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Volume 2 Issue 1 of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Sigma Phi Zeta Chapter Newsletter.
Citation preview
1
Well Lake County, a new year is upon us! And that means another year of
giving, another year of sharing and another year of doing for the women of
Zeta Phi Beta – Sigma Phi Zeta chapter! For as long as I’ve been a member of
Zeta (27 years and counting), we have used the tagline “community conscious,
action oriented”.
Community-conscious means that we have a keen knowledge and awareness
of the issues affecting our communities. Whether it’s local issues such as
homelessness, women’s health, gun and domestic violence, and women’s
empowerment or those on a national level such as health care reform; support
of our military, prematurity and breast cancer awareness, Zetas stay informed
on those matters that are or can have a negative impact on our communities.
As our International President, Mary Breaux Wright, regularly reminds us, “A
good Zeta is a well-informed Zeta!” So it is important that we are informed on
the issues affecting us.
Action-oriented means that we don’t just talk about the issues but we actually
do something about them. Sigma Phi Zeta continues to be responsive to the
needs of our neighbors on the North Shore – especially in the communities of
Waukegan, Zion, and North Chicago. During the last sorority year, listed below
is a sample of the service we provided and where action-oriented came to life:
Habitat for Humanity
Stand Up for Something – DIVAS Giveback Program
A Safe Place Domestic Violence Shelter
PADS of Lake County, IL
Bernie’s Book Bank
Community Baby Shower for Prematurity Awareness
March of Dimes Walk for Babies
Holiday Giving Tree Project and Holiday Party with College of Lake County
Bingo Night at Kukla Towers Senior Center with the Zeta Amicae of
Waukegan
Women’s Empowerment Seminar with the College of Lake County and
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
There is still much work to do because the harvest is plenty but the laborers are
few. As we embark upon a new year in Zeta, we invite you to join us in being
“community-conscious, action-oriented”. Membership not required!
Summer/Fall 2013
By April Clincy, Sigma Phi Zeta Chapter President
Powerful Women of the North Shore Community-Conscious & Action-Oriented
Sigma Phi Zeta is comprised of an
array of talented, thoughtful, and
professional women ranging in age,
interests and
experiences.
We are the current home of 27
engaging and exciting women!
We are the advising chapter of the
Nu Sigma Chapter on the campus of
Northwestern University.
We serve a broad community
range in Lake County that includes
Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion,
and beyond!
Volume 2: Issue 1
THE SIGMA PHI ZETA Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sigma Phi Zeta Chapter
Waukegan, IL
The Community-Conscious & Action Oriented
Issue
2
Awards & Celebrations of SPZ Sorors
Tune In!
Sigma Phi Zeta’s Chapter Retreat!
Building on the Principle of Sisterhood was the
theme of Sigma Phi Zeta’s 2013 Chapter
Retreat. To begin our new
sorority year, members were
invited to a full day experience
of bonding and planning.
Held at the University of Illinois
Extension in Grayslake, this fun
and enlightening day served
to set the tone for the year we
plan to execute.
Committees and Executive
Board members were able to
present highlights of proposed
programs and upcoming
events while allowing Sorors to
offer their feedback and
suggestions. This collaborative
brainstorming has already
served to create some of our
most exciting potential programs to date!
Beyond the business of service, our other
focus was bonding. In groups, we worked
together to create vision board collages of
our definition of Sisterhood. Using old
magazines and poster boards, and
listening to upbeat tunes, the
small groups took time to bond
and engage while learning that
each person’s contribution adds
to the greater goal.
Another inspirational sisterhood
activity was the White Board
"What I Love About You" project.
Our newest members stood with
their backs to the white board
as chapter members took turns
writing what we love about
each of them. After everyone
had a chance to write their
positive notes, there were
gracious and touched faces as
Sorors turned to see what their
sisters had said about them.
Lastly, we swore in new chapter officers,
had a great lunch, and chapter President
Soror April Clincy presented special
awards to chapter members.
President - April Clincy
1st Vice President - Karyn Quick
2nd Vice President - Valerie Harmon
3rd Vice President
Regina Townsend
Treasurer - Betty Peeples
Recording Treasurer
Juli Burrows-Jackson
Secretary - Latwinda Jackson
Chaplain - Lorraine McDowell
Public Relations - Kim Woods
Historian - Elouise Jones
3
Congratulations to Soror Ashleigh Weathers
and her husband Walter Weathers on the
announcement of their new arrival due in
April. We wish you a joyful and peaceful
pregnancy! Prince or Princess, we’re wishing
you lots of ROYAL BLUE!!
Baby Love For Soror Ashleigh & Family!
This August, Soror Tiffany Woods celebrated
what would have been her mother’s 49th
birthday with a beautiful new celebration;
she got married!
Soror Woods became Soror Tiffany Liner when
she married Markus Liner in an intimate
ceremony on August 10th, 2013. The date
was a special choice for Soror Tiffany, as she
lost her mother to breast cancer in July of
2002.
Congratulations Soror!
Wedding Bells for Soror Liner
Soror Kimberly Starks began a new position as Career Placement Specialist /
Medical Assistant Instructor at State Career College.
Soror Tiffany Liner became a Fellow with the Chicago Federal Executive Board.
Soror April Clincy was appointed to the role of HR Business Leader for the RD&Q
(Research, Development and Quality) organization of Kraft Foods.
Soror Karyn Quick was promoted to the position of Senior IT Project Manager with
Abbott Laboratories.
Soror Kimbrella Warfield was accepted into Northeastern University’s College of
Professional Studies, where she will began work towards a doctorate in January.
Soror Ciera McNeal was named to the board of the Zion Exchange Club.
Soror Kim Woods was named District Director and State PR Chair for Exchange
Club.
Soror Valencia Samuel is now teaching in the School District of Gurnee.
Congratulations Sorors!!
Sorors On The Move!
4
Cinco De Mayo was a great day for Sigma Phi Zeta Chapter as we welcomed our newest member into the sisterhood. Soror Kimberly Starks may be new to the membership, but she is no new face around Sigma Phi Zeta! For the past three years, Soror Starks has been a proud supporter of our youth groups and her daughter, Amicette Jocelyn has grown from a Pearlette to an Amicette under our care. Soror Starks, lovingly referred to as One Mic, for her outspokenness and beautiful singing voice, brings a wealth of knowledge and zeal to our chapter youth committee, and has jumped right into stride. We are so very proud to have her. Welcome and congratulations Soror!
New Sorors and New Faces
Sigma Phi Zeta’s Newest Member
Learning About Zeta
Informationals are open house events held by chapters
of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. All professional, service-driven
and community-minded women are invited to learn
more about our phenomenal sorority and this
outstanding chapter which serves Chicago's North
Shore. Sorors seeking a new chapter home are also
welcome!
Sigma Phi Zeta holds two informational a year, once in
the Spring and again in the Fall. This year’s Fall
Informational was held at Harbor Place in Waukegan.
We look forward to continuing to build our new
relationships with the wonderful women who attended.
5
New Sorors and New Faces
The Nu Sigma Undergraduate Chapter
Congrats Grads! This June, we were proud and honored to witness the
graduation of Sorors Jessica Holden and Brittany Jones
from Northwestern University.
Under their immaculate care, Nu Sigma chapter flourished
and grew from two members to eleven in a few short years.
We would love to say that we know they will be successful,
but the truth of the matter is that they already are.
Soror Holden has since assimilated to Sigma Phi Zeta
chapter and is currently taking graduate courses at Loyola
University’s prestigious Quinlan School of Business. Soror
Jones is awaiting the start of her own graduate coursework
in the field of Library and Information Science.
Service to the Larger Sisterhood
Congratulations to Soror Angie Ross(3rd from right) of our
undergraduate chapter Nu Sigma on being appointed to
the first ever National Undergraduate Committee of Zeta
Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Check out this great photo of her and the other
appointees at the 2013 Zeta Organizational Leadership
Conference in Indianapolis, IN. We're so proud of you
Angie, but we've come to expect nothing less from those
Sweet Nu Sigma Zetas!
Go Nu Sigma! Northwestern University Zetas were present and accounted
for at the Wildcat Excellence Awards! The Nu Sigma Chapter
was presented with the 2013 Order of Omega Chapter of
the Year Award for NPHC. Soror Amanda Anumba is
pictured with winners from all councils.
In all, Nu Sigma were the winners of nine other Omega
Awards including, Highest Quarterly GPA Spring 2012,
Outstanding Chapter Management, Outstanding
Membership Development, Most Improved Quarterly GPA
Spring 2012, Outstanding Philanthropic Efforts and Initiatives,
Outstanding Recruitment & Intake, Community Spirit Award,
NPHC Outstanding Neophyte, and the Order of Omega
Senior Honor Roll.
6
The 2013 Annual Old School Prom
On Saturday, April 20th, Sigma Phi Zeta chapter hosted its Annual Old School Prom at the
Midlane Golf Resort in Wadsworth, Illinois. Guests were treated to live music provided by vocalist
Tiki Hayes, an alluring masquerade theme, and the presentation of our Spring Initiates.
Tagged the “Old School Prom”, to replicate the anticipation and desire of that beloved high
school dance, Sigma Phi Zeta’s annual formal is one of the top fundraising events of the Spring.
Using Lake County vendors, venues, and performers, the event is also an opportunity for us to
purpose even our social events to give back to the community we love so much.
Funds collected through the ticket sales of this event serve to fund our Royal Blue Dove
Foundation, the 501(c)3 charitable entity of our chapter. Annually, the Royal Blue Dove
Foundation provides scholarships and educational gifts to deserving young women in Lake
County. The 2013 prom allowed us to award three such scholarships.
7
You can help send a deserving young woman to college!
and have a great time in the process...
8
Sigma Phi Zeta travels to Indianapolis and Fairview Heights
Aside from our local activities, members of Zeta
Phi Beta enjoy numerous opportunities for
professional and member development. This
year, members of Sigma Phi Zeta chapter were
able to travel to the Zeta Organizational
Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, the
Great Lakes Regional
Conference also in
Indianapolis, and the 47th
Annual Illinois Leadership
Conference in Fairview
Heights, Illinois.
An exciting treat for those
attending this year’s state and
regional conferences, was the
presence of Zeta Phi Beta’s
International President, Soror
Mary Breaux Wright!
All three conferences
included activities and workshops for Zetas,
Zeta Amicae, and youth auxiliaries that focused
on enriching our skills and passion for service.
Attendees of the Zeta Organizational
Leadership Conference were also added to
national cohorts to continue their leadership
training well beyond the conference!
Soror Townsend presenting at State conference
SPZ and International President Mary Breaux Wright! Sisters Rosalyn and Valencia at State Conference.
State Banner Designed by Nu Sigma Soror Amanda.
9
Strengthening the Bonds of Our Sisterhood
Both Sigma Phi Zeta and our undergraduate chapter
Nu Sigma were well represented in both attendance
and participation at State Conference! Soror Regina
Townsend of Sigma Phi Zeta, and Soror Amanda
Anumba of Nu Sigma created the conference
banners and guide, while Sorors Betty Peeples,
Regina Townsend and Valerie
Harmon served as workshop
presenters. We were also the
recipients of numerous sorority
awards.
Aside from the great workshops
and talks, another benefit of
attending conferences on a larger
level is always the opportunity to
bond and relax in a new place.
Sigma Phi Zeta chapter members
spent time hanging out in one
another’s hotel rooms for slumber
party-like chats, and visiting local
establishments, such as the famous Sweetie Pie’s
Soul Food restaurants in St. Louis.
Sigma Phi Zeta congratulates the ZOL Steering
Committee, Regional Director Michelle Porter
Norman, and Illinois State Director Soror Connie V.
Pugh, on an outstanding conference summer.
SPZ’s Regional Conference Award Winning Chapter Scrapbook
Hotel Room Slumber Parties!
SPZ with “Sweetie Pie” herself, Miss Robbie
The City of Indianapolis welcomes Zeta Phi Beta!
10
The Zeta Amicae of Waukegan are heating things up once again! Sigma Phi Zeta increased its Amicae Auxiliary Group with the induction of 2 new members (Friends). These new Friends are: Olivia Presley and Charrie Pierce. Sigma Phi Zeta was proud to continue our history of keeping things family-focused as we welcomed Friend Presley into the Amicae. Friend Presley is the mom of Sigma Phi Zeta Soror Yoshika Pough, and aunt to Soror Tiera Gray! As of 1940, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated was the first organization to recognize and celebrate the importance of the good will, prestige, and cooperation of professional women who for numerous reasons were not part of any-Greek Letter organization. The Zeta Amicae assist Zeta in our civic, service and social ventures, while also hosting events of their own. Under the leadership of President Olivia Presley and Zeta Advisors Elouise Jones and Kim Woods, the Zeta Amicae of Waukegan are known for their amazing energy, thoughtful programming, and dedication.
For more information on the Zeta Amicae of Waukegan, contact President Olivia Presley: [email protected]
The Zeta Amicae of Waukegan
11
Every fourth Tuesday of the month, the Zeta Amicae of Waukegan visits with a group of vibrant and fun-loving Seniors at the Kukla Towers in North Chicago. Seniors are able to enjoy a fun game of Bingo and a chance to win great prizes. This summer, in celebration of the growing relationship between the Zeta Amicae and the residents, the Zeta Amicae also hosted a barbecue. Members of Sigma Phi Zeta were on hand to lend support and fellowship.
The Zeta Amicae of Waukegan
Zetas and Zeta Amicae attend Ceasefire Block Party
Bingo & BBQ!
The year of 2013 has had its fair share of trials and tragedies for both the ladies of Sigma Phi
Zeta chapter, as well as the Zeta Amicae of Waukegan. Acts of senseless violence claimed
the lives of close family and friends of both groups as the summer began. In spite of our grief,
the Sorors and Friends made a conscious decision to stand up against hopelessness and
despair by joining over 1,500 others at the 5th Annual Lake County Ceasefire Block Party.
The Lake County Ceasefire Block Party is held annually by the Ceasefire-North Chicago Anti-
Violence Program in partnership with other community activist groups in the Lake County
area such as Community Action, the Family First Center, and others.
12
The Pearlette, Amicette and Archonette Clubs of Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Phi Zeta chapter started their 2013-2014 year off with a bang. Hosting an Informational at Zion Public Library on October 26, 2013, returning Amicette Jasmine Brown greeted guests and explained why she loves being a part of the Blue and White family. Next, an ice breaker of Zeta “Zingo” was in order and the girls and parents got to know one another while looking for someone wearing earrings, someone whose mother was a Zeta, someone who was a cheerleader, and someone wearing blue and white. Returning Amicette, Kayla Stephens was the first person to find someone in the room to match the descriptions on her “Zingo” card securing her a prize. The informational was a success and secured six new members! The following week, the Youth participated in their first community service project of the year, at Bernie’s Book Bank. The Pearlettes placed stickers on all the books while the Amicettes, Archonettes, Amicae and Zetas bagged and boxed the books for delivery. Our Youth worked so efficiently, that they were asked to slow down so the next group would have some work to do! Bernie’s Book Bank donates books to low income schools and to the health department to distribute to kids who are sick or just received their shots. To date, they have delivered 1.8 million books. There are only seven employees that pick up and drop off books, so all sorting, stamping, bagging and boxing is done by volunteers such as Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Youth. The Youth will be volunteering at Kukla Towers Senior Building as well as the Food Pantry later this year. Next on their list is a visit to Northwestern for workshops with the Zetas of Nu Sigma chapter.
The Youth Auxiliaries of Sigma Phi Zeta Submitted by Soror Valerie Harmon - Youth Advisor
Sigma Phi Zeta Youth on the Move
13
The Royal Blue Dove Scholarship promotes educational excellence by awarding scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools in the Lake County area. We recognize those young women who have maintained an excellent scholastic record while demonstrating concern for others by participating in community service related activities. To earn the Elsye Williams Exchange Club of North Chicago Gift at the end of their senior year, they must maintain a 3.0 GPA; maintain residency in the city of North Chicago, and demonstrate outstanding community service in the city of North Chicago. This year, North Chicago Community High School student Shadezja Garrett, was the recipient of both! Shadezja, who finished her high school education with a 3.8 GPA, has settled in at Eastern Illinois University and is enjoying college life. She plans to major in Music with an emphasis on Teacher Certification. Miss Garrett plans to become a music teacher.
The 2013 Royal Blue Dove Scholarship Recipient
The Youth Auxiliaries of Sigma Phi Zeta
2013 Youth Awards The Youth of Sigma Phi Zeta ended their 2012-
2013 year with a Scholarship and Awards
Breakfast at InLaws Restaurant where youth
received awards for their outstanding
participation. Two members were also
recognized and awarded financial gifts.
Justice Moore, also a graduate of North Chicago
High School, received a partial scholarship to play
basketball at Kankakee Community
College. Standing at 6’1”, Justice plays the
center position with the Kankakee Cavaliers. She
is grateful for her financial gift as it has helped
with her living expenses.
Amira Williams was also awarded a financial gift. Amira is a graduate of Zion Township High
School and is currently attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Having two other
siblings in college, Amira was especially happy to receive her scholarship. Her mother, Leslie
Williams, said, “having three children in college is a challenge but she is glad they are seeking
higher education”. She is also thankful for the support given by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Both
her daughters have been recipients of scholarships from The Royal Blue Dove Foundation.
If you would like to help Sigma Phi Zeta continue to award local youth with our Royal Blue Dove scholarship, please contact us!
14
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Lake County
The 2013 Lake County Pan-Hel Picnic
The Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth, Illinois was the location of the 2013 Lake County Pan-
Hellenic Council Picnic. This annual celebration of the bonds between the lake county
chapters of the nine historically black Greek-letter organizations is held to mark the end of
the fraternal service calendar for the year, and enjoy one another. Members of all nine
organizations, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa
Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi
Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., bring their families and have a great time playing games and
engaging in friendly competitions.
Sigma Phi Zeta chapter is proud to serve the residents of Lake County alongside these
amazing organizations.
15
Zetas attend Phi Beta Sigma’s 2nd Annual Summer Madness Fundraiser
Scholarship is deep in the hearts of the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
and it is equally as important to our brothers of Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity. Locally, the men of Nu Lambda Sigma chapter work hard
to create scholarship opportunities for deserving Lake County youth by
hosting their annual all-white
party; Sigma Summer Madness.
This year’s Summer Madness
party was held at the Round
Lake Beach Civic and Cultural
Center in Round Lake Beach,
Illinois. Guests were invited to
try their hand, no pun intended,
at winning great prizes, while
enjoying the music of Aniba
Hotep and the Sol Collective.
Soror Ciera McNeal, standing next to her 9-year-old daughter Chaiya,
speaks to a crowd of more than 200 people in Zion, Illinois. Soror
McNeal organized this prayer vigil Saturday, Aug. 24, in honor of 5-
month-old Joshua Summeries who was missing in August. Soror
McNeal’s vigil helped to soothe some of the hurt community members
were feeling in the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy.
In a statement to the press, Soror McNeal remarked, “We may not be a
big city like Chicago, and in the news all the time, but we will show
America that we as Zion stand together”.
Mobilizing for Change
Visible Partners Speaking to our commitment to show ourselves as visible partners with
our communities in a social as well as a service setting, the National Pan-
Hellenic Council of Lake County
has begun to host social
gatherings in local Lake County
businesses.
The first of this season’s social
events was a trip to Sharky’s in
Round Lake Beach for a Game
Night! Members of the “Divine 9”
were present to watch the rivalry
game between the Chicago
Bears and the Green Bay
Packers.
16
The 2013 March of Dimes March For Babies
The 2013 Walk To End Lupus
The 2013 Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
SPZ In Your Community
17
The Lake County Fair in Partnership with Vista Health Center
The Foss Park Halloween Party for Children
Habitat For Humanity
Want to see more photos of
Sigma Phi Zeta in action?
Check out our Facebook
page!
Facebook.com/
LakeCountyZetas
18
thoughts... final
Sigma Phi Zeta ExpoZé Editor– In-Chief
There is a longstanding joke among members of our sorority that I
don't think they'll mind me sharing with you.
Are you listening?
Here it is:
"We go on vacation in the summer."
Taking a look back at the pages of this edition of the ExpoZé, it's
very clear to see that the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority don't seem
to ever take a vacation. We couldn’t even list everything!
You see, when you are conscious of the community around you,
and its needs, and have the passion and drive to be action-
oriented and accountable about it, you will always have something
to do. There will always be a cause to fight for and a banner to hold.
Both nationally and locally, the women of Zeta Phi Beta use every month as an opportunity to change
the world. We hope that this issue of our newsletter has shown you just that. We are proud to serve, and
will continue to do so every chance we get.
It is an absolute privilege and honor to serve my chapter and sisterhood by sharing our work with you.
We encourage you to also visit our website and social media outlets to keep abreast of our upcoming
events and programs. As always, we appreciate you, and the generous gift of your support.
In Sisterly Love & Blessings,
Top Choice salon is owned by Tony Johnson, a native of North
Chicago. The welcoming atmosphere in this full service, unisex salon
has been the vital component in his retention of clients such as myself
and my family. He has done wonders with my coif for years! Not only
is Tony one of the best stylists, (take it from me), but he employs some
of the best barbers and braiders in Lake County.
Top Choice also participates in Free Hair Cuts for Low Income Families,
which is a great community event. So stop by Top Choice salon for
your new hair style or book your appointment now for our 2014 Old
School Prom.
Top Choice is located at 2528 Sheridan Road in Zion or call 847-246-
3457 ask for Tony and tell him Ciera sent you !!
Do you have a local business you’d like me to cover?
Send us a message! [email protected]
with Soror Ciera McNeal
P.O. Box 9028 Waukegan, IL 60079 224-698-ZETA (9382)
www.sigmaphizeta1920.org
@LakeCountyZetas
@LakeCountyZetas