Volume 17 | Issue 6

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

3 BASILEUS MESSAGE

5 CALENDAR

7 PROGRAMS

9 THE LONGEST DAY

OBSERVANCE

14 OFFICER REPORTS

16 COMMITTEE

REPORTS

17 NOMINATIONS

21 PHOTO GALLERY

22 IVY FOUNDATION OF

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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Submitted by Soror Toni Carter Pearson

SPIRIT & INSPIRATIONChairman: Soror Tujuanna Williams

Co-Chairmen: Sorors Regina Hawkins and Beverly Anderson

June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

The scene was not a town hall gathering, Nor a megachurch where hoards came to speak;

Just an impromptu meeting of three—One frightened, one poor, one weak.

Each heart beat in utter amazement; Each had doubted the Lord’s gracious dealings.

As they stood under a street corner light They were inspired to speak their soul’s heavy

feelings.-1-

”My life was lived in dungeons of fear, Surrounded by dark thoughts day and night.

There was no song of relief for my soul;I prayed, inspired …God gave me joy, belief, and

light.”-2-

“Well, my trouble was what I call ‘tight corners,’ Penniless times, no way I could get out;

Inspired, I sought the Lord, who called me His friend,

Now, I know what His love is about.”-3-

“I was damaged, broken, marked, and fragile,Too weak to lift my face to the sun;

Then strength arrived…ablaze with God’s glory, He inspired me that day to trust in the One.

~~~Inspiration--an action of God who breathed it out.

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Greetings From The Basileus

Soror Rhonda Luss

On May 6, 2017, we held our second and final Joint General Body Meeting of

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter and Sigma Alpha Chapter for 2017. Congratulations to

our fabulous undergraduate Soror, Althea Matteson, as she officially graduated

on May 21, 2017, with a degree in nursing from Marymount University.

Tea roses to the following committees for successfully executing their target

area programs: Target I - One Million Backpacks, ASCEND; Target III -

Alexandria Community Shelter, Bi-Monthly Meal Service; Target IV –

Playground Project; and Target V - Liberian Girls’ Project.

REGIONAL: The North Carolina Divine Nine Legislative Day was held on Wednesday, May 17,

2017, at the Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC. The Basileus attended the event.

CORPORATE OFFICE: On Monday, May 1, 2017, the sorority was informed about a racial incident

on the campus of American University in Washington, DC. Sorors including Congresswoman Sheila

Jackson Lee, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Alma Adams, Congresswoman

Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and the Supreme Basileus of

Alpha Kappa Alpha Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, rallied around American

University’s Student Government President, Soror Taylor Dumpson, and her family, as they stood

united against racism.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, the sorority was informed of an act of vandalism committed against

the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on the campus of the University of Iowa, which

included the drawing of a Nazi swastika on a mural representing the sorority.

PRICELESS PEARLSPre-sale orders of the sorority’s eighth edition of its history book, Priceless Pearls, are ongoing.

The cost of the history book is $50. You can order online via the international website

(www.aka1908.com).

June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

~ June 2017~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 2

MIP Day 4

Regional ArchivesDay

3

MIP Day 5

4

MIP Day 6

Pearl Drop submissions

due every Sunday

5 6

Project StepOut

7 8

Executive Committee

Meeting

9

Summer Night with Diamonds

and Pearls

10CHAPTER

MEETING/ PICNIC

Resume Workshop/Dress

for Success

11

Property Committee

Meeting

12 13 14 15 16 17

The Longest Day®

(Observance)

18 19

Program Committee

Meeting

20 21

The Longest Day®

(Community Impact Day)

22 23

MIP Day 7

24

MIP Day 8

25

MIP Day 9

26 27

IFNV Board Meeting*

28

ConnectionCommitteeMeeting

29 30

*IFNV event - for informational purposes only

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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June Activities at a GlanceDate Time Activity Location

June 2 6:00 p.m. Week 2 – Day 4 Lee Center (Downstairs)June 3 8:30 a.m. Week 2 – Day 5 Lee Center (Downstairs)June 4 2:00 p.m. Week 2 – Day 6 Lee Center (Downstairs)June 8 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Nannie Lee CenterJune 9 8:00 p.m. Summer Nights with Diamonds and Pearls Camelot by Martin’s

June 10 10:00 a.m. General Body Meeting Nannie Lee CenterJune 13 4:00 p.m. Project StepOut Charles HoustonJune 17 8:30 a.m. The Longest Day® – Zumba® Kenmore Middle SchoolJune 17 10:00 a.m. The Longest Day® – Health Fair Kenmore Middle SchoolJune 23 6:00 p.m. Week 3 – Day 7 Hilton Dulles AirportJune 24 8:30 a.m. Week 3 – Day 8 Hilton Dulles AirportJune 25 8:00 a.m. Week 3 – Day 9 Hilton Dulles AirportJune 26 7:00 p.m. *IFNV Board Meeting Nannie Lee Center

*IFNV event - for informational purposes only

Message From The Anti-Basileus

Soror Robin McCoy

Summer is almost upon us. Before we take a summer hiatus and prepare for Leadership Training in Las Vegas, NV, let’s “show up and show out” for the June Community Impact Day - The Longest Day®. Sorors, we need your help to make the event a success.

June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s, but less likely to be diagnosed. Please refer to the HealthPromotion Committee’s report to read about strategies to help families cope with the disease, and to find resources for further information and assistance. The Health Promotion Committee hasplanned a full day of activities to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. So please be sure to review and participate in The Longest Day® events schedule, detailed in the Health Promotion report.

Family Strengthening: Sorors, please bring healthy snacks to the June meeting. We will be collecting the snacks for donation to the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Global Impact: Sorors, the June Chapter meeting will be the last collection of sanitary napkins for donation to girls in Liberia. Please help these girls attend school without interruption.

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June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

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Tea Roses and Pearls to:

Soror Carol Gibson for planning and spearheading game night at the Alexandria Community

Shelter on May 5th.

The sorors who donated backpacks at the May chapter meeting, and the One Million

Backpacks Committee for collecting and distributing backpacks to a local school.

The sorors who donated more than 60 sanitary napkins and supplies for girls in Liberia, and

the Global Impact Committee for collecting and distributing the supplies to Alfred Street

Baptist Church.

The ASCEND Committee for planning and executing an outstanding networking and

mentoring workshop on May 13th.

The Environmental Ownership Committee for planning a successful AKA 1908 PlaygroundProject (Community Impact Day), at Doctor’s Run Park (Arlington) and Holmes Run Park(West End of Alexandria) on May 27th.

The Project StepOut Committee for its awesome sessions on “Planning Your Financial Future” in April, and the “Health and Blood Pressure Workshop” in May.

Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey (for planning and spearheading the event) and all the sorors who served hot fulfilling meals to the residents of Carpenter’s Shelter on May 28th.

All sorors who came out for the May Service Projects! Your Program Chairmen are enthusiastic about the many scheduled programs and would love to see you at these events.

Enjoy your summer!

Activity Night May 5, 2017

Alexandria Community Shelter

International Programs

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Target I: Educational EnrichmentTarget I: Educational EnrichmentSoror Blanche Mays Maness,Chairman Soror LaVonne Shingler, Co-Chairman Soror Geneva Green, ASCENDLeadSoror Ayanna Puryear, One Million Backpacks Lead Soror Christina Carter, ThinkHBCULeadContact us at: education@aka-zco.org

ASCEND

ASCEND students, parents and sorors completed the ASCEND cycle with a mentoring and networking event. Students received tips on networking, heard from a panel of recent college freshman about their real experiences post-high school, and spoke with professionals in their careerfields of interest. We also recognized our ASCEND senior graduate, Mariah Shingler. Thank you sorors for an amazing ASCEND cycle. We are looking forward to the next one!

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One Million Backpacks

Congratulations sorors, we did it again! On Monday, May 2, 2017, Zeta Chi Omega’s One Million Backpacks Committee donated 37 backpacks to the students of another local elementary school. The backpacks that were donated were collected at the April general body meeting. This brings our total to 67 backpacks donated thus far for the year 2017. We cannot thank you enough for your efforts in the One Million Backpacks initiative. Stay tuned for more details on how to get packing next!

Think HBCU

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, an HBCU commonlyreferred to as FAMU, was founded under the name of State NormalCollege for Colored Students. With humble beginnings of 15 studentsand 2 teachers in 1887, FAMU boasts a diverse student body from allover the United States and from 70 countries. There are more than9,600 students on its growing Tallahassee, Florida campus. FAMU hasreceived national attention from U. S. News & World Report, which

ranked FAMU as the BEST COLLEGE (among historically blackcollege and universities). The strength of the curriculum issupported by nationally-renowned educators and researchers.

FAMU’s world-famous marching band, known as the “Marching 100,” is credited with many innovative marching techniques that have been adopted by many high school and collegiate marching bands throughout thecountry.

COLORS: FAMU’s school colors are based on the “green from agricultural plants and orange from Florida’s citrus industry.”

MASCOT: After several mascot name changes, including the wildcats and flamingos, the mascot name settled upon was the “Rattlers.” The Rattler mascot is based on popularfolklore. When the school relocated to Highwood Plantation in 1891, the rural landscape had an abundance of snakes, especially rattle snakes. Others believed the name is derived from the all-black military infantry called the Black Rattlers.

FAMOUS GRADUATES:• Soror Althea Gibson – 1st African American to win Wimbledon’s women’s single crown• Congresswoman Carrie Meek – 1st African American woman elected to the Florida senate• Pam Oliver – Reporter for FOX Sports• Robert “Bullet Bob” Hayes – Olympic Gold Medalist• Anika Noni Rose – Actress, Dreamgirls, and 2004 Tony Award Winner• T’Keyah “Crystal” Keymah – Actress, In Living Color and That’s So Raven

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ZETA CHI OMEGA FAMU GRADUATES:Soror Nicole Clark Soror Kimberly Conner Soror Candace Fields-Rogers Soror Undra Graves-Guyton Soror Shandra Herrod Soror Yvette Lynn Pugh Soror Doris Shannon Soror Rashida Shorter

For more information on HBCUs, create an account at http://www.hbcutoday.us/AKASororityZCO. If you need assistance, the ThinkHBCU

Committee members will be available to help you sign-up during the June Chapter Picnic.

To ensure no one is left off the list of HBCU graduates, please update your information on theZeta Chi Omega Chapter website. All sorors are encouraged to donate to ThinkHBCU on thecorporate website.

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

JUNE IS ALZHEIMER'S & BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support

The Alpha Kappa Alpha National Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support Program generates awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Alzheimer's disease is one of the fastest growing health challenges among Black and Hispanic Americans.

Sorors, some of you might eventually be faced with the challenge of providing care, or might be currently caring for family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Therefore, the HealthPromotion Committee is using this space to provide information about Alzheimer’s/DementiaCaregiver Support in the national capitalarea.

Resolving Family Conflicts: Caring for Alzheimer’s and Dementia sufferers can bring out many strong emotions. As the disease progresses, caregiving issues can often ignite or magnify family conflicts. The strategies below can help families cope with the situation together.

Listen to each family member with respect: Coping with a progressive illness, such as Alzheimer's, can be stressful — and not everyone reacts in the same way. Family members may have different opinions. Some relatives may deny what is happening; a long-distance relative may be resented for living far away; or there may be disagreement about financial and care decisions, especially at the end-of-life. These issues are complex and require ongoing discussions. Give everyone an opportunity to share their opinion and avoid blaming or attacking each other, as this will onlycausemore hurt.

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Discuss caregiving responsibilities: Talk through caregiving roles and responsibilities. Make a list of tasks and include how much time, money and effort may be involved to complete them. Divide tasks according to the family member’s preferences and abilities. Some family members may be hands-on caregivers, responding immediately to issues and organizing resources. Others may be more comfortable with being told to complete specific tasks. Schedule regular meetings or conference calls to keep everyone involved up-to-date. Discuss how things are working, reassess the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s, and decide if any changes in responsibilities are needed. Plan for anticipated changes as the disease progresses.

Cope with changes and loss together: As Alzheimer's progresses and cognitive abilities change, itis normal to experience feelings of loss. Caregivers and family members may want to seek supportfrom others who are dealing with similar situations. Support groups are available.

Seek outside help: If tensions and disagreements are ongoing, you may want to seek help from a trusted third party, such as a spiritual leader, mediator or counselor. Sometimes, an outside perspective can help everyone take a step back and work through the difficult issues. The Alzheimer's Association Helpline (1.800.272.3900) is staffed with care consultants who can help any time - day or night. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-family-conflicts.asp

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Workshops and Training in the DMVAs part of a nationwide network of chapters, the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area (AANCA) Chapter provides help and hope to people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and their families and caregivers in the District of Columbia, five counties in suburban and Southern Maryland and eleven counties in Northern Virginia (DMV). The AANCA Chapter provides information and care consultation; creates supportive services for families and influenced changes in public policy.

Support Groups for Family CaregiversSupport groups provide a place for friends and family to share valuable information, caregiving tips and concerns throughout the Alzheimer's journey. Helpline: 800.272.3900 (24/7). Additional support groups can be found by following the “Virginia,” “Maryland” and “District of Columbia” hyperlinks below.

VIRGINIA Lincolnia Center | 4710 N Chambliss St. Alexandria, VA 22003 | 4th Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

|Georgia Miller 571.535.9785, Susan Yohe | 703.750.3316 Goodwin House | 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, 22311 | 2nd Saturday at 10:30 a.m. |

Karen Profitt | 508.400.1703 Ft. Belvoir – For Military Families | Family Medical Clinic, 9300 DeWitt Loop, Ft. Belvoir,

22060 | 2rd Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. | Vicky Surash | surashvw@aol.com

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MARYLAND Bowie Senior Center | 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, 20716 | 2nd Tuesday at 10:00

a.m. |Rosemary Grace United Methodist Church | 11700 Old Fort Rd, Fort Washington, 20744 | 3rd

Saturday, 10:00 a.m., Barbara Stevenson | 301.248.3027 First Baptist Church of Glenarden | 3600 Brightseat Road, Landover, 20785 | 3rd

Thursday, 11:00 a.m., | Vikki Kalitsi 240.354.8895, Valerie Outlaw | 240.345.8895

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Veterans Affairs Hospital, Geriatric Clinic – Room 3C-114 | 50 Irving Street, | NW,

Washington, DC 20422, 2nd Tuesday at 2:15 p.m., Lindsey Vajpeyi | 240.428.1342• Iona Senior Services (Group for Adult Children) | 4125 Albemarle Street, NW, |

Washington, DC 20016 | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. | Sharon O'Connor | 202.895.9469

• Providence Hospital – Carroll Manor | 1150 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017 | 3rd Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. | Dwayne B. Hughes | 301.980.8412

The Longest Day® Community Impact Day is June 21, 2017

The Longest Day® is an event to honor those who face Alzheimer’s disease with strength, heart and endurance, through a host ofphysical and mentally stimulating activities occurring from sunrise to sunset. Join Team AKA Zeta Chi Omega in our fight against Alzheimer’s.

The link is: Help AKA Zeta Chi Omega fight Alzheimer's on The LongestDay!The goal is to raise $1,600 by June 21st. Help spread the word so we can meet and possibly exceed this goal. Ensure that your donation is under Team Zeta Chi Omega so that our Chapter can get the credit. You can create your own webpage to enlist the support of family and friends. Support Team AKA Zeta Chi Omega…Donate today!

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The Longest Day® Events Schedule – June 17, 2017 (Observance)

Zeta Chi Omega will be visiting three (3) senior living facilities this year for its Longest Day®

service activity.

- Regency Care (Arlington, VA)- Annie B. Rose House (Alexandria, VA)- Cherrydale Health and Rehabilitation Center (Arlington,VA)The list of activities will include Bingo, chair exercises/dancing, and prize giveaways.*Timeline: 2:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.Calling all sorors to help support this event. Please contact Soror Dee Hillery at dee707@ymail.com .

Health Tip: June 15 – Power of a Smile Day. Every month should have a reminder to find some joy in your life. During some months, we can feel like we’re just slogging through. June makes cultivating your “joy habit” seem easy – there’s Father’s Day, the chance to celebrate Juneteenth, and more hours in the day to connect with others. Take a moment on June 15th to celebrate the small ways that you can make others feel better – with just a smile. Grab your joy before the opportunity passes!

“Burn Baby Burn Challenge”(April – June)

Get 30 minutes of cardio per day, at least five days per week and drink at least 100 ounces of water per day.

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

Arlington Residential Program Center: On Sunday, April 23, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., seven enthusiastic and “ready-to-go” Zeta Chi Omega sorors visited the Arlington Residential Program Center (RPC) located on Columbia Pike in Arlington. RPC houses single adults experiencing homelessness, and offers non-medical detoxification for the purpose of substance abuse recovery.

As a follow-up to the Chapter's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service project at RPC, Zeta Chi Omega hosted a meal service for the center's residents. Through the Chapter’s partnership with Arlington County government and Volunteers of America Chesapeake, our Chapter will continue to serve RPC residents on a quarterly basis, through our meal service and financial literacy resources.

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A total of 36 meals were provided to both detox and homeless residents. In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, members of the Family Strengthening Committee played financial literacy word games with the residents and distributed financial literacy tips inside snack bags. The next meal service is tentatively scheduled to be held in July.

Alexandria Community Shelter: Eight sorors joined in on the fun at the Alexandria Community Shelter on May 5, 2017. The residents fellowshipped with the sorors while enjoying cake and snacks, and the Bingo game was a big hit! One resident seemed to have the magic touch winning most of the prizes. The event provided an opportunity to take the residents’ minds off the stresses of the day, and enjoy a fun Friday hosted by the Chapter.

Upcoming events: Carpenter’s Shelter Meal Service – May 28, 2017 Alexandria Community Shelter Resume Workshop/Dress for Success – June 10,

2017 (Please RSVP to Carol Gibson at ccgtdbear1@aol.com)

Target IV: Environmental OwnershipSoror Yolanda B. Gibson, Chairman Soror Aja Charity , Co-Chiarman Soror Joy Page. Co-Chiarman Contact us at: gogreen@aka-zco.org

Tea Roses and Pearls to the sorors who participated in our 1908 AKA Playground Community Impact Day on Saturday, May 27th. Save the date as our next playground clean-up will occur on Saturday, October 21st at both Doctor’s Run Park (Arlington) and Holmes Park (Alexandria).

As we transition into the summer months, please consider the following tips to protect the environment: Water your lawn early in the day and for shorter periods so that the soil absorbs the water. Use manual tools instead of electric tools, or tools that require gas when gardening or

taking care of your lawn. Use ceiling fans and close your shades to keep your home cool during the day. Be sure to

recycle your unwanted cans and plastic bottles.

OFFICER REPORTS

Soror JessicaSimsContact us at: hostess@aka-zco.org

Hodegos Report

JUNE BirthdaysPaulaO. Blunt June 2Elizabeth Foster June 2Bettie Cooley* June 3Nekia Freeman June 7Louise P. Gordon* June 10Jacqueline Cooper* June 12Nelfred Blanding June 13LaKesha Brooks June 14Vanessa L. Jackson June 14Sharonda Glover June 16Andrea Mial June 16

JULY BirthdaysBarbara Anderson* July 2Essie B. Matthews July 4

Ester A.Stubbs-Varnado July 4

Lucretia McClenney July 5Natasha Rountree July 5Yvette Darnaby July 6Rozena Killen-Johnson July 6Karen Ford-Jackson July 7Dee Hillery July 7Patricia L. Wallace* July 7Mary H. Dupree* July 8Nikki Rogers July 8Rochelle A. Brown July 8Regina Duncan* July 9Carolyn Lawton July 10Chandois Phillips July 10Sandra Washington July 11Steronica Mattocks July 13ElizabethS. Brown July 13Danya Brown July 13Jennifer Brooks July 14

Gretchen Johnson July 14Tammie Smiley July 14Adina

Colander Brazier July 15Sonya B. Stephens July 15Naomi Fauntleroy July 17Willa Walker July 17Karen L. Newman July 18Deloris G. Evans* July 22Veronica Minor July 22Artresa Eady-Mays July 22N. Estelle Chandler July 23Marcy Jessup July 24Teresa Johnson July 26Regina Crawley* July 27Audrey Jones Prout July 27QueSchae Blue-Clark July 27Nicole Clark July 29Rhonda Luss July 30Lolita Harris July 31

Paula Sharper June 16Cheryl Conley June 17Kimberly T. Rollins June 17Crystal Lander June 18Ongelique Sherman June 18Monique Robinson June 19Denise Longshaw June 21Tujuanna B. Williams June 22Frances Wood* June 23Robinette Butler June 26Tasha R. Colbert June 26

* denotes a GoldenSoror

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AnnouncementsThe June, July, and August Birthday Celebration Luncheons will be held with the September Birthday Luncheon due to the Chapter picnic following the June meeting and the sorority’s summer break.

Photo taken at May Birthday Celebration.

Philacter Soror YvetteDarnabyContact us at: keeper@aka-zco.org

Greetings Sorors, While the dress code for the June Chapter meeting has been relaxed, you are gently reminded to adhere to the proper attire for all activities related to the upcoming Membership Intake Process (MIP). Please help us honor the traditions of our beloved sorority by observing the conservative, white attire for all rituals.Sorors who are not properly dressed will not be able to gain entrance, nor will they be able to participate in the Final Commitment Ceremony on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Absolutely no exceptions will be honored. Only active sorors may participate in the Final Commitment Ceremony.

If you invite a guest to a Chapter meeting, please ensure that your guest brings proper identification. Visitors may present one of the following items along with a photo ID:1. Financial Card (current or expired);2. Copy of her Certificate of Initiation;3. Faxed verification letter or email confirmation from the Corporate Office;4. An old Ivy Leaf;5. An old EAF card

As a reminder, if you are unable to attend the monthly Chapter meeting due to attending another sorority event or meeting, you may send a message to the Basileus requesting an excused absence for the day. If you have questions, please contact us at keeper@aka.com.

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Public Relations Committee Soror Gloria Bell, ChairmanContact us at: media@aka-zco.org

“Hidden Figures” Author, Margot Lee Shetterly, The AFRO Anniversary Gala Guest Speaker

THIS JUST IN: Margot Lee Shetterly, author of “Hidden Figures,” recently announced that her next book project will be a book about The AFRO Newspaper and John H. Murphy, who started the newspaper in 1892. Join The AFRO community and Margot Lee Shetterly as they celebrate 125 years on August 12, 2017, at Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD. Tickets are$125. Contact Mr. Edgar Brookins at 202-332-0080. The AFRO anticipates strong attendance from Alpha Kappa Alpha members throughout the DMV, as The AFRO has consistently supported AKAs on The AFRO’s social pages over the years.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTSSoror Tonya Perkinson, Chairman Soror Erika Bouknight, Co-Chiarman Soror Tanya Parham, Co-CharimanContact us at: membership@aka-zco.org

Membership Intake Process:

Below is a summary of the remaining key MIP dates, times and locations:

June 2-4: MIP Session #2 @ Lee Center

Friday ~ 6 pm to 10 pm; Saturday ~ 8:30 am to 6 pm; Sunday ~ 2 pm to 5 pm

June 23-25: MIP Session #3 @ Hilton Washington Dulles Airport

Friday ~ 6 pm to 10 pm; Saturday ~ 8:30 am to 7 pm; Sunday ~ 8 am to 3 pm

June 25: Final MIP Commitment and Re-Affirmation

10:45am @ Hilton Washington Dulles Airport

Diamond Golden Silver Committee

Archives Committee Soror Monique Robinson,ChairmanContact us at:archives@aka-zco.org

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Soror C. Starr Garrett, Chairman; Soror Joyce Myrick Brooks,Co-Chairman

Contact us at: DGS@aka-zco.org

Tea Roses to all “jewels” who participated in the “Parade of Jewels” at the May Chapter meeting.You looked great, sorors! If you did not pick up your gift on behalf of the DGS Committee, pleaselook for us at the June Chapter meeting. This will be your last opportunity to collect your gift.

As a reminder, sorors, if you have reached “jewel” status and have not applied for the appropriate certificate and medallion from the Corporate Office, we encourage you to complete the application form, located on both the Chapter and Corporate websites.

Buddy sorors, please continue to stay in touch with your buddies throughout the summer months. As always, we appreciate your continued support of this very important program.

If you are interested in being a “buddy” to a Golden or Sick/Shut-In Soror, please let us know. We welcome you. Wishing you a safe, enjoyable summer!

Delta Omega Chapter will host the Regional Archives Day on Friday, June 2, 2017, from 10:00a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on the campus of Virginia State University. Sorors, you do not have to be a member of the Archives or History Committees to attend the Regional Archives Day. There will be a campus tour and lunch for participants. Chapter members are encouraged to deposit their items in the repository on campus. NOTE: Label items with your name, date, and a description of what is being deposited. If you plan to attend, or have any questions, please contact Soror Monique Robinson at moivy05@gmail.com. Please join us.

Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon,ChairmanContact us: nominations@aka-zco.orgNominating Committee

2017 ELECTIONS ANNOUNCEMENTSorors, elections for officer positions will take place in November 2017, a mere six months away. Because the Nominating Committee recognizes that the Chapter has a very busy calendar of events between now and the summer hiatus, the committee would like sorors to start thinking about running for an officer position.The officer and nominating positions that will be open with their correspondingChapter Bylaws sections are listed for your review.

continued on the next page>>June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

POSITION REFERENCE

Basileus Article IV, Section1

Grammateus Article IV, Section3

Anti-Tamiouchos*Article IV, Section6

Pecunious Grammateus*Article IV, Section7

Epistoleus (ONE YEAR TERM ONLY) Article IV, Section 9

Ivy LeafReporter Article IV, Section11

Graduate Advisor** Article IV, Section14

PhilacterArticle IV, Section15

Nomination Committee (Five (5) Seats) Article IV, Section17

Sorors, start working on your AKA resumes! The committee will make officer applications available at the June meeting. Additionally, applications are available on the Zeta Chi Omega website. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask anyone on the Nominating Committee.

*Must be certified by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Financial Officer Certification Course, or become certified at the next training course.

**Prior to her nomination, the candidate must have been certified by the Directorate-approved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Graduate Advisors Program.

Connection Committee Soror LaFrances Williams,ChairmanContact us at: connection@aka-zco.org

Virginia sorors of ZXΩ, are you election-ready? Did you know there is a Primary Election on June 13th in Virginia? With only 2% of Virginia's registered voters casting their votes in the 2013 Primary for Virginia's statewide offices, every vote can make a significant impact in the election’s outcome.

The constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live,to be qualified to vote. To be eligible to vote in the next Primary Election on June 13, 2017,you must have registered no later than May 22, 2017. 18

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

• Address

• Birthdate

• Email address

To register to vote in Virginia, to update your address, or to find out where to vote, please visit the Virginia Department of Elections website at www.elections.virginia.gov. Here you can also learn: “What's on My Ballot?” which will show you exactly what your ballot will look like on election day.

Let’s make sure our voices are heard, sorors, and let’s spread this information to our neighbors, families and friends! Special event: meeting candidates in the fall. Stay tuned!

Greetings, sorors! The updates obtained at both the April and May General Body meetingshave been captured and updated in the 2017 Chapter Directory. A copy of the updated PDFversion can be found in the Members Only section of the ZXΩ website.

The PDF version of the directory will be updated quarterly. If there are any additional updates, please send them to directory@aka-zco.org with the following information:

If you did not receive a copy of the directory, please contactarchives at archives@aka-zco.org to coordinate a pick uptime.

Please contact Soror Erika Bouknight at directory@aka-zco.org with your questions or comments.

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

Chapter Picnic: Our annual Chapter picnic is scheduled for June 10, 2017, following the June Chapter meeting. Catering will be provided by Mission BBQ. The menu will include brisket, pulled chicken, pork sausages, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and green beans. Vegetarian options from Zoe’s Kitchen will include veggie kabobs with pasta salad and fresh fruit.

Desserts are to be provided by each Sister Circle and will be submitted in the Sisterly Bake-Off, with prizes to be awarded.

Drinks are to be provided by each Sister Circle as follows:Sister Circles 1-5: bottled water; 6-10: bottled juices; 11-16: canned sodas

Telephone number(s)

Initiating chapter and year

Photograph

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Please bring enough dessert and drinks for your Sister Circle.

Ticket Prices: BBQ $14, Vegetarian $10. Tickets will go onsale in-person and online from May 5th through June 3rd.Families are welcomed. Children under 4 are free.

Attire is casual.

Sister CirclesPlease see below table for your Sister Circle.

SisterCircle#

Sister CircleLeaders City/Zip Code

1 DeChane Dorsey/JoyNgwenyaDC, Silver Spring, Rockville,

Potomac, Other States

2 Carla Harper

Gainesville, Centreville,Sterling, Clifton,

Leesburg, Reston, Chantilly, Ashburn,

Potomac Falls

3 Andrea Streat

Indian Head, Brandywine,Waldorf, Accokeek,

White Plains

4 Inez Chris Pierce-Gray

Bowie, Mitchellville,Lanham,Burtonsville, Laurel,

Glenn Dale,Davidsonville

5Angela Turner/

Michelle Crawley Clinton, Ft. Washington

6 Essie Matthews

Ft. Washington,NationalHarbor, Suitland, Temple

Hills, Forestville, Cheverly, Landover

7 Courtnay Williams Upper Marlboro

8 Beverly Ferguson

Vienna, Fairfax Station,Fairfax, Oakton,

Burke, Annandale

9 Naomi Fauntleroy Ft. Belvoir, Lorton10 Connie Greene Springfield

11 Andrea Sparks-BrownWoodbridge, King George,Manassas, Fredericksburg

12 Chiquita King/Geneva Greene Falls Church, Arlington

13 Cora KingAlexandria (22304, 22311,

22312)

14 Kendra GillespieAlexandria (22301, 22302,

22303, 22307, 22314)15 Barbara Ann Driggins Alexandria (22306, 22309)16 Candace Fields-Rogers Alexandria (22310, 22315)

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Divine NineNC Legislative Day

May 17, 2017 Raleigh, NC

Project StepOutMay 23, 2017

One Million Backpacks

On Monday, May 2, 2017, Zeta Chi Omega’s One Million Backpacks Committee donated 37 backpacks to the students of another local elementary school.

Target III: Family Strengthening

April 23, 2017, at 5:00 p.m., seven enthusiastic and “ready-to-go” Zeta Chi Omega sororsvisited the Arlington Residential Program Center (RPC) located on Columbia Pike in Arlington.

®

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IFNV Corner: How Does the IFNV Work?We frequently hear mentioned, the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia (IFNV), but I wonder if weall understand how it works. The IFNV is the charitable affiliate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,Incorporated, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, and operates as the 501(c)(3) non-profit arm of ourchapter. The IFNV is also a tax-exempt organization within the Commonwealth of Virginia and theUnited States Tax Codes.

The money raised by the IFNV supports Chapter charitable giving to local communityorganizations and to fund our scholarship awards as well as those for our Cotillion winners. Everymember of Zeta Chi Omega is a member of the IFNV.

Where does the IFNV get money?Many members may think that money from their Chapter dues supports the work of the IFNV.Surprisingly, for several years the IFNV has not in any way been supported by Chapter dues. Infact, all the money from 2009 to 2016 used by the IFNV to support our local community, camefrom donations and fundraising efforts. These efforts have included the Cooley-Moore LuncheonFashion Show, the Cotillion, Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions, and otherfundraising endeavors like the upcoming Summer Night with Diamonds and Pearls. The Cotillionhas been our highest-earning fundraiser, with profits funding the bulk of the Chapter’s programactivities other than scholarships. Most of the Cotillion revenue is raised by the participatingdebutantes.

The ability of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter to continue to make an impact in the Arlington andAlexandria communities is dependent upon the viability of the IFNV. This year, each member ofthe Chapter was assessed $20 to support the operational budget for the IFNV. However, we wantsorors to be even more engaged in the work of the IFNV and to contribute to the IFNV’s supportof our local community. Here are some ways sorors can help:

Attend the annual meeting to stay informed. Get involved. We need sorors to assist in grant writing to allow us to access additional

funding and to volunteer for fundraisingcommittees. Support IFNV events. Sorors, we need your support IFNV-sponsored events (Cotillion,

Luncheon Fashion Show, and Summer Night.) Donate. Donations to the IFNV are fully tax deductible and are always appreciated.

June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

23

Please visit our beautiful new website to learn more about the IFNV and our activities at:http://ifnv.org/. Stay tuned for future information about the work of theIFNV.

IFNV UPCOMING EVENTS

2018 Cotillion: The IFNV is now preparing for the 2018 Cotillion, which will be held on April 14,2018, at the Mark Center Hilton, in Alexandria, Virginia. To ensure that we increase the numberof prospective debutantes, there will be a Sponsorship Workshop on June 10, 2017, at 9:30a.m. Sorors Demaris Thompson and Carolyn Rowe will sponsor the workshop. Sorors, if youhave never sponsored a debutante, and have a desire to do so, please come to the workshop.Please RSVP to Soror Demaris and Soror Carolyn by June 1, 2017.

Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show: Yes, sorors it is that time again! The Cooley-MooreLuncheon Fashion Show (LFS) tickets will go on sale at 9:00 a.m. at the June Chapter meeting.Ticket prices are $80 and $75. All tables surrounding the walkway will be $80 per seat or $800per table; all other tables will be $75 per seat or $750 per table. Sorors purchasing an entiretable will be able to select their table at the June meeting. We are still looking for sorors toparticipate on the LFS Committee. Please contact Soror Jennifer Hansborough or Soror KarenBriggman if you have any questions or would like to participate on the committee.

June 9th Dance: Summer Night with Diamonds and Pearls will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017,from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Camelot by Martin's, 13901 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro,MD 20774. Tickets are $60 and proceeds will be used to support our programs. There will be abuffet dinner, DJ, cash bar, and vendors. Classy/chic attire (no jeans and athletic wear). Hardtickets are available for purchase through Monday, June 5th. Please contact Soror MarquitaDavis for hard tickets (brighteyed_aka@yahoo.com or 301-785-9881). Eventbrite ticketsare also available for purchase through Monday, June 5th at the

5th is ourfollowing URL: www.diamondsandpearls2017.eventbrite.com. Monday, June closing date to purchase tickets, in order to provide the final count to the venue.

June 2017Volume 17 | Issue 6

OFFICERS

Basileus Soror RhondaLuss

Anti-Basileus Soror RobinMcCoy

Grammateus Soror PatriciaEdwards

Anti-Grammateus Soror ErikaBouknight

Epistoleus Soror TamikoFrancis

TamiouchosSoror StephanieWoodland Kelly

Anti-Tamiouchos Soror KatrinaAnwar

PecuniousGrammateus

Soror CrystalLander

Anti-Pecunious Grammateus

Soror Joy PageNgwenya

Hodegos Soror Jessica Sims

Philacter Soror Yvette G.Darnaby

Parliamentarian Soror KendraRiley

GraduateAdvisor Soror VaShawn GuiceVeal

Ivy LeafReporter Soror GloriaBell

Archivist Soror MoniqueRobinson

Immed.Past Basileus

Soror KendraGillespie

EDITOR Soror TamikoFrancis

PRODUCTIONSTAFF Soror Nicole Clark Soror Melissa Finney Soror C. StarrGarrett

Soror Jennifer Hansborough Soror StephanieWoodlandKelly Soror SteronicaMattocks

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

P.O. Box 25763 Alexandria, Virginia22313 http://www.aka-zco.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEESTANDING COMMITTEECHAIRMEN

Archives SororMoniqueRobinson

Awards Soror TifaniBurgess

Bylaws Soror KendraRiley

Connection SororLaFrancesWilliams

Contracts Soror IrmaBogan

Courtesy Soror JessicaSims

Directory Soror ErikaBouknight

Finance Soror StephanieWoodlandKelly

GraduateAdvisory Soror VaShawn GuiceVeal

Membership Soror TonyaPerkinson

Newsletter Soror TamikoFrancis

Programs Soror RobinMcCoy

Protocol Soror BonnieJones-Moon

PublicRelation Soror GloriaBell

Scholarship Soror DiannBurns

Standards Soror AmandaPratter

Technology Soror LeslieDey

Telecommunications Soror YvetteDarnaby

Nominating Soror BonnieJones-Moon

Soror Ade’Leake GoreSoror LindaHallSoror Angie Hemingway Soror Vanessa Jackson Soror BrittneyMontgomerySoror Inez “Chris”Pierce-Gray Soror Carol TurnerSoror JudyVaughn

NominatingCommitteeMembers:

April2017Volume 17 | Issue4