The Ivyette - Alpha Kappa Alpha · The Ivyette. Spirit and Inspiration ... Nelfred “Tilly”...

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

September 2017 Volume 17 Issue 7

The Ivyette

Spirit and Inspiration

"And One Day She Discovered That She Was Fierce, And Strong, and Full of Fire, And That Not Even She Could Hold Herself Back Because Her Passion Burned Brighter Than Her Fears."

- Mark Anthony

September 2017 1 Volume 17 Issue 7

Welcome back sorors! I hope you enjoyed your summer break. Our next Chapter meeting is Saturday,

September 9, 2017, at the Nannie Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St, Alexandria, VA 22314 at 10:00 a.m. The doors will

open at 9:00 a.m.

The 2017 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Week Conference is September 17-19,

2017, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. The conference is free;

however, online registration is required.

The Undergraduate Roundup and Graduate Advisory Council Meeting will be held in Virginia Beach, VA, on

September 22-23, 2017. Registration is online via the Mid-Atlantic Region online registration site, and the cost is $70.

Hotel reservations can be made at the Founders Inn and Spa, 5641 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464. The

room rate is $109 - $119. The attire for Friday is University/College or AKA paraphernalia; and for Saturday, a dress

or skirt suit with hosiery (no pants). Hope to see you there!

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) 47th Annual Legislative Conference will take place

September 20-24, 2017, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The CBCF Annual

Legislative Conference is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the Global Black

community.

The October Chapter meeting is Saturday, October 7, 2017. At the October Chapter meeting, all Committee

Chairmen are asked to participate in a Committee Fair. The Committee Fair should include a brief written

description of the committee, its purpose and goals, proposed regularly scheduled meetings, and a sign-up sheet for

2018. Please contact Soror Gloria Bell ([email protected]) for more information.

Sorors, please register for the Northern Western Virginia Cluster as soon as registration opens. Let’s show up

in large numbers to support our Chapter member and Regional Director, Soror Joyce Henderson. The Northern

Western Virginia Cluster will be held on October 28, 2017, at the McLean Hilton in Tyson's Corner, VA.

Greetings from the BasileusSoror Rhonda Luss


Now, let's look back at the Chapter activities over the summer:

On Friday, June 9, 2017, we danced the night away at “Summer Night with Diamonds and Pearls”. Pearls, pearls and more pearls to the Committee Chairman, Soror Marquita Davis; Chairman of the Board of the Ivy

Foundation of Northern Virginia, Soror Hazel Cameron; and the Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter of Kappa

Alpha Psi Fraternity.

On Saturday, June 10, 2017, the Chapter had its annual Chapter picnic; tea roses to our extraordinary

Sisterly Relations Chairman, Soror Allyson Hilliard. There was food, fun, fellowship, and laughter…all ingredients

for a good time!

On July 13-16, 2017, sorors gathered at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV for the Leadership

Seminar. Over 7,000 sorors registered and over 40 Zeta Chi Omega sorors attended. The workshops were

outstanding, and the fellowship with sorors from around the world was great.

On Sunday, July 22, 2017, we served a hot meal to the men, women, and children of the Carpenter’s Shelter.

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of the residents hugged each of us and remarked that the meal was “like

nksgiving." We are making a positive impact in our community! Showers of roses to the Bi-monthly Meal

ice Chairman, Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey.

On Friday, August 11, 2017, the Mentoring Committee hosted a Bowling Party. Over 50 sorors attended

fun-filled activity. Tea roses to the Mentoring Chairman, Soror Michelle Jones!

Thank you to the Target I: One Million Backpacks Committee for volunteering their time and energy in

port of the 2017 Backpack Stuffing Marathon hosted by the Alexandria City Public Schools, Family and

munity Engagement Center (FACE) on August 15-17, 2017. Thank you to the sorors who donated backpacks

ol supplies and stuffed backpacks. Thanks to our Program Chairman, Soror Robin McCoy; Target I Chairmen

or Blanche Maness and Soror Andrea Sparks-Brown; and One Million Backpacks Chairman, Soror Ayanna

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A program honoring Incorporator Nellie Pratt Russell was held on Saturday, August 12, 2017. The keynote

er was the Honorable Carla Archie, North Carolina Resident Superior Court Judge for Judicial District 26.

historic marker unveiling, honoring Soror Nellie Pratt Russell, was held in Lawrenceville, VA.

On Friday, August 18, 2017, the Mid-Atlantic Region hosted the 4th Annual Archives Day at Virginia State

ersity. Pearls and tea roses to Archives Chairman, Monique Robinson!

On August 18-19, 2017, the Chapter had an outstanding and informative Retreat with 145 sorors registered.

riday night, the Sisterly Relations Committee spearheaded Game Night. The Leadership Development

mittee hosted several workshops on Saturday. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the outstanding

s who led the Retreat. Thanks from the bottom of my heart and sisterly love to Retreat Chairman, Soror

on Hilliard; Event Planner, Soror Jessica Sims; Leadership Development Chairman, Golden Soror Barbara

rson, and Co-Chairman, Soror Aretha Cunningham; and Standards Chairman, Amanda Pratter.


On August 26, 2017, the North Carolina Living Legends Scholarship Gala saluted the Honorable Eva Clayton and Brigadier General Velma Richardson as 2017 HBCU Living Legends. The gala was held in the Grand Pavilion of the Embassy Suites in Winston-Salem, NC. Representative Clayton (who lives in Littleton, NC) and Brigadier General Richardson (who lives in Alexandria, VA), are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Soror Joyce Henderson, Soror Rhonda Luss, Soror Betty Morrison, and Soror Brenda Kelley-Nelum attended this wonderful event.

On Sunday, June 25, 2017, we welcomed into our Chapter, 60 newmembers. Please join me in welcoming our new sorors to the Chapter and to their first Chapter meeting. Tea roses to our awesome Membership Chairman, Soror Tonya Perkinson, and Co-Chairmen, Soror Tanya Parham, and Soror Erika Bouknight. A heartfelt thank you to the New Members Luncheon Chairman, Soror Michelle Jones, and Co-Chairman, Soror Carla Harper; Contracts Chairman, Soror Irma Bogan; Courtesy Chairman, Soror Jessica Sims, and Co-Chairman, Soror Cecilia West; and Protocol Chairman, Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon. A very special thank you to all the committee members, sponsors and co-sponsors who supported the Membership Intake Process.

Spring 2017 Membership Intake Class:

Sorors, with only four months remaining in 2017, let’s fill them with lots of energy and a willingness to serve our

community through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®!



Calendar of Events

Message from the Anti-Basileus Soror Robin G. McCoy

Welcome back. I hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating summer break. The Program Committee extends a warm welcome to our 60 new pearls. We look forward to working with you as we provide service to all mankind. We invite you to join one of the Program Committee Subcommittees, where your talents, energies and enthusiasm will be welcomed.

The Program committee subcommittees are:

Target I – Educational Enrichment Target II – Health Promotion Target III – Family Strengthening Target IV – Environmental Ownership Target V – Global Impact

Programs are the “Heart of AKA”

September’s Spotlight – One Million Backpacks℠. Thanks to Soror Negleatha Johnson and the Life Waters Ministries International for their generous donation of 56 backpacks. Kudos to Soror Candace Field-Rogers for the generous donation of backpacks, school supplies and teachers’ packs.

The backpacks and the Chapter’s bountiful donation of school supplies were donated to Alexandria City Public Schools during their Backpack and School Supply Drive on August 16-18th. Tea Roses and Pearls to Sorors Andrea Sparks-Brown and Ayanna Puryear for spearheading the event and to all the sorors who donated their time and talents to the 3-day Backpack Stuffing Marathon to benefit Alexandria City Public School students.

Join us for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® on September 9th, and the 2017 NAMI Walk on September 23rd, to raise funds for breast cancer research, and to bring awareness to the plight of mental illness, respectively. See the Health Promotion report for more information.

Sorors, please invite your family and friends to the financial literacy workshop on September 23rd. See the Family Strengthening rear\ort for more details on this workshop, and to find out how you can support school-aged children in the Arlington and Alexandria communities by providing nutritious meal packs and warm coats.

Sorors, check out the Global Impact report to find out how to join our campaign to change the lives of girls around the world.

Tea Roses and Pearls to:

• Soror Jackie Guillory for spearheading the Longest Day Observance. Thanks for the awesome leadership!We will miss you!


• All the sorors who participated in the Longest Day Observance; it was an outstanding program.

• Soror Gretchen Johnson for planning and spearheading the event and all the sorors who served 40 hotfulfilling meals to residents of the Residential Programming Center on July 16th.

• Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey for planning and spearheading the event and all the sorors whoserved the residents of the Carpenter’s Shelter hot fulfilling meals on July 23rd.

• Sorors Kendra Gillespie Benson, Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding, Jacenta Collins and all sorors whoparticipated in Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference on August 14-16th.

• The sorors who donated more than 100 sanitary napkins and supplies for girls in Liberia and the GlobalImpact Committee for collecting and distributing the supplies to Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Kudos to all sorors who came out for the July and August Service Projects! Your Program Chairmen are enthusiastic about the many scheduled programs and love to see you at the scheduled events.

Target I: Educational EnrichmentSoror Andrea Sparks-Brown, ChairmanSoror Veronica Jackson, Co-ChairmanSoror LaVonne Shingler, Co-ChairmanSoror Ayanna Puryear, One Million Backpacks℠ Lead Soror Christina Carter,ThinkHBCU℠Lead Contact us at: [email protected]

ASCEND℠ Scholarly Notes The City of Alexandria hosted the Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference August 14 – 16. Soror Kendra

Gillespie Benson motivated students with a presentation on leadership, Soror Nelfred “Tilly” Blanding inspired students as a panelist speaking about community activism, and Soror Jacenta Collins shared information about opportunities through ASCENDsm at the organization fair. Thank you, sorors for sharing your gifts with our future leaders!

On Saturday, September 16th at 10:30 a.m., ASCENDsm will take a walking tour to learn about the African American History of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Led by Manumission Tour Company, we will meet at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street Alexandria, Va. then take a nine-block, 1½- hour tour of the city. Tickets for sorors are $10. Contact Soror Geneva Greene.


ThinkHBCU℠

Norfolk State University, a historically black university in Norfolk, Virginia, was founded September 18, 1935. Though it started off as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University, it is now a thriving public university offering 36 undergraduate degrees, 15 master’s degrees, and two doctoral degrees. With only a little over 7000 students, Norfolk State University has been nationally recognized for its achievement in academics and athletics as well as for its notable faculty, staff, and alumni.

QUICK FACTS MASCOT: Spartan

COLORS: Green and Gold MOTTO: “Achieving With Excellence”

ATHLETICS: NCAA Division I, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) MARCHING BAND: Spartan “Legion”

NEWSPAPER: The Spartan Echo RADIO STATION: WNSB (FM), “Hot 91.1”

NOTABLE ALUMNI: Jedidah Isler, 1st African American woman to receive a PhD in Astrophysics from Yale University Don Carey, current NFL defensive back Pee Wee Kirkland, Former NBA player Evelyn J. Fields, Former director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin (NOAA) Kyle O’Quinn, current NBA player for the NY Knicks Tim Reid, Comedian, actor, director J. B. Smoove, Actor, write, comedian Chandra Sturrup, Bahamian track sprinter; Gold Medal Winner in 2000 Olympics

ZETA CHI OMEGA GRADUATES: Soror Nichole Bain

Soror Martha W. Conner Soror Regina Crawley

Soror Antoinette Glover Soror Kristen Greene

Soror Caroline HowardSoror Zuwana Johnson Soror Angela Nunnally


All sorors are encouraged to donate to “ThinkHBCU ” on the Corporate website http://aka1908.com. To ensure no one is left off the list of HBCU graduates, please update your information on the Zeta Chi Omega

Chapter website.

For more information on HBCUs, create an account at http://www.hbcutoday.us/AKASororityZCO.

Target II: Health PromotionSoror Melissa Finney, ChairmanSoror Shanta Whitaker, Co-Chairman Contact Contact us at: [email protected]

Healthy Happenings

With a focus on supporting our international programs by promoting health awareness in the areas of Alzheimer’s Disease, Stroke, and Mental Illness, the Health Committee was busy at work over the summer months.

On June 17th, the committee hosted The Longest Day® observance, which brought awareness about Alzheimer’s disease to the communities we serve. A Zumba® class and health fair were held at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, followed by an afternoon of simultaneous visitations at three senior living facilities – Regency Care (Arlington), Cherrydale Health and Rehabilitation Center (Arlington), and Annie B. Rose House (Alexandria). During the health fair, information on Alzheimer’s disease, caregiver support, heart health, stroke prevention, mental illness, nutrition, and a variety of other topics was distributed. Approximately 80 community members were served throughout the day’s events, and $800.00 was donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, thanks to the generosity of chapter members, family and friends.

Tea Roses to the 35 awesome sorors and 12 non-soror volunteers who supported and participated in either the Zumba® class/health fair, the senior living facility visitations, and/or in the planning of both events. Special thanks to Soror Michelle Jones for facilitating a partnership with AARP, whose contributions of snacks, beverages, gift bags, literature, a beautiful balloon arch, and other supplies and materials, helped to make the health fair a success. Special thanks also to Soror Dee Hillery for coordinating the nursing home visitations, and for forging new relationships with two additional senior living facilities whom we served for the first time this year, and whom we hope to be able to continue to serve.

On July 16th, in observance of the Mental Health Awareness Community Impact Day, the Health Committee, in coordination with the Target III: Family Strengthening Committee, distributed approximately 40 mental health information packets to the residents of the Residential Program Center in Arlington during the bimonthly meal service.

As we look toward to the coming months, the Health Committee will continue its efforts to bring awareness to our three target areas, as well as to other areas such as breast cancer research, through the following activities:


• On September 9th, we will participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C. Pleasecontact ZCO Team Captains Soror Joyce Brooks or Soror Starr Garrett for more information, and/or visit theZCO team page at http://info-komen.org/goto/Zeta_Chi_Omega_2017. Donations made by check should bewritten to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and should be accompanied by the Zeta Chi Omega Donationform, which is available on the chapter's website.

• On September 23rd, we will participate in the 2017 NAMI Northern Virginia Walk at Tysons Corner Center.This is a gentle, 1.5 mile walk open to all ages and fitness levels, so family and friends are also encouraged toparticipate. Please support this important effort to help bring awareness to the plight of mental illness and itsparticular impact on the African American community, by joining team AKA Zeta Chi Omega. Please contactZCO Team Captain Soror Melissa Finney for more information, and/or visit the team page at https://nami-northernvirginia.akaraisin.com/AnnualWalk17/AKAZetaChiOmega.

• The first week of October marks the observance of Minority Mental Health Week. Sorors are asked to weargreen and to use your social media sites to promote awareness of the disproportionate impact of mental illnesson minorities.

• On October 14, the 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held in Washington, D.C. Please see http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2017/DC-NationalCapitalArea?fr_id=10430&pg=entry if you are interested in registering.

Our international partners, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Heart Association/American StrokeAssociation, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), each have resource websites with information specific to how members of Alpha Kappa Alpha can become involved in raising support and awareness. Please review these websites to find out how you can support these important efforts:

• Alzheimer’s Association – Alpha Kappa Alpha Resources: http://www.alz.org/akaresources/

• American Heart Association/American Stroke Association – Alpha Kappa Alpha emPOWERED To Serve™:http://www.empoweredtoserve.org/index.php/about/strategic-alliances/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-incorporated/ On this site, you can download and complete the My Life Check® assessment, a tool developedby the AHA/ASA to help assess the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

• NAMI – Alpha Kappa Alpha Partnership Resources: https://www.nami.org/akaresources

Printed information can be provided to any sorors who are unable to access any of the above links.The Health Committee is pleased to welcome our 60 newest pearls to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter! We

encourage our new members to join the committee, where your talents, ideas, energy, and enthusiasm are more than welcome!

Last, but not least, the committee wholeheartedly thanks outgoing chairman Soror Jackie Guillory for her excellent service and inspired leadership! We wish her the best in her retirement and in all her future endeavors. We welcome Soror Melissa Finney and Soror Shanta Whitaker as the new committee chairman and co-chairman, respectively.

This month’s AKA-Fit Challenge:

“Shake it Like a Salt Shaker” (July – September)

Mix it up a little: get 30 minutes of physical activity (any aerobic activity of your choice) at least five days a week, and limit sodium consumption to 1500 milligrams per day.


Target III: Family StrengtheningSoror Melonie Barrington, ChairmanSoror Betty Morrison, Co-ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]

Financial Literacy: Key to Creating and Sustaining Wealth

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

According to the 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey, “54 percent of African-Americans, significantly more than their white counterparts, strongly agree that they could use answers to everyday financial questions from a professional.” This lack of knowledge has led to the disparity of wealth between white households and people of color.

Upcoming Target III Events:

Backpack Buddies (October) – Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) Backpack Buddies program provides weekend and holiday meal packs for food-insecure Arlington County schoolchildren. The cost per child is $7.50/week. Online donations are accepted on the Chapter website.

Volunteer at the Arlington Food Assistance Center (October) – Date and Time TBD

Community Lodgings Children’s New Coat Drive (November) - For the past 30 years, Community Lodgings has helped homeless and low-income families by providing a variety of affordable and transitional housing options. In addition, they offer Youth Education programs and Community Outreach. For the last two years Zeta Chi Omega has provided each child at Community Lodgings with a new coat for the winter. If you would like to participate in this worthwhile cause, online donations will be accepted on the Chapter’s website.

Carpenter’s Shelter Bi-Monthly Meal Service

Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Chairman

On Sunday, July 23, 2017, eight sorors volunteered and hosted the 4th bi-monthly meal service at the Carpenter’s Shelter in Alexandria, VA. A hot lunch was served to approximately 38 residents (32 adults and 6 children), catered by Mr. Big Boy’s Kountry Kookin’. Shout-outs came from the residents for the wonderful meal, as well as to those wonderful sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.® who served them.

The next meal service will take place on Sunday, September 24th from 12 noon to 1 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering to serve, please contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey at

[email protected]. Please wear comfortable clothing. Sorority paraphernalia is encouraged. Don’t miss a rewarding opportunity to be of service, as well as an opportunity to serve and fellowship with your lovely sorors. Sorors, we do make a difference in the lives of others.

Sorors, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes


http://www.alz.org/akaresources/

http://www.empoweredtoserve.org/index.php/about/strategic-alliances/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-incorporated/

http://www.empoweredtoserve.org/index.php/about/strategic-alliances/alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-incorporated/

https://www.nami.org/akaresources

Target IV: Environmental OwnershipSoror Yolanda B. Gibson, ChairmanSoror Aja Charity, Co-ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]

The purpose of Target IV is to promote environmental sustainability through our Acts of Green Program and AKA 1908 Playground Mobilization Day! Therefore, we encourage sorors to participate in our upcoming "AKA 1908 Playground Project" at Doctor's Run Park, on Saturday, October 21st, from 10 a.m. -11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Holmes Run Park. During this time, we will pick up litter, pull weeds,clean out the sandbox, and ensure that the playground is a clean and safe place forchildren. Please RSVP by emailing [email protected].

If you are unable to participate in our community clean-up day you can participate in our Acts of Green initiative by doing the following:

• Reduce your usage of paper by saving important documents to a thumb drive,

hard drive, or GoogleDocs!

• Recycle your unwanted items by donating them to a local shelter near you!

• Reuse items such as cloth/canvas bags instead of plastic bags when grocery

shopping!

Target V: Global ImpactSoror Crystal Lander, ChairmanContact us at: [email protected]

Please help young girls in Liberia attend school: Project for Liberian Girls

Background: Most schools in Liberia are not free to attend; tuition is required and if your family saved enough for tuition, some essentials go lacking. Pubescent girls will miss school on average 84 days out the year due to the lack of proper equipment for their menstrual cycle. They miss essential class time and sometimes fall behind. Help meet the need to see that their education is without interruption.

The Global Impact Committee cordially invites you to join our campaign to change the lives of girls around the world. We will be collecting sanitary napkins for girls in Liberia and underwear for girls (aged 6-18) in South Africa at the September and October Chapter meetings. Partners in South Africa will deliver the underwear to girls in need throughout the fall. The Chapter has donated 178 items already.

Items to be collected: sanitary pads (overnight, super, and regular sizes) and liners, wipes, underwear, and t-shirts. Organic feminine products are welcome but NO tampons accepted.


HodegosSoror Jessica Sims, Hodegos and Courtesy Committee Chairman

Soror Cecilia West, Courtesy Committee Co-Chairman

Officer Reports


Ivy Beyond the Wall

On Tuesday, August 1, 2017, Soror Mildred Leigh Shiver, born on February 18, 1923, became an Ivy Beyond the Wall. Soror Mildred was 94 years old. Her Ivy Beyond the Wall and Celebration of Life service was held on August 7, 2017 at Little River United Church of Christ in Annandale, VA. Please keep Soror Mildred’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.


Bereavement

Soror Carlita Mcllwain lost her father-in-law, Mr. Samuel Leo Mcllwain, Sr. Soror Tammie Smiley lost her brother, Mr. Raymond Ed Frederick. Soror Andrea C. Smith lost her father, Mr. Eugene Smith, Sr. Soror Starr Garrett lost her brother, Mr. Lewis Watson. Soror Gwen Williams lost her brother, Mr. Wendell McDaniel. Soror Patricia Bell lost her father, Mr. Melvin Harris. Soror Pierrette Peters lost her grandmother, Ms. Barbara Alice Owens. Please keep our sorors in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Prayer Requests

• Soror Candace Fields-Rogers, as her mother, Soror Shirley Fields, recovers from surgery.• Soror Darlena Ricks, as she recovers from surgery.• Soror Lula Hicks, as she recovers from surgery.• Soror Theresa Tindall, as she recovers from knee replacement surgery.• Soror Maya White, as she recovers from an apartment fire, where she lost most of her belongings.• Soror Carlita McIlwain, as her mother has been diagnosed with cancer.

Baby Announcements!

• On July 20th, Soror Amanda Pratter and her husband Padreus, welcomed a baby girl, Harper KayPratter into the world!

• On August 3rd, Soror Chiquita King welcomed a baby boy, Victor III, into the world!• On August 4th, Soror Melanie Henderson Mickie and her husband, Terry, welcomed a baby girl, Vivian

Clara-Renee Mickie, into the world!All of our new mommies and babies are doing well!

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following sorors as they are experiencing major milestones!

• Soror Kendra Gillespie Benson on her wedding nuptials to Honey-Do, Travis Benson on June 17th!• Soror Leslie Dey Murray on her wedding nuptials to Honey-Do, Tommy Murray on July 22nd• Congratulations and Happy 25th Wedding Anniversary to Soror Sharon Gregg and her Honey-Do.• Congratulations to Soror (COL) Antoinette Gant for assuming command of the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers.• Congratulations and Happy 37th Wedding Anniversary to Soror Antoinette Glover and her Honey-Do

Elton!• Congratulations to Soror Barbara Bouldin and her Honey-Do Lyndell, as they celebrated 25 years of

marriage on August 15th!


September Birthday Celebration

Calling all July, August and September birthday celebrants! Please join us for our monthly birthday luncheon, immediately following our September Chapter meeting. Join us at Chadwick’s, located at 203 Strand Street in Old Town Alexandria. All sorors are welcome to join the celebration!

Sisterly Reminder

Sorors please check and update your information in the on-line ZXΩ directory. This is the information used to send flowers, cards, and list your birthday in the Ivyette each month. Also, please remember to send all announcements, life updates or celebratory information to [email protected].

Pecunious Grammateus Soror Crystal Lander, Pecunious Grammateus

Soror Joy Page Ngwenya, Anti-Pecunious Grammateus

Financial Cards and 2016 Constitution and Bylaws

Sorors, if you were a member of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter in 2016, please pick up your Constitution and Bylaws and financial cards (non-life members) at the September Chapter meeting. This will be the last meeting of the year for pickup. After that time, you will have to arrange pickup with the Archives Chairman.

2018 Dues: How much do I pay?

The 2018 dues will be voted upon by the Chapter at the November 2017 meeting per Alpha Kappa Alpha International Operating Procedures. Until then, we will not know the exact amount of our Chapter dues.

Sorors, Zeta Chi Omega allows sorors to make payments on their dues in advance. However, you should keep track of your payments made. Beginning in November 2017, a list of the balances remaining on the 2018 pre-paid dues will be available at the Chapter meeting for review.

Making Payments

The end of the calendar year is a busy payment time for Chapter sorors. With more than 400 Chapter members, the financial receipt team asks a few things of the Chapter:

• If you are paying for another soror online, make it clear that you are doing so.• Clarify if your name is different from the name on the Alpha Kappa Alpha roster.• If you did not receive an electronic receipt from the Chapter within a week of payment, please contactthe financial receipt team.• Do not mail checks without clarification on the purpose of payment and name to credit the payment(this is your responsibility).• Lastly, please follow deadlines as it relates to due dates.

Pecunious Grammateus: [email protected]


Graduate AdvisorSoror VaShawn Guice Veal, Chairman

Greetings sorors!

I hope you enjoyed the summer break. The following details the status of Sigma Alpha Chapter: Currently, there are no active members in the Chapter.

• The Graduate Advisor attended the Risk Management Summit held during the 2017Leadership Seminar in Las Vegas, NV in July 2017.

• The chapter will undergo re-evaluation during the 2017 MAR Undergraduate Roundupin Virginia Beach, VA, September 22nd and 23rd.

• Former Sigma Alpha Basileus, Soror Althea Matteson, and the Graduate Advisorworked diligently to prepare the chapter’s files.

• A representative from the Zeta Chi Omega Standards Committee previewed SigmaAlpha’s files and provided feedback that will be implemented.

• The Graduate Advisor’s Council met to discuss next steps for Sigma Alpha and willrequest Zeta Chi Omega’s support as a motion is presented in September 2017, toconduct MIP in the fall.

The Graduate Advisor extends her thanks to the members of the Graduate Advisor’s Council for all their support during the spring 2017 term, and looks forward to working with each member to ensure the success of the Sigma Alpha Chapter.

Membership Committee Soror Tonya Perkinson, Chairman

Soror Erika Bouknight, Co-Chairman Soror Tanya Parham, Co-Chairman

Contact us at: [email protected]

Standing Committee Reports

Happy fall sorors! The Membership Committee hopes that everyone had a safe and relaxing summer. We would like to extend a warm Zeta Chi Omega welcome to our newly reactivated and transferred sorors and a special welcome to our 60 NEWEST sorors! We look forward to getting to know and working with all of you. Let’s continue the good work of reclaiming our precious pearls!

We would also like to thank EVERYONE for the hard work and dedication required to ensure a successful Membership Intake Process. Special tea roses to Madam Basileus, all Chapter officers and committee chairmen, sponsors and co-sponsors! I, personally would like to extend a special, super, “pink and green” THANK YOU to Sorors Erika Bouknight and Tanya Parham and the ENTIRE Membership Committee. It truly “took a village,” and I am so grateful for everyone who participated!


The Public Relations Committee appreciates your continued support!

The following articles featuring Zeta Chi Omega sorors, programs and activities were included in your Spring 2017 Ivy Leaf:

• International Sisterly Relations Day - page 9• NAACP Award – page 40• Ivy Beyond the Wall – Soror Barbara Brooks, Silver Star – page 64• Ivy Beyond the Wall – Golden Soror Beatrice Gilkes, Charter Member – page 66• Ivy Beyond the Wall – Soror Katrina Moss, Silver Star – page 71

We welcome your Ivy Leaf articles! When submitting articles to the Public RelationsCommittee, please note the following:

• Submit articles to the Public Relations Committee at: [email protected].• Your submissions should be newsworthy. The Ivy Leaf editors will not publish a soror’s

attainment of ordinary academic degrees, retirements, etc. The content of each articleshould be to-the-point and timely.

The deadlines are:• December 15th for the Spring Issue• March 15th for the Summer Issue• June 15th for the Fall Issue• September 15th for the Winter Issue• Each article should be typed double-spaced.• Include a heading and photo caption.• Articles for “The Social Scene,” “Undergraduate Spotlight,” “Chapter News” and

“Chartering report” should not exceed 250 words.• Articles for “Accomplishments and Awards” should not exceed 175 words. (These word

counts do not include headings and captions.)

There is no charge when submitting an article without a photo. The rate for an article accompanied by a photo include: $75 to include a headshot photograph for “Accomplishments and Awards.” Your photo should be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria, Virginia 22313. Photos will not be returned. Contact [email protected], if you have questions.

Public Relations Committee Soror Gloria Bell, Chairman

Contact: [email protected]


Greetings sorors!

We hope that you had an enjoyable summer.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 23, 2017. Planning is underway for the DGS Lunch/Bingo. Stay tuned for more details.

If you are new to the Chapter and have reached “jewel” status, please let us know so that your name can be added to the DGS jewels listing. If you desire to receive the official certificate and medallion from the corporate office, you may obtain the appropriate form on the Chapter website under the “Members Only” section. If you have any questions, please contact a member of DGS committee.

“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: [email protected].

Diamond Golden Silver Committee Soror C. Starr Garrett, Chairman

Soror Joyce Myrick Brooks, Co-Chairman

Nominating Committee Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon, Chairman

Contact us at: [email protected]

2017 ELECTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT

Sorors, elections for officer positions will take place in November 2017. The Nominating Committee is actively soliciting officer applications from sorors who are interested in serving our Chapter. Sorors please consider applying; the Chapter needs your time, talent and vision as we move forward in Service to All Mankind!

The officer and nominating positions that will be open with their corresponding Chapter Bylaw’s sections are as follows:

Basileus - Article IV, Section 1.

Grammateus – Article IV, Section 3.

Anti-Tamiouchos* - Article IV, Section 6.

Pecunious Grammateus** - Article IV, Section 7.

Epistoleus – One Year Term Only – Article IV, Section 9.

Ivy Leaf Reporter – Article IV, Section 11.

Graduate Advisor** – Article IV, Section 14.

Philacter – Article IV, Section 15.

Nomination Committee (Five Positions) - Article IV, Section 17.


Officer applications are available on the Zeta Chi Omega website. The application deadline is September 16, 2017. Please ensure that you submit a complete application. If a section does not apply to you, please write “N/A”. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask anyone on the Nominating Committee.

*Must be certified by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® Financial Officer Certification Course, orbecome certified at the next training course.

**Prior to her nomination, the candidate must have been certified by the Directorate approved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Graduate Advisors Program.

History Committee Soror Mathelle K. Lee, Chairman Soror Carolyn Rowe, Co-Chairman

When Zeta Chi Omega members return from vacation in September, we will convene with the highest membership in our history - over 400 members! Our newest sorors were celebrated on June 25, 2017, at the New Member’s Luncheon at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel. Soror Ade’Leaka Gore was the keynote speaker; she was introduced by Soror Joyce Henderson, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director and Zeta Chi Omega member.

Our Chapter members are multi-talented with career backgrounds that span a wide spectrum. Originally started in 1956 with 21 charter members, 18 of whom were educators, this Chapter remains loyal to its goals with sisterly love and service to all mankind. We will accomplish even more with additional help and willing sorors.

"Greater laurels to win, greater tasks to begin to thy honor and glory today, O Alpha Kappa Alpha."

Awards Committee Soror Tifani Burgess, Chairman

Soror Stephanie Harrison Hubbard, Co-Chairman

2017 Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Awards - Nominations are due November 4, 2017

The Awards Committee is calling all sorors to consider nominees for the following Zeta Chi Omega End of the Year Chapter Awards:

ATTENDANCE AWARD This award is given to the soror who has attended the most Zeta Chi Omega Chapter events and Chapter meetings for 2017.


MS. PRECIOUS PEARL AWARD

This award is given to a soror who has recently joined Zeta Chi Omega in the past year and has distinguished herself by participating in many phases of Chapter work, including committee work, and support of activities and events.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award is given to a soror who has done outstanding work or performed outstanding service for the Chapter and/or community in efforts toward a single event, or over a period of time.

MISS PINK AND GREEN AWARD

This award is given to a new Chapter soror, recently initiated or transferred, who has been in the Chapter less than 5 years and has distinguished herself by participating in many phases of Chapter work, including committee work, and support of activities and events.

SOROR OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award is based on written justification, highlighting how the soror has given extensively of herself and to the sorority, and documentation presented by the nominating soror shall include the sorors participation in specific activities and events for the given year.

UNSUNG SOROR AWARD

Do you know a soror who stepped up and volunteered without being asked, can quote bylaws and history, or has reached out to sorors to offer get-well wishes or condolences? If you know of a soror who is always on time, sisterly, and makes being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority enjoyable, please send her name and a brief description of what makes this soror an Unsung Soror to [email protected].

2018 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Awards

Now is the time to prepare for the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Sorors, Committee Chairmen, Co-Chairmen, ARE YOU READY to SPOTLIGHT your hard work and efforts demonstrated in 2017? Don’t wait or delay, start preparing your portfolios now. The criteria are the same as last year. A complete listing with requirements of the Regional Awards can be found in the MAR Awards Handbook, available on the MAR ‘Members Only’ site.

All individual and chapter award recommendations are the responsibility of the recommender, which means the soror(s) is/are responsible for the write-up, supporting documentation(s), and final submission to the Awards Committee. The 2017 Awards Committee is here to assist.

Award submissions will automatically be returned if the requirements and documentation are not complete; therefore, it is important that you review the Awards Handbook for information on the criteria and report format for each award.


Sorors can submit individual nominations for the following awards:- **Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring Soror)- Leah K. Frazier (Leadership w/Global Perspective)- Marguerite Adams Award (Political Action)- Graduate Leadership Award (Outstanding Leadership in Region)- Helen Cauthorne Award (Graduate Advisor Award)- Eula Edmonds Glover Award (Volunteer Community Service)- **Annie L. Harvey Award (Outstanding Graduate Soror)- Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the Year)- Margaret B. Moss Award (Outstanding Retired Graduate Soror)- Evelyn R. Syphax Award (Outstanding Graduate Writer)- Bernardine Stoneham Smith Bailey Award (Graduate Journalism)- Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph Award (Civic Leader)- Barbara K. Phillips Award (Leadership Development)- Mid-Atlantic Region Arts and Crafts (Class I - X)- **Citizen of the Year Award**Requires endorsement from the chapter

Chapter Awards:- Graduate Achievement Award (Membership 76 and above)- Janice Mack Award (Reactivation - Membership 76 or more)- Doris R. Asbury One-to-One Award (Graduate Newsletter)- AKA Connection Award- Wanza Bagnall Webb Award (Outstanding Service to Children w/Special Needs or to Senior Citizens)- Outstanding Graduate Chapter program- Carolyn L. Lattimore Award (Outstanding Achievement in Education)- Graduate International Program AwardsZeta Chi Omega Chapter, we ARE an “award-winning” Chapter, AND yes, we work HARD for Alpha KappaAlpha! Let’s not let our efforts go unrecognized. Remember, WE cannot win if we do not submit. Let’s go forthe GOLD...WE ARE WINNERS!!

Soror Sharon Gregg, Clara M. Hines Award Recipient, MARC 2017


Chapter Picnic

The Chapter Picnic was a success. Over 100 sorors were in attendance with some of our community partners. Congratulations to Sister Circle 7, who won the Sisterly Bake Off. Fun and fellowship was had by all. Thank you to all who attended and special thank you to the Sisterly Relations Committee and volunteers who worked hard to set up and clean up.

Summer Sisterly Outing

On July 23, 2017, over 40 sorors went to Kingstowne Regal Cinema to see Girls Trip. We laughed out loud together at this hilarious movie. Thank you to all who participated.

Sister Circles

Be sure to continue attending activities with your Sister Circles. You can reference the list of Sister Circles (SC), their respective Sister Circle Leaders (SCL) and the specific geographic areas that comprise each SC on the chapter website. If you have not been assigned to a SC or require clarity as to which SC you have been assigned, let us know. Also, we encourage you to confirm that your address information is up to date in the Chapter database. We appreciate hearing all of the wonderful things our SCs are doing.

Sisterly Relations Committee Soror Allyson Hilliard, Chairman

Soror Undra Graves-Guyton, Co-Chairman Contact us at: [email protected]


It is with the greatest pleasure that the Board of Directors of the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia,

Inc. (IFNV), welcomes our new sorors to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. The IFNV is the charitable affiliate of Zeta

Chi Omega Chapter and raises funds to support the Chapter’s programs and scholarships. It is a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For our federal employees

(both current and retired), the IFNV is a member of the 2017 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), which

means that you may contribute directly to the IFNV during the CFC open season. The IFNV CFC number is

97220. Please consider supporting us through this effort.

The following are two upcoming IFNV fundraising opportunities for you to financially support the

Chapter programs:

COOLEY-MOORE SCHOLARSHIP LUNCHEON FASHION SHOW: The Cooley-Moore Scholarship

Fund was established in honor of two Zeta Chi Omega Chapter charter members - Marie Cooley and Emma

Moore. The first educational grants were awarded in 1957 to students graduating from Parker Gray, Luther

Jackson, and Hoffman Boston High Schools. Zeta Chi Omega Chapter continues the tradition of encouraging

high scholastic achievements by monetarily supporting the educational goals of industrious students. The

proceeds from this event benefit local high school graduates who are entering college, as well as recipients who

are already matriculating toward the completion of their college degrees. In addition to distribution of

scholarships, the scholarship program monitors students' progress and provides mentorship to awardees.

The 59th Annual Cooley Moore Scholarship Luncheon Fashion Show (LFS) will be held on November

12, 2017 at the McLean Hilton Tysons Corner. Soror Jennifer Hansborough is the 2017 LFS Chairman, and her

Co-Chairman is Soror Karen Briggman. The LFS show is always an exciting event with at least 600 in

attendance. The theme of this year’s show is “Style Adorned…Fashion Unleashed,” and the host will be Soror

Veronica Jackson. The LFS Coordinator will be Lovely Ladies Boutique. There will be a variety of vendors with

products for purchase starting at 11 a.m. LFS tickets will be available for purchase prior to the start of the

September Chapter meeting and after the meeting concludes. Checks should be made payable to IFNV, Inc.

Checks can also be mailed to either the IFNV mailbox or to Soror Jennifer Hansborough.

Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia, Inc.®

Soror Hazel M. Cameron, IFNV Chairman


Tables are available for $750, and individual tickets are $75. Table selections cannot be made until an entire

table is purchased. Sorors, we need your participation and support to make this a successful event. The LFS

committee urges you to not only sell tickets, but to also assist in purchasing and soliciting sponsors or patrons.

If you have questions, please contact Soror Jennifer Hansborough at [email protected].

2018 COTILLION: Sorors, we are preparing for the 2018 Cotillion Season, which will culminate with the

Cotillion Ball on April 14, 2018, at the Mark Hilton in Alexandria, Virginia. This will be our 61st Cotillion.

The Chairman of the 2018 Cotillion Committee is Soror Madeline Wingate-Alfonso, and her Co-Chairmen are

Soror Sharonda Glover and Soror Karen Ford-Jackson. We request your support and need you to consider:

sponsoring and/or co-sponsoring a prospective debutante (12th grade or college freshman); joining the 2018

Cotillion Committee; and/or becoming chairman of one of the Cotillion Subcommittees. If you desire to

sponsor a 2018 prospective debutante, please complete an application and submit it to Soror Madeline at

[email protected]. If you are not sponsoring a prospective debutante, we would like for you to

volunteer to become a sponsor.

Summer Night with Diamonds and Pearls: The IFNV completed a joint effort with the Kappa Alpha Psi

Scholarship Education Fund. We congratulate Soror Marquita Davis and her committee for an outstanding

event. We have received so many positive responses from the “Summer Night with Diamonds and Pearls,”

held on June 9, 2017. Everyone had a wonderful time and the event was a fundraising success. The IFNV is

waiting to receive the final payment to provide a final report of profits at the Chapter meeting. Kudos and Tea

Roses to Soror Marquita and her entire committee!

The IFNV is looking for several sorors to work on a Grant Committee to identify and solicit grants in

support of the various programs sponsored by the Chapter. If you are interested, please contact Soror Hazel

Cameron at 301-577-7668 or [email protected].


Zeta Chi Omega Gallery of Photos

Chapter Picnic (June 3rd)

The Longest Day (June 17th)


MIP Weekend (June 23rd-25th)

Soror Latonya Henry pictured with panel member, actress Vivica A. Fox at the AARP Forum at the 2017 Leadership Seminar, July 13-16, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada

Residential Program Center Meal Service (July 16th)


Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

P.O. Box 25763 Alexandria, Virginia22313

http://www.aka-zco.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

BasileusAnti-BasileusGrammateus Anti-Grammateus EpistoleusTamiouchosAnti-Tamiouchos Pecunious Grammateus Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Hodegos PhilacterParliamentarian Graduate Advisor Ivy Leaf Reporter Archivist Immediate Past Basileus

Soror RhondaLussSoror RobinMcCoySoror PatriciaEdwards Soror ErikaBouknight Soror TamikoFrancisSoror StephanieWoodland Kelly Soror KatrinaAnwarSoror CrystalLanderSoror Joy PageNgwenya Soror Jessica SimsSoror Yvette G.Darnaby Soror KendraRileySoror VaShawn GuiceVeal Soror GloriaBellSoror MoniqueRobinson Soror Kendra Gillespie Benson

ArchivesAwardsBylaws Connection Contracts Courtesy Directory Finance Graduate Advisory Membership Newsletter Programs Protocol Public Relations Scholarship Standards Technology

Soror Monique Robinson Soror Tifani Burgess Soror Kendra RileySoror LaFrances Williams Soror IrmaBoganSoror Jessica SimsSoror Erika BouknightSoror Stephanie Woodland Kelly Soror VaShawn Guice Veal Soror Tonya Perkinson Soror Tamiko FrancisSoror Robin McCoy Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon Soror Gloria BellSoror Diann Burns Soror Amanda PratterSoror Leslie Dey Murray

Telecommunications Soror Yvette Darnaby

Nominating Soror Bonnie Jones-MoonSoror Ade’Leaka GoreSoror Linda HallSoror Angie Hemingway Soror Vanessa Jackson Soror BrittneyMontgomery Soror Inez “Chris”Pierce-Gray Soror Carol TurnerSoror Judy Vaughn

NominatingCommitteeMembers

The IvyetteEDITOR: Soror Tamiko Francis

PRODUCTION STAFF: Soror Gloria Bell

Soror Nicole Clark Soror Melissa FinneySoror C. Starr Garrett

Soror Jennifer Hansborough Soror Steronica Mattocks

Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly

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