Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
THE IVY Official Newsletter of Sigma Omega Chapter Greetings Sorors,
Contact Info
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.
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
Basileus Speaks
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
Sandi Mosley, Editor Newsletter@akasigmaomega.org
the microwave.
Web Presence
T in Mother is for... Teaching Moms are the greatest teachers in the world. Thanks mom for the courage to flourish!
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
O in Mother is for... Ointments Here's to mom's ointments, even if it is just an antibiotic cream and aspirin.
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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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016 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.
http://www.aka1908.com Sorority Social Media Sigma Omega Chapter Twitter: @AKASigmaOmega Instagram: AKASigmaOmega Great Lakes Regional Office Twitter: @AKAGreatLakes Instagram: @akagreatlakes Corporate Office
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.
Online with the Anti-Basileus
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.
Twitter: @akasorority1908 Instagram: @akasorority1908
Chapter Events “A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever”~unk May 2016 7 Target I Educational Enrichment ASCEND℠ Celebratory Brunch 7 Target II Health Promotion - NAMIWalk 15 LDF Scholarship Luncheon
Sisterly, Soror Carole Cutter-Hawkins, Anti-Basileus, Sigma Omega Chapter
21 Chapter Meeting
Community Impact Days
21 Community Impact Day AKA 1908
Alpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Community Service Days annually to highlight the organization’s collective impact in program target areas:
Playground Project℠
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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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
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:
Public Meeting: business attire
jewelry
Regional Gatherings: attire guidance provided by Regional Director
light sweater or jacket for indoor activities pajamas, hosiery, undergarments, and slippers
Launching New Dimensions of Service Scarf Day, Monday, July 11, 2016
Personal Items (add your own items):
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
Health/Medical antihistamine or cold remedy
vitamins
any prescription medications (place in your carry-on bag) aspirin, pain relievers, Band-Aids
feminine hygiene products (tampons, panty liners, etc.) antacid, upset stomach remedy
Miscellaneous extra copies of itineraries and hotel confirmation Alpha Kappa Alpha Constitution and Bylaws and Manual of Standard Procedure
AKA Documents needed for workshops or certifications 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
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Great Lakes Region 85th Great Lakes Regional Conference - Buffalo, NY Sigma Omega made a wonderful showing at this year’s Great Lakes Regional Conference. Sigma Omega Chapter Delegates
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.
Financial Officer Certification Recipients
Angela Foxworth-Everett, Sharron Moon, Corrine Witherspoon, Kristina Thomas, Linda Thomas, Chrystal Cook and Adrienne Powell-Johnson
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
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 13 16 17 18 26
Rita Bain Sandi Mosley Whitney Gaskins Patricia Stone Dorothy Wells Pat Elder
Happy AKAversary 1966 1976 1983 1986 1987 1987 1999 2000 2011 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015
Sharon Williams Marcella Trice Lillian Hawkins Shelly Sherman-Greene Adrienne Powell-Johnson Jennifer Williams Sandra Parks Joann Blake Janel Chris Cassia Dubose-Seay Amy Jones-Harrigan Ashley Baughman Mallory Andrea Stallworth Kristi N Williams
1972 1976 1983 1987 1987 1989 1999 2004 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015
Grace Daniels Marlene Earhart PJ Ratliff Shirley Hackett-Austin Dorothy Wells Annie Ates Thelma L Thomas Theresa Travis Crystal Cook Angela Foxworth-Everett Candace Kirksey Monica Newby Elaine Stubblefield
Sisterly Relations Sorors attended the National Council Negro Women Breakfast Soror Gwen Robinson was the guest speaker
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
ASCEND℠ Class of 2016
About Our Programs Target 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 ✦
2016 ASCEND℠ Seniors Na'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
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
Target II: Health Promotion | Soror Denia Redford Closing the Health Gap, Health Expo - April 30, 2016 | Washington Park Sorors registered event participants for screenings and served as greeters and guides.
Target IV: Environmental Ownership AKA 1908 Playground Projectâ„ & Block Party
May 21, 2016 Evanston Recreation Center 3204 Woodburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45207 ~ Medicine bottle recycling at
2016 NAMIWalks Southwest Ohio - May 07, 2016 | Sawyer Point Sigma Omega Chapter sorors, friends and family members participated in the 14th Anniversary NAMIWalks.
Matthew 25: Ministries Cincinnati, OH
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
2016 Chapter OďŹƒcers Whitney 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
Art Committee | Thelma L Thomas, Chairman 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).
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
The Ivy
Sigma Omega Chapter sorors perform at Classical Roots (right).
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
Educational Advancement Foundation | Sharron Moon, EAF Captain Graduate Scholarships - Merit and Financial Need
Letteria Dalton Foundation 2016 Scholarship Luncheon
Our Prayers Are With You Prayers for Soror Rita Bain as her son, James, recuperates.
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.
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.
September 2016, Sigma Omega Chapter meetings is moving to Tryed Stone New Beginnings Church, 5550 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Volume I, Issue V
May 2016
Undergraduate Chapters Omicron Chapter University of Cincinnati Lambda Mu Chapter Miami University Rho Psi Chapter Xavier University
Our Undergraduate Sorors 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:
April 24, 2016 Lambda Mu Chapter hosted Girls Rock.
❖ Rising Leader Award, Soror Ashantia Collins ❖ Outstanding President, Soror Andrea Flowers ❖ Presidents Service Award, Soror Andrea Flowers, La'Kia Kidd and Chanell Upshaw
Soror Whitney B Gaskins, Sigma Omega Chapter Basileus (right-side, second from the end), served as the keynote speaker.
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