BELOW: Small group discussion leaders reporting their input to the larger group—Dawn Jones, Sue Genthner, and Eileen Wuethrich (standing). Those shown seated and listening include Dawn Jones, Roz Freeman-Baum, Tracy Maggio, and Lisa Montanaro.

Alpha Alpha members gathered on November 16 at the home of Dr. Lesli Myers to celebrate our chapter’s accomplishments in supporting educational excellence and to consider how we could be more effective in this arena. Educational Excellence Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Faith Prather and Dr. Margie Lovett-Scott (seen above) led about 30 chapter members in a discussion of options to broaden our involvement in promoting educational excellence. Then they asked members to meet in smaller groups to consider concrete next steps.

Alpha Alpha Chapter, Pi State, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International December 2015

Educational excellence initiative

More on page 4

The smaller groups discussed issues and opportunities, then listed proposals for consideration by the chapter. These proposals were then shared with the entire group. A large number of possible activities were identified. Educational Excellence Committee Co-Chairs Lovett-Scott and Prather will consolidate the input and share it with the chapter at a later meeting to help us establish priorities for our own learning and for actions we can take to support educational excellence and leadership opportunities for others.

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Birthdays Say “Happy Birthday” to these Alpha Alpha members: December 8 Frances Moroney Whited 19 Aggie Seneway 29 Lori Burch

January 2 Jeanette Banker 3 Roselyn Freedman-Baum 8 Laura Delehanty 16 Annie Tran Flesch 21 Anita Mance 22 Anne Abbey 26 Margie Lovett-Scott 27 Sarisa Zoghlin 29 Esther Blackman

From our President Dear Alpha Alpha Members, I sure haven’t seen much snow yet… hmmmmmmmmmmm! And I am so ready! Nothing like writing to friends and reading and quilting while snow is falling outside the window! Thank you, Lesli, for your very generous hosting of our November meeting and for the help and support of your very good friends. Margie Lovett-Scott and Faith Prather did a much-appreciated job Pam Eberhardt

of sharing their efforts with the group. We learned a lot about the function of the Excellence in Education committee in our chapter and how our goals and efforts dovetail with those of Pi State. There is more work to be done and the committee will continue its efforts and keep us up to date. The Pound Sale was very successful with over $300 going to the World Fellowship Fund. Thank you to all who participated! The Holiday Open House at the home of Rosemary Callard-Szulgit provided an inviting, warm and enjoyable way to spend a December afternoon – good food, drink and excellent company! Thank you to Rosemary for sharing her lovely home with us. Enjoy this Holiday Season and hope to see you on January 23, 2016 at the Legislative Breakfast! Pam

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Alpha Alpha Chapter

Minutes of November 16, 2015 Educational Excellence/World Fellowship

Home of Dr. Lesli Myers ATTENDANCE: B.Balzano, L.Barrett, E.Blackman, M.Cosgrove, P.Eberhardt, M.Emler, R.Freedman-Baum, E.Farley, J.Fenton, S,Genthner, MA.Geonie, K.Hart, G.Hughes, D.Jones (her guest C.Wade}, L.Keefer, E.Leshnower, M.Lovett-Scott, L.Myers, D.Noble, A.O’Toole, F.Prather, MA.Pietrzykowski, J.Wadsworth, F.Whited, E.Wuethrich, S.Zoghlin Program: A warm Thank You to Lesli Myers for hosting the night as we mixed business of the Educational Excellence slide presentation and the pleasure of the International foods we consumed topped off by pounds of goodies that were bid on. BUSINESS MEETING:

CALL TO ORDER: President Pam Eberhardt called the business meeting to order at 8:40 PM. TREASURER’S REPORT: Elaine reported that The Financial Report was emailed. OLD BUSINESS: Designate recipient of Holiday Letter: A motion was presented as follow; I move that we, as individual Chapter Members make our holiday donations to one or both of these designated recipients: The city strand of our own awards or The Teaching & Learning Institute at East High. Moved by D.Noble, Seconded by: E.Weuthrich, Motion: APPROVED.

The Quinn Award Stipend discussion & vote to increase it was tabled until the committee meets.

Reserve Status: It was stated that the Chapter doesn’t have Reserve Status defined in our Standing Rules and By Laws and that should be addressed and changed. However, a motion was presented as follows: I move that Anne Abbey be accepted as a reserve member. Moved by: B.Balzano Seconded by: D.Jones, Motion: APPROVED ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Meeting: Holiday Open House at the home of Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit. Sunday, December 6th at 2:00.

Ena Farley is the Winner of “Alpha Alpha’s Guest Member” at our next Chapter meeting. Join us in January and let’s see who the next Lucky Winner is. ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business President Pam adjourned the meeting at 9:05PM. Mary Ann Geonie, Secretary November 16, 2015

Teachers don’t teach for the income. Teachers teach for the outcome. Anonymous, Contributed by Elaine Leshnower

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RIGHT: Open House Hostess Rosemary Callard-Szulgit, Bridget Bishop, Donna Noble, Sue Genthner, and Annie Tran Flesch. BELOW: Sarisa Zoghlin, Jeanette Banker, Wanda Ward, Sheila Brady-Root, Lynne Keefer, and Reichel Scholar Abbigail Gallagher

LEFT: Jutta Siefert-Dudley, Pam Eberhardt, and Rosemary Callard-Szulgit.

BELOW LEFT: Lynne Keefer, Elaine Leshnower, Sheila Brady-Root, Wanda Ward, Abbigail Gallagher, and Jutta Siefert-Dudley.

BOTTOM LEFT: Donna Noble, Judy Wadsworth, Elaine Leshnower, Pam Eberhardt, and Esther Blackman. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit

with a favorite angel at the Open House she hosted for Alpha Alpha members.

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After introducing the topic of expanding our chapter’s commitment to educational excellence, meeting co-chairs Margie Lovett-Scott and Faith Prather asked members to meet in smaller groups to identify specific issues and activities to recommend to the chapter. Shown here are members meeting in those discussion circles.

RIGHT: Elaine Leshnower, Lisa Montanaro, Eileen Wuethrich leading the discussion, and Roz Freeman-Baum.

BELOW RIGHT: Sarisa Zoghlin, Margie Emler, Joan Fenton, Lynne Keefer, and Monica Cosgrove.

ABOVE: Sue Genthner, Donna Noble, Margie Lovett-Scott, and Faith Prather.

(Clockwise): Dawn Jones, Dr. Carol Wade (guest), Mary Ann Geonie, Dr. Betsy Balzano, Dr. Leah Barrett, Dr. Ena Farley, Mary Anne Pietrzykowski (partially hidden), Gretchen Hughes, and Anne O’Toole.

ABOVE: The November 16 session also provided time for fellowship. Shown are Dr. Ena Farley, Dr. Faith Prather, Dr. Margie Lovett-Scott, Joan Fenton, and Dr. Fran Whited. During a discussion of the importance of mentoring, Dr. Whited was praised for her mentoring skills and her dedication to the mentoring process. Several of those she has mentored are now members of Alpha Alpha Chapter.

BELOW: World Fellowships Chairperson Sue Genthner arranging donated items for a pound auction to raise funds for Delta Kappa Gamma’s World Fellowships. Proceeds from the silent auction of the thirty or so items raised $300.00.

Leslie Myers is Athena Award finalist

Alpha Alpha Member Dr. Lesli Myers is one of twelve exceptional women leaders who have been named finalists for the 2016 Athena Award. The Award is sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Rochester Business Alliance each year. The winner from among the nominees will be announced at a luncheon on January 21 at the Riverside Convention Center.

Dr. Lesli Myers

Delicious treats brought by members were served at the November chapter meeting. Shown with some of the contributed goodies are – BELOW LEFT: Donna Noble, Hostess Dr. Lesli Myers, and Sue Genthner at the dessert table; BELOW RIGHT: Elaine Leshnower and Dr. Betsy Balzano at the main course/salad buffet.

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Name _____________________________________________ Chapter __________________ Phone __________________ Email address (to email you a parking pass) ____________________________________ Number attending _____ (Please list guests in space below): Please list any food allergies/food needs: ___________________________ Alpha Alpha & Beta Eta welcome guests and members from other Delta Kappa Gamma Chapters.

REGISTRATION FORM

Please complete and return this registration with your check for $18.00 per meal payable to Alpha Alpha, by January 11 to Mary Anna Russo (Beta Eta President), 287 Daley Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617. You may pay at the door if you pre-register by calling (585) 330-7718 or by emailing to marusso@rochester.rr.com

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A raffle will benefit Alpha Alpha & Beta Eta

programs.

Alpha Alpha & Beta Eta Chapters of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

Joint Legislative Brunch

Saturday, January 23, 2016 Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge, Haffey Hall

St. John Fisher College

9:30 a.m. Registration/Social Time

10:00 a.m. Breakfast Brunch

10:45 a.m. Presentation– Dr. Christine Murray, speaking on teacher preparation Dr. Christine Murray, Education Professor Emerita, The College at Brockport, has been actively involved with the United University Professions (UUP), the union that represents academic and professional faculty at the State University of New York’s 29 state-operated campuses. She is a member of the UUP committee addressing issues created by NYS legislative and Regents initiatives affecting teacher preparation programs.

Sherry Johnson, speaking on preK-12 students Sherry Johnson is the Executive Director of the Monroe County School Boards Association (MCSBA). Previously, she was the Assistant to the Executive Director for the Association and a member of the Churchville-Chili Board of Education from 1997-2015. MCSBA represents public school leaders in our community, both school board members and superintendents, as they seek to provide exceptional programs and services for students. 11:45 a.m. Business Meeting

12:30 p.m. Adjournment

How NYS initiatives affect students from preK through teacher preparation programs

Map & directions

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Getting to the Joint Legislative Brunch

Saturday, January 23, 2016 Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge, Haffey Hall

St. John Fisher College

Those who register will receive parking passes via email. Register early to be sure you get your parking pass. Be sure to clearly state your email address on the registration form.

FROM THE WEST: Exit Rte 490 at Route 441, turning right to reach East Avenue. Turn left on East Avenue and proceed to the 2nd entrance onto the St. John Fisher College Campus.

OR

Exit Rte 490 at Rte 31F (East Avenue/Fairport Road) and turn LEFT onto East Avenue/Fairport Road, then make an almost instant right turn into the St. John Fisher College Campus. FROM THE EAST: Exit Rte at Rte 31F (Fairport Road) and turn left onto Fairport Road. Turn right into the first entrance to the St. John Fisher College Campus. ONCE ON CAMPUS: Park in Lot ‘I’ or Lot ‘J’, shown in solid circles on the map. Proceed to the Haffey Hall (Building #12) on the map. The Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge is on the first floor of Haffey Hall. HANDICAPPED PARKING is available in Lot H and the other area shown on the map in broken circles. Enter Haffey Hall through its back door. Students will be available inside to help you get to the Wilson Lounge.

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The Helen E. Quinn Service to Education Award honors a woman who has a record of service to education in a professional and/or volunteer capacity,

and who is not a Delta Kappa Gamma member. Presentation of this award will be at our dinner meeting

on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, 5:30 PM at the Ridgemont Country Club. Nominee must attend the dinner to receive the award.

If you know someone who fits this description and deserves this recognition,

please complete and return the nomination form below, with your rationale on a separate page, by January 15 to:

Sarisa Zoghlin (sarisa@rochester.rr.com or 1132 West Avenue, Hilton 14468)

or Dr. Rosemary Callard-Szulgit (szulgit@aol.com or 79 Ninda Blvd., Rochester 14610).

Nomination Form

Name of Candidate ______________________________________________ Phone _________________ Address ____________________________________ZIP _______ E-mail _________________________ On a separate page, please provide rationale for your recommendation. Include information regarding professional and volunteer contributions and in what capacity. Include a descriptive statement as to how the candidate has demonstrated service to education. Decisions will be made on information you supply, by members of the Helen E. Quinn Award Committee, chaired by Mary Lou Galasso, after the January 1 deadline. Nominee must attend the March 20 dinner to receive the award. Nominated by _____________________________________________ Phone ______________ Address _______________________________ZIP_______ E-mail ________________________

Alpha Alpha Charter Member Helen Quinn was the chapter’s second president. She taught West Irondequoit elementary and junior high students before becoming a counselor and guidance coordinator for the district. This award was established in her memory.

Helen E. Quinn Service to Education

Award

Alpha Alpha Chapter, Pi State, The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

December 2015

Alpha Alpha questions? Seek answers at http://WWW.dkgalphaalpha.org

INSIDE 1 – Educational excellence initiative

2 – Minutes: November meeting; From our president

3 – December open house album

4 – November meeting album; L.Myers is Athena Award finalist

5, 6– January 23 Joint Legislative Brunch REGISTRATION Form

7 – Helen E. Quinn Award NOMINATION Form

NEXT NEWSWHEEL DEADLINE: January 30 At any time, please forward items you’d like included in the Newswheel to the editor at the email address listed above.

Judy Wadsworth, Editor judithw@frontiernet.net

2014-2016 Alpha Alpha Officers

President Pamela Eberhardt 889-2754 1st Vice President Betsy Balzano 594-0314 2nd Vice President Lori Burch 520-7512 Secretary Mary Ann Geonie 637-0045 Treasurer Annie Tran Flesch 406-3706 Parliamentarian Gretchen Hughes 865-2822 Past President Donna Noble 377-0715

Donna Noble’s trio

Alpha Alpha Member Donna Noble is a member of the newly formed “Off AR Rockers” musical trio which performed for the first time at the Arbor Ridge (AR) Halloween Party -- thus the name “Off AR Rockers!” Shown are “Off AR Rockers” Pat Marks (retired judge who was an Alpha Alpha legislative panelist a few years, Lisa Brumberger, former music teacher and current member of the Perinton Concert Band, and trumpeter Donna Noble.

Each year The College at Brockport hosts its Benefactors and Scholars Dinner to honor scholarship benefactors and to recognize scholarship recipients. At the November 7, 2015 Benefactors and Scholars Dinner, about 250 benefactors were honored and their student recipients were recognized. Several Alpha Alpha members are benefactors, and each year four Brockport students are recipients of Alpha Alpha scholar awards.

Alpha Alpha member Elaine Leshnower, representing benefactors, spoke on why benefactors give and why their gifts are needed. Lindsey Salvas, Alpha Alpha’s Mary I. Luskey Award recipient, also received two other awards. Other Alpha Alpha scholar award recipients at The College at Brockport who were recognized at the Dinner include Abbigail Gallagher, Rachael Kazdan, and Samantha Slossar.

ABOVE: Alpha Alpha award recipient Lindsey Salvas (center) with Alpha Alpha members Pam Quamo and Donna Noble. LEFT: Alpha Alpha member Elaine Leshnower addressing participants at the Benefactors and Scholars Dinner.

ALPHA ALPHA MEETINGS, January – June 2016

January 23, 2016 Legislative Breakfast 9:30 am St. John Fisher College

March 23, 2016 Helen E. Quinn Award Dinner 5:30 pm Ridgemont Country Club

April 16, 2016 New Member Orientation 10:00 am Home of Elaine Leshnower

May 4, 2016 Founder's Day: 5:30 pm Initiation/Installation/Recognition Lakeshore Country Club

June 4, 2016 Awards Breakfast 9:00 am NY Room, The College at Brockport