GAMMA GAZETTE a quarterly publication by Gamma Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated

Volume 3, Issue 4 Summer 2010

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Wow! What a difference a year of Gamma Chapter’s his-
year makes. I’d like to person- tory.
ally thank all of the members So, what will we do next?
of Gamma Chapter, new and Gamma will continue to move
seasoned for your support and the Iota vision forward across
effort this past year. Your the greater Washington DC
contribution and support have area while strengthening our
gotten us to this new level. chapter infrastructure and
To the 2009-2010 officers and building on our external rela-
committee chairs, sometimes tionships. We will be compli-
we didn’t know how it would ant with the requirements and
get done but with your leader- standards of the organization
ship, we did it; thank you. community by supporting the while growing by 20%, sustain-
Special thanks go to our stead- Capitol Area Food Bank, Capi- ing our conference attendance
fast sorors who have sup- tol Bookfest and “Miracle in and building the Gamma Chap-
ported Gamma Chapter over the Nation’s Capitol”. Thanks ter brand.
the years; no matter the ef- to events like our Business As you enjoy your summer,
fort, no matter our size, no Month Workshop Series and remember there is no vacation
matter their personal feelings, Black History Month Essay from your love of Iota. May
no matter the mistakes. May Contest, we worked in several we all return renewed, reen-
we all embrace this committed of our Iota programs and pro- ergized and recommitted to
spirit. jects. And of course we the founding principles and
This time last year, we were strengthened our sisterly rela- visionary goals of this great
faced with new officers, lim- tions with fun events including sisterhood, Iota Phi Lambda
ited resources, and the daunt- the holiday party and plenty of Sorority, Inc.
ing task of co-hosting the East- trips to the Greene Turtle.
ern Regional Conference. So, GOOD JOB GAMMA!!!!!! Sisterly,
our goals were simple… do I am proud to close out this Adrienne
our best to support the region year of growth and change
as co-hosts and work to bring with each of you. We now Inside this issue:
in some new members to help have the hands, skills and re-
2010-11 Elected Officers 2
us. Well, praise God for a sources we need to develop as
150% increase (July 2009 com- a strong chapter in the won- Gamma Grapevine & Milestones 2
pared to July 2010) in mem- derful body of Iota. Congratu-
bership and a wonderful time lations to the newly elected New Season, New Line 3

at the regional conference that (and re-elected) officers. I Regional Conference 2010 4
continues to get compliments look forward to serving along-
months later. We were also side you this upcoming year as Gamma’s 79th Anniversary 5

able to have an amazing 83% your chapter president. To It’s Our Health 6
chapter attendance at confer- our new family members of
Founders Day Celebration 7
ence and return home winner Sorors, MOI & FIL, you are
of the chapter growth award. here for such a time as this 2 Snaps for Black Facts™ 7
Beyond our goals, we found and we look forward to your
Upcoming Events back
some time to serve the participation in the next
2010 CHAPTER ELECTION GAMMA GRAPEVINE
Congrats to the 2010-2011 officers: On April 21, 2010, Soror Kendra
Pratt received a Peer Award for
President Outstanding Initiative and Customer
Adrienne R. Birdine Service. She works for Lockheed
Martin IS & GS Civil sector.
1st Vice President
D. Lynn Gilbert
2nd Vice President Kendra, pictured in front of USA flag
Nicole Gray
Recording Secretary On May 16, 2010, Soror Mariama Davis’
Angela Homer oldest son, Tahir, graduated from Morehouse
College with a B.S. in business administration.
Corresponding Secretary
Tira Oliver
Financial Secretary
Maxine Samms Washington Nicknamed “The Entrepreneur”, Soror
Sonia D.R. Harris was selected on April
Treasurer 15, 2010, as one of ΣΓΡ’s “Leaders of Today:
Kendra Pratt Top 22 Under 40” and was profiled with her
Journalist company, Harris Commerce, LLC, in the
Delcenia Julien Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Spring/
Summer 2010 issue of The Aurora magazine.
Dean of Intake Read online at www.sgrho1922.org.
Kimberly Morgan-Craft

BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • MILESTONES (SUMMER SEASON)

BIRTHDAYS: IOTA ANNIVERSARIES:
Cory Milam, 8/16 Jessie Colson, Aug. 1976
Ayauna Modlin, 8/19
Kendra Pratt, 9/10 WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES:
Adrienne Birdine, 9/21 Denise Carter-McCormick, 7/29
Kim Dickerson-Daniels-Solano, 9/22 Robyn Barringer, 8/1
Helen Newberry-McDowell, 9/28

PUBLICATION DEADLINES
October 1 for Fall edition [activities held during July through September]
January 1 for Winter edition [activities held during October through December]
April 1 for Spring edition [activities held during January through March]
July 1 for Summer edition [activities held during April through June]

Would you like to be featured? Do you have some advice or a yummy recipe to share? Send your typed
submission to chapter Journalist, Soror Sonia D.R. Harris, via email at [email protected].

Copyright © 2010 Gamma Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. • All Rights Reserved

Summer 2010 Gamma Gazette, Page 2 Volume 3, Issue 4

SISTERHOOD MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT: Spring 2010
Under the direction of Soror Gamma. The celebration for
Kimberly Morgan-Craft (Dean of “Lyrical Storm” was held at the
Intake) with Assistant Deans An- Hilton Crystal City Hotel in
gela Homer and Robyn Barringer Arlington, VA on April 15, 2010.
and the Membership Committee,
Gamma Chapter initiated six
more women into the sorority. (Pictured left, L to R: Dean of Intake
They utilized a creative, dedicated Kimberly Morgan-Craft, Delcenia
plan to enable these women to Julien, Maxine Samms Washington,
become sorors in perfect timing Judy Walker, Sharna Jones, Adrienne
T. Hector, Erica C. Walker, and Assis-
to attend the Eastern Regional tant Dean of Intake Angela Homer.)
Conference—co-hosted by

Photos above, L to R: 1) Lyrical Storm practices their lean 2) Lyrical Storm with White Rose Queen and ceremony Officiant, Soror Charlotte Maull 3) Dean & Assistant
Dean of Intake Sorors Morgan-Craft and Homer 4) Lyrical Storm with Gamma President Soror Adrienne Birdine 5) Soror Chevon Flores (Beta Omicron) with Soror Jean East
6) Soror Nydia Coleman with Soror Maull 7) Sorors Nancy Scott, Gloria Moser, Kendra Pratt, and Simone Frances (Beta Omicron) 8) THE CAKE 9) THE GIFTS 10) Family,
friends, and Eastern Region sorors 11) Soror Birdine with appreciation gifts 12) Lyrical Storm’s dessert gift to Gamma 13) Sorors Morgan-Craft and Homer with apprecia-
tion gifts 14) Trumpet solo by Soror Melba Eldridge Lewis 15) The LINE SHIRT line-up 16) Lyrical Storm presents white roses to National President Doris Browning Austin

Volume 3, Issue 4 Gamma Gazette, Page 3 Summer 2010

REFLECTIONS FROM THE 2010 EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Gamma proudly served as the host chapter of the 73rd Eastern Regional Conference April 16-18, 2010 at the Hil-
ton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA. The Conference theme was “Building the Future: Celebrating a New Genera-
tion of Leaders”. Gamma also premiered its local business directory entitled, the “Gamma Green Pages”. A salute
goes to Conference Chair and Co-Chair, Sorors D. Lynn Gilbert and Kimya Moore, respectively, on a job well
done. Not only did Gamma Chapter win the chapter attendance award, but 17 of the 25 first-timers were Gamma
members! Read further to gain a perspective from a few of Gamma’s first-time regional conference attendees.

“Opening up the 73rd East-

ern Regional Conference for
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority were
the Lovely Ladies of Spring
2010, “Lyrical Storm”. Long
“I was extremely excited and “I had the unique experience of chairing the weeks of preparing for induc-
proud to serve with Gamma host chapter conference committee and be- tion into Iotaland and ERC
as the host chapter and to ing a first-timer to a regional conference. weekend was Great! Going
attend my first ERC. It was Serving my chapter and the region was an into business sessions and
certainly a weekend full of Iota exciting challenge and the learning process of meeting new Sorors, I came
firsts in that I participated in working with chapter members and regional away from the ERC with such
the new members’ induction officers was quite rewarding. Learning the pride, honor and love for my
as a Soror welcoming in new steps to co-hosting a conference was an in- new found sisters from many
Sorors; I served as a Gamma valuable lesson and one that I will not soon other mothers. I was a nerv-
Chapter ambassador during forget. Thank you, Sorors!” ous wreck, not sure of what I
the conference; I met Sorors —Soror D. Lynn Gilbert needed to do or what would
from all over the region; and I happen, once walking into the
experienced Iota business at First-Timers sessions, singing
the regional level. If I had to and dancing. After that, it was
choose my favorite Iota mo- gravy and came naturally.
ment of the conference, it Each session, I listened and
would be sisterly relations was ready to learn how the
with White Rose Queen Iota business was done. I’m so
Charlotte Maull and Regional proud to have become of
Recording Secretary Beaulah member of such a gracious
Moore. They shared their organization of Iota Phi
Iota history with Alpha Chi Lambda Sorority. Next stop
Chapter and lessons that they “Karaoke Night at the Eastern Regional for this first-timer is at the
have learned. It was great to Conference – Freddie’s Beach Bar and its 2011 National Convention in
see the wonderful impact that staff had no idea WHAT to expect when so Miami.”
they have had on all levels of many sorors in green and white converged —Soror Adrienne Hector
the organization and to see upon karaoke night! Many visiting sorors
how Iota has impacted them.” also had no idea what to expect!! Gamma
—Soror Cory Milam Chapter expected everyone to have a won-
derful time, and we DID! By the time we left
(many hours later), any soror that stepped
on stage to "perform" received a standing
ovation from the packed audience. To top
that, we were asked to come back, anytime!
What a wonderful way to kick off a memora-
ble weekend of fun, laughs and love with my
sorors!” —Soror Tira Oliver
Summer 2010 Gamma Gazette, Page 4 Volume 3, Issue 4
GAMMA GREEN TEA: Celebrating the 79th Chapter Anniversary
Chartered on April 28, 1931, Gamma Chapter commemorated its 79th anniversary with a sisterly tea held on Sat-
urday, May 1, 2010 at the Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens in Washington, DC. Read further for the perspec-
tive of two sorors in attendance.

“As I drove onto the grounds of the

Hillwood Estate for Afternoon Tea in
honor of Gamma Chapter's 79th Anni-
versary, the view as I arrived was one
of absolute awe. The lush flowers
with their varying colors and beauti-
fully manicured landscaping took my
breath away. We (Sorors) all arrived
at the Hillwood Cafe beautifully
adorned in our springtime green and
white attire, ready to enjoy the Sachet
teas, savory assortment of finger sand-
wiches, and each other’s company.
A couple of Gamma's children graced
our presence with their youthful
beauty and vitality. My tea of choice
for this festive occasion was Earl Grey
with cream, of course and how British.
After tea, we proceeded to the garden
for more sisterly conversations, laugh-
ter, and Gamma pictures. As a Neo-
phyte, I found this time to be a great
way to foster additional bonding with
my Big Sisters. What a fantastic way
to spend a glorious Saturday after-
noon! Let’s do it again and soon.”
—Soror Max Samms Washington

“Celebrating Gamma Chapter’s 79th

Anniversary at the Hillwood Estate
Museum and Gardens in Washington,
DC was indeed a breathtaking and
memorable experience. At the for-
mer home of Marjorie Merriweather
Post, we enjoyed tea, champagne, and
an array of delicious finger sandwiches
and sweets in the Café. Afterwards,
we toured the beautiful gardens and
sitting areas. Photos to mark the spe-
cial day were taken at the Lunar Lawn.
And as always, the sisterly bonds of
Iota were deepened by all.”
—Soror Angela Homer

Volume 3, Issue 4 Gamma Gazette, Page 5 Summer 2010

IT’S OUR HEALTH: A SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
May was National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Summer is HERE so read further to learn ways to prevent this disease.

Skin Cancer Prevention Clothing

Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from
just during the summer or at the beach. Ultraviolet (UV) rays tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun's
can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and UV rays. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a
sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than
cement, sand, and snow. lighter colors.

The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 If wearing this type of clothing isn't practical, at least try to
a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind that a typi-
exposure in the continental United States. UV rays are the cal T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types
greatest during the late spring and early summer in North of protection as well.
America.
Hats
CDC recommends easy options for sun protection— For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way
• Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.  
higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect
• Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protec-
ears, and neck. tion.
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to
100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears
• Seek shade, especially during midday hours. and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers
those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by stay-
Sunscreen ing in the shade.
The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 min-
utes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly Sunglasses
cloudy or cool days. Don't forget to put a thick layer on all Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the
parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around
your back. your eyes from sun exposure.

How sunscreen works. Most sun protection products Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best
work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regard-
contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it less of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses
from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from
if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or the side.
call a doctor.
• SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor Shade
(SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by
rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter be-
should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15. fore you need relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect
• Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing
you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and when you're outside—even when you're in the shade.
after you swim or do things that make you sweat.
• Expiration date. Check the sunscreen's expiration date.
Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no
more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has
been exposed to high temperatures.
• Cosmetics. Some make-up and lip balms contain some RESOURCE CREDITS:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they do not
have at least SPF 15, don't use them by themselves.

Summer 2010 Gamma Gazette, Page 6 Volume 3, Issue 4

REFLECTING OUR FOUNDER’S VISION; PREPARING FOR A NEW YEAR
Gamma Chapter sorors traveled from their varied corners of the DC
metropolitan area to celebrate Iota’s 81st Founders’ Day and partici-
pate in the installation of chapter officers for the 2010-2011 sorority
year on June 1, 2010. The closed candlelight program was chaired by
Chapter President Adrienne R. Birdine with assistance from Sorors
Nancy Scott and Gloria Moser. The chapter was honored to have the
Eastern Region’s Assistant Director, Soror Mary Harley (pictured left
with Soror Birdine), in town to share the evening with us.
The incoming officers for the 2010-2011 year contributed to the pro-
gram by leading the Litany and speaking on assigned attributes. Sorors
used quotes, acronyms and scripture references to inspire and chal-
lenge us all into the next Iota year. After sorors listened to the Na-
tional President’s message and sang the sorority song, Sorors Jean East
(PNOC) and Mary Harley (ER Assistant Director) conducted the offi-
cer installation. Soror Harley congratulated the new officers and
pledged her support throughout the year. We then enjoyed sisterly
fellowship and food provided by in-house caterer, Love In Geneva’s
Name, owned and operated by Soror Kim Dickerson-Daniels-Solano.
—Soror Adrienne Birdine

2 SNAPS FOR BLACK FACTS ™ - Learning Black History

1. In which state did Juneteenth take place? c) Kunta Kinte
a) Mississippi d) Malcolm X
b) Texas
c) Utah 5. About whose grandmother was the beautifully written
d) Arizona story, ‘Queen'?
a) Zora Neal Hurston
2. In what year did slavery end? b) Alex Haley
a) 1863 c) Maya Angelou
b) 1867 d) Dana Owens (Queen Latifah)
c) 1869
d) 1865 6. This railway that traveled back and forth from North to
South was known as the ______ railroad.
3. Which of the following percentages most nearly represents a) New York
the number of African Americans in the U.S. during the slave b) B & O
trade? c) Pennsylvania
a) 75% d) Mississippi
b) 6%
c) 10% 7. Many African Americans attempted and escaped to where
d) 50% in search of freedom?
a) North
4. Which Jamaican-American started the "Back to Africa b) nearby cities better than theirs
Movement", and was later deported back to his homeland? c) Florida
a) Marcus Garvey d) underground railroad
b) Albert Johnson
Answers: B, D, B, A, B, C, A

Volume 3, Issue 4 Gamma Gazette, Page 7 Summer 2010

Gamma Chapter
Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Postage
P.O. Box 56293 Here
Washington, DC 20040
[email protected]
http://www.iota-gammadc.org

TRAVEL WITH GAMMA™

Need travel? Want to take a cruise?

Need hotel accommodations?
Travel with Gamma to make
your arrangements! Visit
http://www.travelwithgamma.com!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR; JOIN US FOR THESE EVENTS:

July 11, 2010; Gamma Summer Gathering; Dorchester Community Center, Waldorf, MD
August 2010: DC Restaurant Week; venue=TBA
August 21, 2010: Eastern Region Planning Meeting; Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore Hotel
November 2010: American Education Week
December 2010: Gamma Holiday Party

Chapter Meeting dates: 2nd Saturdays, 11am-1pm. Contact Soror Adrienne Birdine at
[email protected] for attendance details. General membership questions: Contact
Soror Kimberly Morgan-Craft, Dean of Intake, at [email protected] for information.