Scrapbook activity at Change Happens

Nurturing Our Ivy Page 3

Program Activities Page 4

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Calendar of Events Page 5

September 2011 Volume 3 Number 7

Life Long Learning Reading Program

at the Blue Triangle Community Center

In This Edition:

Monthly Newsletter

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

Emerging Young Leaders Award’s Program at Houston City Hall

September 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

2 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

MESSAGE FROM THE BASILEUS

Soror Tamara Cubit

2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BASILEUSBASILEUS Tamara J. CubitTamara J. Cubit

ANTI BASILEUSANTI BASILEUS Marianne WalkerMarianne Walker

GRAMMATEUSGRAMMATEUS Karen Y. GraysKaren Y. Grays

ANTI GRAMMATEUSANTI GRAMMATEUS Karen AubreyKaren Aubrey

EPISTOLEUSEPISTOLEUS LaDonna H. HarrisLaDonna H. Harris

TAMIOUCHOSTAMIOUCHOS Paulette FrederickPaulette Frederick

PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUSPECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Sandra CampbellSandra Campbell

ANTI PECUNIOUS ANTI PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUSGRAMMATEUS

Andrea StampsAndrea Stamps

PHILACTERPHILACTER Brenda DavisBrenda Davis

HODEGOSHODEGOS Cheryl MitchellCheryl Mitchell

IVY LEAF REPORTERIVY LEAF REPORTER Nkenge BerryNkenge Berry

HISTORIANHISTORIAN JoJo--Carolyn GoodeCarolyn Goode

GRADUATE ADVISORS:GRADUATE ADVISORS: Mary Smith JohnsonMary Smith Johnson

Gamma Psi, TSUGamma Psi, TSU Pamela Lazard Pamela Lazard

Omicron Gamma, UHDOmicron Gamma, UHD

PARLIAMENTARIANPARLIAMENTARIAN Rita RobertsRita Roberts

CHAPLAINCHAPLAIN Margie TaylorMargie Taylor

MEMBERSMEMBERS--ATAT--LARGELARGE Helen Houston, Edwina JohnsonHelen Houston, Edwina Johnson

Demetria WilliamsDemetria Williams

Dear Sorors,

Sisterly, Soror Tamara

Welcome back, Sorors, from your summer vacation and I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable time. Over the past couple of months, our chapter has been busy serving the community and attending conferences. Thirty sorors from our chapter joined over 3,900 sorors from around the country and had a great time in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 13-17, at the 2011 Leadership Seminar. The theme was “Leadership & Service: A Timeless Mission.” The service projects, workshops, plenary session and ecumenical service were all outstanding. I would like to thank the sorors that attended the Leadership Seminar and donated the school supplies for the children of Atlanta. The Undergraduate Round-Up was held in Houston, Texas, on August 27-29, 2011, at the Westin Galleria Hotel. The graduate advisors, Soror Pamela Lazard and Soror Mary Smith Johnson, and the undergraduate sorors from Gamma Psi and Omicron Gamma chapters did an outstanding job in planning and executing the event. Special appreciation is extended to the Graduate Advisor Council members who did a tremendous job as they volunteered their time and efforts for the event. Hats off to the South Central Regional Director, Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, as she presided over her last Undergraduate Round-Up. The 80th South Central Regional Conference is fast approaching. Contact Soror Evelyn E. Thornton if you have not signed up for a committee. As a reminder, the $150 regional assessment is due by Friday, September 30, 2011. You can mail it to Soror Sandra Campbell, pay online or at the September sorority meeting.

September 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

SEPTEMBER HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE The September Hostess Committee service project will focus on a day of service. Sorors will volunteer at the Lighthouse of Houston on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, located at 3602 West Dallas. The Lighthouse is a private nonprofit education and service center dedicated to assisting blind and visually impaired people to live independently. During the visit, sorors will be paired with adult clients to assist and encourage them while participating at the recreational multi-care center.

Soror Bobbye Harris who become an Ivy Beyond the Wall. Soror Verdell Boutte whose sister passed. Soror Faye Bryant whose nephew passed. Soror Gloria Franklin whose father passed. Soror Gwen Graham whose mother passed. Soror Wanda Kimbrough whose uncle passed. Soror Mable Lewis whose mother passed. Sorors Lillie and Lavada Rollin whose brother passed; the uncle of Soror LaTanya

Lavine. Soror Tracy McFolling whose mother-in-law passed. Soror Connie Steward whose mother passed. Soror Darlene Johnson who was hospitalized but is at home resting. Sorors Mildred Bright and Nicole Motal whose mother-in-law and grandmother respectively is ill. Soror Yavaunda White whose mother is ill. Keep the following sorors in your thoughts and prayers: Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster, Mary Butler, Lillian Cook, Mary Collins, Franceta Lane, Ruby Mosley, Melba Moreland, Ora Lee Piper, Ritchie Routt and Polly Sparks Turner.

A Sisterly “Thank You” From... Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, South Central Regional Director Soror Mary Butler Soror Gloria Franklin Soror Deneen Ford Sorors Clarice Gatlin, Revona Gatlin-Davis and Devona Martin Soror Xenith Green Soror Myra Jackson Soror Charlene James Soror Angela LaCour Soror Millie Lott Soror Melba Moreland Soror Silena Morris Soror Trela Parker Soror Connie Steward Soror Sandria Tolliver Sorors Una and Kim Topps Soror Demetria Williams Soror Vaniecia Williams Woodson K-8 Leadership Academy The Family of Mary Lee King and Children

Nurturing Our Ivy

Please inform Soror Cheryl Mitchell or the Basileus as you become aware of those who are ill or otherwise challenged.

Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com 3

OCTOBER HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE Chairman: Thelma Harmon Co-Chairman: Helen Harvey

Co-Chairman: Marsha Jackson Committee: Haralson-James

June Service Hostess Committee with Soror Michalyn Demaris serving as chairman and Sorors Helen Eagleton and Barbara Fields as co-chairmen. Sorors Nekeidra Brown, Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Sheri Cole, Alicia Duplechain, Shonthenia Edwards,

Veronica Johnson, 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.

CONGRATULATIONS Soror Rachell Edwards received a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University on June 12, 2011.

Soror Shalondra Moore received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University on June 11, 2011.

Soror LaTonya Davis Meyer received a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Lamar University on August 13, 2011.

Soror Lillian Bourgeois retired from the Houston Independent School District after 38 years of service.

Sorors Maurie Carpenter, Clara Dotson, Imogene Felder, Gloria Melton and Polly Sparks Turner were honored as Living Legends by the Blue Triangle Multi-Purpose Center on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Brady’s Landing.

Soror Jonita and Ron Reynolds are proud parents of twins Reagan (girl), 6 pounds and Ronald (boy), 8 pounds, 8 ounces on June 15, 2011.

Soror Marsha and Randy Jackson are proud parents to Ramar Jackson born on June 7, 2011. He weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces.

Sisterly Reminders… The Texas AKA Specialty License

Plates are now available to order: http://www.myplates.com/designseries/PLPD129

Sorors, please update your personal information on the chapter’s website at www.alphakappaomega.com.

Dues for 2011 are $310.00 ($220.00 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 $150.00 chapter assessment for the 2012 regional conference is due September 30, 2011.

Condolences and Prayers…….

September 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

4 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

2011 DEBUTANTE BALL “23 ROSE PETALS OF PERFECTION” On Saturday, July 2, 2011, over 600 people attended the elegant affair of the 13th Debutante Ball held at the Wortham Center. The debutante ball was the culminating activity of the debutante season. The beautiful debutantes were active in community service projects with Target Hunger, visited the Museum of Printing, worshipped at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, honored at a Mother/Daughter Reception at the Junior League of Houston, participated in an etiquette workshop, and attended numerous social affairs hosted by the debutantes. Adorned in white ball gowns and matching accessories, each debutante was presented by her father followed by the cotillion and waltz with the debutantes and their escorts. Leaving the presentation site, the debutantes and their guests ventured upstairs to the grand foyer where three debutantes were recognized as winners of scholarships totaling $15,000. Debutante Brionne Doyle was awarded a $7,500 1st Place scholarship, Debutante Alicia Frederick received a $5,000 2nd Place scholarship, and Debutante Veronica Forge was awarded a $2,500 3rd Place scholarship. Debutante Brandi Perry was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers. Serving as emcees were Judge Hilary Green and City Controller Ronald Green. The beautiful affair was under the leadership of Debutante Committee Chairman Anita Wallace and committee co-chairmen Dorothy Booker and Nikita Harmon.

VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE Sorors from the Connection and Social Justice and Human Rights Committees hosted a voter registration drive. The event took place on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Frenchy’s Chicken. Sorors registered more than 20 people during the campaign and collected school supplies. In addition to registering voters, sorors issued several applications and answered questions about the upcoming election. Prior to the voter registration drive, sorors were deputized at the June sorority meeting. The Connection Committee is now planning for Phase 2, hosting a political forum and getting voters to the poll. I would like to thank the 15 sorors that volunteered. SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE During the month of June, sorors were asked to donate backpacks and school supplies. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to collect 57 backpacks filled with the following school supplies: notebook paper, tablets, markers, pencils, pens, scissors, highlighters and many other items. The filled backpacks were donated to Change Happens on August 17, 2011. Many of the children who received the school supplies participated in the scrapbook activity in June. This activity is a project under the Social Justice and Human Rights Initiative in which chapters are requested to donate school supplies to children of incarcerated parents.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE ON THE MOVE Chapter Retreat “Global Leadership…Thinking Outside the Box” was the theme for the chapter retreat held at Houston Community College, Southeast Campus. Over 85 sorors attended the retreat on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Sorors spent the day attending and participating in the following interactive workshops: Campaigning with Class, Conflict Resolutions, Financial Operations, Parliamentary Procedures, Undergraduate Membership Intake Process, and Are You Really an Active Soror? Prior to the beginning of the workshops, sorors enjoyed a sisterly relations activity. The retreat provided sorors a chance to fellowship and engage in positive discussions aimed at strengthening our chapter. Everyone received a certificate for her participation and attendance. I would like to express my gratitude to the presenters, facilitators and the Membership Committee under the leadership of Soror Lillian Bourgeois for a superb retreat! Legacy Parade Approximately 100 sorors participated in the 2nd Annual Legacy Parade at the June sorority meeting. The legacies were introduced and walked proudly around the room in their coordinated outfits and signs. Once the parade concluded, the sorors repeated the legacy creed. Many sorors expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the parade and look forward to next year’s event.

PARLIAMENTARY TIP The presiding officer can adjourn the meeting without waiting for a motion to adjourn. She simply asks, "Is there any further business?" If

there is no response, she states, "Since there is no further business the meeting is adjourned.”

PROTOCOL TIP

The titles: Ms, Mrs., Dr., The Honorable, or Attorney, should be used at public events in lieu of "soror.”

SOCIAL JUSTICE and HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE The Social Justice and Human Rights Committee partnered with the undergraduate chapters, Alpha Phi Alpha and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternities to host a scrapbook activity. The objective of the activity was to engage students in a creative and fun way to preserve personal and family history. Prior to the activity, the students were asked to bring pictures of family members to be used in the scrapbook. Most of the 20 students who were involved have a parent who is incarcerated. The activity took place on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at Change Happens, a non-profit agency that serves at risk youth. Each student was paired with mentors to assist them with the project. After choosing their supplies, the students began to create and make their scrapbooks. Upon completion of the project, several students were able to discuss their scrapbooks with the group. Kudos to Soror Sahira Abdool, chairman, Soror Khalimah Shakir, coordinator, and the 22 sorors for their participation in this rewarding activity.

ECONOMIC SECURITY INITIATIVE COMMITTEE The months of April - June were coined “Black Power Dollar Day.” The committee organized a competition involving sorors from around the city to promote, support and encourage minority owned restaurants. The goal of the event was to re-energize and encourage sorors to participate in more activities. The competition began April 16, 2011 and ended June 18, 2011. Chapter members were grouped by geographical areas in which they live to eat and fellowship. Each area was assigned a team captain responsible for choosing the restaurant(s) and turning in receipts. The winner was determined by the area which spent the most money and will be announced at the September sorority meeting. In the three months that the competition was held, $10,000 was spent. Due to its success, sorors that participated described the event as a fun-filled unique way of getting acquainted with members and are excited to continue with the fellowship. I would like to applaud Soror Erica Moore, chairman and Soror Allonie Moncriffe, co-chairman, and the entire committee.

UPCOMING REGIONAL AND NATIONAL EVENTS October 29, 2011 - Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat; Time: TBA; Place: TBA

March 22-25, 2012 - 80th South Central Regional Conference; Houston, TX

July 21-27, 2012 - Boule International Conference; San Francisco, CA

August, 2012 Chapter Retreat (weekend)

September 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com 5

Katharine Brown    A‐Bo  713‐729‐7363 

Nekeidra Brown  Br‐By  832‐236‐0966 

Lena Gilmore  C‐E  713‐528‐3164 

Rhonda Haralson  F‐G  713‐413‐9226  

Demetria Williams               H‐I  713‐748‐1631 

Melba Henry         J  713‐522‐3004 

Lillie Jones  K‐L  281‐442‐4759 

Gloria Melton  M‐P  713‐633‐4803 

Sydna Paul  R‐S  713‐521‐0646 

Cheryl Mitchell  T‐V  281‐488‐5204 

Yavaunda White  W‐Z  713‐988‐2321 

       

Reserva ons for Sorority Mee ng:  Sorors, we are s ll reques ng that you call or respond to your 

eVite to make reserva ons for all sorority mee ngs. Please refer to the informa on below and call your representa ve, according to your last name, 

no later than: Monday, September 12, 2011 

SEPTEMBER 2011

CALENDAR of EVENTSCALENDAR of EVENTSCALENDAR of EVENTS

OCTOBER 2011 7-Wed Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center;

Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Clara Cooper

8-Thurs Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Lillian Bourgeois

10-Sat United Negro College Fund Walk with Attucks Middle School; 7:00 AM; Tom Bass Park; Contact: Margie Taylor

14-Wed Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit

17-Sat Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit

19-Mon 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 Abdool

24-Sat Joint Chapter Meeting with undergraduate chapters; 11:00 AM; Zuma Fun Center, 6767 Southwest Freeway; Contact: Mary Smith Johnson and Pamela Lazard

29-Thurs Connection Committee; 6:30 PM; 82nd Legislative Session Wrap-Up and Reception, “From the State Capitol to Houston…A Recap of the Session,” Thurgood Marshall School of Law (Texas Southern University), 3100 Cleburne Street: Contact: Dawn Randle

21-Wed Global Poverty Committee, Feed the Homeless Project; St. John UMC (Downtown), 2019 Crawford Street; TIME: TBA; Contact: Clara Cooper

23-Fri Entertainment Committee, Line Dancing; 6:30 PM; Red Elementary; Contact: L. Renee Lowe

1-Sat Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Walk; 1100 Bagby Street; 7:00 AM; Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston; Contact: Shundra Williams

5-Wed Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Clara Cooper

TBA Book signing, The Crossing authored by Soror Serita Jakes; 5:30 PM-8:00 PM; The African American Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street; Contact: Sahira Abdool

15-Sat Joint Chapter Meeting with undergraduate chapters; TIME: TBA; PLACE: TBA; Contact: Mary Smith Johnson and Pamela Lazard

16-Sun Kidney Walk, Steps that Count; Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney; Contact: Soror Tamara Cubit

29-Sat Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat; TIME: TBA; PLACE: TBA; COST: TBA

N E W S F L A S H

STAYING CONNECTEDSTAYING CONNECTEDSTAYING CONNECTED

Chapter Programs & Committees: Soror Marianne Walker Anti-Basileus marianne-walker@att.net 713.523.9120

Dues, Reactivation, Transfer, Golden/Silver Star/ Life Member: Soror Sandra Campbell Pecunious Grammateus 5503 Linden Grove Ct. Sugar Land, TX 77479 sm.campbell@comcast.net 832.754.7522

Courtesies: Soror Cheryl Mitchell Hodegos cherylk.mitchell@gmail.com 281.488.5204

Information to be published in “The Jewel”: Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com 713.942.2087 Change of Address, eMail or not Receiving “The Jewel”: Soror LaDonna Harris Epistoleus lmharris@swbell.net 281.633.9633

Minutes of Chapter Meetings: Soror Karen Grays Grammateus kyg08@aol.com 713.556.7620

Tickets/Invitations to Chapter Events: Soror Kim Harris Ticketron Committee Chairman kharris627@att.net 713.734.2141

Constitution, Manual of Standard Procedures and Chapter Bylaws: Soror Rita Roberts, Parliamentarian robertsrita@hotmail.com 832.736.9951

Death of a Soror or someone in a Soror’s immediate family: Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com 713.942.2087

Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, Inc.: Mrs. Regina Carrington President, Board of Directors regina1908@ymail.com 281.261.5351

School Supply Drive

Voter Registration Drive