The Poodle Post: November 2009

Happy Thanksgiving and Welcome to the November Edition of the Poodle Post
(image found here)

Sigma Style: 10 ways to Have a Stress-free Thanksgiving

So, you're hosting Thanksgiving this year and you're worried because you have this vision in your head of a house decorated by Martha Stewart herself and a meal, the likes of which Julia Child would be envious of, laid out on a table that looks like the cover photo of Gourmet Magazine. Stop right there! None of that is what Thanksgiving is all about. Thanksgiving is a day to enjoy the company of your friends and family. It is a day meant for you to be together and be thankful. Here are a few ways you can be thankful to avoid stress this Thanksgiving.





Plan early! Invite your guests early as well before they have made other plans.

Start thinking about decorations for the home and the table. Decide early if you will serve buffet style or sit down.

This is also the time to see if anyone is bringing a dish. This is the time of year that tradition is so important. If one of your guests has a specialty they want to bring, by all means, invite them to bring it and count it in your menu planning

Once you have decided on the number of guests and if you will be serving buffet style or sit down, you can start thinking of table decorations. This is a great time to use items from nature, pumpkins, gourds, cranberries and candles all are great ideas.

Plan the menu. Write the menu out and a list of ingredients. Think about what items on your list can be purchased already made. A ham is a good example of that, people love the honey-baked hams and most times they taste better with a lot less trouble then your own ham. Don’t stop at the ham, prepared corn bread or rolls from the bakery are fine. Try the bagged salads that are already washed and add a few other items to make it special.

Shop early and buy items that are not perishable far in advance. Make sure you cross them off your list as you buy. Order your turkey and/or ham. If you are using a frozen turkey, make sure you have enough time to have it defrost.

The day before, have some one come in to clean if possible. Use other family members to help too, they can pick up last minute items, rake the leaves, decorate the house or whatever little things you need done.

Set the table and decorate it.

Prepare everything that can be done in advance, which for this holiday meal can be most of it.

The day of should be a breeze. Get up and prepare, stuff and cook the turkey. Set up a drink station where your guests can serve themselves. Have music on, candles lit, all setting a festive mood.

(information found here)

Sigma Alert: H1N1 Flu

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu, but may be more severe. These can include: cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea for some.

Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home at least 24 hours after being fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Pregnant women are at greater risk for getting very sick with the flu. If you are pregnant and become sick, contact your doctor right away.

To keep up on additional information about the H1N1 Flu here are some links:

Columbus & Franklin County Flu Planning, Preparing and H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
http://www.columbuspandemicflu.org/

Central Ohio Community Flu Hotline - 211
Call 211 or (614) 221-2255 for general flu questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Health Care Provider Guidelines
Communicable Disease Reporting System















Local Seasonal Flu Vaccine information
For Adults: http://www.vaccine4me.com/ or call (614) 437-2900 or toll-free at (888) 202-1319
For Children: Columbus Immunization Clinic or Franklin County Board of Health









Ohio information: http://www.odh.ohio.gov

U.S. information: http://www.flu.gov/

(information found here)

Central Region News: 70th Annual Regional Conference





Mark you calendars for March 11-14, 2009 for the 70th annual Central Region Conference that will be held in Indianapolis, In. Come for the business and sisterhood of Sigma. Hope to see you there.










Chapter News: Upcoming Events








On November 7, 2009 the chapter will hold the first of a series of wellness programs. The program will take place at Thompsons Recreation Center from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. Come for fun and healthy tips, facilitated by Soror Torri Fisher.








Calling Sorors, Rhoers and interested ladies to come in share in our annual Founder's Day dinner which will be held on November 15, 2009. Tickets are $20.00. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com








Come for gambling and shopping on December 5, 2009 when the chapter takes a bus trip to Michigan. Tickets are $20.00. For more information contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

National News: Happy 87th Anniversary

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. will celebrate 87 years of service and sisterhood on November 12, 2009. Look where we started from and look how far we have come.....

Seven black women in Indianapolis, Indiana founded Sigma Gamma Rho sorority based on a desire to raise the standards of teachers in normal and other schools. These individuals included Mary Lou Allison Little, Dorothy Hanley Whiteside, Vivian White Marbury, Nannie Mae Gahn Johnson, Hattie Mae Dublin Redford, Bessie M. Downey and Cubene McClure.

Sigma Sizzles: Hot Apple Cider

• 6 cups apple cider
  
  


• 1/4 cup real maple syrup




• 2 cinnamon sticks




• 6 whole cloves





• 6 whole allspice berries




• 1 orange peel, cut into strips




• 1 lemon peel, cut into strips

Directions

1. Pour the apple cider and maple syrup into a large stainless steel saucepan.





2. Place the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, orange peel and lemon peel in the center of a washed square of cheesecloth; fold up the sides of the cheesecloth to enclose the bundle, then tie it up with a length of kitchen string. Drop the spice bundle into the cider mixture.





3. Place the saucepan over moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cider is very hot but not boiling.






4. Remove the cider from the heat. Discard the spice bundle. Ladle the cider into big cups or mugs, adding a fresh cinnamon stick to each serving if desired.

Do you want to serve you community? Do you want to work with women with a common interest? Then join us. For more information contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmannouncments

• Welcome back to all sorors who have reactiviated this sorority year.
  
  


• Happy Sigma Anniversary to any soror who celebrates an anniversary this month.




• Happy Birthday to all who have a birthday in the month of November.
  
  


• Looking for submissions for the December Poodle Post. Tell us your best holiday memory, gift or tradition. Please submit all submissions to butterfly1973_73@yahoo.com with the subject line stating best holiday. All submission should be turned in by December 1, 2009.
  
  

Hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

The Poodle Post: October 2009

Welcome to the October edition of the Poodle Post!!

Image found here

Sigma Style: Halloween Fun

Halloween is a time for fun and folly, but the folly can be cut short if you are not safe. Here are some safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics for this Halloween season.

ALL DRESSED UP:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick-or-Treat bags for greater visibility.
• Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
• When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Teach children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost.

CARVING A NICHE:

• Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
• Votive candles are safest for candle-lit pumpkins.
• Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects, and should never be left unattended.

HOME SAFE HOME:

• To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
• Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
• Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or Treaters:
• Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
• Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:

• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to ration treats for the days following Halloween.

image found here

Sigma Sizzles: Halloween Popcorn Treats

Ingredients

• Vegetable cooking spray
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup popcorn kernels
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 cups (12-ounces) mini marshmallows
• 6 fun-size caramel peanut chocolate bars (such as Snickers), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 3 (3-inch) chocolate chip cookies, crumbled
• 1/3 cup chopped salted almonds,
• 1/2 cup orange and black chocolate candies (such as M and Ms)

Directions

Spray the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable cooking spray, and lightly spray a baking sheet. Set aside.

In a 3 quart or larger, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the oil and popcorn over medium-high heat. Cover the pan and shake gently. Cook until all the kernels have popped, about 3 minutes. Place the popcorn in the prepared bowl.

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Add the vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows have melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the popcorn. Using a spatula, sprayed with cooking spray, stir until the popcorn is coated. Spread the mixture over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the chocolate bar pieces, cookies, almonds and chocolate candies. Using a spatula, gently press the toppings into the popcorn. Allow the mixture to dry for 1 hour.

Break into 2-inch pieces and store airtight in a plastic container.

Serving Suggestion: Place in small plastic bags and seal with colored ribbon.

reciepe found here

Chapter News: Collaboration with the Iota's

The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority held their first cabaret with the men of the Columbus Grad Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. on September 11, 2009. The event was held at the Kings Arts Complex. The evening included music, raffles, food and fun for all. The event was so well received; people can not wait until next year’s event. Good job DOS and the men of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.

Central Region News: Area Meeting

It is area meeting time in Central Region. The syntakes and the UCC will be traveling the states the next few months to update the chapters on the status of the sorority, talk about upcoming events and to give training. The area meeting for the central Ohio area will take place in Akron, Ohio on October 17, 2009.

National News: Website

The Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National website has a new look and feel. There are more interactive sections and more detailed information about sorority programs, history and events. Click here to check out the new site.

Are you interested in community service? Interacting with women with the same interest in you? Want more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.? Then contact us at dos1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmannouncements

• Happy birthday to any soror having a special day in October.
• Happy Sigmaaniversay to any soror celebrating a Sigma birthday this month.
• Check the side for upcoming events.
• If you want more information, please email us at dos1922@yahoo.com.

The Poodle Post:June 2009

Welcome to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Delta Omicron Sigma Columbus Alumni Chapter Poodle Post

Sigma Style: How to get a Good Night Sleep

There’s a lot of advice out there about getting good sleep -- and it's very important. We quickly adjust to being sleep-deprived, and don't notice that we aren't functioning at a normal level, but lack of sleep really affects us. If you're feeling blue or listless, try going to sleep thirty minutes earlier for a week. It can really help.

Good habits for good sleep:

1. Exercise most days, even if it’s just to take a walk

2. No caffeine after 6:00 p.m.

3. An hour before bedtime, avoid doing any kind of work that takes alert thinking. Addressing envelopes—okay. Analyzing an article—nope.

4. Adjust your bedroom temperature to be slightly chilly.

5. Keep your bedroom dark. Studies show that even the tiny light from a digital alarm clock can disrupt a sleep cycle. We have about six devices in our room that glow bright green; it’s like sleeping in a mad scientist’s lab. I have to put a pillow over the cable box.

6. Keep the bedroom as tidy as possible. It’s not restful to fight through chaos into bed.

If sleep won’t come:
7. Breathe deeply and slowly until you can’t stand it anymore.

8. If your mind is racing (you’re planning a trip, a move; you’re worried about a medical diagnosis), write down what’s on your mind. This technique really works for me.

9. Slather yourself with body lotion. This feels good and also, if you’re having trouble sleeping because you’re hot, it cools you down.

10. If your feet are cold, put on socks.

For information on getting a good night sleep, click here.

Sigma Sizzles: Lemon Angel Hair

12 ounces angel hair pasta
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Juice of 1 to 2 lemons (1/4 cup or so)
1 tablespoon table salt
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and mint
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pine nuts, stirring often, until they are golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a bowl.

2. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and pour in the olive oil. Add the garlic and stir it often, until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 45 to 60 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the lemon zest and juice. Set the pan aside.

3. When the water boils, season it with 1 tablespoon of salt and bring it back to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook it al dente (for about 4 to 5 minutes or as the package instructs).

4. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water from the cooking pot into a small bowl and set it aside. Then drain the pasta well. Return the pasta to the pot. Pour the reserved cooking water and the lemon juice mixture over the pasta and toss it well. Add the tomatoes, herbs, and pine nuts.

5. Season the mixture with the salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 6 servings

(recipe found here)

Chapter News: NPHC Weekend and Steppin with the Sigmas

June 6-7, 2009, Delta Omicron Sigma will be participating in the National Pan-hellic Council Columbus chapter weekend. The council will be doing community service efforts in the Long street area on the morning of June 6. Sorors will take part in a stroll competition with other African American Greek organizations. The stroll competition will take place at Hitchcock hall on the Ohio State University campus on June 6. Tickets are $5.00. All are welcome to come.

To wrap up unity weekend, Greek organizations friends and family will be having a cook-out to bond, have fun and reflect on this weekends activities.


On May 28, 2009 the chapter held Steppin' with the Sigmas. Line dances were taught by Mark of Steppin in the City Productions. Sorors, friends and family learned new and old line dances. Young and old all got a workout and had fun while at this event. Hope to see you at it next year.




Special Edition: Summer Soundtrack

With summer approaching, you will be spending more time on the deck, hanging outside, having cook-outs and enjoying everything that is summer. Since you will not be in front of the TV, here are some songs that will help you make your summer great.

-Summertime Will Smith


-Need U bad Jazmine Sullivan,
-Miss Independent Ne-Yo
-Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna) T.I
-Get up Mary Mary
-God in Me Mary Mary and Kiki Sheard
-Stop, Look, Listen (To your heart) Boney James
-Blame It Jamie Foxx
-Chocolate High India Arie and Musiq
-Diva Beyonce
-Halo Beyonce
-The River Noel Jourdin

Are interested in serving your community? Are you interested is Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.? Contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmaanouncements

• 
  
  Happy birthday to all sorors who celebrate a birthday in June.


• 
  
  Happy Sigmanniversary to all sorors who celebrate in June.


• 
  
  Please check the side of the blog for all upcoming events.


• 
  
  If you have any questions about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.Columbus Alumni Chapter, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Poodle Post: May 2009

Welcome to the May edition of Delta Omicron Sigmas Poodle Post

Happy Mother's Day

Sigma Style: How to be a "Stress-less" Mom

Even if you are a first time mom or a seasoned mother with grown children, the following tips can assist you in become a stress-less mom. The U.S. Census reports that 51 percent of first-time mothers return to work within four months after giving birth. A mother may return to work by choice, out of necessity, or both. Whatever the reason, it goes without saying that being a working mom is one of the world’s great balancing acts. If you handle it with care, being a working mom can be a rewarding experience. Read on for tips on how to handle being a working mom.

1. Step 1

   **Make a realistic schedule.**
   
   Your schedule should be manageable. Don’t let guilt be your motivator when planning out the week. And remember to include some downtime! Scheduling in rest and relaxation periods will give you a chance to relieve built-up stress. As the saying goes, when momma’s unhappy, no one’s happy.

2. Step 2

   **Learn to depend on others.**
   
   Gather up a network of close friends and family you trust who can serve as your support group. Make friends with other working moms who understand where you’re coming from. You and the other moms can share advice on how to handle being a working mom. Weekly play dates for kids can be arranged so you and the other working moms can look forward to a little free time to do things without the kids, like errands (and napping!).

3. Step 3

   **Have faith.**
   
   If you are a working mom who believes in a higher power, now is the time to immerse yourself in that faith. Believing in a higher power often has a calming effect on people, especially working moms. Several studies have found a connection between faith and health. People who can ‘let go and let God’ have found a way to handle stress in their lives, and this helps protect against illness. As a working mom, it may be beneficial to your health to attend church regularly with your family.

4. Step 4

   **Appreciate the natural world around you.**
   
   Even if you are not a religious working mom, you can still gather strength from finding a connection with nature. A simple appreciation of the natural environment around you can relieve some of the stress that comes from being a working mom. Take several moments throughout the day, whether at the playground with your kids or stopped at a red light on your way to work, to look around and see all the beauty that nature has to offer.
   
   Being a working mom is no cakewalk. But with careful planning and a positive attitude, you can find balance between work and family.

Information found here

Sigma Sizzles: Fish Tacos


1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
1/2 cup nonfat mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 package Taco Seasoning Mix -- (1.25 ounce) divided
1 pound cod or other white fish fillets -- cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 package Taco Shells -- (12) warmed
***Toppings***
shredded cabbage
chopped tomato
lime juice

Taco Sauce

Directions:

COMBINE sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro and 2 tablespoons seasoning mix in small bowl.

COMBINE cod, vegetable oil, lemon juice and remaining seasoning mix in medium bowl; pour into large skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with fork. FILL taco shells with fish mixture. Top with cabbage, tomato and sour cream mixture, lime juice and taco sauce.

Chapter News: Upcoming Events

DOS will be busy in the next few weeks, we would love to see you at some of our upcoming events.

• May 16, 2009 Volunteering at the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure
• May 29, 2009 Stepping With the Sigmas Line Dancing Class

If you need additional information about these events or others, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com

Are you interested in serving your community? Working with others that have common interest as you? Then Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. might be for you. For more information about our chapter and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. in general contact us at dos1922@yahoo.com.

Special Edition: A Mother's Day Tribute

I have often wondered why a mother who stays at home and takes care of her children is called a “stay at home mom”? Could it be because society has taken for granted that a mom must be a mom plus something else? A doctor is not a doctor and a lawyer or vice versa, so why is it assumed that a mother must work out side of the home? Think about it, a mom takes care of her children. That IS her main responsibility. So, why wouldn’t the mother who works be called a “work outside of the home mom”? That should be the abnormality. However, the other phrase implies that a mother shouldn’t stay at home.

Well, I never thought that I would be the type to stay at home. Even with 5 children, it never crossed my mind. I dare to say because I worked out of the home so much, anything else seemed abnormal. Now, that I have been home and able to experience my children in those spontaneous and humorous moments, that were usually discarded as “playing too much” or “annoying”, I value staying at home. I see it as my first job, anything else is abnormal. I feel that society has got it all wrong with the “stay at home mom” tag. Just call me a mother and oh by the way…..I LOVE my job!

--Submitted by Soror Adrianne Edwards-Keaton

Sigmannouncements

• Happy birthday all sorors who celebrate a birthday in the month of May.
• Happy anniversary to all sorors who celebrate a Sigma anniversary in the month of May.
• Congratulations to Soror Avra Tucker on passing the lawyer bar. EE-Yip!!!
• For more information about upcoming events, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com or check the side of the blog.
  

Poodle Post: March 2009

Welcome to another edition of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Delta Omicron Sigma newsletter

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Sigma Style: How to Prepare for Daylight Savings Time

Twice a year we are subject to the a change of time. The change of time is a signal of the changing season. For many this transition is smooth, for others if can be hard. Here are some tips that might be able to assist you in "springing ahead".

• Prepare for Sunday night on Saturday afternoon! The first night is when it really hits because the natural darkness will make our bodies think it is later than the clock says. Plan for a simple dinner. Have some appetizers ready because everyone is going to be hungry an hour before dinner
• Stay up late on Saturday night - adults an hour, children probably a half an hour is enough. Why? It will help tire you out more so it will be a little easier to stay in bed a little longer

• Make sure you change all your clocks! There is nothing worse than planning your morning based on what your watch says only to find later that your cell phone time is an hour different or showing up for a meeting an hour early! Most computers and cell phones will adjust automatically but electric or battery powered clocks will need to be manually changed.

• Go out for breakfast on Sunday morning! You will be so used to getting up an hour earlier why not make use of the 'extra' time?

Iinformation found here

Sigma Sizzles: Glazed Corn Beef

Find our inter Irishman this St. Patrick's Day with this dish.

Ingredients:
4/12 pound of corn beef
1 cup of water
1 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Place corn beef and water in a spray coated pan. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours. Drain liquid. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, apricot preserves and soy sauce. Spread over corn beef and cook uncovered for an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until the meat is tender. Serve and enjoy.

National News: 2009 National Officers Training

Save the date...the 2009 National Officers Training is scheduled to take place on July 17-19, 2009 in Queens, New York. For more information, please click here.

Chapter News: EAG is Coming

Evening of the Arts, the chapters annual event that raises money for scholarships for students interested in the arts, will take place April 18, 2009 at the Event Place from 7:00 pm-11:00 pm. The program is a sight and sound for all of the senses. Tickets are $25.00. For more information about this event please contact us at dos1922@yahoo.com.





Are you interested in serving your community? Do you want to collaborate with others? Are you interested in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority? Contact us at dos1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmaannouncements

• Happy Birthday to all of the sorors who celebrate a birthday this month.
• Happy anniversary to all soror who have a Sigma birthday this month.
• Check the side of blog for upcoming events.