Nov2008 AKA Public eNewsletter

OUTSTANDING CENTENNIAL
CHAPTER 2008
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.
ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA’S
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
November 2008, Volume 4, Number 9
Basileus
Regina H. Carrington
Anti-Basileus
Tamara Cubit
Grammateus
LaDonna Harris
Anti-Grammateus
Jo-Carolyn Goode
Epistoleus
Carolene Goffney-Sharpe
Tamiouchos
Pamela Lazard
Pecunious Grammateus
Mae King
Anti-Pecunious Grammateus
Shannon Smith
Philactor
Helen Houston
Hodegos
Karen-Kai Johnson
Reporter to the Ivy Leaf
Staci Taylor-Fullmighter
Historian
Andrea Bonner
Parliamentarian
Melba Henry
Members-At-large
Katharine Brown
Karen Grays
Yavaunda White
Graduate Advisors
Mary Smith Johnson
Gamma Psi
Glenniece Stewart
Epsilon Lambda
Edwina Johnson
Omicron Gamma
T
his month is set aside for all to give thanks—take time out to count our
blessings and reflect on that which is most important. I am Blessed...our
Heavenly Father blessed me on March 18, 1973 to become a member of
this illustrious sisterhood. Thirty-five years later, my blessings continue as Basileus
of a supreme chapter, . I am thankful for the journey. I am grateful for the
opportunity to serve and remain true to my vows and commitments to Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
With profound gratitude, thank you sorors for entrusting me to lead this chapter at
this historic moment in time. To all members and those who have served as
chairmen and co-chairmen under my tenure—thank you.
To the past and present Basilei, thank you. To those sorors who prayed with and
for me—thank you. For those who encouraged and motivated me—thank you.
Thank you for supporting our undergraduates and Evolving Sisterhood Perfectly.
For those who have no limits of their support of our chapter and their service to all
mankind—thank you. God bless the families who understand the love you share
with Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Thank you to the Eighty-4 Sensational Pearls of the Centennial for the service you
have promised to render as an  through  chapter in our 80th year…and
beyond. Thank you to our precious Diamond Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young,
Charter Member, who is the Epitome of Sisterhood and Pride. Last but not least,
we count our blessings and are thankful for President-elect Barack Obama, the first
black president of the United States of America. “For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NRSV). Thank you my
beautiful sorors...this is our season and it truly is a New Day!
In Service & Love,
Charter Member & Chaplain
Hazel Hainsworth Young

In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas
Page 1
November 2008
The Jewel

November Extra Service Project...
The November Hostess Service Committee
ask that each soror bring two nonperishable items and/or monetary donations
for the Family Outreach Thanksgiving
Project. These items will be donated to
replenish the Houston Food Bank.
December
Hostess
Service
Committee
consists of Soror Devona Martin,
Chairman and Sorors Cheryl McNair and
Evelyn Myatt, Co-Chairmen. Sorors whose
last name is in range of “Mack” and
“Phillips.” We anticipate your...
Enthusiastic Support and Participation.
 Family & Friends Picnic
On Sunday, October 5, 2008, a few 
sorors had the pleasure to attend the Kappa
Alpha Psi () alumni chapter’s picnic.
We enjoyed the fun, delicious food and
wonderful hospitality of the brothers and
honey-dos. Among the sorors who added
pink and green to the event were: Regina
Carrington, Matellia B. Grays, Jamilia
Boozer, Revona Davis, Endria Chachere,
Clarice Gatlin, Cecelia LaSane, Devona
Martin, Rosa Rush and Mae Rose Smith.
HSLD — “Bread of Life Service Project”
[Platform III]
Enlightening Service Project – On Saturday,
October 11, 2008, our
High School Leadership
Development
Program
“Manifested their Destiny”
by serving breakfast to Houston’s homeless
at the Bread of Life, Inc. and by distributing
toiletries. Sorors and students served
breakfast, washed dishes and served the
Bread of Life clients with enthusiasm and a
smile. We had an awesome time. The staff
and clients were thrilled to see all of the pink
and green. Special thanks to Soror Kim
Topps, HSLD Chairman and AKΩ Sorors
Regina Carrington, Tamara Cubit, Andrea
Bonner, Mary Smith Johnson, Yavaunda
White, Glenniece Stewart, Nkenge Berry,
Katrice Lowe, Donna Miles, Anita
Wallace and Mary Williams. Also Epsilon
Lambda () Chapter Members—Sorors
Linda Duru, Ashley Agbim, Tumi Agboola,
Brittany Box, Victoria Brown, Keshia Garrett,
Tasha
Johnson,
Chrystal
Osborne,
Samantha Prosper, and Alanna Richard;
HSLD Male Student: Nicholas Armstrong;
plus Prairie View A&M Nursing Students:
Danielle Baty , Amber Proper and Ashley
Simpson. Kudos to Sorors Kim Topps,
Mary Smith Johnson, Una Topps and
Mary Williams for donating toiletries.
Special thanks to all who donated to
purchase shoes and socks for a client who
was in need. The ones she was wearing
were two sizes too small. It was a blessing
to be a blessing to others and we look
forward to serving at the Bread of Life again!
Page 2
Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart
We are thankful for our Swingin’ Seniors.
Soror Mae Rose Smith and her Senior
Citizens Committee had a fun-filled visit with
our Swingin’ Seniors at the Julia C. Hester
House on Thursday, October 23, 2008. Each
senior received a cute little orange and black
gift bag filled with personal goodies and treats.
They played Bingo and entertained us with
their singing and dancing. Special thank you to
the following sorors and committee members
for your support: Regina Carrington, Mae
Rose Smith, Vada Kyle-Holmes, Faye
Mosely, Rhonda Richardson, and Quiana
Smith.
Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat
Sixty-six of the 245 sorors who attended the
Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat were 
sorors: “Enhancing and Strengthening Our
Pearls: Moving Gracefully to Our Next 100
Years,” on October 25, 2008. Hosted by Chi
Omicron Omega () and Tau Zeta Omega
() Chapters.
Our very own South Central Regional Director
Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, delivered her
State of the Region address. A number of
workshop presentations were presented to
empower those sorors in attendance.
Presenters from our chapter included: Soror
Faye B. Bryant, “Code of Ethics”, Soror
Patricia A. Roberts, South Central Regional
Tamiochous, “Fiscal Procedure Update,”
Soror Regina Carrington, “ESP Program
Update,” on behalf of Soror Chelle Wilson,
SC Regional Program Representative.
In the Large Chapter category,  received
the 1st place Attendance Award and the 1st
place Community Service Project Award for our
$200 contribution to the American Diabetes
Association.
Congrats to Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley,
Soror Rhonda Newhouse (Southeast Texas
Cluster Coordinator) and the Host Chapters on
a successful event.
Membership is the Heart of ESP and the
Key to the Our Success...
The 2008 Membership Intake Process was a
monumental undertaking that proved to be a
BIG success. Thanks to the entire Membership
Committee, under the leadership of Soror
Thedrial Jackson, Membership Chairman and
Sorors Mary Barnett and Deidra Fontaine,
Co-Chairmen. 84 new sorors were initiated and
joined the ranks of our sisterhood, Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Appreciation is extended to so many sorors
who were key to the success, which included
our entire Executive Committee; Rituals—
Soror Mary Smith Johnson, Greetings and
Acknowledgments—Soror
Regina
Carrington, Program—Soror Tamara Cubit,
Luncheon—Soror
Mary
Barnett,
Registration—Soror Deidra Fontaine.
Soror Cheryl Pitts Bryant led our worship
service on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
Her inspirational message came from
Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com
1 Peter 4:8-11:
(8) Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude
of sins.
(9) Offer hospitality to one another without
grumbling.
(10) Each one should use whatever gift he
has received to serve others, faithfully
administering God’s grace in its
various forms.
(11) If anyone speaks, he should do it as
one speaking the very words of God. If
any serves, he should do it with the
strength God provides, so that in all
things God may be praised through
Jesus Christ. To him be the Glory and
the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Special thanks to: Soror Melba J. Henry for
the introduction of the speaker for the
Centennial Membership Intake Luncheon;
Soror Polly Sparks Turner (20th South
Central Regional Director) for such an
eloquent speech; Soror Tamara Cubit who
presented a tribute to our new members.
And a heart-felt appreciation to Diamond
Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young who
shared Pearls of Wisdom to those in
attendance.
Thank you Soror Demonica Johnson for
coordinating the decorations and Soror
Quiana Smith for organizing the gift bags
and pictorial directory photos for our new
sorors.
Special guests in attendance at this grand
affair included Honorary Soror Lauren
Anderson, Soror Linda Knight Burkley,
Chairman of South Central Region Heritage
Committee, and Sylvester Turner. There
were approximately 500 guests in
attendance to celebrate ’s “Eighty-4
Sensational Pearls of the Centennial.”
October was filled with
activities.
The hard work and
Extra Special
Participation of sorors
involved is deeply
appreciated.
Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573
November 2008
The Jewel

Attention all
Economic Development
Committee
Non-Traditional
Entrepreneurs
Poinsettia
& Interested Sorors…
[Platform I]
Sale
Please join the
Non
Non--Traditional Entrepreneurs — “Think Tank”
$12.00 each (red or pink)
Sponsored by the 
Economic Development Committee
Payment due: November 15, 2008
Delivery date: December 20, 2008
at sorority meeting (see table in back)
** “Turn Your Ideas Into a Business Plan”
** “It Takes Money — How Do I Get It?”
Pre-Sorority Meeting Forum:
Saturday, November 15, 2008 Sign-in @ 9:30 a.m.
Make checks payable to
Alpha Kappa Omega and submit to:
Soror Mae King, Pecunious Grammateus
For more information please contact:
Soror Carolene Goffney-Sharpe ~ [email protected]
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sorority meeting
S
AKA-NOMIC$ CORNER
AKA-NOMICS
When the Federal government’s expenditures
for a year are greater than its revenue for that
year, the difference is known as:
A. The national debt
B. A budget deficit
C. A budget surplus
A: B. A budget deficit
Election of 's
2009 Chapter Officers and
Approval of the 2009 Chapter Budget
Please Meet ’s Own...
oror Patricia A. Ingram (Pat) was initiated as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Omega
Chapter on November 2, 2008. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology/Psychology from Texas
Southern University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin. She is a Licensed Master
Social Worker-Advanced Clinical Practitioner (LMSW-ACP) in the State of Texas and is also a licensed mortgage loan
processor.
She is currently employed as an Account Director with UnitedHealthcare—OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions, where she
manages strategic behavioral health accounts. She is an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Houston. She
is married to Robert Ingram, an Alpha Phi Alpha man, and mother to Monique Ingram Garner, and Sonjia N. Solomon.
Some of her other activities include Past Regional Director for South Central Region of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. board
member of Jack and Jill Foundation, Inc., City of Houston Mayor’s Initiative on Youth Education and Services (Under
Mayor Lee Brown) and the Board Chairman of Institute of Health Families, Inc.
Soror Patricia is a chartered member of the Gulf Coast Apollo Chapter of The Links, Inc., Houston/Galveston, Texas area,
inducted on October 7, 1995. She was the first Treasurer of the chapter, President, Membership Chairman. She served as
Treasurer for the South Texas Links Six Cluster.
She is currently serving as the Western Area
Treasurer for The Links, Inc., as well as on the
Board of Directors for the Bay Area Turning Point,
a social service agency providing shelter and
services to abused women and children.
Soror Patricia’s motto is: “Treat others the way in
positive, because being negative takes too much
to one’s community.
eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: [email protected]
which you want to be treated.” Spend time being
energy; energy that can be used to provide a service
Page 3
June
November
2008 2008
The Jewel

“Little Known Alpha Kappa Omega History Facts”
November 2008
1. In addition to serving on the Alpha Kappa Omega executive board as Reporter to the Ivy Leaf and Member at Large, Soror Betty
Merritte Williams served as a board member for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as, head of the organization’s
Diversity Committee.
2. While serving as Co-Chairman of the Centennial Celebration committee, Soror Elnora J. Flewellen, Life Member and Silver
Star, spearheaded the fundraiser that produced approximately $16,000 for Jack Yates High School Library in honor of the
Centennial Birthday celebration for Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young.
3. In the Spring/Summer of 1986, Sorors Dorothy Booker, Charlotte Bryant, Vivian Harrison, Mae Lawson, Gloria Melton, 20th
South Central Regional Director Polly Sparks Turner, and Demetria Williams, chartered the Omicron
Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on the campus of the University of Houston, Downtown.
4. Sorors Clarice Lowe, Mercedes Terry, and Evelyn B. Thornton, chartered the Gamma Psi Chapter of
Texas Southern University in 1950. The vision of these gallant sorors served as an excellent example which
has motivated Gamma Psi members to consistently participate in all activities of the local, regional, and
national levels of the sorority.
5. While encountering racism, adversity, and many disappointments, Sorors Mattelia B. Grays (18th International President), Faye
B. Bryant (21st International President), Barbara Marshall, and Laconia Cain, chartered the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on September 26, 1969. Alpha Kappa Alpha was the first Black Greek letter organization to be
instituted at the University of Houston.
6. Soror Kim Topps is Alpha Kappa Omega’s immediate past Tamiouchos. She served from 2005-2007 and is remembered for
computerizing the chapter’s financial records and implementing financial procedures and processes that exceeded the
expectations of the Heritage Team during the chapter evaluation in 2007. These procedures are still being
implemented today. Soror Kim, a Senior Software Engineer for Honeywell, Inc. was also recognized as Houston’s
1999 Young Engineer of the Year.
—Facts provided by Soror Andrea’ Bonner, 2008 Centennial Chapter Historian
WHO KNOWS BUT THAT YOU HAVE COME TO ROYAL POSITION FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?
— Esther 4:14 (NIV)
What a momentous event in the History of our Country! Chapter joins
millions over the globe in congratulating Barack Obama, our next President
of the United States of America.
We ask God to continue to bless Barack Obama,
his family, our country and the world. May peace
and unity abide.
“Yes We Can...”
Sorors, It’s Really A NEW DAY!
Page 6
4
Chapter
ChapterWeb
WebSite:
Site:www.alphakappaomega.com
www.alphakappaomega.com
Chapter Phone & Fax Number: 281-261-1573
November 2008

The Jewel
Welcome to the Eighty-4 Sensational Pearls of the Centennial
Ayana Allen, Loris Anderson, Theresa Anderson, Lucille August, Jacqueline Barnes, Jamie Bernard, Adrianne Bradford,
Tabatha Brown, Dana Brown, Kathleen Curry, Le'Andra Demaris, Karrah Demaris, Alicia Duplechain, Rose Durant,
Charvela Fearon, Angela Fisher, Denise Frazier, Tegan Gay, Chataria Geason, Adrienne Gibson, Ashley Gibson, Keisha
Glover, Brigette Griffin, La'Quesha Grigsby, Christina Guice-Gantt, Myrtle Hammond-Johnson, Phoebe Heard, Amber
Higgs, Andrea Hollingsworth, Davina Horace, Brandi Hypolite-Kirby, Patricia Ingram, DeAnna Jackson, Tracy Jackson,
Barbara Jefferson, K'Netha Jones, Ashlye' Jones, Shanna Joubert, Martina Judge, Charlyn Kyles, Daphine Lambert,
LaTanya Rollin-Colwell Lavine, Ashley Nicole Lazard, Mable Lewis, Wendy Lewis, Joyce Lister, Dell McGee, Stephanie
Meads, Tasha Merritte-Soberekon, LaTonya Meyer, Jeania Mitchell, Terena Molo, Allonie Moncriffe, Y. Nicole
Montgomery, Shalondra Moore, Shanna Morgan, Yusheba Moses, Christine Myatt, Katrina Parker, LaShonda Pigott,
Regina Prevost, Courtney Prewitt, Dimitrie Rainey, Elizabeth Richard, Marlene Roberts, Barbara Roberts, Lindsey Scott,
Kizi Serbeh-Yiadom, Astria Simmons-Carter, Ashley Smith, Samantha Smith, Bayana Sumbry-Taylor, Helen Ubanyionwu,
Nedra Washington, Felecia Waters Ransfer, Saundra Wiley, Sherry Neely Williams, Jessica Willie, Laureen Wimbley,
LaTrecia Woodard, Talia Wyann, and Regina Young.
* Bold = Legacy
Sorors:
How familiar are you with chapter operations? Take the following Chapter Operations “IQ’” Test…….Let’s see if you are an Extra
Smart and Proficient soror in this area! Answer the following questions:
True or False:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Manual of Standard Procedure provides a simplified approach to interpreting the National Constitution and Bylaws. _____
Chapters shall conduct an annual self-evaluation using the Standards End of Year Report Form. _____
Two copies of all subsequent changes to chapter bylaws should be forwarded to the Regional Director for review and approval
within 10 days of any changes. _____
Chapters are required to conduct one meeting per month except during July and August. _____
Chapters are required to have had representatives at a Boule within the last six years. _____
Fill in the blanks:
6.
Members of the _______________ Committee/Council can help streamline chapter meetings by screening committee reports
and correspondences, recommend solutions for chapter problems and assist in the preparation of the chapter meeting agenda.
7. The __________________ of a meeting is greatly influenced by the attitude and leadership exhibited by the Basileus. She must
know how to bring forth ideas, guide debate and help the group reach a consensus.
8. Increased knowledge of _______________________ and sorority documents should be a goal of each member.
9. “I so move…” is unacceptable in making a motion. A motion should be _______ in a complete, clearly stated sentence.
10. Always address the chair before you speak. Do not stand waiting for _________ while someone else has the floor.
The first 10 sorors to contact either of the sorors listed below with the correct answers will be eligible for a door prize at the
November sorority meeting:
 Soror Charlene H. James, Standards Committee Chairman — [email protected] / 713-779-5999
 Soror Douthulia Gardner, Standards Committee Co-Chairman — [email protected] / 713-723-6023
eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: [email protected]
Page 5
November 2008
HSLD Service Project: “Bread of Life”
Program Committee at 2008 Membership Intake Process