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Beta Kappa Banter

Oct/Nov 2013

Although the familiar nip of fall has not completely arrived, the colors that the season brings are beginning to make a presence. The meanings of some of these colors can convey significance to not only our personal lives but to our lives in Beta Kappa. Red – a color of strength, determination, power, and passion Orange – a color representing creativity, success, joy, and encouragement Yellow – a color that indicates honor, loyalty, intellect, and energy Brown – a color meaning confident, reliable, and genuine Gold – a color that evokes the feeling of prestige and wisdom As the leaves transform into a bounty of colors through the season, may you apply their meanings and create a new season of change in your life and those around you.

On Friday, September 20, Beta Kappa initiated Beverly Utz. She comes to us as a retired technology teacher from Gettysburg School District where she taught for 34 years. She currently spends much of her time doing pet therapy with her dog, Kipper. Welcome, Bev!

In other member news, please continue to bring names of prospective members to meetings or email names and addresses to Deborah so they can be contacted about DKG! We must continue to “share our vision” in order to “strengthen the society!”

Initiation News

Kristine Reynolds - President

2014-2016 Biennium As the 2012-2014 biennium moves towards its end, it is time to prepare for the 2014-2016 biennium and the slating of new officers in Beta Kappa. The nominations committee will have the important task of engaging members to step forth and show the skills that designated them as key women educators, equipping our future president and officers with leadership training, and empowering all officers and members to show leadership skills within their chapter, schools, and communities. Please consider a nomination for a Beta Kappa leadership position.

President’s Message

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Remember: If you have changes to your contact information, please call or email Terri Westfall, Corresponding Secretary.

Something to Consider… "Mums and pumpkins, so rich in their colors. Reminds

me of a fall rainbow, after the summer showers." Sheri Bresnahan

October 15 – Mary Ann Dissinger-Amspacher 18 – Jane Little 26 – Fran Ruda McDermott

November 19 – Kristine Reynolds 28 – Angela Eisenhart

December 18 – Anita Schulze 27 – Beverly Utz 31 – Esther Sanders Upcoming Dates

November 9, 2013: Open General Meeting,

Visual & Performing Arts, Mary Todd Lincoln presentation Biglerville Library

January 11, 2014: Executive Board Meeting @

Perkin’s in Chambersburg February 28-March 1, 2014: Prof. Development & Leadership Conference for Officers & Chapter Leaders State College, PA March 15, 2014: Educational Excellence,

Mud College Littlestown, PA

April 26, 2014: Birthday Brunch with Omega Dobbin House Gettysburg, PA May 2014: Executive Board/Planning TBD June 13-15, 2014 Alpha Alpha State Convention Nittany Lion Inn State College, PA

Birthd

ays

Wanted

• 2nd Vice President (Membership) or Membership Chair

• Members with a talent to share at meetings

• Treasurer (possible available office in 2014) – see Anji Eisenhart

• More members in attendance at ALL meetings – you don’t want to miss out on some exciting programs!

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Dues News: Dues need to be paid to Anji no later than October 31st.

Active members - $85 Reserve members - $50 Initiates - $95

"October's Party"

October gave a party; ��� The leaves by hundreds came-

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, ��� And leaves of every name. ���

The Sunshine spread a carpet, ��� And everything was grand, ���

Miss Weather led the dancing, ���Professor Wind the band. ������

The Chestnuts came in yellow, ��� The Oaks in crimson dressed; ���

The lovely Misses Maple ���In scarlet looked their best; ���

All balanced to their partners, ��� And gaily fluttered by; ���

The sight was like a rainbow ��� New fallen from the sky. ������

Then, in the rustic hollow, ���

At hide-and-seek they played, ��� The party closed at sundown, ���And everybody stayed. ���

Professor Wind played louder; ��� They flew along the ground; ���

And then the party ended ��� In jolly "hands around." Author: George Cooper

U.S. Forum and Scholarship Info The purpose of the U.S. Forum is to identify and select major issues affecting women, children, and education upon which the U.S. members of DKG may take action. It selects issues based on member input. Recently, the Forum has been working on helping to pass legislation to establish a National Women’s History Museum. Even though there is no physical building, some good resources for members can be found at their website: http://www.nwhm.org/education-resources/ The Forum encourages members to help with lobbying efforts and contact legislators when necessary. It holds a national legislation seminar annually. The next seminar will be held March 16-19, 2014 in Arlington, VA. State Scholarships and Grants – The fall issue of The Keystonian has a page of information about the scholarships and grants available from Alpha Alpha State on page 12. Deadlines are February 1, 2014. The Education Foundation that funds the grants for DKG International has added 50 $1000 grants that will be awarded in 2014. This is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Foundation. The deadline to apply for these grants that will be awarded for classroom/school projects for the 2014-2015 school year, is November 1, 2013.

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Birthday Brunch The spring of 2014 will be the 85th birthday of Delta Kappa Gamma and 50th birthday of Beta Kappa. Our birthday brunch with Omega will be a wonderful opportunity to commemorate and celebrate both of these milestones. Even though the Special Events Committee will be responsible for the preparations, more members are encouraged to become involved. Contact Tammy if you are willing and able to contribute to the planning.

Apple Harvest Info

Sign up sheets were passed around at the September meeting for those interested and able to work at the Arendtsville Lions Club food building during the Apple Harvest Festival. Members signed up for at least one 4-hour slot (10-2pm or 2-6pm) during the festival (Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13). Those that signed up received a free admission ticket – with their sign-up time written on the back!

Please remember to arrive early in the area to get a shuttle to the festival in time for your shift…AND be ready to work! Beta Kappa will receive a donation from the Lions Club for our assistance.

November Meeting Info.

Our November meeting, held at the Harbaugh-Thomas Library in Biglerville (59 West York Street) will feature Linda Minarik as Mary Todd Lincoln. She comes to us from the Reading area and recently completed portrayals in Gettysburg during the 150th anniversary of the battle. She also recently returned from a 10-day trip through Virginia, South Carolina, Lexington, KY, and Springfield, IL, where she visited the tomb where Mary and their children reside along with Abraham Lincoln. Our program will begin at 9:00 with social time, followed by our general membership meeting. At the completion of our meeting, Mary Todd Lincoln will arrive and share her story. There will be a question & answer session to follow.