Eta Zeta Press

Texas State Organization

Five Star Award Newsletter

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Volume 51, Issue 2
Eta Zeta,Chapter 174, Dallas, Dallas County
Area 9,Texas State Organization, Texas

DKG Vision Statement: Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide

October 2014

Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women

educators and excellence in education..

Aundrea Wright Young, Editor

aundrea_wright@sbcglobal.net

Honor and Welcome

Eta Zeta Members

Sandys Stylus
November is here again and as usual, filled with many exciting activities. Significant celebrations include
Election Day, Veterans Day, National
Childrens Book Week, and Thanksgiving.

Presenter:

Betty Vines

TSO Executive Secretary/Treasurer

Date: November 27, 2014

Time: 5:00 p.m. Eat & Socialize
6:00 p.m. Meeting

For Eta Zeta, it is the New Member Orientation

Tea, which affords an opportunity to Welcome New
Members! I extend sincere gratitude to the Membership
Committee, led by Ida Durham and Evelyn Hamilton,
and to the Executive Board for providing a buffet
spread of delectable, beautiful smiles, and a wealth of
information for the invitees. I am sure you will want to
join us at our chapter meeting on November 24, 2014 at
5:00pm at On The Border. Please wear red and/or gold
as the celebration of new membership continues!

Location:

On the Border
3130 Knox Street
Dallas, Texas 75205

Inspiration/Meditation: Arlene Delgado

Hostesses: Heather Hawthorne, Melanie
Moseley, Cynthia DeVies, Aundrea Wright
Young
Facilitators: Seretha Merchant, Ona Calvo,
Sharon Kraus, Kalva Scott

Have you heard about the chapter yardstick?

If not, look at the DKG News, Nov/Dec, page 5. Thank
you for your continued efforts to help each of us to be
able to say, thats my chapter to most of the success
measures. I was so proud of the concerted efforts
demonstrated at our October meeting in the presence of
our Area 9 Coordinator, Michelle Grandinetti. We did
not have to pretend this is how we do it. Thanks to
Mary Bixler and her team of Education Excellence
chairs and all participants. We enjoyed our guest speaker who stimulated our minds and our Area 9 Coordinator who encouraged us, praised our efforts, and shared
valuable information.

Eta Zeta Press wants to know.We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Contact: Aundrea Wright Young,
Communications Chair
By Mail: 4625 Hazelhurst Lane
Dallas, Texas 75227
By Email: aundrea_wright@sbcglobal.net
By Phone: 214-577-3179
Please submit information for publication by 1/12/15
for the upcoming issue.

January 1, is the date for nominations for state

officers and elected committees. If you are interested in
applying to an elected office, please look at the website
www.alphastatetexas.org for the form that needs to be
1

completed. You can also find information regarding recommendations for Area Coordinators, committee chairs, and committee members. Go to www.alphastatetexas.org NOW. Click
on deadlines and forms and scroll to January 1.
Conventions are approaching. Please read the information forwarded regarding housing. Convention is the way to
really get to know DKG beyond our chapter. It is not too soon
to start planning to meet us on the Riverwalk in San Antonio,
June 24-27, 2015.
Special thanks to Mary Claire Welch for her outstanding work, ensuring that our Yearbook was submitted in the
Early Bird category. Kudos to Mary Bixler and those who provided assistance.

We are anxiously awaiting the approval of our chapter

website. How exciting! Hats off to Leigh Taylor and Melanie
Moseley for taking Eta Zeta communication to the 21st
Century! More information is on the way.
What Are YOU Communicating? I strongly encourage you to read this article on the front page of the International Communications & Publicity Committees newsletter, Get
Connected! I want to take this opportunity to challenge you
to use all of the communication avenues of DKG to stay connected.
As we celebrate during the holiday season, please remember those who have challenges in their lives. Lets keep
them in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Take some time to
take care of those you love and remember to put your mask
on first. May the joy of the holiday season remain in your
heart.

Eta Zeta Chapter Programs for

2014-2015
Expand the Vision:
Educate, Inspire, Encourage

Monday
August 18

Monday
September 22

Monday October 27

Monday
November 24

Monday
January 26

Monday
February 23

Monday
March 23

A sister by heart,

Sandy
Saturday
March 28

Program: Welcome to a New Year of Eta Zeta in DKG!

Time: 6:00 PM Eat, Socialize, Meeting
Location: St. Luke United Methodist Church
5710 R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75223
Hostesses: Executive Board & Beverly Leonard, Seretha
Merchant, Jean Stoner, Carol Lipton
Program: Shelter from the Storm: A Human Rights
Initiative
Time: 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00 PM -Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses: Diana Gonzalez, Sandra Woodruff, Mary Bixler,
Maria Viera Williams

Program: Education: The Good, the Bad & the Confusing

Time: 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00 PM- Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses: Elia Pardo, Marca Lee Bircher, Yvonne Manuel, Bradley Sue Howell
Program: Honor and Welcome Eta Zeta Members!
Time: 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location: On The Border
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, Texas 75205
Hostesses: Cynthia DeVies, Heather Hawthorne, Melanie
Moseley, Aundrea Young
Program: Stand Up and Speak! Do You Dare?
Time: 5:00 PM Socialize
6:00 PM -Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd. , Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses: Lisa Bagley, Arlene Delgado, Debbie Duke,
Kendra Perkins
Program: Whats in Your Bag? Got DKG?
Time: 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses: Johnnie Cunningham, Charlenta Govan,
Kathryn Hons, La Tonya Hadnot
Program: Young Artists Making a Kinder World
Time: 5:00 PM Eat and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location: Highland Park Cafeteria
1200 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75218
Hostesses: Elizabeth Johnson, Kalva Scott, Jane Walker,
Tobizena Williams, Mary Claire Welch

Dallas County Coordinating

Council Luncheon
Lakewood Country Club
1912 Abrams Road, Dallas, Texas 75214

Diapers, Diapers
Monday

Who Needs Diapers

May 18

Program: Happy Birthday and Founders Day!

Time: 5:00 PM Eat,and Socialize 6:00- Meeting
Location: On the Border
3130 Knox Street, Dallas, Texas 75205
Hostesses: Patricia Webb, Chelsea McNair, Norma Matthews, Barbara Stoddard

The Rainbow Room thats who!

Please bring your donations of diapers
and/or wipes to the November Chapter
Meeting.

June 24-27
2015

The Rainbow Room is in desperate need of

diapers.

86th Texas State Organization

Convention
Grand Hyatt, San Antonio, Texas

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Albert Einstein (Quote found at http://
www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_teacher.html)

life.

What Works in Education

A study by Gates has shown that many

schools are similar in achievement levels, but, that
within schools there is often great variation in
achievement levels by classes. A great teacher helps
students achieve greatly. If we would have great
schools, Mr. Ragland believes that we must focus
on writing and reading skills, but, also on the
strengths and passions of the students and teachers.
Schools must be an environment in which students
use their strengths to excel in learning and discover
their hidden abilities. If teachers are allowed to
work their magic, creating an environment where it
is safe to learn, then great things can happen.

By Mary Bixler
Dallas Morning News columnist James
Ragland spoke to Eta Zeta members on October 27,
2014 to share his views on education. He described
three challenging students. One couldnt read, but,
challenged adults; one stuttered; and one got into
trouble. He asked if we would want them in our
classrooms. Each of these three students went on to
become successful adults: Einstein, James Earl
Jones, and Ben Carson. What made the difference
for these three students? Mr. Ragland said there
were 3 keys to success. Those being a stable home
environment, positive peer or outside influences,
and teachers who enlighten, inspire, and connect
with the student. Mr. Ragland suggested that it
might be possible to overcome adversity if you only have one or two of these keys, but if all are missing, students fail.

Members Seretha
Merchant and
Heather Hawthorne
listen to the presentation by James
Ragland.

Mr. Ragland described one great teacher,

Dr. Maria Montessori, the first female doctor in
Italy. She was given the task of teaching the children of the residents of a slum in Rome. She did
not balk at the lowliness of the task. She took it as
an opportunity for an experiment. She discovered
that by making child-sized furniture and materials
that engage the childrens interests, learning exploded. She found that by meeting the child at eye
level with respect and sensitivity to the need of others. Children are eager to challenge themselves to
develop to the fullest in a nurturing environment.

Mr. Ragland shared reflections on his own

educational journey. As a young man, he dreamed
of pursuing education as an athlete. However, due
to injuries that prevented him from playing, he discovered that he had a natural aptitude for sports
statistics. This talent led to a journalistic career.
Mr. Ragland recalled a teacher who introduced the
concept of passionate virtuosity. Find what you
are passionate about and the skills in which you are
gifted, and let that lead you to your purpose. Words
of a teacher made a difference in Mr. Raglands

President Sandra Foster Brown and 1st Vice President

Mary Bixler extend a Certificate of Appreciation to
speaker, James Ragland.

Photography by
Aundrea Wright Young
3

Eta Zeta Birthday

Wishes

And the Lifetime

Achievement
Award Goes
To

November and December Birthday Wishes

Heather Hawthorne

November 9

Sharon Kraus

November 17

Beverly Jean Leonard

November 22

Charlenta Govan

November 23

Arlene Delgado

November 29

Leigh Taylor

December 7

Kendra Perkins

December 15

Sandra Foster Brown

December 28

Melanie Moseley

December 31

Norma Matthews
Congratulations to Norma Matthews
who is being honored by the Dallas
Peace Center on December 4, 2014 at
the Doubletree Hotel in Campbell
Center for the Lifetime Achievement
Award. A strong part of her nomination came because of her work with
Peacemakers, Inc., United Nations Association, DKG Eta Zeta Chapter
(Global Awareness Chair), and United
Methodist Women (Social Concerns
Chair).

Conventions are coming..

Conventions are coming..

Eta Zeta Chapter is proud of you

Norma!

Missy ASTEF
Photo by Aundrea Wright Young

Area 9 Coordinator,
Michelle Grandinetti, reminds Eta Zeta members
to feed Missy ASTEF.
Dont forget to bring your
monetary donation to
keep our chapter piggy well fed.

All clipart used from Microsoft Office.com found within

Microsoft Word, Publisher, and Excel for Office 2013.

Life in Paradise

times a year to perform extensive surgery

on children which can go on for many years
as their faces grow. Ira was treasurer and I
secretary for several years. I have also
taught an introduction to English as an after
school program for a friend who works with
needy children. The kids have been so appreciative. There is plenty to do for those
who wish to do it.

Or
What Do You Do All Day?
By Linda Horowitz

My husband, Ira, and I retired to Puerto

Vallarta, Mexico, nine and a half years ago.
We had been visiting Vallarta since 1973 and
knew this charming town was the place for
us. In 1997, we purchased a yet-to-be-built
condo right on the beach in Old Town, which
was completed in March of 1999. We rented
it out until we moved.

And, of course, when there is nothing

we need to do, the beach or pool is always
calling. Sitting on the beach in season is a
major social event as many friends are there,
too. In the evening, there are restaurants galore to choose from with a great variety of
foods and prices. We do make ourselves eat
at home, too. I dont want to outgrow all my
clothes.

In April of 2005, we sold our house

and made the move. As familiar as we were
with the city as tourists, we had to learn to
deal with things as residents. It did not take
long to learn that everything takes a lot longer to do. If we accomplished one thing a day,
we were happy. Having furniture made for
our place took months, but, we were in no
hurry. Just going to the grocery store takes
longer. Thus, the saying, manana.

With todays electronics, we are never more than a phone call from family and
friends on our Vonage phone and a video
call weekly with our grandchildren. Coupled
with a visit to Dallas every four months for
an in-person grandchildren fix and visits to
doctors, our lives are filled with the joys of
retirement. Breakfast on the balcony, beautiful sunsets most evenings, fireworks around
the bay many nights, what more can one ask
for? I highly recommend it.

The Mexican people are very nice and

always want to be helpful. They appreciate
our trying to use our limited poor Spanish
and frequently answer in English. With this
being such a great tourist area, many people
speak and want to improve their English. So,
we are rarely in a situation where we cannot
make ourselves understood.
There are any number of volunteer opportunities in the area due to the extreme
poverty and need of a great percentage of the
population. One can choose working with
children, the elderly, animals, etc. We belong
to an organization whose main project is a
Cleft Palate Program. We bring two doctors
and their nurses in from Guadalajara four

Photo off the condo balcony provided by Linda Horowitz.

Eta Zeta Chapter Orientation Tea

By Evelyn Hamilton
The New Member Orientation Tea was held
Sunday, November 9, 2014 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
at the home of President Sandra Foster Brown. The
President welcomed all in attendance followed by a
buffet meal which included delicious trays of fruit,
vegetables, meat, and cheese. The buffet also included scrumptious finger sandwiches and desserts.
Attendees seemed to enjoy the food as they socialized and developed a genuine fellowship.

Eta Zeta members Sandra Foster Brown,

Mary Claire Welch, and Bradley Sue Howell
enjoy a time of fellowship.

The program began with greetings by Evelyn

Hamilton, Membership Co-Chairman. Prospective
members and Eta Zeta members were introduced.
Prospective members in attendance were Olga Math,
Susan Odeski, LaDelle Rose Smith, and Barabara
Uskovich. Officers and Membership Committee
members in attendance were Sandra Foster Brown,
Ona Calvo, Aundrea Wright Young, Leigh Taylor,
Judy Bryant, Evelyn Hamilton, Seretha Merchant,
and Mary Claire Welch. Bradley Sue Howell, Jane
Walker, and Evelyn Hamilton were the sponsors in
attendance.

Treasurer Leigh Taylor discussing financial obligations

for prospective members.

All members participated in Pride in the Big

Picture, an orientation for potential members. Mary
Claire Welch presented the programs, projects, and
committees of the Eta Zeta Chapter. The New
Member Information Kits were distributed to the
prospective members by Evelyn Hamilton. After the
potential members affirmed that they wanted to become members of Eta Zeta Chapter, Leigh Taylor,
treasurer, explained payment of dues and fees. The
President, Sandra Foster Brown, gave closing remarks. Members continued to socialize, partake of
the ambrosial food, and enjoy the fellowship until
the end of the tea.

Prospective members seated from l-r:

Barbara Uskovich, Olga Math, Susan Odeski, and

LaDelle Rose Smith.

Prospective member Barbara Uskovich

came bearing a gift for the hostess.

Photography by
President Sandra Foster Brown with prospective members.

Aundrea Wright Young

6

Eta Zeta Spotlight

schools. She has a gift to share. Beverly tells me,

God blessed me to write poetry. Beverly has
published a book of amazing poetry entitled Come
Inside. She is currently working on a second book
of poetry with publication in mind.
Beverly joined Delta Kappa Gamma because
she saw a passion for education in the educators
she has encountered in our Society. She is committed to helping the new teachers entering the profession, giving them encouragement and inspiration.
Beverly is married to Floyd and has three
children, one son and two daughters. She has also
been blessed with three grandchildren. Beverly is
also a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
Church.
We are so blessed to have Beverly in our
chapter. She brings us inspiration, hugs, smiles,
and wisdom.

Beverly Leonard

By Mary Claire Welch

Beverly Jean Leonard is a poet, friend, volunteer, teacher, and a new member of Eta Zeta
Chapter. She was initiated into Eta Zeta Chapter
during the spring of 2014. When asked how she
decided to become an educator, Beverly quickly
replied, Im a natural born teacher. I used to play
school teacher when we were kids.
Beverly grew up in what was considered
North Dallas when she was a child. Now the neighborhood is referred to as East Dallas. She describes
her childhood as being filled with good role models. The neighborhood was a close one and she
enjoyed her early years of education in the neighborhood school where the educators and community provided a healthy learning environment. When
Beverly was in tenth grade her hopes of attending
North Dallas High School were disrupted by social
change. Beverly was bused to Hillcrest High
School because of a court order as segregation was
ending. Dreams of being on the drill team at North
Dallas were dashed. She was saddened by the
change and attended school at Hillcrest High
School for two years. Her aunt helped her to graduate early by sending her to summer school. Upon
graduation, Beverly attended Prairie View A&M
where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Sociology and Elementary Education.
Beverly Leonard worked hard to earn her
teaching degree. Her arrival in the classroom elicited the thought, I got there. The classroom is my
home. Beverly taught for thirty-three years in the
Dallas Independent School District. She taught
first, second, third, and fourth grade. She refers to
herself as a writing teacher. The students in the
schools, R.C. Buckner Elementary and Frederick
Douglas Elementary, were beneficiaries of her talents. She was named Teacher of the Year in
1984, 1994, and 2004. She has been motivated by
the thought that by touching the lives of many
children you can shape the future.
After thirty-three years of teaching, Beverly
Leonard has retired as an educator in the public

With love and respect,

Eta Zeta Chapter
********************************************

Travels with your

AC...

It occurred to me that it does not help anyone if I do

not share some of the fun and effective ideas that I observe as I
travel to chapters, so instead of a ponderous intro paragraph I
have decided to do a travel section and share my road trip experiences with you.
Have you tried beginning your meeting with ice
breakers? You hear about them, you read about, you consider
them, but, have you tried them? What fun!! I recently attended
a meeting that began with the members forming a line by the
year they began teaching. Each member then told a short story
about an experience she had her first year of teaching. What
great stories I heard! (Yes, I got permission to share this.)
Several chapters do these prior to every meeting.
Members arrive at a meeting after a full day of activities, tasks,
and jobs. The ice breaker pulls everyone into the group and
helps clear away the mental distractions from the day. Everyone is more focused, relaxed, and ready to do DKG work. Plus,
you learn so much about each other.
Online there are plenty of icebreaker ideas. Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming. The sky is the limit using
either of those two as a theme. (Worst thing that ever happened
to your turkey?) If you have a fun activity that you would like
to share with the group, send it my way and I will post it.
Share! Share! Share! This is how we grow.

Michelle Grandinetti, Area 9 Coordinator

7

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Eta Zeta Chapter Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2014
Minutes of the Meeting
Members Present:
Sandra Foster Brown

Evelyn Hamilton

Seretha Merchant

Aundrea Wright Young

Jane Walker

Bradley Sue Howell

Marca Lee Bircher

Cynthia DeVies

Sharon Kraus

Debbie Duke

Mary Bixler

Ona Calvo

Mary Claire Welch

Heather Hawthorne

Judy Bryant

Joanne Szalay

Kendra Perkins

Lisa Rene Bagley

Barbara Stoddard

Sandra McMillen

Diana Gonzalez

Leigh Taylor

Michelle Grandinetti

Yvonne Manuel

Melanie Moseley

Chelsea McNair

Ida Durham

Elia Pardo

Johnnie Cunningham

Patricia Webb

Elizabeth Taheri

Jean Morrison

At 5:45 p.m. our Area IX Coordinator, Michelle Grandinetti spoke to the members during Fellowship time. She gave us her Job Description and responsibilities. She brought greetings and congratulations to the Chapter. She spoke about this years Fundraising
Project for ASTEF. She equated ASTEF to a bank with three vaults. We were told that donations would now be tax deductible which
was wonderful for corporations. She explained the Pig Possee. Our pig will be at each meeting so that we can fill it up for ASTEF.
Sharon Kraus brought our Musical Interlude. We sang School Days. The meeting was called to order by President Sandra Foster
Brown at 6:10 p.m. The Agenda was approved by consensus. Kendra Perkins gave the Inspiration from the book Come Inside by
Beverly Leonard. It was entitled Its Not Love.
Reports of the Officers were presented. The Minutes were approved as written. Correspondence was read by Aundrea Wright
Young. The Newsletter was sent by e-mail. November 10th is the deadline for articles. Aundrea will try to get the Newsletter out to
the Chapter five days before the meeting date.
Leigh Taylor gave the Treasurers Report. Copies of the Report were sent out, and the report will be filed for audit.

At 6:20 p.m. Mary Bixler introduced out Speaker James Ragland, a writer for the Dallas Morning News. The topic of his presentation was Education: The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing. Mr. Ragland spoke about what works in education. He said that the
three keys go beyond the school. They are :
Home-There must be a stable home and parent engagement.
Peers and Mentors Children must have positive influences in their lives.
Teachers- who inspire, enlighten, and connect with their students.
Students can possibly overcome one or two of these factors, but not all three. It is too difficult.

Mary Bixler gave the Educational Excellence Report. November 20, 2014 will be our Initiation at Casa Cavazos. Our January 24,
2015 program will be Stand Up and Speak if you Dare. The Facilitators and Hostesses were thanked. Handouts were passed out
about School Board Members and Districts they Represent for Dallas, Carrolton Farmers Branch, and De Soto and one on Home
Rule.
Mary spoke about the School Supplies for the Rainbow Room. We will be continuing to mentor teachers.
Sandy gave the Legislative Report. She gave the members a handout entitled Whats Important and What to Do.
Joanne Szalay gave the Amenities Report. She announced the October Birthdays :
Evelyn Hamilton Oct. 21st
Norma Matthews Oct. 26th
Michelle Grandinetti Oct. 20th
Standing Committees
Membership
Ida Durham read the Recommendations for New Members:
Olga Math

Susan Odeski

Barbara Uskovich

LaDelle Rose Smith

The Ballot was taken.

The members were given a handout of the Reserve Members and Friends who were assigned to keep in touch with them. (See
attached).
By- Laws
Mary Claire Welch said that the committee is working on the By-Laws. She told the group that we are Certified. She also spoke
about the Yearbook.
Special Committees
Seretha Merchant gave a Fundraising Report. We are selling umbrellas for $15.00 She also gave the membership forms to complete
for potential fundraising ideas we might do.
Sharon Kraus told the group that Missy ASTEF was on the counter. Everyone was encouraged to fill her up.
New Business
The vote was unanimous. All of the recommended candidates were accepted into the Chapter.
Announcements
Sandra McMillen spoke about the Cora McFarland Scholarship Committee. She has the information for any one who would like it.

Cynthia DeVies had a good health report.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by President Sandra Foster Brown. The DKG Song was sung under the direction of Sharon
Kraus.

Respectfully Submitted,
Ona Calvo
Recording Secretary