Delta Kappa Gamma Society Meets

Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met at 11:30 a.m. on June 16, 2022 at the Venture Center in Central City. Originally, the meeting place was to be held at Veterans Memorial, South Park, but due to extreme heat, the move was needed. Festivities began with members reciting the Collect, then enjoying an old-fashioned box lunch exchange and good catch-up conversation.

Following lunch, Immediate Past President Mary Helen Fuchs called the meeting to order. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved without correction. Treasurer Dianne Vorderstrasse reported the current chapter balance, accepted dues for the coming year, and reminded members that all dues must be paid no later than July 1st for the upcoming year. Discussion was held about notifying members who weren’t in attendance of the earlier dues due date, and the treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

The group then talked briefly about how to continue the Chapter’s First Books to Infants Project in the area. Due to the move of Marion Odabasi, a member who oversaw preparing and distributing project bags, it was decided to gather more information before trying to proceed. Ten bags are ready for materials, but those materials need to be found/gathered. Also, hospitals where infant deliveries occur may not yet be able to receive gifts from outside, due to the pandemic. More will be discussed in the fall.

Kappa Sisters who attended the Nebraska State Convention in April spoke briefly about the event. All agreed that the first in-person gathering following a pandemic virtual format was very welcome. Nonetheless, there is an expectation of even better attendance, content, and structure in future, as all becomes more normal. Members Charlotte Rasmussen and Jackie Mason, respectively, delivered tributes to deceased Kappa members Kayleen Lukasiewicz and Judy Marco at the convention’s Celebration of Life ceremony.

First Vice President Lois Wegner asked if all members had received the Spring Quarterly via email. She also reminded people that responses are badly needed so she can be sure that messages and information have been received. Some discussion ensued about the importance of actually checking/ reading emails as often as might be needed, because this is the primary means of communication.

Group discussion then turned to a program slate for the upcoming biennium. Possible ideas were presented, tentative work committee lists were approved, and a meeting time was set for the Executive Board to finalize details.

With there being no further discussion, the New Officer Installation Ceremony was held for the 2022-2024 biennium. It began with a moment of silence and gratitude in honor of deceased President Judy Marco. Then President Lois Wegner, First Vice President Jackie Mason, and Second Vice President Charlotte Rasmussen were sworn in by Immediate Past President Mary Helen Fuchs and the chapter’s members. Treasurer Dianne Vorderstrasse and Recording Secretary Theda Van Horn will continue in their positions. Following the swearing-in, all celebrated with ice cream and cake provided by Host Group 5, Lois Follington, Joan Waring, and Jackie Mason.

The next Kappa meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2022, time and place to be announced.