MSK Newsletter - My Sister`s Keeper

PUBLISHED
I N
T H E
I N T E R E S T
O F
T H E
MARYLAND,
D C
A N D
VIRGINIA
C O M M U N I T I E S
February 2007
Volume 2, Issue 3
Keeper Kronicles
MSK members receive award for service to local community
T
he ladies of My Sister’s Keeper were recognized during the
Fort Myer Gospel Service Black
History Month Celebration and
Prayer Breakfast Feb. 10 in Fort
Myer, Va., for being “Keepers of
the Community.”
The “Keepers of the Community” award is given annually by
the members of the Gospel Service to organizations or people
who have went above and beyond
to help others in the community.
MSK was one of two organizations who received the award.
During the program, which
included inspirational music from
the Hands of Glory Choir from
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
and a dance ministry presentation
from the Fort Belvoir Praise
Dancers, MSK President and
Founder Marcia T. Hart-Wise
accepted a hand-sketched rendition of the chapel on Fort Myer.
“The ladies of MSK would
like to thank you, the community,
for the support you have given us.
We would also like to recognize
one of our sisters who
could not be here,” said
Hart-Wise. “Our sister
Sharon Lassiter is battling cancer; we ask that
all keep her in your
prayers.”
One of the reasons
MSK received the award
is for its work with
Bright Beginnings Child
Care Center in Washington, D.C.
“I remember about a
year ago when members
Members of MSK accept the award during a Prayer Breakfast Feb. 10
of MSK came to our
at Fort Myer, Va., for being Keepers of the Community.
service,” said Edgar
Brookins, program orthe people at Bright Beginnings, we
ganizer and manager of the Washingidentified other ways we could help.
ton edition of the AFRO Newspaper.
So, we went back and helped with
We told them we were helping Bright
spring cleaning, sponsored one of the
Beginnings with coats for community
center’s Literacy Nights, provided new
members that used the facility. MSK
books and teaching aids for the stunot only helped us get new coats for
dents and teachers and sponsored famithose who needed them, MSK also
lies for the
went back and cleaned the center
Christmas holiday. It is our responfrom top to bottom.
sibility to help those in the community
“Edgar told us what need to be
that need our help, and that is what we
done, and we did it,” said Hart-Wise.
are doing now and will always be our
“When we started to interact with
top priority.”
Donations needed for MSK 2nd Annual Silent Auction
Inside this issue:
Member Spotlight
2
MSK Officers
2
MSK Pinning Ceremony
3
Platinum Elegance 2007
3
Sway 2008 Vote
4
News Notes
4
Relay For Life
5
My Sisters Keeper will
host its Annual Scholarship
Luncheon and Silent Auction 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June
9 at Club Meade, Fort
Meade, and are currently
looking for donations for
the Silent Auction portion
of the program.
This years theme is
Education … Leadership
… Empowerment.
Organizations and
businesses can donate
items for the Silent auction or advertise in the
Scholarship program.
Costs to place color ads
are $20 for a 1/4-page ad,
$50 for a 1/2-page ad and
$100 for a full page ad.
To donate or for more
information, contact Kelly
Marcellus at 301-3566836 or visit the MSK
Web site, www.mysisterskeeper.org.
Page 2
K e e p e r
K r o n i c l e s
Fundraiser director keeps MSK right on target
Akeenya Saunders is a
Washington, D.C., native and
has lived in the D.C. area all
of her life.
She attended the University of Maryland in College
Park and received her Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering in the of 2004.
After college, Akeenya
obtain employment as a systems engineer and currently
works as a Department of
Defense contractor.
Akeenya currently resides
in Odenton, Md, and she enjoys reading novels and
Member Spotlight
spending time with friends
and family.
Akeenya’s outgoing personality and motivating spirit
keeps MSK moving in the
right direction.
Her hard-working attitude
and ingenious fundraising
ideas enable MSK to raise
funds that are used to help
those who need it in the community.
Akeenya email is akeenya@mysisters-keeper.org
Akeenya Saunders
My Sister’s Keeper Officers
My Sister’s Keeper is
always looking for a few
good members. If you
want to do your part to
help the community,
please visit our Web
site at www.mysisters-
President and Founder:
Public Relations Officer:
Fundraiser Director:
Marcia T. Hart-Wise
Marie S. Rodgers
Akeenya Saunders
VP and Founding Member:
Membership Director and
Founding Member:
Scholarship Committee
Director and Founding
Member:
Lisa Slappy
Secretary and
Founding Member:
Crystal Jones
keeper.org and fill out
a membership
application.
Sharon W. Lassiter
LaTosha Greene
Events Coordinator and
Founding Member:
Eishaw Meade
Web Master and Founding
Member:
Cynthia Gaskins
Treasurer and
Founding Member:
Historian:
Veronica Chaney
JoAnn Joseph
Keepers’ Helpers President:
Jennifer Gutierrez
My Sister’s Keeper welcome its newest members to sisterhood
The ladies of MSK are
dedicated to the community as well as the sisterhood and would like to
formally welcome MSK’s
newest members Kelly
Barkley, Dominique A.
Thomas, Lisa Hennessey,
Glenda Brown and Cynthia
Brown to the MSK ranks.
Kelly Marcellus
Lisa Hennessey
Glenda Brown
Cynthia Brown
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Page 3
Pinning ceremony strengthens MSK bonds
T
he Ladies of My
Sister's Keeper
held their first Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony Jan. 20 on Fort Meade,
Md.
During this event, MSK
members received MSK pins,
lit white candles to symbol solidarity and recited the oath as a
testament to their commitment
to the community.
“This ceremony is important
because we not only renewed
our commitment to the community but to each other – the sisters of MSK,” said Lisa Slappy,
MSK VP. This organization is
truly a sisterhood, and our focus, assisting those in the community, remains and is stronger
than ever.”
My Sister's Keeper was
founded in 2005 by a group of
women who believed it was
their responsibility and destiny
to make a difference in their
Photos by Steven Yancey
Lisa Slappy, MSK VP, pins a MSK
pin on to the blouse of LaTosha
Greene during the MSK Pinning
and Candle Lighting Ceremony
Jan. 20 on Fort Meade.
local communities.
MSK members will host
another Pinning and Candle
Lighting Ceremony in July.
2007 Platinum Elegance Extravaganza set for Aug. 4
The date is set and tickets are
now on sale for the classiest cocktail
party of the year sponsored by the
ladies of My Sister’s Keeper.
Music will be provided by
Alan Atkinson of Platinum
Sounds DJs, and Steven Yancey
of Artistic Photos will be on hand
to photograph guests.
My Sister’s Keeper will host
Platinum Elegance 2007 7 p.m. Aug.
4 at Snow Hill Manor, 13301 LaurelBowie Road, Laurel, Md.
“Last year was our coming out
event, and we had a great time,” said
Akeenya Saunders, Fundraising
Committee chair. “This year, we are
hosting an upscale event that is sure
to impress all.”
Tickets are $30 each and include
open bar and hors d’ oeuvres. The
Proceeds from the Purple Elegance goes to fund the many
MSK community projects.
bar will feature MSK signature cocktail the Purple Passiontini.
Dress for this event is white or
silver cocktail attire, and there will be
a prize awarded to the classiest couple.
So, dress to impress!
“MSK thanks all who came
out last year to make our Purple
Platinum Explosion a success, and
we hope you to see for this year’s
platinum extravaganza, “ said
Saunders.
Contact any MSK member to
purchase tickets.
Page 4
K e e p e r
K r o n i c l e s
Greek, masonic, social organizations can sway 2008 vote!
Simply put, we are punks and full
of hot air! We can't publicly take a
stand for any candidate, but we do
have the votes of over a million people and everyone they are connected
to. I do not believe that our role as
organizations should be swaying people to vote partisan.
We do have influence. How can
we use it? Talk to your sorors/frats,
the brothers and sisters in your lodge,
form political opinions, and get your
opinion(s) out to the people through
your community service and programs. Simply put, A person who
feels empowered will vote.
Unfortunately this is not the attitude that many of our people have,
for they feel their votes are powerless.
The one thing we shouldn't do is
to listen to our preachers about which
candidates paid them to come in the
church to sway your vote.
Most clergy are honest people.
But the circus has come to town and
a lot of our preachers have their
clown shoes on. Sadly, the modern
day Sambo has resurrected and that
hot mess is in the pulpit.
We need to reach areas and people we do not normally reach out to,
and no it ain't gonna be the sit at the
community center, take a few
able ... Did they not get the
pics and "smile" crap Greeks
memo that you can't do
have been doing over the
what the white boys do?
years ... we need to be of
Everybody black is not
REAL SERVICE to our comour brother, and we must act
munities.
accordingly.
I see these "projects"
I ask for your support as
Greeks are doing today and
we began to step it up a
laugh! The only service going
notch as we the leaders at
on is SELF-service. When we
“Rock The Vote” let both
truly make an impact, we will
parties know that we can't
see our communities admire
be taken for granted!
us and value our political
Toschia Moffett
Our future, our children's
opinions.
futures and the state of
Do not be fooled! Any organized
Black America rests with us.
group, be it a Greek, non-Greek organiThe best way to honor Dr. King is
zation or a family, can have influence on
to stop whining, complaining and not
the populace.
look at him in such an iconic status
My answer is to get our organizabecause then we can't achieve
tions involved in healing the psyche of
and emulate our great black leaders
our communities, and let them recognize
who have gone on before us.
the power they have in their vote.
We are a disturbed and discomWe must not let whoremongers and
bobulated people, yes there is hope but
people without combs speak for us!
we must believe that we can make a
They don't, we are a multifaceted people
difference and just do it!
that have our own opinions.
When have we become so selfrighteous that we giving a standing ovation to a Congressman who hid cold cash
(no pun intended) in his freezer? That
ain't cute!
We must hold our leaders account-
by Toschia Moffett
Author of “Coloured Folks Don’t
Vote; They Just Bling Bling and Have
Babies!” An Academic Look at the
State of Black America
Local News and Events
MD Stealth Riders MC/SC/CC
to host coming out party cruise
MD Stealth Riders Web site at
www.md-stealthriders.com.
The MD Stealth Riders invite you to
join them for their coming out party Caribbean cruise Oct. 11-15.
The cruise will take place on the Carnival Cruise ship Celebration and will depart
from Jacksonville, Fla.
Guests will enjoy fun in the sun as they
travel from Jacksonville and stop in Freeport and Nassau Bahamas.
For booking information, contact
Daddy Mac at 240-505-7050 or visit the
Fort Myer hosts BHM event
The Fort Meyer Gospel Service will
hosts a Black History Month program 2
p.m. Feb. 24 at the Memorial Chapel on
Fort Myer.
The guest speaker for the event is
Kellie Williams who played Laura on
the 80s television show Family Matters.
Selections will be performed by the
Galilee Mass Choir, Seniors of Omega
and Jubilee Gospel Concert Choir.
For more information, contact
Edgar Brookins at 202-332-0080.
Send us your information
Want to get your information out
to the community? Send an email to
info@mysisters-keeper.org.
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Page 5
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S.I.S.T.A. making a difference in North Carolina
Successful Individuals Striving
Towards Achievement was
founded in November of 2005.
The group started out with just six
members and in under a year have
doubled.
S.I.S.T.A. Inc. is dedicated to
instilling self-love and self-worth
in middle school age girls through
discussions, activities, trips, community service and forums.
The group’s motto is “I am
worth more than that.”
S.I.S.T.A. is very active in the
local community. One way they
provide community service is by
being pen pals to young ladies who
are incarcerated.
Once the
girls graduate
from the 8th
grade they have
a graduation
ceremony
where those
girls become
Big S.I.S.T.A.
in training.
Once the girls
show dedication, helping hand and loyalty to
the organization and turn 16
years of age they will be Big
S.I.S.T.A.
For more information, visit
www.sista-inc.com.
MSK to participate in Relay For Life to support sister
I
n the Winter of 2006, one of the
members of My Sister’s Keeper
was diagnosed with cancer.
viduals to fight back and not be victims of cancer.
During the event, each team tries
to keep at least one team member on
the track at all times.
In a matter of days, this strong, intelligent woman found herself in the hospital undergoing brain surgery to remove
the mass that was bigger than a golf ball.
This outstanding event is a time to
celebrate those who survived cancer,
but it also a time to remember those
who have been lost to cancer.
It was hard to believe this vibrant
member of the community who has
made one of her missions in life to help
others now needed the prayers and support of those she once helped.
While this life challenge is hard for
the ladies of MSK to understand, it was
easy to comprehend what the next mission of MSK is — support the American
Cancer Society.
The ladies of My Sister’s Keeper will
participate in the American Cancer Society 2007 Relay For Life June 2 in North
Arundel County at the North County
High School.
The ladies are participating in the
walk for one of their own sisters Sharon
Lassiter, MSK membership director.
Members of the MSK relay team
ask that you support us as we celebrate Sharon’s life and the lives of all
cancer survivors by sponsoring us in
the Relay For Life.
Relay For Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that is designed to bring
together those who have been touched
by cancer in our community.
To make a donation or to join the
group, visit the MSK Relay For Life
team Web site at
www.acsevents.org/northannearu
ndelcountyrelay/msk.
At the event, the participants celebrate cancer survivors and raise
money to assist ACS in its mission to
save lives, help those who have been
touched by cancer and empower indi-
MSK members hope to raise
$1000 to support cancer research, and
we know this goal is obtainable with
support from our friends, family and
the community.
Page 4
K e e p e r
K r o n i c l e s
Contact
One Last Look ...
My Sister’s Keeper
P.O. Box 1566
Waldorf, MD 20603
Phone: 240.346.8532
Fax: 240.222.3056
Web Site:
www.mysisters-keeper.org
E-mail:
info@mysisters-keeper.org
Buckle your seatbelts, MSK work has just begun
L
Marcia T. Hart-Wise
MSK Founder and President
ast year was a
great year for My
Sister’s Keeper.
Our first year was
filled with tears and triumphs as we made our way
through all the ups and
downs that a growing organization must endure to
become a vital part of the
community .
Because of this, we
have grown and matured
and are ready, willing and
able to assist those who
need it most in our community.
The sisterhood of MSK
is comprised of strong
women who understand the
effect that one person or
one group of people can
have on their surroundings.
We acknowledge our
responsibility for our
neighbor and accept that
responsibility fully.
The events MSK hosts
are all geared to enriching
the community in some
fashion. We are serious
about our events because
we are serious about doing
what is good and right.
MSK has done a lot of
work in the community,
but we still have a lot more
to do and you are wel-
comed to join us in making
a difference.
We are excited about
upcoming events that include Spring cleaning at
Bright Beginnings in
March and a baked goods
sale May 19 at the WalMart in Laurel .
MSK continues to be a
champion for the community and looks forward to
2007 and all the opportunities that it encompasses.
MSK is in the driver’s
seat and looking to do good
things in the community.
Fasten your seatbelt and
join us for the ride.