History of JEWELS OF DISTINCTION CHAPTER 561
The idea of
starting a new Chapter within International Masons was something Sister Esther
Dallas had in her mind for sometime. With a short break from the Order,
some soul searching and the help of friends (L.S., N.F & V.H.), a decision
was made to begin a new journey. In March 2008, Esther, along with fellow
Sisters Lakita Stevens and Anethia Monson, came up with a name that would be
fitting to describe what the new Chapter would represent. It would be a short
while later that the newly formed Chapter would come into existence.Sister's Vivian Hill, Lacitia Carter, Leatha
McDuffie and Shervonn Kellogg joined the other three ladies in April of 2008.
Obtaining guidance from both Grand Matron N.R. Christine Hayes and N.R.
Thelma Davis, the seven ladies continue on with starting the new Chapter.
On May 30, 2008; Tara Roberts, Tonia Lemons, Cheryl Jackson, Letonya
Martin-Crews, Jakinia Oliver, Mamie Fells and Rosa Smith joined to complete the
formation of Jewels of Distinction Chapter 561 of Tampa, FL. In October
of 2008 Jackie Yawn and Sandra MacArthur joined our great Chapter. In
January of 2009, Charlotte Scruggs transferred from another Chapter within the
organization. Kimberly Campbell, Danielle Bowick, Latoya McDuffie,
Antoinette Arnao, Stephanie Richardson and Annie joined Jewels of Distinction
in February 2009. Finally in October of 2009, Jessica Weston, Tracy
Hobley, Melody Yawn and Joyce Hobdy joined to complete our Chapter.
Our number one commitment, aside from serving God, is that of Community Service. We pride ourselves in the fact that we are heavily involved in the community through various community service ventures. In our first year, we have participated with the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Walk, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk" and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations' "Walk To Cure Diabetes". Additionally, we have reached out to Habana Healthcare Rehabilitation Center to try to bring some joy to the residents of the facility. We have organized several events with the facility's Event Planning Coordinator to include Christmas and Easter celebrations. Lastly, we have hosted several feed the homeless events throughout the Tampa Bay area. At anytime, we always have open arms for anyone who would love to come out, fellowship and do community service with our Chapter. We often include the children of the members of Jewels of Distinction in our community service outings. We love the fact that we are teaching our kids at a young age how important it is to give back to the community and those who may be less fortunate than us.
Our number one commitment, aside from serving God, is that of Community Service. We pride ourselves in the fact that we are heavily involved in the community through various community service ventures. In our first year, we have participated with the American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Walk, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night Walk" and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations' "Walk To Cure Diabetes". Additionally, we have reached out to Habana Healthcare Rehabilitation Center to try to bring some joy to the residents of the facility. We have organized several events with the facility's Event Planning Coordinator to include Christmas and Easter celebrations. Lastly, we have hosted several feed the homeless events throughout the Tampa Bay area. At anytime, we always have open arms for anyone who would love to come out, fellowship and do community service with our Chapter. We often include the children of the members of Jewels of Distinction in our community service outings. We love the fact that we are teaching our kids at a young age how important it is to give back to the community and those who may be less fortunate than us.
