The Zeta Tau Sigma Alumnae Chapter is a service-oriented chapter whose philosophy follows the old African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." As such, the chapter embraces a holistic approach to service which seeks to uplift youth, parents, and community participants.
Every year, the sorors of Zeta Tau Sigma chapter commemorate the chapter's chartering (March 26th), while also honoring members of the community who work diligently to embody this adage. This event is the Charter Day/Village Keepers' Luncheon.
The mood could be described with one simple, powerful word: love.
It was abundant and free-flowing, evident in the exchanges between guests and hostesses alike. It was visible in every hug, in the smiles of the sorors from far and wide who were in attendance, in each “Long time no see!”, and in every joyful tear that was shed as old friendships were rekindled and new bonds were established.
This year, the venue was packed, as tickets to this year's luncheon had completely sold out. The day began with welcome speeches from ZTS and Charter Day Committee leadership, followed by prayer and blessing of the food. The food itself was abundant and nurturing and provided ample opportunity for guests to mingle, socialize and get to know their table neighbors.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch, accompanied by the melodious offerings of a choir.
After lunch was served, the sorors of ZTS chapter began the awards presentation, starting with a brief speech by Evelyn S. Tyndell, chapter basileus.
This year’s Village Keeper honorees were Soror Dr. Jimmie Jackson (Alpha Iota '56) and Janice Talley (Beta Beta '75). Each of these ladies have exemplified the ideals of Village Keepers with decades of service to the community and tireless service!
In addition to the Village Keeper awards, the Basileus Tyndell also presented the Rising Star Award, which is presented to a Soror who exhibits exceptional promise of leadership and contribution to ZTS. This year's honoree was Soror Mariam Corey (Delta Tau '92), a recently reactivated soror who has shone her beacon brightly in service to Sigma.
However, many would agree that one of the highlights of the luncheon was the announcement of a new award: the Lillie Van Landingham Leadership Award. This award was established in honor of Life Member Cultured Pearl Lillian Van Landingham, who served as Zeta Tau Sigma Chapter's charter basileus, as part of her tireless service to Sigma throughout the years. This award honors a chapter soror who has gone above and beyond in demonstrating dedication to Sigma Gamma Rho's highest ideals. It is (and will be) awarded to a Soror who shows early signs of walking the path of Soror Van Landingham not only in her Sorority pursuits but in her personal, professional and of course community service pursuits. This year's honoree was Soror Alana Williams (Eta Beta '05). Soror Williams was out of town and therefore unable to accept her award in person. Soror Casey Jackson accepted the award in her stead, after delivering a moving tribute to Soror Williams, as her mentor.
After all the moving speeches were done, and the honorees had returned to their seats... after all the applause had quietened down... there was an almost palpable sense of community and joyful sentiment. To top off an excellent afternoon of fellowship, the chapter and guests enjoyed bidding in the first annual silent auction. Multiple goodies were won!
A good time was certainly enjoyed by all.
The sorors of the Zeta Tau Sigma Alumnae Chapter would like to seize this opportunity to thank each and every attendee, participant, committee member and well-wisher who helped make this year's Charter Day/Village Keeper's luncheon such a success. We sincerely look forward to seeing you again next year, and fellowshipping with you for many years to come.
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| A Few Members of ZTS Chapter with Charter Basileus Van Landingham |
