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 .