A∆K

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.

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.

“The more you give, the more you get.” ~ Zig Ziglar
, author and motivational speaker

Donna Layton
, VA Gamma Omicron

NC Zeta chapter participated in the Charlotte Family Housing “Happy Home Bucket” donation project at a recent meeting. Sisters brought basic house cleaning essentials and monetary donations for families signing new leases. Pedro Perez, Executive Director for Family Housing, described to the members how free housing/shelter, subsidized housing and financial literacy are provided to families in Charlotte, NC.

“One of the prime reasons for our existence as an organization is to establish certain traditions and to share in concert our individual talents,” wrote A∆K Grand President Grace Hager Andrews in the December 1983 KAPPAN. Grace passed away at age 89 on April 12, 2021.

She lived what she wrote as was evidenced by her investment in many aspects of A∆K. Grace served as NC Upsilon chapter president (1963-64), NC state president (1964-65), SER Grand Vice President (1977-79), Grand President (1983-85) and International Executive Board Chairman (1985-87).

Grace taught at Carmel Junior High School, now Carmel Middle School, and was Assistant Principal at Providence High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Ellen Roderick, MD Beta, who met Grace at the DC state convention in 1978, remembers her as a wonderful mentor. Ellen described Grace as “someone who worked in the background as she identified sisters who were destined for further leadership in A∆K; she was so articulate in a southern way; she communicated how to strengthen the organization; she encouraged us; she told us how we could enhance our skills without being critical; she was gracious and made me feel valued and important.”

Debbie Lesley, NC Gamma Theta, remembers Grace as “a driving force for A∆K not only in North Carolina but across the organization.” “A role model, mentor and ambassador for A∆K” is how Marie Hurst, NC Alpha Chi, described her. Ruth Ann Griggs, NC Alpha Mu, stated, “She always lit up when talking about A∆K. She was a quiet sister, very observant and worked for the good of A∆K.” Sharing stories about A∆K was a favorite pastime for Grace. She shared adventures she had with Agnes Shipman Robertson, including their shopping trips to Montaldo’s. “The model of a great sister, a leader, supporter, critic and good friend” is how Flo Daniels, NC Beta Alpha, felt about Grace. During her time as Grand President, A∆K’s relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was established. As the 1985 International Convention in Las Vegas was approaching, Grace shared one of her most gratifying experiences as Grand President, the opportunity to work with unselfish sisters from chapters, states, nations, provinces and across the globe. She was impressed by the growth in sophistication and sincerity found at every level in the organization. Grace said she knew that the future of A∆K was bright because the members are bound together as sisters.

MI Alpha Sigma

The need for social distancing may have canceled MI Alpha Sigma’s annual Trivia Night fundraiser, but it didn’t stop the sisters from raising money for the chapter’s annual scholarships. Treasurer Paula Stuart suggested a “Cooler of Cheer raffle’’ and started it off by donating a new Cabela’s® cooler. Members filled it with snacks and beverages. With the help of their partner, the Saginaw Community Foundation, the sisters raised over $2,000 for scholarships and altruistic projects. “I am so grateful to be part of Alpha Sigma chapter,” said Chapter President Annette Card.

IN MEMORIAM Remembering Grace

By Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron