VOLUME 58, NUMBER 3 • JUNE 2009

Omicron StateCommittees

A note from president-electJudy Strohmeyer

Thank you to all of Omicron’s DreamCatchers. Seventy-two members signed upfor state committees while at the stateconvention.

Did you know that in addition to over 20committee chairmen, an additional 120 areneeded to sustain these committees? At thistime there are still 23 openings for membersseeking personal growth and excellence in

Judy StrohmeyerElected Omicron State

PresidentOmicron State officers for the 2009-2011

biennium were elected at the 67th OmicronState Convention:

PresidentJudy Strohmeyer (Mu)

First Vice-PresidentJudy Vinson (Alpha)

Second Vice-PresidentJanet Vickers (Omega)

Recording SecretaryRachel Wear (Alpha Rho)

Corresponding SecretaryAlice Reule (Alpha Delta)

Nominations CommitteeArea I

Janet Fish (Alpha Eta)Area II

Marge Threewit (Alpha Beta)Area III

Terri Ackland (Zeta)Area IV

Janis Parks (Xi)Area V

Phyllis Sue Sword (Epsilon)

President-elect Jody Strohmeyer (Mu)

Omicron StateDues Increase

Effective2010 – 2011

Active Dues - $25.00 Reserve Dues - $10.00

Achievement Award Winner Joan MeighanJoan Meighan (Beta) received the Omicron State Achievement

Award at the convention’s Rose Banquet. A thirty-three year mem-ber of Delta Kappa Gamma, Joan has actively served her chapter,Omicron State, and International. Her nominator wrote that she is“…a wonderfully talented and colorful woman, who develops learn-ing through joyous experiences, yet is the epitome of a leader.”

Joan has served her chapter in all offices with additional work aschair and member of chapter committees, and has numerous pro-gram presentations to her credit.

At the state level, she has served on convention committees. Shehas presented workshops, and has participated actively in decora-tion committees and Women in the Arts displays. She has attendedregional conferences and international conventions. She served as

the president of the Phoenix Area Coordinating Council.Now retired, Joan continues to return to her former school district where her experience in

Early Childhood and K-8 education makes her a sought-after substitute teacher. She continuesto be active in her church, where she has taught Sunday School, assisted at the food bank, andstill helps to assemble the church newsletter. She also has the distinction of being half of anOmicron State mother-daughter team.

Terri Ackland (Alpha Zeta), ChairmanAchievement Award Committee

Joan Meighan (Beta) received the 2009Omicron State Achievement Award

education in Omicron State. To join theDream-Catcher visionaries contact JudyStrohmeyer at judysretreat@aol.com. Do itnow so you won’t be saying, “I could havebeen part of the change I want for Delta KappaGamma.”

We are especially in need of members fromTucson and the out-lying chapters.

Judy Strohmeyer (Mu)

2 Committee News

It is hard to believethat the State Conventionis over and a part of thepast. I want to thank eachand every one who tookthe time to come and bea part of the 2009 StateConvention.

The Workshops hadgood reviews. The GeneralSession, Luncheon, Ban-

quet, and Lei of Friendship Breakfast also hadpositive comments. We were told that thehotel served too much food. However, thefood was delicious. All in all, the conventionwas a success.

The international guest, Carolyn Pittman,from Little Rock, Arkansas, was a delight. Shefit in with the Arizonans just fine. Her wit,humor, and the wisdom she shared with uswas enjoyable. Once you met her you felt youhad known her forever.

Carolyn serves on the International Ad-ministrative Board as a member-at-large. Aspecial thank you to past state presidentDonna Reynolds (Epsilon), who served ashostess to Carolyn while she attended theconvention.

If you have not signed up for the South-west Regional in Reno, Nevada, you need todo so right away. All the registration forms,tours, and hotel information can be found onthe Delta Kappa Gamma website(deltakappagamma.net). The Thursday nightArizona dinner will be filled with fun and a chanceto meet with our friends from Costa Rica andfellow Arizonans. Come join us in Reno.

Nominations CommitteeThe Omicron State Nominations Commit-

tee presented the slate of nominated Omi-cron State officers for the 2009-2011 bien-nium at the General Session meeting at thestate convention. Nominations were re-quested from the floor. There were none,and the slate was accepted as presented.

This is an important part of the demo-cratic process followed in the governing andconducting of business in Delta Kappa Gamma.Each and every member has the opportunityto nominate and vote for officers at all levelsof the Society. All that is required is to be reg-istered at the respective meeting (chapter,state, or international), be a member of thatchapter or state, and to vote.

Likewise, every member has the opportu-nity to nominate someone to an office at all

Leadership CommitteeThe Omicron State Leadership Commit-

tee held a one-hour workshop at the Omi-cron State Convention as a follow-up to thefive-hour leadership training for chapterpresidents given last spring.

Most of the state’s thirty-three chapterpresidents were in attendance. Informationwas presented concerning the annual andbiennial reports that will be due next Febru-ary1. Presidents shared ideas about Collabo-rative Connections, how to help memberswith dues, how to increase attendance atmeetings, membership, programs andprojects, successes, and solutions to problems.

The presidents expressed serious concernfor what is happening to so many teachers –being laid off due to cuts in education funding.They asked if the committee could help draft apetition or letter to the state legislature fromthe members of Omicron State that would ex-press our concern and ask for increased legis-lative support for education funding.

We have spoken to the state legislativechairman and are attempting to initiate anaction for the state members.

Jan Rosenberg (Nu), ChairmanOmicron State leadership Development Committee

A Note fromPresident-Elect Judy...

As an explorer, I have a passion for traveland for meeting outstanding educatorsthroughout the world.

Now a new honor and challenge are aheadof me, but I know with your support the nexttwo years are going to be filled with manychanges that will enrich and strengthen ourSociety.

It is one of my goals to involve the manymembers who have not had an opportunityto share their talents and dreams with us.

Starting in July, watch for current newshot off the Coyote Press, for now Dream,Imagine, Believe, and Succeed. I have D.I.B.S.on all of you . . . to create a bright future forOmicron State through your participation. Mydreams for you include Project Costa Rica andThe Creative Arts Retreat. Join the DreamCatchers and come on board as we begin thenew biennium. Share your ideas for pro-grams, speakers, and locations. Our future isin our dreams.

Judy Strohmeyer (Mu), 2009-2011 President-electOmicron State

Walk The Talk With Dena

Dena Martin (Zeta)Omicron State President

Friend of EducationThe Legislative Committee has selected

Representative David Schapira as the 2009Friend of Education. He was nominated bytwo chapters, Alpha Alpha and Chi, as a strongadvocate of education.

Mr. Schapira was the youngest member ofthe legislature, just 26 years old, when hewas elected to represent District 17.

The Valley native resides in Tempe withhis wife, who is a teacher. Schapira is a formerhigh school math teacher, a political activist,and a small business owner. In addition, com-munity service is a large part of his life, in-cluding work with the American Cancer Soci-ety as staff and volunteer, himself a cancersurvivor.

His focus in the Legislature is the educa-tion of Arizona’s children. In January hestated, “I think that we don’t solve the state’sdeficit on the backs of students.”

Representative Schapira was named Leg-islator of the Year for 2007 by the ArizonaStudent Association. He was also named oneof the six Lawmakers Who Make A Differenceand one of the five Emerging Leaders WorthWatching by the Arizona Republic.

Kathi Houtcooper, ChairmanLegislative Committee

levels and every member has the opportu-nity to run for an office. True, there are somerequirements of prior service/experience tothe Society at the state and international lev-els but these are not difficult to meet, espe-cially at the state level.

Every one is encouraged to become involved.Jan Rosenberg (Nu), Chairman

Omicron State Nominations Committee

Arizona Legislator David Schapira receives the “Legislator of the Year”award from Omicron State Legislative Committee Chairman Kathi

Houtcooper (Alpha Iota).

3Convention NewsReception andEntertainment

The highlight of the Fridayevening reception and enter-tainment was listening to andsinging along with the Old TimeHits presented by “One A’Chord.” Alpha Delta’s Dr. NancyNoll emceed and sang with thegroup. They also entertainedwith several Rock and Roll num-bers that were popular in that era.

Omicron State President Dena Martin (AlphaZeta) introduced international representativeCarolyn Pittman, member-at-large on theInternational Administrative Board.

After the music, refreshments and social-izing completed a delightful evening.

Liz Tataseo (Alpha Delta)

At the 2009 Omicron State Convention, theScholarship Committee announced the winnersof three Omicron State $1,000 scholarships.

Sandra Chemsak (Alpha Iota) has beenawarded the Dr. Irma Wilson Omicron StateScholarship. Sandra teaches in the PeoriaUnified School District. She plans to continuestudies in Administrative Leadership at A.S.U.West and desires to become an Assistant Spe-cial Education Director or Supervisor at thecollege level for student teachers.

Terri Matteson (Alpha Sigma) received theAlice Vail Omicron State Scholarship. Terri isthe Science Coordinator at Liberty Elemen-tary School District. Terri was awarded theOmicron State Scholarship in 1998 and in thesummers of 2002 and 2004 received the Chal-lenger Center Fellowship at Harvard Univer-sity. She plans to use this year’s scholarshipfor summer session classes, and her goal is

Breast and Cervical HealthDiane Tasen, RN, BSN, MAIS, presented a

workshop on breast and cervical health towomen attending the 2009 state convention.She encouraged the audience to routinely lookfor breast changes, such as new lumps,changes in the nipple (crusting or inversion),redness or dimpling of the breast skin.

Three procedures lead to early detection:monthly self-exams, exams by physicians, andmammograms. If cancer cells are found early,there is a 98 percent five-year survival rate.

Diane described the self-exam procedurenow recommended: Move across the breast inan up-and-down pattern starting underneaththe arm, extending up to the shoulder andacross the breast to the middle of the chest.

Cervical cancer is the presence of cancer-ous cells in the cervix, usually with the symp-tom of vaginal bleeding, though sometimesno symptoms appear until advanced stages.

Financial Impact ofChanges to StandingRules and Bylaws

While the economy has been the No.1 topicfacing all levels of government, corporate, andpersonal budgets, it is no surprise that Omi-cron State is also challenged to adopt proce-dures and strategies that support our mis-sions effectively. Motions offered and passedat this year’s state convention relate to thefinancial business of Omicron State. Here is arecap of those changes.

For the fiscal support of the conventionitself, $2,000 is now the amount of seed moneyallocated to the planning of each state con-vention. If an amount over $2,000 remainsin the convention account after all the billshave been paid, those funds in excess of $2,000will be transferred to the Omicron State Avail-able Fund. This will ease the strain on opera-tional costs. This change to the OmicronStanding Rules takes effect immediately.

In 2010, new state dues will take effect.Omicron State Bylaws were changed definingactive membership dues at $25.00 (an in-crease of $10.00) and reserve dues at $10.00(an increase of $3.00). Chapter presidentsand treasurers should take special note thatthe 2009-2010 dues remain unchanged. Al-though current active membership is 874 andcurrent reserve is 90, membership has beendeclining over the last several years. Thisincrease in dues will help maintain state ser-vices in an economy where travel, printing,insurance, and other items continue to rise.

Kathy Green (Alpha Delta),Treasurer, Omicron State

Webpages with PizzazzIf you ever wanted to create a chapter

website that would inform members, remindmembers, attract members, and demon-strate a commitment to being green, this wasthe workshop for you.

Linda Spellman (Alpha Omega) inspiredany chapter to launch into the 21st Centuryand begin a practical approach to using thelatest technology. A chapter can post meetinginformation and chapter news.

Chapter web pages will save postage andprinting costs. You can poll members’ opin-ions, spotlight members’ successes, post aphoto gallery, and list birthdays. The green hab-its and cost-saving possibilities are endless.

You may contact Linda atlindaspellman@usa.net.

Cindy Ellis (Alpha Zeta)

Three Scholarships Awarded

to complete her Doctoral degree in 2010.Julie Holdsworth-Nagel (Alpha Zeta)

received the Isadore Munger EndowmentScholarship. Julie is presently an InstructionalSpecialist/Professional Development Trainerin the Casa Grande Elementary SchoolDistrict. Julie will use her scholarship forcontinued work in attaining a Master’s Degreein Educational Leadership with K-12 emphasisat Northern Arizona University.

Colleen Lines (Rho),Member Omicron State Scholarship Committee

Omicron State Scholarship winners Terri Matteson (Alpha Sigma), JulieHoldsworth-Nagel (Alpha Zeta), and Sandy Chemsak (Allpha Iota)Dr. Nancy Noll (Alpha

Delta) is thecoordinator of One

A’Chord

General SessionNot enough chairs – what a great prob-

lem to have! One hundred fifty-two mem-bers attended the general session and Execu-tive Board meeting on Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Merry Lewis (Mu) gave the opening thoughtto introduce the convention theme, “Shoes.”

President Dena Martin (Alpha Zeta) con-ducted the business meeting. After some dis-cussion about the budget shortfall, a ten-dol-lar increase in state dues was approved. Thisincrease will be effective 2010.

The 2009-2011 biennium officers were elected.Closing thoughts were given by Jean Fuer

Davis (Alpha Rho).Sally Carter (Alpha Epsilon)

Merry Lewis (Mu) gave the opening thought at the General Session. Thetheme for the thoughts was, “The Right Shoes Can Take You Anywhere”

Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPVinfection, sexual activity with multiple part-ners, and smoking. Yearly pap smears arethe best defense for early detection of pre-cancerous cell changes.

Kathy Green (Alpha Delta)

4 Convention News

Sunday morning at the state conventionis the traditional time set aside to rememberand honor members who passed away dur-ing the past year.

At this year’s ceremony, 17 treasuredOmicron members were recalled in a reflec-tive service featuring readings and songs withimagery of soaring eagles in graceful flight.

Under the direction of Omicron State Sec-ond Vice-President Judy Vinson (Alpha), theprogram included both musical and narra-tive selections.

Readings entitled “Stairway to Heaven,”“From Heaven’s Doorway,” and “Hurt Hawk”were delivered by members of the Member-ship Committee.

Lei of Friendship BreakfastA conch shell was blown by Gloria Day (Al-

pha) to summon Omicron State presidentsto march in the traditional Lei of Friendshipprocession. The presidents, colorfully adornedin chapter leis, strolled around the ballroomaccompanied by familiar Hawaiian melodies.

Omicron State World Fellowships Chair-man Sharon Modi (Alpha) presented aprogress report on the achievements of WorldFellowship recipients who have attended col-lege in Arizona. She also shared greetings fromMaria Paz Gomez, who is pursuing a Ph.D. inspecial education at the University of Arizona.

Former recipient Precious Thabisile (Zulutranslation, “she who has brought us joy”)Biyela, from South Africa, was the breakfastspeaker. She will be awarded a Ph.D. in Envi-ronmental Engineering in 2010 from ArizonaState University.

The program ended with an enthusiasticgroup singing of “He’s Got the Whole World inHis Hands.”

Omicron State members continued to“walk the walk” of a commitment to makethe world a better place for all by contributing$858.86 to the World Fellowships Fund.

Sharon Modi (Alpha), ChairmanOmicron State World Fellowships Committee

Navajo ReservationEducation

Helen Thomas (Alpha Iota) started herteaching career in 1951 in a governmentboarding school on the Navajo reservationnear Shiprock, New Mexico. Along with herhusband, who was to be a principal/teacher,Helen was excited about the opportunity un-til she saw her first assignment.

Their school was at Red Rock, and whenthey arrived they found the dormitory and class-rooms in complete disarray. No teaching ma-terials were to be found, and the communitynot trusting of these two new teachers.

Undaunted, Helen and her husband gothelp from Save the Children and were able toget needed supplies.

Two years later when they moved to a newreservation school, they had learned to lovetheir Navajo children and families and servedthe reservation schools for a number of years.

Kathi Houtcooper (Alpha Iota)

Women in the ArtsShow a Success

Ten chapters in Omicron State, represent-ing perhaps 50 artists, participated in therecent art show held at the state conventionon April 24 – 26, 2009.

There were beautiful quilts, a quilted jacket,drawings, paintings, photography, hand-madejewelry, greeting cards, and dolls.

There were altered fabric books and a teddybear, too! The cut and painted soda cans thatwere transformed into large colorful insectswere something that perhaps should be forsale at the Fall Rose Boutique.

Attendees could cast a vote for the chapterthey felt was “Best of the Show.” This honorwas won by Chi Chapter.

Pearl Nancarrow (Delta), ChairmanOmicron State Women in the Arts Committee

Above, Berneil Drake (Alpha Delta) was the flautist at theCeremony of Remembrance.

At left, Eagles were soaring at the Ceremony of Remembrance.

Eagles Soar at Ceremony of RemembranceAn original composition by Judy Vinson

entitled “Her Flight” was read in memory ofthe deceased members, but especially forJudy’s mother, June (Upsilon).

Adorning the room was a painting of aneagle soaring over a mountain. An outline ofa second eagle provided the focal point of theceremony. As the names of the honoredmembers were read, a feather was placed onthe wings of the eagle.

Musical contributions included BerneilDrake’s flute solo, “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,”Betsey Cary’s (Alpha Delta) accompanimenton the keyboard, and Gloria Day’s (Alpha) song– “When I Get Where I’m Going.”

Kathy Green (Alpha Delta)

Women in the Arts Chairman Pearl Nancarrow (Delta)

World Fellowship recipient Precious Biyela and Omicron State WorldFellowships Committee Chairman Sharon Modi (Alpha)

share a moment at the breakfast

5Convention News

75th AnniversaryCelebration

The 75th Anniversary Celebration of Omi-cron State will be held at the 2011 State Con-vention. Omicron State was founded Janu-ary 25, 1936, at the Pioneer Hotel in Tucson.

The 2011 State Convention will be held inTucson. We have honored mother/daughtermembers in each of the past four issues ofthe Sahuaro. In this issue we are honoringanother four members. The committee con-tinues to search for more mother/daughtermembers. Please contact the 75th Anniver-sary Committee Chairman Berneil Drake ifyou know such members.

At each Fall Workshop and State Conven-tion, the past state presidents will be offeringspecial-theme baskets in a raffle. Money fromthese raffles will help defray the extra ex-penses of the anniversary celebration.

Were you born in 1936? The committeewould like to feature Omicron State mem-bers who were born in this special year. Doyou have pictures or memorabilia from 1936?A display will be featured at the 2011 conven-tion. Share your findings with committeechairman Berneil Drake

Berneil Drake (Alpha Delta), ChairmanAd Hoc 75th Anniversary Celebration Committee

Birthday LuncheonThe 2009 Birthday Luncheon was a jam-

packed affair enjoyed by all. Dr. Nancy Noll(Alpha Delta) continued the “shoe” themewith her opening remarks..

Kathi Houtcopper (Alpha Iota) presentedthe Friend of Education Award to Representa-tive David Schapira. Schapira spoke eloquentlyabout the state of education in Arizona andindicated that the legislature should focusmore on education.

Judy Vinson recognized fifty-year membersJo Regenold (Lambda), Vera Workman (Rho),Henrietta Fernandez (Delta), and JudyScarborough (Delta).

Twenty-six members with 25 years ofmembership were featured on a conventiondisplay board. Those present at the luncheonwere recognized.

Scholarships were awarded. The 75th An-niversary raffle baskets, “Mama Mia” and“Breakfast Bash,” were presented to FlorenceFoster (Upsilon) and Joyce Geranis (Chi).

Berneil Drake (Alpha Delta) closed theluncheon with more “shoes for thought.”

Liz Tataseo (Alpha Delta)

Put a Little POW intoYour Chapter ProgramsThe state Program of Work (POW) Com-

mittee designed this workshop to help chap-ter first vice-presidents with their programplanning. Judy Strohmeyer (Mu), chairmanof the committee, assisted by two of her com-mittee members, Virginia Ptuyac (Sigma) andDiane Henry (Alpha Sigma), presented theworkshop.

Omicron State Professional Affairs Chair-man Virginia Ptuyac gave several suggestionsfor programs. Speakers from the ProfessionalAffairs Committee will be glad to come to yourchapter and talk about Collaborative Connec-tions, the recently approved state project. Vir-ginia also talked about featuring prominentwomen from history. A chapter could featureone each month with a short statement ordevote an entire chapter meeting to one ortwo women. Chapter members could do thisor Sigma Chapter would provide the speakers.

Other program ideas:(1) Highlight a member each month by

describing her through cryptic clues that re-late to her identity,

(2) Combine occasional meetings withanother chapter in your area to hear an es-pecially good presentation.

(3) In consideration of the need for newmembers, print small cards (the size of busi-ness cards) with sayings such as “You are theapple of my eye for dedicating yourself to teach-ing” or “You are one smart cookie” (with cookieattached) – and deliver them to potential mem-bers with time and place of next meeting.

Diane dealt with the personal growth andservice aspect, and, as an example, cited avisit by her chapter to a battered women’scenter followed by collection of personal itemsthat chapter members gift-bagged and pre-sented to the women as a holiday surprise.

Virginia Ptuyac (Sigma)Anne Palazzo (Chi)

Diane Henry (Alpha Sigma)

Alpha Beta in LeadershipRole at Convention

Alpha Beta Chapter members were in lead-ership roles at the 2009 Omicron State Con-vention. Sharon Willy was registrar andMarge Threewit was the business manager.

The week before the convention, chaptermembers Mona Gillum, Carol Miller, NancyFrank, Maureen Felcyn, Judy Weber, EsteneTarber, and Sandra Murray put together thefolders with meal tickets and name badges.

At the convention, Peggy Yale, Diane Sheets,Bev Combs, and Carol Morse assisted themat the registration table.

Nancy Frank was a timer for the ExecutiveSession, Diane Sheets gave the “openingthought” at the Rose Banquet, and DianeTasev presented the workshop on cervical andbreast health.

Thank you, Alpha Beta.Marge Threewit (Alpha Beta)

Judy’s Reminders...Saturday – May 30, 20099 a.m. to 2 p.m.The Property in Casa Grande

Incoming and outgoing state officersand incoming and outgoing state commit-tee chairmenJune 12 – 14, 2009Dream Team Retreat

Munds Park, ArizonaJuly 8 – 12, 2009Southwest Regional\Conference

Reno, Nevada

Past State Presidents Jo Regenold (Lambda) and Sally Switzer (Rho)sold raffle tickets for the Breakfast Bash Basket

Alpha Beta Chapter members were responsible forthe registration at the convention

Above, Florence Foster (Upsilon)won the “Mama Mia” 75th

Anniversary raffle basket whichwas provided by past state

presidents Jean Davis (AlphaRho) and Jo Regenold Lambda)

At left, Membership Committeemember Ruth Hintz (Zeta)presents a rose to 50-year

honoree Vera Workman (Rho)

6 State News

Helen Hawley Thomas (Alpha Iota) wasborn in Pueblo, Colorado. After graduatingfrom high school, she put herself throughtwo years at the local junior college. With thehelp of a scholarship, she attended ColoradoState College of Education in Greeley, gradu-ating with a B.A. degree in Education and akindergarten endorsement.

Marriage to Hadley Thomas followedgraduation and the couple took positions at agovernment boarding school on the Navajoreservation in Arizona. Two more boardingschools and three children later, Helen andfamily arrived in Tuba City, Arizona. Duringher 13 years there, Helen belonged to EpsilonSigma Alpha, a professional service organiza-tion, and served as its president twice.

When daughter Dana was five years old,Helen opened a kindergarten with 24 Navajo,Hopi, and Anglo five-year-olds at the local com-munity center. Two years later, the State ofArizona decided to add kindergarten to theelementary schools and Helen was one of thefirst teachers. She also helped husbandHadley develop a book on teaching English asa second language for the Economy Companyof Oklahoma. They presented their work atan ESL conference in New Orleans.

The family later moved to Chandler andHelen taught for four years at Sacaton on thePima reservation.

A subsequent move to Glendale took Helento the Pendergast Elementary District, whereshe taught second grade. At Westwind El-ementary, she taught second and third gradesand spent several years as grade-level chair.She retired in 1988.

In 1998 Helen was invited to join DeltaKappa Gamma, Alpha Iota Chapter, as anhonorary member. She usually hosts thefirst meeting of the year, and she sells RADAknives to help support the Grants-in-Aid pro-gram. Free time is spent by drawing or sculpt-ing and always includes reading and movies.

Dana Jaeger was born in Albuquerque,New Mexico, while her parents were teachingon the Navajo Reservation at Wide RuinsBoarding School. She grew up on the reser-vation at Tuba City until her family moved toChandler prior to her senior year of highschool. After graduating from Chandler HighSchool, Dana put herself through Mesa Com-munity College by working in the fruit-pack-ing sheds in Queen Creek.

After two years at MCC, Dana graduatedfrom ASU with a B.A. in Elementary Educa-tion. She taught fourth grade for six years

Tucson CoordinatingCouncil

Saturday, May 2, 2009, at the ViscountSuite Hotel in Tucson, the Tucson Area Coor-dinating Council initiated seventeen mem-bers, all seven chapters being represented.After a time of ceremony and roses, mem-bers adjourned to a beautiful breakfast set-ting at the hotel

We entered to the uplifting music of theWildflowers musical trio. A Grant-in-Aid waspresented to Cassandra Alvarez, Nogales HighSchool senior who will be attending ArizonaState University, majoring in education witha focus on special education.

James Deem, life-long learner and teachershared his experiences from an apprehen-sive but imaginative student, who didn’t en-joy reading, to author of haunted suspenseliterature for children. A fitting tribute to ourFounders was offered.

The 90 members who attended this eventcelebrated the careers of five 2009 retirees:Gloria Day (Alpha), Kay Wilson (Alpha), VickiShroeder (Alpha Rho), Tina Thompson (Nu)and Patricia Thompson (Nu).

Lambda Chapter served as hostess for thisevent. Jennifer Lichtsinn (Alpha Rho)

Ellie ClausonGwen Clauson Hogan

Ellie Clauson (Alpha Iota) was born in Min-nesota and graduated from Hamline Univer-sity, St. Paul, Minnesota. She married RobertClauson in 1949 and they have four children,Gwen, Craig, and Barbara (all teachers) –and Brad, who manages business parks. Ellieand Robert have six grandchildren.

Ellie was a social worker in Minnesota andbegan teaching in the Roosevelt District inPhoenix in 1961. She then taught visuallyimpaired students in the Washington SchoolDistrict after attending San Francisco StateUniversity. After receiving an M.A .in SpecialEducation from ASU, she continued teachinguntil retirement in 1986.

Velda Dale sponsored her when she joinedBeta Chapter in 1968. She transferred toAlpha Iota Chapter when it was formed in1969 and has served in every office excepttreasurer. As a member of the Omicron StateLegislative Committee, she attended a Na-tional Legislative Session in Washington, D.C.in 1999.

Her daughter, Gwen Clauson Hogan, wasborn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and earneda degree from Arizona State University in 1971.Gwen is married and has one son. She beganteaching in 1993 and in 1997 joined AlphaIota Chapter, where she has served on manycommittees.

Marana DistrictCelebration

Alpha Chapter members sponsored theMarana School District New Teacher Celebra-tion on April 22. Members supported thesenew teachers and introduced them to DeltaKappa Gamma.

Teacher Survival Bags included tokens tobrighten their day and show them we care.Inside the bag was a copy of the official DeltaKappa Gamma “Who Are We?” brochure.

All teachers filled out a card with their con-tact information. These cards were collectedand drawn for door prizes. Two gift certificatesto Barnes and Noble, several children’s books,and five one-hour coupons for a chapter vol-unteer to work in their classroom.

Refreshments were provided by AlphaChapter members.

Gloria Day (Alpha)

and third grade for ten years at Heritage El-ementary School in the Peoria Unified SchoolDistrict. She moved to Santa Fe Elementarywhen it opened and taught fourth and fifthgrades before returning to Heritage four yearslater. While Dana was at Heritage, Mom Helenhelped with the reading groups. Dana servedas treasurer on the Executive Board of thePeoria Classroom Teachers Association. Shewas grade-level chair four times. Dana re-tired in 2006 after 29 years in the district.

Dana is married to Ken, a retired highschool music teacher, and they have twodaughters. She occupies her time with web-design classes, collecting dragons, and attend-ing her husband’s various musical perfor-mances at Phoenix College and the GlendaleCity Summer Band. Dana is currently theAlpha Iota newsletter editor and webmaster.

Helen ThomasDiana Jaeger

Alpha Iota Mother/Daughter

Dana Jaeger (Alpha Iota) with her mother Helen Thomas (Alpha Iota)

Gwen Hogan (Alpha Iota) with her mother Ellie Clauson (Alpha Iota)

7State News

Sandy Chemsak (Alpha Iota) and KellieHernandez (Alpha Iota) were the co-chair-men of the 2009 Omicron Stare Convention.

Jean Larson (Lambda) was recipient ofthe Pima County Retired Teachers Associa-tion Service Award for 2009.

Judy Lewis (Omega) received the CharrosTeacher of the Year award. She is a teacher atPima Elementary School in the ScottsdaleSchool District.

Lucia Raz (Alpha Iota) was awarded theRodel Exemplary Teacher’s Award. She re-ceived a $10,000 US Savings Bond and hascommitted to supervise and mentor six RodelPromising Student Teachers over the nextthree years. She is a sixth grade teacher atEmerson School in the Phoenix ElementarySchool District.

Mary Lou Taylor (Omega) is currentlyserving as the president of the Tempe UnionHigh School Board.

Mindy Whalen (Alpha Alpha) has been hon-ored as a recipient of the 2009 Lamp of LearningAward for the Washington School district.

Nancy Putman (Alpha Alpha) has beenre-elected to the Arizona Education Associa-tion Board of Directors.

Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (Alpha Alpha) isone of 20 elected officials nationwide selectedfor the Rodel Fellowship in Public LeadershipProgram and has attended a seven-day lead-ership Seminar in the Middle East. Kyrsten’sfirst book, Unite and Conquer: How toBuild Coalitions that Win and Last,will be released in July, 2009, by Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Jackie Thrasher (Alpha Alpha) has re-ceived the 2009 Yale Distinguished MusicEducator Award. She will attend the two-day Symposium on Music in Schools in NewHaven, Connecticut, in June. Jackie serveson the Board of Ear Candy Charity (a non- Washington Education

FoundationThe Washington Education Foundation is

an independent non-profit community foun-dation that works to enhance the educationalprograms of the Washington ElementarySchool District.

The Foundation funds teacher, student,and school mini-grants in amounts of $50 -$500 and professional development grants inamounts up to $2,000. The program is madeavailable through generous donations by in-dividuals, community services, and corporateorganizations.

Got a Webwatcher?from Create a Buzz with April’s TipMany chapters have “webwatchers” to keep

them up to date and enhance the content oftheir websites. If members know they can getthe latest information, they will visit often.

As of March 12, 2009, there were 202 chap-ter websites linked to international. Two chap-ters in Arizona have websites. Dana Jaeger isthe webmaster of the Alpha Iota Chapter site,and Linda Spellman, of the Alpha Omega site.

The webmaster for the Arizona State siteis Liz Tataseo (Alpha Delta).

The EducationalFoundation

Awards Grants(Copied from the March Tip of the Month)

The Educational Foundation awardednearly $135,000 in grants to projects for 2009.$78,498 was awarded to 50 renewal projectsand $56,395 to new projects.

It is amazing what good ideas there are forhow we can advance excellence in education.

Be watching for information about theseprojects in the NEWS.

Kelli Hernandez (Alpha Iota) and Sandy Chemsak (Alpha Iota) wereco-chairman of the 2009 Omicron State Convention

profit devoted to creating, supporting, andsustaining music programs in our schools),Arizona Citizen’s Action for the Arts, and wasappointed by former Governor JanetNapolitano to the Arizona State Board onGeographic and Historic Names.

Alpha Omega Chapter is an official cer-tified chapter website for 2009. LindaSpellman is the webmaster.

Terri Millison Ackland (Alpha Zeta) isDean of Arts and Social Sciences at CentralArizona College. She was featured in a full pagearticle in the Pinal County Lifestyles. A quotefrom the article: “The bottom line is that com-munity is what it’s all about for Ackland.”

Alpha Epsilon Chapter had the mostmembers at the convention from “in-area.”

Alpha Zeta Chapter had the most mem-bers at the convention from “outside the area.”

Florence Foster (Upsilon) won the“Mama Mia” raffle basket. She is “thinkingof having a neighborhood pasta party.”

Joyce Geranis (Chi) won the “BreakfastBash” raffle basket at the state convention.

Alpha Iota Chapter is an official certifiedDelta Kappa Gamma chapter website for 2009.Dana Jaeger is the webmaster.

Desi Raultson (Alpha Rho) is the princi-pal of Sopori School in Amado which has beenselected as an A+ School of Excellence by theArizona Educational Foundation which hashonored exemplary public schools in the statethrough the A+ Award since 1983. A+Schools are evaluated on student focus andsupport; active teaching and learning; cur-riculum; leadership; community and parentinvolvement; and assessment data.

Merry Lewis (Mu), Sally Switzer(Rho), and Pearl Nancarrow (Delta) con-tributed convention photos for this issue ofthe Sahuaro.

Ginny Mountain (Chi) presented aworkshop featuring the Phoenix Zoo SpecialNeeds Program at the Association of Zoo andAquarium docents (AZAD) Southwest Re-gional convention.

Beth Swanson (Rho), Dena Martin(Zeta) and Ginny Mountain (Chi) proofread this issue of the Sahuaro.

A GoldenA GoldenA GoldenA GoldenA GoldenOpportunity:Opportunity:Opportunity:Opportunity:Opportunity:

A Gift of a LifetimeA Gift of a LifetimeA Gift of a LifetimeA Gift of a LifetimeA Gift of a LifetimeThe Golden Gift Fund was established in

1974 to commemorate the Society’s 50th an-niversary. The Fund’s investments finance aLeadership/Management Seminar in even-numbered years.

Both presenters, Rachel Wear (Alpha Rho)and Merry Lewis (Mu), have at differenttimes been recipients of the award. Theyagreed that their experience at the Univer-sity of Texas in Austin, Texas had given themthe priceless gift of everlasting new friend-ships. Training in areas such as communica-tion, decision making, teamwork, spirituality,and thinking on your feet was invaluable.

Their closing theme was, “Don’t be afraidto get involved.”

Peggy Scott (Alpha Epsilon)

Merry Lewis (Mu) and Rachel Wear (Alpha Rho) presented theworkshop “A Golden Opportunity”

— Continued on page 8

Delta Kappa Gamma-Omicron State3426 E. Elm StreetPhoenix, Arizona 85018

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, ArizonaPermit No. 1152

SAHUAROPublication Deadlines

Fall Issue August 15, 2009Winter Issue January 15, 2010Spring Issue May 1, 2010

Berneil Drake, Editor3426 E. Elm St., Phoenix, AZ 85018-3430

e-mail: berneild@aol.com

Dates to RememberJuly 6-11, 2009

Southwest Regional ConferenceJohn Ascuaga’s Nugget

1100 Nugget Ave., Reno, NevadaOctober 24, 2009

All Member Workshop & Executive Board MeetingFirst Assembly of God Church

523 W. Ray Road, Chandler, ArizonaApril 23-25, 2010

Omicron State ConventionHilton East-Mesa

1011 W. Holmes Ave., Mesa, ArizonaJuly 15-18, 2010

Seminar for Purposeful LivingTacoma, WashingtonJuly 20-24, 2010

International ConventionThe Davenport Hotel and Tower

Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, WashingtonApril 29-May 1, 2011

Omicron State ConventionWestward Look Resort, Tucson, Arizona

June 27-July 2, 2001Southwest Regional Conference

Hyatt Regency Tech Center7800 E. Tufts Ave., Denver, Colorado

Aileen Allen SigmaJanuary 4, 2009 Prescott, AZMerylann Pierri AlphaJanuary 11, 2009 Tucson, AZCarol Ann Rerick OmicronJanuary18, 2009 Phoenix, AZJune Vinson UpsilonJanuary 28, 2009 Tucson, AZLomie Gray Heard SigmaFebruary 5, 2009 Payson, AZBeatrice Kell Tracy UpsilonMarch 5, 2009 Tucson. AZ

InternationalPresident’s Scrapbook(Copied from February 2009 You “Tip” of the Month)

International President Dr. Carolyn Rantscontinues to add to her scrapbook at Interna-tional Headquarters. Would you like to be apart of this project? Here’s how:

1. Write a press release about a chapteractivity and take some photos, or highlight anaccomplishment of a member with a photo.

2. Send this information to your localmedia: newspaper, district newsletter, retiredteachers’ newsletter, or other outlet.

3. When the story is published, send theclipping to Dr. Rants for inclusion in “TheScrapbook.”

A Note from InternationalRepresentative

Carolyn PittmanDear President Dena and Omicron State

members:I am proud that I was a part of your excel-

lent 2009 Omicron State Convention. Youattended to Society business with efficiencyand understanding, and you had the ultimatepleasures of finding new friendships and re-newing others.

I shall remember you with great warmthand comfort. Your hospitality and friendlinessmade me feel welcome and a part of theOmicron family. Thank you for that.

Thank you also for including me in all theevents of the convention. I especially want tothank you for the lovely and precious turquoiseand silver pendant necklace and matchingearrings. Several of you told me that turquoisegoes with everything: it’s a good thing becauseI shall wear these pieces often and with youin my heart.

Fondly, Carolyn Pittman

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees in-cludes President Virginia Ptuyak (Sigma), VicePresident Nancy Putman (Alpha Alpha),Member Linda Aarons (Rho), and MemberMary Lou Palmer (Alpha Delta)

Lori Good (Alpha Alpha)

WASHINGTON EDUCATION FOUNDATIONCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Carolyn Pittman (Arkansas) spoke at the birthday luncheon. OmicronState President Dena Martin (Zeta) is on the left and Omicron State

Recording Secretary Janet Vickers (Omega) on the right.

2009 SouthwestRegional Conference

July 8-11, 2009 — Reno, NevadaRegister On-Line InteractiveDelta Kappa Gamma Website

Conference attendees will enjoy the op-portunity of staying in the conference head-quarters of John Ascuaga’s Nugget, a north-ern Nevada entertainment landmark inSparks near the Reno city line.

Prior to the opening of the regional con-ference, training for the following leaders willtake place: state organization presidents andin-coming executive secretaries, state orga-nization program chairs, membership chairs,treasurers, editors, and webmasters.

The session for state organization presi-dents and in-coming executive secretariestakes place Monday night through Wednes-day afternoon. All other leadership sessionsare held on Wednesday.