The Poodle Post: February 2010

Welcome to the February Edition of the Delta Omicron Sigma Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. The Poodle Post

Sigma Style: How to Have Valentine's Day on a Budget and Black History Month in Columbus

In today's economy, we all have to find different ways to celebrate the holidays. Below are some ideas on how you can have a Happy Valentine's Day on a budget...

• Make a card.
• Create a photo collage.
• Make a cd of your favorite slow jams.
• Make a homemade dessert.
• Cook a special meal.
• Rent your or your significant others favorite movie.
• Run a bubble bath for yourself or your mate.
  
• Do a chore that someone else does in the house.
  
• Write a love note to yourself or significant other.
• Spend time with yourself or a significant other.
  

Hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day.

Black History Month in Columbus

From churches to schools to organizations, Columbus, Ohio is full of Black History Month events. Notable among the celebrations are presentations by the Kings Arts Complex, the Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio Statehouse.

The King Arts Complex, known as the Soul of the City, hosts a series of events during February including the world-renown Fisk Jubilee Singers who appear at the McCoy Center for the Arts in New Albany, Ohio on February 6, 7:30 pm and DanceAfrica, a collection of dance, art and music on February 20, 7:00 pm at the King Arts Complex. For more information about the King Arts Complex visit www.kingartscomplex.com

The Ohio Historical Center showcases the exhibit Soul! This exhibit is on loan from the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio and is on display until February 28, 2010. The exhibit, which features 200 years of African American History and Culture, can be seen during regular Historical Center hours.

Also, the Ohio Historical Center presents the Echoes in Time Theatre's production of Bound for the Promised Land! A Journey to Freedom. The story of John P. Parker's rise from slave to business leader is the central focus of this story of an Ohio abolitionist who offered his home as refuge for many runaways. Performances are February 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 1 and 3 pm. Admission is free with purchase of museum tickets. The Ohio Historical Center is located at 1982 Velma Avenue. For more information, visit www.ohiohistory.org or call 1-800-686-1541.

The Ohio Statehouse presents several different events in celebration of Black History Month. Learn more about the life and times of George Washington Williams, Ohio's first African American Legislator. Williams was a noted pastor, author, soldier and politician and is honored with the George Washington Williams Memorial. Visitors are invited to see late 1800's style and engage in history with a look into this focal point of the Ohio Statehouse.

The Ohio Statehouse features musical performances in celebration of Black History Month. Performances can be heard every Wednesday from noon to 1 pm and features the performing arts programs of four Columbus City Schools. Additional performances include collaboration with the We've Known Rivers theatre troupe. Re-enacting the lives of important figures like John P. Parker and Rosa Parks, these 45-minute presentations combine history and drama. Performances are Thursdays at noon.

Admission to all Statehouse events is free and open to the public. For more information visit:

http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/index.cfm?play_video=f

History, music, art, dance, drama and celebration fuse in a variety of events aimed to entertain as well as educate about the rich cultural contributions of African Americans.
---Article by Eric McKeever

Article found here

Poodle of the Month: Kelly Davidson

Soror Davidson is life member 541. She is currently single. She has a Bachelors of Arts in English from Ohio University and a Masters of Education focusing on Higher Education Administration and College Student Personnel from Kent State University. Soror Davidson current works in the School of Education at Ohio University.

Soror Davidson was inducted on 2/22/89 into Eta Psi Chapter at Ohio University with two ladies, Sorors Lisa Lindsey and Angelique Clincksdale.

Soror Davidson states," I chose Sigma Gamma Rho because they didn't expect me to fit a certain "stereotypical mold" to be accepted. I have been able to make a positive impact on the sorority (and society) with my unique gifts and talents instead of merely being content with being a member of Sigma Gamma Rho."

Soror Davidson has held several different positions with in the sorority. Her held are as follows:

• Chapter Basileus ( Eta Psi and Eta Delta Sigma)
• Anti-Basileus (Eta Psi, Eta Delta Sigma and Theta Delta Sigma)
• 2nd Anti-Basileus (Delta Omicron Sigma)
• Regional Recommendations Chair
• Regional Elections Chair
• Regional Nominations Chair
• TORCH Trainer
• Regional Membership Chair

Soror Davidson states that, " All of Sigma Gamma Rho's programs are important to me because they positively impact society. It's all about "Greater Service, Greater Progress".
Outside her involvement in Sigma Gamma Rho, Kelly likes to shop, read, attend cultural events, listen to jazz and gospel music, participate in a church and community services activities and the character Tweety Bird.

Kelly states that, "I take my relationship with God and my membership in Sigma Gamma Rho very seriously hence the email moniker, "Serious Sigma".

Sigma Sizzles: Sweetheart Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 egg whites
• 8 drops red food coloring

Directions

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a standard muffin tin wit h paper cupcake liners.
2. Beat the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites together until smooth. Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full with white batter; set aside.
3. Stir 4 drops of red food coloring into the remaining bowl of batter to make the batter pink. Pour 1/3 of pink batter into a resealable plastic bag and set aside.
4. Mix more food coloring into the remaining bowl o f pink batter until it is an orange/red color and pour the batter into a resealable plastic bag. Cut a corner off the bag, st ick the open tip into the center of each cup of white batter and squeeze in about two tablespoons of red batter.
5. Cut the corner off the bag with the pink batter, stick the open tip into the center of the red batter and squeeze about 1 tablespoon pink batter into each cup.
6. Bake the layered cupcakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Recipe found here

Chapter News: DOS Goes High-Tech and Kicks Off EAG
Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter continue s to strive to be the best in serving our community, our sisters and the world abroad. In this effort we are making sure that people can easily contact us, know what we are doing or request our assistance first-hand. Our chapter website www.sgrho-1922.org has been a useful vehicle in getting needed information out regarding the activities and events of our chapter. The website was recently updated with pictures, information on new members and now highlights Delta Omicron Sigma’s community involvement! Please visit our website to view more information and a video featuring our annual project, The Evening of The Arts Gala, which will be held on April 24, 2010!
- Submitted by Soror Adrianne Edwards-Keaton


Delta Omicron Sigma is now on Facebook. Check us out at Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Delta Omicron Sigma THE Columbus Graduate Chapter.

Become a follower of this blog. Click on the right side of the page where it says, Follower. Once you become a follower you will automaticly recieve updates when the post are posted. Join on in.

Our annual Evening of the Arts will take place in April of this year. To peak your interest, the chapter will be having Jazz and Eggs with The Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter. This event will take place on March 20, 2010 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. At the Holiday Inn at the airport (750 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43219).

The music will be provided by W. Otis Cockron Jr. with
special guest MC Mike J., who is a DJ from 103.5 Smooth Jazz.
Tickets are $15.00, you can contact any chapter soror for tickets. Come for good food,

lively music, great art and fellowship. Hope to see you there.

Central Region News: We Are Heading Home

Central Region will be celebrating 70 years in Indianapolis, Indiana at this years Regionals. The celebration will take place from March 11-14, 2010. For more information on this years Regionals, click here.



DOS Rhoers: Rolling Ahead

The DOS Rhoers will be having a skating event on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 5-8pm. The event will take place at United Skates East, which is located on Refugee Rd. The fee for the event is $6.50. Please tell interested young ladies about the event. For more information, click here.

Are you interested in serving your community? Are you interested in reactivating your membership? Are you interested in working with others? Do you want more information about Sigma Gamma Rho

Sorority? Contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmaannouncements

• Happy Sigma Anniversay to all sorors who celeb rate this month.
• Happy Birthday to all Sorors who are celebrating this month.
• Regional registration needs to be postmarked no later than Feburary 13, 2010. For more registration information, click here.

If you have any comments, concerns or suggestions, please feel free to reply to the post by clicking and the bottom of this post "sigma saying" or emailing us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

images found here, here, here and here

The Poodle Post: January 2010

(image found here)

Happy New Year and
Welcome to January Edition of
The Poodle Post

Sigma Style: How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions

How many of you have made at least one New Year’s resolution?

As the year comes to an end, we talk about making life changes – the new year begins and people ‘resolve’ to be new. How have you resolved to be new in this New Year, this new decade?

I remind people every single day presents an opportunity for you to make resolutions. Every morning you are presented with the chance to improve your life somehow. You don’t have to wait for a new year to start being new.

So you’ve made resolutions in the past; why haven’t you been able to keep them? Here are some common resolution pitfalls and possible solutions.

1. Your resolution is too vague. ‘I’m going to eat healthier’, or ‘I’m going to lose weight’, or ‘I’m going to be a better spouse’. These vague goals prevent you from knowing when you are successful. They keep you working, and make you vulnerable to failure. You’re never sure when you’re done.
Make your resolution as specific as possible – instead of ‘I’m going to eat healthier’, you could say something like, ‘I’m going to eat vegetables at every meal I cook’. There’s no doubt that you’ll know when you reach that goal. ‘I’m going to lose 5 pounds a month’ is another example of a specific goal; again, you know exactly when you reach that goal.

2. Your resolution is dependent on things you can’t control. ‘I’m going to get along better with my parents’ or ‘I’m going to make my children study harder’.
When you involve other people in your resolutions, there’s no guarantee that you’ll reach that goal. You can’t make other people do anything. Keep your resolutions to things you can do something about.

3. Your resolution is too big. ‘I’m going to lose 100 pounds a month’. I know that one’s obvious, but take a look at your resolution. Is it something you can do, with work or is it beyond your capabilities? There is no way I could be a rocket scientist. That’s not where my talents lie, so I’m not going to make such a resolution.

Be sure you can actually achieve your goal. If you set yourself up to fail by setting your goal out of reach, you may disappoint yourself so much that you do the opposite of your resolution. In this case you may gain 100 pounds instead of losing the weight.

Another point – set objectives that move you toward your ultimate goal. For instance, if you want to lose 100 pounds by the end of the year, you can set a goal to lose 9 pounds each month. Objectives keep you aware of your progress, giving you the opportunity to make adjustments as needed and reach your goal.

Make your resolution positive. ‘I am going to tell people that I’m angry’, rather than ‘I’m not going to yell anymore’. We gravitate toward the positives and avoid the negatives in our lives.

Remember – no one is perfect. That includes you. If you stumble, everybody stumbles. If you repeatedly stumble, take a look at your resolution, altering it so you’ll be able to meet your goal.

If you have any questions or comments, make them here, or you can follow me on Twitter (I’m CintiTxGuy), you can send me a message on Facebook, or you can email me at dennis@cincinnatitherapyguy.com

(article found here)

Sigma Sizzles: Allison's Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat







• 2 cups water







• 1 small onion, chopped







• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes







• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables







• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed







• 10 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled







• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper







• 1 tablespoon salt







• 1 tablespoon dried basil

Directions

1. Place beef in a slow cooker. Pour in water. Stir in onion, tomatoes, mixed vegetables and potatoes. Season with bouillon, pepper, salt and basil. Cook on low 8 hours.

(recipe found here)

Central Region News: Candidates Running for Central Region Office

Check out the Central Region website to see some of the candidates who are running for Regional office. Click here to get there.

The Poodle of the Month: Soror Tori Darden

(Tori is in the middle of the Sorors in the picture)

Family: AL (husband), Jordan (daughter), and AJ Bryson (son)
Education: MBA Ohio Dominican University
Employment: Hyatt Regency Columbus
When and where were you inducted? How many ladies were inducted with you? April 4, 2001, Ohio State University, 6 ladies were inducted with me.
Why did you choose Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.? I chose Sigma because not only did I like what they were saying, but more importantly I liked what I saw them doing. Two of the national programs were very personal to me.
What positions have you held? NPHC Rep
What programs or initiatives are important to you within the sorority? Project Big Book bag, Project Reassurance, Membership Satisfaction.
What do you want people to know about you? That I am a hard worker, and I am committed to helping Sigma grow.

Sigma Safety Corner: Winter Car Safety

Winter is definitely upon us. Not only do you need to think about your physical health, you need to look at car safety as well. Here are a few tips that may help you preparing you car for winter:

• Make sure that you have extra hat, blankets and gloves in the car.




• Keep a first aid kit in the car.




• Have some non-perishable food items in the car, such as hard-candy, granola bars etc.




• Matches or a lighter.




• Candles and flares.




• Shovel




• A tool kit




• Jumper cables




• Depending on what part of Ohio that you live in you might want tire chains.

Other car safety tips are to make sure that all car maintenance is done, such as oil change, tune ups and new tires. When you have to be on the road during the winter, following some of these tips will make you wintry travels alot safer.

(some tips from here) (image found here)

Are you interested in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc? Do you have an interest in serving your community? Would you like to obtain more information? Please click here and some one will be in contact with you soon. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Sigmannouncements

• Happy Birthday to all Sorors who celebrate a birthday this month.


• Happy Sigmanniversary to all Sorors who celebrate this month.
• Congratulations to Soror Ciara (Brown) Okon on her recent marriage.

Coming Soon........

EAG 2010

Coming to you in April 2010

If you have any questions or comments about The Poodle Post, contact us here.

The Poodle Post: December 2009

Happy Holidays and Welcome to the December Edition of The Poodle Post

Sigma Style: Have a Very Green Christmas

This year, Americans will send nearly 2 billion holiday cards, use more than 38,000 miles of ribbon and leave millions of Christmas trees on the curb. Does that mean you should feel guilty for having a great time? Nah. Neither does it mean forgoing any of the elements that make the holiday season special. "You don't have to sacrifice the celebration for sustainability," says Zem Joaquin, founder of ecofabulous.com and eco-editor of House & Garden. Her advice: be "eco-wise." Here are a few secrets for an environmentally friendly—but still festive— holiday season.

Lights. Buy strings of LED lights, which look the same as conventional incandescent bulbs but last longer and use 80 to 90 percent less energy. LED lights, like the 300-light garland for $8.99 at homedepot.com, are also safer since they barely warm up. And invest in timers that automatically shut off your lights and cost as little as $9.99.

Shopping. Instead of coming home with 15 shopping bags, bring your own to the store. Afraid of being stopped for shoplifting? Danny Seo, author of "Simply Green Giving," fastens receipts to the outside of his bag with a paperclip showing that he paid for his purchases.

Wrapping. Instead of buying your paper, get creative with what you have around the house. Wrap presents in posters, decorated grocery-store bags or pages from glossy fashion magazines. Or put a small present in a beautiful scarf and "make the wrapping part of the gift," says Jennifer Hattam, lifestyle editor for Sierra magazine. If you love traditional wrapping paper, buy the recycled versions from sites like fishlipspaperdesigns.com and paporganics .com ($4.99 for two 24- by 36-inch sheets). The latter site also sells biodegradable ribbon made from cotton and soy-based inks.

Trees. "Always go real," says Seo. "A fake tree is petroleum based. It's not biodegradable." One answer is to buy or rent a live tree (see livingchristmastrees.org for more information). Or get a cut tree and, after the holidays, take it to the county recycling facility, where it can be turned into mulch.

Cards. This year consider going paper-free. Direct friends to your family blog or create a free multiphoto card or an online slideshow on photobucket.com. You can add holiday music, snowflakes and bits of text, and then e-mail friends and family a link.

Parties. Use metal flatware and real glasses and dishes —especially if you own an Energy Star-certified dishwasher, says Jenny Powers of the Natural Resources Defense Council. If you're using disposable plates, pick recyclable paper, not plastic or Styrofoam. Use cloth tablecloths instead of throwaways. Then wash them in cold water to save energy. See all-laundry .com/environment.asp for more tips. And if you need a new party outfit, check out treehugger.com for suggestions on how to "green" your wardrobe. Then kick back and toast the holidays with a glass of (organic) champagne.

information found here picture found here

Sigma Sizzles: Neiman Marus Cookies

An urban myth is a modern folk tale, its origins unknown, here is the story and lets see if you believe.

My daughter and I had just finished a salad at Neiman-Marcus Cafe in Dallas & decided to have a small dessert. Because both of us are such cookie lovers, we decided to try the "Neiman-Marcus Cookie". It was so excellent that I asked if they would give me the recipe and the waitress said with a small frown "I'm afraid not." Well" I said, "would you let me buy the recipe?"

With a cute smile, she said YES". I asked how much and she responded, "Only two fifty, it's a great deal!" I said with approval, "just add it to my tab".. Thirty days later, I received my VISA statement from Neiman-Marcus and it was $285.00. I looked again and remembered I had only spent $9.95 for two salads and about $20.00 for a scarf. As I glanced at the bottom of the statement, it said, "Cookie Recipe - $250.00". That's outrageous!!!

I called Neiman's Accounting Dept. and told them that the waitress said it was "two-fifty," which clearly does not mean "two hundred and fifty dollars" by any POSSIBLE interpretation of the phrase. Neiman-Marcus refused to budge.. They would not refund my money, because according to them, "What the waitress told you is not our problem. You have already seen the recipe - we absolutely will not refund your money at this point." I explained to her the criminal statutes which govern fraud in Texas. I threatened to refer them to the Better Business Bureau and the State's Attorney General for engaging in fraud. I was basically told, "Do what you want, we don't give a damn, and we're not refunding your money." I waited a moment, thinking of how I could get even,or even try to get any of my money back. I just said, "Okay, you folks got my $250.00, and now I'm going to have $250.00 worth of fun."

I told her that I was going to see to it that every cookie lover in the United States with an e-mail account has a $250.00 cookie recipe from Neiman-Marcus... for free..She replied, "I wish you wouldn't do this" I said, "Well you should have thought of that before you ripped me off", and slammed down the phone on her.. So, here it is!!! Please, please, please pass it on to everyone you can possibly think of. I paid $250.00 dollars for this... I don't want Neiman-Marcus to ever get another penny off of this recipe....

This is an urban legend. Neiman Marcus does not know where the story came from , but the all I know is that this is great holiday cookie.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1 cup light brown sugar 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Directions 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds) 2. Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds. 3. In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips. 4. Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie. Yield: 2 dozen cookies

recipe found here

Chapter News: DOS is Viewing, Bonding and Tripping

Over the past month, DOS has had several events. The first event took place on November 15, 2009 , when the chapter celebrated 87 years of sisterhood. The fabulous event was filled with Sorors, young and young at heart, Rhoers and invited guest. Soror Vikki Sorrells, of the Alpha Lambda Sigma Cleveland graduate chapter, gave a beautiful speech. During the program undergraduate sorors and Rhoers were recognized for their achievements. The evening was full of bonding, good food and fun.

On November 21, 2009, the chapter held a special viewing of the movie "Precious" at the Drexel Theatre. The movie brought out sorors, rhoers, friends and family. The theatre was full for the event. After the movie viewing, there was a panel discussion, where local professionals answered audience questions about the movie and issues that came up in the movie and how we can deal with them in our community.

DOS hit the road with family in friends, for some shopping and gambling in Michigan on December 5. Half of the bus went to shop at a local outlet mall and others went to Greektown for some gambling fun. Some got lucky with the deals found at the mall and others hit the jackpot at the casino. Fun was had by all. We can not wait until next spring when we can do all all again. Hope to see then.




Poodle of the Month: Soror Deniesha Newby

Soror Deniesha Newby is the mother one son, Anthony. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelors degree in family resource management. She currently works for The Ohio State University in the department of student financial aid department of the College of Medicine. Deniesha became apart of this great sorority by being inducted with 8 other women through the Delta Phi chapter, at The Ohio State University. Through her years of being active in the sorority she has held positions of treasurer, anti-basileus, parliamentarian and Sergent at arms.

When asked why she chose to join Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, she states that she had no prior knowledge of greek life prior to arriving at The Ohio State University. She states that the sisters on the campus (OSU) were so genuine and kind. They also had many programs on campus and most of all ..they graduated.

Even though that sorority has many programs, the ones that Deniesha chooses to focus on are Founder's Day, Wee Savers and many other community programs.

The thing that Deniesha would like people to know about her are that she is shy and sensitive. She also states that someone recently stated that she was a task master...but she is unsure if she likes that.

In the photo Deniesha is seated in the middle.

Are you interested in serving your community? Working with others to share a common bond? The look at share your time and talent with the sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. If looking for more information, contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmannouncements

• Happy birthday to all sorors celebrating in the month of December.
• Happy Sigma anniversary to all sorors who celebrated in December.
• Look for the upcoming financial seminar in January.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

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.