Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Newsletter

In This Issue:

Volume 16 | Issue 3

March 2016

Get Out & Vote

MARC Information ZCO 60th Celebration

Scholarships Cluster Coordinator Corner

3 BOULE INFORMATION

4 MARC INFORMATION

5 CALENDAR

7 PROGRAMS

8 OFFICER REPORTS

12 STANDING

COMMITTEE

REPORTS

14 SCHOLARSHIPS

15 GET OUT & VOTE

19 ZCO CELEBRATION

20 CLUSTER

COORDINATOR’S

CORNER

21 PHOTO GALLERY

26 IVY FOUNDATION

EVENT INFO

March 2016Volume 16 | Issue 3 2

Submitted by Soror Toni Carter Pearson

We do not start into life full size. We have to grow. The

greatest task of life, as well as one of the sweetest, is

in growing fine in grain and skilled in action.

The highest achievement of life and the rarest to find is

self-mastery--fine-grained, skillfully used, and steadily

held to its true use. All other achievements are through

this one.

The stronger we make our bodies, the more we can

give God to use. The more thoroughly we understand

the great, simple laws of our body, and the more we

get into the habit of obeying them, the more God

can use us in His plans.

The keener, and clearer, and stronger we make

our thinking, by self-discipline, the greater the

power have we with others. The purer the heart,

the greater is the winning power at command.

We may not be conscious of the difference, but

the increased power of attraction is there,

breathing out of one's presence, noticeably felt by

others. Moreover, it is making a distinct mark

upon others--more than they know.

We must set ourselves to growing bigger and

better for service's sake.

Growing Bigger for Service's Sake

SPIRIT & INSPIRATIONChairman: Soror Tujuanna Williams

Co-Chairmen: Sorors Regina Hawkins and Beverly Anderson

continued on the next page >>

3

Greetings From The Basileus

Soror Rhonda Luss

BOULÉ

Registration: Boulé registration continues. Graduate registration is $400 and $375

for Golden sorors until April 15th. It increases to $450 and $425, respectively, April

16–May 15, 2016. Please don’t forget to register before late fees are applied.

Diamond/Golden/Silver Sorors Photos: If you plan to attend Boulé and want your

photo in the Diamond/Golden/Silver presentation, you must be registered and

have purchased a ticket to the event.

If you were initiated in 1940-1941 (Diamond), 1965-1966 (Golden), or 1990-1991

(Silver), please use the Diamond/Golden/Silver Sorors Anniversary Celebration

Photo Form to submit the following information: a CD with a .jpg file, 300 dpi, or

original photo, 3”x5” color or black and white individual photo with your name,

financial number and year of initiation written on the back of the photo, to be

included in a video presentation during the luncheon. There is a $7.00 fee for all

photos. Photos will not be returned. You may pay the fee with a personal check,

money order or credit card. If you prefer, you may email your form and photo to:

IvyLeaf@aka1908.com.

Send the items by Friday, April 15, 2016 to: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,

Corporate Office, 5656 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, Attn.:

Diamond/Golden/Silver Sorors Committee, Soror Eva Smith, 773-371-4414,

IvyLeaf@aka1908.com.

Mass Chorus: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is establishing a Mass Choir/Chorus for

the 2016 Boulé. The Boulé Mass Choir/Chorus will perform at the Public Meeting,

Plenary Sessions and other venues, as needed. The Mass Choir/Chorus will

perform a variety of music, including spirituals, gospel, and classics. Undergraduate

and Graduate sorors are invited to join for an exciting musical experience.

Performance attire will be black, white, and pink. Help us identify the musical

resources of the Sorority and plan to participate by completing and submitting the

Mass Choir form.

CHAPTER

Delegate Selection: The Chapter will be electing (voting on) delegates for the Boulé

at the April General Body Meeting. You must be present at the April General Body

Meeting in order to submit your name for consideration to be a delegate. The

Chapter will elect 12 delegates and 12 alternates.

Sisterly in Service,

Soror Rhonda Luss, Basileus

REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Registration: Registration for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference is ongoing. Regular

registration is through March 6, 2016. The online registration fees are: Graduate Sorors

$185.00; Undergraduate Sorors $95.00; Guests $110.00 and Children $50.00. This fee

does not include the additional cost of special events, luncheons, activities, or other fees

that may apply. Late registration is from March 7, 2016 through March 21, 2016. An

additional late fee of $50 will be assessed for Graduate Sorors and guests and a late fee

of $30 will be assessed for Undergraduate Sorors. Only credit card payments will be

accepted during this timeframe.

Delegate Form: The Delegate Form for the Regional Conference was submitted to the

Mid-Atlantic Regional Director on February 12, 2016.

Souvenir Journal Ad: The Souvenir Journal Ad for the Chapter was submitted on

February 12, 2016. “Tea roses” to Soror Nicole Clark on designing an outstanding ad.

Proposed Bylaw Amendments: The Bylaws Committee will bring forth a

recommendation on the three proposed bylaw amendments being presented at the

Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference.

Workshop Facilitator and Recorder - Chapter Volunteers: If you would like to

volunteer to be a Workshop Facilitator and/or Recorder at the Regional

Conference, please email the Grammateus, Soror Patty Edwards, or contact the

Northern Western Virginia Cluster Coordinator, Soror Michelle Jones.

Date Time Activity Location

March 3 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Nannie Lee Center

March 5 10:00 a.m. Chapter Meeting Nannie Lee Center

March 5 9:00 a.m. *Cotillion Rehearsal Nannie Lee Center

March 8 4:00 p.m. Project StepOut Charles Houston Center

March 9 7:00 p.m. Protocol Committee Meeting Conference Call

March 13 2:00 p.m. *Mother Daughter Tea Hotel Monaco

March 21 7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting Alexandria Police Dept.

March 22 4:00 p.m. Project StepOut Charles Houston Center

March 27 11:30 a.m. Bi-Monthly Meal Service Carpenter’s Shelter

March 31 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Nannie Lee Center

March Activities at a Glance

*IFNV Event for Information Only

~ March 2016 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 2 2

Executive Committee

Meeting

4 5

General BodyChapter Meeting

New Member Orientation

6

Pearl Drop SubmissionsDue

7 8

Project Stepout

9

Protocol Committee

Meeting

10 11 12

*Cotillion Rehearsal

13

Cotillion Mother

Daughter Tea*

14

MembershipCommittee

Meeting

15

Luncheon Fashion Show

Meeting

Ivyette Submissions

Due

16 17

Standards Committee

Meeting

18 19

Playground Clean Up

20 21

Finance Committee

Meeting

22

Project Stepout

*IFNV Board Meeting

23 24 25 26

EASTERWeekend

27

EASTER SUNDAY

Meal Service

28 29 30 31

Executive Committee

Meeting

*IFNV event - for informational purposes only

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

5March 2016Volume 16 | Issue 3

MESSAGE FROM THE ANTI-BASILEUS

6

Soror Tamara Rowe

As we celebrate Easter and spring," and be renewed in the spirit of your

mind"(Ephesians 4:23, NKJV), let's renew our commitment to "Service to Mankind".

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter will have the first of two park clean-up days on Saturday,

March 19, at Doctors Run Park. Please see the report from Target IV: Environmental

Ownership for complete details. We look forward to you assisting in providing a safe

and clean park for the children in our communities to play.

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter will assist our scholars in planning their future careers on

Saturday, March 19th, at the Northern Virginia Community College. Please see the

complete details in the Target I: Educational Enrichment ASCEND report.

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter will host the bi-monthly meal service on Sunday, March 27th.

Please see the Target III: Family Strengthening Report for complete details.

“Tea Roses and Pearls” to Project StepOut Sorors Louise

Gordon, Regina Crawley and Doris Shannon for their continuous

commitment to Zeta Chi Omega Chapter's signature program!

I was able to participate in the February 9th session. Sorors

Regina Crawley and Doris Shannon provided after-school

activities to 10 young scholars. Near the end of the session, a

few of the scholars started singing their songs to learn the

multiplication tables for the 7s and 9s. They are excited to

learn. The sorors planned a Black-History themed session for

February 23rd. Project StepOut is scheduled for March 8th and

22nd. The sorors welcome you to join their small, but mighty

committee.

We will be collecting backpacks at the March and April Chapter Meetings for the

Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Service Project. In order to reach

Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson’s goal of “One Million Backpacks,” each active

soror is requested to donate a total of 20 backpacks over her four-year term.

Soror Crystal Lander informed us at the Cluster last October that the Mid-Atlantic

Region is behind in the collection of backpacks.

Sorors, have a blessed Easter!

Soror Tamara Rowe, Anti-Basileus

March 2016Volume 16 | Issue 3

International ProgramsTarget I: Educational EnrichmentSoror Andrea Mial, ChairmanSoror Andrea Sparks-Brown, Co-Chairman (ASCEND Program Chairman)Soror Sarah Bowers, Co-Chairman (One Million Backpacks Lead)Soror Angela Turner, Co-Chairman (Think HBCU Lead)Contact us at: education@aka-zco.org

ASCEND

One Million Backpacks

The ASCEND scholars will be participating in a Career Selection Program at Northern Virginia Community College on March 12 from 10 am - 12 noon.

We are collecting backpacks at the March and April Chapter Meetings for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference Service Project.

To reach Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson's goal of One Million Backpacks, each soror is asked to donate 20 backpacks over Soror Wilson's four-year term in office.

Target III: Family StrengtheningSoror Sherry Billingsley, ChairmanSoror Barbara Bouldin, Co-ChairmanSoror Sonya Stephens, Co-ChairmanContact us at: family@aka-zco.org

Project Stepout:Co-Chairmen: Sorors Louise Gordon, Doris Shannon, and Regina Crawley

The Project StepOut Committee will meet with the girls attending the Charles Houston Recreation Center, Tuesday, March 8 and 22 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. The Charles Houston Recreation Center is located at 901 Wythe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Project StepOut is the Chapter' s signature program. Please come out and support this small, but mighty committee.

Bi-Monthly Meal ServiceWe will provide our meal service to the residents of the Carpenter’s Shelter on Easter Sunday, March 27 at 12 noon. If you are interested in volunteering for the March meal service, please contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey at saundra.mcculloughcobey@verizon.net. Sorors who are serving are asked to be at the shelter at 11:30 am.

Target IV: Environmental OwnershipChairman: Soror Yolanda B. Gibson

Co-Chairmen: Soror Aja Charity and Soror Joy Page

Contact us at: gogreen@aka-zco.org

Sorors, we are preparing to refresh, restore, and renew Doctors Run Playground on Saturday, March 19th, from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Doctors Run Park is located at 1301 S. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA, 22204. Please join us as we ensure that Doctors Run Playground is a safe place for children and families.

During this time we will pick up litter, remove sticks from the sandpit, remove weeds, and distribute literature tochildren and families regarding the importance of protecting the environment. Sorors, if you are planning on participating in this event, please bring gardening gloves!

Soror Gayle JordanContact us at: hostess@aka-zco.org

OFFICER REPORTSHodegos Report

CONGRATULATIONSPlease congratulate Golden Soror Deloris Evans. Her nephew, Christopher C. Hite, was appointed to a judgeship in the San Francisco County Superior Court. He was previously a deputy public defender and legal consultant for the NAACP, San Francisco, California branch.

Congratulations to Soror De'Tisha Joy Page on her recent engagement.

GET WELL SOON Soror Julia Pryor was injured by a cup of coffee and a fall. She is

recuperating at home. Soror Anita Holmes is home recuperating and would love to hear from us.

Please send her a card, phone call and your love. Soror Shirley Liggett is fighting a serous illness. Please keep her in your

prayers. Soror Negletha Johnson’s sister has been admitted to the hospital with

stage 4 sarcoma cancer and seeks your prayers.

8continued on the next page >>

In case of inclement weather on Saturday, March 19th, we will conduct this community service project on Saturday, March 26th. If you are willing to assist in this service initiative, please email gogreen@aka-zco.org.

*denotes Golden Soror

Calling all March birthday celebrants! Please join us for

our monthly birthday luncheon immediately following our

March Chapter Meeting. The luncheon will take place at Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, 1800A Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. All sorors are welcome

to join the celebration!

MARCH BIRTHDAYSCheryl Lovinsky March 7Kellye Graham March 10Katrina Moss March 11Clarissa Pearson March 13Joyce Henderson March 14Breanna Gray March 15LaFrances Williams March 16Betty Montgomery March 18Madeline Wingate-Alfonso March 18

Kim James Bey March 20Patricia Tutt* March 20LeTresa Williams March 20Robbie Crite March 22Ashley Queen Monterio March 23Annette Champion March 24Leslie Dey March 25Markeeda Guest-Spencer March 25Stephanie Harrison Hubbard March 28Patrice Longshaw March 28Margarette Peterson* March 28Theresa Shannon Emanuel March 30Antoinette Gant March 31

CONDOLENCES

Soror Katrina Anwar lost her newborn niece.

Soror Steronica Mattocks lost her father, Mr. George Smith, Sr., on

Valentine’s Day. Homegoing services were held on Wednesday, February

17th in Bessemer, Alabama.

Golden Soror Florence Elaine Trivers, became an Ivy Beyond the Wall on

February 11, 2016. Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 20th in

Alexandria, Virginia. Sorors, please continue to lift up her sister, Soror Betty

Montgomery, and the family in prayer.

Soror Katrina Moss lost her mother-in-law, Golden Soror Mildred Moss, on

February 13th. Homegoing services were held on Saturday, February 20th in

Grambling, Louisiana.

Golden Soror Virginia Graves lost her brother, Mr. Billy Rose. Homegoing

services were held on February 18, 2016 in Hickory, North Carolina.

Sorors Christina Thomas and Michaela Thomas lost their grandfather.

Soror Negletha Johnson lost her sister-in-law.

8

Answers: b. False. See RONR (11thed.), p. 45, lines 4-9; d. “The meeting will come

to order.”See RONR (11thed.), p. 25, lines 9-15; c. “Can only be made while no

other motion is pending.” RONR (11thed.), p.100 lines 3-5.READING OF GREETING CARDSIn an effort to help keep our monthly meetings on time, we will no longer read all of the cards that are sent to us. We will announce who has sent cards, but the contents will be read less often.

ANNOUNCEMENTSAnnouncements for the monthly meeting must to be submitted in advance of the Chapter meeting. Specifically, they must be submitted by FRIDAY, prior to the Chapter meetings. For example, your announcements for the March 5th meeting should be submitted by March 4th. If you have announcements for the Chapter, please send them tohostess@aka-zco.org.

Parliamentarian Soror Kendra RileyContact us at: bylaws@aka-zco.org

Reminder:Sorors, please remember to review the proposed bylaw amendments that will be considered at the 2016 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. They are located in the side bar of the “members only” section of the Chapter’s website.

Parliamentary Quiz:1. Whenever the affirmative vote is large enough, the chair does not need to

call for the negative vote.a. Trueb. False

1. What is the proper language to use to call the meeting to order?a. If there is no objection, the meting of the ABC Foundation is officially

called to order.b. There being a quorum present, I hereby call this meeting to order.c. It is now 4:30 p.m., and we will begin the meeting.d. The meeting will come to order.

1. A main motion:a. May only be amended twice.b. Must be voted for by the maker of the motion and the seconder. c. Can only be made while no other motion is pending.

10March 2016Volume 16 | Issue 3

Sorors, please continue to keep our sorors and their families lifted up in prayer

who may suffering a loss, illness, or difficulty during this time, and let’s

continue to celebrate and encourage each other!

Soror Yvette DarnabyContact us at: keeper@aka-zco.org

Philacter

Sorors – A friendly reminder:

Vouchers (Check Requests)

Submit your complete voucher in a timely manner. Chapter vouchers can be

obtained from the website.

(Excerpts taken from SOPs CHAPTER 2 - Financial Operating Procedures)

Sorors must submit vouchers (to the Tamiouchos) within 30 days of an

event, unless there are extenuating circumstances. After 30 days, vouchers

may not be honored.

All disbursements of funds will be dependent upon a completed voucher. All

vouchers must include the name of the committtee, the event/activity and

the fund or account from which the reimbursement will be drawn. A

completed voucher must include the signatures of the Committee

Chairman (Critical) and the Basileus. All vouchers must have the necessary

receipts, invoices and appropriate documents.

The committee chairman will submit completed vouchers to the Tamiouchos,

individual committee members must submit their vouchers to the

committee chairman.

When feasible, checks will be written on a weekly basis. All completed

vouchers received by the Tamiouchos must be paid within 30 days.

Greetings Sorors,

The soror sign-in table for all General Body Meetings is located just outside the doors (and to the right) of the Lee Center auditorium. Please remember to stop by, Say Hello, and sign in for all Chapter meetings.

If you invite a soror to a Chapter meeting, please remind them that the attire for the meeting is business, and they must present proper identification upon arrival, or we will not be able to grant them access into the General Body Meeting.

11continued on the next page >>

Tamiouchos Soror Robin McCoyContact us at: finance@aka-zco.org

All visiting sorors must present one of the following items along with a photo ID to gain entrance into the Chapter meeting:

1. Financial Card (old or new)2. Copy of her Certificate of Initiation 3. Faxed verification letter or email confirmation from the Corporate Office

Thank you, in advance, for your patience and understanding as we continue the transition into our new sign-in process by first name. Signing in by first name promotes efficiency and accuracy for the accounting of our membership and the execution of the duties assigned to the Philacter.

Sorors interested in helping with the membership sign-in process or other Philacterduties are asked to contact Soror Yvette at keeper@aka-zco.org.

Sisterly Love,Soror Yvette Darnaby

STANDING COMMITTEES

Soror Barbara Bellamy Warren, ChairmanContact us at: awards@aka-zco.org

Awards Committee

On behalf of the 2016 Awards Committee, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm to

report that SEVENTEEN (17), yes, 17 awards were forwarded to the Mid-Atlantic

Region’s Awards Committee for favorable recognition at the 63rd Mid-Atlantic

Regional Conference. Tea Roses and Pearls to our Chapter Basileus, Soror Rhonda

Luss, and ALL of the sorors who MADE IT HAPPEN!

The conference, scheduled for April 20-24, 2016 in Virginia Beach, VA is just awaiting

“THE HARDEST WORKING CHAPTER IN THE REGION,” (YES, Zeta Chi Omega), to

ARRIVE and CLAIM OUR WELL-DESERVED honors. Sorors, will you be there when

they call our Chapter’s name? It is not too late to register for the conference, Stand

Tall, Look PRETTY in our PINK and GREEN, and STRUT ON DOWN when our name is

called!

The 2016 Award submissions are as follows:

Graduate Chapter Awards: Janice Mack Award (Reactivation - Membership 76 and above) - Submitted by

the Membership Committee Doris R. Asbury One-to-One Award (Graduate Newsletter) - A special shout-

out to the letter writers, Golden Sorors Deloris Evans, Mathelle Lee, Doris Shannon, Sorors Ester Stubbs-Varnado and Kendra Gillespie.

continued on the next page >>

Graduate Soror Individual Awards: Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the Year) - Soror Kendra Gillespie Margaret B. Moss Award (Outstanding Retired Graduate Soror) - Soror Saundra

McCullough-Cobey Evelyn R. Syphax Creative Expression Award (Outstanding Graduate Writer) -

Soror Toni Carter Pearson

Graduate Service Awards:

Wanza Bagnall Webb Award (Outstanding Service to Senior Citizens) –

Submitted by the Senior Citizens Luncheon Committee

Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring Soror) - Soror Martha

Coleman

Graduate International Program Awards:

Ten (10) submissions for Launching New Dimensions of Service (LNDS):LNDS: Target 1: Educational Enrichment - ASCEND Signature Program Achievement Award LNDS: Target 1: Educational Enrichment - One Million Backpacks Achievement AwardLNDS: Target 1: Educational Enrichment - Think HBCU: Hall of Fame Achievement AwardLNDS: Target 2: Health Promotion Achievement AwardLNDS: Target 3: Family Strengthening Achievement AwardLNDS: Target 4: Environmental Ownership Achievement AwardLNDS: Target 5: Global Impact Achievement AwardLNDS: Special Category: Community Impact Day Execution Achievement AwardLNDS: Special Category: Undergraduate and Graduate Collaboration Achievement AwardLNDS: Overall Launching New Dimensions of Service Execution Achievement Award

KUDOS to ALL THE DYNAMIC 2015 Program Committee Chairmen and Co-Chairmen! You were the Chapter’s Heartbeat…. Sorors, you know who you are and YOU Rocked!

2016 Committee Program Chairmen and Co-Chairmen, start getting ready now for next year’s award submissions. Document, Document, Document! Will you be able to successfully submit your program for an award? The Chapter’s Award Committee looks forward to working with you.

ZCO

continued on the next page >>

13

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter, TAKE A BOW…IT’S SHOWTIME at the 63rd Mid-

Atlantic Regional Conference. WE are WINNERS!

A GREAT BIG THANK-YOU and SHOUT OUT to the Fantastic Four, 2016

Awards Committee members, Sorors Antoinette Gant, C. Starr Garrett,

Stephanie Hubbard, and Monique Robinson. You were there, standing ready

whenever called.

CommitteeSoror Diann Burns, ChairmanSoror Marcy Jessup, Co-ChairmanSoror Patricia Edwards, Co-ChairmanContact us at: scholarship@aka-zco.org

Cooley-Moore Scholarship Application

Applications for the Cooley-Moore Scholarship were forwarded in January to the scholarship coordinators in Alexandria and Arlington high schools and several churches via e-mail.

Applications must be postmarked by March 7, 2016. As of February 16th, we had not received any applications.

Sorors are encouraged to provide copies of the applications to students in their communities and churches; however, please be reminded that applicants must be high school seniors who attend a high school with an Alexandria or Arlington address.

The Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia will be able to award two $2,000 scholarships in 2016. If you have any questions, please contact Soror Diann Burns, Soror Marcy Jessup or Soror Patty Edwards.

Word SearchZCO

Please note the following updates and information on upcoming election dates:

SUPER TUESDAY PRIMARIES: "Super Tuesday" refers to presidential primary elections,

which are typically held in a large number of states from geographically and socially diverse

regions of the country, including Virginia, Maryland and DC.

Get-Out-The-Vote: Virginia’s primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

Maryland will hold its primary election on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Washington, D.C. will

hold a primary on June 14, 2016.

Citizens may vote in either party primary, but can choose only one (Democratic or

Republican primary). Only voters registered in their respective party may vote in the

party primary. If the primary is “semi-open” or “semi-closed,” unaffiliated voters can

choose to vote in either primary or can switch registration the day of voting. Check with

your State Board of Elections to verify your voter registration and the locations

designated as voting precincts.

Connection CommitteeSoror LaFrances Williams, ChairmanSoror Amirah Salaam, Co-ChairmanContact us at: connection@aka-zco.org

Within the American electorate voting bloc,

women of color, particularly African-

American women, will play a crucial role in

shaping policy, becoming leaders in political

parties, and electing the Nation’s next

president. African-American women make

up the largest majority of women of color

in the voting age population and have made

the difference in key races from 2008-2013,

but significantly dropped off during the

2014 midterm elections. In assuming a

larger share of the overall voting

population, African-American women will

CONNECTION COMMITTEE CALLS ON SORORS TO “GET-OUT-THE-VOTE!”

have the ability to swing elections by turning out, or not turning out, to vote.

In efforts to ensure that Zeta Chi Omega Chapter takes A.C.T.I.O.N during this historic

election year, the Connection Committee calls on all sorors to join in our “GET- OUT- THE-

VOTE” initiative. Over the next six months, the committee will be pursuing activities and

providing updates focused on voter engagement in the local communities we serve.

continued on the next page >>

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE “THREE-PART SERIES”: Attorney General

Loretta E. Lynch announced the release of a “Three-Part” series of

guidebooks by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

that promote building trust between police agencies and the communities

they serve.

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S FINAL BUDGET: President Obama released the

FY 2017 Budget, which proposes $85 million in mandatory funding to

HBCUs, an increase of $5 million from FY 2016. To view the budget, visit

www.whitehouse.gov.

Sisterly Relations CommitteeSoror Stephanie Woodland Kelly, ChairmanSoror Nekia Freeman, Co-ChairmanContact us at: sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org

Sisterly Love Brunch

Sorors, thank you for your support of our “Sisterly Love Brunch” on Sunday,

February 21st at LaPorta’s Restaurant. We had a wonderful time with great food and

an amazing fellowship. It was a beautiful reminder of what sustains our sisterhood

– the love and care we have for one another.

continued on the next page >>

16

March 2016Volume 16 | Issue 3

Sister Circles

In an effort to facilitate connectedness in a Chapter of more than 350

members, we currently have in place Sister Circles (SC). SCs align

smaller groups of sorors based on geographic location, providing an

opportunity for sisterly bonding on a smaller scale. Please email us at

sisterlyrelations@aka-zco.org if you have not been assigned to a

Sister Circle. Also, please ensure your address information is up to

date in the Chapter database. That will help us to know if you,

perhaps, have moved recently and need to be reassigned to a new SC.

Please engage your Sister Circles and contact your SC Leaders with

any ideas for activities or get-togethers. We will be reaching out to SC

Leaders in the near future to confirm their participation as a leader

and to confirm their rosters.

You Go, Soror!

We want very much to continue the “You Go, Soror” tradition. Please see the attached

You Go, Soror form or contact myself or Soror Nekia for copies at Chapter meetings and

Sorority events.

We encourage all sorors to create an opportunity to recognize fellow chapter sorors

who, in your opinion, live up to the principles of our organization; sorors who embody

the true meaning of sisterhood and have shown a specific kindness or are awesome

and sisterly, in general.

History Committee Soror Mathelle K. Lee, ChairmanSoror Carolyn Rowe, Co-Chairman

KNOW YOUR ZETA CHI OMEGA HISTORY

DID YOU KNOW THAT?. . . .

1. In 1975 President Gerald Ford, by an arrangement of Soror Evelyn Syphax, appeared at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference formal banquet.

2. Soror Evelyn Syphax gave the Chapter’s newsletter its name and served as its first editor.

3. In 1981, 34 high school seniors were presented at the Annual Cotillion. Six hundred people attended the Annual Luncheon Fashion Show.

4. In 1988, the Luncheon Fashion Show generated over $10,000 in scholarship money.

5. In 1988, Zeta Chi Omega Chapter hosted the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Crystal City, VA with over 3,000 attendees.

6. Soror Blanche Maness (Basileus 1988-1989) initiated the Step Show at the 11th Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. The Chapter donated the seed money loan for the conference.

Ladies, ask yourself ... Are you ready to have some fun?! If you like to express your love of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® through strolling and dance, if you enjoy having a good time while burning calories, if you want to be like our First Lady and "Let's Move!”, if you're bursting with personality and physically able to perform at various events, if you are eager to showcase what it means to embody the "Pink and Green" and most importantly, if you're up for the challenge to represent Zeta Chi Omega on a team of

sophisticated, talented, and physically active women, please sign-up for Zeta Chi Omega's Stroll Team.

This commitment will involve attending regular practices, being energetic, keeping a positive attitude, and performing at conferences and other events. If this sounds like you, please contact Soror Marquita Davis, ZXΩ Stroll Team Captain, by email at brighteyed_aka@yahoo.com.

Respectfully submitted,Soror Marquita Davis

ZETA CHI OMEGA STROLL TEAM

18

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Zeta Chi Omega Chapter presents

®

It's time to fellowship with chapter members and reconnect with your co-initiates and other sorors. An elegant, spectacular afternoon tea is

being planned just for you.

eal, Commitment, Outreach:

Saturday, May 14, 2016, Noon - 3:00 PM

Ritz Carlton-Pentagon City, Arlington VA

Cost---$70.00, Valet Parking---$10.00

For additional information or questions, contact Soror Chandois D. Phillips, Chairman,Or Soror Kendra Gillespie, Co-Chairman.

Soror Michelle JonesNorthern Western Virginia

Cluster Coordinator

February -March 2016

1) The deadline for the submission of the “Sorors of the First”Boule Exhibit was extended to February 22, 2016.Sorors were asked to identify Alpha Kappa Alpha Women who are the first in accomplishing major milestones in their careers.

2) The launch of the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Heritage Stamp Initiative will take place at the Boulé in July.

3) The proposed plan is to have “Archives Day” at Virginia State University during the spring (June 3, 2016) -- Mark Your Calendar!

4) If you have questions, please call : Soror Linda Simmons-Henry, Mid-Atlantic Region Historian at 919-467-7374 (H); 919-889-8212 (C)

REGIONAL GATHERING AT THE BOULÉ

If you would like to work on the Regional Gathering Committee please forward your name to me at missmjones7@yahoo.com

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GOES

February 5, 2016

For Heart Health

February 6, 2016

THINK HBCUFebruary 20, 2016

SisterlyLove

BrunchFebruary 21, 2016

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As you know, the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia (IFNV) is the charitable affiliate of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter. Presently, the IFNV is in the midst of two major fundraising events: The Cotillion, which supports the Chapter’s program activities and the Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show, which supports the scholarship initiative.

Below are the dates that are significant to these efforts.

Cotillion- April 16, 2016 The Cotillion Committee will be presenting the Prospective Debutantes and their

escorts at the next Chapter meeting on March 5, 2016. The Chairman of the Committee is Soror Sharon Gregg and her Vice Chairmen are Soror Undra Graves-Guyton and Soror Martha Coleman.

The next event will be the Mother/Daughter Tea, which is open to the Chapter’s members. It will be held on March 13, 2016 at Monaco Hotel, 480 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The cost is $45.00 per person. Please contact Soror Robin McCoy or Soror Starr Garrett, if you are interested in attending.

The Cotillion has two Prospective Debutantes who were unable to meet their minimum goal for ads and patrons. Sorors, please consider purchasing an ad or patron on Saturday, March 5th at the General Membership Meeting.

Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show (LFS)November 13, 2016

The LFS Committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, and plans are underway.

Soror Jennifer Hansborough is the Chairman of the Committee. At the March Chapter Meeting, she will be soliciting subcommittee chairmen and committee members. Please sign up as a Subcommittee Chairman or Vice Chairman.

We are looking for one or two Vice Chairmen to support her in the implementation of the 2016 LFS.

The next LFS meeting will be on March 15, 2016.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE IFNV

OFFICERS

Basileus Rhonda Luss

Anti-Basileus Tamara Rowe

Grammateus Patricia Edwards

Anti-Grammateus Aja Charity

Tamiouchos Robin McCoy

Pecunious Grammateus

Crystal Lander

Anti-Pecunious Grammateus

Ingrid Alexander

Epistoleus Steronica Mattocks

Parliamentarian Kendra Riley

Ivy Leaf Reporter Gloria Bell

Hodegos Gayle Jordan

Graduate Advisor VaShawn Guice Veal

Philacter Yvette G. Darnaby

Archivist Monique Robinson

Immed. Past Basileus Kendra Gillespie

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Connection LaFrances Williams

Scholarship Diann Burns

Membership Christina Thomas

Technology Leslie Dey

Protocol Bonnie Jones-Moon

Awards Barbara Bellamy Warren

Standards Jennifer Hansborough

Contracts Irma Bogan

Nominating Bonnie Jones-Moon

Members: Sherry BillingsleyCarol GibsonLinda HallPatrice LongshawBrittney Montgomery Inez “Chris” Pierce-GrayDarlena RicksJudy Vaughn

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EDITOR Steronica Mattocks

PRODUCTION STAFF Nicole ClarkC. Starr GarrettEloise HudginsStephanie Woodland Kelly

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®Zeta Chi Omega Chapter

P.O. Box 25763Alexandria, Virginia 22313

http://www.aka-zco.org