PERSPECTIVES The Official Publication of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Volume 52, Issue 1
Fall 2005
Convention 2005 - Cleveland Rocked! Over 125 members joined together in July at our 27th National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. New National Officers were elected, bylaw changes were made and service was done. We raised close to $900 for the Hospice of the Western Reserve and donated over 100 journals and children’s books to them as well. Thank you to all who contributed. Congratulations on another outstanding National Convention. Awards were given throughout Convention Pictured are members and alumni of Beta Sigma Chapter accepting their 1st place Barbara V. Ferraro Award for best collegiate service program.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Believe it or not, there are people out there who are trying to take advantage of the disaster in the South. While this should not discourage you from giving, you do need to be careful who you give your money to. Here is a list of tips for you to consider when deciding where you are sending your money and/or spending volunteer time on. * Pay with a check/credit card. Keep records for tax purposes. * Beware of any unsolicited appeals, online or on the phone. * Be cautious about giving to highly publicized victims; those outside the media spotlight are often more needy. * Double your donation by taking advantage of employers' matching grant programs. * Consider volunteering locally to take the place of someone who has gone to the flood relief area. * Beware of mail appeals that appear as bills or invoices. * Watch out for copycats; shady operators often disguise their appeals to look like established groups. * Be wary of groups whose appeals focus heavily on sob stories but tell little about their organizations. * Call your local Better Business Bureau or police if you felt pressured by solicitors. * Ask if a charity is licensed by state or local authorities. Most states and many localities require it.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW NATIONAL ADDRESS!
GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA PO BOX 248 RINDGE, NH 03461
Members of our new National Board of Directors. For more information see pages 6-8.
ATTENTION ALL ALUMNI MEMBERS If you would like to continue to receive Perspectives via postal mail, please fill out the form on Page 15 and postal mail or email to the addresses located on the form.
In This Issue 2005 National Convention Char Scott, Admn Assistant Obituary Questions ... Volunteering D’Ann’s Diary - National President Past National Presidents Pass Away Collegiate Chapter/Member News Alumni Chapter/Member News Meet the New NBD 2003-2005 Award Winners 2005 National Convention Project I.MP.A.C.T. Areas National Make A Difference Day New District Map/Chapter List Parliamentary Pointers National Jeweler NEW NBD/Staff Contact Info Alumni Mail Form for Perspectives Upcoming Events
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Char Scott, National Administrative Assistant 1957 - 2005 Char Scott, member of Gateway Alumni Chapter and our National Administrative Assistant lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 14, 2005. Char served as Gamma Sig’s Administrative Assistant and Membership Materials Distributor for 10 years, getting involved when her sister Kathyjo Kuenzle was elected National President. Generally a “behind-the-scenes” sort of person, Char made Gamma Sigma Sigma run smoothly for our members. Although her name was more recognized than her face, Char had a huge impact on thousands of members during her years with Gamma Sig. She streamlined processes and served through several boards of directors, helping ensure the appropriate transfer of information. Her signature line, “Keep on Serving” is known to many, as is her love of Ziggy, her attention to detail, her quiet sense of humor and her dedication to serving others. In addition to being an active member of Gamma Sig, Char was a past matron of Pomegranate Chapter No. 397 Order of the Eastern Star. Char is survived by her husband Robert, mother Charlotte, siblings Walter Jr. (Denise), Kathyjo, Jeffrey Sr. (Veronica) Kuenzle and Lori (Michael Sr.) Menning, several nieces and nephews, and legions of friends across the country. Donations in her honor can be made to the American Cancer Society, 4207 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis MO 63108.
Alumni-At-Large Members You can receive mass mailings just like the chapters do. Just email or postal mail our Administrative Assistant, Jo Charest on the cost and how to start receiving these. See page 15 for Jo’s contact information.
Questions to Ask Before Volunteering When you contact an organization with an interest in volunteering, ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator. Be prepared to ask lots of questions to assist you in determining if this is the right opportunity for you. Communicate your needs. Let the organization know what your motivations are in volunteering. Fill out the application. Often, a volunteer coordinator will send you an information packet that includes an application. Some of your questions may be answered in the packet. If you are interested in volunteering, visit the agency you are interested in to gain a better understanding of the agency's services. The volunteer coordinator may also want to interview you at that time. When you meet with the volunteer manager or visit the agency, it's time for you to find out more about their organization. Here are some questions you can ask to get you started: * What is the purpose of the agency? * How long has the agency been in operation? * What are some of the agency's programs? * How many staff does the agency employ? * How is the agency funded? * Will I be working with other volunteers? * Does the agency have information for me to read? * What would my duties be? * What kind of training is provided? * Are volunteers evaluated? How often? * Will records be kept on the service I provide? * How long of a commitment will I be asked to make? * Can the agency refer me to one of its volunteers so I can hear their perspective? * How many hours a week and on what days will I be expected to work? * How many volunteers does the agency have, and how are they used? * What procedure should I follow if I cannot come at the assigned time? * Will the agency provide references for future work? * Is there a lounge for volunteers to use? 2
D’Ann’s Diary - National President Today as I was making a 50th birthday card for a colleague, I was looking at my rubber stamps trying to find the stamp "you’re not old, you’re chronologically gifted. “I came across one of my favorite "saying" stamps. It says, "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” This saying makes me think of Gamma Sigma Sigma and the upcoming biennium. As a National Board, district, chapter or individual member we need to adopt this motto to make our sorority be the best it can be. The newly elected Board of Directors met August 10 -14. They planned for the biennium and took a look at some long term issues. At next summer’s Board meeting, we will take input from the SET Committee and do a strategic plan with long term goals and objectives. Even though at this meeting we worked at short term plans, the Board did "Shoot for the moon" on some issues. They want the website examined and more information added in a user-friendly way. Other short term goals that stretch the Board are: 1) fully utilize the committee structure, with no committee being only names on paper; 2) prepare a proposal for having a 501(c)3 foundation as part of our operations; 3) examine National Board functions to assure we are doing things in the best possible way and lastly, 4) make the alumni program viable for all types of alumni members. If the Board can accomplish all of these things within the next year, we will truly hit the moon. If we cannot get them all done, we will still be among the stars. At the chapter level, I challenge you to "shoot for the moon" also. Instead of doing the tried and true traditional service projects, I dare you to find at least one new project that takes you out of your comfort box. Being a service organization, we need to look at our service projects and give back to our colleges/universities and our communities all that we can. Other things a chapter could do during this biennium to accomplish the motto would be: 1) conduct an inter-chapter project, 2) plan now to attend all national related events – Leadership Conference, Spirit Days and the 2007 Convention, 3) get all required documents and materials in and on time and finally, 4) make sure you truly are operating in all aspects of the sorority in the spirit of service, friendship and equality. Individually, you need to decide on how you can give your best to Gamma Sig. It may be going out of your way to make everyone, not just a selected few, to feel a true part of the group or giving of your time to that service project that isn’t on your "favorite" list. During the next two years, I look forward to hearing from you about the ways you have used the motto, "Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Margaret “Peg” Zimmerman (2nd National President) and Mary Lou Bartley (7th National President) Margaret "Peg" Zimmerman passed away on April 6th, 2005. Peg was a founding member of Gamma Sigma Sigma at Drexel University and has been a dedicated member and service advocate all her life. The Zimmerman Award for Outstanding Alumni Chapters is named in her honor. Peg was an accountant early on when it was a world of men in that profession. Rarely missing activities, she was always there to talk to every generation that came after her, relating stories and memories that inspired all who met her. Peg was a driving force behind the creation and development of the sorority, and served as our second National President. She is most associated with the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter and will be sorely missed. 3
Mary Lou Hayden Bartley passed away in March 2005. Mary Lou was our 7th National President (1965-1967) and also served the sorority as Vice President. She began her membership in Gamma Sigma Sigma at the Mu Chapter at Upsala College (now closed) in New Jersey where she majored in English and education. Mary Lou then received her master’s degree from Seton Hall University in Administration and Supervision of Elementary Education. Mary Lou was a life long teacher and became New Jersey’s first female superintendent of schools.
Collegiate Chapter & Member News Chapters - Get your service projects, pledge classes or other events in Perspectives. Other chapters & alumni want to know what you are doing. To submit information, mail pictures and/or story to Perspectives Editor (see page 11) or send to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org (If emailing pictures - they must be originally taken or scanned at a high resolution - 300 DPI)
District 6 Spirit Day Nashville and the campus of TN State University received a large helping of Gamma Sig the first weekend of April, and they got just the right taste of service, friendship and equality. Approximately 60 members of Gamma Sigma Sigma from five chapters and colonies gathered for a weekend retreat highlighted by the Service Day on Saturday. Zeta Epsilon, Epsilon Psi, Beta Sigma, Francis Marion University Colony and Murray State University Colony worked together on four service projects, discussed this year’s national convention and talked about issues concerning chapters and colonies. Leading the activities was District 6 Director Keli Connor and National Vice-President D’Ann Brosnahan with the assistance of District 2 Director Karen Kerr. Saturday night also gave light to the newest chapter in District 6 and the host for the event, the members of Epsilon Psi. Their re-chartering ceremony was held and they were welcomed into our growing organization. Thanks goes to Demetria, Aurelia and Talice for their work organizing the events. Together members made socks with inspirational messages for the Nashville Metro Mission, collected bags of toiletries for the Samaritan Ministries House, made 93 story booklets for St. Jude’s Hospital and almost 100 friendship bracelets for Parker Bennett Elementary kindergartners. Zeta Xi - North GA College & State University The chapter participated in the 12th Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life this past spring. The chapter sponsored many events beforehand and had a 13 member team including the President of North Georgia, Dr. Potter. The team surpassed their goal and raised $7,070 towards the fight against cancer and received the “Most Money Raised By A College Team” award along with the “Gold Level All-Star” award. Zeta Xi has also worked with No One Alone, a local battered woman’s shelter; TLC, a local animal shelter; American Red Cross, Susan B Komen foundation, Joy to Life Foundation, American Diabetes Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The chapter plans to continue to support these organizations with hopes of a new goal of raising $10,000 next year in the battle against cancer.
Beta Gamma - U of Delaware - Last spring they took on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund as their semester charity. In only three months they raised $3,000 that will be used for research funding. The ways in which the chapter raised money were varied. They held a carwash on a busy road; with the cooperation of a bowling alley, they rented out lanes and invited people to bowl for research funding. Friendly’s restaurant also gave them a share of their profits for one evening. Letters went home to the members’ parents asking for donations. The most successful fundraising event was the Battle of the Sexes. Beta Gamma invited other fraternities and sororities to participate in games that pitted male against female with the members acting as referees. Having other organizations participate helped raise the money needed. The guys may have won this time, but everyone had fun. From this semester, Beta Gamma learned that the best way to earn money is to ask for it! People and organizations are willing to give to a good cause; they just have to know about it. Fun enticements like bowling, good food and having your car washed are also helpful.
Zeta Nu - Slippery Rock University has grown from 7 to 43 members. Not only have they grown, but the quality of the members involved within the organization has been astounding. They have truly proven they have developed friendship through service. Zeta Nu raised over $200 for the Make-a-Wish foundation by collecting change from students. They also collected over $1,500 worth of expired coupons for American troops. Members spent countless hours at a local care center decorating for holidays and playing games with the residents. Several of the members work with the Reading Line program which helps children learn to read by reading stories with them over the phone. They volunteered with the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament and worked with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Butler County. Other events include a chapter sponsored dance for the Association of Mentally Retarded Citizens of Butler County, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Adopt-A-Highway clean-up and Relay for Life. On St. Patrick’s Day, the chapter participated in a Non-Alcoholic Mix-off. Several of the members got together and started the first UMADD chapter in the state of PA and were honored for their accomplishments.
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Alumni Chapter & Member News Nutmeg Alumni Chapter CT - Last Spring the chapter celebrated their 38th Anniversary along with other alumni and collegiate chapters from across District III as they came together for their District Spirit Day held in Vermont. The group participated in a service project making Sojourn Bears for Hospice patients. Nutmeg is also participating in making red, white and blue quilts for wounded soldiers, collecting Campbell soup labels, boxtops for education, soda pop tops for Ronald McDonald Houses, bottles, cans and food for Scouts, food and toiletries for area shelters and soup kitchens and kitchen gadgets for a women’s shelter.
Greeting from Our New Alumni Director I am Celeste McNeil, your newly elected Alumni Director. In the past biennium the sorority had a significant amount of growth, not only on the collegiate level but on the alumni front as well. As a result, the sorority saw the need to bring back the Alumni Director position to lessen the load of the Membership Director. My job is to help you with all alumni related issues from finding an alumni chapter to join in your area, to answering questions and attending to the concerns of our alumni population. My vision is to continue in the spirit of service to charter new alumni chapters by seeking out and helping individuals, who are willing to help in the development of new chapters. I also want to reclaim and involve our alumni-at-large in sorority operations. We need our alumni to be vigilant locally and on the national levels from chapter consulting to committee work or holding national office.
The chapter has also participated in making ABC quilts, the Box Project, Special Olympics, National Cancer Society Walk for a Cure, annual bell ringing for the Salvation Army and CPTV auction. The chapter usually meets the second Sunday of every month in Connecticut. Any alumni members who are interested in joining the Nutmeg Alumni chapter can contact Donna Fazzino at 860346-3373.
I am the treasurer in my alumni chapter and was one of the instrumental individuals who formed HoustonBayou City Alumni Chapter. I joined my collegiate chapter in the spring of 1994 at Prairie View A&M University (Zeta Iota chapter) and held, among others, the position of Membership V.P. and Alumni Liaison. Of the two, I feel the Alumni Liaison position is vitally important for alumni retention and location purposes. I will be working with this position to optimize its usefulness.
Congratulations to Jamie Tier, Delta Chi Chapter alumni member, on her engagement to Jonathan Williams Cherry Blossom Alumni Chapter in Full Bloom! Greetings from Washington, DC! Gamma Sig’s newest Alumni Chapter would like to let others know what we have been up to. Several of our projects for this year benefit the American Cancer Society, and cancer patients in general. Six members participated in Relay for Life, held June 11-12 in Rockville, MD. Our tropical-themed tent was very popular with the teen set, because of our elaborate body painting and chapstick sales. Members were on the track for 15 hours, raising over $2,000 for the American Cancer Society. It was a great opportunity to chat and participate in another service project, making comfort pillows. We have started making comfort pillows for cancer patients. The idea took hold, and the chapter, especially Courtney Osborne, has been active in creating these small pillows with cheerful and durable pillowcases to go with them. The first delivery of our pillows was made in mid-August to Georgetown University Hospital, Oncology, and we have received positive feedback. We plan to donate these pillows to several area hospitals throughout the second half of 2005. Finally, we administer an award each year to assist a collegiate member with membership dues. The Amy Eileen Castonguay Memorial Award was established in memory of one of our founding members’ infant daughter. Please consider applying. Visit our website: www.gammasigmasigma.org/cherry_blossom_alums.htm
As you can see, Gamma Sigma Sigma needs both its Collegiate members and Alumni working together to further our membership of service. Likewise, I am here to serve you. Please feel free to contact me for all alumni matters, alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org I look forward to hearing from you. Yours in Service, Friendship, & Equality
WHERE, OH WHERE, DO THE CAN TABS GO? That’s a good question! Tens of thousands of aluminum can tabs collected every year by members and friends of the Masonic community are redeemed in cash by the aluminum can manufacturers to raise funds to purchase specialized medical equipment and such ordinary things as the battery-operated personal radios and CD players you get to enjoy during your hospital stay. They can use your help! Every time you open an aluminum can of any size that has a pop-up tab, save that tab! When you fill a container of any size, give it to a Mason! They will see that it goes where it can do the most good. So save those can tabs! Central New England Alumni Chapter is acting as the collection center. Send to: Pat Saul - 57 River Street, Chester, VT 05143
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D’Ann Brosnahan, President Collegiate Chapter: Alpha Beta Alumni Chapter: Twin Cities D’Ann enjoys rubber stamping, and is an avid fan of high school and college basketball. Her main reason to continue in Gamma Sigma after college was the friendship, along with fun and continuing opportunities for leadership. Her favorite memories from college are hosting blood drives and giving campus tours. D’Ann’s jobs on the NBD are to chair the NBD and Executive Committee, preside at all Conventions and enforce a due observance of our National Bylaws.
Meet the 26th Nation Karen Rankin Hill, Service Director Collegiate Chapter: Gamma Kappa Alumni Chapter: Gold Hills Karen enjoys spending time with her daughter and with church activities. She is also an active member of the Junior League. Her favorite memories of college are the St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser for the Leukemia Foundation and the great formals the chapter held. Karen is also married to Garrick, a Gamma Sig alumni from the Zeta Xi chapter.
Keli Connor, Vice President Collegiate Chapter: Epsilon Zeta Alumni Chapter: Empire Keli enjoys shopping, movies and traveling. While traveling she likes to collects shot and hurricane glasses. Her favorite memory from college is being the Service VP and helping plan all the service projects for the chapter. Keli wanted to remain active in Gamma Sig after college because she loves meeting new people and sharing her love of the sorority. Her jobs on the NBD are to chair the Woman of the Year Committee, run the SET Committee and advise the District Directors.
Sharon Brice, Membership Director Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Pi Alumni Chapter: Houston Bayou City Sharon enjoys reading and watching movies in her free time. She continued in Gamma Sig because she wanted to provide service to her community and enjoyed being affiliated with the sorority. Her favorite college memory is when the chapter was chartered. Once their chapter status was granted they were thrilled and knew they had worked hard as a group. Sharon’s jobs on the NBD are to coordinate and plan chapter expansions and colonizations as well as developing programs and resources for recruitment and retention of members.
Lori Tedford, Secretary Collegiate Chapter: None Alumni Chapter: Empire Lori joined Empire Alumni Chapter four years ago as an auxiliary member and with the new bylaws change at the 2005 Convention is now a regular member and can serve on the National Board of Directors. Lori has two dogs and is the President of her alumni chapter. She currently works with animals and loves to spoil her nieces and nephews. Her jobs on the NBD are to take minutes at all meetings and Convention, Chair the Awards Committee and other duties as directed.
Celeste McNeil, Alumni Director Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Iota Alumni Chapter: Houston Bayou City Celeste enjoys sewing, decorating, games and watching movies. The reason Celeste joined Gamma Sig was that the primary goal was service. She really liked the members of the chapter and wanted to help continue to do service in the same spirit. Her favorite memory is working the blood drives because you could see the benefits immediately. Celeste’s jobs are to work with the collegiate chapters alumni liaisons, alumni members to help reactivate and start alumni colonies and with Alumni-at-large.
Dee Carter, Treasurer Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Alumni Chapter: Gemini Dee enjoys reading, playing golf and watching football. She loves Fantasy Football. Dee continued to be active in Gamma Sig because she loves doing service with her friends and enjoys meeting new people with a common interest. Her favorite memories from college is having game nights that turned into sleepovers and a day trip to New York City with her chapter. Dee’s jobs on the NBD are to collect and distribute funds and to maintain permanent financial records.
Crystal Radabaugh, Program Director
Collegiate Chapter: Beta Delta Alumni Chapter: Twin Cities Crystal enjoys hanging out with her fiance Ryan, reading books, trying out new recipes and new restaurants with friends. She continued to be active in Gamma Sig mainly because she could not imagine it not being a part of her life and with an alumni chapter so close to her, it was a natural transition. Crystal’s quote is, “Gamma Sig is only what you make it...my advice is to make it as fun and as enriching as possible. Make memories you will never want to forget.” 6
Mariza Shavelle, District IV Director Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Alumni Chapter: Gemini Riz has two cats, Honey and Bandit, and is learning how to scrapbook. She wanted to remain active in Gamma Sig because she loves doing community service and being involved in helping to promote more college students to become active in Gamma Sig. Her favorite memory from college is the scavenger hunt the members organized when she was a pledge. Riz grew up in California, but went east for college and is also involved in Kiwanis, Philadelphia Cares and Alpha Phi Omega.
al Board of Directors Ashley Kreider, Marketing Director Collegiate Chapter: Beta Chi Alumni Chapter: Reactivating Pittsburgh Alumni Ashley loves to shop, play tennis, watch movies, the color pink and is also fluent in Spanish. Ashley decided to remain active in Gamma Sig because she enjoys doing service. She will be continuing on with her Master’s Degree in Journalism/Mass Communications this fall.
Karen Erickson, District I Director Collegiate Chapter: Alpha Lambda Alumni Chapter: Twin Cities Karen’s favorite memory from college is when her chapter worked on charity carnivals with all the other organizations on campus. In her spare time she likes to read, crochet, counted cross-stitch and keeping up with All My Children and One Life to Live. Karen looks forward to visiting her chapters in her new convertible. The job of the District Director’s are to visit their chapters, plan their Spirit Day and represent them at national affairs.
Calondra Tibbs, District V Director Collegiate Chapter: Epsilon Upsilon Alumni-At-Large Member Calondra enjoys reading, traveling and quiet time when she gets a chance for it. She wanted to remain active in Gamma Sig because of all the things she learned while in her collegiate chapter and always wanted to be involved at a national level. Calondra’s favorite memory from college is when they hosted a fun day for the youth in the Gainesville Community and other service projects.
Karen Kerr, District II Director Collegiate Chapter: Delta Chi Alumni-At-Large Member Karen loves to surf the net, spend time with her family and watching football. She has two children (Zander, 4 and Penny, 2) with husband, Darren. Karen wanted to remain active in Gamma Sig because she enjoys meeting new members, sharing ideas and making new friends. Her favorite project while in college is holding a prom for a nursing home in which the residents voted for a King and Queen.
Ranita Williams, District VI Director Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Tau Alumni-At-Large Member Ranita loves to read and watch all kinds of movies. She wanted to continue being active in Gamma Sig because she has learned so much from being a member, she wanted to give back of her time. Her favorite memory from college is when her chapter was chartered and they had their first official chapter picture. Ranita has lived in Michigan, Illinois, Florida and now Georgia which she calls home.
Pat Saul, District III Director Collegiate Chapter: Nu Alumni Chapter: Nutmeg Pat enjoys watching NASCAR races (do not get her started on Jeff Gordon) and reading Danielle Steel books. Her favorite memory in college is when they worked on the Civil Defense Weekend. She loves to communicate with other members of the sorority. Pat helped start an alumni chapter in Connecticut after marriage and two children.
Adrienne Ward, District VII Director
Collegiate Chapter: Gamma Alpha Alumni-At-Large Member Adrienne enjoys traveling, sleeping, dancing, singing and working out. She wanted to remain active in Gamma Sigma Sigma because of the networking and service projects. Her favorite memories from Florida A& M University is of sleepovers, service projects and road trips. Adrienne is proud to be a Leo.
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Meet the 26th National Board of Directors
(cont.)
Meika Sherrer, District VIII Director Collegiate Chapter: Zeta Iota Alumni Chapter: Houston Bayou City Meika enjoys spending time sleeping whenever she can get a chance, which is not very often. She continued to be involved in Gamma Sig because she wanted to continue with the rich traditions that she became a part of in college and to continue to serve the community with others. Meika has many memories from college, so when you meet her ask her about “Dumptruck.” Watch out for her as she loves to talk on a microphone.
Jo Charest, Administrative Assistant Collegiate Chapter: Epsilon Phi Alumni Chapter: Central New England Jo continued in Gamma Sig because she had an interest in service and the development of leadership structure. Her best memories from college are when her chapter was chartered, meeting with other chapters at conferences and inter-chapter activities. Jo has been heavily involved in animal rescue for fifteen years. Her jobs are to store supplies and publications, prepare and mail mass mailings, handle 800# calls, distribute chapter reports, process PO Box mail, membership material requests along with many other requests.
Lynne Mowers, National Parliamentarian Collegiate Chapter: Delta Upsilon Alumni Chapter: Empire Lynne uses her spare time as being an advisor for the Syracuse University chapter of APO, playing word games, writing poems and reading. She could not imagine her life without Gamma Sig in it. She gets so much out of being a member and hopes she is able to give back something positive as well. Her favorite memory in college is of members making door decorations to welcome pledges each semester. Lynne’s nickname since she was a child is “Winnie the Pooh” and of course, this is her favorite animated character.
March 2005 - Delta Chi alumni members at an alumni event the chapter hosted. Front Row (L-R) Amanda Tedder, Ashleigh(Hooks) Turner, Kelly Yount; Back Row (L-R) Karen (Flores) Kerr, Jamie Tier
Nutmeg Alumni Chapter - CT Member Patty Bruhn accepted an award on behalf of the chapter from the Salvation Army for their volunteer efforts.
Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Official Jeweler is now selling honor cords for those who would like to wear their sorority colors at graduation. Cost is $8.00 each Honor cords can be ordered through Award Concepts: P.O. Box 4305 110 South 11th Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801
Want to share your service ideas with others? Looking for a way to communicate with members from other chapters? Then join the GSS National Online Bulletin Board! Visit the National website today!
Rose Davis (L) Beta Sigma Advisor
Congratulations to the Cherry Blossom Alumni Chapter who was chartered at the 2005 National Convention.
Carol Shoptaugh (R) Delta Xi Advisor
Congratulations to our Outstanding Advisor Award winners who have helped to serve our chapters for over 20 years each! 8
2003-2005 National Award Winners Anniversary Certificates 5th
40th 50th
Zeta Sigma, Zeta Tau, Central NE Alumni, Lonestar Alumni Zeta Nu Zeta Beta Delta Chi, Epsilon Beta, Cottonboll Alumni, Gateway Alumni, Mid-Jersey Shores Alumni, Pinetree Alumni Beta Phi, Beta Chi, Beta Psi, Gamma Alpha, Gamma Delta, Gamma Eta, Gamma Theta, Gamma Kappa, Greater Baltimore Alumni, Twin Cities Alumni Alpha Iota, Alpha Pi Philadelphia Alumni
1st 2nd 3rd
Gamma Chi - Houston-Bayou Alumni Zeta Xi - Twin Cities Alumni Alpha Iota - Yellow Rose Alumni
10th 25th 30th
35th
District Awards District I 1st-Alpha Psi 2nd-Beta Delta 3rd-Alpha Iota District II 1st-Gamma Phi 2nd-Beta Epsilon 3rd-Zeta Nu District III 1st-Delta Upsilon 2nd-Gamma Eta District IV 1st-Gamma Theta 2nd-Zeta Psi 3rd-Beta Theta District V 1st-Gamma Alpha 2nd-Zeta Xi 3rd-Zeta Omicron District VI 1st-Beta Sigma 2nd-Gamma Kappa 3rd-Delta Chi District VII 1st-Beta Gamma 2nd-Zeta 3rd-Epsilon Xi
Sister Mile Award
Spirit Of GSS Award Beta Sigma Epsilon Xi Francis Marion University Colony
Alumni-At-Large 100+ Hours of Service Sarah Dreydoppel Sonya Gibson
Martha Lloyd Phyllis Spiece
Project IMPACT Awards S.T.A.I.R. Gamma Alpha - Mid-Jersey Shores Alumni
Distinguished Service Awards Kristy Castonguay - Cherry Blossom Alumni Melissa LaPlante - Beta Delta Aurelia Spaulding - Beta Sigma
Advocacy for People with Disabilities Alpha Iota - Greater Baltimore Alumni
Mary E Scout
Service Merit
(Outstanding Alumni Service Program)
Alpha Psi Beta Gamma Beta Sigma Gateway Alumni Twin Cities Alumni
The Scott NOVA
1st-Greater Baltimore 2nd-Twin Cities 3rd-Gemini
Barbara V Ferraro
(National Outstanding Volunteer Award)
(Outstanding Collegiate Service Program)
Sharon Brice
1st-Beta Sigma 2nd-Beta Gamma 3rd-Zeta Omicron
Glover Award Diane Janvier Lynne Mowers Charlyn Scott Janet Smart
Margaret H Zimmerman
Outstanding Collegiate Award
1st-Twin Cities 2nd-Greater Baltimore 3rd-Houston-Bayou City
(Outstanding Alumni Chapter)
Beth Blau Monica Corlew Aurelia Spaulding Monika Wilson
Rosalie Powell Award Donna Robinson
Margaret M Linton (Outstanding Collegiate Chapter)
(Outstanding Alumni)
1st-Gamma Alpha 2nd-Gamma Phi 3rd-Beta Sigma
Donna Ruth
Expansion/Reactivation Awards
National Outstanding Advisor Award
Beta Sigma Atlanta Metro Colony Rhona Vonetta Moore Meika Sherrer Calondra Tibbs Adrienne Ward Ranita Williams
Rose Davis - Beta Sigma Carol Shoptaugh - Delta Xi 9
2005 National Convention Picture Highlights
Some of our 2003-2005 Biennium Award Winners and Special Recognitions
Gamma Sigma Sigma’s 2005 Woman Of The Year Barbara Irvine spoke at our National Convention where she accepted a $500 donation to the Alice Paul Institute from Gamma Sigma Sigma in her honor. Barbara realized that the great figures in women's rights, the very women who first led the fight for the right to vote and later the yet-to-be-ratified Equal Rights Amendment, were being lost to history. She was honored as our 2005 Woman of the Year because of her work in creating the Alice Paul Institute, an organization made to help preserve a specific and unique historic resource that now serves as an ongoing leadership development center for women and girls. She also helped create a National Collaborative of Women’s History Sites. As a national service sorority, we are thankful for Barbara’s continued efforts on behalf of women’s history. 10
2005-2007 Project I.M.P.A.C.T. Areas Our two new Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas for the new biennium are Hunger in America and Fighting Cancer. Here is some information on both so you or your chapter can start looking into making an I.M.P.A.C.T.!
Hunger In America
Fighting Cancer
* 35 million Americans live in poverty – 12 million of them children. That is 17% of all kids, a rate that is among the highest in the industrialized world. * 1 in 22 will receive help from a food shelf. * More than enough food is wasted each year than is needed to feed our entire nation’s hungry.
* Cancer is insidious in our lives today, almost every one is touched by cancer in one way or another. * The odds of women developing breast cancer is 1 in 7. * The odds of developing some sort of cancer is 1 in 3. How can you help fight cancer? * Participate in Relay for Life * Arrange a speaker to talk about skin cancer detection and prevention * Host breast cancer awareness seminars * Participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure * Advertise/work with the Great American Smokeout * Join in Lee Jeans Denim Days for Cancer * Donate to cancer organizations * Work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant a wish for a child with cancer AND SO MUCH MORE!
What can you do? * Volunteer at a soup kitchen, food pantry/bank. * Collect coupons for food and give to a food shelf. * Invite a local anti-hunger organization to speak. * Make a financial donation to Campaign to End Childhood Hunger or your local anti-hunger org. * Deliver food to elderly (Meals on Wheels). * Host a food collection barrel. * “Trick or Treat” for food. AND SO MUCH MORE!
Gamma Sig Celebrates 14th Annual National Make a Difference Day by Karen Rankin Hill, Service Director Since the very beginning of Make A Difference Day, Gamma Sigs have been active participants in this most encompassing national day of helping others. A true celebration of neighbors helping neighbors, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. The next event is Saturday, October 22, 2005. In 2004, 3 million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. As Gamma Sigs within chapters or at large in the community, I challenge everyone to participate in one project that day. Your project can be as large or as small as you wish! Look around your community and see what needs to be done. The website for Make A Difference Day (http://usaweekend.com/diffday/) includes an Idea Generator to help you and your chapter find a project idea to help your community. On Make A Difference Day, give an extra push to your ongoing volunteer activities. For example, expand your regular tutoring by creating a special event for the students, such as a trip to the library where they volunteer. You and your chapter can even connect with and join in on someone else's project listed on the Make A Difference Day web site. Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of helping others, is sponsored by USA WEEKEND Magazine and its more than 600 carrier newspapers. Make A Difference Day is held in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation. Actor-philanthropist Paul Newman awards $10,000 in charitable donations to 10 Make A Difference Day Awardees. Be sure to drop me an email at service@gammasigmasigma.org to let me know what you or your chapter did to participate. We will write an article in a future Perspectives about your great projects. 11
Gamma Sigma Sigma District Map
District I
District III
District V
District VII
Alpha Iota Alpha Pi Alpha Psi Beta Delta Delta Xi Zeta Beta Zeta Rho Cottonboll Alumni Gateway Alumni Twin Cities Alumni
Gamma Eta Delta Nu Delta Upsilon Zeta Phi Central NE Alumni Empire Alumni Nutmeg Alumni Pinetree Alumni
Beta Sigma Beta Phi Gamma Kappa Gamma Pi Delta Chi Epsilon Psi Zeta Epsilon Murray State Colony
District IV
District VI
Zeta Alpha Eta Reactivating Beta Gamma Beta Chi Delta Omega Epsilon Xi Zeta Lambda Zeta Sigma Cherry Blossom Alumni Gemini Alumni Great Baltimore Alumni Mid-Jersey Shores Alumni Philadelphia Alumni
Chi Epsilon Beta Zeta Xi Zeta Omicron Zeta Tau Zeta Omega Eta Alpha State U of West GA Colony Francis Marion Colony Gold Hills Alumni Atlanta Metro Alumni Colony
Beta Zeta Gamma Alpha Delta Sigma Epsilon Eta Reactivating Epsilon Nu Epsilon Upsilon Zeta Psi Omicron Alumni Colony Tri-Counties Alumni Colony Southern White Rose Alumni Colony
District II Tau Beta Epsilon Beta Psi Gamma Delta Gamma Phi Zeta Nu Buckeye Alumni Colony
District VIII Beta Theta Gamma Theta Gamma Chi Delta Phi Reactivating Zeta Iota Zeta Pi Zeta Chi Lamar University Colony Houston-Bayou Alumni Lonestar Alumni Yellow Rose Alumni
To find out more about chapters go to the national website www.gammasigmasigma.org where many chapters have links to their chapter websites and chapter email addresses. 12
Parliamentary Pointers by Lynne Mowers, National Parliamentarian Welcome back to campus everyone! I hope this fall will be a great semester for each of our chapters. To get started off on the right foot, we need to review the changes made to our national bylaws this past July at our 27th National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. These changes were outlined in detail in the mass mailing and are reiterated here. Clarifications were made to the definition of membership through amendments to Article I, Sections 1, 2A, 5B, & 7. These further explain and clarify our membership policies. They also enable alumni chapters to confer full membership on alumni chapter auxiliary members upon the completion of three years of active membership in an alumni chapter. The national convention voted to add an Alumni Director to the National Board of Directors. The changes made to reflect this occur in Article II, Sections 1, 7 & 8; in Article VI, Section 1; and in Article VIII, Section 10, 11 & 14. The national convention also voted to add an eighth District Director to the National Board of Directors. The changes made to reflect this occur in Article II, Section 1 and Article VI, Section 1. Districts have been renumbered in sequential order and new district maps are being sent in the mass mailing and can also be found on page 12 of this issue. Article III, Section 9C was amended to give the NBD the latitude to determine if a board vacancy needs to be filled within the last 6 months of the biennium. This allows the NBD to review the vacancy and determine if work can be covered by current officers or if an election is necessary to properly represent our members at convention. Several amendments were made to our national bylaws to allow us to streamline operations for our members. Article II, Section 5 was amended to allow funds to be mailed by chapters to the Administrative Assistant for pledge materials, to the Program Director for conference registrations and to the Convention Registration Chair for convention registration. Article XI, Section 5A was amended to allow a chapter to have the quad registration for two delegates sent directly from the National Treasurer to the Convention Registration Chair. Amendments were made to help is run our national conventions more smoothly. They include amendments to Article V, Section 2D, which defines the requirements for voting at convention; Article XI, Section 5C which defines eligibility to receive convention registration/travel pool funds; Article XI, Section 5D which discussed excess travel pool distributions; and Article XIV, Section 2 which defines how the Bylaws Committee operates at convention. The process for a chapter becoming inactive was further defined by an amendment to Article VIII, Section 16, which now allows for the National Board of Directors to initiate inactive status in specified circumstances. A new section was added to Article IX, and Sections 3 & 4 were amended to further define the required reports and paperwork for a chapter to remain in good standing. Several financially based amendments were also passed. These include Article XI, Section 2A which increased collegiate dues by $5 to $45; Article XI, Section 2D which increased alumni dues by $5 to $15; Article XI, Section 4 which increased travel pool payments by $5 to $15; and Article XI, Section 2B which adds a service fee of $5 per month when fees become delinquent if arrangements have not been made with the National Treasurer ahead of the due date. Your chapter is required to incorporate changes to national bylaws into your chapter bylaws where they apply. If you have any questions when you are updating your chapter documents, please email me at parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org. Remember, your updated documents are due to me by January 31, 2006. 13
GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY
RINGS 5
2
1
3
4
6
11
12
Item BP101 BP106 BJ102 BJ103 BJ105 CG061 CG062 CG081 CG082
10
9
15
13
Closed
Open 14 Front
16
Side
ACCESSORIES
BADGES
CG062 BP101
BP106
CG082
BJ103
BJ102
BJ105 JEWELED
PLAIN
Item Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
8
7
Vertical Monogram Lavaliere Circle Monogram Lavaliere Heart w/ Pearls & Garnets Rose Lavaliere Badge Charm Enameled Monogram Ring size:______ Hand Clasp Ring size:______ Crested Ring size:______ Men's Onyx Crest size:______ Onyx Crested Ring size:______ Badge Pendant (badge separately) Plain Crest Rec. Pin Rose Pin Crest Earrings Diagonal Monogram Pin Crested Black Matte Finish Pen
Description Enameled Badge Chapter Honorary Member 13 Pearl 10 Pearl with 3 Garnet points 13 Garnets Plain 1 letter Chapter Guard Plain 2 letter Chapter Guard Whole Pearl 1 letter Guard Whole Pearl 2 letter Guard
Gold Plate
Sterling Silver
10K Gold
$14.00 $16.00
$17.00 $20.00
$16.00 $30.00 na na na na na na $20.00 $16.00 $54.00 $14.00 $60.00
$18.00 $36.00 $55.00 $55.00 $65.00 $100.00 $65.00 $60.00 na na $50.00 $17.00
$25.00 $36.00 $132.00 $33.00 $84.00 $160.00 $150.00 $180.00 $292.00 $180.00 $130.00 $30.00 $35.00 $70.00 $25.00
Gold Kase
Gold Filled
10K Gold
$9.00 na na na na $15.00 $16.00 na na
$33.00 na na na na Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________ Chapter ___________
$51.00 $35.00 $109.00 $109.00 $109.00 $24.50 $31.50 $52.00 $75.50
GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA OFFICIAL JEWELRY
LAVALIERS
Total
Total
Merchandise Total Sales Tax (CA=8.0%, GA, IL, OH=7.0%) Shipping and Handling (6% of order total/minimum $6.00)
ORDER TOTAL
Name ________________________________________ Shipping Address__________________________
City ______________________
ENCLOSED IS : ■ CHECK MADE OUT TO AWARD CONCEPTS INC. __________ - _________ - __________ - _________
Phone (
OR
■
) ________ - ___________ State _______
Zip___________
PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD
EXPIRATION ______/________ SIGNATURE:______________________________
(M C / V I S A / A E )
Send order to: Award Concepts Inc. • P.O. Box 4305 • 110 South 11th Ave • St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 1-800-659-7801 • Fax: 630-513-7809 • Website: www.awardconcepts.net
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National Board & Staff Contact Information President • D’Ann Brosnahan • 4380 Brookside Crt. #204, Edina, MN 55436 • 952-920-0546 CST • president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice President • Keli Connor • 1700 N. Elm Street Apt. B1, Greensboro, NC, 27408 • 336-207-1036 EST • vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Secretary • Lori Tedford • 164 Landon Avenue, Catskill, NY 12414 • 518-653-9669 EST • secretary@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer • Dee Carter • 8 Jeffrey Road, Aldan, PA 19018 • 610-394-0502 EST • treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director • Karen Rankin Hill • 5786 Hidden Cove Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 • 770-540-6460 EST • service@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director • Sharon Brice • 5401 Rampart #596 • Houston, TX 77081 • 713-771-3193 CST • membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director • Celeste McNeil • 2501 Lazy Hollow 114B, Houston, TX 77063 • 832-453-4039 CST • alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director • Crystal Radabaugh • 15947 Flotilla Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124 •952-432-3454 CST • program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director • Ashley Kreider • 709 Duncan Avenue #517, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • 412-364-1860 EST • marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District I Director • Karen Erickson • 27979 Lakelawn Drive, Lindstrom, MN 55045 • 651-257-4017 CST • district1@gammasigmasigma.org District II Director • Karen Kerr • 43575 Plantation Terrace, Ashburn, VA 20147 • 703-994-1137 EST • district2@gammasigmasigma.org District III Director • Pat Saul • 57 River Street, Chester, VT 05143 • 802-875-6651 EST • district3@gammasigmasigma.org District IV Director • Mariza Shavelle • 1597 Shady Glen Road, Downington, PA 19335 • 610-772-1214 EST • district4@gammasigmasigma.org District V Director • Calondra Tibbs • 153 River Bridge Lane #104, Memphis TN 38103 • 901-248-4346 EST • district5@gammasigmasigma.org District VI Director • Ranita Williams • 923 Camelot Drive, College Park GA 30349 • 404-933-6577 EST • district6@gammasigmasigma.org District VII Director • Adrienne Ward • 1860 Tallevast Road, PO Box 46, Tallevast FL 34270 • 615-293-1720 EST • district7@gammasigmasigma.org District VIII Director • Meika Sherrer • 8565 Wilcrest, Houston TX 77099 • 281-933-1176 CST • district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian • Lynne Mowers • 405 Winchester Road, E Syracuse, NY 13057 • 315-463-0196 EST • parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org Administrative Assistant • Jo Charest • PO Box 248, Rindge, NH 03461 • 800-585-7509 EST • aa@gammasigmasigma.org Perspectives Editor • Deb Folsom • 2450 121st Avenue, Clear Lake, MN 55319 • perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Webmaster • Jo Charest • 321 Old New Ipswich Road, Rindge, NH 03461 • 603-899-3065 EST • webmaster@gammasigmasigma.org National Archivist • Bea Segal • 611 Malcolm Crescent, Charlottesville, VA 22902 • 434-979-6271 EST • archivist@gammasigmasigma.org Database Coordinator • Karen Kerr • PO Box 1364, Ashburn, VA 20146-1364 • 703-994-1137 EST • database@gammasigmasigma.org
ATTENTION ALL ALUMNI MEMBERS Gamma Sigma Sigma Alumni Information Form We have in the past sent out cards within issues of Perspectives asking that you mail it back if you wished to continue to receive Perspectives via postal mail, otherwise you would read them online. We are asking once again for all alums to reply if you wish to continue to receive Perspectives by postal mail. Please reply via email or postal mail by December 1, 2005. If we do not hear from you, we will remove you from the postal mailing list. You can reply via email to database@gammasigmasigma.org or via postal mail to Gamma Sigma Sigma, PO BOX 1364, Ashburn, VA 20147. Please include the below listed information, (including apt # and zip code) and email address (if none available, then put home phone number). If you have any questions, please contact Karen Kerr at database@gammasigmasigma.org or at 703-994-1137. Member Number* _________________
Collegiate Chapter ______________________
*Leave blank if unknown
(i.e. Delta Chi)
Full Name: __________________________________ Maiden Name: ___________________________ Address:____________ ______________________________City, State, Zip: _____________________ E-Mail Address: ______________________
Name of University/College:____________________
Month/Year Activated: _____________
Month/Year Separated: _________________________ 15
Upcoming Events Calendar October 12 22 22
Founder’s Day National Make A Difference Day - www.makeadifferenceday.com District II Spirit Day - Start time 10:00am at Edinboro University (Edinboro,PA) Contact Karen Kerr at district2@gammasigmasigma.org for details
November 1
National Dues need to be received by the National Treasurer along with Membership Report Form - mail dues/travel pool check along with form(s) to: Dee Carter - National Treasurer, 8 Jeffery Rd. Aldan PA 19018
December 17
Deadline for submissions in Winter 2006 Perspectives - Send to Perspectives Editor - See page 15 for email/address information
Check out www.gammasigmasigma.org for updates, links to chapter websites, members forum and other national organization information!
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW NATIONAL ADDRESS GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA PO BOX 248 RINDGE, NH 03461
Advertise In Perspectives! Do you have an item that you think other Gamma Sig’s would want to buy? If so, why not advertise it here!
Advertising Rates:
1/8 page - $25/issue
1/4 page - $50/issue
The ad must be approved by the National President and be in compliance with Gamma Sigma Sigma bylaws and policies. The ad must be sent by disc in either Quark, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop (at least 300 DPI) or pdf format. (.jpg files are not accepted) Please contact the Perspectives Editor regarding issue deadlines or to send in your ad with payment.
Did you move or have a name change? If so, please contact: database@gammasigmasigma.org
Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority Database Coordinator P.O. Box 1364 Ashburn, VA 20146-1364
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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