The Ivy, Volume I Issue III

March 2016 Volume I, Issue III

The Ivy Page | �1

Contact Info

Whitney B Gaskins, Basileus [email protected] (513) 535-0270 (Cell)

Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Anti-Basileus [email protected] (513) 703-0345 (Cell) (513) 531-1807 (Home)

Sandi Mosley, Editor [email protected]

Sigma Omega Chapter PO Box 17194 Cincinnati, OH 45217-0194 [email protected]

Web Presence

http://akasigmaomega.org

In this issue

Basileus Speaks Online with the Anti-Basileus Birthdays & Anniversaries Founders’ Day Our Programs EAF Undergraduate Updates

THE IVY Official Newsletter of Sigma Omega Chapter

It’s time to spring into March and this month’s theme is “Getting our House in Order”, our chapters’ version of spring cleaning.

Our Strategic Planning and Standards committees are diligently working to create a long-term vision for our chapter. Our community and world are changing. We must work to ensure that our operations and goals are moving us forward into a brighter future. We are completing our internal audit in conjunction with preparing for our chapter audit. We look forward to receiving a clean bill of operational health.

Basileus Speaks

I want to recognize our Sisterly Relations committee for hosting the dinner and a movie activity. I enjoyed learning about one of our greats, Jesse Owens. I also want to extend a special thank you to our Founders’ Day chairmen and everyone who came out to our Founders’ Day celebration. I know that I had a great time. Soror Marshall’s words truly inspired me and I am excited to see us keep up the great work as we move forward this year. As we bid farewell to another Black History Month, it is important to remember that our history is to be celebrated year round. Our sorority is built on the shoulders of women who have made our world a better place and we will continue to do the necessary work to continue our legacy.

Sigma Omega is getting bigger and better. If we work together, our potential is limitless, but, only by working as a unit can we succeed. I thank everyone for their continued contribution and eagerly await to see what will happen next. Let us be great.

Sisterly love,

Soror Whitney B Gaskins Basileus

mailto:[email protected]









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Sorority Social Media

Sigma Omega Chapter

Twitter: @AKASigmaOmega Instagram: AKASigmaOmega

Great Lakes Regional Office

Twitter: @AKAGreatLakes Instagram: @akagreatlakes

Corporate Office

Twitter: @akasorority1908 Instagram: @akasorority1908

Watch for information about the

Sigma Omega Chapter Dinner at Regional Conference April 08, 2016, 5:30 PM

Location to be determined

Community Impact DaysAlpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Community Service Days annually to highlight the organization’s collective impact in program target areas:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January) Pink Goes Red for Heart Health Day (February) 1908 Playgrounds Mobilization Day (May) The Longest Day™ Alzheimer’s Support Activities (June) Mental Health Awareness Day (July) Childhood Hunger Awareness Day (October)

Online with the Anti-BasileusGreetings Sorors,

February ended with Sigma Omega Chapter observing Founders’ Day, Sunday, February 28, with a feeling of exhilaration, having reaffirmed our devotion to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was a lovely and an inspiring event of fellowship, rose recognitions and a message from Soror Bluzette Marshall.

Thank you to Sorors Mildred Kennedy, Sandi Mosley and the Founders’ Day Committee for all their hard work.

http://www.aka1908.com

March brings positive changes in weather and hopefully signs of spring. We can eventually shed coats, hats, scarves and all other winter gear and to prepare for spring. As we do, please remember to bring spring seasonal wraps, i.e. ponchos, umbrellas, raincoats, light sweaters and sunscreen products to the March chapter meeting.

Regional Conference is approaching, April 7 – April 10, 2016 in Buffalo N.Y. Now is the time to collect school supplies and book bags for the One Million Backpacks℠ Regional service project. If you are unable to attend the conference, please bring your school supplies and book bags to chapter meeting or my home, 2505 Twigwood Lane Cincinnati OH 45237-2215.

April 30, 2016 is the Health Expo at Washington Park. We are being given the opportunity to assist in various ways such screening, greeting, registration and guides. Volunteer training is required, which is scheduled on April 16 and April 18. Please contact Soror Denia Redford if you would like to volunteer and/or have questions.

“Happiness is not at the destination but the flowers you smell along the way”

Sisterly,

Soror Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Anti-Basileus


https://twitter.com/AKAGreatLakes

https://twitter.com/akasorority1908





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Our Newest Golden SororSharon Williams

Our Newest Silver StarsSoror Norma Holt-Davis

Soror Nicole Donald Soror Frances Keels

Soror LaTonya McCoy-Lampkin Soror Sandra Mosley Soror Donna Shirley

Soror Margaret Murph

Birthdays | March

3 Janice Glaspie 5 Norma Holt Davis 10 Monique Wiggins 18 Cheryl Hamilton 20 Marcella Trice 23 Bertha Jones 27 Ritchie Bailey 30 Hazel Clemons

Happy AKAversary

1971 Mildred Kennedy 1971 Jeanette McGee 1974 Carole Ellis 1979 Thelma Johnson 1979 Bea Melvin 1979 Verneda Phillips 1986 Damita Jo Ramsey 1993 LaDonna Baines 1997 Willa Green 2001 Ivy White 2005 Whitney Gaskins 2011 Nina Griffin 2013 Elaysha Wright

Sisterly Relations |Anisha Daniels, Chairman ~

Corrine Witherspoon, Co-Chairman

Our February Sisterly Relations activity was a viewing of the film Race: The Jessie Owens Story at the Liberty Center Cinebistro

Theatre.

In March Sigma Omega will give you information about our next event, the "Little Dresses for Africa" held March 26, 2016


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Service to A" Mankind

February 28,2016, Sigma Omega celebrated 108 years of the sorority living out its motto,

“Service to all mankind”.

Soror Bluezette Marshall, University of Cincinnati Chief Diversity Officer was the

keynote speaker. (pictured below).

Founders’ Day 2016 ~ February 28, 2016

Sigma Omega members, family, friends and the Cincinnati community came together to celebrate 108 years of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated living out our motto “Service to all mankind”.

OurGolden Sorors

“Fore We know There’s No Other, Than Our Sisterhood”

!

Rose Dedication The 2016 Founders’ Day Committee would like to thank everyone for their participation in honoring and remembering our members. Sigma Omega has a rich history, and the names here are just a few of the members who have left their imprint in our hearts, in our Sorority and in our chapter.

We hope that you enjoy your time with us today as we celebrate our Founders’ who made our sisterhood possible.

The 2016 Founders’ Day Committee

Mildred Kennedy, Chairman ~ Sandra Mosley Co-Chairman

Members Who Have Impacted the Lives of Others

Mary Alyce Baughman Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Kathleen Christmon Gwendolyn Parham

Judge Cheryl Grant Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Shirley J. Hackett Deanna J. Shirley

Dr. Sarah Hale Carole Cutter-Hawkins

Dr. Bleuzette Marshall Kendall Wright

Tina Merriweather Elaine Stubblefield

Daphne Sloan Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Sharon Williams Gwendolyn Parham

In Loving Memory

Alice Elder Barkley

Pat Elder Cheryl Hamilton

Tina Merriweather Sandra Parks

Georgia Beasley Hazel Clemons Karen Clemons

Fran Belle Sandra Parks

Iva Brown JoAnn K. Blake Karen Clemons

Carole Cutter-Hawkins Pat Elder

Bertha Jones Tina Merriweather

Sandra Parks Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Shelly Sherman-Greene

Elaine Stubblefield Sheila Taylor

Lille Brown Hazel Clemons Karen Clemons Janet Coleman



Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Shelly Sherman-Greene


Coeany Ransom Drummer Coeany Drummer Bryant

Oneaster Davis Drummer Coeany Drummer Bryant

Wanda Grace Joann K. Blake Karen Clemons Crystal Cook


Mary Gladden Bertha Jones Jeanne Mays


PJ Ratcliff Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Shelly Sherman– Greene


Phyllis Williams

Carol C. Hall Yvonne Edmonds-West

Mary Ann Jackson Cheryl Hamilton

Hilda Jeffries Cheryl Hamilton

Anna Jones Sharron Moon

Gwendolyn Keith Hazel Clemons

Norma Lane Carole Cutter-Hawkins

Amelia Edna Scurry Logan Linda A. Tooson

Bernice Love Sheila Taylor

Helen Morris Denna J. Shirley

Dorothy O’Bryant Candace Kirksey

Karen Kirksey

Margaret Parms Candace Kirksey

Lou Ella Pendleton Annie Ates

Anna Penn Sharron Moon

Adrienne Simpkins Linda A. Tooson

Elaine Sherman–Crossley Shelly Sherman-Greene

Sarah South Pat Elder

Tina Merriweather

Bessie Stone Hazel Clemons

Ada Taylor Jeanne Mays

Maude Thompson Cheryl Hamilton

Mary Turner Annie Ates

Cheryl Hamilton

!

In Honor

Richie Bailey Diane S. McDowell

Rita Bain-Wilkins Elaine Stubblefield

LaDonna Baines Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Mary Alyce Martin Baughman

Bertha Jones Beverly Baughman Mallory

Jeanette Billings Jeanne Mays

PJ Ratliff

Coeany Drummer Bryant Bonita White

Janel Chriss Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Hazel Clemons Karen Clemons

Janet Coleman Mildred Kennedy Candace Kirksey

Karen Kirksey Diane S. McDowell

Members of Omicron Chapter

Sherion Cosby PJ Ratliff

Carole Cutter-Hawkins Janet Coleman

Mildred Kennedy Diane S. McDowell

Grace Daniels Rochelle Johnson

Joya Dilliard Dozier Grace Daniels

Angela Foxworth Everette Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Kathleen Foster Tamara Johnson

Doris Frye Rochelle Johnson

Dr. Whitney Gaskins Members of Omicron Chapter

Elaine Stubblefield

Mary Gladden Crystal Cook

Dr. Sarah Hale Yvonne Edmonds-West

Jeanne Mays

Amy Harrigon Diane S. McDowell

Sarah Harris Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Earline Hawkins Lillian Hawkins

Myrna Houston Phyllis Williams

Renee’ E. Jackson Yvonne Edmonds-West

Janet B. James Phyllis Williams

Thelma Johnson Beverly Baughman Mallory

Bertha Jones Janet Coleman

Mildred Kennedy Beverly Baughman Mallory

Mildred Kennedy Janet Coleman

Candace Kirksey Karen Kirksey

Members of Omicron Chapter Elaine Stubblefield

Candace Kirksey Karen Kirksey

Karen Kirksey Janet Coleman

Mildred Kennedy Candace Kirksey

Latonya McCoy Lampkin Tamara Johnson Mildred Kennedy

Alicia Lewis Candace Kirksey

Gail Lewis Candace Kirksey

Gail Lloyd Karen Kirksey

Ashley Baughman Mallory Bertha Jones

Jeanne Mays Sharron Moon

Jeanette McGee Elaine Stubblefield

Diane McDowell Janet Coleman

Wendi L. West McMullen Yvonne Edmonds-West

Beatrice Melvin Coeany Drummer Bryant

Cheryl Hamilton Beverly Baughman Mallory

Bonita White


Janet Coleman

Tina Merriweather Karen Kirksey

Tamara Johnson Elaine Stubblefield

Sharon Moon Tamara Johnson Elaine Stubblefield

Sandra Mosley Tamara Johnson

Bonita White

Gwendolyn Parham Diane S. McDowell

Sandra Parks Elaine Stubblefield

Past Graduate Advisors of Omicron Chapter


Julia Payne PJ Ratliff

Verneda Phillips Cheryl Hamilton

Beverly Baughman Mallory

PJ Ratliff Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson

Denia J. Redford Cheryl Hamilton

Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Members of Omicron Chapter

PJ Ratliff

Rose Sherman Shelly Sherman-Greene

Shelly Sherman-Greene Nicolle Donald

Esther Smith Phyllis Williams

Marion Spencer Carole Cutter-Hawkins

Nora H. Steele Yvonne Edmonds West

Kristina Thomas Grace Daniels

Rochelle Johnson

Linda Tooson Janet Coleman Karen Kirksey

Gwendolyn Walton Janet Coleman

Erica White Bonita White

Dr. Cleota P. Wilbekin Yvonne Edmonds-West

Phyllis Williams Crystal Cook

Sharon Williams Coeany Drummer Bryant

Phyllis Williams

Kinah Willis Bonita White

CJ Witherspoon Grace Daniels

Shelly Sherman-Greene


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Target I: Educational Enrichment, ASCEND℠ |

Sandi Mosley

ASCEND℠ March Session

UN Classroom Activity Module #3 & Ice Breaker Omicron Chapter

Career Exploration: McKinley Brown, Chief of Detectives Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office

Soror Ashley Mallory Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office

Team Building Activity: Health & Wellness Ketrell McWhorter

College Exploration Grade Level Focus Groups

Soror Chatrice Barnes, Grade 11 Preparation for Senior Year

Lambda Mu, Grade 10 College Readiness

First Hand Experiences Building on Specific Skills for College

Soror Sandi Mosley with ASCEND℠ Scholars Brianna Woods & Amara Johnson, Grade 9

Everything Counts

UN Classroom Update Discussion of Final Project Presented in May

Soror Joya Dillard-Dozier

STEM Smart Expo University of Cincinnati Student

Soror Whitney Gaskins

Target II: Health Promotion | Denia J Redford, Chairman

Health Expo 2016 April 30, 2016 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

at Washington Park

The Health Expo is the Health Gap’s annual event bringing health care access directly to the Cincinnati community. Featuring daylong forums with healthcare experts and organizations, attendees can take advantage of a wide spectrum of free health screenings, fitness as well as local and national entertainment. In addition, there are many opportunities for adults and children to participate in physical activities.

The entire day is designed to focus on increasing awareness and establishing good health habits for the entire family.

There will be a sign-up sheet available at the March chapter meeting to sign up for one of the three 3-hour volunteer time-slots. Keep in mind, a one-hour training meeting is required.

Volunteer information must be submitted to the health center by March 23rd, so if you are not able to attend chapter meeting, please contact Soror Denia Redford by phone, (513) 347-0273 (home) or (513) 375-7343 (cell) or by email at [email protected].

Let's plan on having a good time at the park while also promoting good health to all and don't forget…

The Ohio Players perform at 5:00 PM

About Our Programs

Target III: Family Seasonal Wraps℠ | Kathleen Foster, Chairman

Please bring spring clothing items to the March chapter meeting: ✓ ponchos ✓ umbrellas ✓ raincoats ✓ light sweaters ✓ sunscreen products

Help protect our children from the elements.

If you have questions, please contact Soror Kathleen Foster: (513) 542-4196 (home) (513) 659-0624 (cell)

email [email protected]






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2016 Chapter OfficersWhitney B Gaskins

Basileus

Carole Cutter-Hawkins Anti-Basileus

Kerri Coburn Grammateus

Mildred Kennedy Anti-Grammateus

Sharron Moon Pecunious Grammateus

Shelly Sherman Greene Anti- Pecunious Grammateus

Diane McDowell Tamiouchos

Sandi Mosley Epistoleus

Kathleen Foster Hodegos

Crystal Cook Philacter

Ashley B Mallory Parliamentarian

Lillian Hawkins Ivy Leaf Reporter

Tina Merriweather Member at Large

Elaine Stubblefield Chaplain

Sandra Parks Officers’ Assistant

Janet Coleman, Graduate Advisor Omicron Chapter

Joya Dillard-Dozier, Graduate Advisor Sheila Taylor, Assistant Graduate Advisor

Lambda Mu Chapter

Linda Tooson, Graduate Advisor Jeanette McGee, Assistant Graduate Advisor

Rho Psi Chapter

Connection Committee | Sharron Moon

March 15, 2016 is Ohio Primary Election Day

Voting Tips for the Primary Election:

On March 15, registered voters will be asked to declare their party affiliation in order to receive a ballot. A voter has the option of switching party affiliation by kindly asking a poll worker about this option or you may vote only on issues if there are issues on the ballot in your area.

The Secretary of State in Ohio has added a feature to the various County Board of Elections’ websites that allow you to now obtain your voting place as well as a copy of the ballot you will be voting on. Go to the website and obtain that information before you go to the polls. You can actually select your candidates before you vote and use that as an aid to assist you in the voting booth.

We have noticed a number of Offices on the Ohio ballot has write in Candidates. This is important because the poll workers are limited in the information and assistance they can provide. Make sure you know who the write-in candidate is and carefully write in their name and darken the box next to the name to make sure your vote counts. Ask your election officials to see the names.

Because of all the resources available to you please complete your entire ballot, local elections are equally as important as the Presidential election. Additionally, we have Sorors on the ballot who could use your support if they are in your voting precinct. Most appear as the last Candidates on the ballot.

Remember that 17 year olds can vote if their birthday is on or before the Nov 8th election. If they missed the first registration deadline don’t panic, get them registered before the general election. Connection Committee members will be glad to assist you.

Also if you can vote early, the dates and times in Ohio are the same throughout the state go on line or call your local Board of Elections for details.


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Art Committee | Thelma L Thomas, Chairman

Local Area Events:

To Kill a Mockingbird, Playhouse in the Park March 05 - April 03, 2016

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 8 or more $ 33.00

Cincinnati Black Theatre Company RLH Pageants Unlimited

Miss Black Teen 2016 New Prospect Baptist Church

1580 Summit Rd, Cincinnati, 45237 April 23, 2016 | Cost: $ 25.00

Magical Music of Broadway Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

April 22 - 24, 2016 Childrens Tickets $ 10.00

Classical Roots Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

April 29, 2016 $ 25.00 balcony seats

$ 40.00 orchestra seats

Call Soror Thelma L Thomas at (513) 241-1835 with questions

Our Thoughts Are With You

Prayers/CondolencesSoror Sarah Hale on the loss of her husband

Membership Committee | Erica White, Chairman

The Membership Committee will meet Tuesday, March 8th 6:30 PM at Xavier University Gallagher Student Center in the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Room 280 (2nd Floor). Please turn onto University Drive and park in the back.

Sigma Omega will be launching a mentoring program in March. If you would like to receive a mentor please contact Soror Erica White by email at [email protected].

The Membership Committee will select one church to visit quarterly. If you would like the chapter to visit your church in May, please contact Soror Tina Merriweather by email at [email protected] before the April Chapter meeting, where names will be drawn.

Budget/Finance Committee | Diane McDowe", Chairman

Fiscal Fitness

Here we are again. Let’s try a couple more questions shall we?

What’s Her Task?

Who issues receipts for any kind of payment she receives? (A) Pecunious Grammateus (B) Tamiouchos

Who creates monthly and quarterly reports of Chapter income and expenses? (A) Pecunious Grammateus (B) Tamiouchos

If you got a question wrong, please have a conversation with Soror Sharron Moon, Pecunious Grammateus or Soror Diane McDowell, Tamiouchos for assistance.

Check back next Issue for another quiz.

Answers: 1. (A) 2. (B)

Social Media Committee | Joya Di"ard-Dozier Chairman

Last issue we learned what social media. These are the account names for Sigma Omega Chapter, Great Lakes Regional Office and Corporate Office; the list also on page 2 of the newsletter:

Sigma Omega Chapter Great Lakes Regional Office Corporate Office

Twitter: @AKASigmaOmega Twitter: @AKAGreatLakes Twitter: @akasorority1908 Instagram: AKASigmaOmega Instagram: @akagreatlakes Instagram: @akasorority1908










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Social Media Committee |Joya Di"ard-Dozier Chairman

Last issue we learned what social media. These are the account names for Sigma Omega Chapter, Great Lakes Regional Office and Corporate Office; the list also on page 2 of the newsletter:

Sigma Omega Chapter

Twitter: @AKASigmaOmega Instagram: AKASigmaOmega

Great Lakes Regional Office

Twitter: @AKAGreatLakes Instagram: @akagreatlakes

Corporate Office

Twitter: @akasorority1908 Instagram: @akasorority1908

Please be sure to follow our chapter for information about programs as well as information about our sorority program sponsors and partners:

✦ Africare ✦ Alzheimer’s Association ✦ American Heart Association ✦ National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) ✦ United Nations Association of the United

States of America (UN-USA)

Educational Advancement Foundation |Sharron Moon, EAF Captain

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, Inc. (EAF) provides funds to advance education in fulfillment of its mission: “To promote life long learning.” This is accomplished by securing charitable funds to award scholarships, fellowships and grants.

The Foundation is a source of support to graduate students, post freshman students and non-profit organizations serving diverse beneficiaries. Foundation scholarships and grants are awarded without regard to gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability. The only means to obtain an application is through the website.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are the primary means by which EAF carries out its mission. The Foundation awards Merit and Financial Need Graduate and Undergraduate scholarships.

Both Merit Scholarship and Financial Need Scholarships applications and supporting documents for Graduate students are due August 15, 2016. Awards will be announced by December 2016. For Undergraduate students, applications and supporting documents are due April 15, 2016. Awards will be announced in August 2016.

Go online at http://www.akaeaf.org and see for yourself what EAF has to offer.





http://www.akaeaf.org

http://www.akaeaf.org


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Undergraduate Chapters

Omicron Chapter University of Cincinnati

Lambda Mu Chapter Miami University

Rho Psi Chapter Xavier University

Lambda Mu Chapter Pink Goes Red AKAImpact Day

Our Undergraduate Sorors

Rho Psi Chapter, Xavier University | Linda Tooson, Graduate Advisor ~ Jeanette McGee, Assistant Graduate Advisor

Sunday, February 21st, 2016 Xavier University, Clock Tower Lounge. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Incorporated Rho Psi Chapter hosted its annual Big Hat Tea to kick-off AKA Week.

Students, friends, other Greeks and sorors networked, dined and were entertained by Xavier University Gospel Choir and Praise Dancer Soror Lauren Anderson, Rho Psi Chapter.

Pictured (below; from left to right): Jeanette McGee, Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Whitney Gaskins, Antronette Black, Victoria Dicketson and Linda Tooson

Lambda Mu Chapter, Miami University | Joya Di"ard-Dozier, Graduate Advisor ~ Sheila Taylor, Assistant Graduate Advisor

On February 5, 2016 for Pink Goes Red AKAImpact Day, the Lambda Mu Chapter collaborated with Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority for Pink and Purple Goes Red , I Heart You. Sorors passed out suckers with heart facts and posted to social media why "I Heart You". Students also watched videos on Hands-Only CPR and learned to call 9-11 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of "Stayin Alive”.

February 23, 2016, Soror Chanell Upshaw participated as a panelist for the student run forum for Campus Climate and Minority Retention.

On February 27, 2016 Lambda Mu participated in the Black History Month Celebration and College Fair at Rosa Parks Elementary School in Middletown.

Documents

The Ivy, Volume I Issue III