I am basking in the afterglow of a wonderful convention. Hats off to the convention committee and many others for their tireless work to make it memorable and special. From Friday night's keynote, Ed Grisamore, to Dr. Beverly Helms' keynote at the luncheon, we were entertained and enlightened. Dr. Fowler's "Pearls of Wisdom" imparted special meaning at the banquet on Saturday night.
It took MANY people to make this convention an outstanding one. Workshop presenters, atendees, and all the many details that had to made for each session, each meal, and the incredibly moving Ceremony of Remembrance on Sunday morning.
I am humbled and honored at the the incredible dedication and love for our Society as shown by hours of tireless work to make "Macon Memories".
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Macon Memories
In a few short days we will be gathering at the beautiful Macon Marriott Downtown. I am so excited about seeing my Psi State sisters and start our convention! I am anticipating a weekend filled with Macon Memories! From the opening guest speaker Friday night, workshops on Saturday, our International President speaking at the Hat n' Glove Birthday Luncheon, a mini market to shop, a banquet to honor chapter presidents and install new state leadership, a tour of historic Macon, and a remembrance ceremony honoring our dear departed sisters, we will be "Macon Memories" indeed.
See you on April 5th to begin a weekend of delight.
See you on April 5th to begin a weekend of delight.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Can't Stop a Galloping Horse?
I once believed you can't stop a galloping horse. Those of us in the teaching field understand that we are the galloping horses, destined to long hours, over booked calendars, and infinite "to do" lists. Yep, that's me and it's probably you as well!
Well, it's a myth. YOU are not in control as you think you are and a galloping horse can be stopped. As I recover from recent surgery, I am clearly reminded of this. I have temporarily left my post at school and have operated state DKG matters from my computer and phone, delegated visits, etc. I'd rather be a galloping horse and I am on my way.
Each day I gather strength, rebuilding the stamina that I took for granted. Cards, phone calls, and prayers have been greatly appreciated. All is well as I ready for Executive Board in Macon on Feb. 23. The galloping horse will be back.
Well, it's a myth. YOU are not in control as you think you are and a galloping horse can be stopped. As I recover from recent surgery, I am clearly reminded of this. I have temporarily left my post at school and have operated state DKG matters from my computer and phone, delegated visits, etc. I'd rather be a galloping horse and I am on my way.
Each day I gather strength, rebuilding the stamina that I took for granted. Cards, phone calls, and prayers have been greatly appreciated. All is well as I ready for Executive Board in Macon on Feb. 23. The galloping horse will be back.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Holiday Message
In these tumultuous times, it's easy to question why things happen. With the current conditions in our country, our world, and even in our private lives, it is natural to question.
My holiday message to you (and to me) is to not turn away from our Higher Power, but to run toward Him.
Ecclesiastes 3 : For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...
Recently I received this email from the Connecticut State Organization President, Marnee Straiton, via International Headquarters in regards to the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School:
My holiday message to you (and to me) is to not turn away from our Higher Power, but to run toward Him.
Ecclesiastes 3 : For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven...
Recently I received this email from the Connecticut State Organization President, Marnee Straiton, via International Headquarters in regards to the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School:
It is a difficult
time for all. I have spent the weekend with my son and his family. Until this
summer they lived in Sandy Hook and my grandchildren attended Sandy Hook
Elementary School. My grandchildren's cousin was in one of the targeted
classrooms. Thankfully, she was one of the few who survived. She had been out of
the room in the bathroom in the hallway. My son and my grand-daughter spent last
Halloween painting the faces of those lost in this terrible tragedy at her
cousin's Halloween birthday party.
Know that I count you, my DKG sisters, as one of my many blessings. Shalom.
Thank you for your prayers. The community is in mourning, along with the country. The events are still too fresh for people to really come to grips with the overwhelming loss. Hearts are broken.
Teachers in the town have asked that condolences and offers of support be sent via their local teachers' association website. The address follows. There is a link for this purpose on the home page.
Donations can be made to either of the following.
Newtown Savings Bank
Sandy Hook Support Fund
39 Main Street
Newtown, CT 06470-2134orNewtown Youth and Family Services
15 Berkshire RoadSandy Hook, CT 06482
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Thankful
I've had the most relaxing Thanksgiving up in the foothills of the Appalachians with my sweet husband and three Westies. Nothing really could blast me out of here, especially "Black Friday specials". I am truly mortified by people spending Thanksgiving taking stock for what they have and then spending the next day grabbing for cell phones as if their life depended on it.
Our culture has changed drastically, and I refuse to join the ALL ABOUT ME MENTALITY. I think that's why Delta Kappa Gamma means so much to me. I find the more I GIVE the better I feel about what our Society does for others. Yes, it is work, dedication, and invested time, but I couldn't imagine it any other way.
I wish all members feel the way I do, and I am so thankful for those who do as YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I hear people say, "Well I'm just too busy." So am I. "I have too many responsibilities." So do I. It's all about what DKG really means to you and your priorities.
Let me reference this blog piece by telling you that I received a phone call Thanksgiving evening with the news that we lost a dear member of my chapter, Myrajean Ford. Myrajean was one of our matriarchs, founding member, and first chapter president of Gamma Omicron. When I think of the true DKG member, I think of Myrajean. A member since sometime in the 60's, she mentored and encouraged me and many others.
After her passing, Myrajean's grown son called one of our other charter members to tell a story and ask a request for Myrajean's funeral. He told Mary Sanders that while growing up, both he and his brother were told that on chapter meeting nights they had to go to the local DQ for their Brazier burgers as she was busy getting ready for her chapter meeting. Her son, Danny, went on to say that they would hear her in the bathroom readying for the meeting and singing with pride the Delta Kappa Gamma Song! This was the routine for years! He then asked Mary if our chapter would come and sing our song at her graveside service as that is how much it meant to her! You bet we'll be there.
In counting my blessings, I include thanks to Him for Myrajean, Delta Kappa Gamma, and you. DKG is a priority to me. I hope it is to you as well as your membership makes a difference.
Our culture has changed drastically, and I refuse to join the ALL ABOUT ME MENTALITY. I think that's why Delta Kappa Gamma means so much to me. I find the more I GIVE the better I feel about what our Society does for others. Yes, it is work, dedication, and invested time, but I couldn't imagine it any other way.
I wish all members feel the way I do, and I am so thankful for those who do as YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I hear people say, "Well I'm just too busy." So am I. "I have too many responsibilities." So do I. It's all about what DKG really means to you and your priorities.
Let me reference this blog piece by telling you that I received a phone call Thanksgiving evening with the news that we lost a dear member of my chapter, Myrajean Ford. Myrajean was one of our matriarchs, founding member, and first chapter president of Gamma Omicron. When I think of the true DKG member, I think of Myrajean. A member since sometime in the 60's, she mentored and encouraged me and many others.
After her passing, Myrajean's grown son called one of our other charter members to tell a story and ask a request for Myrajean's funeral. He told Mary Sanders that while growing up, both he and his brother were told that on chapter meeting nights they had to go to the local DQ for their Brazier burgers as she was busy getting ready for her chapter meeting. Her son, Danny, went on to say that they would hear her in the bathroom readying for the meeting and singing with pride the Delta Kappa Gamma Song! This was the routine for years! He then asked Mary if our chapter would come and sing our song at her graveside service as that is how much it meant to her! You bet we'll be there.
In counting my blessings, I include thanks to Him for Myrajean, Delta Kappa Gamma, and you. DKG is a priority to me. I hope it is to you as well as your membership makes a difference.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Jekyll Island Delta Hostel
What a fabulous weekend fifty-five DKG sisters had at Jekyll Island on the weekend of Oct. 18. Personal Growth and Services Chair, Wanda McLaughlin and her team planned an amazing weekend filled with with fun, food, laughter, learning, and relaxation. Thank you Wanda and team Sheila Hawthorne, Ann Boswell, Susan Woods, and Kate Finch for making the weekend perfect in every way!
The weekend was weather perfect as we toured the Millionaires' Village that once was the playground of the Pulitzer's, Morgan's, Crane's, Rockefeller's, all the American elite of the later 1800's and into the turn of the century and beyond. The moss covered trees draped the island as we rolled on the trolley to see history unfold before our very eyes. Most impressive to me were the stained glass windows in the charming chapel by none other the Louis Comfort Tiffany.We also toured the Turtle Rescue Center and observed turtles currently thriving under the care of marine biologists in hope to release back to the shores of Jekyll.
Delicious food flowed all weekend as we started with a sit down dinner at Fin's on Friday night, a bountiful breakfast buffet at the Oceanside Inn on Saturday morning, picnic lunch provided by Alpha Alpha chapter, and a low country boil on Saturday evening along with a history lesson by a local professor Dr. Bagwell of the Coastal College of Georgia.
Members had free time to shop, tour the island on their own, bask in the sun, walk the beach, BUT I chose to rent a "Red Bug" electric cart and zoomed around the island with Judy Farrigan, Gail Ford, and Susan Woods. We laughed all the way and at every turn...what a perfect weekend it was!
Phi sisters show their DKG pride!
Touring Millionaire's Village!
Sea Turtle Rescue Center
Personal Growth Committee, L to R: Ann Boswell, Wanda McLaughlin, Sheila Hawthorne, Susan Woods
The weekend was weather perfect as we toured the Millionaires' Village that once was the playground of the Pulitzer's, Morgan's, Crane's, Rockefeller's, all the American elite of the later 1800's and into the turn of the century and beyond. The moss covered trees draped the island as we rolled on the trolley to see history unfold before our very eyes. Most impressive to me were the stained glass windows in the charming chapel by none other the Louis Comfort Tiffany.We also toured the Turtle Rescue Center and observed turtles currently thriving under the care of marine biologists in hope to release back to the shores of Jekyll.
Delicious food flowed all weekend as we started with a sit down dinner at Fin's on Friday night, a bountiful breakfast buffet at the Oceanside Inn on Saturday morning, picnic lunch provided by Alpha Alpha chapter, and a low country boil on Saturday evening along with a history lesson by a local professor Dr. Bagwell of the Coastal College of Georgia.
Members had free time to shop, tour the island on their own, bask in the sun, walk the beach, BUT I chose to rent a "Red Bug" electric cart and zoomed around the island with Judy Farrigan, Gail Ford, and Susan Woods. We laughed all the way and at every turn...what a perfect weekend it was!
Phi sisters show their DKG pride!
Touring Millionaire's Village!
Sea Turtle Rescue Center
Personal Growth Committee, L to R: Ann Boswell, Wanda McLaughlin, Sheila Hawthorne, Susan Woods
Red Bug Ride with Prez McCall
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Busy Bees Buzz in Psi State
Psi State is buzzing as we are busy as bees. Last weekend we packed the house at Executive Board in Macon with 170 registered participants. Between district meetings, business meetings, and workshops, we ate a delicious catered lunch, shopped for stylish DKG items, and raised money for World Fellowship. We also voted to form our first ad hoc committee for non-dues revenue to support our Leadership Development Seminar and presented our own Psi State brochure to increase membership! (The application to join the new committee and the brochure are available on the Psi State Website.) We heard from the FERST Foundation for Early Childhood Literacy for those chapters who are looking for a meaningful chapter project! The convention committee rolled out the registration and room reservations for the convention in Macon for April 5-7, 2013, also available on our Website. (The creative and fun video they showed will be available to use for chapters to entice members to attend.) What a great day thanks to our dedicated Psi State Sisters.
Your state president will be buzzing around the state the entire month of October as I have many chapter visits on my calendar along with heading to Jekyll Island for the Psi State Delta Hostel held on October 19th-21st. The Personal Growth and Services Committee has made spectacular plans for fellowship, relaxation, and learning on the island that used to be the playground of the Rockefellers, Morgans and Pulitzers. We will go on historical tours, visit the Turtle Rescue Center, and enjoy sumptuous seafood! I hope you are one of the fifty-four who have signed up for this weekend to revitalize, rejuvenate, and relax.
Buzz on, dear sisters, as we have much to buzz about!
Your state president will be buzzing around the state the entire month of October as I have many chapter visits on my calendar along with heading to Jekyll Island for the Psi State Delta Hostel held on October 19th-21st. The Personal Growth and Services Committee has made spectacular plans for fellowship, relaxation, and learning on the island that used to be the playground of the Rockefellers, Morgans and Pulitzers. We will go on historical tours, visit the Turtle Rescue Center, and enjoy sumptuous seafood! I hope you are one of the fifty-four who have signed up for this weekend to revitalize, rejuvenate, and relax.
Buzz on, dear sisters, as we have much to buzz about!
.jpg) |
| State Literacy Liaison, Jane Belflower mans the FERST Foundation Booth at Executibe Board in Macon |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
