Mu Kappa Omega Chapter Akalades

Mu Kappa Omega Chapter AKAlades

February 2013 Volume 1, Issue 3

In This Issue Mu Kappa Omega’s 30th Annual Black History Program Basileus Bylines

Sister Notes

Regional Conference Corner

Money Matters Calendar at a Glance MKΩ in the Meeting/Activity Date Time Location Community March March 16 9:00 AM Quail Valley City Centre JFT/Chapter 10:00 AM 2880 LaQuinta Drive Meetings Missouri City, TX 77459 Soror Spotlight 81st South March 21-24 Hilton Riverside Central Two Poydras Street Regional New Orleans, LA 70130 Confernce

Chaplain’s Corner In the October 1979 meeting of Mu Kappa Omega, chapter dues for the new year (1980) were approved by the body at $78.00 for currently active members and $81.00 for sorors who would be new to the chapter that year. In that same meeting, Sorors voted to hold the initiation ceremony for new members at the home of Soror Pamiel Gaskin on No- Prayer List vember 18. Each Soror was taxed $2.00 to pay for refreshments.

provided as a courtesy of the Archives Committee Page 2 AKAlades

Basileus Bylines

Hello Sorors,

We have been very busy carrying out the mission and vision of Mu Kappa Omega! Sorors you are delivering on the membership reactivation challenge from corporate! We had a record attendance for the Reactivation Breakfast. Sorors Tiffany Brailey and Moesha Spikes under the leadership of Soror Adrienne Gibson put together a fantastic breakfast to welcome our lost pearls back home. The room was crowded and full of positive energy. We welcomed our sorors in the legendary Mu Kappa Omega style. The 70’s Style Roll Bounce Skate party took some of us back to the days when we were fan- tabulous in our platform shoes, big afros and bell bottom hip-hugging jeans. We simply had a ball with Sorors, Honey Do’s and the children. I am happy to say there was more skating than bouncing on the floor of the rink!!! Check out the photos in the gallery on Mu Kappa Ome- ga.com! Thanks to Sorors Adrienne Gibson and Tiffany Sims for an awesome event!! Many thanks to Sorors Mitzi Patterson, Elaine Mosley and Verstene Traylor for their leadership in planning and executing an historic event in a historic venue-The 30th Anniversary Black History Program at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. Mu Kappa Omega showcased the great talent in our community through speech, writing, technology and art. Our Black History program was simply phenomenal and our youth are simply awesome. Our future is in great hands based on the talent we saw during the program! The program was a great example of Mu Kappa Omega training and building leaders in the community!! As we prepare to go to New Orleans, LA for the 81st South Central Regional Conference, let us remember that although we will take time to have fun we always participate in the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Many of us are registered and have made plans to attend the conference. Many of us have signed up for committees and selected workshops to attend on Saturday. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your skills- each one teach one! I look forward to seeing you there! So Sorors as we forge away, let us not underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring. All of these things are what we do when we stay true to our purpose….Provide Service to All Mankind.

We are off to a great 2013 as we Model The Way… SERVICE…LEADERSHIP…LOVE.

Lots of Love!! ~Soror Ivory Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 3

Sister Notes

Welcome Home Sorors!!

Mu Kappa Omega became home to Sorors who decided to recommit themselves in Service to all Mankind by reactivating or transferring into the chapter during February.

Brittany Benjamin • Tiffany Chaney • Toni Brown Crawford • Veronica Daniels Chiquita Estavan-Yost • Shannon Fuller Singleton • Ella Gray • Kimberly Hughes A’Lesia Land • Olivia Lawdins • Sonja McCann • Robyn McKnight • Nicole Morgan Stella Njuku • Carol O’Brien • Rose Odom • Frances Plummer • Karen Sheppard Melba Swafford • Grace Usoro

MKΩ Kudos to…

Soror Melanie Finley Gordon on her marriage to ‘honey do’ William on February 17, 2013

Soror LaToya Smith on her baby boy - Cameron Kyle Smith on February 11, 2013 at 8:16 am - 5 pounds, 10 ounces, 18 inches long

Soror Deatrice McDaniel-Parsons on her baby boy - Roland Lavon Parsons II “Roey”, born on February 26, 2013 at 8:52 am - 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 20 inches long

Happy Birthday Sorors!!

Harriett Thomas March 4 Kechia Warren-Joseph March 4 Shelley Price March 7 Yolanda Calhoun March 8 Anne Neal March 8 Cynthia Brumfield March 9 Gabrielle Thompson March 10 Stacci Mahadeo March 12 LaTonya Bergeron March 13 Adrienne Gibson March 16 Bridgette Emanuel March 17 Linda Mark March 17 Alberta Rencher March 19 Millicent Sims March 19 Theresa Porter March 25 Page 4 AKAlades

Regional Conference Corner

The 81st South Central Regional Conference Leading the Way Through Timeless Service

New Orleans, LA March 21, 2013 - March 24, 2013 Hilton Riverside - New Orleans

SERVICE PROJECT

The Southeast Texas Cluster is asking each chapter to donate school supply items for the 81st South Central Regional Con- ference School Supply Drive. Containers will be at the March sorority meeting to collect the items. You may contact Soror Edna Boone at [email protected] or Soror Alice Thomp- son at [email protected].

Southeast Texas Cluster List Markers Notebook Paper Rulers Graph Paper Journals Gift Cards

Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 5

Money Matters

Important Financial Information

All dues paid from this date forward will be charged a late fee. The 2013 dues paid online through De- cember 29, 2012 were submitted to corporate. All dues paid at January Sorority Meeting have been submitted to corporate. Full balance of chapter dues is required and must be paid in full by the May Meeting. In-complete balances will not be reimbursed. If you were a member in 2012 and paid your Regional Conference Assessment to Mu Kappa Omega, we will apply $27.71 to your dues. The total due per soror: Non-Life Members - $267.29 ; Life Members - $177.29 Financial Member Cards

Financial Membership Cards will be available at sorority meeting for all sorors who paid their dues in full by December 31, 2012. Financial Procedure

Financial obligations must be handled PRIOR to sorority meeting to be considered a member in good standing. Therefore, the finance team asks that sorors remitting funds vial PayPal should do so on or before the Monday prior to sorority meeting. PayPal payments remitted after the Monday prior to sorority meeting will not be processed until after sorority meeting.

This procedure will allow the finance team adequate time to record and process all payments and revise the “member in good standing” list for sorority meeting. The finace team welcoms questions anytime and is available to assist sorors between chapter meetings. If you have any questions, we encourage you not to wait until our next meeting, please contact the finance team at [email protected]. ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

Economic Development Topic of the Month “Lucky Leprechaun Pot of Gold”

Are you in control or out of control? Are you experiencing surprises in your monthly budget? Where is your money going?

Learn More at Sorority Meeting March 16! Page 6 AKAlades

MKΩ in the Community

Reactivation Breakfast

The Reactivation Breakfast was held on February 16, 2013 at Sweetwater County Club. Living true to this year’s theme “Know Greater Love…Mu Kappa Omega: Model the way.” Sorors showed up in great numbers. There were 236 sorors in attendance with over 40 visiting sorors. Mu Kappa Omega had 25 sorors reactivate/transfer into the chapter. Kudos to Sorors Tiffany Brailey and Moesha Spikes for their leadership.

The 2013 Membership Committee was challenged by International and Regional Leadership with the “Member Challenge Milestone” to encourage reactivation within the chapter this year. Our Basileus, Soror Ivory Harrison, set a goal to reactivate 25 sorors to the chapter. We have almost doubled our membership goal by reactivating 45 sorors into Mu Kappa Omega Chapter. Kudos to Mu Kappa Omega for inviting and encouraging sorors to reactivate. Also congratulations to the new members of Mu Kappa Omega Chapter. Let us continue to operate in excellence by “Modeling the Way”!

70’s Roll Bounce Skate Party

On Friday, February 22, 2013, Mu Kappa Omega Sorors and their families came out for an old-school skating party....70s style. Sorors came out dressed in their Afros and bell-bottoms for a night of fun. Soror Brenda Hartsfield took the prize for best dressed female and Soror Alicia Johnson's husband, Lamont, took the award for best dressed male. Sorors that did- n't skate enjoyed talking, laughing, and watching the "experienced" sorors show their skills in the rink. Page 7 AKAlades

MKΩ in the Community

30th Annual Black History Program, Mu Kappa Omega Milestone

Mu Kappa Omega Chapter, having a strong presence in Fort Bend County for 35 years, marked another milestone as we celebrated our 30th Annual Black History Program on February 24, 2013. This historic moment, documented with a proclamation by Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, was appropriately set at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, which occupies an historic landmark in the county. Parents, educa- tors, community members and leaders came to pay Tribute to African American Trail- blazers: Past, Present and the Next Generation, as we showcased the talents of Fort Bend County area students in the areas of creative arts, writing, speech and technology.

The writings and speeches delivered by our youth sent compelling messages about, not only our cultural legacies but also, their trajectories as the visionary leaders of our future. More than once, we were admonished to “watch out for me” in the next decade or so. The students’ inspirational art was viewed at an exhibit and reception following the program. Also, all guests of the Black History Month Program were invited to a complimentary viewing of the Museum, a wonderful culmination for such an enlightening afternoon. The artwork will be on exhibit at the Mu- seum through the month of March, giving more Fort Bend County residents the opportunity to appreciate our youth’s cultural expressions.

The student orators, writers, artists and technologists ranged in age from kindergarten to seniors in high school. They were awarded trophies, ribbons, certificates, gift cards and 30th anniversary medallions commemorating the event. However, the greatest honor came from the community who voiced fervent praise for the young people’s work, vision and commitment to excellence.

Basileus Ivory Harrison commended the Black History Committee, chaired by Soror Elaine W. Mosely, and co- chaired by Soror Verstene Traylor, for providing a memorable occasion and worthy tribute to our cultural legacies and our promising leaders on the horizon.

Volume 1, Issue 2 Page 8

Soror Spotlight

The Soror Spotlight will highlight Sorors each month in an effort to assist Mu Kappa Omega members in becoming familiar with other chapter Sorors. This month’s edition features Sorors Monica Green and Alberta Rencher.

Monica Robinson Green Date Joined MK 2008 Chapter and Year of Initiation: Alpha Tau Omega - 2005 University and Degree: Prairie View A&M University, BS in Biology, Texas Southern University, Doctorate in Pharmacy Occupation and Employer: Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health System Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Favorite Song: “This is the Day” Fred Hammond and “Share My World” Mary J. Blige Favorite Movie: The Best Man Favorite Restaurant: Capital Grille Signature Perfume: The One - Dolce & Gabbana Favorite Travel Destination: St. Maarten Three Words that Best Describe You: Blessed, Creative, Direct One thing most people do not know about you: I was a biology teacher and the Girls’ Head Basketball Coach at Robert E. Lee High School before going to pharmacy school Hobbies/Interests: Scrapbooking, movies, sports Most Passionate About: Everything I do - “literally” Short-Term Goal: Exercise/Work-out Long-Term Goal: Exercise Patience

Alberta Rencher Date Joined MK1999 Chapter and Year of Initiation: Epsilon Mu - 1969 University and Degree: University of North Texas, BS in Education Occupation and Employer: Retired (education, real estate, airlines) Hometown: Lubbock, Texas Favorite Song: “Tribute” Andre Crouch Favorite Movie: No real favorite Favorite Restaurant: No favorite Signature Perfume: Pure - Sung Favorite Travel Destination: Vienna & Hong Kong Three Words that Best Describe You: Reserved, Relaxed, Real One thing most people do not know about you: I’d love to get my pilot’s license; I play the violin Hobbies/Interests: Reading, music Most Passionate About: Anything related to my family Short-Term Goal: Play more golf Long-Term Goal: Stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible Page 9 AKAlades Chaplain’s Corner In the January 2013 installment of the Chaplain’s Corner we discussed New Beginnings and how as a part of the exhilaration that accompanies every January 1st is the optimism that starting over is possible and the belief that new beginnings can create new and successful outcomes as well as have a direct connection between the choices you make and your spiritual growth. I outlined a few examples of this “cause and effect” relationship; which included: 1) By choosing to receive God’s ultimate gift of love, you will grow in love; 2) By choosing to ask the Lord, you will grow in wisdom; 3) By choosing God’s road, you will grow in joy; 4) By choosing righteousness, you will grow in courage; and 5) By choosing to receive the Lord, you will grow in hope and expectation.

For the month of February 2013 let us examine the second example: By choosing to ask the Lord, you will grow in wisdom. The first step to receiving is re- questing; and the storehouse of an all-wise God is yours for the asking. Simply make this request: “Lord, you are the source of all knowledge and understanding, and I am asking for your wisdom today.” Our scriptural reading comes from Proverbs 2:1-10 (New American Standard Bible). A growing number of people in our world fail to seek God for His wisdom. Instead, they strive to satisfy their passions and desires without regard to their futures or to the consequences of their decisions. This is a spiritually dangerous way to live. When we try to live apart from the counsel of God’s wisdom, we suffer disillusionment, fear, doubt, worry, and frustration. Our lives fall apart when we do not involve the Savior in our decisions. The wisest approach to life’s challenges is to seek God for His plan, direction, and spiritual insight. But how can we do that? The next time you face a challenge or an important decision, seek God’s wisdom by doing the following:

Seek Him—if you want to know God’s heart on a given issue or when you have to make a difficult decision, ask Him. Take time to pray—but in your times of prayer, don’t do all the talking. Listen for God’s still, small voice whispering His words of guidance and encouragement to you.

Meditate on God’s Word—you will gain insight into God’s mind and heart by studying Scripture and meditating on its truth. Difficult decisions become easier to make when God is the One guiding you.

Obey the principles of Scripture—when you set your heart on obeying God, He will teach you how to apply His truth in your life. Then, you will know the way of wisdom.

Observe the faithfulness of God—the Lord has never failed to keep a single promise He has made. The Bible is full of testimonies that celebrate His goodness and love. Learn to claim His promises as you read His Word.

Heed godly counsel—God can use a pastor or trusted Christian friend to help you see beyond your weaknesses. Don’t hesitate to share your needs and fears with those who love the Lord and you.

Associate with wise people—choose your friends wisely. Include God in every relationship, and you will establish a strong, godly base of counselors to support you in making wise decisions.

Because God loves us, we have no need to worry about the future. He has a plan, not only for our lives, but also for every problem we face. Oswald Chambers said, “All our fret and worry is caused by calculating without God.” Take time today to renew your trust in God and His ability to provide the wisdom you need. By doing this others will bare witness to your growth and the expansion of wisdom in your thoughts and actions. And, as they bare witness they also observe you as you demonstrate our motto: Model The Way…. (Suggested Reading: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible: New American Standard Version by Dr. Charles F. Stanley - Mar 17, 2009)

~Soror Karen Please keep in your prayers…  Soror Linda Kinchen as she continues her treatment for breast cancer  Soror Yasmin Brown and her son, Andrew Brown as he recovers from surgery  Soror Twila Dotson as she recovers from surgery  Soror Terri Hornsby and her son, Byron Hornsby as he recovers and heals at home  Soror Monique Shepherd as she mourns the loss of her Father , Mr. Leon Shepherd  Soror Jessie Reid (husband) and Soror Sonja Reid (father in-law) as they mourn the loss of Mr. Stanley Reid

AKAlades is published monthly for the members of Mu Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Our mailing address is: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., P.O. Box 1097, Missouri City, Texas 77459. Sorors are encouraged to submit newsworthy information for consideration to the Editorial Team.

Editorial Team Members/Contributing Writers: Leanne Alvarez, Tonya, Bergeron, Twila Dotson, Adrienne Gibson, Karen Gibson, Monica Green, Ivory Harrison, Jessica Hill, Roshonda Johnson, Kimberly Jones, Shanae Lester, Ivy Levingston, Stephanie Mensah, Ashley Odom, Mitzi Patterson, and Shunte’ Washington