Achievement Week Mardi Gras Talent Hunt Scholarship Health Watch Golf Tournament Results Charles R. Drew Memorial Blood Drive Chapter Picnic
(November 17, 2007, Harrisburg, PA Brother Trent E. Roach) Preceding the Achievement Week Observance, the Brothers of Kappa Omega held a Founders Day Rededication Service, commemorating the Fraternity’s 96th anniversary. Brother Burell Whitworth presided over the program’s coordination, focusing upon our Founding Fathers reflections of the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles. Brother John W. Maloney III, former 2nd District Representative, provided encouraging words and led the Brothers in attendance in a rededication oath.
At the conclusion of the Founders Day Rededication Service, the Brothers joined their wives, honored guests and significant others for the Achievement Week Dinner recognizing individuals who impacted the local community, accomplished academic excellence and merits virtue worthy of being called Omega Man of the Year. In attendance were three widows: Henrietta Roach, widow of Brother Clyde W. Roach, Elizabeth Williams, widow of Brother Glenn Williams and Lela Brown, widow of Brother Gilbert Brown.
| This year’s theme: “Three Looks, One Focus: Family/Fraternity/Friendship…How can we as individuals make a difference in the Lives of Black People?” Our Keynote Speaker, Brother James Jordan, 2nd District 1st Vice Representative presented a fitting analogy to this year’s theme. With thoughtful reflections upon his own life, Brother Jordan identified individuals who made lasting impressions upon him…many being Omega Men. The indelible footprints made by Omega Men have guided Brother Jordan’s life spiritually, academically and professionally. Brother Jordan’s message spoke to the responsibility of Omega Men to instill the same impressions upon others. You never know who’s observing you. |
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The Chapter recognized Brother Stephen L. Powell as the Entrepreneur of the Year. Brother Powell is the President and CEO of Powell Steel located in Lancaster, PA. Powell Steel, a steel fabrication and erection company providing structural steel framework for regional and international construction needs. Brother Powell is inducted in the Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and his company is the 3rd Fastest Growing Company in Central PA. Brother Powell is a member of Kappa Omega Chapter. |
The Citizen of the Year is bestowed to Dr. Donald W. Spigner. Upon receiving his BA and MD Degrees from Univ. of California, Dr. Spigner served on the staff at Los Angeles County General Hospital. As a member of the Public Health Peace Corp. in 1967, Dr. Spigner practiced medicine in Nigeria. In 1975 Dr. Spigner became the director of the Hamilton Health Center serving the needs of those in Harrisburg PA. The following year he established the Community Medical Association which employs five physicians and staff. Kappa Omega’s recognition focuses upon Dr. Spigner’s commitment and dedication to the South Central Pennsylvania Sickle Cell Council which he formed in 1994 and currently serves on the Board of Directors. His efforts have greatly assisted in providing health services and public awareness of those suffering with Sickle Cell.
| The Student of the Year is presented to Joshua Potts, a “Renaissance Man” who’s academic excellence ranks him 1st in his class and athletic prowess on the gridiron and track and field earns him state recognition.
Kappa Omega Chapter chose to honor as this year’s recipient of the Omega Man of the Year Brother Arthur Dickinson. Brother Dickinson is a licensed Profession Electrical Engineer, licensed Electrician, and K-12 Teacher of mathematics and Electrical Technology. Brother Dickinson served 22 years in the United States Air Force and National Guard with tours in Thailand and the Persian Gulf. Brother Dickinson was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., through Zeta Psi Chapter, Brooklyn, NY in 1965 later transferring to Nu Nu Chapter, Willingboro, NJ where he served as KRS for 6 years. In 1999, he transferred to Kappa Omega chapter elected as Vice Basileus and presently serving his fourth term as the chapter’s Basileus. Brother Dickinson is instrumental in the various successes realized by Kappa Omega. Under his leadership the Chapter’s stability and growth in social action and economic development continues to prosper. |
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Often harrowed but sometimes missed in receiving much deserved accolades special acknowledgements where presented to the following Brothers: Lester, Gumby, King and Womack who have supported Fraternity initiatives, Brothers: Love, Webster and Lumpkin serving as Chairmen for Achievement Week, Talent Hunt Program and Scholarship Committee respectively and Brothers: Fry, Enoch, Kinnaird, Jefferson, Jackson and Roach for the House and Manna Café operations.
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| On Sunday November 18, 2007, the Brothers of Kappa Omega Chapter worshiped at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Pastor Martin Odum and the members of Bethel AME Church extended a warm welcome to the Kappa Omega Brothers and their wives and guests. Brother Dickinson read the history of Achievement Week, and achievement plaques were presented to the honorees by Brother George H. Love. The Chapter’s Basileus, Brother Arthur Dickinson complimented the Achievement Week Chairman, Brother Dr. George H. Love and the Founders Day Rededication Service Chairman, Brother Burell Whitworth and their respective committee members for another successful combined program. |  |
(May 21, 2005, Harrisburg, PA) Prostate cancer in the South Central Pennsylvania area was dealt a blow when members of the Kappa Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Harrisburg Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi; the Zeta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and the American Cancer Society sponsored a collaborative effort recently at the Omega’s Manna café.
The program, “Let’s Talk About It”, a workshop on Prostate Cancer Awareness, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, focused on providing information relating to (1) Who’s at risk; (2) Methods of detection and (3) Options available for treatment.
Attendees: included members of the Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania Community at large, family members and brothers of the respective fraternities.
Presenters included: Dr. Harold Harvey, a top Oncologist at the Hershey Medical Center, and Retired Colonial James E. Williams, a prostate cancer survivor and experienced presenter on the subject.
The goal of the sponsors was to draw attention to the fact that incidents of prostate cancer among males is twice as high for African American American males, and that early detection is our best hope of increasing survival rates for black males between the ages of 40-65 years of age.
Planners for this year’s program included: Arthur Dickinson, Basileus of the Kappa Omega Chapter, Larry Jack and Roosevelt Shepherd, Co-Chairmen of the Kappa Omega Social Action Committee.
Earl Merritt. Polemarch of the Harrisburg Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Paul Carey, Chairman of the Kappa Alpha Psi, social action committee; and Carlton L. Ketchen, President, Zeta Theta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha.
Ms. Diane Hetes, Cancer Control Community Outreach Specialist, coordinated the event for the Dauphin County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. . Last year’s effort drew a total of thirty-five people. This year’s seminar saw some 85 people in attendance….an increase of some 40% over the previous year’s numbers. The next phase of the Omega, Kappa, Alpha and American Cancer Societies Prostate Cancer program, “Let’s Talk About It” will now focus on those males ages 45-65, living in the areas of Lancaster, York and Carlisle.
Hopefully, the joint effort demonstrated between the Omegas, Kappas Alphas and the American Cancer Society, will serve to encourage other fraternal groups within the respective regional districts to adopt similar programs that will work to combat a common foe that makes no distinction as to fraternal affiliation.
Our major goal is to maintain a venue for our youth to display their talents in the following categories: vocal solo, instrumental solo, dance, drama and readings.
Our program provides exposure, encouragement, and financial assistance to talented youngsters. Participants compete at local level. The winners move on to the district level and then possibly to the national level. At the national level college scholarships are awarded.
The 2008 Talent Hunt program will consist of two or more mini-progams held locally in Harrisburg, York and/or Lancaster and a main program in Harrisburg. Winners from each mini-program will be invited to compete in the main program. This format enables us to draw upon and expose the larger pool of talent. Last years competition featured 9 performers from several area high schools. Each winner was presented a certificate and savings bond.
The contest was won by Tiella Williams of Harrisburg. Tiella also won our competition in 2006 and placed 1st at the 2006 2nd District Conference in Philadelphia. This year she came in 2nd at the 2007 2nd District Conference in Pittsburh. She won in classical instrument category.
Competition categories included vocal contemporary/popular music; vocal classical music; instrumental classical music; instrumental contemporary music; drama with or without accompaniment; dance with or without accompaniment and all visual art forms.
This dates for this year's programs are as follows:
Mardi Gras 2007: Despite the snowstorm, The Afro-Omegan Extravaganza weekend was another smashing success. Prizes were awarded for the most creative/ornate masks. Patrons were dressed in their best African and formal wear. Harrisburg demonstrated once again why we have the #1 Mardi Gras in all of the Fraternity.
Friday night (Get Acquainted Night). For the past few years, the Kappa Omega members make a pass through the hotel to find early arriving visiting brothers. We scoop them up and guided them to the local watering holes. It usually works out great as we got a chance to fraternize with returning road trippers as well as first timers. It's also an opportunity to hype up the basketball game scheduled for Saturday morning. Due to the inclement conditions the brothers were jsut happy to make it to the hotel safely. We had to settle for and room surfing then the legendary warm up party.
Saturday morning (Mardi Gras Roundball Classic) -
History Lesson: For those that don't know, the legendary Basketball game and afternoon setout started as the Old School vs. New School. At the time it was the 70's Brothers (Larry "Juice" Fountain, Peter Rabbit, Lorenzo, and Angelo, Scott, Franco, Clyde, Willie Perkins, Trentis, and Lump etc..). Basically Y-E and Ash vs. Kappa Omega and the daughter chapters (Shippensburg, and Millersville).
After the games, we'd go over to Larry Fountain's place and he'd barbecue chicken and we'd play the dozens. Yours played the dozens with the Y-E brothers and Ash). Though there were only fifteen brothers there, it was there that brotherly spirit and a love for Omega changed a simple Mardi Gras to Mardi Gras Weekend. The Y-E brothers and Ash began to spread the word.
In 1993, the first inklings of the Basketball tournament began. The Brothers decided to have a 3-on-3 tournament. Lee Hall aka "Chilly Dog" was supposed to organize the tournament and get the trophy. When Chilly didn't show up, we just picked up sides and played as we always had. Chilly finally showed up two and a half hours late with a trophy and called everybody "Kat" for being too tired to have a tournament. (That same trophy would be awarded in later years but mysteriosly disappeared after Kappa Omega began losing.)
Old school versus New school came to an end. (Y-E and Ash went off to play golf. It was easier to recover.) Harrisburg vs. the Road trippers became the new rivalry. It was not uncommon to see a brother play for the Harrisburg team one year and then against it the next. We took the setout to Brother Jeff Rowland's house and were now upto about 30 brothers. At this time, the hopteam was supplying for the chicken and beer.
The next rivalry came when the LGG was activated. Prior to 1998, nobody knew who LGG was. Face Dog, AC, Grier, and Reggie Sullivan became regular fixtures. Unfortunately, that also coincided with the most one-sided beatings being passed out in the History of Basketball. It was during this time that Gore started the "I hate the bruhz!!" Chant. The internet was now the new way of spreading the word. The Harrisburg frontcourt was held down by the 86 line (Kinnaird, Thompson, and Kinnaird). The inquisition was less brutal!!
The crowd became too large bring to a brother's house, so we started using the frathouse. The simple setouts no longer sufficed. The Bruhz were not happy. We had to step it up.
Kappa Omega has had to add the University of NY Albany bothers in order to field a depleted team. The final score was 52-44. The road trippers recruited during the off season (once again!!) and came with a stacked line-up. For the third year in a row the Harrisburg/Albany squad was soundly defeated. Its's hard to defeat teams that practice for months when we
Saturday afternoon (Reception) - Despite feeling the sting of defeat, We invited the brothers back to our frat house for our now world famous setout. We had over 200 brothers and "associates" over until 4:30pm enjoying each others company. The game was attracting attention and brothers began bringing their "catches" as well. Fortunately Kappa Omega began a catering service in 1998. Our Catering service has held it down for the last three years. What started with 10 brothers in a backyard now looks like a mini-clave.
Saturday evening (Costume Ball) - Over 700 guests filled the Penn Harris ballroom as our Mardi Gras went into full swing. Guests were entertained by the sounds of DJ Cozart and DJ Craze. The traditional costume march demonstrated that people will come in costume for a theme they can relate to.
All in all it was a fantastic weekend. Except for the behavior of a few Brothers in the hotel, the feedback was largely positive. We hope that each and every one of you had a great time and will attend next year.
The men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Omega Chapter of Harrisburg PA hosted their Annual Scholarship Banquet on Thursday, June 2, 2005 at 7:00 PM at the Manna Café located at 2020 State St., Harrisburg PA. This year’s Keynote speaker was Major General (Ret.), Brother Wallace C. Arnold, Interim President of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. Cheyney University, apart of the Pennsylvania Higher Education System is America’s Oldest Historically Black Institution of Higher Education. As Interim President, Brother Arnold exhibits a wealth of leadership experience gained through 36 years of U.S. Army, several private sector endeavors and educational accomplishments.
Brother Arnold’s Keynote Address focused on the young men Building Character while attending college. Brother Arnold used the analogy of the successful Golf Pro who honed his skills in order to master the game. A steady and deliberate course over time, focusing upon the outcome assures more success than it does failure. Students are faced with many decisions and must often choose the correct path and one’s integrity and focus helps them "See It Through".
In recognition of one of the Fraternity’s Cardinal Principles, “Scholarship”, Kappa Omega Chapter bestowed three individual One Thousand Dollar scholarships to deserving area students. The 2005 recipients are: Mr. Eric Simpson of Harrisburg High School planning to attend Johnson and Wales University majoring in Business Management, Mr. Jonathan Butler of Bishop McDevitt High School planning to attend the University of Pittsburgh enrolled in their Business Administration program and Mr. Brian Smoot of Harrisburg High School planning to attend Duquesne University majoring in Economics. In addition to the Scholarships presented, Kappa Omega Chapter also presented a gift of $500.00 to benefit the Wallace and Earlene Arnold Scholarship Fund at Cheyney University.
This year’s program was catered by the chapter’s catering enterprise Manna Café. There were musical selections rendered by Brother Jimmy Webster and also a solo Violinist Harry Ness (Kappa Omega Chapter 2005 Talent Hunt Winner) performed during dinner. Special recognition is extended to the Scholarship Chairperson Brother Dennis Lumpkin Sr. and his committee on a fine performance. For more information, contact Bro. Dennis Lumpkin, the Scholarship Committee Chairman.
Competition was fierce however, this year Mr. William Johnson and Mr. Willie Kelly remained atop of the leaders board throughout the day. Long accurate drives and precision putts resulted in combined score of 68, enough for a First Place Finish. The Second Place finishers were Brother James Rowland and Mr. George Roberts. Their combined score of 71 gave the leaders reasons not to make many mistakes.
The proceeds generated from the Kappa Omega Annual Golf Tournament directly benefit the Chapter’s Scholarship Fund. Last year, Kappa Omega Chapter awarded over $3,000.00 to deserving students matriculating to colleges and universities. With financial support of our sponsors, Members First Federal Credit Union and Myers Associates, Inc along with our participating Golfers, this year’s Tournament will once again make a meaningful contribution to the Scholarship Fund.
The Golf Tournament Committee is comprised of the following Brothers: Bro. William Jefferson, Bro. Robert Adams, Bro. Paul L Cannon, Jr., Bro. Dennis Lumpkins, Bro. Michael Miles, Bro. William King and the Chairman of the Golf Committee, Bro. Jesse L. Burnett.
At the 19th Hole, the Brothers, Golfers and friends enjoyed a delicious soul food meal prepared by the Manna Café (Kappa Omega’s catering service). Special thanks are extended to Bro. Ronald Kinnaird and his kitchen staff.
Next years Kappa Omega Open Golf Tournament is scheduled for September 2005 at the Manada Golf Course. Please mark your calendar and plan to take on the challenge of competing with the best golfers in the Greater Harrisburg Area. Can you top a score of 68?
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