July - Mu Chapter
Mu Chapter strives to present programs that support our seven principals while sharing joy and camaraderie. As we plan each year, we ask members for ideas as to how we can best continue to serve their needs and those of our community.
Our year began in September with our annual Pot Luck Supper and Book Talk. We are an avid reading group and our book list proves it. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with friends and catch up on all the news.
In November, Mu welcomed representatives from the Salvation Army’s The Bloom Initiative. Krystal Ambrozaitis, Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Salvation Army and Samantha Binci, her associate, discussed human trafficking here in Connecticut. They shared information about the important work the agency does to serve victims and survivors. Mu Chapter donated all toiletries collected that evening and also sent a monetary donation in appreciation of their presentation and outreach.
Each year Mu donates a holiday wreath to the Festival of Trees at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This year, ours was contributed by the efforts of members Alberta Culley, Nancy Methot, and our president, Carolyn Hallifax. They spent a wonderful afternoon collaborating and their effort resulted in a substantial monetary contribution to the Festival. This year, Mu was also able to donate to the Emergency Fund of DKG Society International, the Henry Barnard Memorial Fund, the Interval House of Hartford, and a git card to White Flower Farm for the AKS Spring meeting raffle.
Our year began in September with our annual Pot Luck Supper and Book Talk. We are an avid reading group and our book list proves it. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with friends and catch up on all the news.
In November, Mu welcomed representatives from the Salvation Army’s The Bloom Initiative. Krystal Ambrozaitis, Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator for the Salvation Army and Samantha Binci, her associate, discussed human trafficking here in Connecticut. They shared information about the important work the agency does to serve victims and survivors. Mu Chapter donated all toiletries collected that evening and also sent a monetary donation in appreciation of their presentation and outreach.
Each year Mu donates a holiday wreath to the Festival of Trees at the Wadsworth Atheneum. This year, ours was contributed by the efforts of members Alberta Culley, Nancy Methot, and our president, Carolyn Hallifax. They spent a wonderful afternoon collaborating and their effort resulted in a substantial monetary contribution to the Festival. This year, Mu was also able to donate to the Emergency Fund of DKG Society International, the Henry Barnard Memorial Fund, the Interval House of Hartford, and a git card to White Flower Farm for the AKS Spring meeting raffle.
Our year always ends with our Books for Babieswrapping party. This year, on June 21, thirteen members met at the home of Pam Beach to wrap 1336 books (!) then enjoyed a well-deserved pot luck lunch. Pam and Jan Schley delivered the books to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at The Hospital of Central Connecticut tobe given to parents of newborns to encourage literacy with children starting at an early age. This is truly a labor of love in honor of Bev Kibbe. What a fitting and beautiful end to our year.
Scholarship Chair, Sally Swanson, awarded Mu’s annual $1,000 Scholarship Grant to Natalia Gallagher. And, after a moving tribute to Bev by Shelley Lloyd, our newly created $1000 Scholarship was presented to Madelyn Wilson, by Bev’s husband, Martin. Both Natalia and Madelyn are excellent students with impressive resumes who will pursue careers in teaching. It was a poignant and rewarding evening for Mu as we promoted the future of education and passed on the legacy to these wonderfully qualified and inspiring young people.
|
Bev Kibbe, a 25-year member, originated and chaired our Books for Babies program and left a legacy of activism for young children and their literacy development. Mu continues this important work and created a newly designated grant in her honor, to be given to a high school senior planning to major in education.
Our March program focused on Tai Chi and was introduced by member Linda Smardin. Instructor LeLap Le of Farmington, who leads a beginner class as well as a Qigong class at the Farmington Community and Senior Center, explained the art form, discussed the benefits of Tai Chi, led our group in some signature moves, and gave an impressive demonstration of a full form of Tai Chi.
|
June - Iota Chapter
May - ETA Chapter
Jean McLean, Eta Chapter
Jean was a lifelong resident of Old Lyme. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, she spent her career teaching elementary school, briefly in Old Lyme and then for many years in the East Lyme School District.
She was the kind of member any chapter would love to have, always cheerful, kind, helpful and sincere. She possessed the qualities for which every teacher strives. Jean was a member of Eta Chapter for 44 years. She may have only missed four meetings in the last 10 years. When speaking to her, you knew she was a devoted and caring teacher.
After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and going for daily walks. She was active at the Lymes’ Senior Center and enjoyed a variety of activities there, especially her painting classes. She was a member of the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church and a dedicated volunteer at its annual White Elephant Sale. She was also a longtime league bowler. Jean loved to remember friends and family with cards and gifts on holidays and special occasions and was always devoted to the care and well-being of her cats. She was quite proud of her Irish heritage and kept in touch with family in Ireland and around the U.S.
Jean was a lifelong resident of Old Lyme. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, she spent her career teaching elementary school, briefly in Old Lyme and then for many years in the East Lyme School District.
She was the kind of member any chapter would love to have, always cheerful, kind, helpful and sincere. She possessed the qualities for which every teacher strives. Jean was a member of Eta Chapter for 44 years. She may have only missed four meetings in the last 10 years. When speaking to her, you knew she was a devoted and caring teacher.
After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and going for daily walks. She was active at the Lymes’ Senior Center and enjoyed a variety of activities there, especially her painting classes. She was a member of the Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congregational Church and a dedicated volunteer at its annual White Elephant Sale. She was also a longtime league bowler. Jean loved to remember friends and family with cards and gifts on holidays and special occasions and was always devoted to the care and well-being of her cats. She was quite proud of her Irish heritage and kept in touch with family in Ireland and around the U.S.
April - Epsilon Chapter
According to Epsilon’s 50-year anniversary, her charter date was May 18, 1946. She became the fifth charter in Alpha Kappa State and Grayce Long was named the first president at the YWCA in Hartford, Connecticut.
It was noted throughout our history books that in 1957 Epsilon had a baby and they named it Mu Chapter. As Epsilon grew, she had a second baby and named it Upsilon Chapter.
Epsilon is looking forward to celebrating Alpha Kappa State’s 80th Birthday and my 70th birthday on May 4, 2019
It was noted throughout our history books that in 1957 Epsilon had a baby and they named it Mu Chapter. As Epsilon grew, she had a second baby and named it Upsilon Chapter.
Epsilon is looking forward to celebrating Alpha Kappa State’s 80th Birthday and my 70th birthday on May 4, 2019
Janie D. Pertillar
|
Dr. Yvonne Francis
|
Dr. Kate Dougherty
|
March - Delta Chapter
Delta Chapter met at Fairview Farm in Harwinton for the annual Holiday Brunch and basket fundraiser on December 1st. $400 was raised from the basket raffle to support the chapter’s Book Grant of $1,000 given each year to an area high school student pursuing a career in education. Happy Bucks are collected by Christine Comeau at each meeting when members share their good news and make a donation. At the December meeting it was agreed to donate the money to Are You Dense, Inc., an organization which advocates for women’s healthcare.
|
February - Beta ChapterDr. Linda S. Paslov, president of Beta Chapter, is currently Director of the Sixth Year (Certificate of Advanced Studies) and Hybrid/online EdD Programs in Educational Leadership, and Assistant Professor at the University of Bridgeport’s Graduate School of Education.
At Beta Chapter's first meeting this year, President Dr. Linda Paslov presented two goals: 1) to nurture and grow the chapter by reaching out to the excellent educators outside of the typical membership ranks, i.e. college professors, vocational teachers and leaders at the 9-12 and post high school levels and 2) to encourage members to share their talents with their fellow DKG members around the world through submissions to the DKG Fine Arts Gallery; Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin International Journal for Professional Educators and/or The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: Collegial Exchange. Modeling her second goal, Linda had her article titled Intervening "Mean" in 2018 published in the Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: Collegial Exchange and two poems in the DKG Fine Arts Gallery. Her poems are to the right and click here to read her article at DKG.org or download the pdf version here. |
My Family's Tradition By Linda S. Paslov,CT © The paper was discolored, the penmanship sublime. The sentiment was scripted, to last for all of time. The words were writ in stanzas – I stopped to take it in: My grandma was a poet! This finding made me grin. The storyline was common; the subject was her beau. It told of love and yearning, in days so long ago. Her suitor was my Grandpa, and Blondie he was called. She’d promised to revere him, assuredly enthralled. A tear slid down my cheekbone - inherited from her – My misty-eyed remembrance just rendered all a blur. I pulled myself together, and felt a sudden calm, As I recalled this passion for rhyming in my Mom. Magnolia was her nickname, bestowed on her by Dad; The tales she scrawled in meter so clearly made her glad. She tucked her handmade treasures, into her topmost drawer Resolved to pull them out ’non to read aloud once more. Can rhyming be genetic? A gift from God above? (Traditions bloom from talents we cultivate with love.) I pose this for a reason, as I reflect on it: I long to craft my musings in cadence rich with wit. My daughters flaunt this genius: this aptitude for verse, Agreed that its attraction, quite borders on perverse. Requiring little effort, for us to think in rhyme, It makes us smile to share it, which we do all the time. |
January - ALPHA CHAPTER
Dr. Linnea Stenberg (President of Alpha Chapter) presented Tips for Finfing a Fullfilling Balance of Retirement Activities at our Fall Conference in November. This breakout session guided us in evaluating our priorities and activities during retirement. We ranked our priorities and then looked at how often we participated in them. We realized there are many areas we can explore – from family, social and volunteer activities to learning and spiritual pursuits. Look at what you are passionate about, and the possibilities could be endless! Linnea pointed out it is also important to put unscheduled time on the calendar and to review your priorities periodically. We looked at nine characteristics of those having a positive retirement – from being sociable and active to being forward-looking, independent, civic-minded and choosing to be continuing learners. Most valuable is the gift of time and freedom to pursue whatever our interests may be. |
December - ZETA CHAPTER
Rita Landino Ph.D., Zeta Chapter, was recently honored for her generous contribution to the newly created Remembrance Garden at Southern CT State University which honors four alumnae educators killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her contribution enabled the creation of a beautiful circular wooden sculpture in the center of the garden designed by alumna Carlene Barnes as a tribute to the women.
Rita is a retired English Professor and Counselor at SCSU. She has worked tirelessly throughout her career to support women's causes at the University, in the surrounding community and through Delta Kappa Gamma projects around the world. Check out the article "A SPACE for Healing" by Natalie Missakian in the Summer 2018 Edition of Southern Alumni Magazine. (click on the picture to read the full article) |
November Spotlight: Tau-Upsilon
In October members gathered for an olive oil tasting and presentation at Lisa Hudkins’ home. The presenter was Maria Story. Maria and Lisa attended this same presentation while in Tuscany two years ago! This was followed by a typical Italian dinner and Italian wines.
November 10th was be the Holiday Fair at the Litchfield Fire House. Sue Carpenter has been setting up this fair for the past few years. The proceeds from this event will fund the chapter’s annual high school scholarships. So mark your calendars and come over to Litchfield for some great holiday finds and delicious food!
The December meeting will find members at the Curling Club in Norfolk, where they will even get to watch a curling match! This will also be the Holiday Gathering where items are collected to support the local Susan B. Anthony Project. Thanks go to Holly Torrant for arranging this.
For the April meeting members will travel to Washington, CT, to visit the Hickory Stick Book Store. There will be a presentation on the top books for educators and for reading in general. Members will then go next door to the “GW” for dinner. Thanks go to Sue Carpenter and Holly Torrant for arranging this fun evening.
November 10th was be the Holiday Fair at the Litchfield Fire House. Sue Carpenter has been setting up this fair for the past few years. The proceeds from this event will fund the chapter’s annual high school scholarships. So mark your calendars and come over to Litchfield for some great holiday finds and delicious food!
The December meeting will find members at the Curling Club in Norfolk, where they will even get to watch a curling match! This will also be the Holiday Gathering where items are collected to support the local Susan B. Anthony Project. Thanks go to Holly Torrant for arranging this.
For the April meeting members will travel to Washington, CT, to visit the Hickory Stick Book Store. There will be a presentation on the top books for educators and for reading in general. Members will then go next door to the “GW” for dinner. Thanks go to Sue Carpenter and Holly Torrant for arranging this fun evening.
October Spotlight: THETA CHAPTER
2018-2020 President, Marie Desautels
Outgoing Theta President Ann Grosjean announced at the June 6th banquet that three Theta members Sheila Clark, Sharon Bartlett and Millie Ramsey were recognized for contributing above and beyond to the chapter and were awarded the Theta Achievement Award. Theta appreciates all that these women have done for the chapter.
On June 18th, the annual Spring Fling was held at Journey House. Jill Hill coordinated the making of bead bracelets. Gifts, generously donated by Theta members, were also distributed to the girls for their summertime enjoyment. Sharon Bartlett and Ann Chuk were among the other Theta members that helped out. Theta's planning meeting was held on June 29th at Janice McKusick's home. Many executive board members set Theta's focus and programs for 2018- 2019. Plans are to continue to work together to help others and to support our own members. August 23rd was the date of Theta's welcome back picnic at Sharon Bartlett's home. Incoming President Marie Desautels welcomed over 20 members to relax and enjoy a summer afternoon together. After all partook of a bountiful potluck meal, members met to discuss the upcoming activities for this exciting year. At the first regular meeting on September 26th, members designed cards for hospitalized children and note cards for seniors. |
September: RHO CHAPTER2018-2020 President, Margaret Festi
The Rho Chapter of AKS is looking forward to a year of dynamic programs! Two of our long-time members, Jackie Abbott and Dottie Shackway, are chairing our programs committee and will focus on organizing venues, refreshments, and activities for our calendar of meetings. Many thanks to these dedicated ladies and our committed Rho members!
Our Chapter will be focusing heavily on the historic connections between the art of quilting and the underground railroad. One of our fall meetings will be dedicated to a presentation by experienced artisan, Beverly Russo, on the underground railroad and quilts. Continuing this theme, our winter book discussion will integrate children's' books and novels on the same topic. In the spring, we will meet for a technology presentation by talented fourth grade teacher and Rho member, Shannon Piatek, followed by a quilting craft project. We're looking forward to an exciting year as we celebrate our 40th Chapter Anniversary in 2019! |
August: OMICRON CHAPTER2018-2020 President - Helen ScullyWe are a small but growing chapter, comprised mainly of educators from the lower Naugatuck valley. When we have new members we like to do a get to know you activity such as the one shown in the picture to the left.
Our first event of the year will be a chapter social where we will welcome educators interested in joining our organization. Throughout the year our meetings focus on various community service and outreach projects. Member Focus: Pat Chaghatzbanian, 30-year Omicron member, continues to serve the children of the state through her donations of handmade afghans. In addition to donations to area hospitals, Pat recently sent 10 of her creations to the patients at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Pat and Judie Joss have been combining efforts, talents and well-wishes in the name of Omicron Chapter by sending hand-knit and crocheted afghans and hats to patients in New Haven and the valley. Pat and Judy co-chair Omicron’s Community Outreach Committee. |
Website Chapter Spotlight Submission Info
Each month our state website will spotlight the great things that are being done on the chapter level.
Submission Ideas: chapter projects, programs, scholarship and grant recipients, member spotlight, fun facts about current or past members, pictures of events or meetings.
August 2018 - Omicron
September 2018 - Rho
October 2018 - Theta
November 2018 - Tau-Upsilon
December 2018 - Zeta
January 2019 - Alpha
February 2019 - Beta
March 2019 - Delta
April 2019 - Epsilon
May 2019 - Eta
June 2019 - Iota
July 2019 - Lambda
August 2019 - Mu
September 2019 - Nu
Submission Ideas: chapter projects, programs, scholarship and grant recipients, member spotlight, fun facts about current or past members, pictures of events or meetings.
August 2018 - Omicron
September 2018 - Rho
October 2018 - Theta
November 2018 - Tau-Upsilon
December 2018 - Zeta
January 2019 - Alpha
February 2019 - Beta
March 2019 - Delta
April 2019 - Epsilon
May 2019 - Eta
June 2019 - Iota
July 2019 - Lambda
August 2019 - Mu
September 2019 - Nu