THE IVY THE IVY VVine ine
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter - Chartered 1927 A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 SOARING SOARING SOARING iintospring intospring ntospring
THE IVY THE IVY VVine ine
Dear Sorors,
Every time I enter the AGO House I am reminded of the history of our chapter and the legacy that was established in 1927. AGO is soaring into Spring 2023 and Alpha Gamma Omega Sorors have worked incredibly hard over the first quarter creating engaging initiative programs, hosting chapter events, and serving the community! I know our Founders would be proud!
Spring is a time to Bloom and “Bloom Where You Are Planted” can mean various things depending on its usage
1. To be fruitful, blossom, become all you were created to be.
2. Make the best of what you have when life throws lemons at you.
3. Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
4. Do your best to leave fertile soil so that growth continues when you are gone.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter - Chartered 1927 A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
THE IVY THE IVY VVine ine
1 Be Fruitful - The work you do for AGO has great purpose –prepare to share your knowledge and support future generations of leaders – so that your chapters are equipped to bloom
2. Make the Best of Life - Sometimes things don’t always go according to plan. Even in less than wonderful situations, we have control over how we respond. Blooming where we are planted is to make the choice to respond in a positive manner.
3 Do What’s Right - Doing what’s right when it’s hard is Hard
4 Do your best to leave fertile soil - There are times to bloom where we are planted, and times for us to be transplanted so we can bloom even better elsewhere. As we prepare to transition let us sprinkle seeds of knowledge and experience to assist those coming after us to bloom.
We have many exciting and impactful activities planned for the second quarter of 2023 We are looking forward to traveling to Bellevue for the 94th Far Western Regional Conference. Thank you for your commitment to BLOOM in Service and for your Commitment to Strengthening Our Bonds.
Cheryl Lynn Mason Soror Cheryl Lynn Mason, BasileusAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter - Chartered 1927 A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
In Service
AGO1927…..Building on the Legacy of Service & Sisterhood
& Sisterhood,
THE IVY THE IVY VVine ine
OOfficers fficers
Basileus
Cheryl Lynn Mason
First Anti-Basileus
Lynette K. Brooks
Second Anti-Basileus
Felicia Price
Grammateus
Keisha M. Scott
Anti-Grammateus
Alvina Heard
Epistoleus
Carmecia Carson-Glover
Pecunious Grammateus
Cynthia T. Dukes
Anti-Pecunious
Grammateus
Natasha Gilmore
Tamiouchos
Regina Owens-Dillard
Anti-Tamiouchos
Arlene Spears-Smith
Nominating Committee
Ruthe Morgan-Grigsby
Lisi Cash
Cambreisha Montgomery
Tajarah Nicholson
Eldora Prentiss
Amazyng Royále
Djuanique Slaughter
Philacter
Danielle King
Hodegos
Melissia Buckhalter Honoré
Parliamentarian
Walta Smith
Chaplain
Kiri Arrington-White
Archivist
Barbara Spears
Director of Public Relations
LaTricia Guyton Morgan
Members-at-Large
Bridgette Eagle Spirit
Kimberly Green-Russell
Gloria Wilkerson
Graduate Advisor - Iota Beta
Martha Pruden Hamiter
Graduate Advisor - Tau Kappa
Medica Denton Dave
The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc.
Saundra T. Bishop
Ivy Vine Editor
Sharice Bryant
Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Chartered 1927
Meeting Place
2615 Ellendale Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter - Chartered 1927 M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 3
AAPRIL PRIL 2023 2023
April 1 Chapter meeting | 12:00 pm | AGO House April 3. Strategic Planning meeting | 7:00 pm | ZOOM April 4 Economic Wealth meeting | 7:00 pm | ZOOM April 5 Enhance Our Environment meeting | 6:30 pm | ZOOM April 6 AGO Sorors in Prayer | 12:00 pm | 605-313-6052 Access Code: 354457 April 7 GOOD FRIDAY April 7 FWRC Welcome Stroll practice | 6:30 pm-8:30 pm April 8 FWRC Welcome Stroll practice | 10 am-12 pm April 9 EASTER SUNDAY April 11 Rituals committee meeting | 5:00 pm | ZOOM April 13. AGO Sorors in Prayer | 12:00 pm | 605-313-6052 Access Code: 354457 April 16 FWRC Welcome Stroll practice | 2:00 pm-4:00 pm April 17 FWRC Welcome Stroll practice | 2:00 pm-4:00 pm April 18 Housing committee meeting | 6:30 pm | ZOOM April 20 AGO Sorors in Prayer | 12:00 pm | 605-313-6052 Access Code: 354457 April 20-23 FAR WESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE | Bellevue, Washington April 24 Grad Advisor Committee meeting | 6:30 pm | Zoom April 25. The Ivy Heritage Foundation meeting | 6:30 pm | ZOOM April 27 AGO Sorors in Prayer | 12:00 pm | 605-313-6052 Access Code: 354457 April 29 EOE Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration | 9 am-4 pm | Juniper Hills, CA A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
Lynette K. Brooks | April 2
Jennifer Richards | April 3
Virginia P. Bland | April 4
Leslee Deanes-Bryant | April 7
Tamera L. Sistrunk | April 7
Tracey l. Booker | April 16
Gail M. Williams | April 17
Dilara Kadriye Usküp | April 21
Dorothy Barton | April 26
Marguerite L. Phillips | April 30
Olga Sanders | April 30
A P R I L B I R T H D A Y S O R O R S A P R I L B I R T H D A Y S O R O R S A P R I L B I R T H D A Y S O R O R S A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
TEA ROSES TO
The March Chapter Meeting Hostesses for serving a tasty meal and for assisting with our International Women’s Month celebration toast.
To the Technology Committee for the beautiful Women’s History Presentation at Chapter Meeting. For keeping us present on social media with the engaging post, AGO branded flyers and assisting our AGO sorors with technology.
Hostesses were Chairman,
Soror Amber Wilborn King, Sorors Tisa Hill, Danita Tabron, Ericka Price, Hope Crawford, Hazel Price, Dilara Uskup
Sorors Sharice Bryant & Danielle King for the Women’s History Month presentation slideshow.
Soror Tracey Booker for soliciting the items and for coordinating our Silent Auction at the Fundraiser Gala.
Soror Cambreisha Montgomery and Soror Dilara Uskup for donating a speaker and mic to the chapter.
The Leadership Development Committee under the leadership of Sorors Laureen Bryant Kenneybrew, Chairman and Caprice Grigbsy Smith, Co-Chairman for presenting an informative AGO Chapter Leadership Development Workshop.
Soror Susan Hall Comrie for presenting Rituals at our March Chapter.
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TEA ROSES TO
Thank you to the Soror Margaret McCauley and the sorors who keep our chapter lifted in prayer on our weekly Thursday prayer calls.
Member at Large, Sorors Gloria Wilkerson for reading our announcements March Chapter Meeting.
Soror Danielle King, Philacter, for her heightened assistance at guarding the doors and monitoring our visitors at the March Chapter Meeting.
Members of the Technology Committee for assisting with the sound system and presentations during the Chapter Meetings.
Soror Tracey Booker and the Empower our Families initiative committee for the discussion on the importance of mammograms and colonoscopies.
Soror Laureen Bryant Kenneybrew for coordinating the AGO March Birthday Squad gathering.
To Soror Jeri Johnson for coordinating our first bookclub meeting of 2023 and providing an engaging discussion.
Soror Margaret McCauley for organizing and assisting in keeping our AGO Sorors in Prayer on Thursdays at 12:00 PM.
Enhance our Environment Committee, Soror Angela Griffin and Soror VP Bland for your leadership with Enhancing our Environment by sorting and distributing food at the open air market.
To ALL SORORS who attended HBCU Night at the LA Clippers Game.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
TEA ROSES TO
To the Membership Committee led by Soror Kimberly Green Russell and Soror Stephanie Wright for hosting the meet and greet with the Basileus at the AGO House. Thank you to all sorors who make presentations to help our sorors get acclimated in AGO!
To the Empower Our Families and Technology Committees for hosting an educational Tech Saavy Workshop.
To the Enhance Our Environment program initiative committee for the Beautify our Environment Garden party which encouraged our community to plant, paint garden stones, and hosted a recycling and composting demonstration.
Thank you AGO for showing up and showing out as we SOAR in service in our communities.
Thank you Soror Tisa Hill for leading our first AGO Brunch Squad activity for 2023.
Thank you to the Finance Committee chaired by Soror Regina OwensDillard for your work on the budget.
Thank you to the Strengthen Our Sisterhood Committee and all of the Soror Squads who are actively working to keep our chapter engaged.
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Prayers & Get Well Wishes Prayers & Get Well Wishes
Condolences Condolences
Soror Ashley Joseph
on the loss of her Uncle Theorie Harry Pleasant, Jr.
Soror Tisa Hill
on the loss of her father Reginald Atchison.
Soror Taylor A. Williams
on the loss of her grandfather Mr. John W. Wallace, Jr.
Soror Caprice Grigsby Smith
on the loss of her mother-in law, Mrs. Earline Cowan.
Soror Angela Marcano
on the loss of her Father, Dr. Angel DeMola.
Soror Erma Grigsby
on the loss of her brother, Mr Herman Gilmore, and prayers to Soror Caprice Grigsby Smith, niece.
Soror Carol Truscott
on the loss of her mother, Ms. Doris McNealy.
Soror Cynthia Dukes
on the loss of Ms. Essie M. May.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
Prayers & Get Well Wishes Prayers & Get Well Wishes Get Well Get Well
Cardsarewelcome. Cardsarewelcome.
Soror Kim Foley who is recovering from surgery.
Soror Angela Gordon who has been sick.
Soror Doris Fork who is having health challenges.
Soror Claire Chisholm who is recovering at home.
Soror Marguerite Phillips who is having health challenges.
Soror Jermaine Mitchell who is recovering from ACL surgery.
Soror Janice Hutto Johnson who is having health challenges.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
SisterlyReminders SisterlyReminders
Meeting Attire:
The attire for our monthly Chapter meetings is Business Sorors, please do not wear casual clothing.
Please do not park on the grass or park in the back lot if you are not staying for the duration of the meeting.
Frequently check your email for AKA and AGO correspondence.
Chapter Directory: Please do not share our chapter directory or chapter contact information with anyone outside of the sorority.
Newsletter Submission:
The deadline to submit items for The Ivy Vine newsletter is the 15th of each month with the exception of January.
The January submission deadline is the 23rd.
Send submissions to Soror Cheryl Lynn Mason, Basileus at sororcherylmasonago1927@gmail.com.
E-blast Requests:
To request an E-blast, please send a prepared message/flyer to sororcherylmasonago1927@gmail.com. Copy
Soror Carmecia Carson-Glover, Epistoleus at epistoleus@akaago1927.com
Title your email: E-blast Request
Meeting Calendar: Committee Chairmen should contact Member-at-Large
Soror Gloria Wilkerson, to provide her with your planned meeting dates. Contact Soror Gloria at rosyfloglo15@att.net or (323) 829-7615.
Clear dates prior to sending meeting notices to committee members. Copy the Basileus and First Anti-Basileus on all meeting notices.
Meeting Attendance and Sign-In: Remember to sign-in at each monthly chapter meeting. You can do this by scanning the QR Code at the meeting and/or contacting the Anti-Grammateus, Soror Alvina Heard at antigrammateus@akaago1927.com. Your attendance is very important.
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A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 Available now! Available now! Available now! Sparkle and shine in the Sparkle and shine in the Sparkle and shine in the NEW 94th Far Western Regional Conference T-shirt NEW 94th Far Western Regional Conference T-shirt NEW 94th Far Western Regional Conference T-shirt... Visit the Far Western Regional Visit the Far Western Regional store store HERE HERE Sisterly reminder: Sisterly reminder: Sisterly reminder: Place your order by April 8th to Place your order by April 8th to Place your order by April 8th to receive your t-shirt in time for FWRC. receive your t-shirt in time for FWRC. receive your t-shirt in time for FWRC.
Procedure for use of the AGO House Procedure for use of the AGO House
Committee Chairmen:
Committee Chairmen should contact Soror Martha Pruden Hamiter regarding the availability of the AGO house for committee meetings and activities.
mphamiter@gmail.com | (323) 376-8815
Upon confirmation of your meeting/activity date, contact Soror Grace Cain to obtain keys to the house. 4gwc@ca.rr.com | (323) 730-8108
Private Rental:
When requesting use of the AGO house for private rentals/events, contact Soror Martha Pruden Hamiter, AGO House Rental Agent, for a rental contract, available dates and applicable fees.
mphamiter@gmail.com | (323) 376-8815
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Empower OurFamilies: Empower OurFamilies:
WHAT IS NARCOLEPSY?
Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the brain's ability to control sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy may feel rested after waking, but then feel very sleepy throughout much of the day. Many individuals with narcolepsy also experience uneven and interrupted sleep that can involve waking up frequently during the night.
Narcolepsy can greatly affect daily activities. People may unwillingly fall asleep even if they are in the middle of an activity like driving, eating, or talking. Other symptoms may include sudden muscle weakness while awake that makes a person go limp or unable to move (cataplexy), vivid dream-like images or hallucinations, and total paralysis just before falling asleep or just after waking up (sleep paralysis).
In a normal sleep cycle, a person enters rapid eye movement (REM) sleep after about 60 to 90 minutes. Dreams occur during REM sleep, and the brain keeps muscles limp during this sleep stage, which prevents people from acting out their dreams. People with narcolepsy frequently enter REM sleep rapidly, within 15 minutes of falling asleep. Also, the muscle weakness or dream activity of REM sleep can occur during wakefulness or be absent during sleep. This helps explain some symptoms of narcolepsy.
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Monthly Mental Health Monthly Mental Health Monthly Mental Health Awareness Check Awareness Check Awareness Check
Empower OurFamilies: Empower OurFamilies:
If left undiagnosed or untreated, narcolepsy can interfere with psychological, social, and cognitive function and development and can inhibit academic, work, and social activities.
Narcolepsy is a lifelong problem, but it does not usually worsen as the person ages. Symptoms can partially improve over time, but they will never disappear completely.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 Monthly Mental Health Monthly Mental Health Monthly Mental Health Awareness Check Awareness Check Awareness Check
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 AlphaKappaAlphaSorority,Incorporated ® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Scholarships 2023 AGO Due on or before Friday, April 28, 2023 Please scan the QR Code or click HERE for more information
Please support the Cardelia West Memorial Scholarship in honor of our Ivy Beyond the Wall Soror Cardelia.
Donations should be sent to the: The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 452658 Los Angeles, California 90045
Please make your check payable to: The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc., and please note on the memo line the donation is for the Cardelia West Memorial Scholarship.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 A Scientist S p o tlight Event A Scientist S p o tlight Event Featuring honored guests Prof. Hildreth "Hal" Walker Jr. | Lunar Laser Ranger & STEM Pioneer; Dr. Bettye Davis Walker | Univ. Professor & STEM Researcher; A special activity free & open to all SMC Students & Faculty. When: Thursday, April 6th @ 11:15 am to 12:35 pm Where: SMC's Student Services Center Auditorium, SSC Room 183 Launch!
Register HERE
Air & Space, STEM and the Arts.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 CONGRA T U L ATIONS! CONGRA T U L ATIONS! Alicia Morehead-Gee,
Congratulations to Soror Alicia Morehead Gee, who is a recipient of The National Minority Quality Forum's "40 Under 40 Leaders in Minority Health for 2023" award. AGO is proud to see you SOAR! Medical Director, HIV Prevention AltaMed Health Services
MD, MS
CONGRA T U L ATIONS! CONGRA T U L ATIONS!
During Engineers Week, Soror Regina was featured in L.A. Sentinel's February 2023 issue, "Black Engineers Celebrate Black History Month" during Engineers Week".
AGO is proud to see you SOAR!
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
Soror Regina Owens-Dillard
President | Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers (LACBPE)
Committee Announcements Committee Announcements Committee Announcements A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
AGO & AGO & EAF EAF
S Soror Carodine Endowment oror Carodine Endowment Scholarship Report Scholarship Report
Hello Sorors, the EAF Fundraising continues for Hello Sorors, the EAF Fundraising continues for TIHF and for the Carodine TIHF and for the Carodine Endowment Scholarship. Endowment Scholarship.
Because we have a goal of $20K and a time
Because we have a goal of $20K and a time line to achieve it, please line to achieve it, please consider donating to consider donating to tthe he Soror Carodine Endowment fund Soror Carodine Endowment fund very very soon. Those who have given already, I thank soon. Those who have given already, I thank you. you.
Sorors, if 200 of us donate $50 Sorors, if 200 of us donate $50 each, we achieve a $10K total each, we achieve a $10K total and complete the capitalization of the Soror and complete the capitalization of the Soror Carodine Endowment Scholarship. Carodine Endowment Scholarship.
WE CAN DO IT!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!
Soror Regional Director Carodine Soror Regional Director Carodine was a dynamic, dedicated was a dynamic, dedicated AGO member and more than worthy of this honor. AGO member and more than worthy of this honor.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
Sisterly, Sisterly, Soror Virginia P. Bland | EAF Chairman Soror Virginia P. Bland | EAF Chairman
S SororCarodineEndowmentScholarship ororCarodineEndowmentScholarship
Ralph's Community Awards Program Ralph's Community Awards Program
The following directions are to assist you in registering The following directions are to assist you in registering for the for the Ralph's Community Awards Program Ralph's Community Awards Program which will assist which will assist in fundraising for EAF - Education Advancement Foundation in fundraising for EAF - Education Advancement Foundation for AKA/AGO. for AKA/AGO.
Step 1: Step 1: Visit Visit www.ralphs.com www.ralphs.com
Step 2: Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Kroger Community page and click "Kroger Community Rewards. Rewards.
Step 3: Step 3: Choose either. . . (1.) Create a digital Choose either. . . (1.) Create a digital account. (2.) Link your card. account. (2.) Link your card. Enter Enter the name of the organization the name of the organization to support: NOTE enter, Ivy Heritage to support: NOTE enter, Ivy Heritage Foundation Foundation
Step 4: Step 4: Follow on-screen directions. Follow on-screen directions.
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4 AGO & AGO & EAF EAF
APRIL 6 | Kimberly Green-Russell
APRIL 13 | Kiri Arrington-White
APRIL 20 | Hattie McFrazier
APRIL 30 | Lesa Smith.
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AGO Sorors in Prayer April 2023 Leaders
A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
TThe he REIGN REIGN is here! is here!
Access the FWRC Registration booklet HERE. The 94th Far Western Regional Conference is happening THIS month! Book your discounted stay at the overflow hotels below. Seattle Marriot Bellevue. AC Hotel SeattleBellevue Please note: Alaska Airlines has flights for $109 each way (LAX to Seattle) A P R I L 2 0 2 3 | V O L . 4
The Ivy Vine The Ivy Vine April 2023 Vol. 4 April 2023 Vol. 4 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter AGOis Soaring intoApril! AGOis Soaring intoApril!
