LAMBDA SIGMA NEWS

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Texas State Organization Lambda Sigma Chapter

Missouri City, Texas

Volume 31, Number 4 November, 2012 Area IV, Number 282

President: Linda Russell Editor: Kathy Riley lrussel4@yahoo.com kathy1976@aol.com

The Delta Kappa Gamma Mission Statement

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society

International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and

excellence in education.

November Business Meeting

Monday, November 12th Social Time 4:15 Meeting 4:30 Austin Parkway Elementary Library 4400 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land 77479 Tel: 281-634-7428 Program: Schools for Africa – Mary Prine, speaker Hostesses: Barb Hansen (Chair), Suzanne Neal, Salethia Morris, Julie Gehring and Linda Russell Raffle: We plan to have several raffles and door prizes. Bring a guest or two. Pictures: Wear your animal prints or African colors. Many pictures will be taken since this is the meeting we plan to use to apply for the Annie Award!

November Meeting

Mary Prine, Austin Parkway Elementary Counselor, will be presenting the program at our November meeting. She has been blessed to have participated in two mission trips to Uganda in 2011 and 2012. Members of The Sanctuary Fellowship Church in Richmond are in the process of raising funds to enable Pastor James Luwaga of Jubilee Fellowship Church to increase the number of students who can attend his school---his goal is to NOT charge tuition. He is also establishing a child care center so moms can go to work and know that their babies are being cared for. If people want to donate items, they need the basics. Pencils Erasers Pencil sharpeners Paper Scissors Crayons Reading/story books Soccer balls Volleyballs Financial needs are: Latrine for school - $3500 Benches to seat 3 students - $35 Treated Mosquito nets - $8

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President's Message Dear Lambda Sigma Sisters, We were blessed with an enduring surprise when Marylaura Merritt was able to attend our September meeting with Jeannette Spain’s assistance. I was told that Marylaura was determined to visit her Lambda Sigma sisters. I am saddened to tell you that Marylaura lost her battle with Melanoma Cancer this past Saturday morning, November 3rd. I understand that she went peacefully to be with our Lord during her sleep. I’ll inform you of arrangements as soon as I know. Please continue to pray for her and her family. It’s your prayers and acts of kindness which you extend to our sisters in times of need that makes our DKG membership special within our hearts. Louise Hall has had surgery correcting screws in her leg which had been from a previous hip surgery, while Louise Nutzman had hip replacement surgery this past month. I’m glad to report that both ladies are on the mend. This past October has flown by and I feel November will do the same with so many events happening, not only within our chapter, but also on a national level. The October meeting was busy and fun. We welcomed the fall season with hot apple cider and beautifully displayed delicious appetizers. The scarecrows, pumpkins, bales of hay and autumn leaves reminded us of the upcoming holidays. Barbara Anders, our Area IV Coordinator, visited this past October’s meeting and shared her chapter’s electronic photo book. She also spoke about how to increase membership by inviting guests to designated meetings and events. Barbara asked us to think about looking at potential members who are private instructors, for example, dance and piano teachers and to consider teacher aides and Sunday school teachers. Lambda Sigma’s own entertaining troupe introduced the speaker, Jennifer Solak, who we were lucky enough to have, as she had a baby boy 5 days later. Jennifer shared the trials and tribulations she experienced in order to have her book, Goodnight Moon, published. Later during that meeting, members who were present voted to have the Panera Bread Dinner Fundraiser held on Friday, November 16th, from 5p.m.-8p.m. Please mark this date on your calendar and invite family, friends and students to meet you for a fun evening. I hope this event will be one of your priorities in helping to raise money for our Grant-In-Aid. We successfully raised $250 at our last dinner. Those who attended Old Hickory Inn Barbeque had a great time socializing and meeting each other’s families and guests. It was one big party. The donated books for our military along with stuffed animals we received from Kohl’s for our chapter project have been delivered to the USO. This project will continue throughout November. If you still have books to donate, please bring them to our upcoming meeting. Now take the time to look throughout your closet to see if you have clothing with animal designs or prints to wear to the upcoming November 12th, Monday, meeting. This will add to an African theme which will complement our chapter member, Mary Prine’s, November presentation, “Schools for Africa”. You won’t want to miss viewing her amazing photos. Don’t forget that our meeting location has changed to Austin Parkway Elementary, in the library, which will be converted into an African setting. I understand “exotic” costumes have been made to go along with this informative program. Nothing bundt Cakes, Edible Arrangements and Teacher Heaven have donated raffle gifts for this occasion. Bring guests! Exciting door prizes will be given. Mary has asked us to bring school supplies for a teacher she met while in Africa this past summer. More information about this request is in the newsletter. Nationally speaking, many people we personally may not know are enduring the terrible losses and horrific conditions that Super Storm Sandy imposed upon them this last month. We pray that these victims receive strength and immediate rescue. If any of these people are DKG women, hopefully, they are aware that they may make a request for the “Emergency Fund Assistance” that Delta Kappa Gamma offers us. Gratefully yours, Linda Russell

Sue Bridges was born in Manchester, NH and graduated from Plymouth State College with a degree in Elementary Eucation. In 1978, she moved to Houston and continued teaching elementary education in Alief. Sue has always been interested in languages, so she took graduate classes from the University of St. Thomas and received her endorsement in English as a Second Language. She and husband, Danny, married in 1981 and have two sons, Scott and Chris. Both boys graduated from the University of Texas. Scott is getting married on June 8th, 2013 in Austin! Finally some pink in the family (even her dogs are male)! Sue retired from Fort Bend Independent School District in June of 2011 after 39 years of teaching.

Spotlight on our Hospitality Committee

The hospitality committee is responsible for providing refreshments and décor for each of our official meetings. Each committee member is the chair person for a meeting, organizing Lambda Sigma members who have so graciously volunteered to help.

Barb Hansen (committee chair) has been working in FBISD for 23 years. She attended Bradley University in Illinois to get her B.S. in Elementary Education. 20 years later she received her master’s degree from UHCL and moved from the role of classroom teacher into the position of elementary librarian. Barb has been the librarian at Sugar Land Middle School now for the past 7 ½ years and loves it! Barb and her husband, Steve, have two sons. Roy graduated from UT nine years ago and lives in Houston. Paul is in his second year of Wesleyan Law School in Fort Worth after getting his undergraduate degree from BYU.

Francis Courville was born in Sugar Land and grew up in Stafford. She is a product of Missouri City Schools and after consolidation, Fort Bend Schools. Francis earned a BA in Elementary Education at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Francis has been married to her husband, Travis, for forty- three years and they have two children. Their son, Craig, and his wife, Ami, along with granddog, Izzy, live in Round Rock. Their daughter, Kim, and her husband, Joe, live in Sugar Land with their children, Joey and Madeline. It is a true joy to be a grandmother and she spends as much time as possible with her grandchildren. Francis’ first three years of teaching were in HISD, Alief, and Port Allen, Louisiana. Then they moved to Baytown and Craig was born. She substituted for a year in Goose Creek ISD while Craig was an infant. After moving to Missouri City, Francis was hired to teach at E. A. Jones where she had been a student when it was called Missouri City Elementary. The next year when Kim was born, Francis continued teaching after a very short leave. She was at Jones for ten wonderful years. When Settlers Way opened, she transferred and finished her career there. In 1996 Francis

With an empty nest, Barb and Steve enjoy being outdoors together, either bicycling or running. She has signed up for her fourth marathon this January benefitting the Fort Bend Education Foundation. Louise Nutzman grew up in northwest Iowa. She got her secondary teaching degree in mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa. She taught math in the public school system for 29 years, 27 of them in Fort Bend at Sugar Land MS. Louise retired from teaching in 2008.She and her husband, Carl, have been married 43 years. They raised four young men and have added two wonderful daughter-in-laws and 3 precious grandchildren. They are expecting a fourth in February. Louise's family is presently the core of her life.

was a Teacher of the Year District Finalist. She retired in 2003, after teaching fourth and fifth graders for thirty-two years. After a year’s rest she began supervising alternatively certified first-year teachers. That rewarding job continued for five years. Francis’ volunteer activities include serving on the Fort Bend Walk to End Alzheimer’s Planning Committee for the past eight years and teaching English as a Second Language for three years. She is the Vice Regent of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Holy Family and a member of the Fort Bend/Harris Retired Teachers Association.

Peggy Norman grew up in Rosenberg and is a third generation teacher. She has a B.S. and M. Ed. in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University with specializations in Speech and Drama and Reading, all but one year of her thirty eight years of teaching were with F.B.I.S.D. Peggy opened both Blue Ridge and Meadows Elementary. Her eighteen years of middle school were at Sugar Land Middle in the Speech and Drama department and she spent twenty years teaching first graders. After retiring seven years ago, Peggy has enjoyed volunteering at Meadows Elem. She belongs to a Bible study and her husband and she deliver meals to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. Peggy also enjoys walking on the beach, reading, and having more time to visit with friends. Peggy has a grown son and daughter and three grandchildren. Family time is always special as well. Peggy is honored to be a charter member of Lambda Sigma and had the opportunity to be president in1988-1990.

A biography on Lucille Williams is not available at this time.

Birthday Girls

In Remembrance of Marylaura Merritt

Marylaura lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, November 3, 2012. A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 10th, at Earthman Funeral Home Southwest Chapel (State Room) at 12555 So Kirkwood off of Hwy 59 in Stafford, 77477. Phone number is 281-240-3300. You may visit anytime between 3:00 - 5:00 pm. A celebration of her life will be held afterwards at Los Tios Restaurant in Sugar Land at 3308 Hwy 6 corner of Williams Trace Blvd for fajitas and margaritas. Lambda Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma will send an arrangement of a dozen red roses. A gold framed poem written by Delia Garcia (former Lambda Sigma member) will also be given to the family from us. Her obituary will be in this Thursday’s Houston Chronicle. It would be nice for members who have a pin, to wear it, but not your badge.

Janie Holsapple 11/1Lucille Williams 11/4Scotty Bass 11/7

Pat Caldcleugh 12/4Lana Petrizzo 12/15Dale Araujo 12/16Mary Ann Dolezal 12/20Mary Prine 12/20Julia Hamilton 12/22Denise Lofton 12/25Louise Hall 12/27

Parks Youth Ranch Visit

DKG Shirts

Delta Kappa Gamma shirts will still be for sale at the November 12 meeting.

4 Styles: T-shirt style (short sleeve) Henley style (short sleeve) Polo style (short sleeve) Sweatshirt style (long sleeve) We need 5 more shirts sold to get Lambda Sigma placed on the shirts. They range in price from $15 - $22 plus $1.25 per shirt for shipping and handling.

Mary Ann Dolezal, Ann Thompson and Linda Russell along with Brenda Freund visited Parks Youth Ranch to see the facilities, so we would have a better understanding of their needs.

October Angel Award Brookwood Trip In a room full of angels...each deserving recognition for what you do on a daily basis for family, friends, school, children and Delta kappa Gamma...finding just one to honor is not an easy task.

Don’t miss our field trip to Brookwood to see The Christmas Pageant and to eat lunch afterwards. Visiting here has been a special event in the past. Brookwood will be decorated for the holidays and will have an assortment of holiday gifts for sale. Google for more information.

But there is one who for the 30 plus years that I have known her, does stand out. She has been an angel for her family, friends, students, community and sisters in DKG. She has served our DKG chapter and the

retired teachers in so many ways. She challenges everyone to exercise better health decisions. And she continues to fight the dangers of smoking by supporting an end to smoking in public places.

Mary Ann Dolezal is a gift we all treasure…

Thank you for being the angel that you are.

Chapter News

Cathie Ritchie and Margaret Larson had a marvelous Road Scholar trip to Charleston, SC. A Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship provided $500 for the experience. They drove leisurely to Charleston stopping in Bilouxi, Mississippi, to visit the home of Jefferson Davis. Many delightful retired educators were on the Road Scholar trip, so Margaret and Cathie made lots of new friends. Charleston is a beautiful, interesting, historic city. After a wonderful five day stay in Charleston, they drove to the lovely country home of Karen & Jim McGovern near Asheville, NC. Karen, one of our DKG sisters, retired from Lexington Creek Elementary and moved back to North Carolina to be near family. Cathie, Margaret, and Karen spent one day touring the Biltmore Estate which was amazing. It was the peak week for fall foliage in North Carolina, and they were awed by the magnificent brilliance of the colors and beauty of the scenery they viewed. The trip was 100% enjoyable! This tree is called the Angel Tree and is reportedly 1500 years old.

Old Hickory Inn Fundraiser

Our fundraiser at Old Hickory Inn Barbeque was a success. We raised $250 toward our Grant In Aid. Most of all, members had fun visiting with each other and meeting family members.

Liz Ellis, Mary Crochet, Rosemarie Roesler and

Carla Meuth

Ocie Whitaker with some of her family

Margaret Dzierzanowski Family

Personal Growth and Services Committee

We have many projects planned for this year. 1) USO United Through Reading Military

Program We are having a book drive to collect

books. Please see the attachment of suggested books. (Any book written by Dr. Seuss is on the list.) If you still have books, bring them to the November meeting on November 12th.

United Through Reading® - Founded in 1989, United Through Reading is the nation’s first nonprofit to promote the read-aloud experience for separated military families. United Through Reading offers deployed parents the opportunity to be video-recorded reading storybooks to their children which eases the stress of separation, maintains positive emotional connections and cultivates a love of reading. At nearly 200 recording locations worldwide, U.S. service members can read to their children from command units on ships, in tents in the desert and at 70 USO centers worldwide. Research shows that the read-aloud experience is a way for children to experience the joy of reading and gain critical learning and communications skills.

For more information, visit

www.unitedthroughreading.org or call (858) 481-7323. United Through Reading can also be found on Facebook and @UnitedTReading on Twitter

2) Supporting Early Career Educators -

We will be collecting supplies in the spring to make “Welcome Boxes” for new teachers. More details will be given later.

3) Schools for Africa – We want to raise

money to contribute to this worthy cause. Please bring used DVD’s and games to every function.

4) Parks Youth Ranch – We will be

supplying bulletin boards for the youth. We are a looking for business partners to help us fund this. More details will be given to you soon.

5) Addressing Christmas Cards for

World Fellowship Recipients – We will address Christmas cards to our World Fellowship Recipients at our Christmas party on December 7th.

6) Cinderella/Cinderfella—Contact Eva

Fackaday, founder, (evita@windstream.net) to make

contributions. We will send out information in the spring about how to sponsor or volunteer.

Tidbits

December is right around the corner and we are going to use those darling pictures of when you were a teenager or younger. Keep sending them to Debbie Reynolds by e-mail, pony or bring one to the next meeting.       

 

Kohl’s supports USO United Through Reading

Kohl’s in Missouri City donated around 120 books and close to 300 stuffed animals to the USO United Through Reading Program.

Anna Charles, USO United Through Reading Program Manager, picking up the books and

stuffed animals.

COME JOIN US FOR DINNER Education Scholarship Fundraiser

WHERE: Panera Bread Bakery Cafe, 3333 Hwy. 6 at US 59 Sugar Land 77478 281-242-7323 WHEN: Friday, November 16 Order between 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Come in and visit with family and friends or call ahead for pick up. WHY: The Delta Kappa Gamma Society of key women educators is collecting scholarship money for qualified women who are majoring in education. A percentage of food sales will go toward supporting this fund. There will also be a chance to win a free Panera Bread dinner. Panera Bread will be setting up a donations and tips table for us. Come by for dinner and take in a movie afterwards.

Please spread the word. Any further information needed,

Call 281-499-5885.

Upcoming Events

December 1st, Saturday Brookwood Christmas Pageant We will leave at 8:45 am for a 10:00 am performance. Those who would like to stay can shop in their Christmas store and eat lunch at their wonderful café. At the last meeting these members signed up to go: Julie Gehring Mary Crochet Christi Chrisman Ann Thompson Joan Eubanks Pat Caldelaugh Michelle Symonds DianeWright Sally Cain Sue Bridges Suzanne Neal Linda Russell At this time the drivers are Mary Crochet and Linda Russell. We know several more want to attend but were not at the last meeting so please let Debbie know and she will add your name. December 7th, Friday Wonderful Holiday Appetizer Buffet 6:00-8:30 pm at Dawn Westfall’s home 30 Sierra Oaks Drive (New Territory) Invitation to follow. January 12, Saturday Visiting Dr. Reddy (cardiologist) for “New Heart Healthy Tips” 10:00 am –Noon ;Town Square- Sugar Land Healthy lunch afterwards in the area- TBA

Delta Kappa Gamma Lambda Sigma Chapter Wednesday, October 17, 2012, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

At Lexington Creek Elementary

Meeting Minutes OPENING

President Linda Russell Called the meeting to order at 4:37 pm Second Vice - President, Julie Gehring announced a quorum. Inspiration Chair, Mary Crochet, led the group in a sharing session where several members

related short, beautiful stories on the topic “The Best Thing About Teaching”, making us all smile in appreciation.

Linda welcomed and introduced our guest, Area IV Coordinator, Barbara Anders. Barbara explained her efforts in creating an Electronic Photo Book for her chapter and this was passed around for all to see. Barbara invited all to attend next year’s State Convention in Austin and reminded us of Delta Kappa Gamma’s effort to recruit, retain and reinstate members. She explained that traditions are relaxed allowing many categories of teachers to be eligible for membership, such as teacher aides, Sunday school teachers, dance and piano teachers.

Arlise Wilson announced the chapter Angel Award would go to Mary Ann Dolezal this month saying that Mary Ann has often been the “glue that kept the group together over the years”.

OFFICER REPORTS Recording Secretary, Harriet Mantini, reported that the September meeting minutes were e-

mailed in Newsletter and asked if there were any questions or corrections. No corrections were offered so minutes were accepted as written.

Linda Russell reported for Corresponding Secretary, Ocie Whitaker, saying that thank you notes were being sent on behalf of the chapter to thank those supporting Lambda Sigma.

Treasurer, Dale Araujo reported our current balance of $6009.94. She discussed the need for a motion to vote that Mary Louise Ivey become a reserve member due to her move from the area. Carla Meuth made a motion to this effect and it was seconded. All in attendance voted and it was accepted. Dale discussed dues paid status and inquired about members who haven’t paid. She asked for t-shirt orders (we need more to get the Lambda Sigma logo. It was agreed that she would delay sending in the shirt order until after our November meeting. Dale is also taking orders for pins and pin guards and will send in order soon. The last day for Basket Raffle Tickets is today.

Second Vice-President, Julie Gehring reported 27 in attendance today. She asked that we fill out and return new Chapter Member Profile Forms today.

First Vice-President, Debbie Reynolds, reported that Program Cards for the year’s meeting schedule are still available. She asked that all members please provide her with a baby Picture to be used at the December 7th Holiday Party. Debbie announced that the Holiday Appetizer Buffet Party will be held as originally planned on Friday, December 7th, at Dawn Westfall’s home. Volunteers were asked for to form a committee to plan the party and assist Dawn in preparations of her home. Linda Russell, Ann Thompson and Carla Meuth have volunteered. Others are encouraged to help and to contact Debbie if interested. The committee will meet in

November to start planning. Debbie also discussed our Saturday, December 1st, field trip to Brookwood to see the 10 a. m. resident’s holiday performance. She passed around a signup sheet for those wanting to attend and those who could drive. More information will be presented at the Nov. meeting.

Program: The Lambda Sigma Choir, led by Chair Christi Chrisman, entertained members with a musical skit, “Singing in the Rain” followed by “Reading in the Rain”, complete with twirling umbrellas. Program Director, Debbie Reynolds introduced our guest speaker, Jennifer Solak. The author of Goodnight Houston, treated us to a reading of her book which describes sites around the Houston area that she and her husband desired their son be introduced to. She then held a Houston trivia question game to determine the winner of a copy of her book. Mary Crochet was able to remain standing and was rewarded with the signed book copy. Jennifer spoke to us about how her book came about and the process of getting published. She provided interesting stories and facts about private publishing discussing the positives & the challenges of this process. Jennifer offered signed books available for member purchase. Debbie presented Jennifer with a baby gift as a speaker’s thank you gift from our chapter. Pat Caldeleugh provided information from Dawn Westfall on “How to Publish for DKG”. It was discussed that a Member in Print Award is given by DKG each year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS Yearbook – Linda Russell reported for Chair, Mary Ann Dolezal. Linda asked that you get your picture made by Melissa if you haven’t already and to check your member data to be published in the yearbook. Communications – Linda Russell asked that P.R. release forms be signed by members if not done already. Lambda Sigma website has been recertified. Janienne Brown and Melissa Milligan have been busy getting Lambda Sigma publicity, look for us on www.fortbendstar.com and in the Star Newspaper.

Fundraising - Ann Thompson and Linda Russell announced our fundraiser coming up at Old Hickory Inn Barbecue on Tuesday, October 23rd, 5-8pm where we will receive 15% of all sales. There was discussion of our next fundraiser and it was voted that we will stay with Panera Bread over Beck’s Prime. Members present voted for the dinner fundraiser to be held on Friday, Nov. 16th, from 5pm – 8pm More information will be available at our next meeting. DVD, VHS, ink cartridges and cell phones will continue to be collected. Linda Russell reported that approximately $100 has been made so far. Personal Growth & Services – Linda reported for Chair, Suzanne Neal, on our United Through Reading Military Program that will continue through November 30th. She let us know of the Kohl’s donation of 150 books and 300 stuffed animals. The USO is excited about our donation and will use the stuffed animals as holiday gifts for military children. Books donated by members at today’s meeting and any collected before the November deadline will be added to the Kohl’s donation and presented to the United Through Reading Military Program. Parks Youth Ranch – A report was given by Ann Thompson on the recent visit to this temporary shelter for teens. Ann educated us on the 8 acre shelter located in Needville, TX that currently houses 21 teens & their siblings, ages 11-17. Residents are provided temporary housing and support for 8-9 months. The ranch related a need for tutors to help these children attending FBISD schools with their school work. They also expressed a need for dry erase boards/bulletin boards for the resident rooms. It was previously discussed to substitute our support from the

Juvenile Detention Center to Parks Youth Ranch. It was asked that we make this official after learning more about the Parks Youth Ranch. A motion was made by Pat Caldeleugh that we change our support project from the Juvenile Detention Center to the Parks Youth Ranch. The motion was seconded and members voted to accept the motion as presented. Discussion of specific donations was tabled and will be discussed at the November meeting. Schools for Africa – Linda announced that we have met our $50 goal donation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Writers in the Schools (WITS) : Teachers are paid $55 an hour to teach writing in schools,

school can invite WITS to come to classroom ($1500-$1900 year) to teach STAARS Writing, sign up to receive your poem a day—DKG grant or scholarship? See bookmark and brochure for contact information.

Arlise Wilson shared a poem from our former member, Delia Garcia. Delia wrote this special poem for our necrology book.

Thanks to our Hostesses: Barb Hansen, chair; Janie Holsapple; Carla Meuth; Michelle Symonds; and Charlotte Conner.

Thanks to the Lambda Sigma choir: Christi Chrisman, Liz Ellis, Carla Meuth, Joan Eubanks, and Sally Cain.

Thanks to Debbie Reynolds and the POW Committee for today’s program and to all members who have made donations and contributions toward it.

Thanks to our author, Jennifer Solak, for coming and for book donation. Special thanks to Barbara Anders for visiting with our chapter. Linda Russell presented

Barbara with a signed Goodnight Houston book as a thank you gift from our chapter. Next Meeting: November 12th, Monday, 4:15-6p.m. at Austin Parkway Elementary Library.

Member Mary Prine will give a presentation on “Schools for Africa”. Please bring guests to the meeting.

Basket Raffle Drawing was held with Ann Thompson holding the winning ticket. Door Prize Drawings were held with multiple winners.

All were asked to have Dinner/Movie after the meeting at Star Cinema in Missouri City. Other announcements: Carla Meuth, on behalf of Mary Prine, asked that members bring school

supplies for a teacher she met in Africa to our next meeting. This teacher has all ages in one room and needs everyday type of supplies for herself and her students.

The meeting was adjourned by President, Linda Russell at 6:08. Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Recording Secretary, Harriet Mantini.