Perspectives 52.3 (Spring 2006)

PERSPECTIVES The Official Publication of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Volume 52, Issue 3

Spring 2006

Shoot for Maroon . . . and make a dent in the universe!

By Crystal Radabaugh, Program Director

Pictures from the Alexandria, Virginia Conference

It has been a busy year so far for me and I am sure it has been busy for you too. Many Gamma Sigs took time out of their busy schedules to attend the Leadership Conference in Alexandria, Virginia.

Members from Delta Chi, Cherry Blossom, Beta Psi, Gamma Delta, Zeta Nu, GBAC, Tau, Gamma Phi, Alpha Eta, Gemini, Atlanta Metro Alums, Alpha Eta, Zeta Upsilon, Zeta attended to share ideas, foster friendships, and learn more about the organization they belong to.

Huge thanks to the Delta Chi chapter for sponsoring our service project! We decorated CD cases, which were used as picture frames and donated to a local Greenville, NC girl’s shelter. This was the first time many of us have decorated CD cases and found a new use for our old ones! Other highlights included sharing service projects and fundraising ideas. Conferences are a great opportunity to share and learn. Conferences are also great for voicing ideas to the National Board. With the help of Mariza Shavelle, District 4 Director, Karen Kerr, District 2 Director, and Dee Carter, National Treasurer, we will be able to bring your ideas with us to our next board meeting. I hope to meet the rest of the chapters at the remaining conferences this season.

The District 7 Spirit Day was held on February 25th in Tallahassee, Florida. 28 collegiate and 14 alumni members from across the district attended.

Reminder - the last National Conference of the year is April 22nd in Florida

In This Issue 2006 Conference Update Chapter Expansion Information D’Ann’s Diary - Nat’l President Collegiate Chapter/Member News Alumni Chapter/Member News SET Committee Report Every Girl Can Make A Difference Parliamentary Pointers Marketing Your Chapter Service Corner Alumni Chapter Information National Jeweler NBD/Staff Contact Information Did You Know...About Food Shelves Upcoming Events

Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page

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Expansion Information

by Sharon Brice, Membership Director For the past three years, Gamma Sig has grown by leaps and bounds. I am so excited to see all the people that want to reactivate or start chapters of Gamma Sigma Sigma across the country. I am pleased with the progress that we have made. Many members have taken the initiative in starting Gamma Sigma Sigma chapters by telling their friends at other campuses, transferring to other campuses and starting colonies/reactivating chapters, or just by visiting other campuses for events. It is all in the advertisement of the organization.

As I have stated in the past, in order for Gamma Sig to continue the growth that we are experiencing, members, both alumni and collegiate, must travel to other campuses. Who better to advertise for the sorority than active members.

I ask each and everyone of you to visit a new campus every semester.

Well, I am excited with the prospect of growth for GSS. Currently, we have collegiate interest groups all over the country. As of now these schools include: Texas Arkansas Georgia Texas Southern University (Zeta Pi) Macon College Henderson State University Fort Valley State University (Delta Theta) University of Texas in San Antonio, TX Alabama Tarleton State University (Beta Iota) Illinois Auburn University University of North Texas Alabama State University University of Illinois Florida Jacksonville State University Eureka College Edward Waters College Louisiana Kentucky Santa Fe Community College Louisiana Tech University University of Louisville (Delta Omicron) Xavier University (Alpha Tau) Morehead State University

I would like to thank those members that have worked diligently to rebuild the sorority. I also want to thank the NBD for being so supportive and assisting me when needed. See you all in Chicago 2007!

Congratulations to our newest colony at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia!

Advertise In Perspectives!

Do you have an item that you think other Gamma Sig’s would want to buy?

Advertising Rates: 1/8 page - $25/issue 1/4 page - $50/issue The ad must be approved by the National President and be in compliance with Gamma Sigma Sigma bylaws/policies. The ad must be sent by disc in either Quark, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop (at least 300 DPI) or pdf format. (.jpg files are not accepted) Please contact the Perspectives Editor regarding deadlines or to send in ad/payment.

Want to share your service ideas with others?

Looking for a way to communicate with members from other chapters? Then join the GSS National Online Bulletin Board!

Visit the National website to register today!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT 2

D’Ann’s Diary - National President Thus far in my diary, you have learned that I am an artistic rubber stamper and I love basketball. This entry tells you I love to cook and bake. Like rubber stamps, I have a collection several hundred cookbooks, from the magazine type, those sold by the checkout counter, to a hundred or so others. I am always trying new recipes and for our church’s Silent Auction coming up I donate hors d’oeuvres for 8 and a picnic for 4 to spotlight my talents.. I have done this for several years. People bid on my donations and I make the hors d’oeuvres for their next party or a picnic when they want to get away with a special meal.

You might be asking what cooking and baking have to do with Gamma Sig. Well, it is quite a lot by my definition. Baking is making pies, cookies and cakes. With it you usually need to follow the recipe closely or it will not turn out. You cannot substitute ingredients and get the same texture and flavor.

In fact, changing some ingredients will cause the cake to fall or the cookies to become non-edible. With cooking, you can improvise with ingredients and spices and still create a tasty treat.

For example, in a casserole, or as we say in Minnesota, a "hotdish,” you can easily change ingredients for variety or to better fit your taste buds.

I think most chapters are BAKERS. That is to say, they follow their recipe very close. They do things like they always have in the name of tradition or they do not have a diverse membership, always attracting the same type of members. These are just two examples following the recipe closely.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with tradition. I am saying that chapters should mix things up once in a while and do something "outside the box" so they become creative COOKS. Some ways to do this would be to: find a completely new type of service project to do, have a picnic instead of a formal dinner for a social event, recruit members in different way or even hold your meeting in a totally different location.

Between now and June 1, I am challenging all chapters to creatively "cook,” that is to change your routine and do something differently. Any chapter, collegiate or alum, that emails me with how their chapter “cooked” will be eligible for an award given by me. This award will be presented at the 2007 National Convention. I will have a panel of independent cooks determine the winner, the more creativity, the better. Tell me how you normally do whatever you are "cooking" and then tell me how you changed it this one time. I hope that my email will be filled with entries and the judges have a hard time deciding which chapter is the better cook. Become a Betty Crocker and cook up something special during the rest of this academic year.

Congratulations to Kelly Sivec, Gamma Phi Chapter St. Francis University for being crowned Miss Pennsylvania International. Good luck at The Miss International Pageant held July 28-29 in Chicago, IL.

Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Official Jeweler is now selling honor cords for those who would like to wear the sorority colors at graduation.

Cost is $8.00 each - Honor cords can be ordered through Award Concepts: P.O. Box 4305 - 110 South 11th Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801

COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS Ceremonial stoles are now available for purchase through an outside vendor for use at your ceremonies.

Cost is $28.00 each (includes tax and priority shipping, 1-2 days)

Go to www.geocities.com/deirdretoo 3

Collegiate News Chapters - Get your service projects, pledge classes or other events in Perspectives.

To submit information, mail pictures and/or story to Perspectives Editor (see page 11) or send to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org (If emailing pics they must be originally taken/scanned at a high res. 300 DPI)

Members of Delta Nu U of Maine-Orono during their Halloween Spirit Retreat and Fall Activation

Congratulations to the members of Delta Upsilon Chapter - SUNY Potsdam. They had the highest cumulative average of all greeks located on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

District 8 Director (Meika Sherrer) visits with Zeta Chi - Grambling State University

Zeta Phi - Union College raised $727 for Relay for Life in a recent service project. They welcomed a new member during their MIT program and Susan Beckhardt was elected President for the semester.

Gamma Eta - Utica College will be working with “Nutz and Boltz” in April and performed other service projects such as: World AIDS day in December, Luau in November and the Heart Run and Walk this spring.

Meika Sherrer (District 8 Director) along with Sharon Brice (National Membership Director) during a recent visit.

Eta Beta Chapter - Francis Marion University Cherelle Martin, Chapter President accepts the school’s Spirit Stick on behalf of the chapter for the second year in a row.

Tau Chapter - Penn State This chapter had great success thus far this spring. February 17-19 the chapter teamed up with Theta Delta Chi fraternity to participate in Penn State’s annual dance marathon.

THON is the world’s largest student run philanthropy, and they are very passionate about it. THON is a 48-hour, no sitting, no sleeping, fundraising event that helps aid families and patients of pediatric cancer.

Throughout the year Tau has been canning and pledging for donations for the four diamonds fund. Overall, Penn State was able to raise a total of $4,214,743.13 for the kids!

Tau chapter raised an amazing $54,815.67!

The chapter is very proud of this years THON success. "Together we will prevail"

District 8 Director (Meika Sherrer) visits with Zeta Iota Prairie View A & M Delta Upsilon Chapter - SUNY Potsdam has been very active this semester under the leadership of Jackie Bombardier. The chapter will be doing a service project to benefit CHABHA this semester along with an Easter Egg hunt with APO and window painting at the hospital in April.

DISTRICT 4 POOL PARTY & RETREAT Saturday & Sunday, August 5-6 Downington, PA Cost: $12 (includes three meals) All Gamma Sig members are welcomed to attend. Contact Mariza Shavelle at 610-772-1214 EST or district4@gammasigmasigma.org

District 8 Director (Meika Sherrer) visits with Gamma Chi - TX State University, San Marcos 4

Alumni News To submit information, mail pictures and/or story to Perspectives Editor (see page 11) or send to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org (If emailing pics they must be originally taken/scanned at a high res. 300 DPI)

The Nutmeg Alumni Chapter has been busy this winter and spring with a couple of different service projects. The first is making Sojourn Teddy Bears for cancer patients. Sojourn Bears, Inc. is an organization founded by Jan Burlow, who is a cancer survivor living in Seminole, FL. She wanted to make cancer “bearable” by providing inspiration and comfort to cancer patients. Each bear is given a name by the volunteers who make them, and then given to a cancer patient to hug and to hold during their stay at a hospice unit. The chapter has given 45 bears to Middlesex Hospital Hospice Unit.

Mike and Pat (Past National President) Saul of Central New England Alumni Chapter have recently been elected Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron of Mizpah Chapter #40, Order of Eastern Star, State of Vermont.

Attention Collegiate Members Cherry Blossom Alumni Chapter (CBAC) Washington DC Area is now accepting applications for the Amy Eileen Castonguay Memorial Award for the 2006-2007 academic year. The award was established to honor the life of Amy Eileen Castonguay, daughter of Kristy Eileen Castonguay, a founding member of the chapter. Amy was born on June 28, 2004 two weeks after her due date weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces. There were no indications anything was amiss. Amy was transferred to Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after she stopped breathing at 1.5 days old. She remained there for the remaining three weeks of her life. After extensive testing, the cause of this tragedy is still unknown. Please honor Amy’s memory by completing an application, which can be found at http://gammasigmasigma.org/cherry_blossom_alums.htm. Should you earn this award, CBAC will pay your dues for the 2006-2007 academic year and make a donation in your name to the CNMC NICU in memory of Amy. Please send completed applications or questions to cherryblossomalums@gammasigmasigma.org with the word “AWARD” in the subject line.

The other project is making shawls for Hospice Patients. They plan to continue their work this summer. For information on how to join their chapter or one in your area, see page 9.

CNEAC (Central New England Alumni Chapter) continues to meet quarterly in southern Vermont and New Hampshire. At our last meeting we participated in a binder-building project to assist our national administrative assistant in building up a stock of Member-inTraining kits. Earlier in the season, we held a Founder's Day Ceremony, and installed Mike Saul as a member of the sorority. Other projects we have been involved with recently include work for the Diabetes Association, Salvation Army, Shriners, The Cancer Society, disabled kids, and a number of food bank/soup kitchens.

The Members of Nutmeg Alumni Chapter invite you to celebrate “40 Years of Heartfelt Service” Sunday, May 7th, 1 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist Church - 360 Church Street, Yalesville, CT 06492 Please join us to reminisce, laugh, and renew old friendships Buffet Luncheon $15.00 per person RSVP by April 21st to: Jo-Ann Olsen1127 Brooklawn Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825 For additional information, email Donna Fazzino at salfazzino@snet.net =============================================================================== Name ______________________________________________ # guests ___________ Check for $__________ enclosed Contact email address: _________________________________ Please make your check payable to: GSS Nutmeg Alumni Chapter Jo-Ann Olsen, 1127 Brooklawn Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825 (203) 335-8377 5

SET Committee Report

by Keli Connor, National Vice-President

The Self-Evaluation Committee (SET) met in February in Albany, NY. The committee consisted of Tanisha Cousby (Zeta Chi); Christina Chambers (Zeta Pi); Nicola Brown (Epsilon Upsilon); Neva Becerril (Gamma Eta); Calondra Tibbs (District V Director); Diane Janvier (Empire Alumni); Sharon Tompkins (Empire Alumni); Keli Connor (Vice President) and Lynne Mowers (Parliamentarian). The role of the SET Committee is to review the Bylaws, Staff and publications to determine where changes and improvements could be made. The SET Committee reviewed suggestions submitted by chapters, NBD members and individual members.

Saturday was spent in productive discussions on possible amendments to our national bylaws and policies and topics such as the Nominating Committee and the Candidate’s Forum at our national convention; the role of the NBD and their job descriptions; and how to help chapters that are affected by natural disasters, catastrophes and national emergencies. This was an important discussion considering how many chapters have been affected by natural disasters recently.

The SET committee paved the way for change this year by also having a service project at the weekend meeting.

The members of the Empire Alumni Chapter donated items to be placed in a "Safe Sun Sack" that will be distributed to people as reminders about the importance of sun safety and sunscreen in preventing skin cancer. The idea was formulated from a workshop at the 2005 convention and is one of our Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas.

The SET committee submitted their report to the National Board of Directors. It contains some awesome ideas to be considered for improvement of our already wonderful organization. Watch your fall mass mailings for the changes that were suggested, and don’t hesitate to Service project done at SET send any other ideas you have for amendments and policies to Lynne Mowers, National Par- with committee members liamentarian. and Empire Alumni

"Every Girl Can Make A Difference" campaign

by Mariza Shavelle, District IV Director Members in District 4 made a major commitment towards the Spring Service Initiative of Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Besides being a charity that works for children’s issues, it also is a current Project Impact area.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation began in July 2000 when four-year-old Alex Scott, who had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after her first birthday, opened her first lemonade stand in order to raise money for childhood cancer research. In August 2004, Alex passed away. Alex’s Lemonade Stand remains active and resolute to see Alex’s vision through. The foundation continues to raise funds and encourage and educate others to raise money for childhood cancer research by holding their own lemonade stands. Alex’s believes that they can find a cure for cancer one cup of lemonade at a time.

Meghan Gaffney and Lauren Saguinetti of the Delta Omega chapter and Christine Paska of the Beta Gamma chapter were chosen by Playtex to be National Student Ambassadors for the "Every Girl Can Make a Difference" campaign.

Gamma Sigma Sigma has 3 of the 6 National Ambassadors. We were fortunate to also have the efforts of local Student Ambassadors Lauren Castilla and Katy Fulson-Woytek from the Zeta chapter and Liz Sokol and Siri Chanbusarakum of University of Pennsylvania’s Alpha Phi Omega chapter.

By partnering together with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Playtex and Alpha Phi Omega, we were able to run five simultaneous Lemonade Stands throughout Philadelphia. On March 18th, our 225 volunteers manned 5 lemonade stands throughout the city offering free glasses of lemonade and soft pretzels while encouraging people to make donations.

Volunteers also fanned out with bright pink donation cups and handed out information to passing motorists. Special credit goes to Lauren Sanguinetti, Delta Omega, for the idea of canning for donations.

We raised a total of $5,638, which was matched by Playtex for a total donation of $11,276 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation on behalf of Gamma Sigma Sigma. We had overwhelming support from the chapters in our District to make this event a reality. The chapters who participated were: Beta Gamma, Delta Omega, Zeta, Epsilon Xi, Zeta Lambda and Gemini Alumni. Beta Gamma provided the most volunteers with 97 of their members participating. Delta Omega collected the most donations at their stand with $2,484.

To learn how your chapter can run an Alex’s Lemonade Stand, please contact Mariza Shavelle, District 4 Director. Any stand run between now and April 30th with the "Every Girl Can Make a Difference" campaign will qualify for having all donations collected matched up to $75,000 by Playtex. More information on the "Every Girl Can Make a Difference" Campaign can be found at girlsmakeadifference.com.

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Parliamentary Pointers

by Lynne Mowers, National Parliamentarian First, let me thank those chapters who have submitted their bylaws, standing rules and pledge policies as required by our national bylaws. I’m working with my Documents Compliance Committee (DCC) to get them all read and approved. As you can guess, it’s a long process! As I read through chapter bylaws and standing rules, I’m finding some confusion exists regarding what you should and should not do. I thought it might be helpful to make a little "cheat sheet" of sorts to help you make meetings run smoother.

DO

DON’T

• Be respectful – arrive on time, pay attention and do not cross-talk during meetings

• Make the president call you out of order by causing a disruption during meetings

• Wait to be recognized by the president

• Interrupt with comments; it disturbs the flow of the meeting

• Begin a motion with the words "I move…"

• Begin a motion with the words "I motion…"

• Keep your discussion focused on the issue at hand by only discussing the motion on the floor

• Discuss personalities; keep your discussion related to the topic not the people discussing it

• Consider all ideas and opinions, remember that it is about what is best for the chapter and that may not be what you personally prefer

• Monopolize conversations or be argumentative • Expect only the elected leaders to be responsible for the success of your chapter

• Remember that every member has rights and responsibilities

• Let others influence your voting decisions; your opinion is just as important as anyone else’s

• Remember that the real power in the chapter belongs to YOU!

• Let others make your decisions for you by missing meetings or abstaining during voting

• Call someone on the NBD or national staff if you have questions

• Believe rumors; get the straight truth from the NBD or national staff

Marketing Your Chapter

by Ashley Kreider, Marketing Director Greetings! Although many of you may belong to widely recognized chapters and colonies, some may be struggling to recruit new members. You may also have difficulty promoting your chapter and its activities, whether social or service.

If you need any marketing assistance, we can work together to find a creative way to promote your chapter or colony. You do not have to spend a lot of time or money to get the word out about the great things we do! I would be more than happy to help design brochures or flyers, write press releases, or do anything else to help promote our wonderful sorority. Remember, you can even submit information to your local newspaper (free publicity is always good!).

Contact me before your events (recruitment, social, service, etc.) so I can assist you in creating a marketing plan. If you do not contact me beforehand, we can create promotional materials to highlight things like: how your event went, the number of hours of service you provided, who you helped, amount of money raised and how many people were involved.

Finally, I would like to create a quarterly marketing newsletter called Exposure. I plan to have the first issue ready by the beginning of May. If you have any marketing and promotional tips for other chapters and colonies, please let me know! Personal experiences can help others. If you were able to recruit a lot of new members, how did you do it? If you had a great turnout for a service activity, how did you publicize the event? I would also like to know what you wish to see in the newsletter. Please submit your ideas and tips to me via e-mail by May 1, 2006. If you need any creative inspiration, please contact me. I am here to help! Email me at: marketing@gammasigmasigma.org

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Service Corner by Karen Rankin-Hill, Service Director This week I received an invitation from the members of the Nutmeg Alumni Chapter to attend their 40th Anniversary celebration. What a wonderful achievement for them, and for all of Gamma Sigs. As a great many of you start your preparations for graduation, let me encourage you to continue serving Gamma Sigma Sigma through joining an alumni chapter. While the collegiate chapters are the basis for our sorority, the alums are the ones who keep us sewn together at a national level. Alumni chapters are made up of alumni from many chapters, sometimes spanning several states, or in the case of my chapter, Gold Hills, two countries.

Once graduation occurs, those of us who choose to stay as an active part of Gamma Sig and join an alumni chapter are given a picture of the bigger organization. I would love for the all collegiate members to grasp this bigger picture of Gamma Sig. This school year, I have worked with several of you to create a feeling of community within the sorority through common projects, for both collegiates and alums. For information on a very successful project that spanned collegiates, alums and several chapters, see Page 6 for the Alex's Lemonade Stand article.

Moving forward, I would love to see more chapters get involved in these special national projects. I challenge each chapter to look beyond itself and consider partnering with another chapter at least once in the coming year. Congratulations on a great year of service!

A Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Partner Half a million babies are born premature each year. Many suffer serious lifelong complications, and many die. YOU CAN HELP to help fund important research and promote awareness and support.

Gamma Sigma Sigma & WalkAmerica WalkAmerica is the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser and typically takes place in late April. Visit walkamerica.org to sign up online and find the date and location in your area. On the site, choose "Register now;" then choose "I am walking with an EXISTING team;" then enter "Gamma Sigma Sigma" in the search box at the top of the page. If your Gamma Sigma Sigma chapter is not listed, ask your local March of Dimes chapter to add you. Find your local chapter by entering your zip code in the box at the top of marchofdimes.com/youth. Look for fund raising tips & ideas on that website also!

Ask Members of Congress to Sponsor the "PREEMIE ACT" Informing the U.S. Congress about the devastating effects that prematurity has on families is a key component of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign, which has a goal of decreasing and eventually eliminating premature births. There is a bill pending before Congress that will help us reach this goal which you can help advance. The "PREEMIE Act" (S.707/H.R. 2861) would expand research, health education, and health services related to preterm birth. Please contact your Senators and Representatives urging them to cosponsor this important piece of legislation. You can contact them in one or more of the following ways: e-mail, letter, phone call, personal meeting. To find contact information for your legislators and a sample letter, visit marchofdimes.com/aboutus and click on "Advocacy" then "Ask Members of Congress to Sponsor the ‘PREEMIE Act.’" For more information on the Prematurity Campaign, visit marchofdimes.com/prematurity.

How to Learn More! Contact your local chapter for resources and support! Find them by visiting marchofdimes.com/youth and entering your zip code in the box at the top. While you’re there, sign up for the Youth Times newsletter and check out the Web site for fresh & fun fundraising ideas, award and scholarship opportunities, and the latest March of Dimes happenings.

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Alumni Chapter Opportunities Is graduation on your horizon? Have you been out of school a while and feeling like you're missing something? Would you like to keep Gamma Sig a part of your life?

It is never too late to think about joining an alumni chapter!

Alumni chapters are great for continuing your dedication to service, keeping up ties with other members and just having fun! Alumni chapters, in general, meet once a month or less and members are required to do a minimum of between 1020 service hours a year. If you think you might be interested in keeping Gamma Sigma Sigma a part your life as an active alumni, please do not hesitate to contact any of the alumni chapters below for specifics about their particular chapter.

Atlanta Metropolitan Colony - Atlanta, Georgia atlantametroalums@gammasigmasigma.org Central New England - VT, NH and MA area - cneac@gammasigmasigma.org Cherry Blossom - Washington, DC area cherryblossomalums@gammasigmasigma.org Cottonboll - Southeastern Missouri - cottonbollalums@gammasigmasigma.org Buckeye City Colony - Ohio - buckeyecityalums@gammasigmasigma.org Empire - Central New York - empirealums@gammasigmasigma.org Gateway - St. Louis Area - gateway@gammasigmasigma.org Gemini - Eastern Pennsylvania - geminialums@gammasigmasigma.org Gold Hills - Northern George - goldhillsalums@gammasigmasigma.org Greater Baltimore - Baltimore, MD area - greaterbaltimore@gammasigmasigma.org Houston-Bayou - Houston, Texas area - houstonbayoualums@gammasigmasigma.org Lone Star - Dallas, Texas area - lonestaralums@gammasigmasigma.org Mid-Jersey Shore - New Jersey - midjerseyshore@gammasigmasigma.org Nutmeg - Connecticut - nutmegalums@gammasigmasigma.org Omicron Colony - Tallahassee, Florida area omicronalums@gammasigmasigma.org Philadelphia - Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey philadelphiaalums@gammasigmasigma.org Pine Tree - Maine - pinetreealums@gammasigmasigma.org Southern White Rose Colony - Alabama - southernwhiterose@gammasigmasigma.org Tri-Counties Colony - Lark Park, Florida - tricountiesalums@gammasigmasigma.org Twin Cities - Mpls/St. Paul Area, Minnesota - twincitiesalums@gammasigmasigma.org Yellow Rose - Houston, Texas area - yellowrosealums@gammasigmasigma.org

ATTENTION ALUMNI OR SOON-TO-BE ALUMNI Have you thought about running for the NBD for a District Director (DD) position but were not sure of the time commitment or what it is like doing a National Visit? Karen Kerr is completing her second consecutive term as District 2 Director and would like to share her experiences with you. She would like to invite any alumni that are interested in running for a DD position (especially in the D2 area) to go with her on a visit to one of the D2 chapters in the fall of 2006. If you are interested, please contact Karen directly at district2@gammasigmasigma.org or call 703-994-1137.

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GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY

RINGS 5

2

1

3

4

6

11

12

Item BP101 BP106 BJ102 BJ103 BJ105 CG061 CG062 CG081 CG082

10

9

15

13

Closed

Open 14 Front

16

Side

ACCESSORIES

BADGES

CG062 BP101

BP106

CG082

BJ103

BJ102

BJ105 JEWELED

PLAIN

Item Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

8

7

Vertical Monogram Lavaliere Circle Monogram Lavaliere Heart w/ Pearls & Garnets Rose Lavaliere Badge Charm Enameled Monogram Ring size:______ Hand Clasp Ring size:______ Crested Ring size:______ Men's Onyx Crest size:______ Onyx Crested Ring size:______ Badge Pendant (badge separately) Plain Crest Rec. Pin Rose Pin Crest Earrings Diagonal Monogram Pin Crested Black Matte Finish Pen

Description Enameled Badge Chapter Honorary Member 13 Pearl 10 Pearl with 3 Garnet points 13 Garnets Plain 1 letter Chapter Guard Plain 2 letter Chapter Guard Whole Pearl 1 letter Guard Whole Pearl 2 letter Guard

Gold Plate

Sterling Silver

10K Gold

$14.00 $16.00

$17.00 $20.00

$16.00 $30.00 na na na na na na $20.00 $16.00 $54.00 $14.00 $60.00

$18.00 $36.00 $55.00 $55.00 $65.00 $100.00 $65.00 $60.00 na na $50.00 $17.00

$25.00 $36.00 $132.00 $33.00 $84.00 $160.00 $150.00 $180.00 $292.00 $180.00 $130.00 $30.00 $35.00 $70.00 $25.00

Gold Kase

Gold Filled

10K Gold

$9.00 na na na na $15.00 $16.00 na na

$33.00 na na na na Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________

$51.00 $35.00 $109.00 $109.00 $109.00 $24.50 $31.50 $52.00 $75.50

GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY

LAVALIERS

Total

Total

Merchandise Total Sales Tax (CA=8.0%, GA, IL, OH=7.0%) Shipping and Handling (6% of order total/minimum $6.00)

ORDER TOTAL

Name ________________________________________ Shipping Address__________________________

City ______________________

ENCLOSED IS : ■ CHECK MADE OUT TO AWARD CONCEPTS INC. __________ - _________ - __________ - _________

Phone (

OR

■

) ________ - ___________ State _______

Zip___________

PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD

EXPIRATION ______/________ SIGNATURE:______________________________

(M C / V I S A / A E )

Send order to: Award Concepts Inc. • P.O. Box 4305 • 110 South 11th Ave • St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801 • Fax: 630-513-7809 • Website: www.awardconcepts.net

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National Board & Staff Contact Information President • D’Ann Brosnahan • 4380 Brookside Crt. #204, Edina, MN 55436 • 952-920-0546 CST • president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice President • Keli Connor • 1700 N. Elm Street apt. B1, Greensboro, NC, 27408 • 336-207-1036 EST • vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Secretary • Lori Tedford • 6 Depot Street, Catskill, NY 12414 • 518-653-9669 EST • secretary@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer • Dee Carter • 8 Jeffrey Road, Aldan, PA 19018 • 610-394-0502 EST • treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director • Karen Rankin Hill • 5786 Hidden Cove Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 • 770-540-6460 EST • service@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director • Sharon Brice • 5401 Rampart #596 • Houston, TX 77081 • 713-771-3193 CST • membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director • Celeste McNeil • 2501 Lazy Hollow 114B, Houston, TX 77063 • 832-453-4039 CST • alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director • Crystal Radabaugh • 15947 Flotilla Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124 •952-432-3454 CST • program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director • Ashley Kreider • 709 Duncan Avenue #517, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • 412-364-1860 EST • marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District I Director • Karen Erickson • 27979 Lakelawn Drive, Lindstrom, MN 55045 • 651-257-4017 CST • district1@gammasigmasigma.org District II Director • Karen Kerr • 43575 Plantation Terrace, Ashburn, VA 20147 • 703-994-1137 EST • district2@gammasigmasigma.org District III Director • Pat Saul • 57 River Street, Chester, VT 05143 • 802-875-6651 EST • district3@gammasigmasigma.org District IV Director • Mariza Shavelle • 1597 Shady Glen Road, Downington, PA 19335 • 610-772-1214 EST • district4@gammasigmasigma.org District V Director • Calondra Tibbs • 1957 Auburn Tree Cove, Memphis TN 38134 • 901-248-4346 EST • district5@gammasigmasigma.org District VI Director • Ranita Williams • 2135 Godby Road, Apt. #20-331, College Park, GA 30349 • 404-933-6577 • district6@gammasigmasigma.org District VII Director • Adrienne Ward • 1860 Tallevast Road, PO Box 46, Tallevast FL 34270 • 615-293-1720 EST • district7@gammasigmasigma.org District VIII Director • Meika Sherrer • 8565 Wilcrest, Houston TX 77099 • 281-933-1176 CST • district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian • Lynne Mowers • 405 Winchester Road, E Syracuse, NY 13057 • 315-463-0196 EST • parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org Administrative Assistant • Jo Charest • PO Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461-0248 • 800-585-7509 EST • aa@gammasigmasigma.org Perspectives Editor • Deb Folsom • 2450 121st Avenue, Clear Lake, MN 55319 • perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Webmaster • Aletha Hill • 1578 Sylvan Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30310-4600 • 678-893-1847 EST • webmaster@gammasigmasigma.org National Archivist • Bea Segal • 611 Malcolm Crescent, Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-979-6271 EST • archivist@gammasigmasigma.org Database Coordinator • Karen Kerr • PO Box 1364, Ashburn, VA 20146-1364 • 703-994-1137 EST • database@gammasigmasigma.org Nominating Chair • Susan Lee-Martin • 1933 N Birchwood Park Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 • 856-489-0179 EST • nominating@gammasigmasigma.org

Did You Know...About Food Shelves?

Did you know that food shelves actually can use cash donations much more than actual food? The reason is that food shelves are able to buy food from government agencies, food banks, and wholesalers for much less than even the most savvy consumer. In fact, they are able to buy ground beef for as little as 7 cents per pound!

If you are interested in donating food and other necessities, they are always in need of the following.

NON-FOOD ITEMS - larger sized diapers, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, paper towels, tampons, sanitary napkins, deodorant, shampoo and cleaning supplies.

FOOD ITEMS - peanut butter, cereals, meals in cans, pasta products, rice products, etc.

SPECIAL NEEDS - magazines, books, clothing, coats, hats, gloves and toys. (Call your food shelf to see if they accept these items) Some items seem to be donated at much larger rates than others, and cannot be used as much as other items.

Items they tend to have too much of: ramen noodles, seasonal items like canned pumpkin or cranberries and foods that have little nutritional value such as Halloween or Christmas candy.

Many food shelves have special "drives" at particular times per year for specific reasons. Think of these special events throughout the year as you see things on sale.

Remember that food shelves serve a greatly needed purpose. Most of the people who use the food shelf are elderly, disabled, temporarily out of work, going through a divorce, seriously ill, or caring for children who are not their own (i.e. grandparents caring for children while living on a fixed income). By and large, the people who use the shelf are doing so to avoid using government services. These are people in legitimate need! The fastest growing populations of food shelf clients? Middle class people who used to have good jobs that have either been affected by 9/11, the economy downturn or their jobs being sent overseas. Also a growing population: elderly people who have to choose between food and prescription drugs.

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Upcoming Events Calendar April 17-23

National Volunteer Week

April 22

National Conference - Florida District 4 Graduating Senior & Alumni-at-large Reception - Burtonville, MD Contact Mariza - District 4 Director for information

April 29

District 4 Graduating Senior & Alumni-at-large Reception - Philadelphia, PA Contact Mariza - District 4 Director for information

May

National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

June

National Safety Month

July 13-17

National Board of Directors Meeting - Chicago, IL

August

National Food Safety Month

August 5-6

District 4 Pool Party & Retreat - See page 4

Check out www.gammasigmasigma.org for updates, links to chapter websites, members forum and other national organization information!

Next Perspectives Deadline Fall 2006 Issue - August 19, 2006 Send all submissions to Perspectives Editor (postal & email forms accepted)

Alumni Members - You can receive mass mailings just like the chapters. Send check/money order in the amount of $10 (for two years of mass mailings, approximately ten) or $5 (for one year of mass mailings, approximately five) payable to Gamma Sigma Sigma. Send to Jo Charest, Administrative Assistant, PO Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461

Did you move or have a name change?

If so, please contact: gssmailinglist@yahoo.com

Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Database Coordinator P.O. Box 1364 Ashburn, VA 20146-1364

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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