Summer Issue July 2016
Volume 67, Number 3
Minot, North Dakota
The NoDak News The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for KEY WOMEN EDUCATORS
On the Inside Page 2 President’s Ponderings Page 3-5 Happenings and Pictures from the ND State Conference Page 6 Happenings from the International Convention Page 7 Things to Remember
Official Publication of Alpha Omicron State - North Dakota
The Seventy - Sixth Annual ND State Workshop The State Workshop was held in Williston on June 13 - 14, 2016. The host chapters were Theta and Nu. All events were held at Williston S t a te C o l l e g e e x c e p t f o r t h e banquet. The International Guest was Nita Scott, Membership Services Linda Hotchkiss and Jean Lewis greet fellow sisters. Administrator, from Austin, Texas.
Page 8-15 Chapter Communications
Delta Kappa Ga m m a Ap p available for both the IOS & Android devices.
Upcoming Events Fall Executive Board Meeting September 17, 2016 Minot, ND State Convention June 13-14, 2017 Fargo, ND NW Regional June 28-July 1, 2017 Spearfish, SD
Esther Eustice introduced Nita Scott during the Banquet at the James Memorial Art Center.
The International President is Dr. Lyn Babb Schmid. This year’s International Theme is: “85 years and Beyond, Advancing Key Educators for Life, Coming to Lead, Leaving to Serve”. ND Alpha Omicron State President, Lisa Olson, center, presented Nu Chapter copresidents, Rochelle Feldner, left, and Leslie Barney, right, certificates of appreciation of all their service to Delta Kappa Gamma. Page 1
Summer Issue July 2016
Volume 67, Number 3
President’s Ponderings by Alpha Omicron State President, Lisa M. Olson As I start to write, I have to ask myself, “Where do I begin?” June and July have been chock full of outstanding D KG events. Theta and Nu C h a p te r s h o s te d t h e 2016 State Workshop in Williston on the campus o f Wi l l i s t o n S t a t e College. Dual themes of understanding DKG and personal growth were evidenced among the numerous break out sessions. Nita Scott, DKG Membership Services Administrator, brought greetings from Dr. Lyn Schmid, shared updates from Society Headquarters, and encouraged us with various ways to increase our membership. Nita Scott reminded us that DKG is changing and must continue to adapt to the next generation of key women educators. Having Nita in North Dakota was like having an old friend visit and I’m certain many new friendships were made. Mikey Hoeven, former First Lady of North Dakota, was our Birthday Celebration keynote speaker. Mikey Hoeven is an honorary member of DKG. She shared with us the importance of making a difference in people’s lives. The Nu Notes performed a medley of songs that they would later perform at the DKG International Convention in Nashville. It goes without saying, that everyone enjoys hearing and seeing the Nu Notes perform. I personally want to thank Kim Weisman, Convention Co-Chair, for her leadership and organization of many of the details related to the State Workshop. She was the glue that held everyone together! The 2016 DKG International Convention was held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. The venue was beautiful! This was Dr. Lyn Schmid’s last opportunity to share her message of 85 years and beyond. Trust me when July 2016
Minot, North Dakota
I say, there was a great deal of discussion regarding BEYOND.New members and veteran members alike agree that DKG has to change in order to continue being a viable organization. It was refreshing to hear many young members share their perspectives on DKG. They are honored to be members and have a desire to both serve and lead. I was proud to represent North Dakota at all of the DKG Executive Board meetings. We approved the 2017 budget as well as had various discussions regarding changes to how our leaders are elected. The Executive Board elected Carolyn Pittman as the 2016-18 International President. Carolyn Pittman was our guest at the State Convention in 2013. Barbara Whiting was elected as First Vice President. Barbara Whiting was our guest at the 2015 State Convention. During the course of the convention, I had the opportunity to speak to both women, as well as Nita Scott and Dr. Schmid. All four gave compliments to North Dakota and our members. June Bowers, our guest in 2011, was chosen to serve as a Member at Large. Jan Nerem, who lives in Great Falls, MT, but grew up in Deering, ND resigned as the Chair of the Eunah Temple Holden Scholarship Committee. She has served as Chair since the 1980’s. Janice Moen, who also has ND ties, was chosen to serve on the ETH committee. I have to crow a little, knowing that all of these influential women either think highly of us or are “one of our own”. Now that the conventions are complete, it is time for us to consider what we have learned. We know that we must adapt to changing times so that DKG flourishes in the coming years. How will change look in North Dakota? Will we add new members, particularly women under the age of 35? Will we add a new chapter or two? Will we focus on issues related to education? Will we support women educators at home and abroad? Will we use our political voice to institute change? My goal is that we can say yes to all of these questions. Making DKG as good as it can be will take effort, enthusiasm and collaboration. Are you in?
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Summer Issue July 2016
Volume 67, Number 3
Minot, North Dakota
More from the ND State Workshop Mistress of Opening Ceremonies, ND President Lisa Olson
Presentation of Colors
Sue German, Pi leads the group in song while Dawn Freeman, plays the piano.
“How to do Personal Massages to Destress”
“Technology 2.0: Using Technology to Engage Students” by Kim Weismann, Theta
July 2016
Boy Scout Troop 368
Personal Care Session: “Tour of the Williston Area Recreation Center”
Leadership Development: “Now That Your’re President, What’s In Your Toolbox?” by Carol Enger, Zeta
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Summer Issue July 2016
Brenda Seehafer, Lambda
Volume 67, Number 3
Minot, North Dakota
Mikey Hoeven, Former First Lady
Vicki Boehnke, Lambda
The Nu Notes invite members to Nashville for the International Convention.
Knowledge Tree Contributions
Honoring State Founders (1929) Susan German wrote a song and led the group in singing. Kathy Fay accompanied.
July 2016
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Volume 67, Number 3
Golden Grant
Minot, North Dakota
Inspiration: Read to Them
Marita Hoffart, Scholarship Committee, and Wanda Mehlhoff
Hazel B. Nielson Scholarship
Kim Weismann, Recipient July 2016
Sandra Schilke, Imagination Library
Executive Board Meeting called to order by President, Lisa Olson.
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Summer Issue July 2016
Volume 67, Number 3
Minot, North Dakota
Events from International Convention The Nu Notes from Nu Chapter in Minot performed during the Friday, July 8 General Meeting at the International Convention in Nashville. There were more than 1500 in the audience. About 2000 were registered for the convention.
Accompanying, offstage on left - Dawn Freeman. From L to R: Paula Simonson, Jeannie Sovak, Julie Bonner, Laurel Livingston, Joy Shirek, Rochelle Feldner, Sandy Starr, Cheryl Nilsen, Alyssa Palmer, Leslie Barney, Holly Eidsness.
Lisa Olson, Gamma Chapter enjoys the event sponsored by the DKG Educational Foundation at the Wildhorse Saloon. July 2016
Northwest Region Leaders!
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Noteworthy News •
• • •
DKG members from the 16 state organizations in NW Region will attend the 2017 Regional Convention in Spearfish, SD. Scholarship applications are due February 1, 2017. Golden Grant applications are due March 15, 2017. Carolyn Pittman, 2016-2018 DKG International President, has appointed Lisa Olson to ser ve on the International Educational Excellence Committee.
Minot, North Dakota
A Ceremony was held at the No r t h D a ko t a D KG State Wo r k s h o p i n remembrance of our deceased sisters: Jean Chantland - Gamma Chapter Mary M. Kannenberg - Iota Chapter Mildred Monke - Iota Chapter Orpha Prather - Theta Chapter
Contact The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Mail: P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767-1589 Telephone: (512) 478-5748 Toll-free (U.S. and Canada) (888) 762-4685 Fax number: (512) 478-3961
In Memoriam
The Nodak News Publication of the Alpha Omicron State Organization, North Dakota Published three times yearly, November, March, and July Submission Deadline: Last day of previous month to: Judy Walter, State Editor 4520 37th St SE, Minot, ND 58701
[email protected]
July 2016
by Irene Reese With candlelight and roses, with song and thoughts so true, We honor you who’ve left us and pledge ourselves anew; To carry on the service, significant of love, Inspired by true devotion and blessings from above. May Delta Kappa Gamma in memory so dear, Prove worthy of our sisters and kindle hope each year. Renewed with faith and courage, our work will never cease; To guide with truth and learning toward everlasting peace.
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Chapter Communications Theta - Williston submitted by Kim Weismann Thank you to all of those who came to Williston for the State Conference. It was great to see you all and welcome you to our great community. If you didn’t make it, you were certainly missed! Theta Chapter is working hard to get the financial statement done from our conference. We know there will be plenty of money left over from the donations we received, the registration fees, and the wonderful silent auction. We have decided to give the money to the Golden Grant. We wanted to share one last resource from the conference with you. It was on a slip of paper in the welcome bags. However, it might be easier to remind you of the link for the technology resources here: http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=1972823 This upcoming year, our President will remain as Kim Weismann, our Vice President will continue to be Maren Furuseth, and our Treasurer will continue to be Carla Vannatta. We have a new Secretary coming in, Crystal Hotchkiss. There was much fun with the photo booth. The pictures from the photo booth are found at: h t t p s : / / w w w. d r o p b o x . c o m / s / 9e831dysheh6hu5/16-6-13%20DKG
July 2016
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Lambda - Rugby (18 Communities) Submitted by Jan Repnow
Lambda chapter members donated cleaning supplies for the Family Crisis Center in Bottineau.
In April 2016, Lambda chapter members donated children’s books to the “Quiet Room” at Annie’s House at the Bottineau Winter Park. Brad Knudson, General Manager of the Bottineau Winter Park, and Rachael Buss, Adaptive Program Coordinator at the Anne Carlsen Center, accept the books as presented by Sharon Marquardt on behalf of the chapter.
Me m b e r s Je a n n i e O r ke a n d S h a r o n Marquardt presented the items to Colleen Kornkven, director. Lori Erickson’s second-grade class donated 44 teddy bears to the Family Crisis Center in Bottineau for families with children in need. Students wrote messa ges of encouragement on lavender-colored paper hearts before attaching messages to each of the bears. Erickson used a stipend from Thrivent Financial to purchase the bears. Those funds are designed to be used as seed money for purchasing any supplies that would be required for the projects. A year ago, Erickson used her project stipend to help donate blankets to families in need. July 2016
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Lambda
continued Lambda members treasure the FRIENDSHIPS and FUN that we have as a chapter. We chose to show our “in the spirit of comradeship” at the evening that our new officers were installed.
Just think as our new chapter president, Wanda Follman, (front row far right) tries to keep us on task, Brenda Seehafer, (front row center) Lambda Treasurer and DKG First Vice-President, will be attending the NEA Representative Assembly in Washington, DC, June 30 - July 8. She is a convention delegate, North Dakota Resolutions chair, and serves on the NDU Board. She will also be attending the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) 100th Anniversary Convention in Minneapolis, July 17 - 21. Lambda Chapter members enjoyed a June outing first by meeting for a meal in Minot, then using their creative talents at Margie’s Glass Studio, and finally by attending the Minot State University Summer Theater production of Schoolhouse Rock Live. Members attending seated in back row L to R were: Bonnie Livedalen, Sharon Marquardt, Joanne McCarty, Jan Repnow. Seated in front row were: Jeannie Orke, Vicki Boehnke, Wanda Follman, Elsie Black, Brenda Seehafer, and Deb Zavada. July 2016
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Delta - Bismarck Submitted by Donna J. Knudson On March 12, 2016 Delta chapter along with Phi, Xi and Sigma chapters held a combined luncheon meeting at the Apple Creek Country Club in Bismarck. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce Alpha Omicron State president Lisa Olson to the members of the four chapters. President Olson shared her goals for North Dakota State during her term as president. She also reminded all sisters present of the upcoming State Convention in Williston and the International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee and urged participation. The meeting ended with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Song. Delta Chapter celebrated its seventy-fifth birthday in April. The celebration also included a Founders Day celebration and ended with birthday cupcakes. Sherry Heaton attended the Day of Remembrance at the Kennedy Space Center on January 28, 2016. NASA Te a c h e r s i n S p a ce we r e invited to commemorate the 30th anniversar y of the Challenger incident. Sherry has also been participating in t h e f i r s t y e a r Pr i n c i p a l Mentoring Program offered by the Nort h Dakota Lead
Back row: Sherry Heaton, Bev Patch-Larson, Dotti Schmeling, Gynell Torgeson, Pat Herbal, Letha Lewis, Bev Zink Front: Donna Knutson, Fay Bergley, Beverly Nelson, Diana Schneider
The new officers for Delta Chapter who will be installed at the September meeting are Dotti Schmeling, president, Diana Schneider, vice-president, and Jane Beauclair, secretary. Bev Patch-Larson will continue to serve as treasurer. July 2016
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Volume 67, Number 3
Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Pi - SE Counties ( LaMoure, Oakes, Edgeley areas) Submitted by Susan German
Pi Chapter had a very busy spring season! We enjoyed excellent attendance and fellowship at our meetings; and our Educational Excel lence Committee presented a very nice Founders’ Day program at our chapter’s 33rd birthday party celebration in April.
Pi Chapter at our May, 2016, meeting. We were lucky to have several prospective members as guests this spring, and welcomed one of them to our chapter. Kathy Warren is an elementary teacher, grades 4-6, Social Studies, in the Oakes Public Schools. Initiation of Kathy Warren, being congratulated by Jackie Peterson. Welcome, Kathy! We will be giving a scholarship (Grant in Aid) this summer, to a well-deserving college student who is studying to become a teacher. This year’s award will go to Ashley Peterson, Oakes. Two of our members compiled a beautiful “surprise basket” for the State Conference silent auction in Williston! Thanks so much, Kathy DeBolt and Cheryl Fredenburg. Outgoing president, Sue German, and incoming president, Kathie Hay, attended the conference and had a lot of fun meeting old and new friends and learning a lot. They presented the State Founders’ Program at the birthday luncheon on Tuesday. In the absence of chairman, Bonnie Josewski, Forman, Sue also presented a final report for the Golden Grant Award that we used to purchase “pillow packs” that promote literacy in six area preschools. July 2016
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Pi
continued Pi Chapter officers- May, 2016
L to R: Sue German, Past President; Janet Hajek, Parliamentarian; Vickie Kelly, Secretary; Deanna Dagen, Treasurer; Kathy DeBolt, Vice President; Kathie Hay, Incoming President - 2016-18.
As out-going president, I am grateful for the bonds of friendship that we have found within each other these past two years, and I want to thank the Pi Chapter officers, committees, chairmen, and members for all of their work toward accomplishing our seven purposes in Delta Kappa Gamma. -Susan German
Nu - Minot submitted by Sandra Starr Still Available! As a fund raiser, Nu Notes (of ND Nu Chapter) sold black DKG Tees at State Conference. We still has 4 available for sale. If you are interested in purchasing one, contact Sandy Starr- c.701 720-6367.
July 2016
Descriptions: 1- V neck, short sleeved Tee, Lg. (smaller, tighter sizing in a cotton/poly blend) (ND at the bottom) $21. (looks to me like a sm or med) 1- Tee, regular neck, long sleeves, Lg. (50/50 cotton/poly blend) Full sizing. (ND at the bottom) $21. 2- Tees, regular neck, short sleeved XLg.(50/50 cotton/poly blend) Full sizing. (ND at the bottom) $17. Make check out to: DKG, Nu Notes If you want it sent, please include $5 for shipping with your address. Otherwise I will bring them to the Fall Board Meeting in September. Thank you!!! Sandy Starr
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Gamma - Minot Submitted by Kathy Hintz & Kristi Berg At one April meeting our members took up a collection for the DKG Schools for Africa initiative and enjoyed learning about African musical instruments along with a presentation by MSU students who are from Africa. Augustina is a nursing major from Nigera. Stephanie is a biology from Nigera. Augustina and Stephanie shared their experiences from their upbringing and education in Africa. Justine is a volunteer at Minot Commission on Aging from Tanzania and attended school in Edmonton, AB. Caitlin and Juria are elementary education majors and spoke about their experiences volunteering in schools in Uganda. Gamma Chapter welcomed 13 new members.
Gamma Chapter members attended the State Workshop on June 13-14 in Williston.
Front Row L to R - Kristi Berg, Lisa Olson, Kylie Gamas, Judy Walter Back Row L to R - Tonya Hunskor, Marita Hoffart, Norma Theis, Emily Schaefer, Karen Walz
Each chapter was asked to fill a bag with treasures and then give some clues about what was in the bag. The bags were available to bid on in a silent auction at the workshop. Our group brainstormed ideas for how to fill and decorate the bag. We decided to label the bag “Rockin’ the Bakken! Wine Not?” Members made donations to purchase something to fill the bag. New members, Emily Schaefer and Kylie Gamas made our bag.
Initiates included: Megan Fixen, Kylie Gamas, Kaley Grinsteiner, Deb Jensen, Tracey Mays, Alyssa Proper, Emily Schaefer, Jennifer Unke, Janet Anderson, Patti Eklund, Tawna Bernsdorf, Tiffany Fylling, and Ashely Reiger.
We congratulated our sisters Shawneen Voiles, Cindy Larcombe and Jeri Langemo for their retirements! July 2016
Kristi Berg, Gamma President places a bid.
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Minot, North Dakota
Chapter Communications Xi - Hazen & New England area submitted by Esther Eustice Jennifer Wallender is Xi Chapter’s incoming chapter president. She also created Xi’s chapter website. Jen will still be the state webmaster. “I was very impressed with the number of younger members of Theta who organized and attended the conference as well as the younger members from Gamma that attended.” -Esther Eustice
Phi - Steele & Wing area submitted by Rosemary Hanson Our speaker was Vonda Dahl, a local teacher who has started Project Armchair. The goal of which is having teachers reading aloud to children in Crisis and helping these children through the magic of engaging text and the joy of having their very own book. It is a strictly volunteer project. She has a website.
Flags representing the 14 Chapters in North Dakota.
July 2016
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