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Sigma Chapter (June 2024)
Sigma Chapter recently awarded its annual recruitment grant to Brooklyn Ayres, a 2024 graduate of Lewisburg Area High School. Susan Tonzetich, Sigma Communications Chair, presented the award to Ms. Ayres who will major in Early Childhood Education at Bloomsburg University.
Sigma held its June meeting at Hoss's Steak & Sea House in Shamokin Dam. Special guest speaker was Hannah Domaracki. originally from Selinsgrove, who spoke about her experience in the Teaching Assistant Program in France. While in Montpelier for two years, she taught English in French schools while gaining teaching experience and enhancing her knowledge of the French language and culture.
Pictured from left are Deb Bernhisel, outgoing Sigma President, Brittany Bunting-Specht, Corresponding Secretary and former Shikellamy student of Ms. Bernhisel, and Hannah Domararcki, former Selinsgrove student of Ms. Bunting-Specht.
Sigma Chapter recently awarded its annual recruitment grant to Brooklyn Ayres, a 2024 graduate of Lewisburg Area High School. Susan Tonzetich, Sigma Communications Chair, presented the award to Ms. Ayres who will major in Early Childhood Education at Bloomsburg University.
Sigma held its June meeting at Hoss's Steak & Sea House in Shamokin Dam. Special guest speaker was Hannah Domaracki. originally from Selinsgrove, who spoke about her experience in the Teaching Assistant Program in France. While in Montpelier for two years, she taught English in French schools while gaining teaching experience and enhancing her knowledge of the French language and culture.
Pictured from left are Deb Bernhisel, outgoing Sigma President, Brittany Bunting-Specht, Corresponding Secretary and former Shikellamy student of Ms. Bernhisel, and Hannah Domararcki, former Selinsgrove student of Ms. Bunting-Specht.
Beta Omicron (May 2024)
The president of Beta Omicron, Maryann Schwab, has received The President’s Volunteer Award, given by AmeriCorps. The certificate stated: “In recognition and appreciation for commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.” We are very proud of Maryann’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Laundromat Library League. Congratulations!
The president of Beta Omicron, Maryann Schwab, has received The President’s Volunteer Award, given by AmeriCorps. The certificate stated: “In recognition and appreciation for commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service.” We are very proud of Maryann’s tireless efforts on behalf of the Laundromat Library League. Congratulations!
Beta Epsilon Chapter Holds A Successful Recruitment Event (May 2024)
Beta Epsilon Chapter hosted a recruitment event on April 3, 2024, at the Germantown Winery in Portage, Pennsylvania. The evening focused on informative presentations, creating connections with prospective members, and promoting the Seven Purposes of DKG, resulting in the recruitment of sixteen prospective members.
The key to the success was largely attributed to utilizing the Membership Recruitment Model available on the DKG International website. By focusing on this resource, the chapter's recruitment committee highlighted the benefits of joining DKG to prospective members.
The recruitment committee began the process for recruitment to Beta Epsilon Chapter by encouraging chapter members to submit at least five prospect cards (found in the recruitment model) for educators that they felt would be an asset to the chapter. Personalized invitations were extended to each prospective member, inviting them to attend the recruitment event and encouraging them to bring along an educator friend.
The evening kicked off with a wine and cheese meet and greet which provided an opportunity for chapter members and prospects to mingle and connect over refreshments. Utilizing "Pride in the Big Picture" from the DKG international website, chapter leaders presented and discussed the benefits of DKG, on the international, state, and chapter levels. This informative session provided prospective members with valuable insights into the opportunities available within our organization.
Following the presentation, prospects were invited to visit stations run by committees and officers, highlighting various aspects of chapter activities, including social events, conventions and conferences, scholarships, benefits of membership, programs, and projects. To encourage the prospect to visit each station, door prize tickets were given out to place in bags at the stations. A drawing was held for the winning tickets at the end of the evening, with the winners receiving gift certificates to local stores.
The evening concluded with prospects and members enjoying coffee and dessert, creating an opportunity for further connections and discussions. Membership applications were readily available for those interested in joining DKG, along with business cards featuring the recruitment chair's contact information for future inquiries.
All sixteen prospective members signed membership forms to join the Beta Epsilon Chapter of DKG. The recruitment committee attributes this success to the support of the chapter membership, the utilization of the Membership Recruitment Model from DKG International, and the dedicated efforts of the committee members.
As we celebrate the success of our recruitment event, we now look forward to welcoming our new members into our chapter community and continuing our shared mission of “promoting the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education”. (DKG Mission Statement)
Beta Epsilon Chapter hosted a recruitment event on April 3, 2024, at the Germantown Winery in Portage, Pennsylvania. The evening focused on informative presentations, creating connections with prospective members, and promoting the Seven Purposes of DKG, resulting in the recruitment of sixteen prospective members.
The key to the success was largely attributed to utilizing the Membership Recruitment Model available on the DKG International website. By focusing on this resource, the chapter's recruitment committee highlighted the benefits of joining DKG to prospective members.
The recruitment committee began the process for recruitment to Beta Epsilon Chapter by encouraging chapter members to submit at least five prospect cards (found in the recruitment model) for educators that they felt would be an asset to the chapter. Personalized invitations were extended to each prospective member, inviting them to attend the recruitment event and encouraging them to bring along an educator friend.
The evening kicked off with a wine and cheese meet and greet which provided an opportunity for chapter members and prospects to mingle and connect over refreshments. Utilizing "Pride in the Big Picture" from the DKG international website, chapter leaders presented and discussed the benefits of DKG, on the international, state, and chapter levels. This informative session provided prospective members with valuable insights into the opportunities available within our organization.
Following the presentation, prospects were invited to visit stations run by committees and officers, highlighting various aspects of chapter activities, including social events, conventions and conferences, scholarships, benefits of membership, programs, and projects. To encourage the prospect to visit each station, door prize tickets were given out to place in bags at the stations. A drawing was held for the winning tickets at the end of the evening, with the winners receiving gift certificates to local stores.
The evening concluded with prospects and members enjoying coffee and dessert, creating an opportunity for further connections and discussions. Membership applications were readily available for those interested in joining DKG, along with business cards featuring the recruitment chair's contact information for future inquiries.
All sixteen prospective members signed membership forms to join the Beta Epsilon Chapter of DKG. The recruitment committee attributes this success to the support of the chapter membership, the utilization of the Membership Recruitment Model from DKG International, and the dedicated efforts of the committee members.
As we celebrate the success of our recruitment event, we now look forward to welcoming our new members into our chapter community and continuing our shared mission of “promoting the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education”. (DKG Mission Statement)
Alpha Omicron News (April 2024)
On Saturday, April 27, eleven chapter sisters attended the Four Chapter Meeting at Gallo’s Italian
Restaurant in New Castle. The other chapters attending the meeting were Alpha Sigma, Lambda and
Zeta. Alpha Sigma President Bonnie Barnes greeted the members and asked each chapter to begin their
individual thirty-minute chapter meetings. Alpha Omicron Chapter President Ann Peay called the
meeting to order. After the meetings, State President Royce Boyd talked about membership, building
communities and the upcoming state and international convention. President Boyd installed incoming
chapter officers. For the 2024-2026 Biennium the new officers for Alpha Omicron are President Ann
Peay, First Vice-President Linda Morrison, Second Vice-President Nancy Babos, Recording Secretary Julie
Gettings, Corresponding Secretary Karin Kosior, Treasurer Virginia Brooks and Parliamentarian Ann
Andrews. During the Recommitment Ceremony, all members were invited to give active support to the
Seven Purposes of our organization. A delicious Italian Buffet was served.
On Tuesday, June 4, five chapter members attended one of our chapter breakfasts at Mama Jane’s
Eatery in New Castle. Chapter breakfasts are held during most months that we do not hold chapter
meetings.
On Saturday, April 27, eleven chapter sisters attended the Four Chapter Meeting at Gallo’s Italian
Restaurant in New Castle. The other chapters attending the meeting were Alpha Sigma, Lambda and
Zeta. Alpha Sigma President Bonnie Barnes greeted the members and asked each chapter to begin their
individual thirty-minute chapter meetings. Alpha Omicron Chapter President Ann Peay called the
meeting to order. After the meetings, State President Royce Boyd talked about membership, building
communities and the upcoming state and international convention. President Boyd installed incoming
chapter officers. For the 2024-2026 Biennium the new officers for Alpha Omicron are President Ann
Peay, First Vice-President Linda Morrison, Second Vice-President Nancy Babos, Recording Secretary Julie
Gettings, Corresponding Secretary Karin Kosior, Treasurer Virginia Brooks and Parliamentarian Ann
Andrews. During the Recommitment Ceremony, all members were invited to give active support to the
Seven Purposes of our organization. A delicious Italian Buffet was served.
On Tuesday, June 4, five chapter members attended one of our chapter breakfasts at Mama Jane’s
Eatery in New Castle. Chapter breakfasts are held during most months that we do not hold chapter
meetings.
Beta Kappa News (March 2024)
Our March meeting introduced us to Hope Walks, (freedom from clubfoot). Their mission is that every child deserves a chance to walk. Clubfoot is treatable, but too many families in low income countries can’t access the treatment their child needs. Our chapter painted leather covers that will go over the braces the children will wear to help correct the clubfoot. It was a wonderful experience for our chapter to be able to help out this organization. Our current chapter President (Laura Young) came up with this project for the chapter.
For more information please check out: Hopewalks.org/PaintHope
Our March meeting introduced us to Hope Walks, (freedom from clubfoot). Their mission is that every child deserves a chance to walk. Clubfoot is treatable, but too many families in low income countries can’t access the treatment their child needs. Our chapter painted leather covers that will go over the braces the children will wear to help correct the clubfoot. It was a wonderful experience for our chapter to be able to help out this organization. Our current chapter President (Laura Young) came up with this project for the chapter.
For more information please check out: Hopewalks.org/PaintHope
Alpha Beta News (March 2024)
Members of Alpha Beta have been very busy building community. In the fall and spring, they partnered with a local business which served as a community site for the Weekend Backpack Program food collection. As a result, food donations increased by 25%. To recognize local businesses that help support the chapter, a Building Community Award has been established. It will be given annually to one business who helps promote the chapter’s efforts in the community. The 2024 award will be given to Live Well Chiropractic for their work with the chapter’s Weekend Backpack Program.
Building community has also extended to all the local school districts (beyond what is regularly done). To raise funds for the chapter’s Teacher Enrichment Grant (three teachers were recipients of funds this year and each attended chapter meetings to share how they used their grant and the impact their projects are having on their students), a Craft Show/Kitchen/Bake Sale/Raffle was held (and it was wildly successful). Superintendents and building principals helped with the fundraising by promoting the event through district public relations outlets. (The local newspaper also helped promote the event with a front page, above the fold article on the event.)
All school districts in Bedford County as well as the Greater Johnstown School District benefitted from the chapter’s new We Care Bag initiative. This project helps children in families who deal with a devastating situation (loss of possessions due to any unfortunate event, sudden change in living conditions, etc.) by providing them with backpacks filled with personal and comfort care items. Members donated items to fill the backpacks (including making fleece blankets), worked to fill each backpack, and distributed 46 bags to the districts.
Building community has also extended to the work Alpha Beta does with Beta Epsilon with the Easter for Eli project. Twelve members from the chapters donated items and gathered to make 18 baskets.
Indeed, it has been a very busy year so far with the chapter’s focus on building community.
Members of Alpha Beta have been very busy building community. In the fall and spring, they partnered with a local business which served as a community site for the Weekend Backpack Program food collection. As a result, food donations increased by 25%. To recognize local businesses that help support the chapter, a Building Community Award has been established. It will be given annually to one business who helps promote the chapter’s efforts in the community. The 2024 award will be given to Live Well Chiropractic for their work with the chapter’s Weekend Backpack Program.
Building community has also extended to all the local school districts (beyond what is regularly done). To raise funds for the chapter’s Teacher Enrichment Grant (three teachers were recipients of funds this year and each attended chapter meetings to share how they used their grant and the impact their projects are having on their students), a Craft Show/Kitchen/Bake Sale/Raffle was held (and it was wildly successful). Superintendents and building principals helped with the fundraising by promoting the event through district public relations outlets. (The local newspaper also helped promote the event with a front page, above the fold article on the event.)
All school districts in Bedford County as well as the Greater Johnstown School District benefitted from the chapter’s new We Care Bag initiative. This project helps children in families who deal with a devastating situation (loss of possessions due to any unfortunate event, sudden change in living conditions, etc.) by providing them with backpacks filled with personal and comfort care items. Members donated items to fill the backpacks (including making fleece blankets), worked to fill each backpack, and distributed 46 bags to the districts.
Building community has also extended to the work Alpha Beta does with Beta Epsilon with the Easter for Eli project. Twelve members from the chapters donated items and gathered to make 18 baskets.
Indeed, it has been a very busy year so far with the chapter’s focus on building community.
Alpha Nu (March 2024)
Alpha Nu held a fashion show at their March 2024 meeting. The following members were fashion models: Joyce Bigley, Cathy Caligiuri, Michelle Fitzgerald, Carole Harris, Susie Huang, Mary Lelinski, Jolene Martin, Pam
Ottenheimer, Mary Anne Ritchie, Linda Scammell and Ellie Short. We would also like to extend thanks to Trish Davis for her “sound track."
Ottenheimer, Mary Anne Ritchie, Linda Scammell and Ellie Short. We would also like to extend thanks to Trish Davis for her “sound track."