Fall 2007 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE

• From the President
• Alumnae Chapter Membership
• ElectionsSurvey Says?
• Calendar of Events
• Fall Brunch Potluck & Fashion Show
• East Valley
• Central Valley
• West Valley
• Theta Omega News
• Panhellenic Update
• KOR Thoughts
• Alumnae Announcements
• AOII InCircle

From the President

Hello Beautiful Phoenix AOIIs!

I would love to say that fall is here, but the 110 degree heat record definitely would seem to be to the contrary. Regardless of the Arizona temperature, this last summer was one season for our chapter to remember.

We had wonderful turnouts at our summer events and event spent a week in style at Convention. We even started a new annual event, our AOII Summer Tea Party at Abbey Gardens Tea House in Mesa. Many sisters drove across the Valley to attend and I am sure the courses of amazing food was well worth the trip. Our Central and East Valley Happy Hour events also gave sisters a chance to get out of the heat and meet many new and familiar faces.

This fall, I am really looking forward to our annual events, which have been given new twists. The Fall Brunch and Fashion Show will be an amazing look back on how our chapter and our sisters have spent their years in AOII. We will have vintage dresses, photographs, and other AOII memorabilia for sisters to remember their days in AOII. If anyone would like to bring any clothes or photographs, please email me at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com because we would love to have everyone included.

Also, we will have items from the AOII Emporium for purchase and a door prize, so be sure to bring your checkbook or cash just in case you missed it at Convention. We will also be holding our annual Holiday "Pajama" Party in December where you can bring pajamas to donate for the giving season. We may even have a visitor from Headquarters at one of our events so we can continue to show off our city and our chapter.

I hope everyone is just as enthusiastic as I am for our exciting news and plans. Yet, I even more thrilled about hearing any ideas, positive comments, and concerns from all of you. As part of the chapter's constant endeavor for innovation and inspiration, we are asking each sister to complete the attached Survey and returning it to Amanda Lewis or myself. I can't wait to see everyone at our Fall Brunch and other events in the upcoming fall months!

Have a great September!

Roses and Alpha Love,
Maggie

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Alumnae Chapter Membership
We are now accepting dues for the 2007 -- 2008 fiscal year. Dues are $40 and are used to fund the many ways we make a difference among our collegians, alumnae and community. If you are unable to participate in, a financial contribution is also greatly appreciated. If you are a Life Loyal Member, dues are $24.

Make out checks to: Alpha Omicron Pi

Send to:
Audrey Stewart
2201 N. Comanche Drive #1100
Chandler, AZ 85224

Please Put "Dues 2007-08" or "Donation" in Subject Line.

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Survey Says?
A survey is attached in Word document (.doc) and Rich Text Format (.rtf).

We want to know what you want to be involved in, what events and activities we can organize to help you get more out of Phoenix AOII at this stage of your life.

Please take a few moments to answer the six (6) simple questions then return the completed survey.

Return via e-mail to Maggie_aopi@yahoo.com.

Mail your answers to:
Maggie Kipp
GCU Box 94
P.O. Box 11097
Phoenix, AZ 85061

OR

Save on postage and send the survey with your 2007-2008 alumnae chapter dues to:
Audrey Stewart
2201 N. Comanche Drive #1100
Chandler, AZ 85224

Thank you in advance for your time and response!

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Elections
Elections for the 2008-2009 term are approaching quickly; please contact Maggie Kipp if you are interested in becoming an officer or more involved in the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter. Dues for the current 2007-2008 year must be paid by November 1st to be eligible for an executive officer position.

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Calendar of Events

AOII Phoenix Area Alumnae Chapter

Fall Brunch - Potluck
Camelback & 24th St. (Home of Charlene "Odie" Keller)
October 6, 2007
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
5301 N. 23rd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85016

To avoid duplicate dishes please contact:
Chandra Whaley
602-402-5212
chandrayeoman@cox.net

If you have any vintage clothing or pictures that you would like to share for the fashion show display, please contact Maggie Kipp at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com.

Regional Social Events

EAST VALLEY

Third Thursday at 7 p.m.
Happy Hour
Once a month we get together to catch-up with old friends and make new ones. Feel free to bring a friend or just yourself! We meet at TGI Friday's near the Fiesta Mall at 7 p.m. (1310 S. Longmore St., Mesa). Oct. 18, and Nov. 15.

Friday, November 2 at 7 p.m.
IIOA Pizza & Game Night!
Join us at Chandra Whaley's home at 2052 W. Ironwood Drive, Chandler at 7 p.m. Contact chandrayeoman@cox.net for more information.

Wanna host an East valley event? Please contact Amanda Lewis at tjslchina@hotmail.com or 480-789-1618.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Contact Mary Michel mary.r.michel@marsh.com for more information on Central Valley events.

WEST VALLEY

Sunday, October 28 at 1 p.m.
Brunch
Located at Mimi's, 7450 W. Bell Road Glendale, near the Arrowhead Mall, starting at 1:p.m. Call Maggie for more info at 602-639-8577 or email maggie_aopi@yahoo.com.

Other social events

YOU TELL US!

Have any awesome fall ideas? Do you like scrapbooking? Movie nights at a local theater? Mom's events? Email us and tell us what you want and we'll promote it for you. We rely on your input to create new events, in new locations! If you want to help plan these events, let us know that too!

More events may be posted on InCircle https://incircle.alphaomicronpi.org/. Please log on and sign up for the PHX Alum group to receive details.

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Theta Omega News
Congratulations to the ladies of Theta Omega for all of their hard work during recruitment! Our sisters at NAU went over quota to recruit 23 outstanding young women.

If you are interested in helping Theta Omega in _any_ capacity please contact Cherylyn Henry at henry1@illinoisalumni.org or 602-670-3339.

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Advisors
Any support you can offer would be appreciated. There is a time commitment but we only travel to Flagstaff as a group for a few hours every other month. The AAC is very flexible and will work with your schedule. Please contact Cherylyn for more details.

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Panhellenic Update

New Officers
President - Tracy Roberts - Chi Omega
Vice President - Katie Hall - Sigma Kappa
Treasurer - Audrey Stewart - Alpha Omicron Pi (yeah Audrey!)
Secretary - Kelly Friedlander - Zeta Tau Alpha

The AOII Panhellenic Delegate is Nicole Proulx. If you would like to join Nicole and Audrey at the meetings, contact Nicole at nicole_proulx@hotmail.com for more information.

Meetings are at the Pera Club in Tempe, and the schedule is as follows:
Sept 10th at 7 p.m.
Oct 1st at 7 p.m.
Nov 5th at 7 p.m. (Nov 15th Dues Deadline)
Dec 3rd at 7 p.m.
Jan 7th at 7 p.m.
Feb 11th at 7 p.m.
Mar 3rd at 7 p.m. (Alumnae President's Meeting)
Apr 7th at 7 p.m.
May 5th 6:30 p.m. (Awards Dinner & Installation of Officers)

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FBR Open - Volunteers Needed
Each year, the delegates and other volunteers of the Phoenix Panhellenic Association (PPA) donate time to work at the FBR (Phoenix) Open. Volunteers perform a variety of duties, primarily manning concession stands. In exchange, the Phoenix Thunderbirds generously donate money to PPA's yearly Scholarship Fund.

You don't have to be Greek to participate. Friends and husbands are welcome to participate. All volunteers receive a free week-long pass to attend the Open. You may sign up online or download, complete and mail the signup form at http:www.phoenixpanhellenic.org .

Mark January 28-February 3 and watch for more information on inCircle, or in the next newsletter.

Shifts include
7:30-1p.m. and 12 pm-Close, Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 11:30 am-Close, Saturday and Sunday

KOR Thoughts
Ritual isn't just a ceremony, it's a guide to help us live our lives in a positive and loving manner. In the new Ritual Education Manual that I received at Convention this year, there is an essay entitled The Secret Thoughts of a Ritual. It's Ritual's view of saying "Don't just use me for a ceremony and dust me off for new members to read and memorize, but truly live me, throughout your daily lives."

Ritual has several values that can help all of us lead more positive lives including, honor, courage, integrity, fidelity, courtesy, ambition, humility and self-control. "Basically I am a road map to help a person along her journey of life and assist her in her communion with her fellow travelers. Who am I? Your ritual. What am I? A system of values. What am I for? My purpose is not to make you a better sorority woman, but rather a better human being."

Nicole
If you have any AOII facts or thoughts to share, please email phoenixaoii@cox.net .

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Alumnae Announcements
Breast Cancer 3-Day
November 2-November 4, 2007
Support Leslie Samrick Relkin (Upsilon Alpha, '91) as she participates in the 2007 Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Leslie will walk 60 miles in support of Breast Cancer research beginning November 2, and ending November 4.

To help Leslie achieve her fundraising goal, visit Leslie's Donation Page Also, if you stop by the 3-Day to cheer on Leslie, look for Amanda Lauer-Lewis (Theta Omega '06), who will be working as support staff!

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Is Your Flag Ready for Retirement?
Do you have a United States or Arizona flag that is tattered, torn, faded, or worn? Don't throw it away, retire it with honor!

Shara Forrister (Upsilon Alpha '93) is chapter regent of the Desert Wells Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

They are currently collecting flags for their semi-annual flag retirement ceremony in October. Contact Shara at 480-830-8632 or email moreta@segfault.com to retire a flag or for more information.

AOII InCircle
Find out about other local AOII events on-line by joining the PHX Alum group on InCircle. Events are often added after the newsletter comes out. It is also a great place to network with sisters from around the country! https:incircle.alphaomicronpi.org.

Summer 2007 Newsletter

From the President
Hello “Hot” and Amazing AOII’s. Happy Belated 4th of July! Well, summer is in full swing and Convention is already gone! I am very proud to report that the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter and our Valley were wonderful hosts. Governor Napolitano and Mayor Gordon even proclaimed an Alpha Omicron Pi Week for both the state and the city of Phoenix. I, like many of you, spent hours determining my clothes, trying to find white closed-toed shoes for Ritual, and looking up other attendees on InCircle.

Convention also proved to be beneficial for the Phoenix Alum Chapter as we received the Ruby Award for meeting all of the Standards of Excellence. The chapter was given a certificate and a new Bible inscribed with the Chapter name as well as signatures by Kathy Jensen and Susan Danko. The chapter’s Panda Presentation tradition was also highlighted at a brunch with our own city firefighters as guests of honor. While the majority of my time was spent gabbing or in business meetings, the entire experience was beyond my expectations. There were amazing speakers, like our own Bobra Doiron, and lots of opportunities to see both old and new sisters and remember the good ol’ college days and our ritual.

Our chapter had a fantastic spring with lots of beginnings like new babies and new marriages. Congrats to Laurie Baugh and Alison Bachus on the births of their beautiful legacies. Caylen Jane Baugh was born May 20th and Kate Victoria Bachus was born on June 30th.

We also had a great turnout at our regular events such as the annual Arthritis Walk held in May.

For the most part, the entire month of June was devoted to Convention, but we have many activities and get-togethers planned throughout the summer that will get us out of the heat for a cool time :o) Have wonderful summer and thank you to all of the Phx sisters who volunteered or attended to help support us during our time to shine at Convention.

Roses and Alpha Love,
Maggie

Alumnae Chapter Membership
We are now accepting checks for the 2007-2008. Dues are $40 and go to fund the many ways we make a difference among our collegians, alumnae and community. If you are unable to participate in many of our activities, a financial contribution is still appreciated, to help support our collegians, purchase pandas, and other community service projects. Make out checks to: Alpha Omicron Pi Send to: Audrey Stewart 2201 N. Comanche Dr #1100 Chandler, AZ 85224 Please Put "Dues 2006-07" or "Donation" in Subject Line

Calendar of Events
July 14
Summer Sisterhood Tea Party – Come be a little girl again as we join sisters from across the valley for a full four course tea party 11:30 on Saturday at Abbey Gardens Tea House. Cost is $19.50 plus tip. 1837 W. Guadalupe Rd #107, Mesa 85202. Please RSVP to Maggie by July 7 at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com.
July 19
New Graduate Luau – We will be celebrating new members and recent graduates that have moved to the Phoenix area in grand Hawaiian style at the East Valley Happy Hour at TGIF (see below). If you are interested in adopting a new grad for our Sister to Sister mentorship program, please contact Maggie at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com. Flower dresses and leis optional :o)

Regional Social Events

EAST VALLEY:
3rd Thursday Happy Hour - Once a month we get together to catch-up with old friends and make new ones. Feel free to bring a friend or just yourself! We meet at TGI Friday’s near the Fiesta Mall at 7pm (1310 S. Longmore St., Mesa). June 14, July 19, August 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18
July 29
Join your sisters for brunch! Mimi’s (1050 S Alma School Rd, Mesa) near the Fiesta Mall, Sunday, July 29 at 2 pm.
August 25
Dinner and a movie - Join your sisters for dinner and stay to go the movies. Chili’s (1637 S Stapley Dr, Mesa) near the AMC movie theatre Saturday, August 25 at 5 pm.
Wanna host an East valley event? Please contact Amanda Lewis at http://us.f529.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=tjslchina@hotmail.com or 480-789-1618.

CENTRAL VALLEY:
Contact Mary Michel http://us.f529.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=mary.r.michel@marsh.com&Subj=AOII for more information on Central Valley events.

WEST VALLEY:
Mimi’s ( 7450 W. Bell Road Glendale , AZ – Near the Arrowhead Mall) West Valley Lunch/Brunch Sunday August 4 at 12:30 pm.
Call Maggie for more info at (602)639-8577 or email at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com

Other social events: YOU TELL US!
Have any awesome summer ideas? Do you like scrapbooking? Movie nights at a local theater? Mom’s events? Email us and tell us what you want and we'll promote it for you. We rely on your input to create new events, in new locations! If you want to help plan these events, let us know that too!

More events may be posted on InCircle <https://incircle.alphaomicronpi.org/>. Please log on and sign up for the PHX Alum group at https://incircle.alphaomicronpi.org/alphaomicronpi/groups/10176/index.html to receive details.

SAVE THE DATE!
“AOII Through the Decades” Fall Brunch – October 6, 2007

• Guest speakers
• Vintage Fashion Show featuring lovely Theta Omega models.
• Emporium Trunk Show

Let us know if you want to showcase your vintage clothing or pictures from your college days at maggie_aopi@yahoo.com

THETA OMEGA NEWS
Congratulations to the ladies of Theta Omega for all of their hard work this last year! The Theta Omega Chapter is being removed from the Chapter Development Program. This program was designed to provide assistance to chapters. The Theta Omegas were also recognized with an award during Convention!

Recruitment
Fall recruitment is quickly approaching. It will be held over the Labor Day weekend. If you are able to donate a gift card to Wal-Mart, Target, Michael's to defer the cost (any amount is appreciated). Please send to: Amanda Lewis, 18151 E Via Jardin, Gold Canyon, AZ 85218
If you are interested in helping out with recruitment please contact Cherylyn Henry at: henry1@illinoisalumni.org or 602-670-3339. A group of Phx based people will be traveling to Flagstaff to give support during this exciting time. Let us know if you would like to bake goodies to fuel recruitment which we will pick up and take with us.

Advisors
Any support you can offer would be appreciated. There is a time commitment but we only travel to Flagstaff as a group for a few hours every other month. The AAC is very flexible and will work with your schedule. Please contact Cherylyn for more details.

PANHELLENIC UPDATE
In May, Phoenix AOII Treasurer Audrey Stewart was initiated as Treasurer for the Phoenix Panhellenic Association. Panhellenic also awarded 17 scholarships to Greek women from across the Valley, specifically 13 for collegiate recipients and 4 for continuing education. Congratulations to Audrey Stewart who received a continuing education scholarship. Monthly meetings will resume in September.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pitter-patter….Congratulations to the sisters who were recently visited by the stork! Laurie Baugh, Becky Pusch, and Alison Baccus are now mothers to new baby girls (or future AOII Legacies!).
Undergrad no more: Maggie Kipp graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 as valedictorian of her class at Grand Canyon University in May. Maggie received a double-degree in History and Secondary Education with a minor in Journalism.
Congrats to Mary Michel who became President of the Board of Directors of Crisis Nursery in May. Their mission is breaking the cycle of child abuse. Crisis Nursery provides 24 hour shelter services for children who have been abused or neglected or for families who are in crisis. They also operate 4 head start preschools. If you want to see what the children need, you can go to the Crisis Nursery website, http://www.crisisnurseryphx.org/
Wedding Bells: Merry Marriage to Cherylyn Henry who recently returned with her new husband from their honeymoon on a Scandinavian Cruise!

AOII FACTS: Did you know that…
The 2007 Convention commemorated 110 years of AOII history!
AOII is................by Stella George Stern Perry, Alpha Chapter Barnard College
a family watching solicitously, let us believe, each of its members, not only for family
friendship and for love...but watching
for a light going into dark places, the light of Alpha Omicron Pi,
for a ladder on which man may climb upward, the ladder of Alpha Omicron Pi,
for a rule of life that shall build a city four-square, the rule of Alpha Omicron Pi, and for a
sword that shall protect the sanctities of Always against the intrusions of Today.

If you have any fun AOII facts, please email phoenixaoii@cox.net.

AOII InCircle:
Find out about other local AOII events on-line by joining the PHX Alum group on InCircle. Events are often added after the newsletter comes out. It is also a great place to network with sisters from around the country! https://incircle.alphaomicronpi.org/

AOII Programs

Social
Fall Brunch August-September
Founders Day Late January

Other Events
We plan diverse activities strategically located all over the Valley. All AOIIs are encouraged to initiate the social gathering of their choice. Other Events can include spouses, children, or family members and friends who are not AOIIs. Events are usually held in June, October, February and April.

Philantropy
Panda Presentation - We present Pandas to Valley Fire Department so they can comfort children in times of crisis. Arthritis Foundation - The Official Philantropy of our International Fraternity.

Outreach

Sister-2-Sister Program: We mentor, support and network with all Arizona AOIIs, Phoenix Alumnae, Tucson Alumnae and Theta Omega. Collegians who attend school outside of Arizona are encouraged to join us during their semester breaks.
Alumna-2-Alumna: Find out who shares your same interests, career advice, or lives in your area.

Alumna-2-Collegian: Be a mentor to an outstanding college woman who is majoring in your field; Or, just send them a note of encouragement or be a pen pal.

Communication: All AOIIs may receive invitations, calendar items, chapter updates and an electronic copy of our newsletter, Connections via email or through the website.

Information is only mailed to dues paying members who do not have computer access.

AOII Officers 2006-2008

Executive Board
President, Maggie Kipp
VP Membership, Laurie Baugh
Secretary, Alison Bachus
Treasurer, Audrey Stewart

Other Officers
MIF, Mary Michel
Keeper of Ritual, Nicole Proulx
Panhellenic Rep, Nicole Proulx

Panhellenic Alternate, Audrey Stewart
Philantropy, Laurie Baugh
Bylaws, Alison Bachus
Public Relations, Shara Forrister
Historian/Scrapbook, Amanda Lewis
Web Designer, Mignon A. Gould
Theta Omega Liaison, Cherylynn Henry
Convention Liaison, Bobra Doiron
Hospitality, Open

Social Captains
NE Valley, Heidi McFarlin
West Valley, Begga Akers
SE Valley, Chandra Whaley
East Valley, Amanda Lewis
Central Phoenix, Mary Michel

AOII Membership

Phoenix AOIIs are active and involved in the Valley of the Sun. Remember the excitement when you initiated into AOII? The alumnae chapter is equally rewarding and we invite you to rediscover AOII as an alumna. We encourage all alumnae to fill out the survey below and help us get to know you. Don't forget to include your birthday!

Or, if you're interested in joining our wonderful AOII sisterhood through our Alumnae Initiate Program, contact us.

Hear AOII Sisterhood Testimonies: Testimonials

Learn about our Alumnae Initiate Program Membership Benefits: We encourage all sisters to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that alumnae involvement brings by joining or renewing your membership now. AOII International depends upon membership dues to educate and train alumnae in order to create both strong alumnae and collegiate chapters. In addition our alumnae chapter depends upon the financial support of its members to provide social and community events that bring sisters together from all over Arizona.

Dues for the 2005-2006 year are now being accepted. Dues are $40.

Checks should be payable to Alpha Omicron Pi and sent to:

Treasurer Audrey Stewart

2201 N. Comanche #1100

Chandler, Arizona 85224