April 2013

Volume 3 Issue 8

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. State of New Jersey Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., New Jersey State Director

Message from the State Director:

National Educational Foundation

Z-Lessons Monthly Embellishment & Training

for the Sorors of New Jersey

A t the April 27 State Executive Board Meeting, we will continue our tradition of

awarding scholarships to deserving New Jersey Sorors. We will also start a new

tradition, with the New Jersey Life Members providing a scholarship in the

name of Past Grand Basileus Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe. With Soror Wolfe and

scholarships in mind, I could not help but think of the National Educational Foundation,

which is chaired by New Jersey’s own Soror Kathryn T. Malvern. The mission of the NEF

is to promote community service and education through community education

programs and scholarship grants to worthy students for higher education. How much

do you know about the NEF? Learn and enjoy!

1. The NEF is the arm of the Sorority that:

a. Awards scholarships

b. Provides funds for research

c. Conducts workshops and seminars on various topics

d. All of the above

2. _____ is the year in which the NEF was established.

3. The NEF was created to permanently separate ________ funds from _______ funds.

4. The NEF is governed by:

a. a Board of Directors

b. a Board of Managers

c. Trustees

d. Advisors

5. Which officers are ex-officio members of the governing body (i.e., they are members

by virtue of the office they hold): (circle all that apply)

a. International Grand Basileus

b. National First Anti-Basileus

c. National Second Anti-Basileus

d. National Third Anti-Basileus

(Continued on page 8)

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. State of New Jersey Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq. New Jersey State Director 325 East Jimmie Leeds Road Suite 7 PMB 144 Galloway, NJ 08205 (609) 748-1470 Website: www.zphibnj.org www.facebook.com/ZPhiBNJ E-mail: NJStateDir@aol.com

Newsletter created by Soror Deseree McFarlane, Coordinator, Social Media

and Publicity

Welcome New Sorors!

Gamma Omicron Zeta

Edna Aristilde

Faye Best

Fiona Best

Jovan Cameron

Rosyln Davis

Kalimah Farley

Bianca Harris

Naima Ricks

Samantha Sainte Germaine

Kristie Simone

Yashika Smith

Omega Mu Zeta

Krystle Daniels-Felix

Shakirah S. Plumb

Psi Lambda

Ogonna C. Anonyuo

Page 2 Z-Lessons

A strong school system is basic to the health and growth of a community. Quality schools attract people to live in the

area. New businesses locate there to provide services, jobs, and an increased tax base. The community is a good

place to live because the schools are good schools.

The Adopt-a-School program is an effective, grassroots partnership between education and our Sorority throughout

the nation. The successful partnership program proves that volunteers and our school systems can work cooperatively to

make a positive impact in our community. The purpose of the program is to utilize the vast amounts of resources and

talents of the Sorority to strengthen, enhance and enrich the quality of education in our school systems. Adopt-a-School

is the commitment of time, energy, and expertise of a member(s) to an individual school.

There are many benefits from involvement in an Adopt-a-School program such as fostering a spirit of learning,

increasing self-esteem and enhancing the academic experience. Investing in the future of our society and the teaching

profession effects not only the children in that classroom or school but those that the child will grow to influence as an

adult. Adopt-a-School also reinforces a principle of our sorority, Scholarship. Being in the schools gives our local areas

an opportunity to see Zeta and our auxiliaries making scholarship a priority.

Zetas and Amicae will gain a sense of accomplishment, teamwork and enjoyment by creating programs to help

children who are "at risk" or disadvantaged to perform academically at recommended or higher levels and become good

citizens. Students who achieve academically are less likely to commit crimes and take drugs.

Z-HOPE for Youth: Zeta Adopt-a-School Program

E psilon Xi Zeta Chapter hosted a Meet & Greet

with Mercer County Community College Upward

Bound Program with 32 young ladies at the James

Kerney Campus, Trenton, N.J. The Upward Bound

students interacted with the Sorors through getting-

to-know activities and a Black History quiz. The

Upward Bound program’s primary focus is to help

local high school students improve their grades and

develop the skills needed for college or other

programs of higher education. The students in this

program are recommended by their teachers,

guidance counselors and principals. The chapter

looks forward to continue working with the dynamic

group of young ladies.

Epsilon Xi Zeta — MCCC Upward Bound Program

Page 3 Z-Lessons

New Jersey State Director Soror Gina Merritt-Epps,

Esq. (seated, left) with sorors of Rho Tau Zeta at Eta

Omicron Zeta’s Marie B. Hubbard Scholarship

Luncheon on March 9.

Rho Tau Zeta Chapter Finer

Womanhood event, Feb. 23

O n Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi

Zeta Chapter hosted its Annual Z-HOPE Scholarship Awards

Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, N.J. This year’s focus was

education and youth; the theme selected was “Never underestimate the

power of your mind to change your destiny” – Vidya Sury. Several young

adults displayed their talents throughout the luncheon, including the

Trenton Children’s Choir.

The luncheon generates monies to fund scholarships and book

awards to help students further their education following high school

graduation. This year’s Luncheon also included honorees, Soror Sheray

Morrison, Zeta of the Year; Bro. Jean Lamothe, Sigma of the Year; Mrs.

Jonette Smart, Amica of the Year; Rev. Rose Bradley, Woman of the Year,

Rev. Ernest Wormley, Humanitarian of the Year and Mrs. Everene

Downing, Educator of the Year. Rev. Toby Sanders served as the Master

of Ceremony for the event. Epsilon Xi Zeta’s Annual Scholarship

Luncheon has been successful each year, and each year the chapter has

succeeded in helping teens continue their education, reach their highest

goals and graduate with honors.

Honorees at Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapter’s Z-HOPE

Scholarship Awards Luncheon, Jan. 26.

Sorors of Xi Tau Zeta

Chapter (including New

Jersey State Director Soror

Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.

(seated at right)) at Zeta

Delta Zeta Chapter Finer

Womanhood event, March 2.

Page 4 Z-Lessons

Update: NJ State Executive Board Meeting

T he State Meeting Planning team is working hard to ensure that the April 27 meeting is educational and

informative! Please be sure to register for the meeting by the April 1 deadline and note the following updates:

1. Each registrant (voting and non-voting) will receive a special commemorative gift!

2. Vendors will be present!

3. Registration, Breakfast and Z-HOPE submissions will take place between 7:30 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. Business sessions

will begin at 9:00 a.m.

4. Each chapter gets one vote; however, all sorors should attend.

5. Please remember to support the Z-HOPE initiative, Meals on Wheels Association of America. The State’s goal is $1,500

($100 from each graduate chapter; donations from sorors and UG chapters)

6. There will be nine workshops presented during concurrent sessions; workshop topics are:

Protocol - Basic Courtesies for Zetas, Dignitaries and Guests

Training for Amicae Sponsors

Training for Youth Advisors

The Graduate Basileus - Who Is She and What Is She to You (Graduate Sorors only)

Social Media

Social Action

Training for Undergraduate Advisors

Raising the Bar- Undergraduate workshop

I'm Going to a Zeta Event - What Do I Wear?

Cooking with Kids

A micettes from Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter went

to the local Shop-Rite for a chef-taught, hands-on

cooking class. The Amicettes, wearing their own chef

hats,prepared foods from the “Making by Shaking” Menu.

The menu included: What’s Shakin’ Salad with Herbal

Dressing, It’s Out of the Bag Baked Chicken and an Old

Fashioned Malted Milk Shake. During the cooking class,

the girls also covered topics on produce selection, herb

and spice identification, kitchen safety, measuring

techniques, and healthy eating. This activity follows the

Sorority’s CAP Model by providing the Amicettes the

opportunity to develop in the areas of academic and

personal development.

Page 5 Z-Lessons

Save the Date: Amicae NJ State Executive Board Meeting

T he New Jersey State Amicae Executive Board Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Jersey City Free Public

Library, Glenn D. Cunningham Branch, 275 Martin Luther King Drive, in Jersey City, starting at 9:00 AM. The newest

auxiliary — Zeta Amicae of Jersey City — will be hosting the meeting. In addition to the business meetings, the Executive

Committee has planned other workshops.

The deadline for registration ($25) is May 4.

Heart Disease & Diabetes in the African-American Community

E psilon Xi Zeta Chapter and Princeton/Trenton Zeta

Auxiliary in partnership with Shiloh Baptist Church

Health & Women’s Ministries co-sponsored a Health

workshop on Feb. 22, 2013. The workshop, “Heart Disease

& Diabetes in the African-American Community,” had

great presenters: Dr. Moten, DMD (Harmony Dental Care),

Dr. Wingfield, MD, F.A.C.C. (Hamilton Cardiology), Dr.

Anthony J. Cannon, M.D. ,F.A.C.E., Randi Cardonick, MS,

RD, (Novo Nordisk) and Bonniwell Graham, III (Fitness

Expert). The health workshop was well received by

participants from the Trenton community. Sorors from Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapter and Amicae from Princeton/

Trenton Zeta Amicae Auxiliary.

Amicae CARES Procedure:

Comforting Amicae Reaching out Encouraging Sisters

T he purpose of CARES is to support Amicae Sisters in the Atlantic Region who are ill, hospitalized or who have died.

Cards, planter or flowers are sent and telephone calls are made. In addition, upon death if requested the Region can

issue a resolution. Amica Rose Cohen is Chair.

All local Auxiliaries should have a written procedure for what is done for your Amicae if they become ill, hospitalized or

die. When an Amica in the auxiliary is sick, hospitalized or dies, the CARES contact is to notify two Amica O’Neal (at the State

level) and Amica Cohen (at the Regional level).

It is suggested that the Chaplain or Social Amenities person in your Auxiliary be assigned this duty. Please read your

handbook for additional suggestions.

State Chaplain Regional CARES Chair

Amica Raemona O’Neal Amica Rose Cohen

10 Frosty Hollow Court 202 Harlequin Drive

Sicklerville, NJ 08081 New Castle, DE 19720

oneal.4@hotmail.com exhaled60@aol.com

CARES Committee members in the State Resolutions Chair

Amica Valerie Jones, Newark/Orange Amica Sandra Wilson, Plainfield

Amica Janice Gillard, Princeton/Trenton

CARES Auxiliary Contacts

Atlantic City, Amica Beverly Connor Moorestown, Amica Mary Ham

Camden, Amica Devonia Bennett Newark/Orange, Amica Valerie Jones

Gloucester County, Amica Wanda Bryant-Ison Plainfield, TBA

Jersey City, Amica Tammy Jackson Princeton/Trenton, Amica Janice Gillard

Page 6 Z-Lessons

“March for Babies” Is Almost Here! By Soror Sarecia Johnson, NJ March of Dimes Representative

T he March of Dimes is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. celebrates its 41st year of

partnership. Over the past 40+ years, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and March of Dimes have evolved the following

components: 1971- Stork’s Nest with March of Dimes established under the leadership of Past International Grand Basileus

Soror Janice G. Kissner. 1996 - March for Babies (formerly WalkAmerica) National Walk Team and 2003 - Zeta Prematurity

Awareness.

What is March for Babies? When we walk in March of Babies, we give hope to the more than half a million babies born too soon

each year.

How do I get involved in March of Babies? Walk, raise money, volunteer at the walk site, serve on logistics/planning committee

or assist at local March of Dimes offices.

How do I raise money/report for March for Babies? When registering your chapter online - please use the parent name of Zeta

Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. to ensure your chapter is included in Zeta’s reporting.

Graduate chapters: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Chapter name)

Undergraduate chapters: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Chapter name/College or University)

Auxiliaries: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Amicae, Archonettes, Amicettes or Pearlettes) of city name

After the walk: Chapters may raise funds through Sept. 1, 2013. Submit the appropriate documentation to receive Z-HOPE

points according to chapter size:

Chapter/Auxiliary size Required financial contribution amount of Z-Points

Up to 4 members $200.00 100 bonus+ 50 for every $500 over

5-25 members $500.00 100 bonus+ 50 for every $500 over

26-50 members $700.00 100 bonus+ 50 for every $500 over

Over 50 members $1,500.00 100 bonus+ 50 for every $500 over

Activities must be verified by State Z-HOPE Coordinator. To receive Z-HOPE Points, upon completion of the project,

request a letter or report on letterhead from the Director of the local March of Dimes office detailing the amount raised and

number of paid walkers. Attach a copy of the letter to the Z-HOPE Chapter summary form.

Thank you’s: Send message of appreciation to those who supported your efforts to raise money and awareness of prematurity

and March of Dimes.

Awards & Recognition: National - chapters will be recognized in 2014 for 2013 fundraising results. State of NJ - chapters will

be recognized in the May/June 2013 newsletter and 2014 State Leadership Conference for 2013 fundraising efforts ($1,000 for

each chapter including auxiliaries). Chapter reporting is due May 15, 2013.

(Continued on page 7)

Page 7 Z-Lessons

Parliamentary Corner By Soror Titessa Smith, State Parliamentarian

T his month's quiz deals with a recent parliamentary submission regarding Motions. Now, let's see how much you

remember. Please have fun and good luck!

MATCHING EXERCISE*: Place the appropriate letter in the parentheses beside the number. Use each letter only once.

1. [ ] Addressing the chair A. Taking the vote on a motion

2. [ ] Announcing the vote B. Formal proposal that a certain action be taken

3. [ ] Assigning the floor C. The steps necessary to seek and secure permission to speak

4. [ ] Chair D. A member introduces a motion

5. [ ] Debating the question E. A member’s verbal agreement that a motion should come

before the meeting

6. [ ] Handling a motion F. Formally placing a motion before the assembly

7. [ ] Making the motion G. A formal expression of the will, opinion, or preference of the

members in regard to a submitted matter

8. [ ] Motion H. The person chosen to conduct business, usually the president

9. [ ] Obtaining the floor I. The discussion of a motion by members

10. [ ] President J. A declaration by the chair of the results of the vote

11. [ ] Presiding officer K. The six steps necessary for consideration of a motion

12. [ ] Putting the question L. The presiding officer

13. [ ] Second M. The recognition of a member by the chair granting the right to speak

14. [ ] Stating the question N. A member seeks permission from the presiding officer to speak

15. [ ] Vote O. The officer elected or appointed to lead the organization

* Adapted from the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP)

ANSWERS TO MATCHING EXERCISE

1. N 4. L 7. D 10. O 13. E

2. J 5. I 8. B 11. H 14. F

3. M 6. K 9. C 12. A 15. G

“March for Babies” Is Almost Here!

2012 Accomplishments through Zeta’s Advocacy

As of November 2012, the pre-term birth rate in the U.S. has declined for the fifth year in a row- hitting its lowest level in

a decade- the grade for national pre-term birth rate is C.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was successful in helping March of Dimes achieve its goal of 25,000 signatures for “Light the

White House Purple Signature Campaign.” President Barack Obama signed into law the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin

Act on Dec. 19, 2012.

2013 Zeta National March for Babies Campaign: “Campaign 2013- The Wright Time, Wright Now”

Raise $300,000 in 2013/Challenge ZΦB:

Z-Recognize Zeta chapters and auxiliaries who raise funds that exceed $3,000 in 2013.

Φ- Rally Undergraduate chapters & members (by region) to increase participation in March for Babies by 20% over 2012.

B- Rally Auxiliaries & members (by region) to increase participation in March for Babies by 20% over 2012.

National Recognition/Awards Program: Chapters will be recognized at regional conferences in 2013 based on 2012

fundraising results.

Questions or concerns: Soror Latasha Wilson Lane & Soror Maryam J. Lynch-Tate, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. National March of

Dimes Representatives- zetaphibetanationalmod@gmail.com; or Soror Sarecia Johnson, State of NJ March of Dimes

Representative- njmarchofdimesrep@gmail.com

Page 8 Z-Lessons

Postmark deadline for Life Member Scholarship Application—

4/1/13

Submission deadline for Youth Essay/Poster Contest Application—

4/1/13

Sister Chapter Event: Chi Rho Zeta— 4/13/13

Sister Chapter Event: Sigma Zeta Zeta —4 /13/13

Sister Chapter Event: Omicron Omicron Zeta— 4/20/13

March for Babies (Mercer County) - 4/21/13

STATE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING—4/27/13

March for Babies (rest of state) - 4/28/13

Sister Chapter Event: Rho Rho Zeta—5/4/13

Sister Chapter Event: Zeta Delta Zeta—5/19/13

Sister Chapter Event: Omega Mu Zeta - 6/8/13

ZOL / National Undergraduate Retreat / National Amicae Retreat—

7/18/13 - 7/21/13

Sister Chapter Event: Omega Mu Zeta Summer Voyage — 8/5/13—

8/9/13

Atlantic Regional Conference — 10/10/13—10/13/13

Key Dates and Deadlines — Please Take Note

We hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s edition! Please submit

articles for the next issue of The Zeta Call and requests for

topics to be covered in the next issue of “Z-Lessons.” Use the

newsletters as tools to educate and advise your members. Your

feedback and suggestions for future topics are welcomed!

NJStateDir@aol.com

National Educational Foundation

6. Which Past Grand Basileus does not have a NEF

scholarship/fellowship named in her honor?

a. Nancy Bullock Woolridge McGhee

b. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe

c. Mildred Cater Bradham

d. Evelyn S. Lewis

e. Janice G. Kissner

f. Lulellia W. Harrison

g. Isabel M. Herson

7. There are NEF scholarships/fellowships set aside for

certain professions and areas of endeavor. Which

profession/endeavor is not covered by one of the

scholarships/fellowships:

a. Graduate or professional degree

b. Law

c. Study abroad

d. Social Work

e. Undergraduates

f. Medical Health Sciences

g. Counseling

h. Elementary or Secondary Education

(Continued from page 1)

Save the Date: Atlantic Regional Conference

October 10-13, 2013

Buffalo, N.Y.

Adams Mark Hotel & Conference Center

Each chapter and Amicae

auxiliary should send two delegates!

Early Bird Registration: $245 Graduate/Amicae,

$200 Undergraduate

(if received by April 30, 2013)

ANSWERS TO NEF QUIZ:

1. D

2. 1975

3. scholarship / operating

4. B

5. A, C and D

6. E

7. B