THE MU KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER · Temika Jones September 9 Angela Reed September 9 Nicole Rhine September 9 Kimberly Williams September 15 Jeri Cook September 16 Monica Willis September

THE MU KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME 2: ISSUE 7

MU KAPPA OMEGA fights TO END Alzheimer’s Through the LONGEST DAY!!!

In This Issue...

Basileus Bylines

SISTER Notes AUGUST & September SOROR BIRTHDAYS

RECAPTURED PEARLS

MKΩ Kudos Money matters

NEW DIMENSIONS OF MKΩ 2016 AKA BOULE

Soror Spotlight Chaplain’s Corner

Calendar At-A-Glance

AKALADES SEPTEMBER 2016

MEETING / ACTIVITY DATE TIME LOCATION

JFT PINK ON THE GREEN GOLF TOURNAMENT OCTOBER 7, 2016 9:00 A.M.

QUAIL VALLEY GOLF COURSE 2880 La Quinta Drive

Missouri City, Texas 77459

MU KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER WORSHIP

& BRUNCH FELLOWSHIP OCTOBER 16, 2016 8:30 A.M.

THE FORT BEND CHURCH 1900 Eldridge Road

Sugar Land, Texas 77478

THE ROUXPOUR 2298 Texas Drive

Sugar Land, Texas 77479

MU KAPPA OMEGA’S ANNUAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM OCTOBER 22, 2016 10:00 A.M.

MISSOURI CITY BAPTIST CHURCH 16816 Quail Valley Park Drive

Missouri City, Texas 77489

TARGET IV TREES FOR HOUSTON OCTOBER 22, 2016 8:00 A.M.

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY 3200 Rosedale Street Houston, Texas 77004


Basileus Bylines Sorors, I hope that you enjoyed your summer break!!! I have lived vicariously through many of your vacation trips and activities!!!! Service to all mankind seems to never take a holiday!

Despite the stormy weather, Sorors Tiffany Brailey and Cassandra DeGraffenreid-King along with our fraternity brothers from the Eta Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated outdid themselves at this year’s Jeans for Teens – Be A Resource for CPS Kids event. The event has not only been a blessing to some deserving and special children and youth, it has also been an inspiration for a number of other chapters. Over 300 pairs of jeans were donated in addition to $2,700 in monetary donations. Thank you Sorors Tiffany Brailey, Cassandra DeGraffenreid-King and the committee members who worked hard to insure the success of the event and the men of Phi Beta Sigma!!!

Thank you Sorors for promoting awareness and making a difference in recognition of the Alzheimer’s Longest Day (Impact Day), and the Gathering Place event, both held at Brentwood Baptist Church!!!! To say that we made a positive impact and lasting impression is an understatement. Awesome job Sorors Monica Green, Tamoka Bellard, Theresa Porter and Vivian Grant!!!

Next stop, Atlanta!! Thank you Soror Monique Shepherd once again for a great Chapter gathering!!!!!! Thank you Sorors for your support and participation in the 2018 Boule Welcome Presentation! Congratulations Sorors on your recognition as a 2016 EAF South Central Region Platinum Chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because of You - amazing Sorors, we again were able to partner with and be official sponsors for Windsor Village Church’s Back 2 School Celebration, Fellowship of Love Church’s Operation Backpack Drop, and Summer SPEAK Academy which provides assistance to students in Jamaica. In addition to our chapter sponsorships a special Thank You is extended to all Sorors who participated and took backpacks and eyeglasses to Boule. As usual, you touched lives near and far, leaving others in awe of your community service efforts!!!! Thank you Soror Abena Andrews and Soror Shari Thomas!!! Kudos to Soror Kim O’Neal who was an organizer of the event at The Fellowship of Love Church!

Over the river and through the woods did our Soror Stephanie Boyd-Rogers go, all the way to Africa with 41 beautiful dresses designed and sewn by our own talented Sorors. Additionally, 21 dresses were donated at Boule for the Little Dresses to Africa Project. KBC Kenya recognized Mu Kappa Omega for our 8 year partnership and support of their missionary work in Kenya at the Windsor Village United Methodist Women’s “Women and the Word Breakfast”. I’m so proud and appreciative of Soror Stephanie Boyd-Rogers and our many talented seamstresses!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Mu Kappa Omega Partnered with the Brentwood Foundation and AARP to host a “Shred Day”!!! Thanks to Sorors Yvette Mitchell, Richelle Brewster and all of the beautiful Sorors who weathered the rain to boost environmental sustainability!! You didn’t just assist with shredding – you saved trees, water, and electricity and reduced air pollutants!!!!

Our infamous Pink on the Green Golf Tournament is fast approaching!!! The tournament is the only fundraiser to support our award winning community programs and funds the majority of scholarships that we award to the many deserving students. Sorors, it takes all of us doing our part to insure the success of the event!!! You don’t want to miss the opportunity to support this Amazing event!!!! EVERY SOROR OF MU KAPPA OMEGA HAS A CRITICAL ROLE AND MUST RAISE $125 (but don’t stop there). You can satisfy your $125 assessment by making a personal $125 donation; purchase or solicit a Golf Tournament Sponsor item; sign up at least One Golfer or you could have sold raffle tickets. Sorors, I believe in you and that this is going to a record breaking year with us raising over $100,000!!!! See you at the Golf Tournament on October 7, 2016!!!!! Sisterly love,


Sister Notes


August Soror Birthdays

.

Melanie Little August 17

Jessica Hill August 19

Lisa Allen August 23

Lisa Manuel August 23

Romnii Ross August 23

Angie Curtis August 24

Doris Jackson August 24

Carol Steans August 24

Wanda Williams August 25

Cassandra DeGraffenreid-King August 26

Cara Hoskins August 26

Charlene Harper August 26

Sharmagne Taylor August 27

Monica Monroe August 28

Cheryl Gayden-Hicks August 30

Patricia Arbuckle August 31

Vanessa Southard August 31

…and this song’s better than a Hallmark® card!

That’s why we’re singing… happy birthday Sorors…

We celebrate you, our PINK and GREEN RoCKsTaRs!

We’re glad you came our way, just so you could hear us

say….Happy, happy birthday Sorors…

Happy, happy birthday …Sorors!!!

Written & Arranged by: Soror Sharron A. Crayton

Monika May August 2

Alicia Martin August 5

Valeria Montgomery August 8

Laura Collins August 10

Deatrice McDaniel-Parsons August 10

Frances Plummer August 10

Nahdra Curry August 11

Tamara Davidson August 11

Lucretia Stanfield August 12

Yolanda Green August 12

Walleen Williams August 12

Fayetta Tasby August 2

DeMonica Gladney August 13

Fern Dawkins August 14

Midora Mitchell August 14

Monique Barber August 15

Jessica Bass August 16

Arielle Phillips August 16

Happy, happy birthday Sorors…




Oh how we love our chapter Sorors!

A Unified Journey in Service and Sisterhood…

We play hard, and still we rack awards!!!


September Soror Birthdays

…and this song’s better than a Hallmark® card!

That’s why we’re singing… happy birthday Sorors…




Happy, happy birthday …Sorors!!!

Written & Arranged by: Soror Sharron A. Crayton

Happy, happy birthday Sorors…




Oh how we love our chapter Sorors!

A Unified Journey in Service and Sisterhood…

We play hard, and still we rack awards!!!

Madleyn Nunn September 18

Yolanda Nimmer-Williams September 20

Melva Parker September 21

Cassandra Spencer September 21

Carol Barnes September 22

Stephanie Boyd-Rogers September 22

Maudrie Leger September 22

Kimberly Montgomery September 23

Thereza Shanklin September 23

Natasha Taylor September 23

Jacqueline Caviel September 24

Loucrea McKinzie September 27

Helen Matson September 28

Janna Shepherd September 28

Kimberly Green September 30

Dondra Phills September 30

Keisha Selve September 30

Vanese S. Berry September 1

Dawn Broussard September 1

Johnella Bradford September 2

Jocelyn Kerl September 2

Kathryn Wallace September 2

Edith Steans September 4

Monica Akompi September 7

Reshonda Tate-Billingsley September 7

Sonya Cobbin September 8

Karen Gibson September 8

Cassye Cook Provost September 9

Temika Jones September 9

Angela Reed September 9

Nicole Rhine September 9

Kimberly Williams September 15

Jeri Cook September 16

Monica Willis September 17


Recaptured Pearls

Soror Cassandra Spencer

MKΩ Kudos

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MU KAPPA OMEGA REGIONAL & NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS!!!

Soror Courtnei Brass AKA South Central Region’s Protocol Team

Soror Jacqueline Caviel AKA South Central Region’s Southeast Texas Cluster Coordinator

Soror Twila R. Dotson AKA South Central Region’s Protocol Team

Soror Adrienne E. Gibson AKA South Central Region’s Protocol Co-chairman

Soror Karen T. Gibson AKA South Central Region’s Diamond/Golden/Silver Liaison

Soror Monica Green AKA South Central Region’s Photography Team

Soror Madelyn Nunn AKA’s 2018 International Boule Co-Chairman

Soror Morgan Gaskin Thomas AKA South Central Region’s Communications Chairman

Soror Jacqueline J. Watson AKA South Central Region’s Legal Team Lead


Money Matters

Important Financial Information The 2017 Budget will be voted on at the October meeting. You must be a member in good standing to cast your vote on the budget. Please make sure you take care of your financial obligations. Per the chapter’s financial guidelines, Mu Kappa Omega accepts installment payments towards dues between the months of October and December. Once the budget is approved in October, you will be able to pay installments in MOOLAH as well as at the Finance table. PLEASE NOTE – before 2017 chapter dues are remitted to the Corporate office, you must meet the 2016 JFT Assessment (See JFT/POG reports). Financial Procedures Financial obligations must be handled PRIOR to sorority meeting to be considered a member in good standing during the meeting. Therefore, the finance team asks that Sorors remitting funds via MOOLAH do so on or before the Monday prior to sorority meeting. This procedure will allow the finance team adequate time to record and process all payments and revise the “members in good standing” list for sorority meeting. MOOLAH payments remitted after the Monday prior to sorority meeting may not be processed until after sorority meeting. Financial Tips How to Budget Like a Pro 1. Set a budget. This is the starting point for every other goal in your life. 2. Consider an all-cash diet. If you’re consistently overspending, this will break you out of that rut. Minimize the usage of credit cards. 3. Take a daily Money Minute. Set aside one minute each day to check on her financial transactions. This 60-second act helps identify problems immediately, keep track of goal progress, and set your spending tone for the rest of the day. Friendly Reminders: - Please visit the Finance Table during chapter meeting if you have not picked up your 2016 financial card. - If you have not received your 2014 Bylaws and Manual of Standard Procedure, please visit the Finance Table during chapter meeting to pick up your copies.

The Finance table will close after Sisterly Relations to allow the Finance Team to participate in Chapter business. Since the finance table is often quite busy during chapter meeting, the finance team encourages questions anytime throughout the month. If you have any questions please do not wait until the next meeting. We encourage you to contact us at our new e-mail address [email protected]. We hope you had a wonderful summer vacation!

In Sisterly Spirit, THE FINANCE TEAM


New Dimensions of MKΩ

2016 BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION IN SUPPORT OF ONE MILLION BACKPACKS On Saturday, August 20, 2016 Mu Kappa Omega partnered with the Windsor Village Church in a Back 2 School Celebration. The event was a huge success and the Mu Kappa Omega Sorors were in FORMATION! We had over 30 volunteers including sorors, family, and friends and superseded the volunteer hours of any other participating organization. Our presence and hands on participation was visible as we rocked our pink paraphernalia and showed the community we are truly a service driven organization. We provided assistance with registration, organization, vetting special needs participants, and working the hospitality and food service areas. Sorors came with their sleeves rolled up, with their smiles on and ready to work. The event organizers were very grateful for our help and overall professionalism. The Mu Kappa Omega Chapter donated 250 backpacks and helped pass out over 2000 backpacks to the community. Sorors began helping 4 days leading up to the big day. We separated papers, counted folders, stuffed backpacks with supplies, organized stationaries, and more. Our perfectly pink and green sections reached hundreds of students, providing them with the confidence to go back to school with all the materials needed to succeed. We gave away 576 pencils, 216 boxes of crayons, 216 rulers, 216 folders and 120 scissors. Thank you sorors from the 1Million Backpacks Committee!



MU KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER PARTICIPATES IN THE AARP FRAUD WATCH SHRED EVENT On Saturday, September 10, 2016, Mu Kappa Omega Sorors volunteered on behalf of Target IV Environmental Ownership in the Fraud Watch Shred Event. The event was hosted by AARP and held at Brentwood Baptist Church located at 13033 Landmark, Houston, TX. AARP representatives and Mu Kappa Omega Sorors arrived at 9am and worked until noon assisting community members with shredding their personal documents and disposing of electronic goods. Mu Kappa Omega was an official sponsor of the event with AARP and Brentwood Community Foundation. Sorors assisted community members and shredded approximately 10,000 pounds of paper! This event was coordinated by Sorors Richelle Brewster and Yvette Mitchell.

MU KAPPA OMEGA & ETA RHO SIGMA CHAPTERS HOST THE 2016 JEANS FOR TEENS Mu Kappa Omega Sorors collaborated with the Eta Rho Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated for the now annual Jeans For Teens event! We collected brand new pairs of jeans and monetary donations for BE A Resource for CPS Kids. BEAR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring dignity and hope to abused and neglected children involved in CPS. The director and staff were excited that we chose their organization to make a donation again. We collected over 300 pairs of jeans and raised $2700 in monetary donations. The Jeans For Teens Committee and BEAR would like to thank you for your support!



MU KAPPA OMEGA PARTICIPATES IN “THE LONGEST DAY EVER” "The Longest Day" honors the strength, heart and endurance of those facing Alzheimer's disease. Held annually on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers. Mu Kappa Omega members were charged with creating their own experience and participating in an activity to honor someone facing the disease. On Monday, June 20, 2016, a total of 61 Sorors dedicated one hour to engaging in physically- or mentally-stimulating activities like Zumba, running, yoga and prayer, to name a few. Sorors also shared information on the ten warning signs of

Alzheimer's disease with co-workers, family and friends.

Additionally, Mu Kappa Omega partnered with the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Ministry at Brentwood Baptist Church to host a "Care for Caregivers" event focused on catering to caregivers who give so selflessly to their loved ones. The Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association delivered a presentation on effective communication strategies. The 22 Sorors in attendance helped caregivers relax and make scented bath salts, decorative picture frames and stress balls. Sorors also provided hand massages, led chair yoga and prayed for the 15 caregivers in attendance.

Lastly, this event provided the opportunity to raise funds to fuel the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Asso-ciation. We raised $160.00 for the cause. Currently, there are over 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's Disease, and those numbers are expected to triple by 2050. It is imperative that we promote greater understanding of the disease and its symptoms so that it can be detected and treated early.


Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. held their 67th Boule in Atlanta, GA, the “Peachtree City”’ on July 9-14. The Theme was “Launching New Dimensions of Service: A Legacy of Sisterhood and Worldwide Impact”. Over 18,000 Sorors from all over the US and abroad attended.

Sorors provided 23 Moments of Service. Some of these included: AKA 1 million backpacks, Family Seasonal Wraps Drive, Used Eyewear Recycling and Think HBCU Expo & Photo Fundraiser, just to name a few. Sorors also attended numerous fo-rums and workshops with many topics of interest to select from. There was an amazing array of speakers and special guests attending the Boule, providing Sorors with their knowledge and expertise.

Now of course our Sorors worked hard as usual, but they enjoyed the down time as well in the ATL. There were numerous luncheons, dinners, parties and concerts to attend. In addition, there were also many attractions to visit in Atlanta as well, and Sorors took advantage of this great opportunity.

The 67th Boule culminated with a Formal Banquet. There was an immense sea of Sorors in their beautiful white gowns. They enjoyed a delicious meal and the sisterly fellowship with one another. It was an absolutely beautiful evening! We can hardly wait for the 68th Boule which will be held in our very own Houston, TX. In 2018!


Soror Spotlight

Soror Dana E. Thompson Date Joined MKΩ: 2008 Chapter and Year of Initiation: Gamma Psi, Spring 1988 University and Degree: HBCU - Texas Southern University - B.A. Psychology, Minor in Communication Disorders; New Mexico State University, Our Lady of the Lake University (Attended for Graduate School) Occupation and Employer: Speech Therapist, Alief ISD’s Speech & Learning Center Hometown: San Antonio, Texas Favorite Songs: “The Greatest Love,” Whitney Houston Favorite Movie: I have several favorites...The Color Purple is one Favorite Restaurant: The Melting Pot Fondest AKA Memories: Becoming a Legacy and becoming a Silver Star Favorite Travel Destination: Madrid, Spain; Las Vegas, Nevada; Clearwater, Florida Three Words that Best Describe You: Compassionate, Loving and Outgoing One thing most people do not know about you: Dance is my first love! I danced professionally for the Carver Experimental Dance Repertory Company (CEDRC) in San Antonio, TX. Short-Term Goal: Saving to furnish my new home, volunteering for more charitable organizations (child advocates, etc.) and exercising more. Long-Term Goal: Serving God in a different ministry in my church, working with assisting children to communicate effectively, travel and even getting married again!

Soror Theresa Burroughs Date Joined MKΩ: February 2016

Chapter and Year of Initiation: Gamma Psi, Fall 1979 University and Degree: HBCU, Texas Southern University, B. S. in Education

Occupation and Employer: Retired HISD Teacher Hometown: New York City, New York

Favorite Songs: “Get Here,” by Oleta Adams Favorite Movie: Imitation of Life

Favorite Restaurant: Sullivan’s Steakhouse Fondest AKA Memories: The initiation ceremony

Favorite Travel Destination: Hawaii, and on the road to Hana Maui Three Words that Best Describe You: Caring, Kind and Classy

One thing most people do not know about you: I am learning to play the piano Short-Term Goal: To occupy my time with service to others

Long-Term Goal: To run in the Boston Marathon


AKAlades is published monthly for the members of the Mu Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Our mailing address is: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., P.O. Box 1097, Missouri City, Texas 77459.

Sorors are encouraged to submit newsworthy information for consideration to the Editorial Team. Editorial Team Members/Contributing Writers: Vikki Berry, Danielle Bess, Kimberly Cooper Jones, Sharron Crayton, Monica Green,

Jessica Hill, Arlette May, Madelyn Nunn, Ashley Odom and Lucretia Stanfield

Don't let your past determine your future; Christ took care of it all at the cross!

Sorors, have you ever imagined that remembering or holding on to your past could hinder your future? Romans 3:13 reminds us of the importance of letting go of the past and pressing toward our future. If we were running a race and came to a section of cheering fans, if we stopped to bask in the glow of their admiration, we might never reach the finish line, the greater goal. We love the comfortable place.

We often have those moments when we smile and reminisce about the good old days or special ways we felt, joyful or sorrowful. Sometimes there are those days when things just don't seem to be progressing as planned. Perhaps, because our failures or negative words spoken to or about us, we don't believe that this particular success can really be ours. Soror, what's your hold up? I'm here to remind us that these victories are already ours! We've got to get into the right position to receive. We definitely cannot move toward the future when our hands are tightly gripping so many things of yesterday. Yes, those things may have been tons of fun. He may have looked like the right one and said exactly what we needed to hear. Are we stuck in an earlier decade, afraid of a new adventure? Have words spoken over us cut so deeply that we are no longer motivated to take a chance anymore? Whatever it is, let’s leave it here, right now!

Regardless of all of the things we have encountered or experienced, the only things keeping us away from our breakthrough is the way we think about it and what we are focusing on. Changing the way we think, basing our thoughts on who God created us to be and who we are in Him will propel us further than we could have ever imagined. Remember, we are new creatures in Him. There is nothing that we can do to separate us from His love. We can trust Him! Hosea 6:1-3 says the Lord will heal us, revive us and restore us.

Today, beautiful Sorors, let's not be hindered by our thoughts. Let's Renew our minds with the word of God by talking to Him even more and finding out where God wants to take us. Although the past may have been good, it's got nothing on our future trusting God to take us further than we thought possible!

Sisterly, Soror Kimberly Jones Mu Kappa Omega Chaplain 2015-2016

Chaplain’s Corner

Please Keep In Your Prayers… - Please continue to be in prayer for all of our Sorors, family members and community members who have been impacted by the devastating flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. - Please continue to pray for Soror Margaret Allen and Soror Mattie Ford. - Please be in prayer for Soror Tasha Williams and her family, they are mourning the passing of her aunt, Ms. Brenda Simmons. Services were held on Thursday, September 8, 2016. - Please be in prayer for Sorors Ivy Levingston, Lyndsay Christian (Levingston), Midora Mitchell, Jessica Hill and their family, they are mourning the passing of Soror Ivy's mother, Mrs. Wade Ella Davis. Her services were held on Saturday, September 10, 2016. - Please be in prayer for Soror Oguna Taylor's sister-in-law, Avis Denise Channell. She remains hospitalized but has improved. They thank you for the prayers. - Please be in prayer for Soror Marva Adams' family and our Alpha Kappa Omega Sorors. Soror Marva recently passed. Her services were held on Saturday, September 10, 2016. - Please be in prayer for Soror Kim O’Neal’s husband Issac O’Neal’s speedy recovery.

Documents

THE MU KAPPA OMEGA CHAPTER · Temika Jones September 9 Angela Reed September 9 Nicole Rhine September 9 Kimberly Williams September 15 Jeri Cook September 16 Monica Willis September