Looking for a house?

Casa de Krumdieck is on the market. Check out our album for more info. Feel free to forward this on the anyone you might know who is looking for a house in West Knoxville. Call me with any questions ...865-386-3320

3 Bedroom / 2.5 Baths / Bonus Room ~ 2,300 SF
Master on Main w/ Shower and Jacuzzi
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors on Main Level
Ceramic Tile in Baths, Kitchen, Laundry, and Entry
Cathedral Ceiling Opens to Second Floor 9’ Ceilings Throughout
Architectural Columns, Built-in Bookcases
Stainless Steel Appliances / Nickel Hardware Economical 4 Zone Heating / Air System2’ Plantation Blinds Throughout
Kohler Bath and Kitchen Fixtures
Professionally Landscaped
Wired Security System

844 Tanner Lane • Knoxville, TN 37919
$255,500For Sale By Owner/Agent Call for Appointment http://www.facebook.com/l/;865.386.3320

Becca has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link:http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=679915151&k=Z5LXY2W44XYGUCD1QB64WTUVRVJB

Amy Mills accepting orders for the new Hartcakes Line

Hey Everyone...I have started on my Christmas pillowcases for the Hartcakes line...A lot of you have asked for them and they are going fast, so if you want one, send me a check and I will send one out to you!

Here are some prices for you!

Burp cloths~ $20 let me know if for boy or girl

Initial pillowcases~ $18 (great for birthday gifts or party favors)

Christmas pillowcases~ $20 (Great for all the kiddos in your life from Santa as stocking stuffers, or give them the first of December so they can dream of the big day)

Quilts~ $135....email me if you need pictures!

**If you need anything mailed add $5. Visit http://hartcakes.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=hartcakes today! Thanks! Amy Mills 901-355-1092

Alpha Omicron Pi Announces Fraternity Leaders at International Convention

With a new biennium underway, the sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi are proud to announce the 2009-2011 Executive Board. The newly-elected leaders were selected during the events surrounding AOII’s 50th International Convention in Tampa, Florida held June 24th through June 28, 2009.

The Fraternity will be led during the biennium by the following Executive Board members:

International President: Barbara Zipperian, Kappa Kappa (Ball State U)

Vice President of Finance: Krista Malmquist Whipple, Omega (Miami U)

Vice President: Allison Allgier, Epsilon Omega (Eastern Kentucky U)

Vice President: Gayle Fitzpatrick, Alpha Rho (Oregon State U)

Vice President: Karen Galehan, Phi Lambda (Youngstown State U)

Vice President: Linda Schwartz Grandolfo, Nu Iota (Northern Illinois U)

Vice President: Rebecca Admire Herman, Chi Lambda (U of Evansville)

Vice President: Kathy Jensen, Theta Omega Chapter (Northern Arizona U)

Past International President (ex-officio member): Susan Danko, Phi Upsilon Chapter (Purdue U)

This visionary leadership team will hold its first official board meeting this fall in Brentwood, Tennessee at the International Headquarters of Alpha Omicron Pi to collaboratively develop a plan for meeting future strategic goals for the organization.

“With years of professional and volunteer expertise, our Executive Board for the 2009-2011 biennium will utilize their individual talents to collectively “exceed the expectation” of our organization,” said Troy LeForge, Executive Director of Alpha Omicron Pi. “These talented women are a shining example of the diverse attributes and skills of our entire membership, and we are eager to share in their accomplishments over the next biennium.”

Alpha Omicron Pi was founded in 1897 at Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. AOII has over 141,000 initiated members in 187 collegiate chapters and over 140 alumnae chapters across the United States and Canada. Alpha Omicron Pi is an international women’s fraternity promoting friendship for a lifetime, inspiring academic excellence and lifelong learning, and developing leadership skills through service to the Fraternity and community.

State of the Fraternity

Many of you have requested a copy of the State of the Fraternity video that was shown during the business session at International Convention. AOII Headquarters has uploaded a copy of the video to the website for members’ viewing.

Click on the following link to access the video: http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=11422&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm

Good Luck and Best Wishes Seniors!

The annual AOII Alumnae & Senior dinner was really great! It was definitely hot, but lots of fun. After a delicious homemade southern style dinner from Take Out Thyme, the seniors gathered on Tyra's deck for a group photo. Thanks to everyone who helped make the special time together possible!

The Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi wishes you great success and a lifetime of love and laughter. Please remember the "First Year's On Us" incentive to join an AOII Chapter wherever you may move - AOII International will pay your dues the first year you join an alumnae chapter!

Please keep in touch. We will miss each of you dearly!

Save the Date! Alumnae & Senior Dinner

Alumnae & Senior Dinner

Sunday, April 26, 2009

5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

8111 Legacy Lane

Knoxville, TN 37919

Catering provided by Take Out Thyme (There is no charge to attend!)

Kindly RSVP to Tyra at (865) 384-2609 or tyrahaag@hotmail.com by Tuesday, April 21.

Share the Adventure of Alpha Omicron Pi's International Convention Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina

June 24 - 28, 2009.

Experience beautiful weather, luxurious accommodations, and a week full of fun with over 600 AOIIs! You can join the adventure by registering today. The week won't be the same without you- and you won't be the same after attending the biggest event of the biennium!

*Beautiful Convention Rituals
*Rose Banquet
*Candle Lighting Service
*Red and White Day
*Educational Tracks
*AOII Awards
*Business Sessions
*Past International Presidents' Skit
*Plus free time in Tampa!

And..don't miss exciting AOII speakers:

Parvati Shallow, winner of Survivor Micronesia: Fans versus Favorites, sponsored by the AOII Foundation

Missy Jenkins, author of I Choose to Be Happy

REMINDER: Executive Board, Past International Presidents, Standing Committee Chairmen, NPC Delegate, Parliamentarian, Network Directors, Network Specialists, Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Colony Presidents and Colony Advisers need to book airline tickets by May 1, 2009 in order to have their entire travel expenses covered by the Fraternity. Upon receipt of your expense voucher and attached itinerary, a reimbursement check will be issued not to exceed $300. Please see the International Volunteers Travel Guidelines and Chapter Presidents Travel Guidelines for more information about booking your flight.

You can reach Wright Travel at (615) 463-0789 or you can email Mendy Feirn at mfeirn@wrighttravel.net. If you book through Wright Travel, the charges will be billed to AOII. If you book elsewhere, you will need to complete an expense voucher for reimbursement.

AOII 2009 International Convention . . . Share the Adventure!

For more information about Convention, you can visit http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/ and select “Events” or email Abby Mason, Event Manager, at amason@alphaomicronpi.org.

Name the AOII Nail Polish Contest

AOII and Be! Products have partnered to create two nail polish collections exclusively for AOII. The best part is our members get to name the colors! See color options at http://www.alphaomicronpi.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=11157&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm.

Cute and clever is the name of the game. Submit your best AOII-inspired polish name to aoiionline@alphaomicronpi.org.

Winning submissions will receive one AOII signature collection FREE!

All entries must be received by Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Products will be available for purchase at the 2009 AOII Convention in Tampa and through the AOII Emporium.

"Give and Get" event raises $600 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Thanks to everyone that helped make the March 14 "Give and Get" event a huge success! Many shoppers were touched by Marla Rose Angotti's courageous battle with cancer and how devoted AOII is to keeping her memory alive. Special thanks to Banana Republic at West Town Mall for participating in such a worthy cause.

2009 Let's Move Together Arthritis Walk

Saturday, May 16th, 2009
9 am - Registration
10 am - Walk
11:30-1 pm - BBQ (food, fun and fellowship)
Volunteer Landing

To join the cause please visit www.letsmovetogetherknox.kintera.org or call the East TN Arthritis Foundation office at 865-470-7909

AOII’s "Out of Service" Project

In observation of Earth Day on April 22, 2009, let’s all get green! The Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi is collecting old, unused cell phones, chargers, laptops & ipods to be recycled. Simply drop off your items at Tyra Haag's home no later than Fri. April 24. For directions, please email knoxalumaoii@gmail.com.

Did you know?

March is Women's History Month! Read more at http://womenshistorymonth.gov/.

Ruby Fund assists sisters in dire need

The Ruby Fund, also known as the "heart" of AOII, is available for sisters who are in dire need. Since 1946, the fund has assisted over 300 AOII sisters.

All requests and awards remain confidential and are handled by the Foundation's Ruby Fund Committee. Assistance in the form of a grant is given to designated recipients.

Please call the Foundation at (615) 695-2626 or e-mail the Foundation, if you or a fellow AOII sister is in need of assistance. For more information on the Ruby Fund or to make a donation to the fund visit the Foundation website.

Long-time AOII Executive Director to Retire

After 18 years of serving as the Executive Director of Alpha Omicron Pi, Melanie Lampertz will soon retire. The long-time leader will complete her professional tenure with the organization June 30, 2009—the end of AOII’s biennium.

Lampertz began volunteering with the organization thirty years ago. She served in several roles on the Executive Board before coming on staff for AOII twenty-two years ago. During this time, Lampertz has seen the organization through significant growth, the building of a new Fraternity headquarters, the creation of AOII Properties, Inc, two structure changes, the planning of all International Conventions, Leadership Institutes, and Leadership Academies, and the implementation of an overall strategic plan. Lampertz has also effectively managed and developed a team of staff to support Fraternity goals.

“I will remain wholeheartedly committed to this organization, its standards of excellence, its legacy, and the women who define our purpose,” said Lampertz. “In addition, it gives me great pleasure to leave my professional tenure with the organization healthy and thriving. This milestone in my life comes with much thought, but also much excitement as I anticipate enjoying retirement with my family and grandchildren.”

Lampertz has also served as a champion for all Greeks through her dedication and commitment to the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the Fraternity Executives Association (FEA), the Executive Directors Association (EDA), and the Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG). Through her roles as the President of the EDA and FIPG, the FEA Awards Chair, FEA Program Chair, and a Director for the FEA Executive Board, Lampertz has remained committed to the development of the entire Greek community.

“Over the years, Alpha Omicron Pi has enjoyed so many accomplishments, and we are very grateful of the dedication and hard work that Melanie brought to the organization to advance our mission,” said Susan Danko, International President of Alpha Omicron Pi. “We will miss her, and wish her much happiness as she begins a new phase of her life.”

Founder's Day 2009 - Afternoon Tea & Dessert

What a lovely Founder's Day! On January 25, AOII alums and collegiates gathered at Cherokee Country Club for an Afternoon Tea & Dessert. In fact, so many alums attended that we had to bring in extra chairs!

The 45-minute program began with opening remarks from Alumnae Chapter President Tyra Tucker Haag (Omicron '00). Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) was the featured speaker and drove all the way Louisville, KY to deliver an inspirational speech. Omicron Song Leader Anne Buckle led a beautiful rendition of AOII Grace. Everyone was treated to an assortment of delicious food, including chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, brownies, sandwiches and tea.

Alumnae Chapter Vice-President Katy Wilson Bibee (Omicron '99) asked attendees to donate to the AOII Ruby Fund--the heart of AOII. It is with pleasure that $380 will be sent to Headquarters to help sisters in great need. Erin Hutchinson (Omicron '01), Alumnae Chapter Awards Chair, recognized Omicron's 50-year members and gave plaques to this year's Outstanding Alumna and Outstanding Citizen Award recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell and Betty Chastain Emery were honored as the 2008-2009 Outstanding Alums. Peggy Howard was awarded the 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen Award. For more details on these sweet sisters, please read the blog posts below.

Vice President of Academic Development Stephanie Selecman announced the 2009 Cozart Scholarship winners. New Member Educator Alissa Ralph introduced the 2008 Omicron pledge class, followed by a re-cap of Recruitment by Wendy Crenshaw, Vice-President of Membership Recruitment. Omicron Chapter President Micah Johnson delivered the State of the Chapter address and Lauren Zaller (Omicron '03) gave an exciting update about progress on the AOII Capital Campaign.

What a special afternoon shared by sisters near and far. We missed those of you who could not be with us and look forward to seeing you next year!

Sara Pottinger Burke (Omicron '99) featured speaker at Founder's Day 2009

At just 17 years old, Sara came to UT in the Fall of '99 from Louisville, KY. She quickly became someone all the girls looked up to in the chapter and on campus. Her major leadership roles included Chapter Relations Chair and ultimately Chapter President. She graduated from UT with honors, married her high school sweetheart Chris Burke, finished law school and on Oct. 5, 2007 welcomed her first child into the world--Sidney (a future AOII!) Sara is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Sara is an exceptional example of what it means to live "AOII for a lifetime.” She continually supports AOII, is a true woman of character and lets her light shine everywhere she goes.

Betty Chastain Emery named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

Betty Chastain Emery is someone who truly exemplifies AOII for a lifetime. Her nominator wrote that she is always ready to help with just about anything anyone asks her to do. She has been pro-AOII forever and keeps in touch with her AOII sisters far and near. She has a true philanthropic spirit, too and volunteers at East Tennessee Children's Hospital nearly every day. During Recruitment time each year, she sends in Recs and has assisted the Building Committee by calling alums, writing letters and going on visits to request financial support to help make a "House for Omicron" a reality. She also visits older alums to lift their spirits or even take them a meal. What a role model and caring sister we have in Betty Chastain Emery!

Ellie Wilson Whitesell named 2008-2009 AOII Outstanding Alumna

The Outstanding Alumna award is to honor a member of the local Knoxville Alumnae Chapter...someone who has gone above and beyond for AOII locally. This year, we have two recipients. Ellie Wilson Whitesell has been involved in the Alumnae Chapter for several years, but for the past three years has been dedicated to a specific endeavor--our annual Bar-B-Q. With her knack for always knowing how to get things done, it's no wonder why our BBQ has been so successful over the years because of her leadership. She's also been gracious with her time, helping to chaperone date parties and formals. So thank you, Ellie Wilson Whitesell for always putting a smile on our faces, but more importantly, for everything you do for our chapter!

Peggy Howard named 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen by Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi

Peggy Howard is certainly nothing short of outstanding. She was the "voice" of AOII in the Forties and you could say she was born with a song in her heart. She sang at all our events, especially rush parties, and has been keeping Knoxville singing ever since. Her name is one associated with choral music in this area. She has spent most of her 80 years studying, teaching and sharing her music, and for the past 18 years has been the choir director at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church.

She has been active in the Knoxville arts community her entire life. She has truly moved music forward and impacted thousands with her beautiful spirit. She has directed several choirs in Knoxville, for church, her community, the Junior League, and just too many to mention each one by name. She’s gladly volunteered in many musical programs and community musical activities as well. Her nominator wrote, “She did not hide her talent under a bushel, but shared it with us all.” And as if she wasn’t busy enough, she served as Alumnae Chapter President 1951 to 1952.

For several years now, she has been battling cancer…yet she never complains. If you ask her how she's doing, she says, “I'm doing fine, just fine.” Anyone who knows her, especially the hundreds of voice students she has taught over the years, as well as friends and family, see how deeply she embraces life, and how much a part of her energy and enthusiasm for it comes from and through music. Her daughter proudly exclaims, "My mom spends every day, no matter what, celebrating life. She's always happy and looking forward. She wants to live as fully as she can every day life gives her.” It is with great love that we honor Peggy Howard as the 2008-2009 Outstanding Citizen.

Wren Smith Anderson (Omicron '99) writes children's book in honor of late mother-in-law's battle with breast cancer

Wren Smith Anderson (Omicron '99) wrote and illlustrated the book, Sweet Dreams, Anita Bonita, in honor of her late mother-in-law, Anita Anderson, who passed away from breast cancer last July. The book is based on a true story that she wrote about on her cancer blog with CaringBridge while she was undergoing her chemotherapy treatments. You can read more about at it and purchase books online at http://www.anitabonitabooks.com/.

This short, sweet little story exemplifies how much Anita loved life and how she could put a smile on anyone’s face. It was an inspiration to those who laughed and cried with her. Eighty percent of proceeds will go to the Anita Conchin Anderson Foundation in care of Tennessee Bank & Trust. This foundation has been established in her honor and memory to further the various interests Anita had for children, education, and breast cancer awareness. Please share this link with other sisters and friends.

Chi Psi Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi voted "Best Dressed Sorority" by Seventeen Magazine

The Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi has been voted Seventeen Magazine’s Best Dressed Sorority! This title was awarded after a nation-wide search for the magazine to name the most fashionable chapter of a sorority.

The sisters of Alpha Omicron Pi at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are setting the trends all over campus. Not only do they share their pride in AOII, but the girls share wardrobes as well, whether it is the perfect outfit for a first date, a job interview or simply for class.

As the winner of the contest, the 140 ladies of the Chi Psi chapter will be outfitted head-to-toe in the Victoria’s Secret PINK collegiate line for Cal Poly. More importantly, the chapter will receive a donation of $1700 towards the organization’s key philanthropy and will be highlighted in an upcoming issue of Seventeen magazine.

The complete story can be found at http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/special/style-blog/.

There's still time to pay your Alumnae Chapter dues!

It's not too late to pay your alumnae dues. Your alumnae chapter dues provide support for both the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter and our Omicron Chapter collegians. In addition, a portion of your local dues is always paid to AOII International. AOII International has increased its Operating Fee by $6 per member, thereby increasing our total payment to AOII International to $25 per member. Only one-half of your $50 Alumnae Chapter dues is available for “local” use! If you have any questions or need to write a check, our Treasurer-extraordinaire Kandyce Harber is here to help. You can email Kandyce at kandyceharber@aol.com or simply drop your check in the mail to: Kandyce Harber 858 Weatherly Hills Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37934.

Top Ten Reasons to Join an Alumnae Chapter
1. Do something for yourself.
2. Be proud to be an AOII.
3. Get a real value for your financial contribution – scholarships, collegiate aid, Arthritis
Research/AJAO.
4. Choose to be involved.
5. Develop personally and professionally.
6. Make connections – career opportunities, community resources, schools, home
improvements, etc.
7. Forge new friendships.
8. Rediscover old friendships.
9. Let your light shine - showcase your talents and skills. Support Arthritis Research &
AJAO - our international philanthropy and local causes.
10. Have fun! - Enjoy being together and creating new memories.

AOII Alumna Jamie Woodson appointed Speaker Pro Tempore for the Senate

State Senator Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville) has been appointed Speaker Pro Tempore for the Senate, a key leadership role in the Tennessee General Assembly. The announcement was made by Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey as the 106th General Assembly concluded their organizational session in Nashville Thursday.

"I am honored to be appointed to this position in our State Senate," said Senator Woodson. "This is a challenging year for our General Assembly, and I look forward to working with Lt. Governor Ramsey and our leadership team to move through the tough issues we face. I also look forward to continuing my commitment to improving educational policy for the citizens of our great state."
The Speaker Pro Tem presides over the Senate at the direction of the Lt. Governor. It also is a key leadership role in the General Assembly, in both public policy and day-to-day operations of the State Senate.

Woodson previously served as Chairman of the Education Committee, where she will continue to serve as a member. She was also appointed to the powerful Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

"Senator Woodson is extremely qualified to take on this leadership role," said Lt. Governor Ramsey. "She has a proven track record as Education Chairman of providing strong leadership on many difficult issues. I look forward to working with her in this new role as Speaker Pro Tem."

Now that the organization is completed, the General Assembly has adjourned until Feb. 9 in order to make office assignments and await budget details.

[Courtesy of wbir.com]

Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act

As you have likely heard, the development of an economic stimulus package in the opening days of this year's Congressional session will include approximately $300 billion in tax cuts. The details of what will be included in the stimulus remain up in the air.

What exactly does this mean for AOII?
Alpha Omicron Pi is working along with other Greek organizations to reach out to our members of Congress in an effort to attach the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) to the stimulus package. Key decisions will be made in the next few weeks, so immediate action is needed for our best chance of success.

Our sisters have put forth a great effort over the past several years in trying to secure passage of this important piece of legislation. Thanks to your calls and letters, we have been able to obtain an impressive list of Congressional co-sponsors for CHIA.

The House of Representatives could vote on its version of the bill as soon as the end of this week, though we believe it is more likely they will delay their vote until shortly after Barack Obama's January 20th Inauguration.

How you can help!
Please contact your Senators and Congressmen as soon as possible (ideally this week) in support of CHIA being added to the stimulus package. We need our members, as constituents, to tell their elected representatives that adding CHIA to the economic stimulus package is important to them.

We are including links to a list of talking points that will be helpful in making your calls, as well as a list of the current sponsors for CHIA. You can also view a copy of this complete message on the website by clicking here. After you have called your Senators and Representatives, please visit http://www.nicindy.org/ to complete a contact form. This will allow us to track the number of calls being made.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with this important effort.
Fraternally,
Susan Danko, International President

Rheumatoid Arthritis Rates Rise in Women

A recent study done by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., finds that the rates of rheumatoid arthritis in women have risen drastically from 1995 to 2004. Research shows that the disease has increased by nearly 50 percent in women, but the rate for men has remained the same.

Dr. Hilal Maradit Kremers, the author of the study, says that the most likely factor in causing the rise is the environment. She goes on to say, "the increase could be anything from dietary to hormonal changes to chemical exposures."

According to Arthritis Today, from 1995 to 2004 rates of RA has increased by nearly half to 54 per 100,000 women. Men's rates has only went from 28.6 to 29.5 per 100,000 men.

Dr. Kremers believes that preventing the disease should be the focus for the future. With side effects such as heart disease and diabetes; rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes difficult to treat.

For more information on the rise of rheumatoid arthritis in women visit Arthritis Today online .