May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

Greetings Sorors,

Our April showers were showers of love. We had a great kick off in Buffalo at the great Great Lakes Regional Conference, winning 1st place in the step show, being awarded platinum level in EAF, earning the Regional Directors exemplary chapter and award and the S.T.A.R Standards award. Sigma Omega showed up and showed out with our green blazers setting a new standard of sophistication. Thank you Sigma Omega for all your hard work and dedication. With the enthusiasm we garnered in Buffalo I am looking forward to our future success in Cleveland.

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, and I would like to give flowers in the form of a poem to all the mothers in Sigma Omega.

M in Mother is for... Meals Aprons off to you, Moms and all those meals you

made out of love and even the ones you heated up in the microwave.

O in Mother is for... Ointments Here's to mom's ointments, even if it is just an antibiotic cream and aspirin.

T in Mother is for... Teaching Moms are the greatest teachers in the world. Thanks mom for the courage to flourish!

H in Mother is for... Hearing Moms have supersonic hearing. Moms hear what we say and what we don't. Thanks mom for all the times your "hearing" saved us from stomach aches and heartache

E in Mother is for... Eternal The moment a baby is placed in a mother's arms, she is eternally in love. It doesn't matter what we look like, or smell like, a mother's love holds fast. A mother's love is boundless and eternal.

R in Mother is for... Right As teenagers we always think our moms are so out-of-tune to life. Thank you to all your rightness, mom, and for still being there, without the I-told-you-so's, once we figured it out.

I look forward to seeing you at our chapter meeting and block party this month

Sisterly, Soror Whitney B Gaskins Basileus, Sigma Omega Chapter

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Contact Info

Whitney B Gaskins, Basileus whitney.gaskins@gmail.com (513) 535-0270 (Cell)

Carole Cutter-Hawkins Anti-Basileus carolehawkins@cinci.rr.com (513) 703-0345 (Cell) (513) 531-1807 (Home)

Sigma Omega Chapter PO Box 17194 Cincinnati, OH 45217-0194 akasigmaomega1924@gmail.com

Sandi Mosley, Editor Newsletter@akasigmaomega.org

Web Presence

http://akasigmaomega.org

In this Issue

Basileus Speaks Online with the Anti-Basileus 2016 Boule Packing List 2016 Great Lakes Regional Conference AKAlades, Birthdays/AKAversaries & Sisterly Relations Our Programs Arts Educational Advancement Foundation Letteria Dalton Foundation Condolences/Prayers Undergraduate Update

THE IVY Official Newsletter of Sigma Omega Chapter

Basileus Speaks

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

Greetings Sorors,

On Saturday, April 30, 18 sorors volunteered at Closing the Health Gap. Thanks to all who participated. The Expo touched many people in the community and beyond who otherwise may not have been able to see a health professional. They had the opportunity to receive health screenings, lots of valuable health related information and engage in physical fitness activities.

We have several activities planned for our chapter in May. Seven sorors signed-up to participate in the annual NAMI Walk at Sawyer Point to help raise funds for this important cause. Come out and get involved. If you are not unable to walk there are other ways to be included, i.e. registration and distributing materials.

Sorors and parents are invited to attend ASCEND℠ Scholars Celebration held at Xavier University, in the Gallagher Center from 9:30am – 12:30pm on May 7. Eight graduating Scholars will be recognized at the event.

Community Impact Day 1908 Playgrounds Mobilization Day is scheduled on May 21, 2016 at Evanston Recreation Center 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Activities planned by Chairman Soror Sharron Moon and her committee include cleaning the playground for the children, beautifying the area, a “block party” for area families complete with entertainment and a cookout. Please plan to be there for a rewarding day of community service.

“A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever”~unk

Sisterly,

Soror Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Anti-Basileus, Sigma Omega Chapter

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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

Chapter Events

May 2016 7 Target I Educational Enrichment

ASCEND℠ Celebratory Brunch 7 Target II Health Promotion - NAMIWalk 15 LDF Scholarship Luncheon 21 Chapter Meeting 21 Community Impact Day AKA 1908

Playground Project℠

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)

http://www.aka1908.com

Online with the Anti-Basileus

2016 Boule Packing List A checklist of things every soror should have on hand during her trip to Atlanta. Be prepared! Print this list and check off items as you pack.

Grooming � hand and body lotion � curling iron, hot rollers, flat iron

� tissues � perfume

� cotton balls, cotton swabs � brush, comb, and hair products

� makeup & makeup remover � razor and shaving gel/cream

� wet wipes � bobby pins, hair elastics, hair scarf

� sunscreen for outdoor activities � safety pins and a sewing kit

� nail polish, polish remover, clippers, and file � toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash

� stain removal solutions (i.e. Tide stick) � facial cleanser and body soap/wash

� tweezers � baby powder

� lint brush � deodorant

Attire Friday, July 8, 2016

� Certifications: business attire � Commemorative Wreath Laying: white

attire (non-ceremonial white and pants are acceptable)

� Tours: casual & light attire

Sisterhood & Service Day, Saturday, July 9, 2016

� Day of Service: pants, shorts, or skirt with pink AKA Boule t-shirt (Distributed at registration), and comfortable shoes. Visor or cap for outdoor activities. Work gloves for playground projects. Hair tie or clip for those participating in the Childhood Hunger activity.

� Heritage Club Dinner (Members Only): cocktail or business attire

� Experience Atlanta College Pride Night: casual college paraphernalia

White Day, Sunday, July 10, 2016 � Healthy Start Activities: workout wear

and sneakers � Rituals: conservative white dress or suit (no

pants, no sleeveless tops, no hats, no color trim, complimentary hosiery)

� Ecumenical Service: Sunday Best or white � Public Meeting: business attire � Regional Gatherings: attire guidance

provided by Regional Director

Pink & Green Day, Tuesday, July 12, 2016

� Healthy Start Activities: workout wear and sneakers

� EAF Breakfast: Georgia peach with a splash of green

� Plenary Sessions: pink & green Business Attire

� Regional Luncheon: attire guidance provided by Regional Director

� Undergraduate Activity: casual or AKA paraphernalia

Learning & Development Day, Wednesday, July 13, 2016

� Healthy Start Activities: workout wear and sneakers

� Workshops, Forums & Luncheon: business attire

� White Nights in the ATL Gala: formal or Semi-Formal white attire including formal, cocktail, or flowing white dress. Dressy pant suit or jump suits are also acceptable.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

� Plenary Session: business attire

Other Attire:

� jewelry � light sweater or jacket for indoor activities � pajamas, hosiery, undergarments, and

slippers

Launching New Dimensions of Service Scarf Day, Monday, July 11, 2016

� Healthy Start Activities: workout wear and sneakers

� Plenary Sessions & Luncheon: business attire with LNDS Scarf

� Legacy Dinner: cocktail attire. Legacy attendees may wear matching attire to signify family ties.

� Welcome Gala: casual or AKA paraphernalia

Personal Items (add your own items):

� � � �

Health/Medical � antihistamine or cold remedy � vitamins

� any prescription medications (place in your carry-on bag)

� feminine hygiene products (tampons, panty liners, etc.)

� aspirin, pain relievers, Band-Aids � antacid, upset stomach remedy

Miscellaneous � extra copies of itineraries and hotel

confirmation � AKA Documents needed for workshops or

certifications � Alpha Kappa Alpha Constitution and Bylaws

and Manual of Standard Procedure � driver’s license, passport, credit cards, and

cash � cell phone and charger, camera � tablet or laptop, Mi-Fi, power cord

� donation of backpack and school supplies, eye glasses, Little Dresses for Africa, and seasonal wraps

� umbrella in case of possible thunder storms _________________________________________ � workshop handouts

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

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Sigma Omega Chapter Delegates

Financial Officer Certification Recipients

Angela Foxworth-Everett, Sharron Moon, Corrine Witherspoon, Kristina

Thomas, Linda Thomas, Chrystal Cook and Adrienne Powell-Johnson

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region85th Great Lakes Regional Conference - Buffalo, NY

Sigma Omega made a wonderful showing at this year’s Great Lakes Regional Conference.

Our chapter donate forty-eight book bags filled with supplies to the 2016 Great Lakes Regional Conference AKA One Million

Backpacks℠ Service Project and seven chapter sorors completed the Financial Officer Certification workshop.

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

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AKAlades

Soror Corrine Witherspoon (right) received the University of Cincinnati Rising Star Award.

Soror Grace Daniels was in attendance.

2016 The Links, Incorporated Queen City Chapter inductee

Madam Basileus, Soror Whitney B Gaskins

Birthdays | May

1 Rita Bain 13 Sandi Mosley 16 Whitney Gaskins 17 Patricia Stone 18 Dorothy Wells 26 Pat Elder

Sisterly RelationsSorors attended the National Council Negro Women Breakfast Soror Gwen Robinson was the guest speaker

Happy AKAversary

1966 Sharon Williams 1972 Grace Daniels 1976 Marcella Trice 1976 Marlene Earhart 1983 Lillian Hawkins 1983 PJ Ratliff 1986 Shelly Sherman-Greene 1987 Shirley Hackett-Austin 1987 Adrienne Powell-Johnson 1987 Dorothy Wells 1987 Jennifer Williams 1989 Annie Ates 1999 Sandra Parks 1999 Thelma L Thomas 2000 Joann Blake 2004 Theresa Travis 2011 Janel Chris 2015 Crystal Cook 2015 Cassia Dubose-Seay 2015 Angela Foxworth-Everett 2015 Amy Jones-Harrigan 2015 Candace Kirksey 2015 Ashley Baughman Mallory 2015 Monica Newby 2015 Andrea Stallworth 2015 Elaine Stubblefield 2015 Kristi N Williams

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

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ASCEND℠Class of 2016

2016 ASCEND℠ SeniorsNa'Asia Biggers to attend Cincinnati State

Amara Johnson to attend North Carolina A&T Brittany Woods to attend Miami University

Soror Andrea Flowers Basileus, Lambda Mu Chapter

2016 Miami University Graduate

About Our ProgramsTarget I: Educational Enrichment, ASCEND℠ | Sandi Mosley

2016 ASCEND℠ Celebratory Brunch ✦ Welcome, Soror Whitney B Gaskins, Basileus ✦ The Occassion, Kerri Coburn ✦ Reflections, Soror Gwen Parham ✦ UN Simulation/Debate, Soror Joya Dillard-Dozier ✦ Blessing, Soror Sheila Taylor ✦ Lunch ✦ Certificate Presentation, Sorors Kerri Coburn & Gwen Parham ✦ Closing Remarks, Soror Sandra Mosley

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

Closing the Health Gap, Health Expo - April 30, 2016 | Washington Park Sorors registered event participants for screenings and served as greeters and guides.

2016 NAMIWalks Southwest Ohio - May 07, 2016 | Sawyer Point Sigma Omega Chapter sorors, friends and family members participated in the 14th Anniversary NAMIWalks.

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Target IV: Environmental Ownership

AKA 1908 Playground Project℠ &

Block Party

May 21, 2016 Evanston Recreation Center

3204 Woodburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45207

~

Medicine bottle recycling at

Matthew 25: Ministries Cincinnati, OH

Target II: Health Promotion | Soror Denia Redford

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

Local area events:

30 Art Americans | Cincinnati Art Museum March 03 - March 19, 2016

Satchel Paige, The Kansas City Swing | Playhouse in the Park April 23 - May 21, 2016 $ 33.00 for eight or more people Call (513) 421-3888 for information

May Festival | Music Hall May 21 - 28, 2016 Call (513) 381-3300 for information

Music Festival | Fantasia, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Babyface & The Whispers Paul Brown Stadium July 22 - 23, 2016 Contact Ticketmaster for information

Aretha Franklin | Riverbed July 24, 2016 Call (513) 381-3300 for tickets

Opera Season | The Aronoff Center for the Arts June 16 - July 29, 2016 Call (513) 241-2742 for information

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

Sigma Omega Chapter sorors rehearse with Hip Hop recording artist Common (left).

Sigma Omega Chapter sorors perform at Classical Roots (right).

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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

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

Art Committee | Thelma L Thomas, Chairman

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

September 2016, Sigma Omega Chapter meetings is moving to Tryed Stone New Beginnings Church, 5550 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237

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Letteria Dalton Foundation2016 Scholarship Luncheon

Our Prayers Are With You

Prayers for Soror Rita Bainas her son, James, recuperates.

Prayers to the family of Soror Tina Merriweather as her sister recuperates.

Prayers for the family of Soror Linda Tooson as her husband, John,

recuperates.

Educational Advancement Foundation | Sharron Moon, EAF Captain

Graduate Scholarships - Merit and Financial Need

Now that so many members of Sigma Omega are attending or considering Graduate School you may want to apply for the EAF Merit or the EAF Financial Need Scholarships. These are a one-time opportunity to obtain much needed funding to achieve your goal of obtaining that Post-Graduate Degree. Time is of the essence please review the details below and apply today. All application information can be found on the EAF website, http://www.akaeaf.org

To be eligible for these one-year one-time only scholarships, the applicant must: ✦ Be a full-time, sophomore or beyond ✦ Be currently enrolled in an accredited degree-granting institution ✦ Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 ("B" average) for merit and 2.5 ("C+" average) ✦ Demonstrate community service and involvement

Scholarship applications and supporting documents for Graduate students are due August 15, 2016. Awards will be announced by December 2016.

May 2016 Volume I, Issue V

At the 2016 Great Lakes Regional Conference, Lambda Mu Chapter received:

❖ S.T.A.R Award for Standard Excellence ❖ Platinum Level EAF Award ❖ Regional Directors Award for Exemplary Chapter Achievement ❖ First Place Outstanding Undergraduate Chapter ❖ First Place International Programs ❖ First Place Outstanding Soror Ashantia Collins ❖ First Place Focus on Youth ❖ Second Place Outstanding Essay

At the Miami University 2016 Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) Celebration Lambda Mu Chapter won:

❖ Rising Leader Award, Soror Ashantia Collins ❖ Outstanding President, Soror Andrea Flowers ❖ Presidents Service Award, Soror Andrea Flowers, La'Kia Kidd and

Chanell Upshaw

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Undergraduate Chapters

Omicron Chapter University of Cincinnati

Lambda Mu Chapter Miami University

Rho Psi Chapter Xavier University

April 24, 2016 Lambda Mu Chapter hosted Girls Rock.

Soror Whitney B Gaskins, Sigma Omega Chapter Basileus (right-side, second from the end), served as the

keynote speaker.

Our Undergraduate Sorors