Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

Volume 16 Issue 1 Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

®

In This January Health Tips Scholarships Issue: Metropolitan Founders’ Day MLK Day of Service ZCO 2016 Leadership Training Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

Greetings From The Basileus Soror Rhonda Luss

Happy New Year & Happy Founders’ Day Sorors, thank you for electing me your Basileus. It is an honor to serve in this esteem position. I will strive to fulfill the duties of my office with integrity, high moral and ethical standards, and to uphold the sacred trust you have bestowed upon me. For I  4 CALENDAR know, “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).

 5 SPIRIT January will be a busy month for the Chapter. So get ready to conduct the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® and  7 PROGRAMS Zeta Chi Omega Chapter.

 12 OFFICER REPORTS January Meeting Date As a friendly reminder, the January General Body Meeting will be  15 STANDING held on the second Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM, COMMITTEE Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Join us for a festive celebration as we officially kickoff the REPORTS second year of Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm.

 16 SCHOLARSHIPS January Meeting Attire All sorors are asked to wear a white top to the Chapter meeting,  18 EAF along with their Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm pin and scarf or kerchief.  19 FOUNDERS’ DAY Worship Service  26 PHOTO GALLERY Please join me on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Antioch Baptist Church, 6531 Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 at the  31 INTERNATIONAL 11:30 a.m. worship service. Let’s start 2016 off with the word, FALL MAILINGS prayer, and fellowship. The service will include a prayer for the Chapter and the new administration. Sorors are asked to wear something pink or green. January 2016 Volume 16 | Issue 1 continued on the next page >> Leadership Training The Chapter is fortunate to have our very own Chapter member and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Joyce Henderson, to conduct our Chapter’s leadership training. Leadership Training: Part 1 - So Now You’re Elected will be held at the Nannie Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 on January 11th at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive at 6:30 p.m. so that you are in place when the Regional Director arrives.

Leadership Training: Part 2 – Chapter Operations will take place at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22201 on January 16th at 10:30 a.m. Come and learn about the interworking of the Chapter. Do you want to understand the Chapter voucher process or how to get your flyer approved for your event? Then this is the training for you. The Standards Committee is asked to arrive at 10:00 a.m.

Chairmen and Co-Chairmen Recommendations Soror, if you have a desire to serve your Chapter in a leadership role as a chairman or co- chairman of a committee, submit your name and the committee name to the Basileus at [email protected], no later than January 9, 2016.

Committee Sign Up! Before and after the January General Body meeting, you will be given the opportunity to sign up for the committees that best align with your interests and/or talents. All sorors are invited to volunteer to serve on at least one program committee, one standing committee, and one ad hoc committee. In addition, online sign-up is available through February 28, 2016. Please look for online committee sign-up options in the PEARL DROP Broadcast communications. Sorors will be notified of confirmed committee member appointments by mid-February. Thank you, in advance for your willingness to serve!

Date Time Activity Location January 3, 2016 11:30 a.m. Worship Service Antioch Baptist Church January 7, 2016 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Nannie Lee Center Meeting January 9, 2016 10:00 a.m. General Body Meeting Nannie Lee Center January 9, 2016 9:00 a.m. *Cotillion Rehearsal Nannie Lee Center January 11, 2016 7:00 p.m. Leadership Training – Part 1 Nannie Lee Center January 12, 2016 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center January 14, 2016 7:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale Shiloh Baptist Church January 15, 2016 7:00 p.m. International Sisterly Champs Pentagon Rowe Relations Day Social January 16, 2016 10:30 a.m. Leadership Training – Part 2 Arlington Central Library January 18, 2016 10:00 a.m. MLK Day of Service Charles Houston Center January 23, 2016 10:00 a.m. ASCEND / Model UN Nannie Lee Center January 24, 2016 11:30 a.m. Bi-Monthly Meal Service Carpenter Shelter January 26, 2016 4:00 p.m. Project Stepout Charles Houston Center January 26, 2016 7:00 p.m. *IFNV Board Meeting Nannie Lee Center January 31, 2016 12:00 p.m. Metropolitan Founders Day McLean Hilton Tysons Corner *IFNV activity for information only. Sisterly, 3 Soror Rhonda Luss CALENDER OF EVENTS ~ January 2016 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Worship Sisterly Executive General Service Relations Committee Membership Antioch Baptist Committee Meeting Meeting Church Meeting

Ivy Leaf *Cotillion Rehearsal Pearl Drop submissions due submissions due every Sunday 10 11 12 14 15 16 FOUNDERS’ Leadership Project DAY Leadership Protocol Dr. Cynthia Training Part I Step Out Committee Hale Training Part II Meeting Shiloh Baptist International Church Sisterly Alexandria Relations Day Social

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

MLK ASCEND/ Day of Service Model UN

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Monthly Meal 31 Project Service Step Out

*IFNV Board Mtg Metropolitan Founders Day Program January 2016 Volume 16 | Issue 1 *IFNV event - for informational purposes only 4 SPIRIT submitted by Soror Beverly Anderson, Co-Chairman, Spirit and Inspiration Committee

As we look at 2015 in a rear view mirror, think about what happened last year. Did you make any resolutions; did you accomplish all of them? Did everything go just as you had planned the whole year? The year in review had joy and pain; it had sweetness and sorrow. Yes, there were tragedies; but there were also many acts of kindness and many victories.

As we enter into 2016, you probably have already made your New Year’s resolutions. Or perhaps, like me, you will be trying to complete some of your resolutions from 2015. We make many plans about what we want to accomplish this year or improve from the previous year – losing weight; being more organized; being more active in the chapter; being on time; being more loving, and the list goes on and on. While we may make plans and resolutions, Proverbs 16:9 says: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

We don’t know what 2016 holds for us, but we do know who holds the year and who cares for us. We know who is right there with us no matter what we are going through or what we are trying to accomplish.

So as you make your plans and your resolutions for 2016, consider this resolution: LOVE – not only to love God but to love others as well (Matthew 22: 36-40) and meditate on these verses:

“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

So my sisters, let’s make a resolution to keep love on board in 2016 and make it a great year!

5 INSPIRATION submitted by Soror Toni Carter Pearson, Spirit and Inspiration Committee

THE VICTORY OF THE WOMAN WHO DARES

This is the era of the woman who dares. Her opportunity has blossomed out of conditions unparalleled in . Too many women plod along in a furrow, afraid to come out of the rut. They live, it is true, but they have not grasped the success that awaits them. The woman has higher motives than mere existence, and an unbending promise from God. Business, commerce, government, politics demand a woman who dares. The eyes of the world turn toward the inscription, “I will,” on the banner of the woman who dares, as she hurdles across obstacles and brings virtue back to its pedestal. Hers is the initiative; to her belong the rewards of efficiency. The power that drives her is dynamic. She has no hand held out behind for bribes, nor before for offerings. She builds her castle with hope and cements its walls with enduring faith in her God-given powers, and anchors it with good works. When life’s fitful fever is over, and she has accomplished all she can, according to her gifts, talents, and ability, she lets a feeling of peace steal over her, and trusts in God for the rest. Be a woman who dares.

January 2016 Volume 16 | Issue 1 6 DECEMBER PROGRAMS EXECUTED TO PEARL-FECTION!

Tea roses, pearls, and more are what you deserve for the outstanding execution of the December programs. The Family Strengthening Committee held two gift-wrapping parties to wrap 25 kids’ coats for the children at Community Lodgings Brent Place Learning Center. In addition, the committee wrapped 150 pashmina scarves and 50 cashmere wool scarves for senior citizens attending the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon.

The Bent Place children were full of smiles seeing their new coats, and the senior citizens could not stop talking about how much fun they had at the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon and how much they loved their seasonal wrap gifts. Thanks to everyone who participated and an extra special “thank you” to Sorors Patty Edwards and Melonie Barrington, from the Seasonal Wrap Committee; Sorors Darlena Ricks and Katrina Moss from the Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon Committee; and Sorors Rochelle Brown and Robin McCoy, from the Gift-Wrapping Committee.

Project StepOut and ASCENDsm ended the year with holiday parties. Project StepOut hosted its holiday party at the Charles Houston Center, and ASCENDsm at the Gaylord after viewing the Gaylord Nationals’ Christmas on the Potomac ICE!® show. Fun was had by all! Tea roses to Sorors VaShawn Guice Veal, Veronica Jackson, and LaVonne Shingler for ending the year with such a creative and fun activity.

Lastly, Zeta Chi Omega sorors (Sorors Crystal Lander, Lula Hicks, Kim Conner, Amirah Salaam and Rhonda Luss) joined the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Joyce Henderson, and the 1st Supreme Anti-Basileus, Soror Glenda Glover, at Africare’s annual Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner Gala held Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington, D.C. The First Supreme Anti-Basileus accepted the Life Member Award for the sorority’s long-term partnership with Africare, which has provided more than $1 million in support of Africare programs. 7 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

PROGRAM LAUNCH: After an exceptional year of programming activities, our Supreme Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson has requested all chapters build on the momentum embarking into the 2016 program year. Zeta Chi Omega will use our January meeting as an opportunity to celebrate a successful 2015 and build momentum for 2016. At our January Chapter meeting, we will kick off year two of Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm with another New Year’s Eve style celebration. All sorors are asked to wear a white top to the Chapter meeting, along with the Launching New Dimensions of Servicesm pin and scarf or kerchief. Come and toast in the New Year because there "Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now!"

Target I: Educational Enrichment Soror Gwen Williams, Chairman Soror Andrea Sparks-Brown, Co-Chairman (ASCEND Program Chairman) Soror Sarah Bowers, Co-Chairman (One Million Backpacks Lead) Soror Angela Turner, Co-Chairman (Think HBCU Lead) Contact us at: [email protected]

The ASCENDsm scholars will be participating in Model UN Simulations on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room at the Nannie Lee Recreation Center.

Target II: Health Promotion Soror Carol Gibson, Chairman Soror Jacqueline Guillory, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected] Pink Goes Red: In partnership with the American Heart Association, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter will be hosting a Heart Health Fair on February 5, 2016 at the Pentagon City Mall from 5-8 p.m. We will be providing free blood pressure screenings, along with literature on heart disease and stroke awareness/prevention. HEALTH TIPS submitted by the Health Committee

This is the time of year when there is an increase in the number of respiratory infections in our community, including influenza, throat infections (pharyngitis), and other common illnesses. While these respiratory infections are not unusual for this time of year, there are a number of things that you can do to protect yourself.

To help control the spread of respiratory illnesses:

Talk to your medical provider about the flu vaccination: Vaccination is the single best way to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine is readily available in the community.

Adhere to standard disease prevention recommendations:  Use tissues and dispose of them properly.  Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the upper sleeve.  Do not cough or sneeze into the hands.  Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.  Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 15-20 seconds.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers may be used with supervision, when soap and water are not available.  Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils.

At home, routinely clean and disinfect surfaces that are high contact areas: Use regular household cleaning products or mix ¼ cup chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of cool water to wipe down high contact areas. Always follow label instructions for any disinfectant.

Monitor the signs of illness:  Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. • Symptoms of throat infections commonly include fever and sore throat without the stuffy nose and cough. The common cold usually does not present with fever.

Contact a doctor if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness: Fever (100°F. orally, or 102°F. rectally) AND chills, cough, sore throat, headache, or muscle aches.

January 2016 9 Volume 16 | Issue 1 Target III: Family Strengthening Soror Sherry Billingsley, Chairman Soror Barbara Bouldin, Co-Chairman Soror Sonya Stephens, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected]

Project StepOut: The Project Stepout Committee will meet with the girls attending the Charles Houston Recreation Center on Tuesday, January 12 & 26 2016 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A snack will be provided to each student in attendance. The Charles Houston Center is located at 901 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please come out and support the Chapter’s signature program.

MLK Day of Service: The Martin Luther King (MLK) Day of Service will be observed on Monday, January 18, 2016. The Chapter will execute Target III: Family Strengthening, Childhood Hunger Initiatives by feeding lunch to the children of the Charles Houston Center and by collecting child- friendly food items such as: cereal, pop tarts, graham crackers, applesauce, fruit cups, granola bars, pop-top tuna, raisins, and 100% fruit juice boxes to donate to the Arlington Food Assistance Center, 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, VA 22206. Sorors are asked to arrive at 10:00 a.m. to setup and prepare the lunch for the children. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Soror Yvette Darnaby will serve as the MLK Day of Service Chairman, and Soror VaShawn Guice Veal will serve as Co-Chairman. Bi-Monthly Meal Service: The Carpenter Shelter located at 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, is the largest homeless shelter in Northern Virginia, serving over 300 homeless men, women and children each year. The shelter continues to provide shelter for those in times of crisis. As residents continue to grapple with the disparity between being without jobs, low wages, and the escalating costs of living, hunger and food insecurity, we are supporting the Carpenter Shelter with six (6) lunch meal services during the calendar year 2016 under our Target III: Family Strengthening.

January 2016 Volume 16 | Issue 1 continued on the next page >> Bi-Monthly Meal Service Information Continued This year we will provide the bi-monthly meals on 4th Sundays. Please mark your calendars for the following dates to serve: January 24th, March 27th, May 22nd, July 24th, September 25th, and November 27th. Don’t miss a rewarding opportunity to be of service, as well as an opportunity to work and fellowship with your lovely sorors. If you are interested in volunteering for the January meal service, please contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey, at [email protected].

Please wear comfortable clothing. Sorority paraphernalia is encouraged. Sorors, we do make a difference in the lives of others.

Sorors, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes

Sorors Serving at Carpenter Shelter in November

Target V: Global Impact Soror DeChane Dorsey, Chairman Soror Shandra Herrod, Co-Chairman Soror Shenka Thurman, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected] Model UN Simulations: The Global Impact Committee, along with our undergraduate chapter, Sigma Alpha, will be instructing the Model UN Simulations for the ASCENDsm scholars.

February 2016 11 Volume 16 | Issue 1 OFFICER REPORTS

Soror Gayle Jordan Hodegos Report Contact us at: [email protected] JANUARY BIRTHDAYS Hazel M. Cameron January 1 Birthday Celebration Courtney Lea Walker January 1 Calling all January birthday celebrants! Jennifer Wallace January 1 Please join us for our monthly birthday Sarah Bowers January 4 luncheon. Immediately following our Caroline Howard January 4 January Chapter meeting, the luncheon Sandra L. Poindexter January 4 will take place at Red Lobster, 555 Van Mathelle Lee* January 5 Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304. All sorors Tamiko Francis January 5 are welcome to join the celebration! Joyce Parrish January 7 Vanessa Russell January 8 Geraldine Lewis* January 11 Nadia Ryder January 11 Cora L. King January 12 Tawanda Thomas January 12 Beverly H. Anderson January 14 Martha W. Conner January 15 Zuwana Johnson January 16 Lisa Wilson January 20 Altonia Crenshaw January 22 Aisha Jefferson January 23 Susie Smith January 26 Melodie Barefield January 28 Yolanda Barbier Gibson January 30 Corrections Monique Glover January 30 Please note: Soror Nicole Hayes Geraldine Howell January 30 birthday was omitted last DeTisha Joy Page January 30 month. Her birthday is Clarice Crudup* January 31 December 17. Kellee Edmonds January 31 *denotes Golden Soror Announcement: On Thursday, January 14, 2016, 7:00 p.m. Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, from the Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA, will be the guest preacher at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1401 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA.

Come out and support Soror Hale as she ministers to the congregation in honor of the installation of Shiloh’s new Pastor, Rev. Taft Quincey Heatley. Sorors are asked to arrive on Thursday, January 14, 2016, not later than 6:45 p.m. to be seated together.

If you have any announcements that need to be communicated to the Chapter, please send them to [email protected]. Soror Crystal Lander Pecunious Grammateus Contact us at: [email protected] REMINDER: Please make all checks out to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. Mail checks to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, VA 22313

If you invite a guest to chapter meeting please make sure they bring proof of membership. Please send sorors to the Membership table to discuss membership questions to avoid a back up at the financial table.

Soror Yvette Darnaby Philacter Contact us at: [email protected]

It is my honor to serve as your Philacter. To help us set the tone for the work to be done during our Chapter meetings, below are a few reminders and updates.

Chapter Meeting Sign-In . To enable our Golden Sorors to enjoy a more expedient sign-in process, effective January 2016 there will be a separate sign in roster and line for Golden Sorors. . To update your contact information (i.e., name, address, telephone numbers, and email), you must do so via the “Members Only” section of the membership database. . Sorors without internet capability may annotate the sign-in roster and arrangements will be made to update the membership database.

Chapter Meeting Attire . Business attire (not business casual) is the appropriate for all Chapter meetings unless noted otherwise. . Wear comfortable shoes to all business meetings. Flip-flops, house shoes, and sneakers are not appropriate unless designated by a physician for medical reasons. . For specific information regarding attire, please see Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon, Protocol Chairman.

Chapter Meeting Visitors . In order to attend a Chapter meeting, a guest soror MUST show proper credentials; otherwise she will not be admitted. . All guest sorors must bring one of the following to gain entrance to the Chapter meeting: 1. Financial Card (old or New) 2. Copy of her Certificate of Initiation 3. Faxed Verification Letter or Email Confirmation from the Corporate Office Children . Please make arrangements for child care when attending Chapter meetings, as these meetings are for sorors only.

13 Soror VaShawn Guice Veal Graduate Advisor Contact us at: [email protected]

As the new Graduate Advisor for Sigma Alpha Chapter, I am delighted to report the following accomplishments for the month of January:  Meetings have been scheduled with the leadership of both Marymount University and Strayer University.  The sorors of Sigma Alpha Chapter will host an open house for interested young ladies.  Jan 18: Sigma Alpha Chapter will partner with our Chapter and serve as student ambassadors during the MLK Community Fitness & Childhood Hunger Awareness Day.  Jan 23: Sigma Alpha will partner with ZXΩ Global Impact Committee to present the Model UN simulations to the ASCENDsm. scholars.

I am honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to a successful year with Sigma Alpha.

Soror Gloria Bell Ivy Leaf Reporter Contact us at: [email protected] Thank you for your support as I assume the role as your Ivy Leaf Reporter and Chairman of the Public Relations Committee. I am honored to join the ranks of previous Zeta Chi Omega Ivy Leaf Reporters and will be continuing their legacy in 2016 and 2017.

 Please submit Ivy Leaf articles to the Public Relations Committee at: [email protected].  Your submissions should be newsworthy. The Ivy Leaf editors will not publish a soror’s attainment of ordinary academic degrees, or retirements, etc. The content of each article should be to-the-point and timely.  The deadlines are: o December 15th for the Spring Issue o March 15th for the Summer Issue o June 15th for the Fall Issue o September 15th for the Winter Issue  Each article should be typed double-spaced.  Include a heading and photo caption.  Articles for “The Social Scene,” “Undergraduate Spotlight,” “Chapter News” and “Chartering report” should not exceed 250 words.  Articles for “Accomplishments and Awards” should not exceed 175 words. (These word counts do not include headings and captions.) There is no charge when submitting an article without a photo. The rate for an article accompanied by a photo include: $75 to include a headshot photograph for “Accomplishments and Awards.“ Your photo should be sent to media@aka- zco.org or mailed to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, Virginia 22313. Photos will not be returned. STANDING COMMITTEES

Soror Barbara Bellamy Warren, Chairman Awards Committee Contact us at: [email protected]

Happy New Year sorors! The 2016 Awards Committee is excited to serve and enthusiastically supports and encourages ALL members to submit awards for recognition at the regional level. The 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, scheduled for April 20-24, 2016, in Virginia Beach, VA is awaiting your arrival. You worked hard and have what it takes. So, let’s ensure you gain that well-deserved recognition!!! As a reminder, Saturday, January 9, 2016, is the deadline for Chapter-endorsed Award Nominee Selections. The final due date for all submissions is Saturday, February 6, 2016, with drop-off at the Lee Center. Please review the Awards Handbook (located on the MAR “Members Only” site) for information on the criteria and appropriate report format. Awards submissions will be returned if the requirements and documentation are not complete. Remember, we ARE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. We are WINNERS!

Soror Aja Charity, Chairman Directory Committee Contact us at: [email protected] On Saturday, January 9, 2016, in preparation for the 2016 Directory, the Directory Committee will take photos (head shots) of newly transferred/ reactivating sorors, as well as sorors who do not have an existing photo in our database. The attire is black suit or dress. Picture taking will occur from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM and will resume after the General Body meeting.

To ensure that the contents of the directory are accurate, please log on to the “Members Only” section of our chapter website, click “Edit ZXΩ Member Information,” and update your member profile. You may also see me prior to the January General Body meeting to confirm accuracy, as well. The Directory Committee will distribute the 2016 Chapter Directory at the March General Body meeting. Sorors who are financially active by February 7, 2016 will be listed in the directory. Committee Soror Diann Burns, Chairman Soror Marcy Jessup, Co- Chairman Soror Patricia Edwards, Co- Chairman Contact us at: [email protected]

Under the direction of Soror Joyce Henderson, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, the Mid- Atlantic Region Scholarship Committee announces the 2016 Regional Scholarship information. The Region’s Scholarships have been established to support the education of undergraduate and graduate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® members of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Listed below are each scholarship’s general criteria for eligibility. Application forms for the scholarships will be posted on the region's website.

EAF

 Ruby Batts Archie o Applicant criteria is forthcoming.

 Doris R. Asbury: o Applicants must be a financial member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the Mid-Atlantic Region o Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale o Applicants must be classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year

 Barbara W. Davis: o Graduate and undergraduate students with at least a sophomore standing or beyond

 Clara M. Hines: o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in a accredited institution of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region o 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year o Applicants must demonstrate that they have rendered service in the community/college

 Linda Henry Gilliam o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in a accredited institution of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic region o 2.5 -3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale o Applicant must be an Education Major o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year continued on the next page >>

16 NON-EAF

 Rosa’s Greek Boutique (Soror Rosa Smith & Family) o A financial member of AKA enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited institution of higher education in the Mid-Atlantic Region o 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale o Classified as a sophomore or junior during the current year o Applicants must major in the field of Business with a focus on entrepreneurship (having or establishing her own business) o Applicants must submit a one (1) page Business statement outlining their existing or potential business idea/concept. o The Awardee must maintain full-time enrollment for a complete academic year after award distribution, and failing to do so, will require repayment of Award to Rosa’s Greek Boutique

Please keep in mind the following:  You are encouraged to apply for ALL available scholarships, but may receive only one award during the academic year.

 The Awards are for one (1) year, and the amounts awarded will vary each year.

 All Applications must contain: a) Three letters of recommendation APPLICATION b) Sealed official transcripts c) An Essay DEADLINE: d) Documented Financial Need Analysis FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Madam Regional Director Henderson strongly encourages your applications for these Scholarships. Remember sorors, apply for as many Scholarships as appropriate for maximum consideration. The Scholarship Committee will review, analyze, and recommend approval to the Regional Director and EAF for final determinations and awards. Applications and supporting documentation must be mailed to: Soror Jinx S. Kenan Post Office 908 Burlington, NC 27216 [email protected] (336) 512-6512

Scholarship awards will be announced at the 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia, April 20-24, 2016.

January 2016 17 Volume 16 | Issue 1

19 IN CELEBRATON OF OUR FOUNDERS’ DAY: REFLECTING ON OUR HISTORY HAPPY FOUNDERS’ DAY! Soror Mathelle Lee, Historian FOUNDERS Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC. Its founders were among the fewer than 1,000 Negroes enrolled in higher education institutions in 1908 and the 25 women who received Bachelor of Arts degrees from Howard University between 1908 and 1911. Nine juniors and seniors who constituted the initial core group of founding members and seven sophomores who were extended an invitation for membership without initiation comprised what are acknowledged as Alpha Kappa Alpha’s original 16 founders. Led by Ethel Hedgeman (Lyle), the nine Howard University students who came together to form Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority were the scholastic leaders of their classes. Each also had a special talent or gift that further enhanced the potential of this dynamic group. The Original Nine: Anna Easter Brown, , Lillie Burke, , Margaret Flagg Holmes, Ethel Hedgeman (Lyle), Lavinia Norman, and Marie Woolfolk (Taylor) With the exception of , the original group of nine women was comprised of college seniors. To ensure the continuity of the organization, seven Class of 1910 honor students who had expressed interest were invited to join without initiation.

The Sophomores: Norma Boyd, Ethel Jones (Mowbray), Alice Murray, Sarah Meriweather (Nutter), Joanna Berry (Shields), and Harriet Terry

INCORPORATORS After attending a sorority meeting in 1912 where she heard proposals from then-current members to change the group’s name, colors, symbols and motto, Nellie May Quander (inducted in 1910; president of Alpha Chapter from 1911-1912), realized that the need for an intervention to preserve the original premise of the sorority that she and its founders held dear was urgent. Quander quickly formed a committee comprised of a trio including herself and members Norma E. Boyd and Minnie Beatrice Smith—and later expanded to include sorority officers Julia Evangeline Brooks, Ethel Jones (Mowbray) and Nellie Pratt (Russell)—whose mission was to seek and acquire incorporation.

These women committed to Alpha Kappa Alpha fanned out to solicit the support of other like- minded undergraduate and graduate members who held true to the vows they had taken upon their initiation. The effort culminated in the successful protection and subsequent perpetuity of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® through its incorporation on January 29, 1913, with Quander, Boyd and Smith as signers of the petition. It was the first Black Greek-letter organization to attempt and complete such a measure. The incorporation of the sorority positioned it to broaden its service concept offerings while ensuring the preservation of its founding principles and brands. Sisterly Relations Committee Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelley, Chairman Soror Nekia Freeman, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected]

JANUARY 15 SISTERLY RELATIONS KICKOFF!!

In celebration of Founders’ Day on January 15, 2016, the Sisterly Relations Committee will kick off, International Sisterly Relations Day by hosting an informal gathering at Champps restaurant, 1201 S Joyce Street, Arlington, VA 22202 in Pentagon Rowe. Join us from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. How fitting it is to come together in sisterly love on the day that our beloved founders birthed Alpha Kappa Alpha—a sisterhood “with a fellowship sincere and rare!” Sorors may bring others sorors, active and inactive to help us celebrate. So that we can get an accurate count, please RSVP to [email protected] by January 10, 2016. As we journey through this new year together as sorors and as a chapter, let’s make a conscious effort to “nurture our ivy” by showing love, care, kindness, and mutual respect to one another at ALL times. After all, sisterhood is one of our founding principles. We look forward to serving as your Sisterly Relations Chairmen. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon 2015 Soror Darlena Ricks, Chair Soror Katrina Moss, Co-Chair

Tea roses and special thanks to Soror Kendra Gillespie, Soror Rhonda Luss, Soror Hazel Cameron, the Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon Committee members, Seasonal Wraps Committee, sorors, perspective debutantes, mothers of the debs, the high school males earning community service hours, the caterer, and the Drew Community staff for all of the support that helped to make the event a success. This was definitely a team effort, and we are most thankful and grateful for everyone who contributed to the program. The guests enjoyed the food, games, open-mic, dancing, and the gifts. One of the centers sent us a 'thank you' email (see below) regarding their enjoyment, the very next day.

 Over 135 Seniors in Attendance  54 Soror Participants/Volunteers  20 Non-soror Volunteers (perspective debutantes, parents, Two male high school students)  24 In-Kind Contributions for Bingo Game Prizes (socks, puzzle, eye glass cases, calendars, mugs, toiletries, handkerchiefs, etc.)  Gift Pashminas and Scarves were given to all of the Senior guests We would not have been able to do this without you. Thanks again!!!!!!! Senior Citizens Holiday Luncheon 2015 Congratulations New Officers and Committee Chairmen Congratulations to the newly elected officers and appointed committee chairmen. Your willingness to serve this Chapter exemplifies your dedication to the ideals and programs of our beloved sorority. Again, congratulations!

OFFICERS Basileus Rhonda Luss Anti-Basileus TBD Grammateus Patricia Edwards Anti-Grammateus Aja Charity Tamiouchos Robin McCoy Anti-Tamiouchos TBD Pecunious Grammateus Crystal Lander Anti-Pecunios Grammateus Ingrid Alexander Epistoleus Steronica Mattocks Graduate Advisor VaShawn Guice Veal Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell Hodegos Gayle Jordan Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby Parliamentarian Kendra Riley Archivist Monique Robinson STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Archives Monique Robinson Chairman Archives Martha Coleman Co-Chairman Awards Barbara Bellamy Warren Chairman Bylaws Kendra Riley Chairman Connection LaFrances Williams Chairman Connection Amirah Salaam Co-Chairman Contracts Irma Bogan Chairman Contracts Geraldine Lewis Co-Chairman Courtesy Gayle Jordan Chairman Courtesy Breanna Gray Co-Chairman Directory Aja Charity Chairman Finance Robin McCoy Chairman Graduate Advisor's Council VaShawn Guice Veal Chairman Membership Christina Thomas Chairman Membership Erika Barksdale Co-Chairman Newsletter Steronica Mattocks Chairman Newsletter Joyce Parrish Co-Chairman Newsletter Starr Garrett Production

23 Nominating Bonnie Jones-Moon Chairman Program TBD Chairman Protocol Bonnie Jones-Moon Chairman Protocol Taylor Moon Co-Chairman Protocol Blanche Maness Co-Chairman Public Relations Gloria Bell Chairman Scholarship Diann Burns Chairman Scholarship Marcy Jessup Co-Chairman Scholarship Patricia Edwards Co-Chairman Standards Jennifer Hansborough Chairman Standards Katrina Moss Co-Chairman Technology Leslie Dey Chairman Technology Gloria Bell Co-Chairman Technology Vanessa Russell Co-Chairman Telephone Communications Yvette G. Darnaby Chairman ADHOC COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Audit Belinda Shaw Chairman Bi-Monthly Meal Service Saundra McCullough-Cobey Chairman Diamond Golden Silver Starr Garrett Co-Chairman Diamond Golden Silver Joyce Brooks Co-Chairman EAF Chapter Captain Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding Captain Founders’ Day Saundra McCullough-Cobey Chairman Founders’ Day Aretha Cunningham Co-Chairman Founders’ Day Barbara Anderson Co-Chairman History/Historian Mathelle Lee Chairman History Carolyn Rowe Co-Chairman Leadership Development Cora King Chairman Music TBD Chairman Music Jamelle Berry Co-Chairman Music Essie Matthews Pianist National Panhellenic Liaison Chiquita King Chairman Project StepOut Louise Gordon Co-Chairman Project StepOut Doris Shannon Co-Chairman Project StepOut Regina Crawley Co-Chairman Property TBD Chairman Sisterly Relations Stephanie Woodland Kelly Chairman Sisterly Relations Nekia Freeman Co-Chairman

January 2016 24 Volume 16 | Issue 1 Spirit/Inspiration Tujuanna Williams Chairman Spirit/Inspiration Regina Hawkins Co-Chairman Spirit/Inspiration Beverly Anderson Co-Chairman Strategic Planning Carol Turner Chairman Strategic Planning Toni Gant Co-Chairman Strategic Planning Melonie Barrington Co-Chairman Tellers Angelique Close Chairman Tellers Darhyl Jasper Co-Chairman Tellers Louise Gordon Co-Chairman ZXΩ Kids Kim Speed Chairman ZXΩ Kids Adria Tippins-Owens Co-Chairman PROGRAM COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Target I: Educational Enrichment Gwen Williams Chairman Target I: ASCEND Andrea Sparks-Brown ASCEND Chairman Target I: ASCEND Veronica Jackson ASCEND Co-Chairman Target I: ASCEND LaVonne Shingler ASCEND Co-Chairman Target I: One Million Backpacks Sarah Bowers One Million Backpacks Chairman Target I: One Million Backpacks Kimberly Bowers One Million Backpacks Co-Chairman Target I: Think HBCU Angela Turner Chairman Target I: Think HBCU Courtney Williams Co-Chairman Target II: Health Promotion Carol Gibson Chairman Target II: Health Promotion Jacqueline Guillory Co-Chairman Target III: Family Strengthening Sherry Billingsley Chairman Target III: Family Strengthening Sonya Stephens Co-Chairman Target III: Family Strengthening Barbara Bouldin Co-Chairman Target IV: Environmental Ownership Yolanda Barbier Gibson Chairman Target IV: Environmental Ownership De'Tisha "Joy" Page Co-Chairman Target IV: Environmental Ownership Aja Charity Co-Chairman Target V: Global Impact DeChane Dorsey Chairman Target V: Global Impact Shandra Herrod Co-Chairman Target V: Global Impact Shaneka Thurman Co-Chairman

All sorors attending the 2016 Metropolitan Founders Day should be financially active for 2016 to participate.

The attire for this event is uninterrupted white. 26 2016

Senior Citizen Holiday Luncheon

31

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter P.O. Box 25763 Alexandria, Virginia 22313 http://www.aka-zco.org EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Basileus Rhonda Luss Connection LaFrances Williams Anti-Basileus TBD Scholarship Diann Burns Grammateus Patricia Edwards

Anti-Grammateus Aja Charity Membership Christina Thomas

Tamiouchos Robin McCoy Technology Leslie Dey Pecunious Crystal Lander Protocol Bonnie Jones- Moon Grammateus Awards Barbara Bellamy Warren Anti-Pecunious Ingrid Alexander Grammateus Standards Katrina Moss Epistoleus Steronica Mattocks Contracts Irma Bogan Parliamentarian Kendra Riley

Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell Nominating Bonnie Jones- Moon Linda Hall Hodegos Gayle Jordan Members: Brittney Montgomery Graduate Advisor VaShaun Guice Veal Inez “Chris” Pierce-Gray Judy Vaughn Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby Sherry Billingsley Darlena Ricks Archivist Monique Robinson Patrice Longshaw Carol Gibson Immed. Past Basileus Kendra Gillespie

EDITOR Steronica Mattocks PRODUCTION STAFF C. Starr Garrett Patricia Wallace January 2016 Stephanie Woodland Kelly Volume 16 | Issue 1 Eloise Hudgins