The Ivy, Volume I Issue III

Volume I, Issue III

March 2016

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.

Contact Info Whitney B Gaskins, Basileus whitney.gaskins@gmail.com

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.

(513) 535-0270 (Cell) Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Anti-Basileus carolehawkins@cinci.rr.com (513) 703-0345 (Cell) (513) 531-1807 (Home) Sandi Mosley, Editor Newsletter@akasigmaomega.org Sigma Omega Chapter PO Box 17194 Cincinnati, OH 45217-0194 akasigmaomega1924@gmail.com

Web Presence http://akasigmaomega.org

In this issue Basileus Speaks Online with the Anti-Basileus Birthdays & Anniversaries Founders’ Day Our Programs

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

EAF Undergraduate Updates

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Volume I, Issue III

March 2016

Online with the Anti-Basileus Greetings Sorors,

http://www.aka1908.com Sorority Social Media Sigma Omega Chapter Twitter: @AKASigmaOmega Instagram: AKASigmaOmega Great Lakes Regional Office Twitter: @AKAGreatLakes Instagram: @akagreatlakes Corporate Office Twitter: @akasorority1908 Instagram: @akasorority1908

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.

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

Watch for information about the Sigma Omega Chapter Dinner at Regional Conference April 08, 2016, 5:30 PM Location to be determined

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Community Impact Days Alpha 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)

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Volume I, Issue III

March 2016

Birthdays | March

Our Newest Golden Soror Sharon Williams

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 Our Newest Silver Stars Soror Norma Holt-Davis Soror Nicole Donald Soror Frances Keels Soror LaTonya McCoy-Lampkin Soror Sandra Mosley Soror Donna Shirley Soror Margaret Murph

1971

Mildred Kennedy

1971 1974 1979 1979 1979

Jeanette McGee Carole Ellis Thelma Johnson Bea Melvin Verneda Phillips

1986 1993 1997 2001 2005

Damita Jo Ramsey LaDonna Baines Willa Green Ivy White Whitney Gaskins

2011 2013

Nina Griffin 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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March 2016

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”.

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

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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 Carole Cutter-Hawkins Pat Elder Tina Merriweather Sandra Parks Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Shelly Sherman-Greene Elaine Stubblefield Sheila Taylor

!

Coeany Ransom Drummer Coeany Drummer Bryant Oneaster Davis Drummer Coeany Drummer Bryant Wanda Grace Joann K. Blake Karen Clemons Crystal Cook Carole Cutter-Hawkins Pat Elder Mary Gladden Bertha Jones Jeanne Mays Tina Merriweather Sandra Parks PJ Ratcliff Gwendolyn Ivory Robinson Shelly Sherman– Greene Elaine Stubblefield Sheila Taylor 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 Members of Omicron Chapter 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 Members 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

Volume I, Issue III

March 2016

About Our Programs Target II: Health Promotion | Denia J Redford, Chairman Health Expo 2016 April 30, 2016 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Washington Park

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

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 denia.redford1@gmail.com.

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

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

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 kfostersownimage@aol.com

STEM Smart Expo University of Cincinnati Student Soror Whitney Gaskins

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March 2016

2016 Chapter Officers

Connection Committee | Sharron Moon

Whitney B Gaskins Basileus

March 15, 2016 is Ohio Primary Election Day

Carole Cutter-Hawkins Anti-Basileus

Voting Tips for the Primary Election:

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

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.

Ashley B Mallory Parliamentarian

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.

Lillian Hawkins Ivy Leaf Reporter

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.

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

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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

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.

Magical Music of Broadway Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra April 22 - 24, 2016 Childrens Tickets $ 10.00

Check back next Issue for another quiz.

Classical Roots Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra April 29, 2016 $ 25.00 balcony seats $ 40.00 orchestra seats

Membership Committee | Erica White, Chairman

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

Answers: 1. (A)

2. (B)

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 nitaspearl13@gmail.com.

Our Thoughts Are With You The Membership Committee will select one church to visit quarterly. If you would like the chapter to

Prayers/Condolences

Soror Sarah Hale on the loss of her husband

visit your church in May, please contact Soror Tina Merriweather by email at tinamerriweather@gmail.com before the April Chapter meeting, where names will be drawn.

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:

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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

Educational Advancement Foundation | Sharron Moon, EAF Captain

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:

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.

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

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.

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)

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Undergraduate Chapters Omicron Chapter University of Cincinnati Lambda Mu Chapter Miami University Rho Psi Chapter Xavier University

Our Undergraduate Sorors 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.

Lambda Mu Chapter Pink Goes Red AKAImpact Day

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

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