On Dec. 22, 2010, the men of the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. presented Thomas LaPread with the fraternity’s “Young Man of Distinction Award.”

LaPread was presented with a check for $1,000 to further his educational matriculation at the University of Alabama where he is a dual major in chemistry and chemical engineering.

Phi Beta Sigma is an organization built on the principles of brotherhood, scholarship and service. Questions about scholarship opportunities or upcoming events can be made by  contacting

The March 14 Biennial Finer Womanhood Observance of Alpha Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. will be remembered as the “finest.”

The recognition and presentation of seven women honorees ignited the program agenda. Each selected woman represented distinction in her specific role of service and contributions.

The honorees were Ralphenia D. Pace, Ph.D. (Woman of the Year); Clara P. Grimmett (Citizen of the Year); Lessie M. Ducksworth (Zeta of the Year); Grace F. Harris (Zeta of the Year); Memphis N. Boston (Amicae of the Year); Diamond L.S. Smith (Undergraduate Zeta of the Year); and Martima Penn (Youth of the Year).

The ‘Finest’ of the program continued when Tonya Terry, WSFA-TV 12 news anchor, delivered a motivational message.

She issued a challenge reminding the women they are asked to be so much to many people locally, nationally and globally.

In the midst of this, she issued a boost to the women by expressing how phenomenal they are. Confirming such, she shared the poetic lines of Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman.”

Finally, Terry’s shared personal life experiences were emotional and served as a point of reaffirmation for the listening audience.

Also contributing to the event, the Finest of Finer Womanhood Observances, were musical selections rendered by 2010 Macon County Junior Miss Rachel G. Gandy and the melodious voices of Daughters of Zion.

Chapter president, Senora C. Moore, and Janice M. Maxwell, observance chair, echoed the expressions resounded in the audience, stating, “This was the Finest of Finer Womanhood Observances. It was also the celebration of some of the most noteworthy women honorees of our community.”

The observance theme was “Women Networking to Render World-Class Service.”

When it comes to stroke and heart disease, knowing the enemy can mean the difference between life and death.

And knowing that alone was enough to prompt several local groups to participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Program.

According to the Heart Association’s Web site, Go Red For Women’s short-term goal is  a 25 percent reduction in coronary heart disease and stroke risk by the year 2010.

“As we work toward that goal, we’re working hard to change the perception that heart disease is a ‘man’s disease,’ and it’s working!”  the site says. “By teaching more and more women how to talk to their doctors about heart disease, we can save thousands of lives every year.”

In Tuskegee, Epsilon Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority sponsored the Go Red For Women program, held February 27 at Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Epsilon held the event in conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Belt Medical Reserve, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Greater St. Mark, Phi Delta Kappa Education Sorority, Tuskegee American Heart Association, Tuskegee Links, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

The groups sponsored the Go Red program to highlight factors that contribute to heart disease and stroke in black women.

The program provided women with information on factors including high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet and physical inactivity. Screenings were done for cholesterol levels, blood glucose level and blood pressure.