El Girasol ~ Winter 2012 Edition

Volume XIII Issue IV Winter 2012

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

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Table of Contents In Every Issue Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Alumnae Association President

3 4

Staying Connected to AA

5

Sultry Holiday: Make-Up Tutorial

10

Beta Mommies Updates

20

Sunshine Corner

30

Beta Celebrations

32

Beta Brides

33

Sorority Highlights Golden Colibri Winner

7

My Gift of Thankfulness

8

Region IV Highlight

8

Raking for a Future

9

The Stillness of Slumber

26

Beta Bargain Shopper

27

To My Sisters...Poetry by Kalina Black

29

Betas Without Boarders

33

Feature Articles Sisterhood Exemplified Lifes Unexpected Gift Let the Holiday Celebrations Begin Holiday Drinks Gatherings, Games and Stress Relievers Wintertime with the kids Sister Spotlight

6 11 14 18 19 21 22

Beta Resources Important Anit-Violence Resources Beta Yellow Pages Chapters and Colonies

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34 35 36

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.

- Mahatma Ghandi

Alumnae Association Mission Statement: Omega Phi Beta’s Alumnae Association serves as the representing body of all nonaffiliated alumnae of the sorority.

Our mission is to engage our alumnae in the mission, vision, and goals of the sorority, create a sense of community, and support our alumnae in all areas of lives.

Welcome

Hurricane Sandy, the massacre in Connecticut and China, the stabbing of the mother in front of her son, the mass shooting at the movie theatre in Colorado…. WHY DID THIS HAPPEN? HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? Questions that people may be asking themselves right now or at someone point this year.

While we cant always know the reason for something coming to pass, one of the things life has taught me is that you must have a strong support and self healing system-whether that come from GOD, meditation, family, community, friends, sorority or all of the above.

We need to be able to tap into those things so that we can heal, cope, talk about those things that trouble us. We also need to know that the answers aren’t always available to us, but that we still need to be able to push forward. Also, we need to know how to reach out or take a step back if we need to do that too—I myself have always been more of a shoulder for others than someone to ask for a shoulder. I too learned that even people like myself need that. Avoiding issues is also never a way to get rid of them, if we are to truly heal through a tragedy you have to face it eventually. Don’t be superwoman or superman—if you need to cry, take a break, scream, yell, decompress, do it! You can’t be a gift to others if you don’t help yourself!

During this time of year I hope that we can all remember that peace, love, unity, respect, tolerance and humanity are things we all need to strive for and work on continuously. Let’s all be lover’s of life and avoid violence and try talking things through. Holding things in can cause an implosion of the spirit. Also know that you never know what someone is going through so please treat others with kindness.

This holiday season please reflect on the gift of love and care rather than physical things. Hold the door for someone, help them with their bags, say hello to someone you never have, smile! Tapping in to those simple but kind gestures can make someone’s day and who know, it may be contagious! And, can’t we all use more of contagious kindness and smiles in life!

I wish you peace and love and if you have been impacted by any and all tragedies this year, I wish you healing, patience and strength.

GOD bless you all!

With all my heart and love,

The Staff

Editor in Chief Selina Hernandez Managing Editor Amanda Crane Copy Editor Marielys Garcia Design Editor Desiree Henry Contributing Editors, WINTER 2012 Edition Kalina Black Monserrat Cabral Clari Crews Yaheiry Galan Estrella Gomez Rebecca Roberts Kristen Sepulveda

Contact us!

We love to hear your feedback, tell us your thoughts, comments, concerns, kudos, shoutouts or submit an article!

Email

Selina Hernandez

Alpha Beta, Fall 1999 Alpha Beta Chapter President

OPBSI.El.Girasol@Gmail.com Subcribe to El Girasol

http://issuu.com/OPBSI_ElGirasol

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 3

I absolutely LOVE the holiday season, beginning at Thanksgiving, because it is a time for people to focus on their blessings and pay it forward.

Amanda Crane

Iota, Spring 2000 Alumnae Association President

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a NALFO organization member, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Seventeen women of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered by women, particularly women of color, in the academic, professional and political arenas.

The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors.

For further information visit: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org

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No matter what you believe the Holiday season is about, I think we can all agree that the spirit of service and giving permeates the air. Often times when we think of giving, we tend to focus on monetary donations and donations of goods, rather than donating time and your skills. Although I tend to look at my local community I am reminded, as I write this, that this organization has given so much to me beyond some lifelong friends.

I can remember joining the organization twelve years ago as a bright-eyed, inexperienced, and hopeful undergraduate and now see myself as professional, who has gained a number of skills via the local and national opportunities that were afforded to me.

I must take a moment to give thanks to Omega Phi Beta because it taught me how to network, write a business plan, develop and execute on an idea, and most importantly how to ask for help.

I would be remiss if I did not also thank the number of sisters who were there for me and helped me develop my skills and also offered career advice as I tried to settle on, what I hope to be, my final career path.

It is my intent to continuously pay it forward as I get to know our growing alumnae base. When we promote and engage in a spirit of collaboration and giving, we are able to help lift others up so that our community becomes even greater and stronger than what it was before.

I ask, as you get ready/continue to enjoy the holidays and prepare for the new year, look back at your blessings and find a way to help bring joy into someone else’s life.

Alumnae Corner

Staying Connected to AA

Once you become an alumna, you are removed from your chapter’s alias and only receive OPBSI emails if you elect to sign up for any of the following communication tools.

Do you Tweet?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

Share Photos

on Instagram?

Follow us, @OPBSI_Alumnae, for the latest updates on AA activities!

AA Newsletter AA collects the emails of alumnae and adds it to their distribution list. If you are not on the list, or know an alumna who would like to be added, contact us at Alumnae@OmegaPhiBeta.org

2012 National Conference - Alumnae “After Conference” Affair, October 6, 2012, Theta Chapter, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Get LinkedIn with OPBSI! Job postings, virtual networking, and professional devolpment opportunities. Join the Omega Phi Beta LinkedIn Group today!

Monthly Buzz.

Stay connected with OPBSI National updates via the Monthly Buzz. To subscribe to the BUZZ mailing list email ExecVP@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Beta Hummer The Beta Hummer is a biweekly events newsletter that is published electronically on the 15th and 30th of each month. It’s main purpose is to keep the sisterhood informed of National and Local Events. The publication will also include links to our LinkedIn group for job postings and any announcements sent by individual sisters such as apartment hunt inquiries. Contact VP of Programming at Programming@OmegaPhiBeta.org to get added.

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Sisterhood Exemplified

By Amanda Crane, Iota Chapter, Spring 2000 As sisters of the organization we pledged our lifelong commitment to this radiant organization. We hoped to help further our mission and vision, and make an impact on our respective communities. As natural leaders and women focused on service, at no point did we ever consider that we would experience a natural disaster that would affect hundreds of our members, and force us to look within.

emergency phone tree and did a “Soror Check In� to ensure that all of our sisters were accounted for and if anyone was in need that we were in the ready position to assist.

There were a number of sisters who offered their The devastation that Hurricane homes to sisters Sandy left behind in October is who experienced something that will be engrained power outages, and sisters who in our memories, especially to east were able to take advantage of coast residents, for the foreseeable that offer while they waited for their future. Various landmarks may residence to regain power. have been damaged, including Coney Island and parts of the As true to our members, our call Jersey Shore, to name a few, but to service extended beyond our the one thing that did not waiver internal needs. Sisters helped was the strong sense of sisterhood organize and/or support a number that exists within our organization. of food and clothing drives, benefit I would go as far to say that it concerts, and clean up efforts. As amplified and strengthened our has been said before, social media sisterhood. is a powerful tool and one that many took advantage of in order As soon as we became aware of the to help advertise stores which had impact Sandy had, sisters began an essential supplies, like water, and where one could find gas to fuel their car. If there was a way to help, our members were quick to respond!

It is said that in moments of adversity one can see your true character- I believe that this unfortunate tragedy was one way for our members, as individuals and

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as a collective group, demonstrated the power that a group of serviceoriented and powerful women have.

RESOURCES

A natural disaster can strike at any moment. It is important that you and your family are prepared. Here are some resources to help you should a natural disaster occur in your area.

We recommend you save/bookmark these sources!

Federal Emergency Management Agency: http://www.fema.gov

Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan: http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/ files/FamEmePlan_2012.pdf

American Red Cross:

www.redcross.org/what-we-do/ disaster-relief

Disaster Assistance:

http://www.Disasterassistance.gov

2012 Golden Colibri Grant Winner It is with great pleasure that the Alumnae Association announces Elaine Rodriguez, Beta Chapter, as the 2012 Golden Colibri Grant recipient. Elaine will use the $500 grant to pursue an advanced degree toward a Doctrine of Medicine.

Please join the Alumnae Association in congratulating Soror Elaine!

The Golden Colibri Grant (GCG) recognizes and supports professional and academic development among our alumnae members who are in pursuit of an advanced degree, professional certification, specialization, or license.

Elaine is pursuing her Doctrine in Medicine

Interested in the Golden Colibri Grant for 2013?

Email scholarship@omegaphibeta.org to be notified when the 2013 application is available.

Be a Beta, Be a Scholar The OPBSI Book Rental!

Stay academically inclined while saving up to 80% on book rentals. Rent your textbooks for school or start a book club with this great offer. Spread the word to friends, family, co-

WANT TO WRITE FOR EL GIRASOL? Do you have a topic you want to write about?

Do you want to share your experise or experience?

Do you want to develop your writing skills?

Do you want to share your creativity?

workers, classmates, and teachers. Anyone is able to take advantage of this great deal.

El Griasol staff is currently looking for

Rent your favorite books while helping

Contributing Writiers for our 2013 Season.

your organization raise money.

Email us at OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com to find out

For more information visit

how you can become a part of the Girsol team and

http://opbsi.bookrenterstore.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 7

My Gift of Thankfulness

By Estrella Gomez, Colony at Charleston Southern University, Spring 2012 As we come closer to the holiday season, and surround ourselves with friends and family amongst laughter, fun, and great food, sometimes we often forgot the whole purpose of the celebration.

These should not be the only days to reflect back on everything He has given us, but instead give us a deeper sense of appreciation of what we already have.

give “thanks” for everything you have, and everything we were born blessed with. This is a gift we should all possess because it brings about a more holy self-worth to know that through Him all things are possible.

Even though, this is my first Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year without family, I know I am not alone. I have wonderful friends here, that So now I present the challenge keep me company at the to you: to really think about loneliest times, but even the last time you could really those lonely times don’t

Region IV Highlight

By Clari Crews, Region IV Director

make up for the wonderful 23 years I got to spend with the people I love most. I am thankful for life, my education, my values/morals, my courage, but most importantly I am thankful to have Him by my side at all times.

I am so proud of Beta Kappa Chapter at the University of New Haven. On November 3, 2012 they held their first Domestic Violence Banquet. There were over 100 people in attendance. The ladies were able to donate money to an organization in the Connecticut area. The night was full of tears and joyous moments. These ladies worked hard and did a phenomenal job! Congrats ladies!!!

(From left to Right) Brenda Lopez, Gaby Garcia, Carmen Paulino, Nani Rivera, Denisse Garcia, Yessenia LLAnos, Amy Mateo, Ana Morales, (2nd row) Veronica Almieda, Lily Lin, Alixandra Pena, Jennifer Reyes, Claribel Crews, Kelly Rodriguez, Natasha Lopez, & Anny Munoz

You did a Great Job!!!

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Ninos de Veracruz, Mexico, Inc. is a student led non-profit organization.

It was founded in 2003 by the first group of Lasell College students that visited Mexico on a Service Learning trip in order to learn about the culture and the struggles of poverty stricken families. Upon their return, they began the organization in hopes of being able to give small educational scholarships to some of the children they met.

Sixth grade students are often forced to drop out of school in order to work alongside their parents in the sugar cane and coffee bean fields. At this time, with educational costs increasing and families making approximately $1.00 or $2.00 a day, the family is left with the difficult decision to choose between their child’s education and their earning potential to put more food on the table.

The optimist says, the cup is half full. The pessimist says, the cup is half empty. The child of God says, my cup runneth over.

-Anonymous The organization has continued to grow and Ninos is now able to do some micro-lending which families use to improve their living conditions or get necessary medical treatments.

Amy Mateo and Elianny Camilo

Raking for a Future Ninos’ largest fundraising opportunity is our Annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser in which students, alumni, and other organizations rake leaves for various families in the Newton, MA area. In just 8-10 hours, Ninos is usually able to raise between $3,000 and $4,000!

(Left to right) Amy Mateo, Alixandra Pena and Natasha Lopez

The Annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser is organized by Pi Chapter Soror, Tabatha Torres (Spring 2006) - a Lasell College Alum (Class of 2007) and Ninos participant since 2005. Tabatha attended the Service Learning trip to Mexico in January 2005 and has been organizing its biggest fundraiser since!

This year Omega Phi Beta’s Region IV sisters from Alpha Epsilon, Pi Chapter Alum, and JWU Colony were part of a record breaking

$4,300 fundraising effort!

Tabatha made a big move in June 2012 to Washington, DC after graduating from Simmons College in Boston with a Masters in Social Work.

While continuing to give back to Ninos de Veracruz, she is a Social Worker/ Investigator for Child Protective Services in Fairfax County, Virginia and also serves as the Graduate Assistant for the Lasell College Honors Program.

Should you be interested in making a tax deductible donation to Ninos de Veracruz, Mexico or fundraising for the organization, please contact Tabatha Torres (picture below) at tabatha.v.torres@gmail.com.

Each year, Tabatha strives to surpass the amount of money raised the previous year and has been able to do so with the rising demand of lawn participants!

All who participated in the Community Service!

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Sultry Holiday Makeup Tutorial

By Kristin SepĂşlveda, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Spring 2007

Eyes: 1. Begin by prepping eyes with primer.

2. Pat on pinkish gold shadow to the lid and blend edges.

2. Line the eyes with liner and finish the eyes with mascara.

Lips: 1. Prep lips with lip conditioner.

2. Line lips with burgundy lip liner.

3. Fill in lips with burgundy lipstick.

MAC P

ARDEll

igment

Lashes #105

Rose

MAC

Mineralize Skin Finish Soft and Gentle

MAC

TemptuPro

Lipstick Dark Side

Airbrush S/B Foundation Model: Francesca Falcon

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Photographer: Andrea Castanon

Makeup Artist: Kristin Sepulveda

Life’s Unexpected Gifts

Makeup artistry found me. I was in college, studying for a biochemistry exam with my girlfriend, and instead of memorizing amino acids, my mind began drifting off to what makeup my friend should apply to accentuate her facial features. Don’t get me wrong, my friend is a stunningly gorgeous woman without makeup on, but I couldn’t help but wonder how a bit of pink blush and black mascara would give her a radiant glow and bring out her best feature, her eyes.

I had always loved wearing makeup, but up until that point in my life, I had only focused on applying natural looking makeup to myself. I began experimenting with different eyes shadow application techniques, utilizing bolder and brighter colors (before I knew what a blending brush was – YIKES!). My friends started to take notice of my blossoming artistry, and before I knew it, they were asking me to apply makeup on them for special event. A makeup artist in the making was born.

the idea of being a professional makeup artist.

I reached out to Jessica for advice and she provided me with genuine guidance and offered to take me under her wing. While working a full-time job, I began working part-time at retail cosmetic counters to gain hands on experience with makeup artistry. I started assisting Jessica at photo shoots and eventually joined her bridal makeup and hair team, Ayari’s Brides.

Through working with my sorority sisters, Jessica Toro and Erica Diaz (hair stylist with Ayari’s Brides), I was inspired to build my own brand as a makeup artist in the Washington DC area, Kristin Sepúlveda - Makeup Artistry (www.kristinsepulveda.com).

The opportunities, friendships, and lessons Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. has given me have been invaluable gifts that have enhanced the quality of my personal and professional life tremendously. Utilizing my talent as a makeup artist to make women feel beautiful is truly a rewarding feeling. Eight years later, after that fateful day studying in the library, I had the honor to do my friend’s makeup on her wedding day. I found my love of makeup artistry.

A couple years later, I was browsing the sorority list serve, and I stumbled across an e-mail from Jessica “Ayari” Toro, a makeup artist from New York City, asking for models for a photo shoot. It peaked my interest, not because I was interested in modeling, but because I had been toying with

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Happy 21st Anniversary Girasol!

The Girasol has been through a metamorphosis since its creation as a printed newsletter 21 years ago. Today is it an online news-zine available to sisters of Omega Phi Beta and the public. We acknowlege that many sisters have contributed to El Girasol over the years and although we can’t highlight all our past articles, we selected a few that we wanted to share once again.

Volume XII Issue I

Volume XII Issue II march 2011

Volume XII Issue III June 2011

Volume XII Issue IV October 2011

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Get motivated!

New Look for 2011!

BETA LIVING BETA ATHELTES ALPHA BETA DONATES $1,000

Volume XII Issue IV December 2011

Volume XIII Issue I March 2012

Volume XIII Issue II June 2012

Volume XIII Issue III Fall 2012

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Ho

lid

ay E

di

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on

Omega Phi Beta’s National Sorority Magazine

Happy Anniversary

December 2011

El Girasol

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Thank you to all past editors and contributors to El Girasol...

El Girasol covers shown are from the last two years.

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Let the Holiday Celebrations Begin!

A look at a few of the the different ways we celebrate the holidays

By Amanda Crane, Iota Chapter, Spring 2000 Selina Hernandez, Alpha Beta Chapter, Fall 1999 Desiree Henry, Theta Chapter, Fall 2000 Rebecca W. Roberts, Alpha Chapter, Spring 1998

lly rigina le O ic 11 t r A he 20 d in t e h is y publ olida er/H Decemb ion Edit

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is celebration of family, community and culture in the African American and Pan-African community. It is celebrated from December 26 through January 1. The name Kwanzaa is devrives from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili.

Celebrations of the first-fruits go back in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamentals activities of Continental Arfrican “first fruit” celebrations: ingathering; reverence; commemorations; recommitment and celebration.

Kwanzaa, then, is: a time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds between them; a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation; a time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors;

Holiday Celebrations begin! and practiced by those of all religious faiths who come together on the rich, ancient and varied common ground of Africans.

Kwanzaa introduced and reinforced seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcings family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world.

These values are called the Nguzo Saba which mean Seven Principles in Swahili.

Umoja (Unity) Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Nia (Purpose) Kuumba (Creativity) Imani (Faith)

a time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice; and a time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor of African Studies at California State University, Long Beach, author and scholarsctivisit who stresses the indepsensable need to preserve, continually revitalize and promote African American culture. It is important to note Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, thus available to Let the

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For more information: www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org

Hanukkah Hanukkah or Chanukah (Hebrew for “dedication”), is an annual festival of the Jewish people celebrated on eight successive days.

Some people wonder why Hanukkah does not fall on the same week or day every year like Christmas. That’s because we follow the Jewish calendar which has a different number of months and days. Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding, approximately, to December in the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC. Rededication was necessary because Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of Syria and overlord of Palestine, had defiled the temple. In 168 BC, on a date corresponding approximately to December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, the temple was dedicated to the worship of the pagan god Zeus Olympius by order of Antiochus, who forbade the practice of Judaism.

When Judas Maccabee recaptured Jerusalem three years later, he had the temple purged and a new altar put up in place of the desecrated one. The temple was

then re-dedicated to God with festivities that lasted Hanukkah eight days. According to tradition, only a oneday supply of oil could be found for the re-dedication, but that small quantity burned miraculously for eight days. Jews commemorate this miracle by lighting candles on a Menorah for eight nights of Hanukkah.

Fun Facts: It is customary for many celebrants to have potato latkes, grated fried potato pancakes during the holiday It will take 44 candles to fully observe all of the days of Hanukkah (The Menorah should have eight candle holders in a row and a separate candle holder for the “Shamash.” The Shamash candle is used to light the other eight candles since it is forbidden to use the Hanukkah lights for any purpose other than viewing.

There are 17 correct ways to spell Hanukkah: Chanuccah, Channuka, Channukah, Chanuka, Chanukkah, Chanuko, Hannuka, Hannukah, Hanuka, Hanukkah, Hanukka, Hannukka, Kanukkah, Khannuka, Khannukah, Khanukkah, Khanukkah.

My Hanukkah Story I was born to a Jewish mother and Catholic father. Growing up in an interfaith family was interesting both culturally and religiously. I was raised with Judaism as my religion because it is Judeo-Christian tradition that the child takes the religion of their mother. My father was not actively Catholic and did not protest my mother’s wishes.

Even though I was raised to believe in Judaism, I was allowed to participate in the holidays of both religions. So, it was just more fun for me! Believe it or not, growing up I didn’t really understand the religious aspect of the Christian holidays. I just knew that they were fun times with my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and that my father’s family celebrated different holidays than my mother’s family. But bothfamilies

respected my faith as a Jew. So, I always remember my father’s side giving me gifts at our Christmas Eve night wrapped in Hanukkah paper. And they usually included at least one symbolically Jewish gift, such as a crystal dreidel or Hanukkah gelt (gold chocolate coins).

At my mom’s house I had a Hanukkah “bush” (a miniChristmas tree with Hanukkah ornaments) and a Hanukkah “stocking” filled with “tchotchke” (Tchotchke (pronounced choch-kee) derived from a Slavic word for “toys,” baubles or trinkets). At my dad’s house I had a real Christmas tree and cookies for Santa. What more can a girl ask for?

Rebecca

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 15

Christmas Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon.

For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870.

attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to “spoil” them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed.

People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving. Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fillthe cultural needs of a growing nation.

Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

During the early 19th century, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story’s message-the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind-struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish

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The man we know as Santa Claus has a history all his own. Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red, but his story stretches all the way back to the third century. The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey.

Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe.

Fun Facts:

Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the redand-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828 From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and lawbreakers were fined five shillings.

Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

Three Kings Day Some sorors celebrate Three Kings Day, for example: Alpha Gamma Alumnae Chapter in Washington, DC has hosted for the past 2 yrs a family friendly social highlighting this holiday and its meaning.

Also known as: El Dia de los Reyes, Epiphany, La Pascua de los Negros

In Spanish

Hispanic/Latino culture, this Christian January 6 and represents when three Kings: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa, arrived bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.

Founder Lissette and Liana Orduna shares cultural moments with their children by telling the story of Christmas and the three kings. Liana also recounts how it is celebrated in Puerto Rico.

and

holiday is celebrated on

As a child Chrissy Diaz and Jessie Toro would shred a leafy plant or get grass, respectively, for the camels and would receive a gift in the morning. Chrissy’s mother also furthered the tradition by recounting how she had to clean up after the camels!

How exactly this is celebrated depends on the country, but many have the practice where children either leave a box filled with grass or hay under their beds for the Wise men’s camels in the hopes of receiving a gift and in other countries instead of the hay or grass they leave out polished shoes. A pastry called Rosca de Reyes or Roscon is shared with adults and children and inside this pastry is a doll of the baby Jesus.

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Festivus Festivus is a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 as a way to celebrate

Nick’s Naughty or Nice Punch Recipe

the holiday season without participating

Ingredients you need

in its pressures and commercialism.

It was created by writer Dan O’Keefe and introduced into popular culture by his son Daniel, a screenwriter for the TV show Seinfeld, as part of a comical storyline on the show. It is celebrated on December 23, as depicted on the December 18, 1997 Seinfeld episode, “The Strike”.

The holiday’s celebration includes: Festivus pole an unadorned aluminum

Festivus miracles Label for easily explainable events

Airing of Grievances

Occurs during the Festivus meal and each person tells everyone else all the ways they have disappointed him or her over the past year

2 parts X-Rated Fusion Liqueur 1 part SKYY Infusions Pineapple 2 parts Peach Herbal Tea 1/2 part freshly squeezed Lime Juice pinch of ground Cloves 1 part Club Soda

It’s time to grab that punch bowl. Pour all the ingredients listed above into the punch bowl just before your guests are due to arrive. To add some color float a clove encrusted citrus wheels on the surface of the punch. When serving the punch pour into ice-filled wine glasses. If you want the punch to be sweeter use lemon-lime soda instead of the club soda.

Recommended glass Punch Bowl For more Holiday Drink Recipes, visit: www.WhatToDrink.com

Creamy Hot Chocolate Ingredients you need 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup white sugar 1 pinch of salt 1/3 cup boiling water 3 1/2 cup milk

Feats of Strength

After the meal these are performed. It involves wrestling the head of the household to the floor, with the holiday ending only if the head of the household is actually pinned Celebrants of the holiday sometimes refer to it as “a Festivus for the rest of us!”

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup half-and-half cream marshmellows (optional)

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan.

Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes.

Watch that it doesn’t scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature. Add marshmellows to taste.

For more Holiday Recipes, visit: www.AllRecipes.com

18 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Gatherings, Games and Stress Relievers The holidays are a time when many of us get together with relatives anf friends we don’t get to see often, or like my family, see for every single holiday. Whatever your celebration, there is always some time for catching up, drinks, music, exchaning gifts and most importantly laughter.

For my family, I usually host a Christmas party, complete with invitations, parting gifts and my latest addition, a slideshow of the family throughout the year.

With our family growing so large, we’ve come up with ways to focus more time on getting together and having fun than just sitting around the tree opening gifts. Here are some gift exchange game ideas that can let everyone let loose, have fun, enjoy the holiday season and not break the bank!

Desiree

Holiday Comedy Relief We all know the holidays can sometimes get a little stressful, especially with so many additional relatives and friends running around. So here are a couple of sitesthat can provide some comedy relief over the next few weeks! www.Failblog.org www.TextsfromLastNight.com www.AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com http://icanhascheezburger.com/ www.Break.com

White Elephant

(Also known as Dirty Santa, Yankee Swap, Thieving Secret Santa) We do this game for everyone over the age of 18 and this is just one variation of the game. Ask participants to bring a wrapped gift that can be for a male or female within a certain limit. In my family, we do max of $25 but I have also done max of $10. No need to put their name on it and no one should tell anyone else what gift they purchased for the game.

Place all the gifts in one central location.

Everyone draws numbers from a hat depening on the number of gifts. The number of gifts, determines the number of players. The person with the number 1 goes fi rst. They select a gift from the pile and open it up. Turn ends. The person with the number 2 goes next and selects a gift and opens it up. They can either choose to stay with their gift or select from the open gifts. This goes on until everyone has selected a gift. Once everyone has goes, the person with the number 1 has a chance to switch with ANY of the opened gifts (since they never had the chance to choose being the first to go. A gift cannot bounce back and forth between two people without someone else taking possession of the gift in between and gift should only be switched a maximum of three times.

For more variations on how to play the game, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_elephant_gift_exchange Fun Gift Exchange Poem: http://www.sugardoodle.net/Stories_Thoughts_Poems/ Christmas/A%20fun%20white%20elephant%20gift%20 exchange%20poem.html Left-Right Gift Exchange (one variation): http://www.santalady.com/xmasgame/leftright.html

This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!

D.M. Dellinger

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 19

Beta

Mommies

Welcome to our new Beta babies and congratulations to our expecting Mommies !!

ARE YOU EXPECTING? NEW OR SEASONED BETA MOMMY?

Stay connected ,share stories, advice and stay up-to-date with Beta Mommy events. To join the Beta Mommies group email: BETAMOMMIES-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Wendy B r ito (Theta Chapter/ Fall 2001) is expecting a baby boy in February

J acinda Feli x -H aro (Beta Chapter/Spring 94) gave birth to a baby girl July

Theresa Zephr in W r ight A nnette Ettr ick -J ackson (Founder) welcomed her second baby, Joshua in December

Lor i Rodr iguez -S ealey (Alpha Chapter Spring 91) welcomed a baby girl in December

20 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

N atalie B onaparte

(Sigma Chapter, Fall 2001) gave birth to a baby girl Nathalia Eelin in November

Theta C hapter

(Beta Chapter/Spring 97) is expecting her second child May 2013

J enny O rtiz -W illiams

(Delta, Spring 2000) gave birth toa baby girl in November

recently welcomed several little ones.

From left to right here are a few of their newest additions, Chloe Noelle (Glory Perez-Kowalzyck, Spring 1999), Jack David (Christina Figueroa, Spring 1998), Avery Grace (Jeanette Gonazalez, Spring 1999) and Jaxton David (Yvette Lopez-Colgan)

Beta Mommy: Winter Time with the Kids Things to Do During Christmas Break with the kids (or without!)

Bake Decorate Make Gifts Watch Family Vidoes Try a Winter Sport Try an Indoor Sport Volunteer Go to a Museum Go see the big tree

Read/Write Books Together Watch some Holiday Classics Take a Trip Make Appointments (Doctor, Dentist, etc) Play Games Organize the Kid’s Room Take a Hike Tell Stories of your Childhood

Artic le O publ rigin ishe ally d in Dece the 2011 mbe r/H Editio oliday n

For more information, visit: www.about.com For other Fun Ideas, Visit: www.MommyPoppins.com

Spread some Holiday Cheer

Order Sangria Anytime! today!

Treat yourself to some delicious red or white sangria.

Contact Soror Lupe at: sangriaanytime@gmail.com 917.547.8650

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 21

Sister Spotlight: Dr. Sandy O’Connor: War Hero A

e rticl

Origin

ally

Interview Conducted By: Selina Hernandez, Alpha Beta Chapter, Fall 1999

2008

the hed in dition Fall E

publis

With all of the things going on in today’s world and the demands of everyday life it is hard to think of anything outside of our immediate scope. Whether it is our daily grind at work, searching for a job, taking care of a loved one, going to school, prices going up, your family, friends, chores, etc; most people are constantly occupied throughout the day.

With all the hustle and bustle of the everyday it may be easy to forget.

Forget that there are people hard at work day and night to make sure that we have the freedoms here in our beloved United States. The media has inundated us with the election, gas prices, the several 800 point swings in the Dow - but when was the last time you heard an in depth story about those brave soldiers that have more at stake than a recession, job or what to wear today? There are thousands of troops that risk there lives in Iraq. Many have been and are re-acclimating themselves back to everyday life, like fellow Soror Sandy O’Connor.

Sandy is a sister of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. that earned two degrees at Hofstra University, and pledged summer 1996, with her beloved line sister Dr. Jenny BlancoDoe. After accomplishing all that and participating as a Co Dean for two classes (Supay Apito, Fall 98 and La

22 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Unica, Fall 99 — my class) Sandy still felt she had more to do.

In the below interview I explore what made a young 27 year old successful woman with a Masters Degree and a career in audiology, join the Military.

She speaks of her experiences in the military including being deployed to Iraq for one year during war time, and what she has learned as a result.

El Girasol (EG): How long have you been a part of the military and when did you enlist?

Sandy O’Connor (SO): I enlisted on Feb 6, 2001. I served 5 years active duty with the United States Army and 2 1/2 years with the Army National Guard.

EG: How many places have you been sent to and for how long?

SO: I attended basic training at Fort Sill, OK which was 9 weeks. I moved onto Fort Sam Houston, TX where I attended training to be 91B Health Care Specialist which is more popularly known as a MEDIC. My first duty station was Fort Cambell, KY I was there for 18 months, then Camp Hovey South Korea for 1 year, Fort Stewart, GA for 1 year, deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) from Jan 2005-Jan 2006, back to Fort Stewart, GA until April 2006.

EG: What made you join initially?

SO: The greatest incentive was the Student Loan Repayment program that the Army offered. They offered

to pay $65,000 towards my student loans. I had graduate with much debt after completing my BA and MA at Hofstra University. At the same time I felt like at age 27 I had not traveled much outside of NY sadly enough and wanted to experience something different. This was my chance to do it no husband, no kids, no boyfriend it was my time to get out and experience life.

ID for short) that I would be able to complete my mission there in Iraq and come home safe.

EG: What was your position in the military?

SO: I was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army and my MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was Health Care Specialty-aka-MEDIC!

is great for the morale of deployed Soldiers. Soldiers are able to communicate with their loved ones via, regular mail receiving letters and care packages, via the internet with internet cafes on the bases and sometimes internet access in their rooms, gyms, some satellite fast food stands like KFC and Nathans and even Starbucks and the dining facilities provide good food for the Soldiers. This is not at every base there still many that have only the very basics for day to day living.

EG: Did your opinion or feelings EG: Are you happy now that you change when you got there? made that decision?

SO: I am happy that I made this decision. It has opened my eyes to so much more out of the Big Apple. This Brooklyn girl traveled to places that I would have never imagined, jumped out of helicopters, marched 28 miles straight with 50lbs of equipment, cared for wounded Soldiers in OIF, mentored Soldiers to b the next leaders of our great Army and that is only the beginning. The Army has challenged me mentally and physically. I am not the same Brooklyn girl that went into the Army.

I am stronger and better than ever SO: I certainly have mixed feelings before and it has opened my eyes to about the war. On one hand I believe full heartedly that I had to complete much bigger world. my mission because I raised my EG: When did you go to Iraq? What hand and promised to protect and did you think when you found to defend our Constitution and to obey orders from my Commander in Chief. you had to go to Iraq?

SO: Jan 2005-Jan 2006. Well initially However, I did not agree with the I was upset because it meant that my reasons behind the war and I still original contact was going to be do not. Being a Medic I was tasked extended. I only signed up for 4 with the mission of providing medical years of active duty. Because of the care to our wounded Soldiers in Iraq. deployment I would have to give the I bared witness to the many atrocities Army another year of active duty of this war.

EG: How different was Iraq from where you were stationed at right before?

SO: Well totally different because I was in the United States stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. Nevertheless I feel my unit trained me well for my deployment to Iraq.

time. I was of course nervous of because of the danger entailed with the war but I felt confident in my unit 426th Foward Support Battalion 3rd Infantry Division (426th FSB 3rd

EG: What was your proudest moment while there?

SO: Saving the lives of Soldiers and comforting wounded Soldiers.

EG: How can you describe the areas you saw/stayed in Iraq?

SO: Fortunately, many bases within Iraq are now built up in Iraq which

EG: If you had to compare it to somewhere else where would that be?

SO: I can’t. I have never been anywhere else remotely close to Iraq. It made me appreciate living in America even more. I remember a humanitarian mission I went on while in Iraq. We visited an all girls’ school.

It was a small school made up of the size of your average elementary school which housed about 300 girls from first grade to 8th grade and they had only one bathroom. Their play yard was filled with garbage. It was a sight to see. Yet these people made the best of their situation, the girls were all smiles and eager to learn.

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 23

EG: What was your proudest moment in the entire military stint?

SO: I think the proudest moment was actually completing specialty training while at Fort Campbell, KY. The training was called Air Assault School.

It was two weeks of intense physical training preparing you to conduct air assault missions and repelling out of a helicopter. I never imagined in my life that I would ever do anything like this. It wasa great challenge and I am proud of this accomplishment.

EG: Are you still in the military? If so when will you go back and how much longer do you have to go?

SO: I am still in the military. I am currently in the Army National Guard and my contract ends in April 2009.

EG: When did you return to the states for a long period of time?

SO: I returned back from Iraq in Jan 2006 and since that time I have not traveled over seas.

EG: How long were you away (when you first left to join) before you had a chance to return to the states?

SO: When I was in S. Korea and Iraq I was able to come back to the US for 2 weeks.

EG: What was the first thing you did when you returned?

SO: One of the first things I did when I returned from Iraq was going on vacation to Puerto Rico.

EG: What were some other things you did that were significant to you when you returned?

SO: I returned from Iraq in Jan 2006.

I officially was released from active duty in April 2006 and I enrolled in the Doctoral of Audiology Program which I completed in February of 2008.

24 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

EG: What advice do you have for any sisters thinking about joining the military?

SO: Although we are in a time of war and the chances of deploying to either Iraq or Afghanistan is greater than ever I still believe that the military can be a rewarding experience. Before joining make sure you conduct thorough research of the branch of service you would like to enlist into. I urge sisters to not only talk to recruiters but also to individuals who are either still in the service or have been in the service recently and additionally those veterans who have been in a combat zone. Enlisting into the military should not be taken lightly whether it be Reserve, National Guard or Active Duty. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!

EG: What advice do you have for any sister with loved ones in the military and specifically in Iraq, or other war area?

SO: Prayer, support, patience and love. These are key. Believing in a higher power no matter what you call him is very important. Having faith and daily prayer will give families the strength to make it through a deployment that may seem like an eternity. Soldiers need to know that they have a strong support system at home. They need to feel loved from thousands of miles away. They need to feel like they are still a part of their life that they left back home. Soldiers face a tremendous amount of stress that your average civilian will not readily understand. It is important to be patient with your Soldier as he/ she adjusts from being deployed to being back at home.

EG: Anything else you would like to add?

SO: I want to say that it was a pleasure sharing my experiences with my Sorors of OPB. I am so very proud of the strides that have been made since I pledged in the Summer of 1996. This organization is truly amazing made up of strong, beautiful and intelligent women. Siguen para adelante! Sandy recently completed a Doctoral of Audiology Program in February 2008 and is now Dr. Sandy. Sandy is currently a Clinical Audiologist at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).

Personally, she recently married and is awaiting the safe return of her husband who is currently deployed to Iraq. They are expecting their first child in April 2009 and pray for a healthy baby. One of her future goals includes teaching in the Area of Audiology. We thank Sandy and all the troops that are serving or have served the USA.. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Happy Veteran’s Day to All Our War Hero Sisters

Greetings!

Omega Phi Beta has created numerous events which instills elements needed as great training for many of our members.

Any gathering of two or more individuals for a given purpose is indeed an event! From that has immersed a vast variety of unions, for many, entrepreneurial backgrounds to create small businesses within our organization that are growing!

We continuously applaud our sisters and encourage them to succeed!

We are excited to say that three of our members make up the team of a new boutique event planning company for your special event needs, Your Best Event, Inc. (YBE) The event industry continues to grow as a very creative and much needed service to many and we each utilize our specialty to contribute to a successful event.

The YBE Team: Erica Diaz, Co-Founder & Lead Event Agent Spring 2002, Upsilon Chapter, Rutgers University

Daiana Hidalgo, Wedding Specialist Spr. 2002 , Epsilon Chapter, C. W. Post/ Long Island University

Jessica Medina, Creative Design Specialist Spring 2005, Theta Chapter, Stony Brook University

Events

Services/Resources

Anniversaries & Engagement Parties Awards Dinners Baby Showers Bachelorette Parties Birthday Celebrations Budget Planning Catering Christmas Parties Corporate & Holiday Functions Dinner Parties Engagement Events Event Marketing & Branding

Event Staffing Solutions Graphic Design Hair and Make-Up Invitations & Wedding Programs On-Site Event Management Printing Security Sound Design Thematic Conceptualization Transportation Venue Scouting Web Development

(left to right) Jessica Medina, Erica Diaz and Daiana Hidalgo

Our professional team members are experts in organizing, managing and executing any event. YBE, Inc. will tailor a customized events package suited for both your individual needs and the indulgence of your guests. We maintain a strong portfolio of the finest venues, service providers and industry insiders who are focused on creating unparalleled spectacular events.

We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from our sisterhood. We have previously worked with sisters from Beta, Delta, Epsilon, Theta, Mu, Upsilon and Alpha Beta Chapters and hope to continue working with many more!

Each of our event agents are passionate, trained, and educated in several aspects of event planning. We emphasize communication, stress details & creativity and great organizational skills. If we adhere to this maxim, we will achieve customer satisfaction beyond expectation.

Please enjoy reading through our list of Events&Services.

We look forward to creating the best events with only you and your guests in mind.

Your Best Event, Inc. info@YourBestEvent.com www.facebook.com/YourBestEventInc

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 25

The Stillness of Slumber

By Monserrat Cabral, Upsilon Chapter, Spring 2002

Three couches had been squeezed into our small living room. They were a beige color with, what to me resembled, darker brown Middle Eastern look-alike designs of circles and ovals spread across its fabric. But many people couldn’te ven identify its fabric for they remained covered by the plastic they had been bought in five years earlier. The center table was a mahogany brown, bought on a layaway plan at the downtown furniture store. The curtains were a lacy fawn hue, which gave the room a lighter shade. But the full-size imitation Christmas tree was blocking the only window in the room cascading traces of darkness throughout the fourroom apartment.

I could think about was my bed, that was piled up to the ceiling with coats. My eyelids felt heavy and my head had been doing that bopping thing, all on its own. In the distance I could still hear the nostalgic music, Fernandito’s voice, “Tabaco… Tabaco… Tabaco…

Tabaco y ron.” I remember my mother had once called him, “Our Elvis Presley,” whatever that meant.

The medium sized stereo system blasted merengue, bachata, and salsa as twenty aunts, fifty uncles, seventy-five cousins and friends piled into the apartment throughout the night to eat, shake, and sweat into obscurity. They jumped, quivered, and stomped on the hard wood floors. I don’t even know how the floors didn’t cave in or where they got the energy to move like that after they had stuffed themselves nearly to death.

They left behind all they knew so that their children and grandchildren could have the one thing they didn’t, an opportunity... the slightest glimpse at hope. But life did not become easier because of running water or abundant jobs - it became harder; hard enough that families fell apart, simply tore at the seams. So in order to not regress, and counterattack, families began to adopt other people as family. The co-worker became the godmother, the beautician the Tia, and a cousin’s uncle’s wife’s brother a Tio.

I knew I had vigor for days, but as overfed as I felt that Christmas, all

“Now _oard_ng!” I head this over the intercom and I immediately snapped out. Damn, I didn’t even realize I was daydreaming! What track is the damn train boarding

26 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Understanding Latino life begins with understanding her and his stories. The stories of lament and lost loves; the stories of revolution and comradeship; the stories of struggle, perseverance, and glory; the story of the people. Latinos, like most immigrants, came to the good U.S. of A. to find that dream.

lly rigina le O ic t r 008 A the 2 ed in h is l pub dition Fall E

on? Just follow the crowd, Mia. Just follow the crowd. I finally find a seat in this elongated metal contraption. The seats are so uncomfortable. I swear, you would think that for all the money that’s taken out in the fares, they would be able to afford better, more spacious seats. Whatever a small price to pay for your own public chauffeuring, right? I am exhausted, but I don’t really know why exactly, must have been all that crying. The salt in tears always makes me overly exhausted.

NOTE TO SELF: Stop crying.

These little seats may be small and uncomfortable, but when you are this tired it doesn’t matter.

Like the countless people who pick through those metal garbage cans out in corners, just to be able to find something worthy out of something that someone else finds worthless.

It is like that saying, mind over matter: If you don’t mind, it won’t matter. Or something like that. I guess my little power nap, didn’t

do much to grant me some power.

YES! I feel the wheels in motion.

I don’t know what it is about motion, which makes me feel even more tired, like an infant who automatically falls asleep as soon as the car or stroller begins to move. I don’t even care that I can hear the salivaexchanging kisses of the lesbian lovers a couple of

seats behind me, or that I can smell the funk of that UPS guy in the seat adjacent to me, or the fact that the overweight white guy has way too much hair coming out of his nose, and not enough on his head is still staring at me, from behind his newspaper. None of this matters, because I am so tired that in a couple of minutes all

these fools will have disappeared and I will have emerged on the other side of reality.

In which the “what is”, is intermingled with the “what is not” and the “I wish.” The stillness of slumber.

Beta Bargain Shopper

By Yaheiry Galan, Mu Chapter, Spring 2007

Articl

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011

the 2 hed in is l b pu ition ry Ed a u n a J

Is

one of your N ew Year resolutions to save money?

Are you on a tight budget? Do you believe every buck counts?

If you answered yes to any of the previous questions: Welcome to the Beta Bargain Shopper! In this section you will find useful information to help you save a buck or two and get more for your money.

Recently, the daily deal websites have become very popular among the young and even the not-soyoung crowds. These websites are based on a business model called group buying. By promising a merchant a high volume of sales, they get the merchant to offer a greatly discounted deal which turns into huge saving of 50% or more on products, entertainment and services for you!

Examples of deals I have purchased through these kinds of websites are: $25 for $50 worth of merchandise at American Apparel ($50 valiue) ● $22 for waxing services at Red and White Spa ($55 value) ● $15 for a ticket to NY Skyride at the Empire State Building ($42 value) ● $40 for a ticket to Wintuk Cirque du Soleil ($75 value) The pioneer and most widely known daily deal website is Groupon.com, however there are many more that offer huge savings on restaurants, spas, and other services.

These websites offer deals in various major cities within the U.S. However, the two leading daily deal websites also offer international deals.

Currently LivingSocial (Amazonowned Company) has a presence in 89 U.S. cities and three countries and Groupon has a presence in 91 U.S. cities and 23 countries.

Therefore, these are also useful tools for discounted fun when traveling!

Here is a list of some of the best rated: LivingSocial Homerun Scoopst SocialSteals Buywithme Tippr Dealon Dealster Bloomspot Yipit TheDealist Socialbuy I have used the first six websites and have had very good experiences.

So, I encourage you to sign up to receive the daily deals right in your email inbox, so you can take advantages of the huge discounts on the products, activities or services that interest you.

If you have any questions on this, feel free to email me at yahe_y2floren@hotmail.com. Enjoy!!!

P.S. Many websites offer a free deal or credit when you share a deal or the website with others and they buy it! So, here is my referral link http://www.groupon.com/r/uu1645077

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 27

28 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

To My Sisters Who Find Themselves Lying Awake At Night...

Just Wondering If My...

by Soror Kalina Black

If my mere essence doesn’t envigorate your senses upon first glance or if my mere essence doesnt satiate your taste buds yet keep you craving for more...

Or when we are together, if my mere essence doesnt immediately signal to you to turn that damn phone off and focus your mind on soaking in every part of me...

Or better yet, if my mere essence doesn’t help you value how much staying up late with you is worth the next day while struggling to stay awake at work/school Yet knowing it

was definitely worth that moon...light...journey...

And when we go out As I walk down the street towards you if my mere essence doesnt set you in a trance by the sway of my curves pulsing with grace...

Or if my smile doesn’t light up your day empowering you to make that next move stay on top of your game keep me proud so that when you arrive at my doorstep

you know That you are worthy.

That you have earned a piece of my essence if you are unable to recognize the essence of my essence then frankly my essence is just too good to share with you. *Good night* zzzzzz.................

A Moon Light Journey

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 29

Sunshine Corner

Looking Ahead

By Desiree Henry, Theta Chapter, Fall 2000

"The Awakening"

As we approach 2013 I can only say that my intentions and focus will be to keep looking ahead.

I can say that the last few months and perhaps even year, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on my past, attempt to learn from the lessons of my mistakes and try to have a better understanding of life. However, I’m starting to realize that I may have spent too much time doing just that.

Although reflection helps us to understand our path to help pave the way for a better future, at some point the shift must happen. The shift from a focus on the past to a focus on the future. If there is one thing I strongly feel about this upcoming year is that it will be filled with opportunities to create a better future. How, when or where it will happen, I’m not quite sure but from this moment forward I’m going to keep my eyes peeled and ears open.

Although I normally like to share quotes in this section, I have decided that this time I wanted to share a poem that I found many years ago, but was something really opened my eyes and heart in a way I had not expected. “The Awakening” is meant to make you do just that, wake up, dont be a victim, reflect and take control of your own happiness.

Everyone goes through a struggle, some struggles, are just different than others.

As hard as it sometimes may be, we need to remind ourselves constantly that we are all human and no one is perfect. All we can do is reflect on our past, learn from it and pick a time to stop looking backwards and start to look ahead. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!

Follow me: www.weinspireus.wordpress.com

30 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Soleil!

A TIME COMES IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FINALLY GET IT...

WHEN, IN THE MIDST OF ALL YOUR FEARS AND INSANITY, YOU STOP DEAD IN YOUR TRACKS AND SOMEWHERE THE VOICE INSIDE YOUR HEAD CRIES OUT...ENOUGH! ENOUGH FIGHTING AND CRYING AND BLAMING AND STRUGGLING TO HOLD ON. THEN, LIKE A CHILD QUIETING DOWN AFTER A TANTRUM, YOU BLINK BACK YOUR TEARS AND BEGIN TO LOOK AT THE WORLD THROUGH NEW EYES. THIS IS YOUR AWAKENING. YOU REALIZE IT’S TIME TO STOP HOPING AND WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO CHANGE, OR FOR HAPPINESS, SAFETY AND SECURITY TO MAGICALLY APPEAR OVER THE NEXT HORIZON. YOU REALIZE THAT IN THE REAL WORLD THERE AREN’T ALWAYS FAIRY TALE ENDINGS, AND THAT ANY GUARANTEE OF “HAPPILY EVER AFTER” MUST BEGIN WITH YOU... AND IN THE PROCESS A SENSE OF SERENITY IS BORN OF ACCEPTANCE. YOU AWAKEN TO THE FACT THAT YOU ARE NOT PERFECT AND THAT NOT EVERYONE WILL ALWAYS LOVE, APPRECIATE OR APPROVE OF WHO OR WHAT YOU ARE... AND THAT’S OK. THEY ARE ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN VIEWS AND OPINIONS. YOU LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVING AND CHAMPIONING YOURSELF... AND IN THE PROCESS A SENSE OF NEW FOUND CONFIDENCE IS BORN OF SELF-APPROVAL. YOU STOP COMPLAINING AND BLAMING OTHER PEOPLE FOR THE THINGS THEY DID TO YOU - OR DIDN’T DO FOR YOU - AND YOU LEARN THAT THE ONLY THING YOU CAN REALLY COUNT ON IS THE UNEXPECTED.

YOU LEARN THAT PEOPLE DON’T ALWAYS SAY WHAT THEY MEAN OR MEAN WHAT THEY SAY AND THAT NOT EVERYONE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU AND THAT EVERYTHING ISN’T ALWAYS ABOUT YOU. SO, YOU LEARN TO STAND ON YOUR OWN AND TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF... AND IN THE PROCESS A SENSE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY IS BORN OF SELFRELIANCE. YOU STOP JUDGING AND POINTING FINGERS AND YOU BEGIN TO ACCEPT PEOPLE AS THEY ARE AND TO OVERLOOK THEIR SHORTCOMINGS AND HUMAN FRAILTIES... AND IN THE PROCESSA SENSE OF PEACE AND CONTENTMENT IS BORN OF FORGIVENESS. YOU LEARN TO OPEN UP TO NEW WORLDS AND DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW. YOU BEGIN REASSESSING AND REDEFINING WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU REALLY STAND FOR. YOU LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WANTING AND NEEDING AND YOU BEGIN TO DISCARD THE DOCTRINES AND VALUES YOU’VE OUTGROWN, OR SHOULD NEVER YOU LEARN THAT THERE IS POWER AND GLORY IN CREATING AND CONTRIBUTING AND YOU STOP MANEUVERING THROUGH LIFE MERELY AS A “CONSUMER” LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT FIX. YOU LEARN THAT PRINCIPLES SUCH AS HONESTY AND INTEGRITY ARE NOT THE OUTDATED IDEALS OF A BYGONE ERA, BUT THE MORTAR THAT HOLDS TOGETHER THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH YOU MUST BUILD A LIFE. HAVE BOUGHT INTO TO BEGIN WITH. TO READ THE REST OF THIS POEM: HTTP://WEINSPIREUS.WORDPRESS. COM/2010/11/09/17/

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.�

Eleanor Roosevelt

Photography by Desiree Henry, Theta, Fall 2000

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Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 31

Beta Smarts, Celebrations and

Professional Achievements

Amanda Crane (Iota Chapter, Spring 2000) was

Maria Rosa (Eta/Spring 2008) was recently

recently promoted to an HR Business Partner at her company.

accepted to New York University’s MS Integrated Marketing Program at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies for Spring 2013.

Esmeralda Gaton (Theta/Fall 2001) was selected to participate in New School’s International Field Placement program in Argentina, SUmmer 2012.

Honorary Sister Rita Smith and Executive Director

Noelani Guerrero (Phi/Summer 2005) is now a

com/2012/12/04/jovan-belcher-kasandra-perkins-chiefscounseling_n_2237247.html

Human Resources Coordinator at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP.

of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, was recently interviewed by the Huffington post. To view the video clip, please view it here: http://www.huffingtonpost.

Congratulations to Honorary Sister Christina Vargas (Summer 2006), on receiving the “Madrina” Award at Stony Brook University’s Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony. She was nominiated by Theta Chapter for being such an amazing Soror, friend and motherly figure to the chapter and everyone she encounters. Theta Chapter thanks her for always giving so much of herself.

Jessica Morales Saul (Alpha/Spring 1997) was

recently named as one of Latina Magazine’s “Next Generation Latina Leaders.” The “Next Generation Latina Leader” is a woman who embraces her Latina roots while making a difference in the community, according to Latina. You can read more about this honor on Latina Magazine’s site: http://www.latina.com/nextgenerationsalute

32 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Congratulations and Welcome to all new Sisters of Fall 2012!* *Full listing of new sisters will be featured at the end of the Academic Calendar Year

Happy Birthday to all Past and Upcoming Birthdays since our last edition!

Share your great news!

OPBSI.El.Girasol@Gmail.com

Betas Without Borders

Last year I had the amazing and humbling opportunity to be a part of a Medical/Dental Mission in Honduras. This year I will be going to Panama in May to do the same.

All volunteers will set up temporary clinics in underdeveloped communities in Panama to provide health care where access is limited.

I hope that during this season of giving, I can count on some of you to help me give back to those that need help.

Each volunteer on the brigade is given the opportunity to shadow licensed health care professionals while learning about local Panamanian culture. A typical Medical/Dental Brigade clinic consists of six stations: Intake, Triage, Consultation, Dental, Health Education, and Pharmacy.

Any little bit counts and goes a long way!

You can support me by helping sponsor my trip by visiting Empowered.org/Glendalis and donating on my behalf.

Thank You and Happy Holidays!

Glendalis Moran Theta Chapter, Spring 2011

Evelyn Maria Felix (Theta/Fall 2004) was engaged to James Villamar in August

Elisa Molina (Mu/Fall 2004) was engaged in November

Eve Torres (Phi/Fall 2003) was engaged in November to Rener Gracie

Help provide healthcare to those in need

Recently engaged? Just Got Married?

Share the good news with your sorors!

Email: OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 33

I mportant Anti -V iolence Resources N ational H otlines and Organizations Hotline Phone Numbers Domestic Violence Hotline 800-621-HOPE (4673)

Crime Victims Hotline 866-689-HELP (4357)

Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline 212-227-3000

Boston

www.c2home.org http://feminist.org www.mahomless.org

Los Angeles

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 1-800-787-3224 www.nnedv.org

Washington, DC Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization. Among its programs, RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org .

This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers provides victims of sexual assault with free, confidential services, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. These hotlines have helped over 1.3 million people since RAINN’s founding in 1994.

1-800-656-HOPE Washington DC www.dccadv.org www.houseofruth.org

Additional Help in your area: www.thehotline.org

Florida

Los Angeles County Hotline

Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence

(800) 978-3600

New York City New York City’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 621–HOPE (4673)

Sanctuary for Families (212) 349–6009 • • • • •

•

Press 0 for general information and for information about shelter Press 1 for Clinical Program Press 2 for Legal Center Press 3 for Children’s Program Press 8 if office is closed and on weekends - Sanctuary is open from 9 am - 6 pm on Monday Thursday, and 9 am - 5 pm on Fridays.

Press 9 for Spanish

MADRE 121 West 27th Street, # 301 New York, NY 10001 USA

(212) 627-0444 Fax: (212) 675-3704 Volunteers volunteers@madre.org

www.fcadv.org/centers Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119

Harbor House of Central Florida

If you or someone you love is going through domestic abuse, PLEASE CALL US at 407-886-2856.

Administration Office: P.O. Box 680748 Orlando, FL 32868 admin@harborhousefl.com GET HELP: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407) 886-2856 (TTD) 1 (800) 5001119 (FL) 407-886-2244 (main office) Safehouse of Seminole 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (407)-330-3933 (TTY/TDD) (800) 500-1119 toll free

Chicago 1-877-To-END-DV Domestic Violence Agencies by City www.dhs.state.il.us

Safe Horizon

www.safehorizon.org In New York State:

New York State’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 942-6906 (English) (800) 942-6908 (Spanish)

34 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

http://nyscadv.org/directory.htm

www.agapefdnadv.org http://dvcouncil.lacounty.gov (24 HOUR)

U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline

NY State Resources

If you know of any resources in your local city, please share it with the membership.

Email: OPBSI.El.Girasol@gmail.com and put “DV Resources” in the Subject heading

B eta “Yellow” Pages

Creative and Beauty Services Jessica Ayala

Elizabeth Cano

www.AyariMakeOvers.com www.TheGlossyParty.com

http://www.sweetcraftcakes.com

Ayari Make Overs

Sweet Craft Cakes

Karla Ayala-Quervalu

Karla Samantha Photography www.KarlaSamantha.com

Elsa Batista-Yzaguirre

Stoles By Elsa

Erica Diaz, Daiana Hidalgo and Jessica Medina www.YourBestEvent.com www.facebook.com/YourBestEventInc Erica@YourBestEvent.com

Stephanie Camacho & Rebecca Slivka

www.MOYACreative.com MOYACreativeDesigns@gmail.com

www.thesunflowercollection.com www.facebook.com/thesunflowercollections

The Sunflower Collection

Stampin’ with Lydia

www.stampinwithlydia.blogspot.com

Your Best Event

Desiree Henry MOYA Creative Design Boutique

StolesbyElsa@Yahoo.com

Lydia Jimenez

UPCOMING NATIONAL MEETINGS N ational Convention March 15- 17, 2013

Beta Lambda Chapter University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

N ational Conference October 11-13, 2013

Beta Mu Chapter University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

N ational Convention 2014

H appy 25 th OPBSI! March 13-16, 2014 Miami, FL

For more information: Events@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Food Services

Lupe Flores

Sangria Anytime

sangriaanytime@gmail.com (917) 457-8650

Selina Hernandez

My Sister’s Creations www.mysisterscreations.com mysisterscreations@yahoo.com (917) 348-8556

Ivy Roman

IvySweetsNYC

IvySweetsNYC@gmail.com

Health / Home Services Maria Jarmillo

Birth Doula

nediva.89@gmail.com

Elbanery Lora

Diana’s Cleaning Services diana_cleaningservices@hotmail.com (347) 564-6491

The Beta Yellow Pages is a free service designated to highlight businesses that are operated by sorors.

If you would like to list your business information, please submit it to OPBSI.El.Girasol@OmegaPhiBeta.org

Winter 2012 *El Girasol * 35

Omega Phi Beta Sorority, inc.

Chapters and Colonies

Collegiate Chapters Alpha Chapter University at Albany, SUNY Est. 1989

Xi Chapter Syracuse University & LeMoyne College Est. 1999

Beta Chapter SUNY New Paltz & Marist College Est. 1991

Omicron Chapter Duke University Est. 2000

Gamma Chapter Union College Est. 1991 Delta Chapter Binghamton University, SUNY Est. 1992 Epsilon Chapter Long Island University, C.W. Post Est. 1993

Beta Epsilon Chapter SUNY Old Westbury Est. 2008

Pi Chapter Boston, MA Est. 2002 Rho Chapter Michigan State University Est. 2002 Sigma Chapter Plattsburgh University, SUNY Est. 2001

Zeta Chapter SUNY, Oswego Est. 1993

Tau Chapter Utica College & Hamilton College Est. 2003

Eta Chapter College at Brockport, University of Rochester & Rochester Institute of Technology Est. 1994

Upsilon Chapter Rutgers University, New Brunswick Est. 2003

Theta Chapter Stony Brook University Est. 1998 Iota Chapter University of Virginia Est. 1998 Kappa Chapter Hofstra University Est. 1998 Lambda Chapter Brooklyn College and Manhattan Metro Est. 1998 Mu Chapter University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College & D’Youville College Est. 1999 Nu Chapter Cornell University Est. 1999

Beta Delta Chapter Pace University, Pleasantville Campus Est. 2008

Beta Zeta Chapter Florida State University Est. 2010 Beta Eta Chapter University of South Florida Est. 2010 Beta Theta Chapter SUNY Cortland Est. 2009 Beta Iota Chapter Northeastern Illinois University Est. 2010 Beta Kappa Chapter University of New Haven Est. 2010

Phi Chapter University of Southern California Est. 2003

Beta Lambda Chapter University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Est. 2011

Chi Chapter Seton Hall University Est. 2003

Beta Mu Chapter University of California Berkley Est. 2011

Psi Chapter DePauw University Est. 2006 Beta Alpha Chapter St. John’s University Est. 2002 Beta Beta Chapter University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign Est. 2006 Beta Gamma Chapter New York University Est. 2007

Colonies

Colony at Columbia University Est. 2011 Colony at Purdue University Est. 2011

Alumnae Chapters Alpha Beta Chapter New York City Alumnae Chapter Est. 1994 Alpha Gamma Chapter Washington D.C. Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004 Alpha Delta Chapter Rochester Alumnae Chapter Est. 2004 Alpha Epsilon Chapter Boston Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Alpha Zeta Chapter New Jersey Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007 Alpha Eta Chapter Buffalo Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007

Colony at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Est. 2003

Alpha Theta Chapter Florida Alumnae Chapter Est. 2007

Colony at Rhode Island College Est. 2003

Los Angeles Alumnae Colony Est. 2011

Colony at Charleston Southern University Est. 2008

Chicago Alumnae Colony Est. 2012

Colony at St. Thomas Aquinas Est. 2010 Colony at Ramapo College Est. 2010

Est. 1989

www .O mega P hi B eta . org

36 *El Girasol * Winter 2012

Colony at Pace University Est. 2011

Alpha Alpha Chapter Honorary Sisters Omega Chapter Eternal Sisters