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May 2015 Annapolis Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

THE DELTA TIMES

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Sorors, On behalf of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter, I wish you a Happy Moth-

er’s Day. Like mothers all over, on this special day we celebrate the joy

of motherhood as we spend time with our children and loved ones.

Each year, I take this opportunity to reminisce

about the time spent raising my own children

who are now grown. I still find it difficult to be-

lieve just how quickly they grew up. I am in awe

when I think about the incredible adults in which

they have become.

Because my children are grown, I must admit that

I often forget how difficult and challenging it can

be in raising young children. I often watch in

amazement the many young mothers in our chapter who manage their

children, family, and careers with a sense of ease and confidence that I do

not recall having as a young mother. I look at how they answer the call of

Delta in so many ways that help to make our chapter stronger and more

viable. They often work behind the scenes in the wee hours and they do

this without reservation despite their many added responsibilities. They

constantly teach me new and different approaches to accomplish the

many tasks associated with chapter management. And although they may

not always ask, it is my belief that they truly value and appreciate our pa-

tience, understanding, guidance and support.

I am not certain how often we tell our young sorors just how proud we are

of them. So as we celebrate Mother’s Day, I am taking this opportunity to

express a continued respect for your commitment to your families, chil-

dren, and our beloved sorority.

Finally, in honor of Mother’s Day, this issue of the Delta Times features a heartfelt tribute to mother and daughter Sorors. Enjoy.

In Sisterly Spirit,

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Arts & Letters………………...……2

Health ......................................3

EMBODI ..................................4

Spring Activity .........................7

Technology…………………….…..8

Chaplain’s Corner………………..9

Birthdays…………………… ..…….9

Mother’s Day Tribute ..……..…10

Soror Spotlight…………………...17

Delta Updates……………………..19 Upcoming Events………..………21

A Special Mother’s Day Edition

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As the end of our Sorority year 2014-2015 is rapidly approaching and the Arts and

Letters Committee has prepared its programming for 2015-2016, the Committee seeks to en-

gage and encourage more participation from our Sorors in the Committee’s regular ac-

tivities.

Next year, for our Matinee at the Movies, we will rotate the location of the theaters to

encourage their participation. The Committee would also like to promote a forum for

discussion of the selected films and to create an ongoing “get-together”. This may also be a

means of supporting locally-owned businesses.

The Committee is pleased that our initiatives are commensurate with the National

Arts and Letters Commission in providing support for more African-American films, actors,

and writers. Additionally, the number of films and television programming showcasing

Black actors, stories and Black writers has increased. This Saturday, May 16, 2016, at 8:00

p.m., check out Bessie, an HBO film starring Queen Latifah. See www.bessiethemovie.com.

Another big goal, next year, is to sponsor a Red Carpet Event for a local live Theater experi-

ence. Stay tuned!

Chapter members have expressed an interest in revitalizing a Book Club. This would

not require much funding, but certainly would provide a forum for discussion and continued

growth for Sorors. National has focused on supporting Sorority authors and the Committee,

would like to support that initiative and the works of other Black writers. A Book Fair could

also ensue!

It is apparent that we are looking to expand our horizons and build upon the successes

that we have achieved this year, keeping our Chapter members and our Community in the

forefront. Moving forward!!!

Submitted by: Nancy Gailliard Gordon, Committee Chair

COMMITTEE NEWS: ARTS & LETTERS

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COMMITTEE NEWS: PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Counseling awareness focuses on promoting and under standing the counseling profession. Autism awareness focuses on a specific health condition (developmental disability, ear ly signs in childhood) that affects 1 in every 68 births. On the heels of April, we’ve entered Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This month includes efforts from many men-tal health organizations to increase understanding, reduce stigma and promote wellness. This year, Men-tal Health America focused on highlighting prevention with the “ B4Stage4 campaign “. This campaign uses the stage progression of physical illness to re-conceptualize mental illness progression. Mental ill-ness can advance from mild, manageable symptoms and “warning signs” (Stage 1) to persistent, severe symptoms and prolonged impairment (Stage 4).

Find out more here:

B4Stage4 (http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/infographic-b4stage4-changing-way-we-think-about-mental-health)

“Get screened Sorors! 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime”.-Soror Nnemdi Baird

Submitted by: Soror Michelle Schoonmaker, Physical & Mental Health Committee Member (Correction: Last month’s article was submitted by Soror Stephanie Johnson) Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K Walk/Run in Washington DC at the National Mall on Sat-urday May 9, 2015. Sorors in attendance (Nancy Gordon, Nnemdi Baird, Kia Scipio (and husband), Jo Ann Scipio, Latasha Beckles, Michele Henly-Williams, Nadine Forgenie, Angela Crackfield- Edmond

(and daughter), Jennifer Tinch).

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On May 9, 2015 the EMBODI Committee along with the Committee for the

Alpha Academy Mentoring Program of the Eta Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha

Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., conducted the Annual Young Men’s Conference at

Arundel High School. The Conference began with opening remarks by Soror

President, followed by the keynote address given by Mr. Aziz Abdur-Ra-Oof,

former NFL player and current speaker on student leadership development. He

spoke to the young men and parents on the importance of having a positive

personal brand and strong leadership skills.

COMMITTEE NEWS: EMBODI

Approximately 20 young men were in attendance and participated in various

workshops facilitated by members of Alpha Phi Alpha, external guests including

a retired police detective and a midshipman from the Naval Academy. In

addition, Annapolis Alumnae member, Soror Michelle Schoonmaker conducted

a session on Mental Health Awareness and Soror Tracia Roundtree presented

information regarding Student Code of Conduct (Consequences and Rights).

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COMMITTEE NEWS: EMBODI CONT’

Submitted by: Soror Tamla Bias and Cherika Campbell, Co-Chairs

The young men were not the only participants of the Young Men’s Conference.

Parents participated in a session that included presentations by Soror Martinez

Addae on internet safety and recommended educational sites for students.

Ms. Jaemellah Kemp of It Takes Two, Inc., a Maryland non-profit that provides

scholarships and other resources to single-parent households for grades 4th –

College, disseminated information to the parents on how developing strong

academic and social/emotional skills in children 8 to 18 will improve college

access and opportunities for middle and high school students. Lastly, Lauren

Greulich of Anne Arundel County Recreation & Parks provided an overview of

upcoming summer camps, sports programs and art classes they offer for every

member of the household.

Each participant received a gift bag that included the book “Mentor: The Kid

and the CEO; a bookmark listing positive character traits, silicone bracelet with

motivational messages, etc. Door prizes were given to three parents and all of

the young men. We also had donations from several businesses and

organizations including gift cards, cases of water, coupons, books, swim

passes, etc.

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COMMITTEE NEWS: EMBODI CONT’

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On behalf of the Spring Activity and Scholarship Committees,

we would like to thank the officers and members for your sup-

port during the Outstanding Minority Scholar Awards Program

and Fashion Show Luncheon. It was truly a team effort. The

highlight of the afternoon and the major focus of the event was

to showcase our scholars and showcase we did. The scholars

were awesome and we should be proud of our efforts in making

a difference in the lives of our graduating seniors. Again, we

applaud and thank each of you.

Financially, the activity was a success and we will be able con-

tinue our effort to support minority scholars in our school sys-

tem. We will be sharing a preliminary financial report at the

May meeting with a final report in June. We will also request

that each of you complete the 2015 Spring Activity Survey on

line or at the chapter meeting to help the committees to formu-

late recommendations for 2016. Again, we thank each of you as

we look forward to beginning our preparation for our event next

year.

Submitted by: Soror Janet Anderson, Co-Chair

COMMITTEE NEWS: SPRING ACTIVITY

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COMMITTEE NEWS: TECHNOLOGY

As you are aware, mobile devices are commonplace around the world. We are able to use this technol-ogy anytime and anywhere we please. What you may not know is that this wireless technology “relies upon an extensive network of fixed antennas, or base stations, relaying information with radiofre-quency (RF) signals. Over 1.4 million base stations exist worldwide and the number is increasing sig-nificantly with the introduction of third generation technology. Wireless networks that allow high-speed internet access and services are also increasingly common in homes, offices, and many public areas (airports, schools, residential and urban areas). As the number of base stations and local wire-less networks increases, so does the RF exposure of the population”.

According to the World Health Organization, though RF exposures from these stations are within nor-mal international exposure guidelines and is comparable to RF exposures from radio or television broadcast transmitters (depending on a variety of factors such as the proximity to the antenna and the surrounding environment); there has been major concern about possible health consequences from continuous exposure to these RF fields produced by wireless technologies.

THE Quick Facts:

1. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized low frequency magnetic fields as ‘possibly carcinogenic’ while the WHO advises against using mobiles for long periods, and warns against children using them for non-essential calls. There have been reported cases of cancer in which individuals were using cell-phones near the affected area (breast and brain cancer). So what can we do? Don’t put your wireless device in your bra or hold it up to your ear. Don’t leave it near your head at night (even on a bedside table).

2. The strength of RF fields is greatest at its source, and diminishes quickly with distance. So what can we do? Move your wireless router at least a foot away from where you work.

3. Some individuals have reported that they experience non-specific symptoms upon exposure to RF fields emitted from base stations and other EMF devices recognized as "Electromagnetic Hypersensi-tivity". Symptoms include headaches, insomnia and nausea. So what can we do? Limit “close” expo-sure to EMF devices (mobile devices) for extended periods of time.

What else can you do?

1. Don’t sit your laptop (or other mobile device) on your lap while working. Use it at a table.

2. Use headphones when using ANY mobile device.

3. Limit mobile device use as much as possible and turn off wi-fi when not using it.

4. Limit your child’s exposure as much as possible.

Sources:

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/10-shocking-facts-health-dangers-wifi/

http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2011/IARCcellphoneMay2011

http://healthland.time.com/2011/05/31/whoiarc-classifies-cell-phone-radiation-as-possibly-carcinogenic-now-what/

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ANNAPOLIS ALUMNAE CHAPTER

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.

Please send articles to

journalist@annapolisalumnae.org

by the 7th of the month.

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Greeting Sorors, I am committed to actively living! I am committed to making lemonade when given lemons and continuously viewing my glass as half full. I truly believe I am the light in the dark and I will live my life inspiring, praying and blessing all those I encounter when provided the opportunity. As I live, I am also learning how to embrace my role and responsibilities in this world, my community and within the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. I’m learning how to submit when necessary, be strong when needed, be quiet when it’s appropriate, and speak up when required. I am committed to the success and progress of our organization and I am confident that we will accomplish all that we commit our time, energy and focus. NIV Proverb 16:3 states “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. has been committed for over 100 years! I am excited and looking forward to the future!

Delta Sigma Theta is a lifelong commitment!

Submitted by: Soror Robin Lartigue , Chaplain

YOUR LOGO HERE

Happy

Birthday

May

Birthdays

3-Delores Oden

6-Iva Toler

7-Keenya Graham

20-Barbara Bowman

24-Helen Cook

28-Lori Bryant

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TRIBUTE

What do you love the most about being Mother/Daughter Sorors?

“We have always had a very close and loving relationship. Being Sorors adds a new dimension of love and respect for one another as adult women and now friends. All of the sorority's rituals and traditions are so much more special because we get to share them together”.

JoAnn and Kia Scipio

"We love that it adds an extra level of caring and sharing to the already deep love of moth-er and daughter. It broadens the relationship and ties us in community service." Tressa and Natalie Ballard

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“I feel blessed two times over to have my mother as both a mother and a sister. I am honored that God picked me to be a daughter of such a fabulous woman. He also gave me a wonderful gift of being her Soror too. I love going to Delta functions and sharing Delta ideas and news with my mom. Even though we don't live in the same state, we talk about Delta events and functions all the time. It is nice to be able to share these things with my mom. I remember going to the Delta House when I was little. I knew then that this seed my mother placed in me would grow. As the years passed the seed she planted took root and grew. She would work hard for Delta and then rest. I am honored to say that I reclaimed my mother back into the fold and the best time in my Delta Life was going to the Delta Convention to celebrate 100 years of service with my mom/soror. So like I said...double blessing. I have a mother who is also sister. Delores Jenkins is my mom, sister, and friend!” Nicole Pearsall and Delores Jenkins

“What I love most is that Chloe and I get to truly share our love for Delta. She now sees and understands firsthand what she has observed over the years”.

Chloe Madison and Angela Ewell-Madison

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“What I love most is that extra special bond we share, love and respect of Delta Sigma Theta, just makes us closer. My mother's feelings for the sorority makes me want to be a better person a better Soror”.

Emily and Iva Toler

“We've always been close as Mother & Daughter. Being able to share experiences has always made our bond strong. As Mother/Daughter Sorors we've simply added another layer to that bond. Within the foundation of our beloved Sorority, we have grown closer as "Sisters". We are able to share and embrace our guiding principles, making them even more special. I know individually, the love of this Sisterhood is deep; but together we will always have this connection only adding to our great relationship”. Kim Boyd Washington and Linda Hicks Boyd

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"Being mother/daughter Sorors gives me the opportunity to appreciate the outstanding daughter, woman, friend Candis has become and in turn makes me enormously proud". Cheree Turner, Betty Turner and Candis Milbourne

“What I love most about being mother daughter Sorors is that it has added a more depth to our relationship and better understanding of myself and a greater respect for my daughters as women”.

Michele Schoonmaker, Ylonda Fauntleroy and Stacey Schoonmaker

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“I was raised around Delta women and I recall watching my mom going to and from Delta gatherings. After I was initiated, the best part about being a Delta was the bond that made my mom and I closer. We shared many Delta moments together. When she passed, I had the honor of ensuring she received her rite of passage. I pinned a violet upon her and whispered to her during her Omega Omega ceremony; the sanctity of the ceremony was observed. No one understood the importance of this to my mom but me. This was the beauty in being mother/daughter Sorors. It was then that I knew I had fulfilled my role as her daughter-a Delta daughter. All is well”.

Nancy Gailliard Gordon and Edith Coulter-Gailliard

Agnes and Alexis Abernathy

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“What I love most about being Mother/ Sorors is that the sorority provides Nina and me the opportunity to interact as sisters and friends”.

Charlestine Fairley and Nina Hickman

“I loved how easy it was to schedule

sisterhood time!” Teresa Blackstone Calvin, Lavenia Calvin and Ann Calvin

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“Growing up as a legacy shaped the woman I am today. Not only did my mother have a major influence on me, so did many sorors of the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter. I started serving the community at an early age attending service projects and other programs sponsored by AAC. My journey in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been a wonderful experience. Sharing this journey with my mother, sister, and my daughter has been a joy”.

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Name: Alva Johnson

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

Birthdate: April 26 .

Year Made in Delta: Spr ing 1977, Annapolis Alumnae Chapter .

Occupation: Retired History Teacher and High School Guidance Counselor ; Cur rently an

adjunct instructor at Sojourner Douglass College and Counselor for AACC Talent Search

Program.

What attracted you to what you do? I come from a family of educators - my mother, her sister,

and one of her brothers were teachers. My father's sister was a teacher and counselor. On both

sides of my family, many conversations around the dinner table and in general, concerned

education. I guess it was in my blood. My older sister, who became a teacher used me as her

first pupil. When she returned home from school, she "taught" me her lessons that she had

learned.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? Become a journalist.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? As a young widow, with 3 children, I

moved to Anne Arundel County. I did not know a soul in Anne Arundel County, but I had

applied for a job, and was hired to teach at Severna Park H.S., and so our story began in A.A.

Co.

Favorite food: Soul food and Spaghetti

Favorite color: Red.

Favorite song and/or quote: Song-How Great Thou Art; Quote - "If I can help somebody along

the way, then my living will not be in vain."

Hero: My parents and Barack Obama.

Last Book Read: Beneath the Mimosa Tree by Stephani Verni (a former student).

Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind

If you could give your 18 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be? Hold onto your 18

year old blissful ignorance as long as possible!

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT Alva Johnson

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Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA.

Birthdate: April 22.

Year Made in Delta: 1966, Alpha Tau at Southern

University in Baton Rouge, LA.

Occupation: I am a retired Educator (Music/Special

Education), but am presently working as a part

time employee with Legislative Services as an

Information Clerk.

What attracted you to what you do? I had always loved music and was inspired by

my high school music teacher. I wanted to be a director of choral music like she was.

My part time job – the chance to do something different, it was 5 minutes from my

house and interfacing with people.

If you could do any kind of work in the world, what would you do? I would be a

doctor and work on the Mercy ship that travels to Africa.

What is the most unexpected thing you've ever done? Hitched a trailer to my car

with all my “worldly goods” and moved to Maryland.

Favorite food: Crawfish Bisque

Favorite color: Yellow.

Favorite song and/or quote: His Eyes is on the Sparrow.

Hero: My mom! She could do more with less than most people do with a lot – all

while raising six children.

Last Book Read: Orphan Train by Christina Kline.

Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind.

If you could have dinner with 3 people--dead or alive--who would they be? Leontyne

Price, Maya Angelou and Denzel Washington .

If you could give your 18 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Develop an excellent work ethic .

Submitted by: Soror Deirdre Peters, Chair-Membership Services Committee

SOROR SPOTLIGHT

Janice Sydnor

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DELTA UPDATES

Soror Veronica Williams is Retiring!

Mrs. Veronica Barrier Williams, the Principal of Severn Elementary School lo-cated in Severn, Maryland continues to add to her list of distinction. Her most recent accomplishment was being recognized by National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Mrs. Williams is the first African American in Anne Arundel County Public Schools to achieve this goal. Veronica was one of 600 principals in the United States that started the process of National Board Certification for principals. However, only 125 principals completed the process and five from Anne Arundel County. Mrs. Williams was congratulated on the significant achievement of completing the National Board Certification for Principals pilot portfolio. She was recognized for submitting a full portfolio of evi-dence that shows what she knows and does in order to lead her school effectively.

She has worked in the educational arena for more than thirty years in various areas. Mrs. Williams’ employment career includes the Jackson Training School-N. C. Department of Corrections, Urban Schools-Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools, Rural– Kent County Public Schools, and Diverse—Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Mrs. Williams is married to Dr. George H. Williams, Sr. (1977 Graduate of UNCC) and they reside in Arnold, Maryland. They are the proud parents of three sons (George, Jr., (Keya), Vernon (Sara) and Gerald (Francesca)). They are proud grandparents of three George, III Cori, Adrian Williams. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Barrier, Sr. of Concord, North Carolina.

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DELTA UPDATES

Annapolis Alumnae Hosts STEM Event

On Saturday, April 25, 2015, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter hosted the first “Thelma T. Daley STEM Initiative” at the Annapolis High School. More than 80 participants (students, sorors, and parents) attended the event, with a special appearance by Congresswoman Donna Edwards. The event created an environment to provoke and excite an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) curriculum and careers to youth in Anne Arundel County.

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