. This will minimize the backup at the gates. On the day of the event, you will enter through Pence Gate, inform the security guard that you are on the Zeta Chi Omega Founders’ Day list, and present your ID.

Finally, we are still collecting SmarTrip® cards which is our Founders’ Day service project. The SmarTrip® cards will be given to the residents at the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA. Our goal is to collect 100 SmarTrip® cards which will be donated to the Carpenter’s Shelter. To-date we have collected 83 cards. Sorors we need your support to reach our goal. We are requesting sorors to donate a $10 SmarTrip® card which may be purchased at CVS, Giant Food Stores, Metrorail stations, Commuter Stores, and Metro Sales offices. Cards will be collected by committee members before and following the January General Membership Meeting. We look forward to us celebrating 109 years of service to all mankind. For more information contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Chairman, or Sorors Barbara Anderson and Aretha Cunningham, Co-Chairmen.

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Target I: Educational Enrichment Soror Blanche Maness

Target II: Health Promotion Soror Jacqueline Guillory

Target III: Family Strengthening Soror Melonie Barrington

Target IV: Environmental Ownership Soror Yolanda Gibson

Target V: Global Impact Soror Crystal Lander

2017 Programs: Target Area Committee Chairmen

Pan-Hellenic Council CommitteeSoror Angela TurnerContact us at: phc@aka-zco.org

The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Northern Virginia (NoVA NPHC) cordially invites you to attend our

Annual Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast, which will take place on Saturday, January 28th from

8:00 am – 10:00 am at Applebee’s (6310 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA.).

Tickets are $12, and you can purchase them in advance through your NoVA NPHC representatives (Sorors

Angela Turner and Chiquita King) or at the door. The cost of the ticket includes pancakes, sausage,

scrambled eggs, and a beverage (i.e., coffee, juice, soda, or tea). For more information, please contact

your NoVA NPHC representatives at phc@aka-zco.org.

Congratulations New Officers and Committee Chairmen

Congratulations to the newly elected officers and appointed committee chairmen. Your

willingness to serve this Chapter exemplifies your dedication to the ideals and programs of our

beloved sorority. Again, congratulations!

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

28

Archives Soror Monique Robinson

Awards Soror Tiffani Burgess

Bylaws Soror Kendra Riley

Connection Soror LaFrances Williams

Contracts Soror Irma Bogan

Courtesy Soror Jessica Sims

Directory Soror Erika Bouknight

Finance Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly

Graduate Advisory Soror VaShawn Guice Veal

Membership Soror Tonya Perkinson

Newsletter Soror Tamiko Francis

Nominating Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon

Program Soror Robin McCoy

Protocol TBD

Public Relations Soror Gloria Bell

Scholarship Soror Diann Burns

Standards Soror Amanda Pratter

Technology Soror Leslie Dey

Telephone Communications Soror Yvette Darnaby

2017 Standing Committees Chairmen

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

29

Audit Soror Belinda Shaw

Bi-Monthly Meal Service Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey

Diamond Golden Silver Soror Starr Garrett

EAF Chapter Captain Soror Nelfred Tilly Blanding

Founders’ Day 2017 SororSaundra McCullough-Cobey

History Soror Mathelle Lee

Kids Club Soror Quechae Blue-Clark

Leadership Development Soror Barbara Anderson

Mentoring Soror Michelle Jones

Music Soror Aretha Cunningham

National Pan-Hellenic Liaison Soror Angela Turner

Project Stepout Soror Louise Gordon

Project Stepout Soror Doris Shannon

Project Stepout Soror Regina Crawley

Property Soror Susie Smith

Sisterly Relations Soror Allyson Hilliard

Spirit/Inspiration Soror Tujuanna Williams

Strategic Planning Soror Carol Turner

Stroll Team Soror Marquita Davis

Tellers Soror Darhyl Jasper

2017 Ad-Hoc Committees Chairmen

January 2017Volume 17 | Issue 1

December 3, 2016

22

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OFFICERS

Basileus Rhonda Luss

Anti-Basileus Robin McCoy

Grammateus Patricia Edwards

Anti-Grammateus Erika Bouknight

TamiouchosStephanie Woodland Kelly

Anti-Tamiouchos Katrina Anwar

Pecunious Grammateus

Crystal Lander

Anti-Pecunious Grammateus

DeTisha Joy Page

Epistoleus Tamiko Francis

Parliamentarian Kendra Riley

Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell

Hodegos Jessica Sims

Graduate Advisor VaShawn Guice Veal

Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby

Archivist Monique Robinson

Immed. Past Basileus Kendra Gillespie

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EDITOR Tamiko Francis

PRODUCTION STAFF Nicole ClarkC. Starr Garrett

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

P.O. Box 25763Alexandria, Virginia 22313

http://www.aka-zco.org

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Archives Soror Monique Robinson

Awards Soror Tiffani Burgess

Bylaws Soror Kendra Riley

Connection Soror LaFrances Williams

Contracts Soror Irma Bogan

Courtesy Soror Jessica Sims

Directory Soror Erika Bouknight

Finance Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly

Graduate Advisory Soror VaShawn Guice Vea

Membership Soror Tonya Perkinson

Newsletter Soror Tamiko Francis

Nominating Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon

Programs Soror Robin McCoy

Protocol Open Position

Public Relation Soror Gloria Bell

Scholarship Soror Diann Burns

Standards Soror Amanda Pratter

Technology Soror Leslie Dey

Telecommunications Soror Yvette Darnaby

Soror Linda HallSoror Patrice LongshawSoror Brittney MontgomerySoror Inez Chris Pierce-GraySoror Ade’Leake GoreSoror Angie HemingwaySoror Carol TurnerSoror Vanessa Jackson

Nominating Committee Members: