Soror Mary B.

Wright,

The Zeta Call

International President
Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq.,

Atlantic Regional Director

November 2016

Volume 7, Issue 2

Spotlight News

Soror Anjanette Highsmith,

New Jersey State Director

Building on the Principles of Zeta
While Blazing New Paths!

Inside this issue:

Undergrad Retreat

Amicae News

Youth Corner

Chapters Working

Event Dates

14

State of New Jersey

Soror Anjanette Highsmith
New Jersey State Director
579B Raritan Rd
Suite 192
Roselle, N.J. 07203

Email

NewJerseyStateDirector
@gMail.com

Phone Number
732-336-9332

Facebook

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

The State of New Jersey

Newsletter & Social

Media Coordinator
Soror Kiana Lawhorn
ZPhiBNJSocialMedia
@gMail.com

ongratulations to our newly

appointed National Director, Risk Management and
the Immediate Past 13th New Jersey
State Director, Soror Gina MerrittEpps, Esq. Soror Merritt-Epps, Esq.
is the first New Jersey Soror to donate and pay in full $10,000.00 towards our 2020 Centennial Visionary.
The donation was made at our Grand
Boule July 2016 and has placed Soror Merritt-Epps, Esq. into the
Founders'
Society.
The Centennial Commission is looking for more Sorors to become Visionaries. Please log on to www.zphi2020.com and chose one of the seven
Donor Recognition Levels. Please be sure to keep your Basileus and
Chapter Centennial Chairs informed of your donations.
From the desk of The State of New Jersey Projects Coordinator/ Centennial
Chair-Soror Jorelle S. Green

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

The Official Newsletter for The State of New Jersey

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 2

Please note all deadlines:

Retreat Registration by November 22nd

https://www.memberplanet.com/events/atlanticregionzetas/
undergraduateretreat2016

Hotel Reservation by November 18th (or until the

block is sold out so do not delay)
T-Shirt Purchase by November 22nd (but as soon as
possible to ensure that we do not run out of your size).

Register Today!!

The Zeta Call

Page 3

Amicae News

Immediate Past International President, Sheryl Underwood presented her check from the Celebrity Family
Feud of $25,000.00 for NEF. She is pictured with
Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, National First Vice
President, Roslyn Hannibal-Booker, NEF Vice Chair,
Janet Y. Bivins, Esq., Atlantic Regional Director, and
Sieta Achampong, NEF Treasurer.

Amica Janice Gilliard, State Amicae President,

presenting the NEF check from NJ State Amicae.

Amicae at the Atlantic Executive Board Meeting posed with Immediate

Past International President, Sheryl Underwood.

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 4

Z-E-T-A (Zealous Engaged Talented Awesome) Youth Corner

The Archonettes and Amicettes of Omicron Omicron Zeta

Chapter along with their parents and advisors attended the
Collingswood Book Festival on Saturday, October 1st. In
order to make the fair more interesting the Advisors create a Scavenger Hunt for the girls. Each girl had to find
certain book types and get authors or illustrators to sign
their form. The book fair is filled with authors and speakers for adults and children, as well as booksellers, storytellers, poetry readings, workshops, exhibitors, kidfriendly activities, and entertainment for all ages. Due to
the weather the fair which is usually held on the streets of Collingwood was held inside the Collingswood High School. This award-winning festival is the longest-running, largest literary event in the
Delaware Valley.

REMINDER
ALL YOUTH SUBMISSIONS MUST GO THROUGH
THE STATES YOUTH COORDINATOR
SOROR ZOEY ASHLEY
zphibnjyouthcoor@gmail.com

The Zeta Call

Page 5

Z-E-T-A (Zealous Engaged Talented Awesome) Youth Corner

Gamma Nu Zeta Pearlettes met on October 2, 2016 at

the Camden County Library. They took care of business and completed their breast cancer awareness
projects!
They are ready for the ACS Making Strides against
Breast Cancer Walk on October 23, 2016.
#awareness #fightforthecure #pearlettepride
Pictured: Justice Hall, Jordon Hall, Mei Kenae Calin
Omega Mu Zeta Pearlettes, participating in the
ACS Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk
with their Advisors.

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 6

NJ Chapters Working

Reclaims
The Dedicated and Great Ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi
Beta Sorority, Inc. welcomed back to Zeta, two sorors in the month of September. Sorors Tamika Reed and Dorothy Lewis-Hawkins are the chapters newest
trailblazers! Both are actively engaged, eager and dedicated to serve both Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
Neptune Day
Saturday, September 17th marks the 2nd year the Dedicated Ladies of Alpha
Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter participated in the Township of Neptune Annual
Neptune Day; a day of fun, entertainment, information and networking.
During the event AAXZ Chapter promoted breast cancer awareness and
provided voter registration forms for both Monmouth and Ocean County
residents. Working alongside other groups and organizations allowed
AAXZ to be actively involved in the community and hear the feedback of
the people concerning the town, breast cancer issues and the 2016 presidential election.
AAXZ was honored to participate in the festivities, an award ceremony and parade that honored Olympic
Star and Neptune resident Ajee Wilson. Ajee was presented the key to the city and proclamations from the
Mayor McMillan.
The Mayors Ball
On September 23, 2016, Neptune Township held its 23rd Annual Mayors
Ball, hosted by Mayor and Frater, Kevin B. McMillan. It was held at the
Jumping Brook Country Club, with entertainment featuring a comedian, a live
band, a DJ and a photo booth. The night was also filled with many honorees
and awards selected by Mayor McMillan.
New this year were the Mayors 2016 Innovator Awards presented to eight honorees personally chosen by the mayor for
their innovative ideas and community-minded service. The
Mayors choice for Community Engagement Awards, were also the highlight of the evening.
The Dedicated Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter were
amongst the awardees. In addition to be presented with a beautiful trophy they were also
presented with the proceeds of the 50/50 raffle in the amount of $550. In her thank you
speech, Chapter President, Chasity McDonald not only thanked Neptune for embracing us a
newly chartered chapter, but also spoke about continuing to work towards fostering a partnership within
community. Neptunes Public Library was also a beneficiary of this years Ball. They were presented with a
check for $10,000.

The Zeta Call

Page 7

NJ Chapters Working - contd

GIRL TALK with the ZETAs
On October 10, 2016, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Xi Iota Chapter
hosted a safe sex workshop. DJuana Clark, a nurse practitioner at
the Montclair State University Health Center facilitated the discussion. The topics included: sexually transmitted disease prevention,
proper personal hygiene methods, health relationships, contraceptive methods and much more. We had approximately 25 young
women attended and asked a variety of questions. Our main goal
was to create a safe, judgment-free zone where everyone was able
to openly discuss these controversial topics. At the end of the event, DJuana Clark provided the attendees
with a variety of contraceptives along with personal hygiene products. We thank all those that participated in
the discussion and we look forward to continue providing safe sex education around campus.

FIGHT BACK with the Zetas!

On October 3,2016 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Xi Iota Chapter at Montclair State University organized a self-defense workshop entitled Fight Back!
with the help of Officer Matthew Gallup. The purpose of this event was to provide
members of the community with the necessary tools needed to survive acts of violence along with evacuation tips. Officer Gallup shared his experiences within law
enforcement and provided great insight into the goals of the university police department. We look forward to continue working alongside the University Police
Department to ensure that members of the Montclair State community along with
those living in neighboring areas feel a sense of security while on campus.

Everlasting Xi Iota Chapter Celebrates 37 Years

On September 22, 1979, 15 young women chartered Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Everlasting Xi Iota chapter on the campus of
Montclair State (College) University with the
support of Gamma Omicron Zeta Graduate
Chapter and Sigma Brothers throughout the
State of New Jersey. Their first graduate advisor
was Triumphant Zeta Sister Laverne Cooper.
The charter members were Paulette Wilson,
Sharon James, Marcey Fairley, Delmaire Wiggins, Shelly Watkins, Lynne Henderson, Monique Johnson, Sharon Byrd, Ada Jackson, Cynthia Rojas, Karen Wood,
Deborah Johnson, Latifa McDaniels, Pamela Price and Gail Price.
On September 22, 2016, the Everlasting Xi Iota Chapter celebrated its 37th Chapter Anniversary by having
an on campus celebration. This celebration was filled with raffles, performances, food, and great company. It
was such a pleasure seeing alumni along with current chapter members come together and observe this occasion. We are excited to see what the future holds for Xi Iota and we wish for an additional 37 productive
years on the campus of Montclair State University.

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 8

NJ Chapters Working - contd

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in the

United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause
of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. A breast cancer diagnosis can be very shocking for young women (those under 40).The
treatment itself can also take a toll on ones self esteem and physical appearance. The ladies of Gamma Omicron Zeta Essex County
chapter collected and donated a total of 12 new wigs for the Atlantic Region Executive board meeting. These wigs were donated to
help women that are experiencing hair loss due to illness and cancer treatment. We will also be participating/donating in the Making
Strides Breast Cancer walk in Newark on October 16, 2016.

On September 26, 2016 the Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter

of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority held their annual Z-Pack It Up (an
Adopt-A-School initiative) event at the BRICK Avon Academy School located at 219 Avon Ave in Newark NJ.
Avon Academy is a BRICK School which stands for Build
Responsible Intelligent & Creative Kids, was identified as a
school in need of help from the community and chosen as
the Adopt-a-School location. The chapter donated 48 backpacks that were also filled with supplies.

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. On September 10,

2016, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter, Undergraduates, auxiliaries along with transfer and reclaim members supported
the fight for Sickle Cell Anemia by raising money and walking in the 13 th
Lets Walk About It. For the past 13 years, Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter has donated and walked in honor of members, family and friend who has
or is fighting this disease. For years, the Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapter was the only Greek letter organization that worked with Donna T. Darrien Memorial Foundation, but within the past few years others have
joined the fight. But the fight is far from over. Sickle Cell is a painful and devastating disease that affects not
only those living with the disease but families and communities. There is no universal cure. The Donna T.
Darrien Memorial Foundation for Sickle Cell, Inc. through its community outreach and education programs
keeps the general public aware of the disease and provides support, encouragement, and resources to our
families. Please visit http://www.dtdsicklecell.org to learn more or make your contribution to the cause.

The Zeta Call

Page 9

NJ Chapters Working - contd

Our very own Geraldine Johnson, past New Jersey

State Director, became a Dove at the 2016
Boule! She attends most of Zeta's National Boules,
and this year was no different. She is actively
finer womanhood at its best!

Chi Rho Zeta walked the pavement at a local plaza

in Sicklerville on National Voters Registration
Day. We went into the barbershop, laundromat,
and other establishments distributing voter registration forms. One lady moved to Sicklerville from
North Carolina and needed to change her address.
Another lady took two forms for her neighbor and
she thanked us for informing people in the community. We assisted three men in completing voter
registration forms sealed them and dropped them in
the mailbox across the street. We informed one
gentleman that he could register as long as he was
not currently on probation! This was truly a successful and needed event.

FOUNDERS DAY
CELEBRATION
1/15/16
Tabernacle Baptist Church, 150 East 2nd Street, Burlington, NJ
Soror Shirley P. Nichol, Founders Day Coordinator

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 10

NJ Chapters Working - contd

Omega Mu Zeta Chapter continues their year of PEARLfection! Omega Mu Zeta is celebrating 5 years of
Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood and Finer Womanhood in the Central and Southern Middlesex County areas. During the months of September and October, Sorors, Amicae and Youth Auxiliary members participated in a Vascular Screening, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk, Voter Registration
Drive, and supported chapter Soror Monica Townsend, panelist on the Divine 9 Voter Engagement Workshop sponsored by the New Jersey Black Issues Conference.

A Call to Action
GOZ #ZetasGetEngaged #NVRD #SOcialACTion#NJD9Vote2016 #TeamGOZ
On October 8, 2016 Soror McFadden of Gamma Omicron Zeta, attended the City
of Newark Town Hall Meeting with federal, state, and local legislators, and leaders from statewide organizations. There she was able to participate, discussing the
issues of criminal justice reform, economic opportunities, poverty, and voting
rights, with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman and others.
Following the town hall meeting, Soror
McFadden along with other members of
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and
the Divine Nine attended a Voter Engagement Workshop,
where members of Black Greek Organizations shared different
strategies regarding how to get potential voters registered, educated, mobilized, and inspired about the voting process.

The Zeta Call

Page 11

NJ Chapters Working - contd

#GNZ Cares for
the people in Camden and beyond
Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter is preparing to send out their first
load of supplies towards Hurricane Matthew's donations for
Haiti. Included in our rations are: non-perishable foods, toiletries, over the counter medications and first aid supplies. We will hopefully be prepping for a second shipment
at the end of the October-beginning of November. We are
thankful for being able to do this and thank those who participated in donating to this project. #GNZCares

Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter started off the year in full swing!;

Conducting business and community service efforts! Volunteering with Cathedral Kitchen in serving those
who need nourishment and fellowship in Camden
City. Volunteering our time with Seniors at the Genesis Facility in Pennsauken. This month's theme was Football
Bingo. We continue to mentor young ladies with YCS.
Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter is committed to serving Camden/
Camden County, NJ for the 2016-2017 and beyond. #Eldercare #GNZCares

Volume 7, Issue 2

Page 12

NJ Chapters Working - contd

10/15/16 Atlantic Regional Executive Board

Meeting in Wilmington, DE.

As part of our recruitment efforts for Gamma Kappa

Chapter, on 10/10/16 HOZ hosted a breast cancer awareness program where pertinent information regarding
early detection and the importance of conducting self
breast exams were presented. The program was held at
Rutgers University and co-sponsored by Sigma Lambda
Gamma National Sorority, Inc., Psi Alpha Chapter.

As part of our recruitment efforts for Gamma

Kappa Chapter and in order to raise voter awareness, on 10/10/16 HOZ hosted a voter registration
drive at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

On 10/9/16, HOZ participated in the Making Strides

Against Breast Cancer walk at the NJ Expo Center in
Edison, NJ.

The Zeta Call

Page 13

NJ Chapters Working - contd

The Officers and members of Xi Iota Chapter (Zemora Matthews, President) and
Gamma Omicron Zeta Graduate Chapter (Salaine Atkins-Little, President) would
like to congratulate Stephanie Geese on being appointed as the State of NJ Chairman of the Undergraduate Council.
Stephanie is from Union, NJ and is currently a senior at Montclair State University. She is pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with concentration in Marketing and she currently holds the 1st Vice President position within the chapter.

Gamma Omicron Zeta has continuously encouraged our undergraduates that life
and Zeta is more than their campus. Each month, members of the sponsored undergraduate chapters send a representative(s) to the graduate meeting to get a feel of
what the next level in Zeta would be after they complete their studies.
The undergraduate members get to meet and fellowship prior to and after the
meeting with the graduate members. During the meeting they get to experience
how our meetings are run, how reports are given, and hopefully tips that they can
take back to their respective chapters and implement.
During the October meeting, Brianna McCall from Xi Iota attended. Brianna is currently a junior majoring in
Media Arts and Communications and minoring in Leadership and Development. Originally from Newark,
Brianna is also a Resident Assistant and Crossing Guard on campus and is the Z-HOPE Coordinator for the
chapter.

SAVE THE DATESUPPORT SISTER EVENTS

Xi Tau Zeta

December 2, 2016

Atlantic City Aquarium, Historic

Gardner's Basin 800 N. Hampshsire Ave,
Atlantic City, NJ 08401

Epsilon Xi Zeta

January 21, 2017

The Westin at Princeton Forrestal Village,

201 Village Blvd, Princeton, NJ 08540

12:00 PM

Rho Tau Zeta

February 25, 2017

The Bethwood 38 Lackawanna Ave,

Totowa, NJ 07512

7:00 PM

Zeta Delta Zeta

March 4, 2017

Merion Caters 1301 Rt. 130 South,

Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

11:00 AM

Eta Omicron Zeta

March 11, 2017

Woodbridge Renaissance, 515 US-1,

Iselin, NJ 08830

12:00 PM

Gamma Nu Zeta

March 18, 2017

The Mansion, 3000 Main St.,

Voorhees, NJ 08043

12:oo PM

Gamma Omicron Zeta

March 25, 2017

Atrium 609 Eagle Rock Ave,

West Orange, NJ 07052

12:00 PM

Omicron Omicron Zeta

April 1, 2017

Auletto's Caterer 1849 Cooper St,

Deptford Township, NJ 08096

11:00 AM

Chi Rho Zeta

April 8, 2017

Paris Caterers 281 Cross Key Rd.,

Berlin, NJ 08009

11:15 AM

Sigma Zeta Zeta

April 8, 2017

Fiesta Banquets 255 Route 17 South,

Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075

11:00 AM

Rho Rho Zeta

May 6, 2017

Marino Center 110 Washington Street,

Bridgeton NJ 08302

9:00 AM

Omega Mu Zeta

May 20, 2017

Grand Marquis 1550 U.S. 9,

Old Bridge, NJ 08857

8:00 PM

Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta

June 2, 2017

Sheraton Hotel, 6 Industrial Way E,

Eatontown, NJ 07724

8:00 PM

7:00 PM