March 2024 Pearl Gazette

Kirstin

Pauline Smith

Minyon Palmer Vice-Secretary

Kim

Vikki

Aliya

Danielle

Lisa

Dearest Sorors,

Greetings

A Message from Phi Nu Omega Chapter President Kirstin Riddick

March is a time to celebrate Women’s History Month and the first day of Spring. I love being surrounded by you as my chapter sisters and trailblazers, setting paths and charting courses for future generations who can envision being the very thing you are because they see you! So far this year, in person or spirit, I have rejoiced with many of you who celebrate promotions and milestones, engage in adventure, and take on something new with courage. You are blooming beautifully while holding up a standard of excellence and representing our beloved sisterhood. I could not be prouder. Thank you for being the history-makers we need and the change we need to see in the world. Continue to shine brightly with the essence of who you are as you contribute to our phenomenal, nurturing, and optimistic chapter to enhance her impact on our local community through sisterly love and service. Let us march forward, as a collective, to make our sisterhood “supreme in service to all mankind.”

Announcements

Scholarships

transform lives and create unlimited opportunities for students. Since 1980 the Educational Advancement Foundation® has awarded scholarships to gifted and deserving students. Join me in continuing the legacy of academic excellence by donating to the 1980 Legacy Campaign. Give an Education today.

https://www.giveffect.c om/campaigns/30582alpha-kappa-alpha-eaf

Upcoming Service Activities

Dunbar Boys & Girls Clubs of Alexandria

Friday, March 22, 2024 @ 4:30 PM

Phi Nu Omega STEM Curriculum & STEM Resource Donations

Goals for Donation:

•To build enrichment and inquiry through STEM-based hands-on explorations

•To understand the steps to short-term and long-term goal setting (SMART)

•To identify steps to achieving a specific goal

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

‘CHIPP Initiative’

Captain: Soror Kathy

Date: March 16, 2024 & Bi-weekly distribution @William Ramsay ES

Location: 5700 Sanger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311

Soror Participation: To provide weekend and holiday meals for children within local communities, and target these families for participation within Alpha Kappa Alpha’s most ambitious childhood hunger program to date

Soror Attendance : Chapter Sorors

Hours of Service per Attendee : One (1) hr. packaging; Two (2) hrs. distribution

Service Activities

Phi Nu Omega members supported our mission to engage and inspire girls in STEM with the Rosie Riveters program.

NPHC Corner

Mark Your Calendars

• 2024 Spring Happy Hour Social: The Spring Happy Hour will be held on March 21, 2024 at Blackwall Hitch in Old Town Alexandria from 5pm-8pm. Blackwall Hitch is located at 5 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please wear pink and/or green.

• 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. We will cap off the week with Gala on May 10th.

• 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 – Spring2024Health Summit&Expo“Elevating HealthandWellnessintheChocolateCity.’

Saturday, April 13

8:30 am – 3:00 pm EST

Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter

• 65th anniversary in June. Celebration details will be shared soon.

• Denim and Sneakers Day Party, March 30th, at Highline RxR; 2pm-5pm.. Highline RxR is located at 2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/denim-sneakers-dayparty-tickets-829733765027.

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. Laurel Hill Golf Club is located at 8701 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton, VA 22079. To register, visit www.fcacdst.org/springtee.

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated - The Beta Alpha Omega Chapter of Iota Phi Theta are hosting a Jazz Concert on April 6 th from 5pm-9pm. It will be held at Tempo Lounge which is located at 17650 Possum Point d Dumfries, VA 22026. Early Bird tickets prices $55 for 1 ticket and 2 tickets for $100. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.novaiotas.org/event-details-registration/anevening-of-melanin-magic

The Prince George’s County National Pan-Hellenic Council are hosting a Greeks at the Creek Wine Festival 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/eventdetails/greeks-at-the-creek-wine-festival-2

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

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

Omicron Theta Zeta Chapter

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

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Psi Nu Chapter and SuperNOVA Educational Fund - will be hosting a 9-hole golf tournament on April 26th from 8am12pm. 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-educationalfoundation-inaugural-golf-tournament-tickets845505077447?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

PNO Out and About

Soror Jatrice Martel-Gaiter celebrated 50 years of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority membership, along with her line sisters, at a gala on March 2nd. The Spring 1974 initiates chartered the first Alpha Kappa Alpha line on the University of Maryland, College Park campus! Congratulations, Soror Jatrice!

Phi Nu Omega Chapter members participated in a fun charcuterie board panting event in February

A note from Soror Jatrice:

I’m back from Antarctica, having just completed a small ship expedition and trip of a lifetime. I now have travelled to all seven continents. Jumping into the icy ocean for my thrilling polar plunge will forever remain an indelible memory of fear and adventure.

Antarctica is dangerous, inhospitable, and cold. It is also a glorious testament to the beauty and fascinating allure of nature and the unknown. The various blue hues of the landscapes, glaciers and water were stunning. The penguins were cute but smelly. The whales were glorious, and the seals were huge. Fellow voyagers were enthralling seekers from all over the world.

This sabbatical deepened my resolve and passion to my work at VOA. As I flew above the continent in a helicopter, looking at spectacular sights of pristine vistas few humans have ever seen, I felt so blessed and fortunate. I also thought of the pain and misery that envelops so many children, veterans and families around the world, and my small role in alleviating some of the inequity and suffering.

Take time to put your life and work into perspective. Fill your soul with joy, splendor, and a renewed energy so that you can continue to provide care, donate or volunteer to make a difference in someone else’s life. Take time off and fill your life with as much wonder and beauty as possible, so you can spread the love.

Calendar, Celebrations, and Recognition

March 2024

AKAversaries

March 2 - Soror Jatrice Martel-Gaiter celebrated 50 years

March 7 - Soror Nefertiti Holbeck celebrated 20 years

Birthdays

March 6 – Soror Kathy Philyaw

March 15 – Soror Sydney Hannah-Holliday

March 23 – Soror Vikki Pretlow