Beta Zeta Buzz, February 2012

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February 2012Volume 20, Issue 5Editor: Jerrie [email protected]

THE DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL

BETA ZETA BUZZMeeting:

Monday, February 27

4:00 p.m. - Social

4:20 p.m.- Meeting

Fbg. Elementary Library

Hostesses:Helen Usener-LeadMargaret BierschwaleEmily BierschwaleAnn PfeifferMarsha PapeSheila Bingham

Tisha Clements

Program: A Visit fromLocal Author, DonnaKetchbaw on her book,Savannahs Choices

Purpose 2: To honorwomen who have given or

who evidence a potentialfor distinctive service inany field of education.

Purpose 7: To inform themembership of current

economic, social, politicaland educational issues so

that they may becomeeffective members of a

world society.

Service: Bring items forthe Boys and Girls Club

Music: All You Need isLove

Beta Zeta website:www.betazeta.weebly.com

State website:www.alphastatetexas.org

International website:www.deltakappagamma.org

Special thanks to CarolynOtto for many of thepictures of members usedin this newsletter.

FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS

Presidents Message

Step into the SpotlightPlease join my friends and me on the red

carpet as we "EXPERIENCE LAS COLINAS!" I REALLYwant YOU to go! The mood will be ELECTRIC as westep out, strike a pose, and take advantage ofevery (photo) opportunity!

The Texas State Convention offersEXCITEMENT, ELEGANCE, ENTERTAINMENT, ENERGY,ENCHANTMENT, and ENLIGHTENMENT this year. Were

going early and staying late so we wont miss anyof the events on the A List -- beginning with

the Wednesday night Soiree and ending with theglitter and glamour of the Founders Banquet. TheOmni Mandalay is the EPITOME of relaxation! Inaddition to the tours, workshops, and breakout

sessions, were taking gondola rides on Lake

Carolyn and enjoying spa services at the renownedMokara Spa! Hopefully, Beta Zeta will shine whenthe awards are presented, and well bring home afew Grammies. Ill have your back as we fight

off the paparazzi at this Delta Kappa Gamma

premier EVENT! Tammy Vitek, President

MISSION STATEMENT

The Delta Kappa Gamm

Society Internation

promotes professionand personal growth

women educators a

excellence in education.VISION STATEMEN

Leading womeducators impactieducation worldwide.

President Tammy winding down hbiennium. Who will leaus next? Check opage 3 to see wanswered the call to bour new officers. We voon Monday and instthem at Founders Day March.

Are you ready to sign up for Convention?If Tammy has convinced you to join the merry group

going to Las Colinas on June 21-23, then sign up here:http://tsoconvention.weebly.com/registration.html. Mail theform by May 7 for the lower price. Tammy and Jerrie havereserved 4 rooms at the luxurious Omni Mandalay for 8members to share. Tell Tammy if you plan to attend andwant to share a room. We will carpool to Irving to keepexpenses down as much as possible. Its always a real treatto get away and have some fun with your DKG sisters.
http://www.betazeta.weebly.com/http://www.betazeta.weebly.com/http://www.alphastatetexas.org/http://www.alphastatetexas.org/http://www.deltakappagamma.org/http://www.deltakappagamma.org/http://tsoconvention.weebly.com/registration.htmlhttp://tsoconvention.weebly.com/registration.htmlhttp://tsoconvention.weebly.com/registration.htmlhttp://www.deltakappagamma.org/http://www.alphastatetexas.org/http://www.betazeta.weebly.com/


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CASA: A Special Kind of Volunteering

.

BETA ZETA BUZZ Page 2Share DKG;

Invite a Prospective NewMember

Have you been thinking ofsomeone who would be a greataddition to Beta Zeta? Invite themto our next meeting!

We would like to add moremembers from middle and highschool, private schools as well asteachers with 5 years experience orless. Besides classroom teachers,other areas can include teachingassistants, college and LVN/RNinstructors, in fact, anyone whoworks in or has retired from the

education field.Approved at the last

international convention, there is nominimum number of years teachingrequired or limit on how long sincea person retired. Forms areavailable from Janet Hext if youhave a new member to nominate.Members will vote on prospectivenew members at the April meeting.

Founders Day 2012Founders Day is ju

around the corner oMonday, March 26

th. We w

install our new officer

celebrate Beta Zetas 77birthday, and honor oufounders.

We will also enjoy a salasupper provided by thhostesses. This is our finfundraiser for the year to funour grant-in-aid, so pleasgive Tisha $7.50 or send her at 306 W. Ufer St. If yocant attend, but want support the grant-in-aprogram, then please givTisha a donation to this fund

Program Chairman, Karen Loeffler, introduced our January speaker,Dianne Oehler, who is the Executive Director of Hill Country CASA, whichstands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Dianne captured our attentionand hearts with information on the special role of these volunteers in helping

the court system keep the best interest of the child in mind when assigningplacement of abused or neglected children.Dianne called the role of the CASA volunteer a very grown-up kind of

volunteering. A CASA volunteer is carefully vetted and trained to give thecourt system vital information about a child who may need a foster careplacement. In an overburdened Child Protective Services system, the CASAfocuses on one child, gathers information by talking to the child, teachers,counselors, etc. and compiling a report to be used by attorneys and judges whomake decisions about the best placement for the child. CASAs fill a vital role toinsure each child gets to live in a home that is safe and nurturing.

Our member, Suzanne Wessels, became a CASA volunteer shortlyafter retiring. Suzanne says, I knew that CASA was always asking forvolunteers, and it seemed like it would fit in with my experience in education. Itis a very worthwhile activity that helps the child that you follow until the case is

resolved. You also get ongoing training. There is a great need as child abuseseems to be increasing. Suzanne urges others to give it a try.

For more information or to apply to be a CASA volunteer, contactDonna Oehler at 830-896-2272 or [email protected]. Visit the state CASAwebsite athttp://www.texascasa.org/.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!February

Tammy Vitek 3Helen Weiss 4

Catherine Davis 17Vondell Jordan-25

March

Andrea Hudson - 23

Where Are They Now?Recognizing the need for great new teachers, Beta Zeta awards a

grant-in-aid of $500 each year to an education student who will student teachduring the coming school year.

Our last 2 grant-in-aid recipients are both employed in the educationfield while waiting for openings as elementary teachers. Our 2010 recipient,Noel Clark, graduated in December 2010 and is a special education teachingassistant at Fredericksburg Middle School. Our 2011 recipient, Kim Baiza,who just graduated in December 2011, is employed as a long-term substitutein Junction ISD. Both ladies are gaining valuable experience in their jobs.Our 2009 recipient, Miranda Bosquez, is in her 2nd year as a specialeducation teacher in San Antonio.

This coming year, there are no Texas Tech at Fredericksburgstudents who will student teach as all the senior students are teachingassistants who are exempt from student teaching and will graduate in August.So we need to look in the broader community for student teachers who areattending colleges away from Fredericksburg. Contact Janet Hext at

[email protected] if you know of a deserving candidate.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.texascasa.org/http://www.texascasa.org/http://www.texascasa.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.texascasa.org/mailto:[email protected]


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Look Whats Coming Up!

BETA ZETA BUZZ Page 3

A Visit withAuthor Donna Ketchbaw

Intrigue, romance, and revenge arewords used to describe Donna Ketchbawsfirst published novel, Savanahs Choices.Donna will talk about her book and

motivation to become a writer at theFebruary meeting. A resident of the HillCountry, Donna grew up in the south, andher first career was as a speechpathologist in area schools. As a youngwoman, she was also a finalist in the MissTexas pageant. Besides writing, shespends her time in her garden and playingwith her grandchildren.

From the Amazon website, here isa description of Savannahs Choices:

Savannah's Choices illustrates how a simple

choice, made without regard for itsconsequences, dramatically changes one

young woman's life. Choices pave our destiny.

If you don't risk anything, you risk

everything. Savannah's choices were born of

terrible pain that hardens her resolve and

makes her determined to survive in spite of it.

That choice,right or wrong, set Savannah ona journey that isexciting, devastating andexhilarating. More than a love story, it also

captures the romanticism and ruggedness of

the southwest, and offers a different view of

the traditionalSouthern woman.

Answering the Call

Six wonderful Beta Zeta ladies answered the call from theNominating Committee and said Yes to serving in an office for thenext two years. They bring years of experience and dedication to ourorganization. We will vote on officers at the February meeting. Theslate of officers to be presented for a vote by the members is:

The new president will appoint the treasurer and parliamentarian.

Need money for education?

State: Texas State DKG has almost $2million in scholarships. The deadline toapply is March 1. Applications are athttp://www.alphastatetexas.org/scholarships.html.

Beta Zeta: Get a $100 scholarship fromBeta Zeta for conferences, workshops andcontinuing ed. Contact Janet at

[email protected] for information.

President: Karen Loeffler is fairly new to DKG,but she wasted no time getting very involved. Sheis currently 1

stVP and has enriched our meetings

with many outstanding programs. She has alsoattended numerous state conventions. She is

always quick to volunteer whenever a need arises.

1st

VP in charge of programs: Helen Usenerhas been a faithful member for 13 years andserved several bienniums as Human Growth andServices Chair. She is responsible for developingour Boys and Girls Club project that is still goingstrong.

2n

VP in charge of yearbook: AndreaHudson, a 10 year member, is currently inthis position and did an outstanding job of

creating a streamlined yearbook that isattractive, efficient, and informative. A formermembership chairman, Andrea is alwayswilling to serve in a leadership role.

Recording Secretary: Beth Luckenbach hasserved DKG as a member for 7 years. Shehas participated in several state conventionsand most recently served as the yearbookchairman in 2008-2010. Efficient andmeticulous, Beth can always be counted onfor her help whenever needed.

Corresponding Secretary: Amy ONeilhas enjoyed membership in DKG for 23years! A loyal member, Amy is alwayswilling to serve, and is currently therecording secretary. Her experience will bean asset to this group of officers.
http://www.alphastatetexas.org/scholarships.htmlhttp://www.alphastatetexas.org/scholarships.htmlmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.alphastatetexas.org/scholarships.html


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BETA ZETA BUZZ Page 4Helping Opportunities for Beta Zeta

Floye, Beth, Leatrice, Jan, Joanne, and Linda show their musical side Janet and Jerrie look overwith rhythm instruments and a lively rendition of Lean on Me. brochures for recruiting new

members.

Thank you forcontinuing to helpthe Boys andGirls Club.Please bringitems to themeeting. Moneyand gift cards arealso greatlyappreciated.

United Through ReadingEach year, a new unifying project is chosen for the state DKG convention.

Last year, members across the state put together Treasure Boxes of goodiesfor chronically ill children in South Texas. Beta Zeta members generouslydonated enough items to fill over 20 shoebox size containers. Hundreds ofboxes were donated from members across the state.

This years project is one surely to elicit the same response. Members areasked to donate new childrens books to be used in the United ThroughReading military project. The books and donated writable DVDs will be usedto allow a separated parent who is serving a deployment to be videoed reading

the book. The DVD is then given to the family of the person to be enjoyedagain and again. Feedback on this program has shown that the DVDs of theparent ease the stress of separation and allow the children to stay connectedto their parent during the long separation.

This award-winning program was started by a teacher in 1989. BettyMohlenbrock experienced firsthand the stress of raising a child while hermilitary doctor husband spent long deployments in Vietnam. She also taughtchildren who struggled with reading. Her vision was to do something to easethe separations and also to encourage reading to and with children in theirhomes. Since that time, over one million families have benefitted from thisprogram. Visit their website for more information and a touching video:http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/. Click on the video under ProgramOverview.

How You Can HelpBring new childrens books tothe next few meetings.Donations for the DVDs andmore books will also beaccepted at meetings or bymail to Tisha Clements at 306W. Ufer St. The memberswho attend the conventionwill take these with them todonate from Beta Zeta.

Putting the Special in Special OlympicsMake plans now to take part as a volunteer in the Special Olympics

meet in Marble Falls on Thursday, Apr. 5. Beta Zetas who volunteered their time toparticipate last year came away with a glad heart and a renewed sense of what is goodin this world. In Texas, the mission of Special Olympics Texas is to provide year-roundtraining and competition in sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, todevelop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in thesharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletesand the community. Sign up to volunteer one day of your time for this special event.
http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/


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The Delta Kappa Gamma Society InternationalBeta Zeta Chapter Minutes

January 23, 2012

The January meeting of Beta Zeta met on January 23, 2012 at Fredericksburg Elementary School.Tammy Vitek called the meeting to order, and Janie Immel presented inspirational lessons for life.

There were 37 members and one guest present. Hostesses were Andrea Hudson, Evelyn

Weinheimer, Karen Loeffler, Floye Burnett, Elena Howard, Jo Dodd and Carolyn Kuhlmann.

CASA: Helping Children in CPS was the program. Karen Loeffler introduced Diane Oehler,Executive Director of Hill Country CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Kerrville. Mrs.Oehler talked about the number of children served in the Hill Country, the role of CASA and itsvolunteers, and how to become a CASA volunteer.

BUSINESS MEETING:The minutes of the November meeting were approved as printed. The treasurers report showed abalance of $1,857.15 in the checking account, and the CD balance of $1,956.93. The report was filedfor audit.

CORRESPONDENCE: Janet Hext read a thank you letter from the Boys and Girls Club.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:Grant-in-Aid/Scholarships: International scholarship applications must be postmarked by

Feb. 1, 2012. State scholarships guidelines and applications are due by March 1, 2012.Personal Growth and Services: The Special Olympics will be held in Marble Falls on April 5,

2012. Jo Dodd is in charge.Legislative: No reportNominations: Delores Klussmann presented nominations for new officers.President - Karen LoefflerVice President in charge of Programs - Helen UsenerVice President in charge of Yearbook - Andrea HudsonRecording Secretary - Beth LuckenbachCorresponding Secretary - Amy ONeil

NEW BUSINESS:The 83

rdTexas State Organization Convention will be held at Las Colinas on June 21 - 23.

Please let Tammy know if you are planning to attend.They are looking for singers and instrumentalists and artists. They are also looking for anyoneinterested in presenting a breakout workshop.

The Unifying Project will be the United Through Reading Program. Members will donatebooks and writable DVDs. Catherine Davis volunteered to purchase the DVDs since they come inlarge quantities, and members can pay her for them. Members can start bringing books to the nextmeeting.

Joanne Davis talked about the fundraiser for the ASTEF Foundation. It will be a week longcruise out of Galveston October 14 - 21. More information is available on the state website.

Retired Teachers association has $500 to donate to classrooms, and a $500scholarship to donate to a relative of a retired teacher.

Helen Weiss has a birthday Feb. 4. She is living at Knopp Retirement Center at 103 E. Trailmoor ifyou would like to visit or send her a card.

Brag box and prize drawings were held, and Lindy Haley led the closing song, Lean on Me.

The next meeting will be Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 at Fredericksburg Elementary School. The programwill be Savannahs Choices, a novel by our speaker, Donna Ketchbaw.

Respectfully submitted, Beth Luckenbach for Amy ONeil, Secretary Tammy Vitek, President

Documents

Beta Zeta Buzz, February 2012