LTO February 2016 Newsletter

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

Greeting Sorors, We are so delighted to welcome all of our Sorors who have transferred into Lambda Tau Omega Chapter (LTO). You have the opportunity to participate in continuous learning through our Leadership Training, committee involvement and our robust Programs of Service. We want to make sure your experience in LTO is a productive one. Again, welcome to LTO. To our New Initiates, you will be featured in the March edition of the Heart to Heart Newsletter. Your active participation in committees and Service Projects has not gone unnoticed. I encourage you to continue your active engagement and don’t hesitate to ask someone and check our documents when you have a question. We are all continuous learners and it is expected that as a new Soror there will be a lot of questions. Even “seasoned” Sorors have questions. “We help each other, for we know there’s no other...”

Sorors, thank you for your submissions to our Heart To Heart Newsletter. Your response to the call for newsletter submissions has been awesome. Our goal is to provide a quality publication that is reflective of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As our chapter continues to grow our submissions will continue to grow. We might have to establish a word limit to avoid a newsletter that is too lengthy, but one that maintains quality information. Please feel free to send 1-2 photos which capture the essence of your article.

Kudos to our Leadership Team for designing Leadership Training that personally benefits each Soror. Effective leaders are crucial to the ongoing sustainability of our sisterhood at all levels.

Madam Supreme Basileus, Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, has stated: “The right combination of knowledge and skills applied appropriately throughout the organization ensures continued stellar service delivery…” Thanks for the good turn-out we have had thus far. It is expected that each member of LTO avails themselves of this opportunity for leadership development as well as continuous learning designed for all members.

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

AKA Community Impact Day, Pink Goes Red for Heart Health, February 5, 2016, was a big hit and a great forum for LTO to provide Community Service by providing Heart Healthy information. The importance of exercising and eating healthy foods was highlighted.

Pink Goes Red for Heart Health was also celebrated by Chicagoland Metropolitan Chapters at a Founders Day Friday Night Reception, also held on February 5th. Madam Central Regional Director, Kathy Walker Steele, with her usual charm and grace, was such a joy to be around.

Her personality is warm, caring and infectious. Valuable information was provided including how to change your “sodium palate“ by knowing “The Salty 6” – common foods that may be loaded with excess sodium: (1) Breads & Rolls, (2) Cold Cuts & Cured Meats (3) Pizza, (4) Poultry, (5) Soup and (6) Sandwiches. We are encouraged to “Change our Salty Ways.”

Please visit the event calendar for the remaining February activities which includes: ASCEND– Stem Expo at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) on February 27 th and Strands of Pearls Black History – Focus on Nobel Peace Prize @ 2:00 pm at St. John Parish House.

If you have not already done so, you might find it helpful to visit the Central Region Website and review the Central Registration Document. It is about a lengthy, document but if you are pushed for time: review Event Summary on pages 24 – 25 and Conference Attire, page 26.

Thursday March 3rd: Business Attire for all Training Institutes. For committee meetings and the Welcome Reception the attire is Casual / Paraphernalia Friday, March 4th: Pink and Green Day. Rededication Ceremony during First Plenary, so no pants should be worn.

Conference Luncheon (12:00 Noon)-Windy City Style – Hats, Gloves, and Pearls. Wear one, two or all three.

Sunday, March 6th: Ivy Beyond the Wall Memorial Ceremony (8:00 a.m.). Uninterrupted White.

Spiritual Send–Off Breakfast (9:30 a.m.)

Respectfully yours in Sisterhood and Service, Soror Barbara J. Pearson-McCreary, Basileus (president@ltoaka.org for everything LTO related)

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS LTO Spiritual Oversite

Soror Tina Hughes-Burke, Chaplain

Program Committee ASCEND Scholar: Morgan Harvey Soror Audrey McFarlin, Target I Chairman

Leadership Development: Creating New Learning Experiences Soror Rose Butler-Hayes, Leadership Development Co-Chairman February Pearls of Wisdom to Encourage, Motivate and Inspire Growth Soror Rose Butler-Hayes, Co-Chairman Leadership Development: Teachable Moments Soror Jeanette W. Rogers, Leadership Development Chairman Pearls of Protocol

Soror Sheree Haywood, Protocol Chairman

Connection

Soror Jerry D. Bridges, Connection Chairman

Financial Fuel

Soror Carol Sharp, Anti-Tamiouchos

America Saves: Start Small-Think Big Soror Damika Davis, Target III Member The Importance of Supporting our Historically Black Colleges and Universities Soror Melody Ferguson New Transfers to LTO

Soror Judy Rush, Membership Chairman

My Want To: Defeating Depression Soror Laverne Barnes February Birthdays

Soror Krista D. Butler, Hodegos

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

LTO SPIRITUAL OVERSITE HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8) “Love creates a communion with life.

Love expands us, connects us, sweetens us, and ennobles us.

Love springs up in tender concern, it blossoms into caring action. It makes beauty out of all we touch. In any moment we can step beyond our small self and embrace each other as beloved parts of a whole.”

Her many sins have been forgiven — as her great love has shown. — Luke 7:47 NIV Love through forgiveness Sorors are you harboring resentment? Then you’re hurting yourself without reason. Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18) — and He did so through His love on the cross.

He asks you to have an accurate view of all you’ve been forgiven so you can understand others (Luke 7:47). You sinned out of pain, unawareness, fear, and self-protection (Luke 23:34). The same is true for those who’ve hurt you — they sinned out of ignorance; they couldn’t possibly know the full effect their actions would have on you.

Sorors don’t remain captive to your hostility any longer. Express Christ-like mercy to your offenders and be free of the prison. Because then you’ll be able to fully experience His love in return.

Jesus, give me the strength to forgive so I can experience Your peace and love to the fullest, amen (Excerpt from Dr. Charles Stanley) Tina Hughes Burke, Chaplain

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February, 2016

Program Committee ASCEND Scholar The Morgan Harvey Show: Guess Who’s Going to State???????

On Feb. 10, H-F hosted the annual Poetry Out Loud school-wide competition, where more than 25 H-F students participated in hopes of moving on to the Regional competition. Congratulations to 1st-Place winner Morgan Harvey, who wowed the judges with her heartfelt reflection of The Bones of My Father. The Regional alternate will be Duncan Wood, who came in a very close 2nd Place with the Haunting Sanctuary by Jean Valentine. Other top performers were Amilia Latham, Jalen Spain & Aaliyah Korkoyah. Congratulations to all who participated! The H-F Speech Team competed on Feb. 13 at the toughest IHS Sectional, held at Reavis High School, and claimed 4th place out of 30+ teams!

Vikings advancing to the IHSA State Finals - set for this weekend in Peoria.

Congrats to Morgan!!!!!!!!!

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

Leadership Development: Creating New Learning Experiences Twenty Pearls Foundation, Incorporated (TPF), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, began updating its bylaws in 2014 to include newly adopted and mandated state and federal guidelines for 501(c)(3) organizations. To assist with this mandated update, TPF applied for and received pro bono legal support and education from The Law Project (TLP). The Law Project was founded in 1985 to provide free sophisticated legal representation to 501(c)(3) organizations serving low income communities.

Their services are provided by lawyers from Chicago’s major law firms and TLP’s in-house corporate legal departments.

TLP provides on-going alerts to keep its former and present clients informed regarding legal issues that impact their foundations. The following alert is copied from The Law Project’s February 2016 newsletter and applies to TPF, not Lambda Tau Omega Chapter

Legal Alerts from The Law Project:

As we enter the 2016

election season, The Law Project would like to remind its past and present nonprofit clients about the legal restrictions on the political activity of tax-exempt organizations. The federal tax code prohibits 501(c)(3) taxexempt organizations from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office.” This means that a tax-exempt organization may under no circumstances make direct or indirect contributions to political campaigns or parties or make any public statements of position, written or verbal, in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office or their party. Other activities are not absolutely forbidden but must be conducted in a completely nonpartisan manner. Such activities include: 

Voter Registration Drives: Nonprofit organizations may conduct voter registration and get-outthe-vote drives so long as there is no evidence of partisanship. This means that communication with potential registrants must make no mention of any candidate or party and that all applicants, regardless of political affiliation, must be given an equal opportunity to register.

Voter Guides: Much like voter registration drives, a nonprofit organization may publish or distribute voter guides only in a completely neutral and nonpartisan manner. This means that the guide must exhibit no bias or preference for any candidate or party. All candidates and their positions should be displayed in an identical manner, and all candidates must be given an equal opportunity to participate.

Volume 1: Issue 2 February, 2016  Hosting Candidates at Organizational Events: Candidates may be invited to speak at a nonprofit organization’s event only if their opponents are given an equal opportunity to participate.

Moreover, the nonprofit organization and its representatives may not make any statement expressing support or opposition to any candidate or party, either at the event or in any promotional material, and no political fundraising may take place.  Business Transactions with Candidates: As a rule, be very wary of any direct contact with candidates for public office. Even a business transaction with a candidate, such as the leasing of office space, might subject your organization to IRS scrutiny. The Law Project understands that politics is often intimately connected to the charitable missions of nonprofit organizations such that avoiding the political arena altogether might be impossible. However, given the dramatic consequences of noncompliance—violation of the applicable restrictions could result in the denial or revocation of your tax-exempt status—we encourage our nonprofit clients to tread lightly and to err on the side of caution when engaging in any activity that could be considered “political” in nature.

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

February Pearls of Wisdom: These Pearls of Wisdom come from Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th Edition) and the Preface of the 11th edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Both pearls provide relevant information for the entire membership.

Once a quorum is established, it continues to exist no matter how many members leave during the course of the meeting? 

No. Once a quorum at a meeting has been established, the continued presence of a quorum is presumed to exist only until the presiding officer or any other member notices that a quorum is no longer present. If the presiding officer or chairman notices the absence of a quorum, she should declare this fact, at least before taking any vote or stating the question on any new motion. Any member noting the apparent absence of a quorum can and should make a point of order to that effect when another person is not speaking. It is dangerous to allow transaction of substantive business to continue in the absence of a quorum. Although a Point of Order relating to the absence of a quorum is generally not permitted to affect prior action, if there is clear and convincing proof no quorum is present when business was transacted, the presiding officer can declare that business invalid (subject to appeal). (Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised 11th ed.



pp. 348-49). This rule applies if there is no contrary provision in the organization’s International or Chapter governing documents.

It is appropriate to disregard the presiding officer and direct questions to the officer or committee chairman who gave the report? 

No. All remarks and questions should be directed to the presiding officer, even if they involve another member. When an officer/chairman completes her report, she should step back from the podium and allow the presiding officer to ask “Are there any questions?” The presiding officer will either answer or redirect the question back to the presenter. The purpose for addressing all questions to the presiding officer is to keep remarks impersonal and courteous in language and deportment.

Soror Jeanette W. Rogers, Chairman Soror Rose Butler-Hayes, Co-Chairman Leadership Development Committee “Leaders never stop growing and developing”

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February, 2016

Leadership Development: Teachable Moments Soror Marilyn Hamb, Anti Basileus, Program Chairman “Tips for Committee Chairman” Soror Marilyn Hamb was presenter for the February Leadership Development Mini-Workshop.

Soror Marilyn presented a wide array of impressive and very usable ideas that can be tailored to meet the needs of all committee chairmen. She urged committee chairmen to:  Understand the mission of their committees  Use the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lambda Tau Omega Chapter and Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. Bylaws and Manual of Standard Procedures as mandated guides for carrying out committee protocol and procedures.  Secure the names, addresses and phone numbers of all committee members  Host some face-to-face meetings  Preside over all meetings  Prepare an agenda for each meeting  Send out a meeting notice at least 7 days in advance of a meeting  Prepare a sign in sheet for all meetings  Take the minutes for meeting or assign a committee member for that task  Establish good rapport with committee members  Listen to ideas from committee members and, where possible, incorporate their ideas  Submit written committee reports in a timely manner. Submit 5 copies of the written report as follows: two will be given to the Basileus, one to the Anti-Basileus, one to the Grammateus and one copy will be filed in the chairman’s committee files  Understand and check financial reports often  Keep an ample supply of vouchers on hand and make sure committee members understand the process for completing vouchers  Post reports on the chapter website  Secure approvals from the protocol chairman and Basileus before mailing or distributing letters, flyers and other committee information.

Soror Marilyn encouraged all committee members to be willing participants regardless of the task at hand. Her final request was: “Chairmen, make your committees enjoyable. Make people want to participate. MAKE THEM FUN!!!”

Jeanette W. Rogers, Leadership Development Chairman Rose Butler-Hayes, Leadership Development Co-Chairman

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

Pearls of Protocol Do you find Protocol Perplexing? It doesn’t have to be.

Every month we will share Pearls of Protocol Points to remember.

Electronic Communication Point(s) to Remember The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol, page 29 Flyers: Our chapter approval process is outlined below. Upon receipt of the flyer from Protocol, the Basileus will review, make the final approval and send to Technology for posting.

Target Chairman

Program Chairman

Committee Chairman

Protocol

Protocol

Basileus

Basileus

Technology

Technology

Point(s) to Remember for Members at Regional Events The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol, page 12 We are all very excited when attending Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Regional Events. In lieu of our excitement we must be cognizant of the following expectations of all Sorors.  

 

Stand when Former Supreme Basilei and the Supreme Basileus enter the room and when they are introduced. Stand for the Regional Director at any event in her region.

Refrain from walking during introductions of dais guests and program participants, the meditation or while the Supreme Basileus or Regional Director is giving her address to the delegation.

Address the delegation by clearly stating your name, chapter, chapter location, and whether you are a delegate or non-delegate.

Silence all electronic communication devices.

Volume 1: Issue 2

February, 2016

The Connection Committee has conducted three Voter Registration Drives this year.

Our first Voter Registration Drive was Monday, January 18, 2016, during the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Community Service Impact Day. We registered two new voters. Both were 17 year olds, and both were A.S.C.E.N.D. Scholars.

We held our second Voter Registration Drive Tuesday, February 2, 2016, from 11:09 am-1:20 pm, at Rich South High School, 5000 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL. We registered fifty-three 17 and 18 year olds.

The Connection Committee’s third Voter Registration Drive was Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Thornridge High School, Dolton, IL. There we registered sixty-seven new voters. All were 17-19 years old.

To date, Lambda Tau Omega’s Connection Committee has registered 122 new voters. All were 17–19 year olds.

2nd Congressional District Candidates Forum Tuesday, March 1, 2016 – 7 pm Prairie State College South Halsted Street Jerry202 D. Bridges, Connection Chairman Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411

19th Senatorial District Candidates Forum Monday, March 7, 2016 – 7 pm Homewood Public Library 17917 Dixie Highway Homewood, Illinois 60430

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February, 2016

Financial Fuel In an effort to create a smooth and efficient process, we use the voucher system.

Within our organization(s), we use three different vouchers

Voucher: Colors 

 

Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. (PINK)  This voucher is to be used to request reimbursement of expenses relating to all fundraising activities. Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. is tax exempt so use the tax exempt letter when making purchases. The letter can be obtained from your committee chairmen.

Lambda Tau Omega (PALE GREEN)  This voucher is to be used to request reimbursement of expenses relating to the operational activities of Lambda Tau Omega.

Lambda Tau Omega Program Initiatives (LIME GREEN)  This voucher is to be used to request reimbursement of expenses relating to the operational activities of Lambda Tau Omega’s Program Initiatives (Target I through V and Mentoring Groups).

Voucher: Processing The voucher must be completed in its entirety before being submitted. Each Soror requesting reimbursement is responsible for including the requestor, the name of whom the check should be made payable to, the account number and account description (i.e., account number 5410 account description June Luncheon). All vouchers must be signed by the committee chairmen and the Basileus or AntiBasileus. In addition, all receipts and/or invoices must be paper clipped to the voucher. The AntiTamiouchos will conduct a final review prior to the Tamiouchos receiving the voucher and documentation and a check being released. NOTE: Incomplete vouchers will not be accepted or processed.

All reimbursements are made by check, there are NO cash advances.

The FINANCE TEAM is here to assist you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to ask us.

Sisterly, Carol Sharp, Anti-Tamiouchos $oror $arah Lewis-Weaver, Tamiouchos

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February, 2016

Advance Preparation Prevents Frustration Remember – All Business Is To Be Completed By The Conclusion Of Each Meeting

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February, 2016 How can those who currently aren’t saving afford to save money? And how can those saving only a little save more? Here are our top ten tips for saving money when budgets are tight.

Cut Spending Painlessly

Tip 1: To find small savings that add up to big savings over time, keep a careful record of all (and we mean all) of your expenditures for a month. You may be surprised to learn how much you are spending on such things as a daily latte or restaurant meals.

Tip 2: For necessary purchases — such as food and transportation and insurance— comparison shop to find the lowest prices. Also, take a list with you to the grocery store and stick to it. This will help you from buying items you don’t need.

Tip 3: Limit spending for birthdays and holidays, especially Christmas. A few well chosen gifts are likely to be more appreciated than a more costly pile of gifts chosen thoughtlessly in a shopping mall spree.

Save for Emergencies Tip 4: Build an emergency fund to avoid having to take loans to pay for unexpected purchases.

Emergency savings are usually best kept in a savings or share account, despite the low interest rates these accounts pay. Remember, keep a high enough balance in the account to avoid monthly fees.

Tip 5: Ask your bank or credit union to automatically transfer funds each month from your checking to your savings account. Even as little as $10 or$15 a month helps. After all, that’s $120 or $180 a year.

Tip 6: Put all your loose change in this savings account. For many people, that could add up to well over $100 a year.

Reduce High-Cost Debt Tip 7: Avoid using high-interest credit card and payday loans. Payday loans typically charge interest rates of 500 percent, and the interest rate on credit card debts can run 25 percent. You can save hundreds, perhaps thousands, of dollars a year by paying off these high-cost debts.

Take Free Money and Save It

Tip 8: Low- and moderate-income workers qualify, each year, for an Earned Income Tax Credit that can be over $1,000, and often more than $2,000. IRS Publication 596 explains how to apply, or you can contact your local tax payer assistance center for in-person help. Then pay down debt and save with at least half of the money you receive from this credit.

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February, 2016

Tip 9: Participate in a local Investment Development Account (IDA) program. In return for attending financial education sessions and agreeing to save for a home, education, or business, you typically receive $2 for every $1 you save through an IDA program. So, saving $25 each month could end up as $900 at the end of a year.

Tip 10: If your employer matches retirement savings contributions, be sure to take advantage of that.

Some employers match up to 100 percent of your contributions.

For more savings and debt reduction tips go to America Saves.Org Submitted by: Soror Damika Davis on behalf of Target III: Family Strengthening Committee

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February, 2016

The Importance of Supporting our Historically Black Colleges and Universities Most HBCUs were established after the American Civil War, with the exception of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (1837), Lincoln University (Pennsylvania, 1854), and Wilberforce University (1856). In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was enacted, outlawing discrimination on the base of race, gender, etc. Before 1964, African-Americans were excluded from higher education opportunities at the predominantly white colleges and universities - with notable exceptions, such as the integrated Oberlin College in Ohio. The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, defines a "Part B institution" as: "...any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association." Part B of the 1965 Act provides for direct federal aid to Part B institutions.

HBCUs were created to provide higher educational opportunities to black Americans who were denied educational opportunities.

It is important for all to understand the origins and the existence of HBCU’s and for each of us to connect, support and relate to them and their purposes. Alumni giving solely at these HBCU’s is not sufficient to keep the doors open at most of these institutions because the facilities are significantly stressed and quite expensive to maintain or restore. As education costs go up, ignoring the needs of HBCU’s is easy to do by the charitable and philanthropic donors. HBCU’s are never given high priority as most of them are still affiliated with churches and remain private.

State funding is scarce as most states that these institutions are in have budget allocation limitations based on enrollment. Many believe the need for them to continue to exist is not necessary since now most college kids can apply to other schools without fear of rejection due to race. But realistically speaking, the need should never go away for HBCU’s to remain viable. If ever you wonder what it feels like to give to a very worthwhile charity, try giving to an HBCU and later reading that because of your charitable contribution it was able to remain open and continue the legacy of educating young minds that seek higher education in their halls. #Think HBCU

Respectfully, A Proud HBCU Graduate Soror Melody L. Ferguson

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February, 2016

New Transfers to LTO Soror Iesha Gray: Soror Iesha is a graduate of Augustana College, where she majored in Economics and Public Administration. She attended Washington University in St. Louis for her law school studies. On March 28, 2004, Soror Iesha was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Chi Alpha Omega Chapter. She works in the Cook County Public Defender's Office and has been a criminal defense attorney for over twelve years. She attends Park Manor Christian Church where she is the chair of the Board of Trustees. Soror Iesha is the oldest of five children, and currently lives in Morgan Park with my husband, Keith, and son Miles. She loves to read and her favorite color is purple.

Soror Jamie Horn-Moore: Soror Jamie is a graduate of San Diego State Univ., where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Mu Iota Chapter in April, 1987. She earned her M.D. from the University of Southern California.

Currently, Soror Jamie is an Attending Physician and Clinical Care Coordinator of OB/GYN at the Family Christian Health Center, Harvey, IL. She is married to Honey Do Torrence - Kappa Alpha Psi- and they have two daughters, Jordan and Cameron; one is an active Scholar in LTO ASCEND and the other is an active member of our Mentoring Group, Cultured Pearls. Soror Jamie loves running marathons, knitting and vegan cooking.

Soror Gail James: Soror Gail is a graduate of Rust College, in Holly Springs, MS where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Theta Upsilon Chapter, November 13, 1982. She is a Program Expert with Social Security Administration. Soror Gail earned an M.P. A. from Roosevelt University. She is a Life member and secretary for the Rust College International Alumni Association.

She is a Member of the Chicago Community Chorus. She loves singing and is currently studying voice and piano. Soror Gail’s home church is New Covenant M. B. Church in Chicago. She also sings at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chicago. She is single with no children. She has 2 brothers and her mother is decease.

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February, 2016

Soror Ruby Roberson: Soror Ruby is a native of Chicago, earned a BS degree from Western Illinois University, a Masters from Loyola, another from Governors State and finally a Doctorate from Loyola. Prior to WIU, she attended Texas Southern University where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Psi Chapter, December 13, 1969. At Western Illinois, 45 years ago, Soror Ruby was the only undergraduate member of the sorority on campus, where she became one of the charter members of Zeta Iota Chapter. She is a Life Member. She has worked as an Early Childhood educator, elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal, principal and superintendent. Currently she is retired, living in South Holland with her fuzzy companion Silver, a lovable, 80 lb. Shar Pei/Pit mix.

Soror Drella Savage: Soror Drella Savage is a graduate of Northwestern Univ., where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Gamma Chi, on April 26, 1975. She is also a graduate of Howard University Law School. Soror Drella was also active with Xi Nu Omega and Theta Omega. She is married to Honey Do Thomas Sr- Alpha Phi Alpha - son, Rev.Thomas Jr. and a daughter Chyealia McBride. Soror Drella is a retired Circuit Court Judge who loves to travel, serve, read and do research. As a member of Lilydale First Baptist Church, she is Gen. Supt. of the Sunday School. Her birthday is January 13 and she is a co-initiate of Soror Jacqueline Young.

Soror Sheila L. Allen-Stokes: Soror Sheila is a graduate of Lewis University with a BSN in Nursing. She worked as a Registered Pediatric Nurse and later earned a MSN from Governors State and became a Certified Nurse Educator.

In 2014 she was awarded a Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Olivet Nazarene University. Soror Shelia was accepted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in February 1990, in Delta Chi Omega, in Evanston. She is currently working as a Certified School Nurse at Rich Central High School.

Soror Sheila and her Honey Do Torry have been married 31 years and have two daughters and 4 grandchildren. She attends Arrow Church in Park Forest and her fun passions are: event planning, hospitality politeness and singing.

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February, 2016

“My Want To�: Defeating Depression Last month we discussed stroke prevention and treatment as well as the process of staying healthy by exercising and eating a healthy diet. For the next two months I would like to discuss the barriers to obtaining a healthy lifestyle. A not so obvious barrier to obtaining a heart healthy lifestyle is your own desire or your 'want to' do better or be healthier. It is your own desires, convictions or concerns that determine your outlook on your health.

This barrier sometimes is accompanied by Depression which will be our focus this month. Depression is defined by websters dictionary as a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a persons thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, worried, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, hurt or restless. This can be temporary based on a person's circumstance or situation (death, divorce, loss of a job, etc.) or can be considered chronic if the depression last more than three months.

Clinical depression that is present three months or more sets in when you are unable to carry out the functions of your normal routine or your inactions begin to affect your family and livelihood. The signs of clinical depression include: 1. Mood changes-anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, inability to feel pleasure, loss of interest, mood swings or sadness.

2. Sleep changes-early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia or restless sleep.

3. Body changes- fatigue, excessive hunger, loss of appetite or restlessness.

4. Behavioral changes-agitation, excessive crying, irritability or social isolation.

5. Cognitive changes-lack of concentration, slowness in activity and thought or thoughts of suicide.

6. Weight changes-weight gain or weight loss.

If you or someone you know are experiencing any of the above signs please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Sometimes a death in the family or the separation of a spouse can wreak havoc on your emotions. It's normal to grieve these losses but it is as equally as important to develop a healthy process of healing.

This may include medication and counseling but should also include exercising- helping to normalize the stress hormone in your brain and a healthy diet.

Volume 1: Issue 2 February, 2016 Depression can definitely affect your “Want To”: your “want to” be healthy, your “want to” eat better and your “want to” exercise. If you have a depressed mood, it is very difficult to get started on any lifestyle choices. Solicit the help of a friend, a sister or an accountability partner. Someone you can work out with and who will hold you accountable for exercising and/or eating healthier. A support person who will be there with you through life challenges. An encourager to help you defeat the depression that is trying to take hold of you.

Turn your depressed mood into “My Want To” be better, be healthy, be healed and be whole. Let's focus on being better and not just needing it but wanting it.

Soror Laverne Barnes, DO, MPH Family Physician

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February, 2016

Happy Anniversary LTO LAMBDA TAU OMEGA

CHARTER MEMBERS

Ethel T. Brown*, Willene Buffett, Ruby Campbell, Audrey Carter*, Janie Cooper, Bessie Flint, Carolyn Hutton, Tanyra Johnson-Spight, Lois Merritt, Maxine Morgan, Jeanette W. Rogers*, Beverly Roseborough, Jacqualine F. Scott*, Constance Shorter, Gertrude Tandy, Anita Walker, Carol Washington, and Yvonne West *Still active in the chapter

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February, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FABULOUS, FIERCE, FEBRUARY SORORS

SOROR SHERIDAN BANKS SOROR KATHY L. MARTIN SOROR DANA A. B. WEEMS SOROR ROSE BUTLER-HAYES SOROR MARYDALE DONALD SOROR AYESHA SEARCY SOROR ANNTIONETTE AUSTIN-JOHNSON SOROR AMBER GOLDEN-SMALLWOOD SOROR TONI GRAYER SOROR SEMAJA REED SOROR TONIKA ROACH SOROR LEAH HILL SOROR MARQUITTA SWANIGAN-MCGOWAN SOROR MEESHA TOWNSEN

FEBRUARY 5TH FEBRUARY 5TH FEBRUARY 7TH FEBRUARY 10TH FEBRUARY 11TH FEBRUARY 11TH FEBRUARY 12TH FEBRUARY 15TH FEBRUARY 17TH FEBRUARY 17TH FEBRUARY 17TH FEBRUARY 23RD FEBRUARY 23RD FEBRUARY 26TH

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February, 2016

REMEMBER OUR SORORS IN PRAYER MARVA CAMPBELL-PRUITT MELODY FERGUSON LOIS PARKS SANDRA PERKINS-BUTLER JACQUALINE SCOTT NATASHA TOPP

Confess your trespasses to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

James 5:16