2017 march bgo bulletin (1)

ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

BGO BULLETIN MARCH 2017

Greetings Sorors!

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your chapter president.

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of the support and encouraging words that I have received thus far. I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to each of you.

The time and dedication that you show to our sisterhood is second to none.

One of the things that I love about our sisterhood is our willingness to be of help to each other.

This month, we will join Soror Margie Wilson as she celebrates 50 years of sisterhood and service. She will be bestowed the title of “Golden Soror”.

We will also join Soror Sabrena KellyLewis and Soror Willa Riggs as they celebrate 25 years of sisterhood and service.

The Basileus' Corner Soror Willa and Soror Sabrena will be bestowed the title of “Silver Soror”.

So, at our March meeting we are going to CELEBRATE!!!!!

At the meeting, we will have a celebration for all Golden Sorors and Silver Sorors. In order to prepare for our celebration, please note the following: Our Chapter meeting will begin at 10:30. We will have a light breakfast which will begin at 10:08.

If you are a Golden Soror (initiated prior to 1967), please wear something gold. This can be your tiara, a shirt, pin, or whatever you choose.

If you are a Silver Soror (initiated prior to 1992), please wear something silver. This can also be your tiara, a shirt, pin, or whatever you choose.

The Sisterly Relations Committee is asking ALL SORORS to please bring four quarters (or two quarters and a fifty cent piece) to the chapter meeting. We will have piggy banks for our three sorors. Each soror is asked to place 50 cents in the bank for Soror Margie which will signify 50 years of sisterhood and service and 25 cents in the banks for Sorors Willa and Sabrena which will signify 25 years of sisterhood and service.

Soror Margie, Soror Willa and Soror Sabrena – Congratulations!!!!!

I hope that you like our chapter magazine, the BGO Bulletin. It is my hope that this magazine will be a resource to our chapter.

We have a wealth of resources and knowledge in our chapter and I would like for the magazine to be the tool for us to share information with each other. If you would like to write an article (sorority or non-sorority related) or advertise a business, then the BGO Bulletin is for you. Also, we would like to include lots and lots of photos.

Please upload your photos to our private Facebook page or email them to Soror Catreece at bgo.epist@gmail.com.

Lastly, if you have experience in using the program Canva and would like to work with us on the magazine, please let Soror Catreece know.

In closing, I leave you with a poem about sisterhood. May it be a reminder of what we are and should be to each other.

I love and appreciate each of you and I look forward to seeing you at our March Chapter meeting.

Until then, Skee-Wee my Sorors, SkeeWee! Soror Glenda

Soror

Of The Year 2016

Soror Jacquelyn Lee has been named Beta Gamma Omega's Soror of The Year.

Soror Jacquelyn is a 2013 initiate of Beta Gamma Omega. Since becoming an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman, she has worked tirelessly and joyfully to execute the goals of AKA. She always does her work with a smile and with sisterly love. Congratulations Soror Jacquelyn!

Golden Soror Margie Kennedy Wilson is our newest Golden Soror. Soror Margie was born and raised in Louisville, KY and she attended the University of Kentucky. Because the University of Kentucky did not have a chapter on campus, Soror Margie and three other young women were initiated into our sisterhood by Beta Gamma Omega. One of Soror Margie’s coinitiates was actually a student at Transylvania University. Soror Margie is a big CATS fan!

Soror Margie obtained her Bachelor of Arts (English), Masters of Arts (Education Psychology and Counseling), Masters of Business Administration as well as the following certifications; Standard Certification Rank 1 and Professional Certificate of Instructional Leadership, all from the University of Kentucky.

Soror Marge has been married for forty years to the Mr. William Wilson, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. From this union they have one son. In her quiet time, Soror Margie enjoys writing, browsing the internet and spending time with her Louisville, KY family. Soror Margie has a large family and she enjoys spending time with them, as they are very important to her.

One of Soror Margie’s pet peeves are politics and “alternative facts”.

Soror Margie is very proud to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Gamma Omega chapter. Soror Margie is extremely proud and impressed with the hard work and accomplishments of Beta Gamma Omega chapter remind her of the reasons she wanted to become an Alpha Kappa Alpha women.

Silber Silver Soror Willa Riggs had a desire to pledge Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority when she first attended University o f Kentucky in sixties. At the time, there was not an Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority chapter on campus. In 1992, Soror Willa was initiated into our sisterhood by the Beta Gamma Omega. She would join her biological sister Soror Betty Duke Ross in the sisterhood of AKA Women.

Soror Willa holds three degrees from the University of Kentucky. Her Bachelor of Science is in Microbiology. In addition, she holds a MA MT (ASCT) and a Masters in LBD Special Education.

Soror Willa lists being the Director of Medical Technologist Lab as one of her major accomplishments. Today, she enjoys her second career working with Special Education students.

She considers her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Sisters as extensions of her biological family. She celebrates with joy when they reach milestones in their lives.

What makes her happy? She has a passion to help students accomplish goals and work toward reaching their God given potential.

She has one small pet peeve: “People who talk and don’t know when to stop.” In her quiet moments, she enjoys Bible Study and worship.

She is married to William Riggs. They have a son Glenn Riggs. She and her husband attend Bethel Baptist Church.

Stars Silver Soror Sabrena Kelly Lewis is the daughter of the late Jim Kelly, the first African American to be Grand Master Martial Artist. He also was the first Black martial film star working with Bruce Lee in the film Enter the Dragon. She is also the proud daughter of Marilyn Dishman. As an only child, Soror Sabrena is pleased that she is blessed with sisterly bonds with the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. Soror Sabrena holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Kentucky State University. Today, she remains active in the Alumni Chapter of KSU. Soror Sabrena list as one of her major accomplishments of her career when she was promoted to be the Branch Manager in the Revenue Department with the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In this male dominated field, she shines as an accomplished manager.

She lists as one of her pet peeves: “ When people talk over one another and don’t listen." What makes her happy? She enjoys family time. What does she do in her quiet moments? She likes to meditate.

Soror Sabrena is a member of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as a Trustee and the Chair of the Finance Committee.

For twenty six years, Soror Sabrena has been happily married to Jonathan Lewis. They have one son Isaiah Lewis who will graduate from the University of Louisville in 2017.

AKA Day At The Capitol

Sorors of Central Region made their voices heard at the Kentucky State Capital on Frankfort FEBRUARY 23, 2017.

Sorors had the opportunity to interact with legislators to learn more about legislation that will impact the african-american community. Â

PROGRAM POINT SYSTEM Beta Gamma Omega is starting a new Program Point System. These points are earned by participating in chapter events and activities.

Points can be used to win gifts and prizes at the end of each year.

Each event will have its own sign-in sheet and each item will have its own sign-in sheet. Item sign-in sheets will be at every sorority meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact Soror Kim Parker-Brown.

How Do I Get Points?

Points are awarded to any Soror who participates in events under the 5 Targets:

Educational Enrichment Health Promotion Family Strengthening Environmental Ownership Global Impact At each event, Sorors must sign in to receive credit/points for program participation.

Will I receive points for attending meetings?

No, points will not be given for attendance at chapter or other committee meetings.

F A Q

How many points will I receive for item donations?

Sorors will receive points for participating in the minority doll drive, one million backpack drive, seasonal wraps, and food donations.

One point will be given for every 3 dolls, backpacks, seasonal wraps, and non-perishable food items.

Will I receive points for purchasing a ticket to a chapter fundraiser?

No. In order to receive a point, Sorors must purchase and attend the chapter’s fundraisers. A sign-in sheet will be available at each fundraiser.

When do I get the points?

Each time you attend a Target event or bring Target items, you must sign-in on the attendance form for that event or item donation sheet.

For instance, if you bring 3 seasonal wraps, you will sign the seasonal wrap form and put the number of items. If you bring in 1 item one month, and 2 items the next month, that will add up to 3 items and you will receive a point.

How do I check my point balance?

We are currently working on a system to advise sorors of their points balance.

Heart HealthyÂ

Sorors

Wine, dine and learn. This is what Sorors of Beta Gamma Omega did on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Chrisman's Mill Winery.

The heart healthy wine tasting, chaired by Soror Kim Parker-Brown, was aimed at fulfilling AKA's committment to improving our personal health and the health of our communities.

Soror Denise Hayden shared her story about dealing with heart disease and impact it has made on her life.

Welcoming Our Sorors A Sisterly Reminder From The Membership Committee About Visiting Sorors Who Are Interested In Reactivation If you invite a soror to a chapter meeting and she has expressed interest or plans to reactivate at the meeting, please notify Soror Pam Black (Membership Chair) prior to the chapter meeting so the committee can be prepared to meet and greet the soror before the business meeting begins. With prior notice, the committee will also reach out to the soror and provide information regarding the reactivation fees, COIP assessment (if applicable), chapter dues and the necessary form for reactivation.

About Visiting Sorors From Out Of Town Or In The Area For those sorors who are coming to the meeting as a visitor with you, we will be prepared to welcome them with a small gift.

Sisterhood : A Meditation

Soror Karen Brown, Chaplain

Women who understand sisterhood are powerful! They fight to maintain the beautiful bond of the sisterhood. Real women know that we need each other’s love and support to survive in this troubling world.

What makes us different? Love is the essence of being a woman.

How is it possible to be so connected to someone who is not your biological relation, yet, who knows you better than you know yourself?

The women that we embrace as our “sisters” are sometimes closer than our own family members. They defend us, wipe away our tears, take care of us when we are ill, encourage us in the bad times, lend us money if needed, and support our dreams. And at the very same time these same women will not hesitate to scold us, push us, and even anger us in order to protect us.

True sisterhood cannot be forced. It has to be developed over time with interest, patience, and reciprocity. Not every woman will be your best friend, nor should she be invited to be in your inner circle, but every woman is deserving of your respect and support when you are able to provide it. Sisterhood is not a meaningless word we throw around. Being your sister’s keeper should be a reflex. It should be based on how you would want to be treated if you were walking in her shoes. Sisterhood knows no boundary, no race, no class or geography. Sisterhood transcends and it transforms us for the better.

Sisterhood is from the heart. The fact is this: It isn’t all about you or your success. It is about the success of ALL women!

I want to challenge each one of us to make such an impact in the way we love one another and support one another that it affects the next generation. Giving them endless examples of strength, grace and dignity.

I want to ask you to make a mental pledge to interact with, react to, and treat other women with these attributes: 1. Be kind. Being a witch to another woman violates the woman code that we all instinctively know is how we should conduct ourselves.

2. Be patient. You need grace. You need support. You need encouragement.

So why won’t you give it to another woman trying to make her way in the world?

Treat other women as you WANT to be treated NOT as you MAY HAVE been treated by other Bad women.

3. Communicate. Talk, do not text. Talk, do not email. Talk, do not gossip. Talk, do not tell your inner circle what she did wrong or how they should avoid her. Go to the woman you have an issue with and talk it out. Stop with the petty antics and talk. And most importantly, stop “going off” on other women. You do irreparable damage to trust, and to the sisterhood. If one on one talking does not work, or is not advisable in the situation, the Bible says that you can take a witness, a mediator, someone who can help you two work it out. But give her a chance to be heard and to hear you. Communicate what you need woman to woman. Stop trashing other women. It is not cool. And it violates the woman code of life.

4. Be empathetic. Empathy is the single most important skill any woman must have. Your ability to relate, forgive, understand, discuss, share, and engage other women will absolutely impact how successful you are in life, as a leader, and as a member of the sisterhood of women. Period. There are no exceptions to this rule.

We have a responsibility to set an example of what it means to be a “sister”. To be a “sister” is to be a friend. It is to be loyal. Tried and true. It is to give a smile, lend a hand, and practice friendship. It is to be forgiving. To be a covering, a balm, a helping hand, a fierce advocate and builder of other women. Being a “sister” means you value other women as you value yourself. Now, that can be problematic if you do not value yourself as a woman. But, it’s okay you can learn to love yourself. You can learn to feel worthy and valued. You can learn to trust, love and support other women even if everything you have experienced in your past or been taught is contrary to that possibility.

It’s time for us to put the “sister” back into the word “sisterhood.” It starts with you and with me, right here and right now.

We are continuing to collect backpacks and school supplies for our One Million Backpacks initiative.

Please continue to collect: pencils, scissors, paper, glue, crayons, markers and other school supplies.

Please bring to the March meeting.

Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2017! AKA BGO members will gather from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm to pick up and dispose of litter in our downtown community as a part of the Clean Sweep. This event is widely attended, encourages community engagement, pride in place, and beautifies the downtown neighborhood areas.

Our area is around the STEAM Academy (6th Street and Limestone). Clean ups are held rain or shine!

Bluegrass Greensource provides participants with trash bags, litter grabbers, gloves, and an event t-shirt (first come, first serve).

Main Street Clean Sweep is a way to show our community how much we care. Please wear your Pink & Green Hats, scarves, and t-shirts, just in case they run out of the Bluegrass Greensource t-shirts. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes!

We will meet at 9:45 am in front of the STEAM Academy (former Johnson Elementary), located at 6th Street and North Limestone Streets.

Save The Dates

Sorors Worshipping Together

Event Reminder

Event Reminder

Bippity Boppity Boutique The Nest is hosting a Prom dress event to help young ladies who would like to attend Prom but cannot afford to go.

By offering gently used prom dresses for free, their dreams can become reality! A personal “shopper� is assigned to each girl to assist her in the selection of a new dress! We are asking the community to help with the donation of gently used prom dresses, shoes and accessories to make this event a sucess!

Help The Nest Make Prom Dreams Come True!

Saturday, April 1, 2017 11 a.m.-3p.m.

For Information Call The Nest (859)259-1974 x231

TE A D E H ITY V SAVE T I T C A NS O I T A L E R Y L R SISTE

SATURDAY MAY 20, 2017 PAINTING WITH A TWIST 2573 RICHMOND ROAD, SUITE 385 1:00 PM - 3:00PM COST: $35.00

BETA GAMMA OMEGA

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2017-2019

Glenda Humphrey George, Basileus

Catreece Madison, Epistoleus

Kimberly Parker-Brown, First AntiBasileus

Karen Brown, Chaplain

Shermeicka Bacon, Second Anti-Basileus Wenda Higgins, Tamiouchos Denise Hayden, Pecunious Grammateus Marcia Gross, Anti Pecunious Grammateus Dana Carter, Grammateus Carolyn Nelson, Anti Grammateus

Francene Botts, Parliamentarian Teresa Searcy, Ivy Leaf Reporter Jacquelyn Lee, Hodegos Lillian Bland, Member at-Large Adrean Woolfolk, Philacter

BETA GAMMA OMEGA

EXECUTIVE BOARD 2017-2019

Graduate Advisors Bridgett Rice – Iota Sigma Nizida Williams-Iota Sigma Martina Martin- Eta Rho Marlene Black-Johnson- Zeta Nu

Committee Chairs

Nominating Committe Members Martina Martin Dana Carter Teresa Searcy Marlene Helm

NPHC Representative- Nigel Vinegar

Connections - Yolanda Costner Strategic Plan & Bylaws- Francene Botts Membership - Pam Black Technology - Dana Branham Chapter Photographer - Anchalee Steele Protocol - Jacquelyn Lee Standards - Lillian Bland Sisterly Relations - Jacqueline Sturdivant Golden Soror Liaison - Betty Ross Nominating -Joyce Nicholson

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Beta Gamma Omega Chapter P.O. Box 11405 Lexington, KY Â 40575-1405 akalexington1934@gmail.com www.akalexington.org