The New Jersey State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
V OL U ME 60, ISSU E 7 S P ECIAL 75 T H A NN IVERA RY C ON VEN T ION ISSU E
Alpha Zeta State News Building and Weaving the Lattice of Leadership to Embrace Our Vision * Design Our Future
2013 Alpha Zeta State Convention Draws Record Numbers The Alpha Zeta State convention mirrors the DKG International convention in many ways. We pride ourselves in running a formal and solemn initiation ceremony that reigns among our most memorable and valued traditions. The convention has always been well-attended and something members look forward to all year long. Approximately 30+% of our members typically attend this annual event. The members travel from every part of the state. This year April 12th, 13th and 14th marked a major milestone event in Alpha Zeta State convention history as 343 registered attendees traveled to the Doubletree Hotel in Somerset to participate in a very special convention weekend: the 75th Diamond Anniversary of AZS. The structure and schedule of the state convention were changed to include commemorative ceremonies, history fairs and celebrations. State officers, chairs, committees and chapter leaders worked tirelessly to ensure that the convention offered something for everyone including our new initiates and honored guests. The opening session began with an enthusiastic welcome by State President Roxanne Adinolfi. A huge wooden gavel with ribbons and diamonds was unveiled. President Adinolfi and DKG Beta Rho Chapter (PA) member Cindy Reynolds (“Miss Annie Webb Blanton”) called the opening session to order with the loud rap of the gavel. The size of
the gavel drew laughter from the convention attendees. The gavel was presented as a gift to Cindy for her participation in making the convention especially memorable. Cindy assumed the role of “Miss Annie” throughout the weekend, taking time to be photographed with nineteen chapters and the past state presidents. Miss Annie also participated in a historical account of NJ Founders with past state presidents on Friday evening. She took time to present unusual and less known information and trivia about our DKG founder. Cindy spoke to the initiates on Saturday morning about the remarkable life of Miss Annie. Cindy assisted AZS Historian Harriet Di Leonardo (Eta member initiated in 1959) for the symbolic cake cutting ceremony and led the singing of “Happy Birthday” to AZS. Cindy, Diamond Birthday Chairs Marie McGuire (Alpha) and Judy Jordan (Lambda) distributed the history books to the chapter presidents with President
Adinolfi at the birthday luncheon. Cindy also delivered an exceptional workshop entitled “Making Book Characters Come to Life.” Again, she transformed herself into entertaining book characters. Cindy spoke of meeting President Adinolfi for the very first time at the NE Regional Conference in Hershey in 2011 and being booked on the spot for the 2013 state convention. AZS will never forget our time with Miss Annie. She arrived and left with her carpet bag in hand. AZS was especially delighted to welcome Dr. Lynda Schmid, our neighbor from Pennsylvania and International Second Vice President of DKG, to participate in several events as the official Society representative. Lyn captivated AZS members instantly with her sense of humor, contagious laugh and engaging personality during the opening session and social on Friday evening. She was well received and impressed everyone with her knowledge and ideas to strengthen chapters. She was part of the presenters’ trio for the initiates during the Initiates’ Orientation early Saturday morning. Lyn had the opportunity to address the new initiates and inform them of the benefits of membership. She also presented an excellent interactive workshop entitled “It Doesn’t Take Barbells to Strengthen a Chapter.” President Adinolfi attended the workshop and appointed two members from NJ to attend Lyn’s (by invitation Continued on page 2
Inside this issue: President’s Message
2
Friday Night
3
Initiation Practice
4
First General Session
4
Workshops
5
Birthday Luncheon
6
History Fair
7
Chapter Sales
8
Initiation
9
Thoughts from the Chapters
9
Banquet
10
Ceremony of Life
11
Installation of State Officers
11
Sunday
12
Chapter Group Pictures
13-16
Past State Presidents
16
Chapter Gifts
16
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Building and Weaving the Lattice of Leadership to Embrace Our Vision * Design Our Future
Roxanne Adinolfi 2011-2013 Alpha Zeta State President
Dear Alpha Zeta State Sisters, It has been a privilege to serve as your state president during this very special biennium. Together we have accomplished much to move AZS forward to ensure our sustainability and growth in the years to follow. I congratulate you on your efforts to assume tasks greater than expected when you answered the call to serve in 2011. You rose to the occasion and purged committee/chapter data files, inventoried/organized the state archives, located important documents including the infamous pioneer dolls that had been missing for decades, updated/wrote the history of state presidents/committees and chapter histories from 1988 – 2013. You carefully helped to draft and review substantial and significant changes to our state bylaws and standing rules. You unanimously voted to approve the amendments to our governing documents. You assisted with the development of and adopted the first formal Strategic Action Plan for AZS. Leadership development and training proved to be successful as evidenced by the number of new members to serve as state committee chairs in the next biennium. The membership challenge of 75 for 75 was embraced and met. The list goes on and on thanks to all of you! This dedicated issue of the state Page 2
newsletter was published at my request. I am ever grateful to State Communications Chair Claire Swanson (Alpha) and State Photographer Michele Contala (Lambda) for accepting the challenge to work with me to this end. Capturing the memories of the 75th anniversary celebrations will enable members to revisit the convention in the years to come. The work of many is reflected in the pages of this newsletter. Perhaps the greatest surprise of the convention weekend occurred at the First General Session when Saula Cutter, Gamma Chapter President interrupted the business meeting with a point of order to announce that the pioneer dolls had been located and were in the hotel and on display! This surprise is of record in the convention meeting minutes. This was an amazing task forged and executed by Darlene Nemeth of Gamma Chapter. I extend special thanks to Iota Chapter President Irene Maskaly for making red chocolate roses as favors for the evening banquet. Irene surprised me with a phone call and delivery of the delicious and beautiful roses a few days before the convention. Pi Chapter assumed the cost of the Andes mints I requested in loving memory of Rosemary Dunn. Michele Contala also surprised me with a DVD and photographs of the convention on Sunday. Throughout the tapestry of the convention were the contributions of many too numerous to mention. Jan Paxton (Alpha), Susan Davis (Epsilon) and Mary Jean Di Roberto (Rho) remain our true north in all aspects of convention planning and execution. I can never thank you enough for all you did to meet the herculean goals of this biennium. Your encouragement, support and appreciation will long be remembered. In closing, I offer the following quote from my message in the 2013 state convention program:
“Alpha Zeta State has been an important part of my life since my initiation in 1991. Serving as your state president has been an honor. The members of our Society are among the most talented, gifted and generous women I have ever met. I remain in awe of their loyal and devoted service to our state organization. Many of our members served and continue to serve at the international level. I have often closed my communications, “With gratitude,” knowing that there are no words to adequately express the depth of my appreciation for the constitution, pride, diligence, hard work, intelligence and commitment of the women of AZS during this biennium. It is my hope to be remembered as one who worked hard and contributed to advance the organization. The past state presidents have walked a similar journey. I look forward to joining them as a member of the past presidents’ committee.”
I offer my loyalty, support and sincere congratulations to our new state officers and pledge to be there for them as they were there for me. “…Faith we pledge forever…Forward moving ever...” Serving as Immediate Past President ensures AZS continuity and a seamless transition from one biennium to the next. As ever, Roxanne
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only) workshop in Maine at the Northeast Regional Conference. Charlotte Orfe (Sigma) and Irene Maskaly (Iota) will represent AZS. Lyn was the featured speaker at the birthday luncheon. She was passionate and emphatic about what needs to be done to ensure the future of DKG. She shared information from DKG International President Beverly Helms. Lyn took time to informally speak to and (more importantly) listen to dozens of members about the future and DKG during the
convention weekend. Lyn gave a resounding cheer to AZS at the close of convention on Sunday morning following the Celebration of Life Service and Installation of 2013-15 state officers. She captivated the Jersey Girls saying, “This is how you host a convention!” A major component of the convention was to provide a comprehensive pictorial and textual look back to celebrate the historical contributions of our state and chapter leaders, the achievements of our members and traditions of Alpha Zeta State. At the same time, members were challenged to grow their chapters. Members were encouraged to think about living in the twenty-first century and the implications for our organization to “change to sustain.” Eight multi-generational and differentiated workshops and speakers exceeded the expectations of the members. State Program Chair Barbara Smith (Omicron) and her committee prepared a varied menu of topics to include nutrition, book characters, teacher leaders, wealth management, children as leaders, book discussion, young DKG members and chapter strengthening. State and chapter history archives fairs organized by Dr. Kathleen Froriep (Mu) and Barbara Smith (Omicron) respectively, the birthday cake cutting ceremony, presentation and unveiling of the 75th Diamond Anniversary History Book written by Dr. Judith Merz (Alpha), a special toast and celebratory resolution were planned among many typical convention events. The members of AZS voted to invite teacher-leader/author
Stacey Bess to the convention this year. Stacey held a book and DVD sale and signing on Saturday morning. Stacey’s keynote Volume 60, issue 7
address for the birthday luncheon, entitled “From the Schoolroom to the Boardroom,” affirmed the importance leadership and taking charge. Stacey was impressed with the values and commitment of the members. Stacey autographed her book/s which were placed in the state archives. Sister Rosemary Jefferies, President of Georgian Court University was a special honored guest at the luncheon. Her presence added to the excitement of the convention festivities. Sr. Rosemary received a beautiful certificate of appreciation and gift
from State President Adinolfi at the birthday luncheon. It was our way of thanking her and the University staff for keeping AZS historical artifacts and records safe over many years. Saturday afternoon provided all attendees time to visit the information fair and the state and chapter archives fairs and to purchase gently used books and items sold by the chapters. They had the opportunity to view the 75th history book, CD Rom and other interesting artifacts and displays. Past State President Carmela
Friday Night
Jan Paxton, Convention Registrar and Mary Jean Di Roberto, Convention Chair welcome members at the registration desk.
DeMarco (Gamma) and Recording Secretary Sharon Long (Iota) were invited to read the Celebratory Resolution at the anniversary banquet. State President Adinolfi and the State Officers had traveled on March 18th to the New Jersey State House in Trenton to receive the Resolution from the State Senate and Assembly. Diamond Anniversary Chairs Judy Jordan and Marie McGuire led the diamond anniversary toast to AZS before dinner. AZS is fortunate to have nineteen thriving chapters with strong leadership and committed members. Each chapter presented special birthday gifts to AZS. The nature of the gifts was specific to each chapter. The gifts will find a permanent home in the state archives.
Three chapters also celebrated milestone anniversaries this year: Pi (30), Sigma (25) and Tau (10). All chapters celebrated their birthdays and histories via a pictorial timeline display. Alpha, Beta and Gamma chapters celebrated 65 years and Eta 50 years in 2012. There has been no shortage of celebrations during this biennium! The state chairs and members of the 2013 Diamond Jubilee Committee worked in sync with the state president and officers commencing on July 1, 2011 to launch the plans for the convention. The future officers and members of the 100th AZS Jubilee Committee will most assuredly look back at the celebrations and artifacts from the 75th and say, “Job well done! Thanks for the memories!” - by Roxanne Adinolfi, 2011-
2013 Alpha Zeta State President
Choir members under the direction of Dr. Diana Dohrmann practice their musical numbers.
Left: Poster of Alpha Zeta State’s Founders. Above “Miss Annie” and International Representative Lyn Schmid hold a “Dear Sisters” poster. Both posters were created by Jan Wilson, Gamma Chapter. Zeta members prepare some of the books for the Book Sharing with Donations Event.
Eta sisters Mary Zaccardi and Harriet DiLeonardo sell tickets for the basket auction to 1991-1993 State President Ruth Forlines. Alpha Zeta State News
Lorraine Hall, Gamma (at left) and Barbara Henderson, Epsilon (above) contemplate in which baskets to place their tickets. 75th Anniversary Convention
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Initiation Practice Iota members gather for the initiation practice.
mony! tion cere the initia e ic ct ra y to p e gets read Everyon
Signs mark where the chapters line up.
First General Session
State President Roxanne Adinolfi listens to a committee report. State Chaplain Gail Griffin presents an inspirational thought on integrity.
Mary Conover, chair of the Ad Hoc Strategic Action Plan Committee, presents a report on the new state Strategic Action Plan for adoption by the membership.
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State Bylaws and Rules Committee Chairs Joanne Hill and Margaret Madison present the extensive changes to the state bylaws and standing rules for adoption by the convention.
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Workshops
Amy Regina speaks on Eating Right in a Busy World. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford produces a lively book discussion led by Johanna McCauley (Zeta).
Dr. Mary Lee Batesko presents Children as Leaders: Korczak’s Ideology for a Peaceful Tomorrow.
Barbara Bobbin Wilkinson speaks on Wealth Accumulation 101.
Peggy Stewart (Epsilon) and Jeanne DelColle (Eta) speak on Teacher Leaders and Their Role in Shaping the Evaluation Process.
International 2nd Vice President Dr. Lynda Schmid’s workshop was entitled, “It Doesn’t Take Barbells to Strengthen a Chapter.”
Cindy Reynolds shows her many characters during her workshop on Making Book Characters Come Alive.
Six of the eight workshops were presented by DKG members!
Alpha Zeta State News
75th Anniversary Convention
Mary Conover (Pi) and Dr. Beth Ann Richey (Beta; seated to left of Mary) present workshop on Gaining, Retaining and Involving Young DKG Members. Page 5
Birthday Luncheon
Banner carriers line up for the procession.
Roxanne Adinolfi introduces keynote speaker, author Stacey Bess.
The banner procession has become a tradition. Right: After a year of dedicated research and writing Dr. Judith Merz exuberantly presents the completed 75th Anniversary History of the state organization to the convention assembly. Members of Iota (left) and Beta (right) show off their pretty hats.
President Adinolfi and “Miss Annie” present a copy of the 75th Anniversary History Book and CD to Sigma President, Elizabeth “Betty” Procopio. Luncheon program and anniversary cake
From left to right, 75th Anniversary Co-chairs Judy Jordan and Marie McGuire; “Miss Annie”; 55-year member and State Historian Harriet Di Leonardo; and President Roxanne Adinolfi join in cutting the anniversary cake.
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Hats brought back memories of yesteryears.
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History Fair
Epsilon President Barbara Henderson and past president Linda Adams put the final touches on their display.
State Archivist Dr. Kathleen Froriep holds a poster of the Pioneer Dolls on display at the convention. Kathleen also displayed items brought from the State Archives at Georgian Court University.
A copy of the 605-page Diamond Anniversary History written by Dr. Judith Merz is accompanied by an electronic version on CD.
Each chapter contributed a trifold display of their chapter history.
Alpha Zeta State News
75th Anniversary Convention
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Chapter Sales
Lambda sells umbrellas
Pi sells jewelry pins
Theta sells denim shirts.
Xi sells Haitian bracelets to support their service project.
Epsilon’s table draws a crowd to view their bracelets.
Iota has key ribbon holders for sale.
Sigma offers keypin boxes. Page 8
Volume 60, issue 7
Initiation
President Roxanne Adinolfi, 1st Vice President Barbara Smith and 2nd Vice President Mary Conover prepare for the initiation ceremony.
State Initiation Chairs Ruth Mooney, Dr. Nora Pollard, Amy Weinstein and Carol Boehm take a moment to pose before the initiation ceremony.
Lambda sisters line up with their initiates as they prepare to process in for the initiation ceremony.
Thoughts from the Chapters . . . "Alpha Chapter worked with Eta Chapter on Friday night organizing and running the Fundraiser Raffle/ Auction. Barbara Ann Ellert was the chairperson and did an exceptional job coordinating the event” “Delta Chapter had eight members attend convention. All of us felt it truly was a Diamond Jubilee Celebration and marveled at all the work and planning that went into such a huge celebration. I was very taken with our author, Stacey Bess. She gave a wonderful presentation. I wasn't planning on buying her book, but couldn't resist after she spoke. I attended the presentation by Jeanne DeColle about the Teacher Evaluation. I am one of the trainers in my school…It was great to be in a roomful of fellow educators that all have to make this model work next year.” “Zeta Chapter provided two workshop presenters for the state convention. A book discussion on Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford was facilitated by Johanna McCauley. Johanna is an inspirational member of our Zeta Chapter and the feedback on the book discussion was wonderful. The workshop “Children as Leaders” was presented by Dr. Mary Lee Batesko, a dynamic member of our chapter. The workshop “It Doesn’t Take Barbells to Strengthen a Chapter by Dr. Lyn Schmid was motivating to me as a chapter president.”
“Eta Chapter enjoyed helping with the basket raffle on Friday night. Many Eta sisters participated in the AZS chorus for the evening banquet. The musical selections by Diana Dohrmann for the banquet were wonderful!” “Theta Chapter thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of working with sisters from other chapters for the luncheon and banquet. A special memory was to place Andes mints at the tables for the banquet in memory of Rosemary Dunn from Pi Chapter. State President Roxanne Adinolfi requested this special touch be added to the convention as she had been the recipient of mints over many years courtesy of Rosemary.” “Iota Chapter was delighted to help set up for the luncheon and banquet and to assist Michele Contala with chapter group photos. Doris Lambert had the pleasure of installing Iota sister Sharon Long as the 2013-15 AZS 2nd Vice President. We wore gloves and hats to the luncheon! And our special surprise birthday gift to all AZS ladies was a red chocolate rose. “Kappa Chapter members thoroughly enjoyed all the events, ceremonies and camaraderie at the Diamond Jubilee Convention. We loved the luncheon keynote speaker Stacey Bess. Her heartfelt story as a teacher leader was most engaging.” “Lambda Chapter had a great time at the 2013 convention! Many
Alpha Zeta State News
sisters enjoyed the nutrition workshop. Some members attended a meeting with the President Elect and Dr. Beth Ann Richey revolving around gaining and retaining young members. We were excited and overwhelmed to receive the comprehensive AZS history book and CD Rom!” “Mu Chapter was very much involved at the convention. 2013 initiate Mary Caronna hand crafted and framed a lovely card depicting a lighthouse as the Mu Chapter gift for the AZ State Diamond Anniversary. Kathy Froriep took charge of the State Archives History Fair. Mu President Carolyn Bennett created the chapter history board on display at the Chapters History Fair and Pam Albert challenged initiates to take advantage of opportunities and benefits of DKG membership at the orientation workshop.” “Nu Chapter had a record-breaking 22 members attend this year's convention (that's 61% of our membership!). We all enjoyed the special festivities celebrating the 75th birthday of AZS.” “Xi Chapter sisters raved about the 19 Chapter display boards of history with photographs, captions, DVD’s, PowerPoints, etc. The turnout for this walk through chapter histories was wonderful!” “Pi Chapter hosted teacher/author Stacy Bess for her book sale and signing on Saturday morning. Dr.
75th Anniversary Convention
Kathy Albertson and Diane Cummins enjoyed their time assisting and coming to know Stacey.” “Rho Chapter thoroughly enjoyed being the facilitators for the Friday night social. Margaret Niemiec received the Rose Award and Mary Jean DiRoberto received the Key award! The 75th Anniversary Convention was a beautifully executed celebration of all the wonderful things our sisters are on their own and with each other! Cindy Pope of Rho was recognized as the recipient of the Edward Fry Endowed Graduate Fellowship Award from Rutgers Graduate School of Education for her doctoral work on digital distance learning.” “Sigma Chapter was thrilled to have record numbers attend both state conventions during the biennium of our sister and State President Roxanne Adinolfi. We remain very proud of her outstanding accomplishments and vision for the future of AZS. The 2013 convention was evidence of her amazing organizational skills, ability to see the big picture and to energize people. She enabled all of us to participate as equals for this historic convention. Sigma celebrated its 25th this year. This has been the most exciting time in Sigma history. We renamed our Grant in Aid in Roxanne’s name in appreciation for all she has done for our state organization and chapter.” Page 9
Banquet
Everyone has a great time!
Diamond Anniversary Co-chair Judy Jordan presents the toast.
To the left and right: The state chorus sings for our entertainment!
President Adinolfi congratulates the Key Award winners below and the Rose Award winners to the right.
The evening concludes with joining hands and singing of “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.� Page 10
Volume 60, issue 7
Celebration of Life
Sunday morning the lives of Alpha Zeta State members lost during the year were remembered in pictures and moving memories of their activities and accomplishments by members of their chapters.
Installation of 2013-2015 State Officers
2013-2015 Alpha Zeta State President Mary Conover presents her acceptance speech.
Left to Right: President Roxanne Adinolfi watches as Installation co-chairs Jane Murphy and Doris Lambert install the officers Mary Conover, President, Barbara Smith, 1st Vice President, Sharon Long, 2nd Vice President, Carol Schwartz, Recording Secretary, Dr. Pamela Albert-Devine, Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Marilyn Gonyo, 2011-13 Nominations Chair and Claire Swanson, 2013-2015 Nominations Chair.
Roxanne congratulates Mary after her installation as state president for 2013-2015. Alpha Zeta State News
Installation Co-chair Jane Murphy (back to camera) presents roses to the newly elected officers. 75th Anniversary Convention
Roxanne is welcomed into the Past State Presidents’ group by her predecessors.
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Sunday
2013-2015 Alpha Zeta State President Mary Conover
The Past State Presidents’ group thanks Patti Rahn (green sweater) for leading their group for several biennia.
International Second Vice President Dr. Lynda Schmid presents her closing remarks.
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Installation Co-chair Doris Lambert conducts the installation ceremony for the incoming state officers.
Roxanne and Mary with International 2nd Vice President Dr. Lynda Schmid, who is holding the framed state president’s pin of Alpha Zeta’s first state president Elizabeth Bozearth.
2011-2013 State President Roxanne Adinolfi packs up after a very busy, successful weekend.
Volume 60, issue 7
Chapter Group Pictures Photographs were taken of each chapter’s members who attended the convention.
Alpha Chapter
Beta Chapter
Gamma Chapter
Delta Chapter
Epsilon Chapter
Zeta Chapter
Alpha Zeta State News
75th Anniversary Convention
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Chapter Group Pictures
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Eta Chapter
Theta Chapter
Iota Chapter
Kappa Chapter
Lambda Chapter
Mu Chapter Volume 60, issue 7
Chapter Group Pictures
Nu Chapter
Xi Chapter
Omicron Chapter
Pi Chapter
Rho Chapter
Sigma Chapter
Alpha Zeta State News
75th Anniversary Convention
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13 of the 14 Living Past State Presidents Attended the Convention
Tau Chapter
Chapter Gifts to Honor Our 75th Anniversary
Pictured seated left to right: Mary Ann Mironchik, 1985-1987; Suzanne Hunt, 1987-1989; Marie McGuire, 1993-1995; Ruth Forlines, 1991-1993. Standing from left to right: Dr. Marilyn Gonyo, 2003-2005; Dr. Judith Merz, 2001-2003; Dr. Mary Lee Batesko, 2005-2007; Patricia Rahn, 1995-1997; Carmela DeMarco, 2007-2009; Doris Lambert, 1999-2001; Roxanne Adinolfi, 2011-2013; Claire Swanson, 2009-2011 and Dr. Beth Ann Richey 19971999. Dr. Blossom Nissman, 1989-1991, was unable to attend the convention.
This issue would not be possible without our dedicated, talented State Photographer, Michele Contala . Thank you, Michele, for all of the wonderful pictures you supplied for this issue and all of the other issues of the Alpha Zeta State Newsletter this biennium.
Michele Contala on right with “Miss Annie” in one of the few times during the convention she wasn’t behind the camera!
2013 DIAMOND JUBILEE COMMITTEE CHAIRS These gifts to the state organization will be housed in the State Archives at Georgian Court University.
Marie McGuire (Alpha) & Judy Jordan (Lambda) COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2011-13 State President Roxanne Adinolfi (Sigma) State Photographer Michele Contala (Lambda) State Convention Event and Facilities Coordinator Susan Davis (Epsilon) State Historian Harriet Di Leonardo (Eta) State Convention Chair Mary Jean Di Roberto (Rho) State Archivist Kathleen Froriep (Mu) State Treasurer Ellen Hahn (Beta) State Recording Secretary Sharon Long (Iota) State Technology Chair Judy Merz (Alpha) State Webmaster/Convention Registrar Jan Paxton (Alpha) State Immediate Past Presidents Chair Patti Rahn (Omicron) State First Vice President Barbara Smith (Omicron) Immediate Past State President/ Communications Chair Claire Swanson (Alpha)