ChiAssociation Omega Alumnae

Presidents Letter
I am nearing the end of my first year of presidency. Many can tell you that I was hesitant and nervous to take on the challenge last January. In reflection, our organization has made great strides this year. I hope to see progress continue for years to come as we continue to strengthen our foundation and increase membership. Cinco de Chi O! Social Hour events are a success. This fall we began meeting on the 5th of each month to enjoy happy hour in the company of sisters. Weve had the pleasure of meeting new faces and alumnae from Kappa (University Nebraska-Lincoln), Iota Zeta (University NebraskaKearney), Eta Beta (Iowa State) and Psi Beta (Iowa). Join us! Attendance at social events is growing, and we would love for you to join in on the fun. We encourage you to bring a Chi O friend, or two to our upcoming events! Dont miss out! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 5th. As always, the ever-popular holiday ornament exchange is sure to be a hit. In addition, a business meeting will take place for all members to attend and elect officers for 2013. Please plan to attend the business meeting and social to follow, to select organizational leaders for the next year.

Omaha

Winter Issue 2012

If you are interested in lending your time and talents to Chi Omega, you will be welcomed with open arms. Per the by-laws, all officers must be members of the association. Also outlined in the by-laws, regular members are voting members. If you are not yet a member, you may submit your dues to earn voting privileges. Dues payments are accepted via PayPal at www.chiomega.com/alumnae/omahane or you may submit your 2013 dues in person on Wednesday, December 5th. Let us know how were doing. In the fall we released a fresh newsletter format. A special thank you to Megan Schmitz for all of her effort in re-creating our associations newsletter; we received an overwhelming amount of praise and virtual highfives after the last edition. Kudos Megan! Let us know, what we can highlight in our next issues of the newsletter? Owl ornaments are flooding store aisles this holiday season. I look forward to visiting with each of you at the December 5th meeting and holiday party. Join us as we elect new officers, share in the holiday spirit and flourish with Chi Omega! Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, Jessica ONeel, President Omaha Area Chi Omega Alumnae Association

To continue receiving newsletters and mailings about events of the Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Association, please submit your annual dues via PayPal at www.chiomega.com/alumnae/omahane

Stay Connected with Chi Omega

Alumnae Spotlight

Jocelyn Robertshaw, Chi Omega Alumna and owner of Ready or Knot bridal boutique, chimed in about her entrepreneurial expertise and some Chi Omega memories.

Chi Omega Chapter & Initiation Year

Kappa Chapter, University of Nebraska Lincoln, 2000

How has Chi Omega impacted your life? Has Chi Omega helped give you an edge on your entrepreneurial skills?

What was your favorite memory of Chi Omega?

Too many to choose from! Living in Middle Heaven my 1st and last semester in the Kappa house, XO Spring break trips to Europe & the Caribbean, Big Sis/Lil Sis, to seeing my cousin initiated into the Kappa Chapter 10 years after my initiation.

What made you decide to pursue your bridal boutique business?

After having spent many years working for medical device companies and traveling all across the country, I increasingly found myself craving the freedom of owning my own business. I knew deep down that if I didnt make my dream happen -someone else would. I finally learned to trust my instincts and take the plunge into business creation and ownership. Many of my friends from Omaha would visit me while I lived Kansas City to search for their wedding dress because Omaha didnt have what they were looking for. Although I loved seeing them in KC, it was often much more of a hassle for them to buy a dress out of town. Omaha (and Rockbrook Village) was the perfect place to start a couture bridal boutique and it also gave me a great reason to come back to Nebraska. At Ready or Knot we really embrace the mantra that every bride is different. Your wedding is the unique chance where you get to express yourself as a couple ... and how better to express that than with your wedding dress?

I made some of my best friends from Chi Omega friends that I might not have met otherwise. They have been an invaluable resource as I started Ready or Knot. It is so comforting to know you have an army of supporters who believe in you and to know that they are keeping up with the progress of Ready or Knot via Facebook and blogs. It always warms my heart when a fellow Chi Omega refers someone, especially another XO, to the store. My Chi Omega brides are some of most favorite brides to work with and I can definitely tell why they are XOs! Looking back, I think that Chi Omegas belief in me gave me the confidence to try new things I didnt believe I was equipped to pursue. Being involved in Chi Omega recruitment gave me the opportunity to showcase my creative talents instead of my organizational skills that I typically relied on. It was also my first taste of experiential selling, and I loved it!

We would love to feature you in the next edition of our newsletter! Please relay information concerning personal and professional achievements, weddings, births, deaths or any other happenings in the lives of our Chi Omega alumnae to: Megan Schmitz 10365 Hamilton Plaza, Apt. #205 Omaha, NE 68114 omahachioalum@gmail.com

Chi Omega Wants to Feature YOU

Chi O Corner

Eli James Moore was welcomed to the world on August 14 to proud parents Jim and Lisa Setlak Moore. Eli weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. Henry Parker Wilson graced parents Erika Carlson Wilson and Brian Wilson with his presence on November 12. Henry weighed 8lbs., 3oz. Calli Smith Hite welcomed Graeme Andersen Hite, born May 26, 2012 at 7:59 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 12 oz., 20 1/4 inches. Baby Graeme shares a birthday with his great grandmother, Beth! Kristine Graff Vlcek is expecting baby boy #3 with an estimated due date of February 26. Angel Randone is on her way to becoming a pastry chef at Metros Institute for Culinary Arts. Kelsey Archer Bugjo took a position at Omaha Steaks as Corporate Communications and Events Manager in October. Engagements are in full swing! Alicia Krogstrand, Jessica ONeel, Rachel McNamara, and Quinn Dornbos are all planning weddings set for 2013! Melissa King and Cassandra Greisen have recently taken positions outside of Omaha. Amy Mettenbrink Gizinski was promoted to Media Planning Manager at Oriental Trading Company. Angela Selze Keiser is expecting baby #3 in June 2013. Connie Claussen was featured in the Omaha World-Herald on Thursday, November 22 as the past recipient of the woman of the year award.

Cinco de Chi-O Events

*All Cinco de Chi O Events begin at 5:30pm!
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Slating & Ornament Exchange Kristi Jones Johnsons Residence 13305 Lake St. (north), Omaha, NE 68164 *This event will begin at 6:30 p.m.*

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Officer Training UNOs Welcome Center - Time TBD

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Wine & Cheese Social Alysia Radicias Residence 105 South 9th St., Omaha, NE 68102 Bebee & Runyan building

Mark your calendars! More events on the 5th of the month will be coming your way in 2013!

Chi Omega Zeta Delta Takes Homecoming Queen

Chi Omega Zeta Deltas Jordan Brunmeier took the crown at the University of Nebraska at Omahas Homecoming on October 10 of this year. Congrats to Jordan and all the Zeta Deltas on another fantastic royal win of homecoming queen! Thank you also to all alumnae who donated baked goods to support Jordan.

Its the Perfect Time to Give

With the Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Associations newly approved bylaws, the dues structure has been reorganized. Going forward, the fiscal year shall be January 1 through December 31. Members who submit dues payments now through December 31, 2012 will hold membership from the date payment is received through December 31, 2013. Dues-paying members shall have the privilege of holding office, voting and receiving membership benefits, such as Alumnae Chapter event discounts and Alumnae Chapter communications. Dues are an integral part of the success of our organization and help contribute to many functions of our group, which include, but are not limited to: Philanthropy events and contributions Subsidize the costs of monthly programs Donations to the Chi Omega Foundation Representation at the Chi Omega National Convention Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter National Dues Omaha Area Panhellenic Association (OAPA) Dues Administrative costs, i.e. newsletters, postcards and postage We offer the ability to pay dues online or by check. Visit our website and click the button to submit payment via PayPal. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Association and mail to: Erin Bearinger 15461 Harney St Omaha, NE 68154-2725 Membership in Chi Omega is for a lifetime. Our network of Sisters and the spirit of Chi Omega are a home wherever you are. We invite you to re-connect with the Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Association today!

Membership Dues
Diamond -- $50 Pearl -- $35 Cardinal & Straw -- $20 Owl -- $10 *Owlette -- Free, 1st year postcollegiate graduation

Omaha Area Panhellenic Association Recap

The Omaha Area Panhellenic Association (OAPA) wrapped up a successful 2011-2012 year with the annual Gathering of the Greeks luncheon held April 21st at the Happy Hollow Country Club. The brunch allowed women from area chapters to collaborate and share the Greek spirit. A silent auction full of fabulous donated items helped the OAPA raise nearly $1,300 for their scholarship for collegians. In addition, each year local active chapters nominate deserving women for the awards of Collegian of the Year and Woman of the Year. The brunch serves as a celebration of the winners of both awards and the scholarship. It was truly a wonderful and memorable event to mark another successful cycle for the OAPA. The coming year is sure to be full of sisterhood, which kicked off with their first meeting on September 13th. OAPA will continue to meet monthly. The Chi Omega Fraternity representatives are Nicole Massara and Sheena Kennedy. For more information, feel free to contact the Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Association via omahachioalum@gmail.com.

Youre invited to the Omaha Area Chi Omega Alumnae Associations Annual

Wednesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m. Kristi Jones Johnsons Residence 13305 Lake St. (north), Omaha, NE 68164
Please bring dessert or hors doeuvres & a wrapped ornament!

Ornament Exchange

The Omaha Chi Omega Alumnae Association wishes you and your family a happy holiday season!