Monday, December 6, 2010

2010 Jinge Bell Run for Arthritis

Hey Ladies! This Saturday, December 11th, is the Knoxville Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis! The race/walk begins at Krutch Park near Market Square at 10:00 a.m. (you can sleep in a bit and still participate!) Early registration ends on the 7th so visit the website below to participate or to donate to a cause that is near and dear to AOII. Be there with (jingle) bells on!!!


http://www.knoxvillejbr.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=346089

Monday, November 22, 2010

SAVE THE DATE~CHRISTMAS PARTY


WHO: AOII Alumnae
WHAT:Annual Christmas Party
WHEN: Thursday, December 9th~7 pm
WHERE: Amy Mill's House~407 Hastings Lane~Knoxville

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Please spread the word...Evite to follow...Just bring yourself and a toy to donate to a boy or girl....Come and have a jolly good time!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Thanksgiving Dinner

The Chapter is having a sisterhood meeting/thanksgiving supper together on Monday, November 22nd. They would love to have some dishes donated, as well as Alumnae join them for this thanksgiving feast. The food needs to be at Panhellenic around 5:45-6:00. Please email Evy Doak(edoak2@utk.edu) or call (615.838.9279) whatever you would be willing to bring so that they can make sure there is a variety! The pledge classes will be cooking as well for the big dinner. What a fun way we can get together and celebrate sisterhood before the holidays~See you there!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

BUDDY'S RACE AGAINST CANCER


Buddy's Race Against Cancer is this Sunday, Nov. 14th! Whether you're a runner or a walker, this is the perfect race to participate in (AND, for those of you who like your beauty sleep, this race does not start untill 3:00 p.m. Sunday!) This 5k event will benefit the Thompson Cancer Survival Center. To register or for additional info simply go to http://www.buddysrace.org/?id=1969&sid=23
Hope to see you at the finish line!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

THE GREAT SORORITY CHALLENGE 2010

The Great Sorority Challenge 2010: Created by local business owners and is between all the sororities at UT. Voting started Monday the 25th and runs through November 1st at 8! You win by having the most votes! It is super easy to vote and anyone can vote so spread the word! The winner receives:

- $1500 to our philanthropy
- a spread in the January issue of Skirt magazine (about our chapter and philanthropy)
- Sisterhood event at Castleton Farms in London County November 16 - Includes but not limited to manicures, live music, food, formal fashion show, makeup demonstrations, cupcakes, SWAG bags, and customized stationary.
All three of these are free to the winner and are provided by the local businesses. So, LETS WIN!

Here is how to vote:
1. email/facebook/text all your Sorority Sisters, Alumni, friends/family with the following link - just as it appears below!
http://etn.weddingdailytimes.com/
2. everyone will visit the above page - click on the banner at the top that says The Great Sorority Challenge 2010
3. simply enter your email address, click submit and then VOTE!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

OMICRON CELEBRATES BBQ's 50th YEAR


ALUMS~don't forget this weekend is the 50th annual AOII bbq in circle park!!Before you go celebrate a vols victory in neyland, enjoy a bbq sandwich with your sisters and help raise money to benefit Arthritis Research and the Harriet C. Greve Scholarship! See you three hours before Kickoff! Circle Park is located between the torchbearer and the communications Building off of Volunteer Boulevard.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

AOII Knoxville Alums are RACING FOR THE CURE!

For those of you intersted in participating in a FUN 5k for a great cause, listen up! The Knoxville Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is coming up Saturday morning October 30th! The Knox area alums have a team in place for those wishing to participate. To join our team or donate to the cause, please do the following:

Go to www.komenknoxville.org
Click on Race for the Cure (on left side of page)
Click "Register Online Now"
Click "Register Online" tab again (or just click "donate" if not wishing to run/walk with us)
In "participant/team search" box enter: AOPi Knoxville Alums
Select AOPi Knoxville alums when it populates
Click "Join the Team" tab at bottom of page


It is $40 to participate as a timed runner and $35 for not timed. Race starts at 8:30 a.m. on October 30th.

This is going to be such a great time for such a great cause!

Please call or email AMY OWENS FENDLEY, alum philanthropy chair, if you have any questions, etc. :)

amy_elizabeth_owens@hotmail.com
(865)804-3523

2010 NEW MEMBER ALUM DINNER




Thanks for a great turnout and for wearing blue for arthritis day!




Monday, October 11, 2010

AOII New Member/Alum dinner

Ladies, Don't forget,TOMORROW NIGHT~Tuesday, October 12th 7pm-9pm at First United Methodist Church on Kingston Pike! Let's have a great turnout to eat and show these new members some love!!!!

OCTOBER 12th, WORLD ARTHRITIS DAY!

“In observance of World Arthritis Day, the Arthritis Foundation is calling on all Americans to "Do Blue" on Tuesday, October 12. By dressing head to toe in blue--from blue do's to blue shoes--America joins in the celebration to make it truly a worldwide effort. Even some of our national landmarks and monuments will be dressed in blue (lights, that is).



Our “Do Blue” campaign aims at raising awareness of arthritis in all its forms and urging the nation and individuals to take action to reduce the impact of our most common cause of disability.”

Thursday, October 7, 2010

BOOK RELEASE PARTY






What a fun time we had celebrating sisterhood at Elle! Here are some pictures from the night as well as some links on Cara and Brooke ~ how banana punch books came about and how it is taking off. If you have not ordered your book, MORE SISTERS IN MOMMY'S FAMILY , click here and order away!!!





Friday, September 3, 2010

AOII Sister's SAVE THE DATE~Sept. 28th 6:00-8:00 pm



Dear AOII Sisters,



Please save the date for an exciting AOII social and shopping extravaganza....come support your sister's Brooke (Bowlin) Thurman and Cara (Johnson) Cardell by celebrating the release of More Sisters in Mommy’s Family for AOII with their first ever book launch party


Date: Tuesday, September 28th



Time: 6:00-8:00pm (stop in whenever you can – special after-hours event just for AOIIs)



Location: Elle Boutique in Turkey Creek (next to Pimento’s CafĂ©)



ELLE BOUTIQUE SPECIAL OFFER: You will get 20% off your entire purchase with your invitation or a copy of this email in hand (invites will be sent soon).


Such a fun night...we hope to see you there!

Friday, July 2, 2010

2010 Leadership Institute


This year, five ladies from Omicron, both collegiate and alumnae, joined other sisters from all over to "Walk the Talk" together for Leadership Institute in Franklin, TN. This was a three day event which focused on leadership, ritual and friendship. With some dynamic motivational speakers and hands on courses, we learned a lot about leadership training, sisterhood and fun to carry throughout life!

This year, Omicron received the Pearl Award, as well as the Academic Honor Roll Chapter Total Honor Roll!! These ladies worked very hard to achieve the Standards of Excellence, and we are so proud of them!

And then there is even more! Micah Johnson was one of six college women who received the AOII Collegiate Woman of Leadership Award, and Kandyce Harber was one of five alumnae women who received the AOII Alumnae Woman of Leadership Award. These awards are only given every TWO years! Congratulations to Micah and Kandyce, who are tremendously deserving of this recognition for their service to the chapter and community! It's so incredible that Omicron ladies received one in each of those categories. No other chapter did that! So, so very exciting!We are so proud of our Omicrons!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

AOII Young Alumnae Happy Hour

Nashville Flooding -Ruby Fund Relief


Dear Sisters,

On May 1 and 2, the city of Nashville experienced over 13 inches of rain within 3 hours with floodwaters inundating roads, highways and homes. The Cumberland River and its tributaries quickly flooded leaving thousands of residents in middle Tennessee with severe damage to their homes and possessions.

The AOII Foundation has begun to receive Ruby Fund requests from area AOII sisters. Several other requests are expected in the upcoming days and weeks, as damage to the city of Nashville is projected to exceed $1.5 billion.

We ask that you please consider making a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more to the Ruby Fund/Nashville Flooding. You may make a secure on-line donation on the Foundation website or by mailing your gift to the address below.

For information about the Ruby Fund, please contact Barbie Chadwick at mailto:bchadwick@alphaomicronpi.org?subject=. Thank you for supporting your sisters in this time of need.

Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation
5390 Virginia Way
Brentwood, TN 37027
http://e2ma.net/go/8265822591/2803188/94575229/3361/goto:http://www.aoiifoundation.org

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Exciting News~AOII's get published!


I wanted to share some exciting news! Cara (Johnson) Cardell and Brooke (Bowlin) Thurman have been working to write a children's book for the last couple of years. They are in the last stages of publishing and the book is at the printers now! They have always been interested in starting a little business and this was something the girls could do "on the side" but still have fun with it, too.

The book is an officially licensed Greek product and the first of its kind - this first one is about Alpha Omicron Pi sorority. Brooke and Cara hope to eventually expand the book series to serve all of the women's Greek organizations. They have been working with the AOII corporate office in Brentwood and their licensing company in New York. The girls are really excited about the book and the positive message it conveys. AOII has meant a lot to both alumni personally because it is where they developed their friendship in college.

They just launched a new website www.BananaPunchBooks.com so please check it out and let Brooke and Cara know what you think! They will primarily be taking web orders through this site along with a few other retail outlets. The books will be in stock in approximately 6 weeks so right now they are offering a reduced price for anyone who pre-orders their copy. Please pass on our website to any other Greek friends who may be interested in hearing about our book.

We are so proud of you girls!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Senior Send-Off at UT's Pratt Pavillion

On Sunday, April 25, the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter welcomed 36 seniors into alumnae status at the annual "Senior Send-Off."

Thanks to sisters like Ellie Wilson Whitesell, the event was held at UT's Pratt Pavillion. Guests dined on delicious boxed lunches from Pimento's, heard the latest update on Omicron's House Campaign and shared their post-graduation plans.

All the seniors were reminded of AOII's generous "First Year's On Us" program which pays for your first year's dues in an alumnae chapter.

Thanks to everyone who attended and worked so hard to make the afternoon so special!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Omicron Chapter Honored at 2010 Greek Awards

On Sunday, April 11, members of Omicron Chapter attended the 2010 Greek Awards Banquet and AOII came away with some great honors!

Micah Johnson won Chapter President of the year for Panhellenic, Anne Buckle won the Garcia-Cozart Scholarship and Omicron won top honors in Greek Excellence!

Omicron was one of only four other sororities to win the Volunteer awards in Greek Excellence.

Pictured L to R: Anne Buckle, Stephanie Selecman and Micah Johnson

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Update on AOII House

The time has finally come for ground to be broken at Morgan Hill for the AOII house and other sorority houses at UT. We are very excited and know our alums are, too, but we’re also “down to the wire” in getting all of our fund-raising in place to receive the green-light from UT to proceed with our building project. Without UT’s go-ahead, AOII can’t move the first shovel of dirt.

Here is the situation: UT requires a certain amount of cash raised up-front before each of the sorority groups can begin construction. While Omicron Chapter’s building fund has raised more than $800,000 to date with a lot of hard work and countless volunteer hours, AOII is missing the mark on our goal to begin construction by about $210,000, as of April 2010.

What this current shortfall means for AOII is that – right now – there will be other sororities that may very well be able to get their houses started before we do, which means they’ll be “open for business” for Rush / Recruitment in fall 2011. And we won’t. What this will mean for our recruitment numbers and competitiveness within Panhellenic is not completely clear. But, we can only imagine that it will not be to AOII’s advantage that in less than 18 months other groups will be able to host their memberships and new member prospects in brand-new, beautifully built houses – while AOII is still stuck in the old, antiquated, over-crowded, structurally unsound Panhellenic Building.

AOII has always had a UT tradition of leading the way for others, not trailing behind. This house is a key part of AOII being competitive and remaining a top organization for excellence among university women at UT for generations to come. Without this house, AOII will not be competitive – it’s that simple. And when sororities cease to be competitive, they can also – over time – cease to be. With all the years we’ve shared in AOII and with the knowledge of Omicron Chapter as such a point of pride on the UT campus, this scenario is not one we want, nor is it one we can risk.

We have made many calls, visits and personal requests for support among our chapter’s alumnae, and we’ve been honored and tremendously appreciative of our alums who’ve answered that call. However, many alumnae have not yet answered it. There may be all kinds of reasons why – very legitimate reasons, too. The tough economy, kids or grandkids in school, demands of other charitable giving requests . . . we know that there are many reasons this house campaign may not have been an immediate priority in the past. But now – at this point -- we need 2010 to be the year that the house becomes a priority for us all. If you’re one of our sisters who has not yet given, please consider a gift to this campaign – one that will help us make the difference in remaining a campus leader at UT for the long-term, and help other sisters – both present and future – experience all the joys of AOII that we had . . . joys, friendships and experiences that continue to make such an impact on our lives.

Giving is simple. Just go to www.omicronhouse.com, where you can download a giving form, which has all of the instructions for making your gift or pledge. Or, you can also call UT directly, (865) 974-2115, and just be sure you make your arrangements with UT where Alpha Omicron Pi is the designee. You can make a significant gift by pledging an amount that you pay over time, in increments that are convenient and manageable for whatever your budget is. Planned giving and bequests are also welcomed. In whatever way you choose to give, please take action . . . do it now. As an alumna, you will be proud of what this house will stand for in representing AOII at UT. But it won’t happen without support. Thanks so much!

AOII Young Alumnae Happy Hour

Thursday, April 15th, will be the FIRST EVER Knoxville Area AOII Young Alumnae Happy Hour! I invite you to join your sisters for a night of catching up and cocktails at Aubrey's off Papermill from 6-9 p.m. We promise all fun and no business. These events are open to all AOII alumna 35 and under, even if you've never attended an Alumnae event before.

We hope to make this a frequent event and possibly add events like cooking classes, wine tasting, and holiday parties (open to suggestions). An invitation is attached. Please forward this or invite any young alumna who may be interested. The more the merrier!

Feel free to contact me for more information or questions. Look forward to seeing you there!


Alpha Love,

Lindsey Howd
AOII Omicron Chapter, PC 2005
615.519.3748
lindsey.howd@gmail.com

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

AOII For a Lifetime

Top Ten Reasons to Join an Alumnae Chapter

10. Do something for yourself - Alumnae chapter involvement may be just what you have been looking for - a group of friends where you can be yourself. You decide how active you want to be.

9. Be proud of AOII - For over 100 years Alpha Omicron Pi's innovative approaches to programming, training and computer support have led the way for other Greek organizations.

8. Get a real value when you join an alumnae chapter - Alumnae dues are set locally and are generally under $50 annually. Typically, alumnae chapters meet once a month.

7. Choose to be involved - There are many opportunities open to you as an active alumna. If it interests you, perhaps you would like to take a role in an alumnae chapter; serve the Fraternity in an international volunteer capacity; or assist a local collegiate chapter. The choice is yours.

6. Develop personally and professionally - Programs address a variety of topics - women's health and safety, local history and current issues, self-help, nutrition, educational programs and more! Participating in the activities of the alumnae chapter affords leadership options for personal satisfaction as well as occasions to develop professional, personal and managerial skills.

5. Make connections - Fellow members can share the benefit of their associations - whether they are career opportunities, names of doctors, child care resources, restaurants, school systems, or sports programs. No matter what you need to know, there is a sister to help you find the answer.

4. Forge new friendships - If you are new to an area, what's the best way to meet people? Attend an alumnae chapter gathering! The members of the chapter span diverse ages, locations, collegiate chapters, professions, and interests, yet all have the same bond in Alpha Omicron Pi. If there is no chapter in your area, consider forming a new chapter.

3. Rediscover old friendships - If it's been awhile since you've been active, you may even find a lost sister. Treasure a support system that's always there for you. We are that friend upon whom you should have no fear to call.

2. Let your light shine - As an active alumna, you may showcase your talents and skills as you wish. In addition to supporting Arthritis Research, our international philanthropy, many alumnae chapters champion local causes. Each chapter decides its own internal and external focus - be a part of this important decision.

1. Have fun! - Enjoy being together and creating new memories.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Founder's Day 2010

The Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter hosted the annual Founder's Day Celebration on Sunday, January 24, at Cherokee Country Club. Sisters enjoyed an assortment of sandwiches, desserts and delicious chocolate covered strawberries.

Jennifer Holder delivered the keynote message ans was later honored with the Outstanding Citizenship Award. Members of the 2010 Leader's Council discussed Omicron's many achievements from the past year and introduced its' newest members.

Our founders were honored with a candlelighting ceremony and a basket was passed around to collect donations for the AOII Foundation's Ruby Fund. Awards were handed out to Whitney Glenn Cozart recipients, as well as Kandyce Harber who was honored as the 2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna.

For more information about getting involved in the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter, Alumnae Advisory Council or ways to donate to the "House for Omicron" capital campaign, please email knoxalumaoii@gmail.com.

2009-2010 Outstanding Citizenship Award -- Jennifer Holder

Jennifer proudly serves her alma mater as a past member of the Board of Governors of the UT Alumni Association and currently serves as immediate past chair of the UT Alumni Association’s Women’s Council, as a Knoxville campus Chancellor’s Associate, and as a UT Alumni Association Knoxville board member. She also serves as board member and secretary of the Central Business Improvement District of Knoxville, as a member of the City of Knoxville Public Assembly Facilities Board, and on the nonprofit boards of 91.9, Inc. (Friends of WUOT), Beck Cultural Exchange Center, and the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial Association.

But her service to our community doesn’t stop there. She’s also involved in or a member of the Knoxville Museum of Art, Junior League of Knoxville, Nucleus Knoxville and holds various memberships supporting local non-profits, including Knox Heritage, YWCA, YMCA and the Knoxville Area Urban League.

Her past citizenship involvement is just as profound, and includes: Character Counts, Blount Mansion, Friends of Literacy, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Knoxville Health Improvement Council, Knoxville Opera Board, March of Dimes, Leadership Knoxville, United Way of Greater Knoxville, University of Tennessee Alumni Association, Volunteers of America, Project Grad, and Maryville College Annual Giving Campaign--not to mention her service to AOII, which includes: BBQ chair, Alumnae Chapter President, and Financial Advisor for AAC. WHEW!

2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna Award -- Kandyce Harber (not pictured because she was unable to attend due to recent surgery)

Kandyce is well-beyond deserving of this prestigious award. Some of the most memorable examples of her service are to the collegiate chapter. She always was (and still is) a primary connection to the alumnae chapter for the collegiates. She attends several chapter meetings, social events, philanthropy events and LC meetings throughout the year. Not to mention all of her extra trips to campus for one reason or another. She has gone above and beyond her duties as one of the advisers on the Alumnae Advisory Committee. With 150 plus girls in the chapter, you can imagine how many unexpected situations arise, but she has helped discover and implement countless solutions, financially and emotionally. She is known by collegiate members as understanding and patient but a definite go-getter.

Her importance to the alumnae chapter is just as obvious. Whenever a question is presented, she always has an answer. She is the first that many call for help and advice. She has written personal thank you notes to all alumnae who have contributed to the building campaign since it started. She has represented Omicron and Knoxville Alumnae in a positive way on the Scholarship Committee of the AOII Foundation for three years. She has served as treasurer of the Knoxville Alumnae, which entails handling the finances for barbecue, Founders Day, scholarship fund, and all alum events just to name a few. Sometimes all the behind the scenes work she does is taken for granted because she’s been doing them for so well for so long!

We are truly lucky to have her as a member of the Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter. Her service is exemplary to which all alumnae should strive to achieve. And that is why she is worthy of the title of 2009-2010 Outstanding Alumna.

2009-2010 Whitney Glenn Cozart Scholarship Recipients


“We wanted a society that should continue our companionship through life and extend the like joys to others, usefully, unselfishly, and without pettiness.” Stella George Stern Perry 1936

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Wrapping Up 2009

The Knoville Alumnae Chapter has certainly been as busy as ever! We helped Omicron with Recruitment and Bid Day, helped coordinate another successful BBQ, hosted a Mexican Fiesta for the New Members at the beautiful home of Sheree Johnson, participated in the Komen Race for the Cure, walked with Omicron at the annual Light the Night walk, ran in the Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, brought Halloween candy and cookie cakes to Omicron’s chapter meetings, and participated in the Jingle Bell Run. And jus last month, the alums spiced up its annual holiday party by decorating chocolate houses (instead of gingerbread houses) thanks to some creative thinking by Ann Reego, who also hosted the party (see photos below).


The 50th annual international AOII convention in Tampa, FL last summer also proved to be a success, not only for Omicron Chapter, but for our Knoxville Area Alumnae Chapter as well. The alumnae chapter was given the Standards of Excellence Ruby Award for Distinguished Alumnae Chapters and a Membership Retention Citation. Two Omicrons alums were honored with individual awards as well.

Mary Jane Sharp was awarded the Helen St. Clair Mullan Award. This award honors one alumna member who has continually served AOII over the years, while displaying a loyal, faithful and devoted commitment to the Fraternity. The award remains the Fraternity’s most prominent and highly-recognized award for individual alumnae. And Mary Jane’s own daughter, Malinda Sharp, was honored with the Rose Award.

Here's to a fantastic 2010!