TSO 2015-2017 Biennium Theme:
The Heart of a Society is its' Members
2016-2018 International Theme:
Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide
The Heart of a Society is its' Members
2016-2018 International Theme:
Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide
'Gamma Zeta News as of April 5, 2018
Welcome to the Gamma Zeta website! We are located in Stephenville, Texas. We are the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International www.dkg.org and the state of Texas dkgtexas.org Click on the website and explore all the wonderful possibilities! All women involved in all forms of education in some way, whether active or retired,
are welcome to join us!
Come visit any time to see for yourself!
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Please explore all of the website tabs to see all the possibilities, benefits, and updates of Gamma Zeta's activities!
Gamma Zeta News as of April 5, 2018:
- May 7th, 2018: We will present a scholarship to an aspiring woman teacher, celebrate Founder's, present the Educator of the Year Award, and nominate new members. In additioni, we will bring goodies for the last goody bag for our ENTER teachers (9 women and 3 men). No meetings in June, July, and August. Several will attend the State convention in Waco June 14-16, plus, the International convention in Austin June 20-22.
- PHOTOS: See photos of February and April meetings under the Photo tab
- MEETINGS--December, February, March, April and Book Review/Tasting Tea in January: Sorry to be so far behind....Great meetings were held in December, February, March and April. Plus...our wonderful Book Review scholarship fundraiser on January 21st. Quick highlights: December---Christmas fun with donations for Backpack Buddies; January 21st 100 women attended to to hear the author and to enjoy the yummy foods--raised $1000; February--a chocolate presentation held at Soup and More; March--the area coordinator visited our meeting and we celebrated the Gamma Zeta 77th birthday; April we traveled to Desdemona to "step back in time" to see Marilyn Grimshaw's home modeled after southern architecture (think something like Tara in Gone with the Wind) and interior furnishings plus great fellowship and food.
- MEETING NOVEMBER 6th: See your yearbook for more info. Check our "Schedule and Programs" tab above to see who the hostesses are. If you are out and about and need to see the yearbook, it is available under "Our Publications" tab. Dr Linda Heflin will be with us on the subject of "Mindfulness". Remember to bring goodies for our ENTER teachers. See the list handed out in October and emailed today.
- GREAT MEETING ON OCTOBER 2nd: We had a wonderful set of salads and also a very inspiring presentation on the iChampion program at SISD. Amber Lemons was enthusiastic and it was exciting to see!
- WEBSITE IS UPDATED : Check it out and share it with others. Programs, Hostesses, Committees, and photos have been updated. Send more photos, etc. to Cheryl: [email protected] Our yearbook and other publications will be uploaded and available for members to keep up and to share with others!
- Meeting October 2, 2017: Amber Lemons presented the IChampion program of Stephenville ISD. The Half and Half supper with last names from A-H bringing salads and the rest donating $5.00 to the scholarship fund was delicious. ENTER: We filled giant lunchbags with goodies for our Nine women and Three men teachers to help encourage!
- SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 @ 5:45PM--See your friends again...invite guests...enjoy the program on the upcoming "Sundown on the Square". Hostesses for Sept. 11th are: Hostesses:
Laree Blagg, Chairman, Joy Hammonds, Cathy Tucker, Kathryn Heinrichs - ENTER PROJECT 2017: We are "encouraging" 7 new SISD women teachers and 3 men. Plus, we will make goody bags monthly for two new Gordon teachers, too. BRING STUFF FOR THE MONTHLY BAGS. Your first opportunity is September 11th. We prepared 12 Encouragement Beginning of the Year tubs. Ten of them were presented at the New Teacher Orientation on August 2nd at SISD.
- PHOTO PAGE UPDATED: Cheryl has added photos of 2016-2017. Take the time to look through our history thanks to our pictures. Send Cheryl any other pictures you have from the past year to add to our great memories! [email protected]
- DELTA KAPPA GAMMA CONVENTION: JUNE 22-24 IN HOUSTON Trudy, Kathryn, Jan and Linda are attending the convention. They will have great things to report in September. We have again applied for a grant for our ENTER program. A display board to share our project is being prepared by Cheryl.
- IT'S SUMMER!!!---This website is being updated with pictures over the next few weeks. Send her pictures you may have that can be shared on the website. In July or early August, the plans for next years hostesses and programs will be posted. In very early August, we will be meeting the new teachers from SISD that we will sponsor in our ENTER program project. Please let Cheryl know if you are willing to be the contact person for a new teacher. That means bringing them their goody bag once a month. Usually you just drop it off, but at least a few times it means arranging to take the bag right to their classroom to meet/talk face to face for a few minutes. It is good to try to do this during their conference time. We will have each one fill out a Profile Sheet so you will have all their contact information PLUS some other interesting information. Contact Cheryl via her email: [email protected]
- OUR NEXT MEETING IS SEPTEMBER 11 @ 5:45 PM AT FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP AREA--Plan ahead to get together and reunite after the summer break. Bring a guest to introduce to Gamma Zeta!
- NEXT: Last meeting until September---Please come May 1, 2017 @ 5:45. We will enjoy our meal and celebrate the Founders of Delta Kappa Gamma and Initiate our new member, Cathy Patton. Welcome, Cathy!
- ENTER Teachers Project: May is our last chance to bring goodies and notes. It's the END of their first year so let's remember OUR first year. What would we need at the end of the year as we go through the final month of the school year? Thanks everyone! We have seven women teachers and four men teachers and they DO appreciate the thoughtfulness!
- April 3rd Meeting: HALF AND HALF SUPPER!! Last names beginning with I-Z are to bring a salad. Last names beginning A-H are to contribute $5.00 toward our Scholarship Fund. Bring some notes and/or goodies for our ENTER teachers. Remember, it is STARR Testing Time. We are supporting seven women and four men teachers.
- Send Pictures and News to Cheryl!! [email protected]
- Our February and March meetings were well attended and fun times! In February we learned about the International Exchange Student program. In Mary, we celebrated our 76th birthday and heard about more that's going on in DKG Area !0 from our Area 10 Coordinator, Janet Helmcamp. As always, we also celebrated member's birrthdays, shared how members are doing, and enjoyed Joanne's Sunshine gifts!
- Click here to view the Book Review flyer: Book Review and Tasting Tea Flyer
- JANUARY 21, 2017--OUR 3RD ANNUAL BOOK REVIEW AND TASTING TEA: This event is based on the novel by Jackie Melvin (a former Stephenville resident) that involves football and teddy bears. Jackie will be there in person to share about the book and books will be available. Our food will be a "tailgating" theme. Tickets are $10 and benefit our scholarship fund for aspiring women teachers. It is at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall from 10:00-Noon. Please contact Michelle McNutt for more information ot tickets @ [email protected] or phone 214-578-4867.
- December Meeting: All went really great! We were happy to have one of our Enter teachers and her mentor attend. All were given a nice gift bag with our cookbook, fudge, and a framed "One Hundred Years" poem. We enjoyed some great singing and a fun gift exchange. Next up: Book Review and Tasting Tea
- NEXT MEETING--Monday, November 7th! Yearbooks are now in the final form and have been sent electronically to all members. The only pages changed from last year are: 1,2,7,10,19,23-35. A link to the yearbook is found under the "Our Publications" tab. Come enjoy our meal, program, and the time together with your Gamma Zeta friends! We have MUCH to be thankful for! PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR OUR ENTER TEACHERS--a note, a food item, a trinket--whatever you wish to share. Notes can be something about thankfulness or ideas regarding teaching, kids, life, etc. Thanks...our 11 new teachers will appreciate any bit of wisdom!
- October 3rd Meeting was wonderful! We enjoyed Greg and Betsy Ball and their presentation of Four Wines of Europe--tasty AND interesting. Members A-H brought food and we enjoyed the HALF AND HALF supper, raising $85 for the scholarship fund. We filled TEN goody bags for our ENTER teachers, too!
- Greg and Betsy Ball Website: Here is their website regarding the travel services they provide. https://www.eurotravelcoach.com
- OCTOBER 3rd NEXT MEETING: Wine Tasting (make plans to come) HALF AND HALF SUPPER A-H bring salads, and the rest of us donate $5.00 towards the scholarship fund.
- Great time had by all Sept. 12th! DUES ARE DUE! Please plan to pay the $76 dues at the next meeting OR mail to our treasurer, Mary Walter at: 1089 CR 298, Dublin, TX 76446 Let her know, too, if you plan to pay dues over several months.
- YEARBOOKS ARE COMPLETE: At least...as of today. :) Control/Click the link to view and/or download. All members have also received this via email in Word and PDF Format: 2016-2017 Gamma Zeta Yearbook
- Beginning of New Year Meeting: Monday, September 12 @ 5:45pm at Faith Lutheran Church fellowship area--We will hear about "Sundown on the Square" as presented by Meta Collier. This is a really cool event that is starting its 2nd year around our town square. Hostesses for the evening are: Linda Doyle (Chairman), Jill Burk, Edna Tate, Trudy Carlson
- Keep in your Prayers: Vickie Walker (cancer recovery); Peggy Goodell (death of father); Ora Lee Leeth (cancer recovery); Jane Dennis (cancer recovery); Annette Bradberry (knees)
- New ENTER Teachers: Ashley Penny @ HJH; Nikki Conaway/Serna @ SHS; Ashlee Estes @ Chamberlin; Loretta Greeney @ Chamberlin; April Harmon @ HJH; Jade Cloudy @ Hook/Gilbert
- Summer News: Watch for group get-togethers! The first one was held in Granbury at the Babe's Restaurant and six were able to attend. Of course, they had a super time. More coming...stay tuned. We found out at convention that we received a $500 grant to continue our ENTER program, too. :) All are invited to volunteer next year for the ENTER program and get the chance to personally (with little time commitment) encourage a brand new teacher. Let Cheryl Konz know if you are willing to volunteer. We will continue our monthly goody bags, too. Several of our members have had health issues. Jane Dennis and Ora Lee Leeth, Annette Bradberry are who I am aware of at this time. Keep them in your prayers for continued recovery and for upcoming procedures. Cards are always welcome. Please let Cheryl know if there are any others we should know about. Plan to attend our next meeting on September 12th.
- Thanks to our outgoing officers for their faithful service the past two years and a job well done:: Linda Doyle, president; Kimberly Adams, VP Membership: Marilyn Pack, VP Programs; Teresa Dempsey: Treasurer; Sena Leese: Secretary; Corresponding Secretary: Martha Fredrickson; Parliamentarian:
- May 2nd: Marilyn Grimshaw presented a lively and fun program on the success of her one act play kids in a small school setting. Over about 15 years, they went to state about four times, and won district numerous times, too! We celebrated Founder's Day (anniversary of DKG--1929 to present---started in Austin, TX and went international!) and initiated our new officers. President: Trudy Carlson; VP Programs: Kimberly Adams; VP Membership: Laree Blagg; Treasurer: Mary Walter; Secretary: Linda Beach; Corresponding Secretary: Peggy Goodell; Parliamentarian: Kathryn Heinrichs. Kathryn, Linda Doyle, and Trudy are attending the DKG convention in Frisco June 23-26.
- April 4th: Linda Doyle shared her travels to Bulgaria via a slide show and interesting stories. She has traveled thanks to grants from Delta Kappa Gamma paying part of the cost. Officers were elected and plans made for future regarding ENTER, convention, and more.
- The birthday celebration was wonderful! Thanks to all who attended, brought delicious dishes, and all who worked on the planning and setting up. Our Mayor and his wife also attended and declared the day "Delta Kappa Gamma" day in honor of our 75 years of service. Our speaker, Jeanette Rhyan did a terrific presentation building a birthday cake and entertaining us as well as inspiring us onward. Watch for pictures on our photo section.
- MONDAY, MARCH 14TH 6:30-8:00PM---OUR 75TH BIRTHDAY @ FAITH LUTHERAN FAMILY CENTER---SAVE THE DATE
- 75th Anniversary/Birthday of Gamma Zeta: Plan to attend the celebration evening on Monday, March 14th from 6:30-8:00pm. Members are asked to bring an appetizer/hors d/oeuvres for the evening. Please let Jane Dennis know! We have a wonderful guest speaker coming to speak to us. Other special guests will attend, too, from other chapters and state officers.
- February 13, 2016: Linda Doyle, Yvonne Jenkins, Joy Hammonds, and Trudy Carlson attended the Area 10 Luncheon in Weatherford. Yvonne Jenkins was honored by receiving her 25 year membership pin. As always, the luncheon was delicious, inspiring, and fun.
- February 1, 2016: We enjoyed a wonderful time listening and watching Artist/Sculptor Diana Synatzske as she shared her experiences teaching art at a Juvenile Detention Center for high school girls while she entertained us working on her potter's wheel. She also has her pieces on display at shows and galleries. We also conducted business.
- Book Review and Tasting Tea Saturday, January 23rd @ 10:00am at First United Methodist Church we had a great time tasting delightful treats AND heard the author, Phyllis Clark Nichols, share her book "The Christmas Portrait". We had 90 ladies in attendance and had a WONDERFUL time! All tables were decorated with redbirds as they were key to the book. Over $1300 was raised for our scholarships! Gamma Zeta Book Review/Tasting Tea Jan. 24
- December 1st, 2015 @ Faith Lutheran Church: We had a WONDERFUL meeting/party. We welcomed five of our nine ENTER teachers. See the pictures on the Photo page. They were given gifts of encouragement. We were entertained by "in the Mix" from SHS. They are a small a Capella choir and were amazing! Members were encouraged to prepare for the Book Review/Tasting Tea for January 23rd.
- November 2nd @ Faith Lutheran Church: The program was a Legislative update shared by Brent Graves who is a candidate for the state legislature. He let us know what is going on in the state as it relates to education. We again filled bags with great things for our ENTER teachers. Members also received tickets to sell for the Book Review/Tasting Tea for January 23rd. Flyers were available for publicity, also.
- October 5th Meeting was at the Center Grove Schoolhouse on the Stephenville Historical Museum grounds. We LOVED hearing about the fundraiser project called "Sundance on the Square" from Marion Cole and Metta Collier. Several of us signed up to help. All funds go to help with the upkeep of the buildings on the museum grounds.
- ENTER Project for 2015-2016: We are encouraging nine new teachers this year. Eight are from Stephenville ISD and one young lady teachers in Hico. All members are encouraged to bring items to put in the monthly goody bags!
- Great Beginning of the year meeting on Sept. 14th @ Chamberlin Elementary with a wonderful presentation by the principal. We had 28 members present. Many stayed for a tour following.
- Pictures are updated in the photo tab. Check them out!
- Convention News: Cheryl and Kathryn had a wonderful time at the convention July 25-27 in San Antonio at the Grand Hyatt on the Riverwalk. We celebrate that Gamma Zeta got quite a few awards, but the big ones were: PACE & $750 GRANT FOR ENTER!!! Plus: We got to meet and hang out with Annette Bradberry's daughter and daughter-in-law who were attending their first convention. Unfortunately, Annette was not able to attend with them due to severe knee problems.
- May 4th meeting @ 5:45pm: Thirty-two year member Cathy Knoll shared her memories and experiences with DKG via Mrs. Picklejar! We initiated Linda Beach as a new member and celebrated Founder's Day.
- Convention in San Antonio June 24-27, 2015: Cheryl Konz and Kathryn Heinrichs represented our chapter at the convention! Linda was out of the country.
- April 25th: Linda Doyle, Kathryn Heinrichs, and Cheryl Konz attended the re-scheduled Area 10 Luncheon. Cheryl presented about our ENTER program. We are one of two chapters to receive an ASTEF grant. The other group has a program called "Books for Babies". Cheryl will also be part of a panel at the convention and share our ENTER program as part of a way to help our membership.
- April 6th--meeting @ 5:45pm: We heard how to "Dress for Success" with Alana Hefner from TSU. We filled our ENTER teacher bags with stress relieving items during STAAR test and a $15 gift card to a restaurant for our ENTER teachers. We voted to accept Linda Beach as a member and she will be initiated at our May meeting.
- March 2nd Meeting was so much fun!--We celebrated with Joyce Whitis sharing what teaching was like 50 years ago and our 74th Birthday! Lots of goodies were brought for Spring Break Bags for our ENTER teachers and we heard an update about Backpack Buddies now serving 220 kids! We enjoyed our sisterhood!
- February 2nd: GREAT MEETING! We painted great pictures! Thanks, Liz Meiron!
- January 24th @ 10:00am: We had a TERRIFIC Book Review and Tasting Tea at First United Methodist Church. Rachel Kammerer presented a book review on "Unflinching Courage--The Pioneer Women Who Shaped Texas" by Kay Bailey Hutchison. Our members decorated with a Texas theme AND provided an assortment of treats to taste. About 100 women attended and we raised over $1000 mainly going for scholarships to aspiring teachers
- Convention Registration Time! Go to the alphastatetexas.org website to get all details and to register! Linda Doyle & Kathryn Heinrichs are going for sure...maybe Cheryl Konz. Also, Annette Bradberry is excited to be going and to be accompanied with a daughter and a daughter-in-law who are now DKG members, too! How exciting for Annette. Come on...try it out if you have never gone to a convention. It is FUN and INSPIRING!
- Our Christmas meeting on December 1st was FANTASTIC! We welcomed five of our ENTER teachers and presented them with our cookbook, fudge, 100 Years Poem, and enjoyed meeting them. They are all wonderful young women and definitely great educators! We initiated three new members: Peggy Goodell, Lynne Hamilton, Jamie Pool. Welcome ladies! Instead of doing Christmas gifts, we took up a collection and were able to give Backpack Buddies $346!
- On Monday, November 3rd. We shopped Mary Kay, Goin Nuts, Pampered Chef, Soza, and Owl Jewelry. This is a fundraiser for Gamma Zeta scholarships. So far we know we made about $346 and are waiting to hear from several others. THEN...we heard. an enthusiastic presentation from Sarah Weaver on our local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.
- YEARBOOK 2014-2015: Our yearbook is ONLINE under publications. Members are encouraged to print their own copies at home to help the chapter save on paper costs., but hard copies are available at meetings. The Member Directory portion is not online to protect privacy.
- Member Directory Updates: A few more mistakes/oversights were found, plus new members coming, and changes are being made. An updated/corrected directory will be emailed to members only by Oct. 24. Thanks for your patience!
- October 6th--Super Meeting!: HALF AND HALF SUPPER was terrific! Kathy Ray shared important updates going on with legislation AND we enjoyed amazing food and fellowship as always!
- ENTER Project Underway: E.ncouraging N.ew T.eachers E.nhancing R.esults (ENTER) has provided encouraging gifts and cards in August, September, and October so far. And, our ASTEF grant money is being used in October and November as our seven new teachers receive a FREE LUNCH visit from a Gamma Zeta member. Here the fun stories at our November meeting! PLUS...bring goodies for their November Goody Bags to our Nov. 3rd meeting.
- September 8th: Our first meeting of the year! "Rainbow Colors" led by Linda Doyle was GREAT. See the other tabs above for our year's planned programs, hostesses, committees, collect readers, and more!
- Yearbook Information: Please let Cheryl Konz know of any changes in address, phone, email in order to get the most accurate member directory. Members will receive a hard copy of the yearbook as well as an electronic copy to their email. In addition, the yearbook will be posted on this website so you can check it ANYWHERE with your smart phones or at another computer.
- August 4th: Cheryl Konz, Lynann Simpson, Linda Doyle & Ora Lee Leeth presented our six new teachers for the ENTER program with goodie boxes and information regarding DKG/Gamma Zeta at their lunch meeting with their SISD mentors. We have since added a 7th new teacher plus one in Hico that Kathryn Heinrichs is helping.
- July 12th: Our new president, Linda Doyle, conducted a very productive Executive Board Meeting. This included all officers and committee chairman. We have much to offer in the year ahead!
- CONVENTION NEWS: Kathryn, Linda, and Cheryl had a great time at the TSO State convention in Lubbock June 19-21. Gamma Zeta received much recognition for our many activities this past year. We were mentioned very often in the program. As a result, it all added up to our chapter again receiving the PACE Award! Congratulations, Gamma Zeta! It took all of us to make it happen! See Photos.
- $500 ASTEF Grant Received at Convention! Debby-Hopkins-Higham and Lynann Simpson worked on this. We asked for $1000 but did receive $500 for our ENTER project for 2014-2015. Encouraging New Teachers, Enhancing Results=ENTER. The money will be used to develop a more personal relationship with Brand New teachers to the profession and possibly help pay some of their dues if they wish to join Gamma Zeta once they see the advantages of DKG as well as the wonderful friendships and support from experienced active and retired teachers.
- May 5th: We presented Mallory Walker with a $500 scholarship and Peggy Goodell of Huckabay ISD with our Educator of the Year Award. See the Photo tab.
- New Members: Mary Walter and Liz Meiron are our newest members!
- Gamma Zeta "Elegant Entertaining" COOKBOOKS are still available @ $10 each. Contact Lynann Simpson. There are about 28 left! Change Annette Bradberry's sugar cookies to 2 1/2 c. flour, though...it's wrong in the recipe. Great gifts for showers and weddings and hostesses.
- Our HISTORY has been updated again thanks to Trudy Carlson providing a summary of our highlights from 2014-2015. Click on the "About Us" tab above and the "History" tab on the drop down menu.
- Go to the PHOTOS tab to see latest pics.
- LOOK AT NEWSLETTER TAB TO SEE MANY PUBLICATIONS FROM THE STATE, LOCAL, AND OTHER LINKS!
- Check the committees and hostesses tab to see if you're up next as a hostess or to read the collect!
- Check with Cathy Knoll on Facebook to become a part of our private Gamma Zeta group!