AKA-AGO DEC 2023 IVY VINE NEWSLETTER

Vine THE IVY

DECEMBER 2023| VOL. 12

Tis theSeason

WWW.AKAAGO1927.COM

Happy Holidays Sorors, As women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter, we continue to SOAR “Soar to Greater Heights of Service & Sisterhood.” AGO has done a phenomenal job of executing international program initiatives and activities to impact the lives of those in the communities we serve. Our undertakings and achievements are a sisterly example of what we can accomplish when working together.

We have an excellent opportunity to contribute in 2024 as one of the host chapters of the 95th Far Western Regional Conference in Los Angeles and internationally at the upcoming 2025 Leadership Seminar in Anaheim and 72nd Boule in Las Vegas in 2026.

As 2023 comes to a close, may we extend joy, kindness, and gratitude towards others. I want to express my appreciation and a special thank you to Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter members for their dedication, hard work, flexibility, and cooperation during my first year serving as your Basileus. Each of you played a significant role that contributed to Building AGO’s Legacy of Service & Sisterhood.

I wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season and a blessed New Year!

In Service & Sisterhood,

Cheryl Lynn Mason

Soror Cheryl Lynn Mason, Basileus AGO 1927 | “Building on the Legacy of Service & Sisterhood”

NEW Chapter Meeting Location

Saturday, December 2, 2023 Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church Scott's Hall 3751 W. 54th Street Los Angeles, CA 90008 10:30 AM Social 12:00 PM Chapter Meeting

Parking: Enter on the Rimpau side off the alley.

There is a parking lot on the Rimpau side.

DECEMBER 2023 CALENDAR December 2, 2023 Joint Chapter Meeting | Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church | 12 pm December 4, 2023 Build Our Economic Wealth meeting | Zoom December 5, 2023 Public Relations Committee meeting | Zoom December 6, 2023 Uplift Our Local Community meeting | Zoom December 7, 2023 MLK Planning Committee meeting | Zoom December 9, 2023 AGO Christmas Mixer | Wilfandel Club | 3 pm-6 pm December 13, 2023 Enhance Our Environment meeting | Zoom December 14, 2023 Membership Committee meeting | Zoom December 14, 2023 Digital Design Workshop #2 - holiday edition | Zoom | 7 pm December 16, 2023 Empower Our Families event | AGO House | 2 pm-5 pm December 17, 2023 The Color Purple Screening | Cinemark Carson | 1 pm December 18, 2023 Strengthen Our Sisterhood meeting | Zoom December 19, 2023 Housing Committee meeting | Zoom December 19, 2023 The Ivy Heritage Foundation | Zoom

December 25, 2023 Christmas Day December 31, 2023 New Year‘s Eve

December

BIRTHDAY SORORS Akilah Wilson | December 2 Cheryl R. Chisholm | December 4 Shannan Bates | December 4 Kimberly Beavers Noble | December 5 Martha Pruden Hamiter | December 6 Keisha M. Scott | December 7 Sonja Williams | December 7 Didra Brown Taylor | December 8 Centrina Jackson | December 8 Angela DeMola-Marcano | December 10 Krystalyn Goode | December 11 Brenda G. English | December 13 Noelle Anaya | December 13 Ebony Durham | December 14 Walta M. Smith | December 14 Edna P. Burems | December 15

Kellie Brook Malone | December 15 Susie Davis | December 16 Jalynn Borders | December 17 Joyce C. Mills | December 17 Yvonne Richardson James | December 17 Ericka Washington | December 18 Christina Deberry | December 22 Carmecia A. Carson-Glover | December 26 Chanel Shackelford | December 29 Garcelle Embry | December 30 Barbara Morgan | December 30 Patsy R. Collins | December 31

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

ATTENTION SORORS! Have you paid your 2023 Financial Assessments?

All 2023 Financial Assessments are due by December 31st, 2023 and must be paid prior to paying your 2024 dues.

Have you paid your $300.00 Fundraiser Assessment?

The Fundraiser assessment was due on February 24, 2023. (You are not responsible for this assessment if you joined AGO after the March Chapter meeting).

Have you paid the $150.00 Host Chapter Regional Conference Assessment?

The $150.00 Regional Conference assessment is due by December 31st, 2023– prior to your 2024 Dues.

What happens if I do not pay these assessments?

Your 2024 Dues cannot be accepted.

You will be unable to transfer to another chapter.

ATTENTION SORORS! 2023 Financial Assessments Cont.

How can I pay?

The Fundraiser Assessment of $300.00 is tax deductible and can be made payable to The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc. two ways: via paypal with fees to:https://www.theivyheritagefoundation.org/support-us Or mail your payment made payable to The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc. to the AGO House, 2615 Ellendale Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007.

The Chapter Assessment of $150.00 can be sent via zelle at: payago@akaago1927.com or to AKA-AGO and mailed to: AGO House, 2615 Ellendale Place, Los Angeles, CA 90007.

If you are making your Regional Conference Assessment AND 2024 Dues payment together: Life Member: $380.00 Regular: $505.00

Please send your confirmation to Soror Cheryl Mason, Basileus at 424-227-0553 or email sororcherylmasonago1927@gmail.com.

Providing confirmation will expedite the process to clear acceptance of your 2024 Dues.

2024 Chapter Dues & Fees Pay your dues by mailing to: Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter 2615 Ellendale Place Los Angeles, CA | 90007 Attention: Pecunious Grammateus You may drop your dues directly into the mailbox at the AGO House.

Pay your dues by Zelle: Send dues to payago@akaago1927.com on Zelle. Please include the following information in the memo: Your name | 2024 Chapter Dues

A break in service occurs after 2/1/2024 ALL Assessments must be paid prior to accepting the 2024 Dues.

Regular Dues .................................................................$355.00 Life Member....................................................................$230.00 Undergraduate Transfer...............................................$215.00 Reinstatement..................................................................$375.00 COIP Assessment (if not previously paid) ..................$200.00 Per Capita Late Fee (after 2/1/24)...............................$12.50

2023-2024 Officers Basileus Cheryl Lynn Mason

Philacter Olga Sanders

First Anti-Basileus Lynette K. Brooks

Hodegos Melissia Buckhalter Honoré

Second Anti-Basileus Felicia Price

Parliamentarian Walta Smith

Grammateus Keisha M. Scott

Chaplain Kiri Arrington-White

Anti-Grammateus Alvina Heard

Archivist Barbara Spears

Epistoleus Carmecia Carson-Glover

Director of Public Relations LaTricia Guyton Morgan

Pecunious Grammateus Ruthe Morgan Grigsby

Members-at-Large Bridgette Eagle Spirit Kimberly Green-Russell Gloria Wilkerson

Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Natasha Gilmore Tamiouchos Regina Owens-Dillard Anti-Tamiouchos Arlene Spears-Smith

Graduate Advisor - Iota Beta Martha Pruden Hamiter Graduate Advisor - Tau Kappa Medica Denton Dave The Ivy Heritage Foundation, Inc. Saundra T. Bishop

Nominating Committee Ruthe Morgan-Grigsby Lisi Cash Cambreisha Montgomery Tajarah Nicholson Eldora Prentiss Amazyng Royále Djuanique Slaughter

Ivy Vine Editor-in-Chief Sharice Bryant Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Chartered 1927 Meeting Place 2615 Ellendale Place Los Angeles, CA 90007

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

OSES TO R A TE

Tea Roses to the November Hostess Committee, Chaired by Soror Tracey Booker and the hostess committee: Sorors September Penn, Pamela Chestnut, Carmecia Carson Glover.

Tea Roses to the Tellers Chairman, Soror Shannon Nelson, and the Tellers Committee, who executed the chapter election. I appreciate you scouting out the location and making the plans to smoothly facilitate the voting for officers and award election.

Tea Roses to Soror September Penn and the entire staff at Angeles Mesa Church, who has assisted each month with setting up and preparing for chapter meetings. Thank you!

Tea Roses to the Advocate for Social Justice Committee, Chairman Stephany Powell, for kicking off the social media awareness campaign for Maternal health.

Tea Roses to the Advocate for Social Justice Committee, Soror Katrina Carter-Journet, who provided an engaging discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its effect on the Voting Process.

Tea Roses to all the sorors who joined us as we strengthened the bonds of sisterhood at Sunday Worship at the Angeles Mesa Presbyterian Church. AKA, gratitude to you for extending the invitation to family and friends.

Tea Roses to all the Sorors who joined the celebration honoring Soror Diane Watson as she celebrates her 90th birthday. Soror Diane was thrilled to see all of the sorors who came out.

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee sub-committee Co-Chairman Soror Cynthia Coleman for planning and executing a successful Fall Back into Mental Health workshop.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

OSES TO R A TE

Tea Roses to Soror Edna Burems, who was elected to serve as Parliamentarian for the National Pan Hellenic Council of Los Angeles.

Tea Roses to the AGO November sorors who celebrated their birthdays.

Tea Roses to our Technology Chairman, Soror Sharice Bryant, and Committee for all things technology, The Ivy Vine, social media graphics, Zooms, and for running our technology at chapter meetings.

Tea Roses to the Enhance Our Environment Committee during the season of gratitude by providing service at Crenshaw United Methodist Church by harvesting crops at their rich and bountiful community garden.

Tea Roses to Soror Hansonia Caldwell and the Fine Arts Committee for coordinating the Patrons list and rehearsals for the MLK Day Concert.

Tea Roses to the Housing Committee Chairman, Soror Martha Pruden Hamiter, for keeping our AGO House clean and for your quick response in addressing maintenance issues. You are appreciated!

Tea Roses to Soror Kimberly Littlejohn and Soror Peggy Loeb for your dedication and assistance in keeping us on track with AGO Awards submission.

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee Chairman Soror Tracey Booker and Soror Kiri Arrington White for coordinating our CHIPP™ program packing and distribution and to all the sorors who have donated to this wonderful cause in 2023. Thank you to AGO for answering the call to bring monthly food donations!

Tea Roses to the Uplift Our Local Community Chairman, Tahirah Nyanin, and Committee as you continue to impact our local community with our clothing drive for women preparing to enter the work field.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

OSES TO R A TE

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee Chairman Soror Tracey Booker and Soror Kiri Arrington White for coordinating our monthly health checks for the Ivy Vine.

Tea Roses to Rituals Chairman Soror Susan Hall Comrie and Soror Tajarah Nicholson, Co-Chairman and Committee who, coordinated 7 Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremonies.

Tea Roses to our Hodegeos Soror Melissia Buckhalter Honoré for the warm welcome and for sending our flowers, plants, and cards in 2023.

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee Chairman Soror Tracey Booker and Soror Kiri Arrington White for coordinating in support of our Youth Leadership Institute. Please consider enrolling your kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends in this engaging leadership program tailored to support our middle school students.

Tea Roses to Soror Regina Owens Dillard and Soror Ruthe Morgan Grigsby, who have served our chapter well by keeping our financial records organized.

Tea Roses to Soror Lynette K. Brooks, Program Chairman, for working with the AGO Chairman to execute an impactful program in 2023.

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee Chairman Soror Tracey Booker, Soror Kimberly Green Russell, and the Committee for shopping, packing, and delivering CHIPP bags to students at 61st Elementary School. Thank you to AGO for answering the call to bring monthly food donations!

Thank you to Soror Jeri Johnson for leading engaging discussions as we continue to dive into Finding Me by Viola Davis – the discussion continues in January 2024.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

OSES TO R A TE

Tea Roses to Soror Carmecia Carson Glover, Strengthen Our Sisterhood Committee for delivering 20 - $25 grocery gift cards for needy families who receive assistance from the Lanterman Regional Center.

Tea Roses and thank you to the Soror Margaret McCauley and our chapter prayer warriors who keep AGO lifted in prayer on our weekly Thursday prayer calls during the month of November.

Thank you to the Soror Suzanne Cutter and the Strategic Planning Committee for working monthly on the AGO strategic plan, engaging monthly calls, and working on the survey.

Tea Roses Soror Cynthia Brockman-Coleman, for coordinating the Strengthen our Sisterhood workout squad activities. Workouts are on 2nd Saturdays @ 8:00 AM at the Sofi.

Tea Roses to Soror Clarice Kavanaugh for coordinating the ticket sales and securing the link for AGO to attend MJ and The Wiz the Musical at the Pantages.

Tea Roses to Soror Carmecia Carson Glover, Strengthen Our Sisterhood Committee, for coordinating and selling out a preview screening of The Color Purple.

Tea Roses to Soror Kathy Harrison and Soror Tami Reid for your work with the National Pan Hellenic Council Los Angeles in 2023.

You have represented us well in 2023.

Tea Roses to the Iota Beta Chapter and the AGO Sorors who came out to Game Night – we enjoyed ourselves with the undergrads.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

OSES TO R A TE

Tea Roses to the Empower Our Families Committee Chairman Soror Tracey Booker for highlighting community service opportunities during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Tea Roses to Soror Tami Reid & Soror Kimberly Green Russell who coordinated the AGO November birthdays.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

Prayers

Cards are welcome.

Praying for all our AGO Sorors who are dealing with issues spoken and unspoken. May you know that you have the support of your sisters in AGO. Praying for all our AGO Sorors who are having health challenges.

Praying for Soror Bettye Kimble Cards can be sent to c/o Clearview Alzheimer's Center 15823 South Western Avenue Gardena, CA, 90247 Prayers for Soror Jacqueline Everett who lives alone and needs special prayers and expressions of love and encouragement.

Cards can be sent to Soror Jacqueline Everett 3009 West 80th Street, Inglewood, CA, 90305

Soror LaVette Quinn’s new Information Ivy Park at Playa Vista 5555 Playa Vista Drive, Room 612 Los Angeles, CA 90094 Phone: 323-683-7767

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

Get Well Wishes Cards are welcome.

Praying for Soror Martha Hamiter who is recovering from a fall.

Praying for Soror Chere Talbert who is continuing to recover from a fall.

Praying for Soror Kim Foley who is recovering from surgery.

Praying for Soror Doris Fork who is having health challenges.

Praying for Soror Claire Chisholm who is recovering at home.

Praying for Soror Marguerite Phillips who is having health challenges.

Praying for Soror Janice Hutto Johnson who is having health challenges.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

rly Reminders Siste

Meeting Attire: The attire for our monthly Chapter meetings is Business.

Sorors, please do not wear casual clothing.

Please do not park on the grass or park in the back lot if you are not staying for the duration of the meeting.

Frequently check your email for AKA and AGO correspondence.

Chapter Directory: Please do not share our chapter directory or chapter contact information with anyone outside of the sorority.

Newsletter Submission: The deadline to submit items for The Ivy Vine newsletter is the 15th of each month with the exception of summer recess months.

Please submit Ivy Vine newsletter content AT THIS LINK. E-blast Requests: To request an E-blast, please send a prepared message/flyer to sororcherylmasonago1927@gmail.com. Copy Soror Carmecia Carson-Glover, Epistoleus at epistoleus@akaago1927.com Title your email: E-blast Request.

Meeting Calendar: Committee Chairmen should contact Member-at-Large Soror Gloria Wilkerson, to provide her with your planned meeting dates.

Contact Soror Gloria at rosyfloglo15@att.net or (323) 829-7615.

Clear dates prior to sending meeting notices to committee members.

Copy the Basileus and First Anti-Basileus on all meeting notices.

Meeting Attendance and Sign-In: Remember to sign-in at each monthly chapter meeting.

You can do this by scanning the QR Code at the meeting and/or contacting the Anti-Grammateus, Soror Alvina Heard at antigrammateus@akaago1927.com. Your attendance is very important.

Dec 2023 | Vol. 12

Committee Chairmen: Committee Chairmen should contact Soror Martha Pruden Hamiter regarding the availability of the AGO House for committee meetings and activities. mphamiter@gmail.com | (323) 376-8815 Upon confirmation of your meeting/activity date, contact Soror Grace Cain to obtain keys to the house.

Email 4gwc@ca.rr.com | Phone (323) 730-8108

Private Rental: When requesting use of the AGO House for private rentals/events, contact Soror Martha Pruden Hamiter, AGO House Rental Agent, for a rental contract, available dates and applicable fees. mphamiter@gmail.com | (323) 376-8815

December Mental Health Check-Up

Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, irritable, or energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very “down,” sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least 7 days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.

Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.

Experiencing four or more episodes of mania or depression within 1 year is called “rapid cycling.”

Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. The hypomanic episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.

CONGRATULATIONS! To AGO’s newly elected officers!

First Anti-Basileus Carmecia Carson Glover Grammateus Tatangla Coleman Pecunious Grammateus Bridgette Eagle Spirit

Epistoleus Angela Griffin Anti-Tamiouchos Edna Burems Graduate Advisors Medica Denton Dave - Tau Kappa Antoinette Morehead - Iota Beta Chaplin Kathy Harrison Members-at-Large Leslee Deanes Bryant, Gloria Wilkerson, Tajarah Nicholson Nominating Committee Kirra Epps, Hope Hampton Crawford, Kimberly Littlejohn, Eldora Prentiss, Barbara Spears, Djuanique Slaughter, Arlene Spears Smith

CONGRATULATIONS!

Soror Clarice Kavanaugh Soror Clarice passed her first research project for The Impact of Mentors, Informal Networks and Career Sponsorships for African American Women Seeking Career Advancement: CRASHING THROUGH THE CONCRETE CEILING First research project that included All D9 Sororities 262 College Educated African-American Women, proving that African-American Women do not have a glass ceiling but a CONCRETE CEILING and Career sponsorships are a direct predictor of Career Advancement for African American Women.

AGO is proud to see you SOAR!

Power of Song Inc. Presents

The Power of Song Inc. will offer a presentation that focuses on their international work sharing the message of non-violence as modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Members of this organization have traveled to Beijing, China as well as the Middle East sharing the songs of the Civil Rights Movement and inspiring their audiences to to remain vigilant in their efforts to bring about peace.

The presentation will be filled with music, stories, and videos highlighting some of their experiences abroad. In light of the war raging between Israel and Hamas, there will be a significant focus on the work that took place in Jerusalem and the West Bank with the Palestinian National Theater. The event is FREE to the community.

The Power of Song, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headed by Soror September Penn.

Committee Announcements

AGO & EAF Soror Carodine Endowment Scholarship

Ralph's Community Awards Program The following directions are to assist you in registering for the Ralph's Community Awards Program which will assist in fundraising for EAF - Education Advancement Foundation for AKA/AGO.

Step 1: CLICK HERE to visit Ralph’s.com.

Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Kroger Community Rewards.

Step 3: Choose either (1.) Create a digital account.

(2.) Link your card.

Enter the name of the organization to support: Enter Ivy Heritage Foundation Step 4: Follow the on-screen directions.

Mentors Needed

For Iota Beta & Tau Kappa A mentor will

Encourage Sorors to grow personally and professionally and increase their leadership capabilities.

Communicate to Sorors the seriousness of their vows and commitment, by developing relationships based on caring, sharing, and the transfer of knowledge.

Enrich the membership experience of Sorors through the establishment of an internal support system focused on continuous learning within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.® Contact Madam Basileus if you're interested. sororcherylmasonago1927@gmail.com

Calling All Sorors Sorors interested in continuing to be or becoming a member of the Scholarship Committee, please contact Soror Rachel Prentiss, Scholarship Chairman @ rachel.prentiss1@gmail.

AKA Pals Sign up to be matched with a soror from the South Central Region!

Our goal is to foster relationships over the next eight months and hold a in person meet & greet at 2024 Boule in Dallas, Texas.

Fill out the form HERE if interested.

Harvest Community Garden Crops + Open-Air Market

Join the Enhance Our Environment Program Initiative as we promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle by providing service at Crenshaw United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:30 AM-1:30 PM 3740 Don Felipe Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008.

Our morning will begin by harvesting crops at their bountiful community garden. During the Open-Air Market, we will unpack and sort a variety of fruits, vegetables, and pre-packaged healthy foods, and organizing the space into a marketplace for the community to shop locally-sourced groceries.

AGO PRAYER LEADERS

December 7, 2023 | Lesa Smith December 14, 2023 | Susan Akingbade December 21, 2023 | Dilara Uskup December 28, 2023 | Kimberly Green-Russell

Upcoming Events

n i g r a into D o S si ece O mb G er!

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The Ivy Vine DECEMBER 2023 | VOL. 12 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter