March is the month of National Nutrition Month and the onset of SPRINGTIME! National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for 2017 is "Put Your Best Fork Forward", which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. This year's theme for National Nutrition Month ® inspires us to start with small changes in our eating habits – one forkful at a time. So whether you are planning meals to prepare at home or making selections when eating out, Put Your Best Fork Forward to help find your healthy eating style. Sorors, we have already started this initiative as we are taking a chapter pledge to introduce new fruits and vegetables and making healthier decisions when eating, through our pledge with American Heart Association. A HUGE thank you to Sorors Shante’ Fenner, Latricia Morgan, Sheila Arinwine-Terrell and the entire Health committee for your efforts during Pink Goes Red. We are busier than ever and sometimes it is hard to keep up. I encourage you to read your Friday SWAG notifications, attend committee meetings and chapter meetings to stay abreast on all of the intrical parts of BSO’s movements in the community. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the entire Education committee for your commitment to OETA telethon. Soror Sherrita Wilson, you rocked it for us in your organization of this effort! Thanks all who participated in this event. Please remember to pick up your yearbook from Soror Sandra Aziz. If you are newly transferred or reactivated with BSO from October 2016 to present we have purchased a binder for your yearbook. Once all binders have been given to the appropriate sorors, if you are truly in need of a new binder, please see soror Sandy. Are your inviting inactive sorors to chapter meetings? Are you speaking highly of your chapter and the impact your making in BSO? These are the MILLION questions to get sorors to reactivate. Please remember there is a reacti- vation incentive on the line for the soror who reactivates the most sorors by May chapter meeting. Let’s remember to support all chapter events and support each other in our daily walks of life..for we know there is no other like our SISTERHOOD. March Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~Mother Teresa Sisterly, Soror Anika Wilson Basileus Basileus Communiqué MARCH 2017 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 OFFICERS Anika Wilson Basileus Monica Finley First Anti-Basileus Gayle Caldwell Second Anti-Basileus Marie Walker Grammateus Georgetta James Anti-Grammateus Karolyn Ruffin Tamiouchos Lillie Osborn Anti-Tamiouchos Latonya Robinson Pecunious Grammateus Vinata Johnson Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Kimberly Anderson Historian LaTreece Langston Graduate Advisor Beta Beta Chapter Maggie A. Green Epistoleus Joyce Smith Parliamentarian Linda Samuel Jaha Ivy Leaf Reporter Michelle Chapple Hodegos Carmen Butler Archivist Felecia Moriels Philacter
Transcript
March is the month of National Nutrition Month and the onset of SPRINGTIME! National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food
choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for 2017 is "Put Your Best Fork Forward", which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. This year's theme for National Nutrition Month® inspires us to start with small changes in our eating habits – one forkful at a time. So whether you are planning meals to prepare at home or making selections when eating out, Put Your Best Fork Forward to help find your healthy eating style.
Sorors, we have already started this initiative as we are taking a chapter pledge to introduce new fruits and vegetables and making healthier decisions when eating, through our pledge with American Heart Association. A HUGE thank you to Sorors Shante’ Fenner, Latricia Morgan, Sheila Arinwine-Terrell and the entire Health committee for your efforts during Pink Goes Red.
We are busier than ever and sometimes it is hard to keep up. I encourage you to read your Friday SWAG notifications, attend committee meetings and chapter meetings to stay abreast on all of the intrical parts of BSO’s movements in the community.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the entire Education committee for your commitment to OETA telethon. Soror Sherrita Wilson, you rocked it for us in your organization of this effort! Thanks all who participated in this event.
Please remember to pick up your yearbook from Soror Sandra Aziz. If you are newly transferred or reactivated with BSO from October 2016 to present we have purchased a binder for your yearbook. Once all binders have been given to the appropriate sorors, if you are truly in need of a new binder, please see soror Sandy.
Are your inviting inactive sorors to chapter meetings? Are you speaking highly of your chapter and the impact your making in BSO? These are the MILLION questions to get sorors to reactivate. Please remember there is a reacti-vation incentive on the line for the soror who reactivates the most sorors by May chapter meeting.
Let’s remember to support all chapter events and support each other in our daily walks of life..for we know there is no other like our SISTERHOOD.
March Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." ~Mother Teresa
Sisterly, Soror Anika Wilson Basileus
Basileus Communiqué
M A R C H 2 0 1 7 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
O F F I C E R S
Anika Wilson Basileus Monica Finley First Anti-Basileus Gayle Caldwell Second Anti-Basileus Marie Walker Grammateus Georgetta James Anti-Grammateus Karolyn Ruffin Tamiouchos Lillie Osborn Anti-Tamiouchos Latonya Robinson Pecunious Grammateus Vinata Johnson Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Kimberly Anderson Historian LaTreece Langston Graduate Advisor Beta Beta Chapter Maggie A. Green Epistoleus Joyce Smith Parliamentarian Linda Samuel Jaha Ivy Leaf Reporter Michelle Chapple Hodegos Carmen Butler Archivist Felecia Moriels Philacter
P A G E 2
COMMITTEE LISTINGS Gayle Caldwell, Connection Chair Anastasia P. Pitre, Vice-Chair Connection Gayle M. Scott, Decorating Chair Cara Davis, Vice-Chair Decorating Sherrye Cravens, Economic Ownership Chair Tameka Darby, Vice-Chair Economic Ownership WyAngela K. Singh, Education Chair Glimerine Ware, Vice-Chair Education Courtland Fisher, Fashionetta Chair Barbara Potts, Vice-Chair, Fashionetta Dorothy C. Franklin, Founders’ Day Chair Valerie Hurte, Vice-Chair, Founders’ Day Lisa Griffin, Fundraising Chair Tracey Tate, Vice-Chair Fundraising Latricia Morgan, Health Chair Shelia Arinwine Terrell, Vice-Chair Health Angela Long, Membership Chair Patricia Hunt, Vice-Chair, Membership Shante' Fenner, Protocol Chair Alice McCann, Vice-Chair, Protocol Carlisa Curry, Public Affairs Chair Tara Williams, Vice-Chair, Public Affairs Linda S. Jaha, Public Relations Chair Antonia Walker, Vice-Chair, Public Relations Michelle Chapple, Sisterhood Chair Joanne Davis, Standards Chair Tiffani Bates, Vice-Chair, Standards Mary Carey, Technology/Newsletter Chair Charese Jones, Vice-Chair, Technology Sandra A. Aziz, Yearbook Chair LaTeka Alexander, Vice-Chair, Yearbook Cynthia Roach, Winter Ball Chair ShelNeko Northington, Vice-Chair, Winter Ball Joannie Wade, Nominating Chair
SUB-COMMITTEES Basilei Council Vivian Miller Joyce Henderson Mentorship (Membership) Terri Hurte Rituals (Sisterhood) Priscilla Metoyer Collette Houchen Sisterly Relations Sue Starr Sherrell Thompson Spiritual Oversight Team Lorraine Liggins Carolyn Gray Strategic Planning Greta Stewart Patrina Sattiewhite- Walter Step Mistress Cessnie Shelton Leadership Development Gloria Wilson ASCEND Linda Johnson-Huggins Social Media Charese Jones Deveda Mason Destiny Darby Chapter Photographer Alycia Brown
Anti-Basileus Message - Soror Monica Finley
Sorors In The Know
This month we highlight Target IV: Environmental Ownership and the Acts of Green Program℠. Sorors are encouraged to promote
environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities.
Some examples of random acts of green from our corporate office:
Recycle plastic bottles Unplugging items that are not in use Reading a document on a computer (phone or tablet) instead of printing Turn off water while brushing your teeth
Reminders: Twenty Pearls Luncheon
Also, just a reminder the Twenty Pearls Luncheon will be held April 15, 2017, immediately after sorority meeting, at Millwood High School. You may purchase tick-ets at the March sorority meeting.
Health Check the weekly SWAG email for healthy recipes to be sent periodically.
Sisterly, Soror Monica Finley First Anti-Basileus
P A G E 3 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
♥Soror Monica Stinson and family ♥Soror Marian Brown’s mother-home recuperating ♥Soror Dionne Todd-continued prayer for check-ups ♥Soror Lisa Griffin’s father, Isaac Monts Sr. was hospitalized and now home recuperating. ♥Amanda Oliver (Mother of Soror Priscilla Metoyer) ♥Erma Burnet ( Aunt of Soror Priscilla Metoyer) ♥Dr. Courtney & Soror Collette Houchen ♥Soror Gladys Phillips ( Mother of Soror Joanne Davis) ♥Leonard Samuel (Brother of Soror Linda Samuel-Jaha) ♥Ruth Samuel (Mother of Soror Linda Samuel-Jaha) ♥Grandchildren of Linda Samuel Jaha ♥Alice Johnson (friend of several Sorors) ♥Soror Gloria Wilson and family ♥Soror Angela Long & Membership Committee MIP Process ♥Founders Day Celebration & Committee ♥Chris Liggins (Brother in law of Soror Loraine Liggins) ♥Soror Thomasena Johnson ♥Soror Lillian Benefee ♥Soror Wanda Johnson ♥All school districts experiencing economic shortfalls ♥Soror Alma Pringle and Linda Johnson Huggins are at PARCWAY Post-Acute Rehabilitation Center 6312 N. Portland Avenue OKC, OK 73112. Both are progressing well. ♥All Pearl Pal sorors and those who have been in our previous sisterhood SWAG notifications. *Sorors, let's keep all sorors, family members and friends in prayer. Let us continue to pray for one another and uplift someone up who may be silently, in need. It HAPPENS after prayer! **Sorors, please continue to keep us UPDATED on any news you would like for us to share with the chapter. It is our hope that whether you are in crisis, celebrating a victory or family achievement, that you know that our hearts and minds are with you!
Sisterhood Updates
P A G E 4 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
March-Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and all with all thy getting understanding.
LORD MAKE A BETTER SOROR OUT OF ME This I would like to be – braver and bolder, Just a bit wiser because I am older, Just a bit kinder to those I meet, Just a bit more lady-like taking defeat; is for the year my wish and my plea - Lord, make a better soror out of me. This I would like to be just a bit finer, More of a smiler and less of a whiner, Just a bit quicker to stretch out my hand Helping another who’s struggling to stand, is my prayer for this year to be, Lord make a better soror out of me. I would like to be – just a bit fairer, Just a bit better, and just a bit squarer, Not quite so ready to censure and blame, Quicker to help everyone in the game, Not quite so eager men’s failings to see, Lord, make a better soror out of me. This I would like to be – just a bit truer, Less of the wisher and more of the doer, Broader and bigger, more willing to give, Living and helping my neighbor to live! This for the year my prayer and my plea – Lord make a better soror out of me. Adapted from Edgar Guest
Plug into the Power of Prayer
The Beta Beta Chapter is an EXTRAORDINARY group of women. They have been on the move in the community and on their campus. Please continue to encourage, uplift and support these sorors and Soror LaTreece Langston , as we all PLAY a vital role in their sorority development and womanhood.
On February 13, 2017, in the Quad Kitchen, The American Heart Association discussed Check. Change. Control on how to monitor your blood pressure effectively and provid-ed a free cooking demonstration with free food samples.
Some of their community involvements include on February 27th, 2017, in a Black History Forum discussing hot top-ics and the current issues our communities are facing. This forum featured , guest speaker, Grace Franklin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of OKC Artists For Justice.
Undergraduates Corner
P A G E 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
Congratulations Corner
John Ignacio Miller is the son of Soror Alma and David Miller and the grandson of Soror Vivian A. Miller. John has been selected to serve as a Personal Page for Oklahoma Senator Anastasia A. Pittman beginning in March. John is a graduating senior at Classen School of Advanced Studies where he is in The National Honor Society, has played on the school's basketball team, and has been selected to play in The Honor band of Oklahoma City. John is an Eagle Scout graduate and currently divides his time between OCCC (where he is enrolled in trigonometry and pre-calculus classes) and Classen SAS. John has been accepted at several universities and whatever university he plans on attending, his plans are to major in medicine.
Soror Tiffani Bates received the ‘Star Power’ award and Soror Whitney Caldwell ‘Shooting Star’ award were award recipients from the Xi Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Annual OU Black Girls Rock Award.
Soror Karla Smith Fuller, Professor of Biology for the publication of her @JITP Pedagogy article “Using ePortofolio Image Galleries as Digital Storyboard to Visualize Scientific Concepts”. Soror Karla is the daughter of Soror Joyce Smith. Congrats Soror Karla!
Congratulations to our Diamond soror, Mary Lou Miles on the release of a new book, "Ordinary Extraordinary African American Women: The Elders". The book celebrates the jour-neys of 10 African American women over the age of 70 -- the Elders. The book launch will be March 19, 2017 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the downtown branch of the Metropolitan Public Li-brary, 300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
P A G E 6 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
IT IS NEVER EVER TOO LATE TO PAY YOUR CHAPTER DUES.
ENCOURAGE YOUR SOROR FRIENDS TO PAY WHEN YOU PAY!
GIVING TOGETHER LOOKS MORE LIKE A GIFT THAN A BILL...SMILE.
MIP PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE VOTING--- Please let this notice serve as your seven (7) day notice per our Chapter Bylaws…… Article V; Section 2--NEW MEMBERS
In considering candidates for membership, graduate chapters shall take the initial steps. A soror who desires to serve as the sponsor of a prospective candidate is required to have had at least two (2) consecutive years (24 months) of active membership in the graduate chapter where the candidate will be initiated immediately prior to being a sponsor, except in the International Region. In the International Region, with the approval of the Regional Director, a soror who desires to serve as a sponsor of the prospective candidate is required to have had at least two (2) consecutive years of active membership in the Sorority prior to being a sponsor. The sponsor of a prospective candidate shall present to the Grammateus, a Membership Recommendation Form, three (3) letters of Recommendation from three (3) active sorors in the BSO chapter, and one Guide to Sponsorship Form completed by the sponsor and three (3) sorors who submitted recommendation letters. The Grammateus will read the Recommendation Form at a meeting for which notice shall have been sent to each active member at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. The Grammateus will have prepared one ballot with names of all prospective candidates, except Legacy Candidates, who are not voted on, and secret voting will take place at the same meeting at which candidates’ names and recommendations are presented. A favorable vote shall consist of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast for each candidate. Deadlines for submission of prospective candidates’ materials shall be announced by the Membership Chairman and published by the Basileus. We will be voting on prospective candidates for MIP at sorority meeting on Saturday, March 18, 2017. Sorors, please be aware that you need to be in attendance at sorority meeting, in order to cast your vote. Sisterly, Maggie Green II, Epistoleus
P A G E 7 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
. LINK FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE h ps://ne orum.avectra.com/eWeb/StartPage.aspx?
The Health Committee 50/50 Healthier Options in Eating In an effort to promote healthier eating habits the health committee will be providing from time-to-time healthy food reci-pes. Please see attached for this week’s recipe.
AROUND THE VINE
Let's Talk About Criminal Justice Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Lunch will be served Please RSVP here 2600 NE 63rd St
12-1:30 pm
Kris Steele, Executive Director of TEEM and former Speaker of the House, will be touching on the needs of our criminal justice system as well as the passing of State Questions 780 and
781. Oklahoma County Assistant Public Defender, Bonnie Blumert, will be talking about the effects felony convictions have on our citizens.
Northeast Regional Health and Wellness Campus 2600 NE 63rd St OKC 73111
Building a Relationship with your Legislators The Oklahoma State 2017 Legislative Session begins Monday, February 6th. Begin building a relationship with your legislators by sending them an email, giving them a call, or asking if they want to get coffee. Building a meaningful relationship with your legislators is one of the most effective ways to advocate for issues you care about.
CHAPTER MEETING NOTES
CHAPTER MEETING DATE & TIME: March 18, 2017. Health Commi ee will meet at 10am, prior to sorority mee ng. Chapter
mee ng begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. Millwood High School Commons Area, OKC, OK 73111.
COMMITTEE SIGN UP SHEETS. Commi ee sign‐ up sheets will be available again during chapter mee ng. Please sign up before
or a er chapter mee ng. Please sign up for at least one opera ons and one program commi ee. Don’t miss out on your oppor‐
tunity to SERVE the community.
VISITORS. Sorors if you plan to invite Sorors to chapter mee ngs please remember to provide the Soror’s name to our Philacter, Soror Felecia Moriels, at least one week prior to chapter mee ng. It is important that Soror Felecia may have sufficient me to verify the Soror’s status prior to allowing her into chapter mee ng. Addi onally please make sure all visitors bring some form of AKA iden fica on/proof to the chapter mee ng such as their financial card and/or a copy of an Ivy Leaf addressed to them. For further informa on please contact Soror Felecia at: [email protected]
Commi ee Reminders:
Fundraising commi ee: It’s the PINK & Green Pop Up Mall coming March 25th. Booth space is $40.00 everything else is profit for you. It’s time to shop, shop, shop! Please share this with your friends and family members. Let’s POP it up!
AKA Day at the Capitol
Beta Sigma will host AKA Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. The time will be from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Registration is $25 graduate sorors now and $30 as of March 1, 2017. Undergraduates will pay $15 and $10 for youth in attendance. The location will be Oklahoma Bar Association 1901 N. Lincoln Boulevard, OKC, OK 73105. There will
be NO onsite registration. Look forward to seeing you there! The registration link for AKA Day @ The Capitol is below. https://netforum.avectra.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=AKAMIDWESTERN&WebCode=LoginRequired&msm=28277873-d8d7-4042-b525-55fff463d3c6&cst=1a7cc2b0-49de-4c34-8a02-48119045db3b&ent=7f8a55ce-f516-416b-8fdb-2d95966a86ed
Founders’ Day Informa on
Founders' Day Worship Service will be held at Israel Chapel C.M.E., the church home of Soror Karolyn Ruffin, our Tamiouchos. Please worship with us! Date: Sunday, March 12, 2017
REGIONAL CONFERENCE UPDATES AND REMINDERS
CONFERENCE PROTOCOL REMINDERS
Business attire for all sessions. Sneakers, house shoes, flip-flops are unacceptable
unless designated by a physician for medical reasons.
Sorors must wear their conference badge to all meetings and events. Voting delegates must wear
Delegate identification and arrive early for proper seating.
Only registered members with conference badges should be admitted to business sessions.
Stand for the procession of dais members and receive Former Supreme Basilei, Supreme Basileus and The Region-al Director when they are introduced. Stand when Former Supreme Basilei and the Supreme Basileus enter the room. Stand for the
Regional Director at any event in her Region. Refrain from walking during mediation, dais introductions and when the Regional Director or the Supreme Basileus is giving her address to the delegation.
Respect designated seating for Delegates, Diamond/Golden Sorors, the physically challenged, reserved seating for VSG’s and other conference guests or presenters
Turn off all electronic communication devices. Please step out of the meeting if you must use a cell phone.
Table hostesses are beneficial during meal functions to remind us to keep quiet during
presentations and/or performance at the dais.
Refrain from overloading your plate during receptions. One or two pieces of each food item are appropriate.
Please be considerate of other conference attendees and take only one gift when they are
distributed at functions. Remember, all registered attendees pay a conference fee.
Demonstrate the high regard we have for each other as women and SORORS.
*Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol November 2014
Seating at Meal Events
Diamond and Golden Sorors and other special guests will have reserved seating at the front of the room for each meal function. Seating at meal functions for other sorors and guests will be on a first come, first served basis. There are no saving seats.
Registration Refunds
Refund requests must be submitted in writing only to the Conference Pecunious Grammateus and postmarked by February 20, 2017. Requests postmarked after this date will be approved on an individual basis. Refunds will be consid-ered and processed after the conference bills have been paid. A processing fee of $35 will be assessed and deducted from the refund amount.
ATTIRE FOR CONFERENCE EVENTS Ivies Beyond the Wall Ceremony and Rededication Conservative, solid (without embellishment or adornment), seasonal white dress with sleeves, or suit with coordinated blouse are appropriate for the occasion; coordinated white shoes, white or flesh-toned hosiery are mandatory. Please remember that hats, sleeveless dresses or tops, slacks, pants and pant suits are unacceptable attire for any ritual. You will not be permitted to participate in any of these rituals without the proper attire. Formal Gala For the 87th Mid-Western Regional Conference “Glamorous Green Pearls Soiree” sorors and female guests are encour-aged to come adorned in formal wear of apple or lighter shades of GREEN. Regional Community Service Project Attire for Service Project is AKA paraphernalia, appropriate jeans, slacks or skirt (no holes) and comfortable footwear. AKA Step Show/Party AKA paraphernalia and casual attire All Plenary Sessions and Meal Functions Business Attire Diamond, Golden and Silver Sorors being honored are encouraged to wear Platinum, Gold and Silver attire for the Diamond/Golden/Silver Soror Luncheon. Pink and/or Green Day - Saturday Pink and Green Business Attire and your LNDS scarf! AKA Hospitality Suites Undergraduates and Graduate Sorors are welcome! Open each day and evening during “off peak” conference hours to relax, network, laugh, talk, eat and just enjoy yourselves after meetings and learning new information. You’re invited to come by for a few moments to meet new friends and to catch up with the old ones. The Hospitality Committee will wel-come you with open arms! NOTICE: Please be advised that attending and participating in any event within the confer-ence may result in the use of your name, image and/or likeness in printed and electronic ma-terial, including but not limited to publication on the World Wide Web, social network sites, press materials and advertising and marketing materials. You hereby specifically release Al-pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and its agents from any and all claims arising from the uses stated above.
Fundraising Commit-tee Meeting-Chef Curry’s To Go @6pm
7
Education Committee Meeting-TBD
8 9 10 11
Founders’ Day
Celebration-Montello Event Center @ 10am
12 13
14
Education Committee Meeting-TBD
15 16 17 18
Sorority Meeting
19 20
Fundraising
Committee Meeting-Chef Curry’s To Go @ 6pm
21
22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30
Mid-Western
Regional Conference, Denver, CO
31
MWR Conference, Denver, CO 3/30—4/2/2017
P A G E 1 3 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
OSU‐OKC Nancy Randolph Davis
Black History Celebra on
P A G E 1 4 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
UCO Clara Luper Room Dedica on
Happy Hour‐Connec ng the Pearls
Black History Month at St. John Missionary Bap st
Church. Showcasing all Sorority/Fraternity History
P A G E 1 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 7
INVITE A
SOROR
OR
INACTIVE SOROR
TO SORORITY MEETING Date: Saturday, March 18, 2017 Time: 11:00 am Location: Millwood High School Commons Area 6724 N. Martin Luther King Avenue OKC, OK 73111
