70TH SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE SET IN BATON ROUGE By Richelle N. Jones and Deborah Daniels In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 31 through April 3, 2011, the Mu Sigma Chapter and its affiliates will be host to a remarkable event in the Region s history: the 70th Southwestern Region Conference, themed: Soiree on the River. The Sorors of the Mu Sigma, Beta Alpha, Gamma Pi and Pi Iota Chapters as well as Philos and Rhoers of the Mu Sigma Chapter are excitingly planning and preparing for the conference attendees arrival in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference. Soror Evelyn Jenkins will serve as the Conference Hostess. Soror Deborah Daniels is the Basileus of the Mu Sigma Chapter. Baton Rouge, which means Red Stick, is situated on the Mississippi River, and represents the best of Louisiana s lively culture. The state s capital, Baton Rouge, is a thriving city that is home to LSU, Southern University, a community college system, Cortana Mall, Mall of Louisiana, Town Center, and numerous businesses and Soiree- industrial facilities. Known for its great people, its unique food, love for football and its lively music, Red Stick has something for everyone. On the River Baton Rouge Skyline (Photo Courtesy of www.visitbatonrouge.com) The Mu Sigma Chapter is encouraging each chapter attending the conference to represent by purchasing an ad in the conference souvenir journal. Souvenir journal ad information is included in the conference registration package located on the Region s website at www.sigmaswregion.com. Also, a conference t-shirt depicting the essence of the conference will be available for pre-purchase and at the conference. Come prepared to purchase this memorable t-shirt. This conference has much to offer educationally and socially. The host chapter looks forward to your presence at Soiree on the River! You will not regret it.
Message... From the Southwestern Region Syntaktes Greetings Sorors, Philos and Rhoers: Happy New Year and blessings for a healthy and prosperous 2011! As we prepare for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, please review the list of items below that will require your attention prior to your arrival to the conference and will assure all in attendance a very enjoyable and successful conference: Send in your registration for the Regional Conference NOW! Make your room reservations NOW! Send donations for our Regional March of Dimes initiative by March 1, 2011, to the Regional Grammateus or send in the chapter documentation of your $1,922.00 contribution to the Syntaktes. Apply for as many Regional awards as possible and adhere to the deadline dates from the Achiements & Awards Committee. Remember that Chapter Reports are due February 25, 2011, for inclusion in the Conference Workbook. Prepare to bring those beautiful scrapbooks and National Projects displays. Prepare to participate in the 2011 Southwestern Region Project Reassurance initiative at the Community Sevice/Annie Neville Luncheon. Details of what is requested of each chapter are outlined in this Newsletter. Bring a smile and be ready to take lots of pictures and meet other sisters of the Region. As the Sorority year approaches the halfway mark, please evaluate the goals we have set for the Region to insure that we are on the right path to attain our objectives: Happy New Year! Retain our 2009-2010 membership at present, our retention level is down by 100 members. Make every effort to contact Sorors that have not become active again this year by reaching out to them in a sisterly way. Re-activate and recruit 300 plus members by Regional Conference our reactivation numbers are up: Congratulations! Submit T.O.R.C.H. Calendars for approval for Induction at the conference and break last year s record of new inductees. Completely revise the Regional By-laws recommended revisions have been posted on the website for review. Please come to the conference prepared to vote on the necessary revisions. Empower the sisterhood, women and youth to lead and serve our communities plan to attend the workshops scheduled for the Regional Conference; they have been designed to assist in developing and enhancing skills in membership, finance, and service. Workshop presentations will also provide materials in educating our communities on how to make healthy choices, to engage in healthy living and insure we have healthy generations. Weaving A Legacy of Leaders, Brenda J. Canty 19th Southwestern Region Syntaktes Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Page 2 The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter
The UCC s Corner Important Information from Southwestern Region UCC Henry Etta O Neal It s time to prepare for our regional conference undergraduates and advisors! Please ensure the following is completed for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference: You ve submitted your T.O.R.C.H. calendar for membership intake You ve registered for the regional conference Someone in your chapter has registered for the Annie Neville Competition You ve registered for the step show You ve submitted your graduating seniors list You ve made your hotel reservations You ve confirmed transportation to the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference You ve reserved your spot for the scrapbook display Advisors, please adhere to the following: Monitor the membership intake process closely; follow the T.O.R.C.H. Tool Calendar and the membership intake process. Double check and confirm that the undergraduates have: - Registered for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference and selected delegates. - Made hotel reservations. - Submitted complete paperwork for competitions, graduating seniors info, etc. Please remind the new inductees that they need to have black dresses or suits. Please remember to bring these items for membership induction: The Bible, Pillow, Yellow Rose and the Official sorority pin or substitute to pin a new inductee. Sorors, please remember that induction is Thursday, March 31st, at 8:00 pm, and T.O.R.C.H. training is Saturday, April 2nd. The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter Page 3
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DATES & PACKAGE FEES HOTEL RESERVATION INFORMATION Included in the registration package is the Conference Bag and tickets to the Community Service/Annie Neville Luncheon, Awards Banquet and the Step Show. The 70th Southwestern Regional Conference will held at: Registration: October 1, 2010 February 15, 2011 Alumnae & Philos: $165.00 Rhoers: $75.00 Undergraduates: $100.00 Guests: $105.00 Late Registration: February 15, 2011 March 5, 2011 Alumnae & Philos: $190.00 Rhoers: $85.00 Undergraduates: $125.00 Guests: $130.00 On-Site Registration: After March 5, 2011 Alumnae & Philos: $240.00 Rhoers: $100.00 Undergraduates: $175.00 Guests: $180.00 ADDITIONAL TICKETS Life Member Luncheon: $35.00 Community Service/Annie Neville Luncheon: $30.00 Awards Banquet: $50.00 Step Show: $10.00 *On-Site tickets will be available at a higher cost.* Be sure to contact the Southwestern Regional Grammateus with questions about the registration packet(s): Dr. Alice Cryer-Sumler P.O.Box 2354 Gretna, LA 70054 (504) 376-4280 Only Chapter Checks, Cashiers Checks or Money Orders will be accepted at the Regional Conference. Page 4 The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter The Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge 4827 Constitution Avenue Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808 To make reservations, please call: (225) 925-2244 or (800) 678-4065. Reservations may also be made via the hotel s on-line reservationa system by visiting (http://www. crownebaton.com). The reservation code is (SGR). The 70th Southwestern Regional Conference hotel rate is: single, double, triple and quad - $98.00. Please make your reservations by February 28, 2011, to receive this rate. After this date, reservations will be taken on a space availability basis only. Please do not call the Syntaktes after this date for room availability. *PLEASE make your reservations on time.* Hotel Self Parking There is no charge for self-parking. Ground Transportation For shuttle transportation to and from the Baton Rouge Airport, the Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge s regular hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; however, with advance reservations, the hotel is able to accommodate requests outside this time frame. Any advance reservations for the shuttle are certainly appreciated. The shuttle is $14.00 per person each way.
ANNUAL OFFICER & CHAPTER REPORTS RHOER EVENTS All Regional Officers, Committee Chairpersons, Coordinators, Graduate and Undergraduate Chapters are to provide an annual report for inclusion in the Conference Workbook. Do not let all of the excellent work you did this sorority year go unnoticed. All reports are limited to one page and must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format only, single spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, with no added background or pictures. Submit reports no later than February 25, 2011, to: Brenda J. Canty Southwestern Regional Syntaktes missbjc@bellsouth.net REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS $ Regional Scholarship packets for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference are included in the registration package. The packets can be retrieved from the Region s website at: www.sigmaswregion.com. Applications for Regional Scholarships are to be mailed by February 5, 2011, to the Scholarship Committee Chair: Dr. Faith E. Foreman, Dr. P.H. 2723 Glencullen Lane Pearland, Texas 77584 (713) 743-8639 faith1922@hotmail.com Southwestern Regional Rhoer Coordinator, Tara Hawkins has some brand new ideas for our Rhoers. Chapters with Rhoer Clubs are encouraged to register your Rhoers for this year s 70th Southwestern Regional Conference. More information will be presented to chapters from the Regional Rhoer Coordinator. PLEASE NOTE: Parents of Rhoer will have to sign and submit a release form before the conference to allow participation in Rhoer activities. Also, please remember that Rhoers need to pre- register. Parents are encouraged to help chaperone if necessary. All young ladies must be registered for the conference to participate in any activities. Tara Hawkins Southwestern Region Rhoer Coordinator tsegar1@hotmail.com The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter Page 5
RECOMMENDATIONS All recommendations for the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference must be submitted to the Recommendations Chair by Monday, February 28, 2011. During this conference, we will present recommendations for a complete Regional By-laws revision. Each chapter will receive a copy of the recommendations prior to the Regional Conference. Please review and discuss each recommendation so that your delegates and alternates will be familiar with them. If your recommendation involves a By-law change, a copy must be submitted to the By-laws Policies & Procedure Committee for review. Please send all recommendations to: Patricia Hiller Recommendations Chair 9603 Kangarooo Ln Austin, Texas 78748 (512) 467-4005 philler2@austin.rr.com If a recommendation is for a By-law change, please send to: Dr. Patricia Johnson Southwestern Region Parliamentarian 1426 Audry Lane Shreveport, Louisiana 71107-6002 pkcoordinator@hotmail.com A copy of By-law changes and recommendation forms can be found on the Region s Website in the Members Only section. Page 6 The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS Achievement & Awards Committee Chair, Kendra Fry has provided the guidelines, application forms and a list of awards that will be given during the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference. Please check the Region s website for deadlines or contact: Kendra Fry Achievement & Awards Committee Chair 2522 Sunset Drive Lancaster, Texas 75146 (214) 536-8559 sigma2fry@aol.com PLEASE NOTE: The Chair, Kendra Fry, must be contacted by February 18, 2011, if you wish to display a scrapbook or any other type of exhibit/display. The deadline for submission of all applications for the regional awards is Friday, February 18, 2011. Awards Night Theme: Celebration Time Please wear your most beautiful gown, blue or gold or a combination, for this festive occasion. It will be a Birthday Party!
SGR LIFE MEMBERSHIP Life Membership Chair, Karen Y. Williams has endeavored to reinforce the Life Members fiduciary committment to Sigma and bring Life Membership to its next level. 4 life If you have become a Life Member since the last conference or will have completed payments by March 1, 2011, and would like to be honored at the this year s conference, please send your name by March 5, 2011, to: Karen Y. Williams Life Membership Chair karenywilliams@gmail.com Conference Information: (1) Please invite a soror who is interested or eligible for Life Membership to our conference luncheon. Tickets for the luncheon are on sale now for $35.00 and they will be $40.00 On-Site. (2) Please plan to donate $100 by MARCH 1, 2011. There are two initiatives this year and your monies will be used to build Sigma s brand at home and abroad. Two presentations will be made at this year s conference. SGR Please send your donations to: Dr. Alice Cryer-Sumler Southwestern Regional Grammateus P.O Box 2354 Gretna, Louisiana 70054 4 life (3) Life Members, please wear royal blue with your medallion during the first plenary session as we will have a special presentation on Friday, April 1, 2011. Registration Reminders... Sorors, Philos and Rhoers, we need each of you to make this conference a success. We welcome your suggestions for the betterment of the Southwestern Region. Our International Officers and visiting sorors will be in attendance, so please come and make this a historic conference. All elected board members, and coordinators will meet on Sunday Morning. Plan to leave after noon. (1) Plan now to attend the 70th Southwestern Regional Conference. Also, plan to stay for the entire duration of the Conference, including the closing banquet. (2) Plan your wardrobe for uninterrupted white for Omega Rho Services- Absolutely no pants! Blue and Gold or blue or gold or any combination for the meetings. No jeans. (3) Only 30 attendees will be allowed to register On-Site for the conference. This includes Undergraduates, Rhoers, Philos and Guests. (4) Voting members cannot register On-Site; they must pre-register. This includes Life Members. (5) Only financial members can serve as voting members. (6) Newly inducted Sorors must pay regional assessments. (7) No non-financial soror can register for the conference as a guest. The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter Page 7
Project Reassurance 2011 Regional Initiative Goal: Reassuring Babies and Moms to D.A.R.E. develop their potential, accomplish their goals, render love and support to their babies, and embrace education for the development of marketable skill. Target Groups: Pregnant Teens, Young Mothers with newborns, and Special Needs Families Project Format: Baby S.H.O.W.E.R. Showering Hope On Women Empowering them Richly Suggested Baby Items: Clothing 5-10 onesies or rompers 5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns 1 cold weather sleeper 5-7 pairs of baby socks 1-2 newborn hats Diapers and Bath Items 2 packs of disposable diapers 1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes Waterproof pad for diaper changes 3-5 baby washcloths 1-2 hooded towels 1 bottle of gentle baby wash Bedding and Feeding 3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle or bassinet 5-7 light-weight blankets 1-2 heavier blankets 10 burp cloths 5-8 bottles - Each chapter: Alumnae, Undergraduates and Philos, donate a large gift bag filled with newborn baby items, college brochures, prenatal and newborn care pamphlets. Please bring donated items to the conference registration area by 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2011. For additional details or questions, contact: Janice Gaiter Regional National Projects Coordinator jgaiter@aol.com (210) 545-2606 - Each chapter donates $25-50 to purchase gift cards for each participant. Send these monetary donations to the Regional Grammateus, Dr. Alice Cryer-Sumler, by March 1, 2011. - Each Rhoer Club donates stuffed animals/ toys for newborn babies. Please bring donated items to the conference registration area by 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2011. Page 8 The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter
70TH SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR JOURNAL Featured Photos The Mu Sigma Chapter is inviting all chapters, individual members, Philos, Rhoers, friends and businesses to be a part of the Souvenir Journal. The ad rates are: Back Cover Inside Back Cover Full Page Half Page Quarter Page Eighth Page Sponsor/Patron Listing (One Line) With Picture, Additional (Each) $250.00 $250.00 $100.00 $ 60.00 $ 35.00 $ 25.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 Deadline for submission of camera ready ads and original photos is Saturday, February 5, 2011. You may e-mail ads to: deeyvette523@gmail. com, accompanied by the Credit Card Authorization form. Make money orders or cashier s checks payable to the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Please mail all souvenir journal materials to: Mu Sigma Chapter Souvenir Journal P.O. Box 53458 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70892 For questions, please contact: Deirdre Harris Stepter deeyvette523@gmail.com (985) 641-6099 Don t miss out on having your picture or name in history as we celebrate 70 years of Greater Service, Greater Progress. The RHOyal Legacy Newsletter Page 9
SOUTHWESTERN REGION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE by Richelle N. Jones With the commencement of a new sorority year comes many changes. New officers are elected and committee chairs are selected, but one of the significant changes this sorority year was the launching of the Region s new website. With the help of Celect. org, a company who aids organizations in promoting their web presence through website building, the Southwestern Region launched the new site in December 2010. Similar to the website platform used by International Corporate Headquarters, the new site will allow Sorors, Philos and Rhoers to stay abreast of the happenings of the Region. One of the special features of the new site is members can The Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho new website launched on December 2010 at: www.sigmaswregion.com. Stay connected by logging in regularly for official forms, event news and networking with other Region members. Southwestern Region Website (Photo Courtesy of Richelle N. Jones) log-in to a Members Only section to access information not accessible to the general public. Everyone financial for the 2010-2011 sorority year should have received a Welcome Message with instructions on how to log-in. Should anyone have any issues logging in or did not receive a Welcome Message, for assistance, please send an e-mail to: sgrhosw.epi@gmail.com. Enjoy the New Site!
19TH SOUTHWESTERN REGION SYNTAKTES Brenda J. Canty, Mu Sigma Chapter missbjc@sbcglobal.net UNDERGRADUATE CHAPTER COORDINATOR Henry Etta O Neal, Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter susigma@msn.com YOUTH SERVICES COORDINATOR Kishe M. Nelson, Lambda Theta Chapter monshia_nelson@yahoo.com GRAMMATEUS TAMIOCHUS ANTI-GRAMMATEUS CREDENTIALS CHAIR BUDGET & FINANCE CHAIR Jacqueline Hunt, Mu Sigma Chapter Dr. Alice Cryer-Sumler, Epsilon Phi Sigma Chapter Paula Alexander, Alpha Omicron Sigma Chapter huntj47@aol.com acryer-sumler@cox.net palexander1922@yahoo.com ASSISTANT ANTI-GRAMMATEUS EPISTOLEUS EDUCATION FUND TRUSTEE Sebrina Cotton, Rho Delta Chapter PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR Georgia Johnson, Alpha Kappa Sigma Chapter scotton@uno.edu Richelle N. Jones, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter gjoh682214@aol.com richelle_n_jones@yahoo.com PARLIAMENTARIAN RHOER COORDINATOR PHILO COORDINATOR Dr. Patricia Johnson, Beta Omega Sigma Chapter Tara O. Hawkins, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter Elaine Doyle, Mu Sigma Chapter pkcoordinator@hotmail.com tsegar1@hotmail.com elainefkd@cox.net NATIONAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR ELECTIONS CHAIR NOMINATIONS CHAIR Janice Gaiter, Member-At-Large BY-LAWS/POLICIES & PROCEDURES CHAIR Bettye Hollins, Gamma Sigma Chapter jgaiter@aol.com Alberta James, Alpha Chi Sigma Chapter wbhollins@aol.com ajames@sat-co.net CHAPLAIN SERGEANT-AT-ARMS MUSIC DIRECTRESS MEMORIAL CHAIR Juanice Shelton, Gamma Mu Sigma Chapter MUSIC CHAIR Elouise Colbert, Mu Sigma Chapter juaniceshelton@yahoo.com Alecia J. Johnson, Gamma Sigma Chapter sigmaweeze@cox.net sigmapreacher@academicplanet.com PAST SYNTAKTES PAST SYNTAKTES PAST SYNTAKTES PROTOCOL CHAIR SCHOLARSHIP CHAIR RECOMMENDATIONS CHAIR Janet Armand, Beta Omega Sigma Chapter Dr. Faith Foreman, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter Patricia Hiller, Alpha Kappa Sigma Chapter janetsigma1988@aol.com faith1922@hotmail.com philler2@austin.rr.com; philler2@gmail.com PAST SYNTAKTES PAST SYNTAKTES INTERNATIONAL GRAND GRAMMATEUS Quindonell Robertson, Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter Janice Walker, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter Chantay Canty, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter (972) 925-6110 janicewt@sbcglobal.net chantaycanty@me.com INTERNATIONAL GRAND TAMIOCHUS INTERNATIONAL PHILO COORDINATOR INTERNATIONAL SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Barbara L. Eikner, Alpha Xi Sigma Chapter Dr. Wanda Nelson, Alpha Kappa Sigma Chapter LIFE MEMBERSHIP CHAIR trabar@valornet.com lpc1922@live.com Karen Y. Williams, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter karenywilliams@gmail.com REGIONAL LEGAL ADVISOR AREA II COORDINATOR AREA III COORDINATOR Glenda Clausell, Gamma Sigma Chapter Lanitra Berry, Zeta Chi Sigma Chapter Daryl Lott, Gamma Sigma Chapter kaasst@comcast.net lanitra_berry@yahoo.com dlott83827@sbcglobal.net AREA IV COORDINATOR AREA V COORDINATOR AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENT CHAIR Shirley Roland, Zelta Delta Sigma Chapter Daphne DeBeau, Epsilon Alpha Sigma Chapter Kendra Fry, Zeta Delta Sigma Chapter rhorho47@sbcglobal.net daphdeb@aol.com kendrafry@aol.com EVALUATIONS MEMBERSHIP CHAIR RESOLUTIONS CHAIR LaShonda Johnson, Gamma Sigma Chapter Miranda Moore, Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter Sylvia Guillory, Alpha Psi Sigma Chapter ljohnson215@comcast.net mmoore1922@aol.com sg5bb@aol.com TIME & PLACE CHAIR Connie Hebert, Alpha Theta Sigma Chapter chebert1011@comcast.net VENDORS CHAIR Me chelle Ware, Kappa Mu Sigma Chapter rhobaby94@yahoo.com
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Southwestern Region P.O. Box 2354 Gretna, Louisiana 70054 Brenda J. Canty Southwestern Region Syntaktes Richelle N. Jones Southwestern Region Epistoleus The RHOyal Legacy is the official publication of the Southwestern Region of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The RHOyal Legacy is published two times a year. All materials for the publication should be sent electronically to sgrhosw.epi@gmail.com. In all submissions, the contact name, chapter name, location, school (if applicable), city, state and headline should be included. All submissions are subject to editing and potential exclusion based on timeliness of content. About the Editor... Southwestern Region Epistoleus Richelle N. Jones is a member of the Gamma Phi Sigma Chapter in Houston, TX, where Dr. Faith Foreman-Williams is Basileus. She became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho by way of the Audacious Alpha Lambda Chapter at Texas Southern University in 2005. Soror Jones holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a Master of Public Administration degree, and is currently a 2nd year law student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She enjoys spending time with family, shopping, traveling, and doing graphic design.