IVYETTE THE. Greetings from the Basileus. Happy Thanksgiving, Sorors!

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1 THE IVYETTE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Chi Omega Chapter P.O. Box Alexandria, VA November 2014 Volume I4, Issue 11 Greetings from the Basileus Happy Thanksgiving, Sorors! As we approach the close of 2014, let us be thankful for our family, friends, and this wonderful sisterhood. As we reflect on all of the many blessings that have come our way, let us remember those who are in need and cheerfully share our time, talents, and resources so that we may be a blessing to others. October A huge thanks to all sorors and committees for services rendered in the month of October. AKAlades to Sorors Angela Turner, Chiquita King, and the NOVA NPHC for hosting a wonderful Presidents Reception held on October 9, Tea Roses to the Global Poverty Initiative and Social Justice & Human Rights Initiative Committees for an excellent Homeless Veterans Forum held on October 16, On October 19, 2014, the History Committee s History Book Release event was held in special recognition of our award-winning Chapter history book, Crown Jewels and Cultured Pearls Along the Ivy Vine, and Chapter organizer, Soror Evelyn Reid Syphax. Congratulations to all for a job well done! November There are several Chapter events and projects planned for November, including: NWVA Cluster, Brunch with the Basileus, Cooley-Moore Scholarship Luncheon Fashion Show, Project StepOut, Carpenter s Shelter Meal Service, Project Giveback, and more. NWV CLUSTER On Saturday, November 1, 2014, the Northern Western Virginia Cluster will take place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA. For the Chapter s roll call, we will need an accurate account of the number of sorors in attendance. Therefore, please check-in with Soror Chiquita King upon arrival. Your attendance will be recorded for the Chapter files as well as end-of-the-year reporting. If you have not had an opportunity to drop off your backpacks, you may bring them onsite to the Cluster; please check-in with Sorors Breanna Gray or Taylor Moon. NOVEMBER CHAPTER MEETING As a final reminder, our November Chapter meeting has been moved to the second Saturday, November 8, Election of officers will take place from 10:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. The polls will officially close at 11:45 a.m. Election results will be given prior to the close of the meeting. We will vote on the proposed 2015 items: Chapter budget, Chapter Activity Calendar, and Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia, Inc. Program Funding Request. In addition, sorors who have not yet completed our end-of-year Chapter Assessment are asked to do so and return to the Standards Committee prior to our Chapter meeting. In preparation for this meeting, all sorors are asked to download the aforementioned Chapter documents and review them in advance. As a friendly reminder, this meeting will serve as our official HBCU kickoff meeting, so don t forget to wear your HBCU t-shirts! Meeting attire is business casual no warmups or jeans, please. For additional Think HBCU information, please refer to the Anti- Basileus report. (continued on page 3)

2 November 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 1 NWV Custer - Richmond, VA Election Day 5 6 Executive Committee Meeting 7:00 PM - CHC 7 8 General Membership Meeting 10:00 AM Election of Officers 9 10 Membership Committee meeting - 7:00 p.m. - LC 11 Veterans Day Project StepOut - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Bylaws Committee conference call NOVA NPHC Happy Hour, 5:00 p.m., Cheesecake Factory, Tysons Corner, VA Brunch with the Basileus, 10:30 a.m., Finn & Porter Restaurant, 5000 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA *Cooley Moore Scholarship Luncheon Fashion Show Carpenter s Shelter - 12:00 noon Standards Committee meeting-chc- 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m Project Giveback - 8:00 a.m., 6343 S. Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA THANKSGIVING DAY *This is an IFNV event. American Diabetes Month

3 Spirit and Inspiration Basileus Report - cont d. from page 1 Soror Stephanie Woodland Kelly, Member Spirit & Inspiration Committee Happy Thanksgiving! Gratitude At this time of year as we approach the holiday season, we can prepare to hear that greeting frequently. Typically, the greeting is expressed only in acknowledgement of the national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The one day each year that we set aside for thankfulness and gorging ourselves on a feast of comfort foods surrounded by family and friends. Perhaps, we should consider using this greeting all year, on a daily basis, as thankfulness and gratitude should be engrained in every aspect of our daily lives. Gratitude means thankfulness, and I believe that the following quote captures that thought beautifully. Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie In today s society where we already consume so much, there seems to be a constant demand for even more. I think it s crucial for each of us to remember that we have enough, that we are enough and when we are grateful for all that we have and all that we are, the unfolding contentment will sustain us. The November Chapter meeting will be your last opportunity to purchase tickets for the November 16 th Cooley- Moore Scholarship Luncheon Fashion Show. Proceeds provide scholarships to deserving students in the Arlington and Alexandria communities, so please come out and show your support, or make a donation to our scholarship program. On Saturday, November 15, 2014, the Membership Committee is hosting a reactivation Brunch with the Basileus event. Please invite inactive sorors to join me at 10:30 a.m. at Finn & Porter, Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA In addition to food, fun and fellowship, this is a great opportunity to acquaint and reacquaint sorors with Zeta Chi Omega. For additional information, please contact the Membership Committee at membership@aka-zco.org. December The December Chapter meeting, (joint meeting with Sigma Alpha) will take place on December 6, 2014 at the Fort Myer Officers Club, Fort Myer, Virginia. Immediately following the meeting, our 2015 officers will be installed. In addition, join the Membership Committee for a festive holiday luncheon, where our 2014 Chapter awards will be presented. DECEMBER LUNCHEON DETAILS: The cost of the luncheon is $23 for sorors and $30 for visiting sorors. You may make your payment at the November General Membership meeting or online via PayPal. If payments are mailed to the Chapter P.O. Box, they must be postmarked by Wednesday, November 26, Please contact the Membership Committee for additional information. Come out and support our Chapter events get engaged today! Yours in sisterhood and service, HAPPY THANKSGIVING Count your blessings... be grateful....share love 3

4 Officers Reports Anti-Basileus Soror Rhonda Luss The Northern Western Virginia Cluster will be held on November 1, 2014 at the Richmond Convention Center, 403 N Third St, Richmond, VA Our very own, Soror Crystal Lander, Mid-Atlantic Representative to the International Program Committee, will present the Program Committee report. Come and learn all about the sorority s new program, Launching New Dimensions of Service sm. Finally, don t forget that the Chapter will be participating in Project Giveback s annual Thanksgiving Basket Distribution Day on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the Kappa House, 6343 S. Kings Hwy. in Alexandria, VA. Please see Sorors Sade Demy or Carol Gibson for more details. Think HBCU Happy Veterans Day to all veterans! In the United States, Veterans Day falls annually on November 11 th. Originally Armistice Day, it is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in Now Veterans Day is a federal holiday that honors and celebrates all veterans who have served during peace or wartime. Let us all remember to thank our Veterans for their service, and to all our soror veterans, tea roses to you for your service. Sorors, can you believe that it s the holiday season? Happy Thanksgiving! November is a good time for giving. So don t forget to donate items for the Thanksgiving basket for the Carpenter s Shelter. Also, don t forget, if you are not attending the Cooley-Moore Luncheon Fashion Show, the Global Poverty Initiative Committee asks that you volunteer to serve lunch to the residents of the Carpenter s Shelter on Sunday, November 16, Lunch is served at 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Volunteers need to be onsite for setup by 11:30 a.m. and stay to clean up until 1:30 p.m. The Global Poverty Initiative Committee and Social Justice and Human Rights Initiative Committee hosted a very informative awareness program on the plight of homeless veterans entitled, Transitions, A Forum on Homeless Veterans. Tea roses to both committees and special thanks to Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey for her excellent work and dedication to making this program successful. We are asking members to engage in a host of Chapter activities in support of our Think HBCU national campaign. Please show your HBCU spirit by wearing your HBCU t-shirts (or sport your school s colors) at the November Chapter meeting and participating in an HBCU photo shoot! At any time, all sorors may submit their pictures individually. Lastly, it's not too late to help out the HBCUs. Participate in the 08 campaign by donating a minimum of $8 to your favorite HBCU. Don't have a favorite? Donate to all of them by selecting the General Fund at the 'Members Only' section of the Corporate website ( For more information on the Think HBCU initiative contact Sorors Courtnay Williams or Angela Turner. 4

5 Program Initiatives Soror Adria Tippins-Owens, Chairman Greetings Sorors! Connection Committee It's Time To VOTE! Soror Amirah Salaam, Co-Chairman The Connection Committee writes to encourage you to exercise your right to vote during the upcoming November midterm elections. Recently, President Barack Obama spoke on local radio stations and during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation s Conference to express how important it is for all people, especially African-Americans, to vote during the midterm elections. Typically, the voter turnout is much higher for the presidential elections and only close to 42% during the midterm elections. In order to help President Obama fulfill his domestic policy priorities related to unemployment, poverty, education, and health care, it is imperative that we elect congressional leaders who will support these issues. The stakes are just as high now as they were when we voted during the presidential elections in 2008 and Voter Suppression Laws: Voters in nearly half the country could head to the polls in November worse off than they were four years ago. Many state legislatures have passed laws that could suppress the right to vote. Since the 2010 election, new voting restrictions are slated to be in place in 22 states, including Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The new laws range from photo ID requirements to early voting cutbacks and voter registration restrictions. Partisanship and race were key factors in this movement. Most restrictions passed through Republican (GOP)-controlled legislatures and in states with increases in minority turnout. states since 2012 in states such as Maryland and the Nation s Capital. The most common improvements were online registration and other measures to modernize voter registration, and increased early voting. Voting Registration Information for November 4 th Elections Virginia Sorors - Please note, there is a change in the voter identification law in VA effective July 1, 2014 that will be enforced. The following identification cards are acceptable to vote: Valid Virginia DMV issued Veteran s ID card Valid United States Passport Other government-issued photo identification cards (must be issued by US Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth) Valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia) Employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer s business, or Virginia Voter Photo ID Card obtained through any local general registrar s office A voter who does not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls will be offered a provisional ballot -- ( Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Maryland Sorors- Please visit the following website for additional information: Additional Resources: What is the cumulative effect of this legislative movement? As of now, a few days before the 2014 midterm elections, new voting restrictions are set to be in place in 22 states, including the DMV. However, there has also been some positive momentum. Laws to improve the election system and increase voting access passed in 16 5

6 Program Initiatives Global Poverty Initiative Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Chairman Third Thursday Forum (Homeless Veterans) On October 16 th, the Global Poverty and Social Justice & Human Rights (SJHR) Initiative Committees hosted the Third Thursday Program, Transitions - A Forum on Homeless Veterans, at the Nannie Lee Center. Homelessness in a developed nation is inexcusable, but homelessness among the military community is even more shameful. These citizens have sacrificed for their country, often risking their lives to protect American freedoms. The forum promoted awareness of Homeless Veterans to the community and our organization, as well as an ongoing effort to address this issue (at the federal, state and local levels). National, State and the local level representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs were present. A former homeless veteran also shared her story of how she overcame homelessness. The forum was very informative and provided opportunities for us as an organization to support this issue. A special thanks to those sorors who helped to bring this forum to fruition. The support, which included identifying guest panelists, setting up, preparing refreshments, and clean up, helped to make the program a success. We couldn t have done it without you. You are truly a blessing! Back: Mr. Leslie Matt, Ms. Ms. Lisa Pape, Soror Julia Cleckley, Soror Lucretia McClenney, Ms. Jennifer Lopez, Ms. Deborah Snyder Front: Sorors Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Rhonda Luss, (Anti-Basileus), Joyce Henderson (MARD), Kendra Gillespie (Basileus), Kendra White Soror Shani Provost, in partnership with the Global Poverty Initiative Committee, collected $1, in monetary donations from the chapter for the AIC Girls Boarding School in Nairobi, Kenya. The school houses 700 girls between the ages of 6-13; 100 of them are rescuees from Female Genital Mutilation, early child marriage, family abuse or orphans. On September 27 th, Soror Shani traveled to Kenya to participate in a mini-missions trip to purchase necessities for the girls at the school. The school administration compiled a list of necessities to purchase for the rescuees. On average, each girl listed more than three items, far exceeding the funds. With the help of the school administration, Soror Shani ensured that each girl received at least one item on her list. The following list is a breakdown of all the items purchased: 26 pairs of shoes 44 pairs of socks 10 pairs of slippers 17 basins (wash bowls) 38 tunics (uniform skirts) 35 blouses 8 sweaters 24 weekend dresses (clothes to change in to after school hours) Thank you to all those who donated to the mission. The school administration and girls look forward to continuing the partnership and cultivating relationships with the sorority. 6

7 CARPENTER S SHELTER MEAL SERVICE Program Initiatives The Global Poverty Committee hosted the fifth Carpenter's Shelter Meal Service on Sunday, September 21, A hot meal was catered by Mr. Big Boy s Kountry Kookin. There were 19 sorors who volunteered to prepare and serve the meal to 38 residents. We will host the last Carpenter's Shelter Meal Service for 2014 on Sunday, November 16 th from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Don t miss a rewarding opportunity to be of service, as well as an opportunity to work and fellowship with your lovely sorors. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey saundra.mcculloughcobey@verizon.net. Thank you in advance for your support! Carpenter's Shelter Meal Service Preparation-(l-r): Sorors Ambrian Longshaw, Patrice Longshaw. Theresa Tindall, Susie Smith, Marcy Jessup, Dorothy Wigglesworth, Aja Charity Carpenter s Shelter Volunteers - Front (l-r): Sorors Kathy Collier, and Carolyn Lawton; Mr. Willie James and Joe (owner and staff member of Mr. Big Boy's Kountry Kookin ); Sorors Doretta Davis, Saundra McCullough-Cobey; Rear (l-r): Sorors Ambrian Longshaw, Patrice Longshaw, Theresa Tindall, Susie Smith, Mary Jessup, Dorothy Wigglesworth, Aja Charity, Sharon Gregg, Rozena Killen-Johnson, Vendella Jordan, Annie Goshay Carpenter's Shelter Toiletry Donations: (l-r):-sorors Cristina Thomas, Aja Charity, Susie Smith, Carolyn Lawton, Dorothy Wigglesworth, Rozena Killen-Johnson, Marcy Jessup, Doretta Davis, Rhonda Luss, (Anti-Basileus) Ambrian Longshaw, Vendella Jordan, Patrice Longshaw, Marcella, (Carpenter's Shelter Rep), Sharon Gregg, Annie Goshay, Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Theresa Tindall, Kathy Collier 7

8 Program Initiatives Greetings Sorors, Project Giveback Soror Sade Demery, Chairman Soror Carol Gibson, Co-Chairmen We are excited and welcome your volunteerism in helping with the mission which is to provide nourishing meals to families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday season! This year Project Giveback will be celebrating 20 years of service for its annual Thanksgiving Basket Distribution Day! The day of service will take place Saturday, November 22, This year you will have the opportunity to volunteer at either the District of Columbia (Columbia Heights Educational Campus, th Street NW, Washington, DC 20010) or Northern Virginia location (6343 S. Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306). Please identify which location is suitable for you. Please be sure to stop by our registration table during our November Chapter meeting or online at For Your Information: The Nova Project Giveback location is in need of drivers to assist with delivering the baskets. We are still accepting monetary donations from individual sorors to help support a family. Each box is worth $70, and it lasts about two weeks for a family of five. If you have questions, please contact Soror Sade Demery, Chairman, or Soror Carol Gibson, Co-Chairman. Soror DéTisha Joy Page, Chairman Economic Security Initiative I m sure you ll agree this year has flown by. It s time to prepare your finances for the fall season. Here are 10 tips to get your finances in shape before year-end: 1. Increase your retirement contributions. Save 1% more every 6 months. It s an easy way to increase your contributions without a huge hit all at once. 2. Start spending your flexible spending account. You have to use it or lose. 3. Sell losing investments. If you are losing money on a stock or bond, now might be a good time to dump it. It will allow you to offset some of your gains from earlier in the year. 4. Review your health insurance. Most employers have open enrollment around October and November. Take a look now, because your employer could have made changes due to health care reform. 5. Review your insurance coverage. Along with health insurance, take a look at your life, homeowners, auto insurances, etc. 6. Develop a budget for next year. Perhaps you overspent some this year. Now might be a good time to think about what you plan on spending for the holidays as well as next year. 7. Plan for vacations and holidays. It will help you avoid those credit cards at the holidays. It s also a good time to start booking your summer vacation. Lots of savings by shopping early! 8. Winterize. Fall is a great time to start getting your home ready for colder weather. 9. Donations. Fall is also a terrific time to gather up summer clothing you don t need and donate to charity. Get the stuff from the basement and garage and take it to your church or Goodwill and get a tax deduction. 10. Meet with your advisors. It s a great time to review how the year went with your investments and planning. Don t neglect your finances! Take care of this stuff before year-end! fall-financial-tips/ 8

9 Officers Reports Hodegos *Denotes Golden Soror Soror Melanie Mickie NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS Sandra Hemby 2 Chanelle Oliver - 2 Angie Martin - 8 Beverly Ferguson - 9 Jeanne Melvin-Martin - 9 Patricia Monget Richard - 9* Martha Coleman -13 Anita Holmes - 13 Michelle Jones -13 Gwendolyn Everett - 16 Frances Greene - 17 Sharon K. Gibson - 18 Carrie James - 18* Marjorie Williams - 18 Carol Gibson - 20 Staci Luckett - 22 Patricia Harris Thomas - 22 Linda J. Washington - 22 Rebecca Dortch Brown - 26 Carol A. Campbell - 26 Shirley Lyle Liggett - 26 Cipriana Thompson - 26 Brittany Bates - 28 Natalie Taylor - 28 Jessica Smalls Peterson - 29 Tamara Rowe - 30 Please join the November birthday celebrants for lunch after the Chapter Meeting at Rustico Restaurant located at 827 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, VA CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Soror Cipriana D. Thompson! Her company, Soulfully Speaking Photography, was one of two teams awarded the contract to photograph the 44th Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Soror Connie Greene will receive the NGA Alumni Association's 2014 Award for Excellence on November 5 th at a luncheon in her honor, for her professional and personal achievements that have improved the effectiveness and efficiency of NGA operations and benefited her community. GET WELL SOON Soror Regina Duncan recently underwent major heart surgery and is now recuperating at Chevy Chase Chevy Chase Manor, 8700 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD Soror Jacqueline Roundtree recently underwent major back surgery at Reston Hospital and is now at home recovering, 6304 Manchester Way, Alexandria, VA Get well wishes and/or flowers may be sent to the addresses provided. Sorors, let us continue to keep each other lifted up in prayer in trials and celebration. We are stronger when we come together in love, support, and understanding. Tickets are now on sale for "Christmas at Blues Alley with Negleatha "drj" Johnson December 2, 2014 TWO SHOWS 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20.00 and can be purchased at For additional information, please contact: Soror Negleatha Johnson 9

10 Officers Reports Happy Fall! When signing in at Chapter meetings please: Proceed to one of two lines based on the first letter of your last name: A-L and M-Z; Initial the roster; If your contact information is inaccurate on the sign-in roster, please correct it. In addition, sorors may send updates of their contact information to: Reminder: In order to attend a Chapter meeting, a guest soror must show proper credentials; otherwise she will not be admitted into the room. The required credentials must be one of the following: A financial card (old or current); A copy of her Certificate of Initiation; A faxed verification letter or an confirmation from the Corporate Office. Please don t forget to turn in your voter s card at the sign-in table at the end of each Chapter meeting. Pecunious Grammateus Soror Sherry Billingsley Communication Committee Soror Crystal Lander Philacter Soror Annette Champion, Co-Chairman You can pay your Chapter dues online! Thanks to our fantastic technology team, we are now accepting partial or full payment of 2015 dues online. Please note that full payment must be received before you are considered active for Payments can be made in installments of $55, $100 or $255. Are you eligible for Life Membership status? Will you celebrate your Silver Star Anniversary in 2015? If you are planning to become a Silver Star and/or Life Member in 2015, please begin planning now so we can ensure a smooth transition at the Corporate Office. Silver Star Medallions cost $78 plus $10 shipping and handling. You can mail the form yourself or bring it to Chapter meeting and the form can be mailed via the Chapter. Life Membership - please do not pay 2015 per capita fees, just Chapter dues, complete the life membership form and submit to the Grammateus. You must get the Basileus and Grammateus to sign the form. The form is mailed by the soror, not the Chapter. You can start this process right away to expedite the processing for Life Membership Form: This form is to be accompanied by $750.00, $550.00, or $ in the form of a certified or cashier's check, bank draft or money order. Make check payable to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ATTENTION sorors! The dedicated Bylaws Committee members are diligently working on updating the Bylaws to reflect current AKA Soror Hazel Cameron, Chairman policy, clarify vague language, and to make gram- Bylaws Committee matical changes. For those of you who desire to submit a proposed change to the Bylaws, please do so by November 11, Only written proposed changes will be considered. This is your last opportunity before the changes are submitted to the Executive Committee. The next Bylaws Committee meeting will be held on November 11, 2014, via conference call. 10

11 Membership Committee Soror Cora King, Chairman; Sorors Jennifer Brooks, Chris Gray and Marquita Davis, Co-Chairmen Brunch with the Basileus - Help to recapture a lost pearl by inviting them to a brunch with our Basileus, Soror Kendra Gillespie. Invite an inactive soror to join Soror Kendra at Finn and Porter Restaurant, Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA on Saturday, November 15 th at 10:30 a.m. Invitations will be at the November Chapter meeting. Guest sorors must RSVP by November 12 th. Rock the Bells - Join sorors as we usher in the Christmas season at the Holiday Luncheon following the December 6 th Joint Chapter meeting. The cost for the luncheon is $23 per Chapter member, $30 per visiting member, which can be paid by check at the November General Membership meeting or through PayPal. There will be no on-site payment for this event. All payments are due November 23 rd. Sister Circle Gatherings - As the busy holiday season approaches remember to set aside time to spend with sorors. The Membership Committee meeting will be held November 10, :00 p.m. - Lee Center. Standards Committee Committee Reports Report #1 The Budget, prepared by the Tamiouchos and submitted no later than February 1, 2015 Report #2 Statement of Financial Operations, prepared by the Tamiouchos and submitted no later than February 1, 2015 Report #3 Global Leadership Through Timeless Service and other non-global Leadership Through Timeless Service projects, prepared by the Anti- Basileus and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #4 Report of Sorors Graduated during the Year (For Undergraduate Chapters Only), Not applicable to Zeta Chi Omega Report #5 Standards End-of-Year Report and Annual Chapter Records Certification Form, Prepared by the Standards Committee Chairman and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #6 Annual Year-End Report for Chapter Connection Activities, prepared by the Connection Committee Chairman and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #7 Annual Year-End Report for Membership Activities, prepared by the Membership Committee Chairman and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #8 Annual Year-End Report for Archive Activities, prepared by the Archivist and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #9 Foundation/Incorporated Entity/Not for Profit Organization, prepared by the Basileus with the assistance of the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia and submitted by December 31, 2014 Report #10 Annual Chapter Hotel Expenditure Form, prepared by the Contracts Committee Chairman and submitted by December 31, 2014 See a member of the Standards Committee if you have any questions. Soror Vanessa Jackson, Chairman; Sorors Yolanda Gibson, Vendella Jordan, and Danyale Dow, Co-Chairmen The Standards Committee is busy coordinating the completion of the Chapter s end-of-year reporting. The Basileus will receive the Chapter Report Book in the fall mailing and disseminate accordingly. Did you know the Chapter Report Book contains ten reports? The following reports are to be completed: Sorors, please assist your International Award Winning Archives maintain excellent records. Over the years Zeta Chi Omega has been featured in Soror Monique Robinson the Ivy Leaf. We would like to archive all the submissions. So instead of donating an old Ivy Leaf, could you please remove the Zeta Chi Omega article, (laminate it, if possible) and give it to a member of the Archives Committee. Archivist 11

12 Awards Committee Soror Carla Haynes Harper, Chairman Soror Amirah Salaam, Co-Chairman Committee Reports 2014 Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Award Nominations Mid-Atlantic Regional Awards The 62 st Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference is scheduled for April 8-12, 2015, in Richmond, VA. It is time to start preparing your portfolios so that you do not miss out on this opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and service throughout A complete listing of the Regional Awards can be found in last year s Awards Handbook. Please contact Soror Carla Haynes Harper for a copy. Award submissions will automatically be returned if the requirements and documentation are not complete; therefore, it is important that you review the Awards Handbook for information on the criteria and report format for each award. Submissions due dates are listed below: Sorors can submit nominations for the following awards: Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring Soror) Leah K. Frazier (Leadership w/global Perspective) Marguerite Adams Award (Political Action) Graduate Leadership Award (Outstanding Leadership in Region) Helen Cauthorne Award (Graduate Advisor Award) Eula Edmonds Glover Award (Volunteer Community Service) Annie L. Harvey Award (Outstanding Graduate Soror) Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the Year) Margaret B. Moss Award (Outstanding Retired Graduate Soror) Evelyn R. Syphax Award (Outstanding Graduate Writer) Bernardine Stoneham Smith Bailey Award (Graduate Journalism) Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph Award (Civic Leader) Barbara K. Phillips Award (Leadership Development) Mid-Atlantic Region Arts and Crafts (Class I X) Economic Security Initiative Program Award (Citizen of the Year) Timeline: MAR Awards Submissions DEADLINE EVENT SUBMIT TO: Nov 1, Regional Award nominations due Carla Haynes Harper carlahaynes@msn.com Nov 15, 2014 Chapter-endorsed Award Narratives due Carla Haynes Harper Outstanding Graduate Soror Citizen of the Year Dec 6, 2014 Program - Electronic submissions due Amirah S. Salaam (.doc or.ppt format) asalaam3@hotmail.com Dec 6, 2014 Exhibit/Arts & Crafts applications due Amirah S. Salaam Dec 13, 2014 Crop Party Location TBD Final Scrapbook and Portfolio Review Session/Walkthrough Jan 3, 2015 Submissions Due-Drop off only - Lee Center Jan 3, 2015 **Chapter-endorsed Award nominees selected** 12

13 Committee Reports Protocol Committee Soror Bonnie Jones-Moon, Chairman Soror Blanche Maness, Co-Chairman Greetings Sorors! Our Chapter is off to a fast start implementing and executing our Chapter initiatives and programs. This is the perfect time to reflect on what our sorority means to us and how much we value our sisterhood. In order to honor its Founders, maintain a standard that allows its members to serve as role models for young women and girls in the global community, preserve Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated membership as a desirable and honorable affiliation and to protect Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated from harassment, ridicule, scandal or legal liability, I do voluntarily agree to observe the following rules of conduct This preamble and its following rules of conduct can be found in our Soror Code of Ethics which is located in the sorority s Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol and the Manual of Standard Procedure. Please review our Soror Code of Ethics as a refresher of our organization s expectations of us and our expectations of each other. Our standards are high, and each of us is the living embodiment of our sorority s ideals. Sorors, as you know the Northern Western Virginia Cluster will take place on November 1, 2014 in Richmond, Virginia. Please remember that the attire for this conference is business. Also, please note that a Rededication Ceremony will be conducted, and the dress of the occasion will be dresses or skirts with hosiery. NO PANTS PLEASE. Soror Brenda Lamberson-Sias, Co-Chairman; Soror Mathelle K. Lee, Chairman; and Soror Blanche Maness, Co-Chairman 2015 Founders Day The 2015 Founders Day Committee will continue its ticket sales campaign at the November Chapter meeting. Tickets: $35. Tickets also available via PayPal for $ January 31, 2015 Fort Myer-Spates Hall 12:00 noon- 3:00 p.m. Due to limited seating capacity, sorors are encouraged to purchase tickets early. SAVE the DATE Music Committee Etiquette Bits Remember that a handwritten note of Thank You, written in a beautiful note card is always appreciated. Check out Crane s Blue Book of Stationery for a wealth of information on the etiquette of social and professional communication. 13 Sorors Essie Matthews & Veronica Jackson, Co-Chairmen Zeta Chi Omega will celebrate Founders Day, Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Spates Center at Fort Myer, Virginia. The Zeta Chi Omega Choir will perform two selections. In preparation for this Elegant occasion, we will have rehearsal on Saturday, November 8, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. 9:45 a.m. on stage at the Lee Center. (continued on page 14)

14 Committee Reports (continued from page 13) We will have several rehearsals in the months of November, December, and January. The assigned place of rehearsals, dates and times are forthcoming. All sorors are invited to join the Founders Day Choir so that we can make a Melodious Joyful Noise in celebration. If you have any questions, please contact Soror Veronica Jackson or Soror Essie Matthews at music@akazco.org. Soror C. Starr Garrett, Co-Chairman Soror Joyce Brooks, Co-Chairman DGS Committee If you are new to the Chapter and have reached jewel status, please let us know so that your name can be added to our jewels listing. As a reminder, you have to be recognized by the Corporate Office (i.e., applied for and in receipt of your jewels certificate). NOTE: There is no charge associated with application for a certificate and medallion for Golden sorors. Also note that if you already have a certificate but your name is not reflected on the corporate listing, you can rectify the situation by sending a copy of your certificate to the corporate office. If you need assistance, please contact a member of the DGS Committee. Tea roses to all Buddy Sorors for your continuous support of the Buddy Soror Program. Your buddy really appreciates you. If anyone is interested in being a buddy to a Golden or Sick/Shut-In soror, please let us know. We welcome you. Soror Angela Turner, Chairman Soror Chiquita King, Co Chairman NPHC NoVA Committee The NoVA NPHC (Northern Virginia Pan-Hellenic Council) will hold its annual Black Scholars Raffle on Tuesday, November 4, Winners will be announced in the next Ivyette. Fall into fellowship with the NoVA NPHC! Please join your fellow sorors and fraters in the Northern Virginia area for our Fall Happy Hour on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Cheesecake Factory, 1796 International Drive, McLean, VA Drink and appetizer specials are available from 4-6 p.m. For additional information, please contact Soror Chiquita King. Other upcoming events of member organizations include: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Omicron Phi Zeta Chapter, will host its 5 th Annual Gala Diamonds, Sapphires & Pearls-An Evening to Sashay & Shimmer on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. The event will be held at Martin s at Camelot, Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD and tickets are $ For additional information, please send an to gala2014@verizon.net. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Kappa Zeta Chapter, will host Bowling for Literacy on Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 4-8pm. The event will be held at Bowl America, Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For additional information, please send an to Angela_Kasey@yahoo.com. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Psi Nu Chapter, will host its Achievement Week Recognition Dinner Dance on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7:00pm. The event will be held at the Fort Myer Officers Club, Koran Room, 214 Jackson Avenue, Fort Myer, VA. The Keynote Speaker will be Mayor William Euille. The attire is formal or after six. For additional information, please contact Mitch Mitchell at mitchmitchell@aol.com. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Rho Lambda Chapter, will host its Black and Gold Banquet and Ball on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Sheraton Pentagon City, 900 S. Orme Street, Arlington, VA Attire is black tie (optional). For additional information please contact Shawn Pressley at shawn_pressley@yahoo.com. The NPHC of NoVA meets on the first Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted. 14

15 Committee Reports Historical Happenings Historian Soror Angelique Close, Chairman Tellers Committee Soror Shirley Taylor The History Committee is very pleased to report on the successful historical celebration that was held on Sunday, Oct.19, 2014 at the Arlington Central Public Library. The occasion was the dedication and release of the Chapter's first edition History Book, Crown Jewels and Cultured Pearls Along the Ivy Vine, The Enduring Legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Mid-Atlantic Region, and the Timeless History and Timeless Service of Zeta Chi Omega Chapter from Soror Gloria Bell designed the lovely, unique bookmarks given with each book purchase. They featured the signatures of each of our four Charter members, still residing in the area, as well as the signatures of the History Book Committee. Our sincere thanks to the many sorors and friends who were in attendance. Mr. Douglas Syphax, son of Chapter Organizer, Soror Evelyn Reid Syphax, was in attendance to receive the presentation on behalf of the Syphax family. We were blessed to have one of our Charter members, Soror Carrie James with us to receive her special recognition. Presentations were also made to Soror Joyce Henderson, (MARD), Dr. Hazel Ruth Edwards, Editor, the Arlington Central Public Library, and the Alexandria Black History Museum. A very beautiful and fitting violin solo was rendered by Soror Veronica Jackson (photos - page 16). Committee members wore the newly designed History Book Scarves which prominently feature our History Book. A second History Book Scarf order will be placed when we have a minimum of 25 requests. Sorors should make checks payable to Zeta Chi Omega, in the amount of $25.00, with the notation, Chapter History Book Scarf and mail it to: Zeta Chi Omega, P.O. Box 25763, Alexandria VA The Chapter History Book is available for purchase (hard copy only) at You can find it by title or ISBN number ( ). Greetings Sorors of Zeta Chi Omega, The business of Zeta Chi Omega is well underway as we prepare for Chapter elections during our General Membership meeting on November 8, All financially active sorors of Zeta Chi Omega are eligible to vote. Voting will be by paper ballot, beginning promptly at 10:45 a.m. and ending at 11:45 a.m. Sorors are asked to arrive on time. Voting must be done in person, as there will be no mail-in ballots. Voting instructions will be provided during the Chapter meeting prior to the voting process. For more information, please contact Soror Angelique Close, Tellers Committee Chairman. We look forward to seeing you on Election Day. The Tellers Committee is a non-standing committee appointed by the Basileus to facilitate the Chapter s voting process. This committee is responsible for preparing the ballot, directing the membership by providing voting instructions, counting the votes and reporting the official results during the November General Membership meeting. Soror Yvette Darnaby, Chairman Nominating Committee MEET THE CANDIDATES Greetings sorors! The Nominating Committee s Meet the Candidates newsletter is located on the Chapter s website: > Member s Only >Chapter Documents >Reference Materials. 15

16 Zeta Chi Omega - History Book Release Event - October 2014 Soror Carrie James Soror Starr Garrett Soror Joyce Henderson, MARD Soror Brenda Lamberson-Sias Dr. Hazel Ruth Edwards Soror Michelle Jones Ms. Kate Oberg, Arlington Library Soror Martha Coleman Mr. Doug Syphax Soror Judith Lopez Soror Shirley Taylor, Chairman (center); Soror Carolyn Rowe, Co-Chairman (2 nd left); Soror Linda Newman: Co- Chairman (2 nd right); Soror Kendra Gillespie, Basileus (3 rd left); Soror Joyce Henderson, MARD (4 th left) pose with honored guests and History Committee Members. 16

17 Making the Below is a list of all alias accounts currently listed These accounts were set up to get you quickly connected with Zeta Chi Omega. These s may be used for both internal and external use. They can also be found on our website in the Members Only section. CHAPTER OFFICERS OFFICE NEED FOR? Basileus president@aka-zco.org General inquiries; approvals; escalations Anti-Basileus vicepresident@aka-zco.org General inquiries; program reviews and approvals Grammateus secretary@aka-zco.org Committee report submissions; Agenda requests Anti-Grammateus directory@aka-zco.org Directory updates; conference check-in Tamiouchos finance@aka-zco.org Financial inquiries Pecunious Grammateus payments@aka-zco.org Payments and receipts; Verification of transfers and reactivations; membership cards Epistoleus newsletter@aka-zco.org Chapter correspondence Parliamentarian bylaws@aka-zco.org Bylaws inquiries Ivy Leaf Reporter media@aka-zco.org Ivy Leaf article submissions Archivist archives@aka-zco.org Donated items; request for items in Archives Hodegos hostess@aka-zco.org Announcements (i.e., engagements, weddings, funerals) Graduate Advisor gradadvisor@aka-zco.org Sigma Alpha inquiries CHAPTER COMMITTEES -- (listed in alphabetical order) COMMITTEE NEED FOR? Archives archives@aka-zco.org Request for archived items; Submission of donations Awards awards@aka-zco.org Award nominations & submissions Bylaws bylaws@aka-zco.org General Bylaws inquiries and submission of changes Connection connection@aka-zco.org Suggested community partnerships Courtesy/Hospitality hostess@aka-zco.org Requests for Chapter announcements Directory directory@aka-zco.org Directory updates Finance finance@aka-zco.org All finance inquiries; budget assistance Health health@aka-zco.org Health program inquiries or ideas History history@aka-zco.org Requests and inquiries regarding ZXΩ history book Leadership Development leadershipdev@aka-zco.org Request for internal training & presentations Membership membership@aka-zco.org Membership inquiries/sales, transfers, & reactivations Music music@aka-zco.org Requests for rituals, programs or AKA songs Newsletter newsletter@aka-zco.org Ivyette submissions Nominating nominating@aka-zco.org Nominating inquiries & submissions Programs programs@aka-zco.org Chapter program & project inquires and ideas Public Relations media@aka-zco.org Request for Chapter article submissions, social media postings, public calendar postings, and PR campaigns Scholarship scholarship@aka-zco.org Scholarship program inquiries & application submissions Standards standards@aka-zco.org SOP inquiries; Chapter & program evaluations Technology Weekly Broadcast Photos technology@aka-zco.org weeklybroadcast@aka-zco.org photos@aka-zco.org NOTE: This does not represent a full listing of all alias accounts. 17 Technical assistance; website/social media postings Submit broadcast messages by Sunday 8:00 p.m. Submit/request photo information for website/facebook

18 Chapter Venues and Directions General Membership meetings (GMM) are held on the first Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM at the Lee Center (LC) located at 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1 exit towards Alexandria/Arlington, exit 177B. Continue on S. Patrick St., turn left on Gibbons St., turn left on S. Fayette St., turn left on Jefferson St. (parking - end of S. Fayette St.). Executive Committee meetings are held on the Thursdays prior to the GMM, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (7:00 PM). Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) S. Alfred St, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1, Alexandria (Old Town) exit, Continue on Route 1 (S. Patrick St.) to Duke St. on the right on the corner of Duke and Patrick. Alexandria Police Department (APD) 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA Off of Duke St.; near Quaker Lane. Charles Beatley Library (CBL) Duke Street, Alexandria, VA -- On the north side of Duke Street, east of Pickett Street, south of the Old Holmes Run Channel and directly across from the old Cameron Station. Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHC) Wythe St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1, Alexandria (Old Town) exit, Continue on Route 1 (S. Patrick St.) to Wythe St. make a right at the corner. Durant Recreation Center (DRC) 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA -- Merge onto I-495S/I95S/Beltway towards Alex. VA/ Richmond VA. Take US-1 N exit-exit 177B toward Alex. Make slight right onto S. Patrick; left on Cameron Street. Franconia Governmental Center (FG) Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the Van Dorn Street exit towards Franconia, turn Right on S. Van Dorn Street, turn right on Franconia Rd., make a U-turn on Valley View Drive onto Franconia Rd. George Washington Middle School (GWMS) 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA -- From 495S, take the US-1 N exit-177b -towards Alex. Make slight right onto S Patrick St./US1 N. Turn LEFT onto King St. Turn RIGHT onto N. West St. Turn LEFT onto E. Braddock Rd. Turn RIGHT onto Mt. Vernon Ave. Lee Center (LC) Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1 exit towards Alexandria/Arlington, exit 177B. Continue on S. Patrick St., turn Left on Wilkes St., turn left on S. Fayette St., turn left on Jefferson St. Minnie Howard School (MH) W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA -- From 395, take the King Street East exit, turn right on Quaker Lane and right on W. Braddock Road. Mount Vernon Recreation Center (MTV) Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take Route 1 North over the Monroe street bridge. Make a left on Monroe Street to Mt. Vernon Avenue. Make a right on Mt. Vernon Avenue to E. Uhler and make a left. Make a right on Commonwealth Avenue. From Washington DC, take Route 1 south to E. Clifford Street and make a right. Make a left on Commonwealth Avenue. Make a U-Turn on Commonwealth because the center is on the other side. NRECA Conference Center (NRECA) Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA From I-66 East, take Exit 71; (Fairfax Drive); turn right onto Taylor St. From DC: Take 14 th St. Bridge; exit to Route 110 N.; follow signs for I-66 West; take Glebe Rd./Ballston exit; turn left onto Glebe Road; turn left onto Fairfax Drive; turn right on Taylor Street. Saint John s Baptist Church (SJ) Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA -- From 395, take exit #8A towards Ridge Road, follow Columbia Pike/VA 244 exit towards Baileys Cross Roads, turn right on Columbia Pike. Continue on Columbia Pike for two blocks. Church is on the right. Samuel Tucker Elementary School (STE) Ferdinand Day Drive, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the Van Dorn exit toward Franconia. Turn left on S. Van Dorn St.; right onto S. Pickett St.; right onto Cameron Station Blvd.; right onto Harold Secord St.; right onto Ferdinand Day Drive. 18

19 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Zeta Chi Omega Chapter P.O. Box Alexandria, Virginia address: Website: Basileus, Kendra Gillespie Anti-Basileus, Rhonda Luss Grammateus, Katrina Anwar Anti-Grammateus, Chiquita King Tamiouchos, Robin McCoy Pecunious Grammateus, Crystal Lander Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Katrina Moss Epistoleus, Gloria Bell Parliamentarian, Hazel Cameron Ivy Leaf Reporter, Ashley Huggins Hodegos, Melanie Mickie Graduate Advisor, Tiffany Montgomery Philacter, Sherry Billingsley Immediate Past Basileus, Michelle M. Jones EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Archivist, Monique Robinson Scholarship Committee, Diann Burns Connection Committee, Adria Tippins-Owens Membership Committee, Cora King Standards Committee, Vanessa Jackson Awards Committee, Carla Haynes Harper Contracts Committee, Irma Bogan Protocol Committee, Bonnie Jones-Moon Technology Committee, Nekia Freeman Nominating Committee: Yvette Darnaby, Chairman Hazel Cameron Shi Evans Caroline Howard Geraldine Howell Stephanie Harrison Hubbard Cora King Whitney Majette Patricia Harris Thomas The Ivyette Editor: Production Staff: Gloria Bell C. Starr Garrett Patricia Wallace