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Hawaii Sisters Embrace Resilience and Reflection
“Desperate times call for Resilience and Reflection.” Hawai‘i Alpha sisters embraced and promoted this message in their meetings via Zoom during this pandemic. To promote self-care, Naoko Page, a certified yoga and meditation instructor, shared the science behind meditation and taught members how to do deep breathing and stay in the moment to relax and de-stress. As a follow up, ten sisters participated in a Progressive Meditation Challenge for fourteen days. In another personal development session, chapter sisters were introduced to the work and wisdom of National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones, who encouraged everyone to “celebrate what’s right with the world.” His inspiring words and photos motivated Alpha sisters to share their own photos and personal reflections exemplifying peace, hope, love, appreciation, joy and happiness through a positive lens by creating a collection of photographs called “Our Treasured Perspectives,” pictured, left Hope: Nurturing the un–known… the light at the end of the tunnel… a return to natural things… one’s strong faith overcomes… a butterfly as a symbol of youth, hope, promise and renewal. Resiliency & Perseverance: Survival through a sense of community… faith, hope, love, resilience to overcome obstacles… a blackened tree suddenly sprouting and turning green… never giving up, as miracles do happen. Appreciation: The light of my life… search for opportunities to appreciate and spend time with those you love… feel fortunate to live in this beautiful place… appreciate what you have… “ichigo ichie”– one opportunity, one encounter… treasure every opportunity. Empathy: Ways to help even the smallest creature…empathy in teaching, empathy in learning…help another feel safe…bring comfort to others…bring joy. Positivity: A glass of water half empty or half full…”ichigo, ichie” – one opportunity, one encounter…a positive perspective… choose your lens…simplify and refocus on what’s important to you…celebrate what’s right with the world. 20
FL Fidelis Tau celebrated 260 Years of Sisterhood by recognizing Diamond and Golden sisters with an April luncheon in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
MI Gamma Alpha Follows Its Own Advice
Members of MI Gamma Alpha began their plan to show support for all teachers by purchasing a quarter page ad in the Daily Mining Gazette. They asked the community to thank teachers for their work during the pandemic and made suggestions as to how that could be done. Then the sisters followed their own advice. With donations and a Thrivent Financial grant, the retired sisters were able to deliver 459 Valentine gift bags, one for every teacher in the twenty-two schools of their 2500 square mile area. During the last week of school, the chapter presented 164 gift bags, one for each of the secretaries and paraprofessionals in the schools. The chapter honored its own members with special awards, four to sisters for their outstanding contributions. The Above and Beyond Award was given to Gladys and Greg Dupuis who led the chapter’s can and bottle drive, raising over $3,500 for an elementary playground project. Co-President Tiffany Scullion was given the Leadership with Abiding Kindness Award for keeping the chapter on track and making everyone feel like a valued member. Figuring things out and helping everyone to laugh produced the Whatchamacallit Award for Karyn Juntunen. And the Uplifter of Spirits Award was given to Maggie Vanek whose weekly e-cards provided laughter and love that the chapter’s teaching sisters counted on.
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