Awards! Awards! Awards!

Greetings, NCD!

Well, the *Magic Date* has come and passed... And I am SO PUMPED for the number of submissions for SPAM, OSPA, and Student Conductors!! There are definitely more than last year, which was my goal for you all. So congratulations!! I am so happy for you all!!

Don't forget that the deadline for National Scholarships is March 1st... which is Friday!! Like, of this week!! As in, 5 days from now. So apply!! Last year, scholarships went un-awarded because NO ONE APPLIED. No on applied for FREE MONEY. Blows my mind. So please, apply! That money is there for you to have and use toward your education. And believe me, as someone who now has to start paying back student loans... you want ALL the scholarship money you can get! :-)

Don't forget about the awards that are due at Opening Gavel of Separate Session at Convention... Sisterhood of the Traveling Suitcase (SOTS), Sister Soda Sipper, and Shutterbug. Refer to this year's awards packet for more details, or as always, feel free to call, text, email or Facebook me with any questions.

I have to say, I was VERY impressed with the turnout of last week's North Block. I don't know about you guys, but I'm getting really excited for West Block next weekend! I hope to see you all there!!

MLITB,

Elise

A College Student's Guide to Lexington, Kentucky

Hello NCDers!

Tomorrow is the Magic Date, and it’s 46 days until Convention! I’m not sure about you, but I know I am incredibly excited for everyone to visit my adopted hometown. I’m sure a lot of you don’t visit Kentucky often – let alone ever – so I decided to make a handy dandy guide for college students visiting The Horse Capital of the World.

The Lexington countryside

Lexington, founded in 1782, is also known as the “Athens of the West” for its early endeavors in medicine, literacy, and refined culture. Over the years, the city has played host for Abraham Lincoln AND Jefferson Davis (talk about a border state), Secretary of State Henry Clay (check out his estate and museum, Ashland), Mary Todd Lincoln, and Ashley Judd (an alumna of UK!).

The weather in April can be unpredictable, with sudden afternoon rainstorms, but average temperatures range from 65 to 45 degrees. When visiting Lex Vegas for Convention, I recommend bringing an umbrella and a light jacket for the cool evenings.

I got to Lexington really early, and I’m bored. Any ideas?

Uh, yes! Friday, April 5^th is a great day to be in Lexington. Why? Because it’s Keeneland College Scholarship Day! Starting at 11:00am, college students get in FREE to one of America’s most famous racetracks! They also hand out scholarships to some lucky students. Even if you don’t like betting on the ponies, take some time to walk across the beautiful Bluegrass-ed fields, or pick out a new Derby hat. For more information, click the link!  https://www.facebook.com/KeenelandCSD

Keeneland Race Track

I’m not really a fan of horses, got any other ideas?

Well if you insist…

Check out South Limestone Street, which connects UK’s campus to downtown Lexington. There are lots of regional restaurants and shops that you can’t find just anywhere. If the weather’s nice, it’s a beautiful walk!

Catherine, what are your favorite restaurants downtown?
Glad you asked! Here's my list:

Sav’s Grill – West African Cuisine

304 S. Limestone St.

I recommend the Peanut Chicken with Fufu dumplings!

http://www.savsgrill.com/

Tin Roof

305 S. Limestone St.

One part bar, one part grill – the portions are huge, you’ve been warned!

http://www.tinroofbars.com/Home/Lexington

Raising Cane’s

544 S. Upper St.

The ultimate chicken place. You haven’t lived until you’ve had Cane Sauce.

http://www.raisingcanes.com

Mellow Mushroom
503 S. Upper St.
The Hawaiian pizza is amazing! Also, check out the decor and murals on the walls!
http://mellowmushroom.com/store/lexington

The exterior of Mellow Mushroom

I’m super tired, and I need to eat. But I don’t want to go far from the hotel. Help!

Near the hotel, you have a Cracker Barrel, Waffle House, Denny’s, Subway, and McDonald’s!

Things to remember:

TOMORROW IS THE MAGIC DATE! If you have any questions, please contact us ASAP!

If you'd like to run for District Office, feel free to contact the current officer in the position for which you'd like to run.

Need more Lexington info? Leave it in the comments or email me at catherine.hann@uky.edu!

Opportunities for the rest of the year!

Hello my lovely Sisters!

We are fast approaching the Block season, and I must say that I am very excited about it! One of the things that I am truly passionate about is the CMEP, and here I have the opportunity to share my passion with all of you!

At all of the Blocks I will be discussing the way to schedule, research, plan, and present a CMEP. We will also discuss what should a CMEP should be based on. There are many different ways to talk about all of these things, and the more we talk the more we will learn!

Catherine and I will also be presenting on band leadership. How does one become a band leader? Who are the band leaders? These are questions that will be answered as we delve into this topic.

So what are you interested in? There are other workshops that can be highly beneficial to any chapter!

What does all of this mean? GET TO A BLOCK! These are priceless opportunities that should not be wasted! Get your chapter there!

Here is the schedule:

02-16-13: Ashland University
03-02-13: Indiana University
03-23-13: University of Cincinnati

You have no reason to not go! Please get out there and broaden your horizons:)

ITB,

Anthony

Together Towards Tomorrow

Greetings sisters!

Workshop season is upon us! North block is only 5 days away! Here is a quick link to remind you what is going on during blocks this year:  http://www.kkytbsncd.org/block.html

Another event to think about is District Convention, April 5^th-7^th, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Convention is all about learning new things to take back to your chapter and bonding with your fellow sisters and brothers. I have attended three conventions as an active member, and I have learned something new at each of them.

In 2010, district convention was in Dearborn, MI and it was my very first! I remember staying up all night talking and discussing issues with my chapter, making fun of a sister who thought the shaped butter at banquet was white chocolate, and finding my passion for our organization.

From left to Right: Caitlin, Beth, myself, Myranda, and Rachael from Zeta Alpha

At my very next convention, I decided to run for district office. As a generally shy person, this was quite a stretch outside the box for me. I had to step outside my comfort zone and interact with new people in a way I had never done before. I had to interview with sisters I had never met, including the chapters of individuals I was running against. Remarkably, I endured and found strength within myself I never knew I had.

My sisters and brothers from Zeta Alpha, aka my support system

Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was tiring. But yes, it was absolutely worth it. I had my sisters from Zeta Alpha beside me, the support of our sponsor and some kind words from then district president, Sky Buffington. Without all that support, I am sure I would have withered under the pressure.

I remember sitting in the back of the room, holding hands with my entire chapter as my name was reviled to be slated for president. I was incredibly happy, but it wasn’t over yet. Several minutes later after voting down the slate, and the voting for the president’s position was finished, my name was announced. I totally broke down. For those of you who know me even just a little bit, of course it was no surprise. Yet, I was still in shock.

Alex Price and I, taking the Oath of Office

This position has changed my life. No if ands or buts about it. I have grown as an individual, as a sister and as a leader. I encourage anyone thinking of a district position to talk to me or anyone else on council, so we can share our insights with you. Holding a district officer position is an amazing experience and you will not regret this opportunity to continue to serve the bands! I am stronger, wiser and so blessed to have gone on this journey. But, it’s not over yet! Join me in Lexington, KY for my final stop on my Tau Beta Sigma journey, and for some fun and learning about our great sorority. 

You won’t regret it. Promise!

Joey and I are all smiles at a CMEP

Much Love in the Bond,

Carrie Lund