2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE2009 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

BBASILEUSASILEUS Tamara J. CubitTamara J. Cubit

AANTINTI--BBASILEUSASILEUS LaDonna HarrisLaDonna Harris

GGRAMMATEUSRAMMATEUS Staci Taylor FullmighterStaci Taylor Fullmighter

AANTINTI--GGRAMMATEUSRAMMATEUS Jo Carolyn GoodeJo Carolyn Goode

EEPISTOLEUSPISTOLEUS Karen Y. GraysKaren Y. Grays

TTAMIOUCHOSAMIOUCHOS Yavaunda WhiteYavaunda White

PPECUNIOUSECUNIOUS G GRAMMATEUSRAMMATEUS Mae KingMae King

AANTINTI--PPECUNIOUSECUNIOUS G GRAMMATEUSRAMMATEUS Connie StewardConnie Steward

PPHILACTERHILACTER Marianne WalkerMarianne Walker

HHODEGOSODEGOS Rhonda RichardsonRhonda Richardson

RREPORTEREPORTER TOTO THETHE I IVYVY L LEAFEAF Sheri D. Cole Sheri D. Cole

HHISTORIANISTORIAN Andreá BonnerAndreá Bonner

GGRADUATERADUATE A ADVISORSDVISORS Mary Smith JohnsonMary Smith Johnson

Gamma PsiGamma Psi Glenniece StewartGlenniece Stewart

Epsilon LambdaEpsilon Lambda [Vacant][Vacant]

Omicron GammaOmicron Gamma

PPARLIAMENTARIANARLIAMENTARIAN Rita RobertsRita Roberts

MMEMBERSEMBERS--AATT--LLARGEARGE Regina H. CarringtonRegina H. Carrington

Helen HoustonHelen Houston Edwina JohnsonEdwina Johnson

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATEDALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER ALPHA KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 2009 Volume 1 Number 7

Page 1 In Memory of Soror Jewel McFarlin Thomas

Sorors, welcome back from summer vacation! I hope everyone is rested and ready to participate in our dynamic service projects, and committee meetings. Make a commitment to attend several of the projects which include: the Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat, Joint Chapter meetings, the HMAC Economic Smart Fair and Mental Health Forum. Our last living founder, Soror Hazel Hainsworth Young, passed away in July. We loved “Mama Hazel” and she will be missed. The Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony and reception were an Alpha Kappa Omega chapter team effort. I would like to thank all sorors for their Extra Special Participation. The Membership Committee, under the leadership of Soror Lillian Bourgeois, chairman, and Sorors Susan Bynam and Anitra Provost, co-chairmen, held an awesome chapter retreat. The theme was Renewing Our Commitment to our Pearls with 175 sorors attending. The exciting workshops included Polishing Our Pearls, How to Survive in a Large Chapter and Mentoring Matters. The Reactivation Committee held its first activity of the year at Riverside Terrace Café on Friday, June 26, 2009. Forty sorors attended and participated in several get-acquainted activities. I would like to applaud Sorors Bettye Narcisse, chairman, and Sandrina James, co-chairman, who did an excellent job in planning this activity. During the month of July twenty-five sorors from our chapter joined other members from across the country and participated in the Leadership Seminar held in Anchorage, Alaska. The plenary sessions and workshops were informative. At the last plenary session our chapter received Honorable Mention for the Most Creative website. Congratulations to the entire Technology Committee. The reports of the delegates to the Leadership Seminar will be available at sorority meeting. Please continue to RSVP if you plan to attend sorority meeting. An accurate count is extremely necessary for an appropriately organized and successful meeting. May God continue to richly bless each of you and all the members of our great sisterhood. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the chapter meeting. Sisterly yours,

!! ALERT !! SEPTEMBER SORORITY MEETING

WILL BE HELD AT WINDSOR VILLAGE UMC, KBC CENTER,

GREAT ROOM, 1ST FLOOR 6011 W. OREM DRIVE

See “Save the Date,” page 5, for directions!

OCTOBER HOSTESS SERVICE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN: Soror Clardina Hopes

CO-CHAIRMAN: Soror Thedrial Jackson

CO-CHAIRMAN: Soror Pamela Johnson

COMMITTEE: Haynes-Johnson

SEPTEMBER—NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL MONTH

H igh cholesterol continues to be a major risk factor for heart disease. In general, acceptable levels for cholesterol are

<200 for total cholesterol, <130 for LDL (bad cholesterol), <150 for triglycerides, and >50 for women for HDL (good cholesterol). However, patients who have conditions such as diabetes or coronary artery disease have stricter guidelines. Though genetic predisposition does play a role in cholesterol levels, diet and exercise continue to be the foundation of cholesterol treatment. In order to lower cholesterol levels, it is important to limit saturated fats in the diet. Different types of fat i n c l u d e m o n o u n s a t u r a t e d , polyunsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. Examples of monounsaturated fats include canola, olive, and peanut oils, almonds, peanuts, pecans, fish, and a v o c a d o e s . E x a m p l e s o f po lyunsa tu ra ted fats include sunflower seeds, walnuts, and soy. Saturated fats include red meat, poultry skin, shortening, cheese, cream, and butter. The consumption of food sources rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower triglycerides and increase HDL levels. Common foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include pacific salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, rainbow trout, sardines, herring, walnuts, and flaxseed. Recently flaxseed has made its way into mainstream stores for its abundance in Omega-3 and fiber. Although there are no definitive guidelines that dictate how much flaxseed should be consumed for protective effects against cancer or heart disease, research seems to indicate that 1-3 tablespoons a day is beneficial. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed supplies about 1800mg Omega-3, whereas 1 tablespoon of oil contains about 8000mg Omega-3. Intake of dietary fiber should be 20-30mg/day.

Chapter Phone: 713-942-2087 & Fax Number: 888-347-9293 Page 2 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

The Jewel September 2009

Sisterhood & Service

SERVICE PROJECT

The September Hostess Committee members are asking sorors to bring the following school supplies: backpacks, markers, highlighters, pencils, pens, colored pencils, and notebook paper. The items will be taken to the Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat and donated to the children who have parents serving in the military. (FYI: The chapter that brings the most school supply items will receive an award at the cluster retreat.)

EDUCATION STIMULATES PROGRESS

T hirty second-grade students at Whidby Elementary were tutored by members of

the Life-Long Learning Committee. The program objectives included enhancing basic reading and math skills. Over a two-week period students participated in other activities highlighting our five platforms which included, workshops on entrepreneurship, the importance of the black family, a computer class, and health and book fairs. Each student received a Life-Long Learning t-shirt, backpack and a book for their participation. To celebrate the program’s success, the committee held an awards ceremony and the most improved students received recognition. Soror Margie Taylor, chairman, Soror Jackie Smith, co-chairman and the forty sorors who volunteered are to be commended for their participation in a stellar program.

EARNINGS SET POTENTIAL: ON TOP OF THE GAME YOUTH BUSINESS PLAN

O n Saturday, August 1, 2009, the High School Leadership Development

Committee under the leadership of Soror Kim Topps, chairman, and Soror Endria Chachere, co-chairman conducted the Youth Business Plan contest at TSU’s Jesse H. Jones School of

Business. The contest culminated two years of working and mentoring students on how to write and present business plans. The competing teams and members were: Designs Unlimited Team, members, Brittney Edgerton, Mark Stoot & Tynisha Watson; Right On Track Team, members Kenneth Clark, Jr. Ashley Animashaun & LaTonya Declues; and South Side’s Finest Team, members, Briana Clark, Darius Barnes & David Drake. South Side’s Finest was chosen as the Best Business Plan Team. The individual awards were presented to, Briana Clark, Best Business Plan Competitor; Brittney Edgerton, Most Improved Business Plan Competitor; and David Drake Most Improved Business Plan Speaker. Thank you to the fourteen sorors, sponsors and judges for their participation.

EXERCISE STAMINA AND PERSISTENCE

T he High School Leadership Development Committee’s Third Annual All Male Workout Day was on Saturday, June 27th at

Bally’s Total Fitness Center. The young men participated in the following workshops: Exercise Spirituality and Performance: Keys for a Healthy and Prosperous Life, Excuses Do Not Stimulate Progress: Get Up & Just Do It! In addition to the workshops they participated in a Boot Camp and lifted weights. Geoffery Phillips, past HSLD participant, spoke to the young men about his first year of college. Kudos to the speakers, workout instructors, fifteen sorors, and male mentors, Joseph Giles and Hal Young.

AKA-NOMIC$ QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

Answer: (E) All of the above

Nurturing Our Ivy NOTE: Please inform Soror Rhonda Richardson or the Basileus as you become aware of those who are ill or otherwise challenged.

Condolences and prayers for... Soror Angela Williams in the passing of her mother, Mrs. Claretha Williams.

Soror Nancy Perry on the passing of her brother, Mr. Sherman Durden. Soror Terrie Tillman on the passing of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Johnson. Sorors Nikita and Thelma Harmon on the passing of their father, Reverend Rozell Harmon. Soror Judy Hampton on the passing of her brother, Mr. Jeffery Jones.

Soror Angel Johnson on the passing of her grandfather, Mr. Ananais Johnson, Jr. Soror Sandrina James on the passing of her grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy E. Manning. Sorors Patricia Roberts, Natosha Roberts, and Bianca Anderson on the passing of their cousin, Ms. Myrtle Petrie Wilson. Soror Erika Gloyd in the passing of her grandmother, Mrs. Margaret Thompson. Soror Rhonda Arnold’s uncle and Soror Valarie Moore’s cousin, Mr. Johnny Scott, who passed. Soror Marva Adams granddaughter, Marva Jean, who had surgery. Soror Alfreda Henry’s husband, Mr. Al Henry who had surgery. Soror Shonthenia Edwards who had minor surgery. Soror Brenda Davis and Soror Diana Johnson who were ill. Sorors Darlene and Diana Johnson for their aunt, Soror Geraldine Johnson, who had surgery.

Continue to keep in your prayers... Sorors Marva Adams, Shirley Brewster, Aleice Conley, Lillian Cook, Francetta Lane, Melba Moreland, Barbara Penn (mother of Marsha Penn), Ora Lee Piper, Richie Routt and Polly Sparks Turner.

Sister 2 Sister: Thank you notes from… Soror Angel Johnson Soror Angela Wright Soror Marianne Walker Soror Genevieve Rousseve Soror Polly Sparks Turner Soror Erica Smith Sorors Brenda Scott and Soror Lori Scott Wyatt

eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: tjcubit@yahoo.com Page 3

The Jewel

September 2009 Sisterhood & Service

Soror Bianca and Cedric Anderson in the birth of their baby boy, Christopher Blake who was born on June 25, 2009. Soror Bianca is the daughter of Soror Patricia Roberts and sister of Soror Natosha Roberts.

Soror Chanique Dionne Spring on her marriage to Mr. Marcus

Ramone Ecby on Saturday, August 8, 2009. Soror Annette Cluff in celebration of her 25th Anniversary Celebration

of the Varnett School. The celebration was held on August 14, 2009. Soror Rhonda Richardson’s daughter Soror Andrea R. Richardson

is a 2009 Alpha Kappa Alpha Leadership Fellow. She is a junior at Sam Houston State and Basileus of Theta Epsilon Chapter.

Soror Loris Anderson on becoming the Area I Regional Director of

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Soror Staci Taylor Fullmighter on becoming principal at Whidby

Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District. Soror Natosha Roberts who graduated from LeTourneau University

with a MBA in Educational Leadership and passed the principal’s certification test in April 2009.

June Hostess Committee with Soror Janice Davis serving as chairman and Sorors Rose Durant and Gala Fary, serving as co-chairmen. Sorors Ardener Franshaw, Mary E. Butler, Renee Bourgeois, Lillian Bourgeois, Nomeva Trini Charles, Shonthenia Edwards, Deneen Ford, Carolene Goffney-Sharpe, Veronica Johnson, Beverly Maddox, Cheryl Mitchell and Demetria Williams. Sorors Kim Topps, Margie Taylor, Felecia Toliver and Sandra Campbell for writing articles for this month’s newsletter. Soror Karen Grays, graphic designer of the monthly newsletter, and the following proof reading team: Sorors Jackie Columbus, Margie Taylor, Kim Harris, Helen Houston, Yvonne McCree, and Bettye White. Last but not least, all sorors for your participation in the June sorority meeting.

AKA-NOMICSAKA-NOMICSAKA-NOMICS

eMail address for the Chapter Basileus: tjcubit@yahoo.com

A "Will" is a document you create to control who receives:

A. Your property B. Who will be the guardian of your children C. Who will manage your estate D. May be the most important legal document a person ever

signs E. All of the above

The Jewel September 2009

Sisterhood & Service

Page 4 Chapter Phone: 713-942-2087 & Fax Number: 888-347-9293 Chapter Web Site: www.alphakappaomega.com

GO TO: WWW.ALPHAKAPPAOMEGA.COM

FOR UPDATES ON UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS!

September 2009

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2 ♥ WEDNESDAY Health Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Camilla Jackson Joint Chapter Committee meeting; 7:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Mary Smith Johnson

3 ♥ THURSDAY High School Leadership Development (HSLD) Committee meeting; Teleconference; Contact: Kim Topps

9 ♥ WEDNESDAY Entertainment Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Xenith Green Membership Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Lillian Bourgeois

12 ♥ SATURDAY Joint Chapter Social Activity I w/undergraduate chapters; 3:00-6:00 PM; Palace Lane Bowling Alley; 4191 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX; Contact: Mary Smith Johnson

16 ♥ WEDNESDAY Executive Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit

19 ♥ SATURDAY United Negro College Fund Walk; 6:45 AM; Tom Bass Park, 3452 Fellows Rd.; Contact: Tamara Cubit Sorority meeting; 11:00 AM; KBC Center; Contact: Tamara Cubit

23 ♥ WEDNESDAY Senior Citizen’s Activity; Julia C. Hester House; 2020 Solo, Houston, TX; 10:00-11:30 AM; Contact: Charlene James

24 ♥ THURSDAY Standards Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Shirley Johnson’s residence, 13731 Senca Park Drive, Houston, TX; Contact: Shirley Johnson

26 ♥ SATURDAY HSLD Activity; SAT/ACT Preparation Workshop; Time/Place: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps Sister’s Network Neighbor Walk; 8:00 AM; Forest Lawn Missionary Baptist Church, 8101 Wileyvale, Houston,

TX; Contact: Rose Durant

28 ♥ MONDAY Platform I, Non-Traditional Entrepreneur Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Cheryl Taylor Platform II, Economic Keys to Success Committee meeting; 7:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Sandra Campbell

2 ♥ FRIDAY Entertainment Committee Activity, “Line Dancing;” 6:30 PM; Red Elementary, 4520 Tonawanda; Contact: Xenith Green

3 ♥ SATURDAY Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk; 7:00 AM; Sam Houston Park, Downtown Houston, 1100 Bagby; Contact: Barbara Hayes

7 ♥ WEDNESDAY Ivy League Committee meeting; 6:30 pm; Power Center; Contact: Idaena Wade

17 ♥ SATURDAY Joint Chapter Social Activity II w/undergraduate chapters; Time/Place: TBA; Contact: Mary Smith Johnson, Ardyth Guyer

24 ♥ SATURDAY Southeast Texas Cluster; 7:30 AM; UMTB, 1002 Market Street, Levin Hall, Galveston, TX; Contact: Tamara Cubit

26 ♥ MONDAY Platform I, Non-Traditional Entrepreneur Committee meeting; 6:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Cheryl Taylor Platform II, Economic Keys to Success Committee meeting; 7:30 PM; Power Center; Contact: Sandra

Campbell

31 SATURDAY HSLD All Male Career Day; Time/Place: TBA; Contact: Kim Topps

October 2009

Sisterhood & Service September 2009

2009 Mid-Year Program Planning

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