Spring 2021 - To Dragma

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M. Lux Yellow Jeweled Bracelet, #BG808G $50
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Alumnae Chapter News

ALUMNAE CHAPTER NEWS

ALASKA ALUMNAE started 2020 with a tradi- BATON ROUGE AREA ALUMNAE had a great
tional New Year activity, vision boards - but this year. In May they were proud to host a Virtual
year, none of the boards envisioned the gravity AOII Founders’ Day starting a new trend among
of the months ahead. Still, the Alaska Alumnae alumnae and collegiate chapter across the US &
Chapter stayed connected in 2020 with twice Canada. In the fall, they held a mask sale fund-
monthly Zoom calls. This light-hearted connec- raiser to help all four collegiate chapters in the
tion took a serious turn when a beloved member, state. With some Covid-19 restrictions lifted, they
Rae Kozlowski, was hospitalized with Covid-19. were able to host a small AOII Thanksgathering,
Members wrote letters, sent care-packages, and and their annual Holiday Party with limited at-
once Rae was back home, sent flowers to cel- tendees. They finished the year #1 at the Jingle
ebrate her 80th birthday. The Alaska chapter is Bell Run in Louisiana.
so grateful for her recovery, for her dedication as BIRMINGHAM AREA ALUMNAE kicked off 2020
Treasurer since the chapter’s installment, and for by having an interest meeting at a local eatery
her sisterhood. where they had more participation than anticipat-
ATLANTA ALUMNAE kicked off 2020 with ed. From Zoom gatherings to happy hours and
Founders’ Day, IIOA Party, and Sisterhood informational sessions, members have been so
Brunch. Since March, they have held many virtual grateful to be able to connect with other sisters.
wine nights, game nights, book club meetings, They also enjoyed events including brunch and
and a cocktail making class. The chapter also Boos in October and a Virtual Jingle Bell Run/
hosted a virtual Kendra Gives Back Fundraiser Hike. Although 2020 served as a rocky start,
to benefit the Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic As- they are looking forward to what 2021 has in
sociation’s scholarship fund, and a virtual Soror- store.
ity Recruitment Information night for graduating BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL ALUMNAE started
seniors and their parents. This fall they held a out with a great alumnae-collegian event at
few socially distanced Sisters’ Night Out events Medici’s Restaurant, which sadly turned out to be
at restaurants with outdoor seating. their only in-person event for 2020. They certain-
AUSTIN ALUMNAE found 2020 to be a very dif- ly have taken Stella George Stern Perry’s quote
ferent year, but they still planned ways to have from 1936 to heart: “We were founded and con-
fun and help their community. Before Covid-19, stituted in a way so elastic that while holding fast
they hosted a great Founders’ Day with PIP to all essential traditions, we are adjustable to
Gayle Fitzpatrick speaking, and enjoyed a Gal- changes and modern needs.” Emails and Face-
entine’s Day hockey game watching their local book posts along with Zoom meetings became
team play. Once things moved to virtual events, the chapter’s new normal, and support of Beta
members were able to assist Tau Mu with their Nu continued throughout.
virtual recruitment prep, and hosted a handful of BOSTON ALUMNAE was able to celebrate
virtual and socially distanced happy hours. As the Founders’ Day 2020 with Beta Upsilon, see a
year ended, the chapter hosted a drive for Coats midnight showing of CATS, and join one another
for Kids, donating 22 new coats, and members for a last normal brunch prior to the pandemic
sponsored Christmas gifts for 13 kids who are a related-shutdowns in March. Adapting quickly
part of a local charity. to the virtual space, sisters shared frequent fun

52 | Spring 2021

2020 Recap

ATLANTA AUSTIN
ALASKA 53

Alumnae Chapter News

BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL

BIRMINGHAM BOZEMAN

meet-ups over Zoom to keep sisterhood alive in- ugly sweater, and online game night. A favorite
cluding Bachelor/Bachelorette group chats, trivia/ event was a “Sisters for Life” meeting where they
game nights, Secret Sister, and movie nights. The shared stories and advice with the new member
chapter is trying new things all the time to keep class of the local Alpha Phi Chapter. There were
sisterhood present during these unprecedented many laughs and happy tears to be had. Mem-
times. bers also participated in the annual “Run For the
Roses” virtual run. A highlight was the chapter
BOZEMAN ALUMNAE has been busy hosting adopting a highway that they look forward to
virtual events and being outside whenever pos- helping maintain this summer.
sible. Some events include a book club, virtual
54 | Spring 2021

BUCKS COUNTY ALUMNAE held a planning 2020 Recap
meeting for 2020 and a visit to the Michener to provide sisters a mental health check-in and
Museum in Doylestown, PA in January. After the virtual gratitude journal. This initiative was called
Covid-19 shutdowns, all plans changed and they the “Weekly Glow Campaign.” In late 2020, the
met for several virtual meetings. Elizabeth Steele, chapter hosted two virtual Friendsgiving cel-
VP, was recognized for 50 years of member- ebrations. Sisters from the Northern New Jersey
ship and members signed holiday and Christmas Alumnae Chapter joined as they chatted and ate
cards for distribution to local nursing homes. Thanksgiving leftovers. In December, members
BUFFALO ALUMNAE kicked off 2020 with participated in the virtual Jingle Bell Run held by
Founders’ Day and raised money for The Ruby the Arthritis Foundation.
Fund and Strike Out Arthritis! Sisters kept fit, CENTRAL NEW MEXICO ALUMNAE hosted
reduced stress and stayed connected through a potluck meeting last January to develop fun
Zoom with AOIIs from several states and France. plans to celebrate the chapter’s 50th Anniver-
They welcomed summer with an outdoor socially sary, but Covid-19 changed that into a 50th
distanced backyard fire and enjoyed a fall walk- Anniversary Virtual Tea. During the past year,
ing ghost tour of Buffalo’s waterfront. They also members experienced loss of loved ones, illness,
enjoyed a virtual charcuterie class to benefit their medical treatments, parenting children from
local theaters. While this past year was challeng- home, wedding, etc. It was trying, but the sisters
ing, they believe their bonds of sisterhood have were so supportive of each other through it all.
never been stronger. There was fortitude, loyalty, and love displayed.
CALGARY ALUMNAE found many ways to stay Some members made blankets for a collegiate
connected and support and encourage each chapter.
other. Founders’ Day and a Galentine’s were held CHARLESTON ALUMNAE began 2020 with a
before spring events transitioned online. They breakfast at a local restaurant. This followed with
welcomed new alumnae at Sisters Night in Roses an 88th birthday celebration for a member in
and Tiaras and were joined by International Pres- March. After Covid-19 hit, the chapter has hosted
ident Crystal Grafton Combs. Other events held two or three Zoom meetings in place of actual
included Pets Show and Tell, Game Nights with meetings. They are looking forward to in person
Kappa Lambda, Dance Parties, Panda Painting, meetings in the near future.
Trivia Nite with the Vancouver Alumnae Chapter, CHICAGO CITY ALUMNAE kept in contact with
and watching the Little Women movie during the each other through events like virtual happy
holidays. Throughout the year, members have hours, origami making on Zoom, a cookie deco-
also continued to give back to numerous philan- rating party and online group workouts. The
thropic causes. chapter continued their support of the Arthritis
CENTRAL CONNECTICUT ALUMNAE, like many Foundation by virtually participating in both the
chapters, had to adapt to 2020 in order to keep May Walk to Cure Arthritis and the Jingle Bell
their members supported and safe. They fo- Run in December. Chicago City reduced dues
cused on outdoor and virtual events where they and introduced a sponsored sister program to
celebrated member achievements, such as new encourage membership for those who may not
family members, new homes, job changes and a be able to afford dues during these challenging
50-year AOII anniversary! times. This year more than ever, Chicago City ap-
preciated being able to connect with AOII sisters.

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY ALUMNAE collected CHICAGO NW SUBURBAN ALUMNAE had a
materials for Gamma Phi’s spring recruitment. busy year filled with sisterhood and fun. They
After Covid-19 hit, to keep positive, an initia- held their first ever virtual meeting in May and
tive was started within their Facebook group held socially distanced social events, including a

55

Alumnae Chapter News COLUMBUS ALUMNAE kicked off the year with
backyard bonfire and al fresco lunch. In October, a socially distanced craft night making decorative
they donned Halloween costumes and played cement leaves. The chapter gathered virtually
spooky bingo, then gathered around the virtual the remainder of the year with ritual and a trivia
Thanksgiving table to share what they were most night. Members also “Jingled in their Jammies” to
grateful for, as well as recipes and traditions. And support the Arthritis Foundation. The chapter will
in December they not only Jingled in their Jam- continue to hold virtual events in the near future
mies, but also held a virtual cooking demonstra- to ensure everyone’s health and safety, but they
tion. look forward to celebrating again in person!
CHICAGO SOUTH SUBURBAN ALUMNAE have DAYTON ALUMNAE joined the Kappa Delta
become very adept with Zoom. From their virtual Chapter (Wright State U) in January 2020 for
two-truths-and-one-lie event to virtual Jingling Founders’ Day then unknowingly hosted their
in their Jammies for the Arthritis Foundation, final Fifth Friday at a local Mexican restaurant.
they have still enjoyed their year. In December Their last in person meeting was to prepare
their Holiday Pot Luck transitioned into trivia and care packages for collegians across the nation.
charades. The chapter is currently compiling a After the pandemic took hold, online gatherings
recipe book with sisters sending in recipes that included a virtual book discussion of The Hol-
are meaningful to them. In the meantime Zoom, lows hosted by local author Jess Montgomery.
Zoom! It was of special interest for the Omega Upsilon
CHICAGO WEST SUBURBAN ALUMNAE mem- (Ohio U) alumnae as some of the story takes
bers have adapted well to 2020 limitations by place in what is now part of campus. Other virtual
embracing technology and working around Il- meetings included a memorial service to honor
linois’s changing weather to socially distance out- Dayton AOIIs, ghost stories, cupcake decorating
doors when possible. CWS continued their Strike and a presentation of Camp Wekandu, a local
Out Arthritis! events by offering opportunity juvenile arthritis camp supported by the Dayton
baskets and a silent auction as part of their vir- Alumnae Chapter.
tual December meeting and held a Secret Stella DEKALB-KANE ALUMNAE has been working
drop-off/shipped present exchange. Members hard to get connected during this time of so-
have gone on outdoor walks, yoga hikes, en- cial distancing. They have enjoyed some virtual
joyed park lunches, and their book club contin- meetings, game nights, and have joined with
ued to meet monthly on Zoom. CWS has further other local alumnae chapters for larger events.
expanded their social media to share birthdays, Members of the chapter participated in the virtual
and send “roses to you” to recognize members. Chicago area Jingle Bell Run. They are looking
CLEVELAND AREA ALUMNAE enjoyed their forward to being able to gather together, in per-
2020 Founders’ Day luncheon before having son, in the coming year.
to cancel all of their spring & summer activities. DELAWARE ALUMNAE kicked off 2020 with a
When they reconnect in the fall, they met at a shopping lunch at their local mall. They gath-
new winery to support local businesses. Seeking ered for date nights in February and October.
ways to safely serve their community, members Several members joined the nearby Founders’
sent cards to the Ohio Veteran’s Home to those Day celebrations and participated in Virtual Walk
who are especially isolated during this time. to Cure Arthritis in May and Virtual Jingle Bell
Sisters participated in the Arthritis Foundation’s Run in December. A few members attended the
Virtual Jingle Bell Run and concluded their year Virtual Leadership Institute in June. Members are
with a virtual cocktails & trivia night, with the win- looking forward to participating in more in person
ner receiving the coveted “Leg Lamp” certificate, events in 2021!!
a tribute to “Christmas Story” which was filmed in
Cleveland!

56 | Spring 2021

CENTRAL NEW MEXICO 2020 Recap
CHICAGO NW SUBURBAN
BUFFALO CENTRAL CONNECTICUT
57

Alumnae Chapter News DELAWARE
CHICAGO WEST SUBURBAN DENVER
CLEVELAND AREA
58 | Spring 2021

DENVER ALUMNAE enjoyed virtual game nights, 2020 Recap
happy hours, and watch parties to get through ing for cookie decorating, yoga, etc. And they
the early days of the pandemic. Luckily, they joined the Kentuckiana Alumnae Chapter in a
were able to hold onto traditions, like Back to book club.
AOII, Jingle Bell Run, and Holiday Party. At the GREATER JACKSON ALUMNAE made time to
Jingle Bell Run, they raised $1,220, more than spend with sisters despite Covid-19 restrictions!
doubling their goal! They modified their Holiday They held a Founders’ Day Champagne Brunch,
IIOA Potluck to collect recipes that would previ- sent encouraging letters and cards to troops
ously have brought in person and compiled a stationed overseas, and hosted virtual meetings.
cookbook (an idea shamelessly borrowed with Playing the game two truths and a lie was a great
permission from sisters in the San Fernando Val- way to get to know each other better and discov-
ley). They also had a holiday dress (up) competi- ered how much fun trivia through Zoom could be!
tion, shared the same fancy mocktail/cocktail, GREATER PINELLAS ALUMNAE participated in
and collected over $200 in donations for New- Jingle Bell Run, numerous virtual Zoom meet-
borns in Need. ings, and joined Tampa’s virtual Ritual meeting in
DETROIT NORTH SUBURBAN ALUMNAE have October.
kept in contact through the Secretary’s monthly GREATER PORTLAND ALUMNAE kicked off
newsletters as well as emails and phone calls 2020 in February with a lovely sisterhood brunch
among members. The Jingle in Your Jammies with members from across New England in atten-
brunch planned for January was cancelled due dance. The rest of the year consisted of connect-
to weather. Then Covid-19 began and members ing through video chat and card writing cam-
stayed in out of an abundance of caution. The paigns that allowed them to get to know many of
chapter gained three members, and can’t wait to their members better. They supported local food
welcome them in person! Detroit North was able pantries, assisted living communities, agencies,
to continue its support of the Walk to Cure Arthri- and Gamma Chapter with donations. Members
tis and Jingle Bell Run as they went virtual. participated in the Jingle Bell Run, which raised
EASTERN IOWA ALUMNAE consider their over $900 in funds for arthritis.
monthly dinner get-togethers as their main GREATER SACRAMENTO VALLEY ALUMNAE
events, so this year was challenging. They moved online with themed happy hours, online
planned a reverse advent calendar in November Ritual and a holiday trivia party. The event they’re
and donated well over 200 pounds of food to a most proud of is #MissYouMondays Sisterhood
county-wide food bank! And they raised money Hour, a Zoom call held every Monday night since
for the Arthritis Foundation through their local last April. No topic is off limits and sisters know
virtual Walk To Cure Arthritis. they’ll be there every week for anyone who
EVANSVILLE TRI-STATE ALUMNAE took the needs to laugh, vent frustrations or simply talk.
opportunity this year to try new things! This Making time for AOII time has kept their mem-
year truly highlighted the power of sisterhood bers engaged and brought them closer.
as its importance was more evident than ever. GREATER VANCOUVER REGION ALUMNAE
They supported Chi Lambda virtually as they had to change their planned 75th anniversary
celebrated their Bid Day and worked through dinner celebration to a virtual event. Even with
an everchanging semester. They worked with that sudden change, it was well attended and full
the Arthritis Foundation to put on a virtual Bone of memories, games, and photos. As with every-
Bash which knocked their fundraising goal out of one, the chapter adjusted to this virtual world
the park! They also kept up with lunches, coffee reluctantly but also wholeheartedly. This has
dates and the like, but pivoted to making them involved virtual trivia nights, a virtual AGM, and
virtual as well. Smaller groups of sisters connect-

59

Alumnae Chapter News JONESBORO ALUMNAE had quite a year!! Right
sharing on Facebook and newsletters. As with as they were about to start things back up from
everyone, members look forward to when they the holidays Covid-19 struck. Members have en-
can be together again. joyed each other from the safety of their homes
GREEN BAY AND FOX CITIES ALUMNAE start- and they are excited to be back together soon!
ed their year enjoying tasty foods at the Brown KENTUCKIANA ALUMNAE had a very busy
County Taste of Wisconsin, featuring dairy prod- and successful 2020! They honored Mary Bry-
ucts from America’s Dairyland. They also attend- ant, Chair of RT&J, at Founders’ Day for her
ed a University of WI, Green Bay, Women’s Phoe- 50th anniversary. They had several fun Zoom
nix Basketball Game. Girls Night In, via Zoom, events, including Pumpkin Painting with Pi Alpha
was a great evening of conversation. During the Chapter, and a “Secret Sister” gift exchange for
latter part of the year, they called one another, a virtual holiday party! They continued to raise
sent cards to lift spirits, and sent texts to check money for Suicide Prevention, an extremely rare
on others. They ended the year Jingling in their genetic disease called SMARD, and purchased
Jammies to support the Arthritis Foundation. Salvation Army Food Angels during the holidays
HOUSTON ALUMNAE began 2020 with a unity. Their biggest achievement was planning
Founders’ Day celebration and ended with a the Virtual Jingle Bell Run for Kentuckiana with
Holiday Party. In between, most other in-person Pi Alpha that raised over $14,000 for the Arthritis
events were cancelled. They did enjoy Conver- Foundation.
sation and Cocktails with Carole Jones via Zoom LAKE COUNTY OF ILLINOIS ALUMNAE has
in September and they gathered at a local canti- met monthly via Zoom since last March and
na to welcome young alumnae in November. For frequently joined other area alumnae chapters
the virtual Jingle Bell Run in Houston, the chapter for their Zoom meetings. They held a Zoom
raised over $500 in December. They are looking trivia night, talked about favorite wine and food
forward to gathering again in person with their and even played Pictionary. They participated in
Houston area sisters in 2021. May’s virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis, December’s
INDIANAPOLIS ALUMNAE is always looking for virtual Jingle Bell Run, and locally provided meals
new ways to interact and spend time together. twice this year to The Haven Shelter for Women
Some events have included Top Golf, a personal in Libertyville. This year they supported Beta Nu
wine-tasting with a sommelier, hockey and base- Chapter at Illinois State University and hope to
ball games, book club, and lunches and din- see their new chapter house sometime soon.
ners. Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter utilizes their LAS VEGAS ALUMNAE had big plans for 2020,
Facebook page as a way to stay up to date on but plans changed to Zoom happy hours and
upcoming events, staying in-the-know with col- text chat check-ins with each other. When masks
legiate chapters and Headquarters, and celebrat- first became their new fashion accessory, Shar-
ing their sisters. ron Geggenheimer started producing lovely rose
INLAND EMPIRE ALUMNAE resumed activi- masks that were mailed to sisters all over the
ties in July and welcomed their new Alumnae country or delivered in a socially distanced man-
President, Rosalyn Reyes. Over the summer the ner. They are all looking forward to seeing each
chapter started a Keeping Sisters Safe campaign, other in person soon.
selling face masks for current safety measures. LINCOLN ALUMNAE had a sweet year with
The chapter has enjoyed recipe exchanges, trivia Lincoln area sisters. Their philanthropic project
nights, cocktail hour, and pumpkin painting party was for Cedar’s Home for Children, where sis-
safely from the comfort of their homes. They fin- ters shopped for children in need. Founders’
ished the year with new members, new friends, Day brought 110 sisters together for their annual
and new face masks.

60 | Spring 2021

2020 Recap

GREATER SACRAMENTO VALLEY GREEN BAY-FOX CITIES
GREATER JACKSON 61
HOUSTON

Alumnae Chapter News NASHVILLE AREA
LONG ISLAND
MADISON AREA
MILWAUKEE
62 | Spring 2021

celebration at the University of Nebraska Union 2020 Recap
ballroom and members helped the Zeta Chapter legiate chapters Tau (University of Minnesota)
deliver new face masks. The chapter is excited and Kappa Sigma (University of Wisconsin- River
for 2021, new members and new ideas. Falls) through a very unique recruitment year
with notes of encouragement and love.

LONG ISLAND ALUMNAE collected and deliv- MONROE AREA ALUMNAE is pleased to report
ered needed supplies and monetary donations an increase in membership, despite the Covid-19
to an organization that supports women on Long pandemic. Virtual meetings became normal
Island. This fall they held a virtual trivia afternoon that the chapter calls “Sip and See with Sisters.”
in support of the Arthritis Foundation. A family Sisters from three different states were able to
outing to a local pumpkin farm was a hit as was join their meetings because of this blessing in
an online cooking class led by a member. The disguise. Recruitment and Bid Day for the local
chapter also hosted a successful Founders’ Day collegiate chapter looked vastly different. The
event and a secret sister gift exchange. chapter participated by celebrating their suc-
MADISON AREA ALUMNAE started 2020 with cesses by providing a gift card to TJ Maxx follow-
a Founders’ Day celebration with the Milwaukee ing initiation. They may not have been able to be
Alumnae Chapter along with UW-Milwaukee Phi with these newest sisters on their big day, but
Delta collegiate chapter, and later enjoyed a trip they were there in spirit.
to a local floral shop. By spring, they transitioned NASHVILLE AREA ALUMNAE started 2020
to Zoom meetings then a hybrid pumpkin carving with another great Murder Mystery Party fol-
event last fall. A bright spot amid the snow and lowed by Southern Sisterhood Saturday. Greeks
cold was a newscast feature and local article on Read Across Nashville Day (GRAND) was held in
members MaryAnn Bellazzini. MaryAnn and her late February and was expanded to include six
family run a farm to table restaurant in the south schools, representatives from many Greek orga-
central countryside that brings a little taste of nizations, and books reached 160 classrooms.
Italy to southern Wisconsin. After the pandemic hit, NAAC held their leader-
MILWAUKEE ALUMNAE started the year with a ship retreat and kick-off meeting virtually, as well
Founders’ Day celebration at the end of Janu- as cocktail classes and game nights. Their fall
ary. Joined by sisters from Madison and Green visit to Arrington Vineyard was a go since they
Bay as well as the Phi Delta Chapter, the event could socially distance outside. The chapter won
featured a keynote by Barbara Hunt and a bas- 1st Place and raised $4,757 in the Jingle Bell Run.
ket raffle. Collegians were encouraged to invite They celebrated the holidays by offering two Fa-
their mothers to remove some of the mystery of vorite Things parties and offer thanks to the 105
their sorority involvement and promote alumna sisters who joined the chapter in 2020!
initiation. The spring became quite discombobu- NEW ORLEANS AREA ALUMNAE was able to
lated with news of the shut down. The chapter adapt and be creative during 2020, doing many
set aside the 9th of each month as a gathering activities virtually: movie nights, happy hours,
time, usually for a meal together called Dine on trivia nights, and gatherings with other chapters.
9. Members stayed connected through Zoom or One of the most memorable online events was
at outdoor events when possible. a virtual storytelling event where all attendees
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL ALUMNAE took advan- were invited to share AOII memories. The eve-
tage of virtual sisterhood this past year, keeping ning served as a great bonding experience for
members and their families healthy and safe by all. Many members also participated in the Arthri-
engaging in Zoom meetings and events while tis Foundation’s virtual Jingle Bell Run, assisted
bringing their voices and honest conversations active chapters in the virtual recruitment process
together. Fall had them supporting their col- and in advisory positions, and attended Leader-
ship Institute.

63

Alumnae Chapter News virtual run for arthritis. The chapter looks forward
NORTHERN KENTUCKY ALUMNAE kicked off to a time where they can once again be able to
2020 celebrating Founders’ Day at the Mont- be together safely.
gomery Inn. It was a tough year but members PHILADELPHIA ALUMNAE was thrilled to join
stayed engaged and navigated the pandemic Sigma Beta, sisters from Delaware, and Inter-
together. To comply with state guidelines, they national President Crystal Combs to celebrate
creatively held few Zoom dinner chats and man- 2020 Founders’ Day. Creating stuff-a-plush
aged to hold one in person event in 2020 at a pandas to donate to those afflicted with arthritis
local restaurant. and recognizing Jeanne Guiliano’s 50th year
NORTHERN NJ ALUMNAE were able to stay as an AOII were among the many highlights of
connected during the pandemic in several ways, the luncheon. Their annual trash-to-treasure gift
including a sisterhood BINGO game called exchange left everyone laughing and they went
WWSD (What Would Stella Do?) and posting daily virtual with several meetings before venturing
challenges on the chapter Facebook page. The outside to enjoy a polo match at the Brandywine
chapter also enjoyed participating in two sum- Polo Club. Members closed out the year with the
mer book clubs and participated with Central NJ Jingle Bell Run, the One Hope Wine fundraiser,
alumnae for a sisterhood “Friendsgiving.” and a tailgate in Valley Forge National Park.
NORTHWEST GEORGIA ALUMNAE The Co- RENO-TAHOE ALUMNAE recognized the value
vid-19 Pandemic hit everyone hard in 2020 and of offering hybrid events with both quality virtual
the Northwest Georgia Alumnae Chapter was no and in-person options when possible. Virtual
different. They started the year with a fun “wine happy hours, ice cream socials, at-home spa
tasting” event, complete with a speaker from the days, and phantom tea parties were very popular.
AOII Foundation. To continue their sisterhood They started an engaging lunch & learn program
after Covid-19, they hosted several virtual Happy introducing participants to experts on a variety of
Hours via Zoom. It was great to connect, catch- educational topics. To support community ser-
up and to ‘see’ each other! vice, the AC adopted a local family to provide ba-
ORLANDO AREA ALUMNAE met the challenges sic necessities monthly. Additional service proj-
of the pandemic in creative new ways. After an ects included making fleece blankets for Project
in-person Founders’ Day with Mu Lambda and a Linus, hosting a virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis, and
Pi Day event with families, the chapter started a assembling care packets for a domestic violence
Buddy System to stay connected through Face- shelter.
book and Zoom activities, including a book club RICHMOND AREA ALUMNAE is currently in a
and a holiday trivia game. They virtually support- phase of reorganization. During this process, the
ed Mu Lambda, and started a Panda Pal Program chapter was thrilled to welcome Rho Beta se-
to connect with collegians who were not on cam- niors to alumnae status through the online ritual.
pus. They supported Walk to Cure Arthritis and The alumnae chapter celebrated the holiday
the Jingle Bell Run, as well as several community season by sharing Halloween costume pictures,
service projects. Jingling in their Jammies, toasting at a virtual
PALM BEACH COUNTY ALUMNAE gathered at happy hour, and participating in a card exchange.
a local restaurant for Founders’ Day, and some A Founders’ Day celebration with the Rho Beta
sisters also volunteered many hours supporting a Chapter helped renew bonds of friendship. RAAC
local Book, Art, and Music Festival. 50th anniver- is planning for more opportunities to connect and
sary events were put on hold; however they have encourages sisters in the area to join!
many plans for the upcoming year. These events SAN DIEGO ALUMNAE kept in touch virtually
include supporting an Angel Tree Child at Christ- last year. They enjoyed a holiday party, a wonder-
mas, as well as many sisters participating in a

64 | Spring 2021

2020 Recap

NORTHERN ORANGE COUNTY

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

ORLANDO AREA PALM BEACH COUNTY

ful virtual tour of The Pink City, Jaipur, India, and The summer revived the social calendar with a
several other virtual events. Members look for- socially-distanced beach day, and a joint Zoom
ward to meeting in person again when it’s safe. with the Ventura County Alumnae Chapter. The
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY ALUMNAE celebrated fall included the donation of gently-used AOII
the 25 and 50-year milestones of five members shirts to Lambda Beta, a Halloween-themed bas-
throughout 2020. The year started off strong ket swap at a local park and a recipes exchange
with a January bowling event, and Valentine’s over Zoom.
Brunch at which members made goodie bags for SAN JOSE ALUMNAE held their first virtual sis-
Lambda Beta and collected business attire for terhood night in May included catching up with
donation. Come April, members embraced their friends and meeting someone new. Next was a
first virtual meeting with a Happy Hour Zoom. virtual pajama party then a trivia night in July. The

65

Alumnae Chapter News

PHILADELPHIA TORONTO AREA

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Fall ‘20 semester began with many challenges. guest speaker. And then abruptly, the world was
Support to their local chapter continued from on hold and their activities changed to phone
afar, and the year finished with a virtual Jingle calls and online experiences. From the Arthritis
Bell Run/Walk to support arthritis research. SJAC Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run outside to short
wishes peace to the family of Joyce Ella Osborn, happy hour Zoom meetings, they still managed
Delta Sigma (San Jose State) as she was wel- to connect in some fashion.
comed into the Alpha Omega Chapter. SEATTLE ALUMNAE celebrated Founders’ Day
SARASOTA AREA ALUMNAE enjoyed crafting 2020 with Upsilon Chapter (University of Wash-
and planned a wonderful Founders’ Day hosting ington) at the Woodmark Hotel on the shores of
sisters from Greater Pinellas, Tampa Bay, Lake- Lake Washington. Two 50-year members were
land and Orlando. They were thrilled to have Past honored, Wendy Dore and Sally Avenson, and
International President Sally Wagaman as their the Laura Hurd Service Award went to Lynne

66 | Spring 2021

Johnson Cobb and Linda Pyne. Members en- 2020 Recap
joyed a Galentine’s Happy Hour at Starbucks County, Sarasota and Orlando Alumnae Chap-
Reserve SoDo in Seattle before transitioning to ters. In times of hardship, they turned to sisters
Zoom events. They welcomed fall with a masked- and the teachings of AOII’s Ritual to refocus on
up tailgate chile cookoff, and participated in the the joys of sisterhood.
Jingle Bell Walk/Run with a walk around Green TOLEDO AREA ALUMNAE adjusted to their new
Lake in Seattle. normal in 2020. They started off strong at Found-
SOUTHERN ORANGE COUNTY ALUMNAE en- ers’ Day in February with the collegiate women
joyed a fun year of sisterhood and philanthropy. from Theta Psi and Alpha Psi raising $1,170 for
A highlight of the year was the second annual the AOII Foundation. In March, the statewide
Coffee and Careers with Lambda Beta Chapter. stay-at-home order, derailed their largest philan-
It was a fun sisterhood event for both collegiate thropy event, Baskets and Brunch. Even though
and alumnae! In November they held their 6th the event was postponed to 2021, they still made
annual Stella’s Trunk Fundraiser, raising more a donation of $3,500 to the Arthritis Foundation.
than $1,800 for the Arthritis Foundation, the Ruby Transiting to Zoom, their fall meetings focused
Fund and their chapter scholarship. Other activi- on mental health, Ritual, as well as a presentation
ties were a holiday game night and a socially from a local charity. Book clubs continued virtual-
distanced picnic in the park. ly, they hosted their annual ornament exchange,
STATE COLLEGE ALUMNAE began the year with and participated in the Jingle Bell Run raising
a socially distanced activity in a sister’s backyard. $905. They feel grateful to have sisters to rely on
They brought their own lunches and chairs, and during these difficult times.
found that just seeing each other, even from a TORONTO AREA ALUMNAE kicked off with a
distance, made members feel connected. One fabulous joint Founders’ Day hosted by the sis-
of their most cherished annual activities is their ters of Beta Tau in the Toronto Historical Building.
holiday brunch, and this year they still celebrated Sisters also gathered at the Art Gallery of Ontario
with a virtual brunch and Strike Out Arthritis! followed by a nice lunch. Their Sisterhood Soiree
fundraiser. The year ended with a virtual Found- with a pot-luck dinner was followed by cross-
ers’ Day with Epsilon Alpha members. For 2021, Canada trivia with Beta Kappa sisters in Vancou-
several virtual meet ups are planned. ver. They enjoyed a great garden party (socially
SUBURBAN MARYLAND ALUMNAE (SMAC) distanced) in September for pizza and prosecco
started 2020 by celebrating Founders’ Day with and rounded out the year with a candle-making
Pi Delta members at their house at the University workshop, over Zoom.
of Maryland. In mid-March, along with all other VENTURA COUNTY ALUMNAE has kept up an
chapters, SMAC halted in person events and active calendar of events all via Zoom since Co-
pivoted to a virtual environment. They held mul- vid-19 shut down in-person meetings last spring.
tiple virtual happy hours via Zoom which brought Among other events, they have hosted informal
together an average of 15 sisters to each gather- lunches, cooked together this fall with an apple
ing from several alumnae chapters and states. dessert demo, had a fun night of trivia and shar-
To end the year, they held a virtual holiday Zoom ing with the San Fernando Alumnae Chapter, par-
gathering. ticipated in the virtual Arthritis Foundation Jingle
TAMPA BAY ALUMNAE held their annual kick-off Bell Run and shared favorite holiday customs.
event via Zoom in September. It was a wonderful This spring will feature a floral demo, attending
way to reconnect with sisters and share unique the virtual Southern CA Founders’ Day celebra-
experiences during the year. In October, they tion, going on a virtual museum tour and sharing
held a virtual Ritual with sisters from the Pinellas some of their favorite books.

67

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68 | Spring 2021 Everyday Tee
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Shop now at www.aoiiemporium.com! 69

Claire Johnson and Carleigh
Fulmer, Chi Phi (U of South
Carolina Aiken)

Congratulations Class of 2021!

Congratulations to our graduates for completing a senior year like no other! We wish you success as
you move into the exciting next phase of your life. We also hope you will stay connected to the Fra-
ternity by joining your local alumnae chapter, participating in Fraternity alumnae events, paying your
annual AOII Alumnae Dues and keeping in touch with your collegiate sisters. Click here to visit the
AOII website to learn more about alumnae opportunities!

Have you heard about AOII’s First Year On Us program?

AOII’s First Year On Us program allows alumnae who have graduated in the past five years, and have
never joined an alumnae chapter, to receive their first year of international alumnae dues at no cost!
All you need to do to join is tell the Alumnae Chapter President in your new hometown that it is your
first time to join an alumnae chapter, and she will take care of the reporting.
Click here to read more about this program and find an alumnae chapter near you!