The Violet Paterson Alumnae Chapter
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The Pearls Of Passaic County
Winter 2015
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPTER PRESIDENT Season Greetings,
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Welcome to the winter edition of "The Violet", the official newsletter of the Paterson Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. During this Holiday Season let us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. It is the day that our Lord and Savior was born! Let's remember the importance of continuing to serve and make our communities a better place for all. As our 10th National President Dorothy I. Height stated "Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life." Paterson Alumnae Chapter has a proud and rich history of serving Passaic County since its chartering on November 12, 1978. In this edition, we are honored to have you learn more about our distinguished chapter and the many programs we have that provide public service to our community. Sorors, we have been on the move since September, and it is hard to believe that half the year is over. I am excited about the engagement, commitment, and energy that I have seen in each of you. We have accomplished a great deal in a few short months -kicking off our Delta Gems and Betty Shabazz Programs, keeping the Arts Alive with our Jazz & The Arts Event, continuing our support for Breast Cancer Delta's Wear Pink, recognizing the need to Get To Zero World AIDS Day Program - just to name a few. As we move into a New Year let us continue working and striving with our Uncompromising Commitment to Communities through Service, Leadership, and Empowerment as our National President Dr. Paulette Walker has charged us to do! Love and Sisterhood Audrey McDowell President, Paterson Alumnae Chapter
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
On October 10, 2015, the Arts and Letters Committee of the Paterson Alumnae Chapter hosted its second annual “Jazz and the Arts” community event. One of our featured guests was TaSE band (pronounced taste) that provided the musical entertainment for the evening. As TaSE performed the beautiful, melodic sounds of smooth jazz and rhythm and blues, sorors and guests danced and sang along with the tunes of yesterday and today. In addition to TaSE, the audience was delighted with poems recited by our second featured guest, Mr. Jean Clervil, author of “Is it Worth It?” which features his most recent selections of poems. After his performance, Mr. Clervil interacted with audience members by signing copies of his book, which were available for purchase. Throughout the evening, sorors and guests were able to satisfy their palates with light refreshments and beverages while enjoying the talents of our featured guests. We were honored to provide this experience for our community members who were able to bask in the enjoyment of Jazz and the Arts right in their own neighborhood. It was our pleasure and we are looking forward to next year! (see more page 14)
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
On 12/1/15 the Paterson Alumnae Chapter sponsored an awareness program centered around the international initiative “RETHINK POSITIVE� for World Aids Day. PAC partnered with Passaic County organizations Alpha Kappa Alpha , Zeta Phi Beta, St. Luke Baptist Church and The Paterson Division of Health to provide an evening of education and free testing.
The evening featured a medical and historical background of the disease presented by a doctor that worked closely with St. Joseph Hospital in Paterson, NJ. Following the question /answer session , a panel of guests was presented to the community to share their experience with HIV/Aids.
Soror Karen Robinson provided recent statistic and resources .She is currently a Coordinator for Primary & Preventive Health Services Division of HIV, STD and TB Services for the NJ Department of Health.
Winter 2015
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The Violet
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Soror President Audrey McDowell took time out with Amy Allen, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Pi Xi Omega chapter to visit the Mobile Unit where free HIV testing was provided. The technician explained the testing procedure and the benefit of rapid results. The mobile unit team informed everyone that it didn’t necessarily stop with testing; they also provide counseling and assistance with transitional care. The quilt (pictured to right) served as a symbol of Love , Hope and Remembrance for those that have been affected by HIV/AIDS. We will never forget the testimonials from the evening and plan to continue programming to educate the community. #RethinkPositive
Winter 2015
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The Violet
Winter 2015
The Paterson Alumnae Chapter is in full swing this sorority year with community programs; however, we recognize the value in honoring our own to celebrate our most precious members. On November 14th the membership committee coordinated with our courtesy committee to host the inaugural Delta Tea for the chapter’s Dedicated Energetic Active Respected Sorors also known as D.E.A.R.S. Prior to the grand entry of the honored guests , chapter sorors and visiting sorors were greeted and escorted into the main area that was decorated with pearls, vintage tea essentials and of course touches of crimson and cream as the touching song “If You Ever” filled the room. Full afternoon tea services were provided by chapter sorors donned with gloves to match their special attire. Entertainment included trivia and a custom TEA bingo . Later, the Delta Dears were taken on a trip down memory lane as Soror Jalyn Lyde gave a special presentation which concluded with a visual collage presented for chapter archives. The moment was touching where as Soror Lyde is a legacy and her mom Jeanette Lyde was one of the Delta Dears honored. To make the afternoon even more memorable, 2 other chapter sorors Kelli White and Dawn Moody shared the afternoon with their Delta Dear moms E. Florine White and Sharon Briggs. (pictured at right)
Membership & Courtesy Committee
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
In addition, Marva Hinds and Ada Downing were also honored at the afternoon tea. Words cannot fully detail the gratitude expressed by the honorees and sorors present, but a picture is worth a thousand words and there were many to share along with stories of the chapter’s history. The years of service at the head table totaled more than 250 years and 6 of the chapter’s Delta Dears have served as chapter president. It is clear to all why we embrace the title “Pearls of Passaic County.” Other Delta Dears who are chapter members but not in attendance include: Sophia H. Jones, Beverly Hill, Linda G. Smith, Mercedes Ayodeji, K. Michelle Perry and Linda Locke.
Our Beautiful Delta D.E.A.R.S pictured with Journalist KC Bryant {standing} J. Lyde, A. Downing, M. Hinds, S. Briggs {seated} F. White, Chapter President Audrey McDowell.
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The Violet
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
In October The Wendy Williams Show celebrated women who have battled breast cancer. The show featured breast cancer survivors in a special edition of the “Eye Candy” segment. Our very own Dawn Briggs Moody was chosen to show how beautiful it looks to beat this disease. She shared her journey with the TV personality and her makeover look provided by the show.
Soror Moody, accompanied by her mother , chapter Soror Sharon Briggs, shares her story with Wendy and the audience.
http://www.wendyshow.com/tag/eye-candy/
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Social Media Visit our social media pages to get more features Paterson SUNDAY SOROR SPOTLIGHT Alumnae Chapter
Paterson Alumnae Chapter was honored by The Craftsman Club of Integrity Lodge #51 for our Leadership, Caring, and Commitment.
The pictures below are from local events honoring chapter members for their individual community work. As a chapter we also strive to work collectively with other organizations to provide the best service projects for Passaic County.
The Violet
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
President Audrey McDowell received the Environmental Ownership Award from the Pi Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dawn Blakely-Harper received the E. Maceo Hurst In Service award from the Paterson Branch of the NAACP at its Annual Freedom Fund luncheon. Vivian Gaines received the Educator of the Year award from the Lambda Upsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Beverly Hill received an award from the National Council of Negro Women. Chanel Jeter received her Bachelor of Nursing degree. Ginaya Littlejohn will be relocating to Houston, TX as a result of a new job appointment. Dawn Moody and Delta Dear, Sharon Briggs, were guests on the Wendy Williams Show. Soror Moody was recognized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tamika Quick purchased a new home. Dorothy Rowe was honored as First Lady Emerita by the Union Baptist Church in Passaic, NJ. Kelli White was promoted to principal of the Academy of Health Science.
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
Congratulations Soror Littlejohn on your move to Houston, TX!
On Saturday, October 24, 2015 The Paterson Branch of the NAACP held their 47th Annual Freedom Fund Luncheon. This annual event acknowledges various individuals and organizations within the community that have served diligently and effortlessly for the well-being of others. This year, Soror Dawn Blakely-Harper, ESQ, received the E. Maceo Hurst In-Service Award, for 15+ years of service within the branch. Congratulations Soror Blakely-Harper for your abiding commitment to our community!
Winter 2015
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The Violet
Pearls of Passaic County
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter @PACDST
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
DELTAS Wear PINK Too page 13
Breast Cancer Awareness Walk & Brunch
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Retrieved from http://www.mrchanginglives.com/changing-lives-pin/
Changing Lives Pins are pin back buttons with original quotes from Featured Artist Jean Clervil. These pins have inspired millions worldwide. They have been worn by Spike Lee, Big Sean, Stephen Hill, Cory Booker, Amber Rose just to name a few. But the quote itself has been used and referenced by celebrities such as Russell Simmons, Pharrell Williams, Oprah Tony Robbins, and countless others.
For more info or to order visit: www.mrchanginglives.com “ A person doesn’t die when he or she reaches the grave, they die when their dreams do.” -Jean Clervil
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Violet
The Pearls Of Passaic County
WE NEED YOU!! We want to share all the great news about committee events and programs. Submit an article to journalist@patersondst.com to be highlighted in the Violet. To request I&C assistance with advertisements or to capture those great photos please do so by email: infoandcommunications@patersondst.com PAC does great work in the community and we love to share it!! Look for special features and photos on all social media sites. #PACDST
Kimberly Clark-Bryant : Editor – In – Chief Regina Carter : Managing Editor/ Social Media Web Editor Karen Robinson: Photo Journalist/Feature Writer K. Michelle Perry / Jeanette Lyde/Dawn Briggs Moody: Copy Editors Tracy Salmon: Contributor Marva Hinds : Contributor Shi Brown : Contributor Winter 2015 Issue
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Violet Article Submission Dates: March 5th, 2016 June 4th, 2016 Please Send all Chapter Event/Program Photos to : journalist@patersondst.com
Journalist , Kimberly Clark-Bryant
(right) PAC Sorors pictured with AKA’s & Zeta’s during World Aids Day (left) Councilman Andre Sayegh speaking at World Aids Day
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The Violet
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Feature Article Submitted by: Soror Shiricka “Shi” Brown The "Supplemental Savings/Investment" workshop took place on October 21, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Christopher Hope Community Center. The featured guest speaker was, Mr. Rick Black, a Senior Regional Leader with Primerica, the largest financial marketing services organization in North America. Mr. Black is a multifaceted financial executive with sixteen years experience on Wall Street who's adept at providing value added investment decisions, performing in-depth analysis to uncover hidden value, identifying emerging trends and conveying strategy. The main topics of the workshop were 401k, 403b, stocks & bonds, IRA-Roth IRA-Roth 457, mutual funds, emergency funds, short and long term savings funds, credit cards, credit scores and life insurance. The workshop intertwined faith and financial fortitude, as Mr. Black discussed various scriptures of the Bible, such as, Luke 16:10-12, James 2:20, Mark 4:8, Proverbs 13:22, and their relation to the world of finance. A key mottos was, "Be a blessing to yourself, so you can be a blessing to others.”
Economic Development
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
There were seventeen Sorors in attendance at this internal workshop. Sorors generally felt that the content of the workshop was informative and practical, such as, how to choose a life insurance policy to best suit their needs.
Overall, the "Supplemental Savings/Investment" workshop received five stars and the committee is certainly going to bring some of this content to the Empowerment Conference in April 2016, so that the members of our communities can break the chains of financial bondage, including bad credit scores, a lack of savings, credit card debt, a lack of inheritance to pass on to children or the inability to purchase a home.
Economic Development
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The Violet
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Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
"Most Americans are completely oblivious to the fact that thousands of women and children are enslaved within their own communities ."David Rotter, co-executive producer
On October 20, 2015 I had the opportunity to get acquainted with the St. Thomas Alumnae Chapter and participate with their Social Action Committee during the IN PLAIN SIGHT movie viewing. The evening event was well attended by the community and featured a Victim Assistance Coordinator from homeland services, a representative from the task force crimes against children, and a counselor from the local family resource center. During the interactive question answer session, guests really had an opportunity to get specific information on what to look for, agencies that are proactive with identifying solutions and what the next steps should be to keep the community informed. The Sorors of Historic Eastern Region continue to ROCK!
Journalist
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Information & Communications CoChair Tracy Salmon is everywhere gathering great photos and has been named Queen of the selfies or “USies” in this case with her line sister at this year’s Delta DEAR Tea Fellowship.
Did you glance over the last issue of THE VIOLET? If you did this is a very easy trivia question. Let your journalist know who the 3 people are in this photo and what community event were they participating in (hint its coming up again soon) email response to journalist@patersondst.com First 3 correct responses will receive something special. The picture to the right is from Montclair Alumnae Chapter’s Prayer Breakfast . The picture includes immediate past president Soror Cynthia Butler-McIntyre, State Coordinator Soror Marzan and other presidents from NJ and PA including our very own Audrey McDowell.
Winter 2015
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The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
Membership Committee: Sisterhood Month Activities To Be Announced Soon!
JUNE 4th 2016
www.patersondst.com
*Event information accurate at time of publication 12/5/15. For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Winter 2015
The Violet
Paterson
The Pearls Of Passaic County Alumnae Chapter
Coconut Bread -A sweet treat for your next holiday gathering
Barbadian Recipe Submitted by PAC Charter Member Soror Marva “Wendy” Hinds
The Violet
Paterson Alumnae Chapter
The Pearls Of Passaic County
How to Connect with Us Postal Mail: P.O Box 2863 Paterson, NJ 07509 Email: Membership: membership@patersondst.com Scholarship & Education: scholarship@patersondst.com
Social Action: socialaction@patersondst.com Economic Development: economicdev@patersondst.com Delta Academy: deltaacademy@patersondst.com
Delta GEMS: deltagems@patersondst.com Information & Communications infoandcommunications@patersondst.com