February 2011
Volume 3 Number 2
Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter
Monthly Newsletter
In This Edition
2011 National Founders’ Day
Nurturing Our Ivy
Page 3
HMAC Founders’ Day
Program Activities
Page 4
MLK Day of Service and Emerging
Young Leaders
Calendar of Events
Page 5
February 2011
ΑΚΩ
2010 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year
MESSAGE FROM
THE BASILEUS
Soror Tamara Cubit
2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BASILEUS
Tamara J. Cubit
ANTI BASILEUS
Marianne Walker
Dear Sorors,
I would like to thank Soror Marianne Walker, for presiding over the January
sorority meeting while I attended National Founders’ Day in Little Rock,
Arkansas.
In observance of Black History Month, the African-American History
Committee invited Mr. John Linton, Transportation Director for the
Montgomery Bus Boycott, as our guest speaker at this month’s sorority
meeting. He will share with us his memories of the civil rights movement.
Also, several art pieces will be available for sale at the meeting.
Congratulations to the following sorors who were elected to serve as 2011
delegates to the 79th South Central Regional Conference in Albuquerque, New
Mexico: Tamara Cubit, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, Xenith Green, Etta Hill,
Helen Houston, Camilla Jackson, Pamela Lazard, Chantay Morris, Anitra
Provost, Mary Smith-Johnson, Marianne Walker and Vickie Windham. As a
reminder, all first-time silver, golden and diamond sorors should contact Soror
Sandra Campbell at 832.754.7522 or by email at sm.campbell@comcast.net.
Volunteers are still needed to assist with the scrapbook project, contact Nkenge
Berry-Owens at 832.216.5987 or by email at nberryowens@gmail.com.
Please continue to RSVP if you plan to attend sorority meeting. An accurate
count is necessary for an appropriately organized and successful meeting. I
look forward to seeing you at sorority meeting on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
Sisterly yours,
GRAMMATEUS
Karen Y. Grays
ANTI GRAMMATEUS
Karen Aubrey
EPISTOLEUS
LaDonna H. Harris
TAMIOUCHOS
Paulette Frederick
PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS
Sandra Campbell
ANTI PECUNIOUS
GRAMMATEUS
Andrea Stamps
PHILACTER
Brenda Davis
HODEGOS
Cheryl Mitchell
IVY LEAF REPORTER
Nkenge Berry
HISTORIAN
JoJo-Carolyn Goode
GRADUATE ADVISORS:
Mary Smith Johnson
Gamma Psi, TSU
Pamela Lazard
Omicron Gamma, UHD
Tamara Cubit
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Rita Roberts
CHAPLAIN
Margie Taylor
MEMBERSMEMBERS-ATAT-LARGE
Helen Houston, Edwina Johnson
Demetria Williams
2
In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas
February 2011
2010 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year
FEBRUARY HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE
ΑΚΩ
MARCH HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE
The February Hostess Service committee members are asking sorors to CHAIRMAN: Alice Walker
Co-Chairman: Saundra Wiley
bring the following nonperishable canned goods to sorority meeting: Co-Chairman Jana Williams
Committee: Waddy-Young
green beans, peas, carrots, corn, canned meat, dry beans, macaroni
and cheese, canned fruit, canned juices boxes, peanut butter, boxed
January Hostess Committee with Soror Rosa Rush
cereal, instant oatmeal or grits. These items will be donated to Mt.
serving as chairman and Sorors Marlene Roberts
Vernon United Methodist Church’s food pantry.
Additionally, in
and Shewanna Rochon serving as co-chairmen.
observance of Black History month the committee is asking sorors to
Sorors Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Alicia
wear African American attire to sorority meeting.
Duplechain, Shonthenia Edwards, Beverly Maddox,
Sheri Cole, the Nominating Committee, Teller’s
Nurturing Our Ivy
Committee and the Philacter Team. The following
proofreading team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Kim
Please inform Soror Cheryl Mitchell or the Basileus as
Harris, Helen Houston, Yvonne McCree, and Betyou become aware of those who are ill or otherwise chaltye White.
lenged.
Condolences and Prayers:
Soror Bettye Sledge who became an Ivy Beyond the Wall.
Soror Gwendolyn Graham whose husband passed; he is the brother
and uncle of Soror Mae Rose Smith and Soror Quiana Smith
respectively.
Soror Loris Anderson whose brother passed.
Soror K’Netha Jones and Soror Jessica Jones whose niece and cousin
passed respectively
Please continue to keep the following sorors in your
thoughts and prayers:
Soror Marva Adams’ granddaughter who
was hospitalized.
Soror Nomeva Trini Charles’ mother and
grandmother who were hospitalized after
being involved in a car accident.
Soror Glenneice Stewart’s father who is
ill.
Soror Jamie Watson’s father who is ill.
Dues for 2011 are $310.00 ($220.00 for Life
Members). Dues can be paid online at the
chapter’s website. Dues received after
January 15, 2011, are assessed a $9.00 late
fee. This late fee does not apply to Life
Members.
Soror Dawn Randle graduated from
Texas Southern University, Saturday,
December 11, 2010; Doctorate in Educational Administration.
Soror Chanique Ecby and Marcus gave
birth to Mason Reese Ecby, Wednesday, December 22, 2010. He weighed
7lbs and 3oz.
Soror Nkenge Berry-Owens and Rodney gave birth to Kamilah
Tenne Owens, Friday, January 14, 2011. She weighed 6lbs. and
13oz.
Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster,
Franceta Lane, Melba Moreland, Ruby
Mosley, Ora Lee Piper, Ritchie Routt,
Polly Sparks Turner and Angela Wright.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION PROTOCOL
A Sisterly “Thank You” From...
•
•
•
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Soror Shirley Alfred Johnson
Soror Lillian Cook
Soror Mary Collins
Soror Tommye Harrison
•
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Soror Myra Jackson
The Family of Soror Ruth
Strange
Sisterly Reminders…
•
The Texas AKA Specialty License Plates are
now available to order:
http://www.myplates.com/designseries/
PLPD129
•
The data forms will be available at this month’s meeting and
on the chapter’s website. Please fill out the form and return
to Soror Janice Warner so you can be included in the 2011
chapter directory. Sorors, please update your personal
information on the chapter’s website at
www.alphakappaomega.com
Editor
Tamara J. Cubit
Newsletter Design / Distribution
LaDonna H. Harris
Articles must be submitted and received by the
Basileus no later than the last day of the month
preceding the next sorority meeting. Articles must be
limited to 150 words; submitted in Microsoft Word
format; Arial, 12 point font; insert only one space
between sentences. Correspondence received after
the deadline will be printed in the next month’s
newsletter.
Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com
3
February 2011
2010 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year
ΑΚΩ
HMAC CELEBRATES FOUNDERS’ DAY
2011 NATIONAL FOUNDERS’ DAY (continued)
On Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 11:00 AM at the Hilton Post
Oak Hotel, Houston Metropolitan Area Chapters (HMAC), held
our annual Founders’ Day Luncheon Celebrating 103 years of
service to the community. The theme for the luncheon was
“Global Leadership Through Timeless Service…Our Legacy
Continues…” Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, South Central
Regional Director, was the guest speaker.
She gave a
motivational speech reminding sorors of the true meaning of
serving all mankind and sisterhood. Prior to the luncheon, Soror
Mattelia B. Grays, 18th Supreme Basileus, conducted the
rededication ceremony. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
was also in attendance and gave greetings from Washington,
D.C. urging sorors to voice their concerns about the proposed
cuts in education. Under the leadership of Soror Mary Butler and
Soror Ardener Franshaw, the AKA Chorale sang two selections.
Accolades go out to our chapter for receiving two awards: 1st
Place Reactivation Award and 1st Place American Diabetes
Association (for our contributions). Finally, I would like to thank
Soror Thearodesia Williams and Soror VeRonique Williams,
chairman and co-chairman of Founders’ Day.
Our undergraduate sorors interacted and engaged the elderly residents in
games and donated current issues of magazines for their reading
pleasure. Also, we cleaned and organized the home of the late L.C. and
Daisy Gatson Bates, counselor to the Little Rock Nine. In keeping with
Initiative IV, Social Justice, we visited a domestic violence shelter, read to
children, cleaned a children’s play area and organized a library. At the
Our House Project, we cooked, prepared and served lunch for residents
and passed out bags filled with tooth brushes, toothpaste, and other
personal hygiene toiletries for the Arkansas Children Hospital. Finally, we
sorted all donations received during the weekend (books, winter hats,
scarves, gloves, socks and shoes) and prepared them for distribution.
We engaged in an array of service projects supporting Global Leadership
Through Timeless Service Program Initiatives. On Saturday, sorors
visited the Little Rock Central High School, the museum and visitor’s
centers. The Founders’ Day luncheon was held at the Statehouse
Convention Center, where Soror Carolyn House Stewart was the guest
speaker. In keeping with the theme she gave an inspiring speech.
Afterwards we participated in a Social Justice and Human Rights
Roundtable. The weekend culminated for many sorors by attending the
Rededication Ceremony and Ecumenical Service.
SORORS AND EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS YOUR EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES CAN MAKE A
SALUTE DR. KING WITH A DAY OF SERVICE WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
TO ALL MANKIND
It is estimated that Americans have 1.5 billion pairs of unused shoes lying
In honor and celebration of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., forty sorors along with thirty-nine
Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) participated
in a day of service on Monday, January 17,
2011, at the Manda Ann Nursing and
Convalescent Home. We enthusiastically
hosted several activities which included:
critical reading exercises, memory stimulation activities, a sing-along and line dancing with the residents. The sorors and the
Emerging Young Leaders served fruit, cookies and punch.
Additionally, each resident received a Martin Luther King, Jr.
biography card. Several residents were visited in their room. Fun
and fellowship were enjoyed by all. Soror Rosa Rush did an
excellent job in planning and executing this activity.
in their closets. Most of us take shoes for granted, sometimes forgetting
that there are millions of men, women, and children around the world and
in our own cities and towns who lack basic protection for
their feet. Surely, we can help those in need! Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in partnership with
Soles4Souls, Inc. will make a tangible difference. Each
Regional Conference will collect and distribute your new
or gently worn footwear to a person in need, whether
they are victims of a natural disaster or subject to living in
extreme poverty.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
*Each registered soror is asked to bring at least one pair of men’s,
women’s and/or children’s shoes to your 2011 Regional Conference.
* Drop your shoes in the boxes conveniently located in the conference
registration area.
* Check your registration materials for specific drop off dates and times.
2011 NATIONAL FOUNDERS’ DAY
It was a historic weekend for the more than 1,300 sorors including * We will gladly accept new and gently used shoes that are clean and in
good condition.
15 from Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, who
attended National Founders’ Day in Little Rock,
* Please rubber band or tie each pair of shoes together.
Arkansas on January 13 thru January 15, 2011.
* Know that you made a difference in the life of someone with your
The theme was “Reflection & Remembrance of
donation.
About Soles4Souls
Timeless Service.” Our first event was touring
Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which
Heifer International where Soror Carolyn House
Stewart, Supreme Basileus, presented the company with a are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Soles4Souls has distributed more than 4.3 million
pairs (currently donating one pair every 13 seconds) to people in over 125 countries. Visit
$50,000 check from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After the www.giveshoes.org for more information.
presentation at Heifer International, we boarded buses and
PARLIAMENTARY TIP “SO MOVED”!
volunteered at two of the following activities: Diabetes Seminar
This is a common statement which means nothing. One
and a Blood Drive. Some sorors fed the homeless and distributed
must state the actual motion so as to avoid confusion in
books at Horace Mann Middle School, while others weatherized
the audience. Everyone has the right to know exactly
homes in the Little Rock area in partnership with the Central
Arkansas Development Council and Net Communications. Many what is being moved and discussed. "So moved!" is vague and pointless.
sorors assisted in the preparation, execution and clean-up of the
PROTOCOL TIP
Martin Luther King Birthday Bash.
Use the term "Chairman" or "Chairmen" not chair, chairperson or chairwomen."
4
In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas
February 2011
2010 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year
ΑΚΩ
CALENDAR of EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2011
2-Wed
Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat
Sibley
Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Contact:
Clara Cooper
Connection Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact:
Faye Phillips
4-Fri
American Heart Month, Pink Goes Red for a Day Health Initiative
5-Sat
Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Parent meeting; 9:00-11:30 AM;
Attucks Middle School, 4330 Bellfort; Contact: Margie Taylor
5-Sat
AKA Day at the Museum; 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM; African American
Library at the Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street, Freedman
Town; Contact: Diana Merritte
8-Tue
Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center;
Contact: Lillian Bourgeois
16-Wed
Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact:
Tamara Cubit
19-Sat
Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara
Cubit
21-Mon
Social Justice and Human Rights Committee meeting; 7:00 PM
Power Center; Contact: Sahira Black
24-Thur
AKA Bible Cluster; 6:30 PM; PLACE: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps
26-Sat
High School Leadership Development Committee; 8:00 AM-Noon;
SAT Reading and Math Boot Camp; Jack Yates Senior High
School, 3703 Sampson Street Houston, TX 77004; Preregistration is required
28-Mon
AKA Day at the State Capital; Austin, TX; 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM;
Cost: Pending; Contact: Faye Phillips
NEWS
F L A SH
Reservations for Sorority Meeting: Sorors, we are still requesting that you call or respond to your eVite to make reservations for all sorority meetings. Please refer to the information below and call your representative, according to your last name, no later than: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 by 8:00 PM Katharine Brown A‐Bo Nekeidra Brown Br‐By Lena Gilmore C‐E Rhonda Haralson F‐G Demetria Williams H‐I Melba Henry J Lillie Jones K‐L Gloria Melton M‐P Sydna Paul R‐S Cheryl Mitchell T‐V Yavaunda White W‐Z 713‐729‐7363 832‐236‐0966 713‐528‐3164 713‐413‐9226 713‐748‐1631 713‐522‐3004 281‐442‐4759 713‐633‐4803 713‐521‐0646 281‐488‐5204 713‐988‐2321 MARCH 2011
2-Wed
Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact:
Pat Sibley
Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM;
Contact: Clara Cooper
3-Thur
High School Leadership Development committee meeting;
7:30 PM; Teleconference; Contact: Kim Topps
13-Sun
AIDS Walk; 8:00 AM; Sam Houston Park (Downtown Houston);
Contact: Patricia Sibley
16-Wed Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center;
Contact: Tamara Cubit
19-Sat
Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara
Cubit
21-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 Black
24-Thur AKA Bible Cluster; 6:30 PM; PLACE: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps
UPCOMING REGIONAL and NATIONAL EVENTS
March 31 - April 3, 2011 ~ 79th South Central Regional
Conference Albuquerque, New Mexico
July 11-17, 2011 ~ Leadership Seminar; Atlanta, Georgia.
STAYING CONNECTED
Chapter Programs & Committees:
Soror Marianne Walker
Anti-Basileus
marianne-walker@att.net
713.523.9120
Minutes of Chapter Meetings:
Soror Karen Grays
Grammateus
kyg08@aol.com
713.556.7620
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
Tickets/Invitations to Chapter
Events:
Soror Kim Harris
Ticketron Committee Chairman
kharris627@att.net
713.734.2141
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
Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com
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
5
January 2011 Program Planning Meeting
African American History Program