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CORRESPONDENCE REPORT SATURDAY DECEMBER 19, 2009 SUBMITTED BY:SOROR KAREN Y. GRAYS,EPISTOLEUS PLEASE NOTE: ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BASILEUS. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter “THANK YOU” NOTES Sorors Lillian, Renee and Jennifer Bourgeois Thank you for the donation to the Sisters of the Holy Family; words simply cannot express our gratitude for the kindness shown during the passing of mother and grandmother; continue to pray for our family Soror Karen Grays Thank you for your continued support and vote of confidence; it’s an honor and privilege to again serve as chapter Epistoleus; looking forward to another year of Extra Special Participation GENERAL CORRESPONDANCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS Soror Gwendolyn Brinkley South Central Regional Director Greetings and Happy Holidays; “wishing you a Christmas that is rich with meaning, memories and moments that you will cherish all through the happy new year” Soror Juanita Sims Doty South Eastern Regional Director Celebrating the Holidays with Thankful Hearts! Lee & Sue Howell Bullseye Storage May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous Holiday Season and a healthy and Happy New Year! Texas Children’s Cancer Center Cure Kids Cancer at Texas Children’s Hospital; 2009 Radiothon..Tune In, Help Out, December 1112, 2009; Help Cox Radio and Texas Children’s Hospital Cure Kids Cancer Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) Requesting the generosity of a contribution Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas And A Joyous, Healthy & Happy New Year!!

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CORRESPONDENCE REPORT SATURDAY  DECEMBER 19, 2009 

SUBMITTED BY:  SOROR KAREN Y. GRAYS, EPISTOLEUS  

PLEASE NOTE:   ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BASILEUS. 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

 

“THANK YOU” NOTES

  Sorors Lillian, Renee and Jennifer Bourgeois

Thank you for the donation to the Sisters of the Holy Family; words simply cannot express our gratitude for the kindness shown during the passing of mother and grandmother; continue to pray for our family

Soror Karen Grays Thank you for your continued support and vote of confidence; it’s an honor and privilege to again serve as chapter Epistoleus; looking forward to another year of Extra Special Participation

GENERAL CORRESPONDANCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS

  Soror Gwendolyn Brinkley South Central Regional Director

Greetings and Happy Holidays; “wishing you a Christmas that is rich with meaning, memories and moments that you will cherish all through the happy new year”

Soror Juanita Sims Doty South Eastern Regional Director

Celebrating the Holidays with Thankful Hearts!

Lee & Sue Howell Bullseye Storage

May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous Holiday Season and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Texas Children’s Cancer Center Cure Kids Cancer at Texas Children’s Hospital; 2009 Radiothon..Tune In, Help Out, De‐cember 11‐12, 2009; Help Cox Radio and Texas Children’s Hospital Cure Kids Cancer

Educational Advancement Founda‐tion (EAF)

Requesting the generosity of a contribution

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas

And A Joyous, Healthy & Happy

New Year!!

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

Connection Committee Report December 11, 2009

Chairperson: Mary Shockley Co-Chairperson: Nikita Harmon Health Care Reform The Connection Committee has planned a letter writing campaign to show our support for health care reform. One of the main goals of the Obama administration is improving the health care system. Alpha Kappa Alpha supports the Obama administration’s efforts to overhaul the health care system and to provide affordable health care to all Americans. The Connection Committee has provided a letter for each soror to sign which states what we believe a comprehensive health care package must include. Please join us in encouraging our senators to pass legislation that will achieve the reforms necessary to secure effective and affordable health care for all Americans.

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Constitution Committee

Rita Roberts, Chair Yvonne McCree, Co-Chair December 10, 2009 – 6:00 p.m. Soror Yvonne McCree’s Home

Meeting Agenda

Greetings Soror Rita Roberts Meditation

Meeting Objective:

(1) To consider the issues raised at the November chapter meeting.

(a) Review the word “within” in Article VIII, Section 3, (a).

(b) Change wording Article VIII, Section 3, (d) in proposed bylaw changes which identify provisions for Diamond, Golden and Challenged sorors.

(2) Review Articles and Section Numbers

(3) Any additional matter that we need to consider.

Remarks Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus

Adjourn

Handout: Alpha Kappa Omega Proposed Bylaws Changes Article VIII, Sections 2, 3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations

(1) A soror who cannot meet the requirements under (b) and (c), Section 3 due to extenuating circumstances will be exempt from these provisions. The Membership, All-Kare chairman and three (3) other sorors appointed by the basileus shall review the circumstances of eligibility.

or

(2) Any exceptions to the above will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The Membership Committee chairman, All-Kare chairman and three (3) sorors appointed by the basileus shall review the circumstances of eligibility.

Rationale:

To provide provisions for extenuating circumstances of Diamond, Golden and other sorors. (i.e. illness of soror or family member, sorors with special needs, health conditions and others).

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT

Name of Committee: PLATFORM V- Health & Human Services Date: December 2, 2009 Co-Chairpersons: Soror Camilla Jackson Time: 6:00 PM Soror Ardyth Guyer Place: Power Center

Number of Committee Members Present: 11 Members in Attendance: Sorors Tamara Cubit, LaDonna Harris, Camilla Jackson, Patricia Sibley, Demetria Williams, Ardyth Guyer, M. Catherine Gore, Sandra Thomas, Nicole Montgomery, Deneen Ford and Nkenge Berry Owens

Goals: Implement Platform V – Health Resource Management and Economics

Objectives: To review current programs, introduce new ideas and formulate a plan of action to start organizing activities throughout the year that will fulfill all aspects of Platform V.

SUSAN G. KOMEN Race for the Cure –39 sorors participated in the walk meeting 65% of the goal for walk participants; and that the funds raised, $1,909.00, nearly doubled the fund-raising goal of $1,000.00. MENTAL HEALTH FORUM – The event was held, Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8:30 AM

to 12:00 PM at the Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. There 151 participants including 40 sorors from Alpha Kappa Omega, 11 undergraduate sorors and 99 guests which include students from TSU, TWU and HBU. SANTA AT THE ENSEMBLE - December 13, 2009, 1:30 – 4:30 PM- Volunteers from the Health

and Human Services Committee collaborated with the Fine Arts committee to sponsor the Simon Says health and fitness activity at the annual “Santa at the Ensemble” event. BARBERSHOP OUTREACH - - The committee will sponsor health screenings to include blood

sugar, diabetes, blood pressure and BMI testing at a barbershop in January, 2010. Soror Felecia Austin-Tolliver is spearheading this event. The testing will be provided by Diabetes America. FIRST RESPONDERS -- The Committee will provide refreshments and volunteers for CPR

training at the Teen Enterprise Center – 3300 Lyons, Suite 101 from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm on January 9, 2010. Soror Beverly Marlin is leading this effort. MEETINGS for 2010 – The Health and Human Services Committee will continue to meet the first

Wednesday of every month except April (Regional Conference) at 6:00 pm at the Power Center in 2010. ACTIVITIES FOR 2009 (Dec event is projected)

DATE EVENT PARTICIPANTS

CONTRIBUTED Team Leader 17-Mar-09 Teen Summit 35 $71.00 Beverly Marlin 15-Mar-09 AIDS Walk 22 $1,898.00 Saundra Wiley 17-Apr-09 Relay For Life 10 $100.00 Darlene Johnson 26-Apr-09 March for Babies 69 $2,129.00 Nicole Montgomery

19-Sep-09 UNCF Walk for Education 30 $460.00 Camilla Jackson

26-Sep-09 Sister's Network Walk 6 $125.00 Tamara Cubit 3-Oct-09 Susan G. Komen 39 $2,009.00 Gore/Hayes/Sibley 14-Nov-09 Mental Health Forum 151 Patricia Sibley 13-Dec-09 Santa at the Ensemble 12 Saundra Wiley 374 $6,792.00

Next meeting is January 6, 2010. Report submitted by: Soror Camilla Jackson Oct 26, 2009

First Responder Report

First Responder Workshop

The M. L. K Day of Service will be held January 9, 2010 from 8:30-1 p.m. at the Teen Enterprise Center, 3300 Lyons, Suite # 101. The purpose of this workshop is to train Black males to become First Responders in the event of a disaster. The workshop is to fulfill our program requirement of the International Program, Platform III, item 3. We are expecting approximately 20 young males, between the ages of 12-19. They will be certified in Adult CPR and use of the AED. Sorors who are interested in volunteering may contact me or Soror Angela Wright for more details. Sorors who were certified last year can renew their certification by review of the CPR procedures. Some sorors have already signed up, and the committee dearly appreciates your commitment to serve - the -Extra Special Partnership. See you on January 9th! Respectfully Submitted: Beverly Marlin, Chair. Angela Wright, Co. Chair. Una Topps, Co. Chair

NON TRADITIONAL ENTREPRENEUR COMMITTEE - WRAP UP REPORT CHAIRPERSON: CHERYL TAYLOR CO-CHAIRS: CAROLENE GOFFNEY [email protected] [email protected]

KATHLEEN CURRY [email protected]

Event Date: Friday, November 6th, 2009 Location: Houston Area Urban League Building, 1301 Texas Avenue, from 6-8pm Attendance: 41 non-soror guests, 16 soror guests, 14 presenters - Total 71 The chapter in collaboration with the Houston Area Urban League hosted a joint networker entitled Dialogue in Business Opportunities. The successful event displayed video screens showcasing our NTE panelists who shared their inspiring stories of beginnings, struggles and triumphs, and successes. The panelists were Sherra Aquirre, Owner, AZTEC Facilities Management, Genora Boykins, Co-Owner, La’ Maison Bed and Breakfast, Argentina James, Director of Public Affairs, Port of Houston Authority, and Demonica Johnson, Owner, Johnson Adult Day Care. The discussion was led by Channel 39’s Yolanda Green. Following the panel, the audience participated in talks led by business experts who were: Certifications: Constance Jones, Creating a Business Plan: Peter van Hoesen Houston Minority Supplier Development Council SCORE, Small Business Administration Franchising: Hazel Smith, Angela Majors Financing: Winston Labbe Owners- McDonald’s Restaurant Amegy Bank Marketing, Internet: Carolene Goffney-Sharp Marketing, Traditional: Kathleen Curry Freelance Graphics Artist Total Healthcare Management Procurement: Deidra Sutton Professional Advisor: Delphine James, Attorney Small Business Development Center Turn a Hobby into a Business: Thressa Jones - Dazzling Apparel Sorors in attendance were: Tamara Cubit, Cheryl Taylor, Demetria Williams, Faye Phillips, Allison Bell, Carole Pinkett, Allonie Moncriffe, Rhonda Richardson, Sandra Campbell, Vaniecia Williams, Mary Shockley, Melody Collier, Yavaunda White, Jana Williams, Annette Joubert, and Jonita Reynolds. All enjoyed networking, refreshments, and an informative experience in a beautiful environment. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Taylor NTE committee chairperson

Greeting Sorors of Alpha Kappa Omega,

Thanks for your favorable vote of confidence by allowing me to return to the

chapter of my initiation to serve as your 2010 Graduate Advisor. I will

continue to motivate the Gamma Psi Chapter to uphold the ideals and

integrity of our beloved sisterhood & to be of service to all mankind.

The end of year chapter events included; adopting a family of ten from the

Cuney Homes and spent Thanksgiving Day fellowshipping while the family

enjoyed the donated turkey dinner with the trimming.

They also joined the Student Government Association and PAN Council in its

annual Christmas toy drive to benefit 3rd ward community children and help

in the wrapping of the Christmas gifts.

CONGRATUALTIONS 2009 WINTER GRADUATES

December 12, 2009 9a.m. at HPE Arena

LaKendra Derouen

Chrystal Golden: Salutatorian

La’Britni Wolridge

Olivia Harris

Great News Update: Dr. John Rudley, President of Texas Southern University was pleased to announce that the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges have removed Texas Southern University from probationary status. The University will be a part of the normal ten-year accreditation review cycle beginning 2011. This truly exemplifies the essence of where TSU is NOW.

To all sorors who serve as mentors, under the leadership of Sorors Clardina Hopes & Chantay Morris, I appreciate your ongoing dedication and hard work to ensure the success of the undergraduates. To my Graduate Council, Sorors Betty M. Williams; Staci Fullmighter; QuianaSmith; Mae Rose Smith; Demonica Johnson; Shewanna Rochon; YavaundaWhite; Regina Carrington; Erika Edmond; Fannie Hawkins and Endria Chachere. The countless hours spent helping to rejuvenate ourundergraduates is priceless. A special thanks to Soror Regina Carrington from the International Heritage Committee and Gamma Psi’s own, for facilitating the installation of the 2010 officers.

Love, Soror Mary Smith Johnson

December 2009

Volume 1, Issue 18

The Gamma InPSIder At Texas Southern University

2009 Gamma Psi Executive Committee

LaKendra DeRouen Basileus Anti-Basileus Noelle Sims Grammateus Adele Bailes Anti-Grammateus Gabrielle Thompson Epistoleus Tamiouchos Jamareea Lewis Pecunious Grammateus Kimberlee Johnson Hodegos La’Britni Wolridge Philacter Dominique Thompson Parliamentarian Shyreece Bookman Reporter to the Ivy Leaf

Azelia Abram Historian

Charter Members

Clarice P. Lowe

Mercedes Terry

Evelyn B. Thornton

Soror Mary Smith Johnson, Graduate Advisor

CENTENNIAL UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER OF THE YEAR 2008SOUTH CENTRAL REGION UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER OF YEAR 2009

11/14 Depression: The Impact on the Family Sorors Akila

Calligan-Mukes, Aisha Johnson, Jennifer Washingtonparticipated on the program with Alpha Kappa Omega fortheir mental health forum.

11/17 Truth About AIDS – Do You Know The Truth? - Sorors

Aja Anderson, Anais Atkins, Ashauna Lindo, JameshaMeans, Akila Calligan-Mukes, Aisha Johnson, MarcyJackson, Jackie Mathis-Wilmore, Tenetria Williams,Shafarion Williams presented a discussion panel withseveral professionals and a person living with HIV/AIDS toaddress any questions relating to HIV/AIDS with the 15attendees.

12/2 Book Klub, Sorors Aja Anderson, Aisha Johnson, Akila

Calligan-Mukes, Tenetria Williams hosted a book clubinviting author Nancy T. Whitaker, licensedPsychotherapist, to autography and discussion her bookentitled “Short Changed No More” with 10 attendees.

11/22 Adopt A Family for Thanksgiving - sorors of Omicron

Gamma collaborated with other greek organizations at UHD to provide dinners for families during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

11/25 George R. Brown Convention Center, sorors of Omicron

Gamma prepared and served food for the homeless this Thanksgiving.

12/01 Thanksgiving Food Drive – End Hunger Now, sorors of

Omicron Gamma ended their Can Good Drive on campus.The members delivered boxes of collected can goods to theHouston Food Bank and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Basileus: Soror Akila Calligan-Mukes Anti-Basileus: Soror Aisha Johnson

Vol. 1 Issue 2

Graduates of 2009 Fall Semester

Sorors Yinka Fagbohun Marcy Jackson

Elecia Jones Ina Kennedy

Shafarion Williams

Grammateus: Soror Jackie Anti-Grammateus: Soror JameshEpistoleus: Soror Aja AnTamiochous: Soror AshaunPecunious Grammateus: Soror Anais APhilactor: Soror Aisha JHodegos: Soror Anais AReporter to Ivy Leaf: Soror JennifeHistorian: Soror Akila C

GRADUATE ADVISOR’S Keeping Track Extra Special Purpose

Happy Holidays Sorors, The sorors of Omicron Gamma are most gracious andappreciative during this time of giving and serving mankind.We wish you a “Happy Holiday” to you and your family. Aspecial thanks to Omicron Gamma’s Charter members SororsCharlotte Bryant and Dorothy Booker for attending thechapter’s Holiday Potluck. Your time shared with themembers of Omicron Gamma will always be a cherishmemory in their hearts. As the end of the year approach, the members have begun tocomplete 2009 End of the Year Reports. In addition, thescrapbook committee started preparing for the 2010 SouthCentral Regional Conference that will incorporate theirvigorous programs and events. Special Thanks to Soror Tamara Cubit for installing the 2010Spring Semester Officers at the December Sorority meeting. To all my sorors of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, it hasbeen a privilege and honor to serve as Graduate Advisor for2009. I look forward to continue to serve as the newly electedGraduate Advisor of Omicron Gamma Chapter. Sisterly, Soror Pamela Lazard

THE OG EXPRESS Omicron Gamma Chapter –University of Houston Downtown

December 2009

COMMUNITY SHARING

CAMPUS EVENT

Newly Elected 2010 Spring Semester Officers

Mathis-Wilmore a Means

derson a Lindo tkins ohnson tkins r Washington alligan-Mukes

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2009 State of the Chapter 1

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

2009 State of the Chapter Report of the Basileus – Soror Tamara Cubit

This month brings to a close my first year serving as your leader. I am grateful for the love, support and cooperation received from you. As a team, we have worked together in the name of our great sisterhood, and our efforts have paid off in many ways.

THIS IS THE REPORT OF THE CHAPTER AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2009

Membership as of December 1, 2009 is 620.

Diamond Golden Silver Stars Life Members Reactivated Transferred 0 48 162 96 49 10

Ivy Beyond the Wall 1

Sorority Meeting Attendance Joint Chapter Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Sep Nov Sep Oct 315 209 347 222 257 288 350 293 71 141

Visiting Sorors

23 8 0 37 5 3 14 10 Courtesies and Gifts extended: (9 gifts) to Golden Sorors and Silver Stars; (51 plants) to bereaved sorors; (67 get- well cards or plants) sent to sorors; 4 births, 11 marriages and honors. Volunteered 1, 000 hours with the following organizations: Bread of Life, Families Under Social and Urban Attack, Houston Area Women’s Center Fun Walk, Juneteenth Festival, Sister’s Network and Susan G. Komen. Donated items to: Men’s Wearhouse (men suits), Houston Area Women’s Center (used cell phones), Whidby and Forester Elementary Schools (books), Mainland and Preparatory Academy (school supplies) Ensemble Theatre (Christmas toys) and Target Hunger (272 pounds of nonperishable food).

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Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2009 State of the Chapter 2

Under the leadership of Anti-Basileus Soror LaDonna Harris, the 2009 Executive Committee members, committee chairmen, co-chairmen and you sorors, we have embraced and implemented the ESP five-pronged international program; “The Heart of ESP: An Extraordinary Service Program of Economics, Sisterhood and Partnership.” Platform I: The Non-Traditional Entrepreneur

• Sponsored a Pink-to-Green Friday Business Mixer held at Riverside Terrance Café. Sorors in the chapter were able to Expand, Share and Promote Businesses ;

• Hosted a Dialogue in Business Opportunities Networking event in partnership with the Houston Area Urban League. Sorors and invited guest were able to meet and hear from entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.

• Highlighted the chapter’s Non-Traditional Entrepreneur businesses on the chapter’s web site and in the directory.

Platform II: The Economic Keys to Success

• Sponsored an entrepreneurial workshops for our Earn Save Prosper (ESP) Kids Club at Whidby Elementary School and the students developed their own banking system;

• Implemented the Youth Business Plan on Top of the Game activities led by the High School Leadership Development Committee. Students participated in workshops throughout the year, developed and presented business plans;

• Co-Sponsored the 2nd Economic Smart Fair along with other Houston Area Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held at Jack Yates High School. The theme of the event “Empowering, Supporting & Providing Economic Healthcare Reform,” was very reflective of the program;

• Presented AKA-nomics topics at monthly sorority meetings and highlighted topics in the newsletter. The following topics were featured: AKA Jeopardy Game, 2008 Hurricane Related Income Tax Programs, Long-Term Care Insurance Stimulus Package, Twelve R’s for Surviving Unemployment and Wills;

• Assisted with 800 Lemonade Day Stands.

Platform III: The Economic Growth of the Black Family • Held a First Responder’s Training at Ryan Middle School. All participants were

trained in Child CPR/AED by American Red Cross Instructors; • Prepared and donated Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to our adopted

black families; • Partnered with University of Texas Pediatric Clinic and donated food baskets to

families; • Hosted a SAT/ACT Test Preparation workshop for Males and Parents led by the High School Leadership

Development Committee.

Platform V: Health Resource Management and Economics • Partnered with Houston ISD Health and Physical Education Department and hosted a

Teen/Parent Health Summit held at Wheatley High School. The summit focused on Teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and STDs;

• Participated in the following walks/runs totaling 1,000 miles: AIDS, American Cancer Relay for Life, March for Babies, Race Against Violence, United Negro College Fund, Sister’s Network , Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure;

• Featured the following health topics in the newsletter: Cholesterol, Depression, Diabetics, Heart Disease, Making Healthier Food Choices, and Stress;

• Hosted the Mental Health Forum at Metropolitan CME Church. The theme of the event was Depression… It’s Impact on the Family. Sorors and guests learned from a panel of experts on how depression can have an impact on the African American family.

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2009 State of the Chapter 3

Connection Committee • Hosted a Voter Education Day and Mock Houston Mayoral Election at Whidby Elementary; • Attended AKA Day at the Texas State Capital. The theme of the event was “Alpha Kappa Alpha Women:

Making a Difference in the Lone Star State”; • Hosted a Political Forum in partnership with KEY PAC (Political Action Committee). The forum furnished

details on newly adopted laws that affect Houston citizens after the 81st Legislative Session. Soror Melanie Lawson was the moderator and 8 Texas Legislatures served as panelist;

• Participated in a Voter’s Registration Drive with the Houston Area Pan-Hellenic Council; • Attended the Houston 2010 Census Train-the-Trainer Conference at TSU.

Membership/Reactivation Committees • Hosted a chapter retreat under the leadership of the Membership Committee. The theme was “Renewing

our Commitment to Our Pearls.” Chapter workshops were presented on Polishing our Pearls, How to Survive in a Large Chapter and Mentoring Matters;

• Hosted a reactivation activity under the leadership of the Reactivation Committee honoring our newly reactivated and transferred pearls. The theme was “The Return of our Pearls.” An informational session and Tickled Pink activities were held and the reactivated sorors were recognized;

• Assisted with the Membership Intake Processes of Gamma Psi, Epsilon Lambda and Omicron Gamma. Joint Chapter Meetings with Undergraduate Chapters

• Hosted two Joint Chapter meetings on September 12th and October 17th. The first meeting was bowling with the following activities: sisterly relations, cards and board games. The second meeting was held in conjunction with the Health Committee. Sorors enjoyed Line and Zumba dancing, presentations on Alzheimer, Self-Defense and Domestic Violence;

• Hosted two leadership development and organizational workshops with undergraduate sorors in Gamma Psi, Epsilon Lambda and Omicron Gamma undergraduate chapters.

Other Chapter Activities

• African American History Committee sponsored Reading Day at Whidby; • All Kare Action Committee visited our challenged sorors and provided Christmas gifts; • Pan-Hellenic Council Committee participated in the Breakfast with Santa activity in conjunction with the

Houston Area Pan-Hellenic Council; • Entertainment Committee hosted two activities. A Family Affair Bowling Night at Palace Lanes and Line

Dancing at Red Elementary School; • Life-Long Learning Committee hosted a two-week tutorial program with 3rd grade students, Awards Day

Celebrated and sponsored a Fine Arts/Literacy Day at Whidby Elementary School featuring Soror Lauren Anderson; hosted book fairs at Whidby and Forester Elementary;

• High School Leadership Development Committee hosted an All Male Workout at Bally’s Total Fitness and a Back 2 School Retreat held at the University of Houston, Central Campus;

• The chapter partnered with the CARE organization, ONE in viewing the documentary “A Powerful Noise” which featured three extraordinary women creating change in Bosnia, Mali and Vietnam and participated in World Hunger Day on October 17, 2009;

• Senior Citizens Committee hosted seniors from the Julia C. Hester House, family and friends attended Motown Dancing in the Streets” at Miller Outdoor Theatre; Hester House seniors participated in an oral history through the Art of Storytelling reflections; the senior citizens groups from Payne Cathedral of Faith and Wesley Chapel AME church attended the production of the play, Constant Star at The Ensemble Theatre; seasoned sorors and friends traveled to the Woodlands for dinner and viewing the Christmas lights;

• Fine Arts Committee participated in the Eye on Third Ward exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts; • Program and mid-year planning meetings were held with the executive committee, committee chairmen

and co-chairmen. A presentation on the “The Heart of ESP: An Extraordinary Service Program. Goals, purposes and objectives of the chapter were discussed.

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter 2009 State of the Chapter 4

Conferences Attended

• 77th South Central Region Conference on May 14-17, in Little Rock, Arkansas, 12 delegates and 137 sorors attended;

• Leadership Seminar on July 13-19, in Anchorage, Alaska , 4 delegates and 20 sorors attended; • South Central Region Undergraduate Round-Up on August 28-30, in Baton Rouge, La. and 13 sorors

attended; • Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat on October 24, in Galveston, Texas and 100 sorors attended.

Awards/Recognitions

• 1st Place Attendance Award at the Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat; • Most Creative Website, Honorable Mention Graduate Chapter; • Platinum Level, Educational Advancement Foundation Recognition; • Certificate of Appreciation Voter Registration Blitz.

This past summer, our last living charter member passed away, Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young. Gone, but never forgotten. We will always love and miss you, “Mama Hazel.” I would like to thank the 2009 Executive Committee for their hard work and dedication: Sorors Andrea Bonner, Regina Carrington, Sheri Cole, Karen Grays, Jo-Carolyn Goode, LaDonna Harris, Helen Houston, Edwina Johnson, Mae King, Pamela Lazard, Rhonda Richardson, Rita Roberts, Mary Smith Johnson, Connie Steward, Glenniece Stewart, Staci Taylor Fullmighter, Marianne Walker and Yavaunda White.

FINALLY, THANKS TO ALL SORORS FOR YOUR EXTRA SPECIAL PARTICIPATION IN 2009! Thanks to the following sorors for providing information for this report: Nekeidra Brown, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, LaDonna Harris, Mae King, Rhonda Richardson, Patricia Roberts, Connie Steward, and Yavaunda White. Respectfully submitted,

Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus