Pierian Times. National President s Note. The. What s Inside? Save the Date: Executive Council Meetings F A L L Volume 2, No. 3.

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1 The F A L L Pierian Times Volume 2, No. 3 National President s Note President, Alice Bey We celebrate, congratulate, and welcome our newest Pierian Sisters - the members of the Detroit, Michigan Chapter. Our sincere appreciation to all of the Detroit Pierians for their generous hospitality extended to all visiting Pierians. I hope you enjoyed your summer months staying healthy and happy. Autumn has come, which means it is time for us to roll up our sleeves, and indulge in the ARTS! There is always plenty of work to be done as we continue to move our organization forward. We began this year with a total of 11 chapters and 186 members; this assures us that we will continue to remain cohesive and viable as we embrace the arts. The Columbia (MD) Chapter is actively making preparations for our 2014 National Assembly. It will be held at the Columbia Sheraton Hotel - Columbia, Maryland on Thursday, October 16 thru Sunday, October 19, 2014 Mark your 2014 calendars and plan to attend. They are promising an extraordinaire event! Survival of the Arts: A Way of Life Alice Save the Date: Executive Council Meetings January 25, 2014, Montgomery County Chapter March 29, 2014, Baltimore City May 31, 2014, Richmond, VA Chapter September 27, 2014, Columbia, MD What s Inside? Fall President s Note 1 Save the Date: Executive Council Meeting 2 News from Atlanta, GA 3 News from Montgomery County, MD 4 New Chapter: Detroit, MI 5-7 News from Baltimore, MD 8 News from Richmond, VA 9 News from Washington, DC 10 Notes from the Pierian National Chaplain 11 News from Columbia, MD 12 News from The Pierian Foundation, Incorporated 13 News from Flint, MI 14 News from Pittsburgh, PA

2 Pierian News From The Atlanta Chapter Submitted by Pierian Janet Payne The Atlanta Chapter tour of Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial exhibit at the High Museum / February 2013 The Atlanta Chapter is still in marvel of the many Pierian sisters we were graced with meeting during the 16 th National Assembly. The high point of our spring season was the docent guided tour of Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial exhibit at the High Museum in Atlanta. The past months have been exciting for the Atlanta Chapter with varied events supporting the arts community. For the 3 rd year, the Atlanta Chapter partnered with African Americans for The Arts in hosting its annual Holidays Aglow Exhibit Opening Reception. The chapter is excited about the 4 th year on collaboration in December 2013 for this event. As a supporting partner, we attended the spring concert of the talented Urban Youth Harp Ensemble. The middle and high school students mesmerized the audience with their array of savvy & skills. During the program year, chapter vicepresident, Janet Payne was presented the Regal Award by the Douglas-Carroll-Paulding Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 30 years of arts advocacy in the community. We experienced August Wilson at his best by attending the play Two Trains Running at the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta. Our president, Mollie Neal hosted an elegant brunch at the BRIO Tuscan Grille to highlight the success of our 2012/2013 program year. The Atlanta Chapter elected new officers for the 2013/2014 program year and thanked Mollie Neal for her years of outstanding leadership. We were delighted to kick-off of our 2013/2014 year by the Louis Delsarte Museum hosting our September meeting. We continue our exciting year by attending Taste of The Atlanta Opera, the official preview of their season. 2

3 MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD PIERIANS - JAZZ 101 Submitted by Pierian Cornelia Robertson-Terry On April 27, 2013, The Montgomery County Maryland Chapter of the Pierians held a Jazz 101 lecture and listening session at the home of Pierian Fran Armstrong. This program activity was selected to enhance appreciation of this historical art form. Jazz paintings and books by well-known jazz authors were available throughout the area for participants and their guests. Mr. Frantz Carr Wilson, husband of Pierian Lois Wilson, assisted the chapter in planning for this activity. He invited Mr. Carl Jennings to serve as our guest lecturer. Mr. Jennings has an extensive background in jazz education. His background included teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses, and writing for the Jazz Spotlight News. Mr. Jennings played professional gigs with his big band the Music Complex Jazz Orchestra and other jazz ensembles and bands. Mr. Jennings used a PowerPoint presentation to highlight the history of Jazz. Mr. Jennings wife, Caleen Jennings, a professor of theater at American University, assisted him with his delivery. Five volunteers were used to demonstrate the jazz beats. A handout was given to participants with considerations and guidelines for appreciating jazz. Mr. Jennings emphasized that when listening to jazz, the most important thing is whether or not you like what you are hearing. He encouraged participants to pay special attention to the melody, harmony, rhythm, tempo and syncopation of the piece being performed. By paying attention to and identifying these elements, you will develop an appreciation for jazz as a form of musical expression that is a highly creative, rich and rewarding musical experience that can broaden your appreciation for all types of music. The Jazz 101 session included a lovely repast and fellowship. During the program year for , the chapter plans to attend a local Saturday jazz jam session. 3

4 The Pierians, Incorporated Welcomes a New Chapter Submitted by Pierian LaNesha DeBardelaben On June 15, 2013, The Pierians, Incorporated, Detroit, Michigan Chapter was established as the organization s 11 th national active chapter. Pierians from across the country descended into Detroit to celebrate and witness the historic chartering. In August 2012, 11 Detroit-area women organized the Greater Detroit Area Interest Group of the Pierians, Inc. For nine months, the women engaged in works that were a part of the chartering process. The organizing spirit behind the Detroit, Michigan Chapter, Pierian LaNesha DeBardelaben, was originally inducted into the Flint, Michigan Chapter in Having relocated to Detroit in 2011 to serve as Director of Archives and Libraries at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, LaNesha knew that Detroit would be an ideal location to establish a chapter, as Detroit has a thriving arts culture. She worked with Pierians Mary Bracey then Verna Jackson, former and current National Chapter Establishment Chairpersons, to complete the preliminary work of organizing a group of 10 women interested in the arts. LaNesha recruited a few women, who then recruited a few more. Soon, the core group of 11 was established, and worked brilliantly together. The women of the Greater Detroit Area Interest Group attended informational sessions about the Pierians, planned their Artistic Program, attended a Spelman College Glee Club Concert at the Charles H. Wright Museum, and attended the Michigan Sings Choral Program at Wayne State University. The National Executive Council of The Pierians, Inc. approved of the manner in which the Detroit Interest Group met all of the requirements to become an official chapter. The culmination of their efforts was the Artistic Program and Chartering Ceremony, held at the Charles H. Wright Museum on Saturday, June 15, It was a splendid day that featured vocal performances, a violin solo, a presentation about the The Detroit, Michigan Chapter at the Chartering Ceremony Left to right and offices held are: LaNesha DeBardelaben (President), Nina Scott (Parliamentarian), Patrina Chatman (Recording Secretary), Lynda Wood, Ph.D., Sylvia Hollifield (Vice President), Alisa Shannon (Treasurer), Carlotta Tutt Holloway, Barbara K. Smith, Ph.D. (Historian), Mary Little (Financial Secretary), Charlotte Jackson (Chaplain), Not Pictured Melanie White (Corresponding Secretary). literary arts and a beautiful visual tablescape of creativity. The venue was decorated in a most beautiful fashion by Pierians Charlotte Jackson and Mary Little, and was dubbed The Garden. The national officers of The Pierians chartered the chapter, pinned the new members, and installed its chapter officers. Gifts were presented to the new chapter from National and various chapters. National Charter Member Pierian Lydia Mussenden shared congratulatory remarks with the new chapter. President Alice Bey notes The Detroit Chapter s induction was very welcoming and exciting. As a new chapter, they will add a wealth of artistic expressions to our National Organization. The Detroit, Michigan Chapter appreciates the support of the National Officers, all Pierians who attended the event, and all chapters who shared congratulatory expressions. The Detroit, Michigan Chapter looks forward to making a tremendous impact upon the arts. 4

5 BALTIMORE COUNTY CHAPTER S ARTFUL SPRING Submitted by Pierian Merlene E. Adair March 19, 2013 Baltimore County Chapter of PIERIANS, INC. enjoyed an exciting artful Spring Our March 19 th meeting totally took away the winter doldrums with bright colors and fresh spring flowers adorning the dining room. Hostesses Doris Holmes, Bernadine Johnson and Dottie Johnson, with smiles brighter than the colors, greeted each Pierian. Dinner was elegant, and the meeting s agenda highlight was Committee Chair Dottie s report of our Chapter s 20 th Anniversary Celebration plans. May 2013 Meetings On May 2 nd 12 Chapter members spent a most delightful day at the brand new and beautiful multimillion dollar GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY. This was our annual visit to meet senior art majors planning to attend college in the fall majoring in art studies. Culinary students artfully prepared and served a most delicious lunch. Our afternoon was spent viewing, talking with, and listening to presentations of artwork by CARVER S exceptionally talented students. It was a most difficult task; however, our last activity of the day was to select our scholarship recipient. Our last meeting of Club Year hosted by Pierians Beverly Booth-Brown, Flossie Johnson and Shirley Kane was held on May 21 st at Tea by Julia Faye, Tea Room & Tea Store at The Stone Mansion. This beautiful and ancient mansion inspires art as did our elegant High Tea. Our evening s Thing of Beauty was enjoyed on one of the Mansion s porches with spring breezes, dipping sun, and Painter and Art Educator Karan Johnson Wyatt, sharing her art journey, several of her beautiful paintings, and her new venture of designer note cards. 5

6 BALTIMORE COUNTY CHAPTER S ARTFUL SPRING (Continued from page 5) On May 22 nd Chapter President Merlene Adair and Vice President Beverly Booth-Brown attended CARVER S SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY. The Ceremony included instrumental, vocal and dance presentations that had the overflow audience begging for more. President Adair and Vice President Brown were honored to present the PIERIANS Baltimore County Chapter s Annual Scholarship Award to graduating senior Jordan Garlic. Miss Garlic was already accepted at, and is currently attending The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts majoring in Oil Painting. Our annual closing AFTERNOON WITH THE ARTISTS brought our exciting artful year and spring to its end. Held annually on the 3 rd Saturday in June at the Benjamin Banneker Museum located in Baltimore County, our artists, this year as always, brought our capacity audience to its feet time and time again. Our scholarship recipient Jordan Garlic presented several of her paintings. The soulful sounds of Saxophonist Rachel Winder accompanied on Keyboard by Justin Taylor quickly set the mood for the afternoon as they provided opening/gathering music. They also provided closing smooth jazz. Dancers Shayla Conaway, Adia Hill and Toya Robertson presented dance genre from ballet to modern. Author Bennett Ketter mesmerized the audience with the story of his writing journey, and read excerpts from his book depicting his young life. A delectable reception, coupled with museum tours, concluded the afternoon leaving our guests wishing for more. Fall 2013 marks twenty years since the chartering of the Baltimore County Chapter of PIERIANS, INCORPORATED. We are very excitedly planning to celebrate that great event on November 9, Listen out for more formal details to come! 6

7 THE PIERIAN TIMES The Pierians, Inc. Baltimore Chapter Submitted by Pierian Janet Waters The Spring of 2013 provided a perfect balmy Saturday for Baltimore Pierians to enjoy viewing and touching an exhibition of pottery and functional clayware by artisans and refugee youths from the Kingdom of Bhutan and Nepal in South Asia, and Ethiopia and Tanzania in Africa, in a presentation entitled Global Perspectives, hosted and showcased at the Baltimore Clayworks. This exhibit fitted well with our new Pierian theme, Survival of the Arts A Way of Life, in that it created an artistic bridge between teenage refugee communities in Baltimore and the ceramic artwork of the homelands that they left behind on coming to the United States. FALL 2013 Baltimore s June closing program, in the Callaway Room of the Coppin State University was a much anticipated celebration for the induction of new members Dr. Wanda Ramsey and Linda Jackson followed by the installation of officers for : Janet Waters, President; Patricia Kendall, Secretary; Roni Young, Recording Secretary; Nikita Haysbert Corresponding Secretary; Lisa Shipley Treasurer; and Yvette Shipley-Perkins Financial Secretary. Following acknowledgements and gifts to and from the outgoing president, the gavel was passed to the new Baltimore President and a champagne reception was enjoyed by all. Baltimore s premiere program-year event culminated on April 7 th in a collaborative venture with the Maryland Historical Society. Pierians and the Historical Society hosted an afternoon reception and gathering of over 100 guests to view and identify the photographs of local African American and AFRO Newspaper photographer Paul Henderson. The Historical Society houses a collection of over 600 photographs, and a permanent display of Mr. Henderson s photography, taken from 1935 through the 1960 s. Much of the collection depicting social, cultural, religious and educational life in Baltimore had not been identified, thus the Pierians and guests provided valuable memories and information to the society, enabling the society to identify and categorize many of the photographs. Pierians, and Society staff were thrilled with the response to the event and guests seemed of one accord in their enjoyment of pouring over photographs, reliving events, times and places and finding themselves and family members in black and white pictures. Baltimore Pierian hearts were saddened at the end of June by the loss of Pierian Carol Evelyn Haysbert. Evelyn, a Pierian of 40 years was an art collector and lady of great style and taste. She gave meaning to the concept legacy member when her daughter Nikita became a Pierian. The Pierian Memorial Ceremony was conducted in Evelyn s honor and was attended by the National President of The Pierians, Inc., Baltimore s two Charter Members and Pierians from Baltimore County, Washington, DC, and Columbia. Condolences continue to be offered to Pierian Nikita. September heralds the new program year and Baltimore s first business meeting will be held September 14, 2013, hosted by Pierian Camay Murphy. The final Business meeting of the year was hosted by Pierian Elise Jude Mason in May, where the election of officers and presentation and approval of new members were the focus. 7

8 THE PIERIAN TIMES The Richmond, VA Chapter Submitted by Pierian Patricia Burrell FALL 2013 The Richmond VA Chapter is currently preparing for their first showcase of talent event. The scholarship benefit event entitled, Fall Into The Arts, will feature students who have exemplified exceptional talent in one or more areas, including visual art, dance, spoken word, vocal, and instrumental musicians. Along with the young artists featured, Miss Virginia Union University , who was recently crowned Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Queen will join us in performance. One of our own Pierians will display her art work as well. The Richmond Chapter is excited about presenting talented young artists to an audience appreciative and supportive of the fine arts. The event will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM in The Grace Center of the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond Virginia. The evening promises to be an enjoyable and memorable one as these young artists showcase their talent. Editor s Notes: We send our apology for the delay in this fall edition of the Pierian Times. Even though the fall colors have long gone for us, we hope that the vibrant fall colors on these pages will warm our hearts on these chilly winter days. Please enjoy the enlightening news from our chapters! We are distributing the newsletter using to Chapter Presidents and Corresponding Secretaries. We encourage further distribution using established /mail protocols within each chapter. We hope all the good news will inspire everyone to continue to have an artistic great year! Pierian Nelda Hebert, Newsletter Chairperson/Editor Pierian Precious Buckner, Committee Member/Associate Editor Pierian Semaj Brown, Committee Member/Associate Editor The deadline for submitting information for the spring newsletter is March 15, Please save this newsletter for future reference and visit our website: 8

9 THE PIERIAN TIMES Washington, DC Chapter Activities Submitted by Pierian Virginia Walker FALL 2013 On Sunday, June 9, 2013 our Pierians attended the BALLET ACROSS AMERICA III performance at the Kennedy Center Opera House. The participating dance companies were magnificently choreographed as they danced to the absolute delight and appreciation of a packed theatre. The NORTH CAROLINA DANCE THEATRE, founded in 1970, performed Rhapsodic Dances in costumes of five different colors. The music Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff was well chosen. The BALLET AUSTIN takes a classically innovative approach to dance that reshapes the relationship between the artist and audience performed Hush. This work was really absorbing. The DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM inspired laughing, clapping and dancing right in your seats with the show-stopping performance of Return. Return was choreographed for Dance Theatre of Harlem s 30 th anniversary. Choreographer Robert Garland calls the ballet s style post-modern, urban, neoclassicism an attempt to fuse an urban physical sensibility and a neoclassical one. Staged for 12 dancers to songs performed by James Brown and Aretha Franklin, Return is witty fusion of ballet technique and street gait whose irony toward rhythm and blues had the audience in stitches. After the ballet, we had the opportunity to dine together at the Founding Farmers Restaurant on Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, DC Pierians also attended a variety of entertainment activities and exhibits at the Baltimore FlowerMart on May 4, In addition to the multitude of flowers, plants and herbs, vendors offered a collection of unique arts and crafts. Representatives at the Walters Art Museum booth created beautiful Stained Glass Windows. The available foods were delicious. Let us continue to keep our First National President of The Pierians, Incorporated, Pierian Jessie Colson, in our prayers as she endures some health issues. Pierian Jessie sends her love. 9

10 Note from the Pierian National Chaplain Submitted by Pierian Lynn Dorman Art inspires. Art causes us to emote. Art makes us smile, or it can make us frown. Oftentimes art is the catharsis for that "aha" moment in our lives-- soothing us, settling us, or transforming us. This summer the nation's conversations on race sprang out of two widely discussed incidents: the lawsuit against Paula Dean and the trail of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin. In both cases the pain of the incident harkened back to stories of a time when oppression of African Americans, the accepted us of denigrating language, and the implication that our lives were worth less was the national norm. Kara Walker is an artist that we should all study---her work meets us in the place of the ugly past and makes it artistic, slightly humorous and epic. Kara Walker is a contemporary African-American artist who explores race, gender, sexuality, and power in her work. Best known for her room-size tableaux of black cut-paper silhouettes, she notes that using the large room size cut outs were her response to the large-scale grand epic paintings that often portrayed the Civil War. Her work depicting antebellum stereotypes, presents slavery as an absurd theater of the grotesque history of slavery. Her caricatures of slave mistresses, masters, and Southern belles are arranged in narrative sequences of slave era behavior and personal interactions. Walker chooses to work primarily with the genteel 18th-century art form of paper-cut silhouettes and she freely revises, reinterprets and reinvents the historical narrative through caricature. Born on November 26, 1969 in Stockton, California, Kara Walker received her BFA from the Atlanta College of Art in 1991 and her MFA from Rhode Island School of Design in She is the recipient of numerous grants and fellowships, including the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Achievement Award (1997) and the Deutsche Bank Prize (2004). She currently lives in New York, where she is associate professor of visual arts at Columbia University, New York. Shown here is the installation, titled Rise Up Ye Mighty Race! (2013), which includes five large framed graphite drawings and 40 small framed mixedmedia drawings along with the cut paper silhouettes. The title refers to comments made by Barack Obama in his 1995 book, Dreams from My Father, about the challenges of community organizing in Chicago, in which he quotes the Jamaican political leader Marcus Garvey ( ). Kara Walker is among the most complex and prolific American artists of her generation. Her work leads viewers through an aesthetic experience that evokes a critical understanding of the past. She has been quoted as saying, the black subject in the present tense is the container for specific pathologies from the past and it is continuously growing and feeding off those maladies. Enjoy the examples of her work and pray for national peace and harmony among men and women. 10

11 THE PIERIAN TIMES FALL 2013 The Columbia, MD Chapter Prepares for the National Assembly Submitted by Pierian Rosalynne Atterbeary The primary focus of the Columbia, Maryland Chapter over the last four months has, once again, been planning for the 2014 National Assembly. Committee meetings and conference calls have been taking place to ensure that the Seventeenth National Assembly is the best that it can be. The chapter "kicked off" the year on September 8, 2013 with a meeting/retreat at the Annapolis summer home of President Rosalynne Atterbeary. This was especially meaningful because the home was originally built by Pierian Founder Lydia Mussenden. The day began with an Executive Committee Meeting followed by a Chapter luncheon. The Chapter Business Meeting was then held along with a "Dessert Break". The Assembly Planning Meeting closed out the day with all committees reporting on the research they have done thus far. The Columbia Chapter is looking forward to a great year in addition to planning the National Assembly. Possible activities include: The Links, Incorporated Columbia (MD) Chapter's 25th Annual Peabody Concert featuring students from the Peabody Conservatory of Music at the Kossiakoff Center at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Howard County. The Alvin Ailey Opening Gala at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Sunday Gospel Brunch at the historic Howard Theatre. Completion of our Chapter Quilt honoring local notables and completion of our "Passion Statements" book. The chapter is Enthused, Excited, Energized and Expecting to have an Excellent year! 11

12 THE PIERIANS FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED ENHANCING THE TRANSFORMATION OF GENERATIONS THROUGH THE ARTS Substantial progress has been made in moving the Foundation forward within the past year. We have focused on bolstering the confidence and support of our members, and developing a cooperative working relationship with the Pierians, Incorporated. The Board of Directors has worked diligently to strengthen the Foundation s infrastructure, by developing: (1) focus areas for program funding; (2) internal operating procedures; (3) financial accountability and sustainability; (4) a fundraising strategy; and (5) a marketing strategy. We approach the close of the calendar year with a clear vision of our future. We are enthusiastic about our current plans, and look to the future with great expectation. I welcome this opportunity to provide an update on the work of the Foundation, and to share with you our plans for the coming year. The Board has developed a Strategic Plan which provides a clear vision for the organization. It is a comprehensive document that presents our m i s s i o n statement, vision statement, values statement, goals and objectives, strategies, tactics, and implementation plan. It defines the focus areas for Foundation funding of Chapter initiatives, proposes the development of a marketing strategy, identifies sources for generating revenue; and addresses Board governance. Strategic Plan has been posted on the Foundation s web site. Please, visit the web site at to review the P l a n. In the year ahead, we will pursue a marketing strategy to increase our fundraising capacity, and generate revenue from external sources. Transparency in financial management will be given priority to inspire and instill confidence in our donors and members. Our financial reporting format will be revised to clarify sources of revenue and the revenues from which expenses are satisfied. Financial members of the Pierians, Inc. are members of the Foundation. We all share the responsibility of the organization s sustainability. The philanthropic culture of our organization will thrive with your support. We are currently running a deficit for operating expenses. These costs are funded solely from member donations. Your voluntary support is urgently needed to promote the general welfare of the members. The membership has voted to increase the minimum member donation from $25.00 to $ The change will be effective, commencing July 1, Your continued support enables us to continue to strengthen the Foundation and to engage in fundraising activities which support the artistic initiatives of the Pierians, Inc. We are excited about several potential funding sources, and are developing guidelines for Chapter grant inquiries for the funding of local artistic initiatives. At our January 2014 meeting, we will present grant guidelines for Chapters, and submit proposals for several initiatives which we hope will increase the national prominence of the Foundation and the Pierians, Inc. The Board serves to develop and grow the Foundation, and we ask for your continued support. In sisterhood and service, I remain, Mollie W. Neal, President 12

13 THE PIERIAN TIMES FALL 2013 Flint, Michigan Chapter News Submitted by Pierian Nelda Hebert The Flint Public Library and the Flint Chapter of the Pierians, Inc., hosted a community reception for local artist Chris Watson, Wednesday, February 6, Over twenty-one pieces of Mr. Watson s work were on exhibit in the Flint Public Library s Reading Room Alcoves throughout February Mr. Watson is a self-taught artist who specializes in portraits rendered in pencil, pastels and oils and larger-than-life murals. Promoting local artists is one of our chapter's goals. We will continue to host receptions for artist at the library in On Saturday March 16th, 2013 the Flint Chapters spent a fun filled and educational day with an exciting tour and luncheon at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills, MI. Ten of our members and guest caravanned from Flint to enjoy the splendor of the spectacular and luxurious estate formerly owned by the automotive pioneer heiress Matilda Dodge-Wilson. We dined in style and had our taste buds enlightened by the delectable cuisine in the Gardens of Meadow Brook. The Flint chapter felt honored to sponsor and be mentors to the members of our newest chapter, the Detroit, MI Chapter. Throughout the year several of our chapter members attended various activities sponsored by the Detroit interest group and were there 10 members strong to show support at their Induction in June. Mr. Chris Watson describing his art piece at Flint Public Library. Flint Chapter Pierians and Friends at Flint Public Library 13

14 THE PIERIAN TIMES FALL 2013 News from the Pittsburgh Chapter Submitted by Pierian Cara Walker In the Spring of June 2013, several members attended the Induction ceremony of the new Detroit Chapter at the Charles Wright museum. It was a wonderful feeling to welcome our new Mid-Western Pierians into our family. We were especially delighted to see the beautiful artistic expressions of Pierians Charlotte Jackson and Mary Little and to hear the superb musical selections of the guest artists. The chapter was successful in creating a truly memorable day. We are looking forward to the possibility of partnering with the Flint and Detroit chapters on future artistic endeavors. We were excited to host Fall Executive Council meeting, where we welcomed a busload from Virginia and Maryland and members from Flint, Detroit and Atlanta. In September, Pittsburgh Chapter members attended the book signing and reading of Terri McMillan at the Byham Theater. KDKA-TV s Lynne Hayes-Freeland, was the moderator and there was an opening Performance by Pittsburgh's Dr. Goddess. Who Asked You? is a hilarious and heartfelt novel introducing a cast of classic Terry McMillan characters. The novel casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don't agree. The bestselling author of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back tells one of her best stories in this bold and "laugh out loud" funny, poignant story about how a family falls apart and stitches itself back together again. In December, the Chapter s holiday celebration began with a festive dinner. The chapter later attended the annual presentation of the Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble presentation of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity". The 2013 performance marked the 25th year the ensemble has produced one of Pittsburgh s favorite family holiday shows. Originally written by famed poet and playwright Langston Hughes, Black Nativity fuses scenes from the classic Christmas story with exhilarating African dance and traditional Gospel music. Some of Pittsburgh s finest actors, vocalists and dancers took to the stage and brought the journey of Mary and Joseph to life. Our next chapter outing in March includes a collective creative event at the Brushes and Brandy Company. The premise of the organization is to bring art into bars and other nontraditional spots. Participants are provided with canvas, paint, paintbrushes and instruction from a local artist. The goal and promise that each participant will create their own personal version of a masterpiece to take home. The activity is sure to provide an enjoyable experience of creativity and the opportunity to receive instruction from a professional artist. We also have plans to incorporate this event into a membership activity, by inviting potential members. 14

15 National Officers of The Pierians, Incorporated Alice Bey, President (Columbia, MD) Cara Walker, Vice President (Pittsburgh, PA) LaNesha DeBardelaben, Recording Secretary (Detroit, MI) Nelda Hebert, Corresponding Secretary (Flint, MI) Cornelia Robertson-Terry, Financial Secretary (Montgomery County, MD) Barbara Jarvis, Treasurer (Columbia, MD) Lynn Dorman, Chaplain (Baltimore, MD) Merlene Adair, Parliamentarian (Baltimore County, MD) Veronica Hill, Immediate Past President (Prince George's County, MD) National Officers of the Pierian Foundation, Incorporated Board Officers President: Mollie Neal (Atlanta, GA) Vice President: Angelene Jones Perry (Prince George s County, MD) Recording Secretary: Evelyn Chandler (Columbia, MD) Corresponding Secretary: Annette Baker (Columbia, MD) Financial Secretary: Virginia Walker (Washington, D.C.) Treasurer: Darlene Moss (Baltimore, MD) Board of Directors Beverly Brown (Baltimore County, MD) Frances Faithful (Flint, MI) Harriette A. Meriwether (Pittsburgh, PA) Constance Hill (Prince George's County, MD) Camay Murphy (Baltimore, MD) Alvanell Thompson (Montgomery County, MD) Elzora Trimmer (Prince George's County, MD) Every member of the Pierians, Incorporated is a member of the Pierians Foundation, Incorporated.