Don't Stress your Vocal Chords

Maybe this picture will post better than the last effort.

We can always learn technology and programs and ...

Hope you are stretching your limits and pushing the envelope, so to speak. As educators we are constantly challenging ourselves as well as our students.

A recent article about saving our voices caught my eye. Evidently we stress our vocal chords as much as a professional singer! BUT we don't take as good care of our voices as singers do. Talking over noisy classes to get students' attention... Talking to large groups without microphones... Raising our voices to make a point (all day long) ... And the list goes on.

So think about your voice and take care of it as you work this year. Your health is necessary for you to nurture others; be as nurturing to yourself. Your voice is that of a professional! Add it to your list important tools to have checked regularly.

Hard Hat for whatever may come ...

The scene is Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the 2007 Southwest Regional Conference. Friends decided to have a little party and "roast" me. This hard hat (yes, they make hard hats other than yellow domes!) was among the unique gifts.

Fun and pizza with friends during an excellent regional conference. Who could ask for anything more?

New hairdo means new photo

My mug shot has been updated to show a new hairdo and, yes, glasses! What do you think? Try again? Keep it?

New BSA is here!

Phyllis Hickey began moving into her Busness Services Administrator's office Wednesday, Aug. 15. She has jumped right in as she helped put areas back in order following roof repair and rain damages to our headquarters building.

I am so glad to have her happy personality join our team! We are already enjoying her fresh look at procedures and her suggestions.

Speakers Impress at Regional Conferences

Speakers at all five regional conferences challenged, entertained and impressed participants at each of the Society's conferences. From political to education to health issues -- the topics left members and guests talking, thinking, laughing and discussing. We were fortunate to have such a rich variety of topics and speakers.

We learned about Olympic sites in 2010 and 2012. We learned how women can become an important part of government and government services in all countries. We learned about improving health and improving education. We enjoyed workshop topics in a myriad of areas!

It was an invoragating experience at all five regions. I hope you were among the many members who joined us for pre-conference leadership or seminar sessions. The feedback has been very positive! If you attended a regional, I know you had good experience, because of the glowing comments we have received. The evaluations have been A+.

Regional conferences are a chance to learn and network, without business sessions. (Society business takes place at international conventions in even numbered years.) I was fortunate to meet many members for the first time during the regionals. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing friends. Your friendship is one of the best parts of our Society. Thank you.

Yes, It's Beautiful British Columbia!

Vancouver and the British Columbia are indeed beautiful-- lush and green with huge splashes of wonderful color in varied blooming plants. The pre-conference training and tours have started here on the campus of the University of British Columbia.

Smiles, hugs, and laughter tell us it is a Delta Kappa Gamma meeting. The conversations and topics confirm that we are, indeed, Key Women Educators. Tonight we met with state organization presidents and executive secretaries for the first night of leadership training. Wednesday we will add State Organization Program of Work and Membership chairs, plus editors and treasurers.

Our first general session will be Wednesday night. Wish you were here!

SW, SE Regionals Hold Members Close

Members attending the Southwest Regional Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, enjoyed excellent speakers, interesting workshops, and close friendships. In an atmosphere of caring and nurturing, Southwest Regional members bonded, learned, laughed, and learned.

Our first two regional conferences of the summer have been a tremendous success. Jensi and Lorraine (regional directors) are very proud of these events, especially the steering committees and all the women working to "make it work."

Southeast Regional members saw the real New Orleans-- celebrating and strong. The women of Louisiana have "true grit" and can rise to any occasion. I saw rebirth of damaged buildings and lives. The 11 state organizations of SE created a cookbook to raise funds for the Emergency Fund and are selling it at each regional conference. Log onto the Florida website to order your cookbook if you don't have one yet. We are blessed.