A∆K

A Golden Sister Enjoys the Gift of A∆K

"I am an Alpha Delta Kappa gal and proud of it,” said Mary Jane Bowlin, a Golden Sister and a member of VA Beta Chi. She is proud of what A∆K has accomplished over the years. Her sisters in her original chapter, VA Beta, ”pushed, shoved and lovingly encouraged me,” said Mary Jane. She credits Edith Wray, Virginia Lewis and Peggy Hank for their support which helped her assume leadership roles at the chapter and state levels.

Mary Jane has many wonderful memories of A∆K activities, but shared that one of her favorites was when she had the honor of chairing the state convention, serving with Florence Bishop. She had been singing with the Richmond Choral Society and the Sweet Adelines and remembers singing for many years in the VA State Convention Chorus with Doris King, Omega Chapter. The opportunity to travel and to grow and “bloom” has happened because of the love shared through her sisters.

Mary Jane summed up her feelings about A∆K. “What a wonderful legacy Agnes left us. The impact this organization has had on me as a teacher and in my personal life has been so rewarding, surprising and full of unexpected pleasures and adventures.” She realizes now that she is one sister in a group of so many, “a small spoke in a big wheel.” The changes she has witnessed, especially access to technological advances, she says, have enhanced the organization at every level.

VA Beta Chi will celebrate their Golden Sister soon.

MN Psi

MN Psi has a busy schedule of altruistic projects. At the chapter’s first in person meeting, the members learned how to crochet plastic bags into sleeping mats for the homeless. The sisters will donate to Tales for Tots, a program to provide books for newborns at the local hospital, and to the Little Red Bookshelf, a program that provides free books for children at the Moose Lake Food Shelf. Other altruistic plans include scholarships for high school seniors, a walk for the Longest Day, staffing the Little Red School house at the Carlton County Fair and volunteering in the local schools and at the Food Shelf.

NC Beta Chapter

NC Beta sisters enjoyed a voyage to "The Wonderful World of Tea" at a recent meeting. The program was presented by Tealightful Company representative, Martha Isenberg, the daughter of an Alpha Delta Kappa sister. She introduced the sisters to three teas - one black, one green and one herbal (infusion), which they sipped while enjoying tea party treats. Martha explained the methods of growing and fermenting tea as well as the proper way to brew it. She also discussed the many physical, spiritual and emotional benefits of various teas. By the end of the program, all agreed that teachers would do well to enjoy a soothing cup of tea each day.

NC Iota Sisters Celebrate Longevity

NC Iota held three special ceremonies to honor and celebrate membership milestones for sisters in the chapter. Pictured is new Sapphire Sister Martha Matthews. Also honored were Silver Sister Renee Friday and Violet Sisters Tammy Ortiz, Pam Deal, Renee Friday, Katrina Wallace and Jane Hudson.

ID Theta Offers Encouragement to Teachers

Travelers in and out of Emmett School District may have noticed two colorful signs located at Highway 16 and Washington Avenue, saying “Thank You Teachers” and “Emmett SD Is Amazing.” The signs were sponsored by ID Theta. The chapter has made it a priority to encourage teachers in the Emmett School District who have been under unusual stress during the past year and a half due to the recent pandemic.

Co-presidents Nancy Daniels and Laurey Thomson explained, “We thought a visual display would be a cheerful reminder of how much the community values the hard work our teachers do. District educators and staff at all levels have had a difficult year dealing with COVID, coping with long-distance learning, and trying to keep the classrooms and buses safe for students. We want our educational community to realize how much we appreciate their continuing combined efforts.”

Daniels and Thomson added, “Because the pandemic forced so many students throughout Idaho to go virtual, the community has come to realize just how critical a job it is to be a good educator. We certainly encourage others to personally thank the teachers.”

Theta chapter holds a monthly business meeting during the school year. Past altruistic projects of the chapter include local scholarships for EHS seniors, teacher project grants and helping with the Friendship Coalition dinner at the Senior Citizens Center.

OR Rho Celebrates Sixty Years With Diamond Sisters

OR Rho President Liz O’Brien presented Tree of Life medallions to new Diamond Sisters, Elaine Turk and Gay Hugus at Rho’s recent sixtieth anniversary party. Elaine and Gay were charter members of Rho when it began in April 1962.

Violet was the color of the day at the celebration at the Reedville Cafe outside of Portland, from table decorations to party favors. Past OR State President Sandra Seet read the poem, “Tree of Life,” and Helen Hess, Rho secretary, shared the history of the chapter, explaining the parts Gay and Elaine played in it. Beverly Quiring, OR State President-Elect, gave greetings from the OR State Executive Board. Audrey McDougald, Rho historian, described Gay as a gardner whose lovely yard and flower garden are often the site of chapter meetings. Elaine, an artist, turns her drawings into notecards for the chapter to sell to fund its altruistic projects.