Happy New Year & Happy Founders

Vol. 51, Issue No. 1 Septemer 2018

VOLUME 51 ISSUE No. 5 JANUARY 2019 A LeGACy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood, & Service in NWI Since 1938 Happy New Year & Happy Founders Day

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The President’s Pen Compassion Corner Fun Facts Good News Committee Reports GAC in Pics

Chapter Meeting Sat. Jan. 19, 2019 12:00pm Tolleston Pavilion 1709 Ellsworth Pl. Gary 46404

Start the New Year off With Your Sorors!

The 22 Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On Jan. 13, 1913, 22 collegiate women founded our beloved sisterhood on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. 106 years later, Delta has initiated over 200,000, 1 ,000 collegiate & alumnae chapters located in its seven (7) regions all over the world. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. Executive Board Members ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2018-2020 Mary Cossey President Yvonne Lucas EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1st Vice President Sandra T. Brown Shana L. Caruthers Adopted School - Yvonne Lucas 2nd Vice President Delta Academy - Christy Lewis Dianne Pratt College Readiness Education Program- Christy Lewis Financial Secretary EMBODI - Deidre Hulett Crystal Melton Delta GEMS - Nicole Musenja & LaConyea Pitts-Thomas Assistant Financial Secretary PEACE Parent Program - Pamela Cook Mechelle Moore Risk Management - Erika Robinson-Watkins Treasurer Scholarship - Angela Price-Moore Tinisha Allen-Greenwell Assistant Treasurer INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT Maxine Patton-Weaver Shalonda Jones Recording Secretary Trevaughn Davis-Neal PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH Assistant Recording Secretary Shalonda Hall Dr. Li’Toia Kendrick Sexual & Domestic Violence - Nemia Cooper Chaplain IN Emergency Response Team - Jessica L. Bailey Gilvonne Washington-Davis Project 13 - Dierdra Shittu Correspondence Secretaries Deborah Hendricks-Black & POLITICAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT: Sheila Horton Arlene Mitchell-Pearson Heritage & Archives Maxine Miller CHAPLAIN’S COUNCIL: Journalists Gilvonne Washington-Davis Tina Davis-Powell & Companion Sorors– Alva Comer Trevaughn Davis-Neal Audit Committee STANDING COMMITTEES: Lisa Derico Membership Services - Shana Caruthers Parliamentarian Program Planning & Development - Diane Pratt Sonya Scott-Dix & Shelice Tolbert Arts & Letters - Patricia Bailey-Johnson & Irene King Sergeant-At-Arms Ritual & Ceremonies - Jeanette Pike & Sharifa Townsend Sandra Porter Protocol - Sheri Gibbs Assistant Sergeant-At-Arms Policies & Procedures - Aimbrell Holmes Leona Chandler-Felton Delta D.E.A.R.S. - Faye K. Barnes Custodian of the Properties Past Presidents‘ Council (PPC) - Sheila Baker Myrtle Davis Election Chair– Alesia Y. Pritchett Nominating Committee Communication & Information - Tina Davis-Powell Terri Weems- Chairperson Marketing– Danyele L.C. Davis Angela Briggs Technology– Arlene Mitchell-Pearson Natasha Brown Collegiate Transition Taskforce (CTT) - Ashley Pratt Tekisha Davis Step & Stroll - Li’Toia Kendrick Vaughan Pritchett SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Founders Day– Arlene Mitchell-Pearson Greek Picnic– Patricia Bailey-Johnson & Gilvonne Washington-Davis Jabberwock - Arts & Letters Leadership Excellence Achievement & Development– Shanta Mack May Week - Dianne Canton-Read

Happy New Year Sorors: Thank the Lord for opening another chapter in our lives. May we live each page with more meaning by touching ourselves, our sisters, and our communities lives each day. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Consider these 22 Delta Resolutions for A LeGACy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service. I will:  Pay dues for the 2019-2020 Sorority Year  Attend monthly chapter meetings  Attend at least 5 chapter sponsored programs or events  Serve on a chapter committee  Reclaim 1 Soror  Choose a prayer partner within the chapter and pray together at least once a month  Have coffee, lunch, or dinner with a different sister every month  Participate in the Red Envelope Initiative  Decease my debt and increase my wealth  Donate to the International Sustainability Initiative  Complete my Delta Care Personal Inventory  Assist with voter registration and participate in the 2019 election cycle  Commit to watch one Delta Red Carpet Film  Read one book by a Delta Author  Donate or participate with our Charitable Partnerships  Attend Delta Day at the State Capitol in Indianapolis  Attend IN/IL Cluster in Indianapolis  Serve and participate in the chapter’s Region Day of Service  Attend the National Convention in New Orleans  Be a part of Displaying JOY in our Sisterhood  Remember the POWER in my voice  Keep SERVICE in my heart

Delta Sigma Theta is a non-profit Greek-letter organization that was founded by 22 college-educated women on January 13, 1913 at Howard University to promote academic excellence, aid those in need, and bring awareness to government policy with an emphasis on the African American community. The sorority’s first public project was the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, DC on March 3, 1913. The Sorority was incorporated in 1930. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the largest African American Greek-letter sorority in the world. Delta Sigma Theta So- rority, Inc., a national service sorority, requires that its members exemplify and encourage high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards and that their actions exemplify the public and personal behaviors that reflect the ideals and principles espoused by the Sisterhood.

Happy New Year and Founders Day My Sisters! Gary Alumnae Chapter A LeGACy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood and Service

A LeGACy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood, & Service Since 1938

Membership Services Program Planning & Development 1st Vice President, Shana Caruthers, Chair 2nd Vice President, Diane Ford Pratt, Chair

January 2019 GAC is now using the program codes for chapter calen- National Reclamation Day: Sunday, January 13, 2019. dar events from the Indiana PP&D Chair. This initiative, created by the National Reclamation Pro- PP&D is working with GAC chairs to assist in the Spring ject was designed to highlight the Joy in 2019 award submissions. Sisterhood. Come to church in all black, pearls and a Indiana PP&D has requested Chapter Ambassadors be violet. Pants are okay. We are asking that Sorors bring assigned to serve as a liaison between D-S-T chapters a Non-Financial Soror to church service at St. John Mis- and the communities they serve. Please check out the sionary Baptist Church 2457 Massachusetts Street, announcement of the newly appointed GAC Ambassa- 10:45 a.m. (Please be at the church at 10:30am). dor in We are asking you to meet us at Marquette for the this edi- “Soulful Brunch” immediately following service. We tion! have a reservation for 2:00pm and the brunch cost is

$20 per person (on your own). Please contact Shana Caruthers at once to RSVP for the brunch. Table reservations are first come first serve and after all DSTta- bles/seats are filled, Sorors will have to sit in the general seating/open seating area.

Please stay after January’s chapter meeting for Fellow- ship Hour hosted by the Chaplain’s Council and hear the responses to our survey. We want to ensure that all of our Delta sisters come back to us. Help us to reclaim as many sisters as we can. Let us not forget the Reclamation Oath during our continued efforts:

Hand to Heart, Heart to Mind our sorors are who we strive to find, with sisterly love and without the strain, our goal is to bring back, reclaim and retain. Remembering our Founders on this we agree, Reports Due 1st Friday of to bring our sisters HOME to DST! the Month by 10pm

“Loving Sorors on Purpose With Purpose” 2/2, 3/2, 4/6, 5/4 & 6/1Send all reports to the following: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] GAC FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE January- Chaplain's Council Please stop by the Membership Services table at Chapter February- International Awareness Meeting & Founders Day to cast your vote for our March- Membership Services Sisterhood Month Outing! April- Arts & Letters

May- Educational Development Stay, eat, talk, network, hug, learn a stroll & FELLOWSHIP with your sisters!

The Esteemed Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

*Osceola Maccarthy Adams– An acclaimed actress that served as the Directress of the Harlem School of the Arts. She selected the Delta Motto. *Marguerite Young Alexander– Born in Illinois and was a constant supporter of Alpha Chapter. She became French and Spanish Correspondence Secretary. *Winona Cargile Alexander– Salutatorian of her high school class. She was the 1st Custodian of Alpha Chapter and the 1st Black social worker in New York City. *Ethel Cuff Black– She graduated with the highest scholastic achievement of her high school. She was the 1st Vice President of Alpha Chapter and a charter member of the Queens Alumnae Chapter. *Bertha Pitts Campbell –She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class. She replicated her participation in the March on Washington in 1981 at the age of 92. *Zephyr Chisom Carter- She was a gifted singer and actress who sang for TV shows. *Edna Brown Coleman– She was the valedictorian of the Howard Academy class of 1909 and married a Founder of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. *Jessie McGuire Dent– 1st Corresponding Secretary of Alpha Chapter; very instrumental in integrating the Galveston Public School System. *Frederica Chase Dodd-She was the 1st Sergeant of Arms of Alpha Chapter. Charter member of Dallas Alumnae (1st Greek letter organization in the city). Helped to establish a YWCA for Black women in Dallas. *Myra Davis Hemmings– She was a natural leader. She was older than most of the 22 and they looked up to her from the onset. She was the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Alpha Chapter for Delta. She chartered the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter. *Olive Jones– She was an accomplished pianist who taught school in her hometown of Washington, DC. *Jimmie Bugg Middleton– Her father was a doctor; She was instrumental in the sorority marching in the Women’s Suffrage march. She was the Dean of Girls at the Black High School in Raleigh, NC. *Pauline Oberdorfer Minor– She didn’t know her parents and was raised by an aunt but became the valedictorian of the Howard Teachers College in 1914; She later became a recitalist and a published hymn writer and author. *Vashti Turley Murphy– She was the mother of five daughters (4 who are Deltas); member of the Baltimore Branch of the National Association of College Women. *Naomi Sewell Richardson– She was the last surviving Founder who died in 1993. She was the 1st Black graduate of Washingtonville High School. She married her Howard University classmate, an Alpha man. *Mamie Reddy Rose– She was an award winning dramatic reader. She was the 1st Founder to enter the Omega Omega Chapter in 1919. *Eliza Shippen– Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University. She received a M.A. and Ph D. in English Lit- erature and she never married. *Florence Letcher Toms– She was presented with her scholarship to Howard University by President William H. Taft. She introduced First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to an audience of parents at a church. Founder Toms collected elephants. *Ethel Carr Watson– She enjoyed a career in education for more than 30 years and then went on with a career in dra- matics. *Wertie Blackwell Weaver- She was an author of a published novel, “The Valley of the Poor,” focusing on racism and poverty in the south. *Madree Penn White– She graduated first in her high school class; first female on staff for the Howard Univ. Journal. She is credited with being the driving force behind the organization. She became an accomplished linguist, and spoke several languages. She drafted the initial constitution and by-laws, designed the ceremony for the induction of honorary members, she was instrumental in the creation of other chapters, she designed the sorority pin and served as the 2nd President of the organization and Alpha Chapter. *Edith Mott Young– She was the recording secretary of the Alpha Chapter. She taught at Claflin College in South Carolina and received her M.A. in Biblical Literature from Oberlin College.

*Deceased

Chaplain’s Report

Chaplain: Gilvonne Washington-Davis (708)257-9507 [email protected]

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7 The Chaplain’s Council is always ready to stand in the gap, interceding on your behalf

Omega Omega Chapter: Soror Nancy Wilson Bereavements: Soror Jean Hope in the loss of her Cousin, Joseph Willis Sorors Bridgette and Sandra Brown in the loss of their Mother, Annie D. Brown Soror Mildred Harris on the loss of her sister Velma Willis A Resolution was delivered to the family of Soror Matoya Davis Please keep our bereaved Sorors and their families lifted in prayer & whisper words of peace and encourage- ment. #Compassion Prayer List: We’re praying for all Sorors and their families, caregivers and loved ones in the hospital, nursing homes or a private residence. The Chaplain’s Council continued to pray for all individuals on our prayer lists during the month of December. We were overjoyed to receive Praise Reports of health restoration and pro- tection from hurt, harm and danger throughout the month. We will continue to pray. God is GOOD! Prayer Requests: Confidential prayer requests can be made to the Chaplain’s Council by emailing at gacchap- [email protected] or by calling the Chaplain @ 708-257-9507. We Welcome Praise Reports!

Prayer Call Line: Join us every Monday evening, at 7:00 p.m for the GAC Prayer Line Call. The prayer call line is for ALL DELTAS. The Chaplain’s Council continues to welcome non-financial Sorors to the prayer call circle . The prayer call will continue on Mondays @ 7pm. The call in number is 605-472-5746 and the Access code is 520231#. Please be sure to mute your phone if you call in after 7pm. Please tell a Soror today!

Verse of the Week: We continue to sponsor the“ GAC Chaplain’s Verse of the Week” to help you through with an encouraging scripture. Look for the new verses on Sundays in our FB group and trending on our public social media pages.

Want to Join? We are still looking for willing servants for the Chaplain’s Council. Please feel free to email or contact us by phone to join our committee!

Companion Sorors: Alva Comer is the Chair for the Companion Sorors & we need members to join and help her. Please send any requests to the chaplain’s email.

Your continued support is appreciated. What a Mighty God we serve!!!!

May God continue to bless each of you abundantly. Council: Lenora Barnes Ernestine Dobbins Jean Hope Mary James April Pugh Erika Robinson-Watkins Sonya Scott-Dix

*Please plan to stay after the January Chapter Meeting to fellowship with the Chaplain’s Council

Committee Reports FIVE PROGRAMMATIC THRUSTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Please stay tuned for activities and events from ED. Mary Cossey is the ED Chairperson.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Please support our ongoing community service event with the Humane Society of NWI. We are asking for your feline donations. Upcoming fundraisers: Breakfast with the G.E.M.S. @Applebees– 2/16/19– 8am-10am & the 2nd Annual Paint Party Fundraiser 3/30/19. Cost is $45. You can register @ the link below https://www.paintnite.com/events/made-of-stardust-at-tolleston-pavilion-10115118 Sandra T. Brown is the Educational Development Chairperson

INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS We are happy to report the final numbers from the 6th Annual Gospel Explosion- World AIDS Day, held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 @ St. Mark AME Church in East Chicago, IN. We had 27 adults and 6 children from the community and 24 sorors in attendance. The Aliveness Project administered 13 FREE AIDS/HIV and Hepatitis C tests!

I.A. is hosting a raffle for a Queen Sized Delta comforter/quilt made out of DST t-shirts in conjunction with Sororitque Greek Apparel. Raffle tickets are 1 for $5/ 3 for $10/ 5 for $20. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own this customized, one of a kind, Delta comforter/blanket. You can purchase tickets and see the quilt at the Founders Day Luncheon The drawing for the blanket will be held after the January chapter meeting/fellowship hour. I.A. spring activities include raising monies to purchase a birthing bed for an African village. The committee is also exploring missionary trips to Africa. Shalonda Jones is the IA Chairperson.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH RED S.H.O.E. (Self Care, Healthy Options & Exercise)takes place every month! Be sure to get your pedometers and sports watches going to count your steps monthly. You can turn in your steps to the committee via email to [email protected] and use RED S.H.O.E. in the subject line. We are looking for exciting RED S.H.O.E. events and activities to get you moving this year. We encourage you to work out on your own and take selfies to promote RED S.H.O.E by using the hashtag #REDSHOE. (Please see the additional page on Red S.H.O.E. in this edition). Shalonda Hall is the PMH Chair

POLITICAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT Let’s continue to stay RED ARMY READY! It doesn’t have to be election time for us to register & educate the masses. We will begin voter registration in the spring again. GAC has turned in a new chapter brochure in time for Delta Days at the Nation’s Capitol, thanks to the Communication and Information Committee. Registration is now open for Delta Days at the Nation’s Capitol- March 9-12, 2019, Washington, DC. Topics that DST HQ wants chapters to look at for social action initiatives include: * 2018-2020 Biennium Social Action Plan (Chapters and State). Delta Days @ the State Capitol is February 26, 2019. More information will be forthcoming. Ongoing discussion includes Delta Days @ the local level. Arlene Mitchell-Pearson is the Political Awareness Chair

Committee Reports

ARTS & LETTERS A&I will be supporting the opening night of the 8th Annual Bill Johnson Film Festival; Feb. 16, 2019 @6:30pm at the Glen Theatre, 20 W. Ridge Road, Gary, IN 46408. A reception will be held (at no expense to the committee or chapter). We have been asked to sell 50 tickets ($20 each) and GAC will receive $10 from each ticket sold.

COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION Please see the committee about our new African Violet wrist corsages that can be worn on your chest or on your wrist as a bracelet. Violets will be worn for Founders Day and other public events. Pricing is $10 - $17 for the GAC ribbon. Get yours today! See Soror Myrtle Davis.

CI is asking all committees to place any requests for marketing materials and items at least 6 weeks before activities and events and after it has been approved on the GAC calendar. Please be sure that your event is approved by the 2nd VP before sending it for flier creation or marketing. Danyele Davis is the chair of Marketing.

No activities can go on the GAC website or social media sites without the approval of the President. DO NOT create surveys, electronic sign up sheets, email accounts or calling post numbers without the approval of Technology. Arlene Mitchell-Pearson is the chair of Technology. Tina Davis-Powell is the chair of Communications & Information

DELTA D.E.A.R.S. Thanks to all of the D.E.A.R.S who participated in the Christmas outing. We had a grand time! GAC D.E.A.R.S. participated in the Kwanzaa ceremony at St. Paul Baptist Church in December. Upcoming Activities Include: Assist with Founders Day (Registration and Gifts) D.E.A.R.S. Game Day 1/17/2018; 3pm-6pm @ J’s Breakfast Club $20 per person (Menu: soup and salad). The February activity will include spending the month with our sick and shut in sorors. We are requesting the names of all sorors who are sick and shut in. Please see Soror Faye Barnes with names. Faye K. Barnes is the Delta D.E.A.R.S. Chair

Committee Reports DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMITTEE Fortitude 500 :The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Committee needs your support! We are still col- lecting items for our area homeless shelters. Thank you to those who have brought items and who have collected items at their workplaces. Toiletries, hygiene items, gently used bras, new hats, socks and gloves for domestic violence shelters. Hotel sized amenities are okay. This is an ongoing effort and we would also like to partner with your employer, church or school by placing a Fortitude 500 bin to collect items. Our goal is to collect 500+ items. Please see our full Fortitude 500 list in this edition. Nemia Cooper is the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Committee Chair

FOUNDERS DAY COMMITTEE Founders Day is Saturday, January 12, 2019! Location: Avalon Manor Banquet Center, Merrillville, IN Theme: Red Army Ready: "Honoring Our Past...Reclaiming Our Time & Future" Speaker: Soror Joselyn Whitticker, Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter Colors: All red, violets and pearls (no pants for rededication) Time: Rededication: 10:00am (No pants) Program: 1:00pm Arlene Mitchell-Pearson is the Founders Day Chair

INDIANA EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM REMINDER: Please pick up your red envelopes to keep in your bag for emergencies. The 3rd webinar on safety was held on Sunday, December 16th at 8pm. The topic was evacuation. If interested in serving on the ERT, please see Soror Jessica at once. Please make sure to read over the Delta safety tips for the winter to stay safe. Better safe than sorry! ERT meets every 2nd Thursday @ 7pm via conference call. Jessica L. Bailey is the ERT Chair

POLICIES & PROCEURES COMMITTEE The deadline for recommended changes to the Gary Alumnae Chapter Policies & Procedures is rapidly approaching. All recommended changes must be submitted in writing to Aimbréll Holmes via the Chapter email address ([email protected]) by January 31, 2019.

Chairs: Please remember to send all reports to the following emails no later than the first Friday of the month at 10pm for your info to be included in the Gazette. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

DeltaCare Red S.H.O.E. Challenge Many of you may have made a resolution to be more physically fit in 2019. DeltaCare is an internal initiative created to promote wellness in our sisterhood. Join in for the Red S.H.O.E. National Walk Challenge. S.H.O.E. (Self-care, HealthyOptions, and Exercise). In an effort to be more active and avoid sedentary behaviors, we will challenge ourselves to walk 2,174,000 steps (1,087 miles) from our head- quarters in Washington, D.C. to the New Orleans Convention Center by July 1, 2019.

The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week = 10,000 steps per day. You can earn up to half of your “steps” by engaging in other healthy behaviors during the challenge such as staying hydrated, making healthy meal choices, and getting ade- quate rest.

To make it easy to track your progress, we will use the Challenge Runner platform. Partici- pants will receive their own personal page to log and monitor progress. You can link Chal- lenge Runner to most GPS enabled devices (FitBit, Apple Watch, etc.) or download the app to your cell phone to automatically record your steps.

Are you ready to accept the challenge? Here is how you can join:

▲ Registration is open until January 10, 2019 for the first 1,000 sorors in each region. The challenge is restricted to financial members only. On January 11, 2019 any remaining spots will be issued to members on the waiting list.

▲ If admitted, you will receive a confirmation email on January 11, 2019 and link to join your region’s team on the Challenge Runner Website. A video orientation on how to use Challenge Runner and sync your GPS enabled device will be provided. If you do not have a device, you can buy a manual pedometer and enter your steps on the Challenge Runner site.

▲ You will earn bonus steps during the challenge for engaging in other healthy behaviors. Be sure to check the Challenge Runner site often for ways to boost your final total.

▲ The Challenge will run from January 13, 2019 – July 1, 2019. You can join the challenge at any time, but you will not be credited with steps until you have joined your regional team. Participants who have not joined their regional team by January 21, 2019 may be removed from the challenge if there is a waitlist to allow another member the opportunity to participate.

▲ All members who reach the goal will be recognized at the 54th National Convention in New Orleans, LA. We will also recognize regional, overall winners, and other categories. Please copy the link below and paste into your toolbar: http://deltasigmatheta.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT04MjEzNjk4JnA9MSZ1PTEwMjgzNDIzNzYm bGk9NjE3Mjg3NTg/index.html

For questions regarding the National Red S.H.O.E. Challenge email [email protected]. Let’s get moving, Sorors! Share your progress with on social media with #DeltaCare and #DSTRedSHOE. PROTOCOL REMINDERS For Rededication Ceremony & Founders Day  Remember to bring your updated and new Ritual (See Membership Services for Rituals & how to order)  It is appropriate to wear your sorority pin with a dress (never with pants)  The Rededication Ceremony is for Deltas only  No picture taking during Rededication  No cell phones! PLEASE TURN ALL CELL PHONES OFF during the ceremony.  Attire for 2019: All Red, no pants  Remain seated for the professional (beginning of service) during the recessional (end of service)  Each Soror should have a penlight or candle (GAC provides)  Sorors should remain seated as the processional enters and the Presiding Officer gets to her position on the dais.  The Presiding officer begins the Rededication ceremony with one (1) rap and says: Attention! Attention! She then raps three (3) times and Sorors stand. One (1) rap again and Sorors sit.  Take your seats after the Hymn until your row has passed their penlights to the outer row.  The Founders Day Banquet is open to the public so be mindful. “We’re always in our letters.” Refrain from talking about se- crets and sensitive D-S-T information at the public luncheon.  Please be mindful of our protocol standards. If you are ever in doubt, please see a member of the Protocol Committee. We are here to assist you and the chapter. Sheri Gibbs is the Protocol Committee Chair

January Trivia Soror Trevaughn Davis-Neal January is considered the coldest month of the year in most of the Northern has started a new job! She is the Hemisphere and the warmest month of the year in most of the Southern Hemi- Clinical Director of Primo Cen- sphere. January starts on the same day of the week as October and ends on the same ter for Women & Children of day of the week as February and October in common years. During leap years, Chicago, Illinois. January starts on the same day of the week as April and July, and ends on the same day of the week as July. KUDOS & CONGRATS! January's birth flower is the Dianthus caryophyllus or Galanthus. The birthstone for January is the garnet which symbolizes constancy. Happy Birthday to all of our January Sorors!

PRESENTING THE S.T.A.R. LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES Leadership Midwest is excited to present the STAR (Sisterhood, Training, Advancement and Retention) Leadership Training Series. This training series is being offered to sorors throughout the region based on topical presentation and target audiences. These ses- sions are open to Collegiate and Alumnae sorors within the target audience demographic required for each. Each session is targeted to be held on the 3rd Sunday of the scheduled month from 5pm - 7pm CST/ 6pm - 8pm ET; however, final time frames will be confirmed based on alignment with the regional calendar and other activities and published at the time webinar registration commences. Should you have any questions, please contact the Leadership Midwest Team at [email protected]. BE SAFE THIS WINTER!

HAPPY DELTAVERSARY TO ALL JANUARY INITIATES

Turn Up Sorors!

GAC Past President Past President Deborah Hendricks-Black has been appointed as the is the Chapter Ambassador for GAC. The Indiana PP&D Chair has requested that Chapter Ambassadors be assigned to serve as a liaison between D-S-T chapters and the communities they serve. Soror Black is more than capable to serve in this capacity and to assist us in serving our service area better. Please stay tuned to hear what activities and events she has planned for us and plan to get involved. Kudos to Soror Black!

CERVICAL CANCER: WHAT EVERY BLACK WOMAN SHOULD KNOW

JANUARY IS CERVICAL AWARENESS MONTH Cervical cancer is one of the few diseases that’s preventable and curable if detected early. Of the close to 2,000 Black women diagnosed each year, over 40 percent will die. This is unacceptable. While cervical cancer occurs most often in Hispanic women, Black women tend to have lower 5-year survival rates and die more often than any other race. And in fact, Black women have twice the cervical cancer mortality rate compared to white women. Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina). It is usually a slow-growing cancer that may not have symptoms but can be found with regular Pap tests (a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and looked at under a microscope). Although the rate of new cases of cervical cancer (as well as death from cervical cancer) has declined approximately 50 percent in the United States over the past three decades, the disease remains a serious health threat. Even though the mortality or death rate for Afri- can American women with cervical cancer has declined more rapidly than the rate for white women, the African American mortality rate continues to be more than double that of whites. Geographic and socioeconomic-related disparities in cervical cancer mortality (death) also exist.

Who Should Get Screened…and When? Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early. Important strategies to reduce the risk of cervical cancer include screening with the Papanicolaou (Pap) and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, as well as prevention of HPV infection with the HPV vaccine. Re- searchers have identified HPV, which is transmitted through sexual contact, as the main cause of cervical cancer.

1. First screen — Screening for cervical cancer should begin by approximately 3 years after first sexual intercourse or by age 21, whichever comes first. 2. Women up to age 30 — Women in this age should undergo cervical cancer screening each year. Women under age 30 have a higher likelihood than older women of acquiring high-risk types of HPV that cause premalignant cervical disease, which should be ruled out before extending the testing intervals. 3. Women age 30 and older — There are two acceptable screening options for women in this age group, says American College of Obste- tricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Under either option, women may not need annual screening: Testing using cervical cytology alone. If a woman age 30 or older has negative results on three consecutive annual cervical cytology tests, then she may be rescreened with cervical cytology alone every 2-3 years. The combined use of a cervical cytology test and an FDA-approved test for high-risk types of HPV – Under this option women receive both a cervical cytology test and a genetic test that looks for certain high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) known to cause cancer (HPV DNA test). Once women test negative on both tests, they should be rescreened with the combined tests no more frequently than every 3 years. If only one of the tests is negative, however, more frequent screening will be necessary. (The combined testing is not appropriate for women under age 30, since they frequently test positive for HPV that will clear up on its own.)  Exceptions — More frequent cervical screening may be required for higher-risk women who are infected with HIV, are immunosup- pressed (such as those receiving kidney transplants), were exposed to DES (diethylstilbestrol, a hormone that was prescribed for pregnant women in the 1950s and early 1960s and lead to birth defects) or were previously diagnosed with cervical cancer. Women 65 to 70 years of age who have had at least three normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the last 10 years may decide, upon consultation with their healthcare provider, to stop cervical cancer screening.

4. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) do not need to undergo cervical cancer screening, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical pre-cancer or cancer.

5. Other Annual Exams Continue — Regardless of the frequency of cervical cancer screening, annual gynecologic examinations, including pelvic exams, are still recommended.

Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Cancer You have probably heard a lot about the relatively new vaccine to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), which we now know is a pre- cursor to cervical cancer. The vaccine called Gardasil protects against certain types of the HPV virus and is manufactured by Merck & Co. Gardasil is designed to prevent infection with HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of HPV-related cervical cancer cases.

Currently, this vaccine is approved for females aged 9 to 26 and several states have proposed legislation requiring school aged girls to get vaccinated prior to enrolling in classes. This proposed mandated vaccination has been very controversial. If you have an adolescent daughter or you are a young women aged 18-26, please discuss the Gardasil vaccination with your doctor. Do yourself a favor and get checked out! Article published by BlackDoctor.org

GARY ALUMNAE OUT & ABOUT!

GAC members were busy in the month of December. Check out our lovely Sorors who were out and about!

Check out the GAC D.E.A.R.S. for their Christmas outing to the Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago.

GAC D.E.A.R.S. & members serving as readers at St. Paul Church’s Kwanzaa Celebration.

Delta GEM Induction was held in December. Our GAC Education Committee Members & Volunteers are pictured to the left.

GARY ALUMNAE OUT & ABOUT!

December featured our members being Deltarific in the community

Check out the bountiful salad bar from the Political Awareness & Founders Day Committee for their Sorors, GEMS and Pierce School Step Team Fellowship Hour in Dec. Members were on hand to Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army’s Big Ring @ the Southlake Mall

EMV DSTanee16 Sorors Celebrating their 8th Deltaversary Tina Davis-Powell celebrated her 30th Deltaversary in Vegas with her linesisters.

GAC Members and GEMS at 2019 Induction

A Crimson Weekend! Cream & Crimson A

All proceeds benefit the GAC International Awareness & Involvement Committee Black History Day Help Delta to maintain her winning streak for most members present ALL DELTAS are welcome to attend!

2/10 @ First AME Church Attire: All Red (pants are okay), pearls & violets. Fellowship hour & pictures immediately after- wards. Come on out! Patricia Bailey-Johnson & Gilvonne Washington-Davis NWI Intergreek Co-Chairs

More information coming from Political Awareness & Involvement

Sorors, Do you know where the emergency exits are at Tolleston Pavillion in the case of a fire and/or another emergency? What about at your place of employment?

Answer: There are a total of five (5) exits. Three (3) in the hall; one (1) in the men’s restroom and one (1) in the women’s restroom. Please take the time to get familiar with the emergency exits at Tolleston Pavilion and in your workplace. Companies and businesses are bound by law to post an emergency exit plan. KNOW THE PLAN! It can save your life! Jessica L. Bailey, GAC Emergency Response Team Chair Deborah Hendricks-Black, Emergency Response Team Coordinator, State of Indiana

2018-2019 National Motto 2018-2019 GAC Motto

“Joy in Our Sisterhood * Power in Our Voice * Service in Our Heart A LeGACy of Love: Bridging Sisterhood, & Service Since 1938 DID YOU KNOW???? Viola Davis To Play Delta Sigma Theta Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm In Upcoming Amazon Biopic Shirley Chisholm is getting a movie that Viola Davis will star in and produce. According to multiple reports, Amazon Studios has purchased the rights to The Fighting Shirley Chisholm which will star Viola Davis. The film will be directed by Maggie Betts produced Viola Da- vis and her husband Julius Tennon under JuVee Productions and Stephanie Allain and Mel Jones under Homegrown Pictures.

The movie will tell the story of U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman in congress and also the first woman and the first black person to seek a major American political party’s nomination for president. According to multiple reports, Amazon Studios has purchased the rights to The Fighting Shirley Chisholm which will star Viola Davis. The film will be directed by Maggie Betts produced Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon under JuVee Productions and Stephanie Allain and Mel Jones under Homegrown Pictures. The movie will tell the story of U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman in congress and also the first woman and the first black person to seek a major American political party’s nomination for president.

Chisholm, who lived from 1924 to 2005, is a notable a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Chisholm’s amazing story is one that will highlight the powerful contributions African American women have made to the US political

January is National Stalking Awareness Month January 2019 marks the fifteenth annual National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM), an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking. It is critical to raise the issue of stalking as its own form of gender-based violence as well as a crime that frequently predicts and co- occurs with physical and sexual violence. Stalking Criminal activity consisting of the repeated following and harassing of another person. Stalking is a distinctive form of criminal activity composed of a series of actions that taken individually might constitute legal behavior. For example, sending flowers, writingove l notes, and waiting for someone outside her place of work are actions that, on their own, are not criminal. When these actions are cou- pled with an intent to instill fear or injury, however, they may constitute a pattern of behavior that is illegal. Though anti– stalking laws are gender neutral, most stalkers are men and most victims are women. Until the enactment of anti-stalking laws, police had little power to arrest someone who behaved in a threatening but legal way. Even when the suspect had followed his victim, sent her hate mail, or behaved in a threatening manner, the police were without legal re- course Law enforcement could not take action until the suspect acted on his threats and assaulted or injured the victim. How to Stop a Stalker Although anti stalking laws give police and prosecutors the tools to arrest and charge stalkers with serious criminal offenses, victims of stalking have an important role to play in making these laws work. Law enforcement officials, Domestic Violence counselors, and mental health professionals offer the following advice to victims on how to stop a stalker:  Know the law. Because anti stalking laws are new, some police officers may not know how the laws work. A stalking victim should visit the public library or a county law library and obtain a copy of the state's anti stalking law. Victims should show the police the law when filing the stalking complaint and ask whether they should first seek a protective order against the stalker. In some states a violation of a protective order converts a stalking charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.  Cooperate with prosecutors. Many stalking victims refuse to prosecute the stalker, thereby leaving themselves vulnerable to continued threats and violence. Some victims fear that prosecution will provoke worse behavior from the perpetrator. Never- theless, victims should use the legal system and break any bond that may exist between themselves and the stalker.  Protect yourself. Persons who are stalked should take steps to protect themselves and those around them. Neighbors and coworkers should be informed about the stalker, be given a photograph of the suspect, and be instructed on what to do if the stalker is sighted. Security officers at the victim's workplace should be provided with this information. Caller ID ,which identifies telephone callers, should be installed on the victim's telephone. If the stalker makes repeated phone calls, the victim should ask the police to set up a phone tap.  Collect evidence. A stalking victim should collect and preserve evidence that can be used to prosecute and convict the stalker. Police suggest that the victim keep a diary of stalking and other crimes committed by the perpetrator. It is also a

good idea to photograph property destroyed by the stalker and any injuries inflicted by the stalker. The victim should keep all letters or notes written by the stalker and all answering machine tapes that contain messages from the perpetrator. 30th Annual “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital” “Power of our Voice…30 Years of Advocacy and Activism” March 9 – 12, 2019 Washington Hilton Hotel 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW- Washington, DC 20009

Collegiate Day: Saturday, March 9, 2019 Legislative Conference: Saturday, March 9 – Tuesday, March 12, 2019 Online registration for the 30th Annual “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital" is now open and will close on February 15, 2019 at 12:00 noon EST, or once capacity is reached. You may log into the Sisters Only portal of the National's website and click on events to register. In order to register for DDNC, sorors must be financial for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) through a local chapter or as a member-at-large. NOTE: THERE IS NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION REGISTRATION DETAILS Collegiate  Collegiate Day Forum (only) - $40.00  Legislative Conference and Collegiate Forum - $100.00 Alumnae  Legislative Conference - $225.00  Collegiate Forum (advisors only) - $40.00 CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. TRANSFER POLICY If you are transferring your registration to another soror, the soror must be FINANCIAL, NO EXCEPTIONS. The soror receiving the transfer must present the following items at the registration desk: 1. A signed letter by the transferrer, authorizing the transfer of registration. The letter must clearly state the name and member number of the financial member receiving the transfer. 2. Photo I.D. (Driver’s license, Passport, State I.D. or Student I.D.) HOTEL RESERVATIONS The Washington Hilton Hotel is the host hotel for the 30th Annual “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital." A limited number of rooms will have a reduced room rate of $229.00 per night for single or double occupancy only. Please note that reserving your hotel room early is highly suggested. The special for single or double occupancy rooms deadline is Friday, January 4, 2019, or once rooms are sold out at the reduced rate. Please note that once the reduced rate for the early bird special rooms are sold out, the room rate will increase to $234.00 per night for single or double occupancy, $254.00 for triple and$274.00 quad occupancy, excluding 14.95% state and local tax. Reservation Deadline for Delta’s special room rate is Friday, February 15, 2019. Please note: after the cut-off date, the hotel cannot guarantee availability or discounted group rates for the Sorority’s block of rooms. Please use the following link https://book.passkey.com/go/2019deltadays to begin making your housing reservations or you can contact the hotel directly at 1-800-HILTONS. Be sure to mention that you are attending Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital (code: DST19) in order to receive the reduced rate of $234.00 for single and double occupancy, $254.00 for triple and$274.00 for quad occupancy. 2019 Housing Instructions All hotel information will be available upon completion of your registration. PAYMENT Sorors may pay their registration by credit card only. Credit Card Payments: Sorors when paying by credit card, do not click the submit button more than once. If you encounter an error, screen print the error page and send it to [email protected]. ATTIRE Attire for “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital” is Business Professional. Sorors are encouraged to WEAR RED Tuesday, March 12, 2019 for the visit to Capitol Hill and group photo. SCHEDULING CONGRESSIONAL VISITS Please click the following link http://beta.congress.gov/members to locate the contact information for your legislators and to schedule your visits. All visits will take place onTuesday, March 12, 2019 between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Please check your email communication as well as the National website regularly for updated program information which is forthcoming. SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS If you are available to serve as a sign language interpreter (especially if you are based in the DC/MD/VA area), please email: Soror Donna Lucas, Human Resources Manager at: [email protected]

27 20 13 6 FOUNDERS DAY SOULFOOD 5pm S.T.A.R. Leadership Training Series 7/1/19) RED S.H.O.E. Challenge Starts (ends (All Black, Pearls and Violets) BRUNCH (St. John Baptist) FOUNDERS DAY CHURCH SERVICE

HAPPY106

7pm

2PM $20 2PM (Marquette)$20

Sun

FOUNDERSDAY!

28 21 14 7

605 GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER Access: 520231# 7pm Access: 520231# 605 CALL ECONOMIC DEV. 7pm Access: 520231# CALL GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER 7pm Access: 520231# 605 CALL Access:928003# 605 7pm 605 CALL GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER Membership Services Mtg

GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER MW Prayer Call 6:30pm

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Protocol 7:30pm Education Conference Call

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January 2019 January

30 23 16 9 2

PMH Mtg International Awarness 6pm

Wed

31 24 17 10 3

mendation deadline Policy Procedures& recom- PP&D THRUST MTG Arts Letters & 3pm DEARS @ J’s Breakfast S.H.O.E. Registration Deadline for RED 7pm Call ERT Meeting via Conference

6pm 6pm $20 per D.E.A.R.

Thu

25 18 11 4

EBoard Reports Due 10PM

Fri

26 19 12 5

SocietyCollection project Deadline GEMS for Humane Chapter12pm meeting E 2 ProgramsYouth (All RED, Pearls wristand violets) 1PM FOUNDERS DAY LUNCHEON REDEDICATION SOUP KITCHEN 12

5 5 Andrean HS

Board Board 10am

Sat

10AM

2PM

24 17 10 3 5pm Series S.T.A.R. Leadership Training (All Red, Pearls Violets)and First Church AME 10:30am CHURCH SERVICE INTERGREEK BLACK HISTORY

7pm

Sun

25 18 11 4

7pm Access: 520231# 605 GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER CALL ECONOMIC DEV. 7pm Access: 520231# 605 GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER CALL 7pm Access: 520231# 605 GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER CALL Access:928003# 605 Prayer MW Call 6:30pm Membership Services Mtg 7pm Access: 520231# 605 GAC CIRCLE OF PRAYER CALL

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CAPITOL DELTA DAYS @ THE STATE Protocol 7:30pm Education Conference Call

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February 2019 February

27 20 13 6

PMH Mtg International Awarness 6pm

Wed

28 21 14 7

PP&D THRUST MTG Arts Letters & DEARS 7pm ERT Meeting via Conference Call

VALENTINE’S DAY

Thu

22 15 8 1 Registration Closes $225 Delta Days @ Nation’s Capitol EBoard Reports Due 10PM

Fri

23 16 9 2

6:30pmThe $20 @ Glen ArtsFestival Letters & Film Chapter12pm meeting E 8am Applebees GEMS Fundraiser

2 ProgramsYouth SOUP KITCHEN 12

5 Andrean5 HS

Board Board 10am

10am

Sat

2PM

Mailing Address PO Box 64690 Contact Us Gary, IN 46402

Website: www.garyalumnaechapterdst.org

Follow & “Like” Us on Social Media Facebook: @GaryAlumnaeChapter Instagram: @gacdeltas Twitter: @gacdeltas Conference Call#: 605-472-5746 Access code 520231#

Chapter Emails Gary Alumnae Chapter [email protected] Gary Alumnae President Yvonne Lucas [email protected] Membership Services 1st Vice Pres. Shana Caruthers [email protected] Program Planning & Development 2nd Vice Pres. Diane Pratt [email protected] Finance Team [email protected] PayPal [email protected] Corresponding Secretary [email protected] Recording Secretary [email protected] Chaplain [email protected] Information & Communications [email protected] Journalists [email protected] Marketing/Public Relations [email protected] Special Events (assigned by C&I) [email protected]