SIGMA MU ZETA SUPPORTING THE CAUSE

Sigma Mu Zeta has been busy again with their community service and Z-Hope projects.

In the month of October Sigma Mu Zeta arrived at their Adopt-A-School, Rainbow Elementary in Decatur, GA, to participate in the Safe and Drug Free School Program. The ladies entered the hallways with a sea of balloons before a few hundred smiling children and staff.

The month of November started out with their Elder Care Initiative – Zeta’s Day of Service at Traditions Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lithonia, GA. It was a great turn out of over two dozen blue and white Sorors, happily interacting with the residence. There was lots of excitement over the games and competition, leaving the residence with a complete mind, body, and spirit experience. Next for the month, Sigma Mu Zeta took premature awareness education to the community through their partnership with The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA for Prematurity Awareness Month. November closed out with the Southeastern Regional Z-Hope Project at Sea Island Adult Day Care in  Johns Island, SC during the 80th Southeastern Regional Leadership Conference.

 

To wrap up the year, Sigma Mu Zeta finished by volunteering at the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Foundation at Centennial Park, a worthy cause that is near and dear to the hearts of their chapter members. In respect to the spirit of sisterly love and bonding they participated with Phi Omicron Zeta’s "Very Merry Blue Christmas" party where proceeds benefited Phi Omicron Zeta’s Scholarship Fund and Storks Nest. It was a wonderful experience to support our sorors in their celebration for such a worthy cause.

 

WAY TO GO TEAM KIZ!!!

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter has a special connection with Making Strides. In fact, some of our very own Sorors were survivors of Breast Cancer!  Kappa Iota Zeta participated in the Making Strides walk in Downtown Atlanta on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Led by Committee Chairs, Soror Erma Killings and Soror Ranardia Gallard and a dedicated team of walkers, Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter stepped it up and we exceeded our goal! Our goal was $1,250 and to date we have raised $1,300.00 and counting! 

Way to go Sorors!!

Congratulations Kappa Iota Zeta on not only establishing a goal but exceeding it!!

Phi Omicron Zeta Launches Two Auxiliaries

Phi Omicron Zeta (POZ) has served Newton and Rockdale counties since March of 2008 from awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors, to offering Stork’s Nest services to adopting an Eldercare facility and a high school.

On Saturday November 15^th, following the chapter meeting and a Stork’s Nest class, POZ expanded its reach even more by inducting twenty-five young ladies as Amicettes.  What an exciting day!  How precious the young ladies looked all decked out in navy and white reciting the induction information.  The ceremony concluded with each Amicette receiving a certificate, a lapel pin, a tulip bulb and their first service projects; delivering Christmas cards to the adopted Eldercare facility and planting their tulip bulbs.  A reception followed.  The Amicettes will also attend a Newton High (the adopted school) basketball game, donned in their T-shits.  A special thank you goes to the mentor chapters, Iota Eta Zeta and Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta.

As if Saturday’s activities were not enough to fill a weekend, on Sunday November 16^th following the Prematurity Awareness Program at Bethlehem Baptist Church, POZ launched an Amicae Auxiliary with five charter members.   The SE Regional Director, Dr. Felicia Scott-Strickland, lead the induction and chartering ceremonies, which was followed by officer installations and a gift-sharing reception.    

The charter members are:

President – Kathy Maddox  

Vice-President - Christine Terrell  

Secretary - Tameka Smith

Secretary Treasurer, Assistant Secretary & Chaplin - Angela Merrit 

Treasurer - Gwendolyn Penn

Their first objective is to assign an Amica to partner with the ZHOPE coordinator to help facilitate initiatives.  The Georgia State Director, Soror Shaneesa Ashford, the Immediate Past SE Regional Director, Soror Chrislyn Turner and Amicae from across Georgia and South Carolina traveled to Covington to share this special day.

ZETAS AND SIGMAS ASSIST WITH THE HEALING GARDEN PROJECT

Members of Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity volunteered their time to implement the planting phase of the Healing Garden Project.   The purpose of the Valley Healthcare Healing Garden Project is to provide a garden environment to promote healing, rehabilitation and to improve the quality of life for patients and the community.  Furthermore, the Garden is designed to aide in the healing process for the whole person; body, mind and spirit by engaging all of the senses.  The garden consists of a variety of shrubs, annuals, perennials and a soothing water feature.  The beautiful paver walkway is lined with benches, tables and shaded areas. 

Mrs. Kathy Wolfe, Community Affairs Liaison for Valley Healthcare Systems, Inc. met with the Zetas several months ago regarding this project.  Ms. LaShun Scott, a Zeta and member of the Valley Healthcare Board coordinated this project for the Zetas and Sigmas because of the organizations commitment for volunteering in the community. 

The planting plan was developed with the assistance of local nurseries, UGA School of Horticulture and Muscogee County Extension Service.  Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Mr. Dewayne Joyce, Master Gardener with UGA Extension Service planted shrubs and flowers on Saturday, October 18^th.  After a long day of work we were all ready to spend a little time resting in the healing garden and enjoying the fruits of our labor.

Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta - Serving the Newnan Community

 

 

Although the Sorority was on a summer break, the ladies of the Alpha Alpha Kappa Zeta Chapter have been diligently continuing to do the work of Zeta and serve the local Newnan community. Not only did chapter members participate in several Blue & White activities, they also found time to fellowship and conduct business at the same time.  In June, members had the pleasure of hosting our Georgia State Director, Soror Shaneesa Ashford, during their chapter training meeting. Following the meeting, the sisters continued their embellishment activities at Bubbles and Brushes as they painted “Ladies in Blue”.

During the month of July, the ladies of AAKZ celebrated with the men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Washington, DC during the Centennial celebration. In addition, chapter Basileus, Dr. Terri N. Bell represented our chapter and Georgia Life Members during the Boule 2014, also in Washington, DC.

The month of August was quite busy with various fellowship and community service activities. The chapter collaborated with the Summit YMCA Back to School Bash collecting over 22 book bags and school supplies to benefit the chapter adopted school, Ruth Hill Elementary School. Following the community service project, members met at the O’Charley’s Restaurant in Newnan, Georgia. With a focus of leadership and growth, AAKZ members also attended the Georgia Leadership Retreat in Fort Valley, Georgia on August 9th. Later that Saturday, the ladies celebrated charter member, Soror Milirinette Nelson’s birthday during her wonderful barbecue celebration. Finally, AAKZ members wrapped up the month of August with a chapter planning retreat on Sunday, August 24^th at Soror Tamica Williams-Gomillion’s home.

Although the summer has come to an end, the ladies of AAKZ will continue to hit the ground running for the 2014-2015 Sorority Year with their first sorority meeting on Sunday, September 21, 2014. The chapter looks forward to a successful Sorority year with many activities to benefit the citizens of Newnan, Georgia. 

Chi Pi Zeta

An Evening of Mystery

 

Chi Pi Zeta hosted its Annual Finer Womanhood Scholarship Ball on March 21,2014, raising funds for local High School Scholarships.

Dr. Felicia A. Bell graciously served as the guest speaker, with remarks on Finer Women in history. We then enjoyed a night of dinner, dancing and fellowship.  We would like to thank the ladies of Kappa Iota Zeta, Alpha Theta Zeta and Iota Iota Zeta Chapters as well as the men of the Alpha Omega Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma for their support of this wonderful event.

 

Celebrating Our Survivors

 

On May 16, 2014, Chi Pi Zeta supported our survivors at the Liberty County Relay for life. Dressed in our “School Daze” attire with a Zeta flair, we sold movie candy and raffled off a basket with all kinds of theater goodies like movie passes, candy and popcorn, to help us reach our $2000 chapter goal. 

It was an awesome night to celebrate the survivors from our chapter Lucinda Wallace and Lilethia Smith.
 

March For Babies Community Awareness

 

Chi Pi Zeta chapter of Hinesville, Georgia, once again supported the March For Babies community awareness event in the prevention of preterm birth and the opportunity to give babies a healthy start in life.The local chapter supported Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated 2014 "Joining Forces" campaign, raising $1080.00 with the support of 20 walkers and volunteers.

We are proud to support March of Dimes as they continue to work with law makers in the implementation of programs and policies that support the development of healthy mothers and their babies.

Omicron Kappa Zeta Chapter: The Special Olympics Specialists

Much like our beloved sorority, the Special Olympics is an organization of firsts. It is the first and ONLY organization to offer training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This organization helps others excel by offering year round activities for children and adults that promote physical fitness, team work, courage, friendship development, and much more.

On June 1st, the OUTSTANDING Omicron Kappa Chapter volunteered for the 2014 State of Georgia Special Olympics Summer Games. More than 1800 Special Olympics athletes convened that weekend for various Olympic type events including Aquatics, Soccer, Volleyball, Gymnastics and Tennis. We had the honor and privilege of assisting with the Tennis matches.

These athletes were amazing! They were serious about their games and gave their competitors a run for their money. Our chapter acted as ball keepers and made sure the athletes were equipped to keep the matches running smoothly. This is an annual volunteer event for the chapter and we highly encourage everyone to donate their time to such a great organization.

GRADUATES AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS



Victoria A. Johnson

Raechel Y. Lewis



                Service, Education, Progress.  Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Columbus, Georgia annually awards scholarships to deserving youth in our community.  To be eligible for this scholarship applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, be accepted to a college, university or technical school, complete a scholarship application and compose an essay.  Our scholarship recipients for 2014 are Raechel Y. Lewis, a graduate of William Henry Spencer High School and Victoria A. Johnson, a graduate of Smiths Station High.

          Victoria Johnson graduated 10^th in her class of 410 students and participated in many extra curricula activities to include the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M and the Girl Scouts.  Accepted by the University of Alabama, Auburn and Tuskegee University, Victoria will select one of these prestigious universities to pursue a degree in Biology and enter the pre-med program.  Her long-term goal is to work in the NFL or NBA.  Victoria is the daughter of Clyde and Vivian Johnson of Smiths Station Alabama.

          Raechel Y. Lewis, a graduate of William H. Spencer High will attend Savannah State University.  Raechel graduated with a GPA of 3.6 and was sixth in her class of 163.  Raechel strives to be successful in life by focusing on her academics, as well as volunteering in the community.  At Spencer Raechel was a member of the National Honor Society, Captain of the dance team and Spencer High tennis team.  Some of the awards Raechel received is as follows:  Math, CTAE and Chemistry Scholastic Awards and Wavette Gold Award.  She plans to major in Biology with a concentration on becoming a Pre-Med student and eventually a doctor of Internal Medicine.  Raechel is the great-granddaughter of Ms. Amelia Wells.

          Zeta Phi Beta Sorority congratulate these young ladies on their success and wish them well in their future endeavors.

OAZ ZBlast: Back to School Fun Day

 

On Saturday, July 26, 2014 the Omicron Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. hosted their ZBlast: Back to School Fun Day at Georgia Southwestern State University. 

Children from the community had an opportunity to come out and spend the day with the Zetas.  The children were able to play corn hole, football, basketball free throw, jump rope, hula hoop, twister, and sack race.  They also had the opportunity to get their face painted.  Lunch was provided to the children by the Zetas and they had an opportunity to purchase snacks throughout the day.  Five lucky children won a book bag full of school supplies.  The children had a blast. 

We look forward to hosting this event again next year. 

Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter - Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

     

 Sorors Rev. Patricia Burns, Tonya Mahoney, Jean Jones, Guest Speaker

Marsetta Lee, Esquire, Zeresh Gosha, Pat Jenkins and Marguerite Burns.

 

       In observance of Finer Womanhood the Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter of   Zeta Phi Beta Sorority recognized five outstanding ladies of the community for their extraordinary work. The Guest Speaker for the luncheon was the Deputy Attorney General of the state of New Jersey, Marsetta Lee, Esq. She began her illustrious career in the Division of Criminal Justice in 1988 where she served as Deputy Attorney General in the Appellate Section leading her to be appointed as Executive Director of the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) where she oversees a staff of 37 employees with a budget of over $15 million annually. Attorney Lee's appointment to Directorship of the VCCO was bestowed upon her by the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey in 2009.

         The 2014 honorees were recognized at the chapter’s luncheon at the Columbus Country Club.  The honorees were as follows: Sonja L. Matthews-Coaxum, Susan L. Cooper, Rosetta Demming, Marvina Lilly and Mrs. Elmira A. Parker. 

         Mrs. Coaxum is currently the proud Principal of Fort Service Learning Magnet Academy, as she refers to it, "the best middle school in the world".  Mrs. Coaxum's committed work to the educational field has led her to be honored as one of the three finalists for the State of Georgia Middle School Principal of the Year.  Furthermore, her diligence and sacrifice to the educational system has not gone unnoticed in that she was honored at the Georgia state capitol with a Servant Leadership Award bestowed upon her by the Georgia Legislative Women Caucus.  During Women's History Month, she was presented with a resolution.  Her deep spiritual faith continues to spur her onward to the fullest to educate our young people.  Mrs. Coaxum lives by the saying, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."

Mrs. Susan Cooper is a successful business owner and nonprofit community leader.  Mrs. Cooper has served twenty years in the Banking and Financial Industry.  Stepping out on faith she combined her banking, mortgage lending and real estate expertise to open Centennial Realty and Mortgage Company. Mrs. Cooper is chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Greater Columbus.  She is also involved with other civic and community activities and received numerous awards and recognitions.  Mrs. Cooper is married to Kenneth Cooper and they have two daughters, Whitley and Ashley.

Mrs. Rosetta Henry-Demming, a graduate of Spencer High School and a 1964 alumnus of Albany State University has a rich history in the Muscogee County School District.  She served as an associate school psychologist from 1979 to 2010.  Mrs. Demming developed and executed a remedial math and English program at the South Columbus Boys Club and Target Recovery, an initiative endorsed by former Governor Miller, to assist and redirect youth with a history of minor legal incidents.  Mrs. Demming provided consultative services and assessments to at-risk students at Morehouse School of Medicine.   She also coordinated a blood and bone marrow drive for the American Red Cross.  While pursuing the above initiatives Mrs. Demming finds time to serve on the Board of Directors for the Tri-City Youth Athletic League and on the Advisory Board for Citizens Trust Bank-Columbus Financial Center.

         Ms. Elmira Parker is a great mentor for youth at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church.  She is active in many ministries at the church and in the community to include the Concharty Council of Girl Scouts, Professional Women Club, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  Ms. Parker encourages the youth to continue their education, attend college and assist them with obtaining scholarships and financial aide.

          Mrs. Marvina Lilly has been ministering the gospel as one of God's Song-Birds for over 38 years.  Her spirituality in song is exuded every Sunday at her church, Oasis Church International of Phenix City, AL. for the past 22 years. In 2001 Mrs. Lilly recorded her first CD, God’s Songbird “Love songs to God”.  She continues to grow in her spiritual ministry through song as her second CD is scheduled for release this year, 2014.  In 2009, God blessed Mrs. Lilly with a wonderful mandate, to become the CEO of “The Brides of Christ” a ministry which reaches out to women who are homeless, prostitutes, bound by drug addition, and women who are hurting in general. One of the major events hosted by the ministry is an elegant banquet for the ladies who consist of music, inspirational dance, and inspiring testimonies from women that were once in the same situations. The sole purpose of the Brides of Christ Ministry is to bestow the love of God upon the women and present them with an opportunity to receive salvation on that very day of their attendance. Mrs. Lilly's love for God is truly amazing; she states that her purpose in this world is to win souls and be a blessing and inspiration to others.

The luncheon was enjoyed by all in attendance. Ms. Zeresh Gosha was the chairperson for this event. Ms. Marguerite Burns is the chapter president.

Susan Cooper



Sonja Coaxum

Marvina Lilly