Put Out the Welcome Mat

kill bacteria. For example, apply a salve of lavender to a bee sting or a slight burn, and the effects will calm down the swelling and the sting. Be cautioned, however, never to apply an extract directly to the skin. Lavender sachets can be used to ward off bugs when you are out on an invigorating hike. To discourage moths from eating little holes in your best woolen clothing, hang a lavender sachet in the closet. The soft fragrance of lavender creates a feeling of calmness and has been shown to lift a person’s mood. Many naturalists use lavender to treat those winter blahs by lighting a lavender candle, taking a bath with lavender salts, or softening the skin with a lavender body cream. Lavender has been used as an alternative medicine for anxiety, as well as for calming people who have cancer or are in intensive care in hospitals. Due to its calming properties, the aroma of lavender promotes deeper and longer sleep as well. Currently, there is ongoing research regarding lavender’s ability to alleviate or relieve migraines, lower back pain and arthritis. The aroma of lavender also has calming properties for many pets. For example, it has been used by veterinarians for calming horses. Do be careful with pets, though, as it can be dangerous for dogs and cats to ingest lavender.

There are many projects that can be created to warm the hearts of those we care about. Lavender shortbread is a lovely treat that can be presented to a friend in a nicely decorated tin for the holidays. Bath salts or body butter given to friends who are actively teaching would be a heavenly gift of warmth and a reminder to take care of themselves with a relaxing bath. And, making a lavender mocktail is a wonderful way to relax your guests for your holiday dinner parties and get-togethers. You can also add some champagne or prosecco in place of the club soda for a little holiday pizzazz.

You might also consider an Internet search of lavender festivals across America to see what’s available in your state. Here are some of the states and towns we have found that have festivals: Wimberley, Blanco and Stonewall in Texas: Ojai, Sonoma, Paso Robles, San Bernardino in California; Grants Pass, Newberg, Hood River in Oregon; Imlay City in Michigan; Martinsville in Ohio; Sequim in Washington State; Fairfield in Pennsylvania; Oak Ridge in Tennessee; Well Sweep Herb Farm in Port Murray, NJ; and Fingerlakes in New York. You may be inspired to plan a summer trip to a lavender festival near you.

The crisp leaves of fall float down from their summer branches, and the staunch lavender bushes produce their last hazy flowers before sleeping for the winter. We remember the wonderful warmth of summer, of friendship, and are reminded that summer and lavender will come once more. We hope you try one of the ideas presented, and we extend our best wishes for a healthy, warm and calm winter.

Diane and Brigitte are members of WA Beta Iota. Diane is a silver sister and Brigitte is a violet sister. Between them, The Sweet Lavender Sisters have 84 years of working with students in a variety of grades and settings. They presented the information in this article at the July 2021 International Convention.

Put Out the Welcome Mat

What does the word welcoming bring to your mind? Let’s think…comforting, inviting, desirable, personable. If you’ve ever walked into a party where you don’t know anyone, and after about an hour, you realized you didn’t want to leave, you either met an old friend that you really like or there’s a good chance the host did a great job at making you feel welcome.

Alpha Delta Kappa has the power to do the same thing. Your chapter should realize that their most valuable resource is their members. Using the party example, we can still see how “welcoming” behaviors easily transfer to a welcoming chapter.

There are 6 welcoming tips that any chapter can use. • Positivity: Who wants to be at a meeting where everyone looks disappointed and unhappy? A warm smile and accepting attitude can go a long way to making a member feel good about being there. Encourage friendliness and laughter at all meetings. • Being prepared: Be prepared. “Hi! Great to see you!” Perhaps, offer something to eat and drink and let them know there’s plenty of different places they can sit and many different sisters to meet. “Let me introduce you.” It’s important that information and “tools” are ready for them. • Offer a mentor or buddy: Would you stay somewhere where you find yourself sitting alone? Probably not.

Members will feel less isolated when they’re introduced to other members. • Being seen: Never underestimate the power of attention. If members don’t feel “seen,” they won’t feel a sense of belonging. Show genuine interest in the member. Take the time to ask about their skills, interests and background. What you find in most healthy and happy chapters is a high commitment to helping their members grow in being a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. • Inform and include: Members don’t want to feel as if they are being left out. To boost a sense of belonging, keep members informed. • Being heard: Encourage feedback and ideas. Even if some ideas may not “fit” right away, show members through active listening that you welcome their feedback.

This tells them that they are valued for who they are.

When members feel welcomed and valued in the chapter, it’s like rocket fuel. It can inspire them to achieve great things, to be a star, and that’s a win-win for Alpha Delta Kappa.

Article by Linda S. Rissel, NJ Lambda, NJ Vice President of Membership 2018-2022