Letters
Beta Beta Anniversary
A Celebration of Excellence by Sue Zorichak Hagen
Unseasonably warm weather set the stage for Beta Beta Chapter's . 7.5 th anniversary celebration held in Greeley, CO, Feb. 16. The weekend event attracted 48 collegians and 35 alumnae-from as far as Californ ia and Minnesota-who gathe re d in Greeley for two days of sorority activities. By mid-morning Saturday, the chapter house was fill ed with Beta Be tas sp an nin g several pl e dg e classes-and ge nerations. Th e affair's theme, in fact, was " A Celebration of Excell ence-From Generation to Generation." Each of six b e drooms was filled with composites, paddles, scrapbooks and trophies-all old treas ur es r e tri eved from th e attic of th e recently redecorated house, which sits on the corner of the University of North ern Colorado's so rority row. Following lunch, several alumnae participated in a campus tour arrang e d b y co ll eg iate mem b e rs. "The campus tour proved to be one of the most popular and memorable events for both alumnae and collegians," said Kendy Clark, immedi ate past pres iden t . " It was so interesting to hear the alumnae describe how ALA was and how UNC was. " For many of us, being with the alumn ae an d listening to them re-
Misspelled name It was pm路haps a typo error, however, in the winter issue, Vol. 76, No . 2, of the Phoenix , our daughte r's name on p. 12 was misspelled. it is Tiffany Morton , not Jiffany. As a mother, I wanted to draw it to your atte ntion. Jiffany might become a nickname, but not a proper name, though we've had some real laughs over it. Thanks for your attention, Sally Morton Editor's note: The Phoenix regrets the error.
Stratton, left, national secretary, and Lynda Johnson Hempstead, right, Province XVII director, welcome National President Diane James to the anniversary.
ally reinforced that AI.A is a lifelong commitment," she added. The festivities got into full swing that evening, with a reception, banqu e t and dan ce at th e Gree ley Country Club. National Preside nt Di ane James congratulated th e chapter on its long and rich history in Alpha Sigma Alpha. After her speech , she presented the chapter with a silver punch bowl from th e national council; the D enver alumnae followed suit with a gift of 10 silver cups. A Sund ay morning far ewe ll breakfast signaled an e nd to th e 75th annive rsary weeke nd , with alumnae and collegians promising to maintain co ntact over the miles, and the years. -<:< -<:<
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Desert Storm husband My husband, 1Lt. Benjamin M. Boyles deployed to Saudi Arabia on Aug. 22, 1990, with the 24th Infantry Di vision . Durin g this tim e, I drew stre ngth from my family and fri e nds , many of whom are AI.A alumnae. When Be n came home on March 21, he finall y got to meet his new, son, Alexander. Sincerely, Gail Martin Boyles, D elta Rho
Province Day planned Pi Pi Chapter at the State Uni versity of New York, Buffalo, has announced the date for the Province I 1991-92 Province Day. Call ed a province social retreat, the event will be Saturday, Oct. 19, 1991 , at Buffalo. For furth er information contact Province Director Sharon Mari e Sterner, 4 12 Fisher Rd. , Rochester, NY 14624.
1992 Al:A Convention Thursday, June 25, to Monday, June 29 Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Inner Harbor, MD The hotel is in the heart of Maryland hunt country and just 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore on U.S. Interstate 83 and Shawan Road. An hour from downtown Washington, DC, it is just minutes north of downtown Inner Harbor and accessible by shuttle bus from the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Please plan to attend this 37th meeting of our ALA sisterhood!
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THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
Summer 1991
of Alpha Sigma Alpha
Features
Deadlines Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summer ............. Fall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vol. 76, No. 4
Oct. Jan. Apr. July
10 10 10 10
Editor
Beta Beta anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One of Alpha Sigma Alpha's oldest chapters throws itself a party
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Nancy I.Z. Reese 828 S. Golf Cui de Sac Des Plaines, IL 60016
Staff Feature Editor Cretia Rowlette 3861 N. Cherry Ln. Kansas City, MO 64116 Alumnae Editor Lori Muehlbauer Robinson
At. 1 Box 176-C Falkville, AL 35622 Collegiate Editor Terri Higgs Murphy 4922 Epworth Rd. Newburgh, IN 47630 Historian Sue Zorichak Hagen 6890 Athena Way Inver Grove Heights, MN 55075 THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA (USPS 430· 640), an educational journal , is published in the fall , winter, spring and summer of each year by the Soror· ity, 1201 East Walnut Street, Springfield , MO 65802. Subscription price, $1 .50 a year. Produced by Maury Boyd & Associates, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Member, National Panhelienic Conference and College Frater· nity Editors Association .
Breast cancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Brzezinski walks us through her initiation into the sisterhood that nobody wants to join
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Alcohol and women .................. 1 0 A researcher on alcohol and women takes a look at a subject that concerns us all
Where there is a will ................. 12 Foundation trustee Betty Wallick tells you why everyone needs a will
Departments 2 Letters.................. 2 Alcohol statement ......... 11 Alumnae Stars ............ 13 Alumnae Action ........... 16 Narcissus cookbook ....... 2 0
Call to convention . . . . . . . . .
Send change of address and business correspon· dence to Alpha Sigma Alpha National Headquarters, 1201 East Walnut St. , Springfield , MO 65802. Address ali correspondence of an editorial nature to the edl· tor, Nancy I. Z. Reese, 828 S. Golf Cui de Sac, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Articles are invited for publication In this journal. Manuscripts should be submitted to the editorial staff for consideration. Acceptances are on a contrlb· uting basis only and subject to editorial review. Artl· cles published are the personal expressions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of AEA. Second-class postage paid at Springfield , MO, and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA, 1201 East Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65802.
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
On the Cover More than 150,000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer. In an insightful article, Sandra Brzezinski tells the story of her battle with this disease. SUMMER 1991
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BREAST CANCER: What do I, Sandra Brzezinski, have in common with Kate Jackson, Nancy Reagan, Shirley Temple Black and Betty Ford? We all belong to a select sisterhood-a sisterhood that nobody wants to join. A sisterhood, which according to TIME (Jan . 14, 1991) one in every 10 American women will become a member. The sisterhood we share is breast cancer. And although each of our stories is different , we all have survived this lifethreatening disease. My experience began the day before I left for Phoenix, AZ, and the 1990 Alpha Sigma Alpha National Convention.
Saturday, June 26 by Sandra Brzezinski Sandy, Gamma Epsilon, is currently Alpha Sigma Alpha's constitution chairman. She is a past national secretary and vice president of alumnae. A teacher, she and her husband Wayne and son Brian live in Milwaukee.
I had delayed my usual dental and physical examinations until summer vacation. But as soon as I completed my teaching assignment, I dutifully went to see the dentist, ophthalmologist and gynecologist. It was time for my routine mammogram as well. The day before I left for Phoenix, I got a note from my gynecologist's office concerning test results. My husband, Wayne, was anxious and insisted I contact the doctor on Monday fi路om Phoenix.
Monday, June 28 Amid the pre-convention meetings , I spoke with Dr. Stanley Korducki, my gynecologist, who told me he was disturbed by the mammogram report and suggested I contact a surgeon for a second opinion. He also told me to enjoy my vacation in Phoenix. I called Wayne and gave him the surgeon's name and told Wayne to book an appointment for me. I went on to enjoy the convention.
Monday, July 2 At 1 p.m. , still feeling the Alpha Sigma Alpha post-convention rush, I found myself sitting in the small, 4 S 1IMER 1991
crowded waiting room ofDr. Henry Wengelewski. While Wayne and I were in the examining room, I opened the folder and began reading my mammogram report. I was able to understand only a few words, like "biopsy" and "abnormality. " Suddenly I became sober. It sounded like serious stuff. When I met Dr. Henry Wengelewski, I felt a sense of wellbeing. He seemed personable and had a sense of humor. He explained that the radiologist was concerned with some microcalcifications on the left breast. He showed us the X-rays and assured us that the biopsy would be a close-up look at the cells in question. Dr. Wengelewski said he didn't think I had cancer, but gave the "odds" as 50/50. He also did a breast examination and could feel nothing. We left the examining room and made an appointment for the biopsy. Since I had off for the summer, I told the nurse to book the hospital appointment as soon as possible, figuring I would have to wait at least three weeks.
Tuesday, July 3 The next morning, I was on my way to St. Francis Hospital for a biopsy. The first stop was the X-ray department for a wire localization. A thin, shish kabob looking need1e is used to show the surgeon where to cut. Since there was no lump, the surgeon wanted to make sure he was getting the area showing the micro-calcifkations. Next, I got a wheelchair ride to the Out Patient Department to await the surgeon. The biopsy would be done under local anesthetic. The anesthetic made me feel pleasantly relaxed. Soon Dr. Wengelewski appeared and got to work.
THE PHOE IX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
The Sisterhood that Nobody Wants to Join During the two-hour procedure, Dr. Wengelewski and I casually chatted. We told dumb hospital jokes, like, "Will I be able to play the piano after this operation? That's funny, I could never play it before." During the whole procedure I felt very calm and relaxed. Just a typical summer vacation day. The biopsy, which I thought would be less than a half-inch in diameter, was actually golf-ball size. Since the surgeon wanted to make sure he got the entire suspicious area, he performed a wide-range excision biopsy. I later learned that there are four different types of biopsy-fineneedle, larger needle , incisional and wide-range excisional. Wayne was permitted to join us after I was bandaged. The surgeon told him not to let me drive because of the anesthetic. I asked the doctor ifi could bowl. He frowned and said not for at least two weeks. "That's funny ," I quipped, "I could never bowl before!" Always leave them laughing. The news from the pathology lab was that the biopsy showed no gross malignancies. Great news, I thought. Dr. Wengelewski explained that the biopsy would be cross-sectioned and further examined. This , too , is standard procedure. Dr. Wengelewski said he 'd see me in a week to remove th e stitches. I went home to sleep off my anesthetic, not even hearing the Fourth of July fireworks.
Monday, July 9 Wayne started a new job and was unable to take a day off, so I went to the surgeon ' s office by myself. When the stitches were removed, I asked Dr. Wengelewski about the final pathology report. He checked THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
with his nurse and then called the hospital. We were in his office at this time, and when he asked the pathologist to " please, repeat that," I immediately knew something was terribly wrong. When Dr. Wengelewski sat down next to me, my heart began to race. "Ductal carcinoma in situ . .. cancer ... mastectomy .. . " were words that were swimming around me. Dr. Wengelewski drew a diagram and explained the kind of cancer I had, but the words kept echoing louder and louder in my brain until I soon felt myself getting light-headed. I just wanted to get out of his office before I fainted. Far better that I should faint out on a busy city street than in a surgeon's office. "Come back to see me tomorrow with your husband," the doctor said gently as I quickly fled past his receptionist, trying not to throw up or faint. Somehow I got in the car and drove the mile to my house without getting in an accident. Brian was at Boy Scout camp and Wayne was working, so I had time to compose myself. Actually, I fell apart and cried bitterly. This just didn't seem fair! Why me? Why now? Wayne and I got through the rest of that day and night. My initial reaction to the diagnosis had been shock. I consider myself relatively young. I had never had a life-threatening illness until now. I never even felt a lump or any pain. And I only knew one other person that had ever had breast cancer.
References "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book," by Susan Love, MD " Invisible Scars," by Mimi Greenburg, Ph.D. Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4CANCER American Cancer Society, check local phone book National Cancer Institute, check local phone book
Tuesday, July 10 The next morning when we woke up, there was the most beautiful double rainbow out our bedroom
Continued on page 6 SUMMER 1991
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Female cancers Incidence: By site, estimated for 1990; excludes nonmelanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ. Breast . ....... 150,000 Colon & recum .. ....... 79,000 Lung ......... 55,000 Uterus ... .. .... 46,500 Ovary ......... 20,500 Lymphomas .. . ...... 20,200 Pancreas .. . ...... 14,500 Deaths: By site, estimated for 1990. Lung .. .. . .... 50 ,000 Breast .. . .. . .. . 44 ,000 Colon & recum . ........ 30 ,900 Pancreas ... .. . ... 12,900 Ovary .... . . ... 12.400 Uterus ... . ..... 10,000 Lymphomas ........ . . 9,300
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window. The rainbow is the universal sign of hope. I felt a sense of peace and calmness. We started our education about breast cancer the next day in Dr. Wengelewski's office. I quipped that if the patient didn't die of shock during the first 24 hours after learning that she had breast cancer, the survival rate doubled. Dr. Wengelewski assured us that everything was going to be fine. He told me that my sense of humor would help my healing. "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" (Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. , Inc. , 1990) had just been released. I strongly recommend it for all women. Ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, is very early breast cancer. DCIS is sometimes referred to as a pre-cancerous condition. In situ means that the cancer is in one place as opposed to invasive cancer, which has spread. Ductal refers to the milk ducts. Eighty-six percent of breast cancers start in the ducts. I was not at risk in terms of agetwo-thirds of all breast cancer patients are women over the age of .50. No one in my family had breast cancer, but then most breast cancer patients don 't have a family history. I had none of the usual breast cancer symptoms. Susan Love indicates that 70 percent of breast cancer victims have none of the classic risk factors in their background. The mammogram merely showed a change from my previous mammogram two years ago. Breast cancer can be detected in its early stages only through mammogram. My cancer would not have been lump-size for at least another four to six years. If a woman does not have a family 1isk factor, she should get her first mammogram at age 35. Before 35, monthly brea~t self-examinations and regular medical checkups are encouraged. I was convinced that cancer would not destrov me. From the start, I had a very' positive attitude toward healing and very much confid ence in my medical team. Dr. Wengelewski recommended a modified radical mastectomy, which came with a 99% cure guarantee. In medicine, that's as good as one can get.
The modified radical mastectomy is currently the most common operation for breast cancer. It removes the breast, the underarm lymph nodes and the lining over the chest muscles , but leaves the chest muscles. The lymph nodes are removed because they filter the lymph fluid that circulates through the breast and the other parts of the body. The lymph nodes are one of the first places that the cancer spreads. If cancer is found in the lymph nodes, cancer may be found in other parts of the body.
Thursday, July 12 Dr. Susan Love advises women not to rush into any one treatment. She writes that taking the time to decide what is best for the cancer patient is necessary. This stage is known as " investigating the options. " In Milwaukee, we have several cancer centers that have support groups and written .materials. w~ visited Dr. Marcia Richards, a radiologist, to get a second opinion. Her findings supported Dr. Wengelewski a modified radical mastectomy . I did not have the options of radiology or chemotheraphy. My only option was selecting the date for the operation. We spoke with our only child Brian, age 15, about my cancer. He remained strangely calm about the whole thing and didn 't ask many questions. He did want to know if he could still go on the camping outing he and several cross-country team mates were planning. I assured him that he could.
Tuesday, July 18 Planning an operation is somewhat like planning a vacation. I checked my social calendar and tried to determine when I could spare three weeks' time. As a high school teacher, I knew I could gain some added time if I worked around school holidays. I vacillated between Thanksgiving vacation and spling break. Wayne kept saying he wished I would have the operation before school started in September. We made another consultation appointm ent with Dr. Wengelewski, and I scheduled the mastecTHE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
tomy for the earliest possible date. I was relieved to discover that it would not be July 19.
I could say one more thing, and then he was going to start the anesthetic. I was at a loss for a joke, so I just said "thank you." I was asleep.
Sunday, July 23
4:30p.m.
We spoke to many of our friends, asking for their prayers. Several members of my Christ Renews His Parish group told me that they would be praying for me in the hospital chapel during my surgery. I purchased new nightgown.s, a new bathrobe, new skid-free slippers and a lot of books to read.
Thursday, August 2 This-was-it Day! I slept fairly well. I hadn't expected to be able to sleep at all. I would not be allowed to wear make-up, deodorant, nail polish or jewelry in the operating room, so I needed little time to get ready. My surgery was scheduled for 10 a.m., and we aJ.Tived at the hospital at 7 a.m. The three hours passed very quickly as the nurses and hospital staff filled out forms, weighed, measured and prepared me for surgery. When our parish priest came to annoint me and pray with us, however, Brian and Wayne got a bit teary-eyed. I was still not terribly nervous or scared. Finally, they gave me a hypodermic shot and wheeled me to surgery. I was placed in a little cubbyhole and green curtains were drawn around me. Because I was not permitted to wear my contact lenses or glasses, I squinted a lot to bring things into focus. A nurse came in and asked me some more questions. Then she told me I had nothing to fear. She, too, had breast cancer. I stared intensely at her chest, but I couldn't tell which side was real and which was silicone. She also told me that of the five surgeries that were scheduled that morning, three were mastectomies. I secretly wished that mine was not one of them. Soon I was taken to the operating room, where there were five people in green suits, four nurses and an anesthesiologist. They introduced themselves to me and shook my hand. Then they got to work hooking me up to monitors and strapping down my arms. The anesthesiologist told me that THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
"Open your eyes, Sandy." I did, but the light was so bright that I shut them again. "The operation is over. We'd like you to move your legs and open your eyes." Again, I did as I was told. My legs felt OK. Even my arms felt okay. As a matter of fact, I didn't feel much of anything. Soon the blood pressure cuff and the monitors were disconnected, and I was wheeled back to my room. Wayne and Brian were waiting for me. They both started talking up a storm and hugging me, but all I wanted to do was sleep. Actually, all I wanted to do was get that IV out of my right arm. When I asked about it, I was told it would take a few more hours to drain. OK, I could live with that. As the doctor promised, the nurse brought in a dinner tray about .5:30p.m. I asked to have the IV removed. The nurse told me that the IV contained pain medication as well as nutrients and that it would take about 3-4 more hours before it was done. At 7:30 p.m., Wayne and Brian were back. They were joined by my mother and father. All of them told me I looked great. I was not sure what this meant. I wore no makeup, no nail polish and had lots of dried surgical soap on my arm and face. I thanked them anyway. When Wayne and Brian got ready to leave, I joined them for a walk to the elevator. Brian enjoyed pushing the IV rack. As the elevator door closed, I took the IV rack down the hall alone. It was 8 p.m., and I was lonesome already.
Friday, August 3 It was 1:30 a.m. and I was awake. My left shoulder blade was throbbing. I wondered if this is how Nolan Ryan feels after he pitches. No wonder the man endorses Advil. I rang for the nurse. I needed an ice pack and I wanted that IV removed. The nurse finally removed it at 3 a.m.
Continued on page 8
Recommendations Warning signs: The American Cancer Society recommends that you see a physician if any of the following symptoms are present: • Change in the shape or size of the breast; • Discharge from the nipple; • Change in the color or texture of the breast or the nipple; • Puckering, dimpling or scaling. Early detection: Since symptoms may not surface until the disease is advanced and because early detection is the key to long-term survival, the American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines: Age 20: Begin monthly breast selfexamination; Ages 20-40: Have physical examinations of the breasts by a physician at 3-year intervals. Ages 35-40: Schedule your first baseline mammogram. Ages 40-49: Have a mammogram every one to two years, depending on your physician's advice. Have a breast examination by your physician annually. After age 50: Schedule both a breast examination by a physician and a mammogram annually.
SUMMER 1991
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At 9:30 a.m., Dr. Neil Moecker, my personal physician, stopped in to see me. I asked him if he thought I should buy a set of china, lose 100 pounds and enter a Nancy Reagan look-alike contest. He said he thought I'd stand a better chance in the Kate Jackson look-alike contest. I told him I dreamed I was Nolan Ryan, and today my left shoulder felt like it. He explained that it was due to the lack of movement of my shoulder during the operation. At 2 p.m., Dr. Wengelewski examined me, and said I was doing great. As the insurance would cover only two days' hospital stay, I had convinced myself that I was going home in two days' time. Dr. Wengelewski calmly told me that he would call my insurance company. He wanted me to stay for a few more days. All right, doc, I can live with that. I was too tired to argue anyway. Whenever a body part is removed, the body naturally tries to fill the void with fluids. JacksonPratt, a drain that looked like a hand grenade, was inserted to prevent the incision from becoming filled. A nurse would empty the drain once or twice a clay. The drain stays in place until the fluid level decreases. Dr. Wengelewski wanted to remove the drain before he sent me home. I slept a lot, watched television, visited with Wayne, read some books and wrote in my journal. I took a few walks around the hospital halls. Then I got bored. I really felt like washing my hair and putting on some makeup. When I kissed Wayne good-night at 8 p.m. , I suggested he go home and take a shower. He smelled like a landfill. He softly replied that he wasn't the one who needed the shower.
Saturday, August 4 I told Wayne I was scared and depressed, so he took me for a walk in the halls, and soon we were laughing. When we got back to the room, I had Wayne give me a sponge bath, so at least I smelled a little better. Wayne was very supportive and did not seem upset or repulsed by the wound, which was still bandaged. I put on one of my new nightgowns and began to settle in for another
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boring day in bed. Wayne went home to cut the grass. Dr. Wengelewski came in at 2 p.m. and I explained how depressed I was over smelling like a landfill. He asked me if I was sure I was ready to see the incision. I assured him I was. Silently, he took the scissors and cut the bandage. Actually, I don't know what I expected to see. What I saw was about 25 staples and a fold of skin. It didn't look too bad to me. Then he said the magic wordsyou can take a shower! "Yes!" I shouted and raised both arms in the air, only to realize that my left arm didn't quite make it up over my head.
Sunday, AugustS Since everyone believed me when I said I would only be in the hospital for two days, only Wayne visited me. He was now faced with the task of taking my 10 plants home. I told the day nurse that I was going to hold a plant sale to help pay my hospital bill.
Monday, August 6 The surgeon removed the drain and gave me a prescription for a painkiller. The lab report came back. The lymph nodes were not affected . This means that the cancer had been caught before it had spread. More importantly, it meant I wouldn't need radiation or chemotherapy. However, the lab found additional cancer in other ducts in the left breast. Cancer so small it did not even appear on a mammogram. I breathed a prayer of gratitude. The mirror biopsy done on the right breast showed no traces of cancer. I was allowed to go home and heal, physically and emotionally.
Tuesday, August 7 The American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Program volunteer visited me. These are women who have had breast cancer. The volunteer brought a temporary prosthesis and some exercises I could do to regain the muscle flexibility in my arm. She was confused because my doctor had not given permission for
me to start my arm rehabilitation exercises. She didn't know that I think the exercises are artificial, like doing grammar worksheets to learn how to write. The surgeon and I had a pact-he wouldn't make me go to silly exercise classes, and I would use my arm as much as possible. However, I didn't share any of this with the volunteer. As she left, she asked me to consider being a Reach to Recovery volunteer. I replied that I needed to heal first.
Sunday,August11 Our pastor called and told us that a member of our parish had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. He asked if we would be willing to talk with them to dispel some of their fears. We agreed. As Wayne and Greg talked downstairs, Patty and I talked upstairs. Patty felt much better, knowing that I had the operation and didn't look so bad. We laughed, hugged and cried.
Monday, August 13 The doctor removed the staples and drained the incision, using a needle and a syringe. It wasn't as creative as nature, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling, but I felt much more comfortable after it was done. I would visit the doctor's office several more times to be drained. The body eventually gets the message and stops making fluid to fill the cavity.
Monday, August 23 I was still pretty tired, even though it seemed like all I had done since Aug. 2 was rest, rest and rest some more. After weeks of badgering, I finally got a prescription fi路om Dr. Wengelewski for a permanent prosthesis. Wayne and I headed for Knuppel's Home Health Center where we meet Kate, a delightful woman with a great sense of humor. Kate and Wayne had me try on a half dozen silicone breasts in various shape.> and sizes. I was amazed that they were so heavy. When it is in place in the special bra, however, it looks natural. I decided to name my prosthesis after the country-western singer, Dolly. I'll let you figure out why. THE PHOE IX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
~;M:Âťndlav.
August 27
Between the time of the biopsy and my surgery, I had applied for and won the reading coordinator's job at the middle school in our district. A week after my surgery, however, the superintendent called me and asked me to reconsider taking the position. He told me I could have the same full-time position at the high school if I would agree to stay at the high school. I agreed. I returned to the high school that Monday to learn that not only was I not the reading coordinator at the high school as the superintendent promised, but the principal wanted me to prove myself as part-time reading coordinator for the next five years. When I calmly pointed out that I had been reading coordinator on a part-time basis for the last five years, he informed me that it didn't count because he was not principal at this school during that time. The superintendent refused to take my calls and would ignore my letter. Very depressed and very angry, I left school at noon. I wondered if God had it in for me-first cancer, now a job reversal.
Sunday, September 2 One month had passed since my operation. The only thing I could do was work. I came home at 3:30 totally exhausted, took a nap for two hours, and then got to bed for the night at 7 p.m. Babies are awake longer than I was. Where had all my energy gone? My "life" of Alpha Sigma Alpha work, parish meetings, recreational reading and cross stitching had come to an abrupt halt. The flexibility had returned to my arm. I could write on the chalk board, and none of my students seemed to notice that I had been recovering from a cancer operation. For the most part, I forgot that I had had a mastectomy. I was reminded only in the morning and evening when I got undressed and looked in the mirror.
Tuesday, October 2 I had joined a breast cancer support group with Patty, who had her surgery two weeks after I did. We convinced the St. Francis Women's THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
Health Network that they needed to hold evening sessions because some of us could not attend the early afternoon sessions. I also had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Virginia Meier, a registered art therapist, who works with cancer patients. Her talk was entitled, "Drawing From Within," and by the end of the evening, I had signed up for six art therapy sessions.
Saturday, February 2 Six months have passed. I am sitting in a lecture hall at Marquette University, with my #2 pencils in hand, awaiting the start of the Graduate Record Examination. I have applied for admission to the doctoral program in urban education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I have decided that it is time for me to pursue a goal I had set back in 1966, my senior year in high school. I have a dream of one day earning my doctorate and teaching in a college. Cancer has forced me to seriously look at my life in a different light. Cancer has made me see the Creed of Alpha Sigma Alpha in a totally new way. I realize now that I won't be alive forever. I must indeed "fill my days with satisfying activity." Life, for me, is too short to be stuck doing something I am not happy doing. I find "dominate beauty in art, literature, nature and friendship" by taking the time to look, feel and love. "To know the peace and serenity of a Divine faith" has probably been the only part of the creed that I have lived. My faith is stronger than ever. I feel God's healing presence in my life. My brush with this life-threatening illness has made me "love life and live each day to its ultimate good." So, even though I didn 't pledge the sisterhood of breast cancer, I feel I have been initiated into a fuller and deeper life. As Susan Love suggests: "Though your life will never be completely the way it was before, you'll stOI:J living in terms of your cancer. It will still be part of your life, but not the center of it." I am healing.
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A manunogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray that can detect breast cancer before there's a lump. In other words, it could save your life and your breast. Ifyou're a woman over 35, be sure to schedule a manunogram. Unless you're still not convinced of its importance. In which case, you may need more than your breasts examined. Find the time. Have a manunogram.
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AMERICAN 9CANCER
fSOCIETYÂŽ
Give yourself the chance of a lifetime.
SUl"lM ER 1991
9
Women and Alcohol
How to examine your drinking behavior by Sharon Carlson Wilsnack
Women's use of alcohol has changed dramatically since the time of ancient Rome , when women were forbidden to drink and could be put to death , by stoning or starvation, if they violated this prohibition. Today , most adult women drink alcoholic beverages, and substantial numbers experience alcohol-related problems. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that the number of U.S. women alcohol abusers and alcoholics will increase by nearly 200,000 between 1985 and 1995, to an estimated total of nearly 6 million in 1995. This marked increase is due primarily to the baby-boom generation reaching middle age where rates of chronic alcohol problems among women are high. The magnitude of alcohol abuse and alcoholism in women can be appreciated by comparing it to other major health problems. For example, alcohol abuse and alcoholism affect nearly two-thirds as many women as do chronic heart conditions and cause more than 20 times the number of deaths as heart disease or all forms of cancer combined. Recent statistics on college drinking patterns indicate that approximately 8.5 percent of co ll ege women have consumed alcohol in the past 12 months. Of these, nearly 20 percent-one drinker in fiveis a heavy drinker who has more than fiv e drinks at a time at least once a week. Drinking at this level increases college women's risks of ex p eriencing a variety of other Dr. Sharon Wilsnack and her husband, Richard, have received two grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for research into drinking patterns and problems of women . A teacher at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine, she received a Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Achievement Award in 1990. Reprinted, with permission, from The Key of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
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SUl\11\IER 1991
problems, including date rape and other sexual abuse. Researchers have discovered some important differences in how women's and men's bodies react to alcohol. Women on the average weigh less than men and have less body fluid to dilute the alcohol they consume. In addition, men have more of a stomach enzyme that helps to metabolize (break down) alcohol than do women. The end result is that if a man and a woman have the same number of drinks , the woman will become more intoxicated more quickly than will the man she is drinking with. In addition to putting her in jeopardy for immediate detrimental consequences, such as impaired driving and other intoxicated behavior, over the long run alcohol will take a greater toll on her body than on her male drinking companion's- resulting in more medical complications such as alcoholrelated liver disease. Other risks of heavy drinking for women include problems in sexual functioning , elevated rates of obstetric and gynecologic troubles such as infertility, miscarriage and alcohol-related birth defects . If this is th e bad news about women and alcohol, the good news is that researchers are discovering important new information about how and why women drink , information that may help women recognize when th ey are in high-risk groups or high-risk situations for alcohol abuse and modify their drinking behavior to reduce the chances of encountering problems. G iven how common alcohol abuse is among American women, it is likely that many reading this article either will know a woman whom they feel may have a drinking problem or will have questions or concerns abou t their own drinking-or both . How do we know if our pattern of drinking is "normal" or if we are using alcohol in unhealthy ways? Dr. Sheila Blume, a psychiatrist with extensive experience as an alcoholism th erapist , notes that as women we are taught to be health-
conscious, to " take good care of ourse lves ." We are instructed in breast self-examination and urged to have regular mammograms and Pap tests. Yet few of us are ever taught how to examine and evaluate our own use of alcohol. Dr. Blume believes that women should, at lest twice a year, conduct th eir own " drinking behavior self-examination s." Such as examination involves asking ourselves- and answering honestly, without denial or minimization -th e following questions: • Am I drinking more now than I did a year ago? In what ways, and under what circumstances? • Are there times when I really " need" a drink-to relax, to have a good tim e, to sleep or for some other reason? • Is alcohol taking on a more important role in my life than it used to have? Am I starting to organize my activities around drinking-for example, planning carefully to be sure that I always have a supply of alcohol at home, or avoiding activiti es where I know drinks won't be served? • Do I eve r feel ashamed or guilty about my drinking or about my behavior while drinking? • H ave other people expressed concern that I might be drinking too much ? • Have I ever taken a drink in the morning, to feel better after drinking too much the night before? • H ave I sometimes forgotten what I said or did while I was drinking? • Perhaps most important, if I had (or have) a daughter, would I want her to use alcohol in the way that I do now? • If a woman answers yes or "don't know" to any of these questions ("no" or " don 't know" to the last), she may want to examine her own drinking behavior further, preferably with the help of a professional knowledgeable about women and alcohol. f:r f:r
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THE PHOE IX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
In Octobe r 1 9~ 0 , the preside nts o~ ~II 26 Nati onal Pan he ll en ic Conference organi zations agreed to th e following stateme nt, whJCh e nforces the policies of Alpha Sigma Alpha:
Position Statement on Alcohol Because of our concern for the health and well-being of our members, the presidents of all26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) groups have agreed to the following: 1. that we are opposed to the misuse of alcohol; 2. that all college chapters, all individual members, and all guests must abide by federal, state/provincial, local, college/university laws and regulations; 3. that it is inadvisable to host a party involving alcohol when the majority of guests attending are under the legal drinking age; 4. that no college chapter funds may be used to purchase alcohol. (Co-sponsors of social events are potentially liable regardless of how the expenses are shared.)
Each NPC group has an alcohol policy an~ is expected to abide by it. In addition, the presidents expect their chapters to respect the regulations of any NPC co-sponsoring group. We hope that this agreement will give college chapters the courage and ability to initiate discussion and formulate a Panhellenic stand on the subject of alcohol. ALPHA em OMEGA ALPHA DELTA PI ALPHA EPSILON PHI
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Enclosed is $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for the AIA Foundation
Help the Foundation ••. • • • • •
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Support Al:A leadership schools Fund educational programn'llng Give more scholarships Develop educational matedals Support Al:A philanthropies
SUMMER 1991
Name Chapter _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ City - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - State _ _ Zip _ __ This is in honor/in memory o f - - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - Please notify--- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mail to Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation, 1201 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65802 Thank you for your support. Contributions are tax-deductible, Section 501(c)(3).
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGM
ALPHA
1
Alumnae Stars Alumna is benefits account manager D eidra Parman, <I><I>, began her career at The Re dland Group in 1986. She has a Bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State Uni versity in Maryvill e, MO . The Redland Group is a holding company for the re t ail insurance consulting and brokerage firm of Insurance Age nts Incorpor ated. Deidra is the account manager in the employee benefits department of the firm . She is responsible for maintenance of clients' employee benefit ~ws. . This includes employee com mumcations as well as meetings to present various benefit programs to clients' employees. She has held employee meetings in th e corn fi elds outside Honolulu for a client in seed production and research. Deidra is currently enrolled in the certified employee benefit specialist curriculum sponsored by the Wharton School of Business.
Advisor is alum president, teacher G ina Huss, BA, is currently th e advisor to Beta Lambda Chapter, as well as presid e nt of th e Reunion , AR , Chapte r. In 1984, Gina graduated from the University of Ce ntral Arkansas with a BSE in earl y childhood and elementary education and later ear~ ed an MSE in reading in 1989 . ~h e 1s a first -grade t eac h e r at Julia Lee Moore El e me ntary in the Conway Public School District. Gina was Miss University of Central Arkansas in 1982; received the Elizabeth Bird Small award in 198 4; was runn er-up for the Young Caree r Woman Competition for Conway Business and Professional Wom en
Gina Huss
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
Association in 1987 an d in the Top Ten Court of Sales in Mary Kay Unit. Gina is a member of the International Reading Association and Central Arkansas Reading Association and is serving as chairperson for a session of th e Arkansas Read ing Conference in 1990. She is a Sunday school teache r at th e First United Methodist Church in Conway and serves as rev ival publi c relation s chairm an, me mb e rship care committee c hairman , vacation Bibl e school " Be thl e hem 1990 Village" chairman and evangelism committee me mber.
vised pl ace for sep arating or divorced p a r e nts to visit th e ir children . Th e center is the first of its kind in Indi anapolis. Amy is a social worker who forme rly worked as fost e r care and counseling supervisor for the chi ldre n 's bureau . She received her b ache lor's degree from Ball State University and her master's degree from th e University of Denver. She is a member of th e National Association of Social Workers , and she resides in Indi anapolis .
Teacher wins excel award
LaVona Stalcup Reid, <I><I>, retired from teachin g college last year to devote her tim e to authoring. She has been publish ed in various education magazines and two newspape rs. She h as had a manuscript , " Landin g that Job ," selected to be in the packets mailed to each of the coll ege stude nt teachers associati?n organizations in th e state of MISsouri. She is a peace advocate and designed an emblem, 1-YOU PEACE, th at is used at all academic levels with he r attitude materi als for the publi c schools. LaVona has taught at all levels from kindergarten through college for 32 years. At th e college level, she also se rved as director of the student teach er pl aceme nt and clinical services director. She was a cheerleading spon sor and advisor to the state edu cati onal organization. When she retired, a scholarship in her name was established by Tarkio College. In 1966, LaVon a and two assistants se t up the first public kindergarte n in the Rock Port, MO , school system. She attended th e first state public kindergarten confere nce on
Six years after returning to teaching, Judy Wylie Burgeson, XX, of th e Chicago West Suburban Alumnae Chapter rece ived a " Those Wh o Excel" award from the Illinois State Board of Education. He r nomin at ion came from a parent who claims Judy made a total difference in her son's life. Judy e njoys teachin g first grade because she lik es to see th e growth that takes pl ace at th at age, and, she feels she's " a six-year-old at heart. " She provides small group expe riences for her cl ass so they are ex po se d to working with others to solve problems. Th e philosophy she imparts to them is " Be a friend-a friend doesn't put down a friend 's ideas." Communication with parents is important to Judy. She sends letters as well as a newsletter.
Social worker named director of family programs Amy Moelhman, XX , has bee n name d director of fam ily programs for th e fam ily connection center. The center provides a safe, supe r-
Judy Wylie Burgeson
Teacher becomes an author
Amy Moelhman
SUMMER 1991
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Alumnae Stars the Missouri University campus at Columbia. In 197.5, she was selected as an Outst a nding Teac her of Ame rica. LaVona has given commencement addresses, taught Bible school , sang in th e church choir, was president of the Methodist Women's Group and team taught fifth and sixth grade Sunday school with her husband. She currently teaches Sunday school at a nursing home , is a substitute teacher for a Sunday school class and gives th e sermon for the childre n during church. She is active on the Commission for Missions at church , past officer of the American Legion Auxiliary and is presently editor for the Maryville , MO , Alumnae Chapter. She regularly attends me e tings even though she lives 42 miles from Maryville. LaVona pl edged Alpha Sigma Alpha in 1938 at Northwest Missouri State University. She lost her husband of almost 42 years to a massive coronary in 198.5. She has a son Randall of Wichita, KS, and a daughter Jacque Gayle Gebhards and three grandchi ldr en , Tad, Tyler and Tawni , all of Rock Port.
ing as assistant director of governme nt affairs for the New Je rsey Association of Realtors. It is in this latter capacity that Kell y represents the interests of some 45,000 Realtor members. She lobbies legislators on behalf of the industry, keeping them apprised of the assoc iation 's positions on specific legisl ation and working with them to pass leg islation that is " friendly " to real estate concerns. Besides managing a heavy work schedule, Kelly finds time to serve as treasurer of the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter and sing in her church choir. She and her husband , AI , are parents of a 17 -month-old daughter.
Advertising executive is an author too
Mary Ellen Randall and Jamie Edwards in 1987. Located in Buffalo , NY, and Burlington, Ontario, Plan-It extends its services "across the border" to develop , publish and promote real estate training and educational materials. Her second book, "Real Estate Advertising Made Easy," has become an international best seller. Published in both English and French , it is now considered the "primer" for real estate marketing and advertising, and has been endorsed by Realtors from Maine to Mexico, Canada to Australia, and endorse d by the Realtors National Marketing Institute. In 1988, Mary Ellen earned national recognition from the American Society of Association Exec utives (ASAE) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for creating award winning Realtor programs in education and community service. She is actively involved as a Buffalo Ambassador, working closely with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Buffalo Chamber of Commerce, and de dicates much of her volunteer efforts toward working for Camp Good Days and Special Tim es, a camp for children with cancer. Mary Ellen and her husband , Kenneth , have two children, Craig, 19, and Amy, 16.
Kelly McDowell Astal"ita, <I><I>, a 1986 graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, is a registered lobbyist in New Jersey. Kelly spent her last se mester of coll ege in Washington , DC, working as an intern for a Georgetown law firm . Following her graduation, she completed graduate work at Rutgers Unive rsity's Eagleton Institut e of Politics, earning a master's degree in political science and public policy. She has bee n busy ever since, working as a governor's fellow and serv-
From the classroom , as an elementary teacher, to the boardroom , as the director of marketing and public affairs for the .5 , 000 member Greater Buffalo Association of Realtors, and back to the classroom as a speaker and au thor , Mary Ellen Randall, TITI, best describes herself as a " facilitator" who enjoys working with people to bring out their individual talents. A graduate of the State University of New York College at Buffalo , Mary Ellen is actively involved in the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter. In 1982, she served as president and continu es to serve on the board. After pursuing graduate studies in marketing and communications , Mary Ellen served as advertising director for a major real estate firm and, in 1984, wrote her first book , " Real Estate Ads Made Easy." The company , Plan-It ... for Profit and Fun! , a U.S. / Canadianbased comp any , was founded by
Lu Ann West was presented the Lavey Raburn Memorial Award at the Wes t e rn Kentucky Regional Mental Health-Mental Retardation Board's 24th annual dinner. The award , created in 1977, is named in honor of a former Carlisle County board member. It is pre-
LaVona Stalcup
Kelly McDowell Astarita
Mary Ellen Randall
Alpha Sig is a lobbyist
14 SU IM ER 1991
Volunteer wins Raburn award
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
Alumnae Stars sented annually to a deserving citizen whose outstanding community service, dedication and support have made contributions in the areas of mental health , mental retardation and/or substance abuse. Lu Ann is the parent of a 32-yearold mentally retarded son . She is president of the board of directors of Kentucky Residential Living, which owns and operates Willow Apartments Group Home in Mayfield. With the exception of one year, Lu Ann has volunteered in some capacity since the establishment of the group home in the early 1980s. Lu Ann played an important role in the organization of the MayfieldGraves County Association for Retarded Citizens . Through the years, she has served in each office of the Mayfield-Graves County ARC , along with holding an office in the Western Kentucky Association for Retarded Citizens. She was part of the original committee who organized and established the J . U. Kevil Memorial Foundation in Graves County.
Alumna supports Special Olympics Valerie Lindbloom, BK, assistant professor of physical education at Western Illinois University, has worked with Special Olympics since 196.5.
coaching whi le students enjoy the benefits of working closely with athletes and securing certification from Int e rnational Special Olympics while e nrolled for course credit at WIU . Valerie obtain ed her bachelor 's and master's degrees in education from Western Illinois University in 19.59 and 1965 respectively. She currently resides in Roseville, IL.
Valerie Lindbloom
Valerie, 195.5 Beta Kappa initiate, has taught adapted physical education classes for 17 years , taught within the special education department , acted as consu ltant to McDonough County Special Olympics and participated in the International Games for the Disabled as head trainer for the United States in 1984. Currently , Valerie's adaptive physical education students are involved in a pilot program for International Special Olympics coach certification. Since early March, 29 athletes and students have met weekly in order to prepare for the spring track meet at WIU. Athletes e njo y th e ben efit of one-on -on e
Teacher elected director of businesswomen's group Therese Miller, BY , a member of the Terre Haute Alumnae Chapter, was elected district director of the District 4 Business and Professional Women 's Organization this past spring. Te rry has b een a member of the Wabash Valley club since 1981 and has held various offices. In 198.5 , she was chosen Wabash Valley 's Woman of the Year and young careerist. In 198 7, she was selected as one of the Outstanding Working Women of Terre Haute. A graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in math education, she teaches ninth-grade math at Sarah Scott Junior High School. A past president of the Terre Haute Alumnae Chapter, Terry lives in Terre Haute with her son , Christopher.
Reunion Charter members reunite Six of the charter members of Chi Chi Chapter gathered at Turk ey Run State Park for a reunion . They were in the chapter before it moved to Ball State University. The chapter was chartered at Madame Blaker's Teacher's College of Indianapolis. This was the third time the six have met since 1929. Previously, they met for the .50 th anniversary of Chi Chi in 1979, and then they met again in 1987. Ranging in age from 79 to 84 , the women are from Dayton and Cambridge, OH, Springfield, IL, Seattle, WA, and Rockville and Owensville, IN.
Six charter members of Chi Chi Chapter have a reunion at Turkey Run State Park. They are (left to right) Lois Herring Euchenfiofer, Thyra Marvel Mauck, Frances Bone Kimble, Eleanor Burton Tofaute and Kay Haas Huber. Taking the photo is Alice Meyer Eickenberry.
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
SUMMER 1991
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Alumnae Action ch ele G awronski , EM ; tre asurer, Kelly As tarita, PP; secretary, Kelly Schuster, EM; and editor, Michele LaSala, EM. The December meeting was hosted by Treas ure r Ke ll y Astarita , TITI , where plans for the coming year were discussed over dinn er. Some of the pl ans include monthly meetings, fund raisers and involvement with the collegiate chapters at Trenton State College and Willi am Paterson Coll ege . Other membe rs of the chapter include Susan Shoaf, BY ; Lily Chin Tu, TT; and Mary Beers Wiggins, Br. Michele LaSala Cinc innati, Ohio
Two chapters dine together
Indianapolis alumnae meet at Union Station for
a Founders' Day ceremony.
Indianapolis, Indiana
August. In October, me mbers met at the home of Linda Wyrick Lineback, XX, for a program on " Holiday Feasting Without the Ten Pound Hangove r! " A Founders' Day lunch e on was held at Norman's at Union Station hosted by Susie Smale, XX , and Laura Hutchin son Noel, XX . A ca nd y- makin g de mon str ati o n b y member Stephanie Ponte Luke, t.NB, was held at her home in December. Gifts were coll ected for th e mental health associati on and a sil e nt auction raised funds fo r the treasury.
Collegiate assistance Th e Indianapolis alumn ae we re actively involved in area coll egiate acti vities last fall . In September, membe rs assiste d th e ChiChiChapter atBaiiState University with a successful rush. Members also wo rked on preparati ons for the coloni zation of a new chapte r at In diana Uni versity. Alice Th eurer Miley, XX, served as alum nae coloniza t io n coo rd ina t o r a nd wo rk e d closely with nati onal officers. Members also worked hard to raise money for a philanthropi c project. They sold entertain ment books and parti ci pated in th e panhe ll en ic gift wrap. The money raised last year was presented in December to a local special education program where member Barbara Martin Kassing, BY , is a teacher. Mee tin gs inc lud ed a pi cni c fo r alu mnae and area coll egians at the home of Alice Theurer Miley, XX, in
Jana Props
Central New Jersey
Chapter reorganized Th e new ly reo rgani zed Ce ntral New Jersey Alumnae Chapter held its first meeting in November. The meeting was held at the home of Lisa Turnbull, where the foll owing officers were elected : preside nt, Lisa Tum bull, BY ; vice pres ide nt , Mi-
Omaha alumnae enjoy dinner on Founders ' Day. They are (left to right) Terry Binder Merrick, Sharon Doyle Ursick, Judy Nieman Reiff and Jean Majinn Ullrich .
16 SUi\ IMER 1991
The Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter began the 1990-9 1 year with a joint luncheon with the Dayton Alumnae Ch a pte r at th e rece ntl y op e ne d White House Inn . A fun d-raising party was held at the home of Kathy Hoseus, AA. An unusual form of bingo was played in whi ch you did not always get to keep th e pri ze you won. Founders' Day was celebrated with the members of Alpha Alpha Chapter at Miami Uni versity, Ohio. A Christmas sing foll owed by brunch was held at the home of Anne Niemeyer, AA, in December. Th e annu al soc ial meetin g with guests was held at The Great Hall at Oldenburg Brewery in Fort Mitchell , KY. Foll owing dinner, members we re entertained with a show performed by the restaurant pe rsonnel. Nancy Anderson
Omaha, Nebraska
Potluck supper kicks off year The Omaha Alumnae Chapter got the year off to a great start at a potluck salad supper held in Septe mber at the home of Judy Nieman Reiff. Me mbers marked Founde rs' Day with a dinner at Trovato 's Restaurant. In charge of arrangements were Joanne Schindler Kolenda and Mary Lee O 'Keefe Coco. Preside nt Jean Maginn Ullrich led a brief ceremony. Jean Ullrich hosted a traditional Chri stm as brunch in D e ce mb e r . Gu es ts exc h a nge d holid ay good wishes, as well as small gifts. Mary Lee Coco
TH E PHO E IX O F ALPHA SIGM A ALPH A
Alumnae Action Washington, DC
Chapter celebrates 50 years The Washington, DC, alumnae began their 1990-91 year with the annual potluck luncheon at the home of Jean Adams. Members said farewell to longtime member, Lois Beers, who has moved into a new home in Huntsville, AR. In November, several alumnae traveled to University of Maryland, Baltimore County, for a Founders' Day-family celebration. Washington Alumnae President Judy Parkison spoke on " A:[A After College." The Christmas luncheon at Normandie Farms was highlighted by a surprise 80th birthday celebration for Helen Lortz, a dedicated member for many years. Members also toasted the .50th anniversary of the Washington , DC, Alumnae Chapter, which has been continuously active since being chartered in 1940. Judith Parkinson Chicago Metro
Shirts painted for the holidays Th e Chicago Metro Alumnae Chapter began the fall season in September with a lingerie party, hosted by Gunta Hadac, r A. This proved to be a new and unique meeting for the chapter, complete with a few giggles and blushes. In November, Kathy Madgiak, rn, hosted a painting party. Everyone brought T-shirts and/or sweatshirts to decorate for the Christmas season . With the creative help of president, Barb Camino, r A, everyone went home with decorated sweatshirts for themselves and families. The annual Christmas party was hosted by Janet Derber, B<l>. This year's grab bag/gift exchange saw a variety of craft items with the most popular gift being a homemade doll. In January , Beth Heidel , rn, hosted a Super Bowl party to which boyfriends and husbands were invited. Half-time was highlighted by a baby picture contest featuring both men and women .
Washington, DC, alumnae celebrate a birthday and Christmas . They are (left to right) Kathy Burke, Rowena Creameans, Anne Graham, Carolyn Mulford, Liz Scheuble, Maureen Harvey, Helen Lortz and Judith Parkison .
home of Judy Richardson. Discussion centered around future money-making projects and the Indiana Universit y co loni zation. Following the business meeting, the Founders' Day ceremony was conducted by President Catherine Wertz. The annual Christmas party took place at the Ponderosa Restaurant in December in Seymour. Following th e meal , there was a short busin ess meeting and a gift exchange. Jean Hoffman
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Chapter celebrates sweet 16 Debbie Bukas Patterson, r A, was honored upon her marriage at the September meeting at the home of Florence Ams tbuehler Patterson, XX.
In February, members celebrated the sweet 16th birthday of the chapter. Ethel Wilson
Christine Reising Columbus, Indiana
Christmas gift exchange The Columbus Alumnae Chapter met in November in Columbus at the THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
Chicago Metro alumnae display Christmas sweatshirts. They are (top, left to right) Mary Pittman, EB; Christine Reising, EB; Kathy Madgrak, TQ; Ann Manno, TQ; Gunta Hadac, TA ; (front) Janet Oerber, B<P; and Beth Heidel, TQ.
SUMMER 1991
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Alumnae Action Maryville, Missouri
Alum, collegiate activities The Phi Phi Chapter at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, entertained alumnae at a tea following the homecoming football game. The tea was held in the chapter room on campus. Alumnae also participated in the chapter's famil y day, when all of the family me mbers are invited to a cate red dinner at the American Legion Hall in Maryville. In November, the alumnae and the actives enjoyed a Founders' Day banquet at th e Convention Center on campus . Patty Van Cleave entertained with " How Things Were with Alpha Sigma in the '60s!" Lavona Stalcup Reid Chicago North Suburban Flint, Michigan
10th annual Christmas auction December was a busy month for mem b e rs of th e Flint Alumnae Chapter. Th e month started out with th e 1Oth annual Christmas auction. This year, the event was held at the church of membe r Merrie Jones. Auctioneers Jully Burau-Seybert and Marion McCormick auctioned off a variety of baked goods, holiday items and other handmade items to a group of fri ends and relati ves. More than $1,000 was raised and donated to Special Olympics and local charities. Later that month, members and spouses met at the home of Mary Ester Rowe for a Christmas party. A potluck dinner was served. Afterwards, gifts were exchanged by mem b e rs and gag gifts were exchanged by spouses.
ings ," a shop that deals with stuffed animals. A French restaurant was the site of another outing. An addition to the group that evening was Pat DeShong Lamberti, BP. Tips on presenting a before-dinner party were portrayed in a video in the home of Cathy Carrero Sedlacek, BK. Helen Serafin, BP, was welcomed that evening. Christmas was eating appet izers in th e home of Sandy Jarzombek Sartore, BP, and wrapping warm articles of clothing for PADS, an organization which provides shelter for the homeless. The Super Bowl party was again a highlight of the year.
Chicago North Suburban Alumnae were invited to Chicago West Suburban Chapteâ&#x20AC;˘Âˇ's salad supper at the end of summer. At a Christmas ornament exchange supp er, the chapter said good-bye and than k you to program chairman, Susanna Orzech. Susanna and her husband returned to Denver. In March , members joined hundreds of wom en at Harper College to hear Pat Schroeder, keynote speaker, at the opening dinne r of Women 's History Week.
Nancy Reagan
Gretchen Oster
Members attend Women's History Week dinner
Merrie Jones Chicago West Suburban
Other chapters guests at supper Th e Chicago West Suburban Alumnae kicked off a new year of acti viti e with an August salad supper. Joyce Kroeger Shelton, <1><1>, was hostess for th e eve nts which includ ed members of other Chicago alumnae groups as guest . Bea rs we re eve ryw he re at th e home of Judy 1atusek Watson, BP, fo r a prese ntati on by " Bear Fee lSU~ l~I E R
199 1
Chicago ~st Suburban alumnae welcome Chicago North Suburban alumnae at a joint meeting.
THE PHOE IX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
1
Alumnae Action Reunion, Arkansas
sippi in Novembe r to celebrate Founde rs' Day . Luncheon was se rved at Camelli a Garde ns in Hattiesburg, fo llowe d by th e Founde rs' D ay p rogram, which was p rese nted by the pledges of the Beta D elta Colony.
An AI:A Christmas story 'Twas three weeks be fore Christmas, whe n all through the house decorations we re placed , even a Santa mouse . All this atte ntion and so much more, in hopes that alumnae would walk through th e door. The hell o's and welcomes we re all finall y said, and visions of the new year danced in our heads. With the months of meetings and pl ans be hind , we had just settled down for a wonde rfu l time . Whe n in the next room, the re arose such a cla tte r , I sprang from th e kitche n to hear all th e chatte r. The Beta Lambda pl edges were the re and " Oh " what a sight, all beautifu ll y dressed and lookin g so bri ght . To wear an AI:A crest is one of the ir dreams, as was ours not so long ago it seems; whe n what to my wonde ring eyes should appear but a pledge siste r, I hadn ' t seen in years. She's just a littl e bit olde r, yet li vely and fun , I kn e w in a mom e nt wh at must b e clone. More rapid than eagles, I hurri ed to he r, and I talked and talked about our alumnae chapte r . Now , Gina! Now, Leah! Now, Cecily and Tamm y! H ey, Tracy! Hey , Vale ri e! Hey, Margare t! help me. Le t's tell everyone all about our new chapte r, before they dash away, dash away , dash away, forever! With a wink of he r eye, and a twi st of he r hair, Gina, our president, had all of our stares. Sh e sp oke of a p lan of a siste rhood , and before too long eve ryon e unde rstood , th at Alpha Sigma Alpha is forever, and the fun we once had will b e as g reat as eve r . We sprang to our feet, to each othe r gave a hug, and away we all fl ew like the fli ght of ladybugs, but I heard Gina exclaim as we drove down the street, " Become an alum , so in 199 1 we will meet. " Cheryl McKim
Dolly D. Loyd Phoenix, Arizona
Philanthropic activities stressed
Lillie Greer, founder of the Ohio University Club, is honored at a celebration. Congratulating her is Dr. Charles Ping, president of the university.
Akron-Canton, Ohio
Alumnae recognize member Th e Ak r o n- Ca n to n A lumn ae Chapter me t at a local restaurant in Nove mb e r to cele brate Founde rs' Day and again in Januar y to condu ct some over-due business. Li ll ie Greer was welcom ed b ac k fo ll owing surgery and was applauded for he r recognition as a founding me mbe r of the Ohio Un iversity's University Club . Li ll ie was honored in Octobe r at a celebrati on atte nded by Dr. C harles Ping, preside nt of th e uni versity, University Club members a nd h e r fa mi ly me mb e r s. Li lli e helped found the club .5 0 years ago and has re mained active throughout . Karen Karpinski
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Founders' Day celebration The Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter me t with the Beta D elta Colony at t he Unive rsity of Southe rn Missis-
Valley of the Sun Chapter visited in Octobe r and me t for a Founde rs ' Day luncheon in Nove mbe r. Loretta Padilla Pachem , BX, was chairman of the event. The luncheon was held at the Picadill y Cafete ria in Te mpe, AZ . One of the goals established fo r the year was individual participation with local phi lanthropi c acti vi ties. Me mbe rs worked th e concessions at the Phoe nix Ope n Golf Tourn ame nt in January. Th e money raised we nt to p a nh e ll e ni c sc h olarsh ips for collegians . Mary Lou Moseke Buffalo, New York
Unique philanthropic project Me mbe r participati on had begun to lag in the more traditi onal p hil anth ropi c proj ects whe n Shm路on Kostyu n suggested a " baby showe r" fo r the Frie ndship House ofLackawanna, NY, an agency that places newborns with foster parents. Me mbers met at the home of Joan Ru nckel for a " baby shower" for the Frie ndship House . O rchestrated b y Sharon, a foste r pare nt he rself, me mbe rs gave many newborn gifts su ch as b ibs, nighties, sleepe rs , diapers, baby food and blanke ts . The agency was impressed with the bounty of hoine-kni t booti es, sweate rs and baby afghans. Irene J. Boron
Are you a recent graduate? We would like to keep in touch with you While you are in school , The Phoenix and other correspondence from Alpha Sigma Alpha is sent to your parent' s address. Once you graduate, however, it is your responsibility to keep the sorority informed of where you live. Use the form on the back cover of the magazine to notify Alpha Sigma Alpha Headquarters of any changes of name or address. Be sure the mailing label is still attached , fill out the form and send it to the address listed.
TH E PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA
SUMMER 199 1 19
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR NAME You can help Alpha Sigma Alpha save a considerable amount of money each year by sending to National Headquarters any change of address or name . The U.S. Postal Service charges 25 cents for each returned magazine or change of address. You are responsible for changing your address promptly if you wish to continue receiving your Phoenix . Mail co mpleted form with mailing label attached to AEA National Headquarters , 1201 East Walnut, Springfield , MO 65802. College chapter------ - - - - - - - - - - --
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Act ive in - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Alumnae Chapter . Hold office of - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - I am enclosing $8 for my annual alumnae dues. Please add my name to the Member-at-Large Alumnae Chapter. â&#x20AC;˘ Used for ease in locating phone listings.