Greetings!

Long Beach Alumnae Chapter set the bar high this summer as we planned and executed one of the most successful regional conferences in the Farwest region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Special thanks to all the sorors that showed up and showed out! Now it's time to get back to the basics of Delta, which is what we did as we started out our sorority year with a September breakfast. With the theme “Back to Basics: Our Community, Our Service, Our Responsibility” and an inspirational message by Soror Barbara Bagneris the tone was set to kick off the year. (continued on p2)

Fall Edition 2014 What's Happening

From the President

Exec Board6:30 pm

Chapter Meeting10:00 am

St. JudeWalk

SCCC

Viejas Trip7am-7pm

Chapter Meeting10:00 am

Crimson &CreamSoiree

Academy & GEMS

First Friday Bixby Knolls

Feed theHomeless

President’s Message

he foundation is laid and the National Initiatives have been announced. The torch

is now in our hands and it is up to US to continue to serve for Delta. So I ask – where is your

commitment? We must uphold the ideals of the sorority and our founders by bringing

quality, effective and empowering programs to the community. This cannot be done without

the hands, time, resources and great ideas of each soror. Committees cannot function and

operate with just the chairs. We need ALL chapter members to honor the commitment of

service by joining at least one committee to ensure that the legacy of our 22 Founders stay

alive.

Sisterhood is the essence of the sorority. Supporting each other and lifting each other up

during times of need or just bringing a warm smile can make a lasting impact. Let us

extinguish negative thoughts and demeaning words that counteract the words of our Oath

and the ideals of the sorority. Hence, as we enter into the fall season and as Thanksgiving

approach, let us love one another and give thanks for each other. During this season, take

this time to reflect on what God has blessed you with. Now, pay it forward and take a

moment to thank those who have made an impact in your life this year. Let them know their

support or kind word did not go unnoticed.

Give thanks, be thankful and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Clairessa Spencer

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Continued

T

Chaplains Council

There is strength in numbers: Sisters helping Sisters.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9) Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. 10) For if they fall, the one will lift up her fellow: but woe to her that is alone when she falleth; for she hath not another to help her up. 11) Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12) And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Sorors, we are constantly challenged with daily task to complete for family, work, church, community, and our beloved sorority. Are we mindful as to whether or not we are going through the motions on auto pilot, while flying solo, and checking off our to-do list OR are we purposeful in everything we do to include those around us? We pride ourselves as being strong and independent women, but often we forget that the real strength lies in numbers. Let us take time to include others in our endeavors. This is the only way the young will learn from the seasoned, the baton will be passed and the vision carried forth. Two are better than one, two shall withstand, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Remember allowing others the opportunity to be involve may not be what you need, but it may be the very thing that they need. Sorors let us reach out remembering that there is strength in numbers.

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Inspirational Message

D S Q

Tech Corner

Do you know how many social network

sites Long Beach Alumnae has?

Drum roll…10, that’s right sorors DST LBAC

has ten social media sites that you can

follow. If you are on any of the following

sites, please be sure to follow/like/add us to

your accounts. We ask that you spread the

word about our sites as we are working to

increase our followers. We also ask that

you LIKE our posts (so that they will show

up in your timelines), repost/share our

posts/events and help us get the word out

about our events or awareness projects

that we promote. Remember, these sites

are OUR sites and a great way to spread the

word about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Long Beach Alumnae Chapter, #DSTLBAC.

1. Facebook Main page –

facebook.com/lbadst

2. Facebook Organization page –

facebook.com/dstlbac

3. Facebook Group –

facebook.com/groups/15063122497

8231

4. Facebook FWRC Page – *will come

down once all fundraising items are

sold

5. Twitter – twitter.com/dstlbac

6. InstaGram – Instagram.com/dstlbac

7. Google+ - google.com/+lbadstorg

8. LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/dstlbac

9. Tumblr – dstlbac.tumblr.com

10. YouTube –

youtube.com/user/dstlbac

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Social Network Sites (SNS)

Long Beach Marathon

Every October the streets of Long Beach are filled with runners for the annual ICEF marathon and half-marathon. Normally the second weekend of October, Saturday is designated for the kid’s marathon and the 5k walk/run; with Sunday focused on the marathoners. LBAC was excited to participate for a second year as volunteers for the finish line on Sunday morning. Publicity & Public Relations and Physical Mental Health collaborated on this event that was successful in having approximately 25 sorors, GEMS participants, family, friends and volunteers pass out bags, coconut water, and medals as the marathoners crossed the finish line.

This year brought a special treat as we had 2 LBAC sorors participate in the event. SororEbony Martin ran the half-marathon and Soror Denise Dowdy rode her bicycle, 20+ miles. And, after Soror Dowdy rode “The Last Dragon”, she got off her bike and stayed to volunteer for hours passing out food to the runners. HUGE APPLAUSE!!!!

The highlight of the day is always hearing the individuals who have just ran 13.5 – 26 miles say, “Thank YOU” for volunteering. It absolutely warms our hearts and reminds us why it’s so important to serve the community. It truly is the little things that we do that make a BIG difference.

2014

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Chapter Recognition

Star AwardsThis year the 2nd Vice President is recognizing committee chairs for the hard

work that they do leading their committees. With low soror support, committee chairs are

often left holding meetings alone or with just a few sorors in attendance. Committee chairs

are charged with pushing the chapter’s vision forward as well as the initiatives of Grand

Chapter. This is no easy task. The first committee chairs to be recognized for the month of

October are:

Susan Fowler for Economic Development

Lisa Benbow & Kris Owens for Hospitality

Cheryl Joy & LaShana Tyler for Membership

Kudos to these sorors for a stepping up and

carrying the torch. All committees are in need of members and in some cases committees

need co-chairs. Our Chapter President has asked for each member to join at least 1

committee (if not 2). Let’s remember, this is OUR community, OUR commitment, OUR

responsibility.

Saluting Sorors that have gone above and beyond

2014 Chapter Awards

For the past several years LBAC has recognized sorors for their outstanding work,

commitment and dedication to the chapter. The following awards were presented at the

June 2014 meeting:

Jewel Award (Soror Cheryl Joy) goes to the soror who has been a jewel in assisting in

areas most needed (picking up the pieces, doing unwanted task with great spirit).

Founders Award (Soror Sharon Black) goes to the soror who best represents the

spirit of the Founders because of who she is and for all that she does for Delta Sigma

Theta Sorority, Inc.

Delta Dear Award (Soror Cheryl Melton) goes to the Delta Dear soror who has been

the most active in chapter programs and events and offers wisdom to chapter sorors.

Membership Award (Soror Kris Owens) goes to the newly graduated, newly

inducted, or recently reclaimed soror, most active upon joining the chapter.

Torch Award (Soror Adriene Gray) goes to the most active soror, with the longest

continuous membership (10 years or more) and varied chapter responsibilities and

activities.

Virtue Award (Soror Dominique Bell) goes to the soror who best represents the

ideals of the sorority and inspires others to do the same.

Committee Chair of the Year went to Soror Shelia Brooks-LeFridge and the

President’s Award went to Soror Cheryl Joy.

Congratulations (again) to all the sorors that were recognized for the 2014 Chapter

Awards. If you did not pick up your certificate, please see Soror Dominique Bell. The

selection of awards take place at the May meeting. 7

Saluting Sorors that have gone above and beyond

Did You Know?

Tina Allen, sculptor and

painter, sculpted a life-sized bust of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. She was the

conceptual designer of two major

international projects: The International

Children's Peace Park and the

Monumental Statue of Nelson Mandela.

Allen received the Essence Award, the

Stellar Award and the Thurgood

Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Executive Board & Chapter

2014 – 2015 Sorority Year

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Meeting Dates

Executive Board Members

Elected OfficersPresident

1st Vice President

2nd Vice President

Recording Secretary

Corresponding Secretary

Treasurer

Financial Secretary

Assistant Financial Secretary

Finance Chair

Appointed OfficersSergeant-at-Arms

Journalist

Historian

Chaplains Council

Keeper of Properties

Parliamentarian

Legal Advisor

Clairessa Spencer

Dominique Bell

Aldina Washington

Jasmine Hill

Christina Grant

Kris Owens

Debbie Craig

Aletha Horne

Nicole Ussery

Simona Hollins / Kim McIntyre

Maleika Walker

Diana Sephens

Cheryl Joy / Kathryn Taylor

Devona Hawkins

Adriene Gray / Geneva Dowdy

Tiffany Johnson

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2014-2015

Executive Board Members (cont.)

Standing CommitteesArts & Letters Co-Chair

Audit Co-Chair

Economic Development Co-Chair

Educational Development Co-Chair

*Scholarship Co-Chair

*EMBODI Co-Chair

Finance Co-Chair

Hospitality & Social Co-Chair

Internal Program Co-Chair

International Awareness & Involvement Co-Chair

Membership Services Co-Chair

Physical & Mental Health Co-Chair

Policies & Procedures Co-Chair

Political Awareness & Involvement Co-Chair

Publicity & Public Relations Co-Chair

Ways & Means Co-Chair

Ad HocStrategic Planning Co-Chair

30th Anniversary Co-Chair

Sharon Laney – Agu

Karen Rotan

Susan Flower

Tiffany Johnson / Kim McIntyreCheryl Crumble / Sheena MartinSimona Hollins / Tiffany Johnson

Cheriesse Simmons / Shanna Nelson

Nicole Ussery / Sharon Black

Lisa Benbow / Kris Owens

Aldina Washington / Rebecca Jackson

Asabi Mayers / Freida Ford

Cheryl Joy / Lashana Tyler

Sabrina Barry / Geneva Dowdy

Dominque Bell

Jacqueline Horton / Shelia LeFridge

Maleika Walker / Dinesa Thomas-WhitmanYvette Vinson

Dominique Bell

Dinesa Thomas-Whitman / Jasmine Hill

Aldina Washington / Cheryl Joy

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2014-2015

*Sub-committees of Educational Development

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Upcoming Events

President’s Sip & Chat

Monday, November 24th from 5 - 7 p.m.

The Factory Gastrobar

4020 Atlantic Ave.,

Long Beach, CA

90807

STAY TUNED!

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February –

African American

Book Drive

Bring book to chapter meeting to be donated to a local elementary school.

Date: Saturday , November 29, 2014Time: 9am - 12pmLocation: Christian Outreach in ActionAddress: 515 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90802Attire: Any red delta t-shirt, comfortable shoes

December –Holiday Breakfast

hosted by Madam President

Annual Chapter Photo (Attire is Red)

This year’s chapter photo will be taken on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 9 a.m. After a month long poll, LBAC voted to wear RED for this year’s picture. We ask that sororsarrive at 8:45 a.m., as we will need to put our items in the room and walk to the picture location in front of the hospital. Our kind and very generous Chapter President will have a light continental breakfast prior to the meeting that will start promptly at 10:00 a.m.

The following pictures will be taken:1. Chapter Picture2. Executive Board3. Executive Committee4. Charter Members5. Past Chapter Presidents

If there are committees that would like to take a picture, please email publicity@lbadst.org so that it can be added to the ‘shot list’.

Feeding the Homeless

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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Thanks & Giving

MYTH: We can put a man on the moon. We can send a rocket around Jupiter. Why can't we cure cancer? REALITY: This question underscores a common misbelief that cancer is one disease. In fact, cancer is a group of hundreds of diseases. Each disease has a unique biological record, and each of which may be caused by very different circumstances. One "magic bullet" will not eradicate all types of cancers.A major study from the University of Chicago stated that the survival from cancer is no different now compared with 30 years ago. This is an extreme view because, in fact, people with cancer are living longer and clearly have a better quality of life than they did a generation ago. Today, 2 of every 3 of those diagnosed with cancer are alive more than 5 years following their diagnosis. In 1970, this was only true for about 1 in 3.We know this because some cancers are indeed curable, even in the far advanced stages as with testicular cancer, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkins lymphomas, acute leukemia in both children and adults, and in a few other types of cancer.

Courtesy of eMedicineHealth

The Physical & Mental Health Committee would like to thank everyone who supported the LBAC team at the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk that took place on Saturday, November 22nd. We had a great time walking to raise awareness and support for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and their efforts to fight childhood cancers and

diseases. Our team raised over $500 in donations and had 17 participants representing our team. Our Community, Our Service, Our Responsibility!

Thank you,Physical & Mental Health Committee

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We still need to push this event and sell sell sell more tickets. Spread the word.

Shopping, Gaming, Fellowship

And more…

In Loving Memory

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1966 - 2014Crystal Marie Breedlove was bon on March 20, 1966. She was the first child of Michael Freddie Prowtle and Gloria Jean Prowtle. As a child, Crystal attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Curtiss Jr. High, and Banning High School (83’). She then attended California

State University at Dominquez Hills, where she acquired a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, and a masters Degree in Business Administration.

On December 27 1986, Crystal married James F. Breedlove. This union quickly flourished with the birth of their daughter, Kelly Marie Breedlove, and son, Christopher James Breedlove. Crystal and James opened a Real Estate Sales Brokerage that has prospered over 25 years. From the beginning Crystal and James were an inseparable couple, who’s strength not only built a strong family but also successful entrepreneurial endeavors.

Crystal had a strong love for community service and fellowship. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Long Beach Alumnae Chapter and enjoyed the sisterhood, and assisting in their many community service and outreach activities. Crystal also sat on the boards of SRO Housing Corporation, The Clarissa Manual Foundation, and Rosewood Adult Residential Facilities.

Crystal is survived by her loving husband of nearly 28 years, James Breedlove, daughter Kelly, son Christopher, both parents, Michael and Gloria Prowtle, her Sister Jennifer Barnes and Brother in Law, Christopher Barnes, two nieces, Ashley and Brooklyn, a host of aunts, uncles, and many family and friends.

Soror Crystal Breedlove

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Long Beach Alumnae Chapter

P.O. Box 91623Long Beach, CA 90809

Phone: (844) DST-LBAC or (844) 378-5222

E-mail: longbeachalumnae_dst@yahoo.com

President’s Email: president@lbadst.orgWebsite: www.lbadst.org

All submissions can be sent to: publicity@lbadst.org. Submissions are subject to approval and editing.

The Violet

Article Submission Deadlines

Winter – January 15, 2015

Spring – March 15, 2015

Summer – June 15, 2015

The Violet is dedicated

to keeping LBAC members informed with

chapter, regional and national news

as well as current events and issues that occur in the

Greater Long Beach Community