SPRING 2016, Volume 1, Issue 1 SISTER CIRCLE the voting system fair to people of color? What did the primaries and caucuses demonstrate in your state? What can Las Amigas Incorporated

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SISTER CIRCLE SPRING 2016, Volume 1, Issue 1

L A S A M I G A S , I N C O R P O R A T E D

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“Let’s Energize, Commit & Renew

our journey to uplift those we serve!

Catch The Fever!”

National President’s Message

Greetings my Dear Sisters,

I trust that each of you have enjoyed a year of good health, positive improvements in reaching your personal goals and professional success, most of all, I pray that each of you have found a way to spend quality time with your love ones. I am so excited to be able to reach out to all of you during the first half of this new administration with love and humility.

We are fast approaching our magnificent sixtieth Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. By creating an avenue for all women of the same values and aspirations, to assist those left behind, our founders, Mary Q. Moore and Dora R. Mason saw the vision and created Las Amigas, Incorporated. By opening this door to all women of color, professional and non-professional, joined forces and over the years, we have achieved the goal intended by our founders. Yes, sisters, we have come a long way! Orchids to each of you that have dedicated your life to open your hearts and provide assistance to those we serve.

The struggle in assisting and educating is not over, as it is more prevalent now than ever before. Our voices and physical assistance are needed more so now by advocating for those that are unable to do for themselves. We must speak out as a large body of women of color for those struggling to live life in this racist White American society. We have to be in the forefront to educate those oblivious persons with their only goal “to turn back the clock and reverse the

progresses we as a people have accomplished in the past sixty years”.

However, we will stagnate our progress if our membership continues to decrease and we do

not attract new members with different motivational ideas and skills. We, as most organizations, are facing this dilemma in shrinking membership. Yes, it is a challenge with all organizations throughout the universe. Age is one of the main reasons for our declining membership. We have celebrated the home going of too many sisters during this past year and we are not increasing our membership numbers as quickly by bringing in new and younger perspective members. Hence, we must continue to research the most effective way of attracting new innovative sisters with direction, goals and the desire to lift those we serve! Orchids to those chapters that have and those that are vigorously campaigning in attracting new members during this year.

One of the issues this administration is so very intense on accomplishing is to stop killing all of the trees with carrying paper trails back and forth continuously. We are attempting to move on up and embrace the age of technology. Sisters, our website database was launched on the 15th of April, 2016, finally, praise God!

As Eleanor Roosevelt so eloquently stated “Women are like Tea, you do not know how strong we are until you put us in Hot water!” Sisters we are in Hot water, the question is how do we get out of it? We have many opportunities to share our story throughout our day. Is that part of your daily goals?

Blessings,

DeniAntionette Mazingo, Esq.

19th National President

Las Amigas Incorporated

NATIONAL OFFICERS

DeniAntionette Mazingo, Esq.

National President

Evelyn J. Patterson

Vice President

Mamie Watkins

Recording Secretary

Keshia Shelton

Corresponding Secretary

Mary E. Coats

Financial Secretary

Faye Jacobs

Treasurer

Pearlie Blanks

Headquarters/Conclave

Treasurer

Faye Stanley

Chaplain

Pearl Owens

Historian

Angelia McClanahan

Reporter

Willa Majors-Johnson

Parliamentarian

M. Helen Baker

Sargent-At-Arms

AnnLouise Goodner-Brown

Presidential Advisor

Lizzie Williams

Internal Auditor

Frances Robinson

Immediate Past President

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Zeler Raspberry

Mid-Atlantic Region

Mary Young Adams

Northeast Region

Marilyn Westinghouse

Southeast Region

Cynthia Shepard

Southwest Region

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Greetings my Dear Las Amigas Sisters, Another year has passed and winter has run its race. Spring is here bringing sunshine and flowers. Once again it is time for us to meet and prepare for the business of our esteemed organization Las Amigas Incorporated. Just as spring brings excitement, warmth and blossoms of pink and lilac hues, I am excited about the growth of Las Amigas Incorporated. Some of you have recruited new members achieving the mission and the vision of our co-founders Mrs. Dora R. Mason and Mrs. Mary Q. Moore. Our organization has an affluent and fertile legacy. Let’s continue to preserve this legacy reaching out to younger women and share the values of Las Amigas. Together we can brainstorm and implement new creative ways to attract a younger generation to build upon our legacy. As I take a moment to talk about two of the five point programmatic thrusts, this is an election year. We all

know how important this election is to our country. We must get out in the community, spread the word and educate everyone about the candidates, help register people to vote while emphasizing the power of voting. Lastly, I would like each of you to know I am praying for you and your families. Sickness, natural destruction and even death has touched each one of us at some point during this last year. Let’s continue to pray for one another as well as take care of our health. Sisterly,

Evelyn J Patterson Evelyn J. Patterson

National Vice President

Las Amigas Incorporated

‘And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Fa-

ther may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My

name, I will do it.’

John 14:13-14

National Vice President’s Message

UPCOMING AGENDA

MAY—N/A

JUNE—June 10th: End of Year Financial Reports Due to Lizzie Williams, Na-

tional Auditor. This is for the Chapters and the Regions.

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SISTER CIRCLE Spring 2016, Volume 1, Issue 1


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POLITICAL AWARENESS

Las Amigas, Incorporated on Facebook – go in and “Like” our page.

Democracy in voting: The Black Dilemma

Presidential Election 2016: Is history repeating itself?

Are voters of color being suppressed and intimidated?

Is the voting system fair to people of color? What did

the primaries and caucuses demonstrate in your

state? What can Las Amigas Incorporated do to enrich

the voting process, so all people of color can exercise

their right to vote as citizens of the United States of

America? How can the organization accelerate the

slogan Black Votes Matter? Silence is no longer

acceptable. Actions are required.

As a North Carolinian Minister stated, the right to vote

is not just a constitutional matter, but a right born

out of struggle, out of sacrificed and a gift from the

God of Justice.

So what happens when citizens don’t vote...we saw

the results of the mid-term elections...one party

dominates the federal and many state governments.

Voting is your voice-your way of backing the issues

that you advocate. We have to get our black voters to

the polls to vote.

We must try to stop voter suppression and

intimidation. Voter suppression and intimidation are

demonstrated when voters are stopped from voting:

It may be by methods that make the citizens feel

that their vote does not matter. It may be by

newly enacted voting restriction enforced by

federal or state laws. When the Supreme Court

recently struck down Article 5 of the civil rights

movement hard won Voting Act of 1965, which

required nine states to obtain federal pre-approval

to enact or enforce voting laws, many of those

states felt that they could crack down on voting

rights and so they did. Thirty states now have

some form of strict Identification (ID)

requirements. These requirements often hinder

voting by poor black, elderly and college students.

It may be eliminating a huge bloc of people from

voting such as felons. This is a huge problem in the

black communities. After the civil war, state laws

prohibited felons from voting. Today more than 2

million Blacks fall into that category. As of March

10, in the state of Maryland, an estimated 40,000

men and women currently on felon probation or

parole will have their right to vote restored. What

are the laws in your state?

See more at State Felon Voting Laws-Felon-

ProCon.org, and http://www.nonprofitvote.org/

voting-as-an-ex-offender.html.

Las Amigas we must: Help Others Register

Educate

Vote

Contributors: Edna Diggs, Ethel Hart

http://www.nonprofitvote.org/voting-as-an-ex-offender.html.

http://www.nonprofitvote.org/voting-as-an-ex-offender.html.

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CONCLAVE 2015 PICTURES

18th N

ational Pre

sident F

arew

ell Pict

ures

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Awards Luncheon

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© CONCLAVE 2015 PICTURES

Mardi Gras

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Gala

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© CONCLAVE 2015 PICTURES

Queens Contest

Las Amigas Incorporated National

Queen Elizabeth Kersey

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Vendors

Guest Bus Trip

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Mid-Atlantic Region Director Reflections

The chapters in the Mid-Atlantic Region continue to strive to operate under the missions and goals of Las Amigas, Incorporated. To achieve the mission, each chapter provides community services and cultural enrichments through a variety of projects and programs, provides opportunities to extend financial and human support to the improvement of our communities, and contributes to the members’ personal and professional growth. It is a great privilege to have valuable members that believe in the five point

programmatic thrusts of Las Amigas, Incorporated and want to be an active part of the valuable contributions of this organization. The members could not be paid enough for the many volunteer hours contributed for the accomplishments of the missions and goals. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting was held March 19, 2016 at Hampton Inn, Downtown Suffolk, Virginia. Each chapter president presented their club agendas for the year. The Mid-Atlantic Region was able to move forward and gained a sponsorship in creating a web page to link the National Website. This webpage will be maintained by the chair of our Technology Committee,

Sheryl Harris. However, our sister Sheryl has already set us up to view our activites. You can now like the Mid-Atlantic Region on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Zeler Raspberry, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director

Chesterfield Chapter

President—Betty Harris-Brewer

The Chesterfield Virginia Chapter of Las Amigas, Incorporated once again put on another stellar affair. Their 18th Annual “My Funny Valentine Day Jazz Brunch” was held on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Richmond Airport.

Various charitable organizations in our community have benefited from this event. Since we were honoring veterans this year, we chose to support Veterans Helping Veterans Now, founded by CWO Navy Retired Henry Mack who was our speaker. Veterans Helping Veterans Now is a nonprofit organization that works

with U.S. veterans and non-veterans, men and women who are homeless, incarcerated or have been incarcerated. A portion of the money raised will provide resources to educate fellow veterans on how and where they can seek and receive assistance.

We opened the brunch by the flag being presented by the color guards of Franklin Military Academy under the leadership of SSG Gary McCray. Afterward, we recognized each veteran by having them stand when they heard their branch of service hymn and a video of each service's mission. They were given a lapel flag pin.

While the patrons were dining, they

were serenaded by our jazz saxophonist, Keith Anderson. The MC the former host of Quiet Storm, a well-known night time radio show, Philly Phil. In between reading Valentine Day messages that patrons wrote while inserting his interpretations, Philly Phil gave out a number of gift cards the chapter solicited from a variety of sponsors and raffled two gift baskets. We ended the brunch with our high of the day, the Balloon Pop. Each gift had numbers that had to match the numbers in the balloons before they claimed that item.

Mid-Atlantic Region Chapter Highlights


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Mid– Atlantic Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS cont.

Newport News-Hampton

Chapter

President—Lois Harris

Sisters in the Newport News-Hampton Chapter have been com-mitted to keeping focus on our mis-sion to reach out in our community and make a difference. We kicked off the year adopting Bassette Elemen-tary School to work with throughout the school year. Realizing young peo-ple are our future, we have decided to do as much as possible to assist them in getting a good educational start. Bassette has an organized pro-gram which mentors the whole fami-ly. We have volunteered at Back to School Night, workshops, recognition programs, served at the Volunteer

Appreciation Luncheon, and plan to volunteer at many other events in the upcoming months. Members have also donated uniform shirts, pants, and belts which the school is in great need of.

Tis the Season to be jolly! What a privilege to be a blessing to others during the holiday. In the spirit of Christmas we adopted a family through the Transition Family Vio-lence Center. Our family consisted of a single mom with two daughters. We were given their “Wish List” of items they requested. We were able to buy everyone a winter coat, the other items on their “Wish List” and all the trimmings for a Christmas meal. The family sent a thank you card letting us know how much it meant to them having someone to

care. We were able to brighten a fam-ily’s Christmas!

On January 30, 2016 in the spirit of sisterhood, we visited our member Jean Anderson after the death of her husband. Our Courtesy Committee planned & organized a wonderful Sat-urday afternoon fellowship. We ate good food, talked about the yesterday years, laughed, and just had a good time. Jean really enjoyed the compa-ny of her Las Amigas Sisters.

We are telling the Las Amigas story! Getting the name of Las Amigas known in our community. Looking forward to finding and inviting new perspective members to join our great organization.

Chesterfield Chapter “My Funny Valentine” event

supporting our Veterans

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Mid-Atlantic CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS Cont.

Richmond Chapter

President—Shamaine Dupree

The Richmond Chapter was blessed to begin the year with a full slate of offic-ers that were installed and rededicat-ed by our Immediate Past National President.

Richmond endeavored to plan activi-ties to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate in our communi-ty. The calendar of activities were de-veloped to ensure that lives be changed for their betterment. A fami-ly of five children with a single Mom as head of the household was adopt-ed for the entire chapter year. Mem-bers started the year by volunteering with the YMCA in their Bright Begin-nings Program partnering with local unprivileged children in shopping for back to school clothing. Our adopted family was provided with groceries for Thanksgiving; gifts of clothing and toys were provided for the kids, mother and grandmother for Christmas. They will be provided with gifts Easter.

In support of Breast Cancer Aware-ness Month, October, members sup-ported the Sisters Network in their annual block walk to raise awareness that support is available whether you had insurance or not. Pink ribbons were also distributed by members at their beauty shops, offices and churches. In our support of other or-

ganizations that provide assistance to persons that look like us we are col-lecting water bottle tops to enable a church member of one our sisters to be able to afford her treatments for dialysis and we are also partnering with the Sickle Cell Anemia group to provide assistance for those suffering from this disease that seem to affect mostly persons like us. We will be hosting a blood drive in support of our blood bank in the near future. As part of our commitment to our National Initiative, Comforts of Love, were pur-chased and distributed to sick and shut-in seniors and to a group home during the month of November.

At Thanksgiving, members partnered with a local non-profit, Giving Hearts, to feed the hungry. On the Wednes-day prior to Thanksgiving members assisted with the set-up for dinners to serve the homeless and lonely. Thou-sands were served dinner in this en-deavor. A busload of sisters, family and friends traveled on our annual fundraiser casino and shopping trip in December. Our younger members are hosting our Meet & Greet, Chat & Chew, and Wine Tasting for prospec-tive new members. Our prospective members were invited to attend church in observance of Founders Day and to dine afterwards. Members of the Chesterfield and Henrico Chap-ters, about 30 sisters strong, wor-

shipped and dined together, along with our National President, at the home church of our President and dined together afterwards, in ob-servance of Founders Day, along with our local founder. Courtesies have been extended to members during their time of illness and death in their families.

Members supported the Chesterfield Chapter and enjoyed their 18th Funny Valentine Jazz Brunch along with our Regional Director and National Presi-dent. Plans are underway to provide handbags to homeless women, and stuff them with needy items, to in-clude shampoo, personal items, deo-dorant, lotion and other items. Plans are underway and members are eager to be hosting our 60th Conclave in 2017. You must be here to experience the fun, thrills and business of our great organization. This will be one to remember mark your calendars for this time.

We will be traveling to or Regional Meeting in March and our National Executive Board Meeting in April. Even while developing and planning our upcoming conclave our communi-ty commitment are ongoing. We the sisters of the RVA Chapter are proud of our accomplishments.

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Mid-Atlantic Region Pictures

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Northeast Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

Northeast Region Director Reflections

Orchids to the mighty, mighty women of the Northeast Region! I am so proud to be a part of this awesome region. The sisters continue their com-munity efforts focusing on the five point programmatic thrusts of Las Amigas. Their heart for Las Amigas and their love of their respective com-munities shows in the many hours of volunteer service and community ac-tivities they do in the name of Las Ami-gas. The Northeast Region sisterhood have embraced the ‘Director’s Chal-lenge’ this year by doubling the com-

munity service hours performed. March was the month to celebrate women and the sisterhood did just that! The sisters honored the current and past regional directors with a beautiful selection of poems written by Maya Angelou and presented each with an orchid. We celebrated our 60, 70, and 80 year old “Golden Girls”. Supporting the National Queens initia-tive, “Get Well, Stay Well and Live Well: Diabetes Awareness” with crea-tive and effective ideas to get the word out about Diabetes. It is truly a bless-ing to be in the midst of so many phe-nomenal women who work hard to help make a difference in their com-

munities. Looking forward to what’s ahead in the coming year.

Mary Young-Adams, Northeast Regional Director

Baltimore Chapter

President—Roberta L. Epps

Greetings from the Baltimore Chap-ter. We began the club year by partic-ipating in a fundraiser at Security Square Mall called “Macy’s Shop for a Cause” to raise funds for our yearly projects. In August, we donated 17 backpacks filled with school supplies to children living in the Druid Heights Transitional Housing Program. Blan-kets were given to the homeless and delivered by Colonial Baptist Church Ministry. In November, turkeys were given to 22 families living in the Druid Transitional Housing Program, along

with groceries, to each family donat-ed by Shop Rite Grocery Store. In De-cember, members visited the Druid Heights Housing and took toys, gifts and refreshments to the residents.

Two of our members, Jaki Hall and Lois Wysinger were among a group of Pioneers of the Civil Rights Move-ment” who received an Honorary Doctorate Degree at their Alma Ma-ter, Morgan State University at the December Commencement. They played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement while students at Mor-gan. During the Christmas Holidays, members met for lunch at Rusty Scupper Restaurant. We plan to cele-

brate Founders Day on February 21, 2016. We also plan to have a flapjack fundraiser on April 9, 2016.

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Forestville Chapter

President—Brenda Gilliam

Greetings Sisters from the Forestville Chapter of Las Amigas, Incorporated. Please see our activities below:

November 2015: Restoration Resource Center’s Coat and Toi-letries Drive held at Ebenezer AME Church – Fort Washington, Maryland Sisters of the Forestville Maryland Chapter do-nated gently worn coats, sweat-ers and a vast array of toiletries to the Center.

December 2015: Prince George’s Pregnancy Center in Temple Hills, Maryland Forestville chapter sisters Barbara Howerton, Brenda Gilliam and Frances Washington presented eight Christmas gift bags to the Executive Director of the Center. The bags contained new born diapers for “now” and size 3 dia-pers for “later.” The bags also contained baby wash and assort-ed books.

February 2016: Valentines Dance, Fort Washington, Mary-land The Forestville chapter teamed

with strength coach James West-brooks to hold a dance for sen-iors called, “A Red and White Affair, Senior Boot Camp Valen-tine’s Dance.” Chapter members provided 18 door prizes and sold tickets for the event. Brenda Gilliam, Barbara Howerton and Frances Washington attended with their guests. Heavy hors d’eouvres were served. The dance was held February 12, 2016 from 12-3 PM at the Tucker Road Community Center.

Northeast Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS cont.

Seat Pleasant Chapter

President—Velma Greene

After hosting conclave 2015 the Seat Pleasant Chapter has not taken a break. We have continued to use the conclave theme “Las Amigas, Sisters- A Bridge to the Community” as our chapter’s theme this year. We filled our calendar with numerous projects. Here are just a few:

September -We served as volunteers at Glassmanor Elementary for the first day of school. We attended the Northeast regional meeting in Phila-delphia and purchased an ad for the Holy Family of Woodmore.

October- We sent our scholarship recipient $500 from the LANBF. We also sent donations to the March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Can-

cer Foundation.

November- We donated food baskets to needy families for Thanksgiving. We donated “Comfort of Love Blan-kets” to a local homeless shelter- Shepherds Cove.

December- We assisted with the Shepherds Cove Shelter’s Holiday Toy Giveaway, donated gifts and toiletries to the shelter, helped in the pantry and prepared boxes for the seniors and families. We also wrapped gifts at the mall for “All Shades of Pink”.

January- We celebrated the holiday by enjoying a brunch at Half-Note.

February- To celebrate Founders’ Day we worshipped together followed by a brunch. We will host a meet and greet for potential members.

March- We will be hosting the North-east Regional Meeting.

April- We will be attending the Na-tional Retreat in North Carolina.

May- We will be supporting the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation by walk-ing and making financial contribu-tions. We will sponsor a bus trip to a casino.

June- We will be hosting the 6th grad-uation at Glassmanor Elementary School. We will make a monetary do-nation to All Shades of Pink” from the change we have collected throughout the year. “All Shades of Pink” is a non-profit organization that supports breast cancer patients.

We will continue to bridge the com-munities by donating to numerous charities, recruiting new members and uphold the legacy of our illustri-ous founders.

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Northeast Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS cont.

Washington Metro Chapter President—Verna Smith

Homeless Outreach Every year we reach out to our family and friends to assist us with going out to distribute clothing and serve food. Well, I can remember when we started and the number of charities doing the same thing we were was small, along with the num-ber of homeless. Now this has reached huge numbers and the numbers just keep on growing.

Washington Metro Chapter is a group of six women consisting of Verna Smith, Lolita Lee, Mary Adams, Shirley Cham-bers, Dolly Ware and Ellen Pressley. Our Chapter falls in the NE Region under Na-tional. We work very hard to help others in need in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV). For the past 10 years on Thanksgiving we organize an outreach project to feed and clothe the homeless in Washington D.C. The numbers are growing and now we are seeing more and more women. To assist we prepare hot lunches, and distribute clothing we receive from family friends to help pro-tect the homeless from the exposure from the elements.

Thanksgiving Harvest Project

WMC reached out this year to provide assistance to a family of three, a mother, and two sons, one with a serious handi-cap in the Washington D.C. area. We provided a full dinner basket consisting of a turkey, vegetables, mac & cheese, stuffing, a dessert, and a beverage. The family was very appreciative and happy. Another project for Thanksgiving was our donation of two dinner baskets for the

organization S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) also located in Washington, D.C.

Christmas Project

So often we find that seniors in our area would enjoy the lights and decorations of Christmas. However due to their age and budget they are unable to afford a tree or even hang decorations. What WMC did this year was to adopt a senior, cleaned the home and provided him with a 4-ft Christmas tree. This small effort brought big smiles and uplifted his spirits because someone cared enough to reach out.

Dress for Success Clothing Drive

Everyone knows how important it is to look your best when going on a job inter-view. This year the ladies of WMC put on a small clothing drive to collect business attire from retired individuals who have traded in their business attire for leisure wear. We donated the clothing to the organization “Dress for Success” in Wash-ington, D.C.

Lending Our Helping Hands Project

We never know when someone is in need of assistance to do little things when they become the primary care giv-er to their loved ones. This project is ongoing until the need for help no longer exists. We are assisting a family whose loved one is gravely ill and the only care-giver is the wife. Through our support of helping hands, we help with the care of the individual, help clean the home, run errands and just provide company to help ease the loneliness of the caregiver.

Upcoming Activities

Habitat for Humanity: WMC will be as-sisting with the hands on building of a home in the DMV for a family in need.

Helping Hands: Providing spring clean-ing, home repairs to our adoptive sen-iors.

Easter Project: Providing Easter dinner baskets to families in need.

Wounded Warrior Project: Providing a donation to help our veterans.

Homeless Outreach: Provide lunch, toi-letries and clothing provided by dona-tion.

Unsung Heroes and Heroines Project

WMC is in the planning stages of sup-porting this project presented by Agatha Grimes. Currently we are looking for a rental site, corporate sponsors and dona-tions.

Founder’s Day

To celebrate this year’s Founders Day, WMC has decided to fellowship at The Believers Worship Center Church fol-lowed by brunch at the Marlboro Grill in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Digging Out From Under

Did you know that this year we had an almost record snow storm that hit the Washington metropolitan area? With the storms, the number of heart attacks killed 12 individuals shoveling snow. All of them were seniors who did not use the correct methods to remove the snow and most ignored the warning signs of a heart attack.

WMC took to task this serious situation and got the word out to their neighbor-ing seniors by visiting, calling and as-sisting with their snow removal. Hope-fully, we were able to bring about enough awareness to help push those numbers down.

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Northeast Region Pictures

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Southeast Region Director

Reflections

The Southeast Region’s Executive Board met in Fayetteville, NC on Au-gust 1, 2015 for its 2015-2016 Plan-ning Meeting. During a relaxed setting, members planned as well as participated in fun activities directed toward making Las Amigas, Incorpo-rated the organization in which our co-founders envisioned almost sixty years ago! Marilyn Westinghouse, Southeast Regional Director

Southeast Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

Members from left to right: Sylvia Patterson, Historian; Renee Beatty,

Recording Secretary; Rosa Miller, Sergeant-at-Arms; Joann Williams,

Greensboro Chapter President; Marilyn Webb, Regional Director; Johnsie

Davis, Wilmington President; Musherrah Ali, Reporter; Helen Baker, Re-

gional Auditor

Greensboro Chapter President—JoAnn Williams

Back to School for Educators approx. 400 people attended, lower turn out this year because of other activities conflict in our area.

- Attended the Fall Regional Meeting Red Springs, NC.

- Street Clean finished our area and that street will be named Las Amigas Greensboro Chapter.

- Hayes Taylor Annual Banquet where our Lola Anne McAdoo received the Edgar I. Farmer Award for Outstand-ing Service to Hayes Taylor YMCA.

- Chapter gave Christmas gifts to a family that had adopted four chil-dren.

- Attended the MLK Breakfast at Four Season Town Center approx. 900 in attendance.

- Founder's Day Church and Brunch Celebration recognizing our organizer Lola Anne McAdoo.

- Distribute Comfort of Love Throws to Hospice Facility, Hayes Taylor YMCA and the Kingdom Learning Center for Kids.

- Third Earth Angel Contest featuring children 18 month to 3 years old.

- Attended Home- going service for Vice President's mom.

Upcoming Events

Regional Meeting in St.Pauls/Bladen, NC.

Executive Board Meeting in Char-lotte, NC.

To My Greensboro Sisters: Although we are small in number I appreciate the work we do in our communi-ty. Thanks for living by our motto: "Those who apply them-selves too closely to little things, often becomes incapable of accom-plishing great things."

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Southeast Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

Red Springs Chapter President—Eula McNeill

The Red Springs chapter hosted a magnificent Fall Regional meeting.

- Received the first “Agnes Rose-boro” attendance award during the Fall Regional Meeting.

- Sponsored a King and Queen Har-vest pageant in November.

- Hosted Senior Citizens dinner in December.

- Diligently working on recruiting chapter members.

St. Pauls/Bladen Chapter

President—Cazzie McClamb

- Held annual Senior Citizen dinner in December

- Hosted annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration with a candle light

March, inspirational program and fellowship following.

- Donated 25 “Comfort of Love” blankets to a local rest home.

- Anxiously planning Founder’s Day observance for February.

Whiteville Chapter

President—Marilyn Bracey

- Donated 15 blankets to a Domestic Abuse Center.

- Sponsored Senior Citizens Concert and Thanksgiving dinner.

- Played bingo with nursing home residents.

- Donated to the Harvest activity at a local nursing home.

- Adopted 2 families in South Caroli-na who—were affected by flooding.

- Donated to local food bank.

Whiteville Chapter Cont.

- Sponsored 19 students from all Ele-mentary and Middle schools in Colum-bus County and Whiteville City.

- Assisted with energy bill for a needy family.

- Continuously providing Senior Citizen transportation.

- Volunteering in classrooms.

- Participated with the Literacy Coun-cil.

- Planning Founders’ Day Celebration for February 13.

Wilmington Chapter

President—Johnsie Davis

- Received the first ‘Doris Marshall” attendance award during the Fall Re-gional Meeting.

- Installed 4 new members on Novem-ber 22, 2015.

- Donated 13 Comfort of Love blankets to a Veteran’s Home.

- Adopted a family of 10 for Christmas.

- Participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade with the 2015 Prince and Princess.

- Planning Founders’ Day celebration at Co-Founder’s Mary Q. Moore’s home church and afterwards placing a wreath on her grave.

- Planning the 13th Annual Women of

Distinction Luncheon on March 26, 2016.

- Planning 2nd Annual “Prince and Prin-cess” pageant for May 14, 2016.

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Southeast Region Pictures

Newly Installed Wilmington Chapter Members:

left to right, Wanda Pugh-Trice, Peggy V. Mack,

Terrie Hall and Anechia Wiggins

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Southwest Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

Southwest Region Director

Reflections “Timeless Gifts through Sisterhood and Service!”

Greetings Sisters of the Sensational Southwest Region, It is a pleasure to greet you as your Southwest Regional Director. Our regional theme, “Timeless Gifts through Sisterhood and Service” has resonated through-out this year with your extraordinary service projects, fundraisers, sisterly activities and outings. Chapters are working hard and being creative in increasing our membership and par-ticipating in a variety of fundraising

programs. Also, so many of you have stepped up by being national officers, serving as committee chairs and members. THANKS so much! I am constantly encouraged by the vision and mission that Dora R. Mason and Mary Q. Moore laid out for this great organization LAS AMIGAS INCORPO-RATED. Let’s boldly take on the reigns of greater heights and by working diligently in our chapters so that we will continue to be the “Sensational” Southwest Region of Las Amigas In-corporated. May we support, em-brace and enhance each other in eve-ry endeavor and remember…… “those who apply themselves too closely to

little things, often become incapable of accomplishing great things.”

I am so proud of all of you and love you dearly.

Cynthia H. Shepard, Southwest Re-

gional Director

Charlotte Mecklenburg Chapter

President—Felecia Armstrong

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Chapter of Las Amigas Incorporated began this 2015-16 year on an “Orchid High With the holiday season quickly approaching in the month of December, so many children are without toys and some seniors may not have enough blankets to keep them warm. Members collect-ed unwrapped, new toys for the “Toys for Tots” organization that is sponsored by the US Marines to be distributed to our children who are in need in the Charlotte community. The chapter also donated 21 blankets to Blessed Assur-

ance Adult Daycare in the month of December. The chapter also donated 21 blankets to Blessed Assurance Adult Daycare for the seniors to use as need-ed when they come to visit the center. We gave additional blankets to a local daycare in the Charlotte area as well. This project is in support of our nation-al initiative called “Comfort of Love Blankets.” February is a time that we rededicate ourselves to the beliefs and great ideas of our co-founders Dora R. Mason and Mary Q. Moore at our regu-lar chapter meeting. In in addition to remembering Founder’s Day we had a “Day of Service.” Members went to Blessed Assurance Adult Daycare and read inspirational passages and/or sto-ries that dealt with having faith,

trusting in the Lord, and treating every-one with love. These topics ignited a great deal of conversation with our sen-ior citizens. Afterwards members went to Albemarle Road Recreation Center and we read books to students in grades K-5, helped them create book markers, and in support of the SW Re-gional Project we donated books to their afterschool program.

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Gastonia Chapter

President—Brenda Brown

The Gastonia Chapter began the year in August with a planning session 2015-2016, hosted by member Gale Hunter at the beautiful Rockwood-Lithium Corporate Conference Center in Kings Mountain, NC. We began our work in September at our first official meeting and spon-sored our first service project, a 90-Day Supply of cereal “For as One Ministries”. Other projects have in-cluded gifts, pizza and Christmas pre-

sents to clients at “House of Mer-cy” (Shelter for terminally ill AIDS patients), sponsored a food drive for the “King Mountain Crisis Ministries”: Provided 100 or more pounds of flour, cornbread mix, sugar, peanut butter, jelly, toilet tissue, etc. Provid-ed shoes and warm clothing to a homeless shelter, members donated more than 25 pairs of shoes. Gas-tonia Chapter members will observe Founders Day in Fellowship at Vesti-bule AME Zion Church in Kings Mountain, NC with Clara Wall, Bren-da Brown, and Brenda Gordon with

dinner following service. What a blessed year we are having, it must have been due to the most wonder-ful and encouraging Regional Meeting, Hosted by the Morven Chapter. We have also reinstatement commitments from two former members, Celena Harris and Peggy Bratton. We anxiously awaits their return to the sisterhood. Pray for three of our members who are hav-ing a few challenges: Vandelia Dor-est, Shirley White and Carrie Brad-shaw.

Greenville Chapter

President—Frances Echols

The Greenville chapter of Las Amigas held our annual Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly on Saturday November 21st, at 11:00 am. For entertainment we had a comedienne and a soloist. All the members prepared dishes, and were on hand to serve. The food and entertainment were excellent and all had a wonderful time. The seniors ate their fill, then, took plates home with them.

Angelia McClanahan, represented Las Amigas well by deep cleaning the Greenville Cultural exchange center kitchen. Thank you Angie!!!!!

December 19th was our day to serve

the boys at Generation Group Boys Home Christmas dinner. The boys, the staff and all Las Amigas members enjoyed the meal and the fellowship immensely. The boys were very ap-preciative. Our newest project is the Sandra Brayboy homes. Sandra Bray-boy has three homes for ladies recov-ering from drugs as well as victims of abuse. We donated personal toilet-ries along with paper products for personal and kitchen use.

A wonderful time was had by all at the Valentine Gala held February 13th at the Comfort Inn. This was a semi-formal affair, with a DJ and lots of great food.

Pearl Owens and Angelia McClanahan represented the Greenville Chapter at the Cascades Assisted Living Home in

Greenville. Pearl organized a Black History Program for the residences, and Angelia participated by reading the poem ‘A World Without Black People’. The residences and staff were very pleased about the program and invited them to do it again next year.

Southwest Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS cont.

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Southwest Region CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

Mooresville Chapter President—Beatrice Spaulding

The Mooresville Chapter continues to strive to fulfill the vision of our found-ers, Dora R. Mason and Mary Q. Moore through service projects and community involvement to make a difference in the lives of many. From our planning session held in August we approved the following projects and activities for the 2015-2016 year focusing on our Programmatic Thrust: Education, Family, Health, Economic Development and Political Awareness

September to February we were moving in high speed by completing the following activities: planning for our Little Miss Las Amigas Pageant; Breast Cancer Awareness – gave Pink

Ribbons/literature to local churches; Habitat for Humanity – donation of $200.00 and provided snacks and drinks for the volunteers; attended forum for candidates running for town offices; Adopt the School-donated school supplies to Landis Elementary, Park View Elementary and South Elementary; donation of $200.00 to Lake Norman Pregnancy Center; Comfort of Love Project do-nated blankets to Lake Norman Dialy-sis Center and Lake Norman Oncology Center; sponsored Senior Citizen Din-ner and participated in Get out to Vote in November; Adopt a Family- gave clothes and food boxes; donated cleaning supplies to Barium Spring Children’s Home. donation of $200.00 to ALS in memorial of our sister Nor-

ris Wilson; sponsored our Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; donated $200.00 to U.N.C. F.; donated $100.00 to South Iredell NAACP; attended Founders Day at Bethesda AME Zion Church and donated $100.00 and will sponsor our Annual Black History Pro-gram.

March – May we will visit Nursing Home on Saturday; send Care Packag-es to Servicemen; give treat baskets to teachers during Teacher Apprecia-tion Day; Regional project Reading to Succeed– donate books to local after school program; donate clothes to Soup Kitchen, donation of $250.00 to Relay for Life; and attend the annual NAACP Banquet.

Morven Chapter

President—JoLetha Little

The Morven Chapter has had a very busy year. We arrived home safely from the June 2015 Conclave at the Colum-bia Town Center, Columbia, MD and was very excited and elated that our very own Elizabeth Kersey was crowned the 2015 National Queen. We began focusing on our activities for the up-coming year in August at the chapter’s executive board meeting. The teachers and staff members at Morven Elemen-tary School were treated to an “Appreciation Day Luncheon” by the chapter members at the beginning of the school year in August.

The Morven Chapter hosted the 2015 Fall SW Regional Meeting in September at the Gatewood Station AME Zion Church in Morven. Rev. Cary Rodgers of the Pathway to Peace Ministries was guest presenter for the workshop “Strategies for Healthy Living”. CEO Le-on Gatewood of HOLLA! Center in Morven, NC was the was the recipient of the monetary donation from the SW Region Service Project. A delicious meal was prepared by the chapter members.

Members and Manager Betty Huntley of the Wadesboro Housing Authority in Wadesboro, NC distributed reading ma-terial to the residence to promote the

“Read to Succeed” for the SW Region Project. Our slogan is “Reading is the foundation for Learning, Read every day!! The Morven Chapter was partner with the Wadesboro Housing Authority and the Anson County Partnership for Children.

In February, members attend an “Empowered to Live a Healthy Life in 2016” Ladies’ Health Luncheon. Infor-mation was shared to bring awareness to the community on health issues.

We are looking forward in April 2016 for our annual Virtuous Woman Pro-gram and the Little Ms. Las Amigas Pag-eant in May 2016.

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Southwest Region Pictures

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IN REMEMBRANCE

Norris was a member of the Southwest Region Mooresville Chapter and served for 26

years with love and dedication. She served on the local, region and national level. In

the Mooresville Chapter, Norris served two terms as president, other offices and com-

mittee chairs; Region: Assistant Regional Director, Regional Queen,

and other positions and committee chairs; National: 2011 National Queen and as

queen's initiative "Pennies for Cancer" raised $2000.00, Chaplain and committee

chairs. Norris will truly be missed. She is gone BUT not forgotten. “Life Is But A

Cherished Memory, For Love Itself Lives On.”

Beloved Las Amigas Sister Norris Yvonne Nixon Wilson

Sunrise: July 9, 1940

Sunset: December 16, 2015

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KUDOS KORNER

Honorable Dr. Joyce Waddell—(Charlotte Mecklenburg Chapter) was inducted into

the 16th Annual Women’s History hall of Fame and she was recognized as the first

African-American Female Senator in North Carolina.

Lizzy Williams—(Charlotte Mecklenburg Chapter) will receive her Education Spe-

cialist Degree from Liberty University in May and she was recognized as the first Af-

rican-American woman of Charlotte to own a pizza franchise.

Ernestine Gaddy—(Morven Chapter) received her School Administration Principal

License (K-12).

Angelia McClanahan—(Greenville Chapter) Oldest son Joseph McClanahan will re-

ceive his Juris Doctorate from the University of the District of Columbia’s David A.

Clarke School of Law in May.

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“QUICK AND HEALTHY RECIPES”

INGREDIENTS:

Mini Ears of Corn

Potatoes

Shrimp

Sausage

Sea Salt

Cajun Seasoning

Butter

1. Cut the foil in squares

2. Add one to two ears of corn on the sheet

3. Add a handful of cutup raw potatoes

4. Add a few shrimp

5. Add a handful of cutup sausage (I use turkey kielbasa sausage)

6. Sprinkle a dab of sea salt

7. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over all the ingredients

8. Add a teaspoon of butter

9. Cover with another foil sheet and fold the edges together

10. Bake or grill on 400 for 30 to 40 minutes

EASY CAJUN FOIL POUCH

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2016 Las Amigas, Incorporated National Executive Board

Documents

SPRING 2016, Volume 1, Issue 1 SISTER CIRCLE the voting system fair to people of color? What did the primaries and caucuses demonstrate in your state? What can Las Amigas Incorporated