Pennsylvania State Organization
Alpha Phi Chapter
Allegheny County
Alpha Phi Chapter
Allegheny County
FOR 2020 - 2021 MATERIAL
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2020-2021 ARTICLES
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2020-2021 ARTICLES
FOR 2019 - 2020 MATERIAL
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2019-2020 ARTICLES
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2019-2020 ARTICLES
FOR 2018 - 2019 MATERIAL
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2018-2019 ARTICLES
SEE THE ABOUT US, ALPHA PHI NEWS, 2018-2019 ARTICLES
2017 - 2018
MAY 19, 2018 MEETING SCENES
Pam Klein and Barb Gregory serve as hostesses for the meeting.
Member-donated books for the take one/leave one, donation-accepted fund raiser.
Table centerpieces by Jan Kusserow (glass cube) and Mary Ann Battaglia (placemat).
Meeting favors made by Donna Vranesevic.
Kay Kameshka (left) and Lillian Lutz review items prior to the start of the meeting.
Catching up on things since the last meeting are (from left to right) Flo Whetsel, Elaine Harmon, and Mary Frances Archey.
Donna Watson gets ready to sell 50/50 tickets.
Roses, the DKG symbol, grace the sign in table.
Alpha Phi Chapter Attends Spring Fling 2018
The elegant South Hills Country Club was the setting for the Garden Club of Munhall’s Spring Fling held April 28. It was finally a beautiful spring day in southwest Pennsylvania which put the attendees in good spirits.
There were 17 Alpha Phi chapter members in attendance for the delicious luncheon and fashion show. Our own Haddie Weber was the chairperson of the event and it was obvious that she attended to every detail to make the event such a success. The fashion show was orchestrated by the Trunk Show Boutique which is located near South Hills Village mall. There were items of clothing, jewelry, food, and plants for sale at the event. Time to socialize among the Alpha Phi members was the highlight of the event. Thank you to all who were able to attend from the chapter.
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME…
By George Wilson
April 2018 Program
April 2018 Program
Due to the unexpected illness and hospitalization of our scheduled speaker for the Alpha Phi chapter meeting for April, another gentleman graciously accepted President Suzanne Mackulin’s last minute request to be the speaker for our meeting. The presenter was George Wilson, a retired social studies teacher from the West Jefferson Hills School District and a graduate of the school district as well. He selected the topic of the Pittsburgh Pirates and its History to present to our group.
Mr. Wilson’s love of baseball began at a very early age when his teacher gave him a Pirates/sports scrapbook to keep. This small action by his teacher awakened the love of baseball in him. He was often taken to games at Forbes Field as a young boy and teenager. He spent his summers staying at his grandmother’s home where he would play at the Elrama Little League ballfield all day. One of his significant mentors and coaches in his life was Mr. Chuck Bakewell.
The impact of all those baseball related activities in which George participated during his growing up years has led to his life-long love of and association with baseball. He, in turn, has coached and mentored young boys and men in the sport. It has been a life-long commitment for him. He believes that young people playing the sport of baseball not only learn the knowledge and skills about the sport but also garner many life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and goal achievement.
During his presentation, George used historical pictures to depict just how the first teams were formed in leagues/ clubs and the people most prominent in those early days dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries who were original owners and players of the club. The team was called the Pittsburgh Alleghenies at first. He discussed Barney Dreyful who immigrated from Germany and worked his way up to owning the Pirates team from 1900-1932. He brought forth snippets about players such as Honus Wagner and Connie Mac (manager and a catcher for 50 years) who became Hall of Famers in the early times. The first championship team was in 1901. In 1909, the team won the World Series for the first time. Curt Roberts was the 1st black player on the team. George was able to speak briefly about the current management and players on the 2018 Pirates team as well.
George’s Wilson’s depth of knowledge about baseball in general and specifically the Pirates is truly remarkable. His stories about players, clubs, team successes, managers and team owners brought to life a great deal interesting information about a sport called America’s pastime. Our grateful thanks to George Wilson for stepping up to the plate and presenting at our April meeting.
Mr. Wilson’s love of baseball began at a very early age when his teacher gave him a Pirates/sports scrapbook to keep. This small action by his teacher awakened the love of baseball in him. He was often taken to games at Forbes Field as a young boy and teenager. He spent his summers staying at his grandmother’s home where he would play at the Elrama Little League ballfield all day. One of his significant mentors and coaches in his life was Mr. Chuck Bakewell.
The impact of all those baseball related activities in which George participated during his growing up years has led to his life-long love of and association with baseball. He, in turn, has coached and mentored young boys and men in the sport. It has been a life-long commitment for him. He believes that young people playing the sport of baseball not only learn the knowledge and skills about the sport but also garner many life lessons such as teamwork, discipline, perseverance and goal achievement.
During his presentation, George used historical pictures to depict just how the first teams were formed in leagues/ clubs and the people most prominent in those early days dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries who were original owners and players of the club. The team was called the Pittsburgh Alleghenies at first. He discussed Barney Dreyful who immigrated from Germany and worked his way up to owning the Pirates team from 1900-1932. He brought forth snippets about players such as Honus Wagner and Connie Mac (manager and a catcher for 50 years) who became Hall of Famers in the early times. The first championship team was in 1901. In 1909, the team won the World Series for the first time. Curt Roberts was the 1st black player on the team. George was able to speak briefly about the current management and players on the 2018 Pirates team as well.
George’s Wilson’s depth of knowledge about baseball in general and specifically the Pirates is truly remarkable. His stories about players, clubs, team successes, managers and team owners brought to life a great deal interesting information about a sport called America’s pastime. Our grateful thanks to George Wilson for stepping up to the plate and presenting at our April meeting.
SCENES FROM THE APRIL 14, 2018 MEETING
BJ Berich gives the inspirational thought on Friendship.
President Mackulin with program speaker, George Wilson.
HAPPILY EVER AFTER STARTS WITH A BOOK
Greensburg-Salem School District Coordinator of Elementary Education, Kelly Gustafson, provided a delightful look at her personal experiences with books and the impact they have had on her life and her career journey. Whether in her classrooms or in the buildings in which she served as principal or in her district administrative role or with her Pitt-Greensburg students or talking with state or federal representatives, Kelly takes every opportunity to highlight the importance of books in the lives of children and adults.
She believes: book opportunities need to be made available to all families in Pennsylvania; that by creating a culture of readers we bring communities together; and, that to put a book into someone’s hands is to change their story.
Kelly works tirelessly to make her beliefs reality for not only those in her district, but for everyone in Pennsylvania. Her passionate talks about the value of books caught the attention of the Pennsylvania School Libraries Association and as a result, she has become the “accidental advocate” representing that group in Washington, D.C. to tell the story of the need for and the importance of equal access to libraries and books (all forms of books).
In addition to testifying in our nation’s capital, Kelly has testified in front of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Education Committee. She had her work cut out for her when asked, “Why do we need books? Technology is cheaper.”
Our eyes were opened when she said, “Every prison in PA must have a library. Schools are not required to have a library.” Our hearts shed tears when she talked of the imbalance of state funding for districts and districts closing library doors because the library and the books aren’t prioritized high enough for the limited funding and become victims of budget cuts.
She shared the story of WEPAC (West Philadelphia Alliance for Children) where retirees from all walks of life open the library in city schools ONE DAY a week. (Only 13 city schools in Philadelphia have libraries!) A construction worker who is one of the many WEPAC volunteers told Kelly, “Someone taught me to read. I have to give back.”
Like the Philly construction worker, Kelly is giving back big time. Whether in her local community, her school district, in the state, in Washington, D.C., her voice is one that is spreading a valuable message. Yes, happily ever after does begin with a book. And, getting those books into someone’s hand will change their story. No doubt, Kelly’s unwavering efforts will continue to make a difference in the lives of families far and wide.
She believes: book opportunities need to be made available to all families in Pennsylvania; that by creating a culture of readers we bring communities together; and, that to put a book into someone’s hands is to change their story.
Kelly works tirelessly to make her beliefs reality for not only those in her district, but for everyone in Pennsylvania. Her passionate talks about the value of books caught the attention of the Pennsylvania School Libraries Association and as a result, she has become the “accidental advocate” representing that group in Washington, D.C. to tell the story of the need for and the importance of equal access to libraries and books (all forms of books).
In addition to testifying in our nation’s capital, Kelly has testified in front of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Education Committee. She had her work cut out for her when asked, “Why do we need books? Technology is cheaper.”
Our eyes were opened when she said, “Every prison in PA must have a library. Schools are not required to have a library.” Our hearts shed tears when she talked of the imbalance of state funding for districts and districts closing library doors because the library and the books aren’t prioritized high enough for the limited funding and become victims of budget cuts.
She shared the story of WEPAC (West Philadelphia Alliance for Children) where retirees from all walks of life open the library in city schools ONE DAY a week. (Only 13 city schools in Philadelphia have libraries!) A construction worker who is one of the many WEPAC volunteers told Kelly, “Someone taught me to read. I have to give back.”
Like the Philly construction worker, Kelly is giving back big time. Whether in her local community, her school district, in the state, in Washington, D.C., her voice is one that is spreading a valuable message. Yes, happily ever after does begin with a book. And, getting those books into someone’s hand will change their story. No doubt, Kelly’s unwavering efforts will continue to make a difference in the lives of families far and wide.
SCENES FROM THE MARCH 10, 2018 MEETING
Simone Miller (left) and Elizabeth Denny (right) place favors, made my Jan Whetsel, on the tables.
Spring table favors by Jan Whetsel
Catching up in 2018. Foreground, Marjorie Glaid (left), Donna Vranesevic.
Background, Mary Anne Battaglia (left), Donna Watson (right).
Background, Mary Anne Battaglia (left), Donna Watson (right).
Ann Lyle, Mary Anne Battaglia, and Donna Watson (standing, L to R)
touch base with Mary Frances Archer (seated) prior to the meeting.
touch base with Mary Frances Archer (seated) prior to the meeting.
Louise Biddle gives the inspirational thought on The Important Things in Life.
(Go to the website’s resources section for the full text.)
(Go to the website’s resources section for the full text.)
Second vice-president, Judy Bookhammer, shares her experience
touring the DKG Society headquarters in Austin, TX.
touring the DKG Society headquarters in Austin, TX.
Florence Whetsel displays the drawing of a book that had
an impact on her for speaker Kelly Gustafson’s presentation.
an impact on her for speaker Kelly Gustafson’s presentation.
Symbols from Kelly Gustafson’s presentation, “Happily Ever After Begins With a Book.”
DO YOU KNOW OUR HISTORY?
Chapter president, Suzanne Mackulin as Dr. Annie Webb Blanton
The program at the November 18 meeting had sisters strolling down memory lane when the 12 Founders of the Society (Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, Miss Mamie Sue Bastian, Miss Ruby Cole, Miss Mabel Grizzard, Dr. Anna Hiss, Miss Ray King, Miss Sue King, Dr. Helen Koch, Mrs. Ruby Terrill Lomax, Dr. Cora M. Martin, Mrs. Lalla M. Odom, and Miss Lela Lee Williams),
Lindy Marwood as Lela Le Williams
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Marjorie Glaid as Dr. Cora Martin
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“channeled” by the sisters of Alpha Phi, shared the story of the founding of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International on May 11, 1929, at the Faculty Women’s Club at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas. Joining the group of esteemed founders were Dr. Blanton’s mother, Eugenia Webb Blanton,
Becky Johnen as Eugenia Webb Blanton
and current Society president, Carolyn Pittman. (For details on the Society and its background, go to History in the About Us Section of the website.)
Florence Whetsel as Carolyn Pittman
The narrative (conceived and written by member Mary Anne Battaglia) was interspersed with reflective moments where sisters were asked to write down commonalities among the founders.
Narrator Mary Anne Battaglia (background) calls on another sister to share someone’s story.
Pam Birdy Klein (foreground) listens attentively.
Pam Birdy Klein (foreground) listens attentively.
These ideas were shared during discussion segments. Words like innovators, activists, passionate, dedicated, persistent, visionary were among the many used to describe our founders. Like us, there were ordinary women doing extraordinary things. Everyone felt challenged to carry on the fine tradition established by these strong women. Truly, we stand on the shoulders of giants!
BJ Berich as Dr. Helen Koch
SCENES FROM THE NOVEMBER 18, 2017 MEETING
THE INITIATION OF A NEW MEMBER
NOVEMBER 18, 2017
NOVEMBER 18, 2017
Second Vice-President, Judy Bookhammer, prepares for the initiation of Mary Havel.
Mary Havel (back) listens attentively during the initiation ceremony.
Standing with her is Donna Shultz (front), who recommended her for membership.
Standing with her is Donna Shultz (front), who recommended her for membership.
Along the wall, left to right
President, Suzanne Mackulin; First Vice-President, Mary Anne Battaglia; and Recording Secretary, Liz Oskin conduct the initiation ceremony for Mary Havel (nearest the table). Mary’s nominating member, Donna Shultz, stands to the right of Mary.
President, Suzanne Mackulin; First Vice-President, Mary Anne Battaglia; and Recording Secretary, Liz Oskin conduct the initiation ceremony for Mary Havel (nearest the table). Mary’s nominating member, Donna Shultz, stands to the right of Mary.
The triangle of tall candles represents loyalty, cooperation and ideals of the Society. From the flames of the tall candles initiate, Mary Havel, lighted her candle and placed it within the triangle. The light from the candles reminds us as educators of our responsibilities to lighten the darkness of ignorance and spread knowledge and understanding.
Newly initiated Mary Havel is welcomed by Barbara Gregory.
Kay Kameshka warmly greets and welcomes Mary Havel.
OUR YELLOW BRICK ROAD JOURNEY
At the October 14, 2017 meeting, speaker Becky Johnen, had us take an introspective look at our personal journeys along our own ‘yellow brick roads.’ The presentation was inspired by Dorothy’s journey along the yellow brick road (as depicted in the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz which is based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz).
The journey in the Land of Oz gave everyone an appreciation and a greater understanding of themselves. Our personal journey does the same. Through small and large group discussion, Becky had members examining their own yellow brick road journeys and what ‘characters’ and ‘adventures’ made a lasting difference in their lives. Members reflected on the cyclones that swept them away from their comfort zones; the wicked witches that presented them with challenges or barriers; the characters that helped them gain wisdom, heart/compassion, courage; and, those who served as cheerleaders providing encouragement, support, and assistance along the way.
Below, Lillian Lutz (left) and Mary Francis Archey (right) listen to a sister's reflection during a small group discussion.
The journey in the Land of Oz gave everyone an appreciation and a greater understanding of themselves. Our personal journey does the same. Through small and large group discussion, Becky had members examining their own yellow brick road journeys and what ‘characters’ and ‘adventures’ made a lasting difference in their lives. Members reflected on the cyclones that swept them away from their comfort zones; the wicked witches that presented them with challenges or barriers; the characters that helped them gain wisdom, heart/compassion, courage; and, those who served as cheerleaders providing encouragement, support, and assistance along the way.
Below, Lillian Lutz (left) and Mary Francis Archey (right) listen to a sister's reflection during a small group discussion.
The presentation closed with 10 transformative lessons learned from the yellow brick road journey:
1. Follow your own yellow brick road.
2. Look within for your power.
3. Believe in good and good things will happen.
4. Don’t give up your principles (or your ruby slippers).
5. Allow yourself to dream.
6. The solution might be right under your nose.
7. Accept your friends for who they are.
8. Don’t hide your true self behind a screen.
9. There’s no place like home (wherever home is).
10.Running away is never the answer.
1. Follow your own yellow brick road.
2. Look within for your power.
3. Believe in good and good things will happen.
4. Don’t give up your principles (or your ruby slippers).
5. Allow yourself to dream.
6. The solution might be right under your nose.
7. Accept your friends for who they are.
8. Don’t hide your true self behind a screen.
9. There’s no place like home (wherever home is).
10.Running away is never the answer.
SCENES FROM THE OCTOBER 14, 2017 MEETING
Donna Watson (left) greets Ann Lyle (right) after she signs in for the meeting.
Mary Francis Archey shares the inspirational thought.
Luncheon fellowship.
Foreground: Left, Karen Vaccari; Center, Louise Biddle; Right, Liz Oskin
Foreground: Left, Karen Vaccari; Center, Louise Biddle; Right, Liz Oskin
MEET THE MASTERS CELEBRATION
Suzanne Mackulin, foreground with Louise Biddle, background
On September 27, six “master” members (Louise Biddle, a member since 1971; Lillian Lutz, 1972; Donna Shultz, 1974; Kay Kameshka, 1982; Suzanne Mackulin, 1988; Simone Miller, 2000) met with first vice-president, Mary Anne Battaglia; second vice-president, Judy Bookhamer; and strategic plan facilitator, Becky Johnen to engage in a conversation about the successes of our local chapter through the years and how those successes can engage our members in possible future endeavors. The focus was on what worked or what processes moved our organization forward to where we are today.
Lillian Lutz, left; Mary Anne Battaglia, center; Donna Shultz, right
In addition to sharing wonderful stories about how they became involved in DKG, these six veteran members told of their early experiences in the classroom (the earliest beginning in 1947-Louise Biddle), and described what chapter meetings, programs, and social outings were like in their day.
Common themes from all the masters were the “secret” side of the organization, the honor of being invited to join, the solemn nature of installation (and the ritual of it), the strictness of meeting attendance, and the warmth and enthusiasm of the group.
Common themes from all the masters were the “secret” side of the organization, the honor of being invited to join, the solemn nature of installation (and the ritual of it), the strictness of meeting attendance, and the warmth and enthusiasm of the group.
Judy Bookhamer, left; Simone Miller, center; Kay Kameshka, right
Memorable moments shared during the evening included the many interesting program speakers, varied social outings, encountering Grace Kelly (who was doing a poetry reading the floor above where the Chapter was meeting and who gave everyone a smile), multi-chapter meetings, stepping into leadership positions (Lillian described what it was like becoming treasurer – a position she held for 22 years – after her predecessor died leaving her with no one to show her the ins and outs of the position), and Chapter projects.
There was consensus that the Chapter is moving in the right direction; that it is doing so many good things especially reaching out to others in need through our community service projects. From start to finish, the evening was positive, inspiring, and uplifting.
There was consensus that the Chapter is moving in the right direction; that it is doing so many good things especially reaching out to others in need through our community service projects. From start to finish, the evening was positive, inspiring, and uplifting.
ALPHA PHI ORIENTATION TEA
On Saturday, July 29, 2017, 14 Alpha Phi sisters of Delta Kappa Gamma gathered at the Serendipity Tea Room in Speers, PA along with four guests (all prospective members). Prospective members were introduced to the Delta Kappa Gamma organization and its mission and purposes, the benefits of membership, and what it means to be a member of this organization that was founded on May 11, 1929.
2015-16 Perfect Meeting Attendance Recognized
From left to right, Charlotte Steimer, Mary Frances Archey, Judy Bookhamer, Barb Gregory, Carol Ann Nejman, Donna Shultz, and Suzanne Mackulin display the certificates of recognition that they received for having perfect meeting attendance in 2015-16. An ongoing goal of the Chapter’s strategic action plan is to “stimulate and increase chapter vitality and sustainability.” One objective to achieve this goal is to have at least 50% of the membership at meetings. Since attendance at meetings is important to the Chapter, it was decided to highlight that those who had perfect attendance last year. In addition to a certificate, members each received a $10 Giant Eagle gift card (donated by an anonymous community member).
MICHELE GOODMAN-JONES WAS “IN HER LANE” AT ALPHA PHI
Michele Goodman-Jones was the featured speaker at the Alpha Phi chapter meeting on September 9, 2017. She is the president and chief executive officer of Michele Goodman Studio in downtown New Castle. Her business specializes in helping underserved populations with professional dress, business etiquette, and personal grooming. Michele was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans in Pennsylvania by Talk Magazine. Those named to the list were chosen for their personal achievements in education, upward mobility in their places of employment, service to their communities and their entrepreneurial spirits. A former model and cosmetics account executive, Michele is also the Lawrence County image consultant for the PA Workwear Program.
Her presentation at Alpha Phi on ALWAYS LOOKING OUR BEST focused on fashion history, trends, current styles, general tips, information on what not to wear, how not to look old, tips for women as they mature and tips on make-up. Michele left the membership with a wealth of information to help everyone “stay in their lane!”
Her presentation at Alpha Phi on ALWAYS LOOKING OUR BEST focused on fashion history, trends, current styles, general tips, information on what not to wear, how not to look old, tips for women as they mature and tips on make-up. Michele left the membership with a wealth of information to help everyone “stay in their lane!”
THE CHAPTER SALUTES HADDIE WEBER
Chapter member Haddie Weber goes above and beyond! Haddie has been a member of DKG and the Alpha Phi Chapter since 1984. She served as President of the chapter in 1996-2000, co-President in 2002-2004, and President during the 2006-2008 biennium. In addition to her current Chapter duties as Newsletter Editor, Projects Chair, and Parliamentarian and serving on the By-Laws and Strategic Action Plan Committees she also serves as the Chair of the Alpha Alpha PA State Professional Affairs Committee and she serves on the state’s Nominations Committee! Haddie gives new meaning to dedication and going above and beyond.