______Chapter Meeting Minutes

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter

Date: March 8, 2014

The meeting was held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at East Stonewall Family Life Center. The meeting was called to order by Soror Kelly Dargins, Basileus, at 11:05 AM. Soror Dargins greeted everyone and said Daylight Saving Time begins, do not forget to set your clocks up one hour. Some sorors are attending the Boule Planning meeting and will be sending updates of importance. Soror Dargins will share the information before meeting ends today.

The meditation was given by Soror Hattie Murphy, ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ continues.

Soror Eva Graves, Sisterly Relations asked sorors to share their fondess memories of spring or an activity you enoy in the spring. Spring: An Explosion of Color. Soror Alicia Gaines presented birthday names for the month of March.

Soror Doris Boseman, Grammateus asked if there were any corrections to February 8, 2014 minutes? Two reports were omitted, Social Justice & Human Rights and EAF. The updated minutes will be added to website and minutes will be filed for documentation.

Soror Jamela Wintons, Epistoleus - Dr. Linda H. Gilliam, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director and the members of the Mid-Atlantic Region of Sorority, Inc., cordially invites you to celebrate the Unveiling of the North Carolina Historical Highway Marker and Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of Dr. Rose Butler Browne, First Regional Director (1953), Author, Civil Rights Leader and Humanitarian. Speaker for the occasion is Dr. Lucille Piggott on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 11:00 am, at Glenview Memorial Park, Intersection of Hwy 55 and Riddle Road, Durham, North Carolina. The Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 2014 BPC Trailblazers Roast and Fundraiser, Honoring Trailblazers, Mrs. Johnnie Collins, Mrs. Anna Hood, Ms. Lula Brown, Mrs. Sarah Coleman and Mrs. Sarah Stevenson. The event will take place at the Hilton Charlotte University Place, Business Attire and admission is $65.00. National Council of Negro Women, Incorporated, The Charlotte Section invites you to participate in their 20th Annual Brotherhood/Sisterhood Luncheon on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel, 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive, Charlotte, NC. A table of 10 is $450.00 and single ticket is $45.00. Theme: “Living the Legacy Dare To Cream”. The

Brothers of the Xi Mu Mu Chapter of Fraternity, Incorporated, cordially invites the ladies of the Marvelous Mid-Atlantic Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., to PINK in the City, our official welcome party for the ladies who wear 20 pearls. Friday, April, 4, 2014, Mirage Night Club, 400 N. West Street, #110, Raleigh, NC. Time: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM. General Admission: $20 / VIP Admission: $30. A Celebration of Women’s History Month – The Committee to Elect Ms. Joyce Henderson, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mid- Atlantic Regional Director, invites you to a fundraising event with Retired United States Army Brigadier General and Author Julia Jeter Cleckley. Saturday, March 15, 2014, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Arlington National Cemetery – One Memorial Avenue, Arlington, Virginia. Donation: $35.00 per person.

Soror Melanie Spears-Thomas, Pecunious Grammateus – we have 346 financial chapter members. If you have not paid Boule Assessment ($350) or Chapter Dues ($294), please see Soror Melanie.

Soror Jamie Howey for Soror Roslyn Dixon, Tamiouchos – reviewed all ALO accounts. Questions: Did we ever get a report for ‘Best Man Holiday’? Soror Howey did not know and will get with Soror Dixon. Member at Large has Financial Cards and will give out after chapter meeting.

Soror Laura Wallace, Service – God’s Rainbow is coming and only a prayer away. Loss: Soror Kathy Smedelay-Martin (father) and Soror JoAnn Trotman (niece). Surgery: Soror Virginia Spears recently had eye surgery and Soror Jamela Wintons had surgery.

• Spencer Thomas the son of Soror Melanie Spears-Thomas son and the grandson of Soror Virginia Spears entered his artistic drawing in a school competition and was selected to create the 2013-2014 Berewick Elementary School yearbook cover. • Walt Aikens Jr, the son of Soror Michele Aikens, had a successful NFL Pro Day this past Tuesday with 30 of the 32 NFL Teams in attendance. He also has several private NFL team workouts scheduled through April. The NFL draft takes place on May 8th-10th! We want to keep “Lil Walt” as he’s so fondly called in our prayers. • Walt Aikens Sr, the husband of Soror Michele Aikens, was named the Head Coach at Harding University High School. • Soror Dr. Octavia Cannon appeared on WCNC NBC’s Fitness Fridays with another of Sorors, our very own Soror Sonja Gantt Gibson, where she discussed pregnancy and exercise! • Golden Soror Brenda Foster was honored on February 21st at the Trailblazers Awards Ceremony at Union Presbyterian Seminary in recognition of her ministry and for being the first Master of Christian Education graduate of African American heritage! • Soror Gabr’l Stackhouse and her husband were blessed to welcome a beautiful baby girl into this world on February 18th.

• Soror Shirley Crump was honored by Zeta Mu Omega Chapter. Soror Crump was a chartered member of Zeta Mu.

Soror Natasha Riddick, Hodegos – introduced 5 visiting sorors: 1) Courtney Graham, 2) Carla Jackson Reaves, 3) Lisa Stinson, 4) Denise Stoutamire and 5) Stacey Carrier.

Soror Marian Yates, EYL – the EYL girls were introduced to the chapter and asked to give their name, grade and aspirations. Girls are going to have pizza today and girl’s talk. May is graduation and some of the girls have been with us from the beginning.

STANDING COMMITTEE: Soror Krista Manns, Archive – thanked sorors for submitting photos for Timeless History Project. A drawing was held for Sorors who brought pictures and Soror Freddie Taylor was the winner.

Soror C. Renee Jarrett and Soror Rita Riddle, Connection – ALO and Charlotte Law Community Voter Education Forum will be held on March 13, 2014, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Panelist: Douglas Wilson, Sen. Joel Ford and Attorney Harold Cogdell, Jr. Voters Registration will be held at First Baptist Church West one Sunday a month. Soror Jarrett asked how may sorors wrote letters for Letter Writing Campaign. Some sorors received response from Governor, Pat McCory and Soror Jarrett read the response. Trivia: The 2 identifications that must be shown before voting was answered by Soror Danielle Robinson. Soror Patrice Wright, Letter Writing Campaign drawing winner.

Soror Sony Anderson and Soror Kim Brown, Membership – Our goal is to Embrace One, Retain One, and Bring One. Committee reviewed membership status since January. Names of sorors who have invited sorors were given a chance to win $25 that will go toward Boule Registration.

Soror Angela Jackson and Soror Lavonda Freeman, Chapter Directory – The committee has verified information for 202 sorors. Online and email changes will be made as received. After today’s chapter meeting, the committee will begin calling the remaining sorors who are active to validate their information. The hardcopy membership directory will list active sorors as of March 28, 2014. Any updates will be made to the online version only. The directory will be prepared for posting on myALO by the April chapter meeting. This version will not include pictures. The estimated completion date of the directory with photos is by the June chapter meeting. Details for photos for the Chapter Directory are as follows: The chapter will have a composite made that includes the following:

a) No sitting fee for sorors or obligation to purchase photos, b) $40 for composite and c) $5 for a 5x7 photo with the purchase of a composite or $10 without composite

Photo date information is as follows: 1. Photos will be taken at the April 12, 2014 and May 10, 2014 chapter meetings during the following times: 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM; if there is a line, the line will be cut off at 10:30 AM. Photos will resume after the meeting until to 2:30 PM. All pictures must be taken by May 10, 2014.

a. In order to help expedite taking photos for over 300 members during the scheduled times, sorors are encouraged to have the following completed before getting in line for your photo. i. Completed form with the necessary information. These will be posted in the weekly updates and newsletters going forward and available at the April and May Chapter Meetings. Assistance will be given to Golden and senior sorors by the Directory Committee. ii. If purchasing a composite and/or photo please have your cash, check or credit card ready. If writing a check, make payable to: Markus Perry iii. Members of the Chapter Directory Committee will be assigned to assist Golden and senior sorors. b. Members who are unable to have their photo taken during the chapter meeting dates in April or May can make an appointment to go to the photographer’s home studio. Members who use this option will be responsible for contacting the photographer and arranging the appointment. The photographer’s contact information is: Markus Perry (704) 451-2557

2. You can begin contacting the photographer now to schedule appointments at his home studio. Attire for photos will be: green AKA blazers, pink or white blouse, a single string of pearls and pearl earrings. If you do not have a green AKA blazer, no worries, come to the April or May chapter meetings wearing your pink or white blouse, a single string of pearls and pearl earrings. We have a list of sorors who have volunteered the use of their blazers. There will be a list posted in the weekly updates, newsletters and MyALO going forward with the soror name, blazer size and contact information to assist those sorors who will need to schedule with the photographer outside of the April and May Chapter Meetings. If you do not have access to the internet, and need this list please see Soror Angela Jackson after the meeting or contact me at (704) 455-3027. If you have a green AKA blazer and would like to volunteer the use of your blazer, please see Soror Angela Jackson after the meeting or contact me by the information posted on the slide.

AD-HOC COMMITTEE: Soror Kendra March, Scholarship – Application has been placed on the website. Thanks to Technology Committee, application can be submitted online. Applicants will still have to submit a hardcopy of their transcript to PO Box. Deadline: April 11, 2014. If you do not live in

Mecklenburg County, you are now eligible to apply for scholarship. This was a change from previous years.

Soror Nannette Christian and Soror Tamara Tate, Special Projects, committee is still looking for contestants. We now have five. Orientation: April 10, 2014, Application fee is $50.

Soror Shannan Dean-Wilson, Graduate Advisor Council (GAC) – Two of our undergraduate chapters have applied and been approved for Spring MIP by the Regional Director. The two chapters are , Davidson College and Gamma Delta, Johnson C. Smith University. Both chapters are scheduled to begin MIP on Sunday, March 16, 2014 and conclude on Sunday, March 30, 2014. The Sigma Psi Chapter held its Rush on Sunday, February 16, 2014. The Gamma Delta Chapter held its Rush on Sunday, February 23, 2014. The support of the GAC member was appreciated during each chapters Rush. Each undergraduate chapter sponsored by Alpha Lambda Omega will have representation at the 61st Regional Conference in Raleigh, NC.

Soror Shannan Dean-Wilson gave report for Sigma Psi - The Patterson Court Awards were held on Tuesday, February 25. This annual event awards all of the various sororities, fraternities and eating houses on the Davidson College campus. Sigma Psi sorors received the following awards: 1) Outstanding Intra-Patterson Court Partnership for their Breast Cancer Awareness Program with the Upsilon Mu chapter of Sorority, Incorporated, 2) Most Improved Patterson Court Organization and 3) Soror Gladys McLean, Basileus of the chapter received the Outstanding Emerging Leader Award. The chapter will observe Founders' Day on Thursday, March 13, 2014 during their regular sorority meeting. On Saturday, March 15, Sigma Psi will partner with the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, to take part in The Kidney Foundation's Virtual Walk, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on campus. This event is in conjunction with The Kidney Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Funds raised will be donated to the American Kidney Fund. Sigma Psi has also completed their Chapter History Book and it has been submitted to the Regional Archives Committee. Sigma Psi sorors will be attending the Regional Conference in Raleigh, NC in April and they successfully submitted the following Regional Awards: • 2014 Outstanding Service Award: Implementing programming that upholds “Global Leadership through Timeless Service” • Undergraduate Achievement Award (Membership 15 or less) • Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter Program • Janet J. Ballard Award (Outstanding Undergraduate Soror Award)

Soror Shanna Dean-Wilson, Gamma Delta – The chapter observed Founders Day with Alpha Lambda Omega on Sunday, February 9, 2014 with worship service and the Founders Day Luncheon. The chapter expressed that they enjoyed both events and the fellowship with Alpha Lambda Omega sorors. On February 20, 2014 the chapter hosted a program “Act like a Lady,

Think like a Millionaire”, where they had a panel local women business owners to discuss entrepreneurship and advancement in the business world. The chapter held its Skee-Week entitled “Cirque Du AKA”, March 3-7, 2014. They begin the week with a carnival kick off to engage campus participation. The Gamma Delta Chapter will have 12 sorors attending the 61st Regional Conference in Raleigh, NC. The chapter will also participate in the Regional Conference Step Show. Soror Nicole Green, Kappa Kappa Chapter participated in the Greek Step Show at Davidson College on Saturday, February 8th. They won 2nd place and a cash prize of $500.00. Four members of the chapter participated in ALO's Founder's day celebration that took place on Sunday, February 9th. On February 20th, Kappa Kappa’s EYL committee facilitated a workshop entitled Fraternity and Sorority Life, giving a brief history of Greek organizations to the EYL participants. The ladies are getting ready for charter week that will be held on March 17- 23. We have 11 ladies that are registered and going to the regional conference, Kappa Kappa will also be stepping at the conference. Soror Phagan Parker is going to Ecuador on the 28th of February returning on the 9th of March, it is a service learning trip she will be teaching children English and facilitating different workshops on self-esteem and American culture.

Soror Kim Flanders and Soror Maru David, Health – the committee along with the Hospitality changed the chapter lunch menu to healthy options in recognition of Nutrition Month. Soror Joycelyn Biggs and Soror Hollie Ardoin worked closely on this project and also submitted educational information on MyALO regarding nutrition and Colorectal Awareness Month. To Observe Diabetes Alert Day, Sorors were encouraged to attend the A1C Champion program scheduled for March 19th at CMC-Biddlepoint. This session will provide information on how patients can have better blood sugar control. Soror Cherith Foster and Soror Lisa Elam-Rice, Global Poverty – At the March Chapter Meeting, 12 more cookbooks were sold for a total of 35 cookbooks sold out of 100, which brings us to $350. There were donations made of $215. That’s $565 towards our goal of $5000 for the Gift Ark. We have $4,435 to go! On Saturday, March 22, 2014, about 40 Sorors, including our Basileus and Anti-Basileus, gathered at Memorial Presbyterian Church and prepared 900 sandwiches, which we bagged with chips and condiments and delivered to The Urban Ministry Center. The event was open to Sorors and their guests. Some Gamma Delta Sorors joined us for the activity. There were 3 guests and 3 future AKAs and 1 future Alpha, who also assisted us. For April, the Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter has approved us the opportunity to plant a community garden at their facility. We will have our Master Gardeners assess the beds located on the property to advise us of the best plants for the project. We will send the April date to the chapter, so Sorors may volunteer. For the May Sorority meeting, to boost sales of the ‘AKAs Do Cook’ Cookbooks, committee members will prepare their recipe(s) for a tasting before the meeting. We are also asking chapter members, who have recipes in the cookbook to do so as well. On May 10th, upon recommendation of Soror Edith Hayes, we are going to encourage Sorors to participate in Stamp Out Hunger. Sorors should place canned goods by their mailbox on this day for the postal carriers to collect.

We are asking Sorors to take pictures of the canned goods placed by their mailbox and submit them. For June, to help raise funds for our goal of $5,000 for Heifer International, we will have our Restaurant Partnership with Captain Steve’s – Harrisburg on the first Tuesday in June – June 3rd – All-You-Can-Eat Crablegs Night - 5-9 pm. The restaurant has agreed to donate 10- 20% based on the participation of the organization.

Soror Crystal Gadson, Economic Security - AARP Tax-Aide Seminar - the seminar was a partnership between the ESC and AARP. The intent was to provide insights and knowledge to community members regarding NC tax law changes and tax preparation tips and know how. The seminar was held on Monday, February 24th at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 6:30 pm. The presenter was Mrs. Mary Crank AARP Site Coordinator at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The event was very informative and allowed attendees to get answers to their questions about specific tax situations. Attendees received complimentary booklets that provided helpful tips to assist in understanding the tax return filing process works and how to prepare their own taxes. Pink Pages: The ESC has collected nearly 30 Pink Pages submission which is almost double than what was collected in 2013. We’ve reached out to the Program Committee Chairman / Anti-Basileus with Rho Psi Omega and they are on board with collaborating with our chapter’s Pink Pages. We will continue to collect the Pink Pages through the end of April 2014 at both the March and April chapter meetings and thru email submission. Distribution of the Pink Pages is scheduled before summer 2014. Soror Denise Reid and Soror Rosalind Reid, Social Justice and Human Rights - Please join the committee in donating nutritious snacks to homeless school age children. Non-perishable snacks such as juice boxes, fruit cups, and cereal bars are requested. Snack bags will be assemble by in partnership with EYL. Volunteers are needed to assist in the preparation and serving lunch to residents of Safe Alliance. Opportunities to serve are on April 26th and/or May 24th from 11:00 – 1:00. Sign up either before or after the sorority meeting. 2014 Mid-Atlantic Regional Service Project to benefit Children Aging Out of Foster Care. Gift Cards valued at $10 - $50 requested. Gift Cards will be donated to agencies that assist youth aging out of foster care in their transition to independent living. Please see Denise Reid or Rosalind Reid before or after the meeting with your donations. Soror Metter Hodges, Internal Leadership Training for Extended Service (ILTFES) – During the weeks of February 10 through March 3, 2014, the ILTFES Committee included in ALO Weekly Announcements a reminder for sorors to register for workshops at the 61st Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC). The reminder also included a link to a document that mapped all MARC Workshop topics to soror audiences that would be most likely to benefit from the workshop content. Chapter sorors were informed that MARC Committees are still accepting new members. Sorors were encouraged to join committees and to attend the meetings of committees on Thursday afternoon of the conference. The last item highlighted by Soror Hodges was that the ILTFES Committee has committed to have a presence in each monthly Peal Vision Newsletter. Topics could vary from month to month, but all would relate to leadership development tips, suggested readings, local activities, examples of leaders, etc. The newsletter submissions will be called “The Leadership Corner”. The first submission appeared in the form of an introduction to “The Leadership Corner” in the March edition of the Pearl Vision Newsletter. OLD BUSINESS: Question from Soror Olga Billups - Did chapter every finalize the Retreat vote?

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Sorors who said they have contestants for Special Projects, please meet committee out front after chapter meeting.

From Boule Planning Committee: 298 sorors have paid their assessment. We are 86% paid. Waiting on 46 Sorors. Registration information has been announced. Registration Deadline is May 30th. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER ONLINE.

Graduate Sorors: $400 Golden Sorors: $380 Undergraduates Sorors: $150

The registration amount noted above is for sorors who have paid their Boule assessment. Complete form and send to Soror Anna Kate Davis just as we did with hotel form. We have an opportunity to receive full Assessment fee back if we get Ads. This is referring to all hostess chapters.

Question: Soror Karen Breech-Washington where is the Ad information form? Soror Dargins will have information emailed out.

Soror Dargins stated we have 13 hotels, but negotiating to get 2 additional hotels and hotels have agreed to provide transportation.

Seats are still available on the bus to MARC in Raleigh, NC. The cost is $60?

Maya Christian, daughter of Soror Nannette Christian, and niece of Soror Jaime Howey, has the lead role as Reno Starr in the musical, "Anything Goes" being put on by Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, NC. Maya will be singing, tap dancing and acting in her role. Performance dates are March 20 - 21, 2014 @ 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5.00.

SOROR OF THE MONTH: Soror Rosalia Durante was recognized as Soror of the Month by Soror Brenda Goodman.

Soror Dargins applaud the Awards Committee. One of our own, Soror Toria Boldware will receive the Marguerite Adams Award (Political Action) and will be recognized at MARC. Let us be in large numbers at the public meeting when Soror Boldware receives her award.

Hymn and PledgeThe meeting was adjourned at 1:12 PM. The next chapter meeting will be on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 11:00 AM at East Stonewall Family Life Center.

Grammateus ______Date Approved ______