DENVER ALUMNAE CHAPTER NEWS
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC. “Uncompromising Commitment to Communities: Service, Leadership, Empowerment”
JUNE 2019
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Michelle Simmons President
Marqus Walker 1st Vice President
Janice Satchell 2nd Vice President
Deborah Washington Recording Secretary
Vanessa Simmons Assist Recording Secretary
Deon Estes Corresponding Secretary
Summer Frazier Assist Corresponding Secretary
Alice Arline Treasurer
Melodie Brooks Assistant Treasurer
Jenna Banks Financial Secretary
Gwendolyn Wooten Assist Financial Secretary
Linda Bates Leali Assist Financial Secretary 1 Djuana Harvell, PhD Immediate Past President
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear Sorors,
May 2019 was one for the ages! What a phenomenal time we had celebrating May Week and culminating our 80th Anniversary Celebration with the Power of Red! Thank you to all who participated. The joy and jubilation were palpable throughout the entire week. A good time was had by all! I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about the 80th Anniversary Celebration and now it is time for us to continue to make each of the rest of our years in this city count.
As we continue with the business of Delta, it is time for us to begin wrapping up the 2018- 2019 sorority year and preparing for the 2019-2020 sorority year. That means wrapping up all of our final business for this year including end of the year reports. There is a limited window to get all of the work done but I’m confident if we work together, we will be able to accomplish that. What I need most from you is completion of all of the surveys that you will receive in the next few days. Please make sure to complete those as it provides valuable feedback as we prepare for next year. With summer fast approaching, we will end of the DAC Weekly until the fall. Some committees will have to work over the summer to prepare for our first events of the year. As a reminder the email distribution list will change again on July 1, 2019. If you have not paid your dues by then, you will not receive official communication from the chapter so please make sure your dues are paid.
Have a safe and relaxing summer!
Pearl of Wisdom “A spirit of harmony can only survive if each of us remembers, when bitterness and self-interest seem to prevail, that we share2 a
common destiny.” Barbara Jordan
MEETING AGENDA
Ritualistic Opening Saturday June 1, 2019 Welcome
Approval of the minutes General Body Meeting 10:00 am Financial Reports Financial secretary Treasurer
Correspondences
Officers Reports President Vice president Secretary
Committee Reports Standing committees: ACT Prep, Arts and Letters, Building Task Force, Courtesy, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, Directory, Economic Development, EMBODI, Evaluations, Heritage and Archives, International Awareness & Involvement, Internal Audit, Leadership, Membership, Pan Hellenic MEETING ATTIRE Council, Physical & Mental Health, PP&D, Scholarship, Step show, Social Action, Technology Business Special committees
Special Orders
Unfinished Business
New Business Announcements
Ritualistic Closing
Denver Alumnae Chapter Meeting Logistics st 1 Saturday of the Month Lowry Conference Center 3
1061 Akron Way Denver, CO 80230
COMMITTEE CORNER
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Delta Violets Sorors Glynis Williams-Thompson and Robin Bruce for coordinating the Leadership Academy. Congratulations to all of the participants. Soror Alecia Peabody and the members of the Physical and Mental Health Committee for hosting Cardio Hip Hop during May Week. Sorors Lallis Jackson, Angela Williams and the member of the Social Action Committee for hosting Know your Representatives during May Week. Sorors Nikki Swarn, Yasmaine Ford and the members of the Arts and Letters and International Awareness and Involvement Committee for hosting Evening with Poets, Authors and Writers during May Week. Soror Janice Satchell and members of the Heritage and Archives Committee for hosting the Heritage Walk during May Week. Sorors Cjay Smith, Sallye McKee and all of the members of the Bullying Prevention Summit Committee for hosting the 2nd Annual Step Up and Stand Up to Bullying event. Sorors Daphne Hunter, Jo Ann Pegues, Janice Napper and all sorors of the Scholarship Committee for another year of success. Sorors Djuana Harvell, Cheryl Hargrow and all of the members of the 80th Anniversary Committee for setting a new standard as far as celebrations go.
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Scholarship News- June 2019
Thanks to all donors and supporters of the 2019 Denver Alumnae Scholarship Recipients. You are helping to make a difference in the lives of young ladies.
In addition to recognizing and Honoring 10 young ladies at the 80th celebration, Scholarship Committee members attended the Warren Village Honoring Ceremony on Tuesday, May 14th and presented Raissa Damtse with a $1,500 scholarship in memory of Geri Brown. Raissa plans to attend Metro State University and is pursuing a BA in nursing. Raissa is a serious student and a hard worker, yet still makes time to be a wonderful mother and a positive voice in the Warren Village community.
(The selection of a Warren Village Scholarship recipient did not coincide with the timeline this year to be able to be included in the 80th celebration.) *************************************************************************************************************
The 2018 Warren Village recipient of the Geri Brown Memorial Scholarship, Khafaliah Malik attended the Harvard Institute last year. Khafaliah has been selected to serve as the Founding Director/Superintendent of Schools of a brand- new school in China. She will be the first African American woman to serve in this capacity. She will be attend training in August in Calabasas, CA and begin her new job September 1, 2019 in China.
************************************************************************************ Eve Guess, is finishing her first year of studies at Hampton. She received the Tracy Ann Dyer Memorial Scholarship in 2018 and will receive it for 2019. This scholarship was established by Carrie Carter Young in memory of her daughter, Tracy Ann Dyer. Denver Alumnae Scholarship recipients currently in school are: Lydia Ageman – University of Denver, Brooke Moore – Colorado State University, Jordan Fuselier – University of Northern Colorado, Melany Simbada – University of Colorado, Bethany Boston – Jackson State University, and Brieyana Walton - California Lutheran University. Congratulations to Michael “MJ” Sykes who is graduating from East High School. He is a newly named Eagle Scout, 1st Eagle from Troop #97, 2nd Eagle from the Leadership Assistance Program (LEAP), 1st African American from LEAP, and is 1st chair trumpeter. Michael is the son or Soror Vickie Sykes. Thanks to the 80th Anniversary Committee for highlighting Scholarship recipients in such a wonderful way! Thanks to all who donated tickets for scholarship recipients and their parents.
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Self-Care Tips From the Physical and Mental Health Committee
-Plan a staycation in your town for a
weekend June 1, 2019 -Turn off your phone for a night Heart Walk -Take a scenic drive
July 11-14, 2019 National Convention, New Orleans, LA
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GENERAL The Executive Board Meeting is moving to The Dahlia Center for Health and Wellbeing located at 3401 Eudora CHAPTER St Denver, CO 80207. The meetings will continue to be on the 3rd Friday beginning at 6pm. REMINDERS
FINANCIAL INFORMATION CORNER
Contact Information The Annual Membership Dues for FY 2019-2020 are as follows: Please note that all information changes Regular Member Life Member including email, phone, address or Delta National: $215.00 (includes $10.00 per National: $10.00 (per resume are now made directly on the capita fee + $5 late fee) capita fee) national website Sisters Only section Local: $150.00 Local: $150.00 at https://members.dstonline.org/. Sign on Total = $365.00 Total = $160.00 is required. Timing of Payments
If you need assistance signing on, please see · If you have not been financial for two or more years, ADD $25.00 Reinstatement Fee to the total. the Financial Secretary Jenna · Life members do not pay a late fee. However, if you have not been Banks, [email protected], financial for two or more years, ADD $25.00 reinstatement fee. 720.988.6388 or a member of the · Technology Committee. Pay dues online today! Visit Denverdeltas.org, then choose Members
For more information contact Jenna Banks or stop by before/after sorority meeting.
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Denver Alumnae C hapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Chapter Meeting Minutes May 4, 2019 The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by President Simmons. The chapter ceremony was held. First Vice President Marqus Walker welcomed visiting and returning Sorors. President Simmons welcomed Sorors again and proceeded to review agenda and asked if there were any additions. The additions to the agenda were noted for Unfinished Business and Elections Results. The Agenda was approved as presented.
Financial Reports: Soror Leali submitted the report for Financial Secretary Banks (Soror Banks was involved with Election voting) April 30, 2019. See online report.
Treasurer Report: Soror Arline reported the Treasurer’s report balance with financial report except for interest of 44 cent. A discussion was held to increase the donation to the March of Dimes from $10.00 to $50.00 however, Pres. Simmons informed the donation of $10.00 was from one donation and was not the total amount raised for the March of Dimes. President Simmons informed the chapter that the proposed budget will be voted at our September meeting. Soror Pleasant asked how many sorors do we have that are financial and it was reported DAC has 184 financial sorors. A motion was suggested to approve the proposed budget as submitted and the motion was carried.
Correspondence: Soror Frazier reported for Soror Estes. DAC received an invite from the Curious Theater Co. Celebrating the life of Carlotta Walls Lanier on June 19 @ 6 p.m. The location is 1080 Acoma St. Denver. The cost of the tickets are $1,000.00 please note $850.00 is tax deductible. The AKA’s have purchased two tables at a cost of $1,200 for our Power of Red Celebration. DAC received Love Notes of Thank you from Soror Doris Brown and the Family of Catherine Bates Gavin.
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Officers Report: National: President Simmons reported the Hotels rooms reserved have been sold out and National was working on securing more rooms and sorors are placed on a wait list. Regional: Soror Dillard Regional Director has requested for each member of our chapter pay $5.00 for Courtesy Gifts for National. Soror Dillard at the request of Jackson Alumnae Chapter is requesting donations for Soror Phyllis Bowen. She was here visiting and suffered a major stroke and is in rehab here. The family is seeking financial assistance. Please make all checks to Delta Sigma Theta and give to Financial Secretaries Soror Wooten or Soror Leali. Local: President Simmons received notification of a Soror Sonya Ritchie Memorial Service today at 2:30 p.m. 6500 W. Coal Mine Littleton, CO. If any can attend please do so. THANK YOU to all who attended Soror Jefferson Omega Omega Service. DAC is featured on the front cover of the Urban Spectrum celebrating DAC 80th Anniversary the Power of Red.
First Vice President Walker reported DAC needs 500 more License plates signatures. Please continue the request so we will be ready for the 2020 Legislature Session. She is asking for DAC to proofread all signatures for residential addresses, county noted, etc. Sorors if you ordered a Name Tag it is available to pick up after meeting.
2nd Vice President: Soror Janice Satchell reported on PPD. June 1 is the Heart walk which will be held at Broncos Stadium. DAC collected $200.00 for the March of Dines. DAC collected 33 $5.00 gift cards for Urban Peak. Urban Peak is in need of boxer shorts for male resident. Sizes needed are m-l-xl. DAC submitted 6 different applications for National recognition and 9 applications were submitted for Regional Awards. DAC wants to send out a “Shout out of Thanks” to Delores Porter for ERT. May 11 is the date for Sound the Alarm event. Signup sheets are located in the vestibule. This is a Regional Initiative. A reminder of Risk Management will be initiating a new procedure which began February 2019. The cost for the background check is $19.50 Please see the attached report for more information.
Committee Reports:
Courtesy: Soror Carrie Cater Young thanked the sorors for supporting the Homegoing Celebration of Soror Jefferson. She asked if any soror wanted to contribute to the dinner expense please place your donation in the envelope. Make checks to Delta Sigma Theta. All cash donations will receive a receipt. DST Denver Alumnae Chapter Sat. April 13, 2019 Sorority Meeting
Courtesies were extended: Soror Beverly Reddick- Jenkins Hospitalized 3 or 4 days following surgery. Soror Shirley Johnson - hospitalized several days following surgery. Soror LaVoynn Miller whose mother, Soror Irene Miller, passed Soror Aleshia Armour-lost her brother. Soror Tanika Scott- cousin passed Soror Deon Estes-cousin passed Soror Daphne Hunter- lost aunt Soror BJ Barnes-lost aunt
Pending Courtesies: Soror Margaret King- Fell in her home, was hospitalized, transferred to rehabilitation center, re-hospitalized; recovering at home now. Soror Frances Owens-hospitalized 3 or 4 days following a fall. Family of Soror Kathryn Bates Gavin who passed April 16, 2019 Soror Aleshia Armour - Aunt passed Soror Deon Estes-Grandmother passed
Delta GEMS: Soror Dana Batey, April 27 the GEMS Will be attending the Especially me conference. The conference is for high school African-American girls it will be held at Gateway high school in their focus9 will be Stressing Issues of Dignity, Excellence, Respect and Self-Value.
Delta Academy: Soror Frazier, This month we held a forum with the young ladies about community service, we worked with "Spark Change", to help them find way to engage within their community (i.e. school, church, neighborhood, etc.). At the end of our forum, we all created cards of encouragement for the "Urban Peak" youth shelter.
Arts and Letters: Soror Swarn, Arts & Letters will be hosting a screening of the new documentary "Amazing Grace," starring Soror Aretha Franklin. The screening has moved from the Chez Artiste to SIE on Colfax either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. A flyer will be sent out regarding the screening. It will not be a free screening. Each Soror will be responsible for paying for their own tickets. Arts & Letters in conjunction with International Awareness and Involvement with host an women's authors series as a part of May week. the event will feature women of color (preferred) and will also have a reception featuring international foods and desserts. The event will be hosted at the Blair-Caldwell Library on Wednesday, May 15th 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Zeta Pi 50th Anniversary: Soror Michelle Brown see attached report.
Social Action: Soror Lallis Jackson see attached report. Reclamation: Soror Ronalda Anchrum conducted a drawing for the Soror who had the most sorors returning to the Joy of Sisterhood. Soror Gloria Lowman will have her dues paid for the year 2019-2020 for bringing the most sorors who paid their dues. Soror Bev Jenkins won a gift card.
President Simmons added the discussion at this time to discuss the Torch of Excellence Award. There were 75 ballots and it is required to have 38 votes to proclaim to be a winner. Therefore, we will be re casting votes at the conclusion of the chapter meeting.
Economic Development: Soror Virginia Payne and Soror Karen Lucas see attached report.
80th Anniversary: Soror Harvell See Attached Report; DAC honors Soror Jefferson who oversaw the Souvenir Journal and DAC will be dedicating a full-page ad for her service to DAC. Thank you to Soror Hunter for stepping up to the finish the booklet. DAC raised $10,000 in ads and Thank you Soror Sellers for securing the matching donation of $10,000 making it a total of $20,000. Top prize award is securing ads to Soror Heidi Ellis. DAC raised $30,000 in Sponsor donations. Thank you Soror Swarn for negotiating a lower price of Food and accommodation. Soror Tipton informed us that today is the last day to order T-Shirt for the 80th Anniversary. Soror Tipton informed DAC members that the tables for the 80th celebration are assigned. Table’s assignment is based on a first come basis. Open seating will be based on alphabet order. DAC Scholarship Honorees and their parent/guardian will be seated at designated tables. DAC still need to sell more tickets to reach our goal of 250. Soror Denham asked for volunteers for Greeter/Hostess/Designer Room attendees and props and set up assistance. The last day for ticket purchase is May 10. See attached report for further information.
Leadership Academy: Soror Glynis Thompson and Soror Robin Bruce see attached report.
Internal Audit: Soror Bradshaw -Quarter 3 Internal Audit will be completed before June 1, 2019.
Hospitality: Soror Ellis - The DAC Hospitality Committee: The Members have two upcoming events that they are planning for in April and May as listed below: April 20th from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm - Serving meal at the Urban Peak Shelter located at 1630 So. Acoma Street. We currently have four volunteers, if members are interested in assisting the Committee, please contact Heidi Casteel Ellis by email at [email protected]. More information forthcoming. On May 18th, we will be assisting the Anti Bullying Summit Committee with preparing and serving breakfast and lunch from 8:00am to 12:30 pm that will be held at New Hope Baptist Church. more information forthcoming. 10
Heritage and Archive: Soror Satchell, The committee is planning a Heritage Walk for May week on Thursday May 16th. The vision is to walk in the path that our charter members may have traveled. Power point presentation for May meeting will be about Delta Mothers.
Budget: Soror Arline This is the budget that was prepared for 2019-2020. Please review and advise if any changes are needed.
Note the following items that were discussed: 1. Soror Leticia Edwards wanted us to consider transitioning to EPay Data from PayPal, per the National Finance Guidelines – PayPal is the only listed vendor. 2. Soror President will make motion to extend $920.00 to National Executive Board Courtesies ($5 X 184 members)
2019-2020 Budget Notes: • Newsletter- Will be used for Soror Deon Estes’ printing reimbursement requests • Printing – Will be used for all other printing reimbursement requests • Supplies- Will be used to reimburse supplies (i.e.., Financial Secretary Forms, Checkbook Cover, etc.)
2019-2020 Budget Items to be added: • Online QuickBooks costs (still being researched)- We will use the miscellaneous expense to cover this item (if approved)
Motion will be made at Exec. Board to adjusted the following Item on current budget: • Increase National Ad from $400.00 to $750.00 to cover 1 page Ad cost.
Thank you for all of your input and hard work this year! I love working with my team! Motion: To approve 2019-2020 operating budget and to amend current 2018-2019 budget for National Ads - increase from 400 to 750.
Scholarship: Soror Hunter Congratulations Michael "MJ" Sykes! Michael will be graduating from East High School this year. He is a newly named Eagle Scout, 1st Eagle Scout from Troop #97, 2nd Eagle from the Leadership Assistance Program (LEAP), 1st African American from LEAP and 1st chair trumpeter. Michael is the son of Soror Vickie Sykes. The Denver Alumnae Chapter and the Denver Alumnae Scholarship Committee salute Michael and wish him the very best with all of his plans for his future! Many, many thanks to all who have made donations/supported the efforts of the Denver Alumnae Scholarship fund. Ten young women will be honored this year at the DAC 8oth Anniversary celebration. Soror Frances Jefferson was a member of the Scholarship Committee and will be sorely missed.
Unfinished Business: President Simmons informed DAC on June 1 chapter meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m. she will be discussing national candidates, bylaws and amendments. We will vote on how DAC wants her to vote. She encourages us to review this information on the National Website and be prepared to discuss. May week will begin the week of May 13 through 19. Please read the DAC and Newsletter for dates and time. When 80th Anniversary T-Shirt becomes available, an email will be sent out with a price of $25.00 Thank you Sorors for making May week and 80th anniversary a success. Thank you Sorors for hosting Omega Psi Phi Hospitality Room.
New Business: Soror Leali emphasized first verse of our National Hymn “Grow” and propose a committee to explore a “Line” for the year 2020. President Simmons stated we cannot consider a “Membership intake11 Line” until the new sorority year start. Meeting adjourned.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SORORS!
June July August Helen Pryor 6/5 Lisa Neal-Graves 7/1 Dana Batey 8/4 Yasmaine Ford 6/7 Deon Estes 7/2 Summer Frazier 8/7 Jehan Benton- Alice Arline 6/11 Iffie Jennings 7/5 Clark 8/12 Patrice Brown 6/13 Debra Cooper-Clark 7/7 Janell Lindsey 8/17 Loretta Tipton-Perry 6/14 Rodella Wooten 7/10 Dorothy White 8/22 Monica Badgett 6/14 Gloria Tanner 7/16 Goldie Sellers 8/23 Hydia Ellis Casteel 6/14 Mechelle Salley 7/19 Cleo Breeze 8/25 Tammi Holloway 6/23 Toni Locke 7/21 AlRuth Toney 6/23 Pamela Cotton 7/22 Shireen Whitson Eloise Ball 6/25 -Truesdale 7/31
Articles of interest are welcome and encouraged. Please send all newsletter items to [email protected] Next newsletter submission deadline is August 30, 2019
The editor and/or Executive Board reserves the right to edit all material received.
DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC DENVER ALUMNAE CHAPTER PO BOX 7432 DENVER, CO 80207
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