Rho Chi Zeta’s
Out of the Blue A Monthly Newsletter...Keeping Sorors Informed V O L U M E
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J A N / F E B
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Basileus Corner INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Monthly Inspiration
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Soror Spotlight
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News From National
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PXZ Calendar
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Undergrad Corner
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Youth Auxiliaries
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Holiday Party
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Youth Highlights
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Rho Chi Zeta Highlights
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Zeta Word Find
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Greetings, Welcome to the January 2013 edition of Out of the Blue, the official communication of what’s happening in Rho Chi Zeta Chapter. It has been three months since I began my term as Basileus. These first three months have gone by quickly and have truly been an eye opener for me. I commend all who have come before me in this distinguished role as Basileus. I sincerely want to thank all of you for your support and encouragement during my transition to this role. Sorors, each New Year gives us an opportunity to rewrite our stories as we turn passed the pages of the previous year and flip forward towards the future. As we embark 2013,I hope that you will renew your Zeta spirit by reflecting on why you chose Zeta. We have to realize that any one person cannot accomplish the continued success of this chapter, but the efforts of all of us is required to move the chapter forward. That’s why it is important that our focus always reflect what is best for Rho Chi Zeta Chapter not the agenda of a small group. As we move forward to serve others, let us make sure our intentions are pleasing in the sight of God. I wish you a wonderful New Year and I look forward to working with each one of you as we better Zeta in 2013 Sisterly, Sandra Casimir, President
Happy New Year May the New Year bring you continued blessings. The Executive Board Basileus: Madame Sandra Casimir
First Anti-Basileus: Soror Barbara A. Cousar
Second Anti-Basileus: Soror Lytanja Jones-Beulah
Third Anti-Basileus: Soror Earnestine Livingston
Grammateus: Soror Deanna Lewis
Tamias Grammateus: Soror Elizabeth K. Terrell
Tamias: Soror Erika M. Dawkins
Phylacter: Soror Barbara Abdul-Karim
Basileus Monthly Inspiration Story About Four People This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry with that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody would have done.
~Author Unknown
Happy Valentine’s Day Don’t forget to wear red on February 6
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Name: Soror Earnestine Livingston Birthday: August 13 Home Town: Chester, PA Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Secondary Education Initiation Date: April 23, 1983 College: Millersville University Employment: JP Morgan Chase, Business Process Senior Analyst. 3 Words to Describe You: fun loving, loyal and generous Favorite Food: Various types of seafood Favorite Song: “Fine” by Mary J Blige Favorite Scripture: Psalms 34 verse: 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Soror Earnestine Livingston has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., for almost 30yrs. She was initiated as a charter member of Pi Mu Chapter, Millersville University. In 2002 she reclaimed with Rho Chi Zeta Chapter and served two terms as Basileus. Prior to serving as Basileus, she faithfully served in the following leadership positions: First Anti-Basileus (2006-2008); Third Anti-Basileus (2004-2006); ZHope Coordinator (2007- current); MIP Coordinator (2007); Blue Revue Coordinator (2002, 2003 & 2008); March of Dimes Coordinator (2009-2011) and Chester Inter-Greek Council Representative (2003-current). Soror Livingston has also represented the chapter as voting delegate at state, regional and national conferences. In addition to her Zeta involvement, she is very active member at Temple Baptist Church where she is the President of the Sisterhood and Coordinator of the Pre Mothers’ Day Brunch. In 2010, the Trustee Union and Vicinity honored her for hard work and dedication with the youth in her church and community. Anyone who knows Earnestine knows that she is extremely passionate about her church family, community and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, dancing, make up artistry, shopping and spending time with her family, friends and especially her Sorors, Amicae and youth auxiliaries. Soror Livingston is proud that her mother, brother and niece are all a part of the blue and white family. PAGE
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National Zeta News To assist in promoting Grand Wright’s Elder Care Programmatic Thrust, please visit the Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging website (http://www.p4a.org/agencies.htm). Visit the aforementioned site to find the agency in your area that can assist you in forging a working relationship and partnership while implementing Elder Care for your respective communities.
Zeta’s Anti-Hazing Platform – “Finer Women Don’t Haze” is ongoing and chapters are to continue executing programs, events, town hall meetings, etc. around this initiative. Visit the following link for additional information http://www.zphib1920.org/finerwomendonthaze Continue to promote Text4Baby (extended to April 30, 2013) by encouraging pregnant women and mothers to sign up by completing the following steps: 1. Text BABY to 511-411 2. Enter Due Date or DOB 3. Enter Zip Code 4. Enter participant code-“ZETA”
IMPORTANT DATES July 18—21, 2013
July 10 – 15, 2014
July 16 - 20, 2014
ZOL Certification Indianapolis, IN
Boule Washington, DC
Centennial Conclave in Washington, D.C.
Atlantic Region Zeta News
IMPORTANT DATES February 8 – 9, 2012:
Any proposed Constitution and By Laws Amendments should be emailed to Soror Regional Executive Board Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa Loraine Richardson McCray at AtlRegPhylacter@aol.com by July 10, 2013. The October 10 – 13, 2013: form was emailed to the chapter members. Soror Richardson can also be reached Regional Meeting on her Cell: 917.626.1098 in Buffalo, NY
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Zeta News IMPORTANT DATES
April 12-13, 2013 ● Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA
Executive Board Meeting and the Professional Development for Basilei, Elected, and Appointed Officers. Please complete the registration form and have it postmarked for no later than March 15, 2013. No personal checks will be accepted (Please note that all chapter checks, certified checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders should be made payable to: “ZPB Sorority, Inc. – State of PA”.)
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Rho Chi Zeta Chapter Calendar January 1st Happy New Year! January 3rd—6th National Executive Board Meeting—Houston, TX January 4th Happy Birthday Soror Andrea Allen January 5th Happy Founder’s Day Kappa Alpha Psi January 8th Happy Birthday Soror Jalima Cook January 9th Happy Founder’s Day Phi Beta Sigma January 11th Joint Founder’s Day Celebration January 12th Phi Beta Sigma Breakfast January 13th Happy Founder’s Day Delta Sigma Theta January 15th
January 20th Happy Birthday Soror Arlisha Carraway January 25th Happy Birthday Soror Keya Epps January 28th Happy Birthday Soror Kimyla Stokes-Harrison Happy Birthday Soror Lavonia Page February 1st Happy Zetaversary Soror Erika Dawkins Happy Zetaversary Soror Elizabeth Terrell February 8th—9th Regional Executive Board Meeting—Philadelphia, PA February 12th Happy Zetaversary Soror Latanga Rand February 14th Happy Valentine’s Day February 27th Happy Zetaversary Soror Sheena Oliver Happy Zetaversary Soror Kalimah White
Happy Founder’s Day Alpha Kappa Alpha January 16th Happy Founder’s Day Zeta Phi Beta January 17th Happy Birthday Soror Carmen Wilson January 19th Happy Birthday Soror Valentina Landrine PXZ Founder’s Day Zumba Party PAGE
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Undergraduate Corner Rho Chi Zeta is proud to be the sponsoring graduate chapter for Penn State University (Mu Eta), Kutztown University (Zeta Sigma), Widener University (Pi Tau), and Millersville University (Pi Mu). Below are upcoming events for our undergraduate chapters. Widener University
(Pi Tau)
Congratulation to our new Sorors from Pi Tau! Sorors: Emilia Bronson Amirah Foreman Breyl McRae Shanice Mills-Layne
Amicae Giving to others in need is one of the most valuable lessons that we can teach our children. Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Amicae auxiliaries in Chester, Pa adopted several families for Christmas through Crozer Community Hospital. Sorority members and the auxiliaries brought in gifts and toys and wrapped them to give to a local needy family. This is part of the sorority’s commitment to community service. Mayor John Linder and House Representative Thaddeus Kirkland made an appearance in support of what the organization is doing in Chester, Pa.
Amicette Installation and Ceremony Pictured: Soror Casimir (Basileus), Ayana Curtis (Secretary), Serena Williams (Treasurer), Essence Pembleton (President), Camryn Jones (Vice President), Ingrid Pérez-Martin (Advisor)
Sorors Casimir and Pérez-Martin inducted the 2012/2013 officers into the Amicette Club.
On Sunday, December 9, four young ladies were inducted in the Amicette Club Pictured: Kylie Burton, Sanaa Nixon, Nydirah Wells, and Sania Martin
If you would like to recommend someone for the Amicette Club (ages 9 to 13), please email Sorors Ingrid Pérez-Martin and Lytanja Jones-Beulah with the child’s name, the parent’s name, address, phone number, and email address. PAGE 7
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Youth Holiday Party On Saturday, December 9, the Archonettes hosted a holiday party for the Pearlettes and Amicettes at Widener University in the University Center. The activities included the candy ice breaker & freeze dance, and the members created holiday ornaments and prepared reindeer food. The Archonettes provided each Amicette and Pearlette with a gift and a book.
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Holiday Informational Party
On December 8, 2012,PXZ Sorors, potential reclaiming sorors, Amicae and perspective members celebrates Christmas at Drexel brook Community Center from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm.The food was catered by The Pleasurable Palate Catering and Event Planning. We mingled, played games and ate. The highlight of the evening was, "Dirty Santa Gift Exchange".
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Youth Auxiliaries ARCHONETTES This is our 9th year cooking and serving the homeless with Christmas Eve breakfast at the Life Center of Delaware County. Soror Shawndra Johnson and her daughter LeShawn
AMICETTES Congratulation to Amicette Alexa Remise Casimir Green who has a supportive role in her school play,”Oklama” I am so proud of her.
Zeta’s Making History "To strive for excellence, that's the answer. If you strive for excellence, that means that you are determined.
~Grace Bumbry
Grace Bumbry graduated from the prestigious Charles Sumner High School, the first black high school west of the Mississippi. She first won a local radio competition at age 17, singing Verdi's demanding aria "O Don Fatale" (from Don Carlo). One of the prizes for first place was a scholarship to the local music conservatory; however, as the institution was segregated, it would not accept a black student. Embarrassed, the contest promoters arranged for her to study at Boston University instead. She gained international renown when she was cast by Wieland Wagner (Richard Wagner’s Grandson) as Venus at Bayreuth in 1961. At the age of 24, Grace Bumbry became the first black singer to appear there and this earned her the title “Black Venus”. She was invited by Jacqueline Kennedy to sing at the White House. (She returned to the White House in 1981, singing at the Ronald Reagan inauguration.) Having begun her operatic career on such a high note, Grace Brumbry achieved the rare feat of never falling back on small or comprimario roles. OUT
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True Sisterhood I recall last January sitting at home and being overcome with emotions after hanging up the phone with my daughter. I was so thankful because of the opportunity she gained. Thanks to Soror Lashina Jackson, LeShawn’s God Mother, LeShawn was able to travel to Florida for an internship. While at her internship, LeShawn went into operating rooms, watched surgeries, completed research, and interacted with surgeons on a daily basis. LeShawn loved every minute of it. All of this would not have been possible without my sister Lashina. This was just one great example of sisterly love.
Recently, LeShawn’s best friend’s internship fell through exactly one week before Christmas vacation. When I learned of this news, I started thinking of whom I knew in the chapter that could possibly help resolve this dilemma. Immediately, I remembered that Soror Melinda Graves was a Social Worker and Soror Erika Dawkins was a Doctoral Candidate. I sent messages to Soror Graves and Soror Dawkins explaining the situation, and without hesitation both were willing to assist. Unfortunately, HIPPA laws prevented LeShawn’s best friend from moving forward with the two internship options. However, I am still very appreciative that Soror Graves and Soror Dawkins would even take the time to try and help her. I could go on and on discussing stories LeShawn Watching Surgery where a Soror helped us at one time or another. All of these examples are so special because in such a short time bonds of sisterhood have grown and continue to flourish. It never ceases to amaze me how we all live by our principles. My hope is that one-day my daughter and her friend are greeted by our great sisterhood. Jokingly, I always tell my daughter she can join any sorority, but I am only paying for Zeta.
*Souvenir Journal ads are due no later than Feb 16, 2013
Rho Chi Zeta Scholarships Finer Womanhood Community Service Award
Rho Chi Zeta Chapter Essay Contest
Deadline: April 19th 2013
Deadline: April 19th 2013
1st Place- $500 2nd Place-$250 3rd Place-$100
1st Place- $500 2nd Place-$250 3rd Place-$100
Eligibility: African American Female who lives and attends high school in Delaware County, PA with a 3.0 or higher GPA and is active in the community with plans to attend a 4 year college during 2013-2014
Eligibility: African American Female who attends Chester High School with at 3.0 or higher GPA with plans to attend a 4 year college during 2013-2014 Entry: Submit a 600-800 word essay titled “What Are
Entry: Submit a 300-400 word essay titled “How My
The Major Issues Impacting The Teens In Chester And Involvement in Community Service Has Made Me A Better For questions, comments or more What Are Your Recommendations For Resolving Those Person” Issues?” information, please email: Notification: Winners will be announced June 30th, 2013
rhochizeta2@gmail.com
Notification: Winners will be announced June 30th, 2013
Call to Sisterhood There comes a time in all of our lives When we have to push, pull, and strive We won't know how to make it through There will be times we just won't know what to do For those times there is something we must see There is no longer I-- but, us, our and we This is when the call to sisterhood comes into play When we remember we are one and we can find a way The call to sisterhood means to be there when no one is around This means we must lift each other up when we are down We realize that we may not always get along But being sisters, if we hang in there, we will always be strong We will realize our differences and what we have the same We should always be respectful, loving and never cast blame We may get frustrated but this we should know We are sisters; we must never let anger show The call to sisterhood requires us to work together It means should we separate, we are still sisters forever As sisters we are to comfort and understand Realize our shortcomings; never demand Never Cause guilt, malice, or strife May we remind you, we are sisters for life? It can be hard at times and we knew that it would But that is all right for we are answering the call to sisterhood ~Soror Lydia Luxama
"Chance made us Sisters, Hearts made us Friends." PAGE
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Rho Chi Zeta Celebrates Founder’s Day
Founder’s Day Zumba Party The ladies of Rho Chi Zeta Celebrate 93 years with a Latin flavor Ditching the treadmill and dumbbells, Sorors, Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes, Pearlettes, interest members and friends of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority packed the old YWCA in Chester, PA on Saturday, January 19, 2013 and moved their hips to Latin and the top hits, as they celebrate 93 years of existence. All in attendance brought socks to be donated to the Palmer house because services is at the heart of what we do. .
Sorors Use Caution While driving on a rural end of the roadway on Thursday morning, I saw an infant car seat on the side of the road with a blanket draped over it. For whatever reason, I did not stop, even though I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head. But when I got to my destination, I called the Police and they were going to check it out. But, this is what the Police advised even before they went out there to check.... There are several things to be aware of ... Gangs and thieves are now plotting different ways to get a person (mostly women) to stop their vehicle and get out of the car. There is a gang initiation reported by the local Police Department where gangs are placing a car seat by the road...with a fake baby in it...waiting for a woman, of course, to stop and check on the abandoned baby. Note that the location of this car seat is usually beside a wooded or grassy (field) area and the person -woman -- will be dragged into the woods, beaten and raped, and usually left for dead. If it's a man, they're usually beaten and robbed and maybe left for dead, too. DO NOT STOP FOR ANY REASON!!! DIAL 0-0-0 AND REPORT WHAT YOU SAW, BUT DON'T EVEN SLOW DOWN. IF YOU ARE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND EGGS ARE THROWN AT YOUR WINDSHIELD, DO NOT STOP TO CHECK THE CAR, DO NOT OPERATE THE WIPER AND DO NOT SPRAY ANY WATER BECAUSE EGGS MIXED WITH WATER BECOME MILKY AND BLOCK YOUR VISION UP TO 92.5%, AND YOU ARE THEN FORCED TO STOP BESIDE THE ROAD AND BECOME A VICTIM OF THESE CRIMINALS. THIS IS A NEW TECHNIQUE USED BY GANGS, SO PLEASE INFORM YOUR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. THESE ARE DESPERATE TIMES AND THESE ARE UNSAVORY INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL TAKE DESPERATE MEASURES TO GET WHAT THEY WANT. Please talk to your loved ones about this. This is a new tactic used. Please be safe.
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Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Rho Chi Zeta Chapter PO Box 163 Chester, PA 19016
I hope you enjoyed Rho Chi Zeta’s “Out of the Blue” Newsletter. I would appreciate any comments or sug-
rhochizetamedia@gmail.com
gestions so that our newsletter will con-
http://www.zpbrhochizeta.com
tinue to grow and become better. Please remember submissions for the March
Back Issues of “Out of the Blue” can be found at:
“Out of the Blue” Newsletter are due no later
http://www.issuu.com/rhochizeta
than February 20th, 2013. I look forward to your submissions!
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#rhochizeta
Zeta’s Black History Word Find R O B E S O N C A R V E R U
I Z W P L B O F B O B A P Y
C N X O A L S W Z M I W O B
E Y S W T Y I I A Y C O W V
S H A R P T O N D W A N E D
Q E A F K A D F G O R D L M
L N D I P E R R Y T S E L A
E I N V L X G E V C O R N R
G G B A O T I Y I O N N U L
P D M T U B M A N T E Q P E
T R U T H P A T F L D V A Y
A Z S Q W S I M O N E O H I
J A N G E L O U A V I C K M
N E L A T I M E R J S Z V X
ANGELOU
PERRY
CARSON
POWELL
CARVER
RICE
COLTRANE
ROBESON
ELLINGTON
SHARPTON
KING
SIMONE
LATIMER
TRUTH
MANDELA
TUBMAN
MARLEY
WINFREY
OBAMA
WONDER
Can you put first names to these famous last names? PAGE
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