April 2024 Pearl Gazette

Chartered January 29, 2000

The Pearl Gazette

Phi Nu Omega Chapter

2024 Executive Committee

Kirstin Riddick President

Pauline Smith Vice-President

LaSandra Purnell Secretary

Minyon Palmer Vice-Secretary

Marva Scott Treasurer

Essence Mitchell Financial Secretary

Kim Kendrick Hostess

Vikki Pretlow

Ivy Leaf Reporter

Aliya Robinson

Historian

Danielle Bridgeforth Chaplain

Lisa Heath Correspondence Secretary

Romana Lavalas Member-At-Large

**Past Basilei**

Sharon Worthy

Kimberly Armstrong

Michelle Pretlow Thomas

Lona Gordon

Kimberly Walker

Yvonne Jones

Theresta Lanier

Contents

Greetings

April: A Clarion Call to Care, Share, and Advocate

KirstinRiddick

April is Poetry Month. In addition to showing love for this literary device, this month reminds us to care for our Earthly home and that Black Maternal Health Matters!

As a chapter, we painted Charlotte, North Carolina pink and green during a “Marvelous and Majestic” Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. Supporting the Mid-Atlantic’s service initiative, we donated 13 books to the Charlotte Hornets Book Bus. We celebrated our newly minted Jewels, enjoyed a pleasant dinner together, and attended to the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. We learned that the State of the Region is STRONG!

We advocated for social jJustice by co-hosting a mayoral candidate forum for Alexandria City with our sister chapter, Zeta Chi Omega and the League of Women voters. We leveraged our social media platform to amplify our voices in support of Black Maternal Health. We will sign virtual petitions asking our congress to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

We will care for our environment by recycling small electronics. Individually, through bullet jjournaling, we reflected on ways we care for our earthly home through actions like energy conservation, recycling, or eating less meat.

Through CHIPPTM and YLI, we continue to empower our families by feeding our elementary school-aged children and encouraging our middle school youth to take the lead.

I applaud you, Sorors. Let us keep the momentum going. We STRIVE and we DO.

A Devotional on Kindness

DanielleBridgeforth

This month I want to share with you from one of my favorite devotionals, Streams in the Desert.

“Put on as the elect of God, kindness.” (Col. 3:12.)

There is a story of an old man who carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and if he passed through a door that squeaked, he poured a little oil on the hinges. If a gate was hard to open, he oiled the latch. And thus, he passed through life lubricating all hard places and making it easier for those who came after him.

People called him eccentric, queer, and cranky; but the old man went steadily on refilling his can of oil when it became empty and oiled the hard places he found. There are, many lives that creak and grate harshly as they live day by day. Nothing goes right with them. They need lubricating with the oil of gladness, gentleness, or thoughtfulness. Have you your own can of oil with you? Be ready with your oil of helpfulness in the early morning to the one nearest you. It may lubricate the whole day for him. The oil of good cheer to the downhearted one—Oh, how much it may mean! The word of courage to the despairing. Speak it.

Our lives touch others but once, perhaps, on the road of life; and then, mayhap, our ways diverge, never to meet again. The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a sin-hardened life and left it soft and pliable and ready for the redeeming grace of the Saviour.

A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore, “Give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest.”

“We cannot know the grief That men may borrow; We cannot see the souls

Storm-swept by sorrow; But love can shine upon the way Today, tomorrow;

Let us be kind.

Upon the wheel of pain so many weary lives are broken We live in vain who give no tender token. Let us be kind.”

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love.” (Rom. 12:10.)1

1 Lettie B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert (Los Angeles, CA: The Oriental Missionary Society, 1925), 351.

Upcoming Service Activities

Dunbar Boys & Girls Clubs of Alexandria

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunites

June 2024, September 2024, December 2024

Background checks must be conducted for all volunteers. The following list includes the process for any Soror interested in participating in the upcoming volunteer opportunities with the Boys & Girls Club:

Step One: Send First and Last Name, Phone Number, and Email Address to PNOVicePresident.AKA@gmail.com; this information will be forwarded by the Program Chair to Patrice Hall

Step Two: You will receive a link from “Trusted Employees” (check SPAM folder as well). Click the link and enter/submit all required information.

Step Three: You will be notified of status.

Rosie Riveters STEM Program at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Dates: Two slots open for each class date: April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18; 9:30am to 10:30am.

Step 1: Please send your full name, and email address to PNOVicePresident.AKA@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Step 2: You will receive an email from administrator@intellicorp.net, in order to complete a background check for Rosie Riverter (check spam). It takes a couple of minutes. Please screenshot your confirmation email, and send to PNOVicePresident.AKA@gmail .com

Rosie Riveters - STEM Kit Packing Night - April 23rd

If you would like to join us, please sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/241016421361038

Details:

What: STEM Kit Packing

When: April 23 at 5:30PM to 7:30PM

Where: Rosie Riveters | 1908 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301, 2nd Floor

Why: To encourage the next generation in STEM!

Contact Soror Pauline Smith at PNOVicePresident.AKA@gmail.com with questions

NPHC Corner

Mark Your Calendars

• NPHC Founders Week: May 4-May 11, 2024. The NPHC is planning to host a Happy Hour and a Community Service Project during Founders Week.

• Black Scholars’Luncheon: The NPHC will be hosting its annual Black Scholars’ Luncheon on May 19 th from 3pm-5pm. We will be awarding scholarships to our essay winners. Additional details will be available soon.

• 2024 NPHC Cookout: June 23, 2024 from 2pm-7pm

Across the NPHC

Save the Date: Black Health Matters – Spring 2024 Health Summit & Expo “Elevating Health and Wellness in the Chocolate City"- Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm EST Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University.

The NOVA Section of the National Council for Negro Women are hosting a Jazz En Blanc on Sunday June 2, 2024 from 12pm-4pm. It will be held at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church. The address is 3111 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042. Tickets are $80 and the attire is All White Buffett Brunch. There will be live music provided by the renowned Jazzy Blu Band. There will also be door prizes, vendors and a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds will be used to support area community service projects. Tickets can be purchased here

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will be hosting their Rockin’ In Red Experience - NoVAC’s 65th Anniversary & 10th Annual Trailblazer Awards Event on May 5, 2024. It will be held from 2pm-6pm at the Hilton in Springfield, VA. The Hilton Springfield is located at 6550 Loisdale Road, Springfield, VA 22150. Tickets are $95/pp and can be purchased here.

The Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter

13th Annual Spring Tee golf tournament fundraiser to support scholarship and programming May 6, 2024 at Laurel Hill Golf Club. The annual golf tournament will support their largest scholarship and programming fundraiser of the year. Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079. To register, visit www.fcacdst.org/springtee

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

The Omicron Theta Zeta Chapter is also hosting a Chucks, Pearls and Twirls Line Dance Party. It will be held on Saturday April 20 th from 2-6pm at the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Hall. The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Hall is located at 9501 Old Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased at www.omicronthetazeta.org/shop

There is an upcoming Food Drive and a March for Babies Fundraiser. Information is forthcoming.

The Prince George’s County National Pan-Hellenic Council are hosting a GreeksattheCreekWineFestival on June 22, 2024. It will be held at Hennessey Creek at 13201 Martin Rd. Brandywine, MD 20613 from 12pm-7pm. A portion of the proceeds will be donated for scholarships. Ticket prices are as follows: $65 for Early Bird, $75 General Admission and $800 for VIP Group Cabanas. Please bring your own lawn chair. Tents and Coolers are not allowed. There will be live performances. Tickets can be purchased at https:// www.hennessycreek.com/event-details/greeks-at-thecreek-wine-festival-2

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated

The Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and the Bernie L Bates Foundation Inc. are hosting Crab Feast 2024. It will be held on June 8, 2024 from 3pm-8pm at Mt. Vernon Columbus Club. The Mt. Vernon Columbus Club is located at 8592 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309. Tickets are $85/pp and $800/table. Tickets can be purchased here. https://e.givesmart.com/events/ByA/

Psi Nu Chapter and SuperNOVA Educational Fund will be hosting a 9-hole golf tournament on April 26th from 8am-12pm. That is a Friday. It will be held at Pinecrest Golf Course which is located at 6600 Little River Turnpike Alexandria, VA 22312. Tickets are $60 for 1 ticket and $225 for a foursome. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ supernova-educational-foundation-inaugural-golftournament-tickets-845505077447?

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Sorors on the Move

Soror Karen Davis Miller will be participating in her third Ride to End Alzheimer's Nation's Capital fundraising cycling event on May 4th in Loudoun County. She will be cycling for 25 miles. If any Sorors would like to support her efforts, donations can be made by following link below. 100% of donations go to the Alzheimer's Association.

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=17235&pg=personal&px=12202209

Soror Latoya Patterson-Smith and her daughter, Lily, participated in the National Cherry Blossom Parade 2024Washington D.C. on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Check it out on YouTube --> National Cherry Blossom Parade - 2024

Congratulations to Soror Latoya Patterson-Smith, who was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society on April 11, 2024.

Phi Nu Omega Entrepreneurs

Alexandria Chiropractic Clinic & Rehab, LLC

Soror Roiketa Strand

CEO/Founder/Holistic Wellness Chiropractor

www.alexandriachiropracticclinic.com

Dr. Roiketa M. Strand is a 2002 graduate of Fort Valley State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. In 2006, she received her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Sherman College, in Spartanburg, SC. In 2018, she was selected as a Top Chiropractor in Blacksburg, VA. In 2021 and 2022, she was selected as the Top Chiropractor in Alexandria, VA.

Dr. Strand takes pride in what she does. Her youngest patient was two days old and her oldest patient was 103 years old. She follows The Golden Rule, ”to treat people the way she wants to be treated!”

101 South Whiting Street Suite 213

Alexandria, VA 22304

Phone: (703) 370-5335

alexandriacc.r@gmail.com

dr.roiketa.strand@gmail.com

1. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.

2. Volunteer. Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.

3. Educate. When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.

4. Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.

5. Choose sustainable. Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.

6. Shop wisely. Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.

7. Use long-lasting light bulbs. Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!

8. Plant a tree. Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.

9. Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

10. Bike more. Drive less.

(Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Calendar, Celebrations, and Recognition

AKAversaries

Brenda Johnson - 1976

Marva Scott - 1981

Daria Finley - 1996

Ursula Snead - 1998

Kim Kendrick - 1991

Gloria Harper-Simon - 1995

Romana Lavalas - 2005

Birthdays

Kim Kendrick - 4/18