A Look Inside…

THE ZETA WINDOW

Volume 5, Issue 2 January 2013

Some of the first words we teach

children to say are “Mommy,” “Daddy,” “Please” and “Thank you.” And yet as we get older, the latter seems to slip from our vocabulary like a glass from an arthritic hand. Life requires that we be brave, believe, and hold on with the same child-like grip as when we learned to walk. Though danger looms large and the steps are uncertain, we run a greater risk of never getting anywhere if we don’t forge ahead. There is no guarantee that hands will always be there to hold or arms there to carry us. We must, however, keep going. The holidays aren’t just for children. Every effort must be made to still see the sparkle and behold the blessings of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and every other day we are allowed to see. It isn’t always easy, but the same admonishments we offer youth (“There’s

no such thing as can’t,” “Practice makes perfect,” and of course the magic words, “Please” and “Thank you”) apply. In this issue we honor a brave soror and celebrate a believing president. Hold on to this Zeta window, and when those days come when you think you can’t go on-- reopen it, take a breath of fresh air, and most important, don’t forget to say, “Thank you Father.” It goes a long way. Happy New Year, Soror Celeste Parker Soror Celeste Parker Co-Editor

New Year, New Outlook ----- Happy New Year, Sorors! You know, there are many conflicting meanings of the number 13. Some label the

number as one of extreme bad luck. For example, any Friday that falls on the 13

th of the month is

supposedly a day where all things BAD will occur. We stay indoors, steer clear of cracks on sidewalks, and intensely watch our paths for black cats lurking. On the other hand, 13 is also seen as a very lucky number. It is, after all, the number of stripes on our American flag, and in Christianity, 13 is seen as a number of promise and great blessings given by God. I believe that life is neither lucky nor unlucky, but one’s outlook determines one’s fate. As we release the hardships of 2012, reboot, and become refreshed in 2013, let us have a renewed outlook which focuses on enriching our lives and the community in which we reside. Let us hold our sisters in high regard instead of tear them down with our eyes and our words. Let us reach back as we flourish and not stand on others to conquer our goals. Zeta breeds strong individuals, but if we are also resilient we can move mountains. Be positive, be encouraged and be inspired, Sorors. See you in the New Year! Soror Nakhia Crossley, Esq. Co-Editor

IN THIS ISSUE

ZTZ In the Community- Holiday Edition!

Finer Womanhood Scholarship Luncheon

Soror Spotlight: Rosa Pugh In Full Bloom

Zeal for Life- Recipes

Upcoming ZTZ Events you DON’T want to miss!

Turn the page!!!

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

2

Tis the Season…

.

.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Zeta Tau Zeta branched out into the community to ensure everyone had something to be thankful for. A “Community Conscious, Action Oriented” chapter, Zeta Tau Zeta donated blankets to Trinity hospital, food and toys to Lena Washington’s Shelter, and coats to Rebecca Crown Chicago Youth Center.

…for Giving

ZTZ IN THE COMMUNITY

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

3

ZTZ with U.S. Veterans of The Inner Voice

Soror Imani Harmon dominates the Domino table Sorors enjoy pancakes at Sophia’s

…for Service

…for Fellowship

A new ZTZ tradition, Zeta Tau Zeta sorors gathered on November 8, 2012 at Sophia’s Restaurant to fellowship in the name of Sisterly Love. “Breakfast with the Sisters,” is a quarterly gathering calling all sorors who are able to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy fine dining and great conversation. The next “Breakfast with the Sisters,” place to be announced, will occur in March 2013 in the Hyde Park/Bronzeville area. Contact the Social Committee Co-Chairs for more information.

Sorors also engaged in an old tradition at ZTZ’s annual Game Night on December 22, 2012. Sorors invited friends and family to join them for a night of Dominoes, Jenga, Twister, Uno and more! Dozens were in attendance for what proved to be a night full of laughter and fun! Thanks, Zeta Tau Zeta!

ZTZ spent Christmas Eve with the Veterans of The Inner Voice. The veterans enjoyed spending time with sorors and especially reading Christmas cards which were prepared by members of ZTZ. They also received 15 brand new sets of sheets for each of their beds. ZTZ prays that the small tokens received warmed their bodies and their hearts during the

holiday season.

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

4

By: Soror Nakhia Crossley, Esq.

It’s that time of year again! Finer Womanhood month is approaching and it’s time to celebrate. This year, the Zeta Tau Zeta White Rose Foundation, Inc., an entity of Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter, will present “A Night of Fine Arts,” the 46

th Annual Finer

Womanhood Scholarship and Awards Gala.

For the first time, the Gala will feature some high end art for viewing and a silent auction. There will also be a live band, a DJ, a raffle, and a cash bar. But most importantly, the Gala will showcase some amazing young ladies who will be presented to the audience and honored for their academic achievements with scholarships and other accolades. Some of the ladies will join an esteemed group of female minority scholars in the Chicagoland area who continue to receive funding as a result of being able to maintain a 3.0 or above grade point average in college.

Additionally, Zeta Tau Zeta will honor pillars of the community in their respective walks of life. Honorees include Patricia A. Pike, a 34 year vet of Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Virgil C. Brackett, Pastor of Rheme Word Church, and Adam Guichard, a very innovative and popular local artist. We will also honor our Zeta of the Year, ZTZ’s own Soror Latisha M. Skinner, Soror Annie W Richardson for 50

years of service to our great sisterhood, and other awards as well. “This will be a grand event,” says Soror Skinner, who is also Chair of the Finer Womanhood Committee. “We wanted to reinvent our chapters’ rich legacy of timeless events. This event is the only one of its kind in our region of this magnitude.” The Gala takes place on Saturday, March 9, 2013, from 7pm to Midnight at Tinley Park Convention Center. Donations can also be made payable to: Zeta Tau Zeta White Rose Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 1126, Matteson, Illinois 60443. Ads may

also be reserved and purchased through February 11, 2013. Join us for an evening of elegance as we honor our youth and individuals who are making strides within our community and dance the night away.

A Night of Fine Arts and

Finer Women

Zeta Tau Zeta White Rose Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501©3 tax-exempt organization. It is the fundraising and programming entity of Zeta Tau Zeta Metropolitan Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

5

The Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter

“Building On the Principles of Zeta While Blazing New Paths”

INVITES YOU TO…

Keep your and SOUL STRONG! A FREE WORKSHOP FOR MEN, WOMEN and Youth

AGES 13 AND UP Feb. 9, 2013 10a.m. -1p.m. Second Mt. Vernon MB Church

2101 W. 79th Street Chicago, IL Info on Stroke, Heart and Lung Cancer Prevention and more

Come enjoy a Zumba Class! Raffle (1 for $1.00 & 6 for $5) Part of the proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society

Contact: G. Carson Banuke29@gmail.com

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

6

By: Soror Celeste Parker

A rose is a perennial or long living plant. They vary in size and shape, but are usually large and showy compared to others. Most species have five petals, all have countless purposes. From ornamental beauty and perfumes, to food; drink; medicine and subjects of artwork, roses enrich our lives in many ways. And so it is with our very own Soror Rosa Pugh.

Born Rosa Ann Pugh to Harvey and Rosa Lee on what was undoubtedly a hot July day, Soror Rosa adds warmth to any room she walks into. She lights up every space she inhabits with her infectious laughter, dancing, and celebratory, firework-like spirit. One of four children (brothers Raymond, Kenneth and Anthony), she was the only girl. A family of givers and community servants, her charity began at home as she shared in the caretaking of her siblings.

Rosa also inherited a love of music and with an angelic voice went on to major in Vocal Music Education K-12 at her beloved Kentucky State University. It was there in the Music Hall during freshman orientation that a certain beautiful, blue and white shield mounted on the wall caught her eye. As fate would have it, the group she was assigned to was led by a Zeta. This “big sister” helped her pick classes, figure out her schedule, and showed her around campus. Rosa was especially impressed with this Zeta’s hospitality, friendliness and fairness. In the fall of 1975 after being encouraged to attend the invitationals of all of the sororities in order to make

an informed decision, she of course picked the best. She endured her process alone, but is quick to add that she had the best and greatest sisters in the world. For almost forty years now, Rosa has carried on the tradition of

friendliness. She has served as Phylacter and Youth Chairperson. As my Zeta Sponsor I can attest to the light of Zeta that glows within her much like the shield she admired back then. My Sponsor/Soror/Sister Rosa is now going through a different kind of process, but even in the midst of this challenge she reached out to me and expressed a desire to give. This past July Rosa was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is currently undergoing treatments every three weeks that we are praying and

believing will be successful. In true Pugh fashion (her father took seniors to their appointments and her aunt during a similar bout with cancer also cared for seniors), she has chosen to use her experience to help others. She wants to stress to Sorors the importance of examining yourself, going to the doctor and knowing your family health history, men included. She also shared the following information:

-Early detection is key. -Illinois has a breast and cervical

cancer program through Medicaid where you don’t have to pay.

-Medicare will pay for the reconstruction of the breast if necessary after surgery.

-Cook County and The American Cancer Society are helpful resources.

-Although there is no medical evidence to support it, be cautious in storing electrical devices on or near your person (ex. cell phones in breast pocket).

When asked if there is anything we can do to help, Rosa only requested that we pray for fast shrinkage and increased courage. With fervent hearts, we will Soror. The way in which our paths crossed and I was introduced to Zeta made my life more beautiful and fragrant. I hope to repay you by serving together for years to come. You came into Zeta alone, but we are in this together.

SOROR Spotlight: Rosa Pugh – In Full Bloom

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

7

UPCOMING ZTZ EVENTS January 12 Dining at Niko’s Restaurant (Open to Public) 7600 S. Harlem Ave., Chicago, IL Ticket: $60.00; Includes Reaffirmation ticket January 19 Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter Meeting St. Ailbe’s Catholic Church 9037 S. Harper St., Chicago, IL 12:00pm-3 :00pm January 26 Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter Founder’s Day Luncheon (Open to Public) Doubletree Hotel 5000 West 127

th Street, Chicago, IL

12:00pm-4:00pm Ticket:: $45.00 February 9 Z-Hope Heart and Stroke Workshop Second Mt. Vernon M.B. Church 2101 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL. 10:00 am-1:00 pm

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

8

Zeal for Life: Because a Victorious Soror is a

Healthy Soror By Soror Celeste Parker

Recipes by Soror Dr. Diana Grant-Burke

On the first day of Christmas my Zeta gave to me, a healthy holiday recipe! Tis the season to wrap gifts and

pack on the pounds! Sorors, let's not forget to take care of our families and ourselves by offering smart food

choices. These recipes can be prepared and enjoyed year round.

Mama’s Meatballs Makes 15 to 20 meatballs

½ small loaf of stale Italian bread broken in half ½ lb.80% lean ground beef ½ lb. veal ground veal ¼ cup of finely chopped flat- leaf parsley 1 lightly beaten egg 2 ½ coarsely chopped garlic ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Kosher salt and peeper 2 to 5 cups of your choice of marinara sauce

Soak bread in warm water for 5 minutes. Squeeze chunks gently to remove any excess water and place in a large bowl.

Add beef, veal, parsley, egg, garlic, and cheese into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Knead mixture with hands for a full five minutes or until and ingredients are well combined.

Using hands shape a heaping tbsp. of meat into a ball. Repeat.

Fill a 10in. skillet half way with canola oil and cook over high heat. Gently place 8 to 10 meatballs into the skillet at a time. Reduce the heat to a medium heat and fry. Give each side about 6 to 7 minutes and then turn. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meatballs into a bowl.

Heat meatballs in the marinara sauce for about 20 minutes. Serve with spaghetti.

Precious Pecan Pie Serves about 8

1 cup of packed light brown sugar ½ cup of granulated sugar ½ cup (1 stick) of melted butter 2 large eggs 1 ½ tbsp. of tsp. of vanilla 2 tbsp. of milk 1 tbsp. of flour 1 cup of chopped pecans 1 9- in. uncooked deep-dish pie shell 1 cup pecan halves

Preheat oven to 325⁰. Beat the eggs with the sugars until creamy. Then add the butter, vanilla, mils, flour and chopped pecans.

Pour the mixture into the pie shell. Arrange the pecan halves on top of the pie in a circular pattern.

Bake the pie for about 55 minutes. Check the pie by slightly shaking the pan. It should hold firm, with a slight jiggle in the center. It will still more as it cools. Serve warm .

The Zeta Window Volume 5, Issue 1

9

FeLines

One Zeta’s Thoughts on Life and Love

Hunger Games It’s the day after Thanksgiving and I ate so much yesterday (and technically today if you count the trips back to the kitchen while watching TV well past midnight) that I could easily skip meals for the next week. And yet I hunger for more. Actually it’s not so much that I’m hungry, but that I know there is more left to indulge in. It reminds me of my last relationship. Things were good, a sweet Anita Baker-like love in fact. He was the apple of my eye, but leftovers from previous relationships slowly spoiled, leaving bitter tastes in both of our mouths. I was so preoccupied with the fear of not being able to curb his cravings for more, that I kept our cake from rising. I checked the oven so often that eventually we fell flat. Oddly enough, one of the disagreements we had that I regret the most was over not eating, or fasting. You see, when I wasn’t worrying about being hot and spicy enough for him, I questioned his being too lukewarm for me. Often perceived as a “church lady” I struggle with trying to be cool enough, and fit into the jello mold if you will, when all the while I know I’ve been called to be different, more of an a la carte kind of girl. I have after all, been bought with a price. Nevertheless it wasn’t what I said, but how and when

I said it. I picked a most inappropriate time (on the way to his friend’s party) to bring up the subject. When he didn’t “bite,” or give the answer I would have liked, I snapped. If the way to a man’s heart is his stomach I missed the exit and got right on his nerves. Crazy I know, but it was never about him. This cheese just didn’t want to stand, or walk the narrow path alone. Food for thought; sometimes we have to.

Sorors are you going back for refills on things you know you shouldn’t? Are you doing the same old thing, holding on to the same old grudges or seeing similar patterns in your relationships? Although hard to digest, you may be the one responsible for your unhappy meal. Don’t wait until the New Year to change your diet. Insecurity and dishonesty is a recipe for disaster. Be up front about what you want and make sure the measuring cup is equal with what you’re willing to give. I am holding on to the belief that my four course love awaits, one that will make me weak in the knees

yet stand strong because we kneel together in prayer. In the meantime I am clearing the crumbs from my heart and nourishing my own spirit. I am working on not starving for love, but setting a table where it will feel welcome to stay once it arrives. Bon appétit!

By: Soror Celeste Parker

Got a newsworthy idea? Comments?

Suggestions? Sheer and Utter Praise?

Contact the Zeta

Window Editors via email!

Nakhia Crossley

Nakhia.Crossley@gmail.com Celeste Parker

heavenly@cp@yahoo.com