Delta Kappa Gamma International Society

The regular meeting of Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Key Women Educators was held at Johnson's Restaurant in Elkader on November 16, 2004. A 5:30 p.m. dinner preceded the program and business meeting with 22 members attending. Hostesses for the meeting were Arma Jean Newbern and Arlene Schoien.
The program for the evening was presented by Myra Voss of Elkader, a member of the Clayton County Genealogical Society. Her presentation was on genealogy and preserving a family history. She informed the members about how to start developing a family history and locating genealogy help sources. Chapter members also brought family mementos and heirlooms which they described and shared with the group.
Preceding the business meeting Mary Beth Allyn of Guttenberg was initiated as an active member in Beta Alpha Chapter. Members participating in the initiation ceremony were Fran Leeman, Arma Jean Newbern, Judy Sweeney, Mary Crawford, and President Mary Koopman. Two songs were presented during the initiation: "Enter Our Company" before the ceremony and "The Delta Kappa Gamma Song" sung after the initiation.
President Mary Koopman called the business meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Individual introductions of members were made during roll call for the benefit of our new member. President Mary noted that Sara Seedorff, one of the founding members of Beta Alpha Chapter, will be 100 years old on Dec. 9. It was suggested that the members send birthday cards to her in recognition of her birthday. She resides at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette. Also, a rose will be taken to her in honor of the occasion.
A collection of items for Operation Iraqi Children will be held in the spring. School supplies and personal items are needed. The materials will be sent to Vinton, Iowa, to be forwarded to Iraq.
The Tri-Chapter meeting will be held on March 5th. Beta Alpha will not meet in February because there will be two meetings in March: the Tri-chapter meeting and the regularly scheduled meeting on March 15th.
Suggestions for changes to the International Constitution and Standing Rules are due to the Constitution Committee by October, 2005. The International President, Jackie Cuppy, has chosen "Road to Excellence" as the slogan for the biennium.
The next meeting will be the Tri-Chapter meeting on March 5th.