Found in this issue:

Engage, Equip,

Empower

View from the Barn

We’re the BT Sisters-

50 Years

Trip to Root’s

Ronald McDonald

House

BonTon Community

Days

Little Dresses for

Africa

State Convention

Meeting Checklist

Book Club

It’s a Party!

Where I’m From

Events Calendar

Membership Tea

Websites

May Minutes

Welcome Back!! Our first

meeting will be at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey on Saturday, September 14. Come for a light breakfast at 9:00 and socialize with us all. Our business meeting will begin at 9:30. It would be wonderful to see you all to start the new year.

Our new Alpha Alpha State President, Kay Stuart, has chosen the theme Engage, Equip, and Empower. Those ideas can apply to our own lives, to our chapter events as well as the broader DKG Society. Using them as a guideline, your executive committee has met and planned a year full of ways to become involved (engage), to grow (equip), and to help each one of us to serve and connect (be empowered).

Our kickoff meeting begins that journey. Our social time and our new Yearbook will help us connect. Plan to use it to map out your own year by engaging in as many events as possible. As you do, you will be equipping yourself to live your life more fully. That will empower you to serve. Our program on Saturday will be a synopsis of ideas and lots of pictures gained from the Northeast Regional Convention in Portland, Maine. Four of our members attended and will share their pictures and some stories.

Raw oysters?? Why should you think about attending the next Northeast

Regional Convention (in Baltimore) or the International Convention in Indianapolis,

Indiana? Could you be missing a valuable benefit of belonging to our Society? We

have lots of ideas and are eager to share them with you.

What: September Meeting

Where: Ronald McDonald House community

room

When: Saturday, September 14, 9:00AM

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA 9/9/2013 EDITION 16, VOLUME 1

BETA THETA CHATTA AND NEWS

Here’s hoping that your summer was a truly memorable one, whether it was a special place you visited, or a special person that you hadn’t seen for a while, or that it was relaxing, or even uneventful (which I think may be the best scenario!) I feel that this is the appropriate time to voice my honor and pleasure to serve as President of Beta Theta. This first half of my biennium is over and I am proud of our accomplishments: donating to the new teachers at Steelton-Highspire, giving books to the children at Foose School, our creating the “New Teacher Bags” at State Convention, our involvement with the state committees, the informative programs at our meetings, our involvement with the Ronald McDonald House, the love that we have for each other, visiting in song to the Masonic Viillage in Etown (in honor of our own Margaret), and so much more. I look forward to another year as filled with community involvement and fellowship with each other, trips to special places as well as Broadway. I always fret a little about the writing of these “wisdoms from the President” (?), so I was excited when I ran across the following piece. Yes, the English teachers will love it, but I think all of us will enjoy it as well! I hope you enjoy! No wonder folks have such a difficult time learning our American English.

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is UP. It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends. And we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car. At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special. A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP. When it doesn't rain for a while, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, So........it is time to shut UP! Now it's UP to you what you do with this little expose!

We’re the Beta Theta Singers and we’re thrilled to be with you,

Celebrating 50 years is something we’ve looked forward to!

We’re from Central Pennsylvania, Hershey is where we usually meet,

It is very close to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capitol seat.

Interlude with Kazoos

We stay active with our projects, gathering books for kids to read,

Sewing dresses for girls in Africa is important work indeed!

Music is our love and pleasure, we are singers through and through.

Music keeps us young forever, better than a facelift too!

Interlude with Kazoos

It is fun to get together each year at our Friday Fling,

This year’s special ‘cause we get to play and dance and even sing.

We must take our leave at this point, lest we don’t go by the book.

Finish our song and wish you well before we get the shepherd’s crook.

Ending with Kazoos

SO MANY WAYS!

Make sure you purchase our new 50th Birthday Pin! It was unveiled at the Birthday Celebration

Meeting and will only cost $10!

Remember: This will never happen again!!!

We’re the Beta Theta Singers

(To the tune of “Ode to Joy”)

Sung by the Beta Theta Singers on Friday Night at the State Convention.

Food, Fun, Family... It's a Lancaster County Tradition...since 1925!

Welcome to Root's Market, home of the oldest single family-run country market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. From its humble beginnings as a poultry auction in 1925, Root's Market has evolved over the years to become a piece of Lancaster County heritage offering fresh food, family fun and a wide variety of items for sale.

There's something for everyone at Root's. Every Tuesday, Root's Market features its produce auction as well as fresh meats, deli, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items from over 200 standholders. Shoppers from miles around flock to Root's each week to sample the local cuisine, chat with the standholders and unearth great bargains on everyday items.

For great food, great bargains and a load of family fun, bring your family to Root's this week and experience this Lancaster County tradition for yourself!

At Hershey, PA

Gift Cards for Purchase of Food & Supplies: Giant, Karns Quality Foods, KMart, Sheetz, Turkey Hill, Wal-Mart, Weis, and prepaid long distance telephone cards.

Food Items: Single Serving foods: cereal, microwave foods/entrees, breakfast bars, and healthy snacks; i.e. trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, etc. Pretzels, crackers, toaster pastries, juice boxes, fresh fruit, slice & bake cookies. Non-dairy creamer. Please NO popcorn or gum.

House Supply Items: Corelle “Winter Frost White” dishes, large Tupperware or Rubbermaid food storage containers, disinfectant spray, toilet bowl & bathroom cleaners, high efficiency (HE) laundry detergent, dryer sheets, durable paper towels, napkins, 13-gallon trash bags, resealable or zippered snack and sandwich bags, gallon freezer bags, 13, 19, & 26-watt compact fluorescent bulbs, night lights and bulbs, disposable “to go” containers, disposable gloves, and hair nets.

Hygiene Items: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, body wash, deodorant, shaving cream, etc. Hairbrushes, lip balm, adult toothbrushes & toothpaste, men’s & women’s disposable razors.

Office Items:

1st Class or Forever stamps, 8 ½ x 11” copy paper, Staples or Office Max gift cards.

Toys & Recreational Items:

NEW toys and games for children of all ages (i.e. Barbie dolls, Lego kits, hand-held electronic toys, and infant toys. Coloring books, adult crossword/game books, passes to local attractions, & family DVD’s (G to PG-13 Rating). Please NO Playdoh, chalk, foam stickers or used stuffed animals or toys.

Meals and Baked Goods: Our families are grateful to have meals provided for them. Families, groups of friends, clubs, civic organizations, and church groups prepare meals at the House each day for our families. All meals and baked goods must be prepared commercially or at the Ronald McDonald House®. Please call (717) 533-4001 Ext 158 to schedule a breakfast or dinner for our families.

Cash Donations: For general day-to-day operations of the Hershey

Family Room®. Volunteer: Our Volunteers are vital to our day-to-day operations. Please consider becoming a Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House or the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Contact Pam Vesce at (717) 533-4001 Ext. 158. Gift Registry: www.kohls.com and www.jcpenney.com First name (Ronald) last name (McDonald). Any questions, contact Deb Stegall at (717) 533-4001 Ext 152. Gift Cqrds are also welcome! SERVICES NEEDED: Licensed plumber or deeply discounted labor on plumbing services.

WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT NEW/UNUSED ITEMS AND NON-EXPIRED FOOD PRODUCTS - THANK YOU! For more

information about our organization, or to donate online, please visit our website at: www.rmhc-centralpa.org 745 West

Governor Road Hershey, PA 17033-2304 Phone: (717) 533-4001 © 2012 McDonald’s Rev. 2/20/12

From the Bon-Ton!

November 15 & 16: Community Days

Little Dresses for Africa: Our Contribution

You can make a difference in the life of a child who has

no clothes and very few opportunities.

You can help send her a dress that says, “I know you are

there and I care.”

That says, “It is important to me that you go to school.”

That says, “ You can have a dream and reach for it.”

Join us in the Little Dresses for Africa Project.

Excerpts from President Helms speech in Maine

For me, age has always been relative. Paula Dent, a past northeast regional director, international president, achievement award

winner, etc. says there are five stages to a person’s life. And I quote…

1st

stage is to grow up 2. To fill out 3. To slim down 4. To hold it in 5. To hell with it . That’s Aunt Paula’s words.

Sophie Tucker says,

From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents.

From 18-35 she needs good looks.

From 35-50 she needs a good personality.

And from 55 on, she needs cash!

As a Society, we have the wonderful opportunity, regardless of our age, to make intergenerational connections. We have many

generations represented in DKG. Research shows that people who age well are continually making intergenerational connections. It

is a fact that if you belong to DKG you will live longer.

In our organization we have incredible people of all ages. Everyone in this room is outstanding. You are unique and you have special

skills or knowledge or abilities that others may not. There is no one in this room who is identical to you. You are able to relate to

certain individuals that the others may not be able to.

Beta Theta Celebrates at State Convention!

Nancy T., Donna, Kathy Dunn, Marlene,

Jeannette, Rosemary, and Anna.entertained

at the State Convention. Shirley is hidden, as

she was THE MC!

Wear your pin Bring your Beta Theta Yearbook Bring your book and Mini Pages for Books for Foose Donations for Mary’s Helpers (for Norma) Old State and International Publications Donations for McDonald House Bring your soda can tabs

Like to read? Join the Beta Theta Book Club!

Beta Theta Book Club met Monday, August 5th at Shirley Newhart’s home to discuss Kathleen Grissom’s “Kitchen House”. There were 12 members present and a lively and interesting discussion was enjoyed by all. Refreshments included Strawberry Slushies, wine coolers, cheese and crackers, cookies, brownies & fruit. Our next read will be “Light Between Oceans” by M L Stedman. We will meet on Friday, October 18th at 2:00 pm for fellowship and discussion at

Shirley’s home. Please email Shirley by October 10th if you plan to be present snewhart@comcast.net.

What? Premier Design Jewelry. Proceeds to go to our Grant-in-aide, hosted by Suzanne

Where? Donna’s house

When? Oct. 24 (Thursday) @ 6:30 pm

For a preview, go to http://pinterest.com/cindystuart/premier-designs-jewelry-january-2013-spring-line/

Checklist for the September 14 Meeting:

Have you completed yours yet? So far, the following ladies have shared theirs at a Beta Theta

meeting. Who will share their poem on May 11? Please contact Donna so she can plan for your

addition to the agenda!

Norma, Merle, Helen, Rosemary, Jeannette, Marcy, Donna

Did I miss your name? Then I don’t have a copy of your poem for the scrapbook.

This will be cool way for us to leave our legacy, please get yours done now! Go to

http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html for more info.

If you need the template, here it is:

The WHERE I'M FROM Template

I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______.

I am from the _______ (home description... adjective, adjective, sensory detail).

I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail)

I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name).

I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one).

From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another).

I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description.

I'm from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family).

From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member).

I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth

Remember our “Where I’m From” Project?

First Meeting of our 51st Year @R. McDonald House: Sept 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Oct. 1: On the Road Again Trip to Root’s

Oct. 13th: Membership Tea @ Hummelstown Historical Society

Oct. 24th: Premier Jewelry Party hosted by Suzanne & Donna to benefit Beta

Theta Grant-in-aide

Nov. 9: Business Meeting @ R. McDonald House: Our guest speaker is Mrs. Joann Lewis of the National Park

Service: Famous female educator during the Battle of Gettysburg

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

3:00 PM TO 5:00 PM

HUMMELSTOWN, HISTORIC PARRISH HOUSE

If each of you could bring one prospective member to this lovely and informational afternoon, we could,

once again add more sisters to our Chapter!

EVENTS TO MARK IN YOUR CALENDARS!!!

MEMBERSHIP GET AQUAINTED TEA

BETA THETA WEB SITE

http://betathetaharrisburg.weebly.com

ALPHA ALPHA STATE WEBSITE

http://www.alphaalphapa.com

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE

http://www.dkg.org

The May meeting of Beta Theta was held at the Ronald McDonald House Community Room in Hershey, PA. Nineteen members attended along with our Grant- in- Aide recipient, Lauren Denk, her parents, and our visiting State President Louann Shrader. Hostesses for our 50th Birthday meeting were Sue Dempniak, Kathy Woodbridge and Donna Winch. The ladies served a beautiful “Birthday Cake” for our celebration meeting. Vice President Norma Mateer called the meeting to order at 9:28 a.m. President Donna Winch (Portraying Mrs. Louise Harris, the first president of Beta Theta) read from Mrs. Harris’ original notes. We had a glimpse into the early years of our chapter when it was founded in 1964. Recording Secretary Kathy Dunn noted that the minutes were printed in the newsletter and on the web site. Hearing no additions or corrections, the minutes were approved. Treasurer Nancy Thompson provided a written report noting that the balance reflected the money collected for the June 26, 2013 New York trip. The report was filed for financial review. President Donna Winch presented Lauren Denk, our Grant-in-Aide recipient, a check for $500 from the organization.

Sharing of visions, “Where I’m From,” was Marlene Popnik. Delta Kappa Gamma “Queen for the Day,” was Stephany Davidson

Committee Reports

WEBSITES TO KNOW & REMEMBER

Delta Kappa Gamma

Alpha Alpha State, Pennsylvania

Beta Theta Chapter Minutes –

May 11, 2013

Membership – Co-Chairs Marcy Sharpe and Anna McDonald--Marcy handed out forms to update our personal information. She is asking that we complete them and return them to the committee as soon as possible. Ways and Means – Marlene Popnik handled the 50/50 drawing -- Sandy Estrada won $35.50. Rosemary Ruhl was promoting the 50-year pins at a cost of $10 each. Nancy Thompson noted that all the money for the New York trip has been collected and there is a profit on the event. Newsletter/ Web Site – Kathy Woodbridge presented a brief Power Point program showing our Web site. This is the web

site address http:/betathetaharrisburg.weebly.com Scrapbooks - Sue Dempniak is scanning scrapbooks of past presidents so that information can easily be accessed and stored for future Beta Theta members.

Unfinished Business: Community Service Projects: Books for Foose Elementary – Shirley Uhazie will take the books brought to the meeting today to Sue Bay. Sue will continue to take them for the reading program at the Elementary School. McDonald House Contributions – Today’s donations were placed on the shelves in the back of the room. Dresses for Africa – Many of the dresses were completed at our cottage meetings. Nancy Thompson contributed her dresses today. We are well on our way to completing the project. Literacy Grant for Reading Night in Steelton – Norma Mateer, Marlene Popnick, Donna Winch, along with new members to the committee, Marcy Sharpe and Jeannette Thomas, will be actively working on securing Grants for the project.

New Business: Book Club – After traveling to Boonsboro and finishing the Boonsboro Trilogy, the book club is now reading “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom. The next meeting will be August 5, 2013, at Shirley Newhart’s home. State Convention – We will be honored as a “Birthday Chapter” at the June 14-16, 2013, State Convention. Friday evening we will be performing a musical selection. We will also be helping Rosemary with the banquet center pieces that evening. Saturday we will be processing as a group into the General Session. Donna is encouraging as many members as possible to attend on Saturday and stay for the luncheon. Seven ladies are attending The State Convention; a stipend of $30 toward registration will be given to each attending member. Presentation of the New Budget – Shirley Uhazie presented next year’s proposed budget. After a brief discussion, Shirley made a motion to pass the proposed budget. It was seconded by Marlene Popnick; the budget was passed. Nomination Committee – New ladies are needed to complete this committee. Sue Bay and Janice Butz have agreed to serve on the committee. Guest Speaker State President – After Louann Scrader’s inspirational message, Louann was presented with a lovely picture of a labyrinth (belonging to one of our own members) with the words to a song that holds a special meaning to her. We were honored to have her with us for our 50th Birthday Party and Meeting. Adjournment – Following the singing of the DKG song, the meeting was adjourned by President Donna Winch at 11:05 a.m. Respectfully Submitted Kathy R. Dunn, Recording Secretary