Adopt-A-Highway Oct 2019

   

On October 5, 2019, the men of Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. met to perform our second Adopt-A- Highway event of the year. Over the past several years, our chapter has collaborated with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to help clean up litter. The chapter has been assigned a new location in Alexandria along the Hwy 1 corridor where we perform majority of our service to the community. Each year, nearly 18,000 Adopt-a-Highway volunteers collect more than 25,600 bags of waste along Virginia’s highways. The state of Virginia estimates that our assistance contributes to saving the commonwealth over $1.34 million that would have otherwise gone to clean up Virginia’s roads.

Saturday’s cleanup was extensive, as we had 23 volunteers  came out to support this important initiative. All told, we and collected 22 bags of trash and debris. Based on the county’s calculation methodology of (Hours X participants), this year the chapter was credited with 172 hours of community service under the Adopt A Highway program. Although this year was a year of transition for the program, due in part to the decision to relocate, the intent remained the same that as a chapter, we hope that our efforts to uplift the community through the support of this important community initiative, continues to have a lasting and positive impact on our community.

 

Health Fair and Blood Drive 2019

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On June 29, 2019, the men of Psi Alpha Alpha (PsiAA) Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. hosted our second annual Health Fair and Blood Drive in collaboration with the Gum Springs Community Center and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board. The Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter Brothers volunteered to assist with parking, vendor setup and breakdown, security, and crowd control. This event served as the Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter’s Charles Drew Memorial Blood Drive which gave residents the opportunity to give the gift of life by donating much needed blood plasma.

The success of the blood drive was evident in the 21 units of blood collected which ultimately can save up to 126 lives. Other featured service providers in attendance (but not limited to) were the Department of Family Services (SNAP), Foster Care & Adoption, Domestic Violence Action Center (DVAC), American Diabetes Association, Community Service Board Wellness, Health Promotion, and Prevention; Unit Healthcare, Bethlehem Baptist Church (Blood Pressure checks), PsiAA Voter Registration, Mount Vernon Police Department, Mt. Vernon Hospital (Wound Healing, Inova Rehab, and Joint Replacement), and Aging, Disability, and Caregivers Resources.

On-site health screenings consisted of Dental, Blood Pressure, HIV/STD, Glucose, Cholesterol, Body Mass Index (BMI), Hearing, and Sight. The learning sessions consisted of Mental Health in the African American Community, Prostate Cancer, and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). The Children’s Virginia Blood Donor society was also present and taking blood donations.

The Health Fair is very important to the Gum Springs community, as attendees were able to receive valuable information related to various health and community topics. The services were provided free of charge and was open to the public. The PsiAA Brothers also participated in the various health forums provided. Both medical and certified professionals discussed issues that afflict African American men, brought awareness to preventive medicine techniques, and informed the audience of mental health issues in the African American community. The presenters were well informed and well versed in the topic areas posed by the audience.

There were 30 plus PsiAA Brothers who supported this event. All the service providers and guests expressed their appreciation and look forward to participating or attending in future events.

Rebuilding Together April 2019

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PSI Alpha Alpha Omega Men 

On April 27, 2019, the men of Psi Alpha Alpha (PsiAA) Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. partnered with Rebuilding Together to revitalize a home in Alexandria, VA., for this year’s project.  The chapter brothers have invested hundreds of hours in sweat equity in similar rebuilding projects during each of the past 31 years. This year’s project continues the spirit of providing excellent community service by way of Omega men volunteering their time, talent,  physical and skilled labor to improve the homes and living conditions of low-income families (some with physical limitations) and non-profit organizations that house and serve a vulnerable population in the chapter’s community.  Individuals who enjoy the benefits of this effort over the years through the national Rebuilding Together project now have safer, healthier and more comfortable places to live.

This year’s event involved an end unit of a two-story townhouse, requiring the entire interior to be painted; walls, ceilings and all trim work. The house consists of three (3) bedrooms, one and a half (1 1/2) baths, a kitchen and a living room.  The inside stairway walls and ceiling were also painted.  Other services provided included replacement of two toilet seats, installation of two smoke/CO detectors with 10-year batteries, and replacement of dryer flexible duct.

This year’s Psi Alpha Alpha volunteers included Barney Barnwell, Jason Barnwell, Calvin Beidleman, Joe Briggs, Ken Cain, Brad Caldwell, Marvin Chisolm, Richard Garvin, Brandon Grooms, Ben Floyd, Eric Kelly, Myron McDaniels, Richard Morris, Hector Sheppard, Craig Spraggins, Tony Wells, Kevin Williams, W.J. Williams, and Ken Younger.  Other volunteers included Chris Anderson, Eric Carter, Sanford Crenshaw, PJ Drayton, Earl Higgins, Eric Holland, Jose R. Lacayo, Dante Marshall, and Delane Rouse.  Two young volunteers, Marvin Chisolm, Jr. and Eric Kelly Jr. (both related to chapter members), supported the project. Total volunteer attendance was 31.

 

Adopt A Highway April 26, 2019

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Psi Alpha Alpha Omega Men ⇑

On April 6, 2019, the men of Psi Alpha Alpha (PsiAA) Chapter, Third District, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. met to perform our first Adopt-A- Highway event of the year. Over the past several years, our chapter has collaborated with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to help clean up litter along Alban Road in Springfield, VA.  Each year, nearly 18,000 Adopt-a-Highway volunteers collect more than 25,600 bags of waste along Virginia’s highways. The state of Virginia estimates that our assistance contributes to saving the commonwealth over $1.34 million that would have otherwise gone to clean up Virginia’s roads.

Saturday’s cleanup was extensive, as over 15 brothers with 5 civilian volunteers came out to support this important initiative. All told, we collected 25 bags of trash and debris. Based on the county’s calculation methodology of (Hours X participants), this equates to 50 work hours of community service. Additionally, this year’s April event was significant in that it coincided with Earth Day, which happens during the month of April. As the chairperson, I want to thank all that came out to support. Lastly, as a chapter, we hope that our efforts to uplift the community through the support of this important community initiative, continues to have a lasting and positive impact on our community as a whole.

Psi Alpha Alpha – 2018 THIRD District Chapter of The Year Award

On April 14, 2018, Psi Alpha Alpha was awarded the large chapter of the year as recognized by the Brothers at the 85th District Meeting in Newport News, Virginia. The award is comprised of outreach efforts that were executed during the 2016 - 2017 fiscal year throughout the Fairfax County region. Psi Alpha Alpha has made significant contributions on the District and the International level of the Fraternity as well as to its community. We are pleased to have been bestowed this honor and will continue to extend the reach of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated by our deeds.

Psi Alpha Alpha Committed to Service at Capital Area Food Bank

Psi Alpha Alpha Committed to Service at Capital Area Food Bank

On Saturday, December 10, 2016, the Brothers of Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. gathered at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) in Lorton, VA (6233 Hill Park Dr., Lorton, VA 22079) to engage in a little fellowship while working to do our share to help out those in our area who are suffering from hunger and a lack available food.

Every month, typically on the second Saturday, we gather at the CAFB to assist them in putting together food packages that are then sent out to those in need.  The locations that the Lorton Food Bank service are Annandale (the Evergreen House), Arlington (Harvey Hall, The Shelton, Hunter’s Park at Cherry Dale, Lockwood/Elmwood House, Hunter’s Woods Fellowship House) and Fairfax (United Community Ministries, Bailey’s Senior Center, Yorkville Cooperative, Lake Ann Fellowship House, Winter Hills Apartments) Virginia.

The CAFB is the largest organization in the Washington metro area that is working to solve hunger and a lack of nutrition.  Psi Alpha Alpha is one of the many community organizations that partners with them and we have been doing so for about twenty years.  The CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year to get access to good, healthy food.

Brother Barney Barnwell has been leading the efforts to work with the CAFB from the beginning.  Our Chapter always has a strong turnout and a large number of our Brothers have lent their time to this great effort.  Of all of the things that our chapter does, this is one of the most rewarding, as we know that our hard work will translate to providing a true necessity to those in our region who are most in need.

 

Capital Area Food Bank

Capital Area Food Bank 051416A long standing partnership has existed between that
of Psi Alpha Alpha and the Capital Area Food Bank of
Lorton, Virginia for several years. Monthly, Brothers
take part in the packing of canned and dry food items
for delivery to those less fortunate throughout the
Northern Virginia Area. Fighting hunger helps diminish
under-nutrition, heart disease, and obesity and Psi
Alpha Alpha is honored to do its part in combating
these illnesses with the Capital Area Food Bank.

Updated Info: Man the Block

Man the BlockWHAT: Twenty one Washington, D.C. public charter school leaders and District council members will hold a press conference Monday, May 16, at 10 a.m., to launch “Man the Block” - where city leaders and volunteers will monitor corners throughout the city to ensure more than 22,000 students have a safe route to and from school.

The press conference and meeting will be at the John Wilson Building, Room G-9. Man the Block will take place May 16 at 3:30, when schools are being dismissed.
WHEN: Monday, May 16, 10 a.m. (Press Conference)

WHERE: Wilson Building – Room G-9, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW
WHO: Speakers at the press conference include: David Grosso, D.C. Council At-Large member and chair of the Education Committee; Irene Holtzman, Executive Director of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS); Dr. Marco Clark, founder and CEO of Richard Wright Public Charter School (PCS) for Journalism and Media Arts; a charter school student; and a parent of a charter school student.

The Brothers of Omega Psi Phi will meet at Richard Wright Charter School: Address: 770 M. Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 2003.

Man the Block

man the block volunteer expectations

MTB Volunteer Expectations and Guidelines

Psi Alpha Alpha Adopt-A-Highway

The Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated conducted a community service project through the Adopt-A-Highway program on August 15, 2015.  This project required picking up trash and debris along a 2.1 mile stretch of Alban Road, Springfield VA.  This community beautification effort resulted in the collection of 14 bags of trash and three automobile tires.