IOWA STATE DKG -CHAPTERS' NEWS
This page shares news submitted by Iowa DKG Chapters.
RECENT NEWS
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MU CHAPTER -Mimi Moore will be leading the virtual book study during the month of March with The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. The March newsletter shares the scheduled 4 week study.
LAMBDA CHAPTER -held a "Stop and Smell the Roses September 3rd, 2021 Sale" in Cinda's garage as a chapter fundraiser. Follow up garage sales may be coming.
MU CHAPTER -from their September Newsletter.....Mu Chapter Values: Leadership, Friendship/Relationships, Mentoring, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Teamwork, Professional and Personal Growth, Empowerment, Making a Difference
Mu Chapter President Kayla Ruhland’s Theme: Mu Chapter Influencing Women Educators ALPHA NU CHAPTER -will have a cookie decorating demonstration at their March meeting.
Beta Omicron Chapter -At the June meeting, President VanDeventer was excited to award Sande Rodemeyer with the “Busy as a Bee Award”! A most deserving person! The nomination included so many things that she does on behalf of our chapter, many of them behind the scenes:
• Acting as hospitality chair, she’s sent cards to members when special events or needs have been brought to her attention. • She’s filled in as secretary when we had an early resignation from that position. She fills in when our secretary goes south in the winter. • Sande willingly and cheerfully has led our chapter in special activities like the project for African Schools at the 2017 State Convention and other artistic projects. • She picks up and drives Jan Sowers to our meetings. • She is diligent about attending meetings. • Sande has willingly held leadership positions and filled them well. • Most of all, Sande is always cheerful, helpful, positive, and welcoming! (e.g. Agreeing to host the June meeting at the last minute when Deb Heim needed to resign as VP.) Note: She is Beta Omicron’s fourth member to receive this award since its inception in 2015: June, 2015 – Mary McCall September 19, 2016 – Elna Easter June 4, 2020 – Chris VanDeventer June 8, 2021 – Sande Rodemeyer BETA OMICRON CHAPTER -from March newsletter -Remember......At our September meeting we voted toincrease our pin fine to 50¢, so remember to wear your pin at our meeting! (side note from Webmaster: does your chapter encourage members to wear their pins? when and where?)
CHI CHAPTER -The program in March was presented by Jan Watson, who told about the Weighted Blanket Program. The group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the fellowship hall of Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer, where they cut, sew, and add beads to blankets of various weights, lap pads, and shoulder wraps. The program began making the weighted blankets for children with autism, but has expanded to making them for people with PTSD, dementia, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, etc. The blankets are a form of pressure therapy – like a hug – using touch or weight. The weight of a blankets is matched to the weight of the person receiving it. The blankets are sold to individuals or families with the monies used for the purchase of materials to make more. The sewing needs to be flawless so there are no loose threads to pick at and the pockets are triple sewn so the plastic beads cannot leak out. All products are machine washable, but must be air-dried because of the plastic beads. Website: Weightedworkswithlove.weebly.com
LAMBDA CHAPTER -The Dubuque Rescue Mission has been serving meals to the needy for 90 years since The Great Depression. Our Lambda Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma prepare, caters and serves sandwiches, salads, soups & dessert this year on Friday, April 29th, 2022.
BETA CHAPTER - “Making a Difference Through World Fellowship” will be the topic addressed by Dena and Nancy M. as a program for our August meeting. Dena is currently the chair of Iowa Organization’s World Fellowship Committee, so she is very informed about the process. Because these young women are oceans away from home studying in Iowa, the group will be creating cards and writing notes of encouragement to them. Materials will be provided! See you August 30.
NU ALPHA GAMMA - met in May in Dallas Center at The Gallery, a local “art gallery, music venue and gathering spot in a former hardware store.” Members enjoyed viewing the artwork after the meeting.
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ARCHIVED CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
LAMBDA CHAPTER -“Stop & Smell the Roses” Garage Sale — Funds will be forwarded to Lambda for our Non-Dues Revenue. Another sister so inclined may inherit anything unsold from my sale so she can have the fun of adding “stuff” to her’s.And if it goes no further than this first sale, that would be ok too. If members care to add to Cinda’s sale, please make arrangements soon. Pricing your items would be helpful, but not required.
GARAGE SALE 2609 Broadway (corner of King/Broadway) Sept. 3rd ~ FRIDAY ONLY 8:00-1:00 “Stop by & smell the roses”. Funds donated to DKG~Society of Women Educators Beta Theta Chapter -Music Musings By Marie O’Connell Music Committee Chair -Why should we have music at our meetings? Music stimulates the minds, may improve your mood, and is a key to creativity. Music is the universal language people of all countries speak. These are some of the reasons, I like to think, that music enhances our meetings. Does this always turn out the way I plan? No way! My limited knowledge of technology has messed up my plans more than once. That’s why I’m so excited to be back to in-person meetings. How do I pick the songs? The songs I pick are sometimes seasonal; some have been chosen by the current weather, or even by the topic being presented at our meetings. This spring when rain was forecast, I had selected the Beatles’ song, “Here Comes the Rain.” I’m really wishing that I could use that song now. What was my favorite song? On Valentine's Day a year or two ago, I took the song, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and reworded it to “Let Me Call You Sister” to honor the sisters of Beta Theta.
“…we should not be socially distancing,
- what we are really doing is physically distancing. We still need to be social” Amy Denny MU CHAPTER met at Living Treasures Flower Farm in LaMars this month. It was BYOP -bring your own picnic. Lurie Taylor presented the program on ‘Growing Together’. Five books were introduced for the November virtual meeting. The outcome of their MuSIC project was the personal delivery of “We Care” packages to all of Mu Chapter’s active educators. The packages were school lunch sacks containing a face mask (made by Lisa Cox,) hand sanitizer or hand wipes, a “You are Awesome!” card, and chocolate!
--------------------------------------- ALPHA IOTA CHAPTER met in person September 9 in the Fellowship Hall of a local church. They wore masks and kept social distance. Chapter committees met to plan the year and a sandwich meal was served. --------------------------------------- BETA OMICRON CHAPTER is going to hold an in-person meeting at the Country Club clubhouse in the large back room. It should give enough room to maintain ample social distancing. They will have a pulled pork sandwich meal with two sides that will be served via buffet (limiting contact with servers). The program will be on flower arranging. --------------------------------------- XI CHAPTER will meet at Central Gardens in Clear Lake this month. They will bring their own lawn chairs and refreshments. Their newsletter listed their interesting programs. --------------------------------------- NU ALPHA GAMMA CHAPTER will meet in Pattee Park in Perry. Members should bring their own lawn chairs, their own drink, and wear a face mask. Muffins with napkins will be provided. There will be no charge to members. They will install the new officers and discuss where and when we will meet next. Some persons have volunteered to look into the availability of those sites. --------------------------------------- THETA CHAPTER met this month with Officers for 2020-22 being initiated. They met in the area near the duck pond pavilion at Noelridge Park. Members were asked to bring a lawn chair and beverage. Members could also bring their own picnic lunch or snack if they wished. Masks were required and they social distanced. In their newsletter the chapter encouraged members to vote and to make sure members have requested absentee ballots for the November election. --------------------------------------- ALPHA OMEGA CHAPTER met via Zoom in September. Lisa Matthews works as a Clinical Psychologist and shared with the chapter about her education and what her job entails at Seasons Center in Spencer. She too has been using Zoom to work from home. --------------------------------------- ALPHA NU CHAPTER met at the Amana Heritage Museum with a meal catered by the Amana Meat Shop -individual to-go containers. They social distanced on benches with the meeting in the museum auditorium. --------------------------------------- |
ALPHA PHI CHAPTER -The September meeting was held online using Google Meet, which allowed more time. October they will try Zoom and see if more devices and members are able to log on.
BETA THETA CHAPTER -Quote from Chris Leichsenring on a possible chapter theme appropriate for 2020, “related to President Marple’s theme it is more like ‘From Surviving to Thriving through Striving.’ The chapter shared some of their favorite recipes and this one looked delicious. Fresh Apple Cake 2 1/2 cups flour 1 cup oil 2 cups sugar 2 cups chopped apples 1 tsp soda 3 beaten eggs 1 tsp baking powder 1 cup pecans (optional) 1 tsp cinnamon 1 (6 oz) package butterscotch chips 1/2 tsp salt In a large bowl, mix all ingredients except the butterscotch chips. Spread into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips over batter. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. MU CHAPTER -The September meeting was held at Lila Mae’s House –“ …the protected home and surrounding 34 acres donated to this project for helping women who have been trafficked to transition back to society.” Mu Chapter wrote and received a DKG Iowa State Organization mini-grant to support the Lila Mae’s House garden project. In her proposal—Filling the Toolbox—Lisa uniquely addressed two of the state’s focus areas: Human Trafficking and Embracing the Environment. ALPHA IOTA CHAPTER -Chapter President Jane Evans listed nineteen positive enjoyable things one could do safely during the pandemic. That’s positive thinking. Their October meeting was hybrid. Some members met in a local church and there was a possible Zoom option to attend virtually. In September, Pam Wittkamp shared a personal development activity, “What are your strengths?” The free survey is on VIACharacter.org. XI CHAPTER -October’s meeting was held in an empty store front at Southbridge Mall. The room had been sanitized and chairs were arranged at a safe distance. They are encouraging new teachers and World Fellowship recipients. They are sending notes to WF students studying in Iowa and filling gift bags for new women teachers in Mason City. THETA CHAPTER -They met via Zoom in October and Cindy Garlock provided information about the challenges public schools are facing after the Derecho, with the ongoing pandemic and funding. She shared information about school personnel, district facilities plan, achievement data, equity, and strategic goals, along with information on how the district is handling Derecho damage and COVID-19. For fundraiser the chapter has been selling HyVee coupon books. Twelve members have received funds from the DKG International Emergency Fund. BETA CHAPTER - Because the year is in such uncertainty in regard to in person meetings, it was decided at the September Zoom meeting to not print the 2020-21 chapter yearbook. The information will be shared with members in an electronic format. Thank you to Judy O’Brien for accomplishing the task. Their October meeting was held via Zoom -members joining in from the comfort of their own homes, providing their own beverage and snack. ALPHA OMEGA CHAPTER -Their November meeting will be held in the Pocahontas County Conservation Classroom. They will have a breakfast brunch and collect a free-will offering for Iowa’s International Student Grants. They will also be inducting four new members. President Sandy Aronson wrote of women educators “They are being asked every day to put themselves at risk as they help prepare students for a new and different world. We need to be encouraging them as they go about their many duties. Please be creative and think of ways to reach out.” TAU CHAPTER -October’s meeting was conducted virtually with Zoom. Two members of the 28 women from Kosovo who are studying Energy at DMACC in Ankeny gave a presentation showing us photos of their country and of the program they are working on a DMACC. Both women have their bachelor’s degrees, but having the hands-on experience they are receiving, they will be more employable in the energy field when they return home. ALPHA NU CHAPTER -State President, Kristin
Merkle, will join us at our April meeting. She accepted the invite and is eager to meet/visit with our group! We will have our Founders' Day program also. MU CHAPTER -Some of the Mu members have completed and sent their Mu Chapter Member Information Form to Connie Hoag. 27 are in--only 15 more to go! The purposes of the form are to 1) build personal and professional connections within Mu Chapter; 2) provide a format for constructing and updating vitas/resumes; 3) share personal contact information; and 4) ensure accurate information for the Iowa State Organization and the Mu Yearbook—which needs to be updated soon. They hope to have 100% by Monday, June 15!
BETA ALPHA CHAPTER -Since our 2018-19 Chapter Project was making a monetary as well as gently-used-book donation to Clarity House in Dubuque we decided our Summer Outing would be to their location to hand deliver our gift.
We initially chose Clarity Clinic for its high emphasis on women, not only in pregnancy counseling but also through educational parenting topics to help them develop supportive relationships to develop healthy sustainable life skills. Also, clients are served without regard to age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation, disability or other arbitrary circumstances. In addition, to help promote literacy our gently-used children’s books will be used in their Kids Zone where families wait for their classes or appointments; or to be taken home by clients from their Boutique when earned through an incentive program. In addition, the Clarity Clinic offers a Sexual Health Education Program for 7th-12th grade students and a Boundaries Program informing parents and youth on dangerous apps, human trafficking, date rape drugs, emotional-physical-social boundaries, bullying, sexual abuse, and value/worth. Clarity Clinic is a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization. They are 100% donor supported and receive no government funding. NU ALPHA GAMMA CHAPTER - Literacy Grant 10 Year Anniversary -By Sue Leslie
• I think this will be the 10th year for our project. • We have processed over 55 applications and helped more than 70 teachers. • This past year we finally were able to say that we had awarded grants to an educator in every district in Dallas County. • We have also helped in all levels— elementary, middle school and high school. • Money wise, we have awarded over $2,000. Thanks go to all of you who support our opportunity raffles at each meeting. This year we were fortunate enough to receive a $100 mini-grant from the state organization so we are already good to go on our two $250 grants! Information will be sent out to the school districts in October, and this year we will encourage the applicants to describe how they will use the funds to address diversity in their classrooms. -taken from their August News Mu Chapter -Huzzah for Suzanne Bartels who earned her English as a Second Language ESL endorsement from Morningside College! Also, (see photo on page 2) Suzanne was recently interviewed on Live at 5 (ABC-TV) and Open Line (KSCJ Radio) promoting the Air Museum’s upcoming Tennis Shoes on the Tarmac one day STEM kids camp. The unique camp day experiences will include sitting in a WWII simulator and pilot seat with a parachute, listening to location aviators, climbing in an aircraft, experimenting with their own “parachute” and “flight lessons” and being on the tarmac. Suzanne is Education Director at the Sioux City Air Museum and has developed the first of its kind camp.
IOTA CHAPTER -Our Yard Sale on August 9 and 10, was such a success! We made $1,004! From advertising, sign-making, providing tables, organizing, reorganizing, working the sale and . distributing unsold items - THANK YOU!
*Laura Meyer for organizing, advertising, collecting donated items from members, working the sale and taking unsold items to Goodwill and ReStore *Erin Sale for the use of her garage and driveway for the sale, organizing, advertising, working the sale and taking unsold items to Goodwill and ReStore *23 members who donated items *Members (many) who worked the sale WHERE DID THE UNSOLD ITEMS GO? *Erin and Laura took one load to Goodwill *Erin and Laura took one load to ReStore *Kathy took 10+ bags of clothing to Waterloo Churches for October Sale *Kathy took 15-20 items to Bonita’s Consignment - $$ to be determined in November *Sherrie added 85 books, one lamp and 4 stuffed animals to our Habitat Shelves inventory *Quota Club took 30 - 40 books *Cindy took 20 books to Dunkerton Schools *Erin took two boxes of teacher items to Greenbrier for their New-Teacher Room *Erin took 80+ books to Highland Elementary for distribution in neighborhood libraries LAMBDA CHAPTER A beautiful birthday cake was shared with great refreshments from Educational Excellence and Communication Committees in October. Our DKG~Lambda Chapter celebrated our 75th year, our State of Iowa turned 83 and our International was founded 90 years ago!. A "75th Legacy Cake" designed by Karen Michels and Margaret Mills was filled with cards and donations for the kick-off to Legacy gifting. Birthday Bags were brought to share with families at The Food Pantry.
GAMMA CHAPTER will be meeting at a park in September and will discuss the upcoming meetings and the best way to reach all members.
This was also in their newsletter which seems worthy of sharing. "Becky Sadowski, our new 2020-2022 International President, is planning for “Serving and Moving Forward” in DKG these next two years. In her acceptance speech she tells each of us to ask ourselves these two questions: “What is my place in this organization that we support and value?” and “How can I be a contribution?” How can YOU contribute to our Gamma chapter this year? Every chapter could spend time discussing this. TAU CHAPTER met in the parking lot of a local church for their September meeting. Petra Lange presented program on high school student programs -SURG and CORE which strive for equity in their schools. The chapter also
From April/May chapter newsletters: A huge "Thank You" to our wonderful fellow members who stepped forward to lead our Lambda Chapter. "Leadership is not about being the best. Leadership is about making everyone else better". DKG~Lambda Adopted Garden at our Dubuque Arboretum Continues to need TLC.
---Eta Chapter’s May meeting was a video conference ‘brunch’. Members were encouraged to have cup of coffee and donut during the WebEx Video conference. ---Thank you to the chapters that are sending the Bulletin out to all of their members. ---Prayers go out to members who have contracted the COVID-19 for a quick recovery. Those who has recovered - a prayer of thanks! ---Several chapters are meeting virtually with applications like Zoom. This is a safe way to have chapter meetings for all members during the pandemic. ---From Alpha Iota Newsletter- We understand this will be new and different for all of us. There may be some challenges and hiccups along the way, but we know we will all do our best to meet those challenges. We started this biennium with Laurie's vision statement: "Embracing change is Essential to growing as an individual and an organiza on." We are definitely embracing that change. Together we will make this work. THETA CHAPTER -March Program: "K-12 Computer Science for All Students" -At our March 12th meeting, we had an excellent presentation on the importance of K-12 Computer Science given by Samantha Dahlby. Samantha is the Director of K-12 Education for NewBoCo, a non-profit organization that works as a regional sponsor with Code.org in order to provide staff development, curriculum, and resources. You can learn more about this initiative at: https://newbo.co/code-org-partnership/
BETA OMICRON CHAPTER -announced in their January Newsletter that the '2021 Convention' Planning Committee will be meeting at Arrowwood in Okoboji on January 18 at 10 AM. Time for Iowa State DKG members to mark their calendars for June 2021!
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BETA OMICRON Newsletter Story- Seal – The official seal of the Society is embossed onmembership certificates in order to create a quality document reflecting the honor of membership. This is only used by Society Headquarters (ISR 1.03).
History of the Seal -By January 14, 1930, the Founders had selected the official seal. They voted on a round seal with a wreath, Delta Kappa Gamma, and cup as on the pin, with the State of Texas around the edges. The variations which appear on the seal still in use probably were proposed in reply to Dr. Blanton’s closing remark, “If you prefer a different design, describe it on the voting sheet, please.” ALPHA OMEGA -Diane S. and Becky I. wrote and applied for a mini-grant this year. They chose, supporting early career educators. They
focused on the Teacher Supply Swap and were granted $100. Along with that will be $100 from our budget and additional funding from Thrivent and donations. In April we will have 2 members pose in the Thrivent T-shirts we received. The pictures will go to Sue C. and they will be shared with DKG digitally. The Swap is open on Thursday nights from 4-7 and the first Saturday of the month from 8-12. THETA CHAPTER -will be collecting school supplies for new teachers in the Cedar Rapids School District. In addition to the usual supplies, we would also like to collect gift or cloth bags for each teacher’s supplies. Supplies may be brought to the September 12th and October 10th meetings or you can contact Ann Nicholson at [email protected] to arrange a pickup of the supplies. We will set a date for volunteers to meet in November to divide and pack up the school supplies and then deliver them to the teachers’ schools. We will also include information about DKG in the bags with the supplies.
ZETA CHAPTER - has been busy sewing care bags. They have made 18 bags which they will deliver to the Care Bags Foundation in Newton for their February meeting. "It is Care Bags Foundation's mission, which is a legal, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to provide Care Bags filled with new, essential, helpful, fun, safe, and age appropriate items for children/youth (ages baby-18 yrs.) who are in need." (photo by Cathy Wignall)
Alpha Nu Chapter News -Bras Wanted: We will again be collecting bras for women who have been trafficked. Please remember this when you are cleaning. The bra bag will be at every meeting. A donation of $1.00 per bra is appreciated to cover postage. I will be sending bras off to Free the Girls in December and again in in May. Swedish Dish Cloths: I have about a dozen rose Swedish dishcloths left over. I will bring them to the September meeting. If you would like to purchase one the cost is $6.00 each. Schools for Africa: At the Iowa Leadership DKG International, President Cathy Daugherty assured me that she witnessed firsthand the impact of our donations for Schools for Africa. According to Cathy $1.00 goes a very long way and DKG is really making an impact. The donation jar will again be at our meetings. Feel free to bring in your loose change to support this cause.
Iota Chapter -New Teacher Projects: At our January meeting, we put together 83 gift bags for all the new to teaching educators in Cedar Falls, Hudson, and Waterloo! Each bag contained an assortment of snacks for teacher to enjoy on a busy day. Hy-Vee gave us a 10% discount on our purchases and 10% off coupons to include in each gift bag. Thank you to all our members who were able to shop for snacks, make snack, stuff bags, and/or deliver to schools! This project was part of our support for the International “Support Early- Career Educator” project. Along with the goodies, a note was enclosed which gave a little information about DKG and offered our support and contact information if the recipient was interested in meeting with someone from Iota. The pouches were distributed to new-to-teaching educators in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Hudson School Districts.
LAMBDA CHAPTER -Wendy's had a table of DKG~Lambda members stopping during this very merry Christmas time as well as many Dubuque friends to add to our 10% 4th Monday Non-Dues Revenue Project. Wow, that Apple Pecan Big Salad looks great! Linda Nudd posed with Janet Walker before leaving. Thank you to Linda Nudd, Janet Walker, Barb, Heather, Gary Schroeder, Tom & Cinda Welu for participating.
TAU CHAPTER - Displayed an exhibit on Human Trafficking to increase awareness at the International DKG Leadership Conference in Des Moines in July. The statistics show there are thousands of children 12-16 years old being trafficked in the US. The exhibit also had a demonstration of the Red Sand Project which demonstrated how these children have fallen into cracks and need our help.
MU CHAPTER -Jill, Sherry, and Connie have said “yes” to reprising their “standing room only” workshop for Mu Chapter members at the Tuesday, November 12 meeting. This trio, a bigger hit than Charlie’s Angels, presented the workshop 'Enhancing Our Leadership Potential Using Listening Skills and Non-Verbal Cues' at the International DKG Leadership Conference this past July in Des Moines. And . . . Maria R., Irving Elementary principal and new Mu Chapter member, has said “yes” to hosting our November 12 meeting at Irving Elementary.
ALPHA CHAPTER will hold their September meeting by Zoom. The Assistant Superintendent for the Dewitt Schools will speak on "What does Return to Learn look like un today's schools. This chapter also collects postage stamps and address labels from members to be able to mail their newsletters. -Great Communication!
ETA CHAPTER -our November program was most enlightening. Teresa Holmgren, an Iowa author, spoke to us on “Researching and Writing a Historical Novel”. She said, “There is an author in all of us with stories to share.” Encouraging a writing timeline and outline, she talked about all the different topics/areas that require research, plotting out your story, people to contact that may provide additional information on a family member and not wait too long to gather this important information. Teresa shared how to weave factual information into your novel and the need for added fiction to make it a more readable story. She reminded us also of the free resources that libraries have to offer regarding technology and preserving your photos and stories.
LAMBDA CHAPTER -"Dubuque Rescue Mission Soup & Supper Service Project Meal Provided by Lambda Members February 10th" will be Monday, February 10, 2020. They need soup, salads, sandwiches & desserts to feed the needy. Thank you for providing something for this meal & staying to help serve if you are able.
ETA CHAPTER -Thursday, October 24, meeting was at City Church, 2400 Oakwood Rd. The Program: Sally Beisser, Kosovo Trip
Hostesses: Jeannie, Donna, and Lisa. Collection for World Fellowship. Members brought interesting photos/pictures. |
BETA OMICRON CHAPTER - Coming this month....“Bird Feeding” – Sande Rodemeyer and Donna Kitzinger. Important! Our meeting in November will be on the November 25th at the S & B Farmstead Distillery, 213 E. Ramsey Street, Bancroft. Refreshments will be hor d’hoeurves along with samples of the distillery’s products.
LAMBDA CHAPTER -September meeting had special guest, Laurinda Brimeyer, as we honor her as a Friend of Education Award recipient. She will share her teaching and highlight The Iowa Children's Choice Awards.
Beta Alpha Chapter -At our March meeting, Jennifer Soland, program presenter, provided information on autism. Jennifer has been a School Psychologist with the Keystone Area Education Agency for 13 years, and a member of the Autism Team for 10 years. Her presentation focused on defining autism, as well as researched based methods and ideas for teachers to strengthen the success of autistic students in school and life. Eileen Franks concluded the Chapter’s recognition of the Delta Kappa Gamma Founders. The information emphasized personality characteristics, voluntary/elected responsibilities-outside of their teaching assignments-the Founders participated in locally/state/national programs/committees, professional training/teaching, and the hobbies/interests of the Founders.
Lambda Chapter -"Teacup Stories...or How We Survived the Jan.-Feb.-Mar.Winter of 2019"
Keystone Area Education Agency When: 6;30 Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Program presented by all of our Lambda Chapter survivors. Plans are to have an enjoyable evening around the big table sharing how we endured and overcame or caved-in and went crazy with Cabin Fever. Come and imbibe bottomless cups of tea. And we can only imagine the wonderful tea party goodies: shortbread, biscuits, scones and crumpets. Perhaps little finger sandwiches, strawberry jam (for the scones) and marmalade (for the crumpets). Business meeting with Officer and Committee reports. PLEASE PLAN ON COMING TO SHARE YOUR TEACUP STORY ANDCELEBRATE WINTER BEING OVER! |
Lambda Chapter -Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at 6:30, chapter meeting. The program will be presented by all of our Lambda Chapter survivors. Plans are to have an enjoyable evening around the big table sharing how we endured and overcame or caved-in and went crazy with Cabin Fever. Come and imbibe bottomless cups of tea. And we can only imagine the wonderful tea party goodies: shortbread, biscuits, scones and crumpets. Perhaps little finger sandwiches, strawberry jam (for the scones) and marmalade (for the crumpets). It will be followed with the business meeting. PLEASE PLAN ON COMING TO SHARE YOUR TEACUP STORY AND CELEBRATE WINTER BEING OVER!
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Xi Chapter -Their next meeting on March 19, 5:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Elementary in Mason City. We’re so fortunate to hear insights from Dr. Brent Seaton, a clinical psychologist at Mercy Hospital. He will address the impact of trauma on our students. You won’t want to miss his presentation!
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Alpha Sigma Chapter -held their regular meeting on Thursday, February 21st in Douds. The program for the evening was a GooseChase event. Members were given a set amount of time to complete sixteen missions. Missions ranged from stage punching a teammate to attaching ten balloons to a member and even exchanging shirts with the other team. GooseChase.com is a site that allows you to track and manage the live scavenger hunt. Reviews from the members playing were all positive, as it gave them a chance to play and have fun in the midst of our difficult winter.
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Epsilon Chapter -March 3, at 2 p.m. at the home of one of our members. our guest speaker will be Kellie Markey, the director of Dorothy’s House, a home that has been refurbished, repurposed, and opened in January 2016 to serve survivors of human trafficking. It’s a place where women find refuge and a second chance. Ms. Markey will speak about its history and services.
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Beta Chapter -The next meeting will be Tuesday, February 26, at Linden Place. The meeting will begin with a light supper at 5:30. Following the business meeting led by President Linda King, there will be a program by Wings of Hope and the group will tie fleece blankets to donate to the center. The organization which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, but I was not. Therefore, I did a bit of research: According to a “Nonpareil” online article written by Jon Leu on Oct. 14, 2018, Wings of Hope began as a Cancer Support Center in response to the needs of cancer patients in the Council Bluffs area. A support group met the social and emotional needs of people who were diagnosed with cancer. It was founded by Patti Higginbotham who discovered the community needed more than a support group. In 1994, Wings of Hope became an official nonprofit organization focused on helping cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. Wings has a Hope Chest Renewal Room that contains wigs, scarves, hats, etc, and offers exercise and other health-related classes. All of the services offered at Wings of Hope are completely free of charge to the patient.
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Alpha Nu Chapter. -Another successful auction in November. Thanks to all the amazing donations and our outstanding bidding, the total income for our auction was $1,792.00! That breaks down to: $1,164.80 for scholarships, $268.80 for World Fellowship, and $358.40 for Alpha Nu. Great job, ladies! Looking forward to seeing all of you at the March meeting! Carol Meyer
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Nu Alpha Gamma Chapter - reached a milestone with the awarding of the 2018-2019 Literacy Grants. This year we officially awarded a grant to a teacher in every school district in Dallas County when we gave Cathy Lewis, 4th grade teacher at Dexter Elementary in West Central Valley School District $125. Cathy will use the grant to purchase sets of 10 books for use in literature circles. A big thank you to Deb Irving for making sure the teachers in her district were informed about the grant opportunity and thus helping us reach this milestone.
The winner of the other $125 grant was Andrea Harbaugh, 6th grade language arts teacher at South Middle School in the Waukee district. Andrea will use the money to address the diversity in her classroom by purchasing a variety of titles for her classroom library. Andrea’s enthusiasm for her project was evident, and it is hoped that she might consent to presenting a program to our group sometime in the future.
In all, we had nine applications and the committee had a tough time making their decisions. In the end, besides the two $125 grants we also awarded five $30 grants. It is hoped that these smaller awards will provide seed money for the applicants and their projects.
The winner of the other $125 grant was Andrea Harbaugh, 6th grade language arts teacher at South Middle School in the Waukee district. Andrea will use the money to address the diversity in her classroom by purchasing a variety of titles for her classroom library. Andrea’s enthusiasm for her project was evident, and it is hoped that she might consent to presenting a program to our group sometime in the future.
In all, we had nine applications and the committee had a tough time making their decisions. In the end, besides the two $125 grants we also awarded five $30 grants. It is hoped that these smaller awards will provide seed money for the applicants and their projects.
ETA CHAPTER -The speaker at their meeting on Tuesday, February 5th, will be Marybeth Buchcle. She will speak on Homeopathy. Concerns about health and the environment cause many people to want to find ways to reduce the damage caused by chemicals on our selves and our environment. Homeopathy is considered a viable option.
MU CHAPTER - Members brought items for local charities in December. Counsel on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (CSADV.) noted its most urgent needs at this time are for: bath towels, wash cloths, dish towels and dish cloths, brushes, shampoo and conditioner, baby wipes, new pots and pans, baking dishes, dishes, cups, silverware. Items for the Christian Needs Center in Le Mars included soups toilet paper, any other vegetable canned goods, tuna and Mac and Cheese. They also list bar soap as something they use up quickly.
BETA ZETA CHAPTER -Members of the Beta Zeta chapter of DKG were able to help the Boys' and Girls' Club of Central and Southwest Iowa in Adair become an even more educational and fun site. Members donated multiple copies of several requested games that the children could play in centers. These included, for example, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Boggle, and Phase 10. Also donated was a new large carpet with roads and tracks, for use with cars, trucks, trains, and other vehicles.
Beta Chapter - Holiday Get-Together
Tuesday, December 4, at Judy O’Brien’s; Starts at 5:30. Members are bringing a small gift (remember these will be mailed) for each of the four International Student Grant Recipients.
Tuesday, December 4, at Judy O’Brien’s; Starts at 5:30. Members are bringing a small gift (remember these will be mailed) for each of the four International Student Grant Recipients.
Xi Chapter -Auction for DKG
When: Saturday, December 8th
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: St. James Lutheran Church 1148 4th St. SE, Mason City, IA
What: DKG Auction
Bring: An item or two for the live or silent auction, and your checkbook!
Committee: Chair - Deadra Stanton, Laurie Haugen, Katie DiMarco, Betsy Kirby, Jan Feustel, Cathy Petersen, Diane Frank, Lori Quinlan
What’s Happening:
● Holiday brunch and auction for our NIACC Grant-In-Aid Scholarship fund
● Socializing with your Xi sisters
● Enjoy brunch while we place bids on items to raise money
● If you are unable to attend, please consider sending an auction item or making a
monetary donation to the fund.
When: Saturday, December 8th
Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Where: St. James Lutheran Church 1148 4th St. SE, Mason City, IA
What: DKG Auction
Bring: An item or two for the live or silent auction, and your checkbook!
Committee: Chair - Deadra Stanton, Laurie Haugen, Katie DiMarco, Betsy Kirby, Jan Feustel, Cathy Petersen, Diane Frank, Lori Quinlan
What’s Happening:
● Holiday brunch and auction for our NIACC Grant-In-Aid Scholarship fund
● Socializing with your Xi sisters
● Enjoy brunch while we place bids on items to raise money
● If you are unable to attend, please consider sending an auction item or making a
monetary donation to the fund.
Beta Omicron Chapter -Our next meeting will be Monday, October 15, 2018 with Nancy Bowker and Darlene Goodrich serving as hostesses. The program will be Education in Africa presented by Jerry and Rita Thatcher.
Epsilon Chapter -Monday, November 3rd, they will have a special program by Dr. Simone Alekno about "Mental Health First Aid," an initiative beginning to pop up in schools that allows teachers to be better equipped to recognize and deal with children who have mental illness in their classrooms.
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Nu Alpha Gamma is encouraging teachers who are new to the profession or veteran teachers who are new to their position to apply for our
Literacy Grants. Supporting Early- Career Educators is one of President Karen Dole’s focus themes this year, and we all know that being in a new position is often daunting. As always, we are offering at least two $125 grants. Notification was sent out the week of October 22nd with a deadline of November 21 to apply. If you know any teachers who fit the definition, please encourage them to apply. |
Iota Chapter -President Cinde Haskins announces...We have been working on these goals and have made progress, but need to continue this focus:
- Membership - Employ strategies to retain and grow our membership...our new DKG membership plan which was introduced at the September meeting.
- Encourage - Involve more members in leadership roles at the chapter level...many of you have come forward to lead as committee members and chairpersons.
- Honor - Focus on discovering and recognizing deserving educators...we have honored area educators and our members at three recent meetings.
- Support - Maximize and develop new financial resources to support our mission...we have organized a new fundraising committee to help with this goal.
Beta Chapter -International and chapter officers are elected in even years, while state officers are elected in odd years. At the last meeting, Beta officers elected for the 2018-2020 biennium were
President- Linda King First Vice president-Patty Gillespie Second Vice president- Judy O'Brien Secretary.- Dena Higginbotham Treasurer- Sue Griswold Parliamentarian-Nancy Middaugh |
Lambda Chapter -"Fall Potluck" is coming up on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Their Roll Call will be "My Favorite Book to Read to a Child." Special guest author Michael Jelinske (Program Coordinator~St. Mark Youth Enrichment). Copies of his new book for sale $15, The Adventures of Big Ollie: Armor of Courage. |
Gamma Chapter -The March meeting will be in conjunction with a Brownie Girl Scout troop at the Salvation Army from 5:30-6:30. The program will be learning about conserving water using rain barrels.
Iota Chapter -New Teacher Projects: Seventy hand-made pouches were filled with a gift card and gold coins (chocolates) as part of our support for the International “Support Early-Career Educator” project. Along with the goodies, a note was enclosed which gave a little information aboutDKG and offered our support and contact information if the recipient was interested in
meeting with someone from Iota. The pouches were distributed to new-to teaching educators in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Hudson School Districts.
meeting with someone from Iota. The pouches were distributed to new-to teaching educators in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Hudson School Districts.
Alpha Nu Chapter -Peanut Butter Wanted! As one of our service projects this year we will again collect peanut butter for a food bank to be determined. Please bring whatever brand, creamy or chunky, you want to the March meeting.
Iota Chapter --Educators Awarded for Educational Excellence
The Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has recognized three area educators with Educational Excellence Awards. This award is for teachers who have gone “above and beyond” to promote the education of our youth and our community. Kayla Irwin, Hoover Middle School, was recognized for her work with Leader in Me, Student-Led Conferences and Student Mock Interviews, with community members. Jeremy Prouty, Holmes Junior High, was recognized for his work with students and their design and construction of Neighborhood Libraries. He began this project while at Hoover Middle School and continued this work at Holmes. Jeremy Swanson, Hansen Elementary, was recognized for his work with students in the construction of Neighborhood Libraries and collection of books for those libraries. This project began while he was at Lincoln Elementary in Waterloo and has continued at Hansen. The three recipients had one thing in common; they were all teaching and applying the district curriculum during these projects in order to provide their students with real-life skills and experiences - tools to becoming productive citizens.
The Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has recognized three area educators with Educational Excellence Awards. This award is for teachers who have gone “above and beyond” to promote the education of our youth and our community. Kayla Irwin, Hoover Middle School, was recognized for her work with Leader in Me, Student-Led Conferences and Student Mock Interviews, with community members. Jeremy Prouty, Holmes Junior High, was recognized for his work with students and their design and construction of Neighborhood Libraries. He began this project while at Hoover Middle School and continued this work at Holmes. Jeremy Swanson, Hansen Elementary, was recognized for his work with students in the construction of Neighborhood Libraries and collection of books for those libraries. This project began while he was at Lincoln Elementary in Waterloo and has continued at Hansen. The three recipients had one thing in common; they were all teaching and applying the district curriculum during these projects in order to provide their students with real-life skills and experiences - tools to becoming productive citizens.
Iota Chapter News -Our January 6 meeting will be a busy time together! Primarily, we will initiate a new member; recognize three current teachers with Educational Excellence Awards; and honor the memory of three members of our Iota Chapter. In addition, we will complete our mid-year gifts for first-year teachers and ready the pouches for delivery to 70 new-to-teaching educators; review Habitat Shelves dedications which have occurred and are still in the planning stages; discuss our Upsilon President’s visit in May; and plan for a new fundraising project in support of the State Convention in June.
Eta Chapter -Members will enjoy supper with the Boone DKG chapter (Gamma) before their meeting on Monday evening! They will meet a little before 5 PM at Perkins Elementary in Ames. They are looking forward to the program November 13, presented by Dr. Donna Niday, who presented her book speed dating program at our state convention this summer and it was so much fun!
Alpha Phi Chapter -Carolyn Goold is representing Upsilon State at the International Level -Report on Society International Fine Arts Gallery --Carolyn Goold explained the DKG online exhibit, Arts and Humanities Gallery, the navigation to that exhibit with the current Spring 2017 Gallery being posted and where to submit work with a rubric for submission criteria. Susan Carlson has photographs in that show. Carolyn read two literary works from the Spring 2017 Gallery.
Alpha Nu Chapter -November Auction IT’S FINALLY HERE! Saturday, November 18, 9:00 AM "Make It, Bake It, Create It, Fake It, Build It or Buy It" We hope you are getting ready to bring awesome stuff like you always do. We did so well last year when we moved this event to November. So get ready for a fun time at our Holiday Auction! Don’t forget to make your Christmas list so you can check it off while you bid. Hope to see you there!!
Iota Chapter -A SNEAK PEEK This year Iota will make a little pouch to use as the container for the “Thinking of You” gift we give to 1st year teachers in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Hudson school districts. The door prizes given at the Back-to-School Social in August are examples of the pouches. First VP, Linda Harris, found the pattern and created the prototypes. Learn more about the gift we have planned for our teachers who are "new to teaching". We'll be starting work on these gifts on Saturday, October 7.
Alpha Nu Chapter - The Personal Growth and Services Committee is asking everyone to bring school supplies to the September meeting. The committee will be putting together “Welcome Baskets” for thirty (30) 1 st and 2 nd year teachers in Iowa and Keokuk counties. If not enough supplies are collected in September, we will collect again in November and the baskets will be distributed in January as “New Year, New Supplies” to the teachers.
Iota Chapter -35 members and friends who attended our Valentine's Tea for Retired Educators on Saturday, February 11! Quite a few retired educators attended. Conversations were lively and former colleagues were able to reconnect!
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Iota Chapter -Sunshine Bags -
Seventeen members met at the Waterloo Public Library on Saturday, January 7. They made 52 yellow "Sunshine Bags" for new-to-teaching educators in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Hudson. The bags contained yellow highlighters, Sunny D, yellow post-it notes, lemon drops, yellow stress balls, lemon tea bags, yellow sixlets, etc. The bags were delivered on Monday, January 9. View attached note HERE. |