The Poodle Post: April 2010

Welcome to the April Edition of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Columbus Alumni Chapter The Poodle Post

Sigma Style: Autism Awareness Month

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In December 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued their ADDM autism prevalence report. The report concluded that the prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. The issuance of this report caused a media uproar, but the news was not a surprise to the Autism Society or to the 1.5 million Americans living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, the spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these families facing a lifetime of supports for their children.

Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism (this figure includes research, insurance costs and non-covered expenses, Medicaid waivers for autism, educational spending, housing, transportation, employment, in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

According to the Autism Society there are several things that you can do to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. Here is a list:

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

Want to get involved with the autism community this April? Show your support this month by joining the Autism Society in wearing the ribbon, bouncing for autism, texting, and more!

Put on the Puzzle! The Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon is the most recognized symbol of the autism community in the world. Autism prevalence is now one in every 110 children in America - that’s 13 million families and growing who live with autism today. Show your support for people with autism by wearing the Autism Awareness Puzzle Ribbon this month – as a pin on your shirt, a magnet on your car, a badge on your blog, or even your Facebook profile picture - and educate folks on the potential of people with autism! For suggestions and resources, visit www.autism-society.org/ribbon.

Spread the word. Helping the autism community can be as easy as updating your Facebook or Twitter status! On April 1, the Autism Society is asking supporters to change their status on Facebook and/or Twitter to “Autism affects 1 in 110. Text “AUTISM” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Autism Society. Help spread the word: http://bit.ly/bUAVRf.” For the first time ever, supporters can now simply text “AUTISM” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Autism Society. 100% of your donations will go to support the Autism Society’s mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism.

Make a difference. There are several important bills moving through Congress that will have important effects on the autism community – safer educational settings (Keeping All Students Safe Act), better autism services (Autism Treatment Acceleration Act), greater financial independence (Achieving a Better Life Experience Act), better protection against toxic chemicals (Toxic Substances Control Act Reform, introduction anticipated soon), and more. For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit www.vote4autism.org.

Connect with your neighborhood. The Autism Society and inflatable playground franchise Pump It Up are bouncing again with “Bounce for Autism” – over 100 community-based fundraising events that combine family fun with raising awareness and support for autism in locations nationwide that welcome children on the autism spectrum. Many Autism Society local chapters also put on events in the community through the month of April. But if you can’t find an event that suits you just right, create your own! 1Power4Autism is an online tool that makes it easy to mobilize friends and family and help make a difference.

• Bounce for Autism: www.bounceforautism.org
• Autism Society chapters: www.autism-society.org/chapters
• 1Power4Autism: www.1power4autism.org

Watch a movie. Did you know that something that seems as simple as going to the movies is not an option for many families affected by autism? The Autism Society is working with AMC entertainment to bring special-needs families “Sensory Friendly Films” every month. Our special showing of How to Train Your Dragon is coming to a theatre near you on April 10. Or, you could see a movie about autism itself - the Autism Society is partnering with the Independent Television Service (ITVS) to support 70 community screenings of the new movie The Horse Boy, based on the memoir of the same name. In the film, Rupert Isaacson shares the inspiring story of how he and his wife learned to think of their son’s autism as an adventure rather than a curse, a beginning rather than an end. Find participating locations for both events at:

• Sensory Friendly Films: www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms
• The Horse Boy: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/horse-boy/

resource found here

Sigma Sizzles: Cool Fizzies

1 cup cranberry juice
1 can of lemon-lime soda
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup orange juice
8 ice cubes

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher together. Pour over ice cubes in a tall glass and enjoy.

recipe found here

Central Region News: New Officers Elected and Advisor of the Year Named

At this years Regional Conference in Indianapolis, IN, elections took place. The new regional officers are as follows:

• Soror Pamela Lee-- Syntaktes
• Soror Cinnamon Pelly-- Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator
• Soror Davonia Stuart-- Youth Services Coordinator
• Soror Fenobia Dallas --Grammateus
• Soror Jacqueline Washington Winston--Anti-Grammateus
• Soror Vanessa Tyson-Calvert--Tamiochus
• Soror Frankie Brown--Epistoleus
• Soror Elwanda Hayes--Nominating Chair
• Soror Daisy Copeland--Elections Chair

We would like to congratulate Soror Adrianne Edwards Keaton on her Advisor of the Year award that she recieved at the Central Region Conference. EE-Yip Soror. Keep up the good work.

Chapter News: EAG is Coming!!!
Get your Afros, bell bottoms and platforms and come to the Disco Rhoyal the Annual Evening of the Arts event. This years event will be held at Berwick Manor on April 24, 2010. Tickets are $25.00 and are available from any Soror. If you have any questions or need tickets, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.


You like serving your community? You like working with people who are like minded? Then look to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Columbus Alumni Chapter. For more information about the chapter or Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.


SIGMANNOUNCMENTS

• Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all Sorors who celebrate a birthday or a Sigmanniversary this month.
• The chapter will be volunteering at The Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure this year which will be held on May 15, 2010 in downtown Columbus. If interested in volunteering with us contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.
• Chapter dues are due in July. If interested in pay them or making payment arrangements, contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com and the Grammateus and/or Tamiochus will be in contact with you.
• Remember check us out on Facebook.
  

The Poodle Post: March 2010

Welcome to the March Edition
of the
Delta Omicron Sigma Columbus Alumni Chapter
Poodle Post

image found here

Greetings Sorors and Sigma Friends!

Spring is upon us and it’s time to welcome in a new season with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated- Delta Omicron Sigma Alumnae Chapter!

We have Jazz and Eggs coming up on March 20^th at the Holiday Inn Airport beginning at 9AM. This event will be the kick off to our SIGMAture event The Evening of the Arts Gala on Saturday, April 24^th at Berwick Manor. This years’ theme, A DISCO RHOYAL promises to be a night you will not soon forget! We are going back in time so come dressed in your coldest threads because it’s gonna be a stone gas baby!

Continue to check in with the Poodle Post for all that is happening with Delta Omicron Sigma--- THE Columbus graduate chapter of SGRho!

Be Blessed,

Tracy N. Anderson

Basileus

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated- Delta Omicron Sigma Chapter

Sigma Style: Celebrating Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month. Not many people know about this ...but there are several ways that you can share with this celebration with your friends, family and your fellow sisters. Here are a few ideas.....

• Have a dinner for all of the special women in your life.
• Donate a book written by a woman author to your local library.
• Call a friend or relative and let them know how special they are you.
• Join a local organization that focuses on young women.
• Mentor a young woman.
  
• Tell stories about the women in your family to your children.

For more information, click here to see how Columbus is celebrating Women's History Month. Make Women's History month not just about other women, but celebrating the woman in you.

image found here

Sigma Sizzles : Easy Irish Soda Bread

If you are feeling a little Irish this upcoming St. Patrick's Day, you can make this easy bread to go with your corn beef and cabbage.




Ingredients
4 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
4 Tbl of sugar
1 Tbl of baking powder
1 Tsp of baking soda
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup buttermilk

Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda,salt and margarine or butter. Stir in 1 cup of buttermilk and egg. Turn dough out and begin to kneed. Make dough in a round circle and place on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with a 1/4 cup of buttermilk.Brush loaf with the mixture. Cut an "X" into the top of the loaf.

Bake loaf for 30-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Can continue to brush the mixture on the loaf as it bakes. Let cool for 20 mintues and enjoy.

recipe found here

Chapter News: Jazz and Eggs

Come join us as we kick-off our Evening of the Arts, with Jazz and Eggs with the Ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Columbus Alumni Graduate Chapter. The event will take place on March 20, 2010 at the Holiday Inn at the Airport from 9-12pm. Tickets for the event are $15.00. Come and listen to some smooth jazz, see a preview of the fabulous art that will be shown at this years Evening of the Arts and have some yummy eats. If you would like more information, please contact us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.





Central Region News: Indianapolis Here We Come....

Final preparations are being made for the 70th Annual Central Region Conference that will take place March 11-14, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. For final preparations and additional information, click here. Hope to see you there!!!!

Click here for a packing travel checklist to make your trip go easier.

Are you interested in working with like-minded women? Do you enjoy serving your community? Would you like more information about Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Columbus Alumni Graduate Chapter? Contact

us at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

Sigmaanouncements

• Happy birthday to all sorors that celebrate a birthday this month.
• Happy Sigma anniversary to all sorors who celebrate this month.

If you have any questions or comments...click below where it says Sigma Sayings or at DOS1922@yahoo.com.

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!