President’s Pointers by Shirley M. Johnson The month of April is known for different things in different parts of the world. One of the more famous sayings about April is “April showers bring May flowers.” This month we will join two of our National Project 13 Partners. They include Sister’s Network for Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, April 22, 2017 and the March of Dimes (MOD) Walk-A-Thon on Sunday, April 28, 2017. As we move toward the 53rd National Convention, our PP&D Committees are working to submit their award submissions. I would personally like to thank the chairs for their dedication and commitment to HMAC. We are truly blessed. and none of this would be possible without membership participation. Thank you a million times over. To the: Audit, Tomara Johnson, Deatra Bennet, Zella Butler Minter, and Finance Team – thank you for the work that you do for the chapter. Sherri Daniels, Treasurer Patrica Allison, Financial Secretary, Elizabeth Humphrey, Ja”Milla Lomas. Courtesy - Judy Smith; Educational Development Delta GEMS and EMBODI Committees; Debutante Ball 18th Biennial Committee; Hostesses – Stephanie Adams; Economic Development 52 week savings challenge and dfree billion dollar pay down
Mary Kaye Childs-Henry, April Inman, Donna Scott; Heritage and Archives—Maureen Gordon, Chair, Candra Lacy, Co-Chair and committee members for Taking HMAC History to the Street; Membership Services -Sisterhood Month was filled with many activities. Thanks to Eryka Robinson and her committee for the array of activities planned during Sisterhood month. Newsletter - Candra Lacy- an exceptional display of chapter news. Nominating Committee – Courtney Smith, Stephanie Adams, Wanda Graves, Deborah Guillory, Doris Price commitment to excellence for their excellence; Physical and Mental Health Committee; Program Planning and Development, Strategic Taskforce Project 13 – Keesha Bone-Smith for her continuous and unwavering commitment; Risk Management Jennifer Agnew Scott, Frances Montgomery Thompson certification training; Social Action Committee - Karolyn Williams, Michelle Tolbert for attending Delta Days at the Nation Capital and Voters Registration Deputy Training and Eracism: Ending Racism. Thanks to all!
“Where the service is superb and the sisterhood is good!” These are the resounding words of our soror, Shaundra Simmons, who was a dedicated member to Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter and the community. On Saturday, March 25th, HMAC members laced up their sneakers and walked in the Shaundra Simmons Foundation Walk for Colon Cancer, raising $600 for colon cancer awareness and research. Shaundra shared her life and love for Delta with us each and every day. She is one of many who shaped our chapter , making it what it is today. Through her words, HMAC will continue to carry that burning torch in our lives. Her memory is treasured and her spirit will last in our hearts. Let’s be a beacon, spreading the word
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Program STOPlight: Social Action: Eracism
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Detour to Grace & Gratitude Committee Crossroads
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Membership Services
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Budget & Finance
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HMAC in Pictures (Online) Visit: http://bit.ly/TorchApr17 to view photos.
Executive Board Meeting Monday, April 3, 2017 6:30 pm Metropolitan Place 5441 Trafalgar Drive
HMAC Sisters Lighting the Way: Nearly $1000 Raised for Simmons Cancer Walk By Keesha Bone-Smith Second Vice-President ____
Metropolitan Leadership
about the effects of colon cancer on many in our community and support the mission through the annual walk. We believe that through supporting the walk, we will find a cure and the life of Shaundra Simmons will not be in vain. Thank you to each and every member who registered to walk or made a donation in support of the Shaundra Simmons Foundation Walk for Colon Cance. We showed the community that HMAC is indeed the place where “service is superb and the sisterhood is good!”
General Chapter Meeting Saturday, April 8, 2017 10:00 am Metropolitan Place 5441 Trafalgar Drive Business Attire Note: All meetings will begin promptly and as scheduled. Hostess assignments are listed on the Insert page.
A thousand moments that I had just taken for granted— mostly because I had assumed that there would be a thousand more.
Program STOPlight: Action Matters by Karolyn D. Williams
Shirley M. Johnson President Eryka Robinson 1st Vice-President Keesha Bone-Smith 2nd Vice-President Candra O. Lacy Corresponding Secretary Karen Jackson Recording Secretary Patricia Allison Financial Secretary Elizabeth Humphrey Ja’Milla K. Lomas Assistant Financial Secretaries Sherri L. Daniels Treasurer Mary Kaye Childs-Henry Chaplain Jacquelyn Blossom Delta Internal Development Cassandra Brooks Historian Pamela Cashaw Journalist Gloria Hays Keeper of Properties Barbara Branch Parliamentarian Victoria Lackey Cynthia Larkin Sergeants-at-Arms Chemene Jackson Webmaster
The HMAC Social Action Committee partnered with the Harris County Tax Office and facilitated a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar Training on March 2nd at Metropolitan Place. Twenty sorors were deputized along with 10 members from the community. The HMAC Red Army is recharged and REDy to register Harris County Voters!!! The HMAC Red Army and the Delta Dears held a successful drive at Madison Senior High on March 23th, registering eligible students to vote. Students also received information on and how to apply for HMAC Scholarships On Saturday, March 25th, the Social Action Committee sponsored, Eracism, Erasing Racism in America, a roundtable discussion on Race in Education, Mental Health and The Workplace at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Our very own Soror Ysidra Kyles led us in singing the Negro National Anthem followed by greetings from District K City Councilmember Larry Green. The Discussion was moderated by
Dallas Jones, of Elite Change and included a diverse panel, which included EEOC Judge Claudine James, Dean James Douglas Thurgood Marshall School of Law, TaKasha Francis - City of Houston Director of Neighborhoods, Dr. Justin Henderson, Retired HPD Sgt. Shelby Stewart and Diversity Expert Dr. Kim McLeod. Our GEMS and EMBODI received, compiled and presented questions from the audience, completing a structured Q & A. The NAACP, NCNW, Sickle Cell, and the E q u a l Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) were in attendance sharing valuable information on the services they provide to the participants as well as the Sorors. Our Red Army registered citizens to vote while our Economic Development Committee provided information on becoming Debt Free. At the conclusion, program participants were able to readily identify racism and were armed with tools and resources in order to properly respond to acts of racism. Lastly, financial contributions were made to HMAC's Project 13 Partners NCNW and NAACP.
Detour to Grace and Gratitude “Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];” Ephesians 5:11 AMP
For, as the songwriter says, “T’was grace that brought me safe thus far. And grace will lead me on.“ Prayer: Lord, remind me of your love and grace for me as I serve you with others. Amen. Prayer Requests
It’s sometimes easy to get caught in moments of poor taste or having a lapse in judgment. We’re only human, right? Wrong. Being human isn’t an excuse to allow those moments. As women of Delta and as Christians, we should use our time on earth to uplift and strengthen each other. If a sister falls, help her up. Be the example for her. Extend the grace that has been previously extended to you.
Please keep the following members and their families in prayer: Joan Batie Pearl Black Valerie Deese Cynthia Jones Victoria Lackey Tawana Muhammad Doris Price Linda Shankle Vivian Vincent Betty Zachary
April Birthdays * Fraulyn E. Baisey Deatra D. Bennett Rosalind A. Brown Rhonda Burnett Noelle Cunningham LaTricia Davis Freddie Ferguson Terri B. Lynch Jennifer Agnew Scott Linda M. Shankle Rikitra Stewart Johnanna Overstreet Remi Williams * Please contact Eryka M. Robinson, 1st Vice President and Membership Services Chair for corrections or additions.
The Torch Contributors Candra O. Lacy, Editor-In-Chief Cassandra Brooks, Photographer Pamela Cashaw, Journalist
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April Contributors MaryKaye Childs-Henry, Sherri Daniels, Sonika Kwarteng, Shirley M. Johnson, Eryka Robinson, and Donna Scott and all announcing committees.
Delta Milestones: On March 11th, we celebrated Delta Milestones. Those members who celebrated 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years received certificates. The who celebrated 25 years received a silver plaque. They are: Yolanda Clark, Julie T. Fitzpatrick, Mary Guidry, Nicole Heaston, DeAndrea Hughes, Beeta Lamb, Constance Wilson Lucky, Ava McFarland, Paulette Prince, Evelyn Shelton, and Mary Watkins. Brenda Jefferson was honored with a 50 year golden plaque for her years of service in Delta. Our very own charter member, Zoia Jones, was acknowledged for her 60 years of service in Delta.
Monthly Jewel: Purity—to walk in righteousness and live a life based on spiritual principles is to live a good life and inherit a blessing of the purest measure. Let’s reflect on what it means to walk in righteousness and pray for pure motives. Future Membership Services Updates If you have any questions or concerns about any of the Membership Services projects or activities or if you want more information on how to join this committee, contact Eryka M. Robinson, 1st Vice President & Membership Services Chair at EMRobinson1913@gmail.com for details about these items.
Sisterhood Month: We celebrated Sisterhood Month in March with various activities. We painted masterpieces at Paint Party Place with the Delta Divas; registered voters at Madison High School with the Delta Dears and participated in the Scarlet Scam at the Escape Room with the Delta Dolls. We visited members Vivian Vincent and celebrated the homecoming of Zhela Harris-Layne’s baby girl, Zoe, and worshipped together at various churches.
MEMBERSHIP DUES The Finance Team is accepting dues for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. HMAC’s deadline was March 24, 2017 to allow processing time to meet Grand Chapter’s March 31, 2017 deadline. Now, dues paid should include the late fee of $5 (i.e. $370 for Regular Mambers). Golden Life and Diamond Life member dues are $240, and never incur late or reinstatement fees. Regular member dues are $365, and are subject to late or reinstatement fees. The next Grand Chapter deadline for the 20172018 dues is June 30, 2017. HMAC's deadline will be June 23, 2017 to allow processing time to meet Grand Chapter's June 30, 2017 deadline.
HMAC payment envelope along with your payment of cash, check, or money order. Forms will be available at the Finance Table. Dues must be paid in full and cannot be divided into installment payments.
Reinstatement fee of $15 (i.e. $380 for Regular members) is due for 2017-2018 if you were not financial for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Reinstatement fee of $25 (i.e. $390 for Regular members) is due if you have not been financial for two or more fiscal years.
CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED VIA PAYPAL To make any payment to the chapter, login to www.paypal.com and send money to treasurer@hmacdelta.org. Please include a brief description of payment purpose in the Memo area. If your payment is for membership dues, you still need to complete the Annual Membership Dues Renewal form. Please contact Soror Sherri L. Daniels for an electronic copy of form at sh rrdn ls @v eriz on .n et . SP EC IAL NOTE: Grand Chapter has advised that Local Chapters are to bear the PayPal fees for membership dues only. If you incur a fee associated with membership dues payment, please provide the support to Soror Daniels for reimbursement.
Please complete the "Annual Membership Dues Renewal FY 2017 -2018" form and place it inside the
NAME CHANGES Your profile in the Sister Portal of the National website dictates how
your name appears on HMAC signin sheets and financial roster. If updates are needed, please login and make them. If assistance is needed with your Sister Portal account, please contact Grand Chapter at (202) 9862400. VOUCHER REIMBURSEMENTS When submitting vouchers for reimbursement of expenses, if your receipt is an ink generated one (i.e. Walmart), please include original receipt and a copy of the receipt behind the voucher. Due to the fact that ink fades, the copy is needed by Internal Audit for verification purposes during Quarterly Audits. Also, please provide vouchers or notify Soror Daniels of needed reimbursement at the beginning of HMAC meetings. Once the Finance Table is closed, vouchers will need to be provided at the next HMAC meeting.. -Your Faithful Finance Team Sherri L. Daniels, Treasurer Patricia Allison, Financial Secretary Elizabeth Humphrey, Asst. Financial Sec. Ja’Milla Lomas, Asst. Financial Sec.
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Place Postage Here
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Post Office Box 56108 Houston, Texas 77256-6108
The Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter (HMAC) was charted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in October of 1974. Since its inception, HMAC has been actively involved in supporting national and local service agencies, all while sponsoring and presenting community workshops, awareness forums and health fairs. HMAC members and partners have provided over $700,000 in scholarships, directly benefitting the youth of the Greater Houston area. If you or your company/organization are interested in joining our community efforts, visit us at www.HMACDelta.org to learn how.
One Heart! One Purpose! Southwest!
April 2017 Hostess Assignments The following sorors will host the April meetings. Please see your lead to plan and coordinate this assignment.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING Ava McFarland Daphne Moss Stephanie Adams
CHAPTER MEETING Jacqueline Moton Barbara Mouton Tawana Muhmmad Ella Newson Willie Oates-Hill Johnanna Overstreet Julia Patterson
Dawn Paul Melba Shaw Doris Price Paulette Prince Jalisa Ray DyMisha Richardson Akwete Riley Darlene Robinson
Committee Crossroads: Announcements & Updates Committee Kudos! Congratulations and Thank You to the chairs and members of the Social Action Committee for their successful social awareness event Eracism: Erasing Racism in America. The audience was captivated and the expert panelist’s made understanding that racism in our various places of work, school and health is real and that we are not alone in seeking assistance. We celebrated Sisterhood Month in fun and style! Thank you to our 1st Vice-President and chair of Membership Services, Eryka Robinson, and the entire Membership Services Committee for making this month’s activities creative and memorable. Special thanks to the Nominating Committee for your leadership, hard work and dedication in carrying out your responsibilities as we enter our elections season.
Debutante Ball
Economic Development
Attention…DEBUTANTE SEASON…Get Set… Ready…Go !!! It’s time to start your recruiting efforts to gather young ladies who are interested in the 2017-2018 Debutante Ball Season. The young ladies must be graduating high school seniors (2018), or college students, no older than 20 years old. Our interest meeting will be held Saturday, April 8th at 1:30 PM, and the first parent interest meeting will be held in April. If you know of any prospective debutantes, please email their information to Daphne Moss at dmosix@aol.com/ (713) - 824-7614 or Ava McFarland at ava.mcfarland@gmail.com/ 832) 259-1302.
Physical & Mental Health The Physical and Mental Health Committee is excited to announce that HMAC will participate in the Sisters Network’s 8th Annual Stop the Silence 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 with a VIRTUAL TEAM! Sisters Network is one of our Project 13 Partners as outlined by Grand Chapter, so your financial contributions are needed! A portion of the funds raised from this event will benefit Sisters Network Inc. Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). Registration is $35. Please make your donation at www.stopthesilencewalk.org and look for Team HMAC-DST. Let’s go, #TeamHMAC!
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April is Financial Fortitude Month. Financial blessings spring forth in April! The Economic Development Committee will provide and equip you with weekly financial nuggets that will bless and empower you on this journey to living dfree and building wealth for your future generations. It’s Your Money, Manage It, Don’t Let It Manage You! We want you to proclaim and declare financial freedom for you and your family. I declare that I will store up blessings for myself and future generations.
Day 1—Admit the Problem I am spending more many than I bring home. I spend unnecessary amounts of money on my credit card for
things I want versus need. I eat out 2-3 times per week. I am a slave to consuming things and spending money.
The borrower is servant (slave) to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 I declare that I will become free from consumer slavery.