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June 2015 Annapolis Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

THE DELTA TIMES

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings Sorors,

We are leading into the home stretch for the 2014-2015 sorority year, and it has been an incredible ride. In running for office last year, I pointed to three primary goals in which this administration would focus: increase the impact of our pro-grams that serve the community, increase the chapter’s visibility, and increase its membership. Since then, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter has continued to support its programs aligned with national guidelines as well as engaged in a number of activities to assist in meeting these goals. Below is an overview of some accomplishments, many which are highlighted in a presentation that will be featured at this month’s chapter meeting:

Implemented three new initiatives to increase impact in the community: Indigenous Works of Art, Thelma T. Daley STEM Initiative; and Forum on Human Trafficking;

Increased the amount of scholarships to minority scholars;

Supported local shelters and food programs;

Provided a seminar on financial management;

Submitted for the first time a Resolution for the 52nd Convention on STEM;

Participated in the MLK Parade;

Participated in Delta Days (DC and Annapolis);

Engaged in several health-related activities, including the Polar Plunge and several walks;

Ensured chapter representation at all meetings of the MD Council of Delta;

Participated in Divine 9 events, including efforts to reestablish the local Pan Hellenic Council of Anne Arundel County;

Served as co-chair of the First Aid Committee for the 2015 Founders Day and serves on the 2016 Founders Day planning committee in which the chapter will host the First Aid Station;

Engaged in activities to increase our bonds as sisters, including a paint night and various activities during Sisterhood Month;

Updated the chapter website;

Devised and implemented an electronic newsletter;

Implemented guidelines for electronic payments; and

Updated the chapter’s membership directory As you can see, the chapter has been busy, and your support has been amazing. As we move into the new sorority year, I look forward to continuing to lead, learn, and grow with you as we strive to fulfill the goals of Delta.

Sisterly,

Claudia J. Postell, President

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Arts & Letters………………...……4

Delta Academy .........................5

Health ......................................6

Spring Activity .........................7

Social Action….……………….…..8

Chaplain’s Corner………………..10

Birthdays…………………… ..……10

Soror Spotlight…………………...11

Delta Updates……………………..17

Upcoming Events………..………18

Have a fabulous summ

er!!!

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As the Arts and Letters Committee has already started preparing for 2015-

2016, we reviewed our programs that we conducted and implemented

this 2014-2015 year. The Committee is pleased that the Committee

successfully implemented all of our proposed programs and are

excited that our new initiative and largest project -“INGENIOUS WORKS

OF ART” – a Showcase of Original Works in the Performing Arts was

well-received by the Annapolis community and our Chapter

membership. As a result of the successful implementation of the

Showcase, the Committee was delighted when it was asked by our Soror

President to submit our 2014-2015 Program to be considered for the

Eastern Regional Exemplary Arts and Letters Program Award. What a

great way to end our busy year!

The Committee wishes to extend its appreciation and a heartfelt thank you

to all of our Executive Board Members and our Annapolis Alumnae

Chapter members for your continued and growing support. Have a great

summer and continue to nurture your creative spirit!

Submitted by: Nancy Gordon, Chair

COMMITTEE NEWS: ARTS & LETTERS

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The 2014-2015 Delta Academy had a very successful year!

Twelve young ladies finished the program which ended in

May. These twelve young ladies proudly wore their Delta

Academy shirts which had their names displayed on the

front. The stitching was done by Soror Betty Austin. Each

young lady received a certificate for the academy year.

Two participants will be moving to Senior High School in

the Fall. Thirteen parents/guardians joined us for the

closing program. Six sorors were present to congratulate

the young ladies.

One highlight of the Delta Academy year was the tour of the

Maryland State House on May 30, 2015 conducted by Soror

Janice Sydnor.

The sorors who worked with the academy during the year were: Sorors Joyce

Baden, Nnemdi Baird, Chloe Knight,Tanya Diggs, Janice Sydnor, Natalie

Ballard, Tresa Ballard, Carol Wilson, Co-Chair Betty Turner and Co-Chair

Rosemarie Thompson. Others who joined us during the year included Soror

President Claudia Postell. Sorors: Hattie

Penn, Barbara Bowman, JoAnn Scipio,

and Candice Milbourne.

COMMITTEE NEWS: DELTA ACADEMY

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COMMITTEE NEWS: PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the prostate gland. There is no known single cause for prostate cancer. It is a common cause of cancer in men and is most frequently diagnosed in older men over 65 years of age.

There are no symptoms for prostate cancer in the early stages. As it progresses, urinary symptoms such as difficulty voiding, urinary frequency, burning, inability to void, pain on urination, blood in the urine, and bone pain (systemic “metastatic” late stages).

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is made with a rectal examination, PSA test, and a prostate biopsy. There is a very high survival rate with early detection and treatment. Most men who develop prostate cancer do not die from it. Prostate screening should begin at age 50 for the average man. It should begin at age 40-45 years of age if there are risk factors. Risk factors include age (over 50), race (Black & Hispanic), diet (high fat, excess red meat and dairy), family history, and chronic prostatitis. It is important to let your male family members know and get screened for prostate cancer.

Submitted by Soror Jo Ann Scipio, Committee Member .

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COMMITTEE NEWS: SPRING ACTIVITY

On behalf of the Spring Activity and Scholarship Committees, we would

like to extend our sincere appreciation to each of you for your support

during our Outstanding Minority Scholar Awards Program and Fashion

Show Luncheon. The highlight of the event was the showcasing of 10

outstanding scholars who were indeed worthy recipients of the

scholarship provided by our organization.

We would also like to thank the committee members who worked so

diligently in a collaborative partnership to achieve our goals and to

present a successful and memorable occasion. The financial gain from

this activity will allow our chapter to give back to the community as we

continue to support outstanding students in the public and private

schools in Anne Arundel County.

Please mark your calendars for April 26, 2016!

Submitted by: Janet Anderson and Candis Milbourne, Spring Activity

Co-Chairs and Lynne Long, Scholarship Chair

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The Social Action Committee felt deeply rewarded by the contributions made to two of its

longstanding service projects. At “Warm Nights” the committee served dinner and breakfast

to our homeless population. It also packed lunches and provided ‘survival’ item bags to those

in attendance. A good time breaking bread, fellowshipping, and sharing resources was had by

all! The committee tapped into its creativity, and the individuals and families who participated

in “Shepard’s Table” enjoyed lunch with a Mexican theme. The cultural decorations and menu

items had the Mexican flair. All Sorors who were on site to complete preparation and serving

of the meals experienced great teamwork and relationship building in the Sisterhood.

The last workshop in the committee’s Financial Fortitude series was “Home Buying: The

Basics and Beyond.” Soror JoAnn Henry, Associate Broker at Re/Max Premiere Selections

and Monica Atkins, Mortgage Lender from the Fitzgerald Finance Group brought their

expertise to bear, presenting practical information and providing comprehensive materials to

hopeful 1st time home buyers. Participants were able to spend quality time asking questions

about the entire home ownership process to prepare them in furthering their personal goals.

The Committee educated and ignited the community at its forum on “Human Trafficking:

Protecting our Community-Saving our Children.” The Anne Arundel County NAACP was

co-sponsor and opened the door for future partnering with them. Presenters, Dr.Nesa

Chappelle, (Spirit Driven Women), Soror Aaliyah Muhammad (MD State Human Trafficking

Task Force), Detective Daniel Dickey (Anne Arundel County Police), and Soror Tiffany

Thompson (Thompson EDTECH Consulting) all did a fabulous job imparting key information

about the dangers, the laws, the predators, the victims, and the cyberspace work involved in the

horrific crimes of human trafficking. There was deep discussion on how to increase communi-

ty awareness and improve legislation and enforcement to combat human trafficking. Individ-

uals and activists from several community organizations expressed gratitude to Annapolis

Alumnae Chapter for bringing this critical issue forward, as well as a desire to partner with us

to continue the education and legislative work needed to combat human trafficking in Anne

Arundel County.

The Committee wishes to thank all chapter Sorors for your support of its programs!

Submitted, by: Nas I. Afi, Chair, Social Action Committee

COMMITTEE NEWS: SOCIAL ACTION

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Social Action Activity Participants include:

Human Trafficking Forum: Soror Tiffany Thompson, presenter

Home buying Seminar: Sorors Nadine Forgenie, Robin Lartigue, Tamla Bias, Andrea Gordon, Ylonda Fauntleroy, Tracia

Roundtree, Nancy Gordon and Nnemdi Baird; and Presenters Soror JoAnn Henry and Monica Atkins

Warm Nights: Sorors Andrea Gordon, Nancy Gordon, Michelle Schoonmaker , Ylonda Fauntleroy , Robin Lartigue, JoAnn

Henry, Nas Afi, Lacetta Bowman, Natalie Ballard, Claudia Postell, Tressa Ballard, JoAnn Scipio, Veronica Williams

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ANNAPOLIS ALUM-NAE CHAPTER

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

Please send articles to journal-

ist@annapolisalumnae.org by the 7th of

the month.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Greeting Sorors, As I reflect on the sorority year, I am overjoyed with the accomplishments of our Chapter and the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. We have clearly exemplified “there is strength in numbers” as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continued to push and advocate for program, projects and social injustice throughout the world. Ephesians 4:16 NIV states “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Every member of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is needed to accomplish our goals! When joined together we can accomplish much, we must believe we were destined to be linked together at this time in history. God provided each member with unique abilities, talents and gifts. This bundle is the thing God has given you that makes you who you are and sets you apart from other people. The Annapolis Alumnae Chapter needs every members bundle to serve our community, accomplish the Sorority’s 5 Point-Thrust program, and initiate new projects/programs. “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV). Sorors we must use our talents collectively to achieve all we endeavor to achieve!

Submitted by: Soror Robin Lartigue, Chaplain

YOUR LOGO HERE

June

Birthdays

Erica McCormick

Diedra Smalls-Screws

Diane McPhail

Carol Borum

Gloria Austin

Tiffany White

Thelma Daley

Keondra Whetstone

Rosemarie Thompson

July

Birthdays

Janet Anderson

Jane Thomas

Eraena Seymore

Marjorie Winston

Angela Crankfield-Edmond

Nnemdi Baird

Ann Calvin

Delores Pumphrey

Tracia Debnam

Charlestine Fairley

JoAnn Henry-Espeut

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Hometown: Chester, PA

Birthdate: June 15, on my father ’s birthday

which happened to be Father’s Day

Year Made in Delta: 1979.

Occupation: Retired Federal Employee, 30

years. I was Mineral Leasing Specialist, which consisted of leasing

Federal oil and gas lands in the western states -- lots of travel. I

love traveling and meeting different people.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? Moving to

Anchorage, AL and loving it!

Favorite food: Ribeye Steak

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite song and/or quote: Song-I Won’t Complain

Hero: My mom and dad.

Last Book Read: The Angels Among Us

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT Gloria Jean Austin

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Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Birthdate: July 5

Occupation: I retired in 1999 from the Anne Arundel

Public School system. I taught ten years at the

elementary level and 22 years as an administrator at the

same level.

What attracted you to what you do? My older sister was a teacher , I taught Sunday

School at my church and loved working with children.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? If I had age on

my side, I would continue being an administrator in the public schools.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? I par ticipated in a bikini

contest.

Favorite food: Hamburgers, potato salad, hot rolls and butter .

Favorite color: Red and White.

Favorite song and/or quote: A Ribbon in the Sky and My Tribute.

Hero: My gir lfr iend, Lillian Washington who recently passed away who was so

strong in her faith and died with dignity. She was a hero in her own right.

Last Book Read: I am not a reader .

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Janet Anderson

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Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Birthdate: July 5

Occupation: I have been retired since February, 2000,

however, I was a former Anne Arundel County

Public School System Employee for over 30 years as an

elementary school teacher, guidance counselor, guidance

department chairperson, and Pupil Personnel Worker,

serving in the Annapolis, Crofton and North County areas.

What attracted you to what you do? My love for children and the many doors

of opportunities that could be opened to me with an educational background.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? A singer who

would share my talent at weddings, church and other social events.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? I accepted a marr iage

proposal from my husband of 10 years at the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta

Sigma Theta, Inc. Annual Scholarship and Fashion Show in April 2003.

Favorite food: hamburger , fr ied chicken, potato salad

Favorite color: Red

Favorite song and/or quote: " Order My Steps" - " Do unto others, as you would have

them do unto you".

Hero: My parents, Mr . and Mrs. Jer ry Anderson, Sr . who instilled in me the

importance of developing a relationship with God, strive to be the best I could be and

to love others as God has loved me.

Last Book Read: Wheat Belly by William Davis, MD

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services

Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Jane Thomas

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Hometown: Annapolis

Birthdate: June 10

Occupation: I am a retired school guidance counselor

with 35 years of service with the Anne Arundel

County Board of Education.

What attracted you to what you do? I have always

remembered, since the age of 4 or 5 yrs. of age being a caretaker for my dying father

and others. I have always had a sensitivity and compassion for helping others to feel

better through a small act of kindness and love.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? I would see that

the homeless had a healthy meal each day and access to health services.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? Deciding to speak

extemporaneously before 10,000 sorors at the 16th National Convention, I was not

expecting to receive a standing ovation and a personal compliment from Soror Ruby

Dee who said to me, ''That was fantastic!"

Favorite food: I love a nice beef hot dog with baked beans and applesauce.

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite song and/or quote: My favor ite song is " Lord I Want To Be A Christian

In My Heart"; Favorite sayings: Don't burn all your bridges! and God Is Love!

Hero: Jackie Robinson, Soror Thelma Daley; Eleanor Roosevelt.

Last Book Read: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander .

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Carol Borum

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Hometown: Annapolis, MD

Birthdate: July 15

Occupation: Epidemiology and Disease Control at

the Prince George's county Health Department

29 1/2

What attracted you to what you do? Educating the

public by teaching prevention.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? I would love

to work with children in the Special Olympics.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? Currently working on getting a

motorcycle license

Favorite food: Shr imp and crabs.

Favorite color: Fuchsia

Favorite song and/or quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me. Philippians 4:13

Hero: My mother - Cassandra Beans

Last Book Read: None. Last movie: Fast and Furious 7

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Angela Crankfield-Edmond

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Hometown: Jamaica Queens, NY

Birthdate: June 7

Occupation: I am an Assistant Pr incipal at Fairmont

Heights High School and have been for the past 4 years.

I have been an Educator for the past 34 years where 18 of

my years was spent in the New York City Education

school system.

What attracted you to what you do? My attraction to the field of Education was

inspired by my mom who was also an educator and my 1st grade teacher who made

my learning environment a rewarding one.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? Two things I

would do in this world is to be a Principal of an Elementary School and also work

for the FBI as an Undercover Agent.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? The most unexpected thing I

have ever done was to eat an entire pizza pie on a daring bet made between my

husband Eugene and myself.

Favorite food: French Fr ies.

Favorite color: Brown, Orange, Beige.

Favorite song and/or quote: My favor ite song is: “Wind Beneath My Wings” and

“Living My Life Like It’s Golden”. My favorite quote is: “He who can, thinks he

can…Can Achieve!!!

Hero: My parents for always being an inspiration to me and my husband who is has

been my rock, my confidant, my supporter , my love and my best friend.

Last Book Read: The last book I read was, “ Good To Great” by Jim Collins .

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services

Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Deidra Smalls-Screws

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DELTA UPDATES

Several members of the chapter attended the official installation of

Attorney General Loretta Lynch on June 17, 2015 at the Warner

Theater.

Chapter members attended a retirement celebration for Soror

Veronica Williams at Michaels on June 5, 2015 where she was

serenaded with the Sweetheart Song.

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