the florida state organization of delta kappa gamma ......the delta kappa gamma society...
TRANSCRIPT
Florida RaysThe Florida State Organization of Delta Kappa Gamma
Vol. 65 No. 3 TOGETHER, WE CAN! Spring 2020
What Happens When Purpose Brings Action
Nancy Bentz, State Legislative [email protected]
The two purposes that grabbed me at the time were the following: o To initiate, endorse and support desirable legislation or other suitable endeavors in the interests of education and of women educators; and o Inform the members of current economic, social, political and educational issues so that they mayparticipateeffectivelyinaworldsociety.
Our Florida delegates made an impact on those purposes during our Rally in Tally held February10-12,2020,inTallahassee.Thir-ty-fiveofourmembersfromaroundthestateparticipated during three days of action and activities.State Executive Secretary Carrie Frye and I may have seemed to be the leads of this endeavor, but without everyone involved,thiswouldnotbepossible.Weareespecially grateful for the members of four chapters in Tallahassee (Alpha Kappa, Iota, Alpha Lambda, and Beta Phi) and their members who provided dinner and rooms in theirhomes.AveryspecialthankyoutoSha-ron Simmons as she organized the dinner
andstays.State President Dr. Nancy Henning and her husband opened their home for a festive dinner andhostedagainduringourlunchdebrief.Thekindnessofourmembersmakesforalifetimeoffriends,camaraderie,andmemories.
On Monday evening, we were hosted with a smorgas-bordofdishesanddessertsatSt.StephenLutheranChurch where rally participants also made meaningful signsfortherally.StatehonorarymemberandformerCongresswoman Gwen Graham, and House Repre-sentative Anna Eskamani came for delightful discus-sionandenlightenmentaboutourfiveissues.Thoseissuesareteachershortagesandretention,highstakestesting,accountabilityandtransparency,financialsup-portforeducation,andhumantrafficking.
OnTuesdaymorning,keywomeneducatordelegates
Tenyearsago,IwasinitiatedintoDeltaKappaGamma.Thedecisiontojointhisorganizationwasnothaphazard.I’mthatbusytype,justlikeyouall.WhenIreadthepurposesofthisorganization,alightpoppedup.Ithoughttomyself,thiswillwork!
Florida RaysISSN: 0896-3711
Published 4 times a year by
Florida State Organization of
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Spring 2020
Volume 65, Number 3
Send address changes to
Mu State Editor Bonnie S. Kelley, Ed.S.
531 Hadley DrivePalm Harbor, FL 34683
Page2 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
2019 - 2021Florida State Officers
President Dr. Nancy Henning
First Vice-PresidentRoxanne Berger
Second Vice-President Terry Stanilonis
Recording SecretaryNancy Marmesh
Corresponding SecretaryPat Eckstein
ParliamentarianStephanie McCartney-King
“Sam”[email protected]
Immediate Past Mu State PresidentCarol Ann Casey
camewithsignsreadytoparticipateinourfirstrallywithastrongmessageinsupportofeducation.Sponsoroftherally,Senator Lori Berman, opened with a message of the importance of education and Representative Loranne Ausley closed with more additional encour-agingwordspromotingpubliceducation.
Throughoutourtime,wemetwiththirtylegislatorsinofficesandconfer-enceroomsinadditiontoseveralaides.Weattendedcommitteehear-ingsandheardfromoutsidespeakers,BenWilcoxofIntegrityFlorida,LindaEdsonofFloridaRetiredEducatorsAssociation,andop-edwriter,KathleenOropezaofFundEducationNOW.Ourrelationshipswithleg-islatorsandthesespeakersaregrowingstrong.Ourcollaborativeworkoverthepastseveralyearsispayingoff.
KeyWomenEducatorsofDKGaremakingadifferenceandbuildingknowledgeontheworkingsoftheFloridalegislature.Organizationssuchasoursarefullofpurposeandfullofaction!
Florida State DKG President’s Message
Remember: TOGETHER, WE CAN!
Dr. Nancy Henning, PresidentDKG Florida State Organization 2019-2021
GreetingsLadies,
Howisyourwintergoing?WearelookingeagerlytospringhereinNorthFlorida,oratleastIam.OurDistrictMeetingsareprettymuchamemorynowwithmanyofusbeginningtoputthevaluabletrainingwereceivedintopractice.ItneverceasestoamazemehowmuchIlearnattrainingthatIamfacilitating.WhatajoyDKGgivestome!
DoyourememberthegreatfeelingyouhadwhenyouwereaskedtobeamemberofDKG? I remember how honored I felt when I realized my principal nominated me for mem-bership,andIreceivedtheinvitationformembershipinthemail.Thesewordsareinthepast,butthehonorofmembershipisstillpresenttoday.Doyouknowa“KeyWomanEd-ucator” that deserves the honor of membership? Have you invited them to a meeting to exploreoursociety,haveyouinvitedthemtocoffeeandtalkedaboutthebenefitsofDKG,have your provided written literature from our society to them to read or provided the web-siteaddressforthemtolookat?Whatareyouwaitingfor…therearemanywomenwhoaredeservingofbeingaDKGmember,buttheyarewaitingtohear.BethevoicethatbringstheDKGmessagetothesewomen.
OurnextscheduledtimetogetherisinPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,July7-11,2020,forourInternationalConvention.Ihopeyouareabletocomeandjoinmeinthegreatcityforfel-lowship,personalandprofessionaldevelopment,andtakingcareofoursocietybusiness.CominguplaterthisyearwillbeourFallExecutiveBoardMeetinginLakeMary,Septem-ber18-19,2020.Wewillbecelebrating“LeadershipinFlorida,”withreunionsofourpastLeadershipSeminarclasses.Ifyouhaveeverattendedoneoftheseseminars,youwilldefinitelywanttobethere.
Iwillbesigningofffornow,asIbegincheckingtheweatherinPennsylvaniaforJuly,soIcanassemblemywardrobe.
Roses to all,
Nancy Henning
Page3FLORIDARAYSSpring2020
Page4 FLORIDARAYS Winter2019-2020
Spotlight on Florida Members...
Hats Off to Meghan Starling!
PolkCountySeniorDirector of Reading is shown on the left after she presented the Dis-trict’sLiteracy Coach of the Year Award.The beaming lady on the right is the honor-ee- Meghan Starling, First Vice President of the DKG Lambda Chapter. Ms Starling was chosen from all of the District Coaches
inPolkCounty.Herextensiveknowledge,expertise,constantseekingofknowledgeandwillingnesstoassist teachers through modeling, classroom in-teraction, professional development seminars and well-prepared leadership demonstrations have made herafavoritewiththeteachersatPinewoodEle-mentary,aswellastheDistrictliterarystaff.Meghanco-presenteda“FirstTimer’sReflectionontheSpo-kane,WashingtonDKGInternationalConvention”totheMuStateFallWorkshopassemblyin2009.Sheis a most respected member of the Lambda Chap-ter ofDKG.
Pinellas County Schools Finalist for Teacher of the Year
Deborah Guinn,anIntensiveLanguageArtsandReading teacher at Osceola Fundamental High School,wasoneofthetenfinalistsforTeacheroftheYearinPinellasCountySchools.ShewasrecognizedduringtheEveningofExcellenceheldonJanuary31,2020,attheMahaffeyTheaterinSt.Petersburg.Deborahstates,“Thebrightestmomentsin my career are when I provide my students with the knowledgeandtoolstheyneedtosucceed.Nothingbringsmegreaterjoythanseeingthehugesmilesonmystudents’facesastheywalkacrossthestageintheircapsandgowns.IstriveeverydaytomakeOsceolaHighSchoolabetterplacefor
studentsandstaff.Mygoalforallmystudentsisthat they grow into their greatness, that they have theskillsandself-determinationtonavigatearoundobstacles.”Inductedin2015,sheisamemberofAlpha Iota Chapter in District III and resides in Palm Harbor.
Gamma Nu Members
in the News
Gamma Nu member Sue Sifrit was the recipient of the Spirit of Community award by the Florida Commission ontheStatusofWom-en.Suewasawardedthisduetohereffortsto
mobilize the community to pass the Charlotte Schools Millage Referendum to assist Charlotte County Schools in the continu-ing need to provide for students andteachers.Barb Davis was alsorecognizedforherefforts.
Gamma Nu member Dr. Martha Bireda was featured on aWGCUradiointerviewto
discuss her new book,Reflective Discipline: Reducing Racial Disparity in Referrals and Suspensions.
ForthemonthofJanuary,Gamma Nu member Danielle Vivian was namedtheAchievaTeacheroftheMonth.WeareproudoftheseDKGmembers!
Page5 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Fulbright Capitol Tour
Florida State President Nancy Henning (on right) and World Fel-lowship Saniya Ashraf recipient fromPakistanmetonJanuary17,2020, in the Chamber of the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee.SaniyaisworkingtowardsaMas-ter’sDegreeincomputersciences at Florida State UniversityandaFul-bright scholar -- as are all19currentDKGWorld
Fellowshiprecipients.Sheistheonly2019-2020DKGWorldFellowshiprecipientattendinggraduateschoolinFlorida.
Duringthefirstweekofthe2020LegislativeSession,17FulbrightscholarsfromFloridaStateUniversityandtheUniversityofFloridaattendedadocenttourof the House Chamber murals and learned about Florida’sgovernmentatTheFloridaCapitol.Nancy and her husband, Bob Henning,joinedtheFul-bright event, which was hosted by Alpha Kappa Vice President Gale Workman who is a board memberoftheNorthFloridaFulbrightAssociationandworksatTheCapitolduringSession.
The 2020 Florida Jesslyn McBride Leadership Seminar
Pat Litterick, [email protected]
TheFloridaJesslynMcBrideLeadershipSeminarwillbeheldSunday,June14-Wednesday,June17,2020,attheOrlandoMarriottLakeMaryHotel.ApplicationsfortheseminarareavailableontheFloridaStatewebsiteunderCommitteePages:Lead-ershipCommittee.SubmissiondeadlineisMarch15,2020.
TheLeadershipCommitteewillbepresentingabreakoutsessionateachofthe6districtmeetingstitled:“EMPLOYDKGPublicationsintoYourLeader-shipToolbox.”Membersinterestedinattendingtheseminar can complete the one-page application at anyofthedistrictmeetings.
Personnel Committee
Carol Ann Casey Immediate Past State President
The Florida State Personnel Committee is made up of the state president and two of the immediate past statepresidents.Itistheirresponsibilitytooverseethe four paid personnel – the state treasurer, executivesecretary,editoroftheFlorida Rays and thewebmaster.Theseladiesdoafabulousjobatkeepingourstateorganizationrunninglikeawell-oiledmachineandneedyourhelptokeepuslookinggoodandwellinformed.
Here are some ways you can assist them in their duties:
Our state treasurer, Bev-erly Staggisdefinitelyahard-workinglady,over-seeingourstatefinances.On the chapter level, you canmakeherjobaloteasierbymakingsuremembers’duesarepaidon time (member dues to chapter treasurer by June30th).SendintheAnnualReportofChapterTreasurerbyJuly15thandsubmityour990-NreporttotheIRSbetweenJuly1standOctober15th.Stateofficers,districtdirectors,andcommitteechairscanhelpbysubmittingtheirexpensevoucherstoBeverlyassoonaspossible,insteadofwaitinguntiltheJune1stdeadline.
Carrie Frye, our state executivesecretary,hasanexhaustingjob.Sheisalways on the go, trying to keepusallorganizedandup to date with needed information.Herbiggestconcern is communica-tionwithourmembers.Asstateexecutiveboard
Page6 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020members (chapter presidents, this includes you), pleasereadandrespondtoemailssentbytheexec-utive secretary immediately and complete requests askedofyouinatimelymanner.Chapterpresidents,as liaison between State and your members, please makesureyoucommunicateallneededmessagestoyourchaptermembers.
Our state editor, Bonnie Kelley, spends many hours putting together our state newsletter, the Florida Rays.It is recognized throughout ourinternationalsociety.Oneof the reasons it is so good is that many members submit in-formativenewstoher.Pleasecontinue contributing articles, photos, and other interesting updatestoBonnieforpublication.Taketimetoreadthe Florida Rays and share the information with your fellowsisters.Itisawonderfulpublication.
Lastisourstatewebmaster,Missy Jones.Sheistheladythatkeepsourstatewebsiteuptodate.Wanttofindoutmore about our committees, awards, scholarships, dead-lines,differentstateevents,andwhat’sgoingoninthedif-ferentdistricts?Checkitout.HelpMissykeepourwebsiteup to date by submitting new and pertinent information to herwhenyoureceiveit.She
needsyourhelp.
Florida Reception in Philly
Carrie Frye, Executive SecretaryFL DKG State Organization
Aget-togetherofFloridamembersattendingtheInter-national Convention will be determined after arrival in Philadelphia.Ifyouareattending,makesureCarrie Fryehasyourcellnumberforlastminuteinformation.Feel free to contact her by email or one of the phone numberslistedbelow.
[email protected] 386-668-4409 (H) 407-765-8857 (C)
Communications & Marketing: Florida Rays
Bonnie Kelley, State [email protected]
In 2012, Bonnie Kelley succeeded Beverly Helms as theStateEditoroftheFlorida Rays.Bonnieinitiatedthe electronic publication of this quarterly newsletter throughabulkmailservicecalledConstantContact.NowtheFlorida Rays is published on the state website and emailed to all Florida state members andDKGleadershippositions. During2019,Bonniepresentedaworkshopentitled“FloridaRaysUpdate”during the Florida State Convention and shared her expertiseonapaneldiscussionattheSoutheast
RegionalConferenceinAsheville.Intheabovepho-to,Bonnieispicturedontheright.
Shesincerelyappreciatesthefivememberswhovolunteer their time and talent to proof each editon beforepublication.Althoughtheseproofreadershavechanged over the years, the following are the current volunteers:
Connie Kostyra, District IVAnn Scheib, District I
Cindy Tehan, District IIIJanet Tolson, District III
Barbara VanDiepen, District V
The following are two of the many accolades received for past issues of the Florida Rays:
“You have produced a jam-packed newsletter with great reviews of the summer conferences and things to come in Florida. Looks like you are off to a great start to the new biennium!- Carol Bostian, North Carolina State Editor
“I just wanted you to know how fortunate Florida is to have you as their editor. You do a beautiful job of the Rays and of communicating with members. Thank you for all you do. The Rays are not only well laid out but also very informative. And I know, a lot of time and energy go into collecting all the information, organizing it, and publishing it in such a professional manner. You are appreciated! Thank you!”- Susan Kuenzel, SER Representative
Page7 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Communications & Marketing
Angie Wright-Nash, Chairmustatecommunicationscommittee@
gmail.com
Do you have a newsletter?Iftheansweris“no,”whynot?
“Nobody knows how to create one on the com-puter.”
Okay!Getapieceofpaper,writeafewthingsdownthatareimportanttoyourchapter,makesomecopies,andpassthemoutatyourmeeting.TakepicturesofitandsendittotheC&Mcommittee.It’saSTART.
“It’s too expensive to mail to all our members.”
Boy,yousurearerightaboutthat!Createane-maildistribution list and send it out to all your members electronically!Easy-peezy-lemon-squeezy!BUT,don’tforgettocrossthatdigitaldivideandmakeaFEWcopiesforhand-deliveryormailingtothosesisterswhodon’tusetechnology.
“We don’t know what to put in a newsletter.”
Well,includeyourmeetingschedule.Puttheminutesof your last meeting, for those who were unable to at-tend,ANDforeveryonetoreviewtosavetimeatyournextmeeting.Listupcomingevents.Listbirthdays.Havearecipepage.Talkaboutyourserviceprojects.Highlight a Member-of-the-Month: what does/did she teach? How long has she been a member? Does she havekids/grandkids/pets/hobbies?Includealetterfromyourpresident–andmaybeyourotherofficers–andevenyourcommittees!Itdoesn’thavetobelongORfancy,butitcanbebothlongANDfancy,andit can turn into something that your members (and everyoneelseonyourdistributionlist)looksforwardtoreceivingeachmonth!
“We just don’t know where to start.”
Fairenough.Butaskforhelp.Contactyourdistrict’sC&Mcommitteerepresentativeandsay“Iwanttostart a newsletter for my chapter, but I need some guidance,” and that individual will give you an idea on howtogetstarted–andwillhookyouupwithsomeresources.E-mailme,andI’llgiveyousomeideas.Justmoveforward…whatdoyouhavetolose?
Please,don’thesitatetoreachouttome,ortoyourdistrict’sC&Mcommitteerepresentative,ifyouneedoursupport!We’reheretomakesurethatyourcom-municationisclear,andyourmarketingison-point!Takecare!
Submit Bylaws Amendmentsand
Examine Chapter Rules
Barbara Van DiepenFlorida State Organization Bylaws Chair
TheBylawsCommitteeurgesyoutoexaminetheFlorida State Organization bylaws and submit any changes to the committee for consideration at the StateConventionin2021. Since the DKG International Convention will be held in2020,thecommitteemayneedtomakechangesbaseduponwhathappensinPhiladelphia.Youhaveplentyoftimetothinkaboutandconsideranychang-esyoumayrecommend.Wejustwantedtogiveyoua heads up and to remind you that any proposed changes to the bylaws must be published in the Flor-ida Raysatleast60dayspriortotheStateConven-tion.AnyproposedchangesshouldbesubmittedtothecommitteepriortoNovember1,2020. To chapter presidents, you should also revisit your chapterrulestomakesuretheyareincompliancewithbothFloridaState’sandDKGInternational’sdocuments.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorneedhelp,pleasecontactBarbaraVanDiepen,[email protected].
Page8 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Parliamentary Moment: “The Importance of the Agenda”
Stephanie (Sam) King, [email protected]
“Great meetings take more time to plan than to present.” Sam King, PRP
Haveyouexperiencedameetingthatwaswellplannedwithmuchaccomplishedinashortamountoftime?Thatcouldbeyourchaptermeetings!
Bystartingaweekortwopriortothemeetingdate,youwillbeabletogetallofthestepsdonebeforethemeetingandlookforwardtopresidingatthemeeting.Asteachers,weprepareforourclasspresentations,whichisthesameprocesswhenchairingameeting.
Here are some recommendations:
WritetheAgendaDraft-Sendthe‘draft’outtothemembersatleast3-4daysaheadoftime-Requestanychangescomebacktoyoubyacertaindayandtime-Updatetheagendaandresend(notadraft)
Useascript-Thepresident(chair)shoulduseascriptthatiswrittenforthatmeeting’sagenda.Ifusingamicrophoneduringthemeeting,practicewithamicrophone(akaraokemachinewillworkinapinch),practicereadingthescript,andturningthepages.Thefirsttimethatyoudothis,itwillremindyouofaclownjugglingballsintheair.Practicedoesmakeforabetterchair.Thisisanexampleofameetingscript:https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/training/course-tools/president/english/sample-meet-ing-script-for-president
CalltoOrder-Ontimeandwithonerapofgavel.“Itis5:30PMandthemeetingwillcometoorder.”
OpeningCeremonies(optional)–Invocation,PledgeofAllegiance,Inspiration,and/orintroductions
EstablishingaQuorum-Attendancesign-invsRollcall
StandardOrderofBusinessMinutesReportsofofficers,boardsandstandingcommitteesSpecial committee reportsSpecial ordersUnfinishedbusinessNewbusiness
ClosingActivities-GoodoftheOrder/Announcements/ProgramAnnouncements-Noticeofthenextmeeting:place,dateandtimeProgram–Speaker(informationaloreducational)andmaybeplacedelsewhereintheagendaAdjourn-[Rapgavelonce.]Themeetingisadjourned,at___PM.”
Makethemeetingsenjoyable.Ifthepresidingofficerisconfidentandrelaxed,themeetingwillbeenjoyedbythemembers.Goodbusinessmeetingskeepachapterhealthyandgrowing.Makeyourgoalthisyeartosup-portyourchapterofficersandattendthechaptermeetings.Remember,ameetingthatwillgetthememberstocometothenextmeetingisonethatisinformativeandusuallyfinishedwithinanhour.
Protect the rights of all members including: the majority, the minority, individuals, absentee, and the entire organization.
Page9 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
The Florida State Organization’s Fall Executive Board Meeting/Workshops“Celebration of Leadership”
September 18 - 19, 2020Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Registration Form: Please print or type one name per form.
Name: _________________________________Chapter:_______________ District:____
Address: _______________________________City: __________________ Zip:______
Phone: ( ) ___________________ Email:___________________________________
Please check all that apply: ____Member ____First Time Attending a State Meeting ____Current Chapter President ____District Director ____ Past State PresidentState Officer or Related Personnel (Position): ______________________________________State Committee Chairman: (Committee Name)________________________________Special dietary needs: (Please Indicate)__________________________________
Registration: ____$60.00 includes luncheon Make check payable to: Delta Kappa Gamma Send to: Rhonda WorkCheck #__________________ 3570 Lakeshore Dr.Registration Deadline: September 4, 2020 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (packets not guaranteed after this date) Phone: (850) 443-1426No refunds after September 7, 2020. Email: [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________Please Note: Unless you indicate below, your attendance at this meeting gives per-mission for your photo & contact information to be used, if needed, in the Florida Rays or any DKG publication.___ No, I do not want my photo or contact information used in the Florida Rays or any DKG publication.________________________________________________________________________Orlando Marriott Lake Mary Group Reservation1501 International Parkway Delta Kappa Gamma or DKGLake Mary, Florida 32746 September 18 -19, 2020Phone: 407-995-1100 or 800-380-7724 Rooms rates will also include tax.
On-line booking link: Book your group rate for Delta Kappa Gamma Fall Workshop Rates: Single-$117.00 Double- $117.00 Triple - $117.00 Quad - $117.00
Please specify the group name to receive your group rate. Each reservation must be guaranteed with a first night’s deposit or major credit card.
Reservation cut-off date is: September 11, 2011.Any reservations after that date will be subject to availability.
Refund Policy: Cancellations, no shows, or early departures without 48 hour advance notice will result in forfeiture of one night’s deposit or a charge of one night’s stay
to a credit card.
Call For Workshops: Florida DKG Fall Workshop
September 18-19, 2020Workshop Proposal Form
Due date – August 1, 2020
Please share your hobby, research, or committee information with our members.
Name _________________________________________________________Address _______________________________________________________Phone ________________________________________________________Email _________________________________________________________Best time to reach me ___________________________________________
Presenter(s) ___________________________________________________Workshop Title _________________________________________________Brief description of Workshop ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Equipment needed, if any. (We prefer presenters bring their own equipment).Do you need: screen? _____ projector? _____We have a limited number.Availability of Presenting: __________Friday ___________Saturday
__________Both Days ___________Either Day
Thank you!
Send this form to:
Roxanne Berger, 1st Vice President, Florida DKG783 East Dorchester DriveSaint Johns, Florida, 32259
Questions? (727) 445-5328
Page10 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Page11 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
District I Meeting: January 25, 2020
Kathy Diesner [email protected] Linda Wunderly [email protected]
DistrictI’smeetingbeganFridaynightwithearlyarrivalsenjoyingaseafoodbuffet.JayErp,ProfessorofGuitaratFloridaBaptistCol-lege, completed our evening with guitar arrangements he selected especiallyforourgroup.
Our Saturday morning pre-meeting time gave District I sisters from all 13 chapters, as well as visiting sisters from across the state and new collegiate members, a chance torekindleoldfriendships,networkwithFloridaStateOfficers,andmeetnewsisterswhileenjoyingalightbreakfast.AftertheCalltoOrderbyDistrict Co-Directors, Kathy Diesner and Linda Wunderly, our Past State President, Carol Ann Casey pictured at right,welcomedeveryonetoa“ChillymorningintheFloridaPanhandle.”Currentchapterpresidentspresentedanimpressivecandlelit“FourFreedoms”FlagCeremonytogetusofftoaninspiringstart.Dr. Charlotte Johnson-Davis from Beta Phi gave us an uplifting messageofhowtofindsomethingpositiveineverychildandpersonwemeet,aswellasineverysituationthatcomesourway.
Our General Meeting began with words from our current State President Dr. Nancy Henning, followed by a processional of the outgoing and incoming District IChapterPresidents.CommitteereportsweregivenbyStateCommitteeChairsorRepresentatives.AnelectionwasheldtoelectanewDistrictDirectorandDistrictIRepresentativefortheStateNominationsCommittee(2020–2022).Weare so proud to welcome Ann Comforter from Beta Beta as our new District I Director and Missy Cumbie from Delta Kappa as our District I Nominations Representative.
Duringthefirsttrainingsession,theincomingchapterpresidentsand chapter treasurers were provided the tools required for a suc-cessfulbiennium.OtherworkshopspresentedbyStateCommitteechairs or representatives focused on training DKG members in ways to enhance and grow their chapters, as well as informing themofopportunitiestoapplyforscholarshipsandgrants.Thesecondworkshopsessionconsistedoffour“MiniTake&Go”opportunities:“AnInvitationtoTheFloridaJesslynMcBrideLead-ershipSeminar,”“CollegiateRulesforDGKMembership,”“TheHappyTeacherRevolution”withpracticaltipsforimprovingteachermentalhealthandwellness,and“ThePerfectSideGig,TeachinginyourP.J.s”whichintroducedteachingESLtooverseasstudentson-linefromhome.Commentsfromattendeesletusknowthesesessionsweresuccessfulindisseminatingmuchinforma-tionthroughshortdiscussionsandgoodhandouts.
OurspecialguestandluncheonspeakerwasAmandaBroadfoot,founderofMakingLightProductionsinTallahassee.Shewasinspiringasshesharedhervisionofaninclusivetheatreartsprogramthatprovidesstudentsofallabilitieswithequalaccesstothestageandspotlight.
Sharon Simmons from Beta Phi startedourlunchwithathought-provokingmessageofFaith,Trust,Hope,Confidence,LoveandAttitude.Ourdeliciouslunch,cateredbySonny’s,wasfollowedbythebasketrafflesanddoorprizes.
WewanttothankallofourDistrictIPresidents,chaptersisters,andStateOfficersformakingthisDistrictImeetingsosuccessful.Yourhelpandinputwereinvaluable;wecouldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou!WeneedtogiveaspecialthankstoPhi and Delta Theta Chapters for their help in set-up, clean-up, and providing the deliciousdesserts.Toourthirteenchapters,wethankyouforthesepasttwoyears.Youwelcomedustoyourmeetingsandspecialeventswithopenarmsaswegottoknoweachother.Webothfeelwehavenewlife-longfriendsallacrossnorthwestFlorida.
Page12FLORIDARAYSSpring2020
District II Meeting: February 1, 2020
Terry [email protected]
DistrictIImembersexperiencedanuplifting,inspirational,andinformativeDistrictIImeeting.Thegeneralsession,structuredmuchlikeastatemeeting,utilizedPowerPointasateachingtool informing members how our state organization is struc-tured.Themostcriticalslidelabeledeachchapteralongwiththe name of cities, towns, or communities to help District II chaptermembersmakeconnectionswithotherchaptermem-berswhileattendingworkshopsandduringtheteasocial.Thepledge led by Terrye Mosley (Alpha Beta) and the inspiration-al message given by Kimberly Petersen (Beta Mu) set the stageforamembers-drivendistrictmeeting.Linda Mac-Allister (Alpha Rho) and Susanne Griffin (Gamma Theta) introducedspecialguests.Dr.MichaelHenry,RegionSuperin-tendent for Middle Schools, Duval County Public Schools wel-comed participants to Clay County home to Beta Mu, our host chapter.Ruth Burrell (Beta Rho) presented the nominations forDistrictIIDirectorandtheStateNominationsCommittee
(2000-2022).DistrictIImemberselectedKathy Raiford (Alpha) and Terrye Mosley (Alpha Beta) to share responsibilites for District II Director and Susanne Griffin (Gamma Theta) as District II’s Representative for the State Nominations Committee.
BreakoutsessionswerelimitedtoDKGtraining,suchasEducational Excellence Explodes with a Trip to Africa Impacting Education Worldwide, facilitated by Kimberly Miskowski (Beta Mu).Also,Coleen Stoffa (Beta Mu) and Rebecca Lloyd (Gamma Iota)ledaworkshopwalkingmembersthroughthestepsinvolved with applying for the state scholarship application process followed by Rebecca Lloyd sharing her chapter’sgrant-in-aidfundraisingactivity,Painting with a Twist.Dr.MichaelHenry(MakingConnectionswithDKG)ledaworkshoponopportunitiesfortheDKGmembertoengage/networkwitheducationalinitiativessuchastrainingtoserveonadistrictaccreditationteam.
SpecialthanksgotoDr. Elsie Gross,(FLDKGEducationalFoundation),Barbara VanDiepen(Bylaws),Pat Litterick(Leadership),Cathy Tweeddale (MembershipExpansion)forfacilitatingbreakoutsessionsinformingmembersofadetailedunderstandingofDKG’sorganizationalstructure.Also,abigthankyou to Dr. Nancy Henning, Roxanne Berger, and Carrie Frye, providing new-ly elected chapter presidents the tools required for a successful biennium and Clancy O’Donnell forfacilitatingthechaptertreasurers’training.
ThehighlightofthemeetingwasTheDKGModernWoman’sTea.Eachchapterdecorated/setasingletablecreatingamostuniqueandcolorfulambianceforparticipantstoenjoy.Beta Mu President Dunia Jean-Baptiste served as our opening/closing MC.BetaMuhostesseswereassignedtooneofthethirteentablesserv-ingteanibblesinthreedifferentcourses.Betweenteacourses,Elizabeth Davis (Alpha Sigma), Alli Stephenson (Alpha) and Anna Nesi (Beta Mu) presentedtheirpersonalDKGreflectionsandtheportionoftheDKGsongthatbestsupportstheirtriumphsandchallenges.Also,Lois Lindsey (Alpha Beta)ledchapterrollcallbreakingdownthenumberofchaptersbetween courses followed by Terry Stanilonis’diaryreadingofhertravelsandexperienceswiththe13chaptersinattendance.ThelastcourseincludedteacupcookiescreatedbyLinda Zeiler (Alpha Beta).ThankstoLinda Wunderly and Kathy Diesner (District I) for providing the template forpublishingworkshopdescriptionsandforutilizingthetwo-colorraffleticketidea.Lastly,specialrecognitiongoestoallDistrictIIChaptersfortheirparticipation,support,andforjustbeing“KeyWomenEducators”whomakeupthisgreatorganization.
Bread Course
English Biscuit
Whipped Butter and Jam
Cinnamon Toast Miniature Crackers
Allison Stephenson , DKG Reflection
Chapter Roll Call and Basket Drawing
Savory Course
Frozen Cranberry Salad Cup
Pimento Cheese Finger Sandwich
Chicken Salad Cup and Vegetable Crudité
Elisabeth Davis , DKG Reflection
Chapter Roll Call & Basket Drawing
Sweet Course
Linda Zeiler’s Tea Cookies
Assorted Pastries
Anna Nesi, DKG Reflection
Chapter Roll Call & Basket Drawing
Page13FLORIDARAYSSpring2020
DKG International ConventionPennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, PAJuly 7 - 11, 2020
First Time to Convention?Traditionallyknownas“FirstTimers,”thesemem-berswillsport“NewBEE”ribbons,beteamedwithaveteranconventionattendeecalleda“Keeper,”andhavearoomor“Hive”setasidefornetworkingandseekinginformationdesignedtoenhancetheirtotal
conventionexperience.PlantoattendtheMeet-and-GreetonTuesday,July7th,from3-4PM.Atthisevent,“NewBEEs”will1.Focusontheconventionprogramandhowbesttonavigatethepackedschedule.2.Meettheir“Keepers”face-to-faceforthefirsttime.3.LearnhowtosharetheirconventionexperiencesthroughsocialmediaandtheDKGphoneapp.4.Throughouttheconvention“Keepers”willarrangetobeavailabletoassist“NewBEES”asneeded.5.Follow-upbetween“Keepers”and“NewBEES”aftertheconventionwillbeencouraged.
Opening General Meeting at 6PM at the JW Marriott HotelTuesday’sopeningsessionwillbeginat6PMwiththebiennialprocessionoftheflagsrepresentingthemanycountriesandculturesofmembersinourSociety.WelcomesdeliveredbysuchU.S.historicalpersonagesasBenFranklinandBetsyRoss.
Market Event at 7 PM at Reading Terminal MarketShortlyafter7PM,theticketedeventattheReadingTerminalMarket(RTM)begins.MemberswillexittheMarriottDowntownHotel’sGrandBallroomfollowingourChineseDragonDanceperformersandwindtheirwaytotheRTMjustacrossthestreetfromthehotel.ExperienceoneofAmerica’soldest(since1893)andlargestpublicmarketswith80vendors.ThisticketedeventgivesyouaccesstothefoodvendorsandMollyMalone’sbeveragestations.Pausetosampleculinarytreatstypicalofthe many cultures that call Philadelphia home – Philly cheese-steaks,Italianhoagies,andPennsylvaniaDutchfare.Grazefortwo hours as you wander the premises entertained by a local DJplayingtunesthatincludesomeactuallyfirstperformedinthiscity.Ticketsalesarelimitedandincludetwohoursoffoodanddrinksalongwithentertainmentonthepremises.Youcanpurchaseaticketforthiseventwhenyouregis-terfortheConvention.
Chorus Sign UpsSignuponlineforthe2020DKGInternationalChorusinPhiladelphia.ThechoruswillperformduringtheCele-brationofLifeonSaturdaymorningandduringtheSocietyDinneronSaturdayevening.BepartofthemusicalhistoryofthisconventioninPhiladelphia!Enrichyourexperiencewhileenrichingtheexperienceofallconven-tionattendees.Jointhe2020DKGInternationalChoruswithrehearsalsintheGrandBallroomasfollows:
Wednesday,July8,from5-6PMThursday,July9,from4:30-6PMFriday,July10thfrom3:30–5PM
Stress Free ZoneUnwindatthe2020DKGInternationalConventionbystoppingbytheStressFreeZone.Thisareaisdesignedtogiveconventionattendeesanalternativespottorelaxduringtheconventionday.OpenWednesdaythroughFridaytill5PM,theroomoffersindividualandgroupactivitiestorejuvenatemembers.EachdayfeaturesaspecificgroupactivityledbyaDKGmember.Thoseseekingsolitudecanchoosefromjigsawpuzzles,coloringbooks,orareadingnook.FromchairyogatoFarkle,thereissomethingforeveryone.
Florida State Organization’s Featured Artist from the
2019 Betty Thornton Arts & Crafts Gallery:
Lonnie Kirsch from Beta Nu Chapter
Lonnie Kirsch is from Mogadore, Ohio, a small town outsideofAkron,Ohio.Asafarmgirl,theoutdoorswasanimportantpartofherlife.ShelovedartandmusicandwantedtomajorinitwhengoingtocollegeattheUniversityofAkron.Herparentshadother plans, although she did play in the band and wasapartofthetheatre,hermajorwasBiology.Af-terearningaMaster’sDegreeinBiology,shebeganteachingBiology.ShetookSCUBAclassesandinorder to complete her class, she had to do an open waterdiveto60feetinastonequarry.ThishelpedhermakethedecisiontomovetoFlorida.Obviously,there’smoretoseeintheocean,andshestilldives.
In1974,LonniemovedtoStuart,Florida,andbeganteachingatMartinCountyHighSchool.DKGbe-came a big part of her life and supported her as she pursuedadministrativepositionsservingasAssis-tantPrincipalofMCHS,movingtoLakeCountyasSupervisorofCurriculumK-12,andPrincipalofMt.DoraMiddleSchool.SheeventuallyendedupinOkeechobeeasPrincipalofYearlingMiddleSchoolandthenacountyleveladministrator.ShebeganteachingBiology,Anatomy,andPhysiologyatIndianRiverStateCollegeuntilherretirementin2015.
Page14 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
LonnieisaRenaissancewomanbecauseofherdiversetalents.Shebeganactinginhighschoolandhas appeared in hundreds of plays; most recently as AnnainThe King and I and Dolly in Hello, Dolly! Obviously,shelovestosing.Besidessingingintheater productions, she sings in her church and the DKGChoir.ShecontinuesactingbydoingportrayalsofhistoricalfiguresandwillbeappearingasSusanB.AnthonyinMarch.ShewasanofficerinDKGandformerDistrictIVDirector.
Onceretired,shefoundmoretimetopaint.Thepic-tureofaBlueHeronwasbasedononefromherpho-tostakeninOkeechobee.TheSquirrelwasapartofafollow-a-longartlessonwithinstructorFawnBarr.Thiswastoteachpaintingsnow.Itsureremindedherofhome.TheSunsetpainting,liketheheronandsquirrel,isdoneinacrylicandispurelyimaginative.
The crewel embroidery of the Tree Frog was done based on all the little tree frogs around her house whilelivinginMartinCounty.
This past year,she was given a lot of beads, so it was funtoseewhatcouldbemadewiththem.WhileinAlaska,oneofherguideshadalovelystarfishpinmadewithbeads,sothatwasherfirstattemptatbeadmaking.Afterwards,shemadethepeacockandredlionfish.Animalsandcrittersoftheseaareoftenherinspiration.
TheRoseShawlwasmadespecificallytoshowherlove of DKG as the shawl is crocheted with a rose pattern.Lonnieisknownfortakinghercrochetworkwithherwherevershegoes.Carrie Frye askedherto crochet roses for attendees of the Southeast RegionalConferenceinOrlando.Shemade500roses and her friends made an additional 100 for a grandtotalof600.Lonnie’scrochetworknowbene-fitsherchurchasshemakesprayershawlsforthosewhoneedthemandhatsforcancerpatients.
Page15 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
They Called Us Enemy
by George Takei
On February 20, 2020, the California StateAssemblyunan-imously passed a resolution apologizing morethan78yearsago for discriminat-ing against 120,000 Japanese-AmericansandhelpingtheU.S.government send
themtointernmentcampsduringWorldWarII.
Have you ever read a young adult graphic novel? If not, this is a timely opportunity to read one!
ActorGeorgeTakei,whoplayedMr.SuluinboththemovieandtelevisionseriesofStarTrek,recountshischildhoodimprisonedwithinAmericanconcentrationcampsforJapaneseAmericansduringWorldWarIIandtheimpacttheexperiencehadonhislaterlife.
Published in 2019, They Called Us Enemy is an autobiographicalaccountofthisexperience.TheReadingCounts!levelistargetedasgrade5.2,anditsLexileLevelis680.
MaMa: A Precious Woman
Carrie Frye, Executive SecretaryBeta Chi Chapter
Herlifebeganwithjoyandinnocence
Alegacyfromamother: Laughing,loving,nurturing Traitsherchildrenexperienceddaily Singing, story-telling, dancing Touplifttheirspirits.Theseshemodeled Cooking,sewing,gardening Survivalskillsshetaughtthemall.
Alonelysister: Loving,caring,missing From a distance her siblings understood Wanting,longing,needing Contactwiththemshewasdenied. Cunning, designing, scheming Intimesofneed,shesecretlyreachedthem.
Adevotedspouse: Loyal,trustworthy,obedient Withfaithfulnessshelivedhervows. Sweating, aching, bleeding Fromfarmlabor.Greatpainsheendured. Bruised,injured,scarred Physcialandemotionalabuseshesuffered.
Her short life ended with hurt and agonyButherpreciouslegacyofloveendured.
ThepoembelowwasexcerptedfromExpressions from Mu State Hearts which was a compilation of poetry written by Florida members and distributed in bookformattoattendeesattheSoutheastRegion-alConferencein2013.SinceCarrie Frye was not only the Mu State President but also the Chair of the Southeast Regional Conference, it is appropriate that herpoemisfeaturedfirstinthisnewcolumn.
Page16FLORIDARAYSSpring2020
Chapters Share Their VisionGamma Nu Chapter
Gamma Nu Chapter helditsannual“ReachtoTeach”fashionshow.Pictured on the right is Dodie Russell who served asoneofthemodels.Thefashion show, along with asilentauctionandraffle,fundsGrant-in-Aidmon-ey for Charlotte County female graduating se-niorsplanningtomajorineducation.TheCharlotteHarborYachtClubwithitsbeautifulviewwasthevenue.
Eachyear“ReachtoTeach” honors a DKG member who has con-tributed in meaningful ways to the Gamma Nu Chapter.ThisyearBernadine “Bernie” Allesee was honored for herworkinthechapterovertheyears.Picturedon the left, Gale Carter is presenting her with a vaseofflowers.
Atarecentschoolboardmeeting, Gamma Nu’s Second Vice President Maria Metge presented Charlotte High Princi-pal Cathy Corsaletti the International Society of KeyWomenEducator’s2020LeaderinEduca-tionAward.Gamma Nu Chapter established theLeaderinEducationAward,anannualaward
Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega Chapter wasawardedthefirst‘BeaBuddyBenchAward’atthefirstannualbreakfastbyPalmBeachMentalHealthAssociationheldattheKravisCenterinWestPalmBeach.
ThechapterpartneredwithauthorLoverlySheridanto advocate for social-emotional learning through the “BeaBuddy,NotaBully"program.BusinessesandindividualscansponsoraBuddyBenchinelementa-ryschools.SchoolsholdanassemblytogooverthepurposeoftheBuddyBench.Asponsoredbenchisplacedinasafeplacedesignatedbyschoolofficialsforkidstoreflectandrest.
Duringtheassembly,LoverlySheridanspeaksandreadstostudents.SchoolsnameBuddyAmbas-sadors and create a new school climate based on mutualrespect.Supportforculturaldifferencesandananti-bullymindsetisestablished.Themessageoftolerance, emotional safety, and acceptance is the lifeskillpromotedbythebook&BuddyBench.
If other schools in Florida are interested, please con-tactIzzy([email protected]).
Eta Chapter
Good food, fun, and fellowship were a winning combination forEtaChap-ter’sChristmasauction.Mem-bers brought artwork,bakedgoods, and other items to auction as well as to sell in the Christmas store.Thechapterraised$1,425.25fortheDKGWorldFellowshipfund,thechapterGrantinAid,andotherchapterprojects.EtaChapterisproudtoannouncecontinuedsuccessfortheir“SupportingSchoolsandTeachers”project.Atotalof$115dollarswas donated by a member to two teachers to assist themwithclassroomprojects.Onememberdonated200bookstolocalschool.Twoothermembersdonat-edclassroomsuppliestoseveralteachers.Membersalsologgedanadditional27hoursofvolunteerser-vicetoourschoolsandteacherssinceOctober.ThisbringsEtaChapter’stotalto89volunteerhourssinceschoolstarted.
Chapters Share Their Vision (continued) Page17 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
highlighting a woman in Charlotte County who serves inaleadershipcapacityattheadministrativelevel.
Afterreceivingherbachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesfrom Central Connecticut State and teaching math to middle schoolers in Connecticut, Cathy arrived in CharlotteCountyin1986asamiddleschoolmathteacheratPortCharlotteMiddleSchool.Shebecamea dean, an assistant principal, and was appointed as principalofPuntaGordaMiddleSchoolin2006.In
2014, she was appoint-ed principal of Charlotte HighSchool.In2019,she was awarded the 2019DaveGaylerLead-ershipAwardinrecog-nition of her leadership within Charlotte County Schools.
AteacherwhohasworkedforCathystates,“She’sextremelyorganizedandhasastructuredstrategyforalloftheprojectsandprogramsofherschool.”Anotherstated,“She’sa student-oriented administrator interested in the well-beingofeverystudentunderhercare.”Yetanothersays,“Cathyisagreatcommunicator;sheendsherannouncementstotheschools’populationadvising them to Make it a great day or not, the choice is always yours!”
Kappa ChapterAstheincomingpresidentofKappaforthenextbien-nium, the current president of Kappa and I decided thatIwouldsharethevisionforthechapter.Ihadtotakeastepbackandthinkaboutthat:What IS our vision for Kappa Chapter moving into the next two years?Ithinkaboutwherewearenow,fromwherewewerewhenIfirststartedafewyearsback,and I realize that it continues to be about a single word…GROWTH.
Asweexitthisbiennium,welooktoexpandourpriorfocusonbeingmentorsandoureffortsto“encouragealways, serve intentionally, (and) advance profes-sionally.”Mentoringisaboutgrowth...primarilyonthegrowthofothers;that’ssoimportant,especiallyaswecultivateayoungergenerationofmembers.Also,I would hope to see our members focus on their own growth and realize that while they may be coming to the end of their professional careers, they can contin-ue to grow – intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
IhopetoseeKappaexperiencegrowthfroma
membership perspective, as we bring others into our chapter; I hope to see us grow within our chap-ter, as our members challenge themselves to reach newlevelsofpersonalgrowth.Finally,Iwishforusto continue to support the growth of those initiatives and organizations that further the cause of educa-tion, and the welfare of women and children, through ourvolunteereffortsandourserviceprojects.Ifwecan focus on three-fold growth for the coming bien-nium, we will have truly watched our vision unfold for KappaChapter.
1920-2020 Women ‘Rock the Vote’ For 100 Years!!Delta Eta Chapter Joint Luncheon
This year celebrated the 100th anniversary of suf-frageforwomen.OnFebruary15,2020,theDelta Eta ChapterhostedajointluncheonattendedbyBeta Sigma and Kappa Gamma Chapters.Weassembled in the oceanview room above The Tides inSatelliteBeach.ManyoftheDelta Eta members were attired in clothes reminiscent of the era in which women struggled and marched to protest and demandtheirrights.
AfteramovingmeditationbyMargaret Brugman, President Susan Siemer introduced guests, Carol Ann Casey, Nancy Marmesh, Diana Brown, and Sandy Reeves. TheEducationalExcellenceCom-mittee of Delta Eta performed a dramatization using theoriginalwordsofElizabethCadyStanton,Fred-erickDouglas,SusanB.Anthony,SojournerTruth,AbigailAdams,ClaraBarton,WoodrowWilson,andothersentitled“FailureisImpossible”whichisavailablethroughtheNationalArchives.Thepieceoutlinesthestruggleforwomen’svotingrights.
Afterasatisfyinglunch,ourguestspeakerwastheFlorida State Organization’s Executive Sec-retary Carrie Frye who present-ed a slide show developed by our own Margaret Brugman detailing themomentousfightforwomen’svotingrights.Theafternooncon-cluded with an inspiring rendition oftheDeltaKappaGammaSong.
Page18FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Dr. Kathleen P. JenkinsBeta Chapter
District IVDecember 21, 2020
DeLand, FL
Surrounded by loved ones, Kath-leen P. “Kay” Jenkins, 98, died peacefully at home on December 21,2019.ShewasborninFay-etteville,WestVirginia,theeighthofninechildren.
She earned a biology degree at BereaCollegeinBerea,Kentucky,and it was there she met her fu-turehusband,George.George and Kay married in 1944 andmovedtoDeLandin1948,.The couple had two children and, in1951,movedtoLexington,Ken-tucky.In1953,thefamilymovedbacktoDeLandwhereKayraisedthechildren.
During these child-rearing years, Kaysewedthechildren’sclothing,was a Girl Scout troop leader, and tookcontinuing-educationclassesas diverse as painting, physics andceramicsatStetson.
In1961,Kaybeganteachingsev-enth grade science at what was thenDeLandJuniorHighSchool.She continued teaching life sci-enceatDeLandschoolsuntilherretirementin1984.
Calling All Presenters!
Roxanne Berger, 1st Vice [email protected]
TheSeptember2019FallWorkshopandBoardMeetingincludedmanywonderfulworkshopspresentedbyourFloridaStateDKGsisters.Alltheworkshopswerewellattendedandreceivedexcellentreviews.ThankyoutotheWorkshoppresenters.Topicswereasfollows:
“Can We Be Honest” (Dunia Jean-Baptiste)
“Reconciling Chapter Rules with State & International Changes” (Barbara VanDiepen)
“Are You a Healthy Leader?” (Pat Litterick)
“Martha Washington and the Women of the 18th Century” (Celia Maria Blanden)
“More Money Available – A New Grant Opportunity” (FLDKGEF)
“New Dues Procedures – FAQ’S” (Beverly Stagg)
“The Impressionists/ Impressionism” (Linda Zeiler)
“Dancing With The Oldies” (Delta XI’s Officers)
“Everyone Needs a Medical Journal” (Carolyn McGowan)
“Membership: Growing in DKG” (Cathy Tweeddale)
“Spotlight on the DKG Fine Arts Gallery” (Carol Ann Casey)
“Ready, Set, Let’s Activate Our Voices!” (Kathleen Oropeza)
“Planning for Great Meetings: The Agenda” (Stephanie (Sam) McCartney King)
“Double Your Pleasure; Double Your Chapter“ (Brenda Johnson)
“District 1 Planning Meeting” (Kathy Diesner and Linda Wunderly)
“District II Planning Meeting” (Terry Stanilonis)
“District III Planning Meeting” (Yvonne McShay)
“DistrictIV Planning Meeting” (Diana Brown and Sandy Reaves)
“District V Planning Meeting” (Myrna Santos)
“District VI Planning Meeting” (Kathy Avery and Joann Higgins)
Nowitisyourturntopresentaworkshop.Shareyourexpertise,re-search, or hobby with your Florida Sisters at the September 2020 Fall Workshop&BoardMeeting.DeadlinefortheWorkshopApplicationisJuly31,2020.
Page19 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Dr. Diane Emily ValovichXi ChapterDistrict V
November 12, 2019Tamarac, Florida
Dr. Diane Valovich passed away onNovember12,2019.ShewasbornonJuly19,1946,inStratford,Connecticut.DianereceivedaBachelor’sandMaster’sDegreesinLibrarySciencefromSouthernConnecticutStateUniversityandherDoctoratefromNovaSouth-eastUniversity.
Dr.Valovichwasamediaspecial-istatNOVASoutheasternUni-versity’sElementarySchoolfrom1980 - 2003 when she was pro-motedtoDirectorofEducationalTechnology until her retirement in 2013.ShewasinitiatedintoDKGonNovember26,2000,servedasXi Chapter PresidentinBrowardCounty from 2008-2010, and as MembershipChair..
Dianeandhersisterenjoyedtraveling together and visited the Mediterranean,exploredtownsalong the Danube River, and in Hawaii,Alaska,andCalifornia.She loved cats and growing orchidsinherbackyard.Dianewasawonderfulcookandbakerwhoenjoyedsharingfoodwithfamilyandfriends.
inGreenBay,Wisconsin,andpassed away at the age of 92 on December27,2019,inBradenton.ShereceivedaBachelor’sDegreeinElementaryEducationatHolyFamily College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin,andearnedaMaster’sDegree in Curriculum and Instruc-tionattheUniversityofSouthFloridainTampa.
Joycewasanelementaryedu-cator teaching 11 years in Ohio andWisconsin.MovingtoFloridain1969,Joycestarteda21yearservice to the School District of ManateeCounty.Shewasap-pointed to many special positions during her career, serving as a Master Teacher in the new open classroom setting, Curriculum Coordinator,AssistantPrincipalandPrincipal(TillmanandAbelSchools).Shenotonlyservedherstudents directly but also partici-pated in much curriculum develop-ment.
In1975,Joycewasinvitedtoassist the Florida Department of Educationtohelpestablishthescope and sequence for mandat-edcurriculuminthebasicskillofproblemsolving.In1976,sheagainworkedfortheFLDOEtodeveloptheskillssequenceontheMeasurementTaskForce.Shewas instrumental in developing the EnvironmentalScienceprograminthecounty.In1977and1979,sheservedonthepanelofjudgesfortheNationalScienceFounda-tionjudgingteachersubmissions.Afterretiring,sheenjoyedjudgingspeechcontests.
Joycewashonoredasthe1976Manatee County Teacher of the Year.Shewasachartermem-ber of the Kappa Chapter since Septemberof1976.Joycehada solid philosophy of education, statingthat‘teachingiscreatingan environment where learning takesplace,establishinggoalsforinstructing, and evaluating each childandprovidingcurriculumex-periencesthatarechild-centered.”
AfterherretirementfromVolusiaschools, Kay, a lifelong learner, studied Spanish, mastered the computer, researched and docu-mentedherandGeorge’sgene-alogy,tutoredSpanishspeakersat the library and at local schools, taught line dancing, delivered MealsonWheels,volunteeredat First Presbyterian Church of DeLand,andtraveled.Asamem-ber of Beta Chapter, Kay held manyoffices.Mostrecently,shewastreasurerformanyyears.
Merle LearAlpha Chapter
District IIJacksonville, FL
Merle Lear, who recently passed away, was born on February 2, 1942.InductedonMay1,1991,shewastrulyanAlphapioneer.Her enthusiasm for DKG was boundless, always attending events.Merleservedmanyyearsas president of Alpha Chapter.
Her funeral was held on February 29, 2020, at Riverside Presbyteri-anChurchinJacksonville.WewillalwaysrememberMerle’ssmileand dedication to Alpha Chapter andhersisters.Pleasekeepherfamilyandfriendsinyourprayers.
Dr. Joyce Hurkman Mummert
Kappa ChapterDistrict III
December 27, 2019Bradenton, FL
Joyce Mummert ofBradentonwasbornonJanuary12,1927,
Directions for Setting Up Your DKG Log-in & ProfileYouwillneedyourmembership#tolog-in!!Thiscanbefoundonyourmembershipcard,DKGpublications,orcontactyourchapterpresidentortreasurerifyouneedassistancefindingyournumber.YoucanalsousetheChatfeatureontheDKGwebsitetoaskforyourmembership#.
1. OpenGoogleChromeorFirefoxonlaptopsordesktopsorSafarioniPads.
2. Gotowww.dkg.org
3. Click“Sign In” tab near top of page
4. Click“Username”andenteryourDKGI.D.#(frommembershipcardorDKGpublication).
5. Click“Password” and enter the generic password dkg2014societyORclick“Forgot My Password”(IfyouchooseForgotMyPassword,anewwindowopens.EnteryourDKGI.D.#and Internationalwillsendyouanemailwithalinktochangeyourpassword.)ORclickonthechatfeature andaskforaresetofyourpassword.
6. Click“MyDKG”oryournameatthetop. 7. Click“Change My Password” andenterapasswordofyourchoice!!
8. Completethe“About Me”informationbyclickingthesmallpencilicon.Thisopenstextboxeswhere youcantypephone#,emailaddress,&birthday.Scrolldownto“My Address” andclickpencilicon tochangeyouraddress. *BesuretoclicktheSAVEbutton!
9. IMPORTANTStep:Click“My Participation”tabneartopofpage. * Scroll down to “Communication Preferences” nearbottomofpage.Selectthecheck boxesforhowyouwouldlikeinformationfromDKGInternationaltobesenttoyou.If you do NOT check Yes, Include my DKG Profile in the Online Directory, no one will see your information *BesuretoclicktheSAVEbutton!
10. OPTIONAL!Ifyouchoosetoenteradetailedprofile,clicktheDKGProfilebuttonnearthetopleftside of “Communication Preferences”page.
*AYouTubevideooncreatingyourprofilecanbefoundat:
http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Committees/Society_Business/Communication_ Publicity_Assets/Video-Profile.aspx
Why Is It So Important to Update Your Email Address?Print copies of the Florida RaysarenolongermailedusingtheU.S.PostalService.
The Florida Rays uses the email addresses from International, and some of these have not been updated sincemembersoriginallyjoined.Somemembersdidnothaveemailaddresseswhentheyjoined,
sonoemailaddressislisted.
Needassistance?ContactState Treasurer Beverley Stagg at [email protected] or DKG Membership Director Trish Woolery at [email protected].
Page20 FLORIDARAYS Spring2020
Information Sources
DKG Florida Websitewww.dkgmustateflorida.weebly.com
DKG Florida on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DKG-Florida-State-Organiza-
tion-128818413969052/
DKG Florida on Twitter@DKGMuStateFL
Florida DKG Educational Foundation Website
www.fldkgef.org
Florida DKG Educational Foundation on Facebookwww.facebook.com/FLDKGEF
Florida DKG Educational Foundation on Twitter
@FLDKGEF
Florida Rays
Members are encouraged to email information to be used in the Florida
RaystoBonnieKelleyat [email protected]
December 1.....Winter February 1.......Spring May 1.............Summer August 1...............Fall
District V Meeting“One World DKG - A United Nations of Education”
March 14, 2020Nova Southeastern Univeristy, Davie, FL
DKG US Forum National Legislative SeminarMarch 15 - 18, 2020
Holiday Inn National Airport HotelArlington, VA
District VI“Honoring Our DKG All-Stars”
March 21, 2020Carlisle Inn, Sarasota, FL
The Florida Jesslyn McBride Leadership SeminarJune 14 - 17, 2020
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
DKG International ConventionJuly 7 - 11, 2020
Marriott Downtown Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Florida State Fall Workshop & Executive Board MeetingSeptember 18 - 19, 2020
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Florida State ConventionApril 30 - May 2, 2021
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
Page21FLORIDARAYSSpring2020