Regionals Are Just Around the Corner

Dr. Gloria Crumm and I shared our oriental influence during a state convention two years ago. I would not even know Gloria if we had not become involved in the Texas State Organization.

You can take that step this summer by attending your Regional Conference. Meet outstanding women from surrounding states. Share information about what you're doing. Gather ideas to take back to your chapter, to your classroom and to your friends. Hear outstanding speakers. Experience the genuine spiritual fellowship.

It's an exciting event. Once you're hooked, you may want to attend more than one! Treat yourself to some "battery charging." You'll be glad you came.

Spring tulips are blooming in Austin

Tulips outside International Headquarters in Austin are trying to bloom. The weather can't decide if it's winter or spring, and we finally received some much needed rain.

As new life bursts forth in petals and leaves at this time of year, we truly enjoy the sun on our faces and the warmth that surrounds us.

May spring offer you exciting new beginnings or renewed spirit for continuing a challenge.

CTAUN- United Nations Impresses

When Dr. Rita King (NY) took me and International President Carolyn Rants through security to receive our special UN passes, we were impressed that our organization had so much clout. We have five seats on the NGO (Non-Government Organization) committee which allows our representatives entry into the United Nations secure areas (like representatives from various countries). Rita then took us through some her favorite spots in "the city." We had to look in windows at Tiffany, Cartier and other names. St. Peters Cathedral awed us and The Plaza impressed us.

But the main events included meeting with directors of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF and talking about our support of the Afghanistan Teaching Project and attending the CTAUN Conference. Ann Marie Carlson serves as CTAUN chair and also chaired the conference. Impressive speakers fill the day, complete with electronic connections to Africa and Canada. Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, received standing ovations. It was worth the trip and the registration fee!

Newsletters share member successes

Want to feel good about what members of our Society achieve? Read about these outstanding women featured in their state organization newsletters.

Southern Illinois University Foundation named Dr. Charlotte West (Alpha Kappa, IL) as one of its 2008 Inspiring Women. A nationally respected pioneer in women’s in intercollegiate athletics, Dr. West was the first woman member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. She served on the NACDA executive committee and was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. She was also the first Woman Administrator of the Year National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletic Administrators, and first recipient of the Honda Award for outstanding achievement in women’s intercollegiate athletics.

The Nebraska Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently recognized Karen Ricker (Zeta, NE) as Nebraska Outstanding Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. The award honors Ricker for leadership, energy and innovative instruction.

Janice Moen (WA) celebrated the success of her original score We Sing for the Children, performed by the Convention Choir in Chicago and recorded on CD. Both a children’s choir and an adult trio perform the song on the CD, which also has comments from Clay Aikens, Afghanistan teachers and ???. Janice spearheaded production of the song in collaboration with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Rosemary Gerig (honorary member of Gamma Lambda, IN) recently published her first book, ABC of ACD. The children’s book provides a brief history of the classic cars manufactured in Auburn, IN, features Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs.

The University of Dubuque honored Pauline Tobiason Antons (Beta Nu, IA) as an outstanding alumnae. She received the 2008 Service to Community award for demonstrating a clear commitment to serving her community through notable volunteerism, an outstanding act of selflessness, and a demonstrated pattern of service to humanity.

Sally Cauble (Beta Eta honorary member—KS) represents District 5 on the State Board of Education and serves on the Youthville Board of Trustees. Youthville serves children in the state’s foster care system.

Kim Houtz (Alpha Delta—KS) was named the Kansas Outstanding Biology Teacher by the National Association of Biology Teachers. She was invited to an honors luncheon in October in Memphis, Tennessee. Kim was also selected to participate in a Kansas State University research project last summer in the fields of biology, chemistry, nutrition, geology, and kinesiology. The National Science Foundation and Howard Hughes Medical Institute funded the research. KSU plans to create a website of the lesson plans generated by the participants.

Jennifer Stanfield (Beta—KS) has been named the Southwest District Outstanding Elementary Music Educator by the Kansas Music Educators’ Conference.

Glenda Torkelson (Alpha Kappa—KS has been named Ms. Kansas Senior America 2008. Glenda has been the Kansas State Chaplain for the Daughters of the American Revolution. She volunteers in her community, is active in her church, and belongs to many civic and professional organizations.

Read your state organization's newletter to find more outstanding women!

Time with friends in Hawaii ...

9 things to do in 2009

1. Participate in chapter meetings. At a recent Kappa Lambda (TX) meeting, President Shirley Shay reminded members that seeing them was important. She said, “Come late, leave early, just drop in and see us. We know how busy everyone is, and we don’t waste time.” Good idea, Shirley.
2. Volunteer to help with a chapter project. Another set of hands is always appreciated and learning about something new is invigorating. You may even meet a new friend.
3. Submit your name for a state office or to serve on a state committee. Each state organization has a multitude of leadership opportunities. Why not make this the year you meet more members throughout the organization?
4. Attend your state organization convention. Want to be impressed, challenged, excited? Start by attending a state organization meeting. The Society women in your state organization are active in life, engaged in educational pursuits, knowledgeable in numerous areas, friendly mentors for you!
5. Attend your Regional Conference. Take advantage of the training, workshops, and speakers. Meet women from around the world at these venues:
* 9 State Organizations — Europe: Oslo, Norway, August 5-8
* 22 State Organizations — Northeast: Burlington, VT, July 22-25
* 26 State Organizations — Northwest: Portland, OR, July 29- Aug. 1
* 11 State Organizations — Southeast: Little Rock, AR, July 15-18
* 20 State Organizations — Southwest: Reno, NV, July 8-11
When visitors attend varying regions, you have even more diversity. You will enjoy the experience.
6. Take some time for yourself. Active women need time to recharge and refocus. Be kind to yourself, so you can be kind to others.
7. Absorb some culture. Visit a museum or take a tour (maybe in connection with your state convention or Regional Conference). It’s rewarding to learn something new or rekindle an interest.
8. Solve a mystery, find romance or enjoy a good laugh. The Arts are always on stage (screen) for your enjoyment! Or visit your favorite bookstore, download books, borrow a book…read.
9. Meet some future members. Invite someone new to your community to a meeting. Host a faculty snack party or similar function for prospective members. Have a reunion for women who have discontinued their membership.

Which of these can you accomplish right away? What would you add to make the list 10 or 12?

Did time fly? You bet it did!

Kathy Flynn and I celebrate in Chicago.

Members of the 2006-2008 Administrative Board pose before the banquet.

My goal was a weekly posting. It's been six months.
My goal was to lose 10 pounds. That didn't happen either (I'll spare you the details).
My goal was a successful International Convention in Chicago. We worked as a team to make that happen! Thank you, headquarters staff and Illinois members (especially Carol Hughes).
On a personal note, my husband is out of rehabilitation following his stroke in May. In the last eight months he has gone from being in intensive care and unable to move the left side of his body to being very mobile and passing his driving test to get back on the road. Thank you to everyone who said a kind word for us, sent cards or held us in your hearts. We felt the love and are so appreciative.
NOW, I have just finished editor duties for another issue of the NEWS, continue to work with the website, conduct site visits for future events, prepare for committee meetings, followup on committee meetings, answer emails, work with Regional Directors for pre-conference plans, and much more. Jill Foltz and Phyllis Hickey complete this team of HQ Administrators. We combine forces on many projects, which truly improves the results.
FOR THE FUTURE...May your New Year offer you happiness and success. I see it in our Society's future.