PNO January 2023 newsletter

Phi Nu Omega Chapter

2023 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Past Basilei

v Sharon Worthy

v Kimberly Armstrong

v Michelle Thomas

v Lona Gordon

v Kimberly Walker

v Yvonne Jones

v Theresta Lanier

Kirstin Riddick President

LaToya Kearns

Vice President

Minyon Palmer Vice Secretary

Sydney Hannah-Holliday Secretary

Essence Mitchell Financial Secretary

Michele Swain Hostess

Danielle Bridgeforth Chaplain

Lisa Heath Correspondence Secretary

Dawn Marcelle Member-At-Large

Aliya Robinson Historian

Saunji Fyffe Sergeant-At-Arms

Deirdre Miles Ivy Leaf Reporter

Courtney Walker Treasurer

Karen Davis Miller Parliamentarian

2023 Phi Nu Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

We Help Each Other…

Soror Danielle L. Bridgeforth

Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone —especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:10 (NLT)

Sorors, I want to say something…I see you! I adore you and the ways that you move in the world. You are out here doing BIG things with love, compassion, intelligence, and grace. You are leading in every industry, taking care of your homes, active in our community, and living out your faith each day. Thank you!

You need to hear that you are valued and appreciated. So, let me speak on behalf of those who may not always pause to say it, but nevertheless the sentiments are there. The contributions that you make each day are necessary and impactful. We do not have to search hard to see the many ways that those around us are hurting and struggling. There are serious financial, social, political, and, of course, health crises afoot. Nevertheless, we are making a difference simply by living our ideals and refusing to run from these serious challenges.

This month, I encourage you to spread the message of love. As you know, one of the initiatives of the current International Program is to Strengthen Our Sisterhood. We are being urged to “intentionally take time to fellowship and form lifelong relationships based on affinity, love, trust, respect, and shared goals and interests, while concurrently building on our foundation to serve others.” Sorors, this is us! We are the epitome of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to all mankind. Keep soaring! Keep loving. Keep leading. Keep doing good and being good in the world. For the light you share not only reflects the goodness of Alpha Kappa Alpha, but also, it reflects the Light and the truth of God.

The Founders’ Memorial Window

1978

2023 Founders’ Day Service Projects

Welcome to the Sisterhood

Welcome to the Sisterhood

Welcome to the Sisterhood

Welcome to the Sisterhood

Congratulations to the 2023 Honorary Member Inductees

Phi Nu Omega members and invited sister-guests enjoyed fun and fellowship during our Founders’ Day Dinner. We were pretty in pink as we spent green to support and enjoy a delicious meal at Della J’s Delectables (a Blackowned establishment).

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Phi Nu Omega supported the Drew Market at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School in Arlington Tuesday evening. Members helped organize, sort, distribute, and clean with fellow Pan-Hellenic Council members to provide over 90 families with fresh produce, cleaning supplies, and other household necessities. It is always a joy to serve.

New Member Highlight!

Soror Dorothy Terry

I was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., in 1999 via the Omicron Chi Omega Chapter in Prince William County, VA.

I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. I am the oldest girl of seven siblings.

I ended up in the Washington, D.C. area, when I was accepted to the School of Communications at Howard University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Print Journalism. I later received a Master's degree in Public Relations & Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

I've written professionally throughout my career, having worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, Capitol Hill press secretary, corporate communications specialist and as a communications consultant through my own company, Write Market Communications. One of my proudest moments as a writer was interviewing astronaut and Soror Mae Jemison. The article ended up in Ebony magazine!

I'm a retired Navy veteran's wife. We have one daughter, who will be 23 in April.

In my spare time, I write creatively while keeping hope alive that I will become a published author someday!

New Member Highlight!

Soror Nefertiti Holbeck

Initiated March 7, 2004 with Alpha Lambda Omega Chapter into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

I was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina

I enjoy reading, shopping, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with my family and friends.

I am an Assistant Principal, at William Ramsay Elementary School in ACPS.

I am passionate about advocating for children, my relationships with my family and close friends, and my relationship with God.

Please Complete the Soror Information Form:

As we begin 2023, we would like all PNO sorors to complete the Soror Information Form to provide your contact information, inform us of any health issues we should be made aware of in case of an emergency, and share your skills and interests. Please note that the form will ask you to complete the Final Instructions Form , if you haven’t already done so. Access Soror Information Form by clicking here or go to shorturl.at/dm456 in your browser

SAVE THE DATE: Leadership Development Workshop on April 1, 2023

Let's elevate our chapter operations by refreshing our knowledge of parliamentary procedures and Robert's Rules of Order. The workshop will be facilitated by Soror Mona Calhoun and will follow Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised and Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief. At a minimum, please purchase the "In Brief" version before the workshop. Mark your calendars:

Date: Saturday, April 1st Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Place: Arlington Mill Rec Center

Join NoVA NPHC for HBCU Night at the Wizards on Saturday, February 11 at 7:00pm . The night will also recognize members of the Divine Nine. Please use the link below to purchase your ticket(s). Also, five dollars ($5) of each ticket purchased through the link below will support the Council, our scholarship, and our programming efforts. Please share the link with your chapters and friends. All are welcome to join us.

NoVA NPHC at the Wizards HBCU/Divine Nine Night

Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers

Saturday, February 11, 2023 | 7 pm

Purchase Tickets at: https:// fevo.me /novanphc -hbcu -23

NoVA NPHC will be sitting in Sections 400 and 401 (but feel free to purchase tickets in the section to your liking.)

The first 10,000 fans will receive a Antawn Jamison bobblehead (see attached image)

If you have any questions, please let me know.

In Unity & Service, Mark

Mark A. ForrestPresident

National Pan -Hellenic Council of Northern Virginia (NoVA NPHC) president@novanphc.org | www.novanphc.org

"United in Service, United in Greekdom "

Fun & Fit with Soror Crystal!

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS!

Benefits:

1. It targets multiple muscle groups which increases your heart rate and burns more calories.

- core - shoulders & arms - back - legs

2. It improves mobility. Every time you do a mountain climber, you loosen up your hip and knee joints, which will help with reducing the risk of injury in the rest of your workout.

3. It boosts heart health

The Challenge:

25-50 Mountain Climbers 2-3 times daily

Just like the push up challenge from last month, there are modifications for mountain climbers that suit everyone.

Just like last month’s challenge, this exercise requires no equipment but if you want to level up, think about strapping on ankle weights of 1-3lbs or resistance bands for a little strength training.

How to do a mountain climber:

• Begin in plank position, keeping your back straight, your hips low and your core engaged.

• Bring your right knee under your chest toward your right elbow.

• Return your right leg back to plank position; bring your left leg under your chest toward your left elbow.

• Repeat while alternating your legs, keeping a steady pace.

• Repeat 25-50 times, 2-3 times daily. You may break these up however is best for you!

Modified mountain climbers:

Plank Jacks:

Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders and feet together. While keeping your hips level, hump your feet out to a wide V, then jump them back in again. That's one rep.

If jumping your legs out is too difficult you may also modify this by stepping one leg out at a time and then bringing them back in.

High Knees:

• Start by standing with your feet hip width apart.

• Bring your right knee up to your chest. Placing your foot back down, bring your left knee up.

• Continue the movement, alternating legs and move at a running or sprinting pace.

• You can add weights or resistance bands to your legs for a more challenging workout

Jumping Jacks

• Start by standing with your legs together, arms down by your side.

• Jumping your legs out to the side, lift your arms from the side of your body to make a V

• Jump your legs back into the starting position as your arms come back down to your sides.

Recovery:

STRETCH:

For the upper body, try the crescent moon yoga stretch and hold on each side twice for 60 seconds. (Legs together, Arms clasped straight above your head and lean right and then left, making a crescent shape with your body)

STRETCH:

For the lower body (specifically calves), simply extend your legs out in front of you and touch your toes. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat as many times as needed.

FOOD: What are you eating? There are a lot of great options to chose from during January and February that will help you stay healthy during these cold months.

5 Benefits of Eating Seasonally

1. More flavor. An August tomato tastes juicier than one grown in the off-season (and trucked in from several states away).

2. Healthier ingredients. Shopping at your weekly market means the food was likely harvested that morning (or the day before). Fresh produce also contains remnants of soil that harbor good bacteria, which may support better gut health.

3. Support local economies. When you shop local, you contribute to the bottom line of local businesses and help keep your dollars in the community where you live.

4. Curb emissions. By eating locally, you may reduce the carbon footprint of your food by up to 7 percent. A 1994 study introduced the concept of “food miles” the distance food travels before being consumed. Distance is just one factor when it comes to a food’s carbon footprint: Storing food consumes electricity, and growing ingredients in non -native climates can use up more fertilizer, which produces C02 gasses.

5. Save money . In -season ingredients from local purveyors are often lower in price because when there’s an abundance of a single ingredient, prices go down. (Thank you, supply and demand.)

Here’s What’s In Season:

Citrus! Eat it any time of day. Try incorporating it into your recipes and marinades

Sweet Potatoes! Besides being delicious, they are rich in Vitamin A, which is retinol; important for vision, growth and immunity

Beets! Beautiful and delicious! They are a great addition to any salad or roasted with a little olive oil.

Cabbage! Another versatile food that is delicious, high in fiber and vitamins!

HYDRATE!

I can’t say enough about WATER. Always remember to hydrate. However many glasses (or bottles) of water you drink per day, try to DOUBLE it.

Benefits:

• Relieves fatigue . Did you know that your blood volume level drops if you have an inadequate amount of water in your body? This may be the reason for any fatigue you may feel throughout the day.

• Helps with headaches and migraines. Many headaches and migraines are due to dehydration.

• Encourages weight loss. Sometimes you’re not really hungry…you’re thirsty. Try drinking a glass (or 2!) of water before a meal.

• Flushes toxins. Flushing out the toxins is healthy for your internal organs. Bonus: healthier, younger looking skin!

I hope everyone is eager and ready to accept this challenge. It will make such a difference in your health, and you will actually see the physical change in your body! I can’t wait to hear how everyone is doing! Take before and after pictures. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish! I’m rooting for you, Sorors!

LET’S DO THIS!

Reach out and send me an email at ceswhite@gmail.com about your progress and tell me what you’re jamming to while you workout! YOU GOT THIS!

“Even when you don’t feel like doing it, do it anyway!”

– me (Soror Crystal)

From Soror Jatrice :

A fabulous opera singer from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Aundi Marie Moore, will sing spirituals and Broadway Show tunes at a National Chamber Ensemble concert at 7:30 pm on Saturday, February 11th.

Aundi Marie Moore is a versatile singer with a dazzling stage presence. The program is a tribute to love and music. She will perform selections from African American composers. Aundi is from Chesapeake, Virginia and she graduated from George Mason University and received a masters in music from University of Michigan.

Please join me in supporting this phenomenal young vibrant African American artist on February 11th. It will take place at Gunston Hall in Theater 1. Gunston Hall is in Arlington off of Arlington Ridge Road. There is plenty of free parking. The tickets are only $38.00.

I am honored to serve a host for this spectacular evening.

More

on AUNDI MARIE MOORE – (Soprano Soloist) has performed in opera houses from Washington, DC to Italy. A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, Ms. Moore is considered one of America’s leading young sopranos. Last season she appeared in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of ‘Porgy and Bess’ as Strawberry Woman. She has won numerous awards and honors including The American Prize in Voice. Next month she will be a recipient of the Sphinx Medal of Excellence; the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization recognizing extraordinary classical Black and Latinx musicians. Aundi Marie Moore received her bachelor’s degree in music from George Mason University and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan.

Happy New Year Sorors!