GLR Zeta Zest by Keesha Sutton

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Greeting Sorors of the Great Lakes Region!

I would like to take this time to THANK YOU for allowing me to serve you and do something I love for Zeta. As you peruse through this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zeta Zest you will be as proud as I am to be represented by such talented women across the Great Lakes Region.. Our Zeta Zest gives us the opportunity to document the work that is done in the name of Zeta throughout the region. Let this document stand as a historical record of the significant mark that we have made in each of our respective communities. Please consider adding your page to our history as the Zeta Zest continues to tell our story. Please feel free to contact me with any feedback you may have at glreditor@gmail.com. In Sisterhood, Soror Keesha Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sutton Regional Editor 3

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Psi Psi Zeta Graduate Chapter was chartered on June 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois by 22 graduate members. The chartering service was held on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 3-4 pm at Carter G. Woodson Regional Library. We were honored to have both current and past National, Regional, and State Officers in attendance: Evelyn L. Byrdsong , National Education Foundation, Adrienne McDay, Chair Illinois Executive Board and Vera M. Paul, Past Great Lakes Regional Director. Psi Psi Zeta elected its’ first Executive Board and members were installed by the National Secretary, Michelle Porter Norman. The installation of the Board occurred immediately following the Chartering Ceremony. Board Members: Carolyn E. Wilson, President, Earnestine Jefferson-Martin, First Vice-President, Gwendolyn S. Miller, PhD, Second Vice-President, Portia E. DeForneau, Third Vice-President; Elizabeth Betts-Moulton, Secretary, LaDonna Randle, Corresponding Secretary, Susie L. Ware, Treasurer, Rowena S. Haymer, Financial-Secretary, Barbara Banks-Hayes, Parliamentarian, Bobbie N. Moore, Historian and Gwendolyn M. Smith, Chaplain. Charter members: Laura H. Banks, Barbara Banks-Hayes, Carrie T. Benjamin, Mildred P. Butler, Alice F. Craft, Portia E. Deforneau, Rowena S. Haymer, Doris K. Jackson, Earnestine Jefferson-Martin, Cynthia A. McCoy, Gwendolyn S. Miller, PhD, Bobbie N. Moore, Elizabeth Betts-Moulton, Denise M. Stroud, Sylvia B. Patterson, LaDonna Randle, Monique Rolling, Gwendolyn M. Smith, Susie L. Ware, Willie M. Whiting, Retired Judge, Jahnnie Williamson, and Carolyn E. Wilson. Psi Psi Zeta Chapter has the privilege of having National, Regional and State Leaders among its’ Membership. Presently, Cynthia A. McCoy, Great Lakes Regional Director, Barbara Banks-Hayes, Illinois State Director, Alice F. Craft, Immediate Past Great Lakes Regional Director, LaDonna Randle, Great Lakes Regional Financial-Secretary, Earnestine Jefferson-Martin, Past Illinois State Director and Carolyn E. Wilson, Past Illinois State Director. Since our inception, 9 members attended the 45th Illinois State Leadership Conference at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Donations to the following Z-Hope Projects: Illinois State – baby needs drive ($50.00); Zeta Prematurity Awareness ($350.00 - March of Dimes); Stevie Wonder Toy Drive ($50.00); Literacy for Preschooler($100); and Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry (250.00). Even though we are small in number we are excited and look forward to working with the March of Dimes–Walk for Babies on Sunday, March 29, 2012. We will continue to spread the word about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Greetings, Our “Year in Review” in 500 words illustrates the strength and vibrancy of Sigma Phi Zeta chapter in Waukegan, Illinois. We welcomed four new graduate members, one reclaimed, and four undergraduates of Nu Sigma.

We continue to emphasize the components that make a successful organization:

Recognition Our Royal Blue Foundation awarded scholarships to four exceptional college bound seniors. We received three ZHOPE awards at the Illinois State Leadership Conference:

Trinity AME recognized us for outstanding community Service.

Scholarship On April 16, 2011, we had the 6th Annual Old School Prom, “Royal Blue Elegance”. Proceeds went to the Royal Blue Dove foundation, which is our 501©3 organization. Through the fundraising efforts of our foundation we have donated several thousand dollars in scholarships to deserving female high school students.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Leadership On September 10th we had our first planning meeting for 2011. Our focus was Commitment - Communication - Co-operation – Consistency - Collaboration. Aside from planning we enjoyed a fun and creative ice breaker and later installed the 2011-2012 officers.

Bridging the Gap * Zeta Youth went to Northwestern to create featured artwork on campus. Money and art supplies were provided by the “Be the Change scholarship”. This scholarship money was awarded to our undergrad chapter - Nu Sigma. *We worked a football game concession with Nu Sigma to help raise money for the “Epiphany Award”. The award is a new scholarship created by Nu Sigma and the award was presented in January 2012.

Service

Acts 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

This year we provided food for a local family shelter and we served dinner for the families of Habitat for Humanity. Zetas and the youth Christmas carol every year. We gather together to bring cheer to the patients at the Vista Hospital. After caroling, the youth exchange Christmas gifts. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve participated in the March of Dimes walk several times over the years. We attended last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walk and raised several hundred dollars to help with the fight against cancer.

Collaboration

*Attended house dedications with gifts for Habitat for Humanity. *The Amicae working with State Representative Rita Mayfield on feeding the hungry families. *Supporting Alpha Kappa Alpha fundraising bowling event. *Working with the Black Pan Hel at homeless shelter and food pantry. *Supported Kappa Alpha Psi and College of Lake County Greek stomp fest.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Sigma Phi Zeta building a stronger chapter Sisterhood

Fundraising

Zeta Game Night.

Fundraising at Chili’s

Training our youth

Working with the Amicae :

Zeta Youth learn fine dining in an Etiquette Workshop

Zeta and Amicae bless two premature babies with a Stork’s Nest baby shower.

Encouraging our Undergraduate Chapter Tiffany Woods the undergraduate advisor “stomps the yard” with Nu Sigma. ZPHI!

Next Recognition On April 14, 2012 we’ll have our Annual Old School Prom Fundraiser for the Royal Blue Foundation Scholarship Awards.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

The members of Upsilon Chi Zeta Chapter in Rockford, IL have been busy with volunteering their time and talents throughout the Rock River Valley community from assisting at the Rockford Park District with their Flag Football camp with the Chicago Bears and there Youth Basketball Camp or mentoring young ladies on daily life and parenting skills through the Rockford Meld. The chapter also participated in the March of Dimes Walk and the American Cancer Society Walk this past year. On September 24, 2011, Upsilon Chi Zeta and Nu Pi Sigma hosted the 1 st Annual Wine Sip. The night was filled with live music, food, fellowship and an auction of marvelous items donated from businesses and business people throughout the Rock River Valley community. The funds raised benefited two deserving high school students this spring, with scholarships for college In celebration of Black History month the chapter participated in the Divine 9 Exhibit and Showcase in Rockford, IL. The exhibit and showcase gave each organization the opportunity to display items of their history in the Ethic Heritage Museum and present an exhibition step-show for the community.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Fun for Youth of all Ages – Iota Zeta Chapter’s Annual Youth Step Show On March 17, 2011, youth groups participated in Iota Zeta Chapter’s Annual Youth Step Show to benefit the Chapter’s scholarship fund. The theme for this year was “Stepping in the Right Direction for Education.” The event was held at Northwest High School, Indianapolis. It was a great success with many in attendance, fantastic stepping by the youth, food, and raffles! Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Participates in the 2011 Circle City Classic Parade On October 1, 2011, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. stepped to the beat and represented well in this year’s Circle City Classic Parade. Our illustrious Sorority won 2 nd Place in the Greek Step competition. Sorors from throughout central Indiana worked hard during many step practices and the work paid off! Great job Sorors! Finer Womanhood was shown at its best! This was fantastic fun and a bonding experience for all who participated.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “Represented” at the 2011 HBCU College Fair This year’s HBCU College Fair was well-attended by parents and students interested in attending a historically Black college or university. This event was held at Crispus Attucks High School on September 29, 2011. Organizations from the Indianapolis NPHC devoted their time serving the Indianapolis community. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. represented by helping out with registration and directing students and their families to the booths.

Iota Zeta Chapter’s 80th Anniversary and Awards Reception In June 2011, Iota Zeta Chapter welcomed 34 people to its 80 th Anniversary and Awards Reception held at the 34 Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. The theme for the event was “A Celebration of Pearls,

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Iota Zeta Chapter’s 80th Anniversary and Awards Reception In June 2011, Iota Zeta Chapter welcomed 34 people to its 80 th Anniversary and Awards Reception held at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. The theme for the event was “A Celebration of Pearls, Doves and Finer Womanhood (1931-2011).”

An NPHC Bowl-a-Thon to Remember On May 14, 2011, the Indianapolis NPHC held a Bowl-a Thon fundraiser benefitting Freetown Village. Freetown Village is a living history museum which depicts the lives and lifestyles of free African Americans in the year 1870. Fun was had by all as Greek love and unity were shared while displaying friendly competition. Bowlers representing Iota Zeta were Sorors Savannah McAtee, Tamara Nance, Toi Davis, Adrienne Woods and TaLai Smith. Iota Zeta donated over $200 to support the fundraising efforts. Meeting the Basic Needs of Men Clothing Drive In honor of Father’s Day 2011, the ladies of Iota Zeta Chapter held a men’s clothing drive throughout the month of June. Clothing and toiletries along with a Certificate of Appreciation were given to Wheeler Mission Ministries. Wheeler Mission Ministries, located in Indianapolis, is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to the homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or religion. Sorors Serve at Back to School Carnival On August 18, 2011 the 13th Annual Back to School Carnival Celebration took place at the Julian Coleman Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana. Admission was free and there were lots of things to do and see. Free haircuts were provided for the children. Food, Karate lessons, aerobics, dancing, arts and crafts also took place. Vendors and volunteers were there ready to serve. Sorors and friends provided water to vendors and helped serve food to hundreds of families enjoying the fun-filled event.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Shining the Light of Zeta in the Greater Indianapolis Area! Upsilon Omega Zeta Chapter-Fishers, IN.

Upsilon Omega Zeta has kept busy for the 2011-2012 sorority year! Making sure our Zeta light is always shining, we have now achieved goals that were once felt as impossible to achieve. Last year, the chapter took home various awards at the 2011 Regional Conference in Milwaukee, WI. The awards included 1st Place Z-HOPE (5-25 members), 2nd Place Chapter Report (5-25 members), 2nd Place Chapter Scrapbook (5-25 members) and 2nd Place Youth Scrapbook. Upsilon Omega Zeta chapter enjoys working hard and surpassing the bar to fulfill our Zeta duties.

Scholarship The chapter started the sorority year by collecting numerous school supplies that were donated to a halfway house in the city of Indianapolis. The chapter conducts various projects at this halfway house that focuses on rehabilitating the residents to become better members of society. The chapter continued their scholarship endeavors by donating funds to a local elementary

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

school that will assist students in need of uniforms and a donation was made to the National Education Foundation as well. Service When it comes to service, the chapter says we can never do too much! Our service projects for this sorority year included the ten National Z-HOPE initiatives as well as donating items to local shelters, finding ways to help our soldiers that are overseas, assisting families during the holidays and many others. Our most recent project included assisting persons that were affected by the tornadoes in the southern area of Indiana. Sisterly Love This is one founding principle that the members of the chapter makes sure we do not forget! Sisterly love is very important to our chapter because without it, we cannot exemplify greatness through our founding principles. The chapter recognizes birthdays and Zetaversaries at every chapter meeting. We also created a “secret sister” program that is similar to “secret santa” but lasts for the entire sorority year. Various bonding activities are created monthly so that every soror can feel a part of the chapter and get to know others better. Many of our activities this year included attending movies, concerts, trips and dining out.

Finer Womanhood During Finer Womanhood Week, the chapter incorporated weekly projects that included ZHOPE for a woman’s shelter, health initiatives through Z-HOPE, sisterly bonding, a bully awareness program and other Z-HOPE projects to show the importance of being the best woman you can be! Stork’s Nest The stork’s nest program is something very dear to the chapter. Upsilon Omega Zeta was the first chapter to have two nests within the state of Indiana. Recently, our nest was awarded a $19,000 grant. The grant will allow us to take things to a new and exciting level while focusing on keeping unborn babies healthy longer. We are proud of our nest and achieving this grant was a very big accomplishment for us this year.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Youth Groups Our chapter is not the only one that has earned a grant. Last spring our youth submitted a grant (that required the youth members to write it) for a healthy fitness program. Our youth group was awarded over $600 to bring awareness to this topic. Youth obesity is rising across the country. Our youth has realized the importance of the issue and will host a Fit and Healthy Program that will expose knowledge to the community about eating right, exercising and taking care of your body so that you can live a healthier life. Kudos to our youth for achieving this prestigious award!

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

Chi Kappa Zeta Chapter Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Benton Harbor, MI Activities for 2011 -2012

Chi Kappa Zeta on the MOVE!!!!! June – July 2011 – Z-HOPE “Relay for Life”

August 24, 2010 we experienced a full day retreat that focused on Sisterly Love, Finer womanhood, mentoring and team building. Basileus Rev. Debra Johnson

November 2011 – Z-HOPE “Prematurity “

During Prematurity weekend we attended Mount Calvary Baptists Church, Niles, MI 49120and the Basileus gave a report on premature babies and Chi Kappa Zeta gave their Youth Department $25.

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest

December 2011 – Z-HOPE “Lap throws for patients at Orchard Grove Nursing Home”

February was a very busy month!!! February 2012 – Z- HOPE “Games and toiletries gifts for patients at Orchard Grove Nursing Home”

“At Pizza Hut raising money for Scholarships”

At the “Annual Whirlpool Step Show” the Archonettes showed up and showed out demonstrating Finer womanhood. They did it the Old School way!! “No Pictures of Archonettes stepping”

March 17, 2012 – Z-HOPE “Scholarship Prayer Breakfast” “No Pictures at this time”

2012 Great Lakes Region Zeta Zest