Download - Delta Kappa Gamma International Alpha Zeta State

Delta Kappa Gamma International

Alpha Zeta State

Outstanding Programs 2012Prepared by

Margaret G. Niemiec, Ed.D.Research Committee Chair, 2011-2013

Outstanding Programs

The information gathered by the Research Committee during 2011-2012 is presented in the following slides. It identifies outstanding programs that our Alpha Zeta State Sisters have presented and/or in which they have participated over the course of the last several years. It is intended to serve as a resource to our Chapters as they consider programs for their current and future members.

The Pajama Program NJAlpha Chapter

Barbara Ann Ellert, President

Presenter name/Contact information: Geri Schleick, NJ FounderPO Box 36, Oak Hill Rd., Middletown, NJ 07740Go to: www.pajamaprogramnj.com. Listed you will find county leaders.

Description of Program:The Pajama Program (501(c)), a not for profit organization, provides new pajamas and new books to children.

Leadership in the MakingAlpha Chapter

Barbara Ann Ellert, President

Presenter name/Contact information: Jean Jaeger [email protected]

Virginia Jones [email protected] Description of the program:

The presenters have served their communities and Alpha Chapter with distinction. They shared their knowledge and expertise with other community women in a discussion group format.

Digital CamerasBeta Chapter

Luella Vengenock, President

Presenters name/Contact information:Michelle D. Pedrick, 126 Waterworks Rd., Salem, NJ 08079 [email protected]; [email protected] Linda Wardell, 2601 Newell Drive, Wilmington, DE [email protected]; [email protected]

Description of the program: In this workshop, the presenters shared how to use digital cameras and how to create photo files on computers.

Pennsville Township Historical Society “Farm and Museum”Salem County Historical Society “Patterned Brick Houses in Salem

County”Beta Chapter

Luella Vengenock, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Pennsville Township Historical Society, 83 Church Landing Rd., Pennsville, NJ 08070Salem County Historical Society, 83 Market St., Salem, NJ 08079

Description of the ProgramIn these presentations, the participants learned about local history and of the programs and materials available in their area for their classrooms, students, and families.

Bits of Local HistoryEpsilon Chapter

Linda Adams, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Ms. Lee Williams, NJ Herald Newspaper

Description of Program:Ms. Williams spoke on the local history of Sussex County, using photos from old newspapers in a PowerPoint presentation. It was particularly interesting for those members who had relatives in the photos! Participants enjoyed learning about some of forgotten farms, factories and ways of life.

NORWESCAPEpsilon Chapter

Linda Adams, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Mrs. Helene Meisner, 201 N. Broad St., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

Description of Program:Ms. Meisner works for NORWESCAP. She used a PowerPoint presentation to show their building and their means of distributing food. Donations are received mainly from companies and/or corporations.

Book Discussion: The Book ThiefZeta Chapter

Barbara Schaller, President

Presenters name/Contact information:Johanna McCauley (Zeta Sister)101 F St., Seaside Park, NJ 08752 [email protected]

Description of the program: Johanna served as mediator for this book discussion. She posed questions and comments for reactions by the group on the book’s characters, setting, and on Nazi Germany.

Inside the Deaf CultureZeta Chapter

Barbara Schaller, President

Presenters name/Contact information:Kathleen Basilotto, Department of Humanities and Fine Arts, Ocean County College [email protected]

Description of the program: Ms. Basilotto engaged the participants, (including some of her students from OCC whom she instructs using sign language), with information on the deaf culture.

Painting the ProcessEta Chapter

Mary Zaccardi, President

Presenters name/Contact information:Pamela Levin, 4 Devonshire Dr., Westhampton, NJ 08060

Description of the program: Pam guided participants through the process of creating a painting from the inception of the thought through the finished piece.

Traveling MerciesEta Chapter

Mary Zaccardi, President

Presenters name/Contact information: Aldo Magazzeni [email protected]

Description of the program: Mr. Magazzeni discussed the mission of Traveling Mercies which is to meet the diverse needs of those suffering throughout the world. He focused mainly on the Ixaya School at Tashirat Ashram in Tepoztlan, Mexico.

My Amazing Trip to KenyaTheta Chapter

Michele Klamerus, President

Presenters name/Contact information:Bonnie Sirower, 69 Godfrey Terrace, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 [email protected]

Description of the program: Bonnie, the District Governor Elect for the Rotary Districts of Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties at the time of her presentation, shared the experiences she and her team encountered in Kenya. They went to Narok, Kenya near the Tanzanian border, to help 310 plus Maasai children. They assisted the 10 teachers in the school build classrooms, complete medical check-ups, distribute food and books, and taught games and crafts. At the end of June, 2012 they are scheduled to return to build a water pipeline that will bring potable water to the children in the school.

A Medical Mission to HaitiLambda Chapter

Nora Pollard, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Kristina Walker

Program description:Ms. Walker discussed her medical mission to Haiti to assist the victims, particularly the orphans, of the hurricane.

Charter SchoolsLambda Chapter

Nora Pollard, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Marilyn Mix, Middlesex County League of Women Voters

Program description:Ms. Mix provided information about the similarities and differences between public schools and charter schools.

Health and Wellness – Lyme DiseaseMu Chapter

Carolyn Bennett, President Presenter name/Contact information:

Gayle Hull [email protected] Program description:

This is one of a number of Health and Wellness presentations Mu has enjoyed. New Jersey State law requires annual Lyme disease in-service for teachers of students with Lyme disease (18A:35-5.1). Gayle’s workshop included recent research as well as classroom implications and provided updated information to support teachers’ use of the NJ DOE “Making a Difference: Lyme Disease Prevention Education Guide.”

Manna HouseMu Chapter

Carolyn Bennett, President Presenter name/Contact information:

Nora Feeney 732-566-8774 Program description:

Participants in this workshop learned about the purposes and workings of Manna House which provides transitional housing for battered, homeless women who receive welfare and have at least one child. At the time of the presentation, nine mothers and sixteen children lived in the house and shared a kitchen, dining room and living room. Each family has at least one room of their own. Mu has been actively involved with Manna House since its opening in 1987. The women at Manna House take part in school, volunteer activities, and participate in its life skills program.

Yoga InstructionNu Chapter

Gail Griffin, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Jane Talmadge, 11 Meadowside Ct., Medford, NJ 08053 [email protected]

Program description:A local yoga instructor provided information on the advantages of yoga and gave a demonstration of the basic yoga positions.

One Room School Houses of Burlington CountyNu Chapter

Gail Griffin, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Joseph Lauffer, Southampton Township Historical Society

Program description:Mr. Lauffer discussed various stories and histories of the one-room school houses in Burlington County. He provided photos of the schools.

Atlantic City Rescue MissionXi Chapter

Judi Marzolino, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Jane Flanagan [email protected]

Program description:Xi Sisters helped prepare and serve lunch to residents who lived at the shelter. They provided approximately 200 meals for the neediest families in the county. The experience was rewarding and the Sisters look forward to serving again.

Gildia’s Club: NoogielandXi Chapter

Judi Marzolino, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Jane Flanagan [email protected]

Program description:Noogieland is a program run by Gilda’s Club for children who have been touched by cancer in some way. One Friday each month, the children participate in a “Fun Friday” activity. Xi supported the evening by reading a story about the Greek Gods and completed two art activities relating to the Greek theme. Students made crowns and tissue paper flowers representing the Goddess of Love.

Books for BabiesOmicron Chapter

Rosalind Ribaudo, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Barbara Smith, 40 Mulberry Dr., Manahawkin, NJ 08050 [email protected]

Program description:Books for Babies provides each new mother at Southern Ocean Medical Center with a bag containing a nursery rhyme board book, an ABC Literacy poster and library brochures with an application for a library card. The program encourages reading and a love of reading for the families.

The Galapagos Islands – A World TreasureOmicron Chapter

Rosalind Ribaudo, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Patricia Rahn, 334 W. 5th St., Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 [email protected]

Program description:Using a PowerPoint presentation, participants viewed a presentation of vibrant photographs that introduced the geography, geology, biology, and history of these volcanic islands. Topics ranged from Darwin’s visit in 1835 to the endemic species such as the flightless cormorant. The threats of invasive species and over population were also discussed.

Telling Our StoriesPi Chapter

Carol Friedrich, President

Presenter name/Contact information:NJ 2009 Teacher of the Year Maryanne Woods-Murphy [email protected]

Program description:Ms. Woods-Murphy shared her story of becoming a teacher. She spoke of her experiences throughout her title year, including training with State representatives, a visit to the White House, and interviewing with news media.

Women of ValorPi Chapter

Carol Friedrich, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Lt. Col. BethAnn Lumpkin [email protected]

Program description:Lt. Col. Lumpkin, Flight Nurse, US Air Force, spoke about the roles of women in the armed service throughout the years as well as her experiences during wartime.

25th Anniversary CelebrationRho Chapter

Pamela Watkinson, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Pamela Watkinson [email protected]

Program description:In order to celebrate Rho’s 25th anniversary, the Sisters initiated a special celebration. A PowerPoint presentation showing photos of Rho members and events over the years was prepared and shown. An anniversary luncheon was held at the Amwell Valley Fire Company in Ringoes, NJ on Saturday, April 9, 2011. The living founding sisters spoke of their experiences. 25-year anniversary pins were presented to these significant ladies. Roxanne Adinolfi, AZS President-elect was in attendance and spoke a few words. A special birthday cake and cutting ceremony was included in the festivities. Rho members wore lovely silver-gray shawls with a rose theme. President Pam Watkinson presided over the festivities.

Extraordinary BeadsRho Chapter

Pamela Watkinson, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Ursula Accumanno [email protected]

Program description:Ursula guided the Rho sisters through the process of making either a necklace or an ID or eyeglass holder using a beautiful selection of beads. A pot-luck dinner was enjoyed along with time to socialize and learn a new skill.

Women/Persons of DistinctionSigma Chapter

Jane Murphy, President Presenter name/Contact information:

Jane Murphy, 1805 Country Club Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 [email protected]

Program description:Sigma Sisters nominate women or persons in their life, family members, friends, or colleagues who should be recognized for the values they represent and the contributions they render through empowerment and vision to make a significant difference in their respective families, workplaces, or communities. These people inspire us to greatness and hold a sense of the “common good.” Members are asked to voluntarily make a contribution to the grant-in-aid fund in the range of $50.00 to $100.00 in the name of the person they wish to honor. These honorees are then invited to a chapter meeting. Members are asked to address the chapter and explain why these women are distinctive in the lives they lead. The Sigma member is then distinguished as a “Patron of the Scholarship Fund.” Honorees receive rose pins in a distinctive handmade box and a certificate. The Sigma Sister who nominated them receives a certificate. The project has become a primary source of revenue for the grant-in-aid money each year. The stories presented about those honored have been heart-warming and inspirational. The project has been wholeheartedly supported since 2004.

Education Around the WorldSigma Chapter


Carol Bastain [email protected] Winfred Kiyunga [email protected] Program description:

Carol Bastian teaches third grade in Cherry Hill. A few years ago she was a Fulbright Scholar. She traveled to South Africa and visited a number of schools, visiting with teachers and administrators, learning about their schools and students. She shared what she learned as well as the process she went through to get this wonderful opportunity.Winfred Kiyunga is a graduate of Moi University in Kenya with a degree in Education. She worked with Windle Trust Kenya at Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya as a teacher. She also worked with Care International, the major implementing agency for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as a Program Officer in the Education Sector. In 2009, she worked with Urban Promise in Camden, NJ. She interned with the organization’s international branch and got training in Leadership and NGO management. Winfred is passionate about refugee issues and aspires to work with forcibly displaced populations, to aid in bridging the gap between the need for sustainable development and the ability to achieve that goal. She shared some of her experiences, including pictures of the camps in which she has worked.

Innova Health and Rehab CenterSigma Chapter


Jane Murphy, 1805 Country Club Dr., Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 [email protected]

Program description:For over fourteen years, Sigma Sisters have visited the Innova Health and Rehab Center at Mt. Laurel, a nursing home and rehabilitation center. The idea was conceived in 1998 by Roxanne Adinolfi as a way to bring cheer into the lives of the residents, many of whom do not have family or friends in the area and seldom receive visitors. Sisters shop for holiday gifts for the residents and bring them to Innova for an afternoon filled with song, refreshments, and companionship. The residents have a chance to open gifts, converse with Sigma members, and sing holiday songs. Over the course of the program, Sigma Sisters have come to know the residents by name, their clothing sizes, and the type of gifts they prefer. Many sisters have gifted the same resident year after year, coming to think of the residents as friends rather than someone at a nursing facility. Marilyn Wiesen, former activities director at the facility, while not eligible for membership in DKG, truly subscribes to the purposes of DKG. In 2010, Sigma honored her as a Person of Distinction.

Women of ValorSigma Chapter


Kathleen Coe, 61 Abington Rd., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 [email protected]

Program description:At their annual combined meeting, Beta, Eta, Iota, Nu, and Sigma Chapters honored 5 military women from their community, America Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers of America.The honored women shared highlights of their careers and work done with families and children in places where they were deployed. Viewing military life through the eyes of these women gave all participants an appreciation of their dedication. When one of the women was deployed to Afghanistan, they collected items to send to her there.

Grant-in-Aid Monies to Miss SallySigma Chapter


Dr. Linda Dix, 5 East Azala Lane, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 [email protected]

Program description:In 2000, Sigma began to sponsor Miss Salome Swearing (Miss Sally), a teacher in Jamaica. Miss Sally administers and teaches in a one-room schoolhouse in Ferry on the outskirts of the Kingston dump. Sigma sisters send a generous check to Miss Sally to subsidize her education which has ranged from certification to full-scale college tuition credits for current certification from the Jamaica government. With this certification and the completion of her education, Miss Sally will be able to keep the one-room schoolhouse open for the children of the Ferry district.

The Morris Museum: Chinese BrushTau Chapter

Mariann Powell, President Presenter name/Contact information:

Margaret Anzul, 41 Arbor Circle, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 [email protected] Lynn Vergano, PO Box 245 Bedminster, NJ 07921-0245

Program description:Tau Chapter had the opportunity to visit the one-person exhibit, “Beauty in the Brush Stroke: Chinese Brush Painting” by New Jersey artist Lynn Vergano at the Morris Museum. Lynn is an honorary member of the DKG Chapter in Manhattan and had become acquainted with members of the Tau Chapter through mutual friends. Once her exhibit was scheduled at the Morris Museum, she offered to present for the group including a tour and a talk. The social occasion included a box lunch in the gallery. Lynn showed examples of her brushes and paints and described some of the challenges of painting in this precise and delicate style. The rice paper, watercolors, and inks are hand-made by skilled artisans in Asia. The presentation of the paintings was two-fold: in one gallery they were displayed in western-style gilded frames from America while in the opposite gallery they were presented on oriental silk scrolls which Lynn travels to Asia to have mounted. Included in the exhibit were exquisite fans which Lynn created after studying the exacting art of fan painting in Asia.

Book Discussion: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi PicoultTau Chapter

Mariann Powell, President

Presenter name/Contact information:Margaret Anzul, 41 Arbor Circle, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 [email protected]

Program description:Tau Chapter schedules book discussions, usually once a year. Previous texts include House Rules by Jodi Picoult and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent by Julia Alvarez. The theme of this book discussion was bullying. Featured members and guests spoke about issues surrounding coping with bullying in the schools. A Tau member, Dru Clark, who is a Superintendent of Schools, explained some of the legal ramifications and requirements. Another participant, a guest who is an elementary guidance counselor, spoke about dealing with the personal issues students bring to him. In addition to discussing the book, most of those present shared experiences they had with this problem in their school settings or ways in which their school seeks to cope with the problem.