“A Celebration of Family Literacy” was the theme of Christmas on Meadow Lane, an Open House event, sponsored by DELTA Incorporated (Developmental Enhancement Life and Training Alliance) and the Birmingham Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Held Sunday, December 1 from 4-6 p.m., the program featured outstanding Christmas music performed by the Children and Intermediate choirs of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, under the direction of Janice Wilson, who was accompanied by Evie Morris. Such time loved songs as “Happy Birthday, Jesus,” “Jesus Is the Reason For the Season,” “Because of Who You Are,” and “Joy To the World,” delighted the jubilant audience. Delta Choraliers, the sorority’s choir, also pleased the audience with their rendition of “Carol of the Bells.” Other crowd pleasers were Carmen Cantelow and Rodney Davis who sang, “The Prayer,” and Christian Blevins, who sang the all-time favorite, “O Holy Night.”
Guest and sorority members were welcomed to the event by Shirley Witt Taylor, President of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter and the occasion was given by Mary Hughes, DELTA Incorporated Board Chair. The audience joined in a responsive reading of a holiday litany, “We Celebrate the Baby,” led by Bonita Chaney.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the official lighting of the beautiful Delta Christmas Tree, an inspiring activity which focused on the tree lights as symbols of Jesus being the Everlasting Tree of Life. The lighting ceremony was led by Brenda Rudolph, Vice-Chair of DELTA Incorporated and Felecia Dailey, Vice-President of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter. An appropriate program ending to the Celebration of Family Literacy was the reading by Gloria Dennard of the classic Christmas book, The Polar Express. Gloria Dennard also served as the mistress of ceremony for the program.
Closing remarks were made by Brenda Rudolph, chair and Olinda Cook, co-chair of Christmas on Meadow Lane. Open House activities which followed, consisted of a delicious array of delectable refreshments, free books for children, visits with Santa Claus, (Lloyd Culpepper) and shopping opportunities with the various vendors on hand.
Christmas on Meadow Lane was supported by the Educational Development Committee, EMBODI, artist, LeDarrius Horn, Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, The Literacy Council of Central Alabama, and Walt Worthem. Books were also donated by Birmingham Alumnae Chapter members.
DELTA Incorporated (Developmental Enhancement Life and Training Alliance) is the 501 (c) (3) entity of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter. Established on May 14, 1993, this philanthropic corporation is a nonprofit entity that operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, and is empowered to enhance and expand the support of programs and activities of Birmingham Alumnae Chapter. Members of the Board of Directors are Mary Hughes, Brenda Rudolph, Cynthia Daniels, Gwen Childress, Cynthia Abernathy, Valerie Cottingham, Shirley Taylor, Alexis Fitzpatrick, Gubray Brooks, Bonita Chaney, Doris Maddox, Muriel Weatherly, Olinda Cook, and Candice Reese.
