Delta Kappa Gamma

The Tri-Chapter Meeting of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Key Women Educators was held March 5, 2005 in Decorah at the Congregational Church Parish Hall. Ten members from Beta Alpha Chapter attended. State President Audry Terpstra spoke at the meeting on the themes of Honor the Past, Build Today and Envision the Future. She emphasized the need for chapters to initiate new members and evaluate their programs to see where improvement is needed. Members were entertained by the Fourth Grade Junior Nordic Dancers following a St. Patrick’s Day themed brunch at 10:00 a.m.

Beta Alpha’s regular March meeting was held March 15th at Eagle’s Landing Bed and Breakfast in Marquette at 5:30 p.m. with fifteen members present. Severna Cowell, Ivanelle Schlake and Dawn Slyfield were hostesses, assisted by Roger and Connie Halverson, proprietors of Eagle’s Landing.

The program for the evening was presented by Pastor Laura Gentry. Her presentation concerned adolescent girls’ issues and the need for adults who deal with the girls to encourage them to be themselves. Through her slide program and demonstration she emphasized that girls should not feel compelled to make themselves into unattainable ideal models as presented in the media nor to have their values unduly influenced by the media. The chapter members gave Pastor Gentry a donation for her project.

Following the program, hors d’ouvres were served by the Halversons. During the serving Roger and Connie Halverson presented information about the growth of their Winery and vineyards. Roger described the various wines they produce and how they are served.

During the business meeting correspondence received included a note from Carolyn Rants, Sioux City, Northwest Regional Director, requesting information about chapter programs and projects that she could use in a presentation. Those submitted were our Peace Corps project of sending books to Kiri-Bati, bedtime bags for the NEI Center for Abused Women and the school supplies sent to Iraqi children.

President Mary Koopman and Rita Anderson reported on their visit to Sara Seedorff, one of Beta Alpha’s founders, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Sara is currently living in Fayette at Maple Crest Manor and was pleased to see members of Beta Alpha. Several members told of their memories of Sara when she was an active member.

President Mary noted that this year’s State Convention will be in Ames on June 10-12. More information will be given later. Joan Barton reported preliminary information about plans for the June outing. On June 15th there will be a tour of two historic homes in Elkader, with a catered lunch at the Carter House Museum. More details will be given later.

The next meeting will be a dinner meeting at Rossville on April 19, 2005. Eileen Franks, Mary Crawford and Loretta Schafer will be hostesses.