PHOTO CAPTION: The Tri-Chapter meeting of Alpha Zeta, Beta Rho and Phi Chapters of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) was recently held at the Inne of the Abingtons. The three chapters meet every other year for a visit from the state president. Seated left to right are State President Eileen Little and Beta Rho Chapter President Pat Carpenter. Standing left to right are Alpha Zeta’s President Denise Amer and Phi Co-presidents Vickie Schmitt and Mary Schmalzle.
DKG Tri-Chapter Meeting with PA State President
Months of planning by the presidents of Alpha Zeta Chapter, Beta Rho Chapter and Phi Chapter resulted in a lovely meeting at the Inne of the Abingtons. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 Tri-Chapter meeting had to be cancelled which was planned for the same venue and the chapters were fortunate that the venue carried over the same contract to 2023. Three Zoom meetings and an in-person meeting yielded the gathering of a total of forty-six members for a lovely meeting, luncheon and program.
Because all three presidents were new they worked so well together and supported each other to organize and plan the meeting. One of the goals of the state president’s visit during her biennium is to see the chapters conduct their business meetings and to hear about the activities they are involved in. The chapter presidents took a unique approach to conduct a joint business meeting for the president’s visit, who supported the presidents and liked the idea. With much planning, the meeting went like clockwork. Collections of pasta and sauce for the Summer Lunchbox Program, newly donated items for the Mennonite Resource Village included school supplies as well as hygiene products which would be donated for relief buckets to be distributed to other countries. Other items were donated for the S.E.E. (supporting early educators) baskets.
Beta Rho members Teresa Cavalier and Joanne Yanchick read Becky Johnen’s inspiring Leadership Mindset Lessons 10 & 11 respectively. Teresa then gave an overview of the Creative Arts Retreat held in April at Camp Ladore in Waymart with several first timers attending. It proved to be a relaxing weekend gathering to participate in a variety of crafts, wellness and stimulating workshops of choice presented by DKG members from across the state.
State President Eileen brought a message highlighting the “Benefits of DKG Membership” which included leadership, travel, conferences, speakers, convention and the purposeful seminar. She also talked about financial assistance, the emergency fund, discounts, advocacy, Schools for Africa, Album of Distinction recognition and publishing opportunities. She encouraged members to attend the state convention in Lancaster in mid-June to hear more about DKG at the state level. Phi member Doris Goerlitz gave an informative presentation about World Fellowship which supports women coming to the United States to study in degree programs. Through the years, Doris has personally met, corresponded with and encouraged these students and her overview gave members a better understanding of what World Fellowship means.
The combined business meeting provided attendees the opportunity to hear about projects, successful fundraisers, volunteer services and miscellaneous items to enrich their own chapters. Following the adjournment, there was time for members to meet members from other chapters, share ideas and just enjoy each other’s company. A delicious buffet luncheon which accommodated various dietary needs was then served.
A portrayal of the society’s founder Dr. Annie Webb Blanton was the afternoon program presented by Beta Rho member Cindy Reynolds. “Reflections by Founder Annie Webb Blanton” compared the recent pandemic to that of 1918 with respect to educational needs. Cindy intertwined historical fact with the need for and founding of the Delta Kappa Society International which gave members an understandable history lesson. The afternoon ended with the group singing of The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.
President Eileen was very impressed with the unique approach to the business meeting. The result was a successfully unified business meeting for all three chapters. As a result, she asked the three chapter presidents to explain how they undertook the planning and why at the leadership gathering for chapter presidents at state convention.
Because all three presidents were new they worked so well together and supported each other to organize and plan the meeting. One of the goals of the state president’s visit during her biennium is to see the chapters conduct their business meetings and to hear about the activities they are involved in. The chapter presidents took a unique approach to conduct a joint business meeting for the president’s visit, who supported the presidents and liked the idea. With much planning, the meeting went like clockwork. Collections of pasta and sauce for the Summer Lunchbox Program, newly donated items for the Mennonite Resource Village included school supplies as well as hygiene products which would be donated for relief buckets to be distributed to other countries. Other items were donated for the S.E.E. (supporting early educators) baskets.
Beta Rho members Teresa Cavalier and Joanne Yanchick read Becky Johnen’s inspiring Leadership Mindset Lessons 10 & 11 respectively. Teresa then gave an overview of the Creative Arts Retreat held in April at Camp Ladore in Waymart with several first timers attending. It proved to be a relaxing weekend gathering to participate in a variety of crafts, wellness and stimulating workshops of choice presented by DKG members from across the state.
State President Eileen brought a message highlighting the “Benefits of DKG Membership” which included leadership, travel, conferences, speakers, convention and the purposeful seminar. She also talked about financial assistance, the emergency fund, discounts, advocacy, Schools for Africa, Album of Distinction recognition and publishing opportunities. She encouraged members to attend the state convention in Lancaster in mid-June to hear more about DKG at the state level. Phi member Doris Goerlitz gave an informative presentation about World Fellowship which supports women coming to the United States to study in degree programs. Through the years, Doris has personally met, corresponded with and encouraged these students and her overview gave members a better understanding of what World Fellowship means.
The combined business meeting provided attendees the opportunity to hear about projects, successful fundraisers, volunteer services and miscellaneous items to enrich their own chapters. Following the adjournment, there was time for members to meet members from other chapters, share ideas and just enjoy each other’s company. A delicious buffet luncheon which accommodated various dietary needs was then served.
A portrayal of the society’s founder Dr. Annie Webb Blanton was the afternoon program presented by Beta Rho member Cindy Reynolds. “Reflections by Founder Annie Webb Blanton” compared the recent pandemic to that of 1918 with respect to educational needs. Cindy intertwined historical fact with the need for and founding of the Delta Kappa Society International which gave members an understandable history lesson. The afternoon ended with the group singing of The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.
President Eileen was very impressed with the unique approach to the business meeting. The result was a successfully unified business meeting for all three chapters. As a result, she asked the three chapter presidents to explain how they undertook the planning and why at the leadership gathering for chapter presidents at state convention.