Regional Conferences Inspire

We traveled, we met, we learned, we networked, we shared, we taught, and we were inspired.

Southeast= New Orleans, LA, June 25-30
Southwest= Oklahoma City, OK, July 11-14
Northwest= Vancouver, BC, July 16-21
Northeast= Traverse City, MI, July 23-28
Europe= Strawberry Hill, GB, July 30-Aug. 4

Speakers at each venue were varied, informative and engaging. I learned so many things from how the London mayor's council to improve the number of women in the city's service areas works to how water reacts to sound and surrounding conditions. I met native Americans, heard a jazz trumpeter who has played for Presidents and Popes, learned about a variety of educational issues and solutions, and experienced caring women donating to others.

If you didn't make it to a regional conference, you were missed! We hope to see you in Chicago for the 2008 International Convention, July 22-27, at Hyatt Regency O'Hare.

Fall means initiation for Theta Kappa Chapter

Time flies! And now it seems to have jet engines to help.

It may be in the 90s here but the decorations tell us to think Fall. To me Fall is our chapter banquet and initiation of new members. October 11 my chapter (Theta Kappa) initiated six women, who range from being a relatively new educator to newly retired. They are ready for us to aid, guide, teach and share. These women also have much to contribute, as we learn from each other.

I hope you have initiated new members and are eager to share with them and learn from them. Our diversity and our caring about education give us special connections. I look forward to our opportunities to mentor these new members so they can mentor others.

Another milestone at this banquet were the certificates for years of membership and perfect attendance awards. Perfect attendance gift certificates from local businesses went to nearly 10 members! In these days of after-school programs, car pools and meetings, we are very proud of their dedication.

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.