2009 Spring - To Dragma

We spend our money on the Think of a budget as
things that are important to us "planned" spending.

and step one is to figure out
how we spend our money.

N o a m o u n t is t o o small to begin when V o ur e a l l z e t h a t ym o n e
saving r e g u l a r l y a n d don't forget
to add y o u r savings goals into given wisely is not missed,

your U get. special giving can become

more consistent.

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 T o URAOMA • 51

OUNDATTON tOCXJS

WHAT CAN THE A O I I
FOUNDATION D O FOR YOU?

With the unveiling o f a brand new website, it AJAO conference. Hundreds o f pandas were
is now easier than ever to learn about what the also donated to children w i t h arthritis through
A O I I Foundation can do for you. Established in the A O I I Panda Project. The website w i l l also
1977, our non-profit Foundation has contributed feature profiles on Strike O u t Arthritis! events
over $ 4 . 5 million to support our sisters and the that w i l l keep you connected to the great works
community through scholarships, endowment your chapter or others are doing. Chapters w i l l
funds, arthritis grants, the Ruby Fund and be encouraged to submit information and photos
education and training grants. for possible feature profiles for this new area to
Courtney Grimes at the A O I I Foundation.
Securing the Future for A O I I - for our members
and our Fraternity is what the A O I I Foundation O n the new site, you can learn about the programs
is all about. To learn more about what programs funded by the A O I I Foundation through your
and services are provided, visit the new A O I I generous gifts. The A O I I Loyalty Fund is a
Foundation site at www.aoiifoundation.org. W i t h non-restricted fund that supports educational
an eye-catching new look, the site w i l l be more opportunities for all members, scholarships, and
informative and interactive than ever before. Look arthritis programs. The R u b y Fund has been
for regularly changing Foundation Hot Topics or called the "heart" o f A O I I because it is the f u n d
important new features and opportunities through designated to helping A O I I sisters i n dire need.
the Foundation. For example, did you know I f you are ever i n need, you should have no fear
that you can earn income through charitable gifts to submit a request. D u r i n g 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 alone,
annuities? It is an excellent way for anyone over the A O I I Foundation w i l l award $ 3 0 , 0 0 0 in
6 0 years o f age to assure charitable gifts are made Ruby Fund grants. The scholarships provided
to the causes dear to them while still financially through Diamond Jubilee Scholarships or Named
benefiting f r o m the dollars they contribute. These Scholarships have enabled hundreds o f AOIIs
news-you-can-use features w i l l be a great source o f to continue pursuing their educational dreams.
information on topics relevant to you. Gaining important leadership skills, strengthening
career achievements, enhancing personal strengths,
OM/c Learn h o w A O I I plans to Strike Out and stressing the importance o f serving as positive
Arthritis! As an A O I I , you have role models for future AOIIs is a hallmark o f
much to be proud of! For 2008- the Education and Training Grants that the
Foundation generously supports each year. These
2 0 0 9 , a total o f $ 8 2 , 4 2 9 was phenomenally important grants have benefitted
thousands o f members through the years. This
awarded for two arthritis-related year the Foundation w i l l f u n d over $ 1 0 3 , 0 0 0 to
research projects. Additionally, support education and training opportunities.
$ 2 7 , 9 1 9 was awarded through
mini-grants to local arthritis Conrad Hilton, the founder o f Hilton Hotels once
programs in the communities said, " T h e practice o f charity w i l l bind us... w i l l
where A O I I chapters raised bind all men in one great brotherhood." The
these funds, $ 1 8 , 2 7 0 was raised women of A O I I live by a similar bond. In the spirit
at arthritis walks by A O I I teams, of good works and charity, the A O I I Foundation
and a total of $ 1 3 , 0 0 0 for family helps all o f us learn to give and to receive.
scholarships and children's activities
was awarded to support the national

52 • To DRACMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009

ViSiT WWW.AOiiFOUNDATiON.ORG

ALPHA O M I C R O N Pi FOUNDATION Donate ^ ^ ^ H

Securing the Future Nov *MHV

Foundation Programs Acknowledgements & Awards News & Events Contact Us AOII Fraternity

Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation was established in : 9 7 7 to Reconnect with AOII
support our Fraternity. Sirce then, AOII Foundation has Click here to:
contributed over S4.5 million to philanthropic causes, [updated Info!
scholarships and grants that help our sisters grow in their FOUNDATION
careers and lives.
HOT TOPICS
Our non-profit Foundation supports our sisters and the
community with:

• Scholarships
• Endowment funds
• Arthritis Grants
• Ruby Fund for sisters in dire need
• Education and Training Grants

-Changing features
that highlight
informative topics
from the Foundation

©2005-2009 AOII Foundation | Homo | Foundation Programs | Acknowledgements & Awards | News & Everts | Donate | Contact Us

FOUNDATION PROGRAMS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT DONATE
& AWARDS
-Loyalty Fund -Donate Online
-Ruby Fund -Annual Report -Donate by Mail
-Scholarships -Chapter Awards -Monthly Bank Draft
-Education & Training grants -Scholarship Recipients
-Rose Tributes & -Honor & Memorial gifts & Credit Card Gifts
-Community Support -Gifts of Stock
Diamond Accolades -Planned Giving
-AOII Strike Out Arthritis! -Volunteer
-Endowment Fund -Scholarship Opportunities
-1897 Club

NEWS & EVENTS

-Find out what's going on
in your area

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 T o DRAGMA • 53

OUNDATION rOCUS

STRiKING OUT ARTHRITiS WITH

LOVE AND LAUGHTER

Many members w i l l i n g l y paid over the suggested
donation ticket amount and Lambda Alpha parents
contributed, as well. The chapter has many people
to thank for their successful and well attended event.

After that first successful year, the chapter decided
to morph Laughs o f Love into their Strike O u t
Arthritis! event this past fall. Yak was more than
w i l l i n g to gather his friends and M C the event
again. In fact, they were all honored to be asked.
This time members approached local grocery stores
and doughnut shops to ask for food and beverage
donations for the event. They also posted flyers
around campus and invited other organizations to
come and show support.

In the Summer of2007, one o f the Lambda Alpha The t i m i n g o f the event was a little unfortunate as
( U o f La Verne) collegians, Lily Lopez, lost her the date o f Homecoming was switched to conflict
father. To offer support, the chapter organized a w i t h the date they had selected. Additionally,
last minute f u n d raiser to help Lily and her family a free campus wide dance provided even more
through a difficult time. They decided to stage a competition on the same night. Adjusting to the
comedy show on campus which was appropriately circumstances, the chapter set their ticket prices to
themed Laughs ot Love because everyone was $3 per person and hoped for the best. Although
getting together to laugh, love and support their they did not raise as much funds as the previous
A O I I sister. year, they learned important tips on building a
successful f u n d raiser.
The members promoted the event by word o f
mouth, email, phone calls, the local paper, and As Lambda Alpha goes forward w i t h plans for next
by the school's radio station. Tickets were sold year's Laughs o f Love Strike O u t Arthritis! event,
for a suggested donation ot $7 and desserts and they can offer sound advice on the value of planning
beverages, provided by members, were also sold. ahead. Being totally prepared for the things you
Yak, a well-known U L V alumni member and can control make the things you can not control
comedian, offered to M C the event and invited less stressful. Philanthropy Chairman Lauren
several o f his comedian friends to fill the bill for a Ramirez offers this seasoned advice, "Don't stress
night of laughter. The entertainers turned out to be about whether it's going to be a successful event or
friendly, willing and hysterical. not. Remember that you and your sisters are getting
together to make some sort o f difference. Just enjoy
The chapter realized all their efforts were successful being in the presence o f incredible women that
when thev raised over $1,400 for such a good cause. share the same values as you do."

To help your chapter hold a successful Strike O u t
Arthritis! event, the A O I I Foundation has created a
Strike O u t Arthritis! Checklist. You can download
a copy o f the checklist on the Foundation website:
www.aoiifoundation.org, under Hot Topics.

5 4 • To URAGMA ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009

SCHOLARSHIP FUND RAISER
HONORS SISTER

In the Spring o f 2 0 0 8 , Jasmine Queen pledged past fall, more than 3 9 5 people crossed the finish
Sigma Tau Chapter at Washington College in line and the proceeds reached $ 1 2 , 7 6 9 ! There was
Chestertown, Maryland. Her supportive and great cause to celebrate as the chapter realized they
positive attitude was immediately uplifting as all were well on their way to permanently funding
her sisters came to quickly love her. The outgoing the scholarship.
sophomore was a first baseman and outfielder for
the Shorewomen Softball team and was pursuing a Emily adds, "Jasmine had the most amazing smile
major i n business management. She was active in and could light up a room when she entered it.
both A O I I and the Black Student U n i o n . Jasmine's This is going to be an annual event now. It's our
life came to a short end when one week before way of keeping Jazzy w i t h us."
classes were set to start last fall, Jasmine suffered a
pulmonary embolism, a tragic and unexpected
event that has proven very difficult for the chapter
to accept.

Devastated by the loss o f a sister, chapter members •
o f Sigma Tau have focused their energies into
a celebration of life for Jasmine by establishing -
a scholarship in her memory. Philanthropic
Chairman E m i l y Adams states, "We knew that we -
had to do something i n Jasmine's honor, not only
because she was our sister but because she was the
type o f person w h o w o u l d have been the first to do
the same for anyone else."

Established through the A O I I Foundation, a The starting line of the 2008 Queen of the Roses 5K Run/Walk
scholarship requires $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 to be raised in a
five year period in order to make it permanent. Barbara Kohler Memorial
Initially the chapter was fearful o f the daunting Scholarship Endowed
task, but were encouraged by the words and In addition, the A O I I Foundation also wishes to
guidance offered by members of the A O I I announce the endowment of the Barbara Kohler
Foundation staff. Once they established the fund, Memorial Scholarship to benefit Tau Chapter.
set their annual goals and laid out the plans for their Won't you consider joining Sigma Tau Chapter, Tau
inaugural event, a Queen o f the Roses 5 K R u n / Chapter and numerous others w h o now have lasting
Walk, they were astounded by the support that legacies i n honor or memory of a sister? For a list o f
came pouring in f r o m alumnae, parents and the all named endowed scholarships or to learn how you
community. One extraordinary generous alumna or your chapter can establish a scholarship, visit the
even anonymously pledged $ 4 0 0 . 0 0 a month until Foundation website at www.aoiifoundation.org/
they reach their $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 goal! scholarship.php or call 6 1 5 - 6 9 5 - 2 6 2 6 .

Hoping to attract 2 0 0 racers and raise $ 4 , 0 0 0 , the
women o f Sigma Tau set out to solicit sponsorships
and promote the event throughout the college
t o w n o f Chestertown. O n a magnificent day this

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 55

UMKAE NEWS

Our alumnae Alberta whose career paths matched their interests.
chapters prove Calgary Alumnae Collegians found it very helpful and asked
Career Connections tor this to become an annual event, along
every month We are excited to share one of our great w i t h the delicious p u m p k i n tea!
that collegians new events, PI night, or Professional
are not the only Interest night, a chance to network w i t h Toronto Area
both collegiate and alumnae sisters f r o m Motto Members
AOIIs who various industries and backgrounds. We are truly women enriched through
know how to lifelong friendship. O u r annual Founders'
British Columbia Day Luncheon; Sisterhood Soiree:
have fun. I f Vancouver Anniversary Garden Party and Terry Fox
you are not Gifting Goes a Long Way R u n philanthropy easily fit into busy
a member of One of our members, Bonnie Sutherland, lifestyles. We also enjoy exploring our
an alumnae co-founded Afrctech. This year we held great city through museum visits, garden
chapter, here is a a fund-raiser for the cause, and within and walking tours, and o f course, our
gimpse of what a matter o f hours, we had raised almost amazing restaurants.
you might be $2,000! We learned that graduates who
studied i n a computer lab set up by Quebec
missing: Afretech at a university in Western Kenya Montreal
have been able to find employment in Strike a Pose at Strike Out!
their villages, impacting positively upon Collegians, alumnae, friends, and fiimily
the village's economy. were invited to support our A O I I Strike
Out Arthritis! event by donating their
Ontario time and money to bowl in costume. We
Ottawa had some outrageous costumes ranging
Professional Tea Drinkers from Sailor Moon to mummies to video
We invited seniors from Gamma C h i game characters. O u r event was very
Chapter (Carleton U) to j o i n us for successful and we were even featured i n
a Careers and Tea Tasting Evening. our local newspaper.
Response was wonderful f r o m both
collegians and alumnae. Each alumna
member spoke briefly about her career(s),
and collemans connected with alumnae

—T9 Alabama
Huntsville
ft aii a.'It
Sharing Service
We visited a local Boys & Girls Club to educate the children
on juvenile arthritis. Using posters they had made for a visual
aid, Michelle Newberry and Melissa Davis spoke to the boys
and girls about the devastation ofjuvenile arthritis and the
strides being made to help afflicted children. The children then
made stress ball balloons filled w i t h sand to donate to the local
arthritis chapter.

56 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2009

Philadelphia Alumnae r

Arizona California
Phoenix Northern Orange County
Enjoy Being a Girl Panda Pride

We have a few Girlfriend Getaways that We assisted at the AJAO Conference i n Orange C o u n t y this summer
make life as an A O I I so much fun. O u r by working w i t h the young children while their parents attended the
events include old fashioned tea parties, sessions. We were present when the children received their pandas; a
sushi lunches, scrap booking for all the truly rewarding experience.
pictures we've accumulated, and our
annual Fall Brunch. The theme this Palo Alto
year was "Come Play W i t h Us" and was Published Good Works
an afternoon of great food, chocolate Alumnae Chapter president Peggy Hock-McCalley wrote a series of 6
indulgences, A O I I trivia, Sisterhood Bingo children's books on the environment that were published by Scholastic Press
(i.e., Can you find the sister whose Big Sis in September (under her maiden name, Peggy Hock). They are the Our
is her o w n daughter?) and the baby picture Hartli Scries of nonfiction readers for students in grades K-2.
contest (Yes, that is our treasurer w i t h
baby food on her face!). San Fernando Valley
Bunco!
r Our first annual Bunco party was a success. Some of the women had never
Arkansas played the game before. It was a great afternoon of learning about each other
Jonesboro while sharing great food and a f u n game. One of our members who works
Bracelet Bling for a skin care/perfume company donated the gift basket as the prize.
We love getting together! This year, we
w i l l be meeting at our sister, Marlene San Jose
Brown's, to make jewelry. Last year we What's Cooking?
made bracelets for the new members. This We are developing an A O I I cookbook to raise money for our general fund.
year we w i l l be making bracelets for the Sisters will be bringing their favorite dish and recipe to share. O u r president,
new alumnae members. Jeannie Apostole-Holden, says this is our best year ever because we have so
many wonderful sisters joining our fun alumnae group!

San Mateo
Panhcllenic Paying Back
Each March we join over 100 Panhellenic members in an auction and
opportunity drawing to raise funds for awards to high school senior women.
This year there w i l l be S7( 10 given to each of 6 graduates. Committee
members include Margie Lyman, Christine Hollingshead, JoAnn Hawley,
Joanne Kemp and Patti Penning.

Southern Orange County
Fun Fund Raising
The Holiday Boutique, our only major fund raising activity, still brings
sisters together i n the spirit of sisterhood, teamwork and philanthropy. Sisters
contribute to the live auction, conducted by Charlie Blek, husband of
Mary Leigh Waters Blek. The local church kitchen begins to buzz by 8:30
Saturday morning; brunch is served: and the auction excitement begins.
The day's dress is red/black, plus a black apron embroidered with a red rose.

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2009 To DRAGMA • 57

^ A L U M N A E A/EWS Delaware r
Look for us Online Georgia
r One o f our most exciting chapter Atlanta
Colorado accomplishments in the past year
Denver has been the creation o f our web site AOIIs and their IIOAs
Celebrating Sisterlfood www.aoiidelaware.org. It includes Atlanta Alumnae enjoy a good par-
Our Founders' Day celebration is always information about our members, our ty! Each summer we have a special
a wonderful sisterhood event. We chapter calendar, pictures, and updated " I I O A " event to celebrate the end o f
celebrated Founders' Day with a brunch news. Sisters in Delaware have enjoyed the season and reconnect after being
in Boulder at the beautiful St. Julien checking it out and finding out more away f r o m our sisters. This is one
Hotel. Epsilon Gamma and Rocky about our chapter. It's been a great of the few times where significant
Mountain Alumnae group joined us resource to keep connected with both others are invited-and honored with
again this year for Founders' Day. The members and non-members. a very special initiation! Being able
hotel was wonderful but the highlight to share the food, f u n and games ot
this year was our keynote speaker. Past Florida A O I I w i t h our significant others is
International President Ginger Banks. Orlando Area one o f the reasons this is one o f our
She delivered an inspiring speech that Sisterhood Supper Club most popular events o f the year.
was enjoyed by both the collegians and This year we had a tasting party at a
the alumnae. We really enjoyed her visit Super Suppers store where whole meals r
and had a great time entertaining her are fixed for people to buy. We had
and showing her around Boulder. fun sampling items and socializing Idaho
with each other.
Rocky Mountain Pocatello
Pancake Pick-Me-Up Sarasota Area
One event we hope w i l l become a Founders' Day Fun AOII Shopping Spree
tradition is our "Pancake Study Break" Our Founders' Day luncheon and
where we cooked a pancake dinner for celebration was held at Marina Jack's One of our members who owns a
Epsilon Gamma Chapter prior to their restaurant with a beautiful view o f
the Sarasota Bay. Eighty-five sisters store hosts an A O I I Night for our
Jfinals week. attended from the alumnae chapters
of Fort Myers, Greater Pinellas, Tampa chapter. We have f u n shopping with
Bay and Sarasota along with collegians
from Gamma Theta ( U of South sisters, and she sends a portion of the J
Florida) and Kappa Gamma (Florida sales to our philanthropic fund.
Southern College).

58 • T o DRAGMA ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Illinois Chicago South Suburban |>
Bloomington-Normal
Ritual Review Evansville Alumnae
This and That At every meeting during the 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9
O u r chapter plans many f u n activities year our chapter takes some time to Indiana
each year to learn more about each other review a portion o f the ritual of A O I I . Evansville Tri-State
and to strengthen our bond. These events In September we started ritual bead key ItJust Makes Sense
bring us closer together through laughter, chains that w i l l serve as a daily reminder
storytelling, and simply learning more for us to keep our ritual close to our "A Sense of A O I I " is the theme of the
about each other. Some o f our favorite hearts. Every month we add a new bead Evansville Tri-State Alumnae program
events include our annual autumn craft, to our individual membership education for this year. A creative schedule of
volunteering for the area Jingle Bell key chains symbolizing the portion o f programs includes using our sense o f
Run/Walk, Founders' Hay Brunch and our ritual that we have reviewed. taste, sound, sight, and touch to get to
A O I I book club. know our sisters and have some fun. "A
Taste of A O I I , " included appetizers and
Champaign-Urbana Chicago West Suburban desserts, "A Touch of A O I I , " was our
Full of Surprise A Little Friendly Competition homecoming theme, and we selected
One of the highlights of the semester for Annually, we have one o f our monthly- "Sounds of A O I I , " for Founders' Day.
our alumnae is assembling the Survival meetings as a game night. W h i l e the
Kits for the Iota members at the chapter game changes year to year, the evening Indianapolis
house. The Iota parents support A O I I . is always filled with laughter and Chapter Cook Off
their daughter, and the A O I I Foundation y u m m y snacks. Ask Ginger Banks, We love to get together and socialize.
by purchasing a finals week goodie bag who just happened to be in town one One f u n event was a Chili Cook O f f in
which is presented at the last chapter year and still chuckles when she recalls October. Sisters gathered at the chapter
meeting o f the semester. The look on the silly sisters o f CWS! president's home to pitch in and enjoy
the members' faces when they see their chili. It was a fun day to catch up with
hand written note f r o m m o m and dad is Dekalb-Kane each other and celebrate our sisterhood.
priceless. Bags are full of y u m m y snacks Walk This Way
and helpful items to get through the Every year, we participate in the Arthritis Muncie
dreaded finals week. Walk in Belvidere. Illinois. This past year, Panhellcnic Spirit
family and friends joined chapter members We participated in an elegant, fun
Chicago City as they walked through the "City o f Greek Fest event involving all Greek
Support Your Local Sister Murals". A fun time was had by all! alumnae in Muncie. The dinner was
This year we had our second annual held at the Ball State University Alumni
vendor fair - including sisters w i t h Lake County of Illinois Center and attendees brought donations
businesses like Lia Sophia, Usborne We Aren't Afraid to to sustain the Second Harvest Food
Books. Stampin' Up and more. In this Get Our Hands Dirty Bank. The speaker was from Christian
economy we helped our sisters f i n d W i t h garbage bags and gloves in Ministries and was delightful in sharing
new customers and raised money for hand our members clean up a stretch her experiences as Executive Director o f
a good cause. of highway several times each year. that organization. A O I I had the second
It might not be glamorous, but the largest number of attendees!
Chicago NW Suburban members enjoy being a part of keeping
their community clean. In addition,
Good Books, Great Conversation the chapter is actively involved in several
We have become bookworms! A local events that benefit the Arthritis
favorite program at one o f our monthly Foundation. In 200M the chapter
meetings has been the presentation o f marked 2 0 years o f being
book reviews. Five sisters each give a active volunteers in the Lake-
short review o f her chosen book; then County community!
our program chairman auctions each
of the books off to the membership.
The money collected is donated to our
philanthropies. O u r newly formed Book
Club meets bimonthly and has sparked
interest in a variety of good reads.

ISSUH NO.2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA • 5 9

UMNAE iVEWS Louisiana
Acadiana
r Kentucky Alphabetical Order
Central Kentucky Bluegrass Alumnae
Tis the Season Our monthly dinners continue to be a
Our favorite social event is our annual Christmas party. Every big hit. We meet at a different restaurant
December the Central Kentucky Alumnae Chapter hosts a Christmas every month on the 15th. We select a
party for the Epsilon Omega collegians. Everyone has a great time as restaurant each month that begins w i t h
the alumnae are able to catch up on chapter news and events at Eastern a different letter o f the alphabet, starting
and the collegians are able to meet the local A O I I alumnae. w i t h A , then B, and so on. The dinners
give us a great opportunity to catch up
Kentuckiana w i t h each other and build sisterhood.
Run for the Roses
D u r i n g the Spring we meet at Churchill Downs. Sisters gather on Baton Rouge
Millionaire's R o w to watch races and then move on to the winner's Bingo!
circle to view the " A O I I Classic" and present a trophy to the This year, "Bingo for Arthritis" w i l l be
winningjockey and owner. a new twist on a familiar philanthropy.
We learned about this opportunity
Lexington through our local Arthritis Foundation
You're Never Too Old... and thought it would be a new and
One social event we have had a lot of fun with has been our sleep over fun activity for our group. We will
night. We plan scrap booking, playing games, or just watching movies. encourage our sisters and friends to
We have the chance to act like young woman again by staying up late, come work or play because, either
reliving memories of our pasts and making new memories with our way, it supports AOII's cause.
alumnae sisters.
Hammond Area
Pearls are a Girl's Best Friend
We started a tradition in our chapter
called "Girls w i t h Pearls." Throughout
the year, we have " G W P " sisterhood
events. Each sister receives a charm for
each event she attends for her o w n pair
of pearls. We do not tell the members
which events are " G W P " ones, so it is
always a surprise.

Monroe
Treasured Traditions
Members ot the Monroe Alumnae
Chapter hosted their annual Collegiate
N e w Member Reception at the
Biedenharn Gardens in Monroe,
Louisiana, on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 0 0 8 .
Twenty-one new members of Lambda
Tau Chapter were honored with a tour
of the fabulous garden and home of the
late Emy Lou Biedenharn. The event
has become a time-honored tradition for
the alumnae and collegiate chapter.

Madison Alumnae

60 • To DRAGMA ISSUE N O . 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

Maryland Michigan southeast Michigan, including A n n
Suburban Maryland Ann Arbor Arbor, Dearborn, and Macomb
Philantltropically Focussed Stop and Say Thank You County. We all look forward to
seeing our alumnae sisters and
S M A C participates in many philanthropic The Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter hearing what each chapter has
activities. We support arthritis research has been heavily focused on planned as much as we enjoy the
with our annual Casino Night to Ace philanthropic activities this year! "culinary masterpiece" brought
Arthritis, and by participating i n or We made cards for Project Holiday by each sister. O u r A N S Cynthia
contributing to local arthritis walks. In the Cards (started by an A O I I sister Skiver j o i n e d us and presented
past, we prepared and donated toiletry bags in Louisiana). They were mailed attending chapters w i t h awards,
for a local women's shelter. This year, we overseas to service men and women surrounded by alumnae sisters who
are going to participate in "Once Upon for the holidays. were appreciative of their efforts
A Prom," in which we will collect gently being recognized.
used prom dresses and donate them to a Dearborn
local high school for use by the girls to Sprcadiugjoy Macomb County
attend prom in the Spring of2009. "Joy to the World," becomes Project AOII
joy to the audience when piano Autumn brought colorful
Vs. keys strike festive holiday notes decorations and Chico's Clothes
as Joyce Younk gets the audience to an audience for a Pack-n-Go
r in the spirit w i t h her annual solos Fashion Show and Luncheon for
Massachusetts at Masonic Temple on Christmas our members and their guests. The
Boston Morning. Hearts and voices activities included an auction of f u n
Making Happy Birthdays sing along with her vibrant and travel and holiday items, as well as
This tall, we were able to partner w i t h a cheerful melodies! many surprise door prizes, to inspire
local organization called Birthday Wishes the generosity to support local and
to throw a birthday party for children at Detroit North Suburban AOII philanthropies.
a local shelter. Several members o f our Fine Dining
alumnae chapter organized a cratt. cake, We enjoyed hosting our annual
and birthday presents for all o f the children Fall Potluck in October for the
celebrating birthdays. several A O I I alumnae chapters in

V To DRAGMA • 61

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2009

^ A L U M N A E NEWS

bells on e/fcon

r Missouri ANGELA
St. Louis
Picnic in the Park be VUM.
Our group gathered for the St. Louis beds on
Arthritis Walk in Forest Park in May.
Both a 3K and 5K route were available Nebraska New Mexico
and we picnicked in the park after Lincoln Central New Mexico
the walk. The chapter raised over Collaborate Celebration The More Causes
$1,200.00 for arthritis research. NX/c- For our Founders' Day celebration we joined the Merrier
had lovely weather for the evening members of the Omaha Alumnae Chapter Our chapter supports the
and were joined not only by our and collegians from Zeta Chapter met at various philanthropic interests
family members, but also a collegiate "Taste" in Omaha for a Founders' Day of our members and the many
member home for summer break and Celebration. Over 80 collegians and alumnae needs o f our community by
her family. By wearing A O I I letters, were in attendance. After a delicious meal, a providing donations at each
we were easily recognizable. short Founders' Day Message was shared with o f our quarterly meetings for
those in attendance. a different organization. We
J have donated to everything
New Jersey f r o m animal shelters to
Montana Central New Jersey women's organizations!
Bozeman GNO
Service and Salad In November, CNJAC hosted a Girls' New York
The Bozeman Alumnae Night Out - Vendor Shopping Open Buffalo
select a local philanthropy House. Family and friends were invited Plenty ofPhilauthropic
to support at the Senior to get together for the night to start their Planning
Salad held annually holiday shopping. Six different vendors This year we w i l l be having
in April. This year, a had their items on display. Proceeds were a local blood drive, and we
donation was made to the donated to the AOII Foundation. are also planning a bowl-a-
Central Asia Institute, a thon where all monies raised
local organization that w i l l go towards the A O I I
builds schools for girls in Foundation. In conjunction
Central Asia. with the local Panhellenic
in our area we are doing
a benefit art auction to
raise money and awareness
to various organizations.
Additionally in June, we are
participating in the Susan G.
Komen Breast cancer walk
and run.

Macomb County Alumnae

62 • To DRAGMA ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9

North Carolina Triangle
Charlotte Pizza Perfect
A Walk in the Park We met in November for an informal pizza dinner and a get-
to-know you event in the home of one o f our members. With
O u r chapter sponsors and participates in the Arthritis Walk so many new members this year, we felt it was important to talk
held each May i n Charlotte. We raise funds through chapter and learn about each other at a social gathering. We enjoyed the
f u n d raisers i n the fall and individual walk pledges in the spring. dinner and the activity.
Alumnae members participate on the walk committee, sponsor
the A R F - r i t i s portion o f the walk and volunteer as needed the Winston-Salem
day o f the walk. There is always a great turn out for this event! Sharing Our Love
O u r chapter made goody bags for the new members o f the new
Piedmont, NC A O I I colony at Applachian State. We met at Panera and every
Rain or Shine member brought something festive - we had roses, panda stickers,
O n a rainy Saturday morning in October, the Piedmont Alumnae red and white candy, school supplies, party favors and even rubies
Chapter and Epsilon Chi Chapter from Elon U joined together for the bags. We loved how we could share our love o f A O I I and
and walked i n the Annual Greensboro, N C Arthritis Walk. Our its symbols w i t h the new colony.
groups easily made up the majority o f the walkers and we all wore
our letters proudly!

Ohio Lexington Alumnae
Cleveland
Candyland w1

O u r goal for this year is to provide a Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae
well-rounded calendar o f events w i t h
something for everyone. We varied To DRAGMA • 63
the dates each month and included
family friendly events. In November
members brought their children to the
local Candy Wonderland - based on
the board game.

Cleveland West
AOII Zoo Crew
O u r largest philanthropic activity
consists o f participating in the annual
Arthritis Walk at the Cleveland
Mctroparks Zoo in May. We team
up with the Cleveland Area Alumnae
Chapter for a great time! C o m i n g
together for this event is inspiring for
those w h o attend. Last year we raised
over $2,000, and we are hoping to set
a new record in 2009.

Toledo
Bee-lieve in Yourself
In March, we w i l l be hosting the 6th
annual Baskets and Brunch Benefit to
support Camp Busy Bee, a summer
camp for children with arthritis. We
have raised over $20,000 i n the past
five years!

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2009

UMNAE NEWS

Pennsylvania
Greater Harrisburg

Socials and Butterflies
The highlight o f our upcoming social calendar w i l l be a
day at the Hotel Hershey, including a luncheon, tour o f the
Rose Gardens and Butterfly House, and conclude w i t h a
spa treatment.

Philadelphia

Offering Many Hands to Help

We support the fight against arthritis by providing a J
scholarship to offset the cost for a girl to attend Juvenile
Arthritis camp, donating money and f o o d to Sigma Beta's
Strike Out! A O I I event, and walking in a 5K.

.V r South Carolina
Charleston
Long Beach Alumnae
Auction for Arthritis
Our group participated in the D'Vine Affair Wine &
Silent Auction to benefit the Arthritis Foundation on
October 3, 2008. Once again, we enjoyed assisting w i t h
the silent auction, raffle, and event management.

Tennessee NY/NJ Alumnae
Knoxville ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9
Shining Sisterhood
O u r chapter has recently formed an
A O I I Care Team. Sisters that choose
to serve on this team "let their light
shine" in several capacities-visiting a
sister in the hospital, w r i t i n g a letter
of encouragement, delivering a meal
or simply picking up the phone to say
"hello." Although this is something
chapter members have always done,
we now have an official committee
name for it!

Memphis Area
Panda-monium
We participate i n several service
opportunities as a chapter. This year,
at our annual holiday party, we
replaced our usual donations to Toys
for Tots w i t h a collection o f pandas for
the Panda Project.

64 • To I)B

\ Memphis Area Alumnae

Texas r
Austin Virginia

Would You? Northern Virginia
The Austin Alumnae Chapter celebrated the beginning ot the Until there is a Cure
year w i t h a game night at the chapter presidents home. We N e w this year, we w i l l be forming "Team A O I I " for Race for
played "Would You Rather" a getting to know you kind o f the Cure to celebrate all o f our amazing sisters who are breast
board game. We had a blast answering the crazy questions! cancer survivors.

Dallas Richmond Area
Play Ball
Is it True What They Say? We've held family outings to support our local sports teams,
Yep, everything is bigger in Texas. That's why we hold meetings including the Richmond Renegades hockey team and
in Dallas and surrounding suburbs to accommodate the wide Richmond Braves baseball. We were sad to see the Braves
geographic locations of our members. O u r first meeting of the year leave town last season, but not without one final A O I I game
was a "Meet & Greet" at a local favorite restaurant. Blue Mesa. ninbt over the summer.

North Texas Washington
Seattle
Panda Pals Active Alumnae
This year, we are collecting pandas to give to the Coppell and
Grapevine Police Departments. The police officers like to keep There are 254 AOIIs in the Seattle Area who were initiated
stuffed animals in their patrol cars to hand to kids when they are before 1960. Many o f them found traveling to the regular
called out to domestic abuse situations. Having a panda to hold chapter meetings, held usually in the evening, too difficult
helps a child feel more at ease and more trusting o f the officer. to attend. To help these sisters stay active and in touch, we
started a monthly luncheon. We meet at member Teddy
San Antonio Greenwald's retirement home near downtown Seattle.
We have already outgrown the private dining room!
Celebrate Each Day
We continuously keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities
to celebrate the achievements of our members. These
achievements often include births, engagements, marriages,
graduations, and birthdays. Additionally, many o f sisters are
recognized for their leadership w i t h i n AOI1 and the community.
To acknowledge our members, we often include notes in our
e-newsletters and send cards on a behalf of the chapter.

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRJNG 2 0 0 9 l b D k A C i M A • 65

PROFiLE

SOUTHERN ORANGE COUNTY
ALUMNAE CHAPTER

You may be fascinated w i t h Bravo's hit television Their hard work is evident by the success o f their
show, the Real Housewives of Orange County, a annual Holiday Boutique, the chapter's main f u n d
reality show that follows the lives of a group o f raiser where donated items and gift baskets are
wealthy and eccentric friends i n one of the ritziest raffled or auctioned. Brunch is served before the
places in the United States. N o w , meet the AOIIs live auction, giving sisters the chance to socialize,
of the Southern Orange County Alumnae Chapter, mingle w i t h guests, and contemplate bidding.
a group o f down to earth and caring friends who Sisters always look forward to this f u n event
make a difference in their community. each November.

"'We are most proud of our spirit o f sisterhood," the Representing 31 collegiate chapters, this Orange
chapter shares. "Sisters are always ready to roll up County group hosts members w i t h a variety o f
their sleeves, work hard, and accomplish our goals." individual talents and experience, creating a unique
dynamic. The chapter is composed ot women o f
all ages, w i t h initiation dates spanning between
1928 and 1995.

"The best thing about being an A O I I alumna is
watching sisters o f all ages and backgrounds come
together for a common goal," they share.

In the Orange C o u n t y community, A O I I is
recognized for providing needed items for Human
Options, a residential facility for mothers and
children o f abuse; and contributing to and walking
in the Annual Arthritis W a l k / R u n .

When it is time for sisterhood and socializing,
AOIIs are everywhere! Members live i n 21
different cities across the county, which makes
group gatherings all the more special. Favorite hot
spots include Balboa Island. Laguna Beach, and
South Coast Plaza where sisters love to shop. I n
the summer, members enjoy d i n i n g at many o f the

i different restaurants along the coast.

One signature event the chapter hosts is the
Welcome Brunch. Held in September, the event
not only serves delicious food, but a purpose. The
chapter uses the brunch as a recruitment event,
inviting alumnae i n the area to attend and learn
more about the chapter. Currently, the group is 54
members strong.

Celeste Musick, Lori Conti and Carin Adler at their annual Holiday Brunch. ISSUE NO. 2 • SPKINCI 2009
66 • To I)RA<;MA

PROFILE

T h o u g h the group is large, they still meet the needs Southern Orange County 2008 Founders' Day
o f each individual member. This could not be
more evident than when one sister lost her A O I I "The best thing about being
badge. W h e n it was discovered that her badge an AOII alumna is watching
had been stolen during a home robbery, members
donated money to generously purchase her a new sisters of all ages and
badge. N o w , this member proudly wears her new backgrounds come together
badge during chapter events.
for a common goal."
So, what about the expensive shoes, yacht parties,
and Kolexes that we see on the show? Is that what To DKAUMA • 67
it is really like to live i n the OC?

"Orange County can be a very glamorous place,
and it does have housewives w h o fit the mold o f
Real Housewives of Orange County, but they aren't
part o f our chapter." they say. " I n reality, most
women w h o live i n Orange C o u n t y are down to
earth, even the ones w h o live in a m u l t i - m i l l i o n
dollar homes."

Though Orange C o u n t y may be as fabulous as
it is on T V , we w o u l d never expect AOIIs to be
involved in any o f the drama. That's just not
their style!

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2009

Things We AOII Inspired Nails

Stylish Water W e l o v e t h a t A O I I is s o o n t o
have t w o nail color collections
Eco-friendly and recyclable, designed just for us by BE!
this lightweight aluminum Products. Next time someone
water bottle by Gaiam says, " O h , I love that color nail
makes a statement. You polish!" You can reply, "It'sfrom
AOII's private collection and I
can keep your resolution to helped pick the name." BE! sure
be more healthy and fit by and get your set. See page 29 for
drinking more water. And more information.

you can save money and the
environment at the
same time.

68 • To DRAGMA Be a Better Writer - Right Away

D o y o u t h i n k g r a m m a r is d u l l ? A f t e r r e a d i n g " Q u i c k a n d
Dirty Tips for Better Writing" by M i g n o n Fogarty, a.k.a.
Grammar Girl, you might change your mind. Millions
of listeners have signed up for her daily humorous
podcasts, and now even more are reading her book
to learn tips on avoiding some of the most c o m m o n
g r a m m a r mistakes. In this a g e of cryptic t e x t i n g a n d
email, we love that someone out there still cares
about grammar!

ISSUE NO.2 • SPRING :>00()

Yu m m m m m myyyy All the buzz

You have to love Girl Scout We really do love Brilliantine
cookies. Did you know that by B u m b l e a n d b u m b l e . It
in different parts of the US, gives hair that great tousled,
the same cookie has different but finished style. For those
names? We think a Girl Scout times when you are going for
c o o k i e by any n a m e is a y u m m y that "Yeah, I woke up looking
thing. Anyone for Samoas, Thin this fabulous" look.
Mints or Trefoils?
How many steps to take?
Fresh and Fragrant
Another one of our resolutions was to get
Springtime means flowers. moving a little more and this handy little
Some of the year's most cheery
flowers b l o o m in the spring, like pedometer makes that task more fun. How
tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. many steps d o you take in a day? Just set,
step, and start moving. Whether you are
Nothing chases away dreary
winter days like a bright yellow w a l k i n g t o i m p r o v e your health or training to
run a marathon, this little device from Gaiam
d a f f o d i l . If t h e f l o w e r s are
already starting to bloom where helps us put one foot in front of the other.

you live, take a few minutes
today to stop and smell
the daffodils!

£>

National Panhellenic Conference
2008 Interim Session

* • •• •

I

ISSUE flto. 2 • SPRING 2009

The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) met Oct. 16-18 for the 2008 Interim Session
at the Marriott Evergreen Conference Resort in Stone Mountain, Georgia. This year's
meeting was a "working session" with three town hall meetings and one general session, all
of which reflected the work done by the board of directors, the Executive Committee and
the N P C standing committees on strategic initiatives to advance the Conference.

The 2 6 inter/national presidents, executive directors for consideration by Warren and committee AOII's NPC
and the N F C Foundation conducted their own members Karly K. Burns, Delta Zeta; Jana Clayton, delegation
group meetings during the session. A l l attendees had Alpha Delta Pi; Carol Coordt, Kappa Delta; Betsy included:
the opportunity to meet the 4 9 sponsors, either at Sierk Corridan, Kappa Alpha Theta; Jennifer
their booths or during the sponsor luncheon. Daurora, Alpha C h i Omega; Kathleen Salisbury Carolejurenkojones,
Massie, Delta Delta Delta; and Lori White Scott, Alpha Delta
Town Hall Meetings Alpha Sigma Alpha. ( U of Alabama),
N P C Delegate
New Media Initiatives Task Force on Social Practices Linda Peters Collier,
Chi Omicron
Representatives of MediaSauce presented a proposal Earlier this year, the Task Force on Social Practices (Central State U ) ,
to project the appeal o f j o i n i n g an N P C member reviewed the Big Ten Social Policy Initiative. The First Alternate
group to potential new members and parents. Under N P C representatives on the task force are Susan Lori Hart Ebert,
the proposed "Sorority Life" brand, MediaSauce w i l l Danko, Alpha Omicron Pi; Robin White Fanning, Delta Delta
launch several electronic media tools to help N P C Phi M u ; Julie Johnson, Kappa Delta; and Carol (Auburn U),
reach various audiences and to publicize the sorority Warren, Pi Beta Phi. Second Alternate
experience. MediaSauce and Kyle Communications, Mary A n n Stark,
both Indianapolis-based companies, were selected The presentation by the N P C members of the task Delta Delta
m July 2 0 0 8 to coordinate and lead NPC's public- force during the Interim Session discussed initiatives (Auburn U),
relations and marketing needs. at several universities to address the alcohol culture on Third Alternate
campuses. Those activities include peer-monitoring Susan Danko,
NPC Long Range Plan programs, co-sponsored event policies, and other Phi Upsilon
programs. Deb Ensor, Zeta Tau Alpha, gave a (Purdue U),
The NPC Long Range Planning Committee report on behalf of her group during the task International President
presented its report on its review of the 2 0 0 5 - 2 0 1 0 force presentation. Melanie Nixon
plan and its focus on the goal of organizational Lampertz,
effectiveness. Led by Carol Warren, Pi Beta Phi, the General Session Lambda Sigma
committee was directed to provide the Conference ( U of Georgia),
w i t h a forum to discuss how to improve current One general session conducted the business of the Executive Director
optTations and to make recommendations on how to Conference, which included several amendments
pursue a new and different course of action. to the bylaws. Delegates voted on the name o f
the annual meeting ot the corporation, the order
The committee proposed several resolutions to of the rotation of the secretary and treasurer on
improve organizational effectiveness, which were the Executive Committee, the term of office o f
considered during the general session. Committee the Executive Committee, discipline, and the
members also facilitated small-group discussions to Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding
address opportunities for action on the: Agreement (MRABA).

• Role of the delegate and the alternate delegates Delegates also voted on two general resolutions:
• Appointment of committee chairmen and a College Panhellenic dues increase and National
Advisor Appreciation Month. Resolutions that passed
committee members are posted on the N P C Web site and on member
• Method o f conducting Conference business group Web sites.
• Necessity o f Conference rules and regulations
• Executive Committee term The 2 0 0 9 N P C annual meeting (formerly called the
• Importance of trust and transparency Biennial Session) w i l l be held Oct. 8 - 1 1 at the Tampa
Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina.
Recommendations and areas of consensus reached by
the small groups were presented to the Conference

ISSUE NO. 2 • SPRING 2 0 0 9 To DRAGMA •

Aon

2009

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