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October Newsletter for Alpha Zeta State, DKG International
Citation preview
Thirty-three AZS members attended the Northeast Re-
gional Conference held in Portland, Maine this past July
and participated in the many opportunities for learning
and sharing. Dr. Judy Merz and Claire Swanson present-
ed workshops; Immediate Past State President Roxanne
Adinolfi shared her vocal talents and introduced the
flags; Carmela DeMarco and Doris Lambert participated
in the chorus; Carol Schwartz organized an enjoyable
Jersey Girls dinner; Rebecca Schwartz designed gifts to
exchange with state presidents; Saula Cutter, Gamma
President, was recognized for her commitment to Shar-
ing Our Vision and Strengthening Our Society; Carmela
DeMarco was elected Northeast representative to the US
Forum; Harriet DiLeonardo was honored for her 50 plus
years of membership; Charlotte Orfe and Irene Maskaly
represented NJ at Dr. Lyn Schmid’s “Barbells” training;
and Dr. Beth Ann Richey brought joy as she and her pet
lobster presented gifts to lucky "block" winners. All par-
ticipants enjoyed attending the informative sessions and
workshops and the opportunities to commit, connect,
and celebrate!
AZ State Represented at Northeast Regional
October 2013 Volume 61, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
President’s Message 2
Membership Survey 2
Convention 2014 3
NE Regional Confer-
ence Reflections
4
Visiting Holocaust
Sites
6
US Forum 8
DKG Election Process 8
Honorary Members 9
Educational Excel-
lence Opportunities
10
SAPs—Getting
Started
10
Scholarships and
Stipends
15
Chapter News 12
In Memoriam 15
Seek Commitment, Embrace Connections and Celebrate Achievement
As We Share Our Vision, Strengthen Our Society
The New Jersey State Organization of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
The
Delta Kappa
Gamma
Society
International
promotes
professional
growth of
women
educators
and
excellence
in education.
GAIN, RETAIN, RECLAIM
The membership theme for 2013-2015 may be familiar from past bienniums, but the defi-
nition, focus, and relevance of these three simple words has evolved, and they are as appro-
priate or more appropriate to membership than ever before. Indeed, it is critical in this
time of declining membership to gain, retain, and reclaim members.
We must gain membership by inviting outstanding women educators into our Society.
The good news is that in 2010 international extended the parameters for gaining member-
ship to include early career educators, retired educators, and educators from non-traditional
educational settings. Chapters are now allowed to invite all exemplary educators into our
Society.
Retaining members is as important as initiating new members. We must purposefully
design and implement plans for helping initiates to commit to the purposes and activities of
DKG. Each chapter must address how to best connect members within their chapter and to
involve members in the life of the Society. Members who feel connected to DKG will become
lifelong members.
Then, too, we must actively seek to reclaim members. Research reveals that the majority
of members who resign would reinstate if only asked! International has provided a simple
process for reinstatement and wonderful reorientation materials in Sustaining Pride in the
Big Picture. The doors are open to reclaim “lost” members!
In 2013-2015 we will work to invigorate, expand, and strengthen our membership as ad-
dressed in our AZS Strategic Action Plan. Hopefully, specific strategies for addressing chapter
membership will be addressed in chapter action plans. By sharing ideas, successes, and near
successes as we design and implement specific plans, we will gain, retain, and reclaim mem-
bers and strengthen Alpha Zeta State.
2
“Seek
Commitment,
Embrace
Connections,
and Celebrate
Achievements
as We Share
Our Vision *
Strengthen
Our Society”
Alpha Zeta State
News
Official publication of
the
Alpha Zeta State
Organization
of The Delta Kappa
Gamma
Society International
published three times
a year
2013-2015
Mary Conover,
President
Barbara Smith, First
Vice-President
Sharon Long, Second
Vice-President
Dr. Pamela Albert-
Devine,
Corresponding
Secretary
Carol Schwartz,
Recording Secretary
Ellen Hahn, Treasurer
Newsletter
Dr. Margaret Niemiec,
Editor
Jane Tallmadge,
Circulation
From the desk of Mary Conover, AZS President …
It is with great excitement that I start the 2013-2015 biennium as your state organiza-
tion president! What a humbling experience to be president of a group that includes
so many outstanding women educators. Since my initiation into DKG in 1987, I have
met and been encouraged by many, many remarkable women from many chapters.
As the executive committee considered DKG women of accomplishment, we recog-
nized three common traits: the ability to commit, connect, and celebrate. Consequent-
ly, we chose as the theme for the 2013-2015 biennium Seek Commitment, Embrace
Connections, and Celebrate Achievement as We Share Our Vision* Strengthen Our So-
ciety.
We see our theme for the biennium, coupled with International President Beverly
Helms’ theme, as related to four distinct goals.
(1) We are committed to implementing and reviewing carefully and completely our
newly revised state bylaws, standing rules, and strategic action plan. These revised
documents are new to us all and, as individuals and chapters, we must connect to im-
plement, review, and continue to update these state documents. We certainly cele-
brate our 2011-2013 leadership for developing these documents, and we will cele-
brate as we implement, review, and refine each document, whether by amendment or
reaffirmation.
(2) In addition to reviewing state documents, we are committed to encouraging chap-
ters to develop chapter rules and action plans. To ensure that chapter, state, and in-
ternational documents are in alignment, we must connect chapters with each other
and with the state organization. Hopefully, we will celebrate the completion of chapter
rules and action plans of all 19 chapters at the 2015 convention!
(3) Similarly, we hope to strengthen membership throughout the state by supporting
and connecting members who have varied levels of professional, personal, and DKG
experience. Each of us has talents and knowledge to share regardless of age, degrees,
or years of membership! We must commit to exploring the needs and interests of our
Generation X and Y members—as well as our experienced members—and to identify-
ing and encouraging connections between and among all members of AZS, including
our past, present, and future leaders. Likewise, we need to encourage and celebrate
achievements of all members on the chapter, state, and international levels at every
available opportunity.
(4) Furthermore, we need to strive to use technology effectively throughout Alpha Zeta
State. Technology is the present and the future! Regardless of our personal prefer-
ences, we must commit to using technology, including electronic newsletters, survey
instruments, and software that can facilitate meetings in order to effectively connect
with members within our chapters, throughout our state, and throughout our Society.
We deserve to celebrate our growth as individuals and chapters as we advance our
understanding and use of technology. As educators we are learners; technology has
presented many of us the perfect opportunity to prove. . . we are learners!
Seek Commitment, Embrace Connections and Celebrate Achievement as We Share Our
Vision * Strengthen Our Society! Yes we will!
Membership Survey. . . As Easy as 1,2,3,4
In an effort to address membership concerns, international is conducting a survey which is
as easy as 1,2,3,4!
Step 1: Members complete Form 50 on-line or as a hard copy and return the completed form
to the chapter membership chair.
Step 2: The chapter membership chair tallies the information onto Form 80.
Step 3: The chapter membership chair shares Form 80 with international via the Chapter Pro-
file Survey (for Membership Chairs) available on the international website and with
Sharon Long, state membership chair, electronically or via hard copy, by December
15th
.
Step 4: International shares survey results with AZS.
3
LOOKING FORWARD TO THE
2014 AZS CONVENTION!
Barbara Smith, First Vice-President
Plans for the 2014 AZS Convention to be held at
the Doubletree Hotel, Somerset, NJ, are underway.
The luncheon speaker is acclaimed motivational
lecturer, Rosemarie Poverman, MSW, LMFT, LCSW.
Using her brand of humor, Rosemarie promises
her message will leave us “smiling and thriving.” In
addition, Rosemarie will start our day as one of
our morning workshop presenters.
Workshops will be held in both the morning and
the afternoon. The Program Planning Committee
has chosen to have six workshops and two book
discussions for the day. There will be one book
discussion and three workshops during each
scheduled time. We continue to seek an instructor
for a group Zumba class. If you can help us find
an instructor, please contact Barbara Smith
The titles of the workshops will be posted in the
next newsletter along with the book discussion
titles, which will be selected by our membership.
Each chapter will have the opportunity to vote on
books of their choice at the first chapter meeting
of the year. All votes must be given to Barbara
Smith by November 15th
.
Here is the latest news about hotel facilities! You
asked for it and Sue Davis got it for you – break-
fast! Yes, the hotel raised room rates to $125.35
per night for two people in the room, but your
room now includes breakfast in the Tuscany res-
taurant/TK’s Pub for up to 2 people. If more than
2 people are staying in the room, the rate will be
$136.85 for a triple and $148.35 for a quad.
Room reservations will be made by an individual
call (hopefully, also online…) before midnight
March 13, 2014. When calling in for reservations,
guests must call 1-800-222-TREE and ask for res-
ervations in the Delta Kappa Gamma 2014 room
block to ensure attaining the group rate. If you do
not register as DKG you may get a cheaper rate,
but we will not get credit for you, and you will not
get the breakfast! If we do not make our room
guarantee, we’ll pay a huge penalty! You will be
advised as to how to make the registrations on-
line.
There are no menus yet. We are continuing to do
everything we can to keep the costs down while
still providing a quality dining experience. Since
breakfast is included in the room charge, we will
not offer complimentary Coffee & Bagels after the
Celebration of Life.
More information will be provided as it becomes
available. Watch the state website at http://
dkgalphazetastate-nj.weebly.com/ for the most
recent information.
Chapter Rules …Rule!
Babette Wise and Faith Steinfort
Rules/Bylaws Co-chairs
Have you really thought about your chapter rules lately? Are
you passionate about them? You must be thinking, “Are they
kidding?” No we are not! Chapter rules are among the most
important documents your chapter will create. They set a
framework for and reflect the practices and operations of the
chapter. They are very specific to each chapter and do not need
to repeat what has already been established in the Constitution,
International Standing Rules, and Alpha Zeta State Bylaws. With
this in mind, many of us may want to dispense with many of our
current Chapter Rules and go from there.
The AZ State Rules/Bylaws Committee kick-started the process
at the state meeting on September 7, 2013. Many handouts
were distributed and discussed, particularly an example of Pro-
posed Chapter Rules submitted by Omicron. As the committee
went through Omicron’s Rules, it became apparent just how
specific chapter rules can be. Below are some ideas to keep in
mind as chapter rules are developed.
1. When developing chapter rules, use the Appendix B.
Chapter Rules Checklist as a guide. (Distributed to all
chapters at the state meeting in September) It aligns
article by article with the Constitution and covers all the
information that needs to be included in the chapter rules.
2. Chapter Rules should not be not repetitive. Instead of
repeating information from the Constitution, International
Standing Rules, and AZ State Bylaws, a caveat can be stated,
such as, “All membership is in accordance with Article III of
the Constitution.” It is only necessary to include information
that is specific to the chapter or information from other
documents that the chapter wants readily available, i.e.,
information on officers, responsibilities of committees, etc.
3. Chapter Rules should be consistent in format and con-
tent with the Constitution, Standing Rules, and AZ State
Bylaws. Example: Article I of the Constitution and AZ State
Bylaws refers to Name and Emblem, Article II – Objectives,
Article III – Membership, etc. The same should be true for
Chapter Rules.
4. Chapter Rules should be very specific to the chapter as
to the organization, practices, and operations of each
individual chapter and include all the items on the Ap-
pendix B. Chapter Rules Checklist. This is the really excit-
ing part. Once thoughtfully constructed, the chapter rules
become the “go to guide” for how the chapter functions.
When questions arise about chapter special funds, officers’
or committee chair responsibilities, activities, or initiates’
pins, chapter members can go to the chapter rules for the
answers. Omicron also included an appendix which de-
tailed where important chapter documents and memorabilia
are housed, making it no longer necessary to remember or
guess who has what.
The Chapter Rules revision process provides a wonderful oppor-
tunity for chapters to think carefully about, discuss, and decide
what is really important to the chapter and how they want the
chapter to operate. The end result will be a living document
which truly reflects the workings and priorities of the chapter
and provides a guide for all chapter members.
Now’s the time to make our Chapter Rules really rule!
4
What was it like to attend The DKG
NE Regional Conference this past
summer? Several of our sisters
were willing to share their thoughts
and learning experiences. Perhaps
their words will inspire you to at-
tend the next regional conference
or international convention. FYI,
the 2014 International Convention
will be held on July 28 through Au-
gust 1 in Indianapolis, IN.
Carol Friedrich, Pi Chapter, found
it hard to select only a few activi-
ties to talk about. I loved the Jersey
Girls Dinner. It gave me the oppor-
tunity to connect with people I'd not
been up close and personal with
before. I also loved the keynote
speaker, Sherene McHenry, who
was inspiring. Her message of
choosing your life and working to-
ward what you want seemed very
relevant to me. I was so touched
by her message that I attended one
of her small group sessions and
bought her book. I think her mes-
sage could translate into what we
want for our chapters and how to
get there. It's all about mak-
ing choices.
Jean Jaeger, Alpha Chapter,
shared her thoughts on the Confer-
ence in general. I have always
found attending DKG Conferences
and Conventions the best way to
truly understand the workings of
this great organization we belong
to. Meeting sisters from so many
different backgrounds is truly a
rewarding experience. At this con-
ference I was focused on learning
more about scholarship/stipends
and memberships since these are
two areas I am involved with on the
chapter and state levels. The work-
shops I attended were very in-
formative and helped me to better
understand the nature of the tasks
I have been asked to perform. But I
guess the best part of any confer-
ence is the new friends one makes
and the fellowship with those we
already know. My New Jersey sis-
ters are truly an inspiration to me
and I had a wonderful time inter-
acting with them.
Doris Lambert, Iota Chapter, fo-
cused her thoughts regarding the
connections one makes. I love at-
tending Regional Conferences and
International Conventions as they
give me an opportunity to connect
with those sisters who served with
me as their own State Presidents.
First, there is Beverly Helms, Inter-
national President, who served as
the State President of Florida. If
you watched the stage as the cho-
rus was singing "Celebration", you
might have caught Beverly and me
dancing. Second, our NE Regional
Director, Mary Lee Makinen, was
the State President of Maryland. By
singing in the choruses for a num-
ber of years I have made friends
who will last a life time as well as
being part of the group known as
the ‘trouble makers’ in the back
row of the alto section. Most of all,
however, I love to look around the
room after the banquet and see the
joined hands of our sisters as we
sing the Delta Kappa Song. This
makes me proud to be a part of
DKG as well as Alpha Zeta State.
Mary Lou LeCompte, Lambda
Chapter, attended the US Forum
for the first time at this regional
conference. I was unaware that
DKG initiated and supported legis-
lation on women’s issues and wom-
en in education. It was also exciting
to have our own Carmela DeMarco
elected as the Northeast Regional
Representative to the US Forum
Steering Committee. Those interest-
ed in the US Forum Connection can
subscribe to its newsletter by e-
mailing Dr. Angela Bendenbaugh at
Mary Lou took the opportunity to
hear an interesting workshop given
by Tom Caverly about the Allagash
River, its trails and scenic views.
She remarked, The river, rich in
history, is a part of Maine few rare-
ly hear about and probably will
never visit.
The Regional Conference hosted a
variety of workshops. What were
they like? A number of our sisters
share their new knowledge with
you.
Harriet DiLeonardo and Faith
Steinfort, Eta Chapter, attended
the program, “EXIT: The Endings
That Set Us Free” presented by San-
dra Petrocelli Carbone. What a
feast of information this workshop
provided for those of us who not
only love to read but get a thrill out
REFLECTIONS ON THIS SUMMER’S DKG NE REGIONAL CONFERENCE
5
of “chewing” over ideas that au-
thors present. The workshop was
all the more incredible in that the
scheduled presenter, Sara Law-
rence-Lightfoot, winner of the 2013
Educators Book Award for her book
EXIT: The Endings That Set Us Free
was unable to be there leaving the
responsibility in the very capable
hands of Ms. Petrocelli Carbone
and another member of the Inter-
national Educators Award Commit-
tee. The presenters not only gave
us biographical information on the
winner but staged an interview
that was taken from an interview
Ms. Lawrence-Lightfoot had actual-
ly given. With one presenter being
the interviewer and the other being
the author we got a real feel for
what the author was like and her
motivation for the book. After
making us familiar with the con-
cept of exits in our lives and their
purpose, the audience was asked to
recall and share exits in our own
lives…very powerful. The attendees
were then treated to summaries of
the Educators Award “Must Read’”
Selections: Born to Rise: A Story of
Children and Teachers Reaching
Their Highest Potential by Deborah
Kenny. An unexpected treat was
the giving of copies of the award
winning books to members of the
audience.
Faith Steinfort and Harriet DiLeo-
nardo also participated in, “What’s
in Your Membership Toolbox?” pre-
sented by Claire LaBonte, Interna-
tional Membership Committee
Member. Membership is an issue
that is of concern to most chapters,
including ours. In this workshop
Ms. LaBonte took us on a tour of
resources available to chapters
through the DKG International web-
site. These included both chapter
and member profile forms (#50,
#80) which allow chapters to col-
lect and keep detailed information
on members which can then be
used to create a chapter profile.
The data in the chapter profile can
give insight to the diversity, exper-
tise, and interests of the members.
This information could be particu-
larly helpful in planning meaning-
ful programs and determining why
DKG has been important to mem-
bers. The member file can also be
useful in maintaining up-to-date-
information on chapter members
as well as being a source of infor-
mation on members. Additional
resources included materials for
analyzing data collected, infor-
mation for potential chapter goal
setting (SWOT), a Blueprint for
Chapter Leadership Legacy, A
Cross Generational Survey, and
Successful Chapter Practices. A
comment that particularly resonat-
ed with me in regard to why DKG is
important to members is that DKG
provides “Spiritual Fellowship …
Teachers Know Teachers!” – so
true. For these resources go to
w w w . d k g . o r g , c l i c k o n
“Committees,” then click on
“Membership,” and scroll down to
“Chapter Resources.”
Michele Contala, Lambda Chap-
ter, found a wealth of information
at Eileen McNally’s “Healthy Living
Through Technology” workshop.
Navigat ing through E i l een
McNal ly ’s webs i te (ht tp ://
DKGWorkshop.weebly.com) was
easy and each page was catego-
rized according to diet, exercise,
stress, sleep, joy, or learning. Ei-
leen also shared internet tips. For
example, one should create differ-
ent e-mails for each financial insti-
tution. If you do begin to receive
spam, you’ll know that it was com-
promised! Eileen encouraged ques-
tions and can be contacted at web-
sure to check out her Ohio Alpha
Delta State site at http://
alphadeltastate.weebly.com/tech-
tips.html.
Charlotte Orfe, Sigma Chapter,
thought that “It Doesn't Take Bar-
bells to Strengthen a Chapter", pre-
sented by Dr. Lyn Schmid was quite
informative and enlightening. As a
chapter, we need to be diverse to
meet the needs of all of our mem-
bers. We need to keep the present
members engaged while being able
to attract new and younger mem-
bers. Even though we live in a
technological world, we need to re-
member the personal touch and
one-on-one contact. We cannot al-
ways depend on volunteers. We
need to personally ask our mem-
bers to share their talents to help
strengthen our chapters. A simple
written survey could identify the
strengths of our individual mem-
bers. We need to go the extra de-
gree ourselves and motivate others
in our chapters to do the same. All
of our members may not think they
are leaders, but as members of
DKG, we are all leaders in some
way, shape, or form.
6
This past summer, three AZ members—Pam Watkinson and Cindy Pope of Rho and Toni Hopcraft of Tau—were part
of a group of NJ educators who journeyed with Maud Dahme to “The Infamous Sites of the Holocaust” which included
places in The Netherlands where Maud and her family hid during the war. Many members will remember the Alpha Zeta
State Convention in 2009 when Maud Dahme delivered a most moving keynote address about her experiences as a child
survivor of the Holocaust and her experiences as an adult working in Holocaust education. Maud currently serves on the
NJ State Commission on Holocaust Education and has been a member of the NJ State Board of Education. The invitation
to participate in the tour was extended to New Jersey educators by NJEA and was supported with their generous grant.
The tour itinerary included cultural and historical sites and seven concentration camps in Germany, the Czech Republic,
Poland and Holland. Our sisters highlight their experiences.
Visiting Berlin and Prague—Toni Hopcraft
With passports in hand, our tour participants left Newark to meet Maud in Germany. Our Holocaust Seminar began in
Berlin. After our eight-hour flight we started off with a bus tour of the city. It seemed all of Berlin was under construc-
tion and renovations, and the architecture blended old with new. We drove past the bricks in the road marking the Ber-
lin Wall’s former path and many historic sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, the US Embassy, Tiergarten, Unter den
Linden, Friedrichstrasse train station, and the Potsdamer Platz.
We continued on foot to walk through more amazing places. On the cobblestones I noticed squares with inscriptions
of names and dates. These stumbling stones identify the Jewish people taken away to death camps, lost to their neigh-
borhoods forever. Large posters of Holocaust victims line some of the main roads with faces and stories from the past.
Statues and stone collages remind us of the torment and sorrow endured by the Jewish citizens. Our walk through the
Tiergarten park of 630 acres took us past the Simi and Roma Memorial. Around this tranquil pool of water were stones
inscribed with the names of the concentration camps.
The next morning we headed to Wannsee Villa. On the way we stopped at Grunewald train station where Jewish peo-
ple were transported each night as documented on plaques that line those hidden tracks just behind the real station. A
memorial wall leads the way with hollowed out figures carved in cement, like the remaining souls of those who were
sent to their deaths. Here we said the Kaddish prayers, Maud read a poem, and thoughts were shared. Our hearts were
saddened to think of all the people behind the statistics sent away to different concentration camps. The father of a
woman in our tour group had been in Auschwitz and others lost their grandparents and relatives. Emotions were always
at the forefront of our experience and comforting one another was important.
Sachsenhausen was our first camp. “Arbeit Macht Frei” was the sign on the front gate, which means “work will set
you free”—the infamous slogan posted at most camps. The buildings gave a frightening glimpse of what life was like.
The conditions were much worse than any history book could convey. Here terrible medical experiments were conduct-
ed. You could actually feel the evil at the camps. Stories of torture, shootings, starvation and cruelty were too much to
bear. How anyone could deny that this mass extermination happened is beyond my comprehension. Just seeing the
smokestacks of the crematorium, let alone the gas chambers and ovens, was horrific.
As we left Germany and rode on the bus to Prague, we watched In Darkness and Schindler’s List, movies based on true
events about those who helped save some of the Jewish people. Prague was not bombed and has an Old World charm.
The next morning, we met our local guide to begin our walking tour of the city. Then we traveled to our second camp,
Terezin. Again the cynical motto “Arbeit Macht Frei” hovers above the main courtyard. Terezin was used as a showcase
for Red Cross inspectors, who apparently did not even notice that the pipes and plumbing were missing in the sink area
of the bathrooms. In the early years of the war, children imprisoned here had art lessons for display purposes. There is
a cherished exhibit of their artwork. The most memorable is of flowers and a butterfly and is the cover of a children’s
book, The Last Butterfly. It breaks your heart to think of how the children suffered, what they saw and the lives these
precious children never lived. Terezin has remained much the same and still recalls the horrors of the Holocaust for the
Czech people.
Visiting Poland—Pam Watkinson
Our bus put beautiful Prague and the Czech Republic behind us. Just after sundown on Sunday, July 28, we arrived
in the city of Krakow. As much as our group enjoyed the beauty of Prague, Krakow became the new favorite city of
many of us. Krakow also has an old world feel, with many of its buildings remaining largely intact, being spared the
widespread destruction of other cities, such as Warsaw.
We paid a brief visit to what was once the Plaszow Concentration Camp and now is a suburb of Krakow. When the
Krakow Ghetto was liquidated in March 1943, many Jews were sent to the Plaszow forced labor camp. It was from here
that Oscar Schindler obtained permission to employ workers for his nearby enamel factory. When the Soviets were ap-
proaching in July 1944, they ordered special prisoner units to exhume and burn the many bodies buried here. Today
the area consists of sparsely wooded hills and empty fields with one large memorial to all the victims. A version of the
camp is featured in the movie Schindler’s List.
On Monday morning, our bus delivered us to one of the most fear-inspiring concentration camps: the Auschwitz-
Birkenau State Museum. We were most fortunate to have Pawel, who works in the media relations department at Ausch-
witz and generally doesn't do tours, as our guide. Since one of our group members knew him personally, we had a spe-
cial VIP tour, gaining access to areas that were not generally open to the public. It was chilling to walk through the gate
and under the sign, “Arbeit Macht Frei.” We saw the empty barracks, crossed the open areas where prisoners were sub-
ject to hours of standing at attention in all kinds of weather for roll call, and saw piles of shoes, human hair, and photo-
Visiting Sites of the Holocaust with Maud Dahme
7
graphs of normal family life before the war, when no one dreamed these atrocities would be inflicted by one group of
human beings on another. As we did at several notorious sites, a service of remembrance of the dead was held on the
railroad tracks near the gate of Birkenau. Tears flowed freely as several of our group members recited the Kaddish. After
spending three nights in the city of Krakow, we continued on our travels toward Warsaw. We made a brief stop at Lublin
Castle which was once a major Jewish center in Poland. Following the capture of the town in September 1939, the Nazis
set about confining and eventually murdering the nearly 40,000 Lublin Jews, mainly in the nearby Majdanek death camp.
This camp was very disturbing, as it was more intact than others we had visited, and left less to the imagination. The
Nazis felt no need to hide Majanek away, as they did with some of the other camps, and many prisoners were used to
work in the munitions factories inside the town. It was chilling to realize that the local population claimed ignorance of
the brutal fact that over 300,000 people were murdered there from October 1941 until July 1944. On November 3,
1943, the most notorious wave of executions occurred when more than 18,000 Jews were killed on a single day. At the
end of the main path through the site, we came upon a large domed mausoleum containing a huge pile of ashes from
many of the victims. The eerie feeling was accentuated by the flocks of ravens that seemed to follow us throughout the
death camp.
After a full day of touring Warsaw and Treblinka, that evening we enjoyed a beautiful Chopin piano recital by college
professor Anna Kubicz at the Myslewicki Palace. On the afternoon of August 2, we traveled in our tour bus to the War-
saw airport for our connecting flights to Amsterdaam. We looked forward to seeing Maud Dahme’s homeland and learn-
ing more about her experiences as the “hidden child.”
Visiting Amsterdam—Cindy Pope
After spending the night in a hotel in Amsterdam, on August 3 we traveled to the countryside of Holland and visited
the woods near Vierhouten which was the site of the “Hidden Village”. This was where nearly one hundred people, in-
cluding Jewish men, women, children and allied airman lived in nine underground huts between the years 1943-1944. It
was amazing to visit this park and to see the effort that these people went through to create this underground world of
survival for their families. Next we visited Olderboek where Maud Dahme was first hidden with her sister and saved as a
“Hidden Child.” We were able to see firsthand the Dutch farm home with its bright painted details that reminded me of a
chateau alongside the country street. I had only imagined it in my mind from her stories, but there I was walking
through the rooms that she once walked through. Later we visited Elburg, which was Maud’s second hiding place during
the war. We viewed Maud’s hiding house which was in a three story structure. I walked down the cobblestone streets
that she walked. All the while I imagined what the sound must have been like as Canadian tanks entered the city and
Maud knew that she would soon be free from hiding. Throughout our time in Elburg, a film crew, who joined us in
Oldebroek, had been filming to create a story about Maud’s life. She was a major reason why I went on the trip, to see
what she experienced and to witness the courageousness that she faced as a child. It is no wonder that another film was
being made about her life.
On Sunday, August 4, we started our day with a morning canal tour and a visit to Anne Frank’s House, where she hid
from the Nazis, on the actual anniversary of when she was arrested and later transported to Auschwitz. We were fortu-
nate to have the tour conducted by a local university professor, and were able to see exclusive areas of the house.
The next morning’s visit to the Vught concentration camp was probably one of the most difficult experiences of the
trip. I still have burning images of the crematoria, which is still very much intact. One of the small rooms that still haunt
me is where numerous women prisoners were stuffed in and forced to stay until several perished and others left mad
from the experience. Later, I saw a metal memorial to the children of the camp who survived the experience. We said
Kaddish as we did at many of the sites, this time praying for the children who perished in the camp. It seemed fitting
that our trip ended this way, as we were all brought together. We are all teachers of children, and for our group it
seemed very difficult to mourn the children who were victims of this atrocity. They were all victims. I was so grateful that
Maud survived and took the experience that she had and became for me the voice of the children of the Holocaust.
We later traveled back to Amsterdam for dinner at a restaurant where I had once eaten with my family years ago, and
I felt that I had found my new family on the trip. We are all connected with this experience as a family. We bring our
understanding of what we have learned about the Holocaust to our classrooms and our lives.
On Tuesday August 6, on the fifteenth day of our tour, we transferred to the Amsterdam airport for our flight home
and we arrived safely at Newark airport. I, for one, have been changed forever by this trip. I am grateful for this oppor-
tunity.
IN APPRECIATION
On September 20, 2013 Maud, Toni, Cindy, and Pam, other trip par-
ticipants, and Dr. Paul Winkler, executive director of the New Jersey
Commission on Holocaust Education, traveled to the NJEA Executive
Committee meeting in Trenton to thank the executive officers for the
generous stipend that allowed NJEA members to be a part of this experi-
ence. Maud, Dr. Winkler, Cindy and two other trip participants addressed
the committee to express how meaningful the trip was to them and the
impact the experience will have on their students. Toni presented NJEA
President Wendell Steinhauer with a beautiful book of photographs from
the trip. This event was stopped in 2008 due to increased costs and
declining enrollment. However, NJEA’s grant funding in 2012 and 2013
significantly reduced costs so that NJEA members could take advantage
of this wonderful opportunity. Maud hopes to conduct future trips. For
more information, you may contact her at [email protected].
Alpha Zeta sisters, Maud Dahme, Dr. Winkler, and
NJEA members
8
ELECTION PROCESS TO BE CONSIDERED AT 2014 INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION Claire Swanson, Nominations Chair
Members voting at the 2014 International Convention will
consider proposed amendments that determine whether to
continue with our current process of delegate voting or to
institute a general election that allows every member to vote
in the election of Administrative Board and elected commit-
tee members.
All members in attendance at the convention vote on pro-
posed amendments to the Constitution and the International
Standing Rules. Officers and elected committee members
are currently elected by state organization presidents who
have one vote for every five active and reserve members.
The state organization president may cast all her states’
votes for a particular nominee or she may split her vote if
there is more than one nominee.
If the convention votes to allow every member to vote, all
members will be able to vote for the members of the Admin-
istrative Board. All members would vote for president, the
vice presidents, the member-at-large, and Finance Commit-
tee members while only members within a region will vote
for their regional director and regional representatives to the
Nominations Committee. Only Latin American and Canadian
members would vote for their own area representative. Mem-
bers would vote electronically or by requested paper ballot.
The Ad Hoc Elections Process Committee (EPC), approved by
the 2012 Executive Board and appointed by President Dr.
Beverly Helms, has researched costs, consulted the Finance
Committee, studied the nominations process, communicated
with members, and solicited member input via Survey Mon-
key and at regional conferences.
It is estimated the cost of an electronic election would range
between $15,000 and $25,000. If the change is approved,
the 2014-2016 Finance Committee will have the task of
budgeting for the new voting process.
The ad hoc committee submitted to the Constitution Com-
mittee proposed amendments that would make a general
election possible. The convention has the final authority
whether to approve or disapprove proposed amendments.
The decision rests with the vote of the 2014 convention.
Go to http://www.dkg.org for more information about gen-
eral election and the full results of surveys taken in 2013 on
the Ad Hoc DKG Election Process Committee page.
US FORUM
Carmela S. De Marco,
Northeast Representative -US Forum
Steering Committee
The US FORUM serves members’ interests and concerns
which reflect purposes four and seven of the Society.
The goals of the US FORUM focus on identifying and
selecting issues affecting women, children and educa-
tion. The US FORUM is an advocate for these issues. All
United States Society members are members of the US
FORUM.
At the Northeast Regional Conference in July, over 230
members attended the Thursday morning meeting. Dr.
Elizabeth Tarner, the 1996-1998 US Forum Steering
Committee Chair presided over the meeting. Dr. Tarner
gave a brief overview and history of the US FORUM,
which is 25 years old this year. She recognized past US
Forum Steering Committee members from the Northeast
and then conducted an election of the 2013-2014
Northeast Regional Representative.
Louann Schrader, Pennsylvania, introduced our speaker,
Susan Scanlan of Virginia. Ms. Scanlan is President of
the Women’s Research and Education Institute and Chair
of the National Council of Women’s Organizations as
well as a newly initiated Honorary Member of Delta Kap-
pa Gamma – Pennsylvania State Organization. Ms. Scan-
lan’s talk was entitled “Fighting for a Place at the Table”.
She discussed the importance of women, issues and
policy makers. She encouraged women to take an active
role whether giving testimony on a particular issue or
running for office. Specifically, Ms. Scanlan said, “In
Washington, women are at the table or on the menu”.
She spoke about the National Women’s History Museum
project, which for sixteen years has been trying to find a
place on the National Mall to memorialize and preserve
the contributions that American women have made to
our country. Delta Kappa Gamma has signed on in sup-
port of a National Women’s Museum.
Beverly Johns, Illinois, gave a brief focus on state issues
such as GPO-WEP Laws in 15 states, pension funding,
right to work issue, human trafficking, teacher evalua-
tions, healthcare for women, school safety and other
issues. We then completed a survey to determine which
issues are the most important to our Northeast mem-
bers. Issue #1: Teacher licensure – testing- evaluations,
issue #2: WEP/GPO (Windfall Elimination and Govern-
ment Pension) laws, issue #3: Gun Violence/mental
health issues and issue #4 (a tie): Violence against Wom-
en and Healthcare for women and children.
An issues survey was taken at each of the Regional Con-
ferences which the US Forum Steering Committee re-
viewed at our meeting in Washington, DC. We discussed
possible issues to explore and present for the upcoming
National Legislative Seminar March 16 – 19, 2014 in
Washington, DC. I would like you to join me in Washing-
ton. Join me and be an advocate, a voice for women,
children and education. Our founders had a strong ad-
vocacy voice. So, let’s carry on in the spirit of Delta
Kappa Gamma and raise our voices at both the state and
federal levels. Together, we can make a difference
And…Then…Some…
Carmela DeMarco was
elected as Northeast
Representative on the
U.S. Forum Steering
Committee at the
Northeast Regional
Conference.
9
Honorary Members
Two women recently became honorary members of Alpha Zeta Chapters: Marilyn Wiesen was initiated into
Sigma Chapter by Roxanne Adinolfi and Linda Dix on October 2, 2013 while Ella Haver was initiated into Rho
Chapter by Roxanne Adinolfi and Pam Watkinson on June 26, 2013.
Marilyn Weisen is the first honorary member of Sigma. She was selected because
of her sustained commitment to Sigma’s local nursing home project annual visita-
tion in December. Marilyn has worked with Sigma since the holiday project com-
menced in 1998 during Roxanne’s biennium as chapter president.
Miss Ella Haver, educator and civic leader, was born in Franklin Township on Febru-
ary 21, 1913. Her family before her settled in Hunterdon County dating back to
1776, farming its land. But this is not what makes Ella Haver an institution in these
parts. Since graduating from Montclair State Teachers’ College in 1934, and later
from Columbia University in 1945, she has dedicated her life to educating others.
She was a NJ Science Teacher from 1936 to 1975. Ella then became President of
the Jennie M. Haver Scholarship Fund in 1971 and continues to serve today as its
President Emerita. She followed in the footsteps of her Aunt Jennie*, a pioneer in
rural education at the turn of the century, and in
whose name the Scholarship Fund was created in
1956. Ella’s life-long civic contributions are too many to list, ranging from
teaching Sunday school, to serving seniors, volunteer tax assistance, pre-
serving local history, and arranging award winning mums. She attributes
her longevity to her passion for serving others, and her abiding desire to
nurture further the Jennie Haver Scholarship Fund. As the JMHS fund motto
says, “education is the key to success,” but in her own words, “my primary
purpose is to honor and glorify God” always. Rho Chapter is proud to have
Ella Haver as a sister educator and was pleased to have her present at its
June meeting. For more information on the Jennie M. Haver Scholarship
Fund, please go to http://www.jenniehaverscholarship.org/about.asp.
* Jennie M. Haver was one of the founders of Alpha Zeta State.
Share Your Creative Talents!
International is providing all mem-
bers an opportunity to showcase
their talents in an online gallery
beginning November, 2013! Cate-
gories include literary efforts, per-
formance art, two and three dimen-
sional art, photography, and crafts.
The first submission deadline was
September 1 and the second sub-
mission period will be January 1 to
February 1, 2014.
Submissions must be accompanied
by Form A-92 available on the inter-
national website. Up to three entries
can be submitted by a member and
the work will be judged on various
criteria using a 1-5 scale. Proce-
dures for submission and other de-
tails are posted on international’s
website.
If you have questions, please contact Sandra Smith Bull, Arts
and Humanit ies Jury Chair , at sandresmith-
[email protected]. What a wonderful opportunity to share
your talents and view the talents of DKG sisters!
L to R: Honorary member
Marilyn Wisen, Roxanne
Adinolfi
Miss Ella Haver, seated. L to R– Pam
Watkinson, Roxanne Adinolfi, Margaret
Niemiec, and Bette Scandrol.
Sigma sister Vickie Mathas
shows one of her beautiful quilt-
ed art pieces. If you’ve ever
been at the AZ Convention
Basket Auction, you’d want to
put all of your tickets in Sigma’s
basket .
Start Packing Your Bags!
Plan now to celebrate with your friends at the
2014 International Convention in Indianapolis.
Opening session will be on Monday evening July
28, with the banquet on Friday evening August
1.
Many aspects of the fine arts will be shared.
Instrumentalists, vocalists, chime players and
actresses should contact Nancy Davis at 941da-
[email protected] to participate!
Submit your proposal today! The deadline for
workshop proposals for the convention is Janu-
ary 3, 2014.
Members are encouraged to share chapter
strengthening efforts. Ideas should be sent to
[email protected] by February 1, 2014. Your regis-
tration fee to the 2014 International Convention
could be free if your name is selected from a
random drawing of sisters submitting ideas!
Indianapolis. . . here we come!
10
Educational Excellence: Opportunities To Make a Difference
Irene Maskaly, Educational Excellence Chair
Currently, DKG’s International Educational Excellence
Committee supports programs of action that promote
excellence in education, that empower women, and in-
crease global awareness. These goals are embodied in
the international initiatives of SEE: Supporting Early Ca-
reer Educators, DKG @ the UN / CTAUN, and Schools For
Africa. At the state level, we are encouraged to embrace
these initiatives as opportunities to make a difference.
As working and/or retired educators, we know that re-
taining quality teachers is vital. SEE encourages mem-
bers and chapters to reach out to new educators to sup-
port them through a variety of means. This can include
communication by personal visit, telephone, or e-mail,
assistance with lesson plans, suggestions for classroom
management and parent-teacher relationships and other
creative and practical strategies. We are asked to keep
records of the time and ways our members support early
-career educators. You will find report forms linked to
the Educational Excellence tab on the dkgal-
[email protected] web page.
Since 1995, DKG has been proud to maintain Non-
Governmental Organization (NGO) status with the United
Nations Department of Public Information. A variety of
NGOs with an interest in education are part of an organi-
zation named The Committee on Teaching About the
United Nations or “CTAUN”. CTAUN provides educators
with opportunities to learn about the United Nations and
its work through events and resources available on its
website as a means to incorporate global awareness into
classroom curricula and activities. The next CTAUN Con-
ference is scheduled for Friday, January 31, 2014 with
the theme: PROMOTING PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION.
For information, please visit http://www.teachun.org.
DKG supports Schools for Africa, a partnership between
UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Ham-
burg Society. This project works with 11 countries in sub
-Saharan Africa to provide access to quality basic educa-
tion for children, focusing on girls, orphans and other
vulnerable youngsters. The latest UNICEF Annual Report
for this project records gains in the areas of early child-
hood development, access and retention to quality pri-
mary basic education, non-formal education, HIV preven-
tion in schools, and education in emergencies. More
in fo rmat ion can be found a t ht tp ://
www.schoolsforafrica.com. Our support is accomplished
through financial donations to: The U.S. Fund for
UNICEF, c/o NGO Department, 125 Maiden Lane, New
York, NY 10038, and indicating the name of your chap-
ter on the memo line. You can also make donations us-
ing the Schools for Africa flyer/ contribution form locat-
ed on the EE link on the DKG website.
Remember, the power of one act by each individual can
make a difference. As AZ sisters, we ask you to form an
Educational Excellence committee within your chapters
to help in collaborating and disseminating information
within all levels of DKG and to be creative catalysts with-
in our communities.
Chapter SAP’s - Getting Started
Roxanne Adinolfi, AZS-SAP Chair
A SAP, that is a Strategic Action Plan, is a tool for or-
ganizing the present on the basis of the projections of
the desired future. The plan is individualized for each
chapter and may be simple or elaborate. Some chap-
ters have already begun the process. Chapter SAP rep-
resentatives should start by conducting a survey of
their members to determine the areas of need or con-
cern. What two things, in addition to membership,
might make a difference in your chapter? These will
become your chapter areas of focus. A chapter SAP
template is available if you opt to use the format of the
state SAP. Specific guidelines and more information
will be electronically sent to all SAP chapter representa-
tives in mid-November.
Have you visited our new state website?
Check out the features that have been added
and the new format at :
http://dkgalphazetastate-nj.weebly.com/
For questions or suggestions, please
contact JAN at: [email protected]
AZS Hospitality
In August Barbara Henderson, Epsilon, represented
AZS as she met with Fusa Nakagama, chapter and
state president of Japan. They met for lunch and
spent most of the afternoon discussing DKG. After
lunch, Barbara hosted a tour of her brother-in-law’s
turkey farm! Fusa and Barbara both expressed de-
light in having the opportunity to participate in DKG
East meeting West.
Need Non-Dues Revenue??
Here are some suggestions for increasing your chap-
ter’s non-dues revenue:
Raffle of One Item at Chapter Meeting: The winner
brings an item for raffle to the next meeting.
Sell Pre-Worn Jewelry: Collect pre-worn jewelry
from members, bag items, and sell for $1, $3, or
$5.
Bake-less Bake Sale: Send out a poem and ask
members to send amount they would spend if ac-
tually baking an item. Members not attending the
meeting have the opportunity to participate.
Yankee Candle Company: Investigate taking can-
dle orders for up to 40% profit.
A Pound Auction: Auction a pound of a surprise
item wrapped in a brown bag. A poem hinting at
the identity of the contents may be included.
11
APPLY NOW FOR
The Elizabeth M. Bozearth State Scholarship
Joanne Applegate,
State Scholarship Chair of the Scholarship/Stipend Committee
The Elizabeth M. Bozearth Scholarship is offered by Alpha
Zeta State to members in good standing who have been
accepted in a graduate degree program in an approved in-
stitution of higher learning. All applications and support-
ing information are due by December 15, 2013. The schol-
arship will be presented at the State Convention in April,
2014.
Additional criteria, information and application forms are
available on the Alpha Zeta State website: http://
dkgalphazetastate-nj.weebly.com, on the home page, click
on “Scholarships & Stipends” and then click on “Elizabeth
M. Bozearth State Scholarship”.
Did you know…
that there are as many as 30 scholarships available
to be awarded to members pursuing advanced
degrees from the DKG International Scholarship
fund? Scholarships for those seeking master’s de-
grees are $6,000 and for those seeking doctorate
degrees, $10,000. For information and applica-
tions go to www.dkg.org and click on Committees
and then on Scholarship from the pull down menu.
State and International Stipends
Available
Jean Jaeger, Stipend Chair of Scholarship/Stipend Committee
State Professional Growth Stipends
Stipends will be granted to members of Delta Kappa Gam-
ma, Alpha Zeta State, working individually or as a team
member in the amount of up to $1000 per selected applica-
tion for professional growth, personal development, re-
search, travel related to one’s work, educational and/or
community service projects or conference attendance relat-
ed to one’s field. The deadline for submission for awards
to be made in January is December 15, 2013. For complete
information and an application go to http://
dkgalphazetastate-nj.weebly.com and click on Scholarships
and Stipends.
International Stipends
Educational Foundation Fiftieth Anniversary Awards
In honor of its Fiftieth Anniversary, The Delta Kappa Gam-
ma Educational Foundation is offering fifty $1000 awards
to fund individual classroom, school, and community pro-
jects involving learners in an educational environment. Ap-
plications must be received no later than midnight, No-
vember 15, 2013. For complete information and an appli-
cation form go to www.dkgef.org and on the bottom of the
Home Page click on the blue “here.”
Lucile Cornetet Award for Professional Development
This award is an individual award granted to educators to
participate in professional seminars, workshops, lecture
series, national certification, on-line courses, and other non
-degree program opportunities that relate specifically to an
applicant’s professional aspirations and/or educational as-
signment. Deadlines for applications are February 1, May
1 and September 1 of each year. For more information
and an application form go to www.dkgef.org and click on
Professional Development.
The Margaret Able Scholarship Award
Dr. Carol N. Scelza, The Margaret Abel
Scholarship Award Committee Chair
The Margaret Abel Scholarship Award is
planned to be awarded at the Alpha Zeta State
Convention in April of 2014. This scholarship
award is presented to an undergraduate or
graduate student matriculated in a program
preparing her to enter into the profession of
teaching.
An explanatory letter and the brochure, which
includes the application and criteria for the
Margaret Abel Scholarship Award, was sent to
Schools/Department of Education in all Colleg-
es and Universities of the state during the first
week of October 2013. Applications, with all
transcripts and letters of recommendation, are
due back to the chair on December 15, 2013.
The materials will then be scanned or copied
and sent to each chapter’s scholarship commit-
tee chair. A scoring sheet will be attached
along with an explanation of the criteria for the
award. Chairs will rate each application and
determine the top applicants. The committee,
with me, will then meet either in person, or
vote electronically if they cannot attend the
meeting, and determine the finalist. The recipi-
ent will be determined by March 1. The final
award recipient will be notified and will be pre-
pared to come to the Alpha State Convention to
receive her award of $1000.00. Applicants who
are not selected will receive written letters of
notification informing them that they did not
receive the award.
Elizabeth M. Bozearth was the
first president of Alpha Zeta
State. She was the Dean of
Women at Glassboro State
College.
12
BETA CHAPTER:
Luella Vengenock, president
In May, Luella Vengenock attended a "Voices from
the Land" conference in Italy. This Comenius Project
was a week-long visit with teachers and their stu-
dents from Turkey, Spain, Italy, Poland, Latvia, and
Romania. The week was spent visiting the school,
touring Rome, and exploring ideas to use in the
classroom. The environmental project took place in a
local park outside of Rome. Student groups worked
together to create art from gathered materials found
on site, wrote poetry to describe their artwork, and
then performed their poetry on stage for the audi-
ence of students and teachers from the other coun-
tries.
"Voices From The Land" is an environmental project
developed by Erik Mollenhauer at the Education Infor-
mation and Resource Center in Mullica Hill, NJ. Luella
and others work on this project with Erik here in the
US. The Comenius Project is funded through a grant
from the European government encouraging coun-
tries to learn about each other, culturally and educa-
tionally. The common thread binding these students
together is caring for the environment and learning
to speak English. In October, Luella will travel to Po-
land to continue her participation.
GAMMA CHAPTER:
Saula Cutter, president
Gamma congratulates Carol Schwarz, AZS Recording
Secretary and Carmela DeMarco, US Forum Northeast
Region Director on their positions. We are honored to
have them as members.
Gamma has recently instituted a new program,
SPARKS, Special Programs and Rejuvenation Opportu-
nities for Kindred Sisters. These informal activities
are designed by sisters who have any type of activity
to share. Our initial activity was a discussion group
that featured the documentary, Cave of Forgotten
Dreams, an extraordinary look into the Chauvet Cave
in southern France that contains painted images;
some as old as 32,000 years. We are currently plan-
ning a cooking class led by a certified personal chef.
We look forward to many other educational and/or
recreational activities generated by our members.
Gamma Chapter began the year at an event honoring
their Gamma Founders. Membership milestone pins
were distributed. This event also kicked off Gamma’s
year of service by creating educational crafts and
games for children that will fill homemade patient
pouches. These pouches, the brainchild of the T&B
Foundation, are given to children when they come for
treatment to Wills Eye Hospital to fight their neuro-
blastoma cancer. Other membership service events
and celebrations this year will support our Books for
Babies Project and the needs of women and children
supported through Womanspace.
DELTA CHAPTER:
Anne Colin, president
Delta Chapter works with Habitat for Humanity as its
service project. Sisters Clare O’Dea, Megan Bramble,
Heather Chew and Jane Stone attended a house dedi-
cation on July 31st
. The Wakefield family whose mem-
bers are Zack aged 16, Elessa aged 14, Zamar aged
7, and their mother Sharay are the happy new resi-
dents. The next house dedication is tentatively
scheduled for November.
Delta Chapter held its 11th
Annual Beat the Clock
Against Breast Cancer 5K run/2-mile fun walk. This
event supports the fight against breast cancer and
also funds our scholarship. We were lucky enough to
have a beautiful day again this year, filled with the
spirit of cancer survivors and their loved ones cap-
tured in the 150 participants. Treasurer Chris
McMullen reports that, with this year’s donations, the
event will have donated over $82,000 to the fight.
For more on our event see https://sites.google.com/
site/beattheclock5k/home.
EPSILON CHAPTER:
Barbara Henderson, president
Epsilon Chapter has been busy looking for new mem-
bers as well as continuing our chapter projects. At
the September meeting, we collected 54 backpacks
along with boxes and boxes of school supplies, dia-
pers and wipes, and about 12 Mom bags for the
women at the shelters in Warren and Sussex coun-
ties. Their supplies have become depleted and they
were anxious to receive these more than ever this
year.
We are proud to continue our support of a free math
tutoring center in Hackettstown this year. Sister
Kathy Turrisi, a math professor at Centenary College,
AZ STATE CHAPTER NEWS
Gamma Sisters make patient pouches.
13
saw the need and began the program last year. Sev-
eral Epsilon sisters, Kathy’s math students and other
volunteers work together two days a week after
school to help students in need from grades 2-6.
Parents were thrilled with the results and wish to re-
turn this year, bringing along siblings and friends.
We all send a big hello to Janice Sund, our Epsilon
sister who recently moved to NC, but is keeping up
her membership. We hope she is reading this and
feels the love we send her way. We are so proud of
Sue Davis, the recipient of the Linda M. Dix Women
of Distinction Award from Sigma Chapter and Linda
Adams who was named Hamburg Senior Citizen of
the Year.
ETA CHAPTER:
Mary Zaccardi, president
After finishing her term at the NJ Department of Edu-
cation, where she was the creator of both The Bridge
newsletter and the NJ Teacher Advisory Panels,
Jeanne DelColle hit the road to learn more about ed-
ucation. Jeanne, a NEA/Pearson Global Learning Fel-
low, spent two weeks in Brazil with educators from
around the country learning more about the evolu-
tion of an education system that had only been es-
tablished by their constitution in 1988. Then she was
off to Louisville, KY for a National Hope Street Group
conference where she taught the Kentucky State Fel-
lows about teacher engagement and leadership. Af-
ter that, Jeanne helped to run the National Network
of State Teachers of the Year Conference in Minneso-
ta which had attendees including Secretary Arne
Duncan and Charlotte Danielson. Next year's confer-
ence, which DelColle has been named to chair, will
take place in Philadelphia and is open to the public.
Finally, her travels led her to Washington DC for a
week long professional development program about
creating social change and using primary sources.
The fall has not slowed down at all, and a change of
job has meant a change of residence to Ocean City,
NJ. Jeanne is now a part of the administrative staff in
the School of Education at Richard Stockton College
of NJ where she is the Instructional Development and
Strategic Partnerships specialist. She is back in the
classroom teaching future teachers and as part of
her duties as a field placement coordinator, Jeanne is
spearheading a new incentive program for cooperat-
ing teachers to accept a student teacher in the
spring.
Joanne Smith and fellow Burlington Township School
District teacher Ilisa Mosley established a fundraiser
for Melissa, the daughter of former colleague, Mike
Gollnick, who passed away from breast cancer at age
35. On February 14, the entire staff of the Burling-
ton Township School District was encouraged to par-
ticipate in a “Dress Down” day and wear pink in
memory of Melissa. Thanks to overwhelming support
and many generous donations, $2,000.00 was col-
lected. The funds were divided into four $500 schol-
arships for deserving seniors which were presented
in June, 2013.
The Grant in Aid Committee will award a project
enhancement grant up to $1,000 to a woman educa-
tor in Burlington County public schools for a class-
room project which benefits her students and pro-
vides for student participation. Completed applica-
tions are due on or before December 6, 2013. Fur-
ther information may be obtained from Kay Reising
@[email protected] or Mary Zaccardi @ me-
LAMDA CHAPTER:
Kimberly Falcone, president
Dr. Nora Pollard and one of her ETS colleagues have
been accepted to present at two conferences. The
first presentation, Autism Spectrum Disorder and
Reading Comprehension: Finding the Balance for Ac-
commodations in High Stakes Testing, will be given
at the International Dyslexia Association's Annual
Conference in New Orleans in November 2013. In
February 2014, they will be traveling to Anaheim, CA
to present at the Learning Disabilities Association of
America's Annual Conference. The title of this
presentation is Disability Documentation Dilemmas
in Higher Education: What to do about Autism Spec-
trum Disorder (ASD).
NU CHAPTER:
Jane Talmadge, president
For the fourth year, Nu Chapter is working at the
Seneca High School Food Pantry for those who are in
need of a quick pick-me-up or a wholesome din-
ner. Dine for Dollars and Boscov's Day are always a
big hit for Nu Chapter as the money we collect from
these events goes into our Scholarship Fund. Every
spring, we elect to give a scholarship to one student
planning to become (Continued on next page.)
Epsilon sisters filling backpacks.
14
an educator from one of the four high schools in the
Lenape District.
Vicki Shoemaker, Nu Chapter's Dine for Dollars Chair,
is currently the Corresponding Secretary for the Bur-
lington County Retired Teachers' Association. She is
also running for a three year term as a member of the
Tabernacle District Board of Education. We wish Vicki
well.
Ingrid Williams, a retired math teacher, and Amy Gers-
bach, a current math teacher, both from Seneca High
School of the Lenape Regional High School District,
had their proposal accepted for a presentation at the
NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
Conference. They will be presenting "Tactile Trig - A
Hands-on and Technology Focused Approach" at the
NCTM conference in New Orleans April 10-12, 2014.
This is the seventh NCTM conference at which Amy
and Ingrid have had the privilege to do a presenta-
tion. Ingrid had Amy as a student and now they are
collaborating on projects and presentations.
XI CHAPTER:
Shared leadership
Xi Chapter is committed to community outreach and
one way is through volunteering at Gilda’s Club of
South Jersey, a nonprofit organization that offers free
support to those who have been touched by cancer in
some way. They provide activities and programs to all
ages. At our October meeting, Adria Light, the volun-
teer coordinator for Gilda’s Club, provided training
for the members of Xi Chapter. By participating in the
training, we are now able to volunteer in many ways
at Gilda’s and throughout community events spon-
sored by Gilda’s Club. Our chapter has been involved
with the children of Gilda’s, also known as Noogie-
land, for about 1 ½ years. These children have family
members or relatives touched by cancer, or even bat-
tling cancer themselves. Every other month, some of
the sisters go to Gilda’s to play games with the chil-
dren, make crafts, read stories, and sing songs. We
have also helped with Gilda’s summer camp. It is tru-
ly a rewarding experience not only for the children
but for us as well.
PI CHAPTER:
Carol Friedrich, president
In June, we celebrated the 30th
birthday of Pi Chapter.
The book club met in July to discuss our latest “read”
and to enjoy socializing with our sisters. The retired
members of Pi Chapter gathered in August to prepare
gifts of goodies for our working members. This is
always enjoyable for those who prepare the gifts and
for those who receive them on the first day of school.
In October, we hold our fall dinner meeting and look
forward to meeting prospective members who attend
as guests. At this meeting we will also present an
overview of planned activities and the projects we
have selected to support for the coming year. Sever-
al sisters will be participating in the Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer walk on October 27th
. We look
forward to a productive year!
RHO CHAPTER:
Dr. Margaret Niemiec, president
Ella Haver, a noted Hunterdon County educator who is
100 years young, was inducted as an Honorary Mem-
ber of Rho Chapter, during its June 26, 2013 meeting.
(See accompanying article on page 9.)
Cynthia Pope and Pamela Watkinson and Tau sister
Toni Hopcraft participated in “The Infamous Sites of
the Holocaust” tour led by Maude Dahme this past
summer. (See featured article on page 6.)
Rho’s newest chapter project is with The Center for
Great Expectations whose mission is to provide home-
less pregnant women with “a safe place, a safe pres-
ence, and a safe path” to complete a healthy pregnan-
cy and develop the skills to make healthy, informed
choices for themselves and their children. Director
Peg Wright attended our October meeting to share the
history and programs of the center, and answer ques-
tions about how we can help. Donations of materials,
money, and services, as well as opportunities for vol-
unteering are some of the ways Rho sisters can help.
SIGMA CHAPTER:
Elizabeth Procopio, president
AZS-DKG Immediate Past President Roxanne Adinolfi,
Sigma President Betty Procopio, Charlotte Orfe, and
Sky McClain attended the Northeast Regional Confer-
ence in Portland, Maine. Roxanne prepared and offici-
ated at the opening conference ceremony for the
presentation of the flags. She sang a beautiful rendi-
tion of “A Change in Me” from Beauty and the Beast
during the third general session. Charlotte represent-
ed AZS at a workshop with Dr. Lyn Schmid to address
membership initiatives.
Marilyn Weisen was initiated by Roxanne Adinolfi and
Linda Dix on October 2nd
as the first honorary mem-
ber of Sigma Chapter. (See accompanying article on
page 9.)
Our Fall Meeting program highlighted an outstanding
woman of Burlington County NJ- the dedicated and
significant suffragist Alice Paul. We had the oppor-
tunity to tour her home and learn much about this
CHAPTER NEWS— Continued from previous page.
15
amazing woman. Our tour guide at the Alice Paul In-
stitute was our own Sigma sister, Nancy Ireland, who
has been a strong supporter of this historic site for
many years. Her participation has included tour guid-
ing, teaching the fourth grade program, and being a
member of the Advisory Board. Nancy reminded us of
Alice’s courageous work, her successful battle for
voting rights for women, which included several
stints In prison where she was painfully force fed
during hunger strikes, and enlightened us regarding
Alice’s belief in comprehensive equality. Alice wrote
the Equal Rights amendment which ended up just
three states short of the necessary amount for pas-
sage in 1982 and has recently been reintroduced in
Congress. Alice’s home, Paulsdale, was designated as
a National Historic Landmark in 1995 and is on the
NJ Women’s Heritage Trail, the only one of 100 wom-
en’s historic sites in NJ accessible to the public and
offering inspirational programs for young people.
Currently, efforts are being made to grant Alice Paul
the Congressional Medal of Honor. Visiting her
home, seeing and getting a feel for what her life was
like, and appreciating all that she was able to accom-
plish is something we would encourage all our sisters
in NJ to experience, if not in person, then on the offi-
cial website, www.alicepaul.org. Maybe, if you’re
lucky, Nancy Ireland will be your guide!
TAU CHAPTER:
Margaret Anzul, president
During this past year Toni Hopcraft has volunteered
to raise funds for Family Promise of Morris County,
an agency that arranges for shelter for the homeless.
At our May meeting, Toni displayed and offered
items donated by Vera Bradley as a “gift” to those
who chose to contribute to Family Promise. In addi-
tion, this summer Toni joined two members from
Rho Chapter for a tour of Holocaust sites led by AZS
Honorary Member Maud Dahme. (See featured article
on page 6).
One of our newest members, Susan Vigilante, recent-
ly retired after 44 years as a public school teacher,
and has since been active in the Morris County Re-
tired Educator Association. She is currently serving
as Assistant Co-chair for NJREA Government Relations
representing New Jersey’s northern counties. She
states that she is “passionate about public education
and advocating for students and association mem-
bers.”
Roni Tobia served as a substitute tutor at Literacy
Volunteers of Morris County (Tau’s social outreach
project) for five weeks this summer. Her students
were seven women from different countries in South
America who have lived in the U.S. for as little as
three months to as many as seven years, yet all were
considered beginners. Roni commented that this ex-
perience made it very clear to her that the longer a
“newcomer” lived here before deciding to learn Eng-
lish, the more difficult the learning process became.
Overshadowing everything else in Tau Chapter this
fall was the sudden and unanticipated passing of our
chapter president, Kathleen Ginocchio. We would
like to take this opportunity to express our apprecia-
tion to all of the chapters and individual members
who have expressed their condolences to us and to
those who made donations to various Delta Kappa
Gamma funds and causes, either at the chapter or
international level, in Kathy’s memory. (See article
on back page).
Sigma sisters touring the Alice Paul home.
IN MEMORIAM
ETA CHAPTER
Doris G. Bryant
Initiated April 1977
Deceased February 22, 2013
DELTA CHAPTER
Jane Eldredge Vance
Initiated April 1978
Deceased May 1, 2013
ETA CHAPTER
Carol Sue Hickman
Initiated May 1982
Deceased May 27, 2013
PI CHAPTER
Gail Eisenlohr
Initiated April 1984
Deceased April 15, 2013
Carol A. Gleeson
Initiated April 1996
Deceased October 13, 2013
RHO CHAPTER
Mary Elizabeth Young
Initiated April 1969
Deceased February 3, 2013
TAU CHAPTER
Kathleen E. Ginocchio
Initiated April 1989
Deceased September 4, 2013
16
Dates and Deadlines
We’re on the web at:
http://
dkgalphazetastate-
nj.weebly.com
November 2013:
1 – Education Foundation
Professional Development
Seminar application due
1 - CTAUN Best Practices
Award application due
15 - Educational Foundation
applications for $1000
stipend due
15 - Chapter votes for conven-
tion book discussion due
December 2013:
1 - Golden Gift Leadership
Management seminar
application due
15 - Applications for AZS Eliza-
beth Bozearth Scholar-
ship, AZS Professional
Growth Stipend and
Margaret Abel Scholarship
Award due
15 - Chapter membership
chairs submit form 80 to
International and Sharon
Long
January 2014:
4 - State meeting
4 - Description of chapter
items to sell at convention
due
23 - AZS News due
31 - CTAUN conference
April 2014:
4, 5, 6 - AZS State Convention
30 - AZS News due
June 2014:
7 - AZS Chapter Officers’
Training
July 2014:
28 – August 1 - International
Convention, Indianapolis
A White Rose for Sister Kathy Ginoccchio
Kathy Ginocchio, Tau chapter president 2011-
2013, passed away September 3, 2013. Kathy
received her MA in education from Montclair
State and taught as a basic skills teacher in
Madison for many years. She is remembered
for her love of teaching, love of her family, pa-
tience, and sense of humor. She was not only
chapter president of Tau, but an exemplary
Delta Kappa Gamma woman. Kathy held a spe-
cial place in her heart for her daughter Julie,
grandchildren Brooke and Christopher, her stu-
dents, and Delta Kappa Gamma.
She began her DKG journey in 1989 as an Al-
pha initiate. In 2003 she served as a charter
member of Tau and assumed the role of presi-
dent of Tau in 2004-2006. In addition to serv-
ing in key roles of chapter leadership, she at-
tended international conventions and regional
conferences, usually accompanied by Tau sis-
ter Margaret Anzul. Kathy’s warm smile, lead-
ership, and encouraging attitude will be
missed throughout Alpha Zeta State.
Alpha Zeta State News
Official Publication of The
Alpha Zeta State Organization
of The Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International
Jane Tallmadge, Circulation
11 Meadowside Court
Medford, NJ 08055