CHI OMEGA

General Meeting Fall Coffee

The fall General Meeting was held on October 22nd at Village Antiques. The group enjoyed many interesting and fun demonstrations along with lunch and shopping. A BIG thank you to owner, Amitha Verma, for showing us new and beautiful ways to decorate for the holidays and tackle projects around the house. Village Antiques generously donated 15% of sales from the day to Chi Omega Kaleidoscope, totaling $500.

If you missed the meeting, please take time to go by and visit Amitha and her friendly staff who will be happy to help The annual Fall Coffee was held on September 24th in you with your holiday shopping! the stunning home of Suzanne Pritchard. Old and new friends enjoyed catching up, viewing and bidding on COK Raffle Packages, hearing what the alumnae group has planned for the fall and the latest recruitment news. Christy Passmore, Senior Director of Development for Chi Omega updated the attendees on the state of the Fraternity.

The meeting concluded with the drawing of the COK Raffle Packages, congratulations to those who won!

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Cathy Coers Frank Honored at HAPA Wine Tasting Event

A great evening was had by all at the 12th Annual HAPA Wine Tasting and Dinner, held on October 23 at St. Cecelia’s Community Center. Many Chi Omega and University of friends joined the celebration of our own 2015 honoree, Cathy Coers Frank (Psi Zeta, 1979). Cathy was lauded for her many years of devoted service to the Houston Alumnae Panhellenic Association, chairing many key events and always cheerfully offering service with her award-winning smile! Cathy has also served continuously in an advisory role to her beloved Psi Zeta chapter since 1981, most recently as Panhellenic Advisor.

Congrats, Cathy! Thank you for everything you do to better Chi Omega.

Upcoming Events

CHI

Follow us on Facebook: Save the Date! Chi Omega Alumnae of Houston & OMEGA Twitter: @HoustonChiOAlum Chi Omega Holiday Tea

Sunday, December 20, 2015 Become a Member 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The first step to connecting with fellow alumnae is by joining the Alumnae Information about the Holiday Tea Association of Houston. Your dues will be emailed out after support alumnae activities, recruitment efforts, scholarship programs for Thanksgiving, watch your inbox! Night Owls Gift Exchange collegiate members and special events like our annual holiday celebration. Thursday December 10th 7:00 P.M.-10:00 P.M. Joining is easy and can be done through 2712 our website or by clicking the link The Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen below: www.chiomegahouston.com Attention Chi O Moms! Richmon d Ave Just click on the Become a Member button. Join the Chi O Mothers’ Club of Houston Houston, Membership Has Its 7 Privileges! Mark your calendar for the following events: 7098

One very special sisterhood perk you Holiday Tea with alumnae members & actives will receive upon joining is an invitation Sunday, December 20th from 2 -4 pm to our Annual Fall Coffee and Holiday Tea. This December event is a highlight of our year, featuring an afternoon of Chi O Moms’ Luncheon fellowship with collegiate members, Tuesday, January 26th at 11 am alumnae and members of our Chi Omega Mothers Club. Those who are Party with the Tri-Delt Moms’ Club dues-paying members of the alumnae association are also invited to bring Tuesday, March 1st at 6:30 pm along their 12th grade daughters to mingle with collegiate members and Chi O Moms’ Lunch & Study Box Making learn more about Greek Life on Tuesday, April 19th at 11 am campuses across the country. Contact Co-Presidents Joni Fichter at [email protected] or We would love to have you join us, to Kathleen Mayes at [email protected]. reconnect and enjoy the Spirit of Sisterhood! Questions may be directed to [email protected]

The Night Owls are going Down the Street!

Kaleidoscope: Parties with a Purpose Thursday, SeptemberGeneral 17, 2015 Meeting

7p.m. at Down the Street 5746 LarkinVillage Street Antiques Kendra Scott Event Houston,Thursday, Texas 77007 October 22, 2015 Pictured on the left- L-R: 11a.m.-1p.m. **Look for the Red and Yellow balloons** Elizabeth Henley, Melissa DeLaGarza, Drue We invite you to join us for a light lunch and DaSilva, Nicole Dubiton, Iiesha Carter and Lia tour of the beautiful home furnishings of Skevofilax. Amitha Verma Designs LLC! Pictured below right- L-R: Get a jump start on your holiday shopping, gift Nicole Dubiton, Franchesca Calhoun, Amanda items, furniture, and seasonal home décor! Hunt, Geyer Dybesland, Susan Enas, Sally Barlow, Cindy Pachicano, and Melissa RSVP to: DeLaGarza Melinda or Tanya [email protected]

Kendra Scott hosted alumnae members on September 10th with a “Kendra Gives Back” Amitha Verma Designs LLC party at their beautiful City Centre jewelry at the Village Antiques store. Thirty Chi O’s enjoyed a ladies night out 1200 Blalock Road with light bites and bubbles all while shopping Houston, Texas for a great cause, Chi Omega Kaleidoscope. Alums were assisted throughout the evening by two Psi Zetas who work at the store, Lia Skevofilax and Elizabeth Henley.

Kendra Gives Back is the company’s charitable giving program which donates 20% of the event’s proceeds to worthy causes. Our party raised over $1,000 for Chi Omega Kaleidoscope.

Kate Spade New York Event

Houston Alums celebrated Chi Omega's "Virtual Day Out!" on Thursday, November 5th with another shopping party for Chi Omega Kaleidoscope – this time at Kate Spade New York in Highland Village. Twenty Chi Os were treated champagne while mingling and shopping. Twenty percent of the sales from the evening,$1,067.00,will benefit our Kaleidoscope charities. Everyone had a wonderful time trying on and modeling the fun clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Pictured front to back L-R : Drue DaSilva, Michelle Wirzbicki, Joni Fichter, Erin Packwood, Melissa DeLaGarza, Taylor Thompson, Christy Passmore, Lou Black, Melinda Byrd, Anne Elise Doise, Barbe Bozeman,Gwen Koch and Chea Matherne Kelly

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Big Blue Whale 237 W. 19th St. Houston, 77008

Join us for a fun evening of holiday shopping at Big Blue Whale for the special little people in your life. Big Blue Whale has a unique assortment of toys, books, arts and craft kits and all Tuesday, sorts of goodies your little December 1, ones will love. Big Blue 2015 Whale will be donating 10% of the proceeds from the 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 evenings sales back to Chi P.M. Omega Kaleidoscope. Friends, family and children are welcome to attend.

Volunteering for The Center

Workday at the Center

On October 7th, approximately 20 alumnae volunteered to assist at Gingersnaps, Etc. a fundraiser for The Center. The group enjoyed a wonderful morning of sisterhood and assisted in packing over 450 tins of Chocolate Nugget Cookies.

If you are interested in purchasing from the array of delicious products offered by Gingersnaps Etc., please visit www.gingersnapsetc.org for more information!

Some of our twenty enthusiastic Chi Omega volunteers assisting at The Center in Gingersnap, Etc. Pictured L-R: Lee Auchter, Carolyn Mata, Robin Ashe, Kay Heard, Sara McLean, Audrey Terrazas, Abbrarose Knudson, Lou Black & Deana Anderson, Kay Heard, Pam Doiron, Gayle Saunders and Joni Fichter

Volunteering at Hearts and Hands Market On October 26-28th sisters enjoyed great fellowship, strong sales and an opportunity to share The Center’s mission at Hearts and A few of the many volunteers! Hands Market, hosted at Memorial Drive United Pictured L-R: Methodist Church. With the key support of many Center Dawn Murphy, and Chi Omega volunteers, the Marian Richards, market was a huge success Abbrarose Knudson, with almost $5,000 in sales for & Susie Nacewski. Gingersnaps Ect.

High Fives and Hugs

New to the Nest! Community leaders

Lincoln Alese was born to Wes The Junior League, Houston is well represented by Chi Omegas. Pamela House Lovett (Psi Zeta) and Sheridan Murphy is serving as Sustaining Club president, Joni Hruska Fichter (Alpha Zeta) is Sustaining Club Vice Whitney (Xi Kappa) on President and Gracie Sigler McClure(Kappa Zeta) is Fall Fete Chairman. September 14, 2015. She was 8 lbs. 7 ozs. and 21 inches long. She Margaret Wallace Brown (Psi Zeta) as been reappointed to the American Institute of Architects is simply adored by her Houston (AIAH) Board. She serves with fellow Chi Omega Janis Brackett, AIA, LEED AP grandparents, Steve and Dawn (Lambda). Janis also serves on the Architecture Center Houston Foundation Board. Murphy (Kappa Zeta) and her aunt, Jordan Murphy (Xi Have news you would like to share? Please email [email protected] Kappa).

Recruitment and Psi Zeta News

Whoo… Knew! Recruitment Re-Cap for Fall 2015

The Recruitment Board is delighted to share the names of the 50 New Members supported by RIFs from our Central Houston Alumnae and the 33 dynamic New Members joining our Psi Zeta chapter at the University of Houston. Congrats to all!

Many thanks to all who have submitted online RIFs and Letter of Support (LOS) for outstanding PNMs this year. We received over 500 online RIFs this year and many endorsements via Letters of Support.

Please, please take a moment and write any RIFs or LOS now as chapters are reviewing the credentials of all PNMs going through Recruitment in January 2016. A complete listing of those schools hosting Deferred Recruitment can be found on the website under the Recruitment tab.

A few other items of note!

pledged 15 from Central Houston PLUS 12 additional New Members from the Metro Houston area.

(Iota) pledged 7 from Central Houston PLUS 8 additional New Members from the Metro Houston area.

- Ole Miss (Tau) proudly boasts the largest New Member Class in Chi Omega history. Quota was 142, with 5 quota additions, resulting in a New Member Class of 147! Some of the lovely ladies of Psi Zeta Chapter

The Psi Zeta chapter at the University of Houston are having an amazing fall semester! The chapter is 93 members strong and just held the Big and Little Sister Psi Zeta News! Reveal for the 33 new members.

They recently finished up Wish Week, raising over $8,200 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They held a “Dealing for Dreams” casino night, a “Set, Spike, Wish” volleyball tournament, a "Wish upon a Cloud" cotton candy eating contest, and a “Christmas in Chi O” event with "Dear Santa" postcards through Macy’s.

The chapter won 1st place in Delta Zeta’s Gong Show for the second year in a row, 1st place in Pi Kappa Phi's philanthropy event, and 2nd place in Homecoming Week’s Cooglympics.

Way to go, Psi Zeta!

Fall 2015 New Chi Omega Members from Central Houston Schools (RIFs Approved by Central Houston ARICs) – Results as of October 13, 2015

University New Member Name High School Louisiana State University Adele Perrier St. Agnes Academy Texas A&M University Erin Avary Stratford High School Texas A&M University Morgan Becker Memorial High School Texas A&M University Nicole Becker Memorial High School Texas A&M University Haley Caron Texas A&M University Catherine Coolidge (Legacy) Houston Christian High School Texas A&M University Hannah Hale Episcopal High School Texas A&M University Ali Hays Stratford High School Texas A&M University Courtney Jackson (Legacy) Stratford High School Texas A&M University Meredith MacIvor Stratford High School Texas A&M University Nikki Nelson Lamar High School Texas A&M University Madelyn Richards Episcopal High School Texas A&M University Emily Thamm - Sophomore St. Agnes Academy Texas A&M University Kennedy Uptegraph Memorial High School Texas A&M University Grace Van Loh St. John’s School Texas A&M University Grace Whitmire (Legacy) Stratford High School Texas Christian University Kelsey Roe Duchesne Academy Texas Christian University Catherine Rogers (Legacy) Memorial High School Texas State University Layla Shahhosseini Stratford High School Texas Tech University Courtney LeBlanc Lamar High School Texas Tech University Cecelia Schmidt Incarnate Word Academy University of Alabama Madelyn Hilyard Memorial High School University of Alabama Kendall Simpson Memorial High School University of Alabama Amanda Thompson (Legacy) Houston Christian High School University of Georgia Allie Manning Memorial High School University of Georgia Lauren Weinstein Memorial High School University of North Texas Elizabeth Feagan Stratford High School University of Oklahoma Chandler Dunham (Legacy) Memorial High School University of Oklahoma Lindsey Jenkins (Legacy) Memorial High School University of Oklahoma Charlotte Kaiser Stratford High School University of Oklahoma Lauren Kattapong Houston Christian High School University of Oklahoma Mary Lauren Strangel St. Agnes Academy University of Oklahoma Lauren Thoman Stratford High School University of Texas Sophie Belton - Sophomore St. Agnes Academy University of Texas Cole Chapman – Sophomore Lamar High School University of Texas Cara Collins St. Agnes Academy University of Texas Jordan Goldberg Emery Weiner School University of Texas Christi Gregory (Legacy) Stratford High School University of Texas Nina McDermott (Legacy) Memorial High School University of Texas Meagan Roberts Rhodes College Kate Barkley St. Agnes Academy Rhodes College Diana Parsley Cushing Academy in Mass. Rhodes College Caroline Drury MasMassMassachusettsSt. Agnes Academy Birmingham Southern College Claire Cooper – Sophomore Stephen F. Austin State University Clarissa De Santiago University of Mississippi Adriana Barton Houston Christian High School University of Mississippi Addie Brennan Episcopal High School University of Mississippi Julia Hotze (Legacy) St. Agnes Academy University of Mississippi Lindsey Munson Episcopal High School Purdue University Juliette Mudd Westside High School

Psi Zeta Chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity at The University of Houston proudly welcomed 33 New Members on Bid Day on September 21, 2015.

Last Name First Name Year City High School Name Arguijo Gabriela Freshman Stafford Dulles High School Ballinger Laney Freshman Sugar Land Saint Agnes Academy Batiste Alexandrea Junior Houston Elsik High School Bissonnet Anna Sophomore Georgetown Georgetown High School Bryant Jatasia Junior Cypress MacArthur Carter Kayley Freshman Schertz Samuel Clemens High School Checki Rachel Sophomore League City Clear Falls High School Della Femina Carla Junior Friendswood Friendswood High School Eaglin Alexis Junior Missouri City Elkins Edwards Taija Freshman Grand Prairie James Bowie High School Gentry Mackenzie Sophomore Humble Gillespie Taylor Sophomore Lake Jackson Greene Mallory Freshman Alexandria, LA Alexandria Senior High Henderson Celeste Senior Texarkana Texas High School Hepler Melissa Sophomore Katy Seven Lakes High School Jackey Amanda Sophomore Houston Central Regional High School Jimenez Itzamara Junior Spring Khazaeipool Pooneh Sophomore Houston James E. Taylor High School Klemstein Katherine Sophomore Boerne Comfort High School Layton Raquel Sophomore Houston Westside High School Le Kristina Freshman Cypress Cypress Woods High School Lloyd Bailey Sophomore Dallas Homeschooled Nguyen Elizabeth Freshman Houston J. Frank Rogers Julie Ann Sophomore Friendswood Friendswood High School Ruel Katelyn Freshman Austin James Bowie High School Salls Iris Freshman Houston Rainard School Sandridge Samantha Sophomore Friendswood Friendswood High School Suk Jennie Freshman Houston Seven Lakes High School Tijerina Maria Freshman Garland North Garland High School Usry Grace Sophomore Baytown Baytown Christian Academy Williams Alexis Senior Houston Texas High School Yount (Legacy) Kasey Freshman Porter Zochert Brooke Freshman Kingwood Kingwood Park High Night Owl Events

The Night Owls had a great time and turn out for the fall kickoff social held at Down the Street in September. It was the perfect venue to mix and mingle with new and familiar faces. In October they participated in a privately instructed yoga class at Big Yoga followed by brunch at Beer Market Co.

Painted Churches

On October 14th, a group of Chi Omega Houston Alumnae members, Mother’s Club and friends toured The Painted Churches in Schulenburg. The Painted Churches were established in the mid 1800’s as Czech Catholic Churches. The exteriors are unassuming, often painted white and located in remote settings taking visitors across single car wooden bridges surrounded by green prairies lined with beautiful trees, shrubs, wild flowers and Humming Birds. The churches, some surviving fires and storms, have been built, rebuilt and renovated. In alphabetical order: On November 16th Shirley Ansel, Lee we discussed Kate Auchter, Sandy Morton's, The Lake Carlton, Sheri House. For those DeLuca, Debbie interested, Kate Elliot, Joni Fichter , Morton will be Jane Hogan, signing her novel Stephanie Kissner , on December 2nd Kathleen Mayes , at 11:00 A.M. at Carol Scarbrough , Blue Willow Katie Sepulveda, Bookshop: Caroline Stender & Nancy Warren 14532 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77079.

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Chi Omega AlumnaeCome of Out To The Houston and Twitter:

On November 16th we @HoustonChiOAlum discussed Kate YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR Morton's, The Lake House. For those Dear sisters in Chi Omega, KALEIDOSCOPE interested, Kate Morton will be signing her Welcome to the Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston! I am newest novel on absolutely honored to be servingHonoring as your President OurSHOPPING Sisterfor the 2015 - PARTY! Wednesday, December 2016 year. We have such a wonderful fellowship of sisterhood 2nd at 11:00 A.M. at through serving our community, gathering for ourTHURSDAY, general NOVEMBER 5, 2015 meetings, or just getting together with one of our fun interest Blue Willow Bookshop: 6P.M. – 8P.M. groups. There is a place for everyone! This year, we are looking forward to bringing you many opportunities to get involved and 14532 Memorial Drive, Hosted by connect with one another. Houston, Texas, 77079. The Houston AlumnaeKATE SPADEPanhellenic HIGHLAND Foundation VILLAGE Our website is always evolving, so take a few minutes to2701 check DRE out XEL DRIVE our upcoming events, Kaleidoscope happenings, andHOUSTON, ways to get TEXAS 77027 involved!

New To The Nest TheHAPF first has step selected to connecting to honor withCathy fel forlow her alumnae dedication is toby their joining mission, the to provide charitable, Alumnaeeducation Associational and social opportunitiesof Houston. Joiningfor Houston is easy-area and alumnae can be and done collegiate members of the through26 National the website Panhellenic (click Conference on the Become sororities a Member and fraternities. button). Cathy has also dedicated There’s a new Hootie on the Settingmuch time up your and resourcesprofile and to promotepreferences fraternity just takes life through a few minutes.service to the community and the Also, be sure to followdeep friendship us on Facebook of individual for the soror latestity andnews, Panhellenic life. block! Congratulations to happenings, and photos. Join us in celebrating her great honor! Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston, Chapter President, As a member of the Alumnae Association, and by completing your online profile, you will be invited to all of our Melissa DeLaGarza and husband events, which encompass sisterhood,The night philanthropy, promises to anddeliver fun! a funYour and membership casual atmosphere, does not require any mandatory meetings; however, you will have accessdinner, to allfascinating of our programming, wine labels, a Cork special Pull, interest and a groups, and gatherings. This Valdo on their newest addition. allows you to do as much or as little as you“something chose. We for have everyone” programs silent includingauction. Night Owls, book club, Chow Welcome to the world of red, Omega lunches, several Kaleidoscope events committees, volunteer opportunities with The Center, shopping parties, general meetings / programming, Proceedscollegiate benefit recruitment HAPF Scholarships involvement, and so much more! If you have yellow and everything owls, Baby any questions about how to join the Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston, or how to renew your annual Mac! membership, feel free to email myself or our membership chair, and we will be happy to answer any of your questions. St. Cecilia Catholic Community Center 11720 Joan of Arc Houston, Texas 77024 Your membership in the Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston helps to ensure continued support for our Mac Chamberlain DeLaGarza local philanthropy, The Center; asChecks well Payable as assists to: HAPF in providing scholarships Reservations: for Houston area collegiate Chi joined big brother Augie and c/o Connie Zieba Patron - $125 Omegas; contributes to recruitment4215 Kirbyand Oakschapter Drive needs; and brings theIndividual alumnae - $60 association relevant and puppy sister Kirbie on August 15, interesting programs. Your membershipTaylor Lake Village,shows Texas your 77586 support for Chi Omega,Dress: Texas and Chic is recommended for those who plan to complete RIFs or [email protected] of Support for Potential New Members (PNMs). 2015. We’ll be excited to see him ***Advance reservations are REQUIRED as seating is limited*** at our next meeting! In Chi Omega, sisterhood is truly for a lifetime! Our Houston Alumnae Association is full of warm, wonderful, and inclusive sisters, and we cannot wait for you to join us at an event! We look forward to connecting with you! Loyally in Chi Omega, Melissa Claybrook DeLaGarza Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston Psi Zeta, 2003 [email protected]

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