The

Nevadagram An Official Publication

Of Alpha Chi

Vol. LVII Spring 2019

COMING

ATTRACTIONS

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

OPERA HOUSE, EUREKA, NV

JUNE 15, 2019 EVERYONE WELCOME

July 16-20, 2019, DKG International

Conference (formerly Southwest Regional)

In Costa Mesa, California. The

theme is Technology. Check the website

for registration. Have you paid your

dues?

International is changing the timeline for paying dues to July 1 and that requires the State to collect dues by June 1; therefore, Chapters will need to collect earlier. Do not let your membership lapse.

Alpha Chi President Susan Capistrant and Southwest

Regional Director Marilyn Gregory

One of the many beautiful

floral arrangements at convention

CONGRATULATIONS

to Nu Chapter for a wonderful State Convention in our

capitol city. You all worked hard,

and we reaped the benefits. “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can

change the world.” Malala Yousafzai . Marilyn Gregory taught kindergarten for 23 years and

has served DKG at all levels throughout her life and

provided some wonderful insight into the workings of

International which is 90 years old (Nevada joined in1941.

In addition to enlightening speeches, she provided a

workshop on getting the most from the website.

Check out the DKG NEWS online. There are various versions for your best access. There is also a chat feature,

information on all conventions, plus much more. Check out https://www.DKG.org

EDITOR’S NOTE

I am honored to be the

Editor for Alpha Chi’s

Nevadagram. This

publication can only be as

good as the enthusiastic

submission of articles from

our chapters and officers.

Thank you in advance for

that.

(I cannot “lift” photos from

pdf files, so please email

them separately, or in

Word.)

Following are the deadlines

for coming issues:

July 6, October 1,

January 10, April 4

Please forward this

information and newsletter

to your publicity chair and

president so that it can be

distributed to all members.

Sincerely, Gwen Anne Thacker Nevadagram Editor elkothack@yahoo.com 775-340-0870

There’s lot of news in

this issue. You may want to print a copy

and put it on your table to read at your

leisure.

Have you updated your DKG profile?

Recipients of the Rose of Recognition 2019

This prestigious award is given annually to members from throughout the state. Each is selected by her

chapter for outstanding service and involvement in the society and her community. Congratulations and thank

you for a job well done.

Pictured are Ardynne Sprinkle, Theta; Barbara Bernstein and Jennifer Neeman, Epsilon; Nancy Fitzgerald, Lambda; Dana Johnson, Omicron; Gemma Romo, Alpha; Linda Fleming, Gamma; Cheryl Anderson, Delta; Rosemary Pressler, Xi; Brenda Leaper, Nu; Not pictured: Kami Ahlin, Kappa

Beautiful ladies who left us too soon were recognized during our Necrology Remembrance cCeremony. Friends of those who have passed shared testimonies of the ladies’ love for education.

Helen Handy Lena Sharp Rosemary Stephenson Doris D’Asto

Shown are those members who read biographies from the chapters losing these precious ladies

Excellence in Communication –

Delta, Theta, Omicron,

Gamma, Nu

Communication Honorable

Mention – Xi, Epsilon,

Alpha, Lambda, Kappa

Nanette Olson

Beautiful harpist

Gold Key Awards – Gamma,

Theta, Delta

Gold Key Honors – Xi,

Epsilon, Omicron, Lambda,

Alpha Honorable

Mention – Nu

LOTS OF BASKETS WON

Glen Whorton, Nevada State Prison Historic Portrayal – introduced by Nanette Olson

Cora Cown introduced Keynote Speaker, Dr. Vincent Solis, WNC President, who gave a very enlightening presentation about current and future technology and trends.

Marilyn Gregory installs 2019-

2021 Officers – President Cheryl

Anderson, 1st Vice President Pat

Goeppinger, 2nd Vice President

Karen Laskowski. Secretary

Maxine Emm, Treasurer Heidi

Hull, Parliamentarian Gwen Anne

Thacker

Dr Solis recommended and cited: Youtube - Watch the videos on SHIFT HAPPENS. This focuses on the shifts taking place on demographics world wide Book - Exponential Organizations - Author Salim Ismail (GREAT READ!) The End of College - Author Kevin Cary 4YouTube - The Joe Rogan Experience - Interview with Presidential Candidate Andrew Yang

Dr. Michio Kaku - He has three books amazing that are also worth the read - Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the Future, The Future of the Mind, and Physics of the Future6. USA Today - August 2018 - The Cities in the US where the least amount of people graduate from high school YouTube - Vice News Channel - Incils (Involuntary Celebrate) https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/suicide-rate-for-nevada-children-teens-nearly-doubled-in-2018-1619128/

Judy Silker Receives

Numerous Recognitions

Judy, an active member of Nu Chapter and past Alpha Chi President, has her name inscribed in several places

throughout the Utah State University campus for her contributions to the Center for Clinical Excellence and

other parts of the college growth.

Following is some of the story in Judy’s own words.

“As I walked across the Utah State University campus forty-five plus years ago, I often saw a group of “old”

people heading here and there carrying matching folders. Were they headed to a meeting with the

administration, attending a workshop, or on their way to the campus creamery for a taste of the best ice cream

ever made? Needless to say, I never did know the answers to any of those questions. All were just fleeting

thoughts in a young student’s mind.

“fast forward to 2006……

I was on the Utah State University campus for an alumni event and quickly became one of those “old” people

with a matching folder strolling across campus. It was only for one day, I thought. I had no idea that I would

come to possess many many more! The alumni event propelled me back into the fold of the Emma Eccles

Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU. I was invited back to campus to meet with Dean

Carol Strong and her team, and not long afterwards was invited to become a founding member of the Dean’s

National Advancement Board along with eleven other alumni from around the country. I am still a member

of this board. Meetings are held once or twice a year on campus where we learn about the exciting and

innovative programs and research that are being implemented; give input into future college plans, buildings

and so much more. We also serve as outreach for the college in our own geographical areas. And we always

receive a new matching folder.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be one of those “old” people with matching folders

walking across campus. Nor did I ever think that my biography would be published in the history of the

college (James P. Shaver, Its’ About People, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services,

Utah State University, 1990-2009, Logan Utah: Utah State University Press 2011, page 160); or have my

name on a plaque or two, or three –actually six—five plaques and a brick—in campus buildings that are so

near and dear to my heart.

“I am just me. A California girl who became an Aggie at Utah State in 1968; worked with disabled children

and adults for thirty-two years as a teacher and advocate; and in retirement loves to read, travel, write, sew,

knit, crochet scrapbook, volunteer, and be behind the lens of a camera. My decision years ago to give back to

the college of education by establishing a scholarship for future special education teachers is what takes me

back to campus and be one of those “old” people carrying a matching folder.

“I wonder if today’s Aggies are as intrigued by those carrying matching folders as I was so many years ago.

GO AGGIES!”

Judy holds a B.S. in Special Education, USU 1974; Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services:

Dean’s National Advancement Board member since 2006; installed in DKG in 1979, Alpha Alpha Chapter in Meridian,

ID, currently member of Nu Chapter NV, Alpha Chi State President 2009-2011.

Delta Details

In January Delta Chapter met at Chris Perdomo’s home with 23 of 27 members in attendance. Delta Chapter received a generous donation for our Scholarship Fund in the name of Brenda Down’s parents. Gwen Anne Thacker and Georgi Blake received their 35 year DKG Pins and certificates; 10 Year Certificates and Pins were given to Jill Harper and Corazon Rough; 5 Year Pins were given to Linda Bourgeois and Bonnie Silsby. Currently, we have collected $39 for the Emergency Fund/World Fellowship. Thank you to Jill Harper, Cindy DeBlose, Nancy Stiles, Margaret von Rumpf, Annette Hodorowicz, and Marie Simonson for working on the New Teacher Mentoring Program. Pam Gilmartin had a wonderful New Year’s Sisterhood Activity with bubbles and candles which we all enjoyed. Nancy Stiles provided her monthly legislative information. Chris Perdomo and Jan Sullivan gave a wonderful presentation of their travels to Argentina and Chile. In February we met at the at the Carson City Sheriff’s Office. Michaela Tonking, Advocacy Director, for Educate Nevada Now, discussed “Fund Our Future.” Toiletries were brought by members to create purses for women in difficult situations at Domestic Violence shelters.

Our student teacher scholarship recipient,

Steffany Walker, joined us for Founder’s

Day. It is always such a pleasure to meet

our recipients in person. She was

delightful and very appreciative. She

expressed an interest in joining Delta

Chapter. She thinks we are a very fun

group. She’s right!

Nancy Stiles is moving and

presented Delta Chapter

with this beautiful keepsake

crystal bell with our etched

rose, perhaps to call us

back to order and keep us

on task and on time during

meetings--so beautiful and

elegant, just like her.

We presented Rachel Croft at

Bordewich-Bray Elementary her

$250 Nevada Apple mini grant.

With her is her proud principal

with Lisa Hutchison. Rachel will

be using the Makey-Makey kits

we funded to integrate STEM

into her reading, writing, math,

& science lessons.

Members brought notebooks for the April Book Bash. They packed bags for transition students in CC and Douglas County, serving 260 students this year.

In March Delta met at the Peppermill in Reno to tour

the Geo-thermal facilities at the hotel. It was a very

interesting tour and we learned that the Peppermill

is a self-contained facility (largest in U.S.) in terms of

their hot and cold water

Go to Meeting Training Delta Kappa Gamma in Nevada has embarked on new training for its officers and members. For a few years

we have paid to use “Go to Meeting,” but have never used it. Currently the Executive Board is holding

practice sessions to handle business and alleviate travel across the state for short meetings. During these

sessions, members can meet together in a local area or dial in on their own computers or phones to be part of

the meeting. Up to 50 participants can be on at once. The sessions are coordinated by Cindy Frazer,

Webmaster, through DKG International. We have definitely moved into a new era for Alpha Chi.

Golden Apple

Each chapter will be awarding grants to chapter individuals who need funds for a classroom project. Do you

have an innovative idea: family night materials, equipment or models for science, creativity technology tools,

or unique ideas to support your curriculum? This program is part of the Gold Key requirements for chapters

and is funded by Delta Kappa Society International. Check with your local chapter for details.

Thoughts from Theta Chapter

Theta Chapter is proud to announce that we established an official Theta website last August that is linked with the state and international organizations: www.dkgnvtheta.org

Theta Chapter adopted a new project to support early childhood education. Members gathered around to stuff goody bags to celebrate birthdays for the special-needs students, ages 3-5, at the Washoe Inspire Academy in Reno. We had fun stuffing crayons, coloring books, reading books, play dough, and other educational and entertaining items. The school’s hands-on learning approach encourages each child’s natural curiosity and adventures, while being alert for trouble spots and refining teaching strategies quickly. We have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Washoe Inspire Academy and selected this educational institution to receive the 2019 Apple Award which was presented by Jane Barnes, President, and accepted by Kerry Berry, on behalf of the staff, on February 27, 2019.

The annual Arts & Crafts Fair was held at Moana Nursery May 4th. This is our annual fundraiser for the mini grants. Two teachers, Mrs. Strader and Ms. Vigil from Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Reno who co-teach autistic students, submitted a proposal for field trip expenses on April 19 to the Discovery Museum in Reno. The proposal was approved at the April meeting and Ardynne promptly delivered a check to the school. Susan, Elaine and Carol attended Lambda’s event on January 25 with their gentlemen. We all had a great time sampling the wide variety of delicious appetizers, desserts, and wines. The raffle baskets were beautiful and plentiful. Our table won a couple of baskets and a bottle of wine. This event is Lambda’s annual fundraising event. They worked hard setting up the venue, preparing all the food, making all the baskets, and selling tickets. It has become a popular event with the wine representative explaining each wine and offering unlimited tastings. What a pleasant way to meet members from other chapters and catch up on their news. If you have never attended, you might want to consider joining us next year in supporting a sister chapter.

This spring Terri Laird, Executive Director for RPEN, updated us on the issues related to PERS that were forthcoming on the legislative agenda along with strong encouragement to attend legislative sessions and email our legislators. Dr. Debra Harry, UNR lecturer for the Gender, Race, and Identity Program, presented a fascinating lecture on Indigenous Peoples, not just about the Native Americans but people throughout the world.

Epsilon Info

Epsilon Chapter members are delighted to welcome seven new members. Co-Presidents Barbara Bernstein and Jennifer

Neeman conducted the initiation ceremonies.

Pres. Jennifer Neeman; new members Fern Sherri, Martha

Trautwein, Lana Croft, and Rima Barsel; Pres. Barbara

Bernstein.

Pres. Barbara Bernstein; new members Ruth Golden, and

Joan Langdon; Pres. Jennifer Neeman; new member Erika

Christensen.

Nu Notes

A well-planned and super convention was hosted by Nu at Gold Dust West in Carson. Lots of hours of preparation provided an enjoyable experience for all who attended. Members of Nu: Co-Presidents Pat Hutson and Mary Whalen, Tina Akerley, Cathy Barble, Marie Bellard, Ruth Braswell, Karen Collier, Cora Cowan, Jessica Daniels, Ann Dankworth, Linda Getschman, Mary Jean Lang, Brenda Leaper, Frances McDowell Nancy Mielke, Sharon Miller, LeAnn Morris, Linda Morris, Sue Mouldren-Horton, Nanette Oleson, Karen Randle, Julie Reid, Kathy Rothchild, Michelle Rousselle, Judy Silker, Melodie Skudlarek, Dorothy Todd, Carol Tullis, Ann Williams, Dyan Wilson, Julie Young.

Omicron Comments Omicron chapter presented their first Mini Apple Grant during the 2014-2015 school year, which helped fund a field trip for students to view the Indian caves in Lovelock. Since this time the chapter has awarded 20 grants totaling $2,563.00. Individual monetary amounts have ranged between $100 to $300. Students at schools in Winnemucca, McDermitt and Denio have benefitted from the funds. Recipients included individual teachers, a student aide, a counselor and a grade level group of teachers. Funds for projects have included: books, supplies for greenhouse, incentives for students, standing desks, incentives for parents, kindles/tablets, reading bookbags and publications of a brochure produced by the students about their community. Annual fudge-making to sell at Christmas had been the main source of funds. Funds raised last year during a very successful adult spelling bee allowed Omicron to increase the number of awards it was able to give. Award recipients for the 2018-2919 school year were Maci Mavity and Alex Jeffery. President Jenifer Bergemheier, presented the checks and awards. Macie teaches kindergarten as Winnemucca Grass valley School. Macie is a new teacher and a former student of some of the Omicron members. She requested funds for Eureka Math- module measurement tools to enhance the math experience for her students. Alex teaches second grade at Winnemucca Grass Valley School. Purchasing five Kindles will allow her students more opportunity to use technology to navigate, explore and research educational topics. She also wants to use them with a new reading program which will help students develop reading, listening and interactive skills with books at their reading levels. Omicron will present more Golden Apple Awards in the Spring of 2019.

Gamma Good Times

Karen Laskowski, a 3rd Grade Teacher at Marian E. Cahlan ES, was awarded the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Nevada Apple Award on February 26, 2019. Presenting the award was Ms. Pat Goeppinger, President of Gamma Chapter of DKG. The DKG Nevada Apple Award if given to an individual who has developed a project that contributes and supports the enhancement of public education. Mrs. Laskowski’s class along with Ms. Constance DeLeon’s MCS class are Best Buddies and will participate in the 2019 Spring Special Olympics. Ms. Amy Negrete, Marian E. Cahlan Principal, encourages and supports her teachers to develop projects that benefit the students. Mrs. Laskowski’s project, On Our Way to Looking Uniform During the Olympic Games, was in need of financial support to provide uniforms for the students. The students have been practicing hard on the athletic events and what better way to show team spirit and unity but to appear in matching uniforms. The uniforms do not only show unity, but also allow the students to show pride in themselves and in their school. The DKG Nevada Apple Award helped purchase these much needed and desired uniforms. And to the students, Good Luck and Enjoyment at the Spring Special Olympics!

Teacher receives the DKG Nevada Apple Award Ms. Constance DeLeon, Ms. Amy Negrete, Mrs. Karen Laskowski, and Ms. Pat Goeppinger

Questions and Answers (taken from an earlier Theta Newsletter and DKG website)

Did you know?

Bylaws at the chapter level are referred to as rules.

Bylaws at the state level are name bylaws.

Bylaws at the international level are named the Constitution.

A revision of bylaws (whatever the name) must be authorized by the membership assembly that the bylaws

represent. A revision substitutes an entirely new set of bylaws for the previous document.

An amendment, with the process of amendment outlined in the bylaws, is a proposal to amend by inserting,

striking, or inserting and striking words or combinations of words; the proposed action—if adopted—

is to modify something previously adopted as a bylaw (or standing rule) by the assembly it represents.

Xi Chapter News

Xi Chapter’s new president, Marilynn Howard, was installed at our September 10, 2018, meeting. Her enthusiasm and generosity have reinvigorated our group! Other officers are: Rosemary Pressler – VP, Leta Rabenstine – Recording Secretary, Ann Carlson – Treasurer, and Bonnie Foard – Corresponding Secretary.

We began our fall season by filling backpacks for at-risk elementary students at Grace Warner in Reno. In February the Golden Apple award was presented to one of their second grade teachers.

Former president, Christi Pagni, member of the Northern Nevada LPGA Amateur Team, traveled to Greensboro, NC, to compete in the Atlantis Regional Qualifier. Although the team did not qualify, they represented our region well. This trip included tours of the area. A highlight was the chance to tour the Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro. The museum is in the old Woolworth’s where the four African American male college students orchestrated the famous sit-in at the café counter which further ignited the Civil Rights Movement in 1961.

In November, our group helped pack boxes at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada located in the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center area east of Sparks. We were able to have a short meeting before we spent a couple of hours working alongside the girl’s tennis team from UNR. They are always looking for groups or individuals to help pack boxes and give tours of the facility. You can schedule a time by calling 775-331-3663. Web site: https://fbnn.org/

We hosted a festive Christmas Holiday Luncheon in December at the Atlantis Casino. A delightful group of ladies attended despite the snowy weather. Over twenty baskets were raffled off along with our American Girl Doll to raise money. These funds are used for grants that we offer teachers to purchase enrichment programs in their classrooms. Everyone was uplifted by the musical entertainment provided by the Sisters in Christ Choir New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church.

In February, the members voted unanimously to welcome Nicole Howard, Marilynn’s daughter, to our chapter. She’s a first-grade teacher at Smithridge Stem Academy in Reno. After the meeting, Xi member Patti Bernard showed a video of five former Nevada first ladies, Kathryn List, Bonnie Bryan, Sandy Miller, Dema Guinn, and Dawn Gibbons answering questions and sharing antidotes about their lives as first ladies. It is very informative and quite entertaining. You can watch it on the Northern Nevada Women’s History Project website at: https://www.nevadawomen.org/ Click on the heading Research Center; then in the dropdown menu, click Media Center. The video is entitled First Ladies First.

Sisters in Christ Singers provided beautiful music

We gave special recognition to 50 year DKG Xi Chapter member Bonnie Foard. She led us in the DKG song and also gave a brief history of her DKG membership.

We will send out the information to chapter presidents.

Exemplary Award Guidelines Submitted by Pat Goeppinger

5.05 EXEMPLARY SERVICE AWARD a. Criteria (1) Each nomination must come from two members, one of which must be from outside the nominee’s chapter. (2) Nomination must contain offices held, years of service, and reasons for nomination. (3) Nominee must have served as an officer or chairperson at the chapter, state, and/or international level. (4) Quality of service must be meritorious. (5) Ten years of membership is recommended, during which time the nominee must have served at least three times as an officer or committee chair which could be repeated positions. b. Selection Committee (1) Committee will be comprised of six members - the State President, the Committee Chair, and one member from the different areas: North, South, and Outlying areas, and an at-large alternate member. (2) Selection Committee members will be appointed by the incoming State President. (3) Committee members should be a current or past officer at any level. (4) Each Committee member will serve a maximum of five years. (5) If a Selection Committee member is nominated for the Exemplary Service Award, the alternate member will take the place of nominated member as the voting member of the Selection Committee. c. Award Timeline (1) Nomination forms will be distributed to Chapters during the Executive Board meeting in September. Forms will also be sent to Chapter Presidents by October 1st by email or regular mail. (2) All nominations must be completed and returned to the Selection Committee Chair no later than January 15th. (3) The Selection Committee will review each nomination form for completeness. This may be done in person, by phone, or electronic means. (4) When all nomination forms have been accepted, the Selection Committee Chair will arrange a meeting, preferably through Go-to-Meeting, to discuss the nominees and then make a selection. (5) The State Officers will be notified of the name of the selected recipient. (6) The award recipient will be sent an invitation from the State President requesting that she attend the State Convention. The invitation will state that she will be participating in an award presentation. (7) The recipient’s Chapter President will also be notified and will encourage the recipient to attend the State Convention without letting her know she has been selected. (6) Presentation of the Award will be at the annual State Convention Banquet. d. The Award will consist of a certificate and the Crystal DKG trophy.

You are a role model for your children, students, and friends. Politics do not need to divide you.

Throughout history, the pendulum has swung back and forth.

U.S. FORUM CONNECTION 2019 This publication is intended for your information about issues important to education, women and children. How you choose to use the information included here is up to you. This free newsletter is sponsored by the United States Forum of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is an organization of leading women educators with over 70,000 members. Delta Kappa Gamma members wishing to subscribe to this FREE newsletter should send a request to the editor Angela O. Bedenbaugh at Bedenbaugh.Angela@gmail.com. We urge you to share this newsletter with other interested individuals who are not members of Delta Kappa Gamma or members who do not subscribe to this publication. IN The MARCH ISSUE

SMITHSONIAN WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM EDUCATORS TAX DEDUCTION INCREASE MEDICARE SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES NEW HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS EDUCATION CUTS IN PROPOSED BUDGET GETTING TO KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATOR FORUM FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FORUM WEB SITE

There is so much available. Click on this site. https://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Publications/Newsletters/DKGMember/Publications/Get_Connected_N

ewsletters.aspx?hkey=c9df8089-442e-4c11-86bc-ca843c12dae7

Here’s another

We need to think positively for ourselves and our world. The theme for this issue is “Hope”. For those who are still

teaching, the Newsletter contains curriculum ideas on teaching tolerance to our students. We need to protect our

marginalized students and become aware of states that are teaching human rights and genocide. Also, everyone needs to

learn to “Ditch the Label” and have an awareness of climate change, bullying, wildlife and forest conservation, and

growing roots. We need to take the lead.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with any of your colleagues or friends. The Newsletter is also posted on the

Alpha Kappa State (Connecticut) website of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. http://dkgct.weebly.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the Nevadagram. I hope you have enjoyed “catching up” with some of the chapters. Gwen Anne Thacker 775-340-0878 elkothack@yahoo.com 1222 Graham Lane

Fallon, NV 89406

If you got this far, let me know by texting, calling, or

emailing “I read it.” I