OMO_HEARTbeat_Jan2015

Helping Elevate, Aspire, Retain (and Reclaim) our Trust in Sisterhood and Service January 2, 2015

Volume 1, Issue 1

Meeting Information January 10, 2015 ~ 1:00 PM Hamilton Park UMC 11881 Schroeder Road Dallas, TX 75243 Attire: White tops with International Program Scarf/ Handkerchief, or pin (if you have them) OR your favorite AKA scarf or AKA pin Meeting Highlights: Voting for Regional Conference Delegates

2015 Executive Committee Dawn Funches Allen Basileus Lisa Arterbery Sample 1st Anti-Basileus Mavis Lloyd 2nd Anti-Basileus Kimberlyn Russell Grammateus Carla Persley Anti-Grammateus Tonya Savage Pecunious Grammateus Aundrea Wright Young Epistoleus Sonya Baker Tamiouchos LaAndra Peterson Anti-Tamiouchos Alexandria Harleaux Hodegos Yetta Toliver Philacter Cynthia Morrison Parliamentarian Shawneequa Harris Ivy Leaf Reporter Marilyn Long Johnson Graduate Advisor -  Cassandra Clark Assistant Graduate Advisor -  Patsy Smith Graduate Advisor -  Jacqueline Blalock Robinson Assistant Graduate Advisor -  Kim Guy Historian Gail Dumas Chaplain Darcus Ford Jackie Thomas Terri Turner Cynthia Washington Members-at-Large Evelyn Hamilton Keesha Williams Member-at-Large Advisors

Happy 2015 Sorors!

As we begin a new year, I would like to welcome all returning, reactivating, and our twenty-nine newly initiated Fall 2014 sorors. I am extremely excited to lead our great chapter forward throughout the next two years!

Although Alpha Kappa Alpha is approaching 107 years old, two things have always remained the same - sisterhood and service. In addition to the multitude of admirable women before us, our desire to be an integral part of a notable sisterhood known for Service to all Mankind may have been the forefront for our joining the sorority. It is my hope that we ignite and restore our excitement about being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Omicron Mu Omega as we build a foundation for life long membership and service to the community while exhibiting sisterhood in our actions and deeds as we conduct our business. Sorors, I ask that you embrace our new theme for 2015 - 2016: “Reclaiming the HEARTS of Alpha Kappa Alpha through Sisterhood and Service.” It is our duty that we remain steadfast in Helping Elevate, Aspire, Retain (and Reclaim) our Trust in Sisterhood and Service.

In a few weeks, we will celebrate our national Founders’ Day and reflect on our founders’ vision for our sisterhood. Omicron Mu Omega will observe Founders’ Day on January 31, 2015. It is our hope that you will join us as we embrace our very own Soror Danette Anthony Reed, Supreme Tamiouchos, as our guest speaker and honor our 2015 Golden and Silver Sorors.

I look forward to a year of progression, growth, and strengthening our sisterhood and service!

Soror Dawn Funches Allen Basileus

2015 Committee Chairmen, Area Coordinators, and NPHC Representatives Executive - Dawn Funches Allen Program - Lisa Arterbery Sample Administration - Lisa Johnson Wykennia Heiskell (Co-Chairman) AKA Connection - Elizabeth Frizell AKAlades - Sandra Foster Brown AKAmeninities - Alexandria Harleaux Auditing - Panita Ingram Bylaws - Cynthia Morrison Cachet Youth Group - Elizabeth Durham Deneshia Fore (Co-Chairman) Chapter Retreat - Valerie Roussell Courtney Washington (Co-Chairman) Community Impact - Traci Washington Angela Morris (Co-Chairman) Devotion - Gail Dumas Education - LaSandra Sanders Deardra Whigham (Co-Chairman)

Finance - Sonya Baker LaAndra Peterson (Co-Chairman) Founders’ Day - Marilyn Boss Jacqueline Lee (Co-Chairman) Fundraising - Mavis Lloyd Graduate Council (TT) - Marilyn Johnson Cassandra Clark (Co-Chairman) Graduate Council (SK) - Patsy Smith Jacqueline Robinson (Co-Chairman) History & Regional Awards - Kim Guy Legal - Gwendolyn Hunt Membership - Brenda Berry Margo Baines (Co-Chairman) Nominating - Dana Ware Protocol - Bennyfer Bridgewater Public Relations - Shawneequa Harris Sisterly Relations - Tatum Rodgers Alicia Bell (Co-Chairman)

REMINDERS 2015 DUES AND ASSESSMENTS ARE DUE. All chapter dues, per capita, and assessments received on or after February 1st are subject to the 10% late fee.

CHILDCARE will be available during the January meeting for those ages 1 and older. The fee is $2.00 per child.

ALL SORORS must complete a 2015 Soror Information form for updates to the 2015 directory.

2015 REGIONAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES WILL BE VOTED UPON at the January chapter meeting.

TICKETS FOR FOUNDERS’ DAY and IMAGE AWARD CELEBRATION will be available for purchase at the January chapter meeting.

ALL SORORS ARE ASKED TO ASSIST WITH SECURING ADS AND SPONSORSHIPS for the upcoming Image Award Celebration.

Condolences…

Soror Kim Guy's cousin, Shaquille Smith, a 22 year old student at Stephen F. Austin, passed away in a car accident on December 26th. Her services were held on Saturday, January 3rd.

Soror Bridget Ransom's brother, Kashun Moore, 19, passed away in a car accident on December 27th. His services were held on Saturday, January 3rd.

Area Coordinators Exquisite Eastside - Tiffani McKenzie Marvelous Mid-Cities - Kim Evans Notorious Northside - Erica Lewis Ward Outstanding Oak Cliff—Crystal Armstrong Southwest Suburban - Barbara Moham

Upcoming Chapter Events Jan 10 -  Chapter Meeting Jan 15 - International Sisterly Relations Day Jan 18 - MLK Day of Service - Family Place Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service - Meals on Wheels Jan 31 - Founders’ Day Celebration Feb 6 - Pink Goes Red Day Feb 14 -  Chapter Meeting

New Dimensions to a Vision Fair 2015 Founders’ Day Celebration Saturday, January 31, 2015 Doubletree Hotel - Campbell Centre 8250 N. Central Expressway ~ Dallas, Texas 75206 10:30 AM ~ Rededication Ceremony 12:00 Noon ~ Luncheon Guest Speaker: Soror Danette Anthony Reed, Supreme Tamiouchos  Attire: Black (Business) with pearls (pants are not allowed for rededication ceremony)

Tickets: $50.00

January Birthdays

Congratulations…

Soror Kristan van Bolden became engaged to Adrian Glover.

Soror Alexandria Harleaux will be performing as a cast member of CABARET with Art Centre Theatre (ACT) on January 9, 10, 17 and 18.

Standards - Patricia Webb Technology - Kimberly McCormick Jones EAF Coordinator - Sherri Ballard NPHC Representatives Ja’Nay Ford Alexandria Grant Treeca Rayson

2 Laura Morrison 4 Floristene Johnson 5 Darcus Ford 7 Jeannie City 7 Niki Jones 9 Vameshian Dove 10 Cheryl Barnes 13 April Carter-Brown 13 Heather Mazant 18 Kim Evans 18 Margaret Ford

18 Jasmine Harris 20 Patricia Alaman 21 Katherine Jenkins 22 Gwen Claggett 22 Barbara Harris 22 Angela Linzy 22 Shaunte Wilson 23 Evelyn Tonette Lester 28 Cametha Lewis 28 Sharon E. Washington 31 Pamela Loach

January Anniversaries 1 Darlene Dodd & Melvin Neal 1 Vikki Coleman-Melton & Joseph Melton 2 Lela & Jimmie Thompson 8 Sharon & Kenneth Washington, Sr.

Tickets can be purchased at the January chapter meeting

2015 Golden Honorees Soror Evelyn Hamilton Soror Seretha Merchant

2015 Silver Honorees Soror Tameka Lewis Baker, D.D.S. Soror Erinn Marks Soror Shanda Riley Soror Donna Smith Soror Nichell Sumpter

Aspirations, Knowledge, Accomplishments: Celebrating the Legacy of HBCUs 27th Image Award Celebration Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 12:00 Noon Hilton Anatole – Imperial Room Tickets: $75.00 Vendor Cost: $110 ~ Ads: $35 to $225 ~ Patron: $10 Sponsorships: Diamond ($5,000); Gold ($2,500); Silver ($1,500); Bronze ($750); Legacy Supporter ($250) Sponsorship, vendor, and ad forms are available on the chapter and foundation websites. Please contact Soror Mavis Lloyd with any questions at 469.853.5829 or mavis.lloyd@gmail.com.

The HEARTbeat is the official newsletter of the Omicron Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Articles and information should be submitted electronically to omonewsletter@yahoo.com no later than the 24th of each month.

“Be An Encourager” Many times we justify our criticizing, hurtful words and actions by thinking we're right in a matter. But, in fact, the only one who's right is the Lord. We need to constantly remind ourselves to operate under His love in every circumstance, even the most difficult.

When we find ourselves getting ready to criticize, let's strive to stop in our tracks and say something encouraging instead - not only to the world around us but to ourselves.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Written by George Whitten, Editor of Worthy Devotions

Submitted by Soror Gail Dumas

Finance Matters In an effort to help you plan your budgets, the Finance Committee is providing the following estimation of 2015 expenses.  All payments should be submitted using a payment voucher (chapter 2015 Chapter Dues $270.00 or foundation).

2015 Assessment $100.00  All payments for chapter funds should be made payable to Omicron Founders’ Day Tickets $ 50.00 Mu Omega Chapter.

Various prices Founders’ Day Ads  All payments for foundation funds should be made payable to Image Award Celebration $ 75.00 Legacy of Service Foundation.

Various prices Image Award Ads/Donations  Payments for Regional or International conferences and events are South Central Regional Conference Registration $150.00 submitted online via the Regional or International provided websites.

Chapter Retreat $ 15.00 * Note: For other costs associated with the Image Award Celebration 2015 Leadership Seminar $250.00 (such as ads, vendors, sponsorships, etc.), see forms on chapter 2015 Undergraduate Round-Up $ 90.00 website under Foundation/Image Award).

NETX Cluster Retreat $ 90.00 * Note: 2015 dues and assessments are due by January 31. Financial $ 45.00 December Meeting/Luncheon officers will be available at the January meeting to accept all dues and Other donations or requested items $100.00 payments.

ESTIMATED 2015 TOTAL EXPENSES $1,235.00 * NOTE: Prices above are for tickets/registration costs only.

Estimates do not include travel, hotel, clothing, extra events, etc.

How Much Do You Know About OMO?

All payments and vouchers should be submitted to Soror Tonya Savage, Pecunious Grammateus.

Committee Spotlight— ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Let’s test our knowledge about .  Name the Interest Group that was formed with the interest of chartering .  Who was the first chapter Basileus of ?  According to our chapter bylaws, which officer is responsible for acquainting sorors with special phrases of recognition?

The Administration Committee provides administrative support to chapter officers and committee chairmen by tracking attendance and service points, helping to create service recognition certificates, and other administrative responsibilities, as required. The Administration Committee also oversees child care services (Child Care SubCommittee) during chapter meetings and manages the telephone tree (Telephone Sub-Committee).

Although this committee is small in size, the effectiveness of the committee is critical to the success of the chapter.

Your help is needed and welcomed to ensure we continue to provide the type of support that meets the needs of our illustrious chapter.

If you are interested in joining the Administration Committee, please contact Soror Lisa Johnson, the Chairman, at lsgjohns@swbell.net.

ANSWER KEY 1. TIAKA (Those Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha) 2. Evelyn Hamilton 3. Philactor

Founders’ day protocol tips The Protocol Committee wants to provide a few sisterly reminders to help you display appropriate  style during our Founders’ Day Celebration.

ATTIRE: Black (business) with pearls For Rededication, NO PANTS (Hosiery and knee length skirts/dresses are required with business attire) For any ritual, no hats, sleeveless dresses or tops, slacks, pants, pant suits, sandals, flip flops, or gym shoes SISTERLY ACTS: Respect reserved seating for Diamond/Golden Sorors, the physically challenged, Golden and Silver Soror Honorees, former Basilei, and Charter Members.

Refrain from walking during dais introductions, the meditation, and when Soror Danette Anthony Reed, our Supreme Tamiouchos during her Keynote Address.

Stand when our Regional Director, Soror Chelle Luper Wilson, and Soror Reed enter the room in the dais processional.

As their names are called, stand when Soror Wilson and Soror Reed are introduced as members of the dais.

Turn off all electronic communication devices during the event.

Exercise discretion when using social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.)

GENERAL REMINDERS: Sorors and guests must have tickets to enter the Founders’ Day Luncheon.

This event is chapter-sponsored so every  Soror serves as a “hostess” for our guests. Please extend courtesies to our guests by assisting them as needed on this special day.

Let’s work together to make this a memorable event for our guests, Golden and Silver Soror Honorees, and . If you need further clarification, your Protocol Committee is readily available to assist you. Thanks in advance for displaying your  style at our Founders’ Day Celebration on January 31, 2015.

Welcome New Fall 2014  Sorors Fall 2014  Sorors Rachel Amacker Ja’Nay Ford Rachel George Deja Knight Beverly Long Jessica Reynolds Taylor

On Sunday, December 21, 2014, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Omicron Mu Omega welcomed twentynine new sorors into our sisterhood. Our new sorors were presented to over 300 sorors, family, and friends at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

New sorors and luncheon attendees were serenaded by the AKAlades and given words of grace, sisterhood, and encouragement by our very own South Central Regional Director, Soror Chelle Luper Wilson.

The afternoon ended with hugs, smiles, and love including gratitude shown to Sorors Ayodele Anderson and Monique Lunsford, Membership Chairmen, Soror Cynthia Robinson-Hawkins, Basileus, the Membership Committee, and  sorors.

Regional & International Announcements 83rd South Central Regional Conference April 2- 4, 2015 ~ San Antonio, Texas Registration and conference information is not yet available. As the information becomes available, we will relay it to the chapter.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leadership Conference July 16 - 19, 2015 ~ Chicago, Illinois

Nathalie Brown Denise Butler Amanda Carter April Carter Brown Leticia Cole-Crouch Donna Davis Marcie Davis Va’Meshia Dove Rochelle Fleming Laura Graves

Gabrielle Hearon Olivia Henderson Deborah Jordan Kiffany Jefferson Letra Johnican Cametha Lewis Tameka Long Brittany Mahoney Skinner Wintrill Maiden Laura Morrison

Quoqueze Price Crystal Russell Shae’la Scales Dr. Terry Snow Smith Kimberley Spight Adriene Thompson Blakely Wall Danielle Wilson Randi Yarnell

Key Chapter Contacts Dues, Reactivation, Transfers Soror Tonya Savage tscottsavage@yahoo.com

Illness, Sympathy & Celebrations Soror Alexandria Harleaux alexandria.harleaux@gmail.com

Programs/Calendar Soror Lisa Arterbery Sample lartsam@aol.com

Technology/Website Soror Kim McCormick Jones ivy17_1908@yahoo.com

Newsletter & Correspondence Soror Aundrea Wright Young omonewsletter@yahoo.com

General Information Soror Dawn Funches Allen dfunches@yahoo.com

For more information, visit www.aka1908.com

Words from the HEART…”Introduce yourself to a new soror every month.” Soror Jeannie City Feel free to share your Words from the HEART with our sorors. Send your submissions to omonewsletter@yahoo.com.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Mu Omega Chapter P.O. Box 227203 Dallas, Texas 75222 www.akaomo.com Legacy of Service Foundation P.O. Box 227493 Dallas, Texas 75222 www.legacyofservicefoundation.org International Website www.aka1908.com Regional Website www.akasouthcentral.org