Special Edition | The Pearl Gazette: 115 Years of Timeless Service and Sisterhood

BASILEUS NEWS

1ST ANTI-BASILEUS

2ND ANTI-BASILEUS

2023 CHAPTER GOALS

PUBLICITY

HEALTH COMMITTEE

HISTORY COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP

SISTERLY RELATIONS

SORORS ON THE MOVE

BASILEUS NEWS

1ST ANTI-BASILEUS

2ND ANTI-BASILEUS

HEALTH COMMITTEE

CELEBRATING 115 YEARS OF SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD

PINK GOES RED

POWER COUPLES

CHAPTER MEETING

INFORMATION

EDITOR’S PAGE

Greater in 2023!

Sorors, as we start the New Year, I hope we do so with a sense of thankfulness! Thankful for all that God has brought us through and the successes he has allowed us to experience. Surely, grace and mercy, coupled with our measure of faith will continue to sustain us just as they have brought us into 2023!

May we enter the new year with a renewed desire to soar higher than ever before, knowing that resting on our laurels is not who we were called to be or acceptable.

May we pursue our dreams as if we won’t have another chance at making them come true.

May we awaken every morning with a burning desire to serve with passion, showing respect to each other and demonstrate true kindness! Our goals must be greater than we think we can achieve. Our aims must be higher than we think we can reach. Our objectives must be clear, and we must pursue that which we have been created to accomplish. We must have a mind to work, I believe that we do, and we will.

As we stand on the shoulders of our Founders, those who thought the mission was been said that one woman with courage can change the world, we know one who did, Ethel Hedgemon Lyle.

With expectations set, and minds to work, we will Go Greater in 2023. I am expecting Gamma Theta Omega to serve with GREATER intensity and purpose by:

• Feeding the hungry (CHIPPS), and taking care of our Seniors,

• Educating those lacking knowledge (Reading is More than Fundamental),

• Serving as mentors (EYL, Precious Pearls, and Youth Leadership Institute),

• Being mindful of our environment (Tree Planting, Waste Reduction) and,

• Continuing to be the beacon that we have always been because that is our reasonable service.

One Hundred and Fifteen Years of Service and Sisterhood and Soaring to Greater Heights! Let’s continue to serve to make a difference, as we Go Greater – Together!

Sisterly,

Soror Tangela D. DuPree

Work as unto the Lord and as unto men. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24).

TANGELA D. DUPREE BASILEUS

Greetings Sorors!

I'm so excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Anti-Basileus of Gamma Theta Omega. I’m committed to working diligently to ensure that we continue to serve our community through program initiatives, ad s and community activities. I look forward to working with each of you as we navigate the year through service, celebrate milestones, and strengthen our sisterhood. Of course, there is plenty of work to be done. I am assured that we have everything we need in Gamma Theta Omega! Let’s get to work!

Our CHIPP Program has been working extremely well under the Community Service Committee. Soror Tressa Jones in the lead. During the Christmas holiday. The chapter provided food for the students during the weekends at B. C. Graham Elementary. We continue to make a difference.

MLK Day of Service is a day ON and not a day OFF for GTO!! Sorors will be conducting acts of kindness and service throughout the day and week. Gamma Theta Omega will begin the week by participating in the MLK Parade and serving food to the community. Additionally, Sorors will serve food and Trinity Café. The month of February has a shorter number of days, we don’t plan to be short on service throughout our community.

Don’t forget Pink Goes Red for Heart Health.

• Here is what to expect at the virtual Pink Goes red for A Day event.

• Provide information on guidelines for heart health (normal blood pressure, normal heart rate, Recommended exercise regimen etc.).

• Provide information on risk factors of heart disease.

• Discuss healthy eating and living.

Let’s start the year off with our best foot forward.

Have a Blessed and Prosperous 2023!!

MERVELLE A. SAGE

SECOND ANTI-BASILEUS

“Generating Timeless Opportunities through Scholarships”

Happy New Year and Happy Founders Day Sorors! We made it to another blessed year. The Miss Teenage Tampa Advisory Committee continues to work dutifully to put on the 50th Anniversary of the scholarship pageant. I know you have seen our AKAmazing committee members tabling at the chapter meetings seeking your support. Committee members are still needed to serve on the Heritage Scholars/ Scholarship Reception committee and the Poetry Jam committee. Please contact me if you are interested and willing to serve on those committees. We will be asking for the names of our Heritage Scholars soon. Please keep your eye out for more information to come in the Tea Rose. We

will also be featuring our 2022 Heritage Scholars in the February Newsletter. The committee wants to share where they are now!

As we are well into scholarship season, here are seven tips for those soon to be graduating seniors.

1. Start searching early: As soon as you begin applying for college you should begin the search. It is also good practice to look for scholarships throughout the course of high school so that it becomes second nature. There are a lot of different scholarship options that come in a variety of places.

2. Use your school counselor: School Counselors and academic advisors often will be able to suggest unique scholarships based on your individual talents, extracurricular activities, ethnicity or athleticism.

The colleges or universities you apply or have been accepted to have scholarship opportunities as well and valuable tools you can use.

4. Pay attention to deadlines: Add them to a calendar and set reminders. Do not miss out on valuable funds because you missed a deadline.

5. Do an online and community search: Look at foundations such as our own, community organizations, and religious groups. Ask around at local businesses to see if they have any community scholarships –if they don’t have one, they might be inspired to create one. Parents, you can also inquire about scholarships with your employer to see if your company websites but others may not be explicit

6. Apply to as many as you can: You should apply for every scholarship you’re eligible for and no amount should be too small or too large to deter you from applying.

7. Beware of scams:

According to the Federal Trade Commission, every year several hundred thousand students and families are conned by scholarship scams. Another form of a scam is when an organization charges a fee to match students with other scholarship organizations. You should never pay a company or organization to apply for free money.

Sorors let’s continue to be sisterly while being supreme in service to all mankind. I look forward to Soaring to New Heights in Scholarship and Service!

Always in service,

Marvee A. Sage

Soror Mervelle A. Sage 2nd Anti-Basileus MTAT Scholarship Chairman

GAMMA THETA OMEGA 2023 CHAPTER GOALS

CHAPTER GOALS

1. INCREASE MONTHLY CHAPTER MEETING ATTENDANCE BY 15%

2. INCREASE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

a. Publish participation list.

b. Recognize Hostess Group with highest program attendees (Monthly)

3. HONOR SORORS WITH SERVICE COINS WHO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND IN SERVICE.

a. Award Service Coins and Certificates monthly or as appropriate

4. INCREASE TRAINING

a. Host specialized training(s) to increase Sorors knowledge of both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Chapter expectations, processes, and position requirements.

COMMITTEE GOALS ARCHIVES

1. Establish a complete inventory of all Chapter owned property and location.

2. Develop a relationship with an Institution capable of properly storing for permanent preservation Chapter historical Archives.

3. Develop a Gamma Theta Omega Archives Process for accepting items from Sorors

4. Determine items to be sent to our National Archives (according to the updated International Archives Handbook)

5. Cultivate relationship with local repository to adequately secure our records, documents, and photos, including scanning of photos – (if applicable)

6. Research and plan to have professional video and audio recording of Golden, Pearl, and Diamond Sorors to be archived at a local repository.

7. Secure two-three hard copy programs from events, programs, special programs for our local archives and AKA National Archives

8. Work with the Standards Committee to ensure all documents are scanned into the Pink Toolbox.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

1. Publish findings of internal audit by last day of February of current year.

BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

1. Work with Tech Team to update automatic electronic invoicing through Chapter App

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

1. Work with Music/Choir Committee to plan a Christmas program in the park.

CONNECTION & SOCIAL ACTION

1. Monthly identify relevant social issues requiring chapter attention.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

1. Ensure the timely distribution of adopted and approved (by Chapter members and Regional Director) bylaws.

2. Evaluate Chapter Manual of Standard Procedures for alignment with current bylaws.

DATA ANALYTICS COMMITTEE

1. Establish benchmarks for every committee

2. Review and publish activity outcomes for every committee EAF

3. Follow and Execute 2023 published EAF Calendar of activities outlined in the EAF Resource & Action Guide

HISTORY

1. Develop a template to be used to gather new historical Chapter facts to be recorded and cemented in Chapter History.

2. Confirm activities by submitting required program documentation to Chapter Archivist and Standards Chairman of all Historical events within 30 days after all events are held.

HOSPITALITY

1. Collaborate with Membership to develop a “We Care” contact card (can be virtual) to be sent to members missing meetings.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

1. Establish Mentoring Program which will focus on reactivating, transferring and newly initiated Sorors.

2. Plan 2023 Chapter Retreat tentatively scheduled for August.

3. Continue to reclaim inactive Sorors by hosting at least one reclamation activity.

4. Meet with newly reactivated and transfer Sorors.

MTAT/SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

1. Identify and determine the location of every former MTAT winner for inclusion in 50th MTAT Anniversary Event!

MUSIC/CHOIR COMMITTEE

1. Plan a public Christmas performance in a suitable location.

2. Raise funds for Choir robes/or blazers or a more uniform look

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

1. Publish a calendar of all chapter Programming Events supported by the Chapter Budget as required by Alpha Kappa Alpha Financial Operations Resource Guide.

2. File all Program flyers with the Standards Committee in order to substantiate the execution of required program initiatives - monthly.

PHILACTER COMMITTEE

1. Establish an Enhanced meeting sign-in process.

2. Publish all meeting(s) (Chapter and Committee) attendance activity.

PROTOCOL COMMITTEE

1. Publish a template for the Chapter VSG Guide template to be used by appropriate committees for appropriate events.

2. Ensure the Chapter remains up to date on appropriate protocol practices by hosting regular Protocol workshops and informational sessions.

PUBLICITY/PUBLIC RELATIONS/PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Appropriately and timely prepare at least (4) Four Ivy Leaf articles for submission yearly. Prepare monthly newspaper articles for community publication in accordance with the Guide, “Soaring to Greater Heights in Communication,” which promotes Chapter activities for the purpose of:

a. Building greater brand awareness

b. Positioning Chapter as thoughtful leaders

c. Growing our online brand presence

d. Attracting more business leads.

2. Update monthly the Chapter Social media outlets to provide UpToDate activities of interest for public consideration.

3. Establish a photo repository for all Chapter photos

RISK MANAGEMENT

1. Prepare and share with Chapter Leaders, Chairman and members local laws, ordinances and guidelines related to meeting gatherings and events by evaluating and determining risk factors that may affect successful programming outcomes for all activities.

RITUALS

1. Prepare a check list of all required equipment needed for each ritual to be conducted by the Chapter.

2. Schedule and Conduct appropriate Chapter Training for applicable rituals at least once a year.

SISTERLY RELATIONS

1. Plan and document monthly activities in accordance with published guidelines from the International office.

STANDARDS

1. Ensure all Chapter documents are properly maintained and accounted for in Toolbox – Monthly.

2. Review and prepare digitized Succession plan and documents to ensure thoroughness.

3. Ensure that all documentation is uploaded to the Pink Toolbox for the following years:

a. 2018

b. 2019

c. 2020

d. 2021

e. 2022

4. Increase Annual Self-Assessment Completion Rate from 56% to 80% completion.

5. Convert the Standards Transition Forms into an electronic document.

6. Explore the use of the GTO App to assist with ensuring efficient, consistent, and timely standard for the collection of information/documentation.

7. Provide two educational workshops on Standards Committee purpose, summary of Annual Self-Assessment, and storage of documentation (Pink Toolbox).

STRATEGIC PLANNING

1. Pending release of Strategic Planning Guide by new Administration.

TECHNOLOGY

1. Enhance Chapter App features based on App capabilities

2. Enhance Chapter Website

GAMMA THETA OMEGA UNVEILS BRAND NEW EXHIBIT

Kassidy Johnson, Ivy Leaf Reporter

The Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. unveiled a brand-new exhibition at the Tampa Bay History Center at 801 Waters St in downtown Tampa. The exhibit - A Journey Through 115 Years of Timeless Service and Sisterhood, commemorates the sorority’s anniversary.

The one-of-a-kind exhibit features photographs, documents, publications, and 3-D of Phyllis Wheatley Waters, the designer of the coat of arms sitting at her desk drawing. Another showpiece of the exhibit is the voiceover from 28th International President Leadership Through Timeless Service.

The curator of the exhibit, Mrs. Jada Wright Greene, during her opening remarks said, “It has been such a privilege to do this. It is such a blessing to pair the passion of my skill set in historical research and museums with the love of my Sorority.”

The exhibit will run through the end of March 2023, and then move to the archives of the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter led by Mrs. Tangela D. DuPree who reminded the audience of Founder Ethel Hedgemon’s words, “We have a torch, and we should use it to lighten everyone else’s darkness.”

The exhibit is open now thru March 2023. Tickets range from $12.95 - $16.95. For additional information on the exhibit, call 813-228-0097 or visit Tampabayhistorycenter.org.

JANUARY IS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Soror Christine P. Myatt, M.D.

Cervical Cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the world. Black women are the second most likely demographic to develop cervical cancer. Each year 2000 African American women in the US are diagnosed with cervical cancer with more than 40% dying from the disease. Hispanic women are the number one demographic to develop cervical cancer. In Hispanic women diagnosed with cervical cancer 26 % die of the disease. Cervical Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

As with other cancers, the key to survival is early detection. When cervical cancer is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is 93%. However, when cervical cancer is diagnosed in the later stages, survival rates decrease dramatically. Many African American and Hispanic women have not been having regular cervical cancer screening and thus are diagnosed in later stages of cervical cancer. This issue has worsened during the pandemic.

This article is to inform and empower us to thrive as women to remain healthy and spread knowledge to improve the quality of women’s lives. This is a call to action for all women.

There are many new developments in the area of cervical cancer screening. The article treatment.

The cervix is the lower narrow end of the uterus(womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical Cancer is a slow growing cancer that develops over time. Before the cancer appears, cells of the cervix undergo changes or dysplasia. If abnormal cells are not removed, they can become cancer cells.

HEALTH COMMITTEE

Sign and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

- Irregular bleeding

- Pain during intercourse

- Pain or bleeding after intercourse

- Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

- Lower Back Pain

- Urinary Incontinence

In the early stage of cervical cancer, many times there are no symptoms.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer include:

1. Human Papillomavirus- long standing HPV causes most cervical cancers

2. Sexual history with multiple sexual partners

3. Smoking

4. Weakened Immune System (HIV, Diabetes, Obesity)

5. Other Sexual transmitted disease

6. Long term use of oral contraceptives

7. Multiple full-term pregnancies

9. Diet low in fruit and vegetables

10. Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES)- DES was a drug given to women to prevent miscarriage from 1938-1971.

11. Family history of Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer Prevention

1. Get HPV Vaccine if eligible.

- A large study done in October 2020 in Sweden revealed that widespread HPV vaccine use has decreased the number of women that will have cervical cancer by 90%. This study was done from 2006 through 2017 with girls vaccinated before the age of 17.

2. Screening includes:

a. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test- This test looks for high risk strains that cause pre cancers and cancer of the cervix.

b. Pap test- collects cells from the cervix.

c. US Preventative Task force- recommends Cervical cancer screening every 3 years.

American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends:

1. HPV Vaccine in male and female children from age 9-12

2. HPV Vaccine for all from age 13-26

3. ACS does not recommend HPV vaccination in persons older than 26 years of age

4. Limit exposure to HPV by limiting skin to skin contact, limiting the number of sexual partners and condom use.

5. Smoking cessation

In addition to HPV vaccine, other ways to prevent cervical cancer include:

-Maintaining a healthy body weight

-Healthy eating- including having 2 and a half cups of fruits and vegetables per day and limit alcohol consumption.

Physical activity- 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week; in children and teens at least 1 hour per day.

If you are diagnosed with Cervical Dysplasia or Cervical Cancer do not delay treatment. This is a treatable problem. Depending on the stage, treatment can vary. However, options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For those of child bearing age, there are fertility preserving options such as ovary and uterus sparing procedures as well as freezing eggs.

For those that may have issues with coverage under insurance for cervical cancer screening, the CDC has a National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For further information, please follow up with your physician or GTO Health Committee.

HEALTH COMMITTEE CONTINUES

Gamma Theta Omega Honorees 2023

SILVER STAR SORORS

PEARL SOROR

GOLDEN SORORS

Soror Edna Cade 1973 Gamma Sigma Chapter

Soror Lucille Niles Franklin 1958 Beta Alpha Chapter

Soror Casandra Brown 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Tangela DuPree 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Yolanda Gadson 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Yvonne Long 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Gwendolyn Miller 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Essie Mobley 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Carla White Sunday 1998 Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Brenda 1973 Zeta Upsilon

Per Article VIII: Section 3N states that the History Committee shall plan a reception honoring members who have at least five consecutive years of membership in the Chapter immediately prior to their targeted 25th, 50th, 65th, or 75th year. The Chapter will purchase medallions for Sorors who meet the Chapter requirements. If a Soror does not meet chapter requirements but has served the Sorority for 25-49 years, 50-64 years, 65-74, or 75+ years, the appropriate time for her milestone, then she may purchase her own medallion. and certificate. Purchase of life membership certificates is not the Chapter’s responsibility, included in the celebration but they may be purchased by individual Sorors.

HISTORY COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMEN

MemberShip GET ON BOARD THE

Ahoy Sorors and Happy New Year!

I would like to personally thank Sorors Danece Davis and Rhonesia Dennard for diligently serving as co-chairmen for MemberShip during 2022. They are extremely busy working in other areas and will not serve as co-chairmen in 2023. Please welcome Sorors Lacquitta Fullilove Berry and Jackie Marcelin as our new co-chairmen.

Last year proved to be an exciting journey full of adventures at sea on the MemberShip. We hosted two reactivation activities which resulted in reclaiming inactive sorors. We successfully completed a membership process where we initiated seventy-one new Alpha Kappa Alpha members. The MemberShip Committee planned and executed a fun and engaging weekend chapter retreat with 248 registered sorors.

The MemberShip Committee is eagerly planning activities for 2023 which will include a mentoring program. Stay tuned for more details we develop the program.

We ask that you continue to sail with the MemberShip as we soar to higher heights of sisterhood and service.

See you on the ship,

Soror Deidre R. Jones MemberShip Chairman

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Deidre R. Jones Patrice Joseph Lacquitta Fullilove-Berry Jackie Marcelin

SISTERLY RELATIONS COMMITTEE

SORORS SHINING BRIGHTLY Sorors Sorors

Soror Jeraldine Williams will be duly admitted as an Attorney and Counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Soror Laurell Thomas on her appointment as Board President of Dress for Success Tampa Bay

Congratulations to Soror Chiquita Henderson on her promotion to Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs at Pasco Hernando Community College.

WE ARE BLACK BLACK HISTORY

Love Conquers!

“Serving to make a difference” is more than just a catchy tagline as service is Love! And it’s love that truly makes a difference.

We must possess a special kind of Love to serve. It must be a Love defined by selflessness; a Love with no boundaries; and a Love rooted in serving a higher purpose.

As “ Pretty Girls” we are all called to serve and if we are to soar, then we must “Go Greater together and most importantly, Go Greater in Love .”

Without question, we will surely encounter trials and tribulations that will test our commitment to serving others. Some will question our bodacious goals and ability to reach them but by serving in Love , nothing is impossible. But we are committed to our mission and Service to All Mankind – yesterday, today and tomorrow. We are Ethel’s Daughters!

It isn’t blood that makes you my sister; it’s how you understand my heart as though you carry it in your body – Rupi

Kaur

In Sisterly Love , let us refuse to sweat the small stuff and focus on what we know God has promised us! Yes, we will activate our faith and move our feet and declare victory in the service we are called to do. This is our Time and our Season; and we must be in Love with the work we are called to do. I am honored to work by your side – for a greater purpose – for Love .

Serving

to make a difference, as we Go Greater – Together, in Love !

Soror Tangela

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13:13

Greetings Sorors,

February is the month of love and incidentally or foundational initiative is to strengthen our bonds to support our service mission by taking time to promote lifelong relationships through love, affinity, trust and respect and shared goals of interests. Let’s make the efforts to join your hostess groups, Soror squads and committees to develop the friendship that has no limits.

Insight On What’s Happening with Gamma Theta Omega Programs

AKAs on Broadway. The Tina Turner Musical-February 2

Pink Goes Red for A Day! -February 3

115th Founders’ Day Anniversary-February 4

Annual Founders’ Day Church Services-February 5

Empowering our Families: CHIPP Distribution-February 17

Ivy AKAdemy Celebration- February 25

Sisterhood and Service: 115 Anniversary Celebration

Sorors traveled to National Harbor, Maryland, to celebrate the 115th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Sorors participated in activities that fostered friendship, fellowship, and, more importantly, service. The activities included a trip to Howard University, where Sorors could explore the Morland-Spingarn Museum, which had an exhibit on Founder Lucy Diggs Slowe. Additionally, Sorors participated in multiple service projects, including preparing power packs for CHIPP and letter-writing campaigns. What a great experience it was to acknowledge our Founders through our service while strengthening our sisterhood.

Gamma Theta Omega was proud to join the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease to improve women’s health. On this special day, we took off our pink and wore red to raise awareness of this deadly disease and promote life changes that will increase the longevity and quality of the lives of women around the globe. This initiative has been a part of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s programming since 2010 and was part of the health and wellness target under our 28th International President, Carolyn House Stewart, and because of the need to promote heart health in our community, this program has remained ever since.

Gamma Theta Omega Sorors were encouraged to take off their pink and wear red for the day to raise awareness of heart disease and promote life changes that will increase the longevity and quality of the lives of women around the globe. The event was well attended with over 100 attendees. Our presenters provided detailed and valuable information and it seems like the attendees had some very relevant questions. Thank you to the Committee and the presenters, Sorors, JaMia Washington-Osunsanmi, MD, Christine Myatt, MD and Melanee Holder.

Gamma Theta Omega Chapter members kick off the MLK Day of Service with hands on service activities. The day began with the MLK Day Parade where Precious Pearls, EYL and chapter Sorors walked to bring awareness of the attributes of Martin Luther King’s legacy of service to others. Sorors also worked at a local business cooking, preparing and serving food to close to 2000 community members. During this event the community was encouraged to register vote. Our second day of service activity was held at Trinity Café where chapter members fed community members. This restaurant is run by Metropolitan Ministries and serves as safe place for the community to receive a hot meal despite the economic stature.

Ivy AKAdemy is February 25th, and it will be held at Edison Elementary where Soror Candace Dodd is the principal. Please look for additional information in Tea Rose. The Committee is chaired by Soror Jessica Holmes.

The event will be spectacular, so you do not want to miss it. Look for registration details in the Tea Rose. It is not too late to sign up for a committee as well. This will be an all-hands-on deck event. Register today!

MERVELLE A. SAGE

“Generating Timeless Opportunities through Scholarships”

February snuck up on us and what a great time we have had celebrating 115 years of being supreme in service to all mankind! Committee members are still needed to serve on the Heritage Scholars Reception committee and the Poetry Jam committees . We need all hands on deck to make these programs a success.

Our 2022 Heritage Scholars will be featured in the march edition of the Pearl Gazette. We will be excited to see where they are now! February is the month of love and kindness and sorors I LOVE YOU!

The Meaning Of Sisters

By Marena

Sisters are a gift from God. Sisters are your friends. Sisters stay right by your side When the road twists and bends.

Sisters never let you down. They always lend a hand. Sisters are the best example Of leaving footprints in the sand.

Sisters love girls' nights out And painting each other's nails. They love giving you advice When everything you've tried fails.

Sisters always love each other. Their love never goes away. Instead God makes it grow Stronger every day.

Marvee A. Sage

Soror Mervelle A. Sage

2nd Anti-Basileus

But they always stay together. No matter where your sister goes, She'll be in your heart forever.

HAPPY VALENTINES MY SORORS, MY SISTERS

MTAT Scholarship Chairman

GLAUCOMA: PROTECTING YOUR EYESITE

Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve.

is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There is no cure for glaucoma, but early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision.

Types of Glaucoma:

There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma — that’s what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common, like angle-closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma:

Scientists aren’t sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma, but many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure — and treatments that lower eye pressure help to slow the disease. it before it affects your vision.

Symptoms of Glaucoma: know they have it.

Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision — especially the part of your vision that’s closest to your nose. Because it happens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is

But as the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.

Diagnosing Glaucoma:

Eye doctors can check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for

Treatment for Glaucoma:

Doctors use different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery.

If you have glaucoma, it’s important to start treatment right away. Treatment won’t undo any damage to your vision, but it can stop it from getting worse.

Am I at risk for Glaucoma?

Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk. You’re at higher risk if you:

• Are over age 60, especially if you’re Hispanic/Latino

• Are African American and over age 40

• Have a family history of glaucoma

Talk with your doctor about your risk for glaucoma and ask how often you need to get checked. If you’re at higher risk, you need to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years. When to get help right away

Angle-closure glaucoma can cause these sudden symptoms:

• Intense eye pain

• Upset stomach (nausea)

• Red eye

• Blurry vision

If you have any of these symptoms, go to your doctor or an emergency room a soon as possible.

HEALTH COMMITTEE

Celebrating 115 YEARS OF TIMELESS SERVICE AND SISTERHOOD

GAMMA THETA OMEGA CHAPTER

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP

AT EXCITING CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

FEBRUARY 5, 2023

PINK

GOES RED

POWER COUPLE OF THE YEAR

N-Touch 2022 Power Couple of the Year – Tangela and Michael DuPree

N-Touch 2021 Power Couple of the Year – Angela and Darrick Fullwood

CHAPTER MEETING DATES AND LOCATIONS

March 18th Chapter Meeting

Moffitt Cancer Center

12902 USF Magnolia Drive

Tampa, FL 33612

April 22nd Chapter Meeting

(Note, this is the fourth Saturday)

Moffitt Cancer Center

12902 USF Magnolia Drive

Tampa, FL 33612

2022-2023 OFFICERS

Soror Tangela D. DuPree, Basileus gtopresidentTangela@gmail.com

Soror Monique S. Slater, 1st Anti-Basileus - gto1stvicepresident@gmail.com

Soror Mervelle Sage, 2nd Anti-Basileus gto2ndvp@gmail.com

Soror Janice Jacob, Grammateus gtogrammjanice@gmail.com

Soror Betia Washington -Anti-Grammateus gtoantigrammbetia@gmail.com

Soror Jeroline Horne, Tamiouchos gtotreas@gmail.com

Soror Vanessa Paige, Pecunious Grammateus gtopg1908@gmail.com mikaelya.coffee@gmail.com

Soror Kisha Porter, Epistoleus EpistGTO@gmail.com

Soror Kandace Nunn Johnson Anti-Epistoleus GTOantiepist1908@gmail.com

Soror Patrice M. Joseph, Chaplain praygtochaplain@gmail.com

Soror Kassidy Johnson, Ivy Leaf Reporter gtoivyleafreports@gmail.com

Soror Bertha Baker, Historian gtohistorian@gmail.com

Soror Fontaine Marion, Hodegos fonaka_01@gmail.com

Soror Phyllis Thompson Walters, Anti-Hodegos gtohodegos@gmail.com

Soror Dorsity M. Cole, Graduate Advisor dorsity1@gmail.com

Soror Rhonesia Dennard, Graduate Advisor rldennard@aol.com

Soror Sheila Padgett, Business Manager gtobusinessmgr@gmail.com

Soror Jada Wright-Greene, Archivist Gtoarchives@gmail.com memberatlarge@gmail.com

Soror Sonja Wise, Philacter gtophilacter@gmail.com

Soror Antina Mobley, Parliamentarian gtobylaws@gmail.com