Starting Conversations

The Convention Experience, Part 2

by Leslie Abramsky Block
Local Convention Co-Chair
(Theta Tau, Rutgers University)

I attended my first convention in 1998.  I clearly remember driving to Norfolk, Virginia from my home in Maryland, in my one week-old, shiny red Mustang.  I remember feeling a little anxious; I didn’t know what to expect.  Convention was as new to me as my first brand-new car.

That convention was a whirlwind.  I made many amazing new friends and learned so much about “big” Alpha Chi Omega.  As I drove back home, I promised myself that I’d attend another convention.

Now that I am looking forward to attending my seventh convention this summer, I know exactly what to expect:

I expect late nights reconnecting with sisters from across the country whom I’ve met through past conventions.

I expect to hear about the accomplished past and the promising future of our Fraternity.

I expect to make treasured new friends among the collegiate and alumnae members who will join together to celebrate 125 years of our sisterhood.

I expect to learn about the great works of the Foundation in supporting victims of domestic violence at the always emotional Foundation Luncheon.

I expect to find more than a few new “AXO goodies” at the Carnation Boutique and from the various vendors who’ll be in attendance.

I expect to hear news of exciting new housing projects across the country from the Housing Corporation.

I expect to buy “stars” at the “Star Booth” in honor of many special sisters, with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation.

I expect for the weekend to fly by in a flash, but to fill me with enough memories to last until the 2012 convention!

Although Alpha Chi Omega Convention may no longer have that “new car smell” for me, I am as excited for this one as I was for my first.  I can’t wait to see you all this summer!

Happy Hera Day

Alpha Chi Omega, We Love Thee…With Glee!

by Audra Levi Priluck
(Alpha Psi, UCLA and Epsilon, USC)

“Dear Alpha Chi Omega, I always will treasure…” —  Do you know this song?

Listen to Dear Alpha Chi Omega now!

More than 10 years ago, I started leading song workshops for collegiate chapters in Southern California.  It all started when I brought my portable tape cassette recording with me to the 2000 National Convention.  I learned 50 Alpha Chi Omega songs that summer, simply by asking convention attendees to sing me their favorite song!  And now, 10 years later, I have a digital audio recorder (which is half the size and weight of that tape cassette recorder), and I keep it in my purse 24/7.

My Maternal Grandmother, Estelle Karp, taught me how to sing when I was a very little girl.  The first songs I learned included Annie’s “Tomorrow” and Barry Manilow’s “Can’t Smile Without You.”  Once I got a little older, and I developed my own musical tastes, my favorite tunes came from talented musicians like Huey Lewis & The News, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, the Indigo Girls and Broadway musicals.  In college, a whole new world opened up to me when I joined Alpha Chi Omega and flipped through a Fraternity Songbook for the first time.

A few of our Fraternity’s songs have created unforgettable memories:

• When I performed “After All” at the 2002 National Convention’s final banquet…
• When I serenaded my husband with the “Sweetheart Song” at our wedding reception..
• When I participated in the UCLA recolonization preference ceremony, singing “In This Very Room” with collegians from multiple chapters across Southern California…

Music from our Fraternity is everywhere and easier than ever to share with your sisters.  Our Fraternity’s music history is so rich, and filled with treasures that we don’t share often enough.  Want to learn a new Alpha Chi song, but don’t know where to look?  Now, thanks to new websites and easy electronic file sharing technology, there are several ways we can keep music “fresh” within our alumnae and collegiate chapters.  Alumna Amy Zoldak has a page dedicated to Alpha Chi songs.

Perhaps one day, we can have a comprehensive archive of music files that are easily accessible by all members of Alpha Chi Omega.  But until then, I can record and email anything!  Technology has made it so incredibly easy and possible.  I’ve even left cell phone voicemails with a song or two.  I welcome you to contact me via email or Facebook with your song requests, and I will help however I can.

In recognition of MacDowell Month, learn a new Alpha Chi song!  There are so many terrific melodies out there, original songs and parodies.  I know your chapters will truly enjoy them, and the songs might even become part of your regular repertoire!

“…Dear Alpha Chi Omega spells beauty for me.”

Audra is one of the featured speakers at this summer’s National Convention in Washington D.C.  Find out more!

A Long Legacy of Altruism: A Visit to the MacDowell Colony

by Jennifer Crotty
(Delta Mu, University of Massachusetts)

During my ten-plus years as an Alpha Chi Omega, I have often heard about our Foundation’s support of the MacDowell Colony in Petersborough, New Hampshire, particularly in February, which we celebrate as MacDowell Month. However, despite living only an hour or so away, I had never been there in person. So when the opportunity arose to visit the MacDowell Colony for their Medal Day in August 2009, I decided to go and experience Alpha Chi Omega’s first altruistic project for myself.

Two of my Zeta Zeta (Boston, Mass.) sisters, Rashmi Khare (Theta Omicron, MIT) and Lexi Swinimer (Iota Psi, Elon), and I started off the day with a picnic in a field while listening to the Medal Day ceremony. Following the ceremony, the entire colony is open for visitors to explore. We started off by visiting some of the common areas, such as the library, which holds a work from each artist to have ever been in residence at the colony.

We also participated in the Medal Day art project, which was a giant yarn weaving. However, the most important stop on our tour, we saved for last – the Star Studio, which was built in 1911 with funds from Alpha Chi Omega.

Nestled deep in the woods, the Star Studio is a simple structure comprised of a bedroom/living room, bathroom and kitchenette. “Tombs” inscribed with the names of every artist to have ever been in residence at the Star Studio adorn the walls and the 1911 dedication plaque is still on display. Whereas the building itself is simple, the feeling of being in the place where Alpha Chi Omega’s long legacy of altruism started was quite profound.

Awarded each year on the 2nd Sunday of August, the Edward MacDowell Medal is given by The MacDowell Colony to an artist who has made an outstanding contribution to his or her field; the ceremony is open to the public. If you are able, I encourage you to attend and experience the colony yourself.

Visit the MacDowell Colony.

What Leadership Academy Meant to Me

by Rachel Wong
(Iota Pi, Houston Baptist University)

Three years ago, I would’ve never imagined myself being an Alpha Chi Omega, or even being chosen to represent the Iota Pi chapter as its President. Attending Leadership Academy this year has been a life changing experience. Because this would be my second time to attend Leadership Academy, I thought that I would be taught the same things, but I was wrong. This year I learned how to lead my chapter with our Symphony, how to live out our Ritual.  I also learned about what kind of leader I am and how my leadership skills coincide with my executive board. From every guest speaker, to every session, to vendors; even the location was great!

I came back to Houston Baptist University with a fervent desire for my chapter to understand the true meaning of being an Alpha Chi Omega; that being an Alpha Chi Omega is a privilege and that we all must understand the foundation of Alpha Chi Omega, our Ritual. The things that I learned this year at Leadership Academy have been helpful in my journey as Chapter President and have given my sisters a new appreciation for our sorority. We have learned how to live our ritual daily, and we know what it means to be a sisterhood; a sisterhood that “sees and appreciates all that is noble in another. ”

The Convention Experience

by Jensine Frost Moyer
Local Convention Co-Chair
(Delta Tau, Minnesota State-Mankato and Alpha Lambda, University of Minnesota)

To me, convention is all about what Alpha Chi Omega is about for me:  seeing friends and spending time with sisters who make being involved in the organization all worthwhile.  I have looked forward to each of the seven (soon to be eight) conventions I have been fortunate enough to attend.  It is always so fun to see the women I’ve roomed with at conventions in the past, or served alongside as PCC, or collaborated with as a Chapter Advisor, or even in the last convention for me, working with a woman from the chapter I advised that went on to serve as a PCC herself.  It is about our Real. Strong. Women. and connecting and reconnecting with them to make the organization bigger and better every year.

Welcome to Washington D.C., Alpha Chi Omega!

The Consultant Chronicles, Part 2

by Andrea Bruno
(Alpha Eta, Mount Union College)

As a collegian, I never knew joining Alpha Chi Omega would lead me to all the opportunities it has led me to today. Throughout college, I was involved with many organizations and extracurricular activities. Alpha Chi Omega, however, was different, and it had a special place in my heart. Still, although my interest was deep, I would have never fathomed what lie ahead for me with my continued sisterhood. During college, it was apparent that I had a passion for Alpha Chi Omega. I was Panhellenic Delegate my sophomore to junior year, and then went on to become Panhellenic President my junior to senior year. I loved the new view of Greek Life and all that the Greek organizations offered to me and the fellow students on campus. My leadership positions within the chapter and on Panhellenic Council definitely added to my knowledge and passion for Greek Life. As my days went on at Mount Union College, I wondered what the next step would be for me. Would I go straight on to law school, would I get a job, would I become a volunteer?

After a visit from my Chapter Consultant, another idea came about. I could potentially work for the organization that meant so much to me during my college career! I thought it was so fascinating from the moment I met my Chapter Consultant that she was another sister from San Diego, and here she was in Alliance, Ohio visiting my chapter. I thought her job was so interesting and exciting. I was still undecided about what my future may hold, however, now the idea of becoming a Chapter Consultant for Alpha Chi Omega was becoming more and more engrained in my thoughts. During my senior year, I knew that I wanted to work for a non-profit organization, and I realized I needed a break before entering law school. With this in mind I couldn’t wait to apply for the chapter consultant position. As I went through the application process, I realized that this would be an opportunity for me to explore what the world had to offer, to take in new sights, and to meet my sisters across the country. The more and more I had the opportunity to think about the adventures that lie ahead for me, the more I began to see my future unfold.

Today, remembering this story and how my beginning started with Alpha Chi Omega, I am truly blessed to have had this opportunity. This year, thus far, has not only been an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity for me, but it also has allowed me to grow as a woman and sister of Alpha Chi Omega. I thought I had a grasp on what Alpha Chi Omega meant to me when I graduated from college, however, this year has only opened my eyes even further to the endless possibilities and networks of our sisterhood. The people I have met, the friends and networks I have gained, and even those planes that I almost missed, I would have not been the same person I am today if it wasn’t for my first job at Alpha Chi Omega. In the realm of first jobs, this has to be one of the best.

Interested in being a Chapter Consultant?  You can apply!

The Sandwich Generation

by Mehrnaz S. Gill
(Gamma Phi, Lamar University)

Americans are aging more rapidly than ever before. According to the US Census Bureau the number of older adults 65 and older will double by year 2030 to over 70 million. Additionally, the number of older adults suffering from some form of dementia will also increase dramatically in the next 20 years. It’s also important to note that only 8% of  older adults currently reside in an institutional setting such as a nursing home or assisted living facility. The majority of the elderly in the U.S. either live at home or with a family member which typically include adult children who are raising their own families. They are called The Sandwich Generation. According to the Pew Research Center, 1 out of 8 Americans aged 40 to 60 is both raising a child and caring for an aging parent.
 
This term Sandwich Generation was officially added to the dictionary in 2006. According to Carol Abaya, a leading expert in this area, caregivers fall into one of the following categories:

• Traditional: those sandwiched between aging parents who need care and/or help and their own children. 
• Club Sandwich: those in their 50s or 60s sandwiched between aging parents, adult children and grandchildren, or those in their 30s and 40s, with young children, aging parents and grandparents.
• Open Faced: anyone else involved in elder care.

I’m part of the Traditional Sandwich Generation. In another words, I am sandwiched between my aging mother and my two young children who need constant care and attention. There are many challenges involved in balancing a normal daily routine while making sure everyone is taken care of.  As a caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can take better care of others. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• Quiet Time – Set aside 15- 30 minutes each day for “quiet time” – a time to relax and pray/meditate. Close yours eyes, play soothing music and clear your mind. Early morning seems best for this.
• Exercise at least three times per week – Most of us are quite busy and may not have time to make it to the gym. Walking in the neighborhood for 30-45 minutes will do the trick.
• Time with friends – Having a quick coffee or lunch with friends helps to recharge your battery. Friends are a great source of comfort and support.
• Seek outside help – speak with your parents/grandparents physician and your local Area Agency on Aging for recommendations on professional caregivers as well as places that offer respite care including adult day centers.

There are other issues to consider including financial planning with your parents and/or grandparents and long-term care insurance. July is the official national Sandwich Generation Awareness month which has helped to raise awareness of the special issues involved in caring for elderly family members and young children. For more information on the Sandwich Generation you can visit one of following sites:

www.thesandwichgeneration.com
www.thecaregiver.com
www.AARP.org

Mehrnaz has a Master of Science degree in Gerontology and has devoted her time both professionally and personally to causes that relate to the elderly and their well-being.

Happy Holidays!

Sisterhood & Great Stories

by Malena Lott
(Psi, University of Oklahoma)

Those were the days.

Lasso an Angel. Red Carnation Ball. Rowdy rushes and sacred candle-lit ceremonies. Yes, there were boys, too, but when I think back about my life as an Alpha Chi in the Psi Chapter at the University of Oklahoma, what I remember most are my sisters and the feelings of being part of a sisterhood.

Bed head, bad day, big tests – your sisters were there for all of it. With a quick talk in the upstairs lounge or raiding the kitchen late at night – voila – better already.  Sorority life isn’t a utopia, isn’t a bubble; it’s a group of women with high ideals trying to make the most of the college experience and help others in the process.

I got married right out of college, going from living with a hundred girls to one man. Talk about a switch. Yet I was ready for the “grown-up world” and boy, did I get it. Fifteen years after graduating, I’ve got oodles: three kids, big mortgage, laundry (the bane of my existence) and a thousand other to-dos. (Remind me again what I was in such a hurry for?)

Which is why in the summer of 2009, I decided it was time I made my friends a priority again. Enough with the e-mails and texts and hurried phone calls on the way to this or that activity.

I needed a regular Girls Night Out that girlfriends wouldn’t feel guilty about. (And, yes, hubbies can make us feel guilty, too. Not you, Mr. Lott.) I decided to blend two of my favorite things – great reads and girlfriends.

Now, unfortunately, reading for pleasure is one of those things that can go by the wayside for moms, too, which is why my goal with Book End Babes is to bring reluctant readers back into the fold. Reading reduces stress in less than ten minutes! How fabulous is that?! And we know that girlfriends who make us laugh and give us love do the same.

Book End Babes is a sorority of lit sisters with chapters all over the country. Our hosts are called queenBs (queen Babes) – you know those types who LOVED being social chair and rush chair – and invite their girlfriends to come to their book parties to talk about books they’ve read in the last month, or at least every other month.

Book End Babes support the book industry (like book ends) and celebrate the gift of art and stories – taking the solitary act of reading to the social aspect of sharing. On our web site we share great drink and food recipes and host contests with fun prizes. Our HoLITday season includes fondue parties in December and donating children’s books to local organizations. Once you get the charity bug in your sorority, it really does stick with you the whole lifetime through.

I hope more Alpha Chis around the country will join me in Book End Babes. Just one question, ladies – do you like your martinis shaken or stirred?

Malena Lott is a married mother of three living in Oklahoma. She is a brand strategist and is the author of The Stork Reality and Dating da Vinci. Her web sites are www.BookEndBabes.com and www.malenalott.com.