Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter
Volume 16 | Issue 5
In This
Issue:
MARC Information
Mental Health Awareness
1
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter 60th Anniversary
SPIRIT & INSPIRATION
Chairman: Soror Tujuanna Williams
Co-Chairmen: Sorors Regina Hawkins and Beverly Anderson

3
FEED MY STARVING
CHILDREN PROGRAM

4
MARC INFORMATION

7
BOULE INFORMATION

9
CALENDAR

10
PROGRAMS

13
MENTAL HEALTH
AWARENESS

15
OFFICER REPORTS

17
COMMITTEE
REPORTS

22
PHOTO GALLERY

36
IVY FOUNDATION
EVENT INFO
The Only Greatness--Unselfish Love
Have you done much daydreaming lately?
Not about plans for your vacation,
But of the years that are behind you?
Do you think they met God’s expectation?
Stop for a moment, look back on your life,
Moments you cherished far and above;
Some that fell flat, others that stood out
When you did things in a spirit of Love.
Memories scan all the measures of life,
And leap forward to your supreme blessing
of unnoticed kindnesses to others.
To you, a small thing—to them, everything.
You have been kind, did Love’s beautiful work;
And cared enough to never speak of it.
Go back to your thoughts, into daydream’s shade;
You did it God’s way—rejoice—He does love it.
Toni Carter Pearson, Author
"Joyfully Enter the Temple: Praise and Meditation Starters "
May 2016
Volume 16 | Issue 5
2
Greetings From The Basileus
Soror Rhonda Luss
Happy Mother’s Day
&
Happy 60th AKAversary!
Sorors there are not enough words in the English language to say how much I love and appreciate
each of you. Your dedication to Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Chi Omega is just overwhelming. In
addition to all the other things going on in your lives, you continue to make time for our beloved
sorority. Sorors, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you do and for the sacrifices you
make to brand Zeta Chi Omega Chapter as the welcoming, loving, giving, and great chapter it is.
May each of you have a blessed Mother’s Day and a Happy 60 th Chapter AKAversary!
CHAPTER
Cotillion: The 2016 Cotillion was a beautiful and elegant affair. The Ivy Foundation of Northern
Virginia (IFNV), our charitable affiliate, presented 14 lovely young ladies to society on Saturday,
April 16, 2016 at the Hilton Mark Center Hotel. Miss Lauryn Gant, the daughter of Soror Toni
Gant was crowned Miss Cotillion. Tea roses to the IFNV, the Directresses, Hostesses, Subcommittees, and all the sorors who gave of their time and energy to made this year’s Cotillion
such an amazing event.
Promotion: Congratulations to Soror Toni Gant, who was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the
United States Army.
Feed My Starving Children: The NorthStar Church Network, in partnership with Feed My
Starving Children (FMSC) invited our Chapter to participate in the Battle To Fight Hunger, 2016
Food Fight to pack life-giving meals to be sent to children around the world. Feed My Starving
Children is a three-day packing event on May 13, 14 & 15, 2016, at the Dulles Expo Center in
Chantilly, Virginia. The goal of this community service event is to pack and provide 5 million
meals to feed nearly 14,000 hungry children around the world for a year. Zeta Chi Omega has
been asked to volunteer for a packing session on Sunday, May 15, 2016, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Children as young as age five and up through adults can volunteer to hand-pack meals specifically
formulated for malnourished children. Then the meals are shipped to food distribution partners
around the world. The event promises to be energetic, fun, and informative. All volunteers sign
up for a 2 1/2 hour session, and in groups of 20 people, they will fill and seal bags at
workstations. The meals are provided free to clinics, schools, orphanages, and refugee programs
around the world. To volunteer please email Soror Rhonda Luss, at mrsluss@gmail.com.
3
REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Conference Attendance: The 63rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference was held at the Virginia
Beach Conference Center, Virginia Beach, VA, April 20-24, 2016. The Chapter was well
represented with 137 sorors registered.
Registration and Delegate Strength: A total of 2806 sorors and guests registered for the
conference, and 2645 were present. The delegate strength was 593, and the actual delegate
strength was 507.
Ivy Beyond The Wall Ceremony: The conference began with the formal opening, immediately
followed by the Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony, where we stood in loving memory of Soror
Sandra Parker Mitchell, Soror Sallie Craft, and Soror Florence Elaine Trivers.
Proposed Bylaw Amendments: The proposed amendment #1 to the constitution and #2 to the
bylaw stating: As a not-for profit organization, all elected and appointed officers of Alpha Kappa
Sorority, Incorporated® shall serve as volunteers without compensation…MOTION FAILED.
The proposed bylaw amendment #3 stating: In addition to the budgeted expense account, the
Supreme Basileus may be provided an annual stipend. Proposals for the amount of the stipend
and rationale shall be presented in the budget report and voted on by the delegates at the
Boule.....MOTION WAS ADOPTED.
Nominating Committee Report: Congratulations to our very own, Soror Joyce Henderson, on
being re-elected to the position of Mid-Atlantic Regional Director! Soror Kayla Sharpe, Nu Chi
Chapter at the College of William & Mary, was elected to the International Nominating
Committee.
Finance Committee Report: The Supreme Tamiouchos, Soror Danette Reed, presented the
Finance Committee Report. The International Finance Committee is recommending a $35
increase in per capita, making the Graduate Per Capita $125. The last dues increase was 12
years ago. Also, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit resulted in a 3.3 million dollar tax
liability, depleting our cash reserves.
Special Guest: Thomas Blackshear was a special
guest and classmate of the Regional Director. Mr.
Blackshear is considered to be one of the world's
most talented artists because of his versatility,
consummate skill, and extraordinary sense of color,
style, and design. He is best known for his
emotionally powerful Christian and ebony themes.
continued on the next page >>
4
Congratulations: Congratulations to the following sorors on their successful and informative
presentations at the Regional Conference: Soror LaFrances Williams, International Nominating
Committee; Soror Crystal Lander, International Program Committee; Soror Barbara Bellamy
Warren, International Constitution and Bylaws Committee; and Soror Ade’Leake Gore,
International Sisterly Relations Committee.
Community Service Project: A total of 1526 backpacks and 22,120 healthy snacks were collected
and donated to local Tidewater area schools and charities.
Certification and Training: The Graduate Advisors’ Institute Level I certified 35 sorors, and the
Graduate Advisors’ Institute Level II certified 86 sorors. At the Financial Officer Certification
Workshop, 91 sorors were certified. The Parliamentarian Certification Workshop trained 46
sorors. The test results of the Parliamentarian Certification exam will be sent to those sorors who
took the exam. The Basilei Training Institute trained 63 sorors. The CPR Class trained 7 sorors.
The First Time, New and Reactivated Sorors workshop was attended by 73 sorors. A total of 45
sorors attended the Reinstatement Workshop.
Awards: Zeta Chi Omega Chapter did it again by winning several awards and receiving certificates
of appreciation and participation. Also, congratulations to the individual award winners: Soror
Kendra Gillespie and Soror Martha Coleman. Tea roses and pearls to all the Sorors who
submitted award packets!
Chapter Awards Won:

Wanza Banall Webb Award, Outstanding Service to Children with Special
Needs or to Seniors

Alma B. Diggs Award, Largest Attendance – Graduate Chapter

Hats Off To EAF Chapter Challenge Certificate of Participation

Launching New Dimensions of Service, 2015 Achievement Award,
Overall LNDS Programming

AKA EAF 2016 Platinum Level Chapter

Mid-Atlantic Region HBCU Campaign, Certificate of Recognition

International Standards Committee, Standing Tall Among Regions,
S.T.A.R. Award
Individual Awards Won:

Soror Kendra Gillespie: Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the
Year)

Soror Martha Coleman: Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring
Soror)

Soror Rhonda Luss: 2016 Platinum Pearl Club Certificate of Appreciation
5
May 2016
Volume 16 | Issue 5
Jewel Status: Congratulations to our sorors who reached Gold (50-years) and Silver Star (25-years) status!
GOLDEN SOROR
Patricia L. Mobley Wallace
Alpha Phi
North Carolina A&T State University
SILVER STARS
Andrea D. Streat
Antoinette R. Gant
Carol Turner
Christine A. Stevenson
Donna Marie Cole
Grace Maria McBride
Harriette Hemby
Karen Ford-Jackson
Kelly Locker Alexander
Lillian Maria Watkins
Melissa Anne Finney
Michele Yvette Crawley
Michelle M. Jones
Mildred Lavonne Shingler
Nikki D. Bellamy
Stephanie Harrison Hubbard
Theresa H. Tindall
Tiffany Montgomery
Mu Delta
The George Washington University
Zeta Gamma
Prairie View A&M University
Zeta Chi Omega
Mu Delta
The George Washington University
Zeta Chi Omega
Zeta Chi Omega
Zeta Chi Omega
Zeta Chi Omega
Mu Delta
The George Washington University
Zeta Chi Omega
Eta Omicron
West Virginia University
Zeta Chi Omega
Lambda Tau
University of Connecticut
Delta Alpha
Fayetteville State University
Zeta Chi Omega
Alpha Chi
North Carolina Central University
Rho Nu Omega
Beta Epsilon
University of Louisville
Stroll Team: Congratulations to the ZXΩ Stroll Team on their outstanding exhibition stroll
performance. Tea roses to Soror Marquita Davis on her leadership and creativity.
Chapter Social Hour: Fun was had by all at the Chapter Social Hour at Fusions in the Sheraton
Hotel. Thirty-six sorors attended the festive event led by the Membership and Sisterly Relations
Committee. Tea roses and pearl to Soror Tonya Perkinson and Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly.
6
64th MARC: The 64th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC) will be held in Raleigh, NC at
the Raleigh Convention Center, April 26-30, 2017.
Sorority Anniversary: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® will celebrate its 110th Anniversary,
January 11-14, 2018 in Washington, DC.
INTERNATIONAL
Directorate Meeting: The Winter 2016 Directorate Meeting Summary is posted on the Members
Only section of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority website (www.aka1908.com). The report can be
accessed by clicking on the Resources link from the top navigation bar and then Documents &
Forms in the sub-menu. From the Documents & Forms page, type "Directorate Meeting" into the
Search box to view a list of Summary Reports.
BOULE
Registration: Boule late registration runs April 16–May 15, 2016. Graduate late registration is
$450 and Golden Soror late registration is $425.
Diamond, Gold, & Silver Honorees: Diamond (initiated 1940 & 1941), Golden (initiated 1965 &
1966), and Silver (initiated 1990 & 1991) sorors will be honored at Boule during the Diamond,
Golden, & Silver Luncheon. If you have NOT registered for Boule or have NOT submitted your
Diamond, Golden, Silver Soror honoree form, please register immediately and send your form to
Soror Eva Smith at esmith@aka1908.com. If you have registered and have not submitted your
form, please send to Soror Smith.
Closing Banquet Attire: The attire for the Closing Banquet is “fly” white formal or semi-formal
white attire including formal, cocktail, or flowering white dresses, dressy pantssuits or
jumpsuits.
Undergraduate Luncheon: The Undergraduate Luncheon will recognize some extraordinary
young sorors. In addition to recognizing our undergraduates, R&B Recording Artist and Actress,
Janelle Monáe will be the special guest speaker at the Undergraduate Luncheon.
Meet the Candidates: The complete list of certified undergraduate and graduate candidates as
well as those that have been elected at the Central, South Eastern, Mid-Western and South
Atlantic Regional Conferences is also included in Meet the Candidates. Meet the Candidate has
been posted to the Chapter’s Members Only Section.
Housing: Thirteen new hotels, along with the Georgia State University Housing options, have
been identified as housing options for the Boule.
Concert: The Boule concert that was scheduled for Tuesday evening, July 12, 2016, was
canceled. As a result, we will have our Chapter Gathering on Tuesday. The location is to be
determined.
7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MAY 2016
SUN
1
MON
2
TUES
3
WED
THURS
4
5
FRI
6
CHAPTER
MEETING
Executive
Committee
Meeting
8
9
HAPPY
MOTHERS
DAY
10
Membership
Committee
Meeting
Project
Stepout
11
12
SAT
7
Susan G.
Komen Race
for the Cure
13
Protocol
14
ZXΩ 60th
Anniversary
Celebration
Committee
Meeting
Pearl Drop
submission
due
15
Ivyette
submissions
due
Feed My
Starving
Children,
Dulles Expo
Center
22
16
17
Finance
Committee
Meeting
Standards
Committe
Meeting
23
24
Project
Stepout
Meal Service
IFNV
Meeting*
29
Memorial
Day
Weekend
30
18
19
20
Bylaws
Committee
Meeting
25
AKA 1908
Playground
Community
Impact Day
26
HAPPY 60th
ANNIVERSARY
ZETA CHI
OMEGA
CHAPTER!
21
27
28
Memorial Day
Weekend
31
Memorial
Day
Weekend
*IFNV event - for informational purposes only
9
MESSAGE FROM THE ANTI-BASILEUS
Soror Tamara Rowe
Sorors, we are back from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference renewed for "Service to
Mankind “ in our local communities.
During May, we will participate in the Komen Race for the Cure®, Saturday, May 7th. Thank you
Sorors Joyce Brooks and Starr Garrett for taking the lead in this endeavor. Our
Chapter has greatly been affected by breast cancer. While we have lost Chapter members and
chapter members have lost family and friends to this disease, we have a number of survivors in
our midst, which we celebrate!!!
We are collaborating with Fashion Centre at Pentagon City in Arlington, VA for their Mother's
Day Photo Booth weekend on May 7th-8th. The photo booth is free to shoppers on Saturday,
May 7th, 11:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 8th from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Pentagon City
Mall will make a donation to our chapter in the amount of $1,000, if we provide volunteers each
day. Volunteers are still needed. Please contact Soror Jacqueline Guillory to volunteer.
Our bi-monthly meal service at the Carpenter's Shelter will be held on Sunday, May 22 nd.
Project StepOut is scheduled for May 10th and May 24th. Please refer to the Target III Report
for additional details for these events.
Tea Roses and Pearls to Soror Sarah Bowers for coordinating the backpack collection for the
Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Service Project. Thank you to all sorors who donated supplies
for this worthy endeavor.
Tea Roses and Pearls to Sorors Angela Turner and Marquita Davis for coordinating the collection
of funds for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference "Think HBCU Campaign" at the April Chapter
Meeting. Please refer to the Target I Report for additional details.
Tea Roses and Pearls to Sorors DeChane Dorsey and Andrea Sparks-Brown for an outstanding
Model UN Simulations Program. Please refer to the Target V Report for additional details.
Kudos to all sorors who participated in the April Service Projects! Your Program Chairmen are
diligently working behind the scenes to plan and execute our multitude of service projects. The
experience of "serving mankind" is rewarding to you and the community we serve.
May 2016
Volume 16 | Issue 5
10
International Programs
Target I: Educational Enrichment
Soror Andrea Mial, Chairman
Soror Andrea Sparks-Brown, Co-Chairman (ASCEND Program Chairman)
Soror Sarah Bowers, Co-Chairman (One Million Backpacks Lead)
Soror Angela Turner, Co-Chairman (Think HBCU Lead)
Contact us at: education@aka-zco.org
One Million Backpacks℠
Thank you to sorors who donated backpacks, food and school supplies for
the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Service Project. The MARC donated
the received supplies to a Homeless Shelter and Elementary Schools in the
Virginia Beach community.
Think HBCU℠
Thank you, Zeta Chi Omega sorors. Your generosity enabled us to make a
donation in the amount of $1400 to the Mid-Atlantic Regional
Conference "Think HBCU" campaign.
Thank you Soror Angela Turner and other sorors for assisting in the
"Think HBCU" distribution of pins and tee shirts during the MARC.
ASCEND℠
The ASCEND scholars will assist the Environmental Ownership Committee
with the 1908 playground project on Saturday, May 21, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
at Doctor’s Run Park,1301 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22204.
ZXΩ Trivia
Before being chartered as ZXΩ, the interest group sponsored
a local program which evolved into the annual Debutante Cotillion.
What was the program initially called?
A: Reine des Mois (Queen of the Months)
B: Evolution of the Ivy
C. Cultivating Our Young Pearls
Answer can be
found on page 18.
Target II: Health Promotion
Soror Carol Gibson, Chairman
Soror Jacqueline Guillory, Co-Chairman
Contact us at: health@aka-zco.org
DATE: Monday, May 7, 2016 - Mother's Day Weekend
Ceremony: 7:30 a.m. | Race start: 8:00 a.m.
http://komendcrace.info-komen.org/goto/Zeta_Chi_Omega
Registering to participate is the first step in making an impact in the fight against breast
cancer. But, it is the funds raised that will provide life-saving services in the Washington,
DC Metropolitan Area. If you are unable to walk or run with us at the Mall on Race Day,
please consider registering to Sleep In for the Cure® or, simply show your support by
making a tax-deductible donation on the team page.
Since its inception in 1990, funds raised from the Komen Washington, D.C. Race for the
Cure have provided more than $35 million for more than 300 community grants to local
programs in the National Capital Region, aimed at low-income, minority and uninsured
women in areas where breast cancer rates are the highest. The lives of those we love
depend on the money we raise together. Reaching our goal depends on every walker,
runner, and sleeper to participate.
Team Zeta Chi Omega will meet at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, May 7th at the designated Meet &
Greet Area near the Start Line on the National Mall marked with extremely tall flags
under the letter Z (group photo).
Target III: Family Strengthening
Soror Sherry Billingsley, Chairman
Soror Barbara Bouldin, Co-Chairman
Soror Sonya Stephens, Co-Chairman
Contact us at: family@aka-zco.org
Project StepOut, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter's signature program, is scheduled for
Tuesdays, May 10th and May 24th, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm at the Charles Houston Center,
901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
12
May is Mental Health Month
Sorors, this month the Health Committee is using this space to provide you with some
information about Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition that causes
extremes in a person’s mood and behavior. It is not a weakness of character, family or
faith, or something the sufferer can resolve on their own. Though it affects people of
every race, many African Americans with the problem do not receive help. When bipolar
disorder goes unchecked, it can disrupt the lives of those who have it and of the people
close to them. But, with help, people with bipolar disorder can get better and thrive.
People with bipolar disorder go from periods of feeling very “high,” called mania or
manic, to periods of feeling very low or depressed. In between, there are times of level
moods and normal behavior. Symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Mania: When at the high end or manic, you may experience the following signs for
at least a week: feeling unusually high or joyful; a big ego; feeling very selfimportant; fast speech and racing thoughts that are hard for others to follow;
irritability; increased energy and restlessness; more risk taking and reckless
behavior (example: spending too much money, inappropriate sexual behavior,
making foolish business investments); needing little sleep yet having great energy;
easily distracted/trouble concentrating; feeling paranoid or having delusions.

Depression: When depressed, a person usually shows these signs for two weeks:
nervousness, anxiety and worry; feelings of sadness and hopelessness that won’t go
away; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much; loss of appetite or eating too much;
loss of energy with little interest in daily activities; pulling away from social
activities/occasions; trouble concentrating; thoughts about suicide.
Bipolar Disorder affects people of all races and backgrounds. It usually starts between
the ages of 15 and 19 but can begin as late as middle age.
No one knows for sure what causes bipolar disorder. Causes may include brain
chemistry, family history, use of alcohol and drugs, and stressful or disturbing events.
The disease can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. Along with treatment,
religion and spiritual strength play a significant part toward recovery. Practicing faith
and worshipping motivates and help foster strength and hope.
Submitted by Soror Gloria Bell
Source: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/what-bipolar-disorder-guidehope-and-recovery-african-americans
13
Target IV: Environmental Ownership
Soror Yolanda B. Gibson, Chairman
Soror Aja Charity , Co-Chiarman
Soror Joy Page. Co-Chiarman
Contact us at: gogreen@aka-zco.org
Greetings sorors! We are hosting our annual AKA 1908 Playground Community Impact Day on
Saturday, May 21st, in partnership with ASCEND. We will celebrate one year of refreshing,
restoring, and renewing the playground from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Doctors Run Park is located at 1301 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA, 22204. During this time
we will pick up litter, remove sticks from the sandpit, remove weeds, and distribute literature to
children and families regarding the importance of protecting the environment. Sorors, if you are
planning on participating in this event, please bring gardening gloves and dress accordingly!
In case of inclement weather on Saturday, May 21st, we will conduct this community service
project on Saturday, May 28th.
If you are willing to assist in this service initiative, please email gogreen@aka-zco.org.
FIVE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY & ENERGY:
1. Change Your Thermostat
The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat
at 74 degrees during the summer and 68 during the winter. This
will reduce your energy costs and decrease the demand on the
energy grid. Also, purchase a programmable thermostat to set
your temperature while you are away.
http://energy.gov/energysaver/thermostats
2. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can pull hot air up in the summer if set counter
clockwise and blow hot air down during the winter if set
clockwise.
http://www.residential-landscape-lightingdesign.com/energy_benefits_ceiling_fans.htm
3. Buy Energy Star Appliances
The Energy Star label indicates appliances that have been certified
as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
http://www.energystar.gov/
4. Unplug Home Electronics
Unplug or use surge suppressors when not in use. This may possibly
save up to 400 watts of energy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/21/save-energy-byunplugging_n_136625.html
5. Change to Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
LED lightbulbs have proven to be more energy efficient and less costly than
incandescent lightbulbs. See the chart comparison using the following link.
http://www.electricity-usage.com/LED-Light-Bulb-Savings-Comparison.asp
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/512346/how-to-choose-an-led-light-bulb/
Target V: Global Impact
Soror DeChane Dorsey, Chairman
Soror Shandra Herrod, Co-Chairman
Soror Shenka Thurman, Co-Chairman
Contact us at: global@aka-zco.org
Soror DeChane planned and executed the Model UN Simulations held Saturday, April 9th,
at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria. Ten of our ASCEND scholars
were in attendance for discussing Combating Poverty and Racism in China, India and the
United States of America. The scholars were separated into two groups. Multiple
scholars presented their respective group’s point of view. The scholars stated that this
event exceeded their expectations.
OFFICER REPORTS
Hodegos Report
Soror Gayle Jordan
Contact us at: hostess@aka-zco.org
CONGRATULATIONS
• Soror Antoinette “Toni” Gant was promoted to the rank of Colonel and was selected for
brigade command.
• Soror Breanna Gray was selected for admission at the University of Pennsylvania’s PhD
program. She will be leaving in August to attend the University of Pennsylvania full time.
Shiitte
Michelle
Kimberly
Musetta "Tia"
Kellie
Mathelle
Bridget Bailey
Sheri
Doretta
Barbara
Bellamy
Danyale
Wilson
Evans
Fitts
Conner
Johnson
Buck
Lee
Lipscomb
Evans
Davis
May 1
May 2
May 3
May 5
May 7
May 7
May 7
May 9
May 12
Warren
May 13
Dow
May 15
Erika
Duchess
Thomasine
Lula
Iburia V.
Eloise
Veronica
Patricia
Barbara
Sherri D.
Kathleen R.
June
Tanya Brown
Bouknight
Gray
Coates
Lang-Jeter*
Hall-Haynes
Hudgins
Jackson
Fletcher
Evans*
Jordan
Collier
Monterio
Parham
May 17
May 19
May 19
May 19
May 21
May 21
May 22
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 30
May 30
* denotes a Golden Soror
MAY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION:
Calling all May birthday celebrants! Please join us for our monthly birthday luncheon.
Immediately following our May Chapter meeting, the luncheon will take place at Overwood,
located at 220 North Lee St,, Alexandria, VA 22314. All sorors are welcome to join the
celebration!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
• Soror Danyale Dow lost her mother on March 29th.
• Soror Brenda Lamberson-Sias lost her brother, Mr. Cedric McRae Chauncey
Lamberson, on March 26th.
CARDS SENT TO THE CHAPTER: In an effort to help keep our monthly meetings on time, we
will no longer read all of the cards that are sent to us. It will be announced who has sent us
cards, but the contents will be read less often.
ANNOUNCEMENTS TO THE CHAPTER: Announcements for the monthly meeting should
be submitted in advance of the Chapter meeting. They will become a part of the monthly report
and will need to be submitted by the FRIDAY before Chapter meeting. For example, your
announcements for the May 7th meeting will need to be submitted by May 6th.
If you have any announcements that need to be communicated to the Chapter, please send
them to hostess@aka-zco.org.
16
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Sisterly Relations Committee
Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly, Chairman
Soror Nekia Freeman, Co-Chairman
Contact us at: sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org
Happy Mother’s Day, sorors!
The Sisterly Relations Committee hopes that those of you who attended the 63 rd Mid-Atlantic
Regional Conference in Virginia Beach had a wonderful time and enjoyed the Chapter happy
hour among the many activities.
Chapter Picnic
This year’s Chapter picnic will take place immediately following the June General Body Meeting
at the Lee Center. It will be held in the outdoor recreation area at the Lee Center. The picnic will
be catered, and the cost will be $15/person and free for children 5 years of age and under. It is
open to sorors, their families and friends; however, tickets must be purchased by a Zeta Chi
Omega soror. We will be asking each Sister Circle to supplement the drinks provided by the
caterer (tea, lemonade) by bringing water, soda and children’s drinks.
The dress code for the June meeting is casual. Wear your favorite paraphernalia, bring your lawn
chairs and your appetites, and we’ll see you after the General Body Meeting for a few hours of
fun, fellowship and food. We really hope you will plan to participate!
Sister Circles
In an effort to facilitate connectedness in a chapter of more than 350 members, we currently
have in place Sister Circles (SC). SCs align smaller groups of sorors based on geographic location
providing an opportunity for sisterly bonding on a smaller scale. Please email us at
sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org if you have not been assigned to a sister circle. Also, please ensure
your address information is up to date in the Chapter database. That will help us to know if you,
perhaps, have moved recently and need to be reassigned to a new SC. Please engage your sister
circles and contact your SC Leaders with any ideas for activities.
We are incredibly pleased at the response we’ve received to our call for new Sister Circle Leaders
(SCL). As a result, please note the following:
Sister Circle# 1 – DC and part of Montgomery County: Your new SC Co-Leaders are: Sorors
DeChane Dorsey and DeTisha Joy Page!!
Sister Circle# 3 – White Plains, Accokeek, Brandywine, Waldorf and Indian Head: Your new SCL
is Soror Andrea Streat!!!
Sister Circle# 9 – Fort Belvoir & Lorton: Your new SCL is Soror Naomi Fauntleroy!!
Sister Circle# 11 – Manassas, Woodbridge & Fredericksburg: Your new SCL is Soror Andrea
Sparks-Brown!!
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Sorors, please join the Sisterly Relations Committee in welcoming the new SCLs and thanking
the outgoing SCLs profusely for their time and effort contributed to their respective Sister
Circles - Soror Jennifer Brooks (#1); Sorors Yvette Riddick & Charissa Conaway (#3); Soror
Caroline Howard (#9) and Soror Nicole Clark (#11).
Diamond Golden Silver Committee
Soror C. Starr Garrett, Chairman
Soror Joyce Myrick Brooks, Co-Chairman
Happy Mother’s Day, Sorors!
The Diamond Golden Silver Committee has designated May as “Jewels” Month. All of our
precious jewels will receive a token of love and appreciation for over 4250 combined years of
service to all mankind.
CONGRATULATIONS to our newest jewels who were recognized at the MARC in VA Beach;
they will be featured in a jewels parade during the May Chapter meeting. All of our Chapter
jewels are requested to stand in place as their names scroll across the screen. Feel free to
wear your crowns and your choice of jewel status attire.
A heartfelt “Thank You” to each of our current “buddy” sorors for your continuous support of
the DGS Buddy Soror Program. If you are interested in being a “buddy” soror to a Golden or
Sick/Shut-In soror, please contact us: dgs@aka-zco.com.
Music Committee/Choir
Soror Aretha Cunningham, Chairman
Sorors interested in joining the Zeta Chi Omega Music Committee/Choir should contact Soror
Aretha Cunningham, Soror Essie Matthews or Soror Veronica Jackson. Rehearsals/meetings
are held before each monthly Chapter meeting on stage at the Lee Center from 9:00 a.m.9:45 a.m. Come and let your melodious voices be heard!
ZXΩ Trivia Answer
In the interim, before the chartering, the interest group continued to be involved in
community service. It was during this period that the group sponsored a program called
Reine des Mois (Queen of the Months). Through the group’s contact and cooperation
with the area Black schools, 16 high school girls were selected and presented to society.
The event was held at Hoffman-Boston High School in Arlington, Virginia. From this event
evolved the annual Debutante Cotillion which was conceived as a non-fundraising
activity. Source: http://www.aka-zco.org
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History Committee
Soror Mathelle K. Lee, Chairman
Soror Carolyn Rowe, Co-Chairman
In 1954, a group of women of courage and
ability met in Northern Virginia to discuss the
need for a new chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha
for their rapidly expanding area.
Soror Evelyn Syphax of Arlington initially
organized the group. She and twenty other
members met frequently and followed the
various rules for chartering a chapter. While
awaiting chartering approval, the group
continued to be involved in community service.
Zeta Chi Omega Charter Members, 1956 Soror Evelyn Syphax,
Organizer
On May 25, 1956, the community service group was chartered as Zeta Chi Omega Chapter with its
location designated as Arlington and Alexandria. In May 2016, Zeta Chi Omega will celebrate 60
years of service to Northern Virginia communities.
Soror Joyce Henderson is the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Incorporated. She has served in a number of leadership roles in the Sorority
such as International Standards Chairman; committee member of the sorority’s first
Leadership Development Task Force; the Mid-Atlantic Regional Anti-Hazing Task
Force; and the Centennial Standards Committee. Soror Henderson is a Silver Star and
Life Member of Zeta Chi Omega, Arlington, Virginia where she served as the Chapter’s
23rd Basileus.
Joyce Henderson,
Mid-Atlantic
Regional Director
She is featured in the Sorority’s “ Heritage Series” showcasing African American
Females in the Military, and is the past recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Advisor
Award, Far Western Region, the Barbara K. Phillips Leadership Development Award,
the Leah K. Frazier Award and the Graduate Leadership Award to name a few. A
retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel and Department of the Army civil
servant, Soror Henderson spent twenty-three years as military career Human
Resource Officer.
20
Soror Henderson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Education and
Master of Arts degree in Management. She is a graduate of Fort Valley State
University, Fort Valley, Georgia.
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Pan-Hellenic Council Committee
Soror Angela Turner
Soror Chiquita King
Contact us at: phc@aka-zco.org
Greetings, Sorors!
Check out the table below for upcoming events hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of
Northern Virginia (NoVA NPHC) and its affiliate chapters. Events are listed in chronological order.
Organization
Event Details
NoVA NPHC
27th Annual Black Scholars Program
Sunday, May 15th
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
3-5PM
Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, Inc.
Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter
Blue & White Scholarship Gala
Saturday, May 21st
Fair Oaks Marriott (11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy,
Fairfax, VA)
6PM-12AM
Cost: $100
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-blue-white-scholarship-galatickets-21123721620
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter
Que Connection All-White Affair
Saturday, May 21st
Crystal City Hilton
(2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA)
Speed Dating: 7-9PM
Party: 9PM-2AM
Cost: $30
https://queconnection.eventbrite.com
NoVA NPHC
Annual NoVA Greek Cookout
Sunday, June 26th
Ft. Belvoir, VA
2-7PM
General Body Chapter Meeting
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New Members Orientation
April 2, 2016
April Birthday Lunch
April 9, 2016
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25
26
27
28
22
29
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Basileus of the
Year Award
Recipient
Soror Kendra Gillespie
30
31
25
32
Riding the Waves in the
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27
28
“We Slay, All Day”
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®
59th Debutante Cotillion
Fourteen young ladies were presented to society at the 59th Debutante Cotillion, held on April 16,
2016. It was a lovely evening with over 400 guests in attendance. Congratulations to the parents
and sponsors of the 2016 Cotillion Court:
Miss Cotillion 2016 - Lauryn Olivia Gant (Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Gant)
Miss Cotillion 1st Attendant - Chelsea Nicole Miller (Daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Leon Miller)
Miss Cotillion 2nd Attendant - Briana Joelle Edmonds (Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Edmonds)
Miss Congeniality - Jelani Amalyah-Elizabeth Brooks (Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Arthur E. Brooks
IV)
Mr. Debonair 2016 - Ernest Quintana (Escort of Miss Amari Byrd)
The Welcome to Society was given by former Debutante, Soror Alicia C. Edwards. The Official
Charge to the Debutantes was given by Soror Amirah Salaam. The guests were treated to musical
selections by violinist, Soror Veronica Jackson.
The Cotillion Committee thanks all sorors who worked on sub-committees, supported the Cotillion
financially, and helped in any way. Please mark your calendars for the closeout meeting on
Monday, June 6, 2016, 7:00 p.m, St. John's Baptist Church, Arlington, VA.
Luncheon Fashion Show
Save the Date! The 58th Annual Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show (LFS) is on Sunday
November 13, 2016 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Tickets will be available for purchase at
the June Chapter meeting. There will be a LFS committee meeting at the Lee Center on May 10th at
7:00 p.m.
36
May 2016
Volume 16 | Issue 5
Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia
2016 Cotillion
Congratulations to the 2016 Cotillion Committee – Yes, “another one bites the dust, and another
stellar performance by all. Hard work, dedication and commitment pays off. We received many
compliments about the performance and the Cotillion program.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of IFNV, a heartfelt thank you
to the Cotillion Chairman, Soror Sharon Gregg and her CoChairmen, Soror Martha Coleman and Soror Undra Graves-Guyton
(although we know you worked as a team and a unit). We
appreciate the tone you set for each meeting and the precision in
which you kept the sub-committee chairmen, debs, parents and
sponsors apprised of upcoming events. All of the moms who spoke
to me said that the ZXΩ members were extremely gracious and
have left them with an extremely positive attitude about the work
of this great Sorority that we serve – and the contributions we
make to both the debs and the escorts -- they were truly
impressed. We thank you for serving the IFNV, the Chapter and
your community. Soror Sharon, thank you for listening to my
midnight phone calls, making sure all of our invoices were paid,
and advocating for the debs and your sub-committee chairmen when necessary. Soror Undra
thank you for keeping track of the debs and making sure all of the messages were prepared and
delivered to the debs, parents, sponsors, etc. in a timely fashion. We appreciate you. Soror
Martha we thank you for the detailed minutes that you provided us after each meeting, keeping
track of the debs and soror attendance at the rehearsals and other events, and everything else
you did without us knowing. It is obvious – you all worked as a TEAM!
Directress sub-committee --- Soror Alyssa Watkins Dove, Soror Michele Crawley, and Soror
Valerie Flournoy – you were potters, and you certainly changed the raw clay you were
given into a work of art. I was amazed with the performance. They did an outstanding
job. The performance was the result of your dedication and commitment to make sure the
dances were performed to the best of the abilities of the participants. We heard
comments that it was the best performance they have seen in a long time; it was upscale
and sophisticated.
Contract sub-committee – Soror Gerrie Lewis and Soror Katrina Anwar – words simply cannot
express our gratitude for your hard work during this cotillion season. There were many
challenges, and they were resolved with the outcome of a productive ending for each
situation. Soror Gerrie thank you for always making lemonade out of lemons and for getting
Hotel Monaco to repay us over $500. We certainly cannot pay you with a mere thanks, but
please know it is from the heart.
continued on the next page >>
37
Program sub-committee – Soror Valerie Flournoy and Soror JoAnn Hall and others, thank you for
the beautiful program you coordinated for the Ball. Your guests were outstanding, Soror Alicia
Edwards, and Soror Amirah Salam were simply the best. Soror Veronica Jackson’s violin
selections were “icing on the cake.” A heartfelt thanks to all of the program participants. Thank
you again for coordinating this effort- a job extremely well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Decorations sub-committee – Soror Martha, thank you for the beautiful decoration More
importantly, with your expert negotiations skills, you were able to have the florist to give us the
table decorations, for half the price they quoted. What a fete!! It worked out perfectly.
Ticket sub-committee – Soror Karyn and Soror Adria – a heartily thank you, for ensuring
everyone had a seat. Thank you for working with Soror Gerrie in getting everyone seated. This
was a very challenging year, and you all were pros in making the assignments of seat and for
indulging some of us. Your hard work was not in vain. We so appreciate all of the hard work.
Finance sub-committee – Thank you, Soror Belinda Shaw and your Co-Chairman Soror Sherry
Billingsley, and others who worked with you in collecting all of the monies for the various events
and keeping track of the names, amount and purposes. We appreciate how much time you
devoted to ensure that we kept up to date records. Not only during the time when you collected
the monies, but time spent behind the scenes. Tea roses to you for taking on the mammoth
job. Also, thank you Soror Doris Shannon for making sure all of our bills were paid. Thank you
Soror Chan for collecting and documenting the incoming revenue and resolving all of our
financial issues.
Souvenir Journal Subcomittee – Soror Demaris Thompson and your Co-chairman Soror Carolyn
Rowe – I think one of the guests at my table after reviewing the souvenir journal sums up what
we believe and know is true – he said “you can tell a lot of hard work went into the process to
make it so beautiful.” Each year, we think that you cannot surpass the year before, and you do. I
personally, know what you had to work with, and I am indeed amazed to see the results. We
know that you spent many long hours at night getting this done – and the work speaks for
itself. Thank you so much.
Hostess sub-committee – Thank you Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey for making sure everyone
was seated, for assisting the photography committee, and wherever you were needed. We thank
you and your committee for being there to assist with the decorations in the ballroom and
supporting us in other areas. We so appreciate your support.
Hospitality sub-committee – Soror Toni Gant – I still do not know how you did it all and with
such grace and finesse. You had a whole lot going on at the same time, and every rehearsal you
were there and made sure that the debs and others had a repast. Your performance was
outstanding and we appreciate your commitment, as well as your daughter’s – Miss Cotillion,
2016 – Debutante Lauryn Gant supporting you with the repast setups.
continued on the next page >>
38
Mother/Daughter Tea sub-committee – Thank you Soror Robin McCoy and Soror Starr Garrett
and your committee for a beautiful experience for the attendees. The atmosphere was priceless.
In the debs’ letters, many of them indicated that this was indeed one of the highlights of the
Cotillion season and how they plan to incorporate “having a cup a tea” in their routine in years to
come. Thank you for inspiring them to extend themselves in other areas. We never know how a
simple deed can impact the lives of others.
Retreat sub-committee—Soror Kendra Gillespie and your committee – I read all of the debs’
comments, and many, if not all of them, mentioned the Retreat as one of the most useful and
beneficial activities they attended. They talked about what they learned from this experience,
including just having an opportunity to review the artifacts in the museum. It was a perfect
location, and the retreat agenda, including subject areas was “spot on.” They received
information that they were able to take away that will be useful to them for the rest of their
lives. The sub-committee indeed assisted in polishing, refining, and preparing our debs and the
escorts.
Public Relations sub-committee – Thank you, Soror Gloria Bell. We really appreciate the time
you spent coordinating with the Afro to make sure they were in attendance. They were there
and Soror Yvette Darnaby was working along side the reporter. You certainly made this effort
appear to be seamless, but we know it took a lot of back and forth to make sure all of the needs
of the Cotillion and the Afro were met. You did an incredible job. We so much appreciate your
time and effort.
Photography sub-committee – Thank you, Soror Connie Greene for working with our
photographer to make sure that all of the pictures were taken on time, and for making sure that
the parents received the appropriate information regarding the photographer’s schedule.
Please know we are also eternally grateful for the orientation, cultural activites, ads and patron
workshop, church service and brunch and all of the other sub-committee chairmen.
Thanks for a job extremely well done.
Sisterly,
Soror Hazel M. Cameron
May 2016
Volume 16 | Issue 5
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Zeta Chi Omega Chapter
P.O. Box 25763
Alexandria, Virginia 22313
http://www.aka-zco.org
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
OFFICERS
Basileus
Rhonda Luss
Anti-Basileus
Tamara Rowe
Grammateus
Patricia Edwards
Anti-Grammateus
Connection
LaFrances Williams
Scholarship
Diann Burns
Aja Charity
Membership
Tonya Perkinson
Tamiouchos
Robin McCoy
Technology
Leslie Dey
Pecunious
Grammateus
Crystal Lander
Protocol
Bonnie Jones-Moon
Awards
Barbara Bellamy
Warren
Standards
Jennifer Hansborough
Contracts
Irma Bogan
Nominating
Bonnie Jones-Moon
Anti-Pecunious
Grammateus
Ingrid Alexander
Epistoleus
Steronica Mattocks
Parliamentarian
Kendra Riley
Ivy Leaf Reporter
Gloria Bell
Hodegos
Gayle Jordan
Graduate Advisor
VaShawn Guice Veal
Philacter
Yvette G. Darnaby
Archivist
Monique Robinson
Immed. Past
Basileus
Kendra Gillespie
Members:
EDITOR
PRODUCTION STAFF
Steronica Mattocks
Sherry Billingsley
Carol Gibson
Linda Hall
Patrice Longshaw
Brittney Montgomery
Inez “Chris” PierceGray
Darlena Ricks
Judy Vaughn
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Nicole Clark
C. Starr Garrett
Eloise Hudgins
Stephanie Woodland Kelly