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The Newsletter for the State of New Jersey

Soror Mary B. Wright,

April 2016

Volume 6, Issue 8

International President

Message from the State Director

Soror Janet Y. Bivins, Esq.,

Atlantic Regional Director

Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.,

New Jersey State Director

Building on the Principles of Zeta
While Blazing New Paths!
Inside this issue:
Z-Lessons

State Conference Info.

Parliamentary Corner

Z-HOPE - Say Cheese

NJ Healthy Corner

State Jude

New Members

Youth Corner

10

NJ Chapters

15

Events

22

Key Dates

24

Risky Business: Show Me the Money Money In/Money Out

reetings Blue and White family and welcome to

April! Well, it is State Conference time and hopefully you are registeredthe conference is sold out!
The State Conference schedule is on page 3 of the newsletter.
Are you prepared for the State Conference? If not, thanks to
HOZ Chapter, Zetas can get prepared by participating in the
webinar on April 5. Please contact your Chapter President for
the link or see page 8.
Thanks to all that participated on the State webinar on March
29 and for supporting Zeta Delta Zeta, Eta Omicron Zeta,
Gamma Nu Zeta, and Gamma Omicron Zeta Chapters. Please remember to support
Xi Tau Zeta, Chi Rho Zeta, Sigma Zeta Zeta and Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapters
in April.
In this newsletter, we continue our focus on leadership and continue to review the
basics. See Z-Lessons on page 2 to review the roles of our financial officers. Lets
continue to mitigate risk by ensuring that we understand the difference between the
chapter/auxiliary Treasurer and Financial Secretary.
God Bless you all!! Gina

S t a t e o f N ew J e r s ey

Soror Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.

New Jersey State Director
325 East Jimmie Leeds Road
Suite 7 PMB 144
Galloway, NJ 08205
Phone: (609) 748-1470
Website: www.zphibnj.org
E-mail: NJStateDir@aol.com
www.facebook.com/zphibnj

Z-Lessons
Monthly Embellishment & Training for
the Sorors of New Jersey
Building on the Principles of Zeta
While Blazing New Paths!

April 2016
Part 1

Money In/Money Out: Protecting Your Chapter/Auxiliary Finances

While some of our Chapters and Auxiliaries have a Budget Chair and Committee and/or an Audit Committee,
all are required to have members that are elected to serve as the Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Many
chapters and auxiliaries fail to have procedures that keep these roles separate so that there is a system of
checks and balances. Please review the list below and ensure that your officers are operating properly.
Please also be sure to have procedures in place for your event chairs as they collect money for your fundraising
efforts. Have questions? Need training? Contact the State Director.
Money In The Role of The Financial Secretary
Receives and maintains a record of the dues, assessments and/or other obligations paid by members, noting each

category (and providing a receipt for cash payments)

Keeps members apprised of their financial status
Receives and maintains an accurate record of all monies collected
Makes a monthly report to the body and Executive Board
Prepares National, Regional, State financial reports
Certifies that a member is eligible to vote and gives the voting strength at
monthly meetings
Keeps members apprised of amounts owed and due dates for obligations on
all levels, including late fees
Chairs or serves on the budget committee, if appointed

Money Out The Role of the Treasurer

Receives all monies from the Financial Secretary (not the members) and pro-

vides a receipt to the Financial Secretary

Pays all bills as directed by the body and receives receipts for all monies

paid out
Keeps a correct accounting of all receipts and expenditures,
Submits monthly and quarterly written reports of the financial condition of the chapter/auxiliary
Deposits all monies in the bank under the groups name and withdrawing monies from the bank as directed by
the group
Chairs or serves on the budget committee, if appointed
Is a signatory on the chapter/auxiliary accounts

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

2016 State Leadership Conference

Friday, April 22 - Saturday, April 23
Double Tree Suites
Mt. Laurel, NJ

fv{xwx t t Ztvx
Friday, April 22
3:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. 3:55 p.m.
3:30 p.m. 3:55 p.m.
4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.

Hotel Check In
MIP Certification Registration
Amicae Workshop Registration
MIP Certification
Amicae Workshop
Conference Registration
Z-HOPE Collection/Scrapbook Collection
Executive Board Meeting Zetas
Executive Board Meeting Amicae
Awards Reception
Shopping with the Vendors

Main Lobby
Garden Room
Living Room
Garden Room
Living Room
Conference Area
Cloak Room
Garden Room
Living Room
Ballroom
Vendor Row

Saturday, April 23
8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
6:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m.
6:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m.

Shopping with the Vendors

Buffet Breakfast Zetas
Buffet Breakfast Amicae

Vendor Row
Garden Room
Living Room
Redz Private Dining Room
Main Lobby
Conference Area
Cloak Room
Ballroom
Ballroom
Living Room
Ballroom
Living Room
Ballroom Lobby
Arbor Room
Hotel Lobby
Garden Room
Living Room
Redz Private Dining Room
Ballroom
Living Room

12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

Hotel Check-out
Registration
Z-HOPE and Scrapbook Collection
Necrology (Zetas and Amicae)
Rededication Zetas
Reaffirmation Amicae
Plenary Session I Zetas
Plenary Session I Amicae
Conference Registration
Elections (Zetas)
Hotel Check out
Buffet Lunch Zetas
Buffet Lunch Amicae

1:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

Plenary Session II Zetas

Plenary Session II Amicae

7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
7:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
11:35 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

Page 4

The Zeta Call

Parliamentary Corner
Adapted from www.roberts-rules.com Survival Tips on Roberts Rules of Order

In light of our upcoming state conference , it is beneficial to review some tips to the body regarding the voting
process.

Counting Votes/Voting Results

Majority:
Does Robert mean
... the Majority of the entire membership?
... the Majority of the members present?
... the Majority of the Votes Cast?
How should you count the blank votes, the illegal votes, the abstentions?
The basic requirement for adoption of a motion by any assembly with a
quorum is a Majority Vote, except for certain motions as listed below. A
Majority is 'more than half' of the votes cast by persons legally entitled to vote, excluding blank votes and abstentions. Majority does not mean 51%. In a situation with 1000 votes, Majority = 501 votes; but 51% = 510
votes.
Let's see an example:
The chair instructed the members, at a meeting with a quorum, to vote by writing 'Yes' or 'No' on a piece

of paper.
Of the members present, 100 were entitled to vote, but 15 did not cast a ballot. Of the 85 votes cast: 75

were legal; 10 were illegal (the members wrote 'Maybe'); and 4 were turned in blank (abstained).
The Majority is any number larger than one half of the total of ... (legal votes cast) - (blank votes cast) +

(illegal votes cast).

Of the 85 Votes Cast by members entitled to vote ... (75 were valid) - (4 were blank) + (10 were illegal) =

81 Votes Cast.
One half of 81 Votes Cast is 40 1/2. Majority was 41 votes.

2/3 Vote:
Robert specifies which motion will require at least a 2/3 vote for adoption. Notice that it is not called a 2/3 majority. A 2/3 vote is generally not taken as a voice vote, but rather as a standing count, or some other easily
countable fashion. Generally speaking, a 2/3 vote is required for adoption of any motion which ...
Suspends or modifies a rule of order already adopted;
Prevents the introduction of a question to consideration;
Closes, limits, or extends the limits of debate;
Closes nominations or the polls;
Takes away membership or office.

Volume 6, Issue 8

Page 5

NJ State Leadership - Z-HOPE Initiative

Regional Bylaws Update

The updated Regional Bylaws, as adopted in October 2015 at the 56th Atlantic Regional Leadership Conference in Philadelphia, Pa, were distributed to all Chapter
Presidents via email on February 20th. Also distributed were the form for proposed
amendments and a cover letter from Soror Beverly Tatham, Esq, Regional Parliamentarian. Please contact your chapter president for the materials.

Page 6

The Zeta Call

NJ Zetas Healthy Living Corner

Physicians and mental health professionals have long pondered the comorbidity between heart disease and
mental illness. For many years, it was thought the heart disease was the cause of depression, anxiety and similar disorders; however, experts are beginning to recognize that poor mental health may lead to heart disease. It
is important to be mentally fit in order to be physically fit. The key to mental health is to exercise the mind!
Here are three things you can do to exercise your mind..
Relax it is important to engage in prayer and meditation daily to rebuke negative thoughts. Prayer
and meditation has the power to reduce stress, anxiety and promote positive thoughts. Engaging in a hobby or
other productive enjoyable activities is also a good way to relax and refocus your thoughts.
Relate identify and talk about how you feel! We often tell the story, but forget to identify how it
made us feel. At the end of the story, stop and identify if you are happy, mad, glad or sad. Dont run away
from your feelings; but instead, process them.
Release the act of processing negative feelings will put you on the path of releasing them. It is important not to harbor resentments or negative feelings, as it causes a build-up negative energy. Release those
resentments and negative feelings by forgiving and letting go!
I often tell family and friends to be aware of where they spend their emotional energy. Emotional l energy is
like cash, you should have a stash for a rainy day. It is important to not blow things out of portion and be selective of the feelings and emotions you attach to situations. Sometimes it is helpful to put distance between
you and the situation in order to gain perspective.
So, relax, relate and release.your heart will thank you
for it later! Soror Kristal Miller, LPC, ACS, LCADC, CCS, CCJP, CSOTS

Page 7

Volume 6, Issue 8

National Initiatives

St. Jude Sunday of Hope

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. began its partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in 2013. In the
upcoming months of April and May we will commemorate our collaboration by chapters sponsoring a Sunday
of Hope. Below is an abbreviated outline to assist your chapter with planning and hosting this event.
1. Identify a chairperson
2. Select a place of worship; identify a contact person at the church
3. Select a date in the months of April and/or May
4. Order you kit from St. Jude
5. Set up a meeting to discuss the kit and set up your program
6. Announce the upcoming program in church programs, etc. to alert the congregation in advance of the even
7. Distribute the fans and envelopes the day of the event as parishioners enter church. The envelopes will be
customized to identify Zeta as the initiating organization, and it is important that they use the envelope provided by St. Jude.
8. Prior to the announcement of the special collection being taken for St. Jude, the video will be played and a
designated church representative will speak for a couple of minutes about St. Jude.
9. Report your Z-HOPE points.
Please refer to your tool kit for complete instructions

At the 2016 New Jersey State Leadership Conference, Zetas

and Amicae will have an opportunity to win a Kindle Fire

through a raffle being sponsored by the state Stork's Nest

Committee.

$5 Half Sheet

$10 Full Sheet

Funds raised will be used to benefit the existing Nest of Zeta Delta Zeta Chapter
and the developing Nest of Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter.

Page 8

The Zeta Call

NJ State Leadership

Attending the State Conference?

New to Zeta?
Recently Reclaimed? Need a Refresher?

SOME OF THE TOPICS TO COVERED:

What should I pack? What should I bring? Whats the difference
between the Executive Board Meeting and the Conference?
What time is MIP Training? What is the $19.20 Initiative?

Volume 6, Issue 8

Phi Mu Chapter
Mahalia Bazile
Sydnei Devose-Fletcher
( in white)

Psi Pi Chapter
Tara Thuruthuvelil

Page 9

Upsilon Tau Chapter

Markia Jackson
Olivia Walker
Andrea Felder

Page 10

The Zeta Call

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

Congratulations & Welcome to the newest

Youth Affiliates of Rho Tau Zeta Chapter
Archonette
Imari Simmons
Amicettes
Leah Nance
Seacrit Matos & Donna Williams
Pearlettes
DahNeyla Williams & Chrystal Beckham

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

New Jersey Youth
State Conference
Building Future Leaders
June 25, 2016
The College of New Jersey
2000 Pennington Road
Ewing Township, NJ 08628

Are you working on your STEM Contest Project??

Deadline to Submit is April 1, 2015

Volume 6, Issue 8

Page 11

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

Gamma Omicron Zeta Youth Affiliate Fundraiser

Amicette Flapjack Fundraiser was held at Applebees on February 13, 2016 in Union, NJ. The fundraiser
was a HUGE success as the girls served over 100 guests! The Pearlettes & Amicettes, waited on tables,
placed orders with kitchen staff, bussed tables, prepared coffee and beverages, and provided great customer
service.

(Amicette)Leah Freytas, Tavia White, Breanna Little, Courtney Lovell, Briyana Walker (Pearlette) Hasinah Reed

GOZ Pearlette & Amicette Monthly Meeting

In honor of Black History Month, Youth were assigned Madame CJ Walker to study. Our
girls had the opportunity to make their own natural beauty products. Pictured here, youth can
be seen experimenting in creating and flavoring their very own Lip balm!!!

Page 12

The Zeta Call

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

Following in her Mothers Footsteps (Soror Ivory Marrero)

Jazmin Marrero won 3rd Place in the Black History Contest. She was presented with a Certificate by Freeholder, Jonathan Young and the President of the Cherry Hill African American
Association Representative, Cathleen Jenkins

Pearlette Jazmin Marrero was recognized by Cherry Hill School District Board Meeting for
her entry in the Districts Black History Month Contest. She chose to do her poster on
Mone Davis & is pictured with Superintendent, Dr. Meloche

Page 13

Volume 6, Issue 8

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

GNZ Youth on the Move..

GNZ Pearlettes volunteering at the

Elder Care Bingo

Pearlette Seline & Madame State

Director Gina Merritt-Epps

GNZ, ZRS & KUS Youth outing to watch the movie

RACE with members Of the NAACP Youth Group

GNZ Youth doing Service

Page 14

Zeta Call

Amicae News

Omega Mu Zeta Chapter is mourning the loss of its very first Amica,
Rhonda Y. McCall, June 18, 1966 - March 1, 2016. Her smile, laugh
and commitment to the Amicae of Middlesex County, New Jersey will
never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Friend McCall. We love you and will
cherish your memory.

NJ Chapters Working

The Sorors of PPZ participated in their Adopt a

School Quarter Mile Lane's Read Across America
program on March 2,2016. One of the other featured
readers was The Honorable Mayor Albert Kelly.

The Sorors of PPZ would like to salute our Soror Aubrey

Goldsboro for receiving her Masters in Human Behavior, from Capella University. Celebrating commencement
ceremony in New Orleans, LA on March 12th, 2016!

Volume 6, Issue 8

Page 15

NJ Chapters Working - contd

AAXZ Chapter Celebrates Black History Month

On February 27, 2016, chapter members
from Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter participated in the 13th Annual Neptune Township Black History Month Celebration:
Rise of the Queen. The ladies interacted
and discussed the history of Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority, Inc. with local politicians, community organizations, students and other
residents of Neptune Township. Many local
African American women were honored at
this event for their outstanding contributions to the Neptune Township community, through scholarship and service. In addition to this, 4
African American female high school students were awarded scholarships for their accomplishments. The Dedicated ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter enjoyed networking with local residents as they celebrated the many achievements of African American women in Neptune Township.

AAXZ Chapter Attends Literacy and Recreation Fair

The Dedicated ladies of Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter attended a literacy and recreation fair sponsored
by the North Jersey Shore Chapter of Continental
Societies Inc. on February 27, 2016 at Shark River
Hills Elementary School in Neptune, NJ. This event
encouraged children to read more and maintain a
healthy lifestyle. Chapter members of Alpha Alpha
Chi Zeta Chapter participated in this event by helping with registrations during the day and getting children and their parents to different break out groups
during the fair. In addition to this, the ladies had a
great time enjoying yoga with their children.

Readingistothemindwhat
exerciseistothebody.

Page 16

Zeta Call

NJ Chapters Working contd

Caring For The Elders

On Saturday, February 13th the Psi Pi Chapter
volunteered at Brookhaven Nursing Home in
East Orange, NJ. Some of the activities held
with the residents included painting nails, room
visits, and giving out Valentines Day cards.
The chapter opens up these trips to all members
of the Seton Hall community, hoping that more
students will join in their efforts to support elder
care. This was the Psi Pi Chapters first time
attending the nursing home and they will continue to volunteer every second Saturday of the
month throughout the semester. Through these
monthly visits, the Psi Pi Chapter hopes to uplift
the spirits and build a connection with the residents of the nursing home.

Gamma Nu Zeta Chapter had a great time supporting our sister

chapters' in their annual events. Thank you for a great time to
Zeta Delta Zeta, Eta Omicron Zeta and Epsilon Xi Zeta Chapters.

Our Gamma Nu Zeta chapter family brought Easter Cheer to

the residents at Cooper River West. Everyone had a great
time playing Chair Bingo and enjoying their candy
treats. #ElderCare #GNZCares

Page 17

Volume 6, Issue 8

NJ Chapters Working contd

PTZ hosted its annual scholarship brunch on
February 27, 2016. The Bethwood of Totowa,
N.J., has been home to this fundraiser for over
ten years. First time event chair, Soror Jasmine Smith, successfully led the scholarship
committee to present this festive event to the
community that included vendors, live music,
raffles, and all the fashion and dcor that
made the 1920s a decade to remember.
NJ State Director Gina Merritt-Epps and Rho Tau Zeta Chapter

Five Pearls Scholarship Winner

Tamia Williams

NJ Basilei

The Scholarship Committee

Five Pearls Scholarship Winner

Johana Amigon

Scholarship Chair, Soror Jasmine Smith

Page 18

Zeta Call

NJ Chapters Working - contd

Eta Omicron Zeta

Marie B. Hubbard Finer Womanhood Luncheon, Journey to Centennial, in the Beginning 1920.
Thank you to all who supported our scholarship event.

Page 19

Volume 6, Issue 8

NJ Chapters Working - contd

ZDZ Celebrates Scholarship with its
57 Annual Finer Womanhood Luncheon and Fashion Show
th

The Merion Caterers ballroom brimmed with over 470 attendees for Zeta Delta Zetas 57th Annual Finer Womanhood
Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show. Recognition and
awards were presented to our Zeta of the Year (Soror Keisha Thornton), Amica of the Year (Bertha Smith), Sigma
of the Year (KUS Milton Dilligard), Woman of the Year
(Dawn Frazier) and Service Organization of the Year
(Burlington County Community Action Program).

On Saturday, February 20, 2016 the Women of Epsilon Xi Zeta hosted their Annual Z-HOPE Scholarship
Awards Luncheon, at the Westin Princeton, in Princeton, New Jersey. The 2016 theme was Behind the
Blue Shield Honoring our Heros in Public Service.
The honorees were Detective Cynthia Hargis of the
Trenton Police Department, Officer Laurel Rodgers
of the Trenton Police Department, Firefighter Ralston
Denton of
the Trenton
Fire Department and Ernest Doggett, III EMT/Firefighter of the Trenton Fire
Department and Correction Officer Lance Lopez. All the honorees
work in their respective jobs as well as doing various events and
activities to keep our communities safe and provide a safe environment for the youth and residents. The event was attended by over
400 people where the proceeds will benefit our 2016 Scholarship
Recipients at our Erma Jean Nicholson Tea in May 2016.

Page 20

Zeta Call

NJ Chapters Working - contd

BlazingNewPaths
Congratulations to Soror Jorelle S. Green, who was honored on March 5, 2016 by Nu Psi Zeta Chapter of Peekskill, New York. Soror Green received the Trailblazer/
Charter Member Award for Sorors Building on the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths.

Getting Physical, Getting Fit

Participants at the Omega Mu Zeta Chapter's GET FIT
program on March 12, 2016. Two sessions were led by
Soror Anowa Adjah of Powerhouse Physiques.

ASister2SisterArtParty
Omicron Omicron Zeta Chapter kicked off the Finer
Womanhood celebration with a chapter Art Party.
Amicae and Zetas met at McArt in Woodbury for
food, old school music and painting fun. Each member painted their own masterpieces titled Victorious
Finer Women in shades of blue.

A New Blue & White Bond in

Gloucester County
Omicron Omicron Zeta chapter welcomed their brothers of Rho Delta Sigma chapter at their chapter chartering ceremonies on February 20.

Page 21

Volume 6, Issue 8

NJ Chapters Working - contd

The ladies of Sigma Zeta Chapter of Hudson County

spent quality time playing Bingo with the elderly at the
Lutheran Senior Life Center in Jersey City.

Meet Zeta Legacies Ywana Rivers-Felder - charter member of Zeta

Lambda Chapter, Kean University and daughter Andrea Felder member of Upsilon Tau Chapter. Members of Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter Past State Director Vesta Godwin -Clark and Soror Dana Hobbs
Charter member of Zeta Lambda attended the induction ceremony.

Theta Omicron
and
Rho Theta
Chapters
Millie Kroung of I Chp. w/
Robert Menendez, the Sr. US
Sen. from NJ. She has been
hired to work on his staff.

Page 22

Support Sister Events

Zeta Call

Volume 6, Issue 8

Page 23

Page 24

The Zeta Call

Upcoming Dates
Chapter

Date

Location

Xi Tau Zeta

April 8 - 8 pm

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

Atlantic City, NJ

Chi Rho Zeta

April 9 - 11:30 am

Paris Caterers, Berlin, NJ

Sigma Zeta Zeta

April 9 - 7pm

The San Carlo

Lyndhurst, NJ

Omicron Omicron Zeta

April 16

Aulettos Caterers
Deptford, NJ

Rho Rho Zeta

May 7 - 9:30 am

Everette P. Marino Center

Bridgeton, NJ

Omega Mu Zeta

May 21 - 12 pm

Ocean Place Resorts & Spa,

Long Branch, NJ

Alpha Alpha Chi Zeta

June 3 - 8pm

Double Tree Hotel

Tinton Falls, NJ

- 11am

Key Dates and Deadlines

Necrology Report
HOZ State Conference Webinar
State Conference
March for Babies
Boule (Orlando Hilton, Orlando, Florida)

4/3
4/5
4/22 and 23
4/24
7/6 10