EYL 8th Grade Graduation

Nurturing Our Ivy Page 3

Program Activities Page 4

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Calendar of Events Page 5

June 2011 Volume 3 Number 3

Lemonade Day at Project Row Houses

Asthma Awareness Month

In This Edition:

Monthly Newsletter

Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter

June 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

2 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

MESSAGE FROM THE BASILEUS

Soror Tamara Cubit

2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BASILEUSBASILEUS Tamara J. CubitTamara J. Cubit

ANTI BASILEUSANTI BASILEUS Marianne WalkerMarianne Walker

GRAMMATEUSGRAMMATEUS Karen Y. GraysKaren Y. Grays

ANTI GRAMMATEUSANTI GRAMMATEUS Karen AubreyKaren Aubrey

EPISTOLEUSEPISTOLEUS LaDonna H. HarrisLaDonna H. Harris

TAMIOUCHOSTAMIOUCHOS Paulette FrederickPaulette Frederick

PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUSPECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUS Sandra CampbellSandra Campbell

ANTI PECUNIOUS ANTI PECUNIOUS GRAMMATEUSGRAMMATEUS

Andrea StampsAndrea Stamps

PHILACTERPHILACTER Brenda DavisBrenda Davis

HODEGOSHODEGOS Cheryl MitchellCheryl Mitchell

IVY LEAF REPORTERIVY LEAF REPORTER Nkenge BerryNkenge Berry

HISTORIANHISTORIAN JoJo--Carolyn GoodeCarolyn Goode

GRADUATE ADVISORS:GRADUATE ADVISORS: Mary Smith JohnsonMary Smith Johnson

Gamma Psi, TSUGamma Psi, TSU Pamela Lazard Pamela Lazard

Omicron Gamma, UHDOmicron Gamma, UHD

PARLIAMENTARIANPARLIAMENTARIAN Rita RobertsRita Roberts

CHAPLAINCHAPLAIN Margie TaylorMargie Taylor

MEMBERSMEMBERS--ATAT--LARGELARGE Helen Houston, Edwina JohnsonHelen Houston, Edwina Johnson

Demetria WilliamsDemetria Williams

Dear Sorors,

Sisterly, Soror Tamara

This is our last meeting before we go on our summer vacation and return in September. But we still have several activities and events that we must complete. At this month’s sorority meeting we will host our 2nd Annual Legacy Parade, our Transitional Ceremony for recent graduates of our undergraduate chapters, and the “Bringing in the Green” vendor fair, which will showcase our sorors who are entrepreneurs, business owners or providers of other services. The winners of our Black Dollar Days contest will be announced and, finally, our 23 debutantes will be introduced. You do not want to miss this very exciting and fun-filled meeting.

Contact Soror Marianne Walker if you plan to attend Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in July. Note also, Sorors’ that important information is available on the chapter and corporate office websites regarding the President’s Environmental Youth Award, a program that honors a wide variety of environmental projects developed by young people (kindergarten through high school students) to promote environmental awareness. The deadline for this project is December 31, 2011. Also the 2011 AKA Public Policy Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. from September 19, 2011 to September 21, 2011.

Please continue to RSVP if you plan to attend sorority meeting. An accurate count is necessary for an appropriately organized and successful meeting. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, June 18, 2011, at sorority meeting.

June 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ

JUNE HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE

The June Hostess Service Committee members have partnered with the Social Justice Initiative Committee and are asking sorors to bring the following school supplies: backpacks, markers, highlighters, pencils, pens, colored pencils, and notebook paper to sorority meeting. The donated items will be given to children of incarcerated parents in August.

Soror Clarice Gatlin whose brother passed; he is also the uncle of Soror Revona Gatlin Davis and Soror Devona Martin. Soror Joan Hampton whose brother-in-law passed. Soror Myra Jackson whose mother passed. Soror Una Topps whose nephew passed.

Soror Jamie Watson whose father passed. Please continue to keep the following sorors in your thoughts and prayers: Soror Bobbye Harris who is ill.

Soror Hilda Gentry who had surgery and is at home resting.

Soror Minnie Lott who had surgery and is at home resting.

Soror Demetria Williams who had surgery and is at home resting.

Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster, Mary Butler, Aleice Conley, Lillian Cook, Franceta Lane, Melba Moreland, Ruby Mosley, Ora Lee Piper, Ritchie Routt, Polly Sparks Turner and Angela Wright.

A Sisterly “Thank You” From... • Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley,

South Central Regional Director • Soror Natalie Carroll • Soror Annie Duffield • Soror Hilda Gentry • Soror Melba Henry • Soror Jonita Reynolds • Soror Glenniece Stewart

Nurturing Our Ivy

Please inform Soror Cheryl Mitchell or the Basileus as you become aware of those who are ill or otherwise challenged.

Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com 3

JUNE HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE Chairman: Janice Granger Co-Chairman: Edna Forte

Co-Chairman: Patricia Grant Committee: Fontaine-Handy-Quaye

Editor Tamara J. Cubit

Newsletter Design / Distribution LaDonna H. Harris

Articles must be submitted and received by the Basileus no later than the last day of the month preceding the next sorority meeting. Articles must be limited to 150 words; submitted in Microsoft Word format; Arial, 12 point font; insert only one space between sentences. When submitting photographs, attach them in JPEG format to emails. Photographs embedded in the body of emails or Word documents cannot be used. Correspondence received after the deadline will be printed in the next month’s newsletter, at the discretion of the Basileus.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION PROTOCOL

THANK YOU - May Service Hostess Committee with Soror Maurie Carpenter serving as chairman and Sorors Katherine Brown and Frances Brown as co-chairmen. Sorors Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Sheri Cole, Alicia Duplechain, Shonthenia Edwards, Beverly Maddox, Natosha Roberts and the Philacter Team. The following

proof reading team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Kim Harris, Helen Houston, Yvonne McCree, and Bettye White.

CONGRATULATIONS Sorors Genora Boykins, Annette Cluff, Shirlette Milton, Angela Gobert-Conway, Erika Gloyd. These sorors were selected to appear in Who’s Who in Black Houston, Fifth Edition for their outstanding achievement.

Soror Xenith Green and Elliot gave birth to Reagan Brielle Green on Thursday, May 26, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and is 19-1/2 inches long.

Sisterly Reminders… • The Texas AKA Specialty License

Plates are now available to order: http://www.myplates.com/designseries/PLPD129

• Sorors, please update your personal information on the chapter’s website at www.alphakappaomega.com.

Dues for 2011 are $310.00 ($220.00 for Life Members). Dues can be paid online at the chapter’s web site. Dues received after January 15, 2011 are assessed a $9.00 late fee. This late fee does not apply to Life Members. Also, the chapter assessment of $150.00 for the 2012 regional conference is due September 30, 2011.

• Soror Kim Topps • Soror Una Topps • Soror Polly Turner

Condolences and Prayers…….

June 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year

4 In Loving Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

MARCH OF DIMES WALK On the weekend of Sunday, May 1, 2011, twenty-three members

participated in the 5K March of Dimes Walk at University of Houston's Robertson Stadium. The race was sponsored by the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization, for pregnancy and infant health. This year, the walk raised $3.2 million to benefit the Texas Medical Center for prenatal and neonatal care research and programs. Our chapter donated $1,800.00. I would like to commend

Soror Rhonda Jordan who coordinated the walk.

ASTHMA AWARENESS FORUM May was Asthma Awareness month and on Friday, May 6, 2011, the Health Committee collaborated with several organizations and hosted an asthma forum held at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. The theme for the forum was “Healthy Communities, Children with a Future.” The purpose of the forum was to engage families interested in receiving information on resources for the prevention and management of asthma among children. Over fifty parents attended and learned information about the disease. The guest speaker spoke with the attendees about understanding and controlling asthma with their children. While the parents enjoyed the forum, twenty pre-school and forty middle school students were able to participate in a puppet show, story time and Ozone Theatre activities about asthma. After the forum, vendors were available to give more information to the participants. This was a collaborative effort with the following organizations: Houston ISD, U of Texas Public Health, American Lung Association, Air Alliance Houston, Houston Public Library, Houston Department of Health and Human Services, Community Health Choice, GlaxoSmithKline and the 100% Campaign Chip/Children’s Medicaid. Hats off to Soror Pat Sibley, Soror Rhonda Jordan and the twenty-five sorors that volunteered to make this event successful!

EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS HONORED AT CITY HALL Houston Mayor Annise Parker presented a proclamation to Alpha Kappa Omega sorors and the Emerging Young Leaders proclaiming Tuesday, May 17, 2011, as Emerging Young Leaders Day in Houston, Texas. The young ladies were excited and happy to spend an afternoon visiting City Council Chambers and witnessing how our city carries out the day-to-day business operations. City Council Member, Jolanda Jones, met the young ladies and presented

each with their very own proclamation. It was truly an honor and new experience for our girls to take this field trip downtown demonstrating the profound connection of our youth and civic engagement. Forty Emerging Young Leaders and eight sorors attended this event. Soror Margie Taylor and Soror Karen Aubrey are the chairman and co-chairman of this committee.

PARLIAMENTARY TIP The bylaws may authorize a board or committee (or even a relatively small assembly) to meet by video conference or teleconference . If they do, then such a meeting must be conducted by a technology that allows all persons participating to hear each other at the same time (and, if a video conference,

to see each other as well). Robert Rules of Order Newly Revised, Tenth Edition, p. 482.

PROTOCOL TIP When referring to the people on the dais, say “members of the dais, dais participants, or dais guest” not “the dais.” Example: It is my pleasure to introduce to you the “members of the dais.” The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol.

2011 EMERGING YOUNG LEADERS GRADUATION CEREMONY Friday, May 27, 2011, was graduation day for our first class of 8th grade Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) girls from Attucks Middle School. It was a perfect day as the eighth grade EYL girl participants bid farewell with a wonderful graduation ceremony and reception. The graduation took place in the school auditorium where hugs and celebratory cheers raised the roof for families and friends as the middle school class of 2011 paraded down the aisles. The young ladies received special attention because each girl wore her custom designed pink graduation sash and made a stunning statement for EYL solidarity. After the ceremony, the parents and families were invited to our very own pink and green room for a cupcake and punch reception. Special gifts and awards were presented to each graduate. I would like to applaud the twenty-five sorors who participated. Soror Rosa Rush and Soror Vickie Windham did an excellent job in planning and executing this activity.

LEMONADE DAY: LESSON IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Third Annual Lemonade Day was held on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Our chapter registered 570 nicely decorated Lemonade Stands. Several of the stands were located at Project Row House where John Sheptor, CEO of Imperial Sugar, and Michael Holthouse, founder of Lemonade Day stopped by to savor the sweet taste of different lemonades. Lemonade Day is a fun, free, community wide, educational initiative where youth learn how to select a site, advertise, purchase supplies, develop and price their products, serve customers, make a profit, basic accounting, open a bank account, and ultimately give back to the community. Congratulations to Soror Lucy Bremond, coordinator, and to everyone who participated in another amazing Lemonade Day!

UPCOMING REGIONAL AND NATIONAL EVENTS

July 13-17, 2011 A Leadership Seminar: Atlanta, GA. The theme is Leadership & Service: A Timeless Mission. October 29, 2011 - Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat; Time: TBA; Place: TBA March 22-25, 2012 - 80th South Central Regional Conference; Houston, Texas

June 2011 2011 South Central Region Chapter Of The Year ΑΚΩ

Chapter Website http://www.alphakappaomega.com 5

SAVE THE DATES!!!

CHAPTER RETREAT Global Leadership Through Timeless Service…Thinking Outside the Box

DATE: Saturday, June 25, 2011 TIME: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PLACE: Houston Community College-Southeast Campus, 6815 Rustic Avenue, Houston, Texas 77087 COST: $30.00 ATTIRE: Business Casual DEBUTANTE BALL DATE: Saturday, July 2, 2011 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Wortham Theatre, 500 Texas, Houston, Texas 77002 COST: $50.00 ATTIRE: Formal

Katharine Brown    A‐Bo  713‐729‐7363 

Nekeidra Brown  Br‐By  832‐236‐0966 

Lena Gilmore  C‐E  713‐528‐3164 

Rhonda Haralson  F‐G  713‐413‐9226  

Demetria Williams               H‐I  713‐748‐1631 

Melba Henry         J  713‐522‐3004 

Lillie Jones  K‐L  281‐442‐4759 

Gloria Melton  M‐P  713‐633‐4803 

Sydna Paul  R‐S  713‐521‐0646 

Cheryl Mitchell  T‐V  281‐488‐5204 

Yavaunda White  W‐Z  713‐988‐2321 

       

Reservations for Sorority Meeting:  Sorors, we are still requesting that you call or respond to your 

eVite to make reservations for all sorority meetings. Please refer to the information below and call your representative, according to your last name, 

no later than: Monday, June 13, 2011 

JUNE 2011

CALENDAR of EVENTSCALENDAR of EVENTSCALENDAR of EVENTS AUGUST 2011

1-Wed Health Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Pat Sibley Global Poverty Initiative Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Clara Cooper

4-Sat Social Justice Initiative; 10:00 AM-1:00 PM; Change Happen, 3353 Elgin, Houston, Texas 77004; Scrapbook Project with children of incarcerated parents

7-Tues Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Lillian Bourgeois

15-Wed Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit

18-Sat Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; Power Center; Contact:Tamara Cubit

20-Mon Economic Security Committee meeting; 6:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Erica Moore Connection Committee meeting; 7:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Faye Phillips Social Justice and Human Rights Committee meeting; 8:00 PM; Power Center; Contact: Sahira Black

23-Thurs Connection Committee; 6:30 PM; Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, (Cleburne & Tierwester); 82nd Legislative Session Wrap-Up and Reception, “From the State Capitol to Houston…A Recap of the Session”; Contact: Dawn Randle

13-Sat Mid-Year Program Planning Meeting; 8:30 AM-12:00 Noon; Houston Area Urban League; Contact: Marianne Walker

20-Sat High School Leadership Development Committee; 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Back 2 School Retreat; University of Houston Central Campus College of Engineering; Contact: Kim Topps

26-28 Fri - Sat

Undergraduate Round-Up; Houston, TX

N E W S F L A S H

STAYING CONNECTEDSTAYING CONNECTEDSTAYING CONNECTED

Chapter Programs & Committees: Soror Marianne Walker Anti-Basileus marianne-walker@att.net 713.523.9120

Dues, Reactivation, Transfer, Golden/Silver Star/ Life Member: Soror Sandra Campbell Pecunious Grammateus 5503 Linden Grove Ct. Sugar Land, TX 77479 sm.campbell@comcast.net 832.754.7522 Courtesies: Soror Cheryl Mitchell Hodegos cherylk.mitchell@gmail.com 281.488.5204

Information to be published in “The Jewel”: Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com 713.942.2087 Change of Address, eMail or not Receiving “The Jewel”: Soror LaDonna Harris Epistoleus lmharris@swbell.net 281.633.9633

Minutes of Chapter Meetings: Soror Karen Grays Grammateus kyg08@aol.com 713.556.7620

Tickets/Invitations to Chapter Events: Soror Kim Harris Ticketron Committee Chairman kharris627@att.net 713.734.2141 Constitution, Manual of Standard Procedures and Chapter Bylaws: Soror Rita Roberts, Parliamentarian robertsrita@hotmail.com 832.736.9951 Death of a Soror or someone in a Soror’s immediate family: Soror Tamara Cubit, Basileus akomegapresident@yahoo.com 713.942.2087

Ivy Educational and Charitable Foundation of Houston, Inc.: Mrs. Regina Carrington President, Board of Directors regina1908@ymail.com 281.261.5351

Emerging Young Leaders at Houston City Hall

Emerging Young Leaders - 6th and 7th Grade Awards