KPL Sphinx - June 2014 by Kerry G. Johnson

JUNE 2014

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C .

THE KPL SPHINX KAPPA PHI LAMBDA CHAPTER • COLUMBIA, MD • WWW.APAKPL.ORG

Bro. Kerry G. Johnson, Associate Editor to The Sphinx - e-mail: caricatureKerry@verizon.net

It’s been a fun Alpha ride This edition of The KPL Sphinx (June 2014) is the final issue with me as the editor. It’s been a demanding, yet rewarding position. It has been my honor to serve KPL and AΦA in this important communications role for the chapter. I am grateful to Kappa Phi Lambda president Bro. Norris T. Jennings and past president Bro. Harry Evans, III, for asking me to take on this crucial role a few years ago. I’ve also enjoyed working with the other Brothers on the KPL executive committee each month. Additionally, I wholeheartedly offer my thanks to each KPL Brother for your photographic and textual contributions to this monthly newsletter. Those articles and images made this publication informative and entertaining for the Brotherhood as well as the Howard County and Central Maryland communities.

THANK YOU KAPPA PHI LAMBDA!

To my beloved Brothers of Kappa Phi Lambda:

While writing my last president’s letter, I’m humbly honored to have had the opportunity to lead and serve Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter.

Please join me as I support Bro. Chuck Stokes, III, as the newly elected editor of The KPL Sphinx. I’m confident he will take on this leadership role with vigor and excitement! Remember, this is your newsletter. Each month, let’s keep providing the editor with details about Alpha, academic achievements, the arts, awards, family, work promotions or job changes and other news. Bro. Kerry G. Johnson (#7) Associate Editor to The Sphinx (outgoing) Kappa Chapter - March 1, 1986 The Ohio State University

This is an important transition period in both my personal and fraternity life. Initially, when I made a call to a Brother to ask what he thought about me running for vice president of KPL, he said, “Don’t you mean president?” I laughed. However, it made me seriously consider what I had to offer KPL and AΦA. After serving on the KPL executive committee, I was aware of its function, yet I was not sure if I was ready to become president. As you all know, I’m an Alpha Man and we don’t give up. I was ready for the challenge! As a chapter, we have explored many new ideas. We also implemented several of those ideas. And KPL Brothers continued to further entrench ourselves in the Howard County and surrounding community activities. My platform was “reclamation” and we successfully reclaimed 15 brothers the first year and seven brothers the second year. The financial team explored paying dues electronically and that has been implemented. That efficient process has allowed funds to be instantly deposited in the chapter’s checking account. We registered early bird for the Alpha conventions, which saved the chapter money. We went “environmentally friendly” (green) on distribution of committee reports that resulted in conserving paper and cutting back time during our meetings. We had two successful dynamic speakers at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfasts. Brothers have been deeply involved in Alpha’s National Programs.

Next KPL Meeting Date: June 14, 2014 Repast: 5:30 p.m. Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Location: Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Address: 11100 Johns Hopkins Rd., Laurel, MD 20723 If any Brother requires assistance, email ntjenni1942@gmail.com

Bro. Norris T. Jennings KPL President (outgoing) Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter - March 2007

The Chapter along with the Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. partnered with the Howard County Public School System and the University of Maryland to improve our Alpha Achiever’s Program. I’m proud of KPL’s latest project: the formation of a boys group at Bonnie Branch Middle School using the Alpha Achievers concept. Last school year, the “High Achievers” started with eight boys. This school year, we have nearly 20 active boys. Finally, my excitement and pride has increased with all that we accomplished. Brothers, you have supported me 100%! I thank you for selecting me KPL Chapter Brother of the Year. Don’t think for one moment I’m going away. I’ll continue to be actively involved and I’m here to stay! Thank you and May God bless each of us. Fraternally, Bro. Norris T. Jennings

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

CELEBRATIONS AND HIGH ACHIEVEMENTS

New lawyer for Wilson family Congratulations to Bro. Julian Wilson’s daughter, Julie C. Wilson who graduated from George Washington University’s School of Law on May 18.

Bro. Wilmer featured in Baltimore Co. school district newsletter http://deliberateexcellence.wordpress.com/2014/05/19/scotts-branch-teacher-wins-ncouraged-educator-award/

Submitted by Bro. Brandon Tilghman (reprinted from Deliberate Excellence)

Bro. Da’Nall Wilmer, a fifth-grade teacher at Scotts Branch Elementary School in Milford Mill, MD, was born to be a teacher, even if he didn’t know it at first. As the oldest of seven siblings, teaching came naturally to him, and he always enjoyed helping his brothers and sisters with their homework. Although he initially went to school for journalism, he soon realized while being a substitute teacher after college that teaching was his calling. During a substitute teaching gig at Randallstown Elementary School, Lois Stokes, the principal there, noticed Mr. Wilmer’s talent and took him under her wing. She noticed that he was destined

to become a teacher, and she could not have been more right. After just two years in the classroom, Mr. Wilmer is already winning awards for his compassion, kindness, and heart. He recently won the 2014 NcouragED Educator Award, which recognizes teachers who facilitate emotional strength in students and colleagues and encourage their fellow teachers. “It’s not only my job to teach the content but also the importance of relationships and getting along with each other. I like positive en-

Bro. Watson is now a “House Doctor”

ergy…it forces me not only to teach math and science but also coping skills, how to get along with each other, how to treat people, and how to deal with conflict, because that’s what I value in my life. It’s very important for me to teach students a positive way to look at life even though they may not be in a positive circumstance.” NcouragED is a virtual network of educators who support each other through encouragement, camaraderie, information, and resource sharing. The organization works to strengthen the “soul of education” by encouraging educators and those they seek to educate.

Bro. Hagans earns degree from Hampton Univ. Submitted by Bro. Harry Evans III

Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter congratulations Bro. Jordan Hagans who graduated from Hampton University. Jordan is the son of Bro. David Hagans and the grandson of Bro. Ken Jennings.

Photo provided by Bro. Charles I. Stokes

Bro. William (Will) Watson recently established “House Doctors of Columbia.” His professional handyman service company wants to help homeowners with their home repairs and improvements in Howard County and the surrounding region. For more information or to request a quote, visit his website or contact Bro. Watson directly. House Doctors of Columbia, Maryland http://www.housedoctors.com/columbiamd/ Email: hd522@housedoctors.com Phone: (410) 992-1993 5053 Columbia Rd. Columbia, MD 21044 • MHIC# 131481

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

THE NEXT 5 PAGES INCLUDE HIGHLIGHTS FROM AN EVENTFUL FRATERNAL YEAR KPL Brothers participated in the 50th Anniversary of the “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington, DC

KPL’s “Adopt-A-Road” sign alongside the road on Broken Land Parkway in Columbia.

The chapter donated funds to the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) for its food and nutrition programs.

Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. presented KPL Chapter with the “Emerging Young Leaders” award.

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

Bro. Cecil G. Christian, Jr. was named the “Alpha Man of Merit” at the Mid-Atlantic Association of Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters (MAAC) 22nd Conference and the 82nd Eastern Region Convention in Baltimore.

In October, several Kappa Phi Lambda Brothers demonstrated their cooking expertise at the “Men In The Kitchen” event sponsored by the Howard County Center of African American Culture.

KPL initiated six men into ΑΦΑ. The Fall 2013 line’s name is Noble Survivors (Veyo Waathirika). The name in parenthesis is the Swahili translation.

Kappa Phi Lambda Brothers joined together to participate in an Alpha “Brotherhood Worship” at Crampton Auditorium at Howard University in Washington, DC.

In Remembrance Bro. Larry Scott Crouse

Dec. 10, 1940 – February 23, 2014

KPL Brothers conducted Project Cornucopia at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in conjunction with Iota Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Howard County) and Grace Community Church. This time, the annual free clothes give-a-way was held indoors.

Each year, KPL Brothers walk/run in the March of Dimes: March for Babies at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

The Brothers of Kappa Phi Lambda and other chapters honored Bro. Larry Crouse during his homegoing ceremony on Saturday March 1, 2014 at Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, MD. KPL Chaplain Bro. James T. Jackson directed the nearly 75 Alpha Brothers during the emotional Omega Service portion of Bro. Crouse’s memorial service.

KPL Brothers enjoyed the annual Alpha “Day At The Races” at Laurel Park.

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

Centennial inducts new Alpha Achievers In May, the Alpha Achievers of Centennial High School located in Ellicott City, MD inducted their new members into the academic and leadership club.

Graduating seniors

Entire club members with new inductees

THE 2014 HARAMBEE CONFERENCE FOR THE ALPHA ACHIEVERS

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

KPL’S ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BREAKFAST

A L P H A P H I A L P H A F R AT E R N I T Y, I N C . • T H E K P L S P H I N X • J U N E 2 0 1 4

The Alpha Eastern Region Convention in Baltimore

KPL donated $500 to the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment at Howard Community College

KPL sponsored the “High Achievers” program at Bonnie Branch Middle School.

Brothers and their guests enjoyed a NFL watch party and school supply drive at Nottingham’s in Columbia.

Brothers with the KPL booth at the African-American Cultural Fair held at the Mall at Columbia on during Black History Month.