ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER • MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED
ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER • MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
March 2009, Volume 1, Number 3
2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BASILEUS
Tamara J. Cubit
ANTI-BASILEUS
LaDonna Harris
GRAMMATEUS
Staci Taylor Fullmighter
ANTI-GRAMMATEUS
Jo Carolyn Goode
S
orors, the tireless and enthusiastic participation in all of the February service projects, committee
meetings, and volunteer work was fantastic. You did it! I am so very proud and excited about the
support you have given to Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Many of you participated in the “Day of
Service Project,” held at the Bread of Life Homeless Shelter and a great number of you attended the viewing
of “A Powerful Noise.” We partnered and volunteered at Houston Independent School District’s Wheatley
Feeder Pattern Teen/Parent Health Summit and the Houston Area Women’s Center’s Race, Competitive 5K
Run and Family Walk. I encourage each of you to stay loyal to your pledge and get involved in our chapter’s
activities. As usual, you will find information in The Jewel including a calendar of upcoming events, service
projects and committee meetings.
Thanks to all of the committee chairmen, co-chairmen and sorors who participated in making the Committee
Fair Day a huge success. February was African American History month and our sorors looked elegant in
their African attire. Thank you, Soror Diana Merritt, Chairman, and the African American History Committee
for the historical display of President Barack Obama pictures. The chapter collected $468.83 at sorority
meeting for the AIDS Walk that was held on Sunday, March 15, 2009. Your generous donations of men’s
clothing items to the Men’s Wearhouse have been delivered. Thank you Soror Terrie Tillman, chairman of
the February hostess committee.
We are enthusiastic about having our Supreme Basileus, Barbara A. McKinize attend Alpha Kappa Omega
Chapter’s meeting in March. Please be reminded that we voted to have this meeting closed and only Alpha
Kappa Omega Chapter members will be able to attend.
The following documents will be available at sorority meeting; for financial and EAF cards, see Sorors Mae
King and Connie Steward; for your pictorial book see Soror Quiana Smith; and for chapter directory see
Soror Janice Warner. Please continue to RSVP when you plan to attend sorority meeting. We need an
accurate count to properly plan for a successful meeting. Thank you for your patience as we continue to
implement strategies to improve procedures at each sorority meeting. Please be reminded that our first-time
silver, golden and diamond sorors should contact Soror Mae King at [email protected] or
713.635.8095.
May God continue to richly bless each of you and all the members of our great sisterhood. I look forward to
seeing you Saturday, March 21, 2009 at sorority meeting.
Sisterly yours,
EPISTOLEUS
Karen Y. Grays
TAMIOUCHOS
Yavaunda White
PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS
Mae King
ANTI-PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS
Connie Steward
PHILACTER
Marianne Walker
HODEGOS
Rhonda Richardson
REPORTER TO THE IVY LEAF
Sheri D. Cole
HISTORIAN
Andreá Bonner
GRADUATE ADVISORS
Mary Smith Johnson
Gamma Psi
Glenniece Stewart
Epsilon Lambda
LaShonda Willis
Omicron Gamma
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Rita Roberts
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Regina H. Carrington
Helen Houston
Edwina Johnson
CHARTER MEMBER & CHAPLAIN
Hazel Hainsworth Young
In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas
Page 1
Sisterhood & Service
March 2009
The Jewel
ΑΚΩ
MAKE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES
A
SERVICE PROJECT
The March service project was held prior to sorority meeting
on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Over 20 sorors volunteered at
the 21st Annual Woman's Hospital of Texas Race against
Violence and the competitive 5K Run & Family Walk. The
event benefited the Houston Area Women’s Center. We
volunteered at registration, water stations, food booths, finish
line set-up and staffing, race course timers, scoring, race
results, and clean-up. Soror Vickie Windham was chairman
of the event and Sorors Claudia Walton and Tasha Williams
were co-chairmen.
APRIL HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN:
Soror Brenda McNeese-Ards
CO-CHAIRMAN:
Soror Rose Austin
CO-CHAIRMAN:
Soror Clara Boyd
COMMITTEE:
Abdool-Brinkley
EXCELLENT SERVICE PARTICIPATION!
O
n Saturday, February 28, 2009, the Alpha Kappa
Omega sorors and the students of the AKA High
School Leadership Development Program conducted a
Joint Day of Service Project to benefit the clients and
staff of the Bread of Life (BOL), Inc. Sorors and students
served breakfast to Houston’s homeless, organized the
clothing donations, cleaned BOL and St. John’s UMC,
collected and individually bagged toiletry donations from all participants.
Sorors and students served with Enthusiasm a Smile and Passion! We
had an awesome time and the staff and clients were thrilled to see all of
the pink and green. We even had the opportunity to participate in the
Worship Service and Communion was served. Special thanks to Kim
Topps, HSLD chairman, and Endria Chachere, co-chairman for
organizing the activity and to Tamara Cubit, Basileus, for her leadership
and ensuring that we conducted a Day of Service Project. Kudos to all
the sorors and students who served and donated toiletries! Forty Sorors,
8 male students, 4 male mentors, and 2 female students were in
attendance. We had such great participation that we finished everything
within in 3 hours. It was a blessing to be a blessing to others and we
look forward to being of service at the BOL again on November 7, 2009!
MOVIE DAY: “A POWERFUL NOISE” LIVE
On March 5th, we joined sorors across this country in partnership with
ONE, and the UN Commission on Status of Women and participated in
viewing of the documentary “A Powerful Noise.” This event was held in
several theatres in the city and as a group we viewed the movie at the
Houston Marq*E Stadium 22, while other sorors viewed the movie from
other theatres closer to their homes. This documentary aired
on International Women’s Day and was a documentary film
on the plight of women in three different countries. Thanks to
Sorors LaShonda Willis and Glenniece Stewart for
coordinating this event.
Page 2
Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com
healthy eating plan includes a variety of foods
from every food group. In January 2005, the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and
the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly
released the updated Dietary Guidelines for
Americans. The new guidelines encourage
Americans over 2 years of age to eat a variety of
nutrient-dense foods. Recommended items include
fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk
products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs,
nuts, and whole grains such as brown rice and
whole-wheat bread. The guidelines also recommend
a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and
added sugars.
Making healthy food choices may seem difficult when you do not have
time to cook or your family wants fast food. However, you and your
family and friends can make healthier food choices. Try these tips:
•
Keeping a bowl of fruit on the table, bags of mini carrots in the
refrigerator, and boxes of raisins in the cupboard are simple ways
to eat more fruits and vegetables.
•
Try not to keep a lot of sweets like cookies, candy, or soda in the
house, car, or workplace. Too many sweets can crowd out
healthier foods.
•
If you go to a fast food restaurant, try a salad or a grilled chicken
sandwich (not fried) instead of a burger.
•
Encourage members of your group to bring healthier food options
to events.
•
Watch the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol contains no
nutrients but plenty of calories. If you want to drink alcohol, try a
light beer or a low-calorie spritzer (small amount of wine added to
club soda).
For more information about recommended daily intakes from various
food groups, visit http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines.
EARNINGS SET POTENTIAL—ON TOP OF
THE GAME YOUTH BUSINESS COMPETITION
The High School Leadership Development Committee conducted its first
Youth Business Plan Competition (YBPC) Seminar for the
year at the Lonnie Smith Library on March 7, 2009. Teams
continued generating ideas and began writing their
business plans with the assistance of the sorors in
attendance. Hat’s Off to the sorors that assisted with the
seminar and mentored our students: Thanks to Soror
Endria Chachere, HSLD co-chairman and Soror Kim Topps, HSLD
chairman, for their leadership and commitment to our high school
students. We look forward to your meeting our students when they
present their business plans in the chapter’s competition in June!
EYE OF THIRD WARD EXHIBIT
The Fine Arts and African American History Committees supported the Eye
on Third Ward exhibit held at the Museum of Fine Arts on February 9th. This
project is under the leadership of Ray Carrington III, (teacher) and the Jack
Yates High School’s photography class. Included in the exhibit were
selected photographs and writings describing the places and people from
the Third Ward area. Thanks to Sorors Brenda Davis and Diana Merritt for
coordinating this activity. There were 19 sorors who attended this event.
Chapter Phone: 713-942-2087 & Fax Number: 888-347-9293
Sisterhood & Service
March 2009
The Jewel
ΑΚΩ
Nurturing Our Ivy
NOTE: Please inform Soror Rhonda Richardson
or the Basileus as you become aware of those
who are ill or otherwise challenged.
Condolences to the following sorors:
Soror Lucy Anderson on the loss of her mother, Mrs. Agnes
Hicks;
Soror Chataria Geason on the loss of her brother;
Soror Barbara Roberts on the loss of her father, Mr. William
Shelby;
Soror Joan Hampton on the loss of her brother, Mr. Freeman Money;
Soror Jamila Boozer on the loss of her mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Lloyd.
SORORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations Soror Etta Hill on becoming a Life Member!
Congratulations Soror Janice Davis on becoming a Life
Member!
Congratulations Soror Dawn DuBose Randle for being
honored by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., “Pioneering
Principals Making a Change,” on March 21, 2009!
Congratulations Hazel Hainsworth Young, on receiving the
Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators’, “Living
Legend Award,” at the annual Teacher Award and
Recognition ceremony on February 20, 2009!
Congratulations Soror Chataria Geason on the birth of
daughter, Lacey Nicole!
Congratulations Soror Demonica Johnson on the birth of
granddaughter, Maja Jolie King!
Keep the following sorors in your prayers:
Soror Shirley Howard is recuperating at home;
Soror Aleice Conley is in Specialty Hospital;
Soror Joan Hampton had surgery and is resting at home;
Soror Delores McCarter was in a serious accident and is hospitalized;
Soror Mable Lewis’ two year old grandson is in Texas Children’s
Hospital;
Soror Marva Adams had surgery and is home resting;
Soror Christina Guice-Gantt is on bed rest and is recuperating.
Also, continue to pray for Sorors Shirley Brewster and Shirley
Gentry.
Sister 2 Sister:
Thank you notes from…
Soror Hazel Young, for the lovely Founders’ Day gift;
Soror Mattelia Grays, for the 80th Anniversary gift;
Soror Barbara McKinzie, Supreme Basileus, for courtesies
extended during recent NPHC meeting and gift card presented
on behalf of the chapter;
Soror Regina Carrington, for the amazing surprise celebration
and tribute;
Soror Lucy Anderson, for support during time of
bereavement;
Sorors Helen and Paulette Eagleton, for your prayers during
our time of bereavement;
Soror Christina Guice-Gantt, for your prayers and support;
Soror Piere Mitchell, for the plant and well wishes;
Soror Minnie Bailey, for the retirement gift;
Soror LaTanya Lavine, for the lovely plant;
Soror LaTanya Meyer, for the baby gifts;
Soror Lillian Bourgeois, for the lovely ivy plant;
Soror Shonthenia Edwards, for the beautiful flowers sent to her
mother, Soror Shirley Brewster, during her illness;
Soror Mary Butler, for the phone calls, love and support during
her recent illness;
Soror Vickie Miles-LaGrange, 2009 calendar from the
“Motivated” Mid-Western Region family;
February Hostess committee with Soror Terrie Tillman serving as
chairman and Sorors Margie Taylor and Sandra Tucker serving as
co-chairmen. Sorors Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Nomeva
Trini Charles, Shonthenia Edwards, Deneen Ford, Carolene
Goffney-Sharpe, Darlene Johnson, Veronica Johnson, Donna Miles,
Cheryl Mitchell, Andrea Stamps, the membership, nominating and
tellers committee members. Soror Kim Topps for writing articles on
“Youth Business Competition;” and “Excellent Service Participation,”
and Soror Catherine Gore for writing the “Healthy Choices” article.
Soror Karen Grays, graphic designer of the monthly newsletter, and
the following proof reading team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Margie
Taylor, Jamie Watson, Helen Houston and Betty White. Last, but
not least, all sorors for your participation in the February sorority
meeting.
AKA-NOMIC$ QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Which type of insurance pays for assistance with
eating, bathing, dressing, continence, transferring
and assistance because of cognitive impairment?
AKAAKA-NOMICS
Answer: (a) disability insurance; (b)
health insurance; (c) long term care
insurance
Answer: (c) long term care insurance
eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: [email protected]
Page 3
Sisterhood & Service
March 2009
The Jewel
ΑΚΩ
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVEN
March 2009
MONDAY
23
•
•
•
Platform I Committee meeting; 6:30 pm; Power Center; Contact: Cheryl Taylor
Economic Development Committee meeting; 7:30 pm; Power Center; Contact: Sandra
Campbell
Technology Committee meeting; 8:30 pm; Power Center; Contact: Carolene GoffneySharpe
WEDNESDAY
25
•
Senior Citizen’s Committee will attend the Ensemble production of “Constant Star” at
10:00 AM; Contact Charlene James
SATURDAY
28
•
HSLD Youth Business Plan Competition; TSU Business Center; 3201 Wheeler; Time
TBA; Contact: Kim Topps
April 2009
WEDNESDAY
1
•
Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Camilla Jackson
THURSDAY
2
•
•
HSLD Development teleconference; Contact: Kim Topps
Senior Citizens’ meeting; 6:00 PM; Looscan Library; Contact: Charlene James
SUNDAY
5
•
IEACF Fashion Show; 1:30 PM; Hilton Americas Houston Hotel; Contact: Ticketron,
Pamela Lazard
WEDNESDAY
15
•
Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit
FRIDAY
17
•
Relay for Life of Houston; 7:00 PM—7:00 AM; Texas Medical Center @ Rice University
Track and Field Stadium; Contact: Darlene Johnson
SATURDAY
16
•
Sorority Meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit
MONDAY
20
•
•
Platform I Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Cheryl Taylor
Economic Development Committee Meeting; 7:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Sandra
Campbell
Technology Committee meeting; 8:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Carolene GoffneySharpe
•
Page 4
THURSDAY
23
•
Life-Long Learning Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Soror Margie Taylor’s home
SATURDAY
25
•
Joint Chapter Meeting w/Undergraduate Chapters; details TBA
SUNDAY
26
•
March of Dimes; Contact: Camilla Jackson; details TBA
Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com
Chapter Phone: 713-942-2087 & Fax Number: 888-347-9293
Sisterhood & Service
March 2009
Sisterhood & Service
Exceptional
Service
Participation
2009 Alpha Kappa Omega Committee Chairmen & Co-Chairmen